U.S. patent application number 16/991102 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-26 for package made of a laminate material.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Enjun CHENG, Christian KOHLWEYER.
Application Number | 20200368082 16/991102 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005008520 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200368082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHENG; Enjun ; et
al. |
November 26, 2020 |
PACKAGE MADE OF A LAMINATE MATERIAL
Abstract
A package accommodating a plurality of absorbent articles is
described. The package has a plurality of surfaces, including a
first pair of opposing surfaces each having a seam, wherein at
least one of the seams is a closing seam, wherein the closing seam
extends along a direction of a width of the package, wherein the
closing seam comprises opposing closing gussets; a second pair of
opposing surfaces each adjacent the first pair of opposing
surfaces; a front surface and an opposing rear surface, each of the
front surface and rear surface being adjacent to each of the first
pair and second pair of opposing surfaces, wherein the first pair,
second pair, front and rear surfaces define an interior compartment
of the package. The package is a laminate having a polymeric layer
and a paper layer, the polymeric layer being disposed at least in
the closing seam.
Inventors: |
CHENG; Enjun; (Beijing,
CN) ; KOHLWEYER; Christian; (Bad Vilbel, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005008520 |
Appl. No.: |
16/991102 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16140590 |
Sep 25, 2018 |
10786404 |
|
|
16991102 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 70/266 20170801;
B31B 2160/20 20170801; B65D 85/62 20130101; B65D 85/07 20180101;
A61F 13/551 20130101; B65D 2571/00672 20130101; B31B 2170/20
20170801; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00734 20130101; B32B
27/10 20130101; B32B 2439/46 20130101; B32B 27/32 20130101; B65D
65/40 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B32B 7/12 20130101; B65D 65/10
20130101; B31B 70/004 20170801; B65D 71/063 20130101; B31B 70/64
20170801 |
International
Class: |
A61F 13/551 20060101
A61F013/551; B65D 85/07 20060101 B65D085/07; B65D 65/40 20060101
B65D065/40; B65D 71/06 20060101 B65D071/06; B31B 70/64 20060101
B31B070/64; B31B 70/26 20060101 B31B070/26; B31B 70/00 20060101
B31B070/00; B65D 71/36 20060101 B65D071/36; B65D 85/62 20060101
B65D085/62 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2017 |
WO |
CN2017/103123 |
Claims
1. A package accommodating a plurality of absorbent articles, the
package having a plurality of surfaces, the package further
comprising: a first pair of opposing surfaces each comprising a
seam, wherein at least one of the seams comprises a closing seam,
wherein the closing seam extends along a direction of a width of
the package, wherein the closing seam comprises opposing closing
gussets; a second pair of opposing surfaces each adjacent the first
pair of opposing surfaces; a front surface and an opposing rear
surface, each of the front surface and rear surface being adjacent
to each of the first pair and second pair of opposing surfaces,
wherein the first pair, second pair, front and rear surfaces define
an interior compartment of the package, wherein the package
comprises a laminate comprising a polymeric layer and a paper
layer, the polymeric layer being disposed at least in the closing
seam.
2. The package according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric layer
comprises a film layer.
3. The package according to claim 2, wherein the film layer
comprises recycled material.
4. The package according to claim 1, wherein the closing gussets
comprise a fourfold portion.
5. The package according to claim 1, wherein each of the second
pair of opposing surfaces comprises one of the closing gussets.
6. The package according to claim 1, wherein the closing gussets
comprise a twofold portion.
7. The package according to claim 1, wherein the paper comprises a
pattern.
8. The package according to claim 1, wherein the paper comprises
natural paper.
9. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 110 mm.
10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the absorbent
articles are diapers, adult incontinence briefs, or training
pants.
11. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package further
comprises a handle.
12. The package according to claim 11, wherein the handle is part
of the closing seam.
13. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 105 mm.
14. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 90 mm.
15. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of less than about 80 mm.
16. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of between about 70 mm to about 110 mm.
17. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of between about 70 mm to about 100 mm.
18. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of between about 70 mm to about 90 mm.
19. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package has an
In-Bag Stack Height of between about 72 mm to about 80 mm.
