U.S. patent application number 10/907389 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-19 for indicia of reduced diaper viewable through encasement.
This patent application is currently assigned to DIAPEROOS, LLC. Invention is credited to Alan Mr. Snell.
Application Number | 20090071862 10/907389 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34753887 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090071862 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Mr. Snell; Alan |
March 19, 2009 |
INDICIA OF REDUCED DIAPER VIEWABLE THROUGH ENCASEMENT
Abstract
A packaged diaper includes a compressible absorbent diaper
having a reduced configuration and an encasement in which the
diaper is disposed in the reduced configuration. The diaper further
includes indicia that is viewable when the diaper is in the reduced
configuration. The encasement has at least a portion thereof that
is substantially transparent for viewing of the diaper therein, and
the diaper is arranged in the encasement such that the indicia of
the diaper is viewable through the transparent portion of the
encasement. In a first reduced configuration that is generally
rectangular, the diaper includes a length between about 2 inches to
about 4 inches, a width between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches,
and a thickness between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches. In
another configuration that is generally cylindrical, the diaper
includes a diameter between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches
and a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches.
Inventors: |
Mr. Snell; Alan; (Idaho
Falls, ID) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TILLMAN WRIGHT, PLLC
PO BOX 473909
CHARLOTTE
NC
28247
UNITED STATES
877-248-5100
877-248-5100
|
Assignee: |
DIAPEROOS, LLC
520 Elliot Street Suite 200
Charlotte
NC
28202
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20050155898 A1 |
July 21, 2005 |
|
|
Family ID: |
34753887 |
Appl. No.: |
10/907389 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10/907,333 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
10907389 |
Mar 31, 2005 |
|
|
|
10/665,169 |
Sep 18, 2003 |
|
|
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10/907,333 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
|
|
|
60/660,792 |
Mar 11, 2005 |
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60/451,433 |
Mar 4, 2003 |
|
|
|
60/660,792 |
Mar 11, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.8 ;
206/438; 206/440 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 63/02 20130101;
A61F 13/55115 20130101; B65B 63/028 20130101; B65D 2203/00
20130101; B65D 85/07 20180101; G07F 11/62 20130101; B65B 31/024
20130101; A61F 13/84 20130101; B65D 81/2023 20130101; A61F 13/5511
20130101; A61F 2013/8497 20130101; B65D 77/02 20130101; A61F
13/15747 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.8 ;
206/438; 206/440 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/20 20060101
B65D081/20 |
Claims
1. A packaged diaper, comprising: (a) a compressed absorbent diaper
having a reduced, generally rectangular configuration in which the
diaper includes a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches,
a width between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches, and a thickness
between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, said diaper including
indicia that is viewable when said diaper is in said reduced
configuration; and (b) an encasement in which said diaper is
disposed in said reduced configuration, a configuration of said
encasement substantially conforming to said reduced configuration
of said diaper and said encasement having at least a portion
thereof that is substantially transparent for viewing of content
therein; (c) wherein said diaper is arranged in said encasement
such that said indicia of said diaper is viewable through said
transparent portion of said encasement.
2. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said diaper is
unsoiled.
3. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said diaper is the only
diaper disposed within said encasement.
4. The packaged diaper of claim 3, wherein said encasement
comprises a flexible material.
5. The packaged diaper of claim 3, wherein said encasement
comprises a rigid material.
6. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said diaper includes at
least one lengthwise fold.
7. The packaged diaper of claim 6, wherein said encasement
comprises a flexible material.
8. The packaged diaper of claim 6, wherein said encasement
comprises a rigid material.
9. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said indicia is printed
on a surface of said diaper.
10. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said indicia comprises
cartoon characters.
11. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said indicia comprise a
trademark.
12. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said indicia comprises
sizing information of said diaper.
13. The packaged diaper of claim 1, wherein said indicia
contributes to a disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing
the ability of another to readily identify the diaper upon casual
viewing.
14. A packaged diaper, comprising: (a) a compressed absorbent
diaper having a reduced, generally cylindrical configuration in
which the diaper includes a diameter between about 0.5 inches to
about 1.5 inches and a length between about 2 inches to about 4
inches, said diaper including indicia that is viewable when said
diaper is in said reduced, cylindrical configuration; and (b) an
encasement in which said diaper is disposed in said reduced
configuration, a configuration of said encasement substantially
conforming to said reduced configuration of said diaper and said
encasement having at least a portion thereof that is substantially
transparent for viewing of content therein; (c) wherein said diaper
is arranged in said encasement such that said indicia of said
diaper is viewable through said transparent portion of said
encasement.
15. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said diaper is
unsoiled.
16. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said diaper is the
only diaper disposed within said encasement.
17. The packaged diaper of claim 16, wherein said encasement
comprises a flexible material.
18. The packaged diaper of claim 16, wherein said encasement
comprises a rigid material.
19. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said diaper includes
at least one lengthwise fold.
20. The packaged diaper of claim 19, wherein said encasement
comprises a flexible material.
21. The packaged diaper of claim 19, wherein said encasement
comprises a rigid material.
22. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said indicia is
printed on a surface of said diaper.
23. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said indicia comprises
cartoon characters.
24. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said indicia comprise
a trademark.
25. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said indicia comprises
sizing information of said diaper.
26. The packaged diaper of claim 14, wherein said indicia
contributes to a disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing
the ability of another to readily identify the diaper upon casual
viewing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/907,333, filed Mar. 29, 2005,
which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which '333
application is: (1) a continuation-in-part of and claims priority
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/665,169, filed Sep. 18,
2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which
application is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/451,433, filed Mar. 4,
2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (2) a
nonprovisional application of and claims priority to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 60/660,792, filed on Mar. 11, 2005, which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. The present application
further is a nonprovisional application of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/660,792, filed on Mar. 11,
2005.
[0002] Moreover, the '169 application published on Sep. 9, 2004, as
U.S. patent application publication no. U.S. 2004/0176735 A1, which
publication is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The invention of the present application relates generally
to disposable packaged diapers and related infant and incontinent
adult care accessories. More particularly, the invention of the
present application relates to a reduced size packaged diaper, and
related infant and incontinent adult care accessories and kits.
[0004] Diapers are generally a necessity for very young children
and incontinent adults. Individuals incapable of controlling the
release of bodily waste in a manner sufficiently reliable to enable
the use of restroom facilities, and those caring for such
individuals, typically need to carry extra disposable diapers and
changing accessories. This is typically because it is difficult to
predict when a diaper worn by an individual may need to be changed.
Caretakers of babies and others requiring diapers often carry
spare, clean diapers for this reason.
[0005] Many of the following discussions and examples are directed
to use of diapers in infant care. However, it will be apparent that
many of the same considerations apply to use of diapers for
non-infant, incontinent persons.
[0006] Storage and carriage of clean diapers is often inconvenient.
For instance, disposable diapers are generally rather bulky items
not given to easy storage or carriage in a purse, pocket, or
otherwise about the person. In addition, the problem can be
acerbated in that diapers can be subject to expansion from the
typically somewhat compressed state in which they are normally
provided to consumers, especially in circumstances where the
diapers are subject to contact with other items within a storage
bag. For example, many disposable diapers are provided in a bi-fold
configuration meant to minimize the space taken in storing the
diaper. However, after being removed from their original packaging,
bi-fold diapers often unfold or otherwise expand to consume an even
larger storage space. Thus, disposable diapers can become more
bulky and difficult to carry than when in their nominal, packaged
condition.
[0007] In addition, it is often the case that it is not sufficient
to simply change a soiled diaper and replace it with a clean
diaper. For instance, cleaning of the individual who wore the
diaper may need to be performed with diaper accessories, such as
moist wipes. Also, it may be necessary to apply ointment or powder
to the individual wearing the diaper to treat or prevent incidents
of diaper rash or other skin conditions. Due to these
considerations, caretakers of individuals requiring diapers often
carry clean diapers and diaper changing accessories in a dedicated
container, is often referred to as a "diaper bag." By doing so,
when it becomes necessary to change a diaper, all of the materials
needed by the caretaker are available in one location.
[0008] While a conventional diaper bag provides a dedicated
container in which diapers and diaper accessories can be stored and
carried, the requirement of carriage of a diaper bag often adds to
the difficulty of a caretaker's responsibility. For example,
parents of young children often must carry a purse or briefcase for
the parent's own needs. In addition to this, the parent may need to
carry the young child; and, of course, the child's diaper bag. This
can leave the parent with no free hands for other tasks.
[0009] While conventional clean diapers and diaper changing
accessories can be stored and carried in other carrying containers
such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc., the bulky nature of
conventional disposable diapers results in the diapers occupying a
relatively large space within the carrying container. In addition,
diaper changing accessories such as moist wipes, ointment, powder,
etc., add to the space consumed by conventional clean diapers and
can be difficult to locate among other items stored in the
backpack, purse, case, or the like.
[0010] Where the diapers being carried by the caretaker are for
bottle feeding infants, the problems discussed above are further
exacerbated by the need to carry materials for feeding the baby. In
addition to the accouterment necessary to attending to changing the
baby's diaper, things such as bottles, nipples, containers of
formula or milk, etc., generally must also be carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OF THE PRESENT APPLICATION
[0011] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a packaged diaper that requires a relatively small amount
of storage space. In addition, it has been recognized that it would
be advantageous to develop a diaper and related accessory kit that
consumes a relatively small amount of space while providing
substantially all of the materials necessary to change an
individual's diaper. It has also been recognized that it would be
advantageous to develop an infant care kit that consumes a
relatively small amount of space while providing substantially all
of the materials necessary to feed the infant and change the
infant's diaper.
[0012] The invention of the present application provides a packaged
diaper, including a diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a
second, reduced size, the reduced size of the diaper being
convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper. An encasement
can also be provided, in which the diaper can be disposed in the
second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper so that
the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the encasement and so
that the diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
encasement.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided, including a
diaper, having a first, nominal configuration characterized by a
nominal length, width and height, and a second, reduced
configuration characterized by a second, reduced length, width and
height. The reduced length can be between about 2 inches to about 4
inches, the reduced width can be between about 1.0 inch to about
2.5 inches, and the reduced thickness can be between about 0.5
inches to about 1.5 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in
which the diaper can be disposed and retained in the second,
reduced configuration.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided, including a
diaper, having a first, nominal size and shape, and a reduced,
substantially cylindrical size and shape. The reduced,
substantially cylindrical shape can have a diameter between about
0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and a length between about 2 inches
to about 4 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in which the
diaper can be disposed and retained in the reduced, substantially
cylindrical shape.
[0015] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided, including a
diaper having a first, nominal volumetric configuration
characterized by a nominal length and width of the diaper, and a
second, reduced volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced
length and width of the diaper. An encasement can also be provided,
the encasement formed of a substantially air impermeable material.
The diaper can be disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced
volumetric configuration and the encasement can be at least
partially evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least
a partial vacuum state. Differential pressure within and without
the encasement can maintain the second, reduced volumetric
configuration of the diaper and the encasement can be sealed to
confine the diaper so that the diaper is returned to its nominal
volumetric configuration upon opening of the encasement.
[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) folding the diaper at least once along
both a lengthwise and a crosswise aspect of the diaper; b)
disposing the folded diaper within an encasement comprised of a
substantially air impermeable material; c) evacuating air from the
encasement and the folded diaper; and d) sealing the encasement to
maintain a vacuum created within the encasement and the folded
diaper.
[0017] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) volumetrically reducing a size of the
diaper to a size convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper;
b) disposing the volumetrically reduced diaper within an
encasement; and c) maintaining the volumetrically reduced size of
the diaper with the encasement.
[0018] In a more detailed aspect, the encasement can facilitate
this by virtue of its hoop strength and/or by means of a pressure
differential acting upon the encasement.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a diaper changing kit is provided and includes
a packaged diaper in accordance with one or more previously set
forth aspects of the invention of the present application, at least
one diaper accessory, and a container in which the packaged diaper
and the diaper accessory can be disposed. In a more detailed
aspect, the accessory can be one or more of: a) a moistened wipe;
b) baby powder; c) a medicament; d) a swab; e) a lotion; and, a
disposal bag for a dirty diaper. In another more detailed aspect
the container can be configured to have a first, oversized size and
shape and a second smaller size and shape, and to also function as
a disposal container for a dirty diaper.
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, an infant care kit is provided and includes a
diaper, a diaper accessory, a portion of infant food and an infant
feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can have a hollow
body and a nipple portion couplable thereto. The diaper, diaper
accessory, and portion of infant food can each be disposed in the
infant feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can be
configured to: i) contain each of the diaper, at least one diaper
accessory and at least one portion of infant food; and ii) upon
removal of the diaper and diaper accessory, receive the portion of
infant food within the hollow body and deliver the infant food to
an infant with the food delivery device. In a more detailed aspect
a warming pack can also be provided for warming the infant
food.
[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided, in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
densified diaper volumetrically reduced to a second reduced volume
and increased density from a first greater volume and lesser
nominal density. The reduction of the diaper can entail reduction
in one or more dimensions. An encasement can also be provided in
which the diaper can be disposed in the second reduced volume. The
encasement can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
the reduced volume by the encasement.
[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, an expandable diaper is provided and includes
a diaper being reduced to a second, reduced size from a first,
nominal size, the reduced size of the diaper being reduced in at
least two dimensional directions relative to the nominal size. An
encasement can also be provided in which the diaper can be disposed
in the second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper
so that the diaper is retained in the reduced size by virtue of the
encasement.
[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of the
present application, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0025] In addition to the foregoing, one or more other aspects of
the invention of the present application as found in the
provisional patent application incorporated by reference above each
relates to a method for miniaturizing a diaper. In this respect, a
preferred such method comprises: folding a diaper within a jig;
transferring the folded compressed diaper from the jig using a
clamping apparatus; inserting the folded compressed diaper into a
pliable bag; and vacuum sealing the bag thereby further
miniaturizing the diaper within the bag. The miniaturized finished
product preferably fits into a conveniently sized box for
eliminating the bulky nature of carrying bulky diapers within a
purse or other carrying case. Furthermore, the finished product is
condensed down to a firm and hard exterior surface, and may be
disguised in appearance, for example, to look like a candy bar
instead of a baby diaper or an adult diaper. The miniaturization
process can be readily adapted to mechanical application for
automatic manufacturing assembly line runs.
[0026] Additional features and advantages of the invention of the
present application will be apparent from the detailed description
which follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the
invention of the present application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1A is a top view of a diaper in a nominal
configuration;
[0028] FIG. 1B is a side view of the diaper of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 2A is a top view of a diaper in a volumetrically
reduced configuration;
[0030] FIG. 2B is a side view of the diaper of FIG. 2A;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a diaper;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 3A in
the process of folding the diaper along a lengthwise aspect of the
diaper;
[0033] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 3B in
the process of folding the diaper along a crosswise aspect of the
diaper;
[0034] FIG. 3D is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 3C being
disposed within an encasement;
[0035] FIG. 3E is a perspective view of the diaper of FIG. 3D held
under vacuum within the encasement of FIG. 3D;
[0036] FIG. 4 is an end view of a packaged diaper having a reduced
volume in a substantially cylindrical shape;
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a diaper kit;
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another diaper kit;
[0039] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a diaper wipe configuration
usable with the kit of FIG. 6 in one example;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an infant care kit;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a master container;
[0042] FIG. 9A is a top view of another diaper kit;
[0043] FIG. 9B is a side view of the diaper kit of FIG. 9A;
[0044] FIG. 9C is a side view of another example diaper kit;
[0045] FIG. 10A is a schematic view of one step of a process of
packaging a diaper;
[0046] FIG. 10B is a schematic view of another step of the process
of FIG. 10A;
[0047] FIG. 10C is a schematic view of another step of the process
of FIG. 10A;
[0048] FIG. 10D is a schematic view of another step of the process
of FIG. 10A;
[0049] FIG. 10E is a schematic view of another step of the process
of FIG. 10A;
[0050] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a diaper held by a
restraint;
[0051] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a diaper held by another
restraint;
[0052] FIG. 12 is a view of a bulky diaper in the hands of a
person;
[0053] FIG. 13 is a sketch of a diaper within a jig made for
holding and folding said diaper, with a person tucking the rough
edges inwardly;
[0054] FIG. 14 is a view of a diaper with one end being folded
inward;
[0055] FIG. 15 is a view of a diaper with the other end being
folded inward over the first fold;
[0056] FIG. 16 shows a hand clamp gripping a folded diaper;
[0057] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a folding jig facilitating
the hand clamp for inserting a diaper into a plastic bag;
[0058] FIG. 18 shows a hand clamp held by a person compressing a
folded diaper being inserted into a plastic bag;
[0059] FIG. 19 shows a folded and compressed diaper within a small
plastic bag;
[0060] FIG. 20 shows a folded, compressed, and vacuum-packed diaper
within the plastic bag of FIG. 19 after vacuum-sealing;
[0061] FIG. 21A is a schematic view of one step of a method of
packaging a diaper;
[0062] FIG. 21B is a schematic view of another step of the method
of FIG. 21A;
[0063] FIG. 21C is a schematic view of another step of the method
of FIG. 21A;
[0064] FIG. 21D is a schematic view of another step of the method
of FIG. 21A;
[0065] FIG. 21E is a schematic view of another step of the method
of FIG. 21A;
[0066] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a method for pressing a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0067] FIG. 23 is an illustration of another method for pressing a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0068] FIG. 24 is an illustration of another method for pressing a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0069] FIG. 25 is an illustration of another method for pressing a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0070] FIG. 26 is an illustration of another method for pressing a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a view of a fully extended diaper having indicia
thereon;
[0072] FIG. 28 is a view of the diaper of FIG. 27 with tucked end
margins;
[0073] FIG. 29A and FIG. 29B are views of the diaper of FIG. 28
with tucked side margins;
[0074] FIG. 30 is a view of the diaper of FIGS. 29A and 29B with a
crosswise fold;
[0075] FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B are views of the diaper of FIG. 30
after vacuum-packing;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a view of another fully extended diaper having
indicia thereon;
[0077] FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B are views of the diaper of FIG. 32
after tucking/folding and vacuum-packing;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a view of another fully extended diaper having
indicia thereon;
[0079] FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B are views of the diaper of FIG. 34
after tucking/folding and vacuum-packing;
[0080] FIG. 36A, FIG. 36B, and FIG. 37 are views of a kit having a
vacuum-packed diaper and diaper accessories, wherein indicia of the
diaper is visible through the encasement in which the diaper is
vacuum-sealed.
[0081] FIGS. 38-39 illustrate a disguisedly packaged absorbent
article wherein the package resembles a candy bar;
[0082] FIG. 40 illustrates the configuration of the absorbent
article disposed within the package of FIGS. 74-75;
[0083] FIG. 41 illustrates another disguisedly packaged absorbent
article wherein the package resembles a candy bar;
[0084] FIG. 42 illustrates the configuration of the absorbent
article disposed within the package of FIG. 41;
[0085] FIG. 43 illustrates another disguisedly packaged absorbent
article wherein the package resembles a pack of cigarettes;
[0086] FIG. 44 illustrates the absorbent article and accessories
contained within the package of FIG. 43;
[0087] FIGS. 45-46 illustrate another disguisedly packaged
absorbent article wherein the package resembles a mobile phone;
[0088] FIG. 47 illustrates separation of the encasement of FIGS.
45-46 resembling the mobile phone for accessing of the absorbent
article contained therein;
[0089] FIG. 48 illustrates the attachment of the clamping band to
the shells of the encasement of FIGS. 45-46 resembling the mobile
phone;
[0090] FIG. 49 further illustrates the package of FIGS. 45-46
following attachment of the clamping band as shown in FIG. 48;
[0091] FIGS. 50-51 illustrate another disguisedly packaged
absorbent article wherein the package resembles a pager;
[0092] FIG. 52 illustrates separation of the pager of FIGS. 50-51
for accessing of the absorbent article contained therein;
[0093] FIG. 53 is an illustration of a toy container;
[0094] FIG. 54 is an exploded view of the toy container of FIG.
53;
[0095] FIG. 55 is an illustration of another toy container;
[0096] FIG. 56 is an exploded view of the toy container of FIG.
55;
[0097] FIGS. 57-59 are illustrations of a toy container;
[0098] FIG. 60 is an illustration of a volumetrically reduced
diaper that is disposed within the toy container of FIGS.
57-59;
[0099] FIGS. 61-62 are illustrations of another toy container;
[0100] FIG. 63 is an illustration of a volumetrically reduced
diaper that is disposed within the toy container of FIGS.
61-62;
[0101] FIGS. 64-66 are illustrations of still yet another toy
container;
[0102] FIGS. 67-68 are illustrations of a volumetrically reduced
diaper that is disposed within the toy container of FIGS. 64-6;
[0103] FIG. 69 is an illustration of a method of making the
volumetrically reduced diaper of FIGS. 67-68;
[0104] FIG. 70 is an illustration of a vending machine;
[0105] FIG. 71 is cross-sectional illustration of the vending
machine of FIG. 70 taken along the line 71-71 in FIG. 70;
[0106] FIG. 72 is a photographic image of a COMBO PACK having a
first package and a second package according to an embodiment of
the invention of 60/660,792;
[0107] FIG. 73 shows a vacuum-packed diaper within the second
package of FIG. 72;
[0108] FIG. 74 shows the vacuum-packed diaper removed from the
second package of FIG. 73;
[0109] FIG. 75 is an illustration of a COMBO PACK having a first
package and a transparent encasement that contains a vacuum-packed
diaper according to another embodiment of the invention of
60/660,792;
[0110] FIG. 76 is an illustration image of a COMBO PACK that
includes a vacuum-packed diaper and a number of non vacuum-packed
diapers all contained within a first package according to yet
another embodiment of the invention of 60/660,792;
[0111] FIG. 77 is another view of the COMBO PACK of FIG. 76;
[0112] FIG. 78 illustrates a vacuum-packed diaper and a non
vacuum-packed diaper of FIG. 76 after having been removed from the
first package.
[0113] FIG. 79 is an illustration of a COMBO PACK having a first
package that includes a number of non vacuum-packed diapers and two
diapers that have been vacuum-packed together and that are
contained within the same transparent encasement, in accordance
with yet another embodiment of the invention of 60/660,792;
[0114] FIG. 80 illustrates three examples of vacuum-packed diapers
that may be combined with non-vacuum packed diapers of the first
packaged according to various embodiments of the invention of
60/660,792, including a "C" folded vacuum-packed diaper, a "twin"
pack of "C" folded vacuum-packed diapers, and a flat vacuum-packed
diaper;
[0115] FIG. 81 is an illustration of a COMBO PACK that includes a
vacuum-packed diaper within a second package, wherein the second
package is disposed within a first package that itself contains a
number of non vacuum-packed diapers, according to yet another
embodiment of the invention of 60/660,792;
[0116] FIG. 82 is an illustration of a COMBO PACK that includes a
first package of non vacuum-packed diapers and a vacuum-packed
diaper removably attached to the first package, according to an
embodiment of the invention of 60/660,792;
[0117] FIG. 83 is another view of the COMBO PACK of FIG. 82
illustrating, in part, the elephant cartoon character that is
prominently printed on the diaper through the transparent
encasement containing the vacuum-packed diaper;
[0118] FIG. 84 is an illustration of a COMBO PACK that includes a
vacuum-packed diaper and a number of non vacuum-packed diapers,
according to yet another embodiment of the invention of
60/660,792;
[0119] FIG. 85 is an illustration of an embodiment of a COMBO PACK
that includes within a first package not only the non vacuum-packed
diapers, but also a "6-Pack" dispenser which, itself, contains six
kits each having, inter alia, an individually vacuum-packed
diaper;
[0120] FIG. 86 is a photographic image of the "6-Pack" dispenser
removed from the first package of FIG. 85;
[0121] FIG. 87 is a photographic image of a kit (in this
embodiment, the container of the kit comprises a box) that is
partially removed from the dispenser of FIG. 86;
[0122] FIG. 88 is an illustration of three boxes, each of which is
used as a container for a kit in accordance with the invention of
60/660,792, with each kit including therein at least a
vacuum-packed diaper and wherein each box is removable from the
6-Pack dispenser of FIG. 86, which dispenser also is illustrated in
FIG. 88;
[0123] FIG. 89 is an illustration of still yet another embodiment
of a COMBO PACK that includes of a first package containing the non
vacuum-packed diapers and a kit containing, inter alia, a
vacuum-packed diaper;
[0124] FIG. 90 is an illustration of the kit of FIG. 89 removed
from the first package;
[0125] FIG. 91 is another view of the kit of FIG. 89 removed from
the first package, which view illustrates a panel of the box which
hinges;
[0126] FIG. 92 is still yet another illustration of the kit of FIG.
89 removed from the first packaged, the image comprising a close-up
of the side of the kit shown in FIG. 90 to illustrate a resealable
label that permits access to one or more contents of the kit;
[0127] FIG. 93 is an illustration of two additional kits that may
be used in various embodiments of the invention of 60/660,792;
[0128] FIG. 94 is an illustration of the other side of one of the
kits (the larger box) of FIG. 93;
[0129] FIG. 95 is an illustration of the other side of the other
kit (the smaller box) of FIG. 93;
[0130] FIG. 96 is an illustration of still yet another kit that may
be used in various embodiments of the invention of 60/660,792,
wherein the container of this illustrated kit comprises a bag made
from one or more flexible sheets or films;
[0131] FIG. 97 is another view of the kit of FIG. 96;
[0132] FIG. 98 is another view of the kit of FIG. 96;
[0133] FIG. 99 is another view of the kit of FIG. 96;
[0134] FIG. 100 is another view of the kit of FIG. 96 together with
a ruler illustrating the length of the kit to be approximately five
(5) inches;
[0135] FIG. 101 is another view of the kit of FIG. 96 together with
a rule illustrating the thickness of the kit to be approximately
two (2) inches;
[0136] FIG. 102 is an illustration of a preferred arrangement of
two 6-Pack dispensers and non-vacuum-packed diapers sandwiched
therebetween for disposition in a package to form a COMBO PACK;
[0137] FIG. 103 is an illustration of various package form factors
that can contain a vacuum-packed diaper for inclusion in a package
of diapers;
[0138] FIG. 104 is a view of a bulky diaper in the hands of a
person;
[0139] FIG. 105 is a sketch of a diaper within a jig made for
holding and folding said diaper, with a person folding the rough
edges inwardly;
[0140] FIG. 106 is a view of a diaper with one end being folded
inward;
[0141] FIG. 107 is a view of a diaper with the other end being
folded inward over the first fold;
[0142] FIG. 108 shows a hand clamp gripping a folded diaper;
[0143] FIG. 109 shows a hand clamp held by a person compressing a
folded diaper being inserted into a plastic bag;
[0144] FIG. 110 is a perspective view of a folding jig facilitating
the hand clamp for inserting a diaper into a plastic bag;
[0145] FIG. 111 a folded and compressed diaper within a small
plastic bag;
[0146] FIG. 112 a folded and compressed diaper within a small
plastic bag being positioned within a vacuum sealing machine;
[0147] FIG. 113 shows a vacuum sealed diaper within a plastic bag
held by a person;
[0148] FIG. 114 is an illustration of a bulky diaper in the hands
of a person;
[0149] FIG. 115 is an illustration of the diaper in a jig made for
holding and folding said diaper, with a person folding the rough
edges inwardly;
[0150] FIG. 116 is an illustration of a first end of the diaper in
the jig folded inwardly covering a middle portion of the
diaper;
[0151] FIG. 117 is an illustration of the other end of the diaper
folded in over the first end and middle portion thereby forming a
rectangular shape;
[0152] FIG. 118 is an illustration of a spring tensioned hand clamp
opened with one hand so as to have the upper flat rectangular jaw
and lower jaw placed over and under the completely folded
diaper;
[0153] FIG. 119 is an illustration of the spring tensioned hand
clamp and diaper retained therein;
[0154] FIG. 120 is an illustration of the spring tensioned hand
clamp and diaper retained therein;
[0155] FIG. 121 is an illustration of the folded diaper having been
compressed being inserted into an open end of an elastic pliable
resilient bag using the hand clamp and jig to facilitate
insertion;
[0156] FIG. 122 is an illustration of the folded diaper having been
compressed being inserted into an open end of an elastic pliable
resilient bag using the hand clamp and jig to facilitate
insertion;
[0157] FIG. 123 is an illustration of the folded diaper, compressed
by the hand clamp, being directly inserted into the open ended bag
by hand;
[0158] FIG. 124 is an illustration of the folded diaper, compressed
by the hand clamp, being directly inserted into the open ended bag
by hand
[0159] FIG. 125 is an illustration of the folded diaper fully
inserted into the bag;
[0160] FIG. 126 is an illustration of the folded diaper fully
inserted into the bag being placed into a vacuum sealing machine on
a deck thereof;
[0161] FIG. 127 is an illustration of the folded diaper fully
inserted into the bag being placed into a vacuum sealing machine on
a deck thereof;
[0162] FIG. 128 is an illustration of the folded diaper fully
inserted into the bag being placed into a vacuum sealing machine on
a deck thereof;
[0163] FIG. 129 is an illustration of a "Vac-U-Diaper" product
after the vacuum sealing machine vacuum seals and cuts the bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0164] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby
intended. Alterations and further modifications of the inventive
features illustrated herein, and additional applications of the
principles of the inventions as illustrated herein, which would
occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of
this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the
invention.
