U.S. patent application number 13/566558 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-07 for wiper packaging incorporating magnetic seal.
This patent application is currently assigned to Contec, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is David P. Nobile. Invention is credited to David P. Nobile.
Application Number | 20130032503 13/566558 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47626278 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130032503 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nobile; David P. |
February 7, 2013 |
Wiper Packaging Incorporating Magnetic Seal
Abstract
A containment package for presaturated wiper sheets including a
substantially liquid and vapor impermeable body having an interior
adapted to receive and store a plurality of wiper sheets
presaturated with a solution subject to evaporation. The body
includes an access opening adapted for insertion and withdrawal of
the wiper sheets through the access opening. At least a first
sealing element defining a magnet is supported on a first support
structure at a position outside of the interior. At least a second
sealing element with magnetic attraction to the first sealing
element is disposed on a second support structure at a position
outside of the interior.
Inventors: |
Nobile; David P.; (Alta
Loma, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nobile; David P. |
Alta Loma |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Contec, Inc.
Spartanburg
SC
|
Family ID: |
47626278 |
Appl. No.: |
13/566558 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61514582 |
Aug 3, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/494 ;
53/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/20 20130101;
B65D 2313/04 20130101; B65D 33/16 20130101; B65D 43/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/494 ;
53/467 |
International
Class: |
B65D 73/00 20060101
B65D073/00; B65B 5/00 20060101 B65B005/00 |
Claims
1. A containment package for presaturated wiper sheets, the
containment package comprising: a substantially liquid and vapor
impermeable body having an interior adapted to receive and store a
plurality of wiper sheets presaturated with a solution subject to
evaporation, the body including an access opening adapted for
insertion and withdrawal of the wiper sheets through the access
opening; at least a first sealing element defining a magnet
supported on a first support structure at a position outside of the
interior; and at least a second sealing element having a
complimentary magnetic attraction to the first sealing element, the
second sealing element being disposed on a second support structure
at a position outside of the interior, the second support structure
being selectively moveable relative to the first support structure
to open and close the access opening such that with the first
support structure disposed in contacting, opposing relation to the
second support structure, the first sealing element and the second
sealing element will act through the first support structure and
the second support structure to cooperatively form a magnetic seal
to reversibly seal the access opening in a closed condition.
2. The containment package as recited in claim 1, wherein the body
is a pliable expansible envelope with the access opening disposed
between a first deformable wall of the envelope and a second
deformable wall of the envelope, wherein the first deformable wall
defines the first support structure supporting the first sealing
element and the second deformable wall defines the second support
structure supporting the second sealing element.
3. The containment package as recited in claim 2, wherein the a
pliable envelope is formed from a foil laminate material.
4. The containment package as recited in claim 2, wherein the first
sealing element is a magnetized strip disposed in substantially
adjacent, parallel relation to a first boundary edge of the access
opening across a surface of the first deformable wall facing away
from the interior and wherein the second sealing element is a
magnetized strip disposed in substantially adjacent, parallel
relation to a second boundary edge of the access opening across a
surface of the second deformable wall facing away from the
interior.
5. The containment package as recited in claim 4, wherein the first
boundary edge is a folded edge with a portion of the first
deformable wall folded in covering relation over the first sealing
element.
6. The containment package as recited in claim 5, wherein the
portion of the first deformable wall folded in covering relation
over the first sealing element is secured to the body at a position
below the first sealing element.
7. The containment package as recited in claim 4, wherein the
second boundary edge is a folded edge with a portion of the second
deformable wall folded in covering relation over the second sealing
element.
8. The containment package as recited in claim 7, wherein the
portion of the second deformable wall folded in covering relation
over the second sealing element is secured to the body at a
position below the second sealing element.
