U.S. patent application number 13/031827 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-08 for packaging containing improved dispensing and carrying elements.
Invention is credited to Carolina Chapparo, Maria Alexandra Hernandez, Kharolys Margarita Naranjo, Fiorella Maria Siesto Casanova, Ana Flor Valera.
Application Number | 20110216987 13/031827 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43978108 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110216987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hernandez; Maria Alexandra ;
et al. |
September 8, 2011 |
Packaging Containing Improved Dispensing And Carrying Elements
Abstract
A package containing disposable absorbent articles wherein the
package incorporates improved dispensing and carrying elements
which aids in consumer use of the package.
Inventors: |
Hernandez; Maria Alexandra;
(Caracas, VE) ; Chapparo; Carolina; (Caracas,
VE) ; Valera; Ana Flor; (Caracas, VE) ; Siesto
Casanova; Fiorella Maria; (Caracas, VE) ; Naranjo;
Kharolys Margarita; (Santiago de Chile, CL) |
Family ID: |
43978108 |
Appl. No.: |
13/031827 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61310999 |
Mar 5, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/25 ;
383/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/12 20130101;
B65D 85/07 20180101; B65D 75/5827 20130101; B65D 75/56
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/25 ;
383/205 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00; B65D 33/06 20060101 B65D033/06 |
Claims
1. A package containing a plurality disposable absorbent articles,
the package comprising: a precut; and a character graphic in
combination with the precut.
2. The package of claim 1 further comprising an alpha-numeric
graphic in combination with the precut.
3. A package containing a plurality disposable absorbent articles,
the package comprising: a handle; and a character graphic in
combination with the handle.
4. The package of claim 3 further comprising an alpha-numeric
graphic in combination with the handle.
5. A package containing a plurality disposable absorbent articles,
the package comprising: a handle; a precut; and a character graphic
in combination with at least one of the handle or the precut.
6. The package of claim 5 comprising a character graphic in
combination with both the handle and the precut.
7. The package of claim 6 further comprising an alpha-numeric
graphic in combination with the handle.
8. The package of claim 6 further comprising an alpha-numeric
graphic in combination with the precut.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/310,999, filed Mar. 5, 2010.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a package
containing disposable absorbent articles. More specifically, the
present invention relates to a package containing disposable
absorbent articles wherein the package incorporates improved
dispensing and carrying elements which aids in consumer use of the
package.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The field of disposable absorbent articles includes a wide
variety of consumer products which includes diapers, bibs, wipes,
sanitary napkins, tampons, etc. Within each category, i.e. diapers,
wipes, etc., the number of different product offerings is typically
large. For example, in the diapers category product offerings may
include pull-on diapers, taped diapers, training pants, newborn
diapers, etc.
[0004] Packaging for each of these disposable absorbent articles
typically includes the brand name of the disposable absorbent
article plus some iconography or design which allows the consumer
to readily recognize a particular brand. Additionally, packaging
for these disposable absorbent articles may include a description
on the number of absorbent articles within the package and a
description of how to use the disposable absorbent article.
[0005] Packaging handles and product dispensing are basic consumer
needs that are not adequately met to date. Many disposable diaper
packages have handles for carrying, but oftentimes the handles are
inconspicuous and go unnoticed by consumers. Further, many
disposable diaper packages have a precut feature to assist the
consumer in opening the package. However, oftentimes the
communication of the precut feature is poor and sometimes confusing
or misleading. Some precuts in the market today do not have
instructions or signals, and consumers waste time looking for it.
Other precuts in the market today may be signalized with
non-catching graphics, like a small arrow or a simple "open here"
graphic, that are difficult to perceive by the consumer.
[0006] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a package
incorporating improved dispensing and carrying elements which aids
in consumer use of the package.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The package of the present invention may incorporate
improved dispensing and/or carrying elements which aids in consumer
use of the package.
[0008] In one embodiment of the invention, the package may comprise
a precut in combination with a character graphic. The package may
comprise a precut in combination with a character graphic and an
alpha-numeric graphic.