20. The package according to claim 1, wherein the closing seam is
made by applying heat energy.
21. The package according to claim 1, wherein the package is
configured in a wicket bag form.
22. The package according to claim 1, wherein the polymeric layer
is bonded to the paper layer by extruding the polymeric layer
directly onto the paper layer.
23. The package according to claim 1, wherein each of the second
pair of opposing surfaces comprise a crease.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a substantially
parallelepiped-shape package accommodating a plurality of articles
which has gussets and seams, a package blank and a wicket bag
suitable making the same.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Non-fragile, compressible consumer products such as
disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers and training pants,
disposable adult incontinence pants and feminine hygiene pads) are
often packaged and sold at retail (i.e., placed on display and for
sale in a retail store) in protective packaging, such as boxes,
containers, bags, blister packs, cartons, and the like. In addition
to being protective, packaging for consumer products is wanted
attractive and eye-catching so that consumers might stop and
consider purchasing the packaged products.
[0003] Flexible packages is widely used for packaging flexible
absorbent articles. The flexible package generally comprises a
first and second opposite side surfaces. The first side surface may
not a seam and the second side surface comprises a pair of gussets
each of which is located on the opposite side of the second side
surface. The flexible package also includes a front and rear
surfaces, and a third and fourth opposite side surfaces having a
first and second side seams, respectively. The flexible package
also includes a first and second side gussets located in the third
and fourth side surfaces.
[0004] Such packages may be formed from one or more sheets of
polymer film, seamed via application of heating energy, which has
caused portions of the film to melt and fuse along the seams.
[0005] Package materials, in addition to its basic functions such
as protection of articles the package accommodates from external
environments, also affect aesthetic impression of the packages.
External faces of packages formed by a sheet of polymer film have a
glossy appearance which in some areas tends not to be favored by
consumers despite many advantageous aspects such as cost and low
air and humidity permeability.
[0006] Laminates having a film layer and a paper layer conveys warm
and nature feelings to consumers especially when the paper layer
forms external surfaces of a package. Such laminae having a paper
layer may deliver feelings of consumer-favorable nature and
hand-craftsmanship. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No.
2005-41527 discloses a paper bag made of a craft paper laminated
with a synthetic resin film. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
No. 2008-18959 discloses a package having a cylindrical body which
is formed with a space for storing an item and seal parts attached
to both end openings of the cylindrical body so as to seal the
openings. In the package the cylindrical body is formed of a paper
material, and the seal parts are formed of a thermoplastic
synthetic resin film.
[0007] There is a need for packages that have consumer-desirable
perceptual features such as softness, smoothness and other tactile
impressions, and creates a visually aesthetic appeal, while being
durable enough for shipping and handling.
[0008] There is a need for packages that can convey the feeling of
nature and hand-craftsmanship.
[0009] Further, there is a continuing need for packaging for
consumer products that provides a pleasant appearance to eye-catch
consumers at the point of sale.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flexible open bag
structure from which a package according to the present invention
may be formed.
[0011] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary package
according to the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 1C is an alternative perspective view of the package
shown in FIG. 1B.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of a package of the present invention
containing a plurality of absorbent articles.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a front view of an exemplary package blank of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a front view of another exemplary package blank of
the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view of another exemplary package blank of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6A is a front view of an exemplary folded wicket bag of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the wicket bag of FIG.
6A along a line A-A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] All ranges are inclusive and combinable. The number of
significant digits conveys neither limitations on the indicated
amounts nor on the accuracy of the measurements. All numerical
amounts are understood to be modified by the word "about" unless
otherwise specifically indicated.
[0020] The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers to
devices which absorb and contain body exudates, and, more
specifically, refers to devices which are placed against or in
proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the
various exudates discharged from the body. Typical absorbent
articles of the present invention include but are not limited to
diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper holders
and liners, absorbent inserts and the like, as well as feminine
hygiene products, such as sanitary napkins and panty liners, and
the like. Absorbent articles also include wipes, such as household
cleaning wipes, baby wipes, and the like.