9. The containment package as recited in claim 1, wherein the body
is a pliable envelope with the access opening disposed between a
first deformable wall of the envelope and a second deformable wall
of the envelope, wherein the first deformable wall defines the
first support structure supporting the first sealing element and
the second deformable wall defines the second support structure
supporting the second sealing element, and wherein the first
sealing element and the second sealing element each comprise a
magnetized pliable ferromagnetic material and wherein the first
boundary edge is a folded edge with a portion of the first
deformable wall folded in covering relation over the first sealing
element, the portion of the first deformable wall folded in
covering relation over the first sealing element being secured to
the body at a position below the first sealing element and wherein
the second boundary edge is a folded edge with a portion of the
second deformable wall folded in covering relation over the second
sealing element, the portion of the second deformable wall folded
in covering relation over the second sealing element being secured
to the body at a position below the second sealing element.
10. The containment package as recited in claim 1, wherein the body
is a tray with the access opening surrounded by perimeter walls,
wherein a flange extending radially away from a perimeter wall
defines the first support structure supporting the first sealing
element disposed across the underside of the flange and a removable
lid adapted to cover the access opening defines the second support
structure supporting the second sealing element disposed across the
upper surface of the lid.
11. The containment package as recited in claim 10, wherein the
removable lid is operatively connected to the tray along a living
hinge.
12. The containment package as recited in claim 11, wherein the
first sealing element comprises a plurality of magnetized strips
extending in a first pattern substantially around the perimeter of
the tray not including the living hinge and wherein the second
sealing element comprises a plurality of magnetized strips extends
in a mirror image pattern around the perimeter of the lid not
including the living hinge.
13. The containment package as recited in claim 10, wherein the
first sealing element is covered by polymeric cap structure.
14. The containment package as recited in claim 10, wherein the
second sealing element is covered by polymeric cap structure.
15. The containment package as recited in claim 10, wherein the
first sealing element and the second sealing element each are
covered by polymeric cap structures.
16. A containment package for presaturated wiper sheets, the
containment package comprising: a substantially liquid and vapor
impermeable body having an interior adapted to receive and store a
plurality of wiper sheets presaturated with a solution subject to
evaporation, the body including an access opening adapted for
insertion and withdrawal of the wiper sheets through the access
opening; at least a first magnetized strip of a defined polarity
disposed adjacent to an edge of the access opening, the first
magnetized strip being supported on an outer surface of a first
support structure at a position outside of the interior, the first
magnetized strip being covered so as to be substantially isolated
from the outside environment; and at least a second magnetized
strip of a defined polarity opposite to the polarity of the first
magnetized strip, the second magnetized strip being disposed on an
outer surface of a second support structure at a position outside
of the interior, the second magnetized strip being covered so as to
be substantially isolated from the outside environment, the second
support structure being selectively moveable relative to the first
support structure to open and close the access opening such that
with the first support structure disposed in contacting, opposing
relation to the second support structure, the first magnetized
strip and the second magnetized strip will act through the first
support structure and the second support structure to cooperatively
form a magnetic seal to reversibly seal the access opening in a
closed condition.
17. The containment package as recited in claim 16, wherein the
body is a pliable expansible envelope with the access opening
disposed between a first deformable wall of the envelope and a
second deformable wall of the envelope, wherein the first
deformable wall defines the first support structure supporting the
first magnetized strip and the second deformable wall defines the
second support structure supporting the second magnetized
strip.
18. The containment package as recited in claim 17, wherein the
first magnetized strip is disposed in substantially adjacent,
parallel relation to a first boundary edge of the access opening
across a surface of the first deformable wall facing away from the
interior and wherein the second magnetized strip is disposed in
substantially adjacent, parallel relation to a second boundary edge
of the access opening across a surface of the second deformable
wall facing away from the interior.
19. The containment package as recited in claim 16 wherein the body
is a tray with the access opening surrounded by perimeter walls,
wherein a flange extending radially away from a perimeter wall
defines the first support structure supporting the first magnetized
strip disposed across the underside of the flange and a removable
lid adapted to cover the access opening defines the second support
structure supporting the second magnetized strip disposed across
the upper surface of the lid, wherein the removable lid is
operatively connected to the tray along a living hinge and wherein
a plurality of magnetized strips extends in a first pattern
substantially around the perimeter of the tray not including the
living hinge and a plurality of magnetized strips extends in a
mirror image pattern around the perimeter of the lid not including
the living hinge.
