EP1048589A1 - Emballage amélioré pour lingettes humides - Google Patents

Emballage amélioré pour lingettes humides Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1048589A1
EP1048589A1 EP00303353A EP00303353A EP1048589A1 EP 1048589 A1 EP1048589 A1 EP 1048589A1 EP 00303353 A EP00303353 A EP 00303353A EP 00303353 A EP00303353 A EP 00303353A EP 1048589 A1 EP1048589 A1 EP 1048589A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
membrane
package
stack
interior cavity
peripheral portion
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00303353A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph F. Hlista
Steven P. Brown
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rockline Industries Inc
Rockline Ind Inc
Original Assignee
Rockline Industries Inc
Rockline Ind Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rockline Industries Inc, Rockline Ind Inc filed Critical Rockline Industries Inc
Publication of EP1048589A1 publication Critical patent/EP1048589A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
    • B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
    • B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
    • B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
    • B65D77/2068—Means for reclosing the cover after its first opening
    • B65D77/2096—Adhesive means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
    • B65D83/08—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing thin flat articles in succession
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/02—Labels

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to a package system, and more particularly. to a package for premoistened, disposable towelettes such as baby wipes.
  • the aforementioned package is resealable and positions the premoistened product so as to conserve moisture content.
  • Premoistened towelettes designed for infant and baby care are well-known and popular items. Such towelettes, commonly referred to by those in the art as “baby wipes,” greatly simplify infant and baby care and provide a convenience to caregivers.
  • baby wipes have unique packaging requirements.
  • baby wipe packages and containers must be provided with tight-fitting lids, covers or other closure means.
  • such packages should be easy to open and ensure that the premoistened towelettes remain moist
  • a variety of sophisticated baby wipe packages and containers have been developed.
  • premoistened towelettes were placed in hard, rigid containers.
  • the rigid containers were bulky and could not be carried easily. Furthermore, the rigid containers filled valuable space when transported. Upon removing towelettes from the rigid container, the rigid package maintained its shape filling needed space in diaper bags, purses and closets or the like.
  • Yet another object of this invention is to provide a new and improved system and method for packaging premoistened towelettes wherein the package can accommodate any size, shape or count of premoistened towelettes.
  • a related object is the capability to quickly and economically change the size or volume of a package in relation to the size, shape or count of the items contained therein.
  • Another object of this present invention is to provide an improved system for premoistened towelettes such that the package label can be easily and quickly designed and prepared to meet the specific requirements of a particular purveyor of such products.
  • this invention provides a package for premoistened, disposable wipes.
  • the wipes can be arranged in one or more stacks. Preferably, each such stack has four sides, a tail end and a head end.
  • the stack or stacks can be arranged in a flexible, moisture-retentive first membrane typically made from a plastic material, although any type of flexible or semi-flexible moisture-retentive material may be used.
  • the first membrane of such a package can be open-ended with five sides to define an interior cavity.
  • the wipes can be placed inside this cavity which preferably has a size and shape conforming to the stack or stacks. A peripheral edge extends outward from the center of the cavity along the open end of the cavity.
  • a second flexible, moisture-retentive membrane may be disposed over the interior cavity containing the premoistened disposable stacks.
  • the second membrane which can be used for labeling and other product/content information, can also have a peripheral portion overlying the peripheral edge of the first membrane.
  • the peripheral edge and peripheral portion are in sealed engagement, and can be joined together by heat sonic frequencies, radiation or any other means known to those skilled in the art of such packaging.
  • the peripheral portion of the second membrane seals three peripheral edges of the first membrane.
  • the remaining peripheral portion and peripheral edge can be in resealable engagement with one another by a tongue and groove mechanism.
  • a tongue and groove mechanism is commonly known as a zip-locTM seal.
  • any suitable means can be used to resealably join the peripheral edge to the peripheral portion, such means including adhesives, snaps and zippers.
  • premoistened towelettes are packaged so that the membranes are engaged under vacuum or otherwise reduced atmospheric pressure.
  • the head end of each stack is preferably aligned with the resealable peripheral portion and peripheral edge.
  • the tail end of each premoistened towelette stack and the corresponding side of the first membrane can then be aligned to stand the package stably on end.
  • the second membrane can be printed with information regarding product contents and the package positioned upright when placed on such a side.
  • the present invention includes a method of using a packaging system and/or the position of disposable wipes therein to conserve the relative percentage of moisture content within each individual wipe.
  • a method includes (1) providing a first package membrane formed of a flexible, moisture-retentive material, with such a membrane defining an open-ended five-sided interior cavity; (2) placing at least one disposable wipe stack within the interior cavity, with each stack including a plurality of premoistened, disposable wipes and each stack having four sides, a tail end and a head; (3) providing a second package membrane formed of a flexible moisture-retentive material disposed over the open end of the interior cavity, such that the second membrane is in sealed engagement with the first membrane; and (4) positioning the package on the side of the first membrane corresponding to the tail end of each stack of disposable wipes.
  • a plurality of such stacks are arranged across the interior cavity.
  • the first package membrane includes a peripheral edge around the open end of the interior cavity.
  • a peripheral portion of the second package membrane can be sealed to the peripheral edge of the first membrane.
  • the first and second membranes are sealed under vacuum. Regardless, at least one peripheral edge of the first membrane and the corresponding peripheral portion of the second membrane can resealably engage one another.
  • the peripheral portion of the second membrane seals three peripheral edges of the first membrane, such that the remaining peripheral portion and peripheral edge resealably engage one another.
  • various means and mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art can be incorporated into the package and its component membranes to effect resealable engagement.
  • a tongue/groove configuration between such membrane edges/portions is preferred.
  • One such tongue/groove mechanism is available under the zip-locTM trade name.
  • An adhesive relationship between the membranes can also be utilized with equal effect.
  • the package of this invention allows for vertical alignment of stacks therein. Such alignment in turn, permits the package to be positioned upright during periods of non-use. Preparation of a single covering membrane provides for readable label information, as can be economically modified to meet customer or end-use requirements. On the market shelf; a package so positioned presents an attractive informative display. At home, the product is easily accessed. All the while, the relative moisture content of each wipe or towelette item is conserved-enhancing product performance and customer satisfaction.
  • the membrane construction and/or configuration of the present invention provides the added benefit of increased automation potentional. More packages can be prepared in less time than otherwise possible using the methods and bags of the prior art.
  • package and/or system 10 of the present invention includes one or more stacks 12a of individual disposal wipe items 12b.
  • Stacks 12a can be provided, consistent with this invention, in any geometric configuration. However, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, each stack 12a is configured to provide tail end 14, head end 16, and remaining sides 18.
  • stacks 12a can determine the special arrangement of first membrane 20. As shown in FIG. 1, stacks 12a - both individually and collectively - provide a rectangular configuration accommodated by an interior cavity 22 of membrane 20 formed by sides 24. In particular, and for purposes of illustration, one side 24' is designated to correspond to tail end 14 of each stack 12a.
  • first membrane 20 includes peripheral edge 26 which can be joined in sealed engagement with peripheral portion 30 of second membrane 28. Such engagement of peripheral portion 30 with peripheral edge 26, with or without vacuum pressures, serves to contain stacks 12a within package 10 for storage, display and later dispensable use.
  • At least one peripheral edge 26 of first membrane 20 can be resealably engaged with at least one corresponding peripheral portion 30 of second membrane 28. Resealable engagement can be accomplished by a variety of methods and mechanisms well known to those skilled in the art. However, the package of FIG. 2 illustrates one such preferred mechanism: configuration of peripheral portion 26 with raised tongue 32 to provide a mating relationship with groove 34 of second membrane peripheral portion 30. Resealable edge 26 and portion 30 are partially disengaged to show a vertical positioning of stacks 12a and component wipe items 12b within the aforementioned interior cavity of first membrane 20.
  • FIG. 2 also shows, illustratively, the use of second membrane 28 to provide package 10 with particular labeling, product or content information member 36.
  • label/information 36 can be incorporated directly into second membrane 28 during printing or formation, or applied separately thereafter.
  • label/information 36 is readable as package 10 is positioned upright on side 24'. Positioning package 10 in this manner provides a vertical orientation of stack(s) 12a such that tail end(s) 14 are aligned with side 24'.
  • FIG. 2 also illustrates another embodiment of package 10 and/or second membrane 28.
  • Slit 38 can provide another opening to the interior cavity of first membrane 20.
  • slit 38 is resealable, as can be accomplished by proper placement of label or membrane member 36.
  • label/member 36 can comprise a separate component coupled to second membrane 28 to seal the opening of slit 38.
  • second membrane 28 can have an adhesive relationship to label/member 36.
  • FIG. 2 shows partial placement of label/member 36 over slit 38. The phantom lines therein represent the resulting opening to the interior cavity of first membrane 20, as afforded by slit 38. It should be understood, of course, that a more useful configuration of label/member 36 would include full coverage of the opening afforded by slit 38.
  • the package mid/or system of this invention provides a novel alternative to the pre-made bags of the prior art.
  • the unique membrane construction and configuration enables a manufacturer to quickly and easily adapt a package to suit the needs of any individual customer: for instance and without limitation, a second membrane such as that described can be customized by way of brand name and product information and used in conjunction with either a generic or customized first membrane.
  • a multitude of film colors, patterns and print arrangements are possible upon quick notice and without having to maintain a large inventory of material and manufacturing supplies.
  • Manufacturing lines can be easily modified upon short notice to meet the packaging needs of a particular product or customer. economiess are realized without resort to large scale production.
  • Such packaging and the accompanying benefits are available from Rockline Industries, Inc. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
  • the present invention can be utilized in conjunction with one of several available mechanisms for resealably engaging the peripheral edges/portions of the component membranes.
  • resealable mechanisms can be interchanged one for the other at the time of production.
  • a tongue/groove or zip-locTM mechanism is preferred; however, an adhesive reseal can be used with good effect.
  • the membrane configuration and construction of the present invention enhances the benefits of an interchangeable mechanism and permits such changes to be made quickly and economically to meet customer or/and use requirements.
  • the exterior configuration and shape of the present package invention can be readily adapted to conform to the amount and arrangement of product contained therein.
  • a 160-count product can be provided by suitable arrangement of a plurality of stacks across the aforementioned interior cavity two 80-count stacks or four 40-count stacks can be prepared. It should be understood, however, that various other total counts can be utilized with the package of this invention, the number and arrangement thereof dependent only upon available membrane configuration and production capability.
  • a 240-count package can be provided by arrangement of three 80-count stacks across the interior cavity of a first membrane.
  • One benefit of the present invention is alignment of stacks as shown in FIG. 2.
  • a package configured as described herein can then be positioned on a side corresponding to the downward or tail end of the contained stack(s).
  • Such an alignment allows for use of a second membrane, such as described above, as a readily-adaptable surface for package and content information.
  • a package and contained product positioned in this manner can be utilized to conserve the relative moisture content of each individual wipe or towel item therein. While gravity may cause eventual movement of moisturizing material down a product stack, no individual wipe or towelette will become dry. Rather, the relative moisture content of each wipe/towelette will remain substantially the same until use. Conservation of moisture is a primary benefit of the present invention over the prior art packaging, and is best exemplified by the absence of a moisture barrier between stacks.
  • the vertical alignment of stacks can be enhanced by sealing the component membranes under reduced pressures.
  • Such vacuum action also serves to conform the package to the stack configuration and more securely position each stack relative to the surrounding package.
  • Such a vacuum-induced seal also serves to preserve moisture content and prolong shelf life.
  • a preferred embodiment of the present invention include a resealable opening in one of the component membranes.
  • Such an opening can serve to promote removal of one or several wipes or towelettes from the package interior.
  • the opening can comprise a perforated slit, tab or other suitable configuration. Regardless, such an opening can be resealed through adaptation of covering member such as an adhesive label provided in conjunction with such a membrane.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
EP00303353A 1999-04-28 2000-04-20 Emballage amélioré pour lingettes humides Withdrawn EP1048589A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US30088899A 1999-04-28 1999-04-28
US300888 1999-04-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1048589A1 true EP1048589A1 (fr) 2000-11-02

Family

ID=23161018

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00303353A Withdrawn EP1048589A1 (fr) 1999-04-28 2000-04-20 Emballage amélioré pour lingettes humides

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1048589A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2306143A1 (fr)
MX (1) MXPA00004142A (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012129025A1 (fr) * 2011-03-22 2012-09-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Procédé de mise en œuvre de piles de lingettes humides ayant un meilleur gradient d'humidité
US8573398B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2013-11-05 Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp Refillable flexible sheet dispenser

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2108871A7 (fr) * 1970-10-14 1972-05-26 Cerebos Alimentaire
WO1984002896A1 (fr) * 1983-01-18 1984-08-02 Creative Prod Res Ass Recipient de distribution refermable pour serviettes pliees
US4863064A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-09-05 Ifc Non-Wovens, Inc. Flexible dispenser packet for pre-moistened towelettes
US5050737A (en) * 1990-05-29 1991-09-24 Rockline, Inc. System for packaging moist towelettes
US5814159A (en) * 1995-03-10 1998-09-29 The Texwipe Company Llc Cleaning method

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2108871A7 (fr) * 1970-10-14 1972-05-26 Cerebos Alimentaire
WO1984002896A1 (fr) * 1983-01-18 1984-08-02 Creative Prod Res Ass Recipient de distribution refermable pour serviettes pliees
US4863064A (en) * 1987-09-18 1989-09-05 Ifc Non-Wovens, Inc. Flexible dispenser packet for pre-moistened towelettes
US5050737A (en) * 1990-05-29 1991-09-24 Rockline, Inc. System for packaging moist towelettes
US5814159A (en) * 1995-03-10 1998-09-29 The Texwipe Company Llc Cleaning method

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8573398B2 (en) 2002-05-28 2013-11-05 Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp Refillable flexible sheet dispenser
WO2012129025A1 (fr) * 2011-03-22 2012-09-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Procédé de mise en œuvre de piles de lingettes humides ayant un meilleur gradient d'humidité
US8899003B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2014-12-02 The Procter & Gamble Company Methods of providing stacks of wet wipes with improved wetness gradients
US9975689B2 (en) 2011-03-22 2018-05-22 The Procter & Gamble Company Methods of providing stacks of wet wipes with improved wetness gradients

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MXPA00004142A (es) 2003-07-28
CA2306143A1 (fr) 2000-10-28

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