[0021] "Comprise", "comprises", and "comprising" as used herein are
open ended terms, each specifying the presence of what follows,
e.g., a component, but not precluding the presence of other
features, e.g., elements, steps or components known in the art, or
disclosed herein.
[0022] "Consist(s) of" and "consisting of" as used herein are close
ended terms, each specifying the presence of what follows, e.g., a
component, and precluding the presence of other features, e.g.,
elements, steps or components known in the art, or disclosed
herein. "Consist(s) of", and "essentially consist(s) of",
"consisting of", and "essentially consisting of", when used
directly relative to a laminate having a film layer and a paper
layer, means that the laminae does not include the paper layer and
only include the film layer.
[0023] As used herein the expressions "front", "rear", "outer",
"inner", "longitudinal", "transversal", "top", "side", "bottom" and
the like, when used to describe the flexible package, relate to a
filled package placed in a carrying position with the bottom part
facing downwards and the top part facing upwards, such as e.g.
shown in the figures. Some of these terms are also used with
respect to the methods of manufacturing of the flexible
package.
[0024] "Lateral edge", when used to describe a package blank or a
wicket bag, means an edge parallel to a length direction of the
blank or the wicket bag.
[0025] "Film" means a sheet structure having a length, width and
thickness (caliper), wherein each of the length and width greatly
exceed the thickness, i.e., by a factor of 1,000 or more, the
structure having one layer (monolayer) or more respectively
adjacent layers (multilayer), each layer being a substantially
continuous structure formed of one or more thermoplastic polymer
resins (including blends thereof).
Package
[0026] The present invention provides a flexible gusset package in
a substantially parallelepiped-shape containing a plurality of
items wherein the package comprises a laminate comprising a film
layer and a paper layer, the film layer facing the interior
compartment. The package according to the present invention may
provide consumer-desirable features such as softness, smoothness
and other tactile impressions, and creates a visually aesthetic
appeal, while being durable enough for shipping and handling. The
package may conveys the feeling of nature and hand-craftsmanship
using paper or paper-like looking material for the paper layer.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C, an exemplary package 1 according
to the present invention and a flexible open bag 4 suitable for
manufacturing the package 1 comprise a laminate comprising a film
layer and a paper layer which is flexible such that the package 1
may assume the parallelepiped-shape when it is filled with
articles.
[0028] The manufacture of the package 1 may start from a single
sheet of a partial laminate stock comprising a paper layer, a film
layer, and an area which does not have the paper layer. The
laminate is suitably folded to form bag gussets 12b, 13b and then
joined along portions by bonding to form two side seams 12a, 13a on
opposite sides, to form the bag structure 4 having a first surface
10, a third and a fourth surfaces 12, 13, and a front and a rear
surfaces 14, 15 with no seam on the first surface 10, and open at
the other end 48 (e.g., a gusseted bag structure). Each side gusset
12b, 13b is located at the respective third or fourth surface 12,
13. Referring to FIG. 1C, the package has a length PH, a width PW
and a height PH.
[0029] In some embodiments, each of the third and fourth surfaces
12, 13 of the package 1 comprises a fourfold portion in the side
gusset 12b, 13b where the side seam 12a, 13a is formed. The
fourfold portion in the side seam 12a, 13a has two inner layers and
two outer layers, and each of the two inner layers comprises an
area consisting of the film layer. In one of the embodiments, each
of the two inner layers consists of the film layer. In the
embodiments, the first surface may comprise an area consisting of a
film layer. In one of the embodiments, the first surface may
consist of a film layer.
[0030] In another embodiment, each of the third and fourth surfaces
12, 13 of the package 1 consists of a twofold portion. In the
embodiment, each of the first and second side seams is a twofold
portion consisting of two laminate layers.
[0031] Still referring to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the second surface 11 of
the package 1 comprises a fourfold portion in a closing gusset 11b
along the closing seam 11a, and a twofold portion along the closing
seam 11a. the second surface comprising an area consisting of the
film layer where the closing seam 11a is formed.
[0032] The bag 4 may be filled by inserting articles such as a
stack of absorbent articles through the open end 48. As may be
appreciated from FIGS. 1B and 1C, the open end 48 opposite first
surface 10 may then be closed by suitably folding to form closing
gussets 11b, bringing the partial laminate edges together, and
bonding them together to form an closing seam 11a and an closing
seam fin 11c extending from the closing seam 11a, and second
surface 11. When the bag 4 is filled with a plurality of articles,
e.g. by entering articles from the open end 48, the appropriate
device used to introduced the articles inside the bag 4 together
with the articles may exert some tension on each of the third and
fourth surfaces 12, 13 of the bag 4. The articles when they were
compressed before being inserted in to the bag 4 may slightly
expand after they are introduced in the bag 4 and thus exert some
tension at the third and fourth surfaces 12, 13. The tension are
exerted on each of the gusset 12b, 13b at the respective third and
fourth surfaces 12, 13, particularly along the first and second
side seams 12a, 13a with which the package may maintain a
substantially parallelepiped-shape.
[0033] The bag 4 and package 1 dimensions may be suitably selected
and effected through design, folding, stacking, compression and
packaging processes so that the package 1 retains the product and
maintains a neat, stable, a substantially parallelepiped-shape,
i.e. a cuboid shape of the package 1.
[0034] In one embodiment, the first surface 10 may be a top surface
of the package 1 as shown in FIG. 1C. In another embodiment, the
first surface 10 may be a bottom surface of the package 1.
[0035] The package of the present invention comprises a laminate
comprising a film layer and a paper layer. The laminate may
comprises a pattern. A "pattern" herein is used to describe the
individual's perception of spatial variation of visible light due
to contrasts in spatial variation of light due to the color, form,
texture, or any combination thereof. The pattern may be formed by
printing, embossing, or a laminate production method. In one
embodiment, a paper layer comprises a pattern, In another
embodiment, the film layer comprises a pattern.
[0036] The package of the present invention may include a carrying
handle. In one example a carrying handle may be formed of a strip
of film. The strip may be bonded by any suitable mechanism to
portions of the package. In another example, a carrying handle may
be formed of an extension of a closing seam fin 11c extending from
a closing seam 11a, referring to FIG. 1B.
[0037] The package may comprise a plurality of compressed articles,
e.g. compressed disposable absorbent articles. For example, the
package 1 of the present invention may be used for accommodating a
plurality of sanitary napkins or diapers. The absorbent articles
may be folded and the plurality of folded articles may be arranged
in one or more rows within the package. The absorbent articles may
be packed under compression so as to reduce the size of the
packages, while still providing an adequate amount of absorbent
articles per package. By packaging the absorbent articles under
compression, caregivers can easily handle and store the packages,
while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers owing to
the size of the packages.
[0038] Accordingly, packages of the absorbent articles of the
present disclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of less than
about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less
than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm,
less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76
mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than
about 70 mm, specifically reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the
specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or thereby,
according to the In-Bag Stack Height Test described herein.
Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the present
disclosure may have an In-Bag Stack Height of from about 70 mm to
about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to
about 100 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from about 70 mm to
about 90 mm, from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to
about 80 mm, or from about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically
reciting all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all
ranges formed therein or thereby, according to the In-Back Stack
Height Test described herein.
[0039] FIG. 2 illustrates an example package 1 comprising a
plurality of absorbent articles 1004. Gussets are not indicated in
FIG. 2. The package 1 defines an interior space 1002 in which the
plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are situated. The plurality of
absorbent articles 1004 are arranged in one or more stacks
1006.
Laminate
[0040] A package according to the present invention, and a package
blank and a wicket bag suitable for forming thee package comprise a
laminate comprising a film layer and a paper layer. The laminate is
flexible such that the package may assume the parallelepiped-shape
when it is filled with articles. The laminate further comprises an
area consisting of the film layer.
[0041] In one embodiment, the package of the present invention, or
the blank or the wicket bag suitable for forming the package
comprises a laminate comprising a first paper layer, a second paper
layer and a film layer sandwiched between the first and second
paper layers.
[0042] Film Layer
[0043] The film layer in the laminate may be a single layer
(monolayer), or may have two, three or more layers (multilayer). A
multilayer film may have, for example, a first skin layer formed of
a first polymer and a second skin layer formed of a second
polymer.
[0044] In an application such as described herein, a multilayer
film may be preferred. A multilayer film may have layers of polymer
compositions particularly chosen for the characteristics they
impart to the film. For example, one or two skin layers may be
formed of compositions chosen for, e.g., surface gloss;
printability; smooth feel; pliability; low noise generation (upon
being handled and manipulated, as by a consumer); relatively lower
melt temperature and fusibility/weldability; or any combination of
these characteristics. One or more intermediate layers may be
formed of compositions chosen for, e.g., tensile strength;
stiffness; toughness; suitability for inclusion of blended-in
recycled material; environmentally-friendly and/or sustainable
material sourceability; relatively higher melt temperature;
co-extrusion compatibility with adjacent layers (such that strong
bonding between layers occurs upon co-extrusion); or any
combination of these characteristics. It will be appreciated that a
package having the configuration depicted in FIGS. 1B and 1C
requires the film to be welded to itself on both sides--on the
generally outer film surface at the gussets 11b, 12b and 13b, and
on the generally inner film surface along all other portions of the
seams 11a, 12a and 13a.
[0045] A multilayer film may include first outside skin layer,
second outside skin layer, and/or intermediate layer disposed
between the skin layers.
[0046] Each of the layers may include a base polymer. Base polymers
may include polyolefins, particularly polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, polybutadienes, polypropylene-ethylene interpolymer
and copolymers having at least one olefinic constituent, and any
mixtures thereof.
[0047] For purposes of balancing economy of polymer usage and
maximization of tensile strength of the film, it may be desired
that the total caliper of the film fall within a range of from 40
.mu.m to 100 .mu.m, more preferably from 50 .mu.m to 90 .mu.m, and
even more preferably from 60 .mu.m to 80 .mu.m.
[0048] A film layer in the laminate may comprise small amounts of
one or more additives. Some non-limiting examples of classes of
additives contemplated include perfumes, dyes, pigments,
nanoparticles, antistatic agents, fillers, and combinations
thereof.
[0049] Paper Layer
[0050] "Paper", used herein related to a paper layer, intends to
include synthetic paper as well as natural paper. Natural paper may
manufactured from a composition comprising natural fibers such as
cotton, silk, wool, hemp, pulp, and the like; or reclaimed fibers
such as rayon, cupra. For example, the paper layer comprises
cellulose-based fibers. The term "cellulose-based fibers", as used
herein, intends to include both cellulose fibers such as pulp and
cotton, and regenerated cellulose fiber such as rayon unless
specified differently. Synthetic paper may be manufactured from a
composition comprising plastic fibers such as polyethylene and
polypropylene and the like. Examples of natural paper includes
COLOR SILK PAPER from Mi Sung Paper CO. (Korea).
[0051] A basis weight of the paper layer may be in the range of
from about 10 gsm to about 200 gsm. Paper type and an appropriate
basis weight may be selected depending on package application
areas, processibility in lamination, wicket bag folding, and/or
package folding process.
[0052] The laminate comprising a film layer and a paper layer may
be produced by combining the film layer and the paper layer
together using adhesive. Suitable adhesive includes, but are not
limited to, solvent-based adhesive, acrylic water-based adhesive,
and solvent-less adhesive. The combined film and paper layers may
be thermally and/or chemically cured. At least one of the film and
paper layer may be printed before combined together. In one
embodiment, the lamination is conducted continuously in a web width
similar to a width of previous transformations in film making
and/or optional printing. The laminate may be produced according to
a conventional extrusion bonded laminate production process by
extruding a molten film directly on to a paper layer.
Package Blank
[0053] The present invention also provides a package blank suitable
for manufacturing a flexible gusset package in a substantially
parallelepiped-shape containing a plurality of items wherein the
package comprises a laminate comprising a film layer and a paper
layer, the film layer facing the interior compartment.
[0054] By a "gusset" it is meant a member, for example a triangular
member, capable of strengthening and/or enlarging the flexible
package. The gusset when it is an extension of the laminate from
which the flexible package is constructed, is formed folding the
laminate from which the package is constructed, and has a fourfold
portion. When the fourfold portion need to be heat-sealed, it may
leave the fourfold portion unsealed due to the paper layer which is
not heat-sealable when conventional automated gusseted polymeric
film bag making and packing process. The package blank according to
the present invention enable to use a natural or nature-looking
material which is not heat-sealable while maintaining manufacturing
feasibility of automated gusseted polymeric film bag making and
packing operations.
[0055] FIGS. 3-5 show top views of exemplary blanks 2, before any
folding has been performed to manufacture and form the package 1
from the laminate 32 comprising a film layer 34 and a paper layer
36. The blank 2 has a blank length BL, and comprises blank lateral
edges 224 along the blank length BL, a first blank longitudinal
edge 226, a second blank longitudinal edge 227, a first panel 21, a
second panel 22, a third panel 23 located between the first and
second panels 21, 22, a fourth panel 24 adjacent the first panel 21
opposite the third panel 23, and fifth panel 25 adjacent the second
panel 22 opposite the third panel 23.
[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 3-5, the first panel 21 forms
the front surface 14 and a portion of each of the third and fourth
surfaces 12, 13 of the package 1. A second panel 22 forms the rear
surface 15 and a portion of each of the third and fourth surfaces
12 and 13 of the package 1. The first and the second panels 21, 22
are connected to each other at the third and fourth surfaces all
12, 13 along first and second side seams 12a, 13a. The first and
second side seams 12a, 13a extend from the first surface 10 of the
package 1 to the second surface 11 of the package 1. In one
embodiment, the first panel 21 and the second panel 22 have a
substantially the same length.
[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 3-5, third panel 23 located
between the first and second panels 21, 22 forms the first surface
10 and a pair of side gussets 12b, 13b of the package 1. The first
and second internal surfaces 16 and 17 of each gusset 12b, 13b are
made of triangular portions of the third panel 23. When making the
package 1 from a laminate 32, the laminate 32 in the form of an
endless sheet is folded over itself multiple times so as to form a
generally M-shaped film. The laminate 32 is folded along a first,
second and medial fold lines 231, 232, 233, as shown for instance
in FIGS. 3-5. The first, second and medial fold lines 231, 232, 233
extend in a machine direction. A third panel 23 is delimited by the
two outer fold lines 231, 232.
[0058] Still referring to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 3-5, the fourth panel 24
forms a portion of the second surface 11 and a portion of a pair of
closing gussets 11b of the package 1. A fifth panel 25 forms a
portion the second surface 11 of the package 1 and a portion of a
pair of closing gussets 11b. The fourth and fifth panels 24, 25 are
connected to each other at the second surface 11 along the closing
seam 11a. Referring FIGS. 3-5, each of the fourth and fifth panels
24, 25 comprises an area 26 essentially consisting of the film
layer where the closing seam is formed when the package blank is
converted into the package. The area 26 in the fourth panel 24 is
surrounded by a first laminate longitudinal edge 222, blank lateral
edges 224, and a first blank longitudinal edge 226. The area 26 in
the fifth panel 25 is surrounded by a second laminate longitudinal
edge 223, blank lateral edges 224, and a second blank longitudinal
edge 227. In one embodiment, each of the fourth and fifth panels
24, 25 consists of the film layer. In another embodiment, either
one of the fourth panel 4 and the fifth panel 25 has a length
longer than the other.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the blank 2
comprises a third panel 23 comprising opposing recessed blank
lateral edges 224. When the blank 2 is converted into a package 1,
referring to FIGS. 1B, 1C and 4, the package 1 comprises a side
gusset 12b, 13b having a twofold portion in an area where a side
seam 12a, 13a is formed.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in some embodiments, a blank 2
comprises a third panel 23 comprising an area 26 adjacent each of a
blank lateral edges 224, the area 26 consisting of a film layer. In
one of the embodiments, referring to FIG. 4, the area 26 in the
third panel 23 may be surrounded by the blank lateral edge 224, a
film lateral edge 228, and a first and second fold lines 231, 232
in the third panel 23. In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5,
the third panel 23 consists of a film layer. In the embodiments,
when the blank 2 is converted into a package 1, referring to FIGS.
1B and 1C, the package 1 comprises a side gusset 12b, 13b having a
fourfold portion in an area where a side seam 12a, 13a is formed.
The fourfold portion in the side seam 12a, 13a has two inner layers
from the third panel 23 and two outer layers each of which is from
the first panel 21 and second panel 22, respectively.
Wicket Bag
[0061] The present invention provides a wicket bag suitable for
producing the package according to the present invention. The
wicket bag has a substantially folded flat-shape able to be
converted into an unfolded package configuration having a
substantially cuboid shape. The wicket bag comprises a laminate
comprising a film layer and a paper layer.
[0062] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, prior to inserting articles
into a bag and being converted into a package of the present
invention, the bag may be configured as a wicket bag 3. The wicked
bag 3 has a wicked bag length WL, and a first and second wicked
lateral edges 621, 624 along the wicked bag length direction. A
first side seam 12a and a second side seam 13a are formed along the
wicked lateral edges. The wicket bag 3 comprises a first panel 21
having a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; a second
panel 22 opposite the first panel 21, the second panel having a
first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, wherein the first
panel 21 and second panel 22 are connected to each other along the
first and second lateral edges; a third panel 23 located between
the first and second panels 21, 22, the third panel 23 having a
first lateral edge and a second lateral edge; a fourth panel 24
adjacent the first panel 21 opposite the third panel 23; a fifth
panel 25 adjacent the second panel 22 opposite the third panel 23;
and a wicket panel 612 adjacent the fifth panel 25 opposite the
third panel 23. In the wicket bag 3, each of the fourth and fifth
panels 24, 25 comprises an area 26 essentially consisting of the
film layer where a closing seam is formed when the wicket bag 3 is
converted into a package for example shown in FIG. 1C. In one
embodiment, each of the fourth and fifth panels 24, 25 consists of
the film layer.
[0063] The first side seam 12a joins the first lateral edges of the
first and fourth panels 21, 24 and the first lateral edges of the
second and fifth panels 22, 25. The second side seam 13a joins the
second lateral edges of the first and fourth panels 21, 24 and the
second lateral edges of the second and fifth panels 22, 25.
[0064] Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the wicket bag 3 of the
present invention comprises a twofold portion 40 and a fourfold
portion 50 extended along the wicket length direction. The twofold
portion 40 comprises a first and a second layers 41, 42, and the
fourfold portion 50 comprises a first and a second outer layers 51,
52 and a first and a second inner layers 53, 54. The first and
second outer layers 51, 52 of the fourfold portion 50 which are
parts of the first panel 21 and the second panel 22, respectively
are coextensive with the first and second layers 41, 42 of the
twofold portion 40, so that the first layer 41 of the twofold
portion 40 and the first outer layer 51 of the fourfold portion 50
form the first panel 21, and the second layer 42 of the twofold
portion 40 and the second outer layer 52 of the fourfold portion 50
form the second panel 22. The third panel 23 forms the first and
second inner layers 53, 54 of the fourfold portion 50 which
mutually merge at the medial fold line 233. Each inner layer 53, 54
merges into the respective adjacent outer layer 51, 52 at the
respective first and second fold lines.
[0065] The wicket panel 612 comprises at least one wicket aperture
174, each wicket aperture 614 configured to receive a wicket. As
shown in FIG. 6A, the wicket panel 612 may include two wicket
apertures 174. The wicket panel 612 may extend beyond the bottom
edge 226 of the fifth panel 25 such that the wicket panel 612 does
not overlap the fifth panel 25.
[0066] In some embodiments, the third panel 23 has an area adjacent
each of the first and second lateral edges consisting of the film
layer where each of the first and second side seams 12a, 13a is
formed, respectively. A wicket bag configuration of the embodiments
enables to produce a wicket bag with a laminate comprising a film
layer and a paper layer using an automated process for producing
gusseted thermoplastic film bags and a packing process using the
same. In one of the embodiments, at least part of the area adjacent
the lateral edge consists of the film layer. In one of the
embodiments, the area adjacent the later edge along the entire
lateral edge of the third panel 23 consists of the film layer.
[0067] In other embodiments, the first and second lateral edges of
the third panel are recessed between first and second side seams.
In other words, in the fourfold portion 50, the first and second
inner layers have first and second lateral edges recessed than the
first and lateral edges of the first and second outer layers. The
wicket bag of this configuration also enables to produce a wicket
bag with a laminate comprising a film layer and a paper layer using
an automated producing process for gusseted thermoplastic film
bag.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1B and 6A, in the wicket bag 3, the first
panel 21 forms the front surface 14 and a portion of each of the
third and fourth surfaces 12, 13 of the package 1; the second panel
22 forms the rear surface 15 and a portion of each of the third and
fourth surfaces 12 and 13 of the package 1; a third panel 23
located between the first and second panels 21, 22, forms the first
surface 10 and a pair of side gussets 12b, 13b of the package 1; a
fourth panel 24 forms a portion of the second surface 11 and a pair
of closing gussets 11b of the package 1; and a fifth panel 25 forms
a portion the second surface 11 of the package 1 and a pair of
closing gussets 11b. The fourth and fifth panels 24, 25 are
connected to each other at the second surface 11 along the closing
seam 11a. each of the fourth and fifth panels 24, 25 comprises an
area 26 essentially consisting of the film layer where the closing
seam is formed when the package blank is converted into the
package.
[0069] The wicket bag 3 may be filled with articles such as
absorbent articles by inserting the articles through the open end
48. Once the wicket bag 3 is open to form an open bag similar to
one shown in FIG. 1A and filled with articles, the open end 48 may
then be closed by suitably folding the fourth and fifth panels 24,
25 to form closing gussets 11b and a closing seam 11a as stated
with respect to bag 4 above. Additionally, the wicket panel 612 may
be cut away from the fifth panel 25 to form the package 1 such as
shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C. In some exemplary configurations, the
steps of forming the closing seam 11a and cutting the wicket panel
612 may occur concurrently. In other exemplary configurations, the
steps of forming the closing seam 11a and cutting the wicket panel
612 may occur sequentially.
In-Bag Stack Height Test
[0070] The in-bag stack height of a package of absorbent articles
is determined as follows:
[0071] Equipment
[0072] A thickness tester with a flat, rigid horizontal sliding
plate is used. The thickness tester is configured so that the
horizontal sliding plate moves freely in a vertical direction with
the horizontal sliding plate always maintained in a horizontal
orientation directly above a flat, rigid horizontal base plate. The
thickness tester includes a suitable device for measuring the gap
between the horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate
to within .+-.0.5 mm. The horizontal sliding plate and the
horizontal base plate are larger than the surface of the absorbent
article package that contacts each plate, i.e. each plate extends
past the contact surface of the absorbent article package in all
directions. The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of
850.+-.1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article package,
which may be achieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of
the non-package-contacting top surface of the horizontal sliding
plate so that the total mass of the sliding plate plus added weight
is 850.+-.1 grams.
[0073] Test Procedure
[0074] Absorbent article packages are equilibrated at
23.+-.2.degree. C. and 50.+-.5% relative humidity prior to
measurement.
[0075] The horizontal sliding plate is raised and an absorbent
article package is placed centrally under the horizontal sliding
plate in such a way that the absorbent articles within the package
are in a horizontal orientation (see FIG. 2). Any handle or other
packaging feature on the surfaces of the package that would contact
either of the plates is folded flat against the surface of the
package so as to minimize their impact on the measurement. The
horizontal sliding plate is lowered slowly until it contacts the
top surface of the package and then released. The gap between the
horizontal plates is measured to within .+-.0.5 mm ten seconds
after releasing the horizontal sliding plate. Five identical
packages (same size packages and same absorbent articles counts)
are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package
width. The "In-Bag Stack Height"=(package width/absorbent article
count per stack).times.10 is calculated and reported to within
.+-.0.5 mm.
[0076] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm"
[0077] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise
limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it
is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed
herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other
reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of
a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of
the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning
or definition assigned to that term in this document shall
govern.
[0078] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
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