20. A method of packaging presaturated wiper sheets, the method
comprising: (a) providing a containment package comprising: a
substantially liquid and vapor impermeable body having an interior
adapted to receive and store a plurality of wiper sheets
presaturated with a solution subject to evaporation, the body
including an access opening adapted for insertion and withdrawal of
the wiper sheets through the access opening; at least a first
sealing element defining a magnet supported on a first support
structure at a position outside of the interior; and at least a
second sealing element having a complimentary magnetic attraction
to the first sealing element, the second sealing element being
disposed on a second support structure at a position outside of the
interior, the second support structure being selectively moveable
relative to the first support structure to open and close the
access opening such that with the first support structure disposed
in contacting, opposing relation to the second support structure,
the first sealing element and the second sealing element will act
through the first support structure and the second support
structure to cooperatively form a magnetic seal to reversibly seal
the access opening in a closed condition; and (b) storing the wiper
sheets within the containment package.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of, and priority from
U.S. provisional application 61/514,582 filed Aug. 3, 2011 the
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their
entirety as if fully set forth herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is directed generally to a packaging
arrangement for presaturated cleaning wipes and more specifically
to a cleaning wipe package incorporating a liquid impermeable
containment structure having a resealable opening incorporating one
or more magnetic strips disposed adjacent to the perimeter of the
opening for use in selectively sealing the opening thereby guarding
against evaporation of solvent or other agents used to presaturate
the cleaning wipes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cleaning wipes of textile constructions are known. Such
wipes may be presaturated with a solvent or other cleaning agent
and stored within an appropriate package. Such packages may be in
the form of a flexible envelope container which may be opened to
gain access to the enclosed wipes. Wipe packages also may be in the
form of a relatively shallow tray with a removable surface covering
or lid.
[0004] During use, the interior of wipe packages may be accessed
multiple times by a user through a mouth opening as individual
wipes are retrieved. By closing the container between uses,
evaporation of solvent or other cleaning agents can be reduced. By
way of example only, one such prior resealable package is
illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,978,889 the contents
of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. While
such systems may work well, the adhesion force of the releasable
adhesive may diminish after multiple uses. Thus, there is a
continuing need for an improved sealing system for a pliable
storage container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present disclosure provides advantages and alternatives
over past wiper sheet packaging systems by providing a containment
package for wipes presaturated with a solution subject to
evaporation. The containment package incorporates an access opening
with at least one pair of opposing magnetically attracted strips
adapted to selectively seal the access opening to reduce or prevent
evaporation of the solution in the sealed condition.
[0006] In accordance with one exemplary practice, the present
disclosure provides a containment package for presaturated wiper
sheets including a liquid and vapor impermeable body having an
interior adapted to receive and store a plurality of wiper sheets
presaturated with a solution subject to evaporation. The body
includes an access opening adapted for insertion and withdrawal of
the wiper sheets through the access opening. At least a first
sealing element defining a magnet is supported on a first support
structure at a position outside of the interior. At least a second
sealing element of magnetized or non-magnetized character having a
complementary magnetic attraction to the first sealing element is
disposed on a second support structure at a position outside of the
interior. The second support structure is selectively moveable
relative to the first support structure to open and close the
access opening such that when the first support structure disposed
in contacting, opposing relation to the second support structure,
the first sealing element and the second sealing element will act
through the first support structure and the second support
structure to cooperatively form a magnetic seal so as to reversibly
seal the access opening in a closed condition. A method of
packaging presaturated wiper sheets is also provided.
[0007] Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become
apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the following
detailed description, claims and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is schematic perspective view of a pliable
containment envelope construction adapted to hold presaturated
wiper sheets showing the envelope in an open condition;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section taken generally along
line 2-2 in FIG. 1 with the envelope in a closed condition;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary material
blank which may be used to form an exemplary packaging envelope as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging tray
adapted to hold presaturated wiper sheets showing the packaging
container in a closed condition; and
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section taken generally along
line 5-5 in FIG. 4.
[0013] While the invention has been illustrated and will hereafter
be described in connection with certain exemplary and potentially
preferred embodiments, practices and procedures, it is to be
understood that the invention is in no way limited to any such
illustrated and described embodiments practices and procedures.
Rather, it is to be understood that it is the intention of the
applicant to cover all alternatives and modifications as may fall
broadly within the spirit and scope of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0014] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein to the
extent possible like reference numbers are utilized to designate
like elements throughout the various views. Looking jointly to
FIGS. 1 and 3, there is illustrated an exemplary package for a
multiplicity of wiper sheets 10 which may be of either a single ply
or multi-ply construction. By way of example only, it is
contemplated that the wiper sheets 10 may be formed from a woven,
knit or non-woven absorbent textile material which has been
pre-saturated with a solvent or other cleaning agent. The wiper
sheets have sufficient pliability to permit folding.
[0015] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the wiper sheets 10 are
stored within a pliable containment envelope 12 of foil laminate or
other material as will be known to those of skill in the art
defining an envelope body which is substantially impermeable to
liquid and gas transmission. The containment envelope 12 includes a
resealable mouth opening 14 (also referred to as a pouch opening or
access opening) with a first boundary edge 16 and a second boundary
edge 18 at the top of deformable walls oriented in opposing
relation substantially along the length of the mouth opening 14. As
best seen in FIG. 2, the first boundary edge 16 and the second
boundary edge 18 each may be formed by folding the containment
envelope material forming the deformable walls over upon itself to
establish a double layer cuff construction with a pocket between
the layers outboard from the mouth opening.
[0016] Referring now to FIG. 2, in the illustrated exemplary
arrangement, a first sealing element 20 in the form of a magnetic
strip may be disposed in substantially covered, contained relation
within the pocket below the first boundary edge 16. A second
sealing element 22 in the form of a magnetic strip or
non-magnetized metal or other material which is magnetically
attracted to the first sealing element 20 may be disposed in
substantially covered, contained relation within the pocket below
the second boundary edge 18. The sealing elements 20, 22 thus
cooperatively form an operative magnetic seal which preferably
extends substantially continuously along the entire length of the
mouth opening 14. While the complementary sealing elements 20, 22
are illustrated as extending to an elevation corresponding
substantially to the interior of the boundary edges 16, 18 it will
be understood that in practice the magnetic strips may occupy any
opposing elevation positions as may be desired within the pockets
below the boundary edges.
[0017] As shown, the pockets containing the first sealing element
20 and second sealing element 22 may be closed if desired. By way
of example only, the folded over portion of the envelope material
may be adhesively bonded or heat sealed to a portion of the
envelope body at an elevation below the sealing elements 20, 22 to
form a surface seal 24. If desired, such a surface seal 24 may
extend continuously or intermittently about the perimeter of the
containment envelope 12. Regardless of whether or not a surface
seal is formed, the sealing elements 20, 22 preferably will be
substantially covered on the exterior by the folded over portions
of the envelope material such that the sealing elements 20, 22 are
not visible and do not form an outer contact surface for the
containment envelope 12. Thus, the sealing elements 20, 22 will be
substantially isolated from other surfaces in the environment of
use. This isolation of the sealing elements may be beneficial in
maintaining their integrity as well as in avoiding any potential
contamination to outside surfaces from the material forming the
sealing elements. In the illustrated exemplary construction, each
of the sealing elements 20, 22 is also isolated from the interior
of the containment envelope 12. Thus, in practice, the wiper sheets
10 are never in physical contact with the material forming the
sealing elements 20, 22. Accordingly, any potential for
contamination by the sealing elements is avoided.
[0018] By way of example only, and not limitation, at least the
first sealing element 20 may be formed from a suitable, magnetized
material of pliable character and defined polarity such as
polymeric ferrous oxide or the like. In one exemplary practice, the
second sealing element 22 may be formed from a suitable magnetized
material such as polymeric ferrous oxide or the like of reverse
polarity to the first sealing element 20. In another exemplary
practice, the second sealing element 22 may be a non-magnetized
metal strip or other material having a magnetic attraction to the
first sealing element 22. The complementary sealing elements 20, 22
each may be secured in place to a surface of a deformable wall of
the containment envelope 12 by any suitable technique including
adhesives or the like as may be desired. Thus, the opposing
deformable walls of the containment envelope may define support
surfaces for the sealing elements 20, 22. As will be appreciated,
placement of the complimentary sealing elements 20, 22 at the
exterior of the containment envelope 12 with the opposing
deformable walls of the containment envelope forming a barrier
between the wiper sheets 10 and the sealing elements ensures that
the wiper sheets 10 are contacted only by the material forming the
containment envelope.
[0019] Regardless of the placement of the sealing elements 20, 22
they will be characterized by complimentary magnetic attraction
such that pressing the first boundary edge 16 together with the
second boundary edge 18 results in establishing an effective
magnetic seal which holds the containment envelope 12 closed (FIG.
2). In the sealed condition, evaporation of fluid saturating the
wiper sheets may be substantially eliminated. In this regard, the
combined effective thickness of the envelope material between the
sealing elements 20, 22 is such that a magnetic sealing force may
nonetheless be established and maintained when the opposing
surfaces of envelope material are in contacting relation. Of
course, this effective thickness may vary depending upon the
strength of the magnetic force generated by the opposing sealing
elements. In use, the sealing condition may be overcome by a user
manually pulling the first boundary edge 16 and a second boundary
edge 18 away from one another thereby applying a shear force to
open the containment envelope 12 (FIG. 1). When the sealing system
of the present disclosure is used with the same film laminates used
in prior known pliable containment envelopes, it has been found
that evaporation is substantially eliminated in the sealed
condition such that even with periodic opening and closing during
use, evaporation losses are typically less than about 10% of the
starting weight and will more preferably be less than about 5% and
will most preferably be less than about 2%.
[0020] In the illustrated exemplary construction, the body of the
containment envelope 12 is preferably formed to include end gussets
30 (only one shown) on either end with a non-gusseted end seam 32
(only one shown) extending away from each gusset to the mouth
opening 14. Such a construction facilitates the packaging of a
relatively large volume of wiper sheets 10 by expansion of the
gussets 30 while avoiding excess material at the mouth opening. By
way of example only, and not limitation, such a construction may be
formed by folding a symmetrical panel 40 of foil laminate material
as shown in FIG. 3 along a bisecting fold line 42 and then heat
sealing or otherwise connecting the overlying perimeter edges to
form a three-dimensional structure. A gusseted envelope as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 is thereby provided. Of course, any number of other
construction arrangements may be used as desired.
[0021] The use of complimentary sealing elements to form a magnetic
seal for the containment envelope 12 provides a number of
performance benefits. By way of example only, since the seal is
magnetic, there is no degradation in sealing strength following
multiple uses. This may be contrasted with adhesive seals or
physical seals which may degrade after multiple uses. Another
benefit is that the seal may be easily activated by a user wearing
gloves. Still another benefit is the reduced propensity for
particle generation due to the absence of sliding contact between
dissimilar surfaces. In this regard, the reduction in particle
generation may be particularly great when the sealing elements 20,
22 are at the exterior of the containment envelope. Still another
benefit is the ability to maintain chemical compatibility with the
solvent or other saturating liquid. In this regard, the benefit of
maintaining chemical compatibility may be particularly great with
the sealing elements 20, 22 at the exterior of the containment
envelope 12 since only the foil or other base material of the
containment envelope 12 will contact the solvent or other
saturating liquid. Moreover, in such an arrangement the seal is
formed by the face to face contact of the foil or other base
material forming the containment envelope 12. Since such materials
may be impermeable to the solvent, there is increased containment
of any volatile emissions.
