U.S. patent application number 13/402614 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for array of packages with indicative windows.
Invention is credited to Michael Antonio Blanchet-Ruth, Jane Louise Clough, George Ikuya Nukuto, Michael A. Serafin, Herb Flores Velazquez, Dean Martin Wydeven.
Application Number | 20120152784 13/402614 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44141725 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120152784 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nukuto; George Ikuya ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
Array of Packages with Indicative Windows
Abstract
An array of packages includes a first package and a second
package. The first package has a first outer structure, a first
window perimeter shape, and a first product located in the first
internal space. The first product defines a first product
silhouette and the first window perimeter shape is indicative of
the first product silhouette. The second package has a second outer
structure, a second window perimeter shape, and a second product
located in the second internal space. The second product defines a
second product silhouette and the second window perimeter shape is
indicative of the second product silhouette. The first and second
products are diapers, training pants, adult incontinent articles,
or feminine hygiene products and the first product silhouette is
different than the second product silhouette.
Inventors: |
Nukuto; George Ikuya;
(Neenah, WI) ; Clough; Jane Louise; (Neenah,
WI) ; Wydeven; Dean Martin; (Appleton, WI) ;
Velazquez; Herb Flores; (Neenah, WI) ; Blanchet-Ruth;
Michael Antonio; (Chicago, IL) ; Serafin; Michael
A.; (Downers Grove, IL) |
Family ID: |
44141725 |
Appl. No.: |
13/402614 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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12637865 |
Dec 15, 2009 |
|
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13402614 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/522 20130101;
B65D 25/54 20130101; B65D 5/4204 20130101; B65D 2203/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. An array of packages comprising, a first package having a first
outer structure that defines a first internal space and includes a
first window having a first window perimeter shape and a first
product located in the first internal space wherein the first
product defines a first product silhouette and wherein the first
window perimeter shape is indicative of the first product
silhouette and wherein the first product is a diaper, training
pant, adult incontinent article, or feminine hygiene product, and a
second package having a second outer structure that defines a
second internal space and includes a second window having a second
window perimeter shape and a second product located in the second
internal space wherein the second product defines a second product
silhouette and wherein the second window perimeter shape is
indicative of the second product silhouette and wherein the second
product is a diaper, training pant, adult incontinent article, or
feminine hygiene product, and wherein the first product silhouette
is different than the second product silhouette.
2. The array of claim 1 wherein the first product is a feminine pad
without wings and the second product is a feminine pad with
wings.
3. The array of claim 1 wherein the first product is an applicator
tampon and the second product is a feminine pad.
4. The array of claim 1 wherein the first outer structure comprises
paper board and the second outer structure comprises poly film.
5. The array of claim 1 further comprising a third package having a
third outer structure that defines a third internal space and
includes a third window having a third window perimeter shape and a
third product located in the third internal space wherein the third
product defines a third product silhouette and wherein the third
window perimeter shape is indicative of the third product
silhouette and wherein the first product silhouette, the second
product silhouette, and the third product silhouette are all
different.
6. The array of claim 5 wherein the first product is an applicator
tampon, the second product is a feminine pad without wings, and the
third product is a feminine pad with wings.
7. The array of claim 1 wherein the first package has a design
theme, a predominant color, and a brand name and wherein the second
package has the same design theme, the same predominant color, and
the same brand name.
8. An array of packages comprising, a first package having a first
outer structure that defines a first internal space and includes a
first window having a first window perimeter shape, wherein the
first window is a physical opening that is covered by a transparent
material, and a first product located in the first internal space
wherein the first product defines a first product silhouette and
wherein the first window perimeter shape is indicative of the first
product silhouette and wherein the first product is a feminine
hygiene product individually wrapped in a wrapper, and a second
package having a second outer structure that defines a second
internal space and includes a second window having a second window
perimeter shape, wherein the second window is a physical opening
that is covered by a transparent material, and a second product
located in the second internal space wherein the second product
defines a second product silhouette and wherein the second window
perimeter shape is indicative of the second product silhouette and
wherein the second product is a feminine hygiene product
individually wrapped in a wrapper, and wherein the first product
silhouette is different than the second product silhouette.
9. The array of claim 8 wherein the first outer structure and the
second outer structure comprise paper board.
10. The array of claim 8 wherein the first package has a design
theme, a predominant color, and a brand name and wherein the second
package has the same design theme, the same predominant color, and
the same brand name.