[0009] In another embodiment of the invention, the package may
comprise a handle in combination with a character graphic. The
package may comprise a handle in combination with a character
graphic and an alpha-numeric graphic. In another embodiment of the
invention, the package may comprise both a precut in combination
with a character graphic and a handle in combination with a
character graphic. The package may comprise an alpha-number graphic
in combination with the precut, the handle, or both.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing an embodiment of a
package constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 a plan view of an embodiment of a package graphic
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a package
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a package graphic
constructed in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Definitions:
[0014] "Character graphic" refers to a graphic comprising an
anthropomorphic image. The graphic may be any suitable visual image
or images. For example, the graphic may include pictorial symbols
and/or images, such as, but not limited to, photographs, drawings,
embossments, or any other suitable materials utilized to create
pictorial symbols and/or images. The pictorial symbols and/or
images may include an image of a child, an anthropomorphic image of
an animal or object, images of cartoons including well known
cartoon characters, images of well known brand logos or the like,
and/or images characters specifically created to be associated with
the implement of commerce, symbols, indications or motion or
movement, and the like, and combinations thereof. Suitable examples
of graphics are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No.
2005/0129743A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125923A1, and
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125877A1. As used herein, the
term "character graphic" does not include alpha-numeric characters
unless otherwise specified.
[0015] "Comprise," "comprising," and "comprises" are open ended
terms, each specifies the presence of what follows, e.g., a
component, but does not preclude the presence of other features,
e.g., elements, steps, components known in the art, or disclosed
herein.
[0016] "Consisting essentially of" is used herein to limit the
scope of subject matter, such as that in a claim, to the specified
materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the
basic and novel characteristics of the subject matter.
[0017] A "disposable absorbent article" refers to an article device
that normally absorbs and/or retains fluids. In certain instances,
the phrase refers to articles that are placed against or in
proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the
excreta and/or exudates discharged from the body, and includes such
personal care articles as baby diapers, baby training pants, adult
incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, baby swim
diapers, wound dressings, and the like. In certain instances, a
disposable absorbent article may be worn by infants and other
incontinent persons about the lower torso. In other instances, a
disposable absorbent article may include wipes, bibs, sanitary
napkins, tampons, tissue, paper towels, and the like.
[0018] As used herein the term "product" shall refer to a package
containing disposable absorbent articles.
Description:
[0019] Ease of opening and carrying are package features that
deliver a desired package experience for caregivers. A character
graphic in combination with a precut and/or a handle can help
increase awareness and communication of those features to help
caregivers understand how to open and transport the package. Use of
a character graphic on the handle and/or precut teaches and
exploits a package feature and functionality, while increasing
awareness and communication of those features.
[0020] The packages of the present invention incorporate improved
dispensing and carrying elements which aids in consumer use of the
package. The package may comprise a precut in combination with a
character graphic and/or a handle in combination with a character
graphic. The package may comprise an alpha-number graphic in
combination with the precut, the handle, or both.
[0021] The packages of the present invention, in some embodiments,
include flexible packages and rigid paper or plastic containers.
The present invention is applicable to packages comprising content.
For example, in some embodiments, the present invention pertains to
packages comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent
articles.
[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a package 20 of the present invention. The
package may comprise a precut 30 to aid the consumer in opening the
package, in combination with a character graphic 40 and may also
comprise an alpha-number graphic 50. FIG. 2 is an example of a
character graphic 40 that may be used in combination with the
precut 30. An alpha-numeric graphic 50 may also be included.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a package 20 of the present invention. The
package may comprise a handle 60 with a character graphic 40. FIG.
4 is an example of a character graphic 40 that may be used in
combination with the handle 60. An alpha-numeric graphic 50 may
also be included.
[0024] The package of the present invention comprising a precut in
combination with a character graphic may assist in communicating
the easy to open benefit provided by the precut; thus, the
character graphic may comprise a teaching logo. Further, having a
character graphic in combination with the precut may make the
precut more noticeable to the consumer, while teaching the consumer
how to open the package. Including an alpha-numeric graphic, such
as "open here" in combination with the precut and character graphic
make may the process of opening the package easier and more
effective. Thus, ease of opening via a precut in combination with a
communication tool drives better consumer understanding of the
feature functionality. Consumers find the precut communication an
aid in opening the diaper package.
[0025] The package of the present invention comprising a handle in
combination with a character graphic may make the handle more
noticeable and teach the consumer how to carry the package. A
handle comprising a character graphic may make the handle easier to
find and use and improve the carrying process for the consumer.
Thus, the handle in combination with a character graphic may
improve the carrying process by assisting the consumer in
effectively finding and using the handle and consequently
transporting the bag. As shown in FIG. 4, the character graphic on
the handle may demonstrate the carrying process, by depicting a
graphic carrying a package.
[0026] Additionally, embodiments are contemplated where a package
or a portion thereof comprises a gender specific color. For
example, a package may comprise a color which is a shade of pink.
As another example, a package may comprise a color which is a shade
of blue. In yet another example, a package may comprise a color
which is gender neutral, such as shades of purple or shades of
green. Further examples are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2005/0129743A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125923A1, and
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125877A1.
[0027] Eighteen caregiver panelists were interviewed and shown
three products comprising a precut including (A) a package
comprising a precut in combination with a character graphic of the
present invention; (B) a control package of a precut with arrows
rather than a character graphic; and (C) a control package with
only a precut. The caregivers interviewed were asked to open all
three packages and then rank the packages for easiest to open.
TABLE-US-00001 Precut with Character Precut with Arrows Precut Only
Graphic (A) (B) (C) # panelists 17 0 1 % 94bc* 0 6 *Significantly
different at 95% confidence level
[0028] Thus, the package comprising a precut in combination with a
character graphic is rated to be significantly easier to open than
the other products.
[0029] After opening all three products, the caregiver panelists
indicated that the package including the character graphic was the
easiest to determine where the precut was and how to open the
package. The character graphic is eye-catching and communicates how
and where to open the bag. The character graphic communicates how
to open the bag and facilitates the opening process. The character
graphic allows for faster visualization of where to open the bag
and faster opening because the precut is eye-catching. The opening
process was easier because the package was not torn.
[0030] Seventeen caregiver panelists were then shown four products
comprising a handle including (A) a package comprising a handle in
combination with a character graphic of the present invention; (B)
a control package with a clear handle; (C) a control package with a
clear handle; and (D) a control package with a clear handle. The
caregivers interviewed were asked to open all three packages and
then rank the packages for easiest to open. The caregivers
interviewed were asked to select the package that they like the
most thinking only of the handle feature. All panelists interviewed
selected (A) the package comprising a handle in combination with a
character graphic.
[0031] After selecting the preferred package with the handle in
combination with a character graphic, each panelist was asked to
evaluate only the preferred package for the attributes of how easy
it was to notice the handle of the package selected and how
comfortable it was to carry the package.
How easy was it to notice the handle of the package selected?
TABLE-US-00002 Base 17 Extremely Somewhat Not at all panelists Easy
Very Easy Easy Slightly Easy Easy # panelists 15 2 % 88 12 % top
two 100 boxes
How comfortable was it to carry this package?
TABLE-US-00003 Some- Not Very what Slightly at all Base 17
Extremely comfort- comfort- comfort- comfort- panelists comfortable
able able able able # panelists 9 8 % 53 47 % top two 100 boxes
[0032] Thus, the package comprising a handle in combination with a
character graphic is rated to be both easy to notice and
comfortable to carry.
[0033] After considering the package comprising a handle in
combination with a character graphic, the caregiver panelists
indicated that the handle having a character graphic is the easiest
and fastest to notice. The character graphic on the handle allows
the consumer to identify that the package has a carrying feature
because it is eye-catching when compared to current handles that
are clear and not noticeable at shelf. The character graphic
indicates that the bag has a handle and shows how to carry the bag;
clear handles are not noticeable.
[0034] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".
[0035] All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the
Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference;
the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission
that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the
extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written
document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a
document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition
assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.
[0036] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *