U.S. patent application number 12/885793 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for unit dose articles and package therefor.
Invention is credited to Gustavo Jose Camargo-Parodi, Christopher Robert Kopulos, Brett Taylor Read.
Application Number | 20120070107 12/885793 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44674889 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120070107 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Camargo-Parodi; Gustavo Jose ;
et al. |
March 22, 2012 |
UNIT DOSE ARTICLES AND PACKAGE THEREFOR
Abstract
A flexible sealed bag and method of making thereof; the flexible
bag containing a plurality of at least partially water soluble unit
dose articles comprises a front panel, a back panel and a bottom
panel. The front panel and the back panel may be marginally joined
together along at least two opposed edges to be in a confronting
relationship to form the closed bag. The front and back panels are
joined at the top of the bag by a frangible seal. The bottom panel
is intermediate to the front panel and back panel, and is joined to
each of them. The first panel comprises at least one transparent
window and at least one opaque portion. The articles are
distributed from the bottom of the bag to a height therein,
providing an empty space above the height of the articles, whereby
the transparent window intercepts the articles and the empty
space.
Inventors: |
Camargo-Parodi; Gustavo Jose;
(Mason, OH) ; Read; Brett Taylor; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Kopulos; Christopher Robert; (Cincinnati,
OH) |
Family ID: |
44674889 |
Appl. No.: |
12/885793 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/210 ;
53/469 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2203/04 20130101;
B65D 75/522 20130101; B65D 75/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/210 ;
53/469 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16; B65B 5/00 20060101 B65B005/00 |
Claims
1. A flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of at least
partially water soluble unit dose articles, said bag comprising: a
front panel and a back panel marginally joined thereto along at
least two opposed edges to be in a confronting relationship to form
a closed bag, said front panel and said back panel being joined at
the top by a frangible seal; a bottom panel intermediate said front
panel and said back panel, and joined to each of said front panel
and back panel; wherein said front panel comprises at least one
transparent window and at least one opaque portion, and said
articles are distributed from the bottom of said bag to a height
therein, providing an empty space above the height of said
articles, whereby said transparent window of said front panel
intercepts said articles and said empty space.
2. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 1, wherein said articles are of substantially equal size and
shape.
3. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 2, wherein said articles comprise unit doses of a liquid
laundry composition.
4. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 1, wherein said bag comprises a polymeric film throughout,
and said front panel of said bag is generally rectangularly shaped
and comprises spaced apart side edges defining a width there
between, said side edges of said front panel being heat sealed to
corresponding side edges of said back panel.
5. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 4, wherein said at least one transparent window has a
variable width.
6. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 5, wherein said window diverges to become wider as the bottom
of said bag is approached.
7. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 5, wherein said window diverges to have a maximum width at
the height of said articles in said bag.
8. The flexible bag containing a plurality of articles according to
claim 6, wherein said window has a major axis, said major axis
being diagonally oriented relative to said rectangularly shaped
front panel.
9. A flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles, said bag comprising: a front panel and a back panel
marginally joined thereto along at least two opposed edges to be in
a confronting relationship and form a closed bag, said front panel
and said back panel being joined at the top by a frangible seal,
said unit dose articles being distributed from the bottom of said
bag to a height therein; a bottom panel intermediate said front
panel and said back panel, said bottom panel being joined to each
of said front panel and said back panel; wherein said front panel
comprises at least one transparent window and at least one opaque
portion, and, providing an empty space above the height of said
articles, said articles having a pincushion shape with a major
dimension along one side; whereby said transparent window of said
front panel intercepts said articles and said empty space, said
transparent window having a width taken in the horizontal
direction, said width being greater than said major dimension of
said articles.
10. The flexible closed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of vertically
disposed windows, with at least one window being below the height
of said articles.
11. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9, wherein said window is diagonally
oriented and monotonically increases in width as the bottom of said
bag is approached.
12. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 10, wherein said window intercepts the
bottom of said bag, said window having a width greater at the
bottom of said bag than said major dimension of said articles.
13. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9, wherein said articles comprise a
plurality of different sizes, said major dimension of said articles
corresponding to the major dimension of the largest size of said
articles.
14. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9 wherein said bottom of said bag has
at least one gusset therein.
15. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 14 wherein said bottom of said bag is
transparent.
16. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 15 wherein said front panel has a first
thickness and said bottom panel has a second thickness, said
thickness of said bottom panel being different from said thickness
of said front panel.
17. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9 wherein said front panel has a
surface area and said opaque portion of said front panel comprises
at least about 20% percent of said surface area.
18. The flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit dose
articles according to claim 9 wherein said transparent window
comprises indicia.
19. A method of providing a flexible sealed bag containing a
plurality of unit dose articles, said method comprising the steps
of: (a) providing an open flexible bag comprising: a front panel
and a back panel marginally joined thereto along at least two
opposed edges to be in a confronting relationship to form a closed
bag, said front panel and said back panel being joined at the top
by a frangible seal; a bottom panel intermediate said front panel
and said back panel, and joined to each of said front panel and
back panel; wherein said front panel comprises at least one
transparent window and at least one opaque portion; (b) filling
said bag with a plurality of at least partially water soluble unit
dose articles such that said articles are distributed from the
bottom of said bag to a height therein; (c) providing an empty
space above the height of said articles, whereby said transparent
window of said front panel intercepts said articles and said empty
space; and. (d) sealing said bag.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of
displaying said flexible sealed bag for purchase by a consumer at a
point of purchase.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The field of the present invention concerns packaging for
unit dose articles, particularly unit dose articles comprising
laundry compositions. The laundry compositions may include, but are
not limited to, additives for use in wash and/or rinse cycles,
detergents, fabric softeners, and perfumes among others. These unit
dose articles may comprise compositions that are in any suitable
form including, but not limited to, solids, pastes, gels, liquids
and combinations thereof. Non-solid laundry compositions will most
commonly be encapsulated in film material that is at least
partially soluble in water.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Life is becoming more hectic than ever. We now access global
information at the touch of a button, keep our mobile phones handy
for any eventuality, and as consumers, we have become accustomed to
the get-it-now life style. Household compositions like detergents
have been impacted by this trend. For example, over the last decade
and a half manufacturers have moved from the traditional big-box
laundry and auto dish detergents, to compacted detergents, and more
recently, to unit dose detergents. The unit dose is typically a
tablet or a water soluble pouch that can be directly added into a
washing machine, without the bother or mess of measuring. The unit
dose is designed to dissolve in the water during the wash
cycle.
[0003] Water-soluble unit dose articles are susceptible to
incidental or unintentional contact with moisture. Consequently, it
is important to protect the article from moisture during the
various stages of its life cycle, including during transport and
storage. Packaging is a way of providing such protection. Packaging
also forms an integral part of a product and may be a consumer's
first point of contact with a brand. Thus apart from protecting the
unit dose article from damage, the package must be aesthetically
pleasing and provide space for branding and usage information to
the consumer. In sum, the ideal package is functional, informative
and attractive.
[0004] One attempt to meet these needs has been to package unit
dose articles in flexible bags. To prevent waste and to provide a
full looking bag, the bags are typically sized according to the
volume of unit dose articles contained therein. The height of the
bag is often manipulated to provide for a good shelf presence.
Oftentimes, these considerations lead to a tall bag having a small
footprint and consequently a high center of gravity. These bags
tend to tip over on the store shelf.
[0005] Some bags have a window through which the consumer may see
the product prior to purchase. The size and placement of the window
is such that the bag appears to be full of product. A full looking
bag has been viewed as a critical element for conveying to
consumers that they are getting their money's worth.
[0006] Given these considerations, as well as that unit dose
articles are sold in a variety of counts, the manufacturer may be
required to make a whole series of bags for a single final product.
This can be disadvantageous since it adds to manufacturing
costs.
[0007] Thus there remains a need for an attractive bag that:
protects unit dose articles from moisture; provides the consumer
with brand and usage information, and that can be utilized to
package a variety of article counts, while still signaling to the
consumer that they are getting value for their money.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention addresses the aforementioned needs.
Rather than providing a series of bags of different sizes, a single
sized flexible bag is used to package a variety of counts of unit
dose articles. The bags can have a large footprint for stability. A
transparent window is provided through which the consumer can see
the fill line or "height" of varying counts contained within a
single sized bag. "Transparent" as used herein means that the
height of the unit dose articles is visible through the window.
Consequently, "transparent" is used interchangeably with
"translucent". The present bag may also provide a "billboard space"
on the front of a package so that the branding and use of the unit
dose articles within can be clearly communicated to the
consumer.
[0009] In some embodiments, the flexible bag contains a plurality
of at least partially water soluble unit dose articles. The bag
comprises a front panel and a back panel marginally joined thereto
along at least two opposed edges such that they are in a
confronting relationship to form a closed bag. The front panel and
the back panel are joined at the top by a frangible seal and may
optionally be additionally joined at the top with a resealable
closure. "Frangible seal" as used herein means a seal that is
capable of being broken. The bag also comprises a bottom panel that
is intermediate to the front and back panels, and which is joined
to each of the front and back panels. The front panel comprises at
least one transparent window and at least one opaque portion. The
unit dose articles are distributed from the bottom of the bag to a
height therein. The bag provides an empty space above the height of
the articles such that the transparent window of the front panel
intercepts the unit dose articles and the empty space.
[0010] In some embodiments, the bag contains unit dose articles
having a pincushion shape with a major dimension. The bag provides
an empty space above the height of the unit dose articles. The
transparent window of the front panel has a height taken in the
vertical direction of the front panel that intercepts the unit dose
articles and the empty space. The width of the transparent window
may be greater than the major dimension of the unit dose articles
at the height thereof.
[0011] In some embodiments, the unit dose article comprises a
liquid laundry composition encapsulated in a film material that is
at least partially soluble in water.
[0012] In some embodiments, the invention is directed to a method
of providing a flexible sealed bag containing a plurality of unit
dose articles. The method comprising the steps of: providing an
open flexible bag comprising: [0013] a front panel and a back panel
marginally joined thereto along at least two opposed edges to be in
a confronting relationship to form a closed bag; the front panel
and the back panel being joined at the top by a frangible seal;
[0014] a bottom panel intermediate to the front panel and the back
panel, and joined to each of the front panel and back panel; [0015]
wherein the front panel comprises at least one transparent window
and at least one opaque portion; filling the bag with a plurality
of at least partially water soluble unit dose articles such that
the articles are distributed from the bottom of the bag to a height
therein; providing an empty space above the height of the articles,
whereby said transparent window of said front panel intercepts said
articles and said empty space; and sealing the bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed
that the present invention will be better understood from the
following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag containing articles
according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a unit dose article
according to the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the bag of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are frontal views of alternative
embodiments of bags containing articles according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The article of manufacture of the present invention is a
flexible bag that contains a plurality of unit dose articles. The
flexible bag may reduce and/or prevent exposure of the articles to
moisture prior to and/or during transport and storage. The flexible
bag may comprise a transparent window through which the consumer
can see the fill line or "height" of the unit dose articles when
the bag is displayed to the consumer for purchase at the point of
purchase. Moreover, the flexible bag may provide a "billboard
space" on the front of the bag so that indicia such as branding and
usage instructions can be clearly communicated to the consumer.
[0022] The transparent window may have a constant or variable
width. "Constant width" as used herein refers to a window having
the same width throughout its vertical dimension. "Variable width"
as used herein refers to a window having a width that differs in
its vertical dimension.
[0023] FIGS. 1 and 2-3d generally show flexible bags 10 containing
a plurality of unit dose articles 100 per the present invention.
Although the bags are as described and illustrated in the figures,
they need not have these particular panel configurations provided
that they comprise a compartment for the unit dose articles. For
example, the bag could comprise gussets along the side. The bag
could additionally comprise one or more side panels joined to the
front panel and back panel. In a further example, the bag could
additionally comprise internal partitions. Moreover, although the
front panel of the bags as described and illustrated in figures is
generally rectangular, it may take other suitable shapes. For
example, the front panel could be generally circular.
[0024] The sealed flexible bag 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1
comprises a front panel 30, a back panel 50 and a bottom panel (not
shown). The front panel 30 in this embodiment is rectangularly
shaped and comprises spaced apart side edges 35a, 35b defining a
width there between. The front panel is marginally joined to the
back panel 50 along at least two opposed edges to be in confronting
relationship. FIG. 1 shows the two opposed edges marginally joined
together, those opposed edges of the front panel and back panel,
respectively 35a, 55a. The bottom panel (not shown) is intermediate
to the front panel 30 and back panel 50, and joined to each. The
front panel 30 and the back panel 50 are joined at the top by a
frangible seal 20.
[0025] A variety of materials can be used to form the panels of the
bag, the seal(s) and other elements of the present invention.
Technical requirements such as moisture protection and
compatibility with product as well as costs and ease of manufacture
are several factors to consider when selecting these materials.
[0026] One or more materials may be used to form one or more panels
30, 50 of a bag 10. In some embodiments, one or more panels 30, 50
comprise layers of material. In some embodiments, the layers are
laminated together. Materials of use include, but are not limited
to film forming plastics. Film forming plastics may be selected
from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene,
Nylon.TM., Barex.TM., Evoh.TM. and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the panels 30, 50 may comprise layers laminated
together.
[0027] The panels 30, 50 of the bag 10 may be joined along the
edges 35a, 35b using any suitable method that will provide a seal
that serves as a moisture barrier. Non-limiting examples include
ultrasonic welding, autogeneous bonding, pressure sealing, adhesive
sealing and combinations thereof.
[0028] Any suitable means of creating a frangible seal joining the
front and back panels together is of use. Non-limiting examples
include perforating, applying a line of weakness, peelable seal,
reasealable closures and combinations thereof.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 30 comprises at least
one opaque portion 31 and at least one transparent window 32. In
some embodiments, the at least one opaque portion 31 may contain
information including, but not limited to, instructions for use,
advertising, performance information and the like. The transparent
window 32 in this embodiment is variable in width, i.e., it
diverges to become wider as the bottom of the bag 10 is
approached.
[0030] The articles 100 are distributed from the bottom of the bag
10 to a height 110 therein, providing an empty space 33 above the
height 110 of the unit dose articles 100 such that the transparent
window 32 intercepts the articles 100 and the empty space 33. The
flexible bag 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises an optional, additional
closure 25 for securing the bag 10 in a closed condition after the
frangible seal 20 is broken.
[0031] FIG. 1a shows an exemplary unit dose article 100 of the
present invention. The unit dose article 100 is preferably a
unitized dose of a household care composition including, but not
limited to laundry, dish or hard surface cleaning compositions.
While such articles 100 can have a variety of forms, shapes and
compositions, a common feature of such additives is their
susceptibility to being degraded, deactivated, rendered unstable or
dissolved when exposed to prolonged and/or high levels of moisture.
By way of example, laundry additives encapsulated in polymer films
that are designed to be fast dissolving under both hot and cold
water conditions, may become tacky, unstable and even prematurely
dissolved if not protected from prolonged exposure to atmospheric
moisture. Such articles are described in U.S. Patent Publication
No. 2010/0192986A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,126, which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1a, the unit dose article may have a
pincushion shape with a major dimension 101 along one side. As used
herein, "major dimension" defines the largest linear dimension of
the unit dose article 100. If the unit dose article 100 is
substantially circular, the "major dimension" defines the diameter
thereof. In embodiments in which the bag 10 contains a plurality of
unit dose articles 100 having different shapes and sizes, the major
dimension 101 corresponds to the major dimension of the largest of
the unit dose article 100.
[0033] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the bag 10 containing articles
100 of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the bottom panel 40 of the bag
is transparent such that at least a portion of the articles 100
contained therein are visible there through. The bottom panel 40 is
intermediate to and joins the front panel 30 and the back panel 50.
The front panel 30 is marginally joined to the back panel 50 along
two sets of opposed edges in confronting relationship. FIG. 2 shows
a first set of opposing edges as 35a and 55a and a second set of
opposing edges as 35b and 55b.
[0034] FIGS. 3a-3d are frontal views of alternative embodiments of
flexible bags 10 containing articles 100 according to the present
invention. FIG. 3a shows an embodiment of a flexible bag 10
containing a plurality of articles 100 having different sizes and
shapes. The transparent window 32 in the front panel 30 of the bag
10 diverges to have a maximum width of the window at the height 110
of the articles 100 in the bag 10 when the bag is displayed to the
consumer for purchase at the point of purchase.
[0035] FIG. 3b shows an embodiment of a flexible bag 10 containing
a plurality of articles 100 having substantially the same shape and
size. The transparent window 32 in the front panel 30 of the bag 10
has a major axis 320. The major axis 320 is diagonally oriented
relative to the rectangularly shaped front panel 30.
[0036] FIG. 3c shows an embodiment of a flexible bag 10 containing
a plurality of articles 100 optionally having substantially the
same shape and size. Two transparent windows, a top window 32a and
a bottom window 32b are in the front panel 30 of the bag 10. The
top transparent window 32a intercepts the articles 100 and the
empty space 33.
[0037] FIG. 3d shows an embodiment of a flexible bag 10 containing
a plurality of articles 100 optionally having substantially the
same shape and size. Three transparent windows, 32a, 32b and 32c
are in the front panel 30 of the bag 10. One transparent window 32a
intercepts the articles 100 and the empty space 33. The transparent
windows 32b and 32c are below the height 110 of the articles.
[0038] 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."
[0039] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0040] 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.
* * * * *