[0165] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 2B, an exemplary
packaged, disposable, diaper 10 is sized and shaped to consume a
considerably smaller volume and be more conveniently shaped than
conventional disposable diapers. As illustrated, the packaged
diaper 10 begins as a diaper 12 nominally sized and shaped in
accordance with conventional diapers. The diaper can be one of a
variety of types known to those in the art, and can be formed of a
variety of materials. The diaper can be disposable or
non-disposable (i.e., reusable).
[0166] As shown in FIG. 1A, the diaper begins with a first, nominal
volumetric configuration characterized by a nominal length L and
nominal width W of the diaper. As used herein, the term "nominal"
is understood to mean to be the normal, post manufacturing state in
which it is ready to be unfolded and worn, in reference to the
various dimensions of the diaper. Thus, the diaper 12 can have a
first size having a height, width and length of nominal size, such
as conventionally provided to consumers. While not so required, the
diaper 12 can include upper 12a and lower 12b portions, which can
correspond to a front and back of the diaper. Many conventional
diapers are provided with a front and back portion of different
configuration.
[0167] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example of a packaged diaper
10, after being prepared in accordance with the description to
follow below, includes a diaper 12 having a second, reduced
volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced length L.sub.2
and width W.sub.2 of the diaper 12. The reduced volumetric
configuration can differ from the nominal volumetric configuration
in width, height, thickness, volume and overall size. As will be
appreciated from the figures, not only is the volume of the
packaged diaper reduced overall, but in the example embodiment at
least two of the: 1) length; 2) width; and, 3) height, can also be
reduced. Thus, the diaper can be reduced in volumetric
configuration to consume much less space than the diaper consumes
when in the nominal configuration.
[0168] As mentioned, the diaper 12 can be disposed in an encasement
14, which can be formed of a substantially air impermeable
material. By disposing the diaper in the encasement in the second,
reduced volumetric configuration, a packaged diaper is provided
that consumes much less space than the when in its nominal
configuration. By "substantially air impermeable," what is meant is
that the permeability is low enough that the product has a
reasonable shelf life without significant expansion.
[0169] As an example, it has been found that by drawing a vacuum
down to about 5 Mbar at room temperature and pressure at a location
about 5,000 feet elevation above mean sea level, the volume of the
diaper can be reduced to as little as 1/3 or 1/4 that of the
nominal volume. Similar results are to be expected at locations of
different elevation. However, as is known, at lower elevations a
greater vacuum can be drawn to allow for subsequent transportation
of the packaged product to higher elevations. For example, vacuum
packaging using a vacuum down to 1 or 2 Mbar is common at lower
elevations. Thus, in the space required to store one conventional
diaper, three, four, or more, diapers packaged in accordance with
the invention can be stored. The reduced volume packaged diapers
are not only advantageous in reducing storage space, the space
required for packaging, shipping, etc., is also reduced, leading to
considerable cost savings in associated processes.
[0170] While the reduced volume configuration can be created and
maintained in a number of ways, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the packaged diaper 10 includes encasement 14, which can
encompass the reduced volume diaper. Once the diaper 12 is disposed
within the encasement, the encasement can be at least partially
evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least a partial
vacuum state. The evacuation of air from within the diaper and
encasement can be done in a number of ways, such as by conventional
vacuum-packing methods.
[0171] For example, according to at least one conventional
vacuum-packing method known to those skilled in the relevant art,
an article to be vacuum-packed is inserted into an unsealed
encasement formed of a substantially air impermeable flexible
material. The unsealed encasement with the article therein is then
placed onto the deck of a vacuum-sealing machine. The lid of the
machine is then lowered establishing a seal with the deck and to
define a chamber between the deck and the lid with the unsealed
encased article within the chamber. A pumping system then evacuates
ambient air from the chamber creating at least a partial vacuum
state within the chamber and within the interior space of the
unsealed encasement with the article therein. Sealing bars then
seal the encasement to maintain at least a partial vacuum state
therein. Ambient air pressure is then restored to the chamber
effecting a pressure differential across the sealed encasement.
Insofar as the article within the sealed flexible encasement is
compressible, the pressure differential acts upon the encasement to
compress the article and maintains the article in a reduced volume
that is less than the volume of the article at the time the
encasement was sealed (before ambient air pressure was restored to
the chamber). The lid of the machine is then raised and the
vacuum-packed article is available for removal from the
machine.
[0172] Upon evacuation of air from the encasement, the encasement
can be sealed, for example at an edge portion 16 to maintain the
vacuum within the encasement and diaper 12. In this manner a
differential pressure can be created within and without the
encasement to maintain the second, reduced volumetric configuration
of the diaper. While the encasement is shown in FIG. 2B as sealed
at an edge portion 16, it will be understood that the encasement
can be sealed conventionally in a variety of ways in a variety of
locations.
[0173] As the encasement 14 configured to confine the diaper 12 is
unsealed, the diaper is able to return to its nominal volumetric
configuration. That is, user can cut, tear, remove a portion of the
encasement, or otherwise break the airtight seal of the encasement;
after which, the diaper 12 will no longer be subject to confining
force due to the encasement and/or a pressure differential.
Unopposed rebound forces in the materials from which the diaper is
made will tend to return it to its nominal configuration. The
encasement can include a means to facilitate opening, such as a
notch or another intentionally formed discontinuity (not shown)
provided in the encasement to aid in opening the encasement. In one
embodiment a tear-away band, or the like, provided with a grasping
tab (not shown) can be provided to facilitate opening by rupturing
the encasement as it is pulled away therefrom. One of many other
well known ways to provide a more easily broken-open encasement can
be used to facilitate opening the packaging.
[0174] As described in further detail below, the reduced volumetric
configuration can be achieved in a number of ways, and in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the volumetrically reduced
configuration is created by foldingly reducing a length and width
of the diaper 12; increasing its thickness. The folded diaper is
then vacuum-packed to reduce its thickness (as well as its width
and length to a lesser extent). As used herein, the term "foldedly
reduced" is meant to indicate the case wherein a diaper is folded
or rolled over or under itself to thereby reduce a dimension of the
diaper.
[0175] While the final size of the reduced volume diaper can vary,
in one aspect of the invention, the reduced length and width can
each be less than about 1/2 of the nominal length and width,
respectively, of the diaper. In another aspect of the invention,
the foldedly reduced length of the diaper can be less than about
1/3 and/or 1/4 of the nominal length of the diaper. In this manner,
as shown by comparing FIGS. 1A and 1B with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
overall width and length of the diaper can be substantially
reduced. While a height dimension, corresponding to thickness, may
be increased, it is not increased to exceed the width or the length
of the diaper. This results in a more convenient and compact size
overall.
[0176] The inventor has found that a conventional size 6 diaper can
be reduced in size and volume from a nominal size of approximately
9'' long by 4.5'' wide by 1/4'' to 1'' in height/thickness
(depending on expansion after removal from conventional packaging)
to a reduced size of approximately 3.5'' long by 2.25'' wide by 1''
in height. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the packaged
diaper 10 can include a reduced volumetric shape configuration
which comprises a substantially rectangular shape, although other
shapes are contemplated as well, as discussed in further detail
below. In this manner, the packaged diaper can be easily carried,
handled and stored within a purse, pocket, bag or other place or
containment for carriage.
[0177] The packaged diaper in a densified state can thus be made
pocket sized, or pocketable. As used herein that means that it is
conveniently sized for carriage, for example about the size of a
conventional cigarette package or smaller. One way to characterize
this is that two of the three dimensions of height width and
length, when added together, are less than 10 cm, and the greatest
of the three does not exceed 10 centimeters. That said, all pocket
sized items may not strictly fit this definition, but it is a
definite guide in understanding what is meant by the term as used
herein.
[0178] It will be appreciated that in this example the invention
provides a compact, efficiently sized packaged diaper that requires
substantially less space than conventionally packaged diapers. The
invention can be advantageously utilized by a variety of persons,
including incontinent minors and adults, and caretakers of
individuals requiring diapers.
[0179] For example, parents of young children will benefit from the
invention in that one or more diapers 10 can be easily stored in a
pocket, or within a purse, briefcase, backpack or other storage bag
and consume relatively little space. Similar benefits can be
obtained with regard to incontinent adults, as adult diapers are
generally even more bulky and difficult to store and carry than are
smaller, children's diapers. Also, incontinent adults who may be
otherwise embarrassed by having to carry spare clean diapers will
likely find the packaged diapers in accordance with the invention
to be much more discreetly transportable, and therefore the
carriage of such spare diapers much less noticeable by others.
[0180] In addition, in one aspect of the invention a packaged,
pocketable diaper is provided and can include an encasement
configured to encase and confine a diaper disposed therein. A
diaper can be disposed within the encasement to be confined by the
encasement in a size that is volumetrically reduced relative to a
nominal size of the diaper. The volumetrically reduced size of the
diaper is characterized in that the diaper is pocketable upon a
person of an individual. As used herein, the term "pocketable" is
to be understood to indicate a configuration of the diaper in which
the diaper can be easily placed within and removed from a pocket of
an item of clothing or accessories worn or carried by individuals.
For example, the pocketable diaper can be held within a shirt,
jacket or pants pocket or stored or carried in a handbag, purse or
briefcase, etc., and can be substantially undetectable by other
individuals. In this manner, an incontinent adult can carry the
pocketable diaper without worrying that others will be aware that
the diaper is being carried. Also, an adult caretaker of an infant
can carry a diaper for the infant in a manner that does not detract
from a physical appearance of the adult and does not require
additional baggage.
[0181] In several embodiments of the invention, a reduced diaper is
provided. The reduced diaper is densified by volumetric reduction
from a first greater volume and lesser nominal density to a second
reduced volume and increased density. An encasement can also be
included and the diaper can be disposed in the encasement in the
second reduced volume. The encasement can thereby confine the
reduced diaper so that the diaper is retained in the reduced volume
by the encasement. The volumetric reduction can entail dimensional
reductions in width, thickness, length, and diameter. In this
manner, a volumetrically reduced, space-efficient densified diaper
is provided that can be easily stored and carried by an individual
in a discreet manner. Upon release of the reduced diaper from the
encasement, the diaper can be volumetrically expanded and used in
the same manner as conventionally packaged diapers.
[0182] As used herein, the term "encasement" is to be understood to
encompass a broad range of materials and configurations for
containing or restraining or enclosing a volumetrically reduced
diaper. For example, the encasement may completely encompass a
diaper and hold the diaper under a vacuum seal or other pressure
differential. In addition, the encasement may only partially
encompass the diaper to maintain the compressed state of the
diaper. Moreover, it is intended to be understood herein to be
synonymous with restraint (as discussed below) or enclosure, or
containment, in this context. The salient point being that it
constrains, by some means, the densified diaper from expanding.
Other encasements besides the examples shown can also be utilized,
as would occur to one skilled in the art.
[0183] Shown in series in FIGS. 3A through 3E is one aspect of the
invention in which a diaper is reduced from its nominal volume or
size to a reduced volume or size. Diaper 12 begins with a nominal
volumetric configuration, sized and shaped as may be conventionally
provided by a manufacturer of the diaper. In this embodiment, the
diaper is reduced in volume by fold 17 along a lengthwise aspect of
the diaper, shown at line 18. In FIG. 3C, the diaper 12 is folded
at 19 along a crosswise aspect of the diaper, shown at line 20.
Progressing to FIG. 3D, once the diaper has been folded a desired
number of times; the folded diaper is disposed within encasement
14, which is formed of a substantially air impermeable material.
Encasement 14 can then be evacuated to form a relative vacuum
within the encasement, after which the encasement can be sealed to
maintain the vacuum in the diaper and the encasement.
[0184] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
process of forming a vacuum within the diaper and the encasement
will extract at least a portion of air contained within the diaper.
By removing a majority of excess air from the diaper, the diaper
can be compressed upon itself by atmospheric pressure and consume a
reduced amount of space corresponding to the amount and volume of
air removed from the diaper.
[0185] In addition to the process illustrated in FIGS. 3A through
3E, in another aspect of the invention, a method of packaging a
diaper is provided and includes the steps of volumetrically
reducing a size of the diaper to a size convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. The volumetrically reduced diaper can then
be disposed within an encasement. The volumetrically reduced,
convenient size of the diaper can be maintained by a pressure
differential acting upon the encasement. As used herein, the term
"convenient size" is understood to refer to a size and
configuration of a diaper that can be easily and conveniently
stored in a pocket, handbag, purse, etc., and consume very little
space within the pocket, handbag, etc. Such a size will be
appreciated to be essentially a "pelletized" or "capsulated" or
"pocket sized" or "pocketable" (as defined above) version of the
diaper, having bulk due to air spaces removed, and will be
generally cylindrical, rectangular, etc, and can have rounded or
square corners. Generally, the largest dimension will be about four
inches or less. However, for certain specialized applications such
as kits contained in a feeding bottle, a longer, more "sticklike"
shape may be used in one embodiment. But likewise a cylindrical or
square configuration having height, width, and length dimensions of
roughly equal magnitude can also be advantageous in such a kit in
another embodiment. The salient point is that the size is
convenient to carry and conceal.
[0186] The size of the diaper can be volumetrically reduced in a
number of manners, including pressing the diaper into a mold or
other cavity. In this example, the encasement in which the diaper
is disposed can be sized and shaped to correspond closely to the
volumetrically reduced size of the diaper. Once disposed within the
encasement, the force applied to compress the diaper into the mold
can be released, after which the diaper will tend to return to its
nominal size and shape, but will be restrained by the encasement.
The pressure differential acting upon the easement will thus be the
result of the diaper tending to expand into its nominal
configuration. An equilibrium will be reached between a) the
restoring force tending to expand the diaper; and b) a combination
of the hoop strength (resistance to expansion of the encasement via
deformation of the encasement) and the pressure differential
tending to compress the diaper. Depending on the material from
which the encasement is made, this can be made to be predominantly
hoop strength or predominantly air pressure differential.
[0187] While the example packaged diaper shown in many of the
figures of this disclosure includes a generally rectangular shape,
it is contemplated that the volumetrically reduced diaper can be of
a variety of sizes and shapes. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4,
volumetrically reduced diaper 12a can have a substantially
cylindrical shape. This embodiment may be beneficial, for example,
in applications in which the diaper is to be stored in rounded or
cylindrical receptacles, such as cans or tubes. As will be
appreciated, by forming encasement 14a from a flexible,
substantially air impermeable material, a vacuum formed within the
encasement will force the encasement to conform to the general
shape of the reduced volume diaper. In this manner, the diaper can
be formed in a variety of reduced volume shapes for a variety of
applications.
[0188] In another example embodiment the encasement shape can
control the shape of the packaged diaper. For example, a diaper can
be compressed into an encasement within a mold cavity which
encasement has a shape which essentially follows the shape of the
mold. Thereafter the encasement maintains that shape, though the
diaper may expand slightly against the hoop strength, air pressure
differential, or combination thereof.
[0189] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another aspect of the invention
a diaper kit 40 is provided. The kit can include a packaged diaper
10 in accordance with the embodiments discussed above and at least
one diaper accessory 42. A container 44 is also provided, in which
each of the packaged diaper and the diaper accessory are disposed.
The diaper accessory can be a variety of items, including, but not
limited to, a diaper rash ointment or other medicament, talcum
powder/baby powder, a lotion, moist or dry wipes, cotton swabs,
dirty diaper disposal bag, etc., as may be needed in caring for an
infant or incontinent person, as will be known to one skilled in
the art of providing products for care of such persons. In the
example embodiment shown, a packet of ointment 42A is included in
the kit, as are moist wipes 42B.
[0190] Thus, in one example, substantially all of the materials
necessary for changing a soiled diaper are provided in a small,
space optimized kit that can be easily carried or stored by a
caretaker of an individual requiring diapers. The kit can be
advantageously used as a daily staple of caretakers, or may be used
in specialized circumstances such as outdoor activities, travel, or
business or recreational events away from home, or other situations
in which space and convenience of carriage may be of a premium. In
such circumstances the caretaker may wish to minimize the number of
articles needing carriage, and can advantageously carry one or two
kits, as may be needed, and dispense with the conventional diaper
bag that would otherwise have to be carried during the event or
activity. Also, the reduced size of the present diaper kit can
allow one or more kits to be stored in an out-of-the-way location,
such as a glove box of a car, and retrieved in "emergency"
situations in which spare diapers were forgotten or consumed.
[0191] In another embodiment, the kit can be configured for use by
an incontinent adolescent or adult. The kit can further include
supplies to touchup stains on clothing. It can contain a small
container of perfume or cologne, a small container of odor reducing
spray, or other items which an incontinent adult may find needful
and reassuring to carry, in addition to supplies which customarily
may be needed to change a diaper, including a clean diaper, wipes,
and lotion, ointment or other medicament, to name some
examples.
[0192] As shown in FIG. 5, the diaper kit 40 can include a
container 44 that is substantially rectangular in shape. Such kits
can be easily stacked and stored and will fit neatly into a pocket,
purse or other baggage. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,
the container 46 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In this
embodiment, the diaper 12b can be formed in a cylindrical shape, or
other shape to facilitate maximum use of available space within the
cylindrical container. Also included in the illustrated example
shown in FIG. 6 are moist wipes 42C which can be arranged in a
disk-like or toroidal configuration for disposal within the
cylindrical container. With reference to FIG. 6A, the individual
wipes 43 are accordion folded, then rolled about an axis 45
transverse to the folds. A surprisingly large number of wipes thus
configured can be fit into a surprisingly small space. In this
manner, 6 or 7 wipes or another selected number of wipes can be
stored within the container 46 to ensure ample supply.
[0193] In another aspect of the invention, illustrated by example
in FIG. 7, an infant care kit 49 can be provided which includes a
diaper 50, one or more diaper accessories 52 and a portion of
infant food 54. An infant feeding bottle assembly is also provided
having a hollow body 56 and a nipple food delivery portion 58 of
the device couplable thereto. A cover 59a or 59b can be provided,
which keeps the feeder portion sanitary. This can be a throwaway
tear-off film cover (e.g. 59b) or a more conventional replaceable
cap (e.g. 59a). The feeding apparatus can be single use (i.e.,
disposable) or reusable. As shown, the diaper, diaper accessory,
and portion of infant food can be disposed within the infant
feeding assembly for convenient carriage. The infant feeding
assembly can thus be configured to: i) contain each of the diaper,
diaper accessory and portion of infant food; and ii) upon removal
of the diaper and diaper accessory, receive the portion of infant
food (and water, if applicable) within the hollow body and thereby
enable delivery of the infant food to an infant via a food delivery
device erstwhile acting as a container for the kit. In one
embodiment the nipple portion can be configured for delivery of
baby formula, and in another embodiment it can be configured for
delivery of a flowable baby food such as a formula/cereal mixture,
creamed vegetables or fruit, or the like. In one embodiment the
baby food can be in powder form, reconstituted by addition of
water. A chemical warming pack (similar to or the same as a
conventional hand warming pack) can be provided for use in warming
the baby formula or other baby food.
[0194] In this example implementation, substantially all of the
materials necessary to feed and change a diaper of an infant are
provided in a compact, easily carried kit. A caretaker of the
infant can use the kit to store the provided items, and when
desiring to feed the infant, can prepare the portion of infant food
and feed the infant with the infant feeding assembly, shown in this
embodiment as similar to a conventional baby bottle, but provided
with a detachable bottom.
[0195] As shown in the illustrated example, the hollow body 56 of
the feeding assembly 49 can be substantially cylindrical in shape,
although other shapes are also contemplated, such as squared,
triangular, and other polyhedral cross-sectional shapes. The
portion of infant food can include a variety of foods suitable for
consumption by infants, including powdered baby formula and
condensed baby formula, freeze dried, powdered, concentrated
creamed vegetables and fruits and other baby foods, as well as
cereal mixes, etc. A caretaker can easily remove all items from the
feeding assembly, configure it for feeding, and returning the
portion of infant food (with water, as mentioned, if necessary, or
other fluid which can be added to the infant food) and the food can
be fed to the infant via a food delivery device 58, a conventional
baby bottle nipple in the illustrated embodiment.
[0196] In one embodiment, the feeding apparatus can include a
double wall configuration to provide increased insulation so as to
keep formula or other baby food at a desired temperature for a
longer period of time. To facilitate this, or, to provide initial
warming when hot potable water is unavailable, a heat source 55, as
mentioned, can also be disposed within the feeding assembly. The
heat source can be configured to provide heat for warming the
portion of infant food, as well as any fluid having been added to
the infant food. In situations where it may be necessary to add
cold fluid such as milk or water to the infant food, the fluid and
food can be warmed to a temperature well tolerated and more
acceptable to an infant. As mentioned, the heat source can be a
conventional chemical heating apparatus, such as those producing an
exothermic reaction when two or more separate materials are mixed,
or are exposed to air. These can be packets of reactants in
granular form, chemically activated gel heating sources, etc. The
feeding apparatus can be configured to cooperate with the heat
source to heat the baby formula or other food. In one embodiment,
the kit can include an outer container (not shown) which is the
outer wall of the double wall configuration mentioned. This can be
a continuous wall, or can comprise vents (e.g. to expose air to
air-reactant heating pads). A mesh or other textile can be used as
the material forming the outer containment in which the infant
feeding assembly is disposed. The outer container can be configured
to receive and protect the feeding assembly and can also encompass
the heating source to maintain close contact between the heating
source and the hollow body 56.
[0197] In another embodiment, the heat source can be some other
means of providing heat, for example provision of a metal outer
sleeve, annular space for water, and inner container for formula or
food enabling use of a cigarette lighter, a solar reflector or
magnifier, or some other higher temperature heat source to heat the
outer sleeve and still enable more gentle warming of the contents
of the inner sleeve. Such an arrangement would also facilitate
rapid cooling of the outer sleeve after removing the high
temperature heat source so that it can be safely handled, enabling
removal of the inner sleeve for feeding for example.
[0198] In another example embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIG. 8, a plurality of single use packaged diapers (not shown), or
diaper kits 40,40A can be provided packaged together, each stacked
vertically in a master container 60. The master container 60 can
include a removable access panel (previously removed in FIG. 8)
through which one 40 of the plurality of containers can be
accessed. Providing for the removable access panel can be in one of
a variety of ways known to those in the art, including a perforated
removable panel or hinged panel. A bottom 62 of the access panel
can be disposed in the master container 60 in a location vertically
displaced from a bottom 64 of the master container by a distance
substantially equal to a height "h" of the container. It has been
found that having the last container to be used positioned below
the access panel helps keep the shape of the master container and
improves appearance over the dispensing life of the product.
[0199] In this manner, as a kit is removed from the master
container, the kit immediately above the removed kit will fall into
place to be easily removable from the master container. Notches 66
can be provided adjacent the removable panel to enable easy
withdrawal of kits through the panel. The master container 60 can
be used to package and ship a number of kits 40, and advantageously
also used to dispense the kits at a retail center or other point of
sale. While the master container shown in FIG. 7 is configured to
store and dispense 6 diaper kits, master containers configured to
store and dispense fewer or more kits can also be provided, and
include two or more access panels disposed and oriented in a
variety of locations on the master container.
[0200] Illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is a diaper kit 68 in
accordance with another example implementation of the invention. In
this embodiment, a diaper 70 and various diaper accessories 72 are
contained within an encasement 74. The accessories can include baby
ointment, baby wipes, powder, etc. as discussed above. In this
example the accessories include baby ointment 72A and wipes 72B.
Other accessories can be substituted or additionally included.
Shown at 76 are seams formed in the encasement defining adjacent
compartments that can each hold a different product. The seams can
separate products to enable differing treatment of the products in
relation to the encasement. For instance, diaper 70 can be disposed
in the encasement in a reduced volumetric configuration, as
discussed above, and the encasement can be evacuated and
vacuum-sealed about the diaper. However, the baby ointment 72A can
be vacuum sealed (if already packaged in an impermeable containment
without excess air) but need not be vacuum sealed (indeed it may be
difficult to do so if not already packaged) in its corresponding
compartment. Likewise the wipes 72b are not vacuum packed, but
could be if previously enclosed in an impermeable containment
without excess air.
[0201] While it may be desirable to vacuum-pack the diaper 70, and
it is possible to do so with some accessories, it may be the case
that certain accessories are not well suited to such an
arrangement. For instance, with regard to the previously mentioned
examples of ointment 72a and wipes 72 not pre-packaged, baby wipes
are often saturated or at least moisture-laden with a liquid
cleaning compound similar in appearance to soapy water, to aid in
the cleaning process associated with changing diapers. When
subjected to a vacuum, the moisture may be withdrawn from the
wipes, leading to poor performance of the wipes. In addition, if
undue moisture is removed during the vacuum process, the moisture
may interfere with sealing the encasement once vacuum has been
drawn, leading to premature breach of the encasement. The same
applies to the ointment, it would be likewise problematic to vacuum
pack it, even more so. Thus, for some products a vacuum seal may
not be desirable or necessary, and those products can be sealed in
the encasement without being placed under vacuum.
[0202] To address these issues, the invention in one embodiment
advantageously provides a diaper kit that can include differently
and variably treated compartments. In the example shown, the
compartment containing the diaper 70 can be treated with a vacuum
to aid in maintaining the volumetrically reduced configuration of
the diaper. The compartment holding the ointment 72A may or may not
be vacuum treated, as the situation dictates. The compartment
holding the wipes 72B can be simply sealed to retain the moisture
in the wipes without drawing any moisture out with a vacuum
process. Other compartments (not shown) can be treated according to
the product stored in each one.
[0203] In addition to the compartmentalized encasement shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, it is contemplated that in another example
embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 9C, one can provide a
diaper kit 68' in which all of the components of the kit are
contained in an encasement 74' and sealed under vacuum. For
example, the diaper wipes 69 and/or other accessories can be
pre-packaged in one or more casings 74'' with liquid and wipe
material therein. In this way, both a diaper and one or more
accessories, together forming a single use kit, can be integrally
packaged in one encasement 71', and can all be accessed once the
encasement has been breached.
[0204] With reference to FIGS. 10A through 10E, in one embodiment
of the invention the encasement in which the volumetrically reduced
diaper is disposed can contain the diaper without any substantial
pressure differential acting upon the encasement. One illustrative
process in which this can be achieved is illustrated in FIGS. 10A
through 10E. In this embodiment, a "loose" diaper 80 is placed
within a chamber 84B with a pair of encasement shells 82 disposed
adjacent ends of the diaper. Rams 86 and 88 can be activated to
compress the diaper into a volumetrically reduced configuration, as
illustrated in FIG. 10B. Once optimal reduced volume is achieved,
the diaper/shell assembly can be moved adjacent a channel 85
defined between the chambers 84A and 84B, as illustrated in FIG.
10C.
[0205] Channel 85 can provide access to the diaper/shell assembly
to enable attachment of a clamping strap 90 to the shells 82. The
strap can aid in maintaining relative position of the shells 82
after the pressure applied to reduce the volume of the diaper is
released. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10E, the rams 86, 88 and chambers
84 can be removed from contact with the diaper, and the encasement
maintains the diaper/shell assembly in the volumetrically reduced
configuration. In this manner, it is not necessary to apply a
vacuum to the encasement to create and maintain the volumetrically
reduced size of the diaper. In another embodiment, the encasement
can be made air tight by application of the clamping strap, and
thus a combination of differential pressure and hoop strength of
the encasement can contain the diaper after the encasement expands
to an equilibrium state.
[0206] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in one aspect of the
invention, a restraint 92 can be provided in which the diaper 12
can be disposed a second, reduced size, relative to a first,
nominal size. The restraint 92 can confine the diaper so that the
diaper is retained in its reduced size by the restraint and so that
the diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
restraint. The restraint can be a strap or a series of independent
or interconnected straps, or, as shown in FIG. 11B, the restraint
94 can include a webbed material. The restraint can be formed of a
material having sufficient strength to retain the diaper 12 in the
reduced size, but can be removed by a consumer to release the
diaper into the first, nominal size, for example by exploiting an
engineered weakness, as is conventionally provided in "tear-away"
packaging closures.
[0207] An embodiment of a method for packaging a diaper very
compactly by folding and vacuum-sealing is shown in FIGS. 12-19.
First, a bulky diaper 6012 as shown in FIG. 12 is inserted into a
U-shaped elongated open-ended forming jig 6014 as shown in FIG. 13
with the outside 6016 of diaper facing down into the jig and the
inside 6018 of the diaper facing up and out of the jig. The ragged
elastic banded edges of the diaper are tucked inward so as to
obtain a smooth clean line exterior.
[0208] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, a first end, such as end
6022, then is folded inwardly covering a middle portion of the
diaper, and then the other end 6026 is folded in over the first end
6022 and middle portion to form a rectangular shape of the diaper
as shown in FIG. 15.
[0209] A spring-tensioned hand-clamp 6030 then is opened to receive
the completely folded diaper between an upper flat rectangular jaw
6034 and a lower jaw 6036, as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, the
clamp 6030 and a hand 6038 each compress the diaper 6028 as shown
in FIG. 16.