11. The array of claim 8 wherein the first product is a feminine
pad without wings and the second product is a feminine pad with
wings.
12. The array of claim 8 wherein the first product is an applicator
tampon and the second product is a feminine pad.
13. The array of claim 8 further comprising a third package having
a third outer structure that defines a third internal space and
includes a third window having a third window perimeter shape,
wherein the third window is a physical opening that is covered by a
transparent material, and a third product located in the third
internal space wherein the third product defines a third product
silhouette and wherein the third window perimeter shape is
indicative of the third product silhouette and wherein the third
product is a feminine hygiene product individually wrapped in a
wrapper and wherein the first product silhouette, the second
product silhouette, and the third product silhouette are all
different.
14. An array of packages comprising, a first package having a first
outer structure that defines a first internal space and includes a
first window having a first window perimeter shape, wherein the
first window is a physical opening that is covered by a transparent
material, and at least two first products located in the first
internal space wherein the first products define a first product
silhouette and wherein the first window perimeter shape is
indicative of the first product silhouette and wherein the first
products are feminine hygiene products individually wrapped in
wrappers and the at least two individually wrapped first products
are visible through the first window and wherein the first package
has a design theme, a predominant color, and a brand name, and a
second package having a second outer structure that defines a
second internal space and includes a second window having a second
window perimeter shape, wherein the second window is a physical
opening that is covered by a transparent material, and at least two
second products located in the second internal space wherein the
second products define a second product silhouette and wherein the
second window perimeter shape is indicative of the second product
silhouette and wherein the second products are feminine hygiene
products individually wrapped in wrappers and the at least two
individually wrapped second products are visible through the second
window and wherein the second package has a design theme, a
predominant color, and a brand name that are the same as the first
package, and wherein the first product silhouette is different than
the second product silhouette.
15. The array of claim 14 further comprising a third package having
a third outer structure that defines a third internal space and
includes a third window having a third window perimeter shape,
wherein the third window is a physical opening that is covered by a
transparent material, and at least two third products located in
the third internal space wherein the third products define a third
product silhouette and wherein the third window perimeter shape is
indicative of the third product silhouette and wherein the third
products are feminine hygiene products individually wrapped in
wrappers and the at least two individually wrapped third products
are visible through the third window and wherein the third package
has a design theme, a predominant color, and a brand name that are
the same as the first package and wherein the first product
silhouette, the second product silhouette, and the third product
silhouette are all different.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a divisional of application Ser. No.
12/637,865 entitled Package with Indicative Windows and filed in
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Dec. 15, 2009. The entirety
of the prior application is hereby incorporated by reference in
this application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many consumers today are overwhelmed at the retail shelf
trying to locate a particular product form from among many
different product forms. This problem is complicated by a large
variety of packages having similar colors, designs, and/or
graphics. As such, consumers are unable to quickly navigate the
retail shelf to locate the desired product. Thus, there exists a
need for packages that clearly and quickly communicate the product
form located within the various packaging.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention addresses these needs by providing
packages having windows that are indicative of the product form
located within the package. In one aspect, the present invention
provides a package having an outer structure that defines an
internal space and includes a window having a window perimeter
shape. The package also includes a product located in the internal
space. The product defines a product silhouette and the window
perimeter shape is indicative of the product silhouette.
[0004] In various embodiments, the product may be a digital tampon,
an applicator tampon, or a feminine pad. In various embodiments,
the outer structure may be made of card stock.
[0005] In some embodiments, the window may be a physical opening
wherein the contents of the package, located in the internal space,
can be touched from an external space. In some embodiments, the
window may be cut through the outer structure and may be at least
partially covered by a transparent material.
[0006] In some embodiments, the products may be individually
wrapped and at least two individually wrapped products may be
visible through the window.
[0007] In some embodiments, a first product may be individually
wrapped in a first wrapper having a first color and a second
product may be individually wrapped in a second wrapper having a
second color different than the first color. The first wrapper and
the second wrapper may be visible through the window.
[0008] In some embodiments, the outer structure may be made of a
flexible poly film and the flexible poly film may be printed to
define the window.
[0009] In another aspect, the present invention provides an array
of packages. The array includes a first package having a first
outer structure that defines a first internal space and includes a
first window having a first window perimeter shape. The first
package also includes a first product located in the first internal
space wherein the first product defines a first product silhouette
and wherein the first window perimeter shape is indicative of the
first product silhouette. The array also includes a second package
having a second outer structure that defines a second internal
space and includes a second window having a second window perimeter
shape. The second package also includes a second product located in
the second internal space wherein the second product defines a
second product silhouette and wherein the second window perimeter
shape is indicative of the second product silhouette. In the array,
the first product silhouette is different than the second product
silhouette.
[0010] In various embodiments of this aspect, the first product may
be a feminine pad without wings and the second product may be a
feminine pad with wings.
[0011] In some embodiments of this aspect, the first product may be
an applicator tampon and the second product may be a feminine
pad.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first outer structure may be made
of paper board and the second outer structure may be made of poly
film.
[0013] In some embodiments of this aspect, the array includes a
third package having a third outer structure that defines a third
internal space and includes a third window having a third window
perimeter shape. The third package also includes a third product
located in the third internal space wherein the third product
defines a third product silhouette and wherein the third window
perimeter shape is indicative of the third product silhouette. In
the array, the first product silhouette, the second product
silhouette, and the third product silhouette are all different.
[0014] In some embodiments, the first product may be an applicator
tampon, the second product may be a feminine pad without wings, and
the third product may be a feminine pad with wings.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first package may have a design
theme, a predominant color, and a brand name and the second package
may have the same design theme, the same predominant color, and the
same brand name.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first package may include a product
image and the product image and the window perimeter shape may
coordinate to create a composite image.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention provides a package
having an outer structure that defines an internal space and
includes a simulated window having a simulated window perimeter
shape. The package also includes a product located in the internal
space wherein the product has a product silhouette and wherein the
simulated window perimeter shape is indicative of the product
silhouette.
[0018] In some embodiments of this aspect, the product may be a
digital tampon, an applicator tampon, or a feminine pad.
[0019] In some embodiments of this aspect, the outer structure may
be made of card stock.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 1B representatively illustrates an exemplary method for
determining a product silhouette.
[0023] FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 2A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 2.
[0025] FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 3.
[0027] FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 4A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 4.
[0029] FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 5A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 5.
[0031] FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 6A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 6.
[0033] FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 7A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 7.
[0035] FIG. 8 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 8A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 8.
[0037] FIG. 9 representatively illustrates a front perspective view
of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 9A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 9.
[0039] FIG. 10 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 10A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 10.
[0041] FIG. 11 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 11A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 11.
[0043] FIG. 12 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 12A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 12.
[0045] FIG. 13 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 14 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 14A representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of a display that includes multiple packages of FIG. 14.
[0048] FIG. 15 representatively illustrates exemplary arrays of
packages of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 16 representatively illustrates a front perspective
view of an exemplary package of the present invention having a
simulated window.
[0050] FIG. 16A representatively illustrates a top plan view of an
exemplary product located within the package of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0051] The present invention provides a package having windows that
are indicative of the product located in the package. Referring now
to FIG. 1, an exemplary package 10 is illustrated. The package 10
includes an outer structure 12 that defines an internal space 14
and an external space 16. The package 10 also includes at least one
window 18 having a window perimeter shape 20.
[0052] The package 10 also includes at least one product 22 located
in the internal space 14. Referring now to FIG. 1A, a top
perspective view of the product 22 of FIG. 1 is representatively
illustrated. The product 22 defines a product silhouette 24 and the
window perimeter shape 20 is indicative of the product silhouette
24. Specifically, in this embodiment, the product silhouette 24 is
a "dog-bone" shape and the window perimeter shape 20 is a
"dog-bone" shape. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 readily
identifies the package 10 as containing products 22 having a
dog-bone shape. This is believed to be beneficial for a consumer
trying to locate a particular product form amidst many other
product forms on a retail shelf or other setting.
[0053] The product 22 may include any suitable components within
the product silhouette 24. For example, the product 22 may include
a liquid pervious topsheet 26 and a liquid impervious backsheet 28.
The product 22 may also include one or more absorbent layers
located between the topsheet 26 and the backsheet 28. For example,
the product 22 may include a first absorbent layer 30 overlying a
second absorbent layer 32. The entire topsheet 26 defines a body
side surface 34 that is generally positioned next to the body of
the wearer in use. Likewise, the entire backsheet 28 defines a
garment side surface 36 that is generally positioned next to the
clothing of the wearer in use.
[0054] As used herein, the term "window" refers to a portion of a
package wherein the contents of the package, located in the
internal space, are viewable through said portion from the external
space. The term "window" includes physical openings wherein the
contents of the package, located in the internal space, can be
touched from the external space. The term "window" also includes
physical openings that are partially or completely covered by one
or more transparent materials such that the contents of the
package, located in the internal space, are viewable through the
transparent materials from the external space. The term "window"
also includes a portion of a transparent printed package that is
unobscured by the printing and thus remains transparent such that
the contents of the package, located in the internal space, are
viewable through said unobscured and transparent portion from the
external space. The windows depicted herein are illustrated as
being located completely on one side of the package. However, it
will be readily appreciated that in various embodiments, the
windows may span across more than one side of the package. In some
embodiments, a portion of a window may be located on a front face
of the package and a portion of the window may extend around an
edge of the package to one or more adjacent sides.
[0055] As used herein, the term "window perimeter" refers to the
outer boundary of the total area defined by the window.
[0056] As used herein, the term "product silhouette" refers to the
outline 50 of the shadow 52 cast on a surface 54 from a product 56
and a light source 58 wherein the product 56 is removed from a
package, removed from a wrapper (if applicable) unfolded (if
applicable), fully extended, wings extended (if applicable), and
suspended above the surface 54 and wherein the light source 58 is
positioned at a 90 degree angle to a major surface 60 of the
product 56 which in turn is positioned at a 90 degree angle to the
surface 54 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. The light source 58 is
positioned a sufficient distance 62 from the major surface 60 to
cast the shadow 52 on the surface 54. As used herein, the term
"major surface" refers to either the body side surface or the
garment side surface of a pad, liner, diaper, or the like. The term
"major surface" refers to a plane parallel to the longitudinal
centerline of an applicator tampon or a digital tampon. The term
"major surface" refers to the front portion of a pull-on garment
such as a training pant or brief.
[0057] As used herein, the term "indicative" refers to a first
complex shape that is representative, suggestive, illustrative,
substantially similar to, substantially the same, the same as, or
the same as a second complex shape. In most cases, if a first
complex shape is indicative of a second complex shape, the first
shape and the second shape will have a similar number of sides,
arcs, and straight edges. Also, in most cases, the first shape and
the second shape will have similar angles and proportions. The term
"indicative" does not necessarily mean that the first shape is the
same size as the second shape. The term "indicative" does not refer
to simple shapes such as circles, ovals, rectangles, squares, or
the like.
[0058] The outer structures 12, described herein, may be made of
any suitable materials. For example, the outer structures 12 may be
made of card board, card stock, paper, paper board, plastic,
polymer film, woven material, non-woven material, metal, or the
like, and combinations thereof. The windows 18 may be formed in the
outer structure 12 by any suitable means. For example, the windows
18 may be die cut, laser cut, stamp cut, water cut, or the like, or
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the outer structures 12
may be made of paper board and the windows 18 may be formed in the
outer structure 12 by die cutting.
[0059] The outer structure 12 may define any suitable shape or
size. The outer structure 12 may include any suitable number of
sides. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the outer structure
12 may be a six-sided structure wherein the sides are generally
joined together to form a hexahedron. In some embodiments, the
outer structure 12 may also include handles, gussets, opening
features, flaps, folds, lids, lines of weakness, and the like, and
combinations thereof.
[0060] In some embodiments, the windows 18 may be created from
essentially transparent material used as the outer structure 12. In
these embodiments, a first portion of the transparent material may
be made non-transparent by printing, painting, dying, or other
suitable means and a second portion of the transparent material may
be left un-altered (i.e., essentially transparent). The un-altered
portion may be sufficiently surrounded by the non-transparent
portion to define a window 18 in the outer structure 12. For
example, the outer structure 12 may be made of an essentially
transparent polyethylene or polypropylene film and the outer
structure 12 may be printed with any suitable ink via flexographic,
gravure, inkjet, or other suitable means, or combinations thereof
to define windows 18 that remain transparent.
[0061] The products 22 located within the packages 10 may be any
suitable type of product. For example, the products 22 may be
diapers, training pants, adult incontinent articles, feminine
hygiene products, and the like. In some embodiments, the products
22 may be feminine hygiene products such as digital tampons,
applicator tampons, panty liners, pads, pessaries, and the like.
Exemplary products are disclosed in detail in U.S. Pat. Nos.
7,427,277 and 4,921,474 and U.S. Patent Applications 2005/0059942;
2009/0054864; and 2009/0204090 which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties to the extent consistent
herewith.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 2A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 2 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0063] The product 22 of FIG. 2 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 2A. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 includes a
topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22
also includes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent
layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The
product 22 also includes wings 38 extending from longitudinal side
edges 40. When the product 22 is fully extended and the wings 38
are fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette 24.
In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10
is substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 is indicative of the
product 22 located within the package 10.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 3A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 3 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0065] The product 22 of FIG. 3 is illustrated in a partially
cut-away top plan view in FIG. 3A. As can be seen in FIG. 3A, the
product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing
relation. The product 22 also includes a first absorbent layer 30
and a second absorbent layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and
the back sheet 28. The product 22 also includes side-panels or
wings 38 that are unitarily formed with the topsheet 26 and the
back sheet 28. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended
and the wings 38 are fully extended, the product 22 defines a
product silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter
shape 20 of the package 10 is substantially the same as the product
silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18
of the package 10 of FIG. 3 is indicative of the product silhouette
of the product 22 located within the package 10 and illustrated in
FIG. 3A.
[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 4A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 4 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0067] The product 22 of FIG. 4 is illustrated in a partially
cut-away top plan view in FIG. 4A. As can be seen in FIG. 4A, the
product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing
relation. The product 22 also includes a first absorbent layer 30
and a second absorbent layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and
the back sheet 28. The product 22 also includes side-panels or
wings 38 that extend from longitudinal side edges 40. When the
product 22 is unfolded and fully extended and the wings 38 are
fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In
this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is
substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of
FIG. 4 is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22
located within the package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 4A.
[0068] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 5 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0069] The product 22 of FIG. 5 is illustrated in a partially
cut-away top plan view in FIG. 5A. As can be seen in FIG. 5A, the
product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing
relation. The product 22 also includes a first absorbent layer 30
and a second absorbent layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and
the back sheet 28. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully
extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In this
embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is
substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of
FIG. 5 is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22
located within the package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 5A.
[0070] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 6A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 6 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0071] The product 22 of FIG. 6 is illustrated in a partially
cut-away top plan view in FIG. 6A. As can be seen in FIG. 6A, the
product 22 includes a topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing
relation. The product 22 also includes a first absorbent layer 30
and a second absorbent layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and
the back sheet 28. The product 22 also includes side-panels or
wings 38 that extend from longitudinal side edges 40. When the
product 22 is unfolded and fully extended and the wings 38 are
fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In
this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is
substantially the same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of
FIG. 6 is indicative of the product silhouette of the product 22
located within the package 10 and illustrated in FIG. 6A.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 7A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 7 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0073] The product 22 of FIG. 7 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 7A. As can be seen in FIG. 7A, the product 22 includes a
shell 42 and an absorbent structure 44. The shell 42 defines a
body-facing surface 46 and a garment-facing surface 48. The product
22 may include body adhesive 49 on at least a portion of the
body-facing surface 46 for attachment to the body of the wearer.
When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended, the product 22
defines a product silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window
perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is substantially the same as
the product silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of
the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 7 is indicative of the
product silhouette of the product 22 located within the package 10
and illustrated in FIG. 7A.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 8A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 8 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0075] The product 22 of FIG. 8 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 8A. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the product 22 includes an
absorbent structure 44 and a shell 42. The absorbent structure 44
is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal
region. The shell 42 is configured for supporting the absorbent
structure 44 at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing
surface 46 and a garment-facing surface 48. The body-facing surface
46 has an adhesive 49 thereon for adhering the shell 42 directly to
the wearer. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended, the
product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is substantially the
same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape
20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 8 is indicative of
the product silhouette of the product 22 located within the package
10 and illustrated in FIG. 8A.
