CN116802127A

CN116802127A - Storage and dispensing container with aperture for product

Info

Publication number: CN116802127A
Application number: CN202280010557.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·N·科尔伯; T·F·博尔科维茨
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc
Priority date: 2021-02-12
Filing date: 2022-02-01
Publication date: 2023-09-22
Also published as: KR20230144586A; GB202313121D0; US20240083663A1; IL304693A; WO2022173613A1; AU2022218658A1; GB2618511A

Abstract

A container for storing a product including a lid is disclosed. A flexible pouch has a bottom, a top, and sides, and comprises a plurality of sheets positioned within the pouch, and the pouch further has a transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having a width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge, wherein the first side edge and the second side edge each extend from a top edge to a bottom edge, and a length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, and wherein at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge has a convex shape.

Description

Storage and dispensing container with aperture for product

Background

Consumer products such as disposable wipes are typically sold in packages designed for storing and dispensing the product. Wipes have been made from a variety of materials, which may be dry or wet at the time of use. The wet wipe may be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Disposable wet wipes are typically sold in rigid barrels or flexible pouches that include a dispensing aperture through which the wipe is withdrawn from the interior of the barrel or pouch. Such packages typically provide a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure that they do not become dirty or overly dry. The removable and resealable flap or cover typically covers the dispensing aperture so that the bucket or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment when no wipes are being dispensed to prevent moisture loss from the plurality of wet wipes contained therein.

The mechanism for opening the flap or cover is different. In a common "push button" design, the cover is held closed via a latch mechanism. In the closed position, the compression spring is in tension against the lower surface of the cover. When the open button is pressed, the latch mechanism releases the cover and the compression spring releases its tension to throw the cover to the open position. Other mechanisms include simple hinge designs without such compression springs. These covers may require the user to unlock and fully open the cover.

Typically, wet wipes are stacked in a container in a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, a container of wet wipes may be used, wherein each of the wet wipes stacked in the container is arranged in a folded configuration, such as a c-folded configuration, a z-folded configuration, or a quarter-folded configuration, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes each folded wet wipe is interfolded with wet wipes immediately above and below in the stack of wipes. In an alternative configuration, the wet wipes have been placed in a container in the form of a continuous web of material, the container comprising perforations adapted to allow the individual wet wipes to separate from the web upon application of a pulling force. Such wet wipes have been used as baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes, and the like.

Some of the conventional packages are also configured to provide for one at a time dispensing of each wet wipe, which can be accomplished with a single hand after opening the package. Such single-handed, one at a time dispensing is particularly desirable because the other hand of the user or caregiver is often required to be used for other functions simultaneously.

The "pop-up" configuration of the wet wipe may advantageously help provide the aforementioned one-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing. In the "pop-up" configuration, the wipe is pulled along the front end of the subsequent wipe in the package as the wipe is removed from the dispenser, as the subsequent wipe is in operative contact with the lead wipe, such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via integral connection along the line of weakness. Preferably, when a leading wipe is pulled from the package and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe is disengaged from the leading end of a subsequent wipe, and the leading end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

Further developments in the art represent a continuing need to provide a more user-friendly dispensing experience, particularly for one and one-handed dispensing at a time.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjoining the bottom and each side adjoining an adjacent side and the sides extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjoining a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge; and an aperture length dimension extending in the longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the transverse dimension, the aperture length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, wherein at least one of the aperture first side edge and the aperture second side edge has a convex shape.

In a second embodiment, a flexible pouch forming a closure for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjoining the bottom and each side adjoining an adjacent side and the sides extending away from the bottom and also adjoining a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the housing, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, and at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape, and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a rigid flip comprising a lid connected by a hinge to a flange, the flange having an inner wall defining an interior region comprising an aperture, the flange being secured to the top such that the rigid flip covers the aperture, wherein the aperture is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flip is oriented on the flexible pouch such that the lid is open in the lateral direction.

In a third embodiment, a flexible pouch forming a closure for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjoining the bottom and each side adjoining an adjacent side and the sides extending away from the bottom and also adjoining a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the housing, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, and at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape, and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing hole, at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape; and a rigid flip including a cover connected by a hinge to a flange, the flange having an inner wall defining an interior region including an aperture, the flange secured to the top such that the rigid flip covers the aperture, wherein the aperture is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flip is oriented on the flexible pouch such that the cover opens in the lateral direction, wherein the inner wall of the flange includes a wall first side edge and a wall second side edge, each of the wall first side edge and the wall second side edge extending from a wall top edge to a wall bottom edge, wherein the wall second edge is disposed proximate the aperture second side edge.

Drawings

FIG. 1A representatively illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a container and a button cover in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the button cover is shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 1B representatively illustrates a perspective view of FIG. 1A showing a button cover in an open configuration and also showing an aperture of a container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a top plan view of FIG. 1A with a button cover shown in an open configuration and showing an aperture of a container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A representatively illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a container and an alternative flip top in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the flip top is shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 3B representatively illustrates the perspective view of FIG. 3A, with the flip cover shown in an open configuration and further illustrating the aperture of the container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a top plan view of FIG. 3A with the flip cover shown in an open configuration and showing the aperture of the container, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 representatively illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary aperture of the present disclosure, shown alone, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 representatively illustrates a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 representatively illustrates a plurality of integrally interconnected wipes in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A representatively illustrates a front view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, such as the wipe of any of FIGS. 6-7;

fig. 8B representatively illustrates a top view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, such as the wipes shown in any of fig. 6-7.

Fig. 8C representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line XX-XX in fig. 8B, with the wipe-to-wipe connections on alternating sides of the stack.

Figure 8D representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a stack of wipes as seen along line XX-XX in figure 8B, with the wipe-to-wipe connection on the same side of the stack.

FIG. 9 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a container containing a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in FIG. 2, showing aspects of the attachment of the wipe to the wipe in relation to the aperture; and is also provided with

Fig. 10 representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a container containing a stack of wipes as seen along line X-X in fig. 2, showing aspects of the stack of wipes associated with the container.

Repeated use of reference characters in the specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure will be more fully understood, and additional features will become apparent, when reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Like parts of the package shown in the drawings are denoted by like reference numerals.

In particular embodiments, the container 20 is adapted to store and dispense a product, such as a sheet from a stack or roll of wet wipes 22. Other examples of products suitable for use in conjunction with the container 20 include facial tissues, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and the like. The container 20 includes a housing 14. The housing 14 may be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown). Alternatively, the housing 14 may be flexible, such as a flexible pouch 24, for storing a stack or roll of wipes 22. The flexible pouch 24 may be made from any suitable flexible substrate, including polymeric films, nonwoven fabrics, cloths, rubbers, foils, and the like. The housing 14 or flexible pouch 24 defines an interior space 26 and an exterior surface 29 that faces generally away from the interior space 26. The housing 14 or pouch 24 defines a dispensing aperture 27 through which the wipes 22 can be individually removed from the interior space 26. In particular embodiments, the housing 14 or pouch 24 is substantially impermeable to moisture, such as when used to contain a pre-moistened wipe.

The container also includes a rigid flip assembly 30. The assembly 30 includes a cover 50 connected to a flange 60 by a hinge 52. The cover 50 may be rotated about the hinge 52 to form a closed configuration (e.g., as shown in fig. 1A; or as shown for the assembly 30 'in fig. 3A) to an open position (e.g., as shown in fig. 1B; or as shown for the assembly 30' in fig. 3B). The flange 60 is disposed on the outer surface 29 of the housing 14, such as by being secured (e.g., via an adhesive) to the outer surface 29 of the pouch 24. Alternatively, the flange may be integrally formed with the housing 14.

The lid 50 covers the dispensing aperture 27 when the lid is in the closed position, and the lid 50 exposes the dispensing aperture 27 when the lid 50 is in the open position. The cover 50 may optionally include a cover moisture retention ridge 35. The flange member 60 can also optionally include a flange moisture retaining ridge 65 adapted to seal against the lid moisture retaining ridge 35 when the lid 50 is in the closed position, which helps seal the interior space 26. Such a seal may be desirable to help prevent the wet wipe 22 from drying out over time.

In general, the assembly 30 may define an interior region 54 bounded by an inner wall of the flange 60. The interior region 54 may represent an aperture through the flange 60. The inner wall of flange 60 may, but need not, be defined in all embodiments by flange moisture retaining ridge 65. The inner region 54 of the flange 60 may overlap the aperture 27 such that the aperture 27 is disposed within the inner region 54, and thus the inner wall of the flange 60 may surround the aperture 27. In such a configuration, the entire rigid flip member 30 is disposed outside of the dispensing aperture 27 through which product may be removed from the interior space 26. The rigid flip member 30 may be considered to be "disposed outside of the dispensing aperture" wherein the member 30 is disposed above the dispensing aperture 27. In this manner, with the aperture 27 and the interior region 54 aligned, the wipe 22 within the housing 14 may be dispensed through the aperture 27 and the interior region 54 of the flange 60, and the wipe may be dispensed through the housing 14 and the cap assembly 30 (or 30').

In some embodiments, the assembly 30 is a "push button" type cover that provides automatic opening by pressing a button or similar feature, such as shown in fig. 1A-2. Such an assembly 30 may include a spring member or lever member (such as in US20200260922A1 entitled "Container having a push-button activated, pop-open lid" to Rolfs et al, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference) to provide energy for automatic opening of the lid 50. In other embodiments, the flip cover assembly may be a conventional flip cover that requires effort by a user to open and rotate the cover 50 into the open position. Fig. 3A-4 depict such an exemplary assembly 30'.

The housing 14 extends in a transverse direction 11 and a longitudinal direction 13. The housing includes a top 71 and a bottom 73 connected by sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77 b. The sides 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b all adjoin the bottom 73, and wherein each side adjoins an adjacent side. The side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b extend further away from the bottom portion 73 and all adjoin the top portion 71 covering the bottom portion 73. In at least some embodiments, the top portion 71, the bottom portion 73, and the side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b can all be integrally connected together. As seen in particular in fig. 1A, 3A, pouch 24 is rectangular in a particular embodiment; however, it may be of various other shapes as long as the bottom 73 adjoins at least one side (e.g., the side is a cylinder). Advantageously, the top portion 71 may be substantially parallel to the bottom portion 73, but this need not be the case in all embodiments.

The housing 14 has a transverse width dimension 72 extending between transverse side ends 79a, 79b, and a longitudinal dimension 74 extending between side portions 75a, 75 b. The housing 14 also includes a longitudinal centerline 76 that divides the housing 14 into a left lateral side disposed between the left lateral side end 79a and the longitudinal centerline 76 and a right lateral side disposed between the right lateral side end 79b and the longitudinal centerline 76.

Where the housing 14 is a flexible pouch 24, the housing 14 may be sealed at least at the lateral side ends 79a, 79b to retain moisture, such as where the product includes a wet wipe 22. According to some embodiments, such flexible pouch 24 may also include a laterally extending seal (not shown) that extends the entire lateral width 72 of the flexible pouch 24. Such a seal is typical where the flexible pouch 24 is formed from a single continuous piece of material.

