U.S. patent application number 10/609172 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-22 for stabilization of wipes, pads and applicators in conjunction with flexible and non-flexible barrier packaging.
Invention is credited to Wilkman, Michael Allen.
Application Number | 20040011680 10/609172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30448447 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040011680 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wilkman, Michael Allen |
January 22, 2004 |
Stabilization of wipes, pads and applicators in conjunction with
flexible and non-flexible barrier packaging
Abstract
A packaging machine that relates to wipes, pads and applicators
in general, and to machine production systems and the configuration
of structures to stabilize or adhere wipes, pads or applicators
before or after impregnation by formularies and substances to
flexible and non-flexible barriers especially concerning the use of
packaging as a non-permeable barrier. The packaging acts as a
barrier by reducing or eliminating the migration of unwanted
substances contained or absorbed in the wipes, pads or applicators
from contacting the skin of the user of said impregnated wipes,
pads or applicators.
Inventors: |
Wilkman, Michael Allen;
(Alamo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael Allen Wilkman
P.O. Box 546
Alamo
CA
94507
US
|
Family ID: |
30448447 |
Appl. No.: |
10/609172 |
Filed: |
June 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60392644 |
Jun 29, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/233 ;
206/205; 206/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/233 ;
206/494; 206/205 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaging machine comprising: a base frame having an input
side and an output side, a transport path from said input side to
said output side providing a feed means for a continuous primary
field of packaging material; a drive means for advancing the
continuous primary field of packaging material from the input side
to the output side in precise increments; a fusion station to
stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of wipes, pads or
applicators placed on the primary field of packaging in specific
locations in succession along the transport path of the primary
field of packaging; a feed means for a secondary field of packaging
material to be positioned on the wipes, pads or applicators and in
contact with the primary field of packaging; a sealing station to
seal the primary and secondary packaging layers enclosing said
wipes, pads or applicators to prevent contamination or leakage; a
cutting station to trim the sealed packages to a precise size.
2. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a dosing station is
incorporated to dispense formularies in precise amounts on the
wipes, pads or applicators.
3. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a means to feed a
third packaging layer is incorporated to be applied to the primary
packaging layer to provide handles, pockets, attachments or
coupons.
4. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a forming station is
incorporated to create a cavity, pocket or moat whereby precut
wipes, pads or applicators may be precisely placed.
5. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a converting station
is incorporated to convert bulk materials by cutting into
individual wipes, pads or applicators in precise sizes and placing
said wipes, pads or applicators in precise locations onto the
primary packaging layer prior to fusion thereof.
6. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a printing station is
incorporated to print onto any packaging layer specific information
within the transport path of the packaging machine.
7. The packaging machine of claim 1, wherein a high speed cutting
station is incorporated prior to the output side of the packaging
machine.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application relates to and claims priority from
Provisional Application No. 60/392,644 filed Jun. 29, 2002.
BACKGROUND OF TH INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to wipes, pads and applicators
in general, and to machine production systems and the configuration
of structures to stabilize or adhere wipes, pads or applicators
before or after impregnation by formularies and substances to
flexible and non-flexible barriers especially concerning the use of
packaging as a non-permeable barrier. The packaging acts as a
barrier by reducing or eliminating the migration of unwanted
substances contained or absorbed in the wipes, pads or applicators
from contacting the skin of the user of said impregnated wipes,
pads or applicators.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of wipes, pads and applicators are available
in the marketplace. Such wipes, pads and applicators are used for
the application of a variety of formularies, such as lotions,
sunscreen, insect repellents, and cleaning fluids. These wipes are
typically marketed as an alternative means to distribute a
formulary of the particular company marketing the wipe. For
instance, an insect repellent company having a proprietary insect
repellent may market an insect repellent wipe, a suntan lotion
company may market a suntan lotion wipe, and a cleaning fluid
company may market a cleaning fluid wipe. For the purpose of
applying a selected formulary to a surface, a material is
impregnated with the selected formulary. The material impregnated
with the formulary constitutes the wipe, pad or applicator. The
wipe, pad or applicator is then packaged for user convenience and
to protect the wipe, pad or applicator for example, from
evaporation or contamination, or both
[0006] Numerous formularies that generally should not come in
contact with the user's skin could exploit the growing consumer
marketplace for disposable wipes if the packaging that the
impregnated wipe, pad or applicator is contained in could act as a
stable barrier to protect the user's skin as opposed to using a
glove or some other form of barrier protection to apply the
formulary. U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,531 B1 and U.S. Published Patent
Application 200301068812 depict systems and methods for the use of
packaging as a transdermal barrier. For the purposes of stabilizing
or adhering the wipe, pad or applicator in conjunction with the
packaging barrier, packaging machine systems and stabilization
techniques are required for high speed cost efficient
production.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In order to eliminate repetition in the following text,
wipes, pads and applicators are deemed to be one in the same for
the dispensing of formulary and thus will be described as
impregnated wipes for simplicity. With the increasing popularity of
the use of impregnated wipes for the convenient application of
formularies, numerous products developed by companies have not been
marketed for use as impregnated wipes. One reason for this
unavailability of formularies in impregnated wipes appears to be
the high probability of transdermal migration of the formulary
contained in the impregnated wipe through the skin of the user's
hand or body parts when in contact with the impregnated wipe.
Certain formularies should not come in contact with the skin
including products that are toxic, could discolor the skin, have
undesirable odors or may leave the user's skin in a condition that
the user may not like.
[0008] Additionally, some pharmaceutical products should only be
applied to a limited area of the body and transdermal migration
through the user's skin might constitute an overdose of the
medication. Further, users of impregnated wipes may not want to
receive any formulary on their skin or hand when applying formulary
to surfaces other than their own body or to discrete areas of their
own bodies
[0009] Another reason for the lack of certain formularies in
impregnated wipes appears to be because the processes for the
packaging surrounding the impregnated wipe have not addressed the
user's need for a secure way to grip or hold the impregnated wipe
and additionally prevent transdermal migration.
[0010] There are many different impregnated wipes available.
Typically, impregnated wipes are pulled out of a bulk container or
removed from a single use package prior to usage. The user's skin
(hand) will come in contact with the formulary impregnated into the
wipe. Additionally, the way that impregnated wipes are delivered to
consumers and businesses, in the marketplace, has limited their
usage in conjunction with formularies that stain, have undesirable
smell or texture, or might present toxic exposure. Examples of
known formularies that user's may not want in contact with their
skin include: shoe polish, stains, paints, solvents, lubricants,
pharmaceuticals and any potential toxic substance.
[0011] Based on the foregoing, consumers and businesses are in need
of a way to exploit the convenience and portability of impregnated
wipes in accordance with formularies that are undesirable when in
contact with the user's skin. Accordingly, the present invention
involves an innovative approach to improving methods, systems and
processes for packaging machines and impregnated wipe materials to
prevent the unwanted migration of formulary from the impregnated
wipe to the user's skin.
[0012] One aspect of the invention involves a packaging machine
comprising a base frame having an input side and an output side and
a transport path from the input side to the output side providing a
continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive means for
advancing said primary packaging layer from the input side to the
output side of said machine in precise increments, a fusion station
to stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of wipes, pads or
applicators placed on the primary packaging field in specific
locations in succession along the transport path of the primary
packaging layer, a secondary field of packaging material to be
positioned on the wipes, pads or applicators after fusion, a
sealing station to seal the primary and secondary packaging layers
enclosing the wipes, pad or applicators to prevent contamination
from the outside environment along with an integrated cutting
station to trim the finished packages to size.
[0013] A second aspect of the invention involves a packaging
machine comprising a base frame having an input side and an output
side and a transport path from the input side to the output side
providing a continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive
means for advancing said primary packaging layer from the input
side to the output side of said machine in precise increments, a
fusion station to stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of
wipes, pads or applicators placed on the primary packaging field in
specific locations in succession along the transport path of the
primary packaging layer, a dosing station to dispense formularies
onto the wipes, pads or applicators in a metered fashion, a
secondary field of packaging material to be positioned on the
wipes, pads or applicators after fusion and dosing, a sealing
station to seal the primary and secondary packaging layers
enclosing the dosed wipes, pad or applicators to prevent
contamination, evaporation and loss of formulary along with an
integrated cutting station to trim the finished packages to
size.
[0014] Another aspect of the invention involves a packaging machine
comprising a base frame having an input side and an output side and
a transport path from the input side to the output side providing a
continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive means for
advancing said primary packaging layer from the input side to the
output side of said machine in precise increments, a fusion station
to stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of wipes, pads or
applicators placed on the primary packaging field in specific
locations in succession along the transport path of the primary
packaging layer, a secondary field of packaging material to be
positioned on the wipes, pads or applicators after fusion, a
sealing station to seal the primary and secondary packaging layers
enclosing the wipes, pad or applicators to prevent contamination
from the outside environment, a third packaging layer to be applied
to the primary packaging layer to provide handles, pockets,
attachments or even coupons of the like, along with an integrated
cutting station to trim the finished packages to size.
[0015] Another aspect of the invention involves a packaging machine
comprising a base frame having an input side and an output side and
a transport path from the input side to the output side providing a
continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive means for
advancing said primary packaging layer from the input side to the
output side of said machine in precise increments, a forming
station to create a cavity, pocket or moat whereby the pre-cut
wipes, pads and applicators may be set into specific locations on
the primary packaging field, a fusion station to stabilize or
adhere an individual or plurality of wipes, pads or applicators
placed on the primary packaging field in specific locations in
succession along the transport path of the primary packaging layer,
a secondary field of packaging material to be positioned on the
wipes, pads or applicators after fusion, a sealing station to seal
the primary and secondary packaging layers enclosing the wipes, pad
or applicators to prevent contamination from the outside
environment along with an integrated cutting station to trim the
finished packages to size.
[0016] Still another aspect of the invention involves a packaging
machine comprising a base frame having an input side and an output
side and a transport path from the input side to the output side
providing a continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive
means for advancing said primary packaging layer from the input
side to the output side of said machine in precise increments, a
converting station to cut and place wipes, pads and applicators on
specific locations on the primary packaging layer, a fusion station
to stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of wipes, pads or
applicators placed on the primary packaging field in specific
locations in succession along the transport path of the primary
packaging layer, a secondary field of packaging material to be
positioned on the wipes, pads or applicators after fusion, a
sealing station to seal the primary and secondary packaging layers
enclosing the wipes, pad or applicators to prevent contamination
from the outside environment along with an integrated cutting
station to trim the finished packages to size.
[0017] Yet another aspect of the invention involves a packaging
machine comprising a base frame having an input side and an output
side and a transport path from the input side to the output side
providing a continuous primary field of packaging material, a drive
means for advancing said primary packaging layer from the input
side to the output side of said machine in precise increments, a
fusion station to stabilize or adhere an individual or plurality of
wipes, pads or applicators placed on the primary packaging field in
specific locations in succession along the transport path of the
primary packaging layer, a secondary field of packaging material to
be positioned on the wipes, pads or applicators after fusion, a
sealing station to seal the primary and secondary packaging layers
enclosing the wipes, pad or applicators to prevent contamination
from the outside environment, a printing station to print onto any
packaging layer specific information within the transport path
along with an integrated cutting station to trim the finished
packages to size.
[0018] A wipe, pad or applicator produced in accordance with the
described packaging machine and with certain embodiments
significantly reduces and or eliminates the transdermal migration
of unwanted formulary from the impregnated wipe to the user's skin.
A non-permeable barrier exists between the user's skin and the
impregnated wipe providing a new improved way to exploit the
convenience of impregnated wipes for a greater variety of
formularies. For example, the non-permeable barrier is a part of
the impregnated wipe packaging or included on one side of the
impregnated wipe material.
[0019] A wipe, pad or applicator in accordance with certain
embodiments has the advantage of improving the ability of the
packaging to stabilize the location or grip, in the user's hand, of
the impregnated wipe while using it to apply the formulary.
[0020] Preferably, one layer of the packaging may be removed from
the second layer to expose the impregnated wipe, pad or
applicator's surface for application of the formulary. The exposed
impregnated wipe, pad or applicator is attached to the second layer
by a variety of techniques that are known in the art. The second
layer acts as the non-permeable membrane between the impregnated
wipe and the user's hand (skin). The third layer is attached to the
second layer forming a pocket for the insertion of the user's
finger(s) or hand.
[0021] Using any of the herein described methods to manufacture the
wipe, pad or applicator, one will be able to secure the finger(s)
or hand to the impregnated wipe, pad or applicator, the active
formulary surface may be exposed by separating the edges of the
impregnated wipe, pad, or applicator maintaining the hand or
fingers to the non-permeable coating of the impregnated wipe, pad
or applicator by die-cut hole, strap or adhesive and effectively
applying the wipe, pad or applicator formulary without causing
transdermal migration.
[0022] For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,
and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to
be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein. Further, those skilled in the art will
also recognize that the machine configuration may be presented in
vertical, horizontal or any angular alignment to meet the criteria
of the manufacturing environment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The present invention is described in more detail below in
connection with the attached drawings, which are meant to
illustrate and not limit the invention, and in
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the packaging
machine;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view of a second embodiment corresponding
to FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a side view of a third embodiment corresponding to
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a side view of a fourth embodiment corresponding
to FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a side view of a fifth embodiment corresponding to
FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a side view of a sixth embodiment corresponding to
FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side view of a seventh embodiment corresponding
to FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a top view of a packaging layer pulled forward by
gripper means corresponding to FIG. 1;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] To facilitate a complete understanding of various
embodiments of the invention, the remainder of the detailed
description describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the
drawings, wherein like elements are referenced with like numerals
throughout.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 the packaging machine comprises a base
frame with an input side 101 and an output side 202. A plurality of
wipes, pads or applicators 5 are conveyed along the base frame from
the input side to the output side. The base frame comprises, on
each side transversely to or laterally of the advancement or
forward feed direction a transport drive means 7 extending from the
input side to the output side and, in a closed path from the output
side in the upper region down to the lower region of the base
frame, following to the input side and from the input side back to
the upper region of the base frame. A primary packaging field 1 is
located at the input side of the base frame 101 and is moved
forward to the output side 202 on the transport drive by a gripper
means.
[0034] As wipes, pads or applicators 5 are placed on the primary
packaging field 1, they next move forward coming in contact with a
fusion station 3 whereby pressure, heat or adhesive or a
combination thereof can be applied differentially to adhere the
wipe, pad or applicator to the primary packaging field 1. After
exiting the fusion station 3 and traveling forward in the direction
of the output side 202, the adhered wipe, pad or applicator 5 moves
toward to the secondary field of packaging 2. After the secondary
packaging field 2 moves over the adhered wipe, pad or applicator 5,
a pressure sealing die 4 seals the secondary packaging field 2 to
the perimeter of the primary packaging field 1 forming a hermetic
seal to protect the wipe, pad or applicator 5 from outside
environmental contamination. Formed die sealing techniques are well
known by those skilled in the prior art. After perimeter sealing of
the formed package, cutting occurs to complete the package at the
sealing die 4. The completed package 6 then moves forward on the
transport drive and exits the output side 202 of the base
frame.
[0035] FIG. 2 comprises a variation of the packaging machine
described in FIG. 1 whereby a dosing station 9 is placed following
the fusion station 3 and closer to the output side 202 of the base
frame. Placing the dosing station 9 after fusion of the wipe, pad
or applicator 5 occurs in fusion station 3, insures that the
formulary dispensed from the dosing machine 9 and intended to
impregnate the wipe, pad or applicator 5 will not interfere with
the adhesion of the wipe, pad or applicator 5. Liquid dispensing
and dosing machines are well known by those skilled in the prior
art.
[0036] An alternative configuration of the packaging machine
depicted in FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In this configuration,
a third packaging field 10 is installed under the base frame to
provide handles, pockets, straps or even coupons which are adhered
to the back side of the primary packaging field 1 of the formed
package 6 with a sealing die.
[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the
packaging machine described in FIG. 1 whereby a forming station 11
is installed on the base frame to create cavities, depressions or
moats to advantageously receive converted wipes, pads or
applicators 5 and any formulary which may be dispensed onto them.
Vacuum cavity and pressure forming systems are well known by those
skilled in the prior art.
[0038] Another variation of the packaging machine depicted in FIG.
1 is shown in FIG. 5 and includes a material converter station 12
located at the input side 101 of the base frame. Integrated
conversion of the wipe, pad or applicator materials 5 at the
packaging machine may have significant cost savings in high speed
production runs.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates yet another embodiment of the packaging
machine depicted in FIG. 1 whereby an inline printing station 13 is
placed on the base frame to print onto any of the three possible
packaging fields information within the transport path.
[0040] FIG. 7 illustrates another variation of the packaging
machine depicted in FIG. 1 whereby a cutting station 14 is located
near the output side 202 of the base frame to facilitate high speed
cutting and finishing of the formed packages 6.
[0041] FIG. 8 depicts packaging gripper means 16 which pull the
packaging field 1 on the transport path 7 adjacent to the base
frame toward the output side 202 with a plurality of wipes, pads or
applicators 5 located at precise positions on the packaging field 1
before or after entering the fusion station 3.
[0042] For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages,
and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to
be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the
invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught
herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be
taught or suggested herein.
[0043] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends
beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention. Thus, it is intended that
the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be
limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above,
but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that
follow.
* * * * *