[0076] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 9A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 9 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0077] The product 22 of FIG. 9 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 9A. As can be seen in FIG. 9A, the product 22 includes an
absorbent structure 44 and a shell 42. The absorbent structure 44
is configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal
region. The shell 42 is configured for supporting the absorbent
structure 44 at the vaginal region. The shell has a body-facing
surface 46 and a garment-facing surface 48. The body-facing surface
46 has an adhesive 49 thereon for adhering the shell 42 directly to
the wearer. When the product 22 is unfolded and fully extended, the
product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is substantially the
same as the product silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape
20 of the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 9 is indicative of
the product silhouette of the product 22 located within the package
10 and illustrated in FIG. 9A.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 10A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 10 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0079] The product 22 of FIG. 10 is illustrated in a partially
cut-away sectional view in FIG. 10A. As can be seen in FIG. 10A,
the product 22 is generally an applicator tampon 64. The applicator
tampon 64 has a longitudinal centerline 66. The applicator tampon
64 of FIG. 10A is illustrated in a partially cut-away section view
taken along the longitudinal centerline 66 to illustrate internal
components. The applicator tampon 64 generally includes a barrel
68, a telescoping section 70, a plunger 72, and a pledget 74. The
barrel 68 generally includes the pledget 74 located therein. The
barrel 68 also includes one or more petals 78 to facilitate
expulsion of the pledget 74. Prior to use, the plunger 72 may be
positioned within the telescoping section 70 to provide a "compact"
design. The plunger 72 may then be extended and rigidly engaged
with the telescoping section 70 such that force applied to the
plunger 72 is translated to the telescoping section 70 to expel the
pledget 74 from the barrel 68. The pledget 74 may also include a
string 76 to facilitate removal of the pledget 74 after use. When
the product 22 is fully extended, the product 22 defines a product
silhouette 24. In this embodiment, the window perimeter shape 20 of
the package 10 is representative of the product silhouette 24.
Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window 18 of the package
10 of FIG. 10 is indicative of the product silhouette of the
product 22 located within the package 10 and illustrated in FIG.
10A.
[0080] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 11A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 11 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0081] The product 22 of FIG. 11 is illustrated in a side view in
FIG. 11A. As can be seen in FIG. 11A, the product 22 is a digital
tampon 80. The digital tampon 80 has a longitudinal centerline 66.
The digital tampon 80 of FIG. 11A generally includes a pledget 74
and a string 76 to facilitate removal of the pledget 74 after use.
The product 22 defines a product silhouette 24. In this embodiment,
the window perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is suggestive of
the product silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of
the window 18 of the package 10 of FIG. 11 is indicative of the
product silhouette of the product 22 located within the package 10
and illustrated in FIG. 11A.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 12A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 184 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 12 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0083] The product 22 of FIG. 12 is illustrated in a perspective
view in FIG. 12A. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the product 22 is
generally a brief 160 having a waist opening 162 and a pair of leg
openings 164. The brief 160 includes a front portion 166 and a back
portion 168. The front portion 166 and the back portion 168 are
joined together at the sides 170 and at the crotch 172. The brief
160 may include an absorbent 176 and/or a waist band 174 in various
embodiments. In various embodiments, the brief 160 may include a
top sheet 178 and a back sheet 180 in facing relation. In various
embodiments, the absorbent layer 176 may be located between the
topsheet 178 and the back sheet 180. When the front portion 166 of
the brief 160 is separated from the back portion 168 along the
plane defined by element 182, the fully extended front portion 166
defines a product silhouette 184. In this embodiment, the window
perimeter shape 20 of the package 10 is suggestive of the product
silhouette 184. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the window
18 is indicative of the product 22 located within the package
10.
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 13, another exemplary package 10
having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 13 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0085] The product 22 of FIG. 13 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 2A. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 includes a
topsheet 26 and a back sheet 28 in facing relation. The product 22
also includes a first absorbent layer 30 and a second absorbent
layer 32 located between the topsheet 26 and the back sheet 28. The
product 22 also includes wings 38 extending from longitudinal side
edges 40. When the product 22 is fully extended and the wings 38
are fully extended, the product 22 defines a product silhouette
24.
[0086] In this embodiment, majority of the window perimeter shape
20 of the package 10 is substantially the same as a majority of the
product silhouette 24. Thus, the window perimeter shape 20 of the
window 18 is indicative of the product 22 located within the
package 10.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 14A, another exemplary package
10 having a window perimeter shape 20 that is indicative of the
product silhouette 24 of the product 22 located therein is
illustrated. The package 10 of FIG. 14 includes an outer structure
12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external space 16. The
outer structure 12 includes a window 18. The window 18 defines a
window perimeter shape 20. The package 10 also includes products 22
located within the internal space 14. The products 22 are visible
from the external space 16 via the window 18.
