U.S. patent application number 10/440973 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for flexible package having a self-supporting extension for compressible absorbent articles.
Invention is credited to Kondo, Masahiro.
Application Number | 20040001654 10/440973 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30000952 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040001654 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kondo, Masahiro |
January 1, 2004 |
Flexible package having a self-supporting extension for
compressible absorbent articles
Abstract
A flexible package for compressible absorbent articles, where
the flexible package comprises a self supporting extension that
captures consumer attention and provides acceptable shipping and
storage dimensions.
Inventors: |
Kondo, Masahiro; (Kobe
Hyogo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Family ID: |
30000952 |
Appl. No.: |
10/440973 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60392897 |
Jul 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/120 ;
383/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/004 20130101;
B65D 5/4225 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/120 ;
383/6 |
International
Class: |
B65D 030/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A flexible package for holding compressible absorbent articles
comprising: a) a first element including: a front panel region
having a front panel width and a front panel height, a pair of side
panel regions each having a side panel width and a side panel
height, and a bottom panel region having a bottom panel width and a
bottom panel length; and b) a second element including: a top panel
region having a top panel width and length, a pair of gusset panel
regions each having a gusset panel width and a gusset panel length,
a back panel region having a back panel width and a back panel
height, a pair of end panel regions each having an end panel width
and an end panel height, and a base panel region having a base
panel width and a base panel length; wherein the first element and
the second element are connected to form an interior space such
that the pair of side panel regions of the first element are
connected to the pair of end panel regions of the second element,
the bottom panel region of the first element connects to the base
panel region of the second element, and the front panel region of
the first element connects to the top panel region of the second
element; wherein the front panel height is greater than the side
panel height for at least a portion of the front panel width, to
form at least one first extension area, and the top panel length is
greater than the gusset panel length for at least a portion of the
top panel width, to form at least one second extension area; and
wherein the first extension area is connected to the second
extension area to form a self-supporting extension.
2. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein the first extension area
extends the entire front panel width.
3. The flexible package of claim 1 wherein the front panel height
minus the side panel height is substantially similar to the top
panel length minus the gusset panel length.
4. The flexible package of claim 1 comprising a plurality of
self-supporting extensions.
5. The flexible package of claim 1 further comprising a handle.
6. The flexible package of claim 1 further comprising an opening
means.
7. The flexible package of claim 1 further comprising a hanging
means.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/392,897, filed on Jul. 1, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates a flexible package containing
one or more stacks of compressible absorbent articles maintained in
a state of compression, the flexible package comprising a
self-supporting extension useful as a display feature.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Attracting the attention of the consumer to products is just
one of the functions of packaging and packaging displays. Some
consumers prefer interactive packaging that is colorful and
interesting to look at as well as being functional. The functional
aspect of packaging is to keep the products inside protected and to
provide ease in shipping and stocking on store shelves. The use of
flexible bags and packages for consumer products has previously
focused on making the package dimensions regulated for shipping and
storage on store shelving by having a rectangular shape that
maximizes the space available. However, this has also led to
packages that are monotonous and uninteresting to the consumer
eye.
[0004] Recent on-package advertising techniques have included
placing stickers or decals on the packaging. However, this leads to
increased physical labor in placing the stickers on the packaging
and the stickers are easily removed when still on display.
Additionally, consumers generally must remove the sticker from the
packaging in order to effectively use the package.
[0005] Therefore there exists a need to have a flexible package
capable of capturing the consumer's attention in-store while still
having acceptable shipping and storage dimensions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to a flexible package for
holding compressible absorbent articles, the flexible package
comprising a first element and a second element. The first element
preferably includes a front panel region having a front panel width
and a front panel height, a pair of side panel regions each having
a side panel width and a side panel height, and a bottom panel
region having a bottom panel width and a bottom panel height. The
second element preferably includes a top panel region having a top
panel width and length, a pair of gusset panel regions each having
a gusset panel width and a gusset panel length, a back panel region
having a back panel width and a back panel height, a pair of end
panel regions each having an end panel width and an end panel
height, and a base panel region having a base panel width and a
base panel length. When in finished form, the first element and the
second element are connected to form an interior space such that
the pair of side panel regions of the first element are connected
to the pair of end panel regions of the second element. Likewise,
the bottom panel region of the first element connects to the base
panel region of the second element, and the front panel region of
the first element connects to the top panel region of the second
element. The front panel height is preferably greater than the side
panel height for at least a portion of the front panel width, to
form at least one first extension area, and the top panel length is
greater than the gusset panel length for at least a portion of the
top panel width, to form at least one second extension area. The
first extension area is also preferably connected to the second
extension area to form a self-supporting extension.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0007] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the invention will be better understood from the following
description of the accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plastic sheet blank, from which
the package of the present invention is formed, comprising a first
element and a second element;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the flexible plastic packaging of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the flexible plastic packaging of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible plastic packaging of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the flexible plastic packaging of the present invention having a
self-supporting extension extending the entire width of the front
panel region;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment
of the flexible plastic packaging of the present invention having a
self-supporting extension extending a portion of the width of the
front panel region;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible package of the present invention folded along the first
element/second element intersection and the front panel region/back
panel region intersection, during assembly of the package; and
[0015] FIG. 8 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible package of the present invention having a heat seal below
the self-supporting extension. The figures herein are not
necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] As used herein, the term "self-supporting" means that at
least a portion of the flexible package of the present invention
remains extended away from the package without any external or
internal support structures. The integrity of the self-supporting
structure should be such that only one side of the self-supporting
structure can be viewed from one direction. In other words, the
self-supporting structure does not fold or fall over onto
itself.
[0017] As used herein, the term "connected" means any method known
in the art to attach two components together. A preferred method
for connecting according to the present invention is heat
sealing.
[0018] As used herein, the term "compressible" means that the
absorbent articles should be compressed in the package by at least
20% of their uncompressed thickness, and preferably by at least 30%
of their uncompressed thickness. More preferably, the invention
allows higher levels of compression, such as 40% or, even more
preferably 60% of the uncompressed thickness. Levels of compression
greater than 70% have been successfully achieved.
[0019] Although the present invention may be used with many types
of compressible absorbent articles, it is particularly useful for
disposable absorbent products such as diapers, incontinence
products, sanitary napkins, absorbent pads and bandages. Such
products are generally bulky in the uncompressed state. In many
cases these products are of a composite nature, comprising an
absorbent core and one or more flexible sheets. The core may itself
be homogeneous or composite in structure. Such absorbent products
often comprise a fluid permeable sheet (e.g. a non-woven or
perforated polymeric film) that, in use, lies closest to the body
of the wearer, and an outer barrier sheet.
[0020] The material from which the flexible package of the present
invention may be made includes any polymeric material, preferably a
thermoplastic film, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), high
density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, polypropylene, or
combinations, or laminates of these. The plastic film suitable for
use in the present invention may be made from virgin or recycled
material, or a mixture of these. Preferably a three layer
co-extruded film comprising LDPE and linear low density
polyethylene (LLDPE)/medium density (MD) and HD and LDPE/LLDPE;
having a thickness between about 40 micrometer and about 100
micrometers, and more preferably between about 40 micrometers and
about 60 micrometers.
[0021] One embodiment of the flexible package (10) of the present
invention, shown in FIGS. 2-6 and 8, may be formed essentially from
a single sheet of plastic film, as shown in FIG. 1. The sheet may
comprise two components, a first element (12) and a second element
(14) intersecting at the first element/second element fold line
(13). The first element (12) comprises a front panel region (20), a
pair of side panel regions (24, 26), and a bottom panel region
(30). The front panel region (20) is located adjacent to and
between the two side panel regions (24, 26) such that the front
panel region (20) intersects the side panel regions (24, 26) at
front panel region/side panel region intersections (46, 48). The
bottom panel region (30) is located adjacent to the front panel
region (20) opposite the first element/second element intersection
(13) such that the bottom panel region (30) intersects the front
panel region (20) at the front panel region/base panel region
intersection (50). As seen in FIG. 1, the front panel region (20)
has a front panel width (W1) and a front panel height (H1). The
side panel regions (24, 26) have a side panel width (W2) and a side
panel height (H2). The bottom panel region (30) has a bottom panel
width (W3) and a bottom panel length (L3).
[0022] Herein, the "regions" of the plastic film sheet have been
given their specific names and reference numerals according to the
location on the final assembled package 10 that that region will
form. For example, the "front panel region" will form the front of
the assembled package containing products inside the package, when
viewed by a consumer. Similarly, the various "intersections" herein
generally refer to the locations at which the plastic sheet is
folded during the package assembly.
[0023] The front panel height (H1) of the present invention is
preferably between about 75 mm and about 1500 mm. The front panel
width (W1) is preferably between about 50 mm and about 1000 mm. The
side panel height (H2) is preferably between about 25 mm and about
600 mm. The side panel width (W2) is between about 50 mm and about
1000 mm. The bottom panel width (W3) is preferably between about 50
mm and about 1000 mm. The bottom panel length (L3) is preferably
between about 25 mm and about 600 mm.
[0024] At least a portion of the front panel height (H1) is greater
than the side panel height (H2). This difference is herein defined
as .DELTA.H and is indicated on FIG. 1. Preferably, .DELTA.H is
equal to or less than one half the side panel height (H2). The
.DELTA.H of the front panel region (20) comprises a portion of the
front panel width (W1), to form one or more areas, exemplified in
FIG. 1 and herein defined as A40 and A42. The change in height
between the side panel regions (24, 26) and the front panel region
(20) may be gradual or abrupt, but the delineation of the height
from the side panel regions (24, 26) to the front panel region (20)
is continuous.
[0025] The second element (14) comprises a top panel region (28), a
pair of gusset panel regions (36, 38), a back panel region (22), a
pair of end panel regions (40, 42), and a base panel region (44).
The top panel region (28) is located adjacent to and between the
gusset panel regions (36, 38) such that the top panel region (28)
intersects the gusset panel regions (36, 38) at the top panel
region/gusset panel region intersections (52, 54). The top/gusset
panel regions (28, 36, 38) are bisected by top panel fold line
(29). The back panel region (22) is located adjacent to and between
the end panel regions (40, 42) such that the back panel region (22)
intersects the end panel regions (40, 42) at the back panel
region/end panel region intersections (56, 58). The top/gusset
panel regions (28, 36, 38) are located adjacent the back/side panel
(22, 40, 42) and intersect at the top panel region/back panel
region intersection (60). The base panel region (44) is located
below the back panel region (22) such that the base panel region
(44) intersects the back panel region (22) at the back panel
region/base panel region intersection (62).
[0026] The top panel region (28) has a top panel width (W4) and a
top panel length (L4). The gusset panel regions (36, 38) each have
a gusset panel width (W5) and a gusset panel length (L5). The
.DELTA.L of the top panel region (28) is located opposite the back
panel region/top panel region intersection (60). The top panel
length (L4) is preferably between about 75 mm and about 1500 mm.
The top panel width (W4) is preferably between about 50 mm and
about 1000 mm. The gusset panel width (W5) is preferably between
about 25 mm and about 600 mm. The gusset panel length (L5) is
preferably between about 50 mm and about 1000 mm.
[0027] The back panel region (22) has a back panel width (W6) and a
back panel height (H6). The end panel regions (40, 42) have an end
panel width (W7) and an end panel height (H7). The base panel
region (44) has a base panel width (W8) and an end panel length
(L8). The back panel height (H6) preferably is between about 50 mm
and about 1000 mm. The back panel width (W6) is preferably between
about 50 mm and about 1000 mm. The end panel height (H7) is
preferably between about 50 mm and about 1000 mm. The end panel
width (W7) is preferably between about 25 mm and about 600 mm. The
base panel length (L8) is preferably between about 25 mm and about
600 mm. The base panel width (W8) is preferably between about 50 mm
and about 1000 mm.
[0028] At least a portion of the top panel length (L4) is greater
than the gusset panel height (L5), herein defined as .DELTA.L and
indicated on FIG. 1. Preferably, .DELTA.L is equal to or less than
one half the gusset panel length (L5). The AL of the top panel
region (28) comprises a portion of the top panel width (W4) to
create a single area or a plurality of areas, shown in FIG. 1 as a
plurality of areas and indicated herein as A44 and A46. The change
in length between the gusset panel regions (36, 38) and the top
panel region (28) may be gradual or abrupt, but the delineation of
the length from the gusset panel regions (36, 38) to the top panel
region (28) is continuous. Preferably, areas A44 and A46 of the top
panel region (28) are equal in area (substantially the same size
and shape) to the areas A40 and A42 of the front panel region (20)
of the first element (12).
[0029] Areas A40 and A42 of the front panel region (20) are
connected to areas A44 and A46 of the top panel region (28) to form
a self-supporting extension (32) that can extend away from the
flexible package (10) of the present invention. The self-supporting
extension (32) can take any shape desired as long as the material
is still self-supporting and does not fall or bend over to obscure
any printing that is displayed on the self-supporting extension
(32). The self-supporting extension (32) is shown in FIGS. 1-3 as
comprising a plurality of areas (A40-46).
[0030] In other embodiments of the present invention, the
self-supporting extension (32) may comprise a single area extending
the entire top panel width and the front panel width, exemplified
in FIG. 5. Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a
single area extending only a portion of the top panel region (28)
and the front panel region (20), exemplified in FIG. 8.
[0031] The self-supporting extension (32) preferably has an
aesthetically pleasing appearance such that consumers are attracted
to it. For example, the package can be made so that it resembles a
cute or whimsical animal, with the self-supporting extensions
forming like the animal's ears, see FIG. 1. In another example, the
self-supporting extension (32) can be made to look like a whimsical
animal's face attached to the package. The appearance of the
self-supporting extension and/or package can be tailored to type of
product contained in the package, and any such appearance is
intended to be with the scope of the present invention.
[0032] The flexible package (10) of the present invention may be
formed by folding the sheet of plastic film along the first
element/second element intersection (13) so that the areas A40 and
A42 are superposed on the areas A44 and A46 to form the self
supporting extension (32). The sheet of plastic film is then folded
along the top panel region/back panel region intersection (60) and
is superposed on first element (12) and a portion of the second
element (14). The combined top/gusset panel regions (28,36, 38) are
further folded approximately in half along the top panel fold line
(29) to form a modified "M" shape as shown in FIG. 9. The edge of
the side panel regions (24, 26) of the first element (12) are
sealed to the edge of the end panel regions (40, 42) and gusset
panel regions (36, 38) of the second element (14) to connect the
first element (12) to the second element (14). Additionally, the
flexible package (10) of the present invention is sealed along the
desired design of the self-supporting extension (32) with portions
of the front panel region (20), side panel regions (24, 26), top
panel region (28), and gusset panel regions (36, 38) being cut away
from the flexible plastic sheet. These cut away regions can be seen
in the shaded area of FIG. 1. Optionally, an additional seal (64)
can be placed below the self supporting extension (32) of the front
panel region (20) and the top panel region (28) as shown in FIG.
10. The compressible absorbent articles are placed inside the
flexible package and the bottom panel of the first element (30) is
sealed to the base panel of the second element (44).
[0033] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the
defined regions of the first element (12) and the defined regions
of the second element (14) may be made and assembled in a plurality
of smaller individual parts to form a similarly shaped flexible
package, and such should be considered within the scope of the
present invention.
[0034] Additional Elements
[0035] An optional element of the present invention includes
providing a carrying handle as an integral part of the flexible
package (10). Another optional element of the present invention
comprises an opening means in the flexible package. Any opening
means that is conventionally used in the art may be found to be
suitable. Such an opening means may take the form of a
substantially continuous line of weakness, for example a line of
perforations, and it may include an opening tab which enables the
consumer to grip the plastic of the covering at a point adjacent to
the opening means in order to tear the covering open. Another
optional element is to construct the present invention such that
comprises a hanging means to suspend the flexible package (10) from
a wall or display.
[0036] While particular embodiments and/or individual features of
the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would
be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes
and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Further, it should be apparent that all
combinations of such embodiments and features are possible and can
result in preferred executions of the invention. Therefore, the
appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and
modifications that are within the scope of this invention.
* * * * *