[0022] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate another exemplary embodiment
consistent with the present disclosure. In this exemplary
embodiment, the wipe container 130 includes a tray body 132 of
concave construction with an integral flange 134 disposed about the
upper perimeter edge of the tray body 132. A selectively
displaceable lid 136 is provided to rest in covering relation to
the tray body 132. Both the tray body 132 and the lid 136 may be
formed from materials such as PET, Mylar, high density
polypropylene or the like which are substantially impermeable to
any solvent saturating the wiper sheets (not shown) stored at the
interior of the tray body 132. If desired, the tray body 132 may be
operatively connected to the lid 136 along a living hinge 140 or
other hinging connection. However, the tray body 132 and the lid
136 also may be separate, independent structures.
[0023] As shown, in the exemplary construction, a first arrangement
of sealing elements 150 such as magnetic strips or the like as
described previously is positioned along the perimeter of the lid
136 in a generally horseshoe shaped pattern following the free
edges of the lid 136. The first arrangement of sealing elements 150
may be formed from a suitable, magnetized material such as
polymeric ferrous oxide or the like to define a magnet and may be
secured in place to the surface of the lid 136 defining a support
structure by any suitable technique including adhesives or the like
as may be desired.
[0024] As best seen in FIG. 5, the first arrangement of sealing
elements 150 may be covered by an upper cap structure 152. The
upper cap structure 152 may be formed from the same material as the
lid 136 and may be held in place by any suitable technique
including adhesive bonding, melt bonding or the like. However,
other materials of construction and attachment techniques also may
be used. In the final construction, the upper cap structure 152 may
substantially encapsulate the first arrangement of sealing elements
150. Thus, the first arrangement of sealing elements 150 may be
substantially isolated from other surfaces in the environment of
use. This isolation may be beneficial in maintaining the integrity
of the sealing elements as well as in avoiding any potential
contamination from the material forming the first arrangement of
sealing elements 150. Of course, it is also contemplated that the
upper cap structures may be eliminated if desired.
[0025] As shown, the first arrangement of sealing elements 150 is
positioned to be generally aligned with the surface of the flange
134 when the lid 136 is in a closed condition. A second arrangement
of sealing elements 160 may be positioned at the underside of the
flange 134. In this regard, the second arrangement of sealing
elements 160 may have a substantially mirror image pattern relative
to the first arrangement of sealing elements 150. Thus, in the
illustrated exemplary construction, the second arrangement of
sealing elements 160 has a generally horseshoe shaped pattern.
However, other patterns also may be used.
[0026] In one exemplary practice, the second arrangement of sealing
elements 160 may be formed from a suitable magnetized material such
as polymeric ferrous oxide or the like of reverse polarity to the
first arrangement of sealing elements 150. In another exemplary
practice, the second arrangement of sealing elements 160 may be in
the form of non-magnetized metal strips or other materials having a
magnetic attraction to the first arrangement of sealing elements
150. It is also contemplated that combinations of magnetized and
non-magnetized materials may be used in the first arrangement of
sealing elements 150 and/or in the second arrangement of sealing
elements 160. The second arrangement of sealing elements 160 may be
secured in place to the underside of the flange 134 defining a
support structure by any suitable technique including adhesives or
the like as may be desired.
[0027] As best seen in FIG. 5, the second arrangement of sealing
elements 160 may be covered by a lower cap structure 162. The lower
cap structure 162 may be formed from the same material as the tray
body 132 and may be held in place by any suitable technique
including adhesive bonding, melt bonding or the like. However,
other materials of construction and attachment techniques also may
be used. In the final construction, the lower cap structure 162 may
substantially encapsulate the second arrangement of sealing
elements 160. Thus, the second arrangement of sealing elements 160
may be substantially isolated from other surfaces in the
environment of use. This isolation may be beneficial in maintaining
the integrity of the sealing elements as well as in avoiding any
potential contamination from the material forming the second
arrangement of sealing elements 160. Of course, it is also
contemplated that the lower cap structure 162 may be eliminated if
desired.