[0088] The product 22 of FIG. 14 is illustrated in a top plan view
in FIG. 2A. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the product 22 defines a
longitudinal centerline 66 which in turn defines a first half 188
and a second half 190. The package 10 of FIG. 14 also includes a
product image 186. As used herein, the term "product image" refers
to a depiction of at least a portion of a product. For example, in
FIG. 14, the product image 186 is a depiction of the second half
190 of the product 22 located within the package 10. The product
image 186 may be created using any suitable means. For example, the
product image 186 may be printed on the outer structure 12 of the
package 10 using ink jet printing, flexographic printing, gravure
roll printing, and the like, and combinations thereof. In some
embodiments, the product image 186 may be provided on a separate
material and joined to the outer structure 12 via any suitable
means. For example, the product image 186 may be printed on a
substrate that is in turn adhered to the outer structure 12 like a
sticker.
[0089] In various embodiments, a product image 186 and a window
perimeter shape 20 may combine to create a composite image. As used
herein, the term "composite image" refers to a construction that
includes a product image coordinated with a window perimeter shape
to create a unitary image. For example, referring to FIG. 14A,
multiple packages 10 of FIG. 14 are illustrated in a display
condition such as may be arranged on a retail shelf. The multiple
packages 10 each include a product image 186 and a window 18 having
a window perimeter shape 20. The multiple packages 10 each include
products 22 having a product silhouette 24 as illustrated in FIG.
2A. The window perimeter shape 20 of a first package 92 in
combination with a product image 186 of a second package 94 creates
a composite image 191. Likewise, the window perimeter shape 20 of
the second package 94 in combination with the product image 186 of
a third package 96 creates a composite image 191. Finally, the
window perimeter shape 20 of the third package 96 in combination
with the product image 186 of a fourth package 98 creates a
composite image 191. The composite images 191 are indicative of the
products 22 located within the various packages 92, 94, 96, and
98.
[0090] In various embodiments, the products 22 may be individually
wrapped in any suitable wrapping material such as polymer films,
woven materials, non-woven materials, or the like, or combinations
thereof. In various embodiments, the products 22 may be
individually wrapped in wrappers 82 wherein at least two
individually wrapped products 22 are visible through the window 18.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, six products 22 are
individually wrapped in six wrappers 82 and are visible through the
window 18.
[0091] In various embodiments, the individually wrapped products 22
may be wrapped in wrappers 82 having more than one color per
wrapper 82. In some embodiments, some individually wrapped products
22 may be wrapped in a wrapper 82 having a first color and some
individually wrapped products 22 may be wrapped in a wrapper 82
having a second color different than the first color and being
located within the same package 10. For example, as illustrated in
FIG. 2, six products 22 are individually wrapped in six wrappers
82. At least one of the wrappers 82 has a first color 84, at least
one of the wrappers 82 has a second color 86, at least one of the
wrappers 82 has a third color 88, and at least one of the wrappers
82 has a fourth color 90 wherein all the colors 84, 86, 88, and 90
are different.
[0092] In some aspects, the present invention also provides an
array of packages having windows that are indicative of the
products located within the respective packages. Referring now to
FIG. 15, an exemplary array of packages 102 is illustrated. The
array of packages 102 includes a first package 104 and a second
package 106. In some embodiments, the various packages described
herein may be suitable for use as the first package 104 and/or the
second package 106. The first package 104 has a first outer
structure 108 that defines a first internal space 110 and a first
external space 112. The first package 104 also includes a first
window 114 having a first window perimeter shape 116. The first
package 104 also includes a first product 118 located in the first
internal space 110. For illustration, an exemplary first product
118 from the first package 104 is shown in a fully extended top
view next to the first package 104. The first product 118 defines a
first product silhouette 120 and the first window perimeter shape
116 is indicative of the first product silhouette 120.
[0093] The second package 106 in the array of packages 102 has a
second outer structure 122 that defines a second internal space 124
and a second external space 126. The second package 106 includes a
second window 128 having a second window perimeter shape 130 in the
second outer structure 122. The second package 106 also includes a
second product 132 located in the second internal space 124. For
illustration, an exemplary second product 132 from the second
package 106 is shown in a fully extended top view next to the
second package 106. The second product 132 defines a second product
silhouette 134 and the second window perimeter shape 130 is
indicative of the second product silhouette 134. In the array of
packages 102, the first product silhouette 120 is different than
the second product silhouette 134 and thus the first window
perimeter shape 116 is different than the second window perimeter
shape 130.
[0094] Referring again to FIG. 15, a second exemplary array of
packages 136 is illustrated. The array of packages 136 includes a
first package 104, a second package 106, and a third package 138.
In some embodiments, the various packages described herein may be
suitable for use as the first package 104 and/or the second package
106 and/or the third package 138. The first package 104 has a first
outer structure 108 that defines a first internal space 110 and a
first external space 112. The first package 104 also includes a
first window 114 having a first window perimeter shape 116. The
first package 104 also includes a first product 118 located in the
first internal space 110. For illustration, an exemplary first
product 118 from the first package 104 is shown in a fully extended
top view next to the first package 104. The first product 118
defines a first product silhouette 120 and the first window
perimeter shape 116 is indicative of the first product silhouette
120.
[0095] The second package 106 in the array of packages 102 has a
second outer structure 122 that defines a second internal space 124
and a second external space 126. The second package 106 includes a
second window 128 having a second window perimeter shape 130 in the
second outer structure 122. The second package 106 also includes a
second product 132 located in the second internal space 124. For
illustration, an exemplary second product 132 from the second
package 106 is shown in a fully extended top view next to the
second package 106. The second product 132 defines a second product
silhouette 134 and the second window perimeter shape 130 is
indicative of the second product silhouette 134. In the array of
packages 102, the first product silhouette 120 is different than
the second product silhouette 134 and thus the first window
perimeter shape 116 is different than the second window perimeter
shape 130.
[0096] The third package 138 in the array of packages 136 has a
third outer structure 140 that defines a third internal space 142
and a third external space 144. The third package 138 includes a
third window 146 having a third window perimeter shape 148 in the
third outer structure 140. The third package 138 also includes a
third product 150 located in the third internal space 142. For
illustration, an exemplary third product 150 from the third package
138 is shown in a fully extended top view next to the third package
138. The third product 150 defines a third product silhouette 152
and the third window perimeter shape 148 is indicative of the third
product silhouette 152. In the second array of packages 136, the
first product silhouette 120, the second product silhouette 134,
and the third product silhouette 152 are all different and thus the
first window perimeter shape 116, the second window perimeter shape
130, and the third window perimeter shape 148 are all
different.
[0097] In various embodiments, herein packages may also include any
suitable colors, themes, brand names, or the like. In some
embodiments, the various packages in the various arrays may include
common design themes, colors, graphics, brand names, and the like,
and combinations thereof. For example, the various packages in the
various arrays may all have the same predominate color and may all
have the same brand name. Thus, even though the packages will have
similarity and unity on the retail shelves, a consumer will readily
be able to navigate said shelf to find the desired product form via
the indicative windows.
[0098] In some embodiments, the present invention may provide a
package having simulated windows that are indicative of the product
located in the package. Referring now to FIG. 16, an exemplary
package 10 is illustrated. The package 10 includes an outer
structure 12 that defines an internal space 14 and an external
space 16. The package 10 also includes at least one simulated
window 154 having a simulated window perimeter shape 156.
[0099] The package 10 also includes at least one product 22 located
in the internal space 14. Referring now to FIG. 16A, a top
perspective view of the product 22 of FIG. 16 is representatively
illustrated. The product 22 defines a product silhouette 24 and the
simulated window perimeter shape 156 is indicative of the product
silhouette 24. Specifically, in this embodiment, the product
silhouette 24 is a "dog-bone" shape and the simulated window
perimeter shape 156 is a "dog-bone" shape. Thus, the simulated
window perimeter shape 156 readily identifies the package 10 as
containing products 22 having a dog-bone shape.
[0100] As used herein, the term "simulated window" refers to a
graphic positioned on a portion of a package that creates the
illusion of viewing the contents of the package, located in the
internal space, through a window. As used herein, the term
"simulated window perimeter" refers to the outer boundary of the
total area defined by the simulated window. The term "simulated
window" does not refer to a depiction of the product contained
within the package. For example, in FIG. 16, the simulated window
154 includes simulated products 158 to create the illusion that the
actual products 22 are being viewed through an actual window. A
simulated window 154 may be created by printing directly on the
outer structure 12 of the package 10 or the simulated window 154
may be created by printing on a secondary substrate and attaching
said substrate to the outer structure 12 of the package 10. For
example, a simulated window 154 may be printed on an adhesive
sticker and adhered to the outer structure 12.
[0101] While the invention has been described in detail with
respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated
that those skilled in the art, upon attaining understanding of the
foregoing will readily appreciate alterations to, variations of,
and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the
present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims
and any equivalents thereto. Additionally, all combinations and/or
sub-combinations of the disclosed embodiments, ranges, examples,
and alternatives are also contemplated.
* * * * *