[0210] The compressed, folded diaper 6028 then is inserted into an
open end of a pliable, resilient bag 6042. The diaper is inserted
into the bag using the hand clamp 6030 and jig 6014 to facilitate
the insertion as shown in FIG. 17, or, alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 18, the compressed, folded diaper 6028 is directly inserted
into the open-ended bag 6042 without the jig.
[0211] The folded diaper 6028, fully inserted into the bag 6042
(FIG. 19), is then placed onto the deck of a conventional
vacuum-sealing machine, such as a vacuum sealing-machine sold under
the trademark SUPERVAC. The lid of the machine is fastened down and
the vacuum-sealing machine vacuum-seals and cuts the bag to form a
finished product as shown in FIG. 20.
[0212] The finished product is very firm and dense, looks like a
taffy candy bar, and is comparable in size to a candy bar. In one
embodiment, the finished product, i.e., a vacuum-sealed diaper
package, measures approximately 1 inch by 2 inches by 11/2 inches,
and fits into a box for convenient carrying within a purse.
[0213] Additionally, printing on the outside of the diaper is
visible through the bag 6042 as shown, for example, in FIG. 20.
Alternatively, the printing on the outside of the diaper may be
disposed within the folded diaper by first folding end 6026
inwardly covering a middle portion of the diaper and then folding
the end 6022 in over the end 6026 and middle portion to form the
rectangular shape of the diaper.
[0214] One or more embodiments of the invention relate to a method
of packaging a diaper using a conventional vacuum-sealing machine.
As shown in FIG. 21A, a compressible absorbent diaper 104 is
disposed within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement
102 and the unsealed encasement 102 with the diaper 104 therein is
then placed onto the deck 106 of the vacuum-sealing machine. The
lid 108 of the machine is then lowered as shown in FIG. 21B
establishing a seal with the deck to define a chamber 110 with the
unsealed encased diaper within the chamber. A pumping system 112
then evacuates ambient air from the chamber 110 creating a vacuum
state within the chamber and within the interior space 103 defined
by the encasement with the diaper 104 therein. Sealing bars 114
then seal the encasement as shown in FIG. 21C such that the
interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement 102
is completely sealed and such that the compressible absorbent
diaper 104 is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space
103. As shown in FIG. 21D, ambient air pressure is then restored to
the chamber effecting a pressure differential across the sealed
encasement that acts upon the encasement to compress the
compressible absorbent diaper 104 and maintains the diaper in a
reduced volume (FIG. 21D) that is less than the volume of the
diaper at the time the encasement was sealed (FIG. 21C, before
ambient air pressure was restored to the chamber). As shown in FIG.
21E, the lid 108 is then raised and the vacuum-packed diaper 116 is
available for removal from the machine.
[0215] In addition to all of the foregoing, various preferred
methods of vacuum-packing a diaper also may include pressing at
least a portion of a vacuum-packed diaper and/or its encasement
with a smooth surface in order to achieve a smooth planar for
aesthetic appeal. Indeed, as will now be appreciated by the
Ordinary Artisan in view of the foregoing disclosure, a
compressible article such as a diaper that is vacuum-packed will
exhibit wrinkling and bunching. Furthermore, an air impermeable
encasement enclosing such an article will conform to any such
bunching and wrinkling of the contained diaper as well as will be
prone to forming its own undesirable wrinkles, puckers, and other
undesirable flaws during vacuum-packing. In accordance with the
invention, one or more preferred embodiments address this aesthetic
concern by pressing at least a portion of the diaper and/or
encasement in order to flattening a face of the diaper and/or
encasement. The pressing may occur before vacuum-packing, after
vacuum-packing, during vacuum-packing, or any combination
thereof.
[0216] For example, in FIGS. 13-15, portions of the outside of the
diaper are pressed by the floor of the U-shaped jig as the diaper
is foldedly reduced in the jig. For further example, as shown in
FIG. 16, prior to being disposed within an encasement, the diaper
is pressed within the clamp 6030 between the flat jaws thereof that
comprise essentially planar surfaces. As further shown in FIG. 18,
the clamp can be used to press at least a portion of the diaper
while the diaper is being inserted into and/or is otherwise
disposed within an encasement.
[0217] In another example, as shown in FIG. 22, a vacuum-packed
diaper 122 is pressed between the essentially planar surface 126 of
a conveyor belt 128 and the essentially planar surface 130 of a
press 132. A vacuum-packed diaper 120 prior to pressing appears
wrinkled with creases in the transparent material of the encasement
that tend to distort or block view of the diaper within, as shown
in FIG. 22. In contrast thereto, a vacuum-packed diaper 124 after
pressing exhibits an aesthetically pleasing appearance with indicia
134 printed on the diaper being visible through a substantially
smooth planar face of the transparent material of the encasement.
Note that in this example, the encasement of the vacuum-packed
diaper is pressed by the conveyor belt and the press providing a
generally smooth planar face in the top as well as the bottom of
the encasement. Note furthermore that the encasement is formed of a
material that is at least somewhat flexible, whereby the diaper
within the encasement is pressed by the conveyor belt and press,
too, resulting in generally smooth planar faces in the top and
bottom of the diaper.
[0218] Another example of pressing is shown in FIG. 23, wherein a
vacuum-packed diaper 138 is pressed between the essentially planar
surfaces of a pair of presses 142. A vacuum-packed diaper 136 prior
to pressing appears with wrinkles and creases whereas a
vacuum-packed diaper 140 after pressing assumes a generally smooth
planar appearance believed to be aesthetically pleasing. As in the
previous example, the vacuum-packed diaper 140 is substantially
flattened and the encasement includes generally smooth oppositely
facing planar faces 144,146.
[0219] In yet other examples of pressing shown in FIGS. 24-26,
vacuum-packed diapers are pressed with the generally smooth
circular surfaces of rollers. In particular, in FIG. 24, an upper
surface 152 of vacuum-packed diaper 150 is pressed by a roller 154
as the diaper progresses along a conveyor belt 156. In FIG. 25,
respective upper and lower surfaces 158a and 158b of a
vacuum-packed diaper 162 are pressed by respective opposing rollers
164a and 164b. In FIG. 26, a first pair of opposing rollers
166a,166b is sequentially arranged with a second pair of opposing
rollers 168a,168b such that vacuum-packed diapers 170 are
progressively smoothed in passing sequentially through the roller
pairs. Moreover, the rotational speed of opposing rollers 168a,168b
may be greater than the rotational speed of opposing rollers
166a,166b such that the encasement and/or diaper therein are
subjected to slight horizontal forces in the direction 172 of
travel of the conveyor belt, thereby further removing or pulling
out wrinkles in the encasement and/or diaper.
[0220] Also in addition to all of the foregoing, various preferred
embodiments of the invention may include a compressible absorbent
diaper that is configured and disposed within an encasement, a
portion of which is transparent such that indicia on the diaper may
be viewable there through.
[0221] The indicia on the diaper may be printed and, as shown in
FIGS. 27-37, the indicia may include animal characters for
amusement of a child. The indicia also may be associated with a
particular manufacturer or distributor of diapers and, thus,
constitute a trademark. In other exemplary instances, the indicia
may include brand identifiers, sizing information, or any other
information that characterizes or identifies the diaper to a
consumer. Indeed, the indicia may provide recognition of the
article that is vacuum-sealed within the encasement, which can be
especially helpful in determining the size of the diaper, since the
actual size of the diaper will be difficult to judge based on the
size of the vacuum-packed diaper itself.
[0222] In yet other examples, especially with regard to adult
diapers, indicia of the diaper may comprise or contribute to a
disguise of the diaper, thereby reducing the ability of another
party to readily identify the diaper upon a glancing view or casual
viewing.
[0223] In accordance with various preferred embodiments of the
invention, configuring a diaper for viewing of indicia disposed
thereon may entail tucking and/or folding of the diaper for
disposition within an encasement. As used herein, "tucking" refers
to the tucking in of top, bottom, and/or side margins of a diaper,
which margins typically constitute an elastic band, tabs, and the
like. Tucking of the fully extended diaper shown in FIG. 27, for
example, can result in an unfolded rectangular configuration of the
diaper as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B.
[0224] A preferred method of tucking and folding a diaper will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 27-30.
[0225] Turning to FIG. 27, a fully extended diaper 200 includes
indicia 202 printed on the front portion of an outer surface 206 of
the diaper. Thus, when the diaper of FIG. 27 is worn, the indicia
202 is situated proximal the groin area and navel of the
wearer.
[0226] In accordance with the described preferred embodiment, end
margins 208 of the diaper 200 that are visible in FIG. 27 are
tucked along crosswise aspects of the diaper, whereby the end
margins are disposed underneath the diaper as shown in FIG. 28.
Side margins 210 that are visible in FIG. 28 also are tucked along
a lengthwise aspects of the diaper, whereby the side margins are
disposed underneath the diaper as shown in FIGS. 29A-29B. By
tucking the side and end margins, an unfolded, generally
rectangular configuration of the diaper is obtained as shown in
FIG. 29A-29B.
[0227] It should be noted that the tucking of end margins and/or
side margins is optional in obtaining a generally rectangular
configuration but is preferred due to the benefit of aesthetic
presentation of the indicia. Furthermore, it should be appreciated
by the Ordinary Artisan that, as shown, the tucking of end margins
and side margins to obtain the unfolded rectangular configuration
shown in FIGS. 29A-29B does not include folding of the absorbent
area or core 211 of the diaper, which comprises the portion of the
diaper that is intended to perform the absorbing function.
[0228] From the rectangular configuration shown in FIGS. 29A-29B,
the diaper is folded along a centered, crosswise aspect to obtain a
folded rectangular configuration in which the indicia 202 printed
on the diaper is more prominently displayed, such as shown in FIG.
30. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, in folding the diaper
to arrive at the configuration shown in FIG. 30, a fold line
necessarily will extend through the absorbent core 211 of the
diaper.
[0229] The diaper next is disposed within an air and moisture
impermeable encasement and vacuum-sealed in accordance with one or
more methods of the foregoing disclosure for vacuum-packing
diapers. The resulting vacuum-packed diaper is illustrated in FIGS.
31A-31B, wherein the diaper of FIG. 30 has been sealed within
encasement 212 having at least a portion 214 thereof that is
transparent. The diaper, tucked and folded as here described, is
viewable through the transparent portion 214 of the encasement and,
particularly, the indicia 202 printed on the outer surface of the
diaper is readily viewable through the transparent portion of the
encasement. Additionally, notches 218 are formed along outer edges
of the encasement 212 to aid in opening the encasement.
[0230] Another exemplary preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 32-33. In this case, a fully extended diaper 220 is shown in
FIG. 32 with indicia 222 printed on the front outer surface 226 of
the diaper. After obtaining an unfolded rectangular configuration
similar to that of FIGS. 29A-29B by tucking end and side margins,
the diaper 220 is twice folded along crosswise aspects (as
illustrated in FIGS. 14-15) to obtain a folded rectangular
configuration, and then the folded diaper is disposed and
vacuum-sealed within a transparent encasement 228 resulting in the
vacuum-packed diaper of FIGS. 33A-33B.
[0231] As shown in FIG. 33B, the crosswise folds 230 define a first
end portion 232 of the diaper folded within the configuration, a
second end portion 234 folded over the first end portion 232, and a
medial portion 236 joining the first and second end portions. The
first end portion 232 folded within the configuration is disposed
between the second end portion 234 and the medial portion 236. The
diaper, tucked and folded as here described and shown in FIGS.
33A-33B, is viewable through the encasement and, particularly, the
indicia 222 printed on the outer surface of the diaper along the
second end portion 234 is readily viewable through the transparent
encasement and enjoys a prominent area of the viewable top surface
of the diaper.
[0232] Another exemplary preferred embodiment is illustrated with
reference to FIGS. 34-35. In FIG. 34, a fully extended diaper 240
is shown with indicia 242 printed on the outer surface 246 of the
diaper. In this example, after obtaining an unfolded rectangular
configuration similar to that of FIGS. 29A-29B through tucking end
and side margins, the diaper 240 is twice folded along crosswise
aspects to obtain a folded rectangular configuration, and then the
diaper is disposed and vacuum-sealed within a transparent
encasement 248 resulting in the vacuum-packed diaper of FIGS.
35A-35B.
[0233] As shown in FIG. 35B, the crosswise folds 250 define a first
end portion 252 of the diaper, a second end portion 254 folded over
the first end portion 252, and a medial portion 256 joining the
first and second end portions. The diaper, tucked and folded as
here described and shown in FIGS. 35A-35B, is viewable through the
encasement 248 and, particularly, the indicia 242 printed on the
outer surface of the diaper along the medial portion 256 is
viewable through the transparent vacuum-sealed encasement 248.
[0234] Unlike the exemplary preferred embodiment of a vacuum-packed
diaper illustrated in FIGS. 33A-33B, the indicia of the
vacuum-packed diaper illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35B is intended
primarily for viewing in the vacuum-packed configuration as opposed
to viewing when the diaper is worn, as the indicia when worn
generally will face the feet of the wearer. The indicia of the
vacuum-packed diaper illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35B is readily
visible in the vacuum-packed configuration as well as when the
diaper is worn.
[0235] In yet another example, a diaper 260 and diaper-changing
accessories such as wipes 270 are disposed within a transparent
encasement 268. The wipes 270 preferably are, themselves,
prepackaged within a moisture impermeable encasement to avoid
moisture from the wipes 270 from being absorbed by the diaper
260.
[0236] In this example, wherein the diaper 260 is tucked and folded
in similar manner to that of the diaper of FIG. 33B, the wipes 270
are disposed below the medial portion 266 of the diaper within the
encasement. The diaper 260, tucked, folded and disposed within the
encasement 268 with the wipes 270 as shown in FIGS. 36A-37, is at
least partially viewable through the encasement and, particularly,
the indicia 262 printed on the outer surface of the diaper along
the end portion 264 is viewable through the encasement 268. The
wipes 270 are arranged within the encasement so as not to obstruct
the view through the encasement of the indicia printed on the
diaper.
[0237] In addition to the arrangement of the diaper 260 and wipes
270 within the encasement 268, it should also be noted that notches
272 also are formed along outer edges of the encasement 268 as
shown in FIG. 36A-37 to aid in opening the encasement. Furthermore,
a weakened line 274 in the encasement 268 is formed in the material
of the encasement as an engineered weakness to further aid in
opening the encasement by providing a "tear-away" portion 276 of
the encasement.
[0238] It is to be understood that the above referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the invention. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art that numerous modifications can be made without departing
from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in
the claims.
DISCLOSURE OF U.S. PATENT APPLICATION SER. NO. 10/907,333
[0239] The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/907,333 is recited below with reference to FIGS. 1-71 of the
present application.
BACKGROUND
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/907,333
[0240] The invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 relates generally to
disposable packaged diapers and related infant and incontinent
adult care accessories. More particularly, the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333 relates to a reduced size packaged diaper, and
related infant and incontinent adult care accessories and kits.
[0241] Diapers are generally a necessity for very young children
and incontinent adults. Individuals incapable of controlling the
release of bodily waste in a manner sufficiently reliable to enable
the use of restroom facilities, and those caring for such
individuals, typically need to carry extra disposable diapers and
changing accessories. This is typically because it is difficult to
predict when a diaper worn by an individual may need to be changed.
Caretakers of babies and others requiring diapers often carry
spare, clean diapers for this reason.
[0242] Many of the following discussions and examples are directed
to use of diapers in infant care. However, it will be apparent that
many of the same considerations apply to use of diapers for
non-infant, incontinent persons.
[0243] Storage and carriage of clean diapers is often inconvenient.
For instance, disposable diapers are generally rather bulky items
not given to easy storage or carriage in a purse, pocket, or
otherwise about the person. In addition, the problem can be
acerbated in that diapers can be subject to expansion from the
typically somewhat compressed state in which they are normally
provided to consumers, especially in circumstances where the
diapers are subject to contact with other items within a storage
bag. For example, many disposable diapers are provided in a bi-fold
configuration meant to minimize the space taken in storing the
diaper. However, after being removed from their original packaging,
bi-fold diapers often unfold or otherwise expand to consume an even
larger storage space. Thus, disposable diapers can become more
bulky and difficult to carry than when in their nominal, packaged
condition.
[0244] In addition, it is often the case that it is not sufficient
to simply change a soiled diaper and replace it with a clean
diaper. For instance, cleaning of the individual who wore the
diaper may need to be performed with diaper accessories, such as
moist wipes. Also, it may be necessary to apply ointment or powder
to the individual wearing the diaper to treat or prevent incidents
of diaper rash or other skin conditions. Due to these
considerations, caretakers of individuals requiring diapers often
carry clean diapers and diaper changing accessories in a dedicated
container, is often referred to as a "diaper bag." By doing so,
when it becomes necessary to change a diaper, all of the materials
needed by the caretaker are available in one location.
[0245] While a conventional diaper bag provides a dedicated
container in which diapers and diaper accessories can be stored and
carried, the requirement of carriage of a diaper bag often adds to
the difficulty of a caretaker's responsibility. For example,
parents of young children often must carry a purse or briefcase for
the parent's own needs. In addition to this, the parent may need to
carry the young child; and, of course, the child's diaper bag. This
can leave the parent with no free hands for other tasks.
[0246] While conventional clean diapers and diaper changing
accessories can be stored and carried in other carrying containers
such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc., the bulky nature of
conventional disposable diapers results in the diapers occupying a
relatively large space within the carrying container. In addition,
diaper changing accessories such as moist wipes, ointment, powder,
etc., add to the space consumed by conventional clean diapers and
can be difficult to locate among other items stored in the
backpack, purse, case, or the like.
[0247] Where the diapers being carried by the caretaker are for
bottle feeding infants, the problems discussed above are further
exacerbated by the need to carry materials for feeding the baby. In
addition to the accouterment necessary to attending to changing the
baby's diaper, things such as bottles, nipples, containers of
formula or milk, etc., generally must also be carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/907,333
[0248] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a packaged diaper that requires a relatively small amount
of storage space. In addition, it has been recognized that it would
be advantageous to develop a diaper and related accessory kit that
consumes a relatively small amount of space while providing
substantially all of the materials necessary to change an
individual's diaper. It has also been recognized that it would be
advantageous to develop an infant care kit that consumes a
relatively small amount of space while providing substantially all
of the materials necessary to feed the infant and change the
infant's diaper.
[0249] The invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 provides a packaged
diaper, including a diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a
second, reduced size, the reduced size of the diaper being
convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper. An encasement
can also be provided, in which the diaper can be disposed in the
second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper so that
the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the encasement and so
that the diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
encasement.
[0250] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper,
having a first, nominal configuration characterized by a nominal
length, width and height, and a second, reduced configuration
characterized by a second, reduced length, width and height. The
reduced length can be between about 2 inches to about 4 inches, the
reduced width can be between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches,
and the reduced thickness can be between about 0.5 inches to about
1.5 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in which the diaper
can be disposed and retained in the second, reduced
configuration.
[0251] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper,
having a first, nominal size and shape, and a reduced,
substantially cylindrical size and shape. The reduced,
substantially cylindrical shape can have a diameter between about
0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and a length between about 2 inches
to about 4 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in which the
diaper can be disposed and retained in the reduced, substantially
cylindrical shape.
[0252] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper
having a first, nominal volumetric configuration characterized by a
nominal length and width of the diaper, and a second, reduced
volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced length and
width of the diaper. An encasement can also be provided, the
encasement formed of a substantially air impermeable material. The
diaper can be disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced
volumetric configuration and the encasement can be at least
partially evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least
a partial vacuum state. Differential pressure within and without
the encasement can maintain the second, reduced volumetric
configuration of the diaper and the encasement can be sealed to
confine the diaper so that the diaper is returned to its nominal
volumetric configuration upon opening of the encasement.
[0253] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) folding the diaper at least once along
both a lengthwise and a crosswise aspect of the diaper; b)
disposing the folded diaper within an encasement comprised of a
substantially air impermeable material; c) evacuating air from the
encasement and the folded diaper; and d) sealing the encasement to
maintain a vacuum created within the encasement and the folded
diaper.
[0254] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) volumetrically reducing a size of the
diaper to a size convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper;
b) disposing the volumetrically reduced diaper within an
encasement; and c) maintaining the volumetrically reduced size of
the diaper with the encasement.
[0255] In a more detailed aspect, the encasement can facilitate
this by virtue of its hoop strength and/or by means of a pressure
differential acting upon the encasement.
[0256] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a diaper changing kit is provided and includes a
packaged diaper in accordance with one or more previously set forth
aspects of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, at least one
diaper accessory, and a container in which the packaged diaper and
the diaper accessory can be disposed. In a more detailed aspect,
the accessory can be one or more of: a) a moistened wipe; b) baby
powder; c) a medicament; d) a swab; e) a lotion; and, a disposal
bag for a dirty diaper. In another more detailed aspect the
container can be configured to have a first, oversized size and
shape and a second smaller size and shape, and to also function as
a disposal container for a dirty diaper.
[0257] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, an infant care kit is provided and includes a
diaper, a diaper accessory, a portion of infant food and an infant
feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can have a hollow
body and a nipple portion couplable thereto. The diaper, diaper
accessory, and portion of infant food can each be disposed in the
infant feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can be
configured to: i) contain each of the diaper, at least one diaper
accessory and at least one portion of infant food; and ii) upon
removal of the diaper and diaper accessory, receive the portion of
infant food within the hollow body and deliver the infant food to
an infant with the food delivery device. In a more detailed aspect
a warming pack can also be provided for warming the infant
food.
[0258] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided, in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0259] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
densified diaper volumetrically reduced to a second reduced volume
and increased density from a first greater volume and lesser
nominal density. The reduction of the diaper can entail reduction
in one or more dimensions. An encasement can also be provided in
which the diaper can be disposed in the second reduced volume. The
encasement can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
the reduced volume by the encasement.
[0260] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, an expandable diaper is provided and includes a
diaper being reduced to a second, reduced size from a first,
nominal size, the reduced size of the diaper being reduced in at
least two dimensional directions relative to the nominal size. An
encasement can also be provided in which the diaper can be disposed
in the second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper
so that the diaper is retained in the reduced size by virtue of the
encasement.
[0261] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0262] In addition to the foregoing, one or more other aspects of
the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 relates to a method for
miniaturizing a diaper. In this respect, a preferred such method
comprises: folding a diaper within a jig; transferring the folded
compressed diaper from the jig using a clamping apparatus;
inserting the folded compressed diaper into a pliable bag; and
vacuum sealing the bag thereby further miniaturizing the diaper
within the bag. The miniaturized finished product preferably fits
into a conveniently sized box for eliminating the bulky nature of
carrying bulky diapers within a purse or other carrying case.
Furthermore, the finished product is condensed down to a firm and
hard exterior surface, and may be disguised in appearance, for
example, to look like a candy bar instead of a baby diaper or an
adult diaper. The miniaturization process can be readily adapted to
mechanical application for automatic manufacturing assembly line
runs.
[0263] Additional features and advantages of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333 will be apparent from the detailed description which
follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which
together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/907,333.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/907,333
[0264] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and
additional applications of the principles of the inventions of Ser.
No. 10/907,333 as illustrated therein, which would occur to one
skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this
disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/907,333.
[0265] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 2B, an exemplary
packaged, disposable, diaper 10 is sized and shaped to consume a
considerably smaller volume and be more conveniently shaped than
conventional disposable diapers. As illustrated, the packaged
diaper 10 begins as a diaper 12 nominally sized and shaped in
accordance with conventional diapers. The diaper can be one of a
variety of types known to those in the art, and can be formed of a
variety of materials. The diaper can be disposable or
non-disposable (i.e., reusable).
[0266] As shown in FIG. 1A, the diaper begins with a first, nominal
volumetric configuration characterized by a nominal length L and
nominal width W of the diaper. As used herein, the term "nominal"
is understood to mean to be the normal, post manufacturing state in
which it is ready to be unfolded and worn, in reference to the
various dimensions of the diaper. Thus, the diaper 12 can have a
first size having a height, width and length of nominal size, such
as conventionally provided to consumers. While not so required, the
diaper 12 can include upper 12a and lower 12b portions, which can
correspond to a front and back of the diaper. Many conventional
diapers are provided with a front and back portion of different
configuration.
[0267] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example of a packaged diaper
10, after being prepared in accordance with the description to
follow below, includes a diaper 12 having a second, reduced
volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced length L.sub.2
and width W.sub.2 of the diaper 12. The reduced volumetric
configuration can differ from the nominal volumetric configuration
in width, height, thickness, volume and overall size. As will be
appreciated from the figures, not only is the volume of the
packaged diaper reduced overall, but in the example embodiment at
least two of the: 1) length; 2) width; and, 3) height, can also be
reduced. Thus, the diaper can be reduced in volumetric
configuration to consume much less space than the diaper consumes
when in the nominal configuration.
[0268] As mentioned, the diaper 12 can be disposed in an encasement
14, which can be formed of a substantially air impermeable
material. By disposing the diaper in the encasement in the second,
reduced volumetric configuration, a packaged diaper is provided
that consumes much less space than the when in its nominal
configuration. By "substantially air impermeable," what is meant is
that the permeability is low enough that the product has a
reasonable shelf life without significant expansion.
[0269] As an example, it has been found that by drawing a vacuum
down to about 5 Mbar at room temperature and pressure at a location
about 5,000 feet elevation above mean sea level, the volume of the
diaper can be reduced to as little as 1/3 or 1/4 that of the
nominal volume. Similar results are to be expected at locations of
different elevation. However, as is known, at lower elevations a
greater vacuum can be drawn to allow for subsequent transportation
of the packaged product to higher elevations. For example, vacuum
packaging using a vacuum down to 1 or 2 Mbar is common at lower
elevations. Thus, in the space required to store one conventional
diaper, three, four, or more, diapers packaged in accordance with
the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 can be stored. The reduced
volume packaged diapers are not only advantageous in reducing
storage space, the space required for packaging, shipping, etc., is
also reduced, leading to considerable cost savings in associated
processes.
[0270] While the reduced volume configuration can be created and
maintained in a number of ways, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the packaged diaper 10 includes encasement 14, which can
encompass the reduced volume diaper. Once the diaper 12 is disposed
within the encasement, the encasement can be at least partially
evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least a partial
vacuum state. The evacuation of air from within the diaper and
encasement can be done in a number of ways, such as by conventional
vacuum-packing methods.
[0271] For example, according to at least one conventional
vacuum-packing method known to those skilled in the relevant art,
an article to be vacuum-packed is inserted into an unsealed
encasement formed of a substantially air impermeable flexible
material. The unsealed encasement with the article therein is then
placed onto the deck of a vacuum-sealing machine. The lid of the
machine is then lowered establishing a seal with the deck and to
define a chamber between the deck and the lid with the unsealed
encased article within the chamber. A pumping system then evacuates
ambient air from the chamber creating at least a partial vacuum
state within the chamber and within the interior space of the
unsealed encasement with the article therein. Sealing bars then
seal the encasement to maintain at least a partial vacuum state
therein. Ambient air pressure is then restored to the chamber
effecting a pressure differential across the sealed encasement.
Insofar as the article within the sealed flexible encasement is
compressible, the pressure differential acts upon the encasement to
compress the article and maintains the article in a reduced volume
that is less than the volume of the article at the time the
encasement was sealed (before ambient air pressure was restored to
the chamber). The lid of the machine is then raised and the
vacuum-packed article is available for removal from the
machine.
[0272] Upon evacuation of air from the encasement, the encasement
can be sealed, for example at an edge portion 16 to maintain the
vacuum within the encasement and diaper 12. In this manner a
differential pressure can be created within and without the
encasement to maintain the second, reduced volumetric configuration
of the diaper. While the encasement is shown in FIG. 2B as sealed
at an edge portion 16, it will be understood that the encasement
can be sealed conventionally in a variety of ways in a variety of
locations.
[0273] As the encasement 14 configured to confine the diaper 12 is
unsealed, the diaper is able to return to its nominal volumetric
configuration. That is, user can cut, tear, remove a portion of the
encasement, or otherwise break the airtight seal of the encasement;
after which, the diaper 12 will no longer be subject to confining
force due to the encasement and/or a pressure differential.
Unopposed rebound forces in the materials from which the diaper is
made will tend to return it to its nominal configuration. The
encasement can include a means to facilitate opening, such as a
notch or another intentionally formed discontinuity (not shown)
provided in the encasement to aid in opening the encasement. In one
embodiment a tear-away band, or the like, provided with a grasping
tab (not shown) can be provided to facilitate opening by rupturing
the encasement as it is pulled away therefrom. One of many other
well known ways to provide a more easily broken-open encasement can
be used to facilitate opening the packaging.
[0274] As described in further detail below, the reduced volumetric
configuration can be achieved in a number of ways, and in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the volumetrically reduced
configuration is created by foldingly reducing a length and width
of the diaper 12; increasing its thickness. The folded diaper is
then vacuum-packed to reduce its thickness (as well as its width
and length to a lesser extent). As used herein, the term "foldedly
reduced" is meant to indicate the case wherein a diaper is folded
or rolled over or under itself to thereby reduce a dimension of the
diaper. While the final size of the reduced volume diaper can vary,
in one aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, the reduced
length and width can each be less than about 1/2 of the nominal
length and width, respectively, of the diaper. In another aspect of
the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, the foldedly reduced length
of the diaper can be less than about 1/3 and/or 1/4 of the nominal
length of the diaper. In this manner, as shown by comparing FIGS.
1A and 1B with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the overall width and length of the
diaper can be substantially reduced. While a height dimension,
corresponding to thickness, may be increased, it is not increased
to exceed the width or the length of the diaper. This results in a
more convenient and compact size overall.
[0275] The inventor has found that a conventional size 6 diaper can
be reduced in size and volume from a nominal size of approximately
9'' long by 4.5'' wide by 1/4'' to 1'' in height/thickness
(depending on expansion after removal from conventional packaging)
to a reduced size of approximately 3.5'' long by 2.25'' wide by 1''
in height. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the packaged
diaper 10 can include a reduced volumetric shape configuration
which comprises a substantially rectangular shape, although other
shapes are contemplated as well, as discussed in further detail
below. In this manner, the packaged diaper can be easily carried,
handled and stored within a purse, pocket, bag or other place or
containment for carriage.
[0276] The packaged diaper in a densified state can thus be made
pocket sized, or pocketable. As used herein that means that it is
conveniently sized for carriage, for example about the size of a
conventional cigarette package or smaller. One way to characterize
this is that two of the three dimensions of height width and
length, when added together, are less than 10 cm, and the greatest
of the three does not exceed 10 centimeters. That said, all pocket
sized items may not strictly fit this definition, but it is a
definite guide in understanding what is meant by the term as used
herein.
[0277] It will be appreciated that in this example the invention of
Ser. No. 10/907,333 provides a compact, efficiently sized packaged
diaper that requires substantially less space than conventionally
packaged diapers. The invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 can be
advantageously utilized by a variety of persons, including
incontinent minors and adults, and caretakers of individuals
requiring diapers.
[0278] For example, parents of young children will benefit from the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 in that one or more diapers 10 can
be easily stored in a pocket, or within a purse, briefcase,
backpack or other storage bag and consume relatively little space.
Similar benefits can be obtained with regard to incontinent adults,
as adult diapers are generally even more bulky and difficult to
store and carry than are smaller, children's diapers. Also,
incontinent adults who may be otherwise embarrassed by having to
carry spare clean diapers will likely find the packaged diapers in
accordance with the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 to be much
more discreetly transportable, and therefore the carriage of such
spare diapers much less noticeable by others.
[0279] In addition, in one aspect of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 a packaged, pocketable diaper is provided and can
include an encasement configured to encase and confine a diaper
disposed therein. A diaper can be disposed within the encasement to
be confined by the encasement in a size that is volumetrically
reduced relative to a nominal size of the diaper. The
volumetrically reduced size of the diaper is characterized in that
the diaper is pocketable upon a person of an individual. As used
herein, the term "pocketable" is to be understood to indicate a
configuration of the diaper in which the diaper can be easily
placed within and removed from a pocket of an item of clothing or
accessories worn or carried by individuals. For example, the
pocketable diaper can be held within a shirt, jacket or pants
pocket or stored or carried in a handbag, purse or briefcase, etc.,
and can be substantially undetectable by other individuals. In this
manner, an incontinent adult can carry the pocketable diaper
without worrying that others will be aware that the diaper is being
carried. Also, an adult caretaker of an infant can carry a diaper
for the infant in a manner that does not detract from a physical
appearance of the adult and does not require additional
baggage.
[0280] In several embodiments of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333, a reduced diaper is provided. The reduced diaper is
densified by volumetric reduction from a first greater volume and
lesser nominal density to a second reduced volume and increased
density. An encasement can also be included and the diaper can be
disposed in the encasement in the second reduced volume. The
encasement can thereby confine the reduced diaper so that the
diaper is retained in the reduced volume by the encasement. The
volumetric reduction can entail dimensional reductions in width,
thickness, length, and diameter. In this manner, a volumetrically
reduced, space-efficient densified diaper is provided that can be
easily stored and carried by an individual in a discreet manner.
Upon release of the reduced diaper from the encasement, the diaper
can be volumetrically expanded and used in the same manner as
conventionally packaged diapers.
[0281] As used herein, the term "encasement" is to be understood to
encompass a broad range of materials and configurations for
containing or restraining or enclosing a volumetrically reduced
diaper. For example, the encasement may completely encompass a
diaper and hold the diaper under a vacuum seal or other pressure
differential. In addition, the encasement may only partially
encompass the diaper to maintain the compressed state of the
diaper. Moreover, it is intended to be understood herein to be
synonymous with restraint (as discussed below) or enclosure, or
containment, in this context. The salient point being that it
constrains, by some means, the densified diaper from expanding.
Other encasements besides the examples shown can also be utilized,
as would occur to one skilled in the art.
[0282] Shown in series in FIGS. 3A through 3E is one aspect of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 in which a diaper is reduced from
its nominal volume or size to a reduced volume or size. Diaper 12
begins with a nominal volumetric configuration, sized and shaped as
may be conventionally provided by a manufacturer of the diaper. In
this embodiment, the diaper is reduced in volume by fold 17 along a
lengthwise aspect of the diaper, shown at line 18. In FIG. 3C, the
diaper 12 is folded at 19 along a crosswise aspect of the diaper,
shown at line 20. Progressing to FIG. 3D, once the diaper has been
folded a desired number of times; the folded diaper is disposed
within encasement 14, which is formed of a substantially air
impermeable material. Encasement 14 can then be evacuated to form a
relative vacuum within the encasement, after which the encasement
can be sealed to maintain the vacuum in the diaper and the
encasement.
[0283] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
process of forming a vacuum within the diaper and the encasement
will extract at least a portion of air contained within the diaper.
By removing a majority of excess air from the diaper, the diaper
can be compressed upon itself by atmospheric pressure and consume a
reduced amount of space corresponding to the amount and volume of
air removed from the diaper.
[0284] In addition to the process illustrated in FIGS. 3A through
3E, in another aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, a
method of packaging a diaper is provided and includes the steps of
volumetrically reducing a size of the diaper to a size convenient
for carriage and storage of the diaper. The volumetrically reduced
diaper can then be disposed within an encasement. The
volumetrically reduced, convenient size of the diaper can be
maintained by a pressure differential acting upon the encasement.
As used herein, the term "convenient size" is understood to refer
to a size and configuration of a diaper that can be easily and
conveniently stored in a pocket, handbag, purse, etc., and consume
very little space within the pocket, handbag, etc. Such a size will
be appreciated to be essentially a "pelletized" or "capsulated" or
"pocket sized" or "pocketable" (as defined above) version of the
diaper, having bulk due to air spaces removed, and will be
generally cylindrical, rectangular, etc, and can have rounded or
square corners. Generally, the largest dimension will be about four
inches or less. However, for certain specialized applications such
as kits contained in a feeding bottle, a longer, more "sticklike"
shape may be used in one embodiment. But likewise a cylindrical or
square configuration having height, width, and length dimensions of
roughly equal magnitude can also be advantageous in such a kit in
another embodiment. The salient point is that the size is
convenient to carry and conceal.
[0285] The size of the diaper can be volumetrically reduced in a
number of manners, including pressing the diaper into a mold or
other cavity. In this example, the encasement in which the diaper
is disposed can be sized and shaped to correspond closely to the
volumetrically reduced size of the diaper. Once disposed within the
encasement, the force applied to compress the diaper into the mold
can be released, after which the diaper will tend to return to its
nominal size and shape, but will be restrained by the encasement.
The pressure differential acting upon the easement will thus be the
result of the diaper tending to expand into its nominal
configuration. An equilibrium will be reached between a) the
restoring force tending to expand the diaper; and b) a combination
of the hoop strength (resistance to expansion of the encasement via
deformation of the encasement) and the pressure differential
tending to compress the diaper. Depending on the material from
which the encasement is made, this can be made to be predominantly
hoop strength or predominantly air pressure differential.
[0286] While the example packaged diaper shown in many of the
figures of this disclosure includes a generally rectangular shape,
it is contemplated that the volumetrically reduced diaper can be of
a variety of sizes and shapes. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4,
volumetrically reduced diaper 12a can have a substantially
cylindrical shape. This embodiment may be beneficial, for example,
in applications in which the diaper is to be stored in rounded or
cylindrical receptacles, such as cans or tubes. As will be
appreciated, by forming encasement 14a from a flexible,
substantially air impermeable material, a vacuum formed within the
encasement will force the encasement to conform to the general
shape of the reduced volume diaper. In this manner, the diaper can
be formed in a variety of reduced volume shapes for a variety of
applications.
[0287] In another example embodiment the encasement shape can
control the shape of the packaged diaper. For example, a diaper can
be compressed into an encasement within a mold cavity which
encasement has a shape which essentially follows the shape of the
mold. Thereafter the encasement maintains that shape, though the
diaper may expand slightly against the hoop strength, air pressure
differential, or combination thereof.
[0288] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another aspect of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/907,333 a diaper kit 40 is provided. The kit can
include a packaged diaper 10 in accordance with the embodiments
discussed above and at least one diaper accessory 42. A container
44 is also provided, in which each of the packaged diaper and the
diaper accessory are disposed. The diaper accessory can be a
variety of items, including, but not limited to, a diaper rash
ointment or other medicament, talcum powder/baby powder, a lotion,
moist or dry wipes, cotton swabs, dirty diaper disposal bag, etc.,
as may be needed in caring for an infant or incontinent person, as
will be known to one skilled in the art of providing products for
care of such persons. In the example embodiment shown, a packet of
ointment 42A is included in the kit, as are moist wipes 42B.
[0289] Thus, in one example, substantially all of the materials
necessary for changing a soiled diaper are provided in a small,
space optimized kit that can be easily carried or stored by a
caretaker of an individual requiring diapers. The kit can be
advantageously used as a daily staple of caretakers, or may be used
in specialized circumstances such as outdoor activities, travel, or
business or recreational events away from home, or other situations
in which space and convenience of carriage may be of a premium. In
such circumstances the caretaker may wish to minimize the number of
articles needing carriage, and can advantageously carry one or two
kits, as may be needed, and dispense with the conventional diaper
bag that would otherwise have to be carried during the event or
activity. Also, the reduced size of the present diaper kit can
allow one or more kits to be stored in an out-of-the-way location,
such as a glove box of a car, and retrieved in "emergency"
situations in which spare diapers were forgotten or consumed.
[0290] In another embodiment, the kit can be configured for use by
an incontinent adolescent or adult. The kit can further include
supplies to touchup stains on clothing. It can contain a small
container of perfume or cologne, a small container of odor reducing
spray, or other items which an incontinent adult may find needful
and reassuring to carry, in addition to supplies which customarily
may be needed to change a diaper, including a clean diaper, wipes,
and lotion, ointment or other medicament, to name some
examples.
[0291] As shown in FIG. 5, the diaper kit 40 can include a
container 44 that is substantially rectangular in shape. Such kits
can be easily stacked and stored and will fit neatly into a pocket,
purse or other baggage. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,
the container 46 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In this
embodiment, the diaper 12b can be formed in a cylindrical shape, or
other shape to facilitate maximum use of available space within the
cylindrical container. Also included in the illustrated example
shown in FIG. 6 are moist wipes 42C which can be arranged in a
disk-like or toroidal configuration for disposal within the
cylindrical container. With reference to FIG. 6A, the individual
wipes 43 are accordion folded, then rolled about an axis 45
transverse to the folds. A surprisingly large number of wipes thus
configured can be fit into a surprisingly small space. In this
manner, 6 or 7 wipes or another selected number of wipes can be
stored within the container 46 to ensure ample supply.
[0292] In another aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333,
illustrated by example in FIG. 7, an infant care kit 49 can be
provided which includes a diaper 50, one or more diaper accessories
52 and a portion of infant food 54. An infant feeding bottle
assembly is also provided having a hollow body 56 and a nipple food
delivery portion 58 of the device couplable thereto. A cover 59a or
59b can be provided, which keeps the feeder portion sanitary. This
can be a throwaway tear-off film cover (e.g. 59b) or a more
conventional replaceable cap (e.g. 59a). The feeding apparatus can
be single use (i.e., disposable) or reusable. As shown, the diaper,
diaper accessory, and portion of infant food can be disposed within
the infant feeding assembly for convenient carriage. The infant
feeding assembly can thus be configured to: i) contain each of the
diaper, diaper accessory and portion of infant food; and ii) upon
removal of the diaper and diaper accessory, receive the portion of
infant food (and water, if applicable) within the hollow body and
thereby enable delivery of the infant food to an infant via a food
delivery device erstwhile acting as a container for the kit. In one
embodiment the nipple portion can be configured for delivery of
baby formula, and in another embodiment it can be configured for
delivery of a flowable baby food such as a formula/cereal mixture,
creamed vegetables or fruit, or the like. In one embodiment the
baby food can be in powder form, reconstituted by addition of
water. A chemical warming pack (similar to or the same as a
conventional hand warming pack) can be provided for use in warming
the baby formula or other baby food.
[0293] In this example implementation, substantially all of the
materials necessary to feed and change a diaper of an infant are
provided in a compact, easily carried kit. A caretaker of the
infant can use the kit to store the provided items, and when
desiring to feed the infant, can prepare the portion of infant food
and feed the infant with the infant feeding assembly, shown in this
embodiment as similar to a conventional baby bottle, but provided
with a detachable bottom.
[0294] As shown in the illustrated example, the hollow body 56 of
the feeding assembly 49 can be substantially cylindrical in shape,
although other shapes are also contemplated, such as squared,
triangular, and other polyhedral cross-sectional shapes. The
portion of infant food can include a variety of foods suitable for
consumption by infants, including powdered baby formula and
condensed baby formula, freeze dried, powdered, concentrated
creamed vegetables and fruits and other baby foods, as well as
cereal mixes, etc. A caretaker can easily remove all items from the
feeding assembly, configure it for feeding, and returning the
portion of infant food (with water, as mentioned, if necessary, or
other fluid which can be added to the infant food) and the food can
be fed to the infant via a food delivery device 58, a conventional
baby bottle nipple in the illustrated embodiment.
[0295] In one embodiment, the feeding apparatus can include a
double wall configuration to provide increased insulation so as to
keep formula or other baby food at a desired temperature for a
longer period of time. To facilitate this, or, to provide initial
warming when hot potable water is unavailable, a heat source 55, as
mentioned, can also be disposed within the feeding assembly. The
heat source can be configured to provide heat for warming the
portion of infant food, as well as any fluid having been added to
the infant food. In situations where it may be necessary to add
cold fluid such as milk or water to the infant food, the fluid and
food can be warmed to a temperature well tolerated and more
acceptable to an infant. As mentioned, the heat source can be a
conventional chemical heating apparatus, such as those producing an
exothermic reaction when two or more separate materials are mixed,
or are exposed to air. These can be packets of reactants in
granular form, chemically activated gel heating sources, etc. The
feeding apparatus can be configured to cooperate with the heat
source to heat the baby formula or other food. In one embodiment,
the kit can include an outer container (not shown) which is the
outer wall of the double wall configuration mentioned. This can be
a continuous wall, or can comprise vents (e.g. to expose air to
air-reactant heating pads). A mesh or other textile can be used as
the material forming the outer containment in which the infant
feeding assembly is disposed. The outer container can be configured
to receive and protect the feeding assembly and can also encompass
the heating source to maintain close contact between the heating
source and the hollow body 56.
[0296] In another embodiment, the heat source can be some other
means of providing heat, for example provision of a metal outer
sleeve, annular space for water, and inner container for formula or
food enabling use of a cigarette lighter, a solar reflector or
magnifier, or some other higher temperature heat source to heat the
outer sleeve and still enable more gentle warming of the contents
of the inner sleeve. Such an arrangement would also facilitate
rapid cooling of the outer sleeve after removing the high
temperature heat source so that it can be safely handled, enabling
removal of the inner sleeve for feeding for example.
[0297] In another example embodiment of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333, shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of single use packaged
diapers (not shown), or diaper kits 40, 40A can be provided
packaged together, each stacked vertically in a master container
60. The master container 60 can include a removable access panel
(previously removed in FIG. 8) through which one 40 of the
plurality of containers can be accessed. Providing for the
removable access panel can be in one of a variety of ways known to
those in the art, including a perforated removable panel or hinged
panel. A bottom 62 of the access panel can be disposed in the
master container 60 in a location vertically displaced from a
bottom 64 of the master container by a distance substantially equal
to a height "h" of the container. It has been found that having the
last container to be used positioned below the access panel helps
keep the shape of the master container and improves appearance over
the dispensing life of the product.
[0298] In this manner, as a kit is removed from the master
container, the kit immediately above the removed kit will fall into
place to be easily removable from the master container. Notches 66
can be provided adjacent the removable panel to enable easy
withdrawal of kits through the panel. The master container 60 can
be used to package and ship a number of kits 40, and advantageously
also used to dispense the kits at a retail center or other point of
sale. While the master container shown in FIG. 7 is configured to
store and dispense 6 diaper kits, master containers configured to
store and dispense fewer or more kits can also be provided, and
include two or more access panels disposed and oriented in a
variety of locations on the master container.
[0299] Illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is a diaper kit 68 in
accordance with another example implementation of the invention of
Ser. No. 10/907,333. In this embodiment, a diaper 70 and various
diaper accessories 72 are contained within an encasement 74. The
accessories can include baby ointment, baby wipes, powder, etc. as
discussed above. In this example the accessories include baby
ointment 72A and wipes 72B. Other accessories can be substituted or
additionally included. Shown at 76 are seams formed in the
encasement defining adjacent compartments that can each hold a
different product. The seams can separate products to enable
differing treatment of the products in relation to the encasement.
For instance, diaper 70 can be disposed in the encasement in a
reduced volumetric configuration, as discussed above, and the
encasement can be evacuated and vacuum-sealed about the diaper.
However, the baby ointment 72A can be vacuum sealed (if already
packaged in an impermeable containment without excess air) but need
not be vacuum sealed (indeed it may be difficult to do so if not
already packaged) in its corresponding compartment. Likewise the
wipes 72b are not vacuum packed, but could be if previously
enclosed in an impermeable containment without excess air.
[0300] While it may be desirable to vacuum-pack the diaper 70, and
it is possible to do so with some accessories, it may be the case
that certain accessories are not well suited to such an
arrangement. For instance, with regard to the previously mentioned
examples of ointment 72a and wipes 72 not pre-packaged, baby wipes
are often saturated or at least moisture-laden with a liquid
cleaning compound similar in appearance to soapy water, to aid in
the cleaning process associated with changing diapers. When
subjected to a vacuum, the moisture may be withdrawn from the
wipes, leading to poor performance of the wipes. In addition, if
undue moisture is removed during the vacuum process, the moisture
may interfere with sealing the encasement once vacuum has been
drawn, leading to premature breach of the encasement. The same
applies to the ointment, it would be likewise problematic to vacuum
pack it, even more so. Thus, for some products a vacuum seal may
not be desirable or necessary, and those products can be sealed in
the encasement without being placed under vacuum.
[0301] To address these issues, the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 in one embodiment advantageously provides a diaper kit
that can include differently and variably treated compartments. In
the example shown, the compartment containing the diaper 70 can be
treated with a vacuum to aid in maintaining the volumetrically
reduced configuration of the diaper. The compartment holding the
ointment 72A may or may not be vacuum treated, as the situation
dictates. The compartment holding the wipes 72B can be simply
sealed to retain the moisture in the wipes without drawing any
moisture out with a vacuum process. Other compartments (not shown)
can be treated according to the product stored in each one.
[0302] In addition to the compartmentalized encasement shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, it is contemplated that in another example
embodiment of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, shown in FIG.
9C, one can provide a diaper kit 68' in which all of the components
of the kit are contained in an encasement 74' and sealed under
vacuum. For example, the diaper wipes 69 and/or other accessories
can be pre-packaged in one or more casings 74'' with liquid and
wipe material therein. In this way, both a diaper and one or more
accessories, together forming a single use kit, can be integrally
packaged in one encasement 71', and can all be accessed once the
encasement has been breached.
[0303] With reference to FIGS. 10A through 10E, in one embodiment
of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 the encasement in which the
volumetrically reduced diaper is disposed can contain the diaper
without any substantial pressure differential acting upon the
encasement. One illustrative process in which this can be achieved
is illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10E. In this embodiment, a
"loose" diaper 80 is placed within a chamber 84B with a pair of
encasement shells 82 disposed adjacent ends of the diaper. Rams 86
and 88 can be activated to compress the diaper into a
volumetrically reduced configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 10B.
Once optimal reduced volume is achieved, the diaper/shell assembly
can be moved adjacent a channel 85 defined between the chambers 84A
and 84B, as illustrated in FIG. 10C.
[0304] Channel 85 can provide access to the diaper/shell assembly
to enable attachment of a clamping strap 90 to the shells 82. The
strap can aid in maintaining relative position of the shells 82
after the pressure applied to reduce the volume of the diaper is
released. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10E, the rams 86, 88 and chambers
84 can be removed from contact with the diaper, and the encasement
maintains the diaper/shell assembly in the volumetrically reduced
configuration. In this manner, it is not necessary to apply a
vacuum to the encasement to create and maintain the volumetrically
reduced size of the diaper. In another embodiment, the encasement
can be made air tight by application of the clamping strap, and
thus a combination of differential pressure and hoop strength of
the encasement can contain the diaper after the encasement expands
to an equilibrium state.
[0305] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in one aspect of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, a restraint 92 can be provided in
which the diaper 12 can be disposed a second, reduced size,
relative to a first, nominal size. The restraint 92 can confine the
diaper so that the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the
restraint and so that the diaper is returned to its nominal size
upon opening of the restraint. The restraint can be a strap or a
series of independent or interconnected straps, or, as shown in
FIG. 11B, the restraint 94 can include a webbed material. The
restraint can be formed of a material having sufficient strength to
retain the diaper 12 in the reduced size, but can be removed by a
consumer to release the diaper into the first, nominal size, for
example by exploiting an engineered weakness, as is conventionally
provided in "tear-away" packaging closures.
[0306] An embodiment of a method for packaging a diaper very
compactly by folding and vacuum-sealing is shown in FIGS. 12-19.
First, a bulky diaper 6012 as shown in FIG. 12 is inserted into a
U-shaped elongated open-ended forming jig 6014 as shown in FIG. 13
with the outside 6016 of diaper facing down into the jig and the
inside 6018 of the diaper facing up and out of the jig. The ragged
elastic banded edges of the diaper are tucked inward so as to
obtain a smooth clean line exterior.
[0307] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, a first end, such as end
6022, then is folded inwardly covering a middle portion of the
diaper, and then the other end 6026 is folded in over the first end
6022 and middle portion to form a rectangular shape of the diaper
as shown in FIG. 15.
[0308] A spring-tensioned hand-clamp 6030 then is opened to receive
the completely folded diaper between an upper flat rectangular jaw
6034 and a lower jaw 6036, as shown in FIG. 16. Furthermore, the
clamp 6030 and a hand 6038 each compress the diaper 6028 as shown
in FIG. 16.
[0309] The compressed, folded diaper 6028 then is inserted into an
open end of a pliable, resilient bag 6042. The diaper is inserted
into the bag using the hand clamp 6030 and jig 6014 to facilitate
the insertion as shown in FIG. 17, or, alternatively, as shown in
FIG. 18, the compressed, folded diaper 6028 is directly inserted
into the open-ended bag 6042 without the jig.
[0310] The folded diaper 6028, fully inserted into the bag 6042
(FIG. 19), is then placed onto the deck of a conventional
vacuum-sealing machine, such as a vacuum sealing-machine sold under
the trademark SUPERVAC. The lid of the machine is fastened down and
the vacuum-sealing machine vacuum-seals and cuts the bag to form a
finished product as shown in FIG. 20.
[0311] The finished product is very firm and dense, looks like a
taffy candy bar, and is comparable in size to a candy bar. In one
embodiment, the finished product, i.e., a vacuum-sealed diaper
package, measures approximately 1 inch by 2 inches by 11/2 inches,
and fits into a box for convenient carrying within a purse.
[0312] Additionally, printing on the outside of the diaper is
visible through the bag 6042 as shown, for example, in FIG. 20.
Alternatively, the printing on the outside of the diaper may be
disposed within the folded diaper by first folding end 6026
inwardly covering a middle portion of the diaper and then folding
the end 6022 in over the end 6026 and middle portion to form the
rectangular shape of the diaper.
[0313] One or more embodiments of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 relate to a method of packaging a diaper using a
conventional vacuum-sealing machine. As shown in FIG. 21A, a
compressible absorbent diaper 104 is disposed within a flexible
substantially air impermeable encasement 102 and the unsealed
encasement 102 with the diaper 104 therein is then placed onto the
deck 106 of the vacuum-sealing machine. The lid 108 of the machine
is then lowered as shown in FIG. 21B establishing a seal with the
deck to define a chamber 110 with the unsealed encased diaper
within the chamber. A pumping system 112 then evacuates ambient air
from the chamber 110 creating a vacuum state within the chamber and
within the interior space 103 defined by the encasement with the
diaper 104 therein. Sealing bars 114 then seal the encasement as
shown in FIG. 21C such that the interior space of the substantially
air impermeable encasement 102 is completely sealed and such that
the compressible absorbent diaper 104 is completely enclosed within
the sealed interior space 103. As shown in FIG. 21D, ambient air
pressure is then restored to the chamber effecting a pressure
differential across the sealed encasement that acts upon the
encasement to compress the compressible absorbent diaper 104 and
maintains the diaper in a reduced volume (FIG. 21D) that is less
than the volume of the diaper at the time the encasement was sealed
(FIG. 21C, before ambient air pressure was restored to the
chamber). As shown in FIG. 21E, the lid 108 is then raised and the
vacuum-packed diaper 116 is available for removal from the
machine.
[0314] In addition to all of the foregoing, various preferred
methods of vacuum-packing a diaper also may include pressing at
least a portion of a vacuum-packed diaper and/or its encasement
with a smooth surface in order to achieve a smooth planar for
aesthetic appeal. Indeed, as will now be appreciated by the
Ordinary Artisan in view of the foregoing disclosure, a
compressible article such as a diaper that is vacuum-packed will
exhibit wrinkling and bunching. Furthermore, an air impermeable
encasement enclosing such an article will conform to any such
bunching and wrinkling of the contained diaper as well as will be
prone to forming its own undesirable wrinkles, puckers, and other
undesirable flaws during vacuum-packing. In accordance with the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, one or more preferred embodiments
address this aesthetic concern by pressing at least a portion of
the diaper and/or encasement in order to flattening a face of the
diaper and/or encasement. The pressing may occur before
vacuum-packing, after vacuum-packing, during vacuum-packing, or any
combination thereof.
[0315] For example, in FIGS. 13-15, portions of the outside of the
diaper are pressed by the floor of the U-shaped jig as the diaper
is foldedly reduced in the jig. For further example, as shown in
FIG. 16, prior to being disposed within an encasement, the diaper
is pressed within the clamp 6030 between the flat jaws thereof that
comprise essentially planar surfaces. As further shown in FIG. 18,
the clamp can be used to press at least a portion of the diaper
while the diaper is being inserted into and/or is otherwise
disposed within an encasement.
[0316] In another example, as shown in FIG. 22, a vacuum-packed
diaper 122 is pressed between the essentially planar surface 126 of
a conveyor belt 128 and the essentially planar surface 130 of a
press 132. A vacuum-packed diaper 120 prior to pressing appears
wrinkled with creases in the transparent material of the encasement
that tend to distort or block view of the diaper within, as shown
in FIG. 22. In contrast thereto, a vacuum-packed diaper 124 after
pressing exhibits an aesthetically pleasing appearance with indicia
134 printed on the diaper being visible through a substantially
smooth planar face of the transparent material of the encasement.
Note that in this example, the encasement of the vacuum-packed
diaper is pressed by the conveyor belt and the press providing a
generally smooth planar face in the top as well as the bottom of
the encasement. Note furthermore that the encasement is formed of a
material that is at least somewhat flexible, whereby the diaper
within the encasement is pressed by the conveyor belt and press,
too, resulting in generally smooth planar faces in the top and
bottom of the diaper.
[0317] Another example of pressing is shown in FIG. 23, wherein a
vacuum-packed diaper 138 is pressed between the essentially planar
surfaces of a pair of presses 142. A vacuum-packed diaper 136 prior
to pressing appears with wrinkles and creases whereas a
vacuum-packed diaper 140 after pressing assumes a generally smooth
planar appearance believed to be aesthetically pleasing. As in the
previous example, the vacuum-packed diaper 140 is substantially
flattened and the encasement includes generally smooth oppositely
facing planar faces 144,146.
[0318] In yet other examples of pressing shown in FIGS. 24-26,
vacuum-packed diapers are pressed with the generally smooth
circular surfaces of rollers. In particular, in FIG. 24, an upper
surface 152 of vacuum-packed diaper 150 is pressed by a roller 154
as the diaper progresses along a conveyor belt 156. In FIG. 25,
respective upper and lower surfaces 158a and 158b of a
vacuum-packed diaper 162 are pressed by respective opposing rollers
164a and 164b. In FIG. 26, a first pair of opposing rollers
166a,166b is sequentially arranged with a second pair of opposing
rollers 168a,168b such that vacuum-packed diapers 170 are
progressively smoothed in passing sequentially through the roller
pairs. Moreover, the rotational speed of opposing rollers 168a,168b
may be greater than the rotational speed of opposing rollers
166a,166b such that the encasement and/or diaper therein are
subjected to slight horizontal forces in the direction 172 of
travel of the conveyor belt, thereby further removing or pulling
out wrinkles in the encasement and/or diaper.
[0319] Also in addition to all of the foregoing, various preferred
embodiments of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 may include a
compressible absorbent diaper that is configured and disposed
within an encasement, a portion of which is transparent such that
indicia on the diaper may be viewable there through.
[0320] The indicia on the diaper may be printed and, as shown in
FIGS. 27-37, the indicia may include animal characters for
amusement of a child. The indicia also may be associated with a
particular manufacturer or distributor of diapers and, thus,
constitute a trademark. In other exemplary instances, the indicia
may include brand identifiers, sizing information, or any other
information that characterizes or identifies the diaper to a
consumer. Indeed, the indicia may provide recognition of the
article that is vacuum-sealed within the encasement, which can be
especially helpful in determining the size of the diaper, since the
actual size of the diaper will be difficult to judge based on the
size of the vacuum-packed diaper itself.
[0321] In yet other examples, especially with regard to adult
diapers, indicia of the diaper may comprise or contribute to a
disguise of the diaper, thereby reducing the ability of another
party to readily identify the diaper upon a glancing view or casual
viewing.
[0322] In accordance with various preferred embodiments of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, configuring a diaper for viewing
of indicia disposed thereon may entail tucking and/or folding of
the diaper for disposition within an encasement. As used herein,
"tucking" refers to the tucking in of top, bottom, and/or side
margins of a diaper, which margins typically constitute an elastic
band, tabs, and the like. Tucking of the fully extended diaper
shown in FIG. 27, for example, can result in an unfolded
rectangular configuration of the diaper as shown in FIGS. 29A and
29B.
[0323] A preferred method of tucking and folding a diaper will now
be described with reference to FIGS. 27-30.
[0324] Turning to FIG. 27, a fully extended diaper 200 includes
indicia 202 printed on the front portion of an outer surface 206 of
the diaper. Thus, when the diaper of FIG. 27 is worn, the indicia
202 is situated proximal the groin area and navel of the
wearer.
[0325] In accordance with the described preferred embodiment, end
margins 208 of the diaper 200 that are visible in FIG. 27 are
tucked along crosswise aspects of the diaper, whereby the end
margins are disposed underneath the diaper as shown in FIG. 28.
Side margins 210 that are visible in FIG. 28 also are tucked along
a lengthwise aspects of the diaper, whereby the side margins are
disposed underneath the diaper as shown in FIGS. 29A-29B. By
tucking the side and end margins, an unfolded, generally
rectangular configuration of the diaper is obtained as shown in
FIG. 29A-29B. It should be noted that the tucking of end margins
and/or side margins is optional in obtaining a generally
rectangular configuration but is preferred due to the benefit of
aesthetic presentation of the indicia. Furthermore, it should be
appreciated by the Ordinary Artisan that, as shown, the tucking of
end margins and side margins to obtain the unfolded rectangular
configuration shown in FIGS. 29A-29B does not include folding of
the absorbent area or core 211 of the diaper, which comprises the
portion of the diaper that is intended to perform the absorbing
function.
[0326] From the rectangular configuration shown in FIGS. 29A-29B,
the diaper is folded along a centered, crosswise aspect to obtain a
folded rectangular configuration in which the indicia 202 printed
on the diaper is more prominently displayed, such as shown in FIG.
30. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that, in folding the diaper
to arrive at the configuration shown in FIG. 30, a fold line
necessarily will extend through the absorbent core 211 of the
diaper.
[0327] The diaper next is disposed within an air and moisture
impermeable encasement and vacuum-sealed in accordance with one or
more methods of the foregoing disclosure for vacuum-packing
diapers. The resulting vacuum-packed diaper is illustrated in FIGS.
31A-31B, wherein the diaper of FIG. 30 has been sealed within
encasement 212 having at least a portion 214 thereof that is
transparent. The diaper, tucked and folded as here described, is
viewable through the transparent portion 214 of the encasement and,
particularly, the indicia 202 printed on the outer surface of the
diaper is readily viewable through the transparent portion of the
encasement. Additionally, notches 218 are formed along outer edges
of the encasement 212 to aid in opening the encasement.
[0328] Another exemplary preferred embodiment is illustrated in
FIGS. 32-33. In this case, a fully extended diaper 220 is shown in
FIG. 32 with indicia 222 printed on the front outer surface 226 of
the diaper. After obtaining an unfolded rectangular configuration
similar to that of FIGS. 29A-29B by tucking end and side margins,
the diaper 220 is twice folded along crosswise aspects (as
illustrated in FIGS. 14-15) to obtain a folded rectangular
configuration, and then the folded diaper is disposed and
vacuum-sealed within a transparent encasement 228 resulting in the
vacuum-packed diaper of FIGS. 33A-33B.
[0329] As shown in FIG. 33B, the crosswise folds 230 define a first
end portion 232 of the diaper folded within the configuration, a
second end portion 234 folded over the first end portion 232, and a
medial portion 236 joining the first and second end portions. The
first end portion 232 folded within the configuration is disposed
between the second end portion 234 and the medial portion 236. The
diaper, tucked and folded as here described and shown in FIGS.
33A-33B, is viewable through the encasement and, particularly, the
indicia 222 printed on the outer surface of the diaper along the
second end portion 234 is readily viewable through the transparent
encasement and enjoys a prominent area of the viewable top surface
of the diaper.
[0330] Another exemplary preferred embodiment is illustrated with
reference to FIGS. 34-35. In FIG. 34, a fully extended diaper 240
is shown with indicia 242 printed on the outer surface 246 of the
diaper. In this example, after obtaining an unfolded rectangular
configuration similar to that of FIGS. 29A-29B through tucking end
and side margins, the diaper 240 is twice folded along crosswise
aspects to obtain a folded rectangular configuration, and then the
diaper is disposed and vacuum-sealed within a transparent
encasement 248 resulting in the vacuum-packed diaper of FIGS.
35A-35B. As shown in FIG. 35B, the crosswise folds 250 define a
first end portion 252 of the diaper, a second end portion 254
folded over the first end portion 252, and a medial portion 256
joining the first and second end portions. The diaper, tucked and
folded as here described and shown in FIGS. 35A-35B, is viewable
through the encasement 248 and, particularly, the indicia 242
printed on the outer surface of the diaper along the medial portion
256 is viewable through the transparent vacuum-sealed encasement
248.
[0331] Unlike the exemplary preferred embodiment of a vacuum-packed
diaper illustrated in FIGS. 33A-33B, the indicia of the
vacuum-packed diaper illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35B is intended
primarily for viewing in the vacuum-packed configuration as opposed
to viewing when the diaper is worn, as the indicia when worn
generally will face the feet of the wearer. The indicia of the
vacuum-packed diaper illustrated in FIGS. 35A-35B is readily
visible in the vacuum-packed configuration as well as when the
diaper is worn.
[0332] In yet another example, a diaper 260 and diaper-changing
accessories such as wipes 270 are disposed within a transparent
encasement 268. The wipes 270 preferably are, themselves,
prepackaged within a moisture impermeable encasement to avoid
moisture from the wipes 270 from being absorbed by the diaper
260.
[0333] In this example, wherein the diaper 260 is tucked and folded
in similar manner to that of the diaper of FIG. 33B, the wipes 270
are disposed below the medial portion 266 of the diaper within the
encasement. The diaper 260, tucked, folded and disposed within the
encasement 268 with the wipes 270 as shown in FIGS. 36A, 36B, and
37, is at least partially viewable through the encasement and,
particularly, the indicia 262 printed on the outer surface of the
diaper along the end portion 264 is viewable through the encasement
268. The wipes 270 are arranged within the encasement so as not to
obstruct the view through the encasement of the indicia printed on
the diaper.
[0334] In addition to the arrangement of the diaper 260 and wipes
270 within the encasement 268, it should also be noted that notches
272 also are formed along outer edges of the encasement 268 as
shown in FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 37 to aid in opening the encasement.
Furthermore, a weakened line 274 in the encasement 268 is formed in
the material of the encasement as an engineered weakness to further
aid in opening the encasement by providing a "tear-away" portion
276 of the encasement.
[0335] While many embodiments of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 relate generally to volumetrically reducing absorbent
articles, especially by vacuum-packing, for convenience in carrying
and storing of the absorbent articles by consumers, such absorbent
articles can be conveniently, comfortably, and discreetly
concealed, carried and stored. This is especially beneficial to
adult consumers in the incontinent adult market, who may want to
avoid public knowledge of their use of certain absorbent articles.
Such absorbent articles for incontinent adults comprise, for
example, diapers, underpants, pant liners, feminine pads, and male
pouches.
[0336] Unfortunately, simply concealing and carrying of a
volumetrically reduced absorbent article does not preclude
revelation of the article upon casual observance such as, for
example, when the article is accidentally spilled from a purse or
bag along with other contents, or when the article falls from a
pocket during physical activity. Such times can be embarrassing for
adult consumers.
[0337] To address such embarrassing incidents, and in further
accordance with the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, particular
embodiments of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 relate to
disguisedly packaged absorbent articles. According to such
particular embodiments, discretion and concealment is attained by
way of a disguisedly packaged absorbent article having an outward
appearance capable of deceiving a casual observer. In this regard,
a disguisedly packaged absorbent article in accordance with the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 may be casually observed without
being correctly identified. That is, a disguisedly packaged
absorbent article preferably hides in plain sight.
[0338] Turning to the drawings, an exemplary package 300 comprising
a disguisedly packaged diaper that has been volumetrically reduced
is shown in FIGS. 38-39. Preferably, the diaper is disposed within
encasement 304 in the exemplary configuration 306 shown in FIG. 40,
which comprises at least two folds that enable the diaper to obtain
an outward shape similar to that of a filled candy bar like a
"Snickers".TM. candy bar. Furthermore, the encasement 304
preferably has disguising indicia 302 printed thereon that
facilitates the deception of an unknowing observer with regard to
the actual contents of the package 300. In this respect, the
package 300 preferably visually resembles a wrapped candy bar in
size, shape, and/or indicia thereon. The printed indicia
illustrated ("CANDY BAR") is intended to represent any indicia that
may suggest that the package is a wrapped candy bar.
[0339] In this exemplary package 300, the absorbent article
preferably comprise a diaper that is vacuum-sealed within the
encasement 304 in accordance with preferred embodiments of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 discussed above.
[0340] Another exemplary package 320 comprising a disguisedly
packaged diaper that has been volumetrically reduced is shown in
FIG. 41. In this example, the diaper 326 is disposed within a first
encasement 324 in a volumetrically reduced configuration as shown
in FIG. 42. The volumetrically reduced configuration of the diaper
326 preferably comprises at least one crosswise fold obtaining an
outward shape like that of a planar (non filled) candy bar like a
"Mr. Goodbar".TM. candy bar. A secondary encasement 328 (FIG. 41)
is wrapped and folded about the first encasement 324 and has
disguising indicia 322 printed thereon that facilitates the
deception of an unknowing observer with regard to the actual
contents of the package 320. In this respect, the package 320
preferably visually resembles a wrapped candy bar in size, shape,
and/or indicia thereon. The printed indicia illustrated ("CANDY
BAR") is intended to represent any indicia that may suggest that
the package is a wrapped candy bar.
[0341] In this exemplary package 320, the diaper preferably
comprise a diaper that is vacuum-sealed within the encasement 324
in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333 discussed above.
[0342] Yet a third exemplary package comprising a disguisedly
packaged diaper that has been volumetrically reduced is shown in
FIGS. 43-44. In this example, the volumetrically reduced diaper 342
is disposed within a primary encasement 346. The primary encasement
346 then is disposed within a secondary encasement forming the
package 340. Furthermore, the secondary encasement includes
disguising indicia that facilitates the deception of an unknowing
observer with regard to the actual contents of the package 340. In
this respect, the package 340 preferably visually resembles a pack
of cigarettes in size, shape, and/or indicia thereon. The printed
indicia illustrated ("CIGARETTES") is intended to represent any
indicia that may suggest that the package 340 is a pack of
cigarettes.
[0343] In this exemplary package 340, the diaper preferably
comprise a diaper that is vacuum-sealed together with accessories
344, such as wipes, within the encasement 324 in accordance with
preferred embodiments of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333
discussed above.
[0344] Still yet another exemplary package comprising a disguisedly
packaged diaper that has been volumetrically reduced is illustrated
by FIGS. 45-49. In this example, a volumetrically reduced diaper
422 is disposed within an encasement 424. The encasement 424
comprises a pair of opposing shells 426,428 and a clamping band
430. As illustrated by FIGS. 48-49, the clamping band 430 aids in
maintaining the relative positions of the shells and keeping the
volumetrically reduced diaper 422 contained between the shells. In
particular, respective extensions 432,434 of the shells 426,428 are
received within channels (not shown) of the clamping band 430 such
that the clamping band 430 slides over the extensions 432,434 for
retention therein.
[0345] The diaper 422 is disposed within the encasement 424 in a
volumetrically reduced configuration by way of, for example, the
process illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E discussed above, and may or
may not include vacuum-packing of the absorbent article. The diaper
422 is removed from the encasement 424 by removing the clamping
band 430 from and separation of the shells 426,428.
[0346] In accordance with the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, the
encasement and, in particular, the shells 426,428 include an
outward appearance similar to that of a mobile telephone in size,
shape, and/or indicia thereon. For example, indicia 438 on shell
428 resembles the keys of a keypad. The area of shell 428
comprising the buttons further may be raised or may comprise
components of a different material in order to give a convincing
appearance of a keypad. A screen further may be imitated by the
shape and/or indicia of the shell 426. Additionally, the shell 426
includes a protuberance resembling an antennae.
[0347] Another exemplary package comprising a disguisedly packaged
diaper that has been volumetrically reduced is shown in FIGS.
50-52. In this example, the diaper 458 (FIG. 52) is disposed within
an encasement 452. The encasement 452 comprises a pair of separable
opposing shells 454,456. As illustrated by FIG. 52, the shells keep
the volumetrically reduced diaper 458 contained therebetween and
are separable for removing of the diaper 458 from the package.
Preferably, the shells 454,456 snap into interlocking engagement
with one another and can be separated by selectively applied force
at the areas of the interlocking engagement. Moreover, such type of
engagement is conventional and therefore is not further discussed
herein.
[0348] The diaper 458 is disposed within the encasement 452 in a
volumetrically reduced configuration by way of, for example, the
process illustrated in FIGS. 10A-10E discussed above, and may or
may not include vacuum-packing.
[0349] In accordance with the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333, the
encasement 452 and, in particular, the shells 454,456 include an
outward appearance similar to that of a personal pager in size,
shape, and/or indicia thereon. For example, indicia on and or the
shape of shell 456 exhibits the resemblance of keys and a screen of
a pager. Additionally, the shell 454 includes a belt clip 462 that
resembles the belt clip of a pager.
[0350] While many embodiments of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 relate generally to volumetrically reduced absorbent
articles that can be conveniently carried and stored, particular
embodiments relate to volumetrically reduced diapers for children
wherein a diaper is contained within a child's toy. In this
respect, the toy comprises a container for the diaper. By packaging
a diaper within a toy, a toy is conveniently on hand at the time of
a diaper changing for amusement of the child before, during, and/or
after the diaper changing.
[0351] An exemplary embodiment of a toy container in accordance
with this aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 is
illustrated by FIGS. 53-54 and comprises a doll 500 resembling a
kangaroo in which a volumetrically reduced diaper 502 is disposed.
Each of rigid upper and lower body portions 506,508 of the doll 500
defines an internal compartment 504 for receiving respective
portions of the diaper 502. The upper portion 506 and lower portion
508 are separable for removal of the diaper 502.
[0352] In this exemplary embodiment, the volumetrically reduced
diaper 502 is disposed within the doll 500 in a rolled, cylindrical
configuration that corresponds to and fits within the cylindrical
compartments 504 of the upper and lower portions 506,508. In some
embodiments, the diaper 500 is vacuum-sealed within an encasement
and then disposed within the doll 500; in other embodiments, the
diaper 500 disposed within the doll 502 is not vacuum-sealed. A
diaper also may be disposed within dolls in other configurations,
especially if the compartments within the other dolls have other
than cylindrical configurations. Thus, for example, a
volumetrically reduced diaper may include a rectangular
configuration for disposition within a rectangular compartment of a
doll.
[0353] Another exemplary embodiment comprising a doll 520 that also
resembles a kangaroo is illustrated by FIGS. 55-56. In this
example, a volumetrically reduced diaper 522 is disposed within a
cylindrical compartment 524 defined by a semi-soft, integral body
portion 526 of the doll 520. The compartment 524 is accessible
through an opening located underneath the body portion 526 of the
doll 520. The opening is closed to contain the diaper 522 within
the doll 520 using closure element 528, which closure element may
comprise, for example, a friction-fit plug, a threaded screw cap,
or a lid that snaps into place. As with the doll 500, the diaper
522 in doll 520 is vacuum-sealed in certain embodiments and is not
vacuum-sealed in other embodiments, as desired.
[0354] Another exemplary embodiment of a toy in which a
volumetrically reduced diaper is disposed comprises a toy ball 540
as illustrated by FIGS. 57-60. In this embodiment, the ball 540
includes a rigid top portion 546 that is connected to a rigid
bottom portion 548 by a hinging member 544 such that the top
portion 546 moves about the hinging member 544 relative to the
bottom portion 548. Thus, the top and bottom portions 546,548 are
movable between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 58, and an open
position, as shown in FIG. 59. When the ball 540 is in the closed
position, closure tab 550 keeps the top portion 546 engaged with
bottom portion 548 for containment of the diaper 542. The ball 540
is opened by applying inward pressure adjacent the closure tab 550
for release of the top portion 546 from the bottom portion 548. The
diaper 542 is freely removable from the ball 540 when in the open
position, and the diaper 542 is shown in FIG. 60.
[0355] In this exemplary embodiment, the volumetrically reduced
diaper 542 is disposed within the ball 540 in a rolled, cylindrical
configuration that corresponds to and fits within internal
compartments of the top and bottom portions 546,548 of the ball
540. In some embodiments, the diaper 542 is vacuum-sealed within an
encasement and then disposed within the ball 540; in other
embodiments, the diaper 542 disposed within the ball 540 is not
vacuum-sealed. A diaper also may be disposed within toy balls in
other configurations, especially if the compartments within the
other balls have other than cylindrical configurations. Thus, for
example, a volumetrically reduced diaper may include a rectangular
configuration for disposition within a rectangular compartment of a
toy ball.
[0356] Yet another exemplary embodiment of a toy in which a
volumetrically reduced diaper is contained comprises a toy rocket
570 as illustrated by FIGS. 61-62. The toy rocket 570 includes a
cylindrical sleeve 574 that defines a compartment in which a
volumetrically reduced diaper 572 is contained, as shown in FIG.
62. Furthermore, the toy rocket 570 includes a removable cap 576
that serves as the nose of the toy rocket 570 for full enclosure
and containment of the diaper 572 within the sleeve 574. The
volumetrically reduced diaper 572 is shown in FIG. 63 in the
cylindrical configuration in which it is disposed within the sleeve
574 of the toy rocket 570. The cylindrical sleeve 574 may be
flexible or, alternatively, the sleeve 574 may be flexible with the
volumetrically reduced diaper 572 disposed therein providing a
degree of rigidity to the sleeve 574 and overall toy rocket
570.
[0357] Still yet another exemplary embodiment of a toy in which a
volumetrically reduced diaper 582 is disposed comprises a toy car
580 as illustrated by FIGS. 64-66. Like the toy ball 540
illustrated by FIGS. 57-60, the toy car 580 includes a rigid top
portion 586 that is connected to a rigid bottom portion 588 by a
hinging member 584 such that the top portion 586 moves about the
hinging member 584 relative to the bottom portion 588. Thus, the
top and bottom portions 586,588 are movable between a closed
position, as shown in FIGS. 64-65, and an open position, as shown
in FIG. 66. When the toy car 580 is in the closed position, closure
tab 590 keeps the top portion 586 engaged with bottom portion 588
for containment of the diaper 582. The toy car 580 is opened by
applying inward pressure adjacent the closure tab 590 for release
of the top portion 586 from the bottom portion 588. The diaper 582
is freely removable from the toy car 580 when in the open
position.
[0358] In this exemplary embodiment, the volumetrically reduced
diaper 582 is disposed within the toy car 580 in a configuration
that corresponds to and fits within internal compartments of the
top and bottom portions 586,588 of the toy car 580. The particular
configuration of the volumetrically reduced diaper is illustrated
in FIGS. 67-68 and, as will be apparent, resembles the shape of the
top and bottom portion 586,588 of the toy car 580. In some
embodiments, the diaper 582 is vacuum-sealed within an encasement
such as a flexible bag and then disposed within the toy car 580; in
other embodiments, the diaper 582 disposed within the toy car 580
is not vacuum-sealed. A diaper also may be disposed within toy cars
in other configurations, especially if the compartments within the
other toy cars have other than cylindrical configurations. Thus,
for example, a volumetrically reduced diaper may include a
cylindrical or rectangular configuration for respective disposition
within a cylindrical or rectangular compartment of a toy car.
[0359] Additionally, an exemplary method of making the
volumetrically reduced diaper 582 of the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 67-68 is illustrated in FIG. 69. In this regard, a mold 592
having a configuration matching that of the compartment of the top
portion 586 of the toy car 580 is forcibly pressed onto the top of
diaper 594 resulting in diaper 582. Furthermore, diaper 594
preferably is vacuum-sealed within an air impermeable encasement
(not illustrated) during the pressing process, such that diaper 582
retains its molded configuration for later disposition within the
toy car 580. This preferably is accomplished by carrying out the
pressing of the mold 592 onto the diaper 594 within a vacuum
chamber (represented by the rectangular box in FIG. 69).
Alternatively, for example, a diaper first may be vacuum-packed and
then forcibly configured into the desired configuration for
disposition within a toy in accordance with the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333.
[0360] Any of the foregoing toy containers may be packaged for
individual sale to consumers or packaged together for sale to
consumers; however, in accordance with an aspect of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/907,333, such toy containers further may be sold in
conjunction with packages of conventional diapers arranged together
in their nominal configuration, with one or more toy containers
being disposed in such packages as "prizes" similar in marketing
theory to those prizes found in "Crackerjack".TM. boxes or provided
in kids meals at fast food restaurants.
[0361] Still yet another aspect of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333 relates to refills for such toy containers. In this
respect, once a volumetrically reduced diaper has been removed from
its toy container and used, a consumer may prefer to reinsert
another volumetrically reduced diaper into the toy container at a
later time. Accordingly, in this aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/907,333, packages of individual, volumetrically reduced
diapers are sold as refills for such toy containers.
[0362] In addition to the above disclosure, another aspect of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 relates to vending and, in
particular, to vending systems and machines for dispensing
volumetrically reduced absorbent articles such as vacuum-packed
diapers. Indeed, it may be particularly beneficial to include such
a vending machine in conjunction with each courtesy baby changing
station commonly found in public restrooms of commercial
establishments.
[0363] An exemplary vending machine 700 is shown in FIGS. 70-71.
Vending machine 700 includes a structural housing 702 and multiple,
slotted, currency-receiving slides 704 extending from an anterior
vending face 706 of the vending machine 700. The vending machine
700 further includes viewing windows 705 for presentation of
selectable products that are respectively dispensed upon actuation
of the currency-receiving slides 704. Each product is dispensed for
a predetermined currency amount that is optionally indicated in the
respective viewing window 705 or on the respective
currency-receiving slide 704.
[0364] As shown in FIG. 71, the exemplary vending machine 700
contains, in association with each currency-receiving slide, a
vertical stack 708 of products 710. In selecting and purchasing a
product, a consumer places currency 712 into a particular
currency-receiving slide 704, actuates the slide by pressing the
slide inwardly in the direction of arrow 714, and receives 716 one
of the selected products 718 associated with the particular
currency-receiving slide 704 through dispensing slot 712 (FIG.
70).
[0365] As further shown in FIG. 71, the exemplary vending machine
700 preferably comprises posterior access panels for secure access
by a vendor or operator of the vending machine 700. In this
respect, the vending machine 700 extends through a wall 720 (FIG.
71) in which it is mounted. Consequently, a vendor may securely
restock (726) the vertical stack 708 with additional products 728
through a product access panel 730. Furthermore, a vendor may
securely collect (732) deposited currency 734 through a currency
access panel 736.
[0366] In accordance with this aspect of the invention of Ser. No.
10/907,333, the products 708 dispensed by the vending machine 700
include individually packaged volumetrically reduced absorbent
articles, such as diapers. The products 708 additionally may
include multi-packs of volumetrically reduced absorbent articles
such as diapers; kits including volumetrically reduced absorbent
articles such as diapers, toys containing volumetrically reduced
absorbent articles such as diapers, and disguisedly packaged
absorbent articles. Moreover, products 708 that do contain
volumetrically reduced diapers each preferably contains one of the
many embodiments of an individually vacuum-packed diaper as
previously disclosed herein.
[0367] It is to be understood that the above referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can
be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/907,333 as set forth in the claims.
CLAIMS AS FILED FORMING PART OF THE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/907,333
[0368] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a
diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement
within a vacuum chamber; (b) creating a vacuum state within an
interior space defined by the encasement by creating a vacuum state
within the vacuum chamber; and (c) sealing the encasement such
that, (i) the interior space of the substantially air impermeable
encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the compressible
absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior
space; (d) wherein a pressure within the encasement when sealed is
substantially equal to a pressure within the vacuum chamber
exterior to the encasement.
[0369] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the vacuum
chamber is part of a vacuum-sealing machine; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure is less than 10
millibars; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
the pressure within the encasement when sealed is less than 20
millibars; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
the pressure within the encasement when sealed is between about 5
millibars and about 1 millibar; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the diaper is the only diaper disposed within
the sealed interior space of the encasement; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper disposed within the
encasement comprises an unused disposable diaper; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the encasement comprises
at least a portion thereof that is transparent such that the diaper
is viewable through the encasement, and wherein the diaper includes
printed indicia thereon, and the diaper is disposed within the
encasement in said step (a) such that the printed indicia of the
diaper is visible through the transparent portion of the
encasement; a diaper packaged in accordance with the claimed method
of the foregoing paragraph; and the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph further comprising folding the diaper about a lengthwise
fold line prior to said step (a) whereby the diaper is foldedly
reduced.
[0370] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising using a vacuum chamber of a
vacuum-sealing machine to vacuum-seal a compressible diaper
disposed within a flexible air impermeable encasement, wherein no
significant difference in pressure exists between a pressure within
the interior space of the encasement and a pressure immediately
adjacent an exterior surface of the encasement when the encasement
is sealed.
[0371] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure
within the encasement when sealed is less than 10 millibars; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure
within the encasement when sealed is less than 20 millibars; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure
within the encasement when sealed is between about 5 millibars and
about 1 millibar; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the diaper is the only diaper disposed within the sealed
interior space; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the diaper disposed within the encasement comprises an
unused disposable diaper; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, further comprising foldedly reducing the diaper and then
disposing the diaper within the encasement for vacuum-sealing,
wherein a reduced width of the diaper disposed within the
encasement is no greater than about one-half of the nominal width
of the diaper.
[0372] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a
compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air
impermeable encasement; (b) creating a vacuum state within an
interior space defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the
encasement such that, (i) the interior space of the substantially
air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the
compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the
sealed interior space; and (d) pressing at least a portion of the
compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface.
[0373] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include
the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) is
performed after performance of said steps (b) and (c); the method
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) is performed
before performance of said steps (b) and (c); the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the packaged diaper includes a
configuration that is different from its nominal configuration by
at least a lengthwise fold; the method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the smooth surface of said step (d) comprises an
essentially planar surface; the method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said step (d) comprises pressing the portion of the diaper
with an essentially planar surface of a press comprising a jig; the
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises
pressing the portion of the diaper with an essentially planar
surface of a clamp; the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said step (d) comprises pressing the portion of the diaper with an
essentially planar surface of a conveyor belt; the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the smooth surface of said step (d)
comprises an essentially circular surface; the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing the
portion of the diaper with an essentially circular surface of a
roller; the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
compressible absorbent diaper is the only diaper disposed within
the sealed interior space; the method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the sealed substantially air impermeable encasement
maintains at least a partial vacuum state in the sealed interior
space thereof; the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
compressible absorbent diaper has a nominal volume prior to
packaging, and wherein the compressible absorbent diaper has a
reduced volume that is less than the nominal volume when disposed
within the sealed interior space in which at least a partial vacuum
state is maintained; and a vacuum-packed diaper made by the method
of the foregoing paragraph.
[0374] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper comprising the steps of: (a) pressing at
least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth
surface; (b) disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a
flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; (c) creating a
vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement
after performance of said steps (a) and (b); (d) sealing the
encasement such that, (i) the interior space of the substantially
air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the
compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the
sealed interior space; and (e) pressing the encasement containing
the diaper with a smooth surface such that the encasement includes
a substantially smooth planar face.
[0375] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step
(a) comprises pressing using a clamp, and wherein said step (a) is
performed while performing said step (b); the claimed method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (a) comprises pressing the
portion of the diaper with an essentially planar surface of a clamp
and said step (e) comprises pressing the portion of the diaper with
an essentially planar surface of a conveyor belt; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (a) comprises
pressing the portion of the diaper with an essentially planar
surface of a clamp and said step (e) comprises pressing the portion
of the diaper with an essentially planar surface of a press; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (a)
comprises pressing the portion of the diaper with an essentially
planar surface of a clamp and said step (e) comprises pressing the
portion of the diaper with an essentially circular surface of a
roller; and a vacuum-packed diaper made by the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph.
[0376] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a
consumer, comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a compressible
absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable
encasement; (b) creating a vacuum state within an interior space
defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement such that (i)
the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement
is completely sealed, and (ii) the compressible absorbent diaper is
completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and (d)
pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a smooth surface
such that the encasement includes a substantially smooth planar
face; (e) wherein performance of said step (d) occurs after
performance of said steps (a), (b) and (c).
[0377] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
encasement comprises at least a portion thereof that is transparent
such that the diaper is viewable through the substantially smooth
planar face, and wherein the diaper includes printed indicia
thereon, and the diaper is disposed within the encasement in said
step (a) such that the printed indicia of the diaper is visible
through the transparent portion of the encasement; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the packaged diaper
includes a configuration that is different from its nominal
configuration by at least a lengthwise fold; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein the smooth surface of said step
(d) comprises an essentially planar surface; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing
the encasement with an essentially planar surface of a conveyor
belt; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
smooth surface of said step (d) comprises an essentially circular
surface; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said step (d) comprises pressing the encasement with an essentially
circular surface of a roller; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the compressible absorbent diaper is the only
diaper disposed within the sealed interior space; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the sealed substantially
air impermeable encasement maintains at least a partial vacuum
state in the sealed interior space thereof; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein (i) the compressible absorbent
diaper has a nominal volume prior to packaging, and (ii) the
compressible absorbent diaper has a reduced volume that is less
than the nominal volume when disposed within the sealed interior
space in which at least a partial vacuum state is maintained; and a
vacuum-packed diaper made by the method of the foregoing
paragraph.
[0378] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a
consumer, comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a compressible
absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable
encasement; (b) creating a vacuum state within an interior space
defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement such that,
(i) the interior space of the substantially air impermeable
encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the compressible
absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior
space; and (d) pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a
smooth surface such that the diaper is substantially flattened and
the encasement includes substantially smooth oppositely facing
planar faces; (e) wherein performance of said step (d) occurs after
performance of said steps (a), (b) and (c).
[0379] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper
disposed within the encasement includes no additional folds beyond
any folds otherwise in its nominal configuration; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the encasement comprises
at least a portion thereof that is transparent such that the diaper
is viewable through the substantially smooth planar face, and
wherein the diaper includes printed indicia thereon, and the diaper
is disposed within the encasement in said step (a) such that the
printed indicia of the diaper is visible through the transparent
portion of the encasement; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing the encasement
with an essentially planar surface of a conveyor belt; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises
pressing the encasement with an essentially circular surface of a
roller; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
compressible absorbent diaper is the only diaper disposed within
the sealed interior space; and a vacuum-packed diaper made by the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph.
[0380] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a
compressible absorbent diaper within an interior space defined by a
flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; (b) positioning
the encasement within a chamber, the chamber for creating a vacuum
state and sealing the encasement disposed within the chamber; (b)
creating a vacuum state within the chamber and the interior space
defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement within the
chamber such that, (i) the interior space of the substantially air
impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the
compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the
sealed interior space; and (d) pressing at least a portion of the
compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface to flatten a
face of the diaper.
[0381] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein no
significant difference in pressure exists between a pressure within
the interior space of the encasement and a pressure within the
chamber when the encasement is sealed in said step (c); the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the packaged diaper
includes a configuration that is different from its nominal
configuration by at least a lengthwise fold; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein the smooth surface of said step
(d) comprises an essentially planar surface; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing
the portion of the diaper with an essentially planar surface of a
press comprising a jig; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing the portion of
the diaper with an essentially planar surface of a clamp; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d)
comprises pressing the portion of the diaper with an essentially
planar surface of a conveyor belt; the claimed method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the smooth surface of said step (d)
comprises an essentially circular surface; the claimed method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing
the portion of the diaper with an essentially circular surface of a
roller; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
compressible absorbent diaper is the only diaper disposed within
the sealed interior space; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the sealed substantially air impermeable
encasement maintains at least a partial vacuum state in the sealed
interior space thereof; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the compressible absorbent diaper has a nominal
volume prior to packaging, and wherein the compressible absorbent
diaper has a reduced volume that is less than the nominal volume
when disposed within the sealed interior space in which at least a
partial vacuum state is maintained; the claimed method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said step (d) comprises pressing the
encasement containing the diaper with the smooth surface, whereby a
substantially smooth planar face also is provided in the
encasement, wherein the encasement comprises at least a portion
thereof that is transparent such that the diaper is viewable
through the substantially smooth planar face of the encasement, and
wherein the diaper includes printed indicia thereon, and the diaper
is disposed within the encasement in said step (a) such that the
printed indicia of the diaper is visible through the transparent
portion of the encasement; and a vacuum-packed diaper made by the
method of the foregoing paragraph.
[0382] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising vacuum-sealing an unused diaper
disposed within an air impermeable encasement using a
vacuum-sealing machine having a vacuum chamber, the encasement
being sealed while disposed within the chamber.
[0383] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure
within the chamber when the encasement is sealed is on the order of
millibars; and a vacuum-packed diaper made by the method of the
foregoing paragraph.
[0384] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a
vacuum-packed diaper, comprising: (a) a sealed substantially air
impermeable encasement completely enclosing an interior space, said
encasement having at least a portion thereof that is substantially
transparent for viewing within said encasement; and (b) a
compressible absorbent diaper vacuum-sealed within said interior
space of said sealed substantially air impermeable encasement, said
diaper including indicia; (c) wherein said compressible absorbent
diaper is arranged and configured within said interior space of
said sealed substantially air impermeable encasement such that said
indicia of said compressible absorbent diaper is viewable through
said substantially air impermeable encasement.
[0385] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said compressible absorbent diaper is the only diaper
disposed within said interior space of said sealed substantially
air impermeable encasement; the claimed vacuum-packed diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia is printed on a surface
of said diaper; the claimed vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises cartoon characters; the
claimed vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said indicia comprise a trademark; the claimed vacuum-packed diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises sizing
information of said diaper; the claimed vacuum-packed diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia contributes to a disguise
of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing the ability of another to
readily identify the diaper upon casual viewing; the claimed
vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
encasement further comprises a tab that facilitates opening of said
encasement for release of said diaper therefrom; the claimed
vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a pressure
within said encasement is less than 10 millibars; the claimed
vacuum-packed diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
configuration of said compressible absorbent diaper disposed within
said encasement comprises a folded configuration, including at
least one crosswise fold and/or only one crosswise fold. The folded
configuration also may include at least one tucked margin of said
diaper and/or two tucked side margins and two tucked end margins of
said diaper. The folded configuration further may include: (a) a
first end portion; (b) a second end portion; (c) a medial portion
joining said first end portion and said second end portion; (d) a
first crosswise fold between said first end portion and said medial
portion; and (e) a second crosswise fold between said medial
portion and said second end portion. In this regard, said indicia
disposed on said compressible absorbent diaper may be disposed on a
said end portion of said diaper or on said medial portion of said
diaper, and the first end portion may be foldedly disposed between
said second end portion and said medial portion.
[0386] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a
vacuum-packed diaper, comprising: (a) a sealed substantially air
impermeable encasement having at least a portion thereof that is
substantially transparent for viewing within said encasement; and
(b) a diaper configured in a folded configuration and vacuum-sealed
within said encasement, said configured diaper including, (i) a
first end portion, (ii) a second end portion, said second end
portion including indicia thereon, (iii) a medial portion joining
said first end portion and said second end portion, (iv) a first
crosswise fold between said first end portion and said medial
portion, and (v) a second crosswise fold between said medial
portion and said second end portion; (c) wherein said configured
diaper is arranged within said encasement such that said indicia of
said second end portion of said diaper is viewable through said
encasement.
[0387] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a
vacuum-packed diaper, comprising: (a) a sealed substantially air
impermeable encasement having at least a portion thereof that is
substantially transparent for viewing within said encasement; and
(b) a diaper configured in a folded configuration and vacuum-sealed
within said encasement, said configured diaper including, (i) a
first end portion, (ii) a second end portion, (iii) a medial
portion joining said first end portion and said second end portion,
said medial portion including indicia thereon, (iv) a first
crosswise fold between said first end portion and said medial
portion, and (v) a second crosswise fold between said medial
portion and said second end portion; (c) wherein said configured
diaper is arranged within said encasement such that said indicia of
said medial portion of said diaper is viewable through said
encasement.
[0388] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: (a) a compressible absorbent diaper having a
reduced, generally rectangular configuration in which the diaper
includes a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches, a width
between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches, and a thickness between
about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, said diaper including indicia
that is viewable when said diaper is in said reduced configuration;
and (b) an encasement in which said diaper is disposed in said
reduced configuration, said encasement having at least a portion
thereof that is substantially transparent for viewing of content
therein; (c) wherein said diaper is arranged in said encasement
such that said indicia of said diaper is viewable through said
transparent portion of said encasement.
[0389] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said diaper is unsoiled; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper is the only diaper
disposed within said encasement; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a flexible
material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper
includes at least one lengthwise fold; the claimed packaged diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a
flexible material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the
claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
indicia is printed on a surface of said diaper; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia
comprises cartoon characters; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprise a trademark; the
claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
indicia comprises sizing information of said diaper; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia
contributes to a disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing
the ability of another to readily identify the diaper upon casual
viewing.
[0390] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a diaper
package, comprising: (a) a compressible absorbent diaper having a
reduced, generally cylindrical configuration in which the diaper
includes a diameter between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches
and a length between about 2 inches to about 4 inches, said diaper
including indicia that is viewable when said diaper is in said
reduced, cylindrical configuration; and (b) an encasement in which
said diaper is disposed in said reduced configuration, said
encasement having at least a portion thereof that is substantially
transparent for viewing of content therein; (c) wherein said diaper
is arranged in said encasement such that said indicia of said
diaper is viewable through said transparent portion of said
encasement.
[0391] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said diaper is unsoiled; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper is the only diaper
disposed within said encasement; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a flexible
material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper
includes at least one lengthwise fold; the claimed packaged diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a
flexible material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the
claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
indicia is printed on a surface of said diaper; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia
comprises cartoon characters; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprise a trademark; the
claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
indicia comprises sizing information of said diaper; and the
claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
indicia contributes to a disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby
reducing the ability of another to readily identify the diaper upon
casual viewing.
[0392] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: (a) an encasement having at least a portion
thereof that is substantially transparent for viewing within said
encasement; and (b) a diaper configured in a folded configuration
and disposed within said encasement, said configured diaper
including, (i) a first end portion, (ii) a second end portion, said
second end portion including indicia thereon, (iii) a medial
portion joining said first end portion and said second end portion,
(iv) a first crosswise fold between said first end portion and said
medial portion, and (v) a second crosswise fold between said medial
portion and said second end portion; (c) wherein said configured
diaper is arranged within said encasement such that said indicia of
said second end portion of said diaper is viewable through said
encasement.
[0393] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said diaper is unsoiled; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper is the only diaper
disposed within said encasement; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a flexible
material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper
includes at least one lengthwise fold; the claimed packaged diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia is printed on a
surface of said diaper; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises cartoon
characters; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said indicia comprise a trademark; the claimed packaged
diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises
sizing information of said diaper; and the claimed packaged diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia contributes to a
disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing the ability of
another to readily identify the diaper upon casual viewing.
[0394] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: (a) an encasement having at least a portion
thereof that is substantially transparent for viewing within said
encasement; and (b) a diaper configured in a folded configuration
and disposed within said encasement, said configured diaper
including, (i) a first end portion, (ii) a second end portion,
(iii) a medial portion joining said first end portion and said
second end portion, said medial portion including indicia thereon,
(iv) a first crosswise fold between said first end portion and said
medial portion, and (v) a second crosswise fold between said medial
portion and said second end portion; (c) wherein said configured
diaper is arranged within said encasement such that said indicia of
said medial portion of said diaper is viewable through said
encasement.
[0395] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said diaper is unsoiled; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein diaper is the only diaper disposed
within said encasement; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement comprises a flexible
material; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said encasement comprises a rigid material; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper
includes at least one lengthwise fold; the claimed packaged diaper
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia is printed on a
surface of said diaper; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises cartoon
characters; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said indicia comprise a trademark; the claimed packaged
diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia comprises
sizing information of said diaper; the claimed packaged diaper of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said indicia contributes to a
disguise of said packaged diaper, thereby reducing the ability of
another to readily identify the diaper upon casual viewing.
[0396] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a
disguisedly packaged absorbent article, comprising a package in
which a volumetrically reduced absorbent article is disposed,
wherein said package includes a deceptive size and outward
appearance such that it is not visually evident that an absorbent
article is disposed therein, the size of said package being
substantially smaller than a nominal size of said absorbent article
whereby said size of said package contributes to said deceptive
outward appearance of said package.
[0397] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent article of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said absorbent article is the only absorbent
article disposed within said package; the claimed disguisedly
packaged absorbent article of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
absorbent article is unused; the claimed disguisedly packaged
absorbent article of the foregoing paragraph, wherein indicia of
said package contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of
said package; the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent article of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said absorbent article is
vacuum-packed; the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent article
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said package resembles a
wrapped candy bar; the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent
article of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said package resembles
a pack of cigarettes; the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent
article of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said package resembles
something other than a container and may resemble a mobile phone or
pager; the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent article of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said absorbent article includes
printed indicia thereon that contributes to said deceptive outward
appearance of said package; the claimed disguisedly packaged
absorbent article of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
absorbent article is enclosed within a first encasement, and
wherein said first encasement is enclosed within a second
encasement, said second encasement defining said deceptive outward
appearance and the second encasement may resembles a cigarette
pack; and the claimed disguisedly packaged absorbent article of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement at least partially
defines said deceptive outward appearance and at least one
absorbent article accessory may be disposed within said package and
said encasement may include indicia printed thereon contributing to
said deceptive outward appearance. The encasement may resembles a
candy bar wrapper, includes a shape contributing to said deceptive
outward appearance, resembles the shape of a mobile phone, or
resembles the shape of a pager.
[0398] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of disguisedly packaging an absorbent article, comprising the steps
of: (a) volumetrically reducing an absorbent article such that the
volume of the absorbent article is less than a nominal volume of
the absorbent article; and (b) disposing the volumetrically reduced
absorbent article within a package; (c) wherein the package
includes a deceptive size and outward appearance such that it is
not visually evident that an absorbent article is disposed therein,
the size of the package being substantially smaller than the
nominal size of the absorbent article whereby the size of the
package contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the
package.
[0399] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the absorbent
article is the only absorbent article disposed within the package;
the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the absorbent
article is unused; the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
indicia of the package contributes to the deceptive outward
appearance of the package; the method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the absorbent article is vacuum-packed; the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the package resembles a wrapped candy
bar; the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the package
resembles a pack of cigarettes; the method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the package resembles something other than a
container and may resembles a mobile phone or a pager; the method
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the absorbent article includes
printed indicia thereon that contributes to the deceptive outward
appearance of the package; the method of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein the absorbent article is enclosed within an encasement, and
wherein the encasement at least partially defines the deceptive
outward appearance, and optionally further comprising the step of
disposing within the package at least one accessory with the
absorbent article, with the encasement including indicia printed
thereon contributing to the deceptive outward appearance,
resembling a candy bar wrapper, resembling a mobile phone,
resembling pager, or including a shape contributing to the
deceptive outward appearance; and the method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein step (b) comprises the steps of disposing the
absorbent article within a first encasement and disposing the first
encasement within a second encasement, the second encasement
defining the deceptive outward appearance of the package,
optionally with the second encasement resembling a cigarette
pack.
[0400] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a
disguisedly packaged diaper, comprising a package in which a
vacuum-packed diaper is disposed, wherein said package includes a
deceptive outward appearance such that it is not visually evident
that a diaper is disposed therein.
[0401] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said vacuum-packed diaper is the only diaper contained within said
package; the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said vacuum-packed diaper is unsoiled; the claimed packaged
diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein indicia of said package
contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of said package;
the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a
size of said package contributes to said deceptive outward
appearance of said package, said size being substantially smaller
than a nominal size of said diaper, optionally with the package
resembling a wrapped candy bar, a pack of cigarettes, a mobile
phone, a pager, or something other than a container; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
vacuum-packed diaper includes indicia thereon that contributes to
said deceptive outward appearance of said package; the claimed
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said encasement
resembles a candy bar wrapper; the claimed packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the absorbent article is vacuum-sealed
within an air impermeable encasement, and wherein said encasement
at least partially defines said deceptive outward appearance of
said package; and the claimed packaged diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the encasement is contained within a second
encasement, with the second encasement defining the deceptive
outward appearance and optionally resembling a cigarette pack, the
shape of a mobile phone, or the shape of a pager. At least one
diaper accessory may be disposed within said package; the
encasement may include indicia printed thereon contributing to said
deceptive outward appearance; and the encasement may include a
shape contributing to said deceptive outward appearance of said
package
[0402] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of disguisedly packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: (a)
disposing a diaper within a substantially air impermeable
encasement; (b) creating a vacuum state within an interior space
defined by the encasement; and (c) sealing the encasement such that
the diaper is completely enclosed within the interior space of the
sealed encasement, thereby vacuum-sealing the diaper within the
encasement; (d) wherein the encasement includes a deceptive outward
appearance such that it is not visually evident that a diaper is
disposed therein.
[0403] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, further comprising
the step of folding the diaper such that the diaper is in a folded
configuration, and wherein said step (a) comprises disposing the
diaper in the folded configuration within the encasement; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a size of the
encasement having the diaper disposed therein is substantially
smaller than a nominal size of the diaper whereby the size of the
encasement contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the
encasement; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
the diaper vacuum-sealed within the encasement is the only diaper
disposed within the encasement; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the diaper vacuum-sealed within the encasement
is unsoiled; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
indicia of said package contributes to the deceptive outward
appearance of said package; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the encasement resembles a wrapped candy bar;
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper
includes indicia thereon that contributes to said deceptive outward
appearance of said package; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the diaper includes a configuration thereof that
contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the encasement;
and the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, further
comprising the step of disposing within the encasement at least one
diaper accessory with the diaper.
[0404] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of disguisedly packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: (a)
disposing a diaper within a first encasement, the first encasement
being substantially air impermeable; (b) creating a vacuum state
within an interior space defined by the first encasement; (c)
sealing the first encasement such that the diaper is completely
enclosed within the interior space of the sealed first encasement,
thereby vacuum-sealing the diaper within the first encasement; (d)
disposing the first encasement having the diaper vacuum-sealed
therein within a second encasement, the second encasement having a
deceptive outward appearance such that it is not visually evident
that a diaper is disposed therein.
[0405] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, further comprising
disposing a diaper accessory within the second encasement; the
claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, further comprising
disposing a diaper accessory within the first encasement with the
diaper; the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, further
comprising vacuum-sealing with the diaper a diaper accessory within
the first encasement; the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the second encasement includes a shape
contributing to the deceptive outward appearance; the claimed
method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper includes a
configuration that contributes to the deceptive outward appearance
of the second encasement; and the claimed method of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the second encasement resembles something other
than a container. The second encasement may resemble a mobile
phone, a pager, or a cigarette pack.
[0406] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a diaper
container, comprising: (a) a toy for a child, said toy including an
interior compartment; and (b) a volumetrically reduced diaper
disposed within said interior compartment.
[0407] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed diaper container of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said toy has an outward appearance such that it is not evident that
said toy is a container; the claimed diaper container of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said compartment has a size and
configuration that corresponds to a size and configuration of said
volumetrically reduced diaper such that said volumetrically reduced
diaper completely fits within and consumes the space of said
interior compartment; the claimed diaper container of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein a size of said toy is substantially smaller than
a nominal size of said diaper disposed therein; the claimed diaper
container of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper is
vacuum-packed; the claimed diaper container of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said diaper is the only diaper disposed within
said toy; the claimed diaper container of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said diaper is unsoiled; the claimed diaper container of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein said package resembles something
other than a container; the claimed diaper container of the
foregoing paragraph, further comprising at least one diaper
accessory disposed within said interior compartment of said toy
with said diaper; the claimed diaper container of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein said toy comprises a toy doll; the claimed
diaper container of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said toy
comprises a toy rocket; the claimed diaper container of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said toy comprises a toy ball; and the
claimed diaper container of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
toy comprises a toy car.
[0408] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a package
of diapers for retail sale to a consumer, said package comprising:
(a) a plurality of diapers packaged together in a first package,
said diapers being arranged in direct contact with adjacent
diapers, each said diaper having a nominal configuration; and (b)
in combination therewith, a toy for a child, said toy defining an
interior compartment, a volumetrically reduced diaper being
disposed within said interior compartment of said toy.
[0409] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed packaged of diapers of the foregoing paragraph, wherein
said compartment has a size and configuration that corresponds to a
size and configuration of said volumetrically reduced diaper such
that said volumetrically reduced diaper completely fits within and
consumes the space of said interior compartment; the claimed
packaged of diapers of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a size of
said toy is substantially smaller than a nominal size of said
diaper disposed therein; the claimed packaged of diapers of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein said diaper is vacuum-packed; and the
claimed packaged of diapers of the foregoing paragraph, further
comprising at least one diaper accessory disposed within said
interior compartment of said toy with said diaper.
[0410] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: (a) vacuum-packing
a diaper within an air impermeable encasement; and (b) disposing
the vacuum-packed diaper within an interior compartment of a toy
for a child, the interior compartment having a size and
configuration that corresponds to a size and configuration of the
vacuum-packed diaper such that the vacuum-packed diaper completely
fits within and consumes the space of the interior compartment of
the toy.
[0411] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include
the claimed method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the toy has
a size that is substantially smaller than a nominal size of the
diaper contained therein.
[0412] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a vending
machine for dispensing absorbent articles, comprising: (a) at least
one compartment for storing products for individual dispensing in
response to selection by a consumer; and (b) a plurality of
products disposed within said at least one compartment for
individually dispensing to consumers; (c) wherein each of said
plurality of products disposed within said at least one compartment
includes therein a volumetrically reduced absorbent article, a size
of said product being substantially smaller than a size of said
absorbent article when not volumetrically reduced.
[0413] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a vending
machine for dispensing diapers, comprising: (a) at least one
compartment for storing products for individual dispensing in
response to selection by a consumer; and (b) a plurality of
products disposed within said at least one compartment for
individually dispensing to consumers; (c) wherein each of said
plurality of products disposed within said at least one
compartments includes therein a vacuum-packed diaper.
[0414] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed vending machine of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a
said product disposed within said vending machine comprises a
multi-packs of vacuum-packed diapers; the claimed vending machine
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a said product disposed within
said vending machine comprises a kits having therein a
vacuum-packed diaper, said kit further including therein a diaper
accessory; and the claimed vending machine of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein a said product disposed within said vending
machine comprises a disguisedly packaged vacuum-packed diaper.
[0415] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include an
arrangement at a commercial establishment for facilitating the
changing of a diaper of a child by a customer of the commercial
establishment, the arrangement comprising: (a) a baby changing
station mounted on a wall having a baby changing platform; and (b)
a vending machine mounted on the wall for dispensing a diaper, said
vending machine comprising (i) at least one compartment for storing
products for individual dispensing in response to selection by a
consumer; and (ii) a plurality of products disposed within said at
least one compartment for individually dispensing to consumers;
(iii) wherein each of said plurality of products disposed within
said at least one compartments includes therein a vacuum-packed
diaper.
[0416] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include:
the claimed arrangement of the foregoing paragraph, wherein said
wall in which said baby changing station and said vending machine
are mounted comprises a wall of a public restroom of the commercial
establishment; the claimed arrangement of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said vending machine extends completely through said wall
and includes a posterior access panel for restocking of said
products; the claimed arrangement of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said vending machine further includes a posterior access
panel for removing deposited currency from said vending machine;
the claimed arrangement of the foregoing paragraph, wherein a said
product disposed within said vending machine comprises a
multi-packs of vacuum-packed diapers; the claimed arrangement of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein a said product disposed within
said vending machine comprises a kits having therein a
vacuum-packed diaper, said kit further including therein a diaper
accessory; and the claimed arrangement of the foregoing paragraph,
wherein a said product disposed within said vending machine
comprises a disguisedly packaged vacuum-packed diaper.
[0417] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a package
enclosing a single disposable absorbent article, the package
comprising a sheet of material having an interior surface and an
exterior surface, the sheet of material having at least one viewing
region and being configured to provide an interior space, the
single disposable absorbent article having a folded configuration,
an unfolded configuration, a body facing surface and a garment
facing surface, the garment facing surface having a graphic
disposed on at least a portion thereof, the single disposable
absorbent article being in a folded configuration and situated
within the interior space of the package in a manner such that at
least a portion of the graphic is situated in the viewing
region.
[0418] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include
the method of the foregoing paragraph wherein the package is
vacuum-packed.
[0419] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: (a) disposing a
diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement
within a vacuum chamber; (b) creating a vacuum state within an
interior space defined by the encasement by creating a vacuum state
within the vacuum chamber; and (c) sealing the encasement such
that, (i) the interior space of the substantially air impermeable
encasement is completely sealed, and (ii) the compressible
absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior
space; (d) wherein a pressure within the encasement when sealed is
substantially equal to a pressure within the vacuum chamber
exterior to the encasement.
[0420] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/907,333 further include
the method of the foregoing paragraph wherein the vacuum chamber is
part of a vacuum-sealing machine.
DISCLOSURE OF U.S. PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 10/665,169
[0421] The disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/665,169 is recited below with reference to FIGS. 1-11B of the
present application.
BACKGROUND
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/665,169
[0422] The invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 relates generally to
disposable packaged diapers and related infant and incontinent
adult care accessories. More particularly, the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169 relates to a reduced-size packaged diaper, and
related infant and incontinent adult care accessories and kits.
[0423] Diapers are generally a necessity for very young children
and incontinent adults. Individuals incapable of controlling the
release of bodily waste in a manner sufficiently reliable to enable
the use of restroom facilities, and those caring for such
individuals, typically need to carry extra disposable diapers and
changing accessories. This is typically because it is difficult to
predict when a diaper worn by an individual may need to be changed.
Caretakers of babies and others requiring diapers often carry
spare, clean diapers for this reason.
[0424] Many of the following discussions and examples are directed
to use of diapers in infant care. However, it will be apparent that
many of the same considerations apply to use of diapers for
non-infant, incontinent persons.
[0425] Storage and carriage of clean diapers is often inconvenient.
For instance, disposable diapers are generally rather bulky items
not given to easy storage or carriage in a purse, pocket, or
otherwise about the person. In addition, the problem can be
acerbated in that diapers can be subject to expansion from the
typically somewhat compressed state in which they are normally
provided to consumers, especially in circumstances where the
diapers are subject to contact with other items within a storage
bag. For example, many disposable diapers are provided in a bi-fold
configuration meant to minimize the space taken in storing the
diaper. However, after being removed from their original packaging,
bi-fold diapers often un-fold or otherwise expand to consume an
even larger storage space. Thus, disposable diapers can become more
bulky and difficult to carry than when in their nominal, packaged
condition.
[0426] In addition, it is often the case that it is not sufficient
to simply change a soiled diaper and replace it with a clean
diaper. For instance, cleaning of the individual who wore the
diaper may need to be performed with diaper accessories, such as
moist wipes. Also, it may be necessary to apply ointment or powder
to the individual wearing the diaper to treat or prevent incidents
of diaper rash or other skin conditions. Due to these
considerations, caretakers of individuals requiring diapers often
carry clean diapers and diaper changing accessories in a dedicated
container, is often referred to as a "diaper bag." By doing so,
when it becomes necessary to change a diaper, all of the materials
needed by the caretaker are available in one location.
[0427] While a conventional diaper bag provides a dedicated
container in which diapers and diaper accessories can be stored and
carried, the requirement of carriage of a diaper bag often adds to
the difficulty of a caretaker's responsibility. For example,
parents of young children often must carry a purse or briefcase for
the parent's own needs. In addition to this, the parent may need to
carry the young child; and, of course, the child's diaper bag. This
can leave the parent with no free hands for other tasks.
[0428] While conventional clean diapers and diaper changing
accessories can be stored and carried in other carrying containers
such as purses, backpacks, briefcases, etc., the bulky nature of
conventional disposable diapers results in the diapers occupying a
relatively large space within the carrying container. In addition,
diaper changing accessories such as moist wipes, ointment, powder,
etc., add to the space consumed by conventional clean diapers and
can be difficult to locate among other items stored in the
backpack, purse, case, or the like.
[0429] Where the diapers being carried by the caretaker are for
bottle-feeding infants, the problems discussed above are further
exacerbated by the need to carry materials for feeding the baby. In
addition to the accouterment necessary to attending to changing the
baby's diaper, things such as bottles, nipples, containers of
formula or milk, etc., generally must also be carried.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/665,169
[0430] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to
develop a packaged diaper that requires a relatively small amount
of storage space. In addition, it has been recognized that it would
be advantageous to develop a diaper and related accessory kit that
consumes a relatively small amount of space while providing
substantially all of the materials necessary to change an
individual's diaper. It has also been recognized that it would be
advantageous to develop an infant care kit that consumes a
relatively small amount of space while providing substantially all
of the materials necessary to feed the infant and change the
infant's diaper.
[0431] The invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 provides a packaged
diaper, including a diaper, having a first, a nominal size, and a
second, reduced size, the reduced size of the diaper being
convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper. An encasement
can also be provided, in which the diaper can be disposed in the
second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper so that
the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the encasement and so
that the diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
encasement.
[0432] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper,
having a first, nominal configuration characterized by a nominal
length, width and height, and a second, reduced configuration
characterized by a second, reduced length, width and height. The
reduced length can be between about 2 inches to about 4 inches, the
reduced width can be between about 1.0 inch to about 2.5 inches,
and the reduced thickness can be between about 0.5 inches to about
1.5 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in which the diaper
can be disposed and retained in the second, reduced
configuration.
[0433] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper,
having a first, nominal size and shape, and a reduced,
substantially cylindrical size and shape. The reduced,
substantially cylindrical shape can have a diameter between about
0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and a length between about 2 inches
to about 4 inches. An encasement can also be provided, in which the
diaper can be disposed and retained in the reduced, substantially
cylindrical shape.
[0434] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided, including a diaper
having a first, nominal volumetric configuration characterized by a
nominal length and width of the diaper, and a second, reduced
volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced length and
width of the diaper. An encasement can also be provided, the
encasement formed of a substantially air-impermeable material. The
diaper can be disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced
volumetric configuration and the encasement can be at least
partially evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least
a partial vacuum state. Differential pressure within and without
the encasement can maintain the second, reduced volumetric
configuration of the diaper and the encasement can be sealed to
confine the diaper so that the diaper is returned to its nominal
volumetric configuration upon opening of the encasement.
[0435] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) folding the diaper at least once along
both a lengthwise and a crosswise aspect of the diaper; b)
disposing the folded diaper within an encasement comprised of a
substantially air-impermeable material; c) evacuating air from the
encasement and the folded diaper; and d) sealing the encasement to
maintain a vacuum created within the encasement and the folded
diaper.
[0436] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a method of packaging a diaper is provided and
includes the steps of: a) volumetrically reducing a size of the
diaper to a size convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper;
b) disposing the volumetrically reduced diaper within an
encasement; and c) maintaining the volumetrically reduced size of
the diaper with the encasement.
[0437] In a more detailed aspect, the encasement can facilitate
this by virtue of its hoop strength and/or by means of a pressure
differential acting upon the encasement.
[0438] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a diaper changing kit is provided and includes a
packaged diaper in accordance with one or more previously set forth
aspects of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, at least one
diaper accessory, and a container in which the packaged diaper and
the diaper accessory can be disposed. In a more detailed aspect,
the accessory can be one or more of: a) a moistened wipe; b) baby
power; c) a medicament; d) a swab; e) a lotion; and, a disposal bag
for a dirty diaper. In another more detailed aspect the container
can be configured to have a first, over-sized size and shape and a
second smaller size and shape, and to also function as a disposal
container for a dirty diaper.
[0439] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, an infant care kit is provided and includes a
diaper, a diaper accessory, a portion of infant food and an infant
feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can have a hollow
body and a nipple portion couplable thereto. The diaper, diaper
accessory, and portion of infant food can each be disposed in the
infant feeding assembly. The infant feeding assembly can be
configured to: i) contain each of the diaper, at least one diaper
accessory and at least one portion of infant food; and ii) upon
removal of the diaper and diaper accessory, receive the portion of
infant food within the hollow body and deliver the infant food to
an infant with the food delivery device. In a more detailed aspect
a warming pack can also be provided for warming the infant
food.
[0440] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided, in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0441] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
densified diaper being reduced to a second, reduced density from a
first, nominal density. The reduced density of the diaper can be
densified in at least two dimensional directions relative to the
nominal density. An encasement can also be provided in which the
diaper can be disposed in second, reduced density. The encasement
can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in the
reduced density by the encasement.
[0442] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, an expandable diaper is provided and includes a
diaper being reduced to a second, reduced size from a first,
nominal size, the reduced size of the diaper being reduced in at
least two dimensional directions relative to the nominal size. An
encasement can also be provided in which the diaper can be disposed
in the second, reduced size. The encasement can confine the diaper
so that the diaper is retained in the reduced size by virtue of the
encasement.
[0443] In accordance with another aspect of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided and includes a
diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a second, reduced size,
the reduced size of the diaper being convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper. A restraint can also be provided in which
the diaper can be disposed in the second, reduced size. The
restraint can confine the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
its reduced size by the restraint and so that the diaper is
returned to its nominal size upon opening of the restraint.
[0444] Additional features and advantages of the invention of Ser.
No. 10/665,169 will be apparent from the detailed description which
follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which
together illustrate, by way of example, features of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/665,169.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/665,169
[0445] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments
illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used
herein to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood
that no limitation of the scope of the invention of Ser. No.
10/665,169 is thereby intended. Alterations and further
modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and
additional applications of the principles of the inventions of Ser.
No. 10/665,169 as illustrated therein, which would occur to one
skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this
disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/665,169.
[0446] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A through 2B, an exemplary
packaged, disposable, diaper 10 is sized and shaped to consume a
considerably smaller volume and be more conveniently shaped than
conventional disposable diapers. As illustrated, the packaged
diaper 10 begins as a diaper 12 nominally sized and shaped in
accordance with conventional diapers. The diaper can be one of a
variety of types known to those in the art, and can be formed of a
variety of materials. The diaper can be disposable or
non-disposable.
[0447] As shown in FIG. 1A, the diaper begins with a first, nominal
volumetric configuration characterized by a nominal length L and
nominal width W of the diaper. As used herein, the term "nominal"
is understood to mean to be the normal, post manufacturing state in
which it is ready to be unfolded and worn, in reference to the
various dimensions of the diaper. Thus, the diaper 12 can have a
first size having a height, width and length of nominal size, such
as conventionally provided to consumers. While not so required, the
diaper 12 can include upper 12a and lower 12b portions, which can
correspond to a front and back of the diaper. Many conventional
diapers are provided with a front and back portion of different
configuration.
[0448] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, an example of a packaged diaper
10, after being prepared in accordance with the description to
follow below, includes a diaper 12 having a second, reduced
volumetric configuration characterized by a reduced length L.sub.2
and width W.sub.2 of the diaper 12. The reduced volumetric
configuration can differ from the nominal volumetric configuration
in width, height, thickness, volume and overall size. As will be
appreciated from the figures, not only is the volume of the
packaged diaper reduced overall, but in the example embodiment at
least two of the: 1) length; 2) width; and, 3) height, can also be
reduced. Thus, the diaper can be reduced in volumetric
configuration to consume much less space than the diaper consumes
when in the nominal configuration.
[0449] As mentioned, the diaper 12 can be disposed in an encasement
14, which can be formed of a substantially air-impermeable
material. By disposing the diaper in the encasement in the second,
reduced volumetric configuration, a packaged diaper is provided
that consumes much less space than the when in its nominal
configuration. By "substantially air impermeable," what is meant is
that the permeability is low enough that the product has a
reasonable shelf life without significant expansion.
[0450] As an example, it has been found that by drawing a vacuum
down to about 5 Mbar at room temperature and pressure at a location
about 5,000 feet elevation above mean sea level, the volume of the
diaper can be reduced to as little as 1/3 or 1/4 that of the
nominal volume. Similar results are to be expected at locations of
different elevation. However, as is known, at lower elevations a
greater vacuum can be drawn to allow for subsequent transportation
of the packaged product to higher elevations. For example, vacuum
packaging using a vacuum down to 1 or 2 Mbar is common at lower
elevations. Thus, in the space required to store one conventional
diaper, three, four, or more, diapers packaged in accordance with
the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 can be stored. The reduced
volume packaged diapers are not only advantageous in reducing
storage space, the space required for packaging, shipping, etc., is
also reduced, leading to considerable cost savings in associated
processes.
[0451] While the reduced volume configuration can be created and
maintained in a number of ways, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the packaged diaper 10 includes encasement 14 which can
encompass the reduced-volume diaper. Once the diaper 12 is disposed
within the encasement, the encasement can be at least partially
evacuated of air so as to contain the diaper in at least a partial
vacuum state. The evacuation of air from within the diaper and
encasement can be done in a number of ways, such as by conventional
vacuum-packing methods.
[0452] Upon evacuation of air from the encasement, the encasement
can be sealed, for example at an edge portion 16 to maintain the
vacuum within the encasement and diaper 12. In this manner a
differential pressure can be created within and without the
encasement to maintain the second, reduced volumetric configuration
of the diaper. While the encasement is shown in FIG. 2B as sealed
at an edge portion 16, it will be understood that the encasement
can be sealed conventionally in a variety of ways in a variety of
locations.
[0453] As the encasement 14 configured to confine the diaper 12 is
unsealed, the diaper is able to return to its nominal volumetric
configuration. That is, user can cut, tear, remove a portion of the
encasement, or otherwise break the air-tight seal of the
encasement; after which, the diaper 12 will no longer be subject to
confining force due to the encasement and/or a pressure
differential. Unopposed rebound forces in the materials from which
the diaper is made will tend to return it to its nominal
configuration. The encasement can include a means to facilitate
opening, such as a notch or another intentionally-formed
discontinuity (not shown) provided in the encasement to aid in
opening the encasement. In one embodiment a tear-away band, or the
like, provided with a grasping tab (not shown) can be provided to
facilitate opening by rupturing the encasement as it is pulled away
therefrom. One of many other well-known ways to provide a more
easily broken-open encasement can be used to facilitate opening the
packaging.
[0454] As described in further detail below, the reduced volumetric
configuration can be achieved in a number of ways, and in the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the volumetrically reduced
configuration is created by foldingly reducing a length and width
of the diaper 12; increasing its thickness. The folded diaper is
then vacuum packed to reduce its thickness (as well as its width
and length to a lesser extent). As used herein, the term "foldedly
reduced" is meant to indicate the case wherein a diaper is folded
or rolled over or under itself to thereby reduce a dimension of the
diaper.
[0455] While the final size of the reduced volume diaper can vary,
in one aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, the reduced
length and width can each be less than about 1/2 of the nominal
length and width, respectively, of the diaper. In another aspect of
the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, the foldedly reduced length
of the diaper can be less than about 1/3 and/or 1/4 of the nominal
length of the diaper. In this manner, as shown by comparing FIGS.
1A and 1B with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the overall width and length of the
diaper can be substantially reduced. While a height dimension,
corresponding to thickness, may be increased, it is not increased
to exceed the width or the length of the diaper. This results in a
more convenient and compact size overall.
[0456] The inventor has found that a conventional size 6 diaper can
be reduced in size and volume from a nominal size of approximately
9'' long by 41/2'' wide by 1/4'' to 1'' in height/thickness
(depending on expansion after removal from conventional packaging)
to a reduced size of approximately 31/2'' long by 21/4'' wide by
1'' in height. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
packaged diaper 10 can include a reduced volumetric shape
configuration which comprises a substantially rectangular shape,
although other shapes are contemplated as well, as discussed in
further detail below. In this manner, the packaged diaper can be
easily carried, handled and stored within a purse, pocket, bag or
other place or containment for carriage.
[0457] The packaged diaper in a densified state can thus be made
pocket sized, or pocketable. As used herein that means that it is
conveniently sized for carriage, for example about the size of a
conventional cigarette package or smaller. One way to characterize
this is that two of the three dimensions of height width and
length, when added together, are less than 10 cm, and the greatest
of the three does not exceed 10 centimeters. That said, all
pocket-sized items may not strictly fit this definition, but it is
a definite guide in understanding what is meant by the term as used
herein.
[0458] It will be appreciated that in this example the invention of
Ser. No. 10/665,169 provides a compact, efficiently-sized packaged
diaper that requires substantially less space than conventionally
packaged diapers. The invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 can be
advantageously utilized by a variety of persons, including
incontinent minors and adults, and caretakers of individuals
requiring diapers.
[0459] For example, parents of young children will benefit from the
invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 in that one or more diapers 10 can
be easily stored in a pocket, or within a purse, briefcase,
backpack or other storage bag and consume relatively little space.
Similar benefits can be obtained with regard to incontinent adults,
as adult diapers are generally even more bulky and difficult to
store and carry than are smaller, children's diapers. Also,
incontinent adults who may be otherwise embarrassed by having to
carry spare clean diapers will likely find the packaged diapers in
accordance with the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 to be much
more discretely transportable, and therefore the carriage of such
spare diapers much less noticeable by others.
[0460] In addition, in one aspect of the invention of Ser. No.
10/665,169 a packaged, pocketable diaper is provided and can
include an encasement configured to encase and confine a diaper
disposed therein. A diaper can be disposed within the encasement to
be confined by the encasement in a size that is volumetrically
reduced relative to a nominal size of the diaper. The
volumetrically reduced size of the diaper is characterized in that
the diaper is pocketable upon a person of an individual. As used
herein, the term "pocketable" is to be understand to indicate a
configuration of the diaper in which the diaper can be easily
placed within and removed from a pocket of an item of clothing or
accessories worn or carried by individuals. For example, the
pocketable diaper can be held within a shirt, jacket or pants
pocket or stored or carried in a handbag, purse or briefcase, etc.,
and can be substantially undetectable by other individuals. In this
manner, an incontinent adult can carry the pocketable diaper
without worrying that others will be aware that the diaper is being
carried. Also, an adult caretaker of an infant can carry a diaper
for the infant in a manner that does not detract from a physical
appearance of the adult and does not require additional
baggage.
[0461] Similarly, in one embodiment of the invention of Ser. No.
10/665,169, a packaged diaper is provided and can include a
densified diaper being reduced to a second, reduced density from a
first, nominal density. The reduced density of the diaper can be
densified in at least two dimensional directions relative to the
nominal density. An encasement can also be included and the diaper
can be disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced density.
The encasement can thereby confine the diaper so that the diaper is
retained in the reduced density by the encasement. The two
dimensional directions can include a width and thickness of the
diaper, a width and length, a diameter and length, etc. In this
manner, a reduced sized, space-efficient densified diaper is
provided that can be easily stored and carried by an individual in
a discrete manner. Upon opening of the encasement the diaper
expands to its nominal density, typically a greatly expanded size,
and can then be used in the same manner as conventionally packaged
diapers.
[0462] As used herein, the term "encasement" is to be understood to
encompass a broad range of materials and configurations for
containing or restraining or enclosing a volumetrically reduced
diaper. For example, the encasement may completely encompass a
diaper and hold the diaper under a vacuum seal or other pressure
differential. In addition, the encasement may only partially
encompasses the diaper to maintain the compressed state of the
diaper. Moreover, it is intended to be understood herein to be
synonymous with restraint (as discussed below) or enclosure, or
containment, in this context. The salient point being that it
constrains, by some means, the densified diaper from expanding.
Other encasements besides the examples shown can also be utilized,
as would occur to one skilled in the art.
[0463] Shown in series in FIGS. 3A through 3E is one aspect of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 in which a diaper is reduced from
its nominal volume or size to a reduced volume or size. Diaper 12
begins with a nominal volumetric configuration, sized and shaped as
may be conventionally provided by a manufacturer of the diaper. In
this embodiment, the diaper is reduced in volume by fold 17 along a
lengthwise aspect of the diaper, shown at line 18. In FIG. 3C, the
diaper 12 is folded at 19 along a crosswise aspect of the diaper,
shown at line 20. Progressing to FIG. 3D, once the diaper has been
folded a desired number of times; the folded diaper is disposed
within encasement 14, which is formed of a substantially
air-impermeable material. Encasement 14 can then be evacuated to
form a relative vacuum within the encasement, after which the
encasement can be sealed to maintain the vacuum in the diaper and
the encasement.
[0464] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
process of forming a vacuum within the diaper and the encasement
will extract at least a portion of air contained within the diaper.
By removing a majority of excess air from the diaper, the diaper
can be compressed upon itself by atmospheric pressure and consume a
reduced amount of space corresponding to the amount and volume of
air removed from the diaper.
[0465] In addition to the process illustrated in FIGS. 3A through
3E, in another aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, a
method of packaging a diaper is provided and includes the steps of
volumetrically reducing a size of the diaper to a size convenient
for carriage and storage of the diaper. The volumetrically reduced
diaper can then be disposed within an encasement. The
volumetrically reduced, convenient size of the diaper can be
maintained by a pressure differential acting upon the encasement.
As used herein, the term "convenient size" is understood to refer
to a size and configuration of a diaper that can be easily and
conveniently stored in a pocket, handbag, purse, etc., and consume
very little space within the pocket, handbag, etc. Such a size will
be appreciated to be essentially a "pelletized" or "capsulated" or
"pocket-sized" or "pocketable" (as defined above) version of the
diaper, having bulk due to air spaces removed, and will be
generally cylindrical, rectangular, etc, and can have rounded or
square corners. Generally, the largest dimension will be about four
inches or less. However, for certain specialized applications such
as kits contained in a feeding bottle, a longer, more "sticklike"
shape may be used in one embodiment. But likewise a cylindrical or
square configuration having height, width, and length dimensions of
roughly equal magnitude can also be advantageous in such a kit in
another embodiment. The salient point is that the size is
convenient to carry and conceal.
[0466] The size of the diaper can be volumetrically reduced in a
number of manners, including pressing the diaper into a mold or
other cavity. In this example, the encasement in which the diaper
is disposed can be sized and shaped to correspond closely to the
volumetrically reduced size of the diaper. Once disposed within the
encasement, the force applied to compress the diaper into the mold
can be released, after which the diaper will tend to return to its
nominal size and shape, but will be restrained by the encasement.
The pressure differential acting upon the easement will thus be the
result of the diaper tending to expand into its nominal
configuration. An equilibrium will be reached between a) the
restoring force tending to expand the diaper; and b) a combination
of the hoop strength (resistance to expansion of the encasement via
deformation of the encasement) and the pressure differential
tending to compress the diaper. Depending on the material from
which the encasement is made, this can be made to be predominantly
hoop strength or predominantly air pressure differential.
[0467] While the example packaged diaper shown in many of the
figures of this disclosure includes a generally rectangular shape,
it is contemplated that the volumetrically reduced diaper can be of
a variety of sizes and shapes. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4,
volumetrically reduced diaper 12a can have a substantially
cylindrical shape. This embodiment may be beneficial, for example,
in applications in which the diaper is to be stored in rounded or
cylindrical receptacles, such as cans or tubes. As will be
appreciated, by forming encasement 14a from a flexible,
substantially air-impermeable material, a vacuum formed within the
encasement will force the encasement to conform to the general
shape of the reduced volume diaper. In this manner, the diaper can
be formed in a variety of reduced volume shapes for a variety of
applications.
[0468] In another example embodiment the encasement shape can
control the shape of the packaged diaper. For example, a diaper can
be compressed into an encasement within a mold cavity which
encasement has a shape which essentially follows the shape of the
mold. Thereafter the encasement maintains that shape, though the
diaper may expand slightly against the hoop strength, air pressure
differential, or combination thereof.
[0469] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in another aspect of the invention
of Ser. No. 10/665,169 a diaper kit 40 is provided. The kit can
include a packaged diaper 10 in accordance with the embodiments
discussed above and at least one diaper accessory 42. A container
44 is also provided, in which each of the packaged diaper and the
diaper accessory are disposed. The diaper accessory can be a
variety of items, including, but not limited to, a diaper rash
ointment or other medicament, talcum powder/baby powder, a lotion,
moist or dry wipes, cotton swabs, dirty diaper disposal bag, etc.,
as may be needed in caring for an infant or incontinent person, as
will be known to one skilled in the art of providing products for
care of such persons. In the example embodiment shown, a packet of
ointment 42A is included in the kit, as are moist wipes 42B.
[0470] Thus, in one example, substantially all of the materials
necessary for changing a soiled diaper are provided in a small,
space-optimized kit that can be easily carried or stored by a
caretaker of an individual requiring diapers. The kit can be
advantageously used as a daily staple of caretakers, or may be used
in specialized circumstances such as outdoor activities, travel, or
business or recreational events away from home, or other situations
in which space and convenience of carriage may be of a premium. In
such circumstances the caretaker may wish to minimize the number of
articles needing carriage, and can advantageously carry one or two
kits, as may be needed, and dispense with the conventional diaper
bag that would otherwise have to be carried during the event or
activity. Also, the reduced size of the present diaper kit can
allow one or more kits to be stored in an out-of-the-way location,
such as a glove-box of a car, and retrieved in "emergency"
situations in which spare diapers were forgotten or consumed.
[0471] In another embodiment, the kit can be configured for use by
an incontinent adolescent or adult. The kit can further include
supplies to touch-up stains on clothing. It can contain a small
container of perfume or cologne, a small container of odor reducing
spray, or other items which an incontinent adult may find needful
and reassuring to carry, in addition to supplies which customarily
may be needed to change a diaper, including a clean diaper, wipes,
and lotion, ointment or other medicament, to name some
examples.
[0472] As shown in FIG. 5, the diaper kit 40 can include a
container 44 that is substantially rectangular in shape. Such kits
can be easily stacked and stored and will fit neatly into a pocket,
purse or other baggage. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6,
the container 46 can be substantially cylindrical in shape. In this
embodiment, the diaper 12b can formed in a cylindrical shape, or
other shape to facilitate maximum use of available space within the
cylindrical container. Also included in the illustrated example
shown in FIG. 6 are moist wipes 42C which can be arranged in a
disk-like or toroidal configuration for disposal within the
cylindrical container. With reference to FIG. 6A, the individual
wipes 43 are accordion-folded, then rolled about an axis 45
transverse to the folds. A surprisingly large number of wipes thus
configured can be fit into a surprisingly small space. In this
manner, 6 or 7 wipes or another selected number of wipes can be
stored within the container 46 to ensure ample supply.
[0473] In another aspect of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169,
illustrated by example in FIG. 7, an infant care kit 49 can be
provided which includes a diaper 50, one or more diaper accessories
52 and a portion of infant food 54. An infant feeding bottle
assembly is also provided having a hollow body 56 and a nipple food
delivery portion 58 of the device couplable thereto. A cover 59a or
59b can be provided, which keeps the feeder portion sanitary. This
can be a throwaway tear-off film cover (e.g. 59b) or a more
conventional replaceable cap (e.g. 59a). The whole feeding
apparatus can be made to be single-use, or to be reusable. As
shown, the diaper, diaper accessory, and portion of infant food can
be disposed within the infant feeding assembly for convenient
carriage. The infant feeding assembly can thus be configured to: i)
contain each of the diaper, diaper accessory and portion of infant
food; and ii) upon removal of the diaper and diaper accessory,
receive the portion of infant food (and water, if applicable)
within the hollow body and thereby enable delivery of the infant
food to an infant via a food delivery device erstwhile acting as a
container for the kit. In one embodiment the nipple portion can be
configured for delivery of baby formula, and in another embodiment
it can be configured for delivery of a flowable baby food such as a
formula/cereal mixture, creamed vegetables or fruit, or the like.
In one embodiment the baby food can be in powder form,
reconstituted by addition of water. A chemical warming pack
(similar to or the same as a conventional hand warming pack) can be
provided for use in warming the baby formula or other baby
food.
[0474] In this example implementation, substantially all of the
materials necessary to feed and change a diaper of an infant are
provided in a compact, easily-carried kit. A caretaker of the
infant can use the kit to store the provided items, and when
desiring to feed the infant, can prepare the portion of infant food
and feed the infant with the infant feeding assembly, shown in this
embodiment as similar to a conventional baby bottle, but provided
with a detachable bottom.
[0475] As shown in the illustrated example, the hollow body 56 of
the feeding assembly 49 can be substantially cylindrical in shape,
although other shapes are also contemplated, such as squared,
triangular, and other polyhedral cross-sectional shapes. The
portion of infant food can include a variety of foods suitable for
consumption by infants, including powdered baby formula and
condensed baby formula, freeze dried, powdered, concentrated
creamed vegetables and fruits and other baby foods, as well as
cereal mixes, etc. A caretaker can easily remove all items from the
feeding assembly, configure it for feeding, and returning the
portion of infant food (with water, as mentioned, if necessary, or
other fluid which can be added to the infant food) and the food can
be fed to the infant via a food delivery device 58, a conventional
baby bottle nipple in the illustrated embodiment.
[0476] In one embodiment, the feeding apparatus can include a
double wall configuration to provide increased insulation so as to
keep formula or other baby food at a desired temperature for a
longer period of time. To facilitate this, or, to provide initial
warming when hot potable water is unavailable, a heat source 55, as
mentioned, can also be disposed within the feeding assembly. The
heat source can be configured to provide heat for warming the
portion of infant food, as well as any fluid having been added to
the infant food. In situations where it may necessary to add cold
fluid such as milk or water to the infant food, the fluid and food
can be warmed to a temperature well tolerated and more acceptable
to an infant. As mentioned, the heat source can be a conventional
chemical heating apparatus, such as those producing an exothermic
reaction when two or more separate materials are mixed, or are
exposed to air. These can be packets of reactants in granular form,
chemically-activated gel heating sources, etc. The feeding
apparatus can be configured to cooperate with the heat source to
heat the baby formula or other food. In one embodiment, the kit can
include an outer container (not shown) which is the outer wall of
the double wall configuration mentioned. This can be a continuous
wall, or can comprise vents (e.g. to allow air to air-reactant
heating pads). A mesh or other textile can be used as the material
forming the outer containment in which the infant feeding assembly
is disposed. The outer container can be configured to receive and
protect the feeding assembly and can also encompass the heating
source to maintain close contact between the heating source and the
hollow body 56.
[0477] In another embodiment, the heat source can be some other
means of providing heat, for example provision of a metal outer
sleeve, annular space for water, and inner container for formula or
food enabling use of a cigarette lighter, a solar reflector or
magnifier, or some other higher temperature heat source to heat the
outer sleeve an still enable more gentle warming of the contents of
the inner sleeve. Such an arrangement would also facilitate rapid
cooling of the outer sleeve after removing the high temperature
heat source so that it can be safely handled, enabling removal of
the inner sleeve for feeding for example.
[0478] In another example embodiment of the invention of Ser. No.
10/665,169, shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of single use packaged
diapers (not shown), or diaper kits 40, 40A can be provided
packaged together, each stacked vertically in a master container
60. The master container 60 can include a removable access panel
(previously removed in FIG. 8) through which one 40 of the
plurality of containers can be accessed. Providing for the
removable access panel can be in one of a variety of ways known to
those in the art, including a perforated removable panel or hinged
panel. A bottom 62 of the access panel can be disposed in the
master container 60 in a location vertically displaced from a
bottom 64 of the master container by a distance substantially equal
to a height "h" of the container. It has been found that having the
last container to be used positioned below the access panel helps
keep the shape of the master container and improves appearance over
the dispensing life of the product.
[0479] In this manner, as a kit is removed from the master
container, the kit immediately above the removed kit will fall into
place to be easily removable from the master container. Notches 66
can be provided adjacent the removable panel to enable easy
withdrawal of kits through the panel. The master container 60 can
be used to package and ship a number of kits 40, and advantageously
also used to dispense the kits at a retail center or other point of
sale. While the master container shown in FIG. 7 is configured to
store and dispense 6 diaper kits, master containers configured to
store and dispense fewer or more kits can also be provided, and
include two or more access panels disposed and oriented in a
variety of locations on the master container.
[0480] Illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B is a diaper kit 68 in
accordance with another example implementation of the invention of
Ser. No. 10/665,169. In this embodiment, a diaper 70 and various
diaper accessories 72 are contained within an encasement 74. The
accessories can include baby ointment, baby wipes, powder, etc. as
discussed above. In this example the accessories include baby
ointment 72A and wipes 72B. Other accessories can be substituted or
additionally included. Shown at 76 are seams formed in the
encasement defining adjacent compartments that can each hold a
different product. The seams can separate products to enable
differing treatment of the products in relation to the encasement.
For instance, diaper 70 can be disposed in the encasement in a
reduced volumetric configuration, as discussed above, and the
encasement can be evacuated and vacuum-sealed about the diaper.
However, the baby ointment 72A can be vacuum sealed (if already
packaged in an impermeable containment without excess air) but need
not be vacuum sealed (indeed it may be difficult to do so if not
already packaged) in its corresponding compartment. Likewise the
wipes 72b are not vacuum packed, but could be if previously
enclosed in an impermeable containment without excess air.
[0481] While it may be desirable to vacuum-pack the diaper 70, and
it is possible to do so with some accessories, it may be the case
that certain accessories are not well suited to such an
arrangement. For instance, with regard to the previously mentioned
examples of ointment 72a and wipes 72 not pre-packaged, baby wipes
are often saturated or at least moisture-laden with a liquid
cleaning compound similar in appearance to soapy water, to aid in
the cleaning process associated with changing diapers. When
subjected to a vacuum, the moisture may be withdrawn from the
wipes, leading to poor performance of the wipes. In addition, if
undue moisture is removed during the vacuum process, the moisture
may interfere with sealing the encasement once vacuum has been
drawn, leading to premature breach of the encasement. The same
applies to the ointment, it would be likewise problematic to vacuum
pack it, even more so. Thus, for some products a vacuum seal may
not be desirable or necessary, and those products can be sealed in
the encasement without being placed under vacuum.
[0482] To address these issues, the invention of Ser. No.
10/665,169 in one embodiment advantageously provides a diaper kit
that can include differently and variably treated compartments. In
the example shown, the compartment containing the diaper 70 can be
treated with a vacuum to aid in maintaining the volumetrically
reduced configuration of the diaper. The compartment holding the
ointment 72A may or may not be vacuum treated, as the situation
dictates. The compartment holding the wipes 72B can be simply
sealed to retain the moisture in the wipes without drawing any
moisture out with a vacuum process. Other compartments (not shown)
can be treated according to the product stored in each one.
[0483] In addition to the compartmentalized encasement shown in
FIGS. 9A and 9B, it is contemplated that in another example
embodiment of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, Shown in FIG.
9C, one can provide a diaper kit 68' in which all of the components
of the kit are contained in an encasement 74' and sealed under
vacuum. For example, the diaper wipes 69 and/or other accessories
can be pre-packaged in one or more casings, e.g. 74'' with liquid
and wipe material therein. In this way, both a diaper and one or
more accessories, together forming a single use-kit, can be
integrally packaged in one encasement 71', and can all be accessed
once the encasement has been breached.
[0484] With reference to FIGS. 10A through 10E, in one embodiment
of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 the encasement in which the
volumetrically reduced diaper is disposed can contain the diaper
without any substantial pressure differential acting upon the
encasement. One illustrative process in which this can be achieved
is illustrated in FIGS. 10A through 10E. In this embodiment, a
"loose" diaper 80 is placed within a chamber 84B with a pair of
encasement shells 82 disposed adjacent ends of the diaper. Rams 86
and 88 can be activated to compress the diaper into a
volumetrically reduced configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 10B.
Once optimal reduced volume is achieved, the diaper/shell assembly
can be moved adjacent a channel 85 defined between the chambers 84A
and 84B, as illustrated in FIG. 10C.
[0485] Channel 85 can provide access to the diaper/shell assembly
to enable attachment of a clamping strap 90 to the shells 82. The
strap can aid in maintaining relative position of the shells 82
after the pressure applied to reduce the volume of the diaper is
released. Thus, as shown in FIG. 10E, the rams 86, 88 and chambers
84 can be removed from contact with the diaper, and the encasement
maintains the diaper/shell assembly in the volumetrically reduced
configuration. In this manner, it is not necessary to apply a
vacuum to the encasement to create and maintain the volumetrically
reduced size of the diaper. In another embodiment, the encasement
can be made air tight by application of the clamping strap, and
thus a combination of differential pressure and hoop strength of
the encasement can contain the diaper after the encasement expands
to an equilibrium state.
[0486] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in one aspect of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169, a restraint 92 can be provided in
which the diaper 12 can be disposed a second, reduced size,
relative to a first, nominal size. The restraint 92 can confine the
diaper so that the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the
restraint and so that the diaper is returned to its nominal size
upon opening of the restraint. The restraint can be a strap or a
series of independent or interconnected straps, or, as shown in
FIG. 11B, the restraint 94 can include a webbed material. The
restraint can be formed of a material having sufficient strength to
retain the diaper 12 in the reduced size, but can removable by a
consumer to release the diaper into the first, nominal size, for
example by exploiting and engineered weakness, as is conventionally
provided in "tear-away" packaging closures.
[0487] It is to be understood that the above-referenced
arrangements are illustrative of the application for the principles
of the invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169. It will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications can
be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the
invention of Ser. No. 10/665,169 as set forth in the claims.
CLAIMS AS FILED FORMING PART OF THE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
Patent Application Ser. No. 10/665,169
[0488] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a diaper, having a first, nominal volumetric
configuration characterized by a nominal length and width of the
diaper, and a second, reduced volumetric configuration
characterized by a foldedly reduced length and width of the diaper;
and an encasement formed of a substantially air-impermeable
material; the diaper being disposed in the encasement in the
second, reduced volumetric configuration; the encasement being
sealed and at least partially evacuated of air so as to contain the
diaper in at least a partial vacuum state, differential pressure
within and without the encasement maintaining the second, reduced
volumetric configuration; and the packaged diaper being of
pocketable size and configured so that the diaper can return to its
nominal volumetric configuration upon opening of the
encasement.
[0489] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
foldedly reduced length and width of the diaper are each less than
about 1/2 of the nominal length and width, respectively, of the
diaper; the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
foldedly reduced length of the diaper is less than about 1/3 of the
nominal length of the diaper; the packaged diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the foldedly reduced length of the diaper is
less than about 1/4 of the nominal length of the diaper; the
packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper
comprises a disposable diaper; and the packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the reduced volumetric configuration
of the diaper comprises a substantially rectangular shape.
[0490] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a diaper, having a first, nominal configuration
characterized by a nominal length, width and thickness height, and
a second, reduced configuration characterized by a reduced length
and width; the reduced length being between about 2 inches to about
4 inches, the reduced width being between about 1.0 inch to about
2.5 inches, and the thickness height in the second, reduced
configuration being between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches;
and a restraint, in which the diaper is disposed and retained in
the second, reduced configuration.
[0491] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the reduced
length and width of the diaper are each less than about 1/2 of the
nominal length and width, respectively, of the diaper; the packaged
diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the reduced length of
the diaper is less than about 1/3 of the nominal length of the
diaper; the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
reduced length of the diaper is less than about 1/4 of the nominal
length of the diaper; and the packaged diaper of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the diaper comprises a disposable diaper.
[0492] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a
second, reduced size, the reduced size of the diaper being
pocket-size, convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper; and
an encasement; the diaper being disposed in the encasement in the
second, reduced size, the encasement confining the diaper so that
the diaper is retained in its reduced size by the encasement and so
that the diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
encasement.
[0493] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
reduced, convenient size of the diaper is less than about 1/2 of
the nominal size of the diaper; the packaged diaper of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the reduced, convenient size of the
diaper is less than about 1/3 of the nominal size of the diaper;
and the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
reduced, convenient size of the diaper is less than about 1/4 of
the nominal size of the diaper.
[0494] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a diaper, having a nominal, substantially
rectangular shape, and a reduced, substantially cylindrical shape;
the reduced, substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter
being between about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches and a length
being between about 2 inches to about 4 inches; and a restraint, in
which the diaper is disposed and retained in the reduced,
substantially cylindrical shape, the restraint being configured to
be openable to release the diaper, which thereafter returns to its
nominal shape.
[0495] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the packaged diaper of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the diaper
comprises a disposable diaper.
[0496] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: folding the diaper
at least once along both a lengthwise and a crosswise aspect of the
diaper; disposing the folded diaper within an encasement comprised
of a substantially air-impermeable material; evacuating air from
the encasement and the folded diaper creating a pocket-sized diaper
configured to be expandable for use upon opening of the encasement
by a user; and sealing the encasement to maintain a relative vacuum
created within the encasement and the folded diaper, so as to
maintain said diaper in a pocketable sized state.
[0497] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include
the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the step of folding
the diaper at least once along both a lengthwise and a crosswise
aspect of the diaper comprises the further step of folding the
diaper at least a second time along both the lengthwise and
crosswise aspect of the diaper.
[0498] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a method
of packaging a diaper, comprising the steps of: volumetrically
reducing a size of the diaper to a size convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper; disposing the volumetrically reduced diaper
within an encasement; and maintaining the volumetrically reduced
size of the diaper with the encasement.
[0499] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the method of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the step of
maintaining the volumetrically reduced size of the diaper includes
the step of maintaining the volumetrically reduced size with a
pressure differential acting upon the encasement; the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the step of volumetrically reducing
the size of the diaper to the size convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper comprises the further step of folding the
diaper into a substantially rectangular shape; the method of the
foregoing paragraph, wherein the step of volumetrically reducing
the size of the diaper to the size convenient for carriage and
storage of the diaper comprises the further step of rolling the
diaper into a substantially cylindrical shape; and the method of
the foregoing paragraph, wherein the pressure differential acting
upon the encasement is created by forming a vacuum within the
encasement and sealing the encasement.
[0500] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: an encasement configured to surround and
confine a diaper disposed therein; a diaper, disposed within the
encasement and confined by the encasement in a size that is
volumetrically reduced relative to a nominal size of the diaper;
the volumetrically reduced size of the diaper being characterized
in that the diaper is pocketable upon a person of an
individual.
[0501] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a densified diaper being reduced to a second,
reduced density from a first, nominal density, the reduced density
of the diaper being densified in at least two dimensional
directions relative to the nominal density; and an encasement; the
diaper being disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced
density; the encasement confining the diaper so that the diaper is
retained in the reduced density by the encasement.
[0502] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include an
expandable diaper, comprising: a diaper being reduced to a second,
reduced size from a first, nominal size, the reduced size of the
diaper being reduced in at least two dimensional directions
relative to the nominal size; and an encasement; the diaper being
disposed in the encasement in the second, reduced size; the
encasement confining the diaper so that the diaper is retained in
the reduced size by the encasement.
[0503] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a packaged
diaper, comprising: a diaper, having a first, nominal size, and a
second, reduced size, the reduced size of the diaper being
convenient for carriage and storage of the diaper; and a restraint;
the diaper being disposed in the restraint in the second, reduced
size; the restraint confining the diaper so that the diaper is
retained in its reduced size by the restraint and so that the
diaper is returned to its nominal size upon opening of the
restraint.
[0504] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include a diaper
kit, comprising: a packaged diaper according to any of claims 1, 7,
12, 16, 25, 26, 27 and 28; at least one diaper accessory; and a
container, in which each of the packaged diaper and the diaper
accessory are disposed.
[0505] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the diaper kit of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the container is
substantially rectangular in shape; the diaper kit of the foregoing
paragraph, wherein the container is substantially cylindrical in
shape; the diaper kit of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
diaper accessory includes moist wipes, the moist wipes arranged in
a toroidal configuration for disposal within the cylindrical
container; the diaper kit of the foregoing paragraph, further
comprising a plurality of containers, each stacked vertically in a
master container, the master container including a removable access
panel through which one of the plurality of containers can be
accessed, and wherein a bottom of the access panel optionally is
disposed in the master container in a location vertically displaced
from a bottom of the master container by a distance substantially
equal to a height of the plurality of containers.
[0506] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 include an infant
care kit, comprising: a diaper; a diaper accessory; a portion of
infant food; and an infant feeding assembly having a hollow body
and a food delivery device coupleable thereto: the diaper, diaper
accessory, and portion of infant food each being disposed in the
infant feeding assembly; the infant feeding assembly being
configured to: i) contain each of the diaper, diaper accessory and
portion of infant food; and ii) upon removal of the diaper and
diaper accessory, receive the portion of infant food within the
hollow body and deliver the infant food to an infant with the food
delivery device.
[0507] Claimed inventions of Ser. No. 10/665,169 further include:
the infant care kit of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the hollow
body of the feeding assembly is substantially cylindrical in shape;
the infant care kit of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the portion
of infant food includes powdered baby formula; the infant care kit
of the foregoing paragraph, wherein the portion of infant food
includes condensed baby formula; the infant care kit of the
foregoing paragraph, further comprising a heat source, disposed
within the feeding assembly, the heat source configured to provide
heat for warming the portion of infant food; the infant care kit of
the foregoing paragraph, further comprising an outer container in
which the infant feeding assembly is disposed, the outer container
being configured to receive and protect the feeding assembly, and
wherein the outer container and the feeding assembly optionally
each include a substantially cylindrical shape.
DISCLOSURE OF U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
60/660,792
[0508] The disclosure of U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/660,792 is recited below with reference to FIGS. 72-103 of
the present application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Patent Application 60/660,792
[0509] Briefly described, the invention of 60/660,792 relates to a
combination package for retail sale (hereinafter "COMBO PACK"). The
COMBO PACK includes reduced and non-reduced articles and, in
particular, reduced diapers and non-reduced diapers. Reduced
diapers are provided within restraining encasements for convenient
carrying. A reduced diaper, once removed from the restraining
encasement, is capable of being expanded to a non-reduced
configuration for use. Each diaper preferably is reduced by being
vacuum-packed. A COMBO PACK according to the invention of
60/660,792 includes any number of vacuum-packed and non
vacuum-packed diapers.
[0510] The invention of 60/660,792 will be more readily understood
upon consideration of the attached figures and detailed
descriptions of particular embodiments set forth below.
[0511] Particular embodiments of the invention of 60/660,792 are to
be understood according to the detailed descriptions that follow in
conjunction with the attached figures, which comprise photographic
images.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Patent Application 60/660,792
[0512] As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by
one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan")
that the invention of 60/660,792 has broad utility and application.
Various embodiments are discussed for illustrative purposes in
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention of
60/660,792. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations,
variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be
implicitly disclosed by the descriptions of embodiments herein and
fall within the scope of the invention of 60/660,792.
[0513] Accordingly, while the invention of 60/660,792 is described
herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to
be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of
the invention of 60/660,792, and is made merely for the purposes of
providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention of
60/660,792. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more
embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the
scope of patent protection afforded the invention of 60/660,792. It
is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the
invention of 60/660,792 be defined by reading into any claim a
limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the
claim itself.
[0514] Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of
steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are
illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be
understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may
be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order,
the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being
carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an
indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or
methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences
and orders while still falling within the scope of the invention of
60/660,792. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent
protection afforded the invention of 60/660,792 is to be defined by
the appended claims rather than the description set forth
herein.
[0515] Additionally, it is important to note that each term used
herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand
such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein.
To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein--as understood
by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such
term--differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition
of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as
understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.
[0516] Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein,
"a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not
exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise.
Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a
picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic
basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket
having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one
apple."
[0517] When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at
least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items
of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without
crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a
picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used
herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of
the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and
crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the
picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic
basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has
cheese."
[0518] Turning now to the figures, an embodiment of a COMBO PACK of
absorbent articles comprising diapers is show in FIG. 72. The COMBO
PACK includes a first package and a second package removably
attached together by an adhesive or other attachment. The first
package contains non vacuum-packed diapers, and the second package
contains one or more individually vacuum-packed diapers. In FIG.
73, a vacuum-packed diaper is visible through a tear-away portion
of the second package. In FIG. 74, the vacuum-packed diaper is
shown removed from the second package.
[0519] The vacuum-packed diaper in FIGS. 73 and 74 is contained in
a transparent restraining encasement. The vacuum-packed diaper is
folded within the restraining encasement such that graphical
indicia of the article are visible through the encasement. Thus,
the graphical characters printed on the diapers are prominently
displayed through the transparent encasement in which the diaper is
vacuum packed. Preferably, the diaper is specifically configured
during vacuum-packing for such prominent display.
[0520] The encasement restrains the vacuum-packed diaper in a
configuration that is reduced in area and volume. In the example
shown in FIGS. 73 and 74, the reduced diaper is folded and
contained in an encasement that is vacuum-sealed. In other examples
(not shown), diapers are retained in reduced configurations that
are folded, compressed, and folded and compressed, all with and
without vacuum-sealing. Diapers that are reduced and restrained in
encasements with and without vacuum-sealing are described in U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/451,433, filed on Mar.
4, 2003; (2) U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
10/665,169, filed on Sep. 18, 2003; (3) U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2004/0176735 A1, which published on Sep. 9,
2004; (4) U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.
10/622,274, filed on Jul. 17, 2003; and (5) U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2005/0015052 A1, which published on Jan. 20,
2005.
[0521] In FIG. 75, another embodiment of a COMBO PACK includes a
first package and a transparent restraining encasement that
contains a vacuum-packed diaper. The encasement is attached to the
first package by an adhesive or other similar attachment means.
[0522] In FIGS. 76-77, yet another embodiment of a COMBO PACK
includes a vacuum-packed diaper and a number of non vacuum-packed
diapers all contained within a first package. The vacuum-packed
diaper is contained within a restraining encasement that is placed
within the first package together with the non vacuum-packed
diapers. In FIG. 78, the vacuum-packed diaper within its
restraining encasement is shown removed from the first package and
placed alongside a non vacuum-packed diaper that also has been
removed from the first package. The vacuum-packed diaper, once
removed from the restraining encasement, is capable of being
expanded to a non-reduced configuration for use similar to the
configuration of the non vacuum-packed diaper shown in FIG. 78.
[0523] In FIG. 79, yet another embodiment of a COMBO PACK includes
a number of non vacuum-packed diapers and a "bi-pack" or "twin
pack" of vacuum-packed diapers within a first package. The bi-pack
consists of two diapers that have been vacuum packed together
within the same encasement. Each of the vacuum-packed diapers
includes a "C" shaped folded configuration.
[0524] In FIG. 80 an opened first package containing a number of
non vacuum-packed diapers is shown with several examples of a
vacuum-packed diaper within a restraining encasement. A COMBO PACK
according to the invention of 60/660,792 may include any number of
vacuum-packed diapers and any number of non vacuum-packed diapers.
In some embodiments, a COMBO PACK according to the invention of
60/660,792 includes more non vacuum-packed diapers than
vacuum-packed diapers.
[0525] Thus, for example, in a particular embodiment, a COMBO PACK
includes several dozen non vacuum-packed diapers and one
vacuum-packed diaper. In another particular embodiment, a COMBO
PACK includes several dozen non vacuum-packed diapers and two
vacuum-packed diapers in the same encasement. In yet another
particular embodiment, a COMBO PACK includes several dozen non
vacuum-packed diapers and six individually vacuum-packed diapers.
In yet other particular embodiments (shown in subsequent figures),
vacuum-packed diapers are provided in containers that further
include such items as diaper-changing accessories, baby feeding
supplies, and disposal bags, thereby forming kits.
[0526] In FIG. 81, an embodiment of a COMBO PACK includes, within a
first package, a number of non vacuum-packed diapers and a second
package. One or more individually vacuum-packed diapers are
contained within the second package.
[0527] In FIGS. 82 and 84, an embodiment of a COMBO PACK includes
first package that contains a number of non vacuum-packed diapers
and a vacuum-packed diaper contained within a restraining
encasement that is removably attached to the first package by a
peel-away film.
[0528] In FIG. 85, a COMBO PACK is shown that includes a
vacuum-packed diaper and a number of non vacuum-packed diapers
within a first package. The vacuum-packed diaper is contained
within a restraining encasement that is placed within the first
package.
[0529] In FIG. 86, a COMBO PACK is shown that includes a number of
individually vacuum-packed diapers disposed within a dispenser
that, together with a number of non vacuum-packed diapers, is
disposed within a first package. In FIGS. 86-88 the dispenser is
shown removed from the first package. In this embodiment of the
invention of 60/660,792, the dispenser contains six individually
vacuum-packed diapers and is referred to as a "6-Pack". An opening
is defined in the dispenser for convenient removal of the
individually vacuum-packed diapers within the dispenser, as shown
in FIG. 87. Furthermore, each vacuum-packed diaper is disposed
within an individual box that itself is removable from the
dispenser, as shown in FIG. 88. The dispenser provides convenience
to the consumer in that the first package contains non
vacuum-packed diapers and vacuum-packed diapers with the
vacuum-packed diapers being conveniently grouped together within
the dispenser for wholesale removal from the first package. The
dispenser then can be placed wherever a supply of individually
vacuum-packed diapers is preferred by the consumer, such as in a
vehicle or travel bag. According to various embodiments of the
invention of 60/660,792, a first package can contain any number of
non vacuum-packed diapers and any number of dispensers of
individually vacuum-packed diapers, and each dispenser can contain
any number of vacuum-packed diapers.
[0530] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 86-88, each box containing a
vacuum-packed diaper further comprises a kit, in that the box also
contains one or more accessories for changing of a diaper. The kit
contains a reduced diaper and, optionally, any or all of, for
example, an ointment, a soft tipped swab for cleaning or
application, a comforting powder, cleaning articles, and a disposal
container. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 92 by way of a
descriptive label printed on the box, the kit may contain a reduced
diaper, Desitin.RTM., one or more Q-Tip.TM. swabs, baby powder,
disposable wipes, and a sealable disposal bag. Other kits according
to the invention of 60/660,792 may contain other items useful to
the consumer, such as odor control articles like solutions or
sprays. Yet other kits according to the invention of 60/660,792 may
include feeding-related items, such as infant formula, a feeding
bottle and nipple, baby food, a utensil such as a feeding spoon,
and a heat source for warming the baby food or formula.
[0531] Rather than being disposed within a dispense, a kit itself
may be disposed with non vacuum-packed diapers in the first
package, as shown in FIGS. 89-91.
[0532] Other examples of a kit including a box having a
vacuum-packed diaper and one or more accessories are shown in FIGS.
93-95. Examples of a kit including a flexible bag having a
vacuum-packed diaper and one or more accessories is shown in FIGS.
96-101. One or more of any of these kits may be combined with a
first package of non vacuum-packed diapers in accordance with the
invention of 60/660,792.
[0533] FIG. 102 illustrates a preferred arrangement for disposing
two 6-Pack dispensers of the invention of 60/660,792 in a package
with non-vacuum-packed diapers. In this regard, a 6-Pack dispense
is shown on either end of, and sandwiching therebetween, a row or
column of non vacuum-packed diapers. This arrangement may be
disposed within a first package to form a COMBO PACK. A dispenser
as shown located at either end of the package will provide a degree
of structural rigidity at the ends of the COMBO PACK, especially at
the corners.
[0534] Finally, FIG. 103 illustrates a COMBO PACK at the center
(identified by the trademark "PAMPERS") in which one or more
vacuum-packed diapers are disposed in conjunction with non
vacuum-packed diapers. Furthermore, one or more of the
vacuum-packed diapers preferably is contained within a secondary
packaging or container having a form factor represented by any one
of the various possibilities shown in FIG. 103, which include: a
plastic toy car; a stuffed animal such as a kangaroo ("Joey"); a
cylindrical container or tube; a baby bottle; and a hard case
clam-shell container. Moreover, the secondary packaging or
container having the vacuum-packed diaper may include one or more
additional accessories thereby to form a kit as shown.
CLAIMS AS FILED FORMING PART OF THE WRITTEN DESCRIPTION
Patent Application 60/660,792
[0535] Claimed inventions of 60/660,792 include a package of
diapers for retail sale to a consumer, comprising: (a) a plurality
of diapers packaged together in a first package, said diapers being
arranged in direct contact with adjacent diapers, each said diaper
having a nominal configuration; and (b) in combination with the
first package, a vacuum-packed diaper having a reduced
configuration.
[0536] Claimed inventions of 60/660,792 further include a package
of diapers in accordance with the foregoing paragraph, wherein the
vacuum-packed diaper is disposed within the first package with said
plurality of vacuum-packed diapers; a package of diapers in
accordance with the foregoing paragraph, wherein the reduced
configuration of said vacuum-packed diaper is of a pocketable size;
a package of diapers in accordance with the foregoing paragraph,
wherein said vacuum-packed diaper is disposed within a container,
and wherein said container may comprise a box and include one or
more accessories for changing a diaper, said container comprising a
diaper changing kit and/or a bag that may contain one or more
accessories for changing a diaper, said container comprising a
diaper changing kit; and a package of diapers in accordance with
the foregoing paragraph, further comprising a plurality of
individually vacuum-packed diapers, each individually vacuum-packed
diaper being disposed within a respective box, said boxes of said
individually vacuum-packed diapers collectively being disposed
within a dispenser, said dispenser being disposed within said first
package with said plurality of diapers.
DISCLOSURE OF U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
60/451,433
[0537] The disclosure of U.S. provisional patent application Ser.
No. 60/451,433 is recited below with reference to FIGS. 104-129 of
the present application.
[0538] The invention of 60/451,433 generally relates to a method
for miniaturizing a diaper by folding and vacuum sealing and the
resulting diaper.
[0539] In accordance with the subject of 60/451,433, the
miniaturizing of a diaper is accomplished within a seven step
method; namely, folding a diaper within a jig, clamping and
transferring the folded compressed diaper from the jig and
inserting it into a pliable bag, and further miniaturizing the
diaper within the plastic bag by vacuum sealing. The miniature size
of the finished product fits into a convenient size box for
illuminating the bulky nature of carrying bulky diapers within a
purse or other carrying cases. The finished product is condensed
down to a firm and hard exterior surface, and is disguised in
appearance to look like a candy bar instead of a baby or an adult
diaper. The seven step process can be readily adapted to mechanical
application for automatic manufacturing assembly line runs.
[0540] The following is an exemplary method for packaging a diaper
very compactly by folding and vacuum sealing.
[0541] FIG. 104 is a view of a bulky diaper in the hands of a
person (for reference, see Picture # 1 of FIG. 114). In step 1a
bulky diaper 12 is inserted into a U-shaped elongated opened ended
u-shaped forming jig 14. The diaper is laid in the jig such that
the outside of the diaper 16 faces downwardly with the inside of
the diaper 18 facing upward.
[0542] In step 2, the ragged elastic banded edges 20 of the diaper
12 are then folded, i.e., tucked inwardly (for reference, see
Picture # 2 of FIG. 115) so as to obtain a smooth clean line
exterior. FIG. 105 is a sketch of a diaper within a jig made for
holding and folding said diaper, with a person folding the rough
edges inwardly.
[0543] In step 3, (for reference, see Picture # 3 of FIG. 116), a
first end 22 of the diaper is folded inwardly covering a middle
portion 24 of the diaper and the other end 26 of the diaper is then
folded in over the first end 22 and middle portion 24, thereby
forming a rectangular shape 28 (for reference, see Picture # 4 of
FIG. 117). FIG. 106 is a view of a diaper with one end being folded
inward. FIG. 107 is a view of a diaper with the other end being
folded inward over the first fold.
[0544] In step 5, a spring tensioned hand clamp 30 is opened with
one hand 32 so as to have the upper flat rectangular jaw 34 and
lower jaw 36 placed over and under the completely folded diaper 28,
respectively (for reference, see Pictures # 5 & # 6 of FIGS.
118-119). FIG. 108 shows a hand clamp gripping a folded diaper.
[0545] One hand holds the hand clamp and another hand 38 compresses
the diaper 28 (for reference, see Picture # 5 of FIG. 118). Having
the folded diaper 28 compressed, folded diaper 28 is inserted into
an open end 40 of an elastic pliable resilient bag 42 (for
reference, see Picture # 8 & # 9 of FIGS. 121-122), using the
hand clamp 30 and jig 14 to facilitate the insertion. FIG. 109
shows a hand clamp held by a person compressing a folded diaper
being inserted into a plastic bag, and FIG. 110 is a perspective
view of a folding jig facilitating the hand clamp for inserting a
diaper into a plastic bag. FIG. 111 a folded and compressed diaper
within a small plastic bag. The folded diaper 28 compressed by hand
clamp 30 is directly inserted into the open ended bag 42 by hand 32
(for reference, see Picture # 10 & # 11 of FIGS. 123-124).
[0546] In step 6, folded diaper 28, now fully inserted into the bag
42 (for reference, see Picture # 12 of FIG. 125), is then placed
into a vacuum sealing machine 44 on deck 46 (for reference, see
Picture # 13, # 14 & # 15 of FIGS. 126-128). FIG. 112 a folded
and compressed diaper within a small plastic bag being positioned
within a vacuum sealing machine. The lid 48 of the vacuum sealing
machine (for reference, see Picture # 15 of FIG. 128) is fastened
down and the vacuum sealing machine 44 vacuum seals and cuts the
bag 42 as a finished product 50 (for reference, see Picture # 1 of
FIG. 129). The finished product 50 is very firm and dense, looks
like a taffy candy bar and is as small as one.
[0547] In step 7, one or more of the finished products 50
(sometimes referred to as "Vac-U-Diaper" Product) are inserted into
a box 52 for convenient carrying within a purse 54. Each
Vac-U-Diaper Product measures 1 inch by 2 inches by 11/2 inches.
FIG. 113 shows a vacuum sealed diaper within a plastic bag held by
a person.
* * * * *