[0028] The first arrangement of sealing elements 150 and the second
arrangement of sealing elements 160 are characterized by magnetic
attraction such that pressing the lid 136 against the flange 134
results in establishing a magnetic seal which holds the container
130 closed. In this regard, the combined effective thickness of the
flange 134 and lid 136 between opposing magnetic strips 150, 160 is
such that a magnetic sealing force may be established and
maintained when the underside of the lid 136 contacts the upper
surface of the flange 134. Of course, this effective thickness may
vary depending upon the strength of the magnetic force generated by
the opposing sealing elements. During use, the sealing relation may
be overcome to provide access to the interior by a user pulling the
lid 136 away from the flange 134 thereby applying a shear force to
open the container 130. In this regard, the zones outboard from the
sealing elements may define finger tabs to be grasped by a user
during the opening procedure.
[0029] As noted previously, in the illustrated exemplary
arrangement, the complementary sealing elements 150, 160 are
arranged in a generally horseshoe pattern extending along a forward
edge and lateral sides of the container. In this arrangement, the
lid 136 may remain attached along the living hinge 140. Thus, the
lid 136 may be lifted away from the tray body 132 to expose the
access opening and then replaced with assured alignment of the
opposing sealing elements. Of course, any number of other patterns
for the magnetic strips may likewise be used if desired.
[0030] The disclosure may be further understood through reference
to the following non-limiting comparative examples.
COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES
[0031] Three samples of the magnetic closure pouch packaging were
prepared by placing a multitude of wipes in the pouch, saturated
with a blend of 50% isopropanol and 50% acetone. For baseline
control and comparison, a similar set of sample wipes was prepared,
but placed in a pouch of the same material construction as the
magnetic closure pouch, and thermally sealed closed. Once per day
for thirty consecutive days, each magnetic closure pouch was opened
briefly, then closed, to simulate removal of wipes, although no
wipes were removed in order to maintain consistent weight and
isolate the weight change due to solvent loss via evaporation. The
control set of sealed-pouch wipes were not opened in order to
establish the maximum solvent containment with the same materials
of pouch construction. The weight of each pouch, from both sample
sets, was then taken and recorded. Analysis consisted of averaging
the weights of the three pouches in each sample set, and
calculating the change in average pouch weight compared to the
average weight at the start of the test (Day 0) for each day
measurements were taken. The results are tabulated in Table 1
below. As can be seen, the magnetic seal pouches lost less than
1.5% of their total initial weight compared to completely sealed
and undisturbed pouches of the same conditions.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Day No.* Sample Weight, (Kg) Weight Loss,
(%) 0 0.8420 0.00% 1 0.8416 -0.05% 2 0.8411 -0.11% 3 0.8407 -0.16%
4 0.8403 -0.21% 7 0.8396 -0.29% 8 0.8392 -0.33% 9 0.8386 -0.40% 10
0.8385 -0.42% 11 0.8380 -0.48% 14 0.8371 -0.58% 15 0.8369 -0.61% 16
0.8366 -0.64% 17 0.8361 -0.70% 18 0.8355 -0.77% 21 0.8354 -0.78% 22
0.8345 -0.89% 23 0.8341 -0.94% 24 0.8301 -1.42% 25 0.8329 -1.08% 28
0.8325 -1.12% 29 0.8323 -1.16% 30 0.8318 -1.21% 31 0.8313 -1.27%
*Break in number sequence due to weekends, when data was not
collected.
[0032] Of course, variations and modifications of the foregoing are
within the scope of the present invention. Thus, it is to be
understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends
to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual
features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of
these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects
of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain
the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable
others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are
to be construed to include alternative embodiments and equivalents
to the extent permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *