U.S. patent application number 11/796384 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-30 for package having a composite window.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to William Mercer Benson, Mary Beth Curlis, Rosa Alejandra Hernandez, Ilonka Bibiana Laviz.
Application Number | 20080264828 11/796384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39797449 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080264828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Benson; William Mercer ; et
al. |
October 30, 2008 |
Package having a composite window
Abstract
A package is provided wherein each package has a composite
window. The composite window may be a combination of a window and a
graphical representation of a window. The graphical representation
can also provide a visual impression of any absorbent articles,
which may be viewed through the window. A package may also have
more than one composite window, such that the composite windows are
positioned on the package in a manner to provide a visual
impression to a consumer of a much larger window.
Inventors: |
Benson; William Mercer;
(Harrison, OH) ; Curlis; Mary Beth; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Hernandez; Rosa Alejandra; (Cincinnati, OH)
; Laviz; Ilonka Bibiana; (Mason, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;Global Legal Department - IP
Sycamore Building - 4th Floor, 299 East Sixth Street
CINCINNATI
OH
45202
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
39797449 |
Appl. No.: |
11/796384 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/776 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/54 20130101;
A61F 15/001 20130101; B65D 5/4204 20130101; A61F 13/5511
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/776 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/54 20060101
B65D025/54 |
Claims
1. A package comprising: a. at least one wall defining an exterior
surface and interior space of the package; b. at least one
absorbent article contained within the interior space of the
package; and, c. a composite window positioned on the package,
wherein the composite window comprises; i. a window, wherein the
window is positioned so that at least a portion of an absorbent
article is viewable; and, ii. a graphic, wherein the graphic is
disposed on the exterior surface of the package and provides a
graphical representation of at least a portion of the window and at
least a portion of an absorbent article.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein the graphic is a print.
3. The package of claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is at least
one of a feminine hygiene article, an adult incontinence product, a
sanitary tissue product, or a baby care product.
4. The package of claim 1 wherein the graphic comprises a graphical
representation of an absorbent article that is the same as the
absorbent article contained within the interior space of the
package.
5. The package of claim 1 wherein the graphic comprises a graphical
representation of an absorbent article that differs from the
absorbent article contained within the interior space of the
package.
6. The package of claim 1 wherein the window has a window graphic
disposed thereon, wherein the window graphic provides a graphical
representation of at least a portion of an absorbent article.
7. The package of claim 6 wherein the graphical representation of
the absorbent article disposed on the window differs from the
graphical representation of the absorbent article disposed on the
exterior surface of the package.
8. The package of claim 6 wherein the graphical representation of
the absorbent article disposed on the window is the same as the
graphical representation of the absorbent article disposed on the
exterior surface of the package.
9. The package of claim 1 wherein the graphic is at least partially
continuous with the window.
10. A package comprising: a. at least one wall defining an exterior
surface and interior space of the package; b. at least one
absorbent article contained within the interior space of the
package; and, c. a collective window positioned on the package,
wherein the collective window comprises; i. a composite window,
wherein the composite window comprises a window, wherein the window
is positioned so that at least a portion of an absorbent article is
viewable, and a graphic, wherein the graphic is disposed on the
exterior surface of the package and provides a graphical
representation of at least a portion of the window and at least a
portion of an absorbent article; and, ii. a second composite
window, wherein the second composite window comprises a second
window, wherein the second window is positioned so that at least a
portion of an absorbent article is viewable, and a second graphic,
wherein the second graphic is disposed on the exterior surface of
the package and provides a graphical representation of at least a
portion of the second window and at least a portion of an absorbent
article.
11. The package of claim 10 wherein the graphical representation of
the absorbent article of the graphic differs from the graphical
representation of the absorbent article of the second graphic.
12. The package of claim 10 wherein at least one of the graphic or
the second graphic comprises a graphical representation of an
absorbent article that is the same as the absorbent article
contained within the interior space of the package.
13. The package of claim 10 wherein at least one of the graphic or
the second graphic comprises a graphical representation of an
absorbent article that differs from the absorbent article contained
within the interior space of the package.
14. The package of claim 10 wherein the graphic and second graphic
are disposed on adjacent walls of the package.
15. The package of claim 10 wherein at least the window or the
second window has a window graphic disposed thereon, wherein the
window graphic provides a graphical representation of at least a
portion of an absorbent article.
16. A package arrangement comprising: a. a package having; i. at
least one wall defining an exterior surface and interior space of
the package; ii. at least one absorbent article contained within
the interior space of the package; iii. a composite window having a
shape, positioned on the package, wherein the composite window
comprises a window, wherein the window is positioned so that at
least a portion of an absorbent article is viewable, and a graphic,
wherein the graphic is disposed on the exterior surface of the
package and provides a graphical representation of at least a
portion of the window and at least a portion of an absorbent
article; b. a second package having; i. at least one wall defining
an exterior surface and interior space of the second package; ii.
at least one absorbent article contained within the interior space
of the second package; iii. a composite window having a shape,
positioned on the second package, wherein the composite window
comprises a window, wherein the window is positioned so that at
least a portion of an absorbent article is viewable, and a graphic,
wherein the graphic is disposed on the exterior surface of the
second package and provides a graphical representation of at least
a portion of the window and at least a portion of an absorbent
article; and, c. a window combination having a shape, wherein the
window combination comprises; i. the composite window of the
package; and, ii. the composite window of the second package.
17. The package arrangement of claim 16 wherein the shape of the
composite window of the package and the shape of the composite
window of the second package differ.
18. The package arrangement of claim 16 wherein the shape of the
window combination differs from the shape of the composite window
of the package and the shape of the composite window of the second
package.
19. The package arrangement of claim 16 wherein at least the window
of the package or the window of the second package has a window
graphic disposed thereon, wherein the window graphic provides a
graphical representation of at least a portion of an absorbent
article.
20. The package arrangement of claim 16 wherein the package is
adjacent to the second package at a point of sale so as comprise
the window combination.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a package containing
absorbent articles, particularly wherein the package comprises a
window.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At the point of sale, a package is often the primary
mechanism of attracting a consumer's attention to the products
contained therein. As such, manufacturers use package features to
help consumers distinguish their packages from competitors'
packages. These features usually include package shape, size, or
color.
[0003] For certain products however, in addition to being contained
in a package, the products may also be individually wrapped, for
example in a packet. Manufacturers of absorbent articles often
individually wrap the absorbent articles. Frequently, the wrapper
containing an absorbent article will have a unique appearance, but
the appearance of a wrapper may also be coordinated with the
appearance of the package in which the individually wrapped
absorbent article is contained. While effort and expense has been
expended providing individually wrapped absorbent articles, it has
been difficult displaying them to consumers at the point of sale.
This is due to the nature of the package itself, which is usually
formed from cardboard, colored plastic, and/or a printed film which
serve to enclose and isolate the individually wrapped absorbent
article from a consumer at the point of sale.
[0004] One manner for revealing a wrapper to a consumer is to use
windows through which consumers can view the wrapper. However,
while windows do allow the consumer to view a wrapper in a package
they have some disadvantages. One disadvantage is increased cost.
Often the price of the material used to produce a transparent
window is greater than the cost of material that it is replacing.
Additionally, windows have been constrained to certain locations on
the package. These constraints on location are a result of the
desire to maintain the structural integrity of the package. For
example, windows and openings have generally not extended to the
corners or edges of a package, as the corners and edges help
maintain the structural integrity of the package. By maintaining
the structural integrity of the package, the corners and edges
prevent damage to any absorbent articles contained therein and the
package itself which may be caused by pressure being exerted on the
package.
[0005] However, the larger the window the more absorbent articles
are viewable by the consumer at the point of sale, which can
increase consumer interest in the package. Therefore, it would be
desirable to provide a package that combines the benefit of a
larger window while maintaining the structural integrity of the
package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A package is provided having at least one wall defining an
exterior surface and interior space of the package. The package
contains within the interior space at least one absorbent article.
In addition, positioned on the package is a composite window. The
composite window comprises a window, wherein the window is
positioned so that at least a portion of an absorbent article is
viewable. The composite window also comprises a graphic, wherein
the graphic is disposed on the exterior surface of the package and
provides a graphical representation of at least a portion of the
window, and at least a portion of an absorbent article.
[0007] Also provided is a package, which comprises at least one
wall defining an exterior surface and interior space of the
package. The package contains within the interior space at least
one absorbent article. In addition, positioned on the package is a
collective window. The collective window comprises a composite
window and a second composite window. The composite window
comprises a window, wherein the window is positioned so that at
least a portion of an absorbent article is viewable. The composite
window also comprises a graphic, wherein the graphic is disposed on
the exterior surface of the package and provides a graphical
representation of at least a portion of the window, and at least a
portion of an absorbent article. The second composite window
comprises a second window, wherein the second window is positioned
so that at least a portion of an absorbent article is viewable. The
second composite window also comprises a second graphic, wherein
the second graphic is disposed on the exterior surface of the
package and provides a graphical representation of at least a
portion of the second window, and at least a portion of an
absorbent article.
[0008] Further provided is a package arrangement, which comprises a
package, a second package, and a window combination. The package
has at least one wall defining an exterior surface and interior
space of the package. The package contains within the interior
space at least one absorbent article. In addition, positioned on
the package is a composite window having a shape. The composite
window comprises a window, wherein the window is positioned so that
at least a portion of an absorbent article is viewable. The
composite window also comprises a graphic, wherein the graphic is
disposed on the exterior surface of the package and provides a
graphical representation of at least a portion of the window, and
at least a portion of an absorbent article.
[0009] The second package has at least one wall defining an
exterior surface and interior space of the second package. The
second package contains within the interior space at least one
absorbent article. In addition, positioned on the second package is
a composite window having a shape. The composite window comprises a
window, wherein the window is positioned so that at least a portion
of an absorbent article is viewable. The composite window also
comprises a graphic, wherein the graphic is disposed on the
exterior surface of the second package and provides a graphical
representation of at least a portion of the window, and at least a
portion of an absorbent article. The package arrangement further
comprises a window combination having a shape. The window
combination includes the composite window of the package, and the
composite window of the second package.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention showing a cylindrical package.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention having two packages.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention having two packages.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to
articles that absorb and/or contain a substance, such as, body
exudates. A typical absorbent article can be placed within, against
or in close proximity to the body of a wearer to absorb and/or
contain various body exudates. Examples, of absorbent articles
include feminine hygiene articles, adult incontinence products,
sanitary tissue products (facial tissue, toilet tissue, paper
towels, wipes), and baby care products (diapers). The term
"absorbent article" as used herein also refers to any associated
wrapping or applicator that typically can be associated with an
absorbent article. For example, an absorbent article can be a
tampon that may or may not include an applicator and/or can be a
feminine sanitary napkin that may or may not include a wrapper,
such as, a wrapper that individually encloses a feminine sanitary
napkin.
[0026] As used herein, the term "feminine hygiene article" refers
to absorbent articles that can be worn by women for menstrual
and/or light incontinence control, such as, feminine sanitary
napkins, tampons, interlabial products, pessaries, and
pantiliners.
[0027] The term, "joined" as used herein, encompasses
configurations in which a first element is directly secured to a
second element. Joined also includes configurations in which the
first element is indirectly secured to the second element by
securing the first element to at least one intermediate member,
which in turn is secured to the second element. Additionally, the
term joined covers configurations in which the first element is
integral with the second element, such that the first element is
part of the second element. The first element and the second
element can be fixedly joined, or releasably joined.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated using
the following figures. The present invention, however, is not
limited to structures having the particular configurations shown in
the figures.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a package 20 wherein the package may be a box
having one or more walls 22 that define an interior storage space
30 for storing one or more absorbent articles 40. Each wall 22 has
an interior surface and an exterior surface, which forms the
interior surface and exterior surface 24 of the package 20. A wall
22 may be composed of different materials or may be composed of
substantially the same type of material. A wall 22 may be a
laminate of materials, such as paper and/or plastic. The package 20
comprises a composite window 90, which includes an actual window
(window) 50 and a graphic 60 of a window, referred to herein as a
"graphic". As used herein the term "composite window" refers to a
visual impression of a single (composite) window provided by an
actual window and a graphic, wherein the graphic is at least
partially continuous with or in close proximity to the actual
window, to provide a visual impression of a composite window that
is larger than the actual window. A composite window 90 can be of
any shape or size that provides a visual impression to a consumer
of a composite window that is larger than the actual window. A
package 20 can be of a size or shape that can contain absorbent
articles 40. As shown in FIG. 2 a cylindrical package 20 may have a
composite window 90, wherein the composite window 90 comprises a
window 50 and a graphic 60.
[0030] The term, "graphic" as used herein refers to a graphical
representation of a window disposed on the exterior surface of a
package, in such a manner as to provide a visual impression to a
consumer at the point of sale that the graphic is a continuation of
a window positioned on the package. In certain embodiments, in
addition to the graphical representation of a window the graphic
may include a graphical representation of absorbent articles
contained in a package. In other embodiments, the graphic may
include a graphical representation of absorbent articles other than
those contained in the package. The graphical representation of the
absorbent articles may be such that a consumer when viewing the
package would have the visual impression that the absorbent
articles were contained in the package, and viewable through a
window.
[0031] In certain embodiments, the materials that comprise a wall
22 of a package 20 can be relatively inflexible materials, such as,
cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic, paper, card
stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, or combinations thereof. In certain
other embodiments, a wall 22 of a package 20 can be made of a
relatively flexible material, such as, blown or cast film, fabric,
webs, or combinations thereof. The flexible material may comprise
polyethylene, metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn,
polyethylene terephthalate, biaxally oriented polypropylene, nylon,
natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. As used
herein the term "flexible" refers to materials, which are compliant
and deform in the presence of external forces.
[0032] A wall 22 can be folded and secured together to form a
package 20. A wall 22 can be secured together by any means known in
the art, such as through the use of an adhesive. When two walls 22
intersect they form an edge 25 of the package 20, for example each
wall 22 of a package 20 that has a box shape (as shown in FIG. 1)
will have four edges 25. The package 20 may also include a means
for accessing the interior storage space 30 for easy access to the
absorbent articles 40. The mechanism or means for accessing the
interior storage space 30 may include a line of perforations, tabs,
flaps, adhesive openings, combinations thereof, or any means for
accessing the interior storage space 30 known to those having
ordinary skill in the art.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 a package 20 includes at least one
transparent window 50. As used herein, "transparent" means having
the property of transmitting light without substantial scattering
so that absorbent articles, which are contained in the package 20
can be visible to a consumer through the window 50. A window 50 can
be formed by any means known in the art. The window 50 can comprise
a transparent covering, such as, for example, a transparent film.
In addition, or alternatively, the window 50 can comprise an
opening in the package 20 that does not include a covering. In
certain embodiments, the window 50 can comprise a transparent
covering that can be clear, translucent, and/or tinted. The
transparent covering can be tinted in a color or combination of
colors. The transparent covering can also, or alternatively, be
printed and/or embossed. In still other embodiments, the window can
be formed by differentiating the degree of window transparency from
the exterior surface of a package, such that the exterior surface
surrounding the window has a higher opacity or no transparency.
[0034] The window 50 can take any shape such as a circle, a square,
a rectangle, a trapezoid, an ellipse, a triangle or any other shape
that can be used to provide a view to a consumer of the absorbent
articles 40 contained in a package 20. For example, the window 50
shown in FIG. 1 has a shape that can be described as a swoop, or as
shown in FIG. 3 the window 50 and graphic 60 may be circular in
shape. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 in certain embodiments a
composite window 90 may take the shape of a product identifier such
as a brandname, trademark, logo, or indicia, such that some portion
of the composite window 90 is a window 50 and another portion a
graphic 60. The graphic 60 portion may be disposed at or near the
edge 25 of a package 20.
[0035] The window 50 and composite window 90 can have any size or
dimension that could be positioned on a package 20. In certain
embodiments, the window 50 is positioned such that at least some
portion of the absorbent articles 40 contained in the package 20
can be viewed through the window 50. This is beneficial at the
point of sale, in particular when an absorbent article 40 is in a
wrapper, such that consumers can view the wrapper through the
window 50.
[0036] In certain embodiments, as in FIG. 1 when a package 20 is a
box or cubicle in shape, a window 50 may be positioned on at least
one wall 22 of the package 20, such as the front wall, back wall,
top wall, bottom wall, and/or side walls, as determined by the
package's 20 intended positioning on the retail shelf. In addition,
there may be more than one window 50 positioned on a wall 22 of a
package 20. A window 50 may be at any position on a wall 22 of the
package 20. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5 a composite
window 90 having a window 50 and graphic 60 may be positioned on
more than one edge 25 of a package 20, such that the graphic 60 is
in contact with at least two adjacent edges 25 of a package 20.
Having a composite window 90 positioned on two adjacent edges 25 of
a package 20 allows a different portion of an absorbent article to
be viewable to a consumer, as compared to windows which are more
centrally positioned on a package. The exposure of an absorbent
article on two adjacent edges of a package is also useful to
highlight a feature of the absorbent article contained therein, or
some element of the absorbent article's packaging that may not be
viewable otherwise.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 6-8 in certain embodiments a composite
window 90 comprising a window 50 and at least two graphics 60, 60A
may extend from an edge 25 or edges 25 of a package 20 to an
opposing edge 25 or edges 25, thereby providing an even greater
visual impression to a consumer of the absorbent articles contained
in the package 20. For example, in certain embodiments, a composite
window 90 may extend from a top edge 25A of a package 20 to the
bottom edge 25B of a package 20 as shown in FIG. 6, from one side
edge 25C of a package 20 to an opposing side edge 25D of a package
20 as shown in FIG. 7, and/or in a diagonal direction as shown in
FIG. 8 wherein the composite window 90 extends from two adjacent
edges 25A, 25D of a package 20 to another two adjacent edges 25B,
25C of a package 20 in a diagonal direction.
[0038] In certain embodiments, a package may include two or more
composite windows such as shown in FIG. 9, wherein a package 20 has
two composite windows 90, 90A. The composite windows 90, 90A are
comprised of two windows 50, 50A and two graphics 60, 60A, wherein
the graphics 60, 60A are disposed on adjacent walls 22 of a package
20, such that a consumer is provided a visual impression of a
collective window 54. As used herein the term "collective window"
refers to a visual impression of a single (collective) window
provided by two or more composite windows 90, 90A, which share at
least a portion of one or more edges 25. In certain embodiments, as
shown in FIG. 10 there may be a collective window 54 comprising two
composite windows 90, 90A, wherein the graphics 60, 60A share at
least a portion of an edge 25 but are also in contact with one or
more other edges 25' of a package 20. In certain other embodiments,
as shown in FIG. 11 there may be a graphic 60 continuous with a
window 50 and a second graphic 60A continuous with a second window
50A which are positioned on adjacent walls 22 of a package 20, but
which form two individual composite windows 90, 90A. In still
further embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12 when a package 20 has
positioned thereon more than one window 50, 50A, not all of the
windows 50, 50A need to be continuous with a graphic 60. In certain
embodiments, a graphic 60 and a second graphic 60A may have a
different visual configuration, for example, the graphic 60 may be
a that of a female sanitary napkin and the second graphic 60A that
of an individually wrapped wipe.
[0039] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13 a package
arrangement 110 is provided which comprises two or more packages,
such as a package 20 and a second package 20A. In certain
embodiments, positioned on each individual package 20, 20A is a
composite window 90, 90A comprising a window 50, 50A and a graphic
60, 60A. The composite windows 90, 90A may be of a manner as shown
in FIG. 13, wherein when a package 20 is positioned adjacent to a
second package 20A at the point of sale, the composite windows 90,
90A positioned on each package 20, 20A provide a visual impression
to a consumer, such that the consumer perceives the two individual
composite windows 90, 90A as a window combination 100. As used
herein the term "window combination" refers to a visual impression
of a window formed when two packages are placed adjacent to each
other at the point of sale, such that the composite windows
positioned on the packages in combination provide the appearance of
a single (combination) window. In certain embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 14 the composite windows 90, 90A on the individual packages
20, 20A of a package arrangement 110 can be of such a shape that
when the packages 20, 20A are positioned adjacent to each other at
the point of sale the individual composite windows 90, 90A form a
window combination 100 that has a unique design or shape that
differs from each individual composite window 90, 90A. In certain
embodiments, the absorbent articles contained in each package 20,
20A of a package arrangement 110 are the same, in other embodiments
the absorbent articles contained in a package 20 differ from the
absorbent articles contained in a second package 20A.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 15, in certain embodiments, a composite
window 90 of a package 20 may comprise a window 50, which has
disposed thereon a window graphic 70. The term, "window graphic" as
used herein refers to a graphical representation of absorbent
articles disposed on a window of a package. The graphical
representation provides a visual impression to a consumer that the
absorbent articles are enclosed in the package and viewable through
the window. The window graphic 70 can be disposed on a portion of
the window 50, or across the whole area of the window 50. In
certain embodiments, the window graphic 70 and graphic 60 can
provide a common graphical representation of an absorbent article,
for example, both can provide the graphical representation to a
consumer of individually wrapped wipes viewable through a window.
In other embodiments, the window graphic 70 and graphic 60 can have
differing graphical representations of absorbent articles, for
example, the window graphic 70 can provide the graphical
representation to a consumer of individually wrapped wipes enclosed
by a window, and the graphic 60 the graphical representation of
feminine sanitary napkins enclosed by a window. Further, the window
graphic 70 may have disposed thereon a graphical representation of
an absorbent article which differs from the absorbent article
contained in the package 20.
[0041] In certain embodiments, a window may comprise from about 5%
to about 95% of the total surface area of a wall of a package, in
other embodiments from about 5% to about 75% of the total surface
area of a wall, in further embodiments from about 5% to about 50%
of the total surface area of a wall, and in another embodiment from
about 5% to about 25% of the total surface area of a wall. In
certain embodiments, absorbent articles can be positioned adjacent
the window such that at least a portion of an absorbent article,
can be visible through the window.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 1 the graphic 60 not only continues the
boundaries 52 of the window 50 towards the edge 25 of the package
20, but also depicts the same type of absorbent articles 40 that
are viewable through the window 50. The use of a graphic disposed
on a package provides several advantages. First, is the graphic
provides a visual impression to a consumer that a window extends to
the edges or corners of a package, without compromising the
structural integrity of the package. If a window extended to an
edge or corner of a package the structural integrity of the package
would be compromised, making the package and the absorbent articles
contained therein more susceptible to damage from pressure exerted
against the package. The visual impression of an increased number
of absorbent articles viewable through a window provides several
suggestions to a consumer. For example, the ability to extend the
window to the edge or corner of a package provides a consumer with
the belief that there are more absorbent articles contained in the
package than other packages having smaller windows. Further, the
ability to display more absorbent articles and/or the wrappers
containing the absorbent articles provides increased consumer
attention to the package. In addition, a graphic of an absorbent
article other than the absorbent article viewable through the
window of a package may be used. This would allow an absorbent
article not viewable through a window of a package to be perceived
by a consumer through the use of a graphic. It would also allow
consumers to view absorbent articles not contained in a package,
such as absorbent articles related those in the package, or not yet
marketed absorbent articles.
[0043] A graphic and/or window graphic may be provided by printing
or any other known means for providing a graphic. If printing is
used, the printing can be any conventional printing method or
technology known in the art, including, but not limited to, gravure
printing, flexo printing, offset printing, ink jet printing, and
the like.
[0044] The absorbent articles contained in a package can include
the same or two (or more) different absorbent articles. In certain
embodiments, the disposable absorbent articles contained in the
package are feminine hygiene articles such as feminine sanitary
napkins and pantiliners. In certain other embodiments as shown in
FIG. 1, a single type (or one design) of absorbent articles, such
as individually wrapped wipes 80 is contained in the package 20.
The absorbent articles 40 can be arranged to form a stack within
the interior storage space 30 of the package 40. The absorbent
articles 40 may be stacked in any orientation. For example, the
absorbent articles 40 may be stacked vertically, horizontally, or
at any angle inside the interior storage space 30 of the package
20. However, in certain embodiments, the absorbent articles 40 are
not stacked but simply placed in the package.
[0045] Referring back to FIG. 1, in certain embodiments a wipe 80
may be individually wrapped in a packet 82. Each packet 82 has an
exterior surface 84. The packet may be made of paper, metal foil,
polymer film, metalized polymer film, and/or other materials known
by one of ordinary skill in the art. When the wipe 80 is a wet
wipe, any material which can maintain the wetness of the wipe 80
can be used for the packet 82, for example, laminates with a layer
of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), propylene vinyl alcohol (PVOH),
or aluminum sandwiched between polymeric film layers, such as LDPE
(low density polyethylene). In certain embodiments, the packet 82
is flushable and disintegrates. Such flushable packets 82 may
include silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films, or films coated
with a polyvinyl alcohol, tissue coated or impregnated with
polyvinyl alcohol, or other water soluble materials.
[0046] In any of the embodiments, a packet 82 may be any desired
shape. For example, the packet 82 may be a square, rectangle, oval,
circle, or any other desired shape in plan view. The packet 82 can
include a means for unsealing (or opening) the packet 82 in order
to access a wipe 80. For example, the packet 82 can have a scored
or die cut line of weakness to allow the packet 82 to be opened
easily with a tab, easy peel label, or any other opening mechanism;
a "Dry-edge" sticker mechanism, such as, a sticker with a dry edge
for grasping; releasable adhesives; releasable heat and/or pressure
seals; perforations; rupture seals; tear seals; or the packet 82
can be made of a relatively easy to tear material such as, an easy
to tear film. The packet 82 may be resealable for disposal.
[0047] In certain embodiments, a packet containing an individually
wrapped wipe may be joined to an absorbent article. A packet may be
joined an absorbent article using methods known by one of ordinary
skill in the art, such as heat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic
seals, glue seals, and zippered track sealing systems, such as Dow
Company's "ZIP LOCKS". In certain embodiments, a product identifier
such as a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, indicia or
combinations thereof may be disposed on the exterior surface 84 of
a packet 82. The product identifier disposed on the exterior
surface 84 of a packet 82 may be the same as a product identifier
disposed on the exterior surface 24 of the package 20 in which the
packet 82 is contained.
[0048] A wipe may comprise a woven or nonwoven web of natural
fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic
fibers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,604 issued
Nov. 11, 2003 to Fereshtehkhou et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,354
issued May 13, 2003 to Fereshtehkhou et al. Natural fibers may
include cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, cotton, and
rayon. Synthetic fibers may include fibers commonly used in
textiles, such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polyester and
polypropylene fibers. In certain other embodiments, the wipe can
comprise a paper material, for example, paper material that is made
of a wet-laid material in a manner used to produce toilet tissue or
facial tissue. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise silk
and/or foam, such as foam disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345
issued Nov. 9, 1993 to DesMarais et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207
issued Feb. 7, 1995 to Dyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,704 issued
Oct. 6, 1998 to Shiveley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 issued
Aug. 27, 1996 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,909 issued Oct. 27,
1998 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,642 issued Apr. 2, 2002 to
Dyer et al. A wipe may be capable of being flushed in a toilet
(i.e., it is "flushable"). For example, the wipe may disintegrate
into pieces sufficiently small, such that when being transported in
the sewer system the pieces do not plug any element of the sewer
system.
[0049] A wipe can be any size or shape that may be used for
cleansing the skin, or for providing other benefits (as described
below) when using or changing an absorbent article. For example, in
certain embodiments, the wipe may be rectangular or circular. In
certain embodiments, a wipe may be about 4 square inches (about 25
square centimeters) in size to about 9 square inches (about 50
square centimeters) in size. In certain other embodiments, a wipe
may be between about 16 square inches (about 100 square
centimeters) in size to about 50 square inches (about 320 square
centimeters) in size.
[0050] A wipe may be apertured, textured, patterned embossed, dyed,
printed with ink, coated with clear polymer or colored polymer, or
combinations thereof. For example, the wipe may be printed or dyed
to give a visual signal of an active ingredient.
[0051] A wipe can be a wet wipe that comprises a liquid-based
solution. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise a nonwoven
fabric impregnated with the liquid-based solution. The liquid-based
solution can include, for example, surfactants, alcohols, fragrance
compositions, antimicrobial agents, pH buffers, anti-itch agents,
odor control agents, cooling agents, preservatives, combinations
thereof, or any other substances known in the art for inclusion in
wet wipes. A wipe can also contain substances such as silicones
that can inhibit body exudates from adhering to the user's body.
The liquid-based solution can also comprise a lotion, such as, for
example, an aqueous or non-aqueous lotion. In certain embodiments,
the lotion can increase the cleaning capabilities of the wipe by
aiding removal of soiling from the skin. The lotion can also
provide skin benefits by reducing friction between the skin and the
wipe, and/or between skin and the absorbent article, and/or by
containing materials that can soothe the skin, such as, for
example, aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile. Other embodiments can
include dry wipes or wipes containing non-aqueous cleaning
solutions such as, mineral oils, and the emollient described in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 issued Nov. 6, 1984 to Allen et al.
[0052] One or more fragrance compositions can be included in the
liquid-based solution in order to produce a scented wipe.
Alternatively, the one or more fragrance compositions can be
included in the wipe separately from any liquid-based solution such
as, for example, by applying the fragrance composition to the wipe
prior to addition of a liquid-based solution. The wipe can also
include a separate component such as, for example, a carrier
material comprising a fragrance composition. Additionally, the one
or more fragrance compositions can be disposed of together or
separately on at least a portion of the wipe.
[0053] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm."
[0054] 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 document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
[0055] 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.
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