U.S. patent application number 11/157663 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for resealable package with separable fastening element.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to John Carroll Molander, Matthew Aaron Neumann, Joshua James Norman, Sarah Louise Thielman, Esther Abigail Villars.
Application Number | 20060283750 11/157663 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37074932 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283750 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Villars; Esther Abigail ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
Resealable package with separable fastening element
Abstract
A flexible package comprising a dispensing opening and a
resealable closure flap. The closure flap may have an area that is
at least four times the size of the area of the dispensing opening.
The package and the closure flap may comprise a resealable
fastening element system.
Inventors: |
Villars; Esther Abigail;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Molander; John Carroll;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Neumann; Matthew Aaron;
(Sharonville, OH) ; Norman; Joshua James;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Thielman; Sarah Louise;
(Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
37074932 |
Appl. No.: |
11/157663 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/494 ;
206/233 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2575/586 20130101;
B65D 83/0894 20130101; B65D 83/0805 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/494 ;
206/233 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/00 20060101
B65D071/00; B65D 73/00 20060101 B65D073/00 |
Claims
1. A package containing wet wipes comprising: a. a flexible sheet
material defining an article receiving cavity; b. an opening in
said flexible sheet material allowing access to said article
receiving cavity; c. said opening defining a first area; d. a
flexible closure flap defining a second area, said closure flap is
secured to said flexible sheet material; e. said closure flap
covering said opening when in a closed configuration; f. said
article receiving cavity containing at least two wet wipes, said
wet wipes being in an interleaved configuration, wherein said
second area is at least about four times greater than said first
area.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein said second area is at least
about six times greater than said first area.
3. The package of claim 2 wherein said second area is at least
about eight times greater than said first area.
4. The package of claim 1 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said closure flap.
5. The package of claim 1 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said flexible sheet material.
6. The package of claim 1 further comprising a fastening element
associated with said closure flap, said fastening element selected
from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical fastening
elements, magnetic members and combinations thereof.
7. The package of claim 1 further comprising a fastening element
associated with said flexible sheet material, said fastening
element selected from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members and combinations thereof.
8. The package of claim 1 comprising at least one graphic.
9. The package of claim 8 comprising at least two graphics.
10. The package of claim 1 wherein said package has a moisture loss
of less than about 10 grams per 200 hours.
11. The package of claim 10 wherein said moisture loss is less than
about 8 grams per 200 hours.
12. The package of claim 11 wherein said moisture loss is less than
about 6 grams per 200 hours.
13. A package containing wet wipes comprising: a. a flexible sheet
material defining an article receiving cavity; b. said article
receiving cavity containing a plurality of wet wipes, wherein said
wet wipes are in an interleaved configuration; c. said flexible
sheet material comprising a top wall; d. an opening in said top
wall allowing access to said article receiving cavity; e. a
flexible closure flap secured to said flexible sheet material; f.
said closure flap comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; g.
said bottom surface of said closure flap covering said opening when
in a closed configuration; h. a first fastening element associated
with said closure flap; i. a second fastening element associated
with said top wall; wherein said first fastening element is
releasably engaged with said second fastening element when said
package is in a closed configuration.
14. The package of claim 13 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said closure flap.
15. The package of claim 13 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said top wall.
16. The package of claim 13 wherein said first fastening element is
selected from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members, and combinations thereof.
17. The package of claim 16 wherein said second fastening element
selected from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members and combinations thereof.
18. A package containing wet wipes comprising: a. a flexible sheet
material defining an article receiving cavity; b. said article
receiving cavity containing a plurality of wet wipes, wherein said
wet wipes are in an interleaved configuration; c. said flexible
sheet material comprising a top wall; d. an opening in said top
wall allowing access to said article receiving cavity; e. a
flexible closure flap secured to said flexible sheet material; f.
said closure flap comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; g.
said bottom surface of said closure flap covering said opening when
in a closed configuration; h. said bottom surface of said closure
flap comprising an adhesive; i. a first fastening element
associated with said closure flap; j. a second fastening element
associated with said top wall; wherein said first fastening element
is releasably engaged with said second fastening element when said
package is in a closed configuration.
19. The package of claim 18 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said closure flap.
20. The package of claim 18 comprising a region of reinforcement
associated with said top wall.
21. The package of claim 18 wherein said first fastening element is
selected from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members, and combinations thereof.
22. The package of claim 21 wherein said second fastening element
is selected from the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members, and combinations thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to articles using separable
fastening elements. More particularly, this invention is concerned
with packages that utilize such elements in combination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Packages containing dry wipes, such as tissues, generally do
not have complications associated with moisture loss or
contamination of fastening elements on the package. Both moisture
loss and contamination of fastening elements may be complications
with packages containing wet wipes. Moisture loss may result in a
drying out of the wet wipes. Contamination of the separable
fastening elements may result in the loss of the ability of the
package to remain in a closed configuration.
[0003] This invention relates to a resealable package comprising
separable fastening elements. It is particularly intended for use
in the packaging of wipes, such as wet wipes and hard surface
cleansing wipes, but it is to be understood that the invention is
also applicable to the packaging of other articles.
[0004] Wet wipes are articles in the form of sheets which may be
impregnated with compositions such as a skin-cleansing liquid or a
hard-surface cleansing liquid, and which may be intended to be
disposed of after a single use. Wet wipes may generally be packaged
in a package containing a plurality of wet wipes.
[0005] Wet wipes may be packaged in hard-bodied containers for
consumer use. The hard-body containers may be reusable, thus
additional wipes may be packaged into refill packages. Wet wipes in
refill packages may be packaged in soft-bodied packages. The refill
packages, however, may not always include an opening to facilitate
the withdrawal of an individual wet wipe. The soft-bodied package
may instead require the consumer to rely on the reusable
hard-bodied container and fully open the soft-bodied package,
remove all of the wet wipes and place those wet wipes into a
hard-bodied container. If the wet wipes are not placed into a
hard-bodied container, the lotion impregnating the wet wipes may
dry out.
[0006] In the alternative, soft-bodied packages may comprise an
opening that may facilitate the removal of an individual wipe.
Soft-bodied packages that do comprise an opening to facilitate the
removal of an individual wipe may face a problem of how to reseal
the opening to prevent moisture loss. The wipes may dry out unless
the package can be properly resealed after each wipe is removed.
One response to this problem has been to place the entire soft-body
package into a hard-body container. Another response has been to
provide the soft-bodied package with a hard-body covering over the
opening. This approach may increase the complexity in the
manufacture of the packages. A third response has been to provide a
soft closure flap to the package that remains closed over the
opening with the help of adhesives. A disadvantage of adhesives,
and other devices which employ conventional tacky or sticky
surfaces to create a separable bond between two articles may be
that such surfaces can be prone to contamination. Such
contamination may be caused by, among other things, dirt, lint,
dust, lotions, moisture, and the like, all of which tend to reduce
the adhesive properties of the fastener. Eventually this loss of
the adhesive may result in the rendering of the fastener unsuitable
for its intended purpose.
[0007] Wet wipes packaged in a soft-bodied package may also be
packaged in an interleaved configuration. The interleaved
configuration allows for one wipe to pop-up out of the package
following the removal of a prior wipe. The pop-up of a wipe may
allow for easier removal of a wipe from the package as the user
does not have to reach into the package to retrieve the wipe.
Pop-up of a wet wipe in a package with a resealable closure flap,
however, may make resealing the package difficult as the lotion
from the wet wipe may contaminate the adhesive on the closure flap
if the edge of the wet wipe that has popped up out of the package
is not placed back into the package and stored away from the
adhesive on the closure flap. Providing the soft-bodied package
with an appropriately sized and designed closure flap may
compensate for contamination of the adhesive by the lotion.
[0008] An appropriately sized closure flap may allow for multiple
locations on which to place resealable fastening elements which may
be adhesives, mechanical or magnetic fastening elements. An
appropriately sized closure flap may allow for resealable fastening
elements to be placed outside a radius of possible contamination by
the articles located within the package. Therefore, an
appropriately sized closure flap may allow a user to refrain from
pushing a wipe that has popped up from the package back into the
package. This may further allow a user to refrain from
contaminating a wipe with their finger if they were to attempt to
push a popped-up wipe back into the package. An appropriately sized
closure flap may also reduce and/or prevent loss of moisture from
the package. Am appropriately sized closure flap may also reduce
contamination of the wipes located within the package by providing
a sufficient barrier against the introduction of contaminants such
as, but not limited to, dirt, lint, dust, lotions, moisture, and
the like.
[0009] It would be desirable to provide a package with separable
fastening elements that may significantly reduce or eliminate
moisture loss. It would be desirable to provide a package with
separable fastening elements that may withstand contamination and
continue to provide the package with an adequate fastening system.
It would be desirable to provide a closure flap for a soft-bodied
package that may reliably reseal the package regardless of the
articles contained therein. It would be desirable to provide a
closure flap for a soft-bodied package that may be used in
combination with separable fastening elements that may reduce
and/or prevent moisture loss from the package. It would be
desirable to provide a closure flap for a soft-bodied package
sufficient in size such that if moisture contamination does occur,
there may be multiple regions in which to place separable fastening
elements, thereby continuing the reduction and/or prevention of
moisture loss from the package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided a
package formed substantially of flexible sheet material and having
a defined article receiving cavity. The flexible sheet material has
a face in which is defined a dispensing opening. A flexible closure
flap may be attached to the flexible sheet material. The closure
flap may cover the dispensing opening of the package when the
package is in a closed configuration. The closure flap may comprise
an area that is at least about four times greater than the area
comprising the dispensing opening. The package may contain a
plurality of wet wipes that are folded in an interleaved
configuration.
[0011] In another embodiment, the closure flap may comprise an area
that is at least about six times greater than the area of the
dispensing opening. In yet another embodiment, the closure flap may
comprise an area that is at least about eight times greater than
the area of the dispensing opening.