As best shown in fig. 2, 4, the assembly 30 (or 30') may be aligned so as to open in the lateral direction 11, e.g., toward one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79 b. Thus, the hinge 52 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the lateral direction 11. Although the hinge 52 of the assembly 30 (or 30') need not be precisely oriented in the transverse direction 11. For example, the hinge 52 may be oriented such that the axis of rotation about which the cover 50 rotates forms an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the housing 14 of fig. 1A, 1B, including a longitudinal centerline 76. In some embodiments, the flip assembly 30 may be eccentrically oriented with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76. For example, the flip assembly 30 may be disposed closer to one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79 b. Further, the cover 50 may be configured to open toward the lateral side ends 79a, 79b, with the assembly 30 disposed closest thereto. In the example of fig. 2, the assembly 30 is disposed proximate the first lateral side end 79a, and the cover 50 is configured to open toward the first lateral side end 79 a. This offset nature of the assembly 30 may provide advantages with respect to dispensing the wipe 22 within the housing 14.

It may be the case that the holes 27 are oriented eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76, as seen in fig. 2. In at least some of these embodiments, the assembly 30 may be centered with respect to the longitudinal centerline 76, but the aperture 27 is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal centerline. In some of these embodiments, the aperture first side edge 81 may be disposed entirely on one side of the longitudinal centerline 76. Although in other embodiments, a majority of the perimeter of the aperture first side edge 81 may be disposed closer to one of the ends 79a, 79b, a portion of the aperture first side edge 81 may intersect the longitudinal centerline 76. In further embodiments, the longitudinal centerline 76 may extend precisely through the hole top edge 82 and the hole bottom edge 84. Particularly preferred locations of the apertures 27 will be described in more detail below.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the individual holes 27. According to aspects of the present disclosure, the particular shape of the aperture 27 is an important factor in successful dispensing with a low failure rate, as described herein. As used herein, successful dispensing may generally mean that, with the wipe removed from the dispenser, the wipe is pulled along the leading end of the subsequent wipe in the package, as the subsequent wipe is in operative contact with the leading wipe, such as via interfolding, via adhesive bonding, or via integral connection along the line of weakness. Preferably, when a leading wipe is pulled from the package and away from the package, the trailing end of the leading wipe is disengaged from the leading end of a subsequent wipe, and the leading end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for grasping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

Historically, two types of failures or failures may occur during the operation just described. In one scenario, when the lead wipe is removed, the lead wipe may not be properly released from the subsequent wipe, with the result that the subsequent wipe is pulled too far or even completely out of the package. The situation where one or more subsequent wipes are removed from the package by operative contact with the lead wipe in a single pull operation is referred to herein as "doubling". Doubling may result from too strong or geometrically ineffective connections between consecutive wipes (e.g., too much adhesive or insufficient web perforation), or may result from insufficient dispensing holes (e.g., too large dispensing holes) to hold subsequent wipes in place to allow the lead wipe to disengage.

In another scenario, subsequent wipes may not be readily available for subsequent dispensing after being disengaged from the lead wipe as the lead wipe is removed. For example, while the leading end of the subsequent wipe may temporarily protrude from the package as the leading wipe is removed during the removal of the leading wipe, the leading end of the subsequent wipe typically then falls back into the dispensing container through the dispensing aperture-referred to herein as "fallback. The fallback may be caused by an insufficiently strong or geometrically ineffective connection between consecutive wipes (e.g., insufficient adhesive or a weakened line of weakness), or may be caused by a dispensing aperture (e.g., an oversized dispensing aperture) insufficient to hold the leading edge of a subsequent wipe in an outwardly protruding manner. Occasionally, when a leading wipe is removed, for example, when the connection between the leading wipe and a subsequent wipe breaks prematurely (i.e., before the leading wipe is completely removed), the subsequent wipe may not be able to leave the package at all.

As can be seen, the aperture 27 includes an aperture first side edge 81 and an aperture second side edge 83 that extend between an aperture top edge 82 and an aperture bottom edge 84. The hole top edge 82 and the hole bottom edge 84 may each be points where the hole first side edge 81 joins the hole second side edge 83. The top and bottom hole edges 82, 84 may be located at the extreme top and bottom points of the hole 27, respectively. That is, the aperture 27 may have a length dimension 85 that extends in the longitudinal direction 13 and is measured between points having the same longitudinal position as the aperture top edge 82 and the aperture bottom edge 84. According to some embodiments, the length dimension 85 defines both the longest dimension in the longitudinal direction 13 and the largest dimension of the aperture 27. For example, the aperture 27 may be higher (in the longitudinal direction 13) than the width of the aperture 27 (in the transverse direction 11). The aperture 27 may also include a width dimension 87. In these embodiments, the width dimension 87 may be determined as the largest dimension of the aperture 26 in the lateral direction 11. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the largest lateral dimension of the aperture 27 is located at a midpoint between the aperture top edge 82 and the aperture bottom edge 84, e.g., defined by the intermediate lateral axis 86.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the aperture 27, the length dimension 85 may be between 44mm and 60 mm. Lengths between 44mm and 60mm are advantageous because they provide a sufficiently large opening in the longitudinal direction 13 through which a user can grasp the edge of a piece of product 22 with two fingers, which product can be oriented generally in the transverse direction 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 13. The width dimension 87 may preferably be between 20mm and 40mm, and more preferably between 25mm and 35 mm. Similarly, such a width dimension 87 provides a comfortable dispensing experience for the user by providing sufficient space for gripping the edge of a sheet of product 22 disposed within the housing 14. Such a width dimension 87 is also important to provide the desired pop-up dispensing function with minimal failure, as will be described in more detail below.

Another important aspect of the aperture 27 is the shape of the aperture first side edge 81 and the aperture second side edge 83. In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, it has been found advantageous for at least one of the aperture first side edge 81 and the aperture second side edge 83 to have a convex shape. For example, as seen in fig. 5, the aperture first side edge 81 has an arcuate shape, wherein the aperture first side edge 81 extends outwardly from the aperture top edge 82 and the aperture bottom edge 84. In further embodiments, the aperture second side edge 83 may alternatively have a convex shape. Again in the example of fig. 5, it can be seen that the hole second side edge 83 has an arcuate shape, wherein the hole second side edge 83 extends outwardly from the hole top edge 82 and the hole bottom edge 84 and extends away from the hole first side edge 81. Of course, both the hole first side edge 81 and the hole second side edge 83 may have a convex shape, as in the example of fig. 5.

In at least some of these embodiments, as in the embodiment of fig. 5, the aperture first side edge 81 can extend farther from the aperture top edge 82 and the aperture bottom edge 84 than the aperture second side edge 83. In this way, the aperture first side edge 81 may have a greater overall curvature than the aperture second side edge 83. As will be described in more detail, it may be desirable for the aperture second side edge 83 to have a relatively flat shape. Thus, to provide the desired width dimension 87 of the aperture 27, in these embodiments, the aperture first side edge 81 needs to have a greater degree of curvature than the aperture second side edge 83.

By providing a convex shape in one or both of the aperture first side edge 81 and the aperture second side edge 83, the aperture 27 (with its largest dimension extending in the longitudinal direction 13) is able to achieve the aforementioned dimensions within the boundaries of the interior region of a cap assembly, such as cap assembly 30. For example, as seen in fig. 1-2, the cap assembly 30 provides a relatively narrow interior region 54. In fact, as can be seen, the inner region 54 is approximately the same shape and size as the aperture 27. Thus, it may be more important in some embodiments that the aperture first side edge 81 and/or the aperture second side edge 83 not have any concave portion in order to achieve the dimensions of the aperture 27, whereby gripping the edge of a piece of product 22 through the aperture 27 is comfortable for the user.

It has also been found that in order to provide the desired pop-up dispensing experience with minimal failure, the aperture second side edge 83 should have a relatively flat shape, as shown in fig. 5. Preferably, it has been found that a tangent drawn tangent to any point on the hole second side edge 83 should form an angle of less than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. To illustrate this feature, in fig. 5, it can be seen that an angle 91 forms an angle between the longitudinal direction 13 and the exemplary tangent 90. In a more preferred embodiment, it has been found that a tangent drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 of the hole should form an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13.

Another aspect of the shape of the aperture 27 is that it may be of paramount importance that the central portion of the aperture second side edge 83 has a relatively flat shape, whereas it may be of less importance that the portion of the aperture second side edge 83 that is arranged closest to the aperture top edge 82 and the aperture bottom edge 84 has a relatively flat shape. Thus, in some embodiments, it is preferred that a tangent drawn tangent to any point on the aperture second side edge 83 within the central portion 93 forms an angle of less than 20 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the central portion 93 of the aperture second side edge 83 may be a portion of the aperture second side edge 83 disposed a distance in the longitudinal direction 13 away from the aperture top edge 82 or the aperture bottom edge 84 that is greater than 5% of the aperture length dimension 85. According to a further aspect, the central portion 93 of the hole second side edge 83 may be a portion of the hole second side edge 83 that is disposed a distance in the longitudinal direction 13 away from the hole top edge 82 or the hole bottom edge 84 that is greater than 10%, 15% or 20% of the hole length dimension 85.

In accordance with at least some embodiments of the present disclosure, although a relatively flat shape of the aperture second side edge 83 may be desirable, it may be the case that the aperture second side edge 83 should not be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13. Holes 27 having such parallel side edges may be difficult to machine in a repeatable manner. Thus, in some contemplated embodiments of the present disclosure, a tangent drawn tangent to each point on the aperture second side edge 83 may form an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. In more preferred embodiments, a tangent drawn tangent to each point on the aperture second side edge 83 may form an angle of greater than 2 degrees, or greater than 4 degrees, or greater than or equal to 5 degrees, with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. While further embodiments of the aperture second side edge 83 may have at least some portion or portions arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction 13, this portion or portions may typically be less than 10% or 5% of the circumference of the aperture second side edge 83.

In an experiment to determine the preferred orientation of the aperture 27, a number of different aperture 27 orientations were tested for dispensing failure. For example, the hole is tested in the orientation shown in fig. 2, rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in fig. 2, rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in fig. 2, and rotated 270 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in fig. 2. In each of these configurations, the assembly 30 is also rotated the same amount. It has been found that the particular orientation of the aperture second side edge 83 as shown in fig. 2 achieves an average dispensing failure date of about 4.5%. In contrast, the same test provided an average failure rate of 10.5% with the aperture 27 and assembly 30 rotated 180 degrees clockwise from the orientation shown in fig. 2. This experiment helps to understand the orientation of the hole second side edge 83 and its importance of greater relative flatness than the hole first side edge 81. This particular orientation will be described in more detail below.

Another important feature of successful dispensing of the hole 27 and flange 60 with a low failure rate is the location of the hole second side edge 83 and the inner wall of the flange 60. For example, as can be seen in fig. 2 and 4, the distance 95 defines a minimum distance between the hole second side edge 83 and the inner wall of the flange 60, the distance 95 being measured at the midpoint of the hole in the longitudinal direction 13. In the embodiment of fig. 2 and 4, the inner wall of the flange 60 is shown as being defined by a moisture retaining ridge 65, but this need not be the case in all embodiments. For example, the moisture retaining ridge 65 may be disposed outside of the inner wall of the flange 60. In any event, in order to achieve successful dispensing with a low failure rate, it is important that the distance 95 is small, such as less than 10mm, less than 7.5mm, less than 5mm, less than 3mm, or less than 2mm. This small value for distance 95 ensures that the second side edge 83 of the aperture 27 is disposed proximate the inner wall of the flange 60, whereby the rigidity of the flange 60 (at least in the case where the housing 14 includes a flexible package) may help ensure consistent separation of the wipes within the stack 22. For example, if the distance 95 is too great, the wipes dispensed from the aperture 27 will bend and flex the second side edge 83 to a greater extent, thereby creating a reduced force on the connected wipes of the stack 22 being dispensed and thus increasing the "multiple" failure rate of the dispensing. Conversely, where the distance 95 is within the preferred range, the rigidity of the flange 60 proximate the second side edge 83 helps prevent the aperture second side edge 83 from bending and flexing, thereby creating a relatively increased force on the wipe being dispensed to help ensure that successive wipes separate upon dispensing from the aperture 27.

Turning to the details of the product 22 within the housing 14, and this aids in the successful dispensing experience, there are important aspects related to the sheet of product 22. Fig. 6 and 7 each depict an exemplary plurality of integrally interconnected sheet products 110 that collectively define a web 112. Fig. 8A-8D depict an exemplary plurality of integrally interconnected sheet products 110 arranged in a stacked configuration 213. With respect to fig. 6-8D, the plurality of integrally interconnected sheet products 110 may be wet wipes. However, it should be understood that this is merely one exemplary product 22 according to the present disclosure.

Referring to fig. 8A-8D, the present invention contemplates a plurality of interconnected wipes 110 arranged in a stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack 213. The stack 213 has a right end 214, a left end 216, a lateral direction 222 extending between the right end 214 and the left end 216, a longitudinal direction 220 perpendicular to the lateral direction 222, and a longitudinal centerline 221 extending in the longitudinal direction 220 and located midway between the right end 214 and the left end 216. The stack 213 laterally defines a right side 215 between a longitudinal centerline 221 and a right end 214, and a left side 217 between the longitudinal centerline 221 and a left end 216. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 8A-8D, each wipe is doubled in half in the longitudinal direction 220. Fig. 8B shows a top view of the stack of folded wipes of fig. 8A. The leading edge 229 of the wipe on top of the stack 213 can be seen in fig. 8B.

As representatively shown in fig. 6, 7, 8C, and 8D, in particular embodiments, each wipe is connected to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side 215 and the left side 217 of the stack 213 via a connection (e.g., connection 142, 152). Fig. 8C and 8D depict cross-sections of alternative embodiments of the stack 213 of fig. 8B, as seen along line XX-XX. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 6 and 8C, the connections 142, 152 that are closely continuous in the stacking direction 219 are located alternately on the right side 215 and the left side 217 of the stack 213. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 7 and 8D, the connections 142a, 142b that are closely continuous in the stacking direction 219 are located on the same side of the stack (e.g., right side 215 as shown in fig. 8D). Fig. 6 depicts a number of interconnected wipes from the stack shown in fig. 8C, and fig. 7 depicts a number of interconnected wipes from the stack shown in fig. 8D, with a plurality of the interconnections in each case being unfolded and fully extended to show various features.

For example, referring to fig. 6 and 8C, in particular embodiments, the plurality of wipes 110 includes a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. The right side connection 142 connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is attached to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Further, the left side connection 152 connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 located in the left side 217 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is attached to the third wipe 134 only on the left side 217 of the stack 213.

In another example, referring to fig. 7 and 8D, in particular embodiments, the plurality of wipes 110 includes a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. The first right side connection 142a connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is attached to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Further, a second right side connection 142b connects the second wipe 132 to a third wipe 134 located in the right side 215 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is attached to the third wipe 134 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213.

Of course, it is not necessary that the connection portions 142, 152 be alternately on the sides 215, 217 or always aligned on the same side 215, 217. For example, in further embodiments, a majority of the connections 142, 152 may be provided on one side 215, 217 of the stack 213. In more specific embodiments, greater than 60% of the connections 142, 152 within the stack 213 can be disposed on one side 215, 217. In yet other embodiments, greater than 75%, greater than 85%, or greater than 95% of the connections 142, 152 within the stack 213 may be provided on one side 215, 217 while still less than all of the connections 142, 152 are provided on the same side 215, 217 of the stack 213. In any of these embodiments, a corresponding percentage of the connections 142, 152 may be disposed on the left side 217 of the stack 213. Furthermore, in any of these embodiments, the connections 142, 152 may follow a more complex pattern than simple alternation, or in further embodiments, it is not necessary to follow any prescribed pattern as to how the connections 142, 152 alternate between the sides 215, 217 of the stack 213.

In certain embodiments, such as those representatively illustrated in fig. 6, 7, 8C, and 8D, a majority of the wipe-to-wipe connections in the wipe stack 213 are integrally formed with the wipe. For example, the connection portions 142 and 152 may each include three bridging strips 192. Bridging strips 192a, 192b, and 192c collectively define right side connection 142, and bridging strips 192d, 192e, and 192f collectively define left side connection 152. The number of bridging strips may vary depending on the dispensing mechanism required for a particular configuration and the configuration of the wipe involved (and in particular embodiments, the dispenser). In particular embodiments, each connection 142, 152 includes 2 to 10, and more specifically 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in particular embodiments, each bridging strip has a lateral width of 1 to 5 millimeters, and more preferably, each bridging strip has a lateral width of 1.5 to 3 millimeters. In other embodiments, the wipe-to-wipe connections in the stack are not integrally formed with the wipe. For example, the connections 142 and 152 may be implemented via energy coupling. Examples of suitable energy bonds include ultrasonic bonds, thermal bonds, or pressure bonds. The bonding may also be achieved via a bonding material such as an adhesive.

The stack has a width 113 measured in a transverse direction 222. The right side connecting portion 142 has an effective width 243 extending in the lateral direction 222, and the left side connecting portion 152 has an effective width 253 extending in the lateral direction 222. The "effective width" is the distance in the transverse direction between the two furthest points of attachment of closely consecutive wipes in the stack within a single side 215, 217 of the stack 213. Therefore, in any case, the effective width of the connection cannot be greater than half the stack lateral width 113. Preferably, the effective width of the connection is much less than half the lateral width of the stack. For example, in certain embodiments, referring to fig. 7, the right side joint effective width 243 and the left side joint effective width 253 are each at most 10% of the stack lateral width 113. In another example, referring to fig. 7, the first right-side joint effective width 243a and the second right-side joint effective width 243b are each at most 10% of the stack lateral width 213.

In certain embodiments, the entirety of each right-side connection 142 in the stack 213 is closer to the stack right end 214 than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, and the entirety of each left-side connection 152 in the stack 213 is closer to the stack left end 216 than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, as representatively illustrated in fig. 6 and 8C. In other embodiments, the entirety of each connection in the stack 213 is closer to a single stack end than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack, such as, for example, the stack right end 214, as representatively illustrated in fig. 7 and 8D. As can be appreciated in fig. 6-8D, each connection 142, 152 can include a connection inboard edge, which is the edge of the connection 142, 152 (which can include a plurality of bridging strips) that is disposed closest to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213.

To achieve the most preferred dispensing experience with a minimum of failure, it has been found that certain features regarding the stack 213 of wipes, the housing 14 and the aperture 27 should be combined. For example, FIG. 9 depicts a cross-section of one exemplary embodiment of the housing 14 of FIG. 2 or FIG. 4 including the stack 213, as seen along line X-X, further detailing the generally preferred location of the aperture 27 relative to the stack 213 and the particular location of the second side edge 83 of the aperture 27 relative to the connection 142 of the stack 213. Although only the connection 142 is depicted in fig. 9, it should be understood that additional embodiments may include both the connection 142 and the connection 152.

It has been found that to achieve the most preferred dispensing experience, the connection portions 142 and/or 152 should be disposed primarily within the stack 213, with a distance 245 from the edge of the aperture 27 disposed closest to the connection portions 142, 152. More specifically, it has been found that ensuring a particular joint distribution distance 245 determined from the portion of the joint inside edge represented by position 244 in fig. 9 and the edge of aperture 27 represented by position 242 that is disposed closest to the joint 142, 152 helps ensure the most preferred distribution experience.

In particular embodiments, the connection portion separation distance 245 should be greater than or equal to 30mm and less than or equal to 50mm, or greater than or equal to 35mm and less than or equal to 45mm. Of course, it is not required that each individual connection 142, 152 fall within these specified connection assignment distances 245. Thus, in some embodiments, it is preferred that greater than 60%, or greater than 75%, or greater than 90% of the attachment portions 142, 152 are disposed within the specified attachment portion distribution distance 245 described above. In yet more particular embodiments, it has been found most preferred that such a connection 142, 152 has a connection distribution distance 245 as described between the connections 142, 152, wherein the second side edge 83 of the aperture 27 has a relatively flat shape as described herein. For example, as previously described, experiments have shown that the failure rate is lower when the aperture 27 and assembly 30 are in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 and the aperture second side edge 83 has a relatively flat shape, with the dispensing distance meeting the above-described range, compared to when the aperture is rotated such that the aperture first side edge 81 is disposed closest to the connection 142.

To ensure that the connection portion distribution distance 245 is maintained during use, the dimensions of the aperture 27, stack 213, and housing 14 may be configured together in a preferred manner. Fig. 10 depicts a cross-section of one exemplary embodiment of the stack 213 of the product 22 of fig. 2 or 4, as seen along line X-X, showing the dimensions of the stack 213 relative to the housing 14.

For example, it has been found that the dispensing experience achieves optimal performance when the connection portion separation distance 245 is greater than or equal to 30mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. To ensure that such a joint portion separation distance 245 is maintained, the aperture width dimension 87 should be greater than or equal to 20mm and less than or equal to 40mm, and the stack transverse width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 15mm than the transverse width of the stack region of the housing 14 defined by the distance 257. In further embodiments, the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 10mm than the stack region lateral width 257. According to further embodiments, the stack transverse width dimension 113 should be less than or equal to 5mm than the stack area transverse width 257 in order to allow for the fabrication and processing of the stack 213 and the housing 14.

The stack region of the case 14 is a portion where the stack 213 of the case 14 is located and a portion where the stack 213 of the case 14 can move within the case 14. For example, the housing 14 may define a larger interior space than the stack 213. However, portions of the housing 14 may narrow near lateral side ends (e.g., along the sides 77a, 77b to the lateral ends 79a, 79 b). If the stack 213 slides in the lateral direction 222 within the housing 14, the stack 213 will encounter narrowed portions of the housing 14 near the lateral ends 79a, 79b and be prevented from further movement in the lateral direction 222. If the "slack" between the stack transverse width 213 and the stack area transverse width 257 of the housing 14 is too large, e.g., greater than 10mm, the stack 213 may move such that the joint portion distance 245 falls outside of the desired range. Such a distance 257 may be determined for stacks 213 that do not have any product 22 dispensed/separated from stacks 213.

Materials suitable for use in the wipes of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art. Wipes, such as pre-moistened wipes, can be made from, for example, meltblown materials, coform materials, airlaid materials, bonded carded materials, or hydroentangled materials, high wet strength tissues, or combinations thereof, such as layered combinations thereof. The wipe may comprise synthetic or natural fibers or a combination thereof. Wipes suitable for use in connection with the present invention may contain a liquid (which may be any solution that is capable of being absorbed into the wipe), thereby making it a "wet wipe". The liquid contained in the wet wipe may include any suitable component that provides the desired wiping properties. For example, the components may include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid may also contain lotions, ointments and/or medicaments. The amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe may vary depending on the type of material used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid used, the type of container used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe. In general, each wet wipe can contain from about 150 to about 600 weight percent and desirably from about 200 to about 400 weight percent liquid, based on the dry weight of the wipe, to improve wiping. Examples of wipe substrates suitable for use in connection with the present invention include U.S.5,508,102A, U.S.7,585,797B 2, and U.S.8,257,553B 2.

All relevant portions of the documents cited in the detailed description are incorporated herein by reference; citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been shown 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.

Description of the embodiments：

Embodiment 1: a flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent the bottom and each side adjacent an adjacent side and the sides extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the pouch, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, and a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge; and an aperture length dimension extending in the longitudinal dimension perpendicular to the transverse dimension, the aperture length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, wherein at least one of the aperture first side edge and the aperture second side edge has a convex shape.

Embodiment 2: the flexible pouch of embodiment 1, wherein the aperture first side edge comprises an aperture side edge that extends furthest from a line extending through the aperture length dimension, and wherein the aperture first side edge has a convex shape.

Embodiment 3: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the aperture first side edge comprises an aperture side edge extending furthest from a line extending through the aperture length dimension, and wherein the aperture second side edge has a convex shape.

Embodiment 4: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein both the aperture second side edge and the aperture first side edge have a convex shape.

Embodiment 5: the flexible pouch of embodiment 4, wherein no portion of the aperture second side edge and the aperture first side edge has a concave shape.

Embodiment 6: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 7: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is further from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge than 20% of the aperture length dimension in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 8: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 9: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the aperture first side edge at a point on the aperture first side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction forms an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 10: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the aperture first side edge at a point on the aperture first side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction forms an angle greater than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 11: the flexible pouch according to any of embodiments 1-10, wherein greater than 90% of the perimeter of the aperture second side edge forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 12: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein greater than 90% of the perimeter of the aperture second side edge forms an angle greater than 2 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 13: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the plurality of product sheets are disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration, and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end, and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located midway between the transverse right end and the stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end, and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side.

Embodiment 14: the flexible pouch of embodiment 13, wherein a majority of the connections that completely connect consecutive wipes on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack are disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 15: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 13 and 14, wherein at least 80% of the connections that completely connect consecutive wipes on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack are disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 16: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 13-15, wherein each connection to connect a continuous wipe on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack is disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 17: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 13-16, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the right side of the stack than the aperture first side edge.

Embodiment 18: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-17, further comprising a rigid flip component comprising a lid hinged to a flange secured to the top of the pouch and having an inner wall defining an interior region through which wipes are dispensable, the dispensing aperture disposed within the interior region of the flange.

Embodiment 19: the flexible pouch of embodiment 18, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 10mm.

Embodiment 20: the flexible pouch of embodiment 18, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 5mm.

Embodiment 21: the flexible pouch of embodiment 18, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 3mm.

Embodiment 22: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 1-21, wherein the dispensing opening is defined by a lack of material of the top of the pouch or by a perimeter of a removable portion of the top of the housing.

Embodiment 23: a flexible pouch forming an enclosure for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets may include a bottom having sides adjacent the bottom and each side adjacent an adjacent side and extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjacent a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the housing, the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension, a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, and at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape, and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a rigid flip comprising a lid connected by a hinge to a flange, the flange having an inner wall defining an interior region comprising an aperture, the flange being secured to the top such that the rigid flip covers the aperture, wherein the aperture is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flip is oriented on the flexible pouch such that the lid is open in the lateral direction.

Embodiment 24: the flexible pouch of embodiment 23, wherein the rigid flip is centered with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the flexible pouch, and wherein the aperture is offset with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

Embodiment 25: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23 and 24, wherein the aperture first side edge does not intersect the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

Embodiment 26: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-25, wherein the inner wall of the flange comprises a wall first side edge and a wall second side edge, each extending from a wall top edge to a wall bottom edge, wherein the wall second edge is disposed proximate the aperture second side edge, and wherein a middle 25% of the wall second edge between the wall top edge and the wall bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 27: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-26, wherein the inner wall of the flange comprises a wall first side edge and a wall second side edge, each extending from a wall top edge to a wall bottom edge, and the wall second edge is disposed proximate the aperture second side edge, wherein a middle 50% of the wall second edge between the wall top edge and the wall bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 28: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-27, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 10mm.

Embodiment 29: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-27, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 5mm.

Embodiment 30: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-27, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 3mm.

Embodiment 31: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-30, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is further from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge than 10% of the aperture length dimension in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 32: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-30, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is further from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge than 20% of the aperture length dimension in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 33: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-30, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 34: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-30, wherein a projection line tangential to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is further from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge than 20% of the aperture length dimension in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 35: a flexible pouch according to any of embodiments 23-34, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch first lateral end and a pouch second lateral end, wherein a pouch longitudinal centerline extends in the longitudinal direction and is disposed midway between the pouch first lateral end and the pouch second lateral end, and wherein no portion of the aperture second lateral edge is disposed closer to the second lateral end than the wall second lateral edge.

Embodiment 36: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-35, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch first lateral end and a pouch second lateral end, wherein a pouch longitudinal centerline extends in the longitudinal direction and is disposed intermediate between the pouch first lateral end and the pouch second lateral end, and wherein the rigid flip cap is secured to the top such that the rigid flip cap is disposed closer to the pouch first lateral end.

Embodiment 37: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 23-36, wherein the plurality of product sheets are disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration, and collectively define a stack having a stack lateral left end disposed proximate to the pouch first lateral end and a stack lateral right end disposed proximate to the pouch second lateral end, and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located midway between the lateral right end and stack lateral left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack lateral right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack lateral left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side.

Embodiment 38: the flexible pouch of embodiment 37, wherein a majority of the connections that completely connect consecutive wipes on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack are disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 39: the flexible pouch of embodiment 37, wherein at least 80% of the connections that completely connect consecutive wipes on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack are disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 40: the flexible pouch of embodiment 37, wherein each majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes on only one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack are disposed on the right side of the stack.

Embodiment 41: the flexible pouch of any of embodiments 37 and 38, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the right side of the stack than the aperture first side edge.

Embodiment 42: the flexible pouch according to any of embodiments 37-41, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the stack lateral right-hand end than the aperture first side edge, and wherein a portion of the aperture second side edge disposed closest to the stack lateral right-hand end is disposed between 30mm and 50mm from the connection disposed on the stack right-hand side.

Embodiment 43: the flexible pouch according to any of embodiments 23-42, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch first lateral end and a pouch second lateral end, wherein a pouch longitudinal centerline extends in the longitudinal direction and is disposed midway between the pouch first lateral end and the pouch second lateral end, and wherein at least a portion of the aperture second side edge extends between the pouch longitudinal centerline and the pouch first lateral end.

Claims

1. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets, the pouch comprising:

a bottom having sides adjoining the bottom, and each side adjoining an adjacent side, and the sides extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjoining a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the pouch;

the pouch has a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension; and

a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having:

A hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge; and

a hole length dimension extending in said longitudinal dimension perpendicular to said transverse dimension, said hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of said dispensing hole,

wherein at least one of the aperture first side edge and the aperture second side edge has a convex shape.

2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the aperture first side edge comprises an aperture side edge extending furthest from a line extending through the aperture length dimension, and wherein the aperture first side edge has a convex shape.

3. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein no portion of the aperture second side edge and the aperture first side edge has a concave shape.

4. A flexible pouch according to claim 1, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle of more than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

5. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the aperture first side edge at a point on the aperture first side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction forms an angle greater than 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein greater than 90% of the perimeter of the aperture second side edge forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

7. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the plurality of product sheets are disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located midway between the transverse right end and the stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side.

8. The flexible pouch of claim 7, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the right side of the stack than the aperture first side edge.

9. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a rigid flip component comprising a lid connected by a hinge to a flange secured to the top of the pouch and having an inner wall defining an interior region through which wipes are dispensable, the dispensing aperture being disposed within the interior region of the flange.

10. The flexible pouch of claim 9, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10mm.

11. A flexible pouch forming an enclosure for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets, the pouch comprising:

a bottom having sides adjoining the bottom, and each side adjoining an adjacent side, and the sides extending away from the bottom, the sides also adjoining a top, wherein the top overlies the bottom and is generally parallel to the bottom, the plurality of product sheets being located within the housing;

The pouch has a pouch transverse dimension extending in a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension;

a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having:

a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, and at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape, and

a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and

a rigid flip cover comprising a cover hinged to a flange, the flange having an inner wall defining an interior region comprising an aperture, the flange being secured to the top such that the rigid flip cover overlies the aperture, wherein the aperture is surrounded by the inner wall of the flange, and the rigid flip cover is oriented on the flexible pouch such that the cover is open in the lateral direction,

Wherein the inner wall of the flange comprises a wall first side edge and a wall second side edge, each extending from a wall top edge to a wall bottom edge, wherein the wall second edge is disposed proximate the aperture second side edge.

12. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein the rigid flip is centered with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the flexible pouch, and wherein the aperture is offset with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

13. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein the aperture first side edge does not intersect the longitudinal centerline of the pouch.

14. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein a middle 25% of the wall second edge between the wall top edge and the wall bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.

15. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10mm.

16. A flexible pouch according to claim 11, wherein a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge at any point on the aperture second side edge that is more than 10% of the aperture length dimension away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction does not form an angle of more than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

17. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch first lateral end and a pouch second lateral end, wherein a pouch longitudinal centerline extends in the longitudinal direction and is disposed midway between the pouch first lateral end and the pouch second lateral end, and wherein no portion of the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the second lateral end than the wall second side edge.

18. The flexible pouch of claim 11, wherein the plurality of product sheets are disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration, and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse left end disposed proximate to the pouch first transverse end and a stack transverse right end disposed proximate to the pouch second transverse end, and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located midway between the transverse right end and stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side.

19. The flexible pouch of claim 18, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the right side of the stack than the aperture first side edge.

20. The flexible pouch of claim 18, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the stack lateral right-hand end than the aperture first side edge, and wherein a portion of the aperture second side edge disposed closest to the stack lateral right-hand end is disposed between 30mm and 50mm from the connection disposed on the right side of the stack.

21. A flexible pouch forming an enclosure for storing and dispensing a plurality of product sheets, the pouch comprising:

a dispensing aperture in the top, the dispensing aperture having:

a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse axis, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing hole, each of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge having a convex shape; and

22. The flexible pouch of claim 21, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the wall second side edge in the transverse direction is less than 10mm.

23. The flexible pouch of claim 22, wherein the plurality of product sheets are disposed within the pouch in a folded, stacked configuration, and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse left end disposed proximate to the pouch first transverse end and a stack transverse right end disposed proximate to the pouch second transverse end, and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and located midway between the transverse right end and stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting consecutive wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side, and wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the stack right side than the aperture first side edge.

24. The flexible pouch of claim 21, wherein a middle 25% of the wall second edge between the wall top edge and the wall bottom edge is parallel to the longitudinal direction.