[0012] The closure flap may comprise at least one resealable
fastening element selected from the group consisting of adhesives,
mechanical fastening elements, magnetic members, and combinations
thereof. The flexible sheet material of the package may comprise at
least one resealable fastening element selecting from the group
consisting of adhesives, mechanical fastening elements, magnetic
members, and combinations thereof.
[0013] In another embodiment, the package may comprise regions of
reinforcement.
[0014] In another embodiment, the package may comprise at least one
graphic. In yet another embodiment, the package may comprise at
least two graphics. The graphics may be registered to provide for
coordination of the graphics.
[0015] In one embodiment, the package of the present invention may
experience a moisture loss of less than 10 grams per 200 hours. In
another embodiment, the package may experience a moisture loss of
less than 8 grams per 200 hours. In yet another embodiment, the
package may experience a moisture loss of less than 6 grams per 200
hours.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in a
closed configuration.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as an adhesive.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as hooks and loops, in an arcuate
configuration.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as hooks and loops, in a
one-sided configuration.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as hooks and loops, in a
two-sided configuration.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as hooks and loops, in a
three-sided configuration.
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap and a second
separable fastening element, such as magnetic members, in a
four-sided configuration.
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in a
closed configuration in which a mechanical closure element such as
buttons may be viewed.
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration in which a mechanical closure element such as
snaps may be viewed.
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in an
open configuration comprising an adhesive closure flap with a
removable cover attached to the closure flap.
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary package in a
closed configuration comprising graphics.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The present invention provides for separable fastening
elements to aid in the closure of resealable packages that may
contain wet wipes. The present invention may combine the use of
adhesives, mechanical fastening elements, magnetic members and
other suitable systems to aid in the closure of packages containing
wet wipes.
[0029] The term "adhesive" refers refer to a material which
demonstrates adhesion when applied to another material generally
(e.g. material is not specially selected). Adhesive materials
connect to other materials indiscriminately and may stick to a
variety of materials. The term "adhesive" may also refer herein to
any acrylic-based or rubber-based adhesive. The term "adhesive" may
also comprise cohesives. The term "cohesive" refers herein to a
material that demonstrates surface interaction (in terms of
connection of one surface to another) when applied to itself or to
an analog of itself.
[0030] The term "mechanical fasteners" or "mechanical fastening
elements" refers herein to fasteners that may not rely on adhesive
or magnetic properties to create a contiguous bond. Mechanical
fasteners may be selected from the group consisting of hooks,
loops, buttons, snaps, suction cups, strings, rail type closures,
vacuum closures, mechanical interlocking fasteners and combinations
thereof.
[0031] The term "magnetic members" or "magnetic fasteners" or
"magnetic fastening elements" refer herein to any material having
magnetic properties. The magnetic members may also include
particulate magnetic material including, but not limited to,
magnetoplumbite-structure ferrite particles and/or rare-earth
magnet particles. The magnetic members may be selected from those
which form a magnet-to-magnet interface, those which form a
magnet-to-metal interface and combinations thereof. The magnetic
members may be disposed thereon, thereunder, or therethrough the
flexible sheet material utilized in the present invention. The
magnetic members may be deposited onto the flexible sheet material
through a variety of means suitable for the present invention. The
means may include ink jet, spraying, coating, screen-printing,
intaglio printing, flexographic printing, rotogravure printing and
the like. Rotogravure printing may deposit a molten blend of a
suitable thermoplastic material and magnetic particles as described
herein onto a printing device so as to form magnetic members for
deposition onto the flexible sheet material.
[0032] The term "wet" refers herein to indicate a wipe substrate
having a moisture content of greater than 10% by weight. Such wet
wipes often having a moisture content of approximately 50% to
approximately 400% or more by weight. This is in contrast to a "dry
wipe" which is used herein to indicate a wipe substrate having a
moisture content of less than approximately 10%.
[0033] The term "material" refers herein to include either a
natural or synthetic material or any combination thereof, including
films, film laminates, non-woven laminates, sponges, non-woven
webs, woven webs, knitted fabrics, foams, and any combination
thereof, or cellulosic materials including wood pulp, and the like,
having a single layer or multiple layers.
[0034] The term "non-woven fabric" or "non-woven material" or
"non-woven web" or "non-woven" refers herein to a material made
from an assembly of continuous filaments and/or non-continuous
fibers, without weaving or knitting by processes such as
spun-bonding, carding, melt-blowing or other processes known in the
art for such purposes. The non-woven material can comprise one or
more layers of such fibrous assemblies, wherein each layer can
include continuous filaments or discontinuous fibers.
[0035] The term "foam" refers herein to any material comprising a
solid, liquid crystalline, or liquid continuous phase and a gaseous
dispersed phase. Because of the dispersed gaseous phase, a foam has
a density less than the density of the continuous phase.
[0036] The term "film" refers herein to any polymeric sheet made by
a process such as, but not limited to, extrusion of a polymeric
material through a narrow slot of a die, blown films, cast films,
and calendar films. The term "film" may also refer to a laminate
comprising one or more layers of polymeric material. The term
"film" may also include foils and metallized films.
[0037] The term "polymer" or "polymeric" refers herein to
thermosetting and/or thermoplastic compositions, including but not
limited to, polyolefins, including polyethylene, polypropylene,
linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, low
density polypropylene, high density polyethylene, high density
polypropylene, polyesters, polyamides, polyacetals, polyethers,
poly (meth) acrylates, thermoplastic elastomers, styrenic block
copolymers, metallocene-catalyzed polyolefins, polyether amides,
polyurethanes, polyvinylchloride, superabsorbent materials, rayon,
ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and blends and
copolymers, filled polymers, biconstituent or bicomponent mixtures
thereof and combinations thereof. The polymeric material can also
include various pigments to provide desired colors and/or visual
effects and other components such as antioxidants, fillers (such as
magnetoplumbite-structure ferrite particles and minerals and the
like), processing aids and the like.
[0038] A "natural material" means herein a material derived from
plants, animals, minerals, insects or byproducts of plants,
animals, and insects. Non-limiting examples of natural materials
include cellulosic fibers, cotton fibers, keratin fibers, silk
fibers and the like. Non-limiting examples of cellulosic fibers
include wood pulp fibers, hemp fibers, jute fibers, and the like.
Non-limiting examples of keratin fibers include wool fibers and the
like.
[0039] The term "attach" herein refers to a component of a flexible
package is at least partially secured directly or indirectly (by
one or more intermediate members) to another component of the
flexible package. Attachment may be relatively continuous or
intermittent. Relatively continuous attachment may imply that the
components are bonded together over substantially all of one or
more dimensions of a common interface between the components.
Intermittent attachment may imply that the components are bonded
together with one or more individual, discrete bonds that are not
continuous or bond patterns having open areas free of bonds.
Attachment may be conducted by a variety of methods well known in
the art such as adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, mechanical
bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat bonding, pressure bonding,
stitching, and the like. If the attachment is performed by an
adhesive applicator, the adhesive applicator may apply an effective
amount of adhesive so as to make the attachment.
[0040] The term "flexible" or "highly flexible" means herein that
the material out of which the package may be constructed may tend
to conform or deform in the presence of externally applied forces.
As measured under the Stiffness of Fabric test, a flexible sheet
material may have a peak load of less than about 1000 g.sub.f.
[0041] The terms "separable" or "releasable" bond means herein a
relationship between two or more articles or surfaces in which the
articles or surfaces are generally fastened to each other, yet can
be separated with the application of a certain amount of force, and
then subsequently refastened at a later time. In order to be
"separable" or "releasable," the articles or surfaces must be
capable of being fastened and separated. It is contemplated by the
present invention that the force utilized to separate the articles
or surfaces in issue is an amount which can be applied by hand.
[0042] Exemplary Package
[0043] In FIG. 1, the package 20 is illustrated in a closed
configuration. The package 20 may be in a substantially
parallelepiped configuration. The package 20 may comprise a body
portion 30 which may be formed of flexible sheet material 40. The
body 30 of the package 20 may be formed of a single sheet of
flexible sheet material 40. The flexible sheet material 40 may be
composed of polyolefin film, polyethylene film, polypropylene film,
or a laminate of polyolefin, polyethylene and polypropylene films.
The flexible sheet material may also be composed of ethylene vinyl
acetate, linear low density polyethylene and combinations
thereof.
[0044] The body portion 30 may comprise walls such as a top wall
32, opposed bottom wall 34, end walls 33 and 35, and side walls
such as 36. The package 20 may be sealed on opposing end walls 33
and 35 by end seals 26 and 27. There may also be a longitudinal
seam (e.g. a fin seal as is produced by a form fill seal apparatus)
on the bottom wall 34 of the package 20. The package 20 may have an
opening 15 in the top wall 32. FIG. 1 exemplifies that the package
20 may further comprise a closure flap 50. The closure flap 50 may
have a top surface 52. The closure flap 50 may further comprise a
tab 51. The tab 51 may remain free of any separable fastening
element utilized in the package 20. The tab 51 may therefore assist
the user in the opening and closing of the closure flap 50 of the
package 20.
[0045] Baffles, such as 22 and 24, may be formed in order to form
an interface between walls of the package 20. The baffles may
enable the top wall 32 of the package 20 to remain flat. Further,
the baffles may enable the top wall 32 to remain flat as the
package 20 is emptied of articles, such as wipes. A top wall 32
that remains flat may have little wrinkling and folding of the
flexible sheet material 40 which may allow for better
surface-to-surface contact between the closure flap 50 and the top
wall 32. This may further allow for the closure flap 50 to properly
cover the top wall 32 when in a closed configuration. Proper
closure of the closure flap 50 may prevent moisture loss from the
package 20. For example, there may be a baffle 22 between the top
wall 32 and a side wall 36. There may be another baffle 24 between
side wall 36 and the bottom wall 34. The package 20 is not limited
to the two baffles, 22 and 24, illustrated in the figures or in the
description of the present invention. The package 20 may exist
without the presence of baffles. In one embodiment, there may be
two baffles, each located at an interface between the top wall 32
and two side walls. In another embodiment, there may be four
baffles; two baffles each located at an interface between the top
wall and a side wall and two additional baffles each located at an
interface between the bottom wall and a side wall. In other
embodiments, one or more baffles may extend between the top wall 32
and the bottom wall 34. In other embodiments, additional baffles
may be located within the area of the side walls.
[0046] In FIG. 2, the package 20 is illustrated in an open
configuration. Any suitable separable fastening element according
to the present invention may be applied to the package 20. The
exemplary package 20 may be designed to have a body portion 30
capable of retaining a plurality of wipes 10.
[0047] The package 20 may have an opening 15 in the top wall 32 for
dispensing wipes 10. The opening may be of any shape such as
circular, oval, triangular, elliptical, ovoid, square, rectangular,
etc. The opening 15 of the package 20 may be made during the
manufacturing process by perforating or partially die-cutting the
desired opening shape in the flexible sheet material 40 along a
line of weakness 17 to define a removable cover 19 (as shown in
FIG. 11). The line of weakness 17 may fully penetrate the flexible
sheet material 40 in order that the cover 19 may be fully removed
from the package 20 during the manufacture process. In another
embodiment, the line of weakness 17 may only partially penetrate
the flexible sheet material 40 so that the cover 19 may remain
attached to the flexible sheet material 40 to be later removed from
the top wall 32 of the package 20 by a closure flap 50 (exemplified
in FIG. 11).
[0048] Closure Flap
[0049] FIG. 2 exemplifies that the closure flap 50 may have a top
surface 52 and a bottom surface 54. In the view of FIG. 2, only the
bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 is visible. The closure
flap 50 may be connected to the body 30 of the package 20 such that
the closure flap 50 may be closed to cover the opening 15 of the
package 20 in such a manner that the bottom surface 54 of the
closure flap 50 may contact the top wall 32 of the package 20. The
top surface 52 of the closure flap 50 may be seen when the package
20 is in the closed configuration (as shown in FIG. 1).
[0050] The closure flap 50 may be formed from the flexible sheet
material 40 which forms the body 30 of the package 20. In such an
embodiment, the closure flap 50 may be formed as an extension of an
end seal (such as end seal 26) or as an extension of a fin seal
(such as a fin seal on a bottom wall 34). The closure flap 50 may
also be formed by a flexible sheet material 40 which may be folded
into three panels such that one panel forms the bottom wall 34, one
panel forms the top wall 32 and the third panel forms the closure
flap 50. In another embodiment, the closure flap 50 may be a
separate flexible sheet material and may be permanently attached to
the flexible sheet material 40 of the package 20 adjacent to the
interface between the top wall 32 and a side wall creating a sealed
edge 58. This attachment may be accomplished by thermal bonding,
adhesive bonding, mechanical bonding, ultrasonic bonding, heat
bonding, pressure bonding, stitching, and the like.
[0051] FIG. 2 exemplifies that the closure flap 50 and/or the top
wall 32 of the package 20 may comprise regions of reinforcement 55.
Such regions of reinforcement 55 may be placed in any configuration
on the closure flap 50 and/or the top wall 32. In one embodiment, a
region of reinforcement 55 may be placed in a pattern on the
closure flap 50 and/or the top wall 32. Such a pattern may be a
repeating pattern. In another embodiment, a region of reinforcement
55 may be such that the entire closure flap 50 is the region of
reinforcement 55. In such an embodiment in which the entire closure
flap 50 is a region of reinforcement 55, the closure flap 50 may
remain open when the package 20 is in use and the closure flap 50
may more easily flip into the closed configuration when the user
has closed the package 20. A region of reinforcement 55 may allow
for one-handed operation by a user and may increase the prevention
of moisture loss from the package as well as reduce contamination.
As exemplified in FIG. 2, one possible location of a region of
reinforcement 55 may be along the edge of the closure flap 50. The
regions of reinforcement 55 may comprise separable fastening
elements, printed stiffness, beaded stiffness, higher modulus film,
film greater in thickness than regions lacking in reinforcement,
printed polymers, laminated materials and combinations thereof.
[0052] The closure flap 50 may be of a size at least equal to the
opening 15 of the package 20. The area of the closure flap 50 may
have an area at least about four times the area of the opening 15.
In another embodiment, the closure flap 50 may have an area at
least six times the area of the opening 15. In a further
embodiment, the closure flap 50 may have an area at least about
eight times the area of the opening 15. An appropriately sized
closure flap, such as closure flap 50, may provide multiple
locations to associate separable fastening elements. Thus,
separable fastening elements may be located beyond a radius of
contamination of any moisture or lotion associated with wet wipes.
The closure flap 50 may therefore continue to reseal the package 20
as uncontaminated separable fastening elements remain with which to
close the closure flap 50 over the opening 15 of the package 20. An
appropriately sized closure flap, such as closure flap 50, may
prevent moisture loss from a package 20 containing wet wipes
10.
[0053] The closure flap 50 may be progressively removed from the
package 20 up to the sealed edge 58. The sealed edge 58 may prevent
any further removal of the closure flap 50. The closure flap 50 may
be resealed over the opening 15. The closure flap 50 may be
oriented in any manner on the package 20 in order to provide
left-handed use, right-handed use, and ambidextrous use of the
package 20.
[0054] Separable Fastening Element
[0055] FIG. 3 exemplifies that the closure flap 50 of the present
invention may comprise a separable fastening element system 60. The
separable fastening element system 60 may be one or more separable
fastening elements selected from the group of elements consisting
of adhesives, mechanical fastening elements, magnetic members, and
combinations thereof. The separable fastening element system 60 may
be a combination of one or more elements such that at least one of
the elements is located on the top wall 32 of the package 20 and at
least one element is located on the bottom surface 54 of the
closure flap 50. It should be understood that the separable
fastening element system 60 should not be so limited by the
examples included in the appended drawings and may be selected from
any combination of the group consisting of adhesives, mechanical
fastening elements, magnetic members, adhesives and mechanical
fastening elements, adhesives and magnetic members, mechanical
fastening elements and magnetic members and combinations thereof.
It should be understood that the separable fastening element system
60 may be placed in any configuration on the closure flap 50 and
the top wall 32. Configurations of the separable fastening element
system 60 should not be so limited by the examples included in the
appended drawings.
[0056] FIG. 3 exemplifies an embodiment in which the closure flap
50 may be coated with an adhesive 62 on the bottom surface 54 of
the closure flap 50. This may be used in combination with a second
separable fastening element such as an adhesive 64 located on the
top wall 32 of the package 20. As shown in FIG. 3, adhesives 62 and
64 cover essentially the entire surface under the closure flap 50
when it is in a closed configuration. In an alternate embodiment
(not shown), the adhesive may be disposed along the edge of the
closure flap 50 or about the periphery of opening 10, etc. Examples
of suitable commercial material for use as adhesives 62 and 64 may
be acrylic-based or rubber-based adhesives.
[0057] FIG. 4 exemplifies another embodiment of the present
invention in which the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 may
be coated with an adhesive 62 and may be used in combination with a
second separable fastening element 63 which may be located on both
the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 and the top wall 32 of
the package 20. In this embodiment, the adhesive 62 and the second
separable fastening element 63 cooperate to help insure closure
functionality in the event of a partial or substantially complete
failure of the adhesive properties of adhesive 62. Examples of such
elements may be mechanical fasteners and magnetic members. An
example of such a combination of an adhesive and mechanical
fastener may be seen in FIG. 4 in which the closure flap 50 may be
coated with an adhesive 62. There may exist a plurality of hooks 66
on the closure flap 50. The corresponding loops 68 may be found in
such a location on the top wall 32 of the package 20 as to allow
for interaction between the hooks 66 and the loops 68.
[0058] FIG. 4 exemplifies a pattern in which the mechanical
fasteners, such as hooks 66 and loops 68, may be placed in an
arcuate shape on both the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50
and the top wall 32 of the package 20. FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 show
further examples of alternative configurations of the mechanical
fasteners, such as hooks 66 and loops 68. FIG. 5 exemplifies that
the loops 68 may be placed on one side of the opening 15 of the
package 20. FIG. 6 exemplifies that the loops 68 may be placed on
two sides of the opening 15 of the package 20. FIG. 7 exemplifies
that the loops 68 may be placed around three sides of the opening
15 of the package 20. The corresponding hooks 66 of each embodiment
may be placed on the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 in
corresponding locations such as to allow for interaction between
the hooks 66 and the loops 68.
[0059] FIG. 8 exemplifies another embodiment of the present
invention in which the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 may
be coated with an adhesive 62 and may be used in combination with a
second separable fastening element 65 which may be located on both
the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap 50 and the top wall 32 of
the package 20. The second separable fastening element 65, as
exemplified in FIG. 8, may be the use of magnetic members 70 and
72. It should be understood that the magnetic members 70 and 72 may
be located thereon and/or therethrough the bottom surface 54 of the
closure flap 50. It should also be understood that the magnetic
members 70 and 72 may be located thereon, thereunder, and/or
therethrough the top wall 32 of the package 20. By providing
magnetic members 70 and 72 with opposite polarities, attraction
between magnetic members 70 and 72 and closure of the closure flap
50 when desired may be insured. The natural force provided by the
magnetic field can be sufficient to provide a desired function
holding force between the closure flap 50 and the top wall 32 of
the package 20 so as to minimize any evaporation of any moisture
contained in the package 20. The magnetic members 70 and 72 are not
so limited in configuration on the package 20 as that exemplified
in FIG. 7. It should be understood that the magnetic members 70 and
72 may be placed in any desired configuration. Magnetic members are
disclosed in greater detail in copending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. ______ entitled Personal Care Articles of Commerce
Comprising A Magnetic Member filed in the name of Molander, et al.
on Jun. 21, 2005 (P&G Case No. 10053P).
[0060] Additional mechanical fastening elements may be exemplified
by FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 exemplifies a package 20 in a closed
configuration utilizing buttons 74 as an example of another
mechanical fastening element. FIG. 10 exemplifies a package 20 in
an open configuration utilizing snaps 76 as an example of another
mechanical fastening element.
[0061] Cover
[0062] FIG. 11 exemplifies that the flexible sheet material 40
comprising top wall 32 may have been partially die-cut to provide a
cover 19 for the opening 15 of the package 20. The flexible sheet
material 40 may be partially die-cut in the shape of the cover 19.
The cover 19 may remain attached to the flexible sheet material 40
and cover the opening 15 prior to the initial opening of the
package 20 by the user. The closure flap 50 of the package 20 may
be placed in a closed configuration over the cover 19 and the top
wall 32 of the package 20. In one embodiment, the bottom surface 54
of the closure flap 50 may comprise an adhesive 62 which may allow
for the cover 19 to adhere to the bottom surface 54 of the closure
flap 50. Upon initial opening of the package 20, the adhesion of
the cover 19 to the closure flap 50 may be greater than the
attachment of the cover 19 to the flexible sheet material 40 of the
top wall 32 thus removing the cover 19 from the top wall 32 of the
package 20. If the cover 19 adheres to the closure flap 50 by the
use of an adhesive 62 on the bottom surface 54 of the closure flap
50, upon closure of the closure flap 50, the cover 19 may serve to
cover the opening 15 of the package 20. Thus, without being bound
by theory, the cover 19 may prevent contact between the closure
flap 50 and the product
[0063] In another embodiment, the cover 19 of the opening 15 may be
removed from the package 20 in its entirety during the
manufacturing process. In the event that the cover 19 is completely
removed from the package 20, the closure flap 50 may be used to
cover the opening 15 of the package 20 (as shown in FIG. 1).
[0064] A separable fastening element system 60 utilizing the
elements of adhesives, mechanical fastening elements, magnetic
members, and combinations thereof may be used with a package 20
comprising a cover 19. Thus, as exemplified in FIG. 11, the closure
flap 50 of the package 20 may comprise an adhesive 62 as well as
magnetic member 70. The top wall 32 of the package 20 may comprise
magnetic member 72.
[0065] Graphics
[0066] FIG. 12 exemplifies that, optionally, a package 20 made
according to the present invention may also comprise one or more
graphics 75. The graphics 75 may comprise any word, number, text,
picture, drawing, object, human character, anthropomorphic
character and combination thereof. The graphics 75 may be in any
location on the flexible sheet material 40 of the package 20 and
the closure flap 50. The graphics 75 may be located on the flexible
sheet material 40 forming the body 30 of the package 20, the
closure flap 50 and a combination thereof. If the graphics 75 are
located on both the body 30 of the package 20 and the closure flap
50, the graphics 75 may be placed in an overlapping manner such
that the graphics 75 may be coordinated. Graphics 75 may be
coordinated in such a manner as to provide feedback to the user
such that the user knows the package 20 is closed properly when the
graphics 75 are in alignment. In such an embodiment, the graphics
75 may be registered to provide coordination among the graphics 75.
In another embodiment, the graphics 75 on the closure flap 50 may
be different from any graphics 75 on the flexible sheet material 40
of the body 30 of the package 20. In yet another embodiment, the
graphics 75 on the closure flap 50 and the graphics on the body of
the package 20 may interrelate with each other such that one scene
is depicted on the closure flap 50 and a second, related scene is
depicted on the body 30 of the package 20. In such an embodiment,
it can be a single scene located on the closure flap 50 and the
body 30 of the package 20 which appears to change when the package
20 is changed from a closed configuration to an open configuration.
In another embodiment, the graphics 75 may be oriented on the
package 20 in order to signal left-handed use, right-handed use,
and ambidextrous use of the package 20.
[0067] Moisture Loss
[0068] A separable fastening element system may be utilized in
order to reduce or eliminate moisture loss from a package typically
seen with a single reclosable fastener. Moisture loss may be
measured under the Evaluation of Moisture Loss Test. A package of
the present invention may experience a moisture loss of less than
about 10 grams per 200 hours. In another embodiment, a package of
the present invention may experience a moisture loss of less than
about 8 grams per 200 hours. In yet another embodiment, a package
of the present invention may experience a moisture loss of less
than about 6 grams per 200 hours. In yet a further embodiment, a
package of the present invention may experience a moisture loss of
less than about 4 grams per 200 hours.
Test Methods
[0069] Stiffness of Fabric Test
[0070] The Stiffness of Fabric Test is run for purpose of the
present specification is a modification of the Stiffness of Fabric
Test by Circular bend as described in the ASTM D 4032-94. (hereby
incorporated by reference). The Stiffness of Fabric Test for
purposes of the present specification is conducted as follows:
Summary of Test Method
[0071] A pusher-ball forces a swatch of material through an orifice
in a platform. The maximum force required to push the fabric
through the orifice is an indication of the material's stiffness
(resistance to bending).
Apparatus
[0072] Circular Bend Stiffness Tester, having the following
parts:
[0073] Platform, 102 by 102 by 6 mm smooth-polished chrome-plated
steel plate with a 38.1-mm diameter orifice. The lap edge of the
orifice should be at a 45.degree. angle to a depth of 4.8 mm.
[0074] Pusher-Ball, 6 mm diameter steel spherical ball, mounted
concentric with orifice, 16 mm clearance on all sides. The bottom
of the pusher-ball plunger should be set at 3 mm above the top of
the orifice plate. From this position, the downward stroke length
is 57 mm.
[0075] Force-Measurement Gage, dial or digital type Dial gages with
maximum reading pointer in different capacities ranging from 1 to
50 lbf, 0.5 to 25 kgf, or 5 to 200 N with 100 graduations minimum;
or Digital gage with maximum reading "hold" feature and capacity of
100 lbf, 50 kgf, or 500 N, with 1000 graduations minimum.
[0076] Actuator, manual or pneumatic.
[0077] Specimen Marking Template, 102 by 102 mm.
[0078] Stop Watch, for checking stroke speed.
Number and Preparation of Test Specimens
[0079] Using the specimen marking template specified above mark and
cut five test specimens from staggered areas of each swatch of
material to be tested. It will be appreciated that it may not be
practical or possible to obtain all samples from a particular
swatch (or particular product if the material is only available as
incorporated into a product). In such a case, it is acceptable to
take samples from multiple products or swatches. Samples with
bonded, seals, seams or the like should be avoided. Lay each
specimen flat to form a square 102 by 102 mm. Handling of specimens
should be kept to a minimum and to the edges to avoid affecting
stiffness properties.
Conditioning
[0080] Store the samples for 8 hours or more at 23.degree. C. and
50% relative humidity.
Procedure
[0081] Set the tester on a flat surface with dial at eye level.
[0082] Select a gage with a capacity in which results will fall
within 15 to 100% of dial gage force or 1.5 to 100% of digital gage
force.
[0083] Check tester pusher-ball speed control for full stroke
length.
[0084] Pneumatic Actuator--Set the air pressure control to the
actuator at 324 kPa. Using a stop-watch, adjust the pneumatics to
provide plunger speed of 1.7.+-.0.15 s under no load
conditions.
[0085] Manual Actuator--Using a stop-watch, establish and confirm a
plunger speed of 1.7.+-.0.3 s.
[0086] Center a specimen on the orifice platform below the
pusher-ball.
[0087] If 3.2 mm clearance under pusher-ball prevents ease of entry
of specimen due to sample thickness, the clearance may be increased
to 6.3 mm maximum. In reporting, the results should indicate the
pusher-ball clearance, if not standard.
[0088] Check the gage zero and adjust, if necessary.
[0089] Set the maximum force reading switch.
[0090] Actuate the pusher-ball for the full stroke length. Avoid
touching the specimen during testing.
[0091] Record maximum force reading to nearest gage graduation.
[0092] Continue as directed above until all specimens have been
tested.
Calculation
[0093] Average the individual specimen readings and round to the
nearest gage increment.
[0094] Report
[0095] Report the Average force in gage units.
End of Test
Evaluation of Moisture Loss Test
[0096] The following test method is a modification of ASTM D-3079
(Standard Test Method for Water Vapor Transmission of Flexible
Heat-Sealed Packages for Dry Products)(hereby incorporated by
reference).
[0097] Scope: This test method covers the determination of the
amount of moisture vapor loss for packages containing wet wipes
during simulated use.
[0098] Summary of Test Method: Ten test specimens of each leg being
evaluated are stored in a constant temperature and humidity
environment of 25.degree. C. .+-.1.degree. C. and 50% RH .+-.2% for
duration of study. Products are weighed at an initial time (t=0) in
which, by definition, the cumulative average moisture loss is zero
grams. Twice per day (morning and evening) 6-10 hours apart for 17
days the samples are weighed, 3 wipes are dispensed by hand, and
the samples are weighed again. The packages are closed by hand
following dispensing of the wipes. The mass at the initial weighing
is called "pre-dispensing mass" and the mass at the subsequent
weighing is called "post-dispensing mass". "Cumulative average
moisture loss" is then calculated and plotted against time
resulting in a slope of grams of moisture loss/hour.
[0099] Test Specimens: Packages are manufactured and loaded by hand
using 72 ct Pampers Sensitive wipes currently available on the
market at the time of filing. Specimens that are damaged during the
study are excluded from cumulative moisture loss calculations.
[0100] Calculations: At each weighing occasion the "pre-dispensing
mass" is subtracted from the "post-dispensing mass" of the prior
weighing occasion. This is done for each of the 10 specimens
resulting in 10 "individual moisture losses". "Individual moisture
losses" are averaged (mean average) to determine "Average moisture
loss". "Average moisture losses" are cumulatively added over time
to determine "Cumulative Average Moisture Loss"
[0101] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0102] While particular embodiments 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. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *