JP2005511443A - Packaged product applicator or personal care applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention
An article having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a cavity for receiving a user's outer limb;
Packaging surrounding the article;
A packaged article that closes both the package and the cavity of the article, wherein the seam opening includes a seam that opens both the package and the cavity of the article.

Description

  The present invention is a packaged product applicator or personal care device that allows a user to apply or use the product with the applicator but to the skin of the user's outer limb (eg, hand or finger). The present invention relates to a packaged product applicator or personal care device such that the applicator or device can accept the user's outer limb so that contact with the product is avoided.

  As disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-8823 (1994), applicators are well known for use when applying powdery or cosmetic liquids, and applicators are resin. It is in a film storage bag. Storing the applicator in a storage bag may be desirable to prevent bacterial transmission or contamination access to the applicator. However, conventional arrangements can be particularly problematic for using or applying liquid products such as liquid cosmetics. This is because the excess liquid may undesirably come into contact with the user's hand, fingers, or clothes as the applicator is removed from the bag or package. On the other hand, if the applicator is impregnated with a small amount of liquid, the result is insufficient product application.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a packaged applicator that can avoid the above-mentioned problems. In a preferred form, the present invention includes an applicator that can be utilized to apply a liquid or powder product. Preferably, the applicator includes a cavity that receives the user's outer limb so that the user can hold the applicator by inserting his or her outer limb into the cavity. The product to be applied can be placed in a package in the area between the applicator and the rest of the package, and / or the product can fully give or impregnate the applicator It can be impregnated outside the applicator. The invention is particularly advantageous for the application of liquid products. This is because a substantial amount of liquid can be adapted to the packaged applicator. However, since the liquid is kept isolated from the cavity of the applicator, the product is also isolated from the outer limb (eg, finger or hand) used to apply the product. Thus, the product can be isolated from the user's outer limb even when the applicator is soaked with the product or when excess product is present in the package. While the present invention is particularly preferred when the packaged article or applicator is configured to receive a user's outer limb, the present invention may be applied to other applicators such as pad applicators or wipe applicators. It can also be used for.

  In a particularly preferred form, the seam that closes the package also closes the cavity of the applicator, thus forming an opening into the cavity of the applicator or article in response to the opening of the package. As a result, the interior of the applicator cavity is isolated from the product placed in the package. Further, once the package is opened, the user can use the applicator by inserting a finger or hand into the cavity of the applicator. In yet another optional aspect, the applicator is partially disposed on one or more side walls of the package such that the applicator remains partially attached to the one or more side walls of the package after opening the package. Can be attached. This feature allows the user to more easily insert the outer limb into the applicator after the package is opened, with the mutual separation of the side walls of the package expanding the opening of the applicator cavity. After the user has inserted his or her outer limb into the applicator, the applicator can be broken from the packaging and secured or attached so that the user can easily remove the applicator from the package. It is preferable that can be easily broken. Even when the applicator does not accept the user's outer limb (eg, by a pad applicator or wipe applicator), the applicator's coupling to the package will easily position the applicator upon opening of the package Help.

  The applicator of the present invention can be used to apply a wide variety of products. For example, applicators, various cosmetic products including foundations or other makeup products, skin or hair conditioners, other hair products such as hair dyes, highlights or permanent products, fragrances, perfumes or colognes, sunless tanning products Or skin tanning products such as sunscreens, makeup removers, anti-wrinkle products, vitamins, acne products, fragrances, preservatives, antibacterial agents, pharmaceuticals, therapeutic or first aid products, skin whitening or bleaching agents, It can be utilized to apply personal care products such as surfactants or other cleaning products, nail care products such as nail polish and nail polish removers. However, it should be understood that the packaged articles of the present invention may have many additional uses. For example, the article can be utilized as a household cleaning article for polishing, cleaning, or dedusting various household surfaces. This article also cleans and maintains the interior surfaces of automobiles, for car care, such as applying a protective agent product to this surface, or cleaning / maintaining various surfaces in the railway, aviation and marine fields. It can also be used for other transportation application fields. The article can also be utilized for apparel, such as for shoe cleaning / polishing or clothing cleaning.

  Although the present invention is particularly advantageous for providing a packaged applicator, the present invention can also provide other packaging articles. For example, an article placed inside a package can be utilized as a personal care article in which a heat generating material is attached to the article or disposed between the package inside the package and the outer surface of the article. Specifically, it may comprise a composition known to generate heat when exposed to oxygen, and when the packaging is opened, the heat generating material is exposed to air to generate heat and the article And warm the outer limbs that are inside the cavity of the article. The generation of heat can be desirable when the article is a product applicator for warming the product being applied or used by the article. As an alternative, the generation of heat may be desirable in itself for warming the outer limb inserted into the article. For example, the article can be shaped as a glove or a mitt for receiving a hand, or as a sock-like article for receiving a foot, so that the heat generating material can be inserted into the cavity of the article when the hand or foot is inserted. warm. In most applications, the article will be removed from the package for use as an applicator after opening the package. When an article that is not used as a product applicator becomes warm, the article can be used without separating the article from the package. Accordingly, the packaged article can be opened to open the article cavity so that the outer limb can be inserted into the cavity. At the same time, air enters the area between the article and the packaging wall, which causes oxygen to flow into the pyrogen, thus warming the outer limb inserted into the cavity of the article. For articles fixed and maintained in external packaging, the packaging provides an enclosure around the article and the pyrogen, helps retain the heat-generating material, and retains the heat generated for further insulation depending on the packaging To do. As an alternative, the article itself can have an outer layer that prevents the inadvertent escape of pyrogens (or inadvertent incorporation of moisture or other contaminants into the pyrogen) for use of the article Can be separated from external packaging.

  The packaging containing the applicator or article can have a variety of shapes. It is preferred that the package allows for long-term storage of the product or material contained within the package. In one preferred form, the article is a bag or wrap and is formed of a resilient or flexible airtight material. Such materials can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polyamide, and / or metal foil or thin film (such as an aluminum foil or thin film, or a stainless steel foil or thin film). The metal thin film can be formed by various methods such as metal vapor deposition. The package can be formed from a single layer or multiple layers of the same or different materials. By way of example, the packaging can include an aluminum foil or film sandwiched between layers of PET and / or PE. As noted above, if the package is to be maintained with the article after it is opened and the article is a warmer, the package also preferably has excellent thermal insulation properties. As should be readily appreciated, various materials and combinations of materials can be utilized for external packaging.

  The packaging can also be transparent so that the article is visible through the packaging. As yet another alternative, selected portions of the package can be transparent, for example with a transparent window, or one side can be transparent and the other side opaque. Such a transparent package (or transparent part of the package) is aesthetically desirable and also assists the user in the use of the package, for example to help open the correct end of the package and to insert outer limbs inside the package article To confirm the correct position to do. The use of a transparent material can also help the user withdraw the product from the package after the user attaches the article to the outer limb when the article is used as an applicator. When using a transparent packaging material, it is desirable to include a material resistant to ultraviolet rays such as a “low emission thin film”.

  The article / applicator can have a variety of shapes or configurations, such as a shape suitable for receiving a single finger or multiple fingers, or for receiving the article in the user's entire hand or foot. It can also be shaped. The article or applicator is preferably formed from a plurality of layers, wherein at least one layer is impermeable to a product or substance that is deployed on the outer surface of the article and / or the interior of the package. . Further, if the article is an applicator, preferably the outer surface of the article is formed of a material suitable for holding the product to be applied, and the outer surface of the article is also intended to apply the product. Suitable for contact with skin or other surfaces. By way of example, the outer surface of the article may be a woven or non-woven fabric formed from various natural and / or synthetic materials, a foamed material (including natural or synthetic sponge-like materials) or various combinations of the above (eg, products And various other materials such as a foam or absorbent layer provided to hold the skin, and an absorbent material covered by a non-woven or other soft layer desirable for skin contact) . Non-limiting examples of suitable materials include animal fibers such as cotton, wool, rayon, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, or acrylic materials. In a preferred form of the bilayer article, the article comprises a non-woven material for the outer layer and an impermeable layer as the inner layer. The impermeable layer can be provided as a separate thin film layer bonded to one or more outer layers, or as a coating on one or more outer layers. The use of a separate impermeable layer is desirable, but this may be the case when the contact of the applied product is not aggressive to the skin of the outer limb used to apply the product (eg powder product or talc). Product), or if the product does not easily penetrate one or more outer layers of the applicator, it is not necessary and not necessary for all applications. If an impermeable layer is included, it may also be desirable to provide an additional layer within the impermeable layer so that the inner surface of the article is more comfortable for contact with the skin. In particular, an impermeable layer (such as a resin layer or coating) becomes uncomfortable when it comes into contact with the skin of the outer limb that is inserted into the article, and sweating or other moisture causes the article to limb after use. Makes it difficult to remove from. Thus, a layer can be selected for the more desirable innermost surface of the article that contacts the skin of the outer limb that is inserted into the cavity of the article. This third or innermost layer can comprise various natural or synthetic woven or knitted materials. Alternatively, if the impermeable layer is the innermost layer, powder or talc can be provided inside the cavity to prevent the outer limb from sticking to the inner surface of the article.

  The amount of product provided by an article (filled inside a bag / packaging or impregnated with the article or applicator) according to the present invention is determined by the product, the type of surface on which the product is applied, and the product is applied. Depending on the surface area, it can vary widely. When the article is used as an applicator, a relatively wide range of product quantities can be prepared. For example, if it is desired that the product never drip from the article, the amount of product can be selected so that one or more outer coating layers of the product are not oversaturated. However, if desired, the product may be provided in an amount that exceeds the saturation level of the applicator so that the user can return the applicator back into the package and repeatedly impregnate and refill the applicator with the product. it can. For certain applications, the amount of product is substantially below the saturation level of the applicator, for example if the product being applied is a fragrance.

  For example, the percentage of product impregnation can vary from 10% to 1000%, preferably from 100% to 600%.

  Although the present invention is particularly desirable for use when applying liquid products, dry products such as powdered and solid products can also be applied, and the applied product can be made into a paste / semi-solid product. it can. In addition, the product can be liquid or foam material during use but exist in dry form (or as a concentrated liquid) prior to use. For example, the applied product can include a cleaned product, such as a foaming surfactant present in the package in a dry form. Once the user's outer limb is inserted into the article / applicator cavity and the article is removed, the package can prepare a portable reservoir or sink, and water can be dispensed into the reservoir or sink. In addition, surfactants (or other products prepared in dry or concentrated form) can be activated or dissolved. After adding water, the user can immerse the article in the package and then use the article to move on to cleaning the front or other surface. If the article is a multi-layer article, the outer surface layer of the article can be utilized for cleaning with a surfactant (or to apply other products) and when the use of the product is complete, The article can be turned inside out so that the inner surface layer of the article can be utilized for drying or other finishing / polishing operations. This type of work can also provide an impermeable layer to isolate the inner and outer layers of the article. In yet another alternative, additional water is optionally added so that the article can be used directly upon removal from the package, but for example to enhance foaming of the surfactant or to prolong cleaning As can, the article can have a wet outer layer comprising water and a surfactant (or other product).

  As will be readily apparent, the packaged articles of the present invention offer a wide variety of uses and applications.

  According to a further aspect of the present invention, an advantageous process / method for manufacturing a packaged article is provided in further detail herein.

  The above and additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the detailed description herein, particularly when considered with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment according to the invention in which an article 3 is deployed in a package 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the article 3 can have a relatively simple shape and can accept one or more fingers or the user's hand (or other outer limb such as the user's foot). Can be sized and configured to accept the whole. The package 1 can have various shapes such as an enclosure or bag-shaped package as shown. A product 2 to be attached to the article 3 is arranged in the package. As indicated above, product 2 can include a wide range of substances such as cosmetics and other personal care, or the product can be other cleaning, polishing, or other household or commercial care / maintenance chores Suitable for The amount of product 2 prepared in the packaging can vary depending on the product and the area of the surface on which the product is to be applied.

  Although the package 1 is shown as a relatively flat enclosure type package, various outer configurations are possible, for example, pleating the package or including various V, W, or loose folds, and therefore the package Is expandable and provides a more stable packaging during use. These types of expandable or more stable configurations are desirable when, for example, large quantities of product need to be placed and the applicator frequently needs to be immersed in the package. Such expandable packaging is also desirable if the product is present in a dry or concentrated liquid form and is wetted or dissolved after the packaging is opened and the article / applicator 3 is removed. As discussed above, this arrangement provides dry product 2 in the bag, which is inverted (compared to the position shown in FIG. 1) and opens the package so that the article can be removed. Next, water is added to the package to wet or dissolve the product. The article or applicator 3 can then be wetted or soaked in the dissolved product and applied to the skin, hair, or other surface. Such an operation is cleaned by a dry or concentrated surfactant, such as, for example, a foamed surfactant or other cleaning product present in the region between the packaging wall and the outer surface 7 of the article 3. Therefore, it is desirable when using goods.

  The product 2 is shown in the area of the packaging surrounding the article 3, but instead or additionally, for example by impregnating the article with the product before insertion into the packaging, or between layers of articles It should also be understood that the product can be attached to the article by sandwiching the product. Various combinations of the above are also possible. For example, a dry product can be sandwiched between the layers 7, 8 of the article, and other products or water / humidity can be added in the surrounding surrounding packaging.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a common seam or seal is provided that closes both the package 1 and the cavity 6 of the article 3. As a result, the product 2 provided in the package 1 (and / or impregnated with one or more outer layers of the article 3) does not enter the cavity 6 of the article. As a result, in response to the opening of the package, the cavity 6 in the article is opened, and the user can insert the outer limb into the cavity 6 without touching the product. A tear line 4 is provided along the seal 5 to help tear the seal 5 from the package. This tear line can be provided as a weakening line, for example by utilizing a score or perforation, and the score or perforation simply extends partially through the packaged article, thereby weakening the package along the tear line (But it doesn't extend completely through the tear line until you want to tear it). As indicated above, the outer surface 7 of the article can be formed by one or more layers suitable for applying the product to the skin or other surface.

  In a preferred form, the outer surface is a non-woven layer, but a variety of other woven or foam materials can be used as discussed above. A plurality of layers may also be provided on the outside of layer 8, for example with a foam or more absorbent layer provided for the ability to hold the product, and skin (or non-woven fabric or other woven fabric) (or An applicator layer 7 can be formed with an absorbent layer covered by a layer that is very suitable for contacting the other surface to which the product is to be applied.

  Preferably, an impermeable layer 8 is provided inside one or more outer layers 7 to prevent the product 2 from passing through the one or more layers 7 into the cavity 6. However, as noted above, an impermeable layer can be used in all cases, for example, where the applied product does not easily penetrate one or more layers 7 and / or is inserted into the cavity 6. If there is no obstacle to contact the skin of the limb, it is not necessary to prepare. Even if a product can penetrate the article and enter the cavity 6 (e.g., if it does not interfere with the skin contact of the outer limb of the product), the cavity 6 is isolated from the rest of the interior of the package. The use of a common seam for this is desirable because most of the product 2 is maintained outside the cavity 6, thus reducing product waste in terms of the amount that can be transferred into the article cavity. The use of one or more layers to prevent penetration of the product 2 into the cavity 6 interferes with the contact between the product and the skin, such as when the product is a dye, sunless tanning agent, or a rough cleaning composite. It is especially important when there are. As noted above, when the impermeable layer 8 is provided, the layer can be applied as individual thin films of various materials such as synthetic resin materials, or one impermeable layer 8 or It can be provided as a coating deposited on the inner surface of the plurality of layers 7.

  As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, one or more other layers 9 are provided to form the innermost layer or surface of the article 3. This layer 9 is preferably such that the skin of the user does not come into contact with the impermeable layer 8, since the impermeable layer can become sticky or uncomfortable, especially when wet. Furthermore, if the skin of the outer limb sticks to the impermeable layer 8, it may be more difficult to remove the article from the user's outer limb. Thus, an additional layer 9, for example made of natural or synthetic woven or woven material, or foam material, can be provided inside the impermeable layer 8. As noted above, this additional layer is also desirable when, for example, the article is utilized to apply a cleaning surfactant. With this arrangement, after using the outer surface of one or more layers 7 for cleaning or cleaning, the article can be turned inside out and the inner layer or surface 9 can be used for drying or wiping. it can.

  According to an optional but preferred form, it is preferred that the tear seam 4 is slightly spaced from the edge of the seam 5 (the top edge with respect to the orientation of the packaged article in FIG. 1). With this arrangement, a portion of the seam remains after the seam 5 is torn, so that the article remains attached to one or more walls of the package 1, but this remaining portion of the seam remains in the cavity 6 of the article 3. Does not seal, so the user can insert the outer limb into the cavity 6. This arrangement is desirable to prevent the article from falling into the package before the user inserts his outer limb into the cavity 6. Further, securing the article partially in the package may allow the user to separate the packaging walls from each other, thereby further separating the packaging walls from each other and making the insertion into the cavity of the article more convenient. it can. Once the user inserts his outer limb into the cavity 6, the user can continue to push the article and / or the user slightly rotates his outer limb to remove the article from the packaging. Can then be removed. It should be understood that various expedients for providing a tear line may be utilized in addition to or as an alternative to providing a weak portion along seam 5. Such convenience methods include the use of tear strips or threads, or other feces. As an alternative, the user can simply cut with a scissors along the seam.

  As yet another alternative, in some instances, it may be desirable to keep the article 3 secured to the package after the packaged article 3 is opened. For example, when the article is to be used as a heat retaining device, the heat generating substance 2 can be provided in a packaging region outside the article 3 in the packaging. The tear lines and seams are positioned so that heat is generated by exposing the heat generating material to oxygen in response to opening of the package. The user can then insert the outer limb into the cavity 6 to warm the outer limb. In this example, the package can be held around the article to prevent inadvertent contact with the heat generating material and / or to aid in additional insulation around the article 3. The heat generating substance is known per se. By way of example, materials containing iron (or other metals / alloys, especially powders) are known to generate heat when exposed to air or oxygen because iron (or other metals) oxidizes. ing. Various types of materials of this kind can be devised to control the amount of heat generation by controlling or accelerating the rate of the oxidation reaction. In addition to iron or other metals, such materials can include carbon (such as activated carbon), vermiculite or salt, and water. As an example, as disclosed in the patent document EP1229097A1, which is incorporated herein by reference, heat-generating materials have been known for many years, and materials such as activated carbon and vermiculite are It is well known for use when adding water so that the heat or temperature provided by the exothermic reaction can be maintained / controlled. Although these materials are well known, this type of heat generating material is already utilized in packaged articles according to the present invention. Other heat generating materials can be used that generate heat when mixed with water or when water is added, such as acidic and basic anhydrides (or their salts), or heat when mixed with water. There is a combination of phosphorous pentoxide and calcium oxide that generates. Other examples of materials that can generate heat when mixed with water include zeolites and anhydrous polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. In this case, water can be added to the package after the package has been opened, or the water is placed in a capsule or microcapsule that can be broken (eg by applying pressure through the surface of the package) when desired. Can do. If a heat generating material is utilized, it is preferable to provide additional means so that the material cannot easily escape from the package. For example, the material can be held between the layers of the package and / or between the layer and the article, thus exposing the heat generating material to oxygen (or sealed water, etc.) by opening the package. The heat-generating material cannot flow freely out of the package.

  FIG. 2 shows an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but the shape of the article is different. In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the article takes the form of a mitt with one thumb extension 3a. As with the arrangement of FIG. 1, the article can contain the product 2 inside the package 1 but outside the cavity 6 and the common seam 5 closes both the package 1 and the cavity 6 of the article 3. Can be used for. As discussed above, the tear line or separable structure 4 can be utilized to open the seam and thus open the package and the cavity. The article or applicator 3 can include one or more outer layers 7 that are desirable from the standpoint of absorption and / or application of the product 2. Furthermore, the article is most suitable for contacting the impervious layer 8 and, if desired, the skin of the hand and / or can be utilized for drying / finishing operations after applying the product 2. One or more inner layers can be included.

  FIG. 3 shows a further configuration in which the article 3 is in the form of a glove. Glove-like articles can be desirable in that they have better control when applying products to various areas. A glove-like article also mixes the product further into the article, for example when the product is dry or concentrated and water is to be added after the packaging has been opened to use the product. This can be desirable when trying to use it. Glove-like articles can provide better agitation of such products within the packaging and thus mixing or foaming. As discussed earlier, it can take various shapes. For example, the article can be shaped into a sock-like article.

  According to yet another variant of the invention, the article can also be an applicator without a cavity for receiving the outer limb to be used. For example, the article can be a pad or wiping applicator for applying or using a product placed in and / or impregnated in the article, the article being an outer limb as discussed herein. As discussed with the article that accepts, it is coupled to the package. With this arrangement, the applicator is coupled to the seam or closure of the package so that the applicator can be more easily positioned in the package and removed from the package as the package is opened. Furthermore, since the articles can be prevented from being “in a group” in the packaging, the appearance of the applicator can be better maintained.

  FIG. 4 shows in cross-section a packaged article or packaged applicator according to the present invention. As discussed above and as shown in FIG. 4, the seal or seam 5 closes not only the package but also the cavity 6 of the article / applicator 3. Furthermore, since the tear line 4 is provided, in response to tearing along the seam 5, not only the package is opened, but also the cavity to the article 3 is opened. The seam can be formed by a variety of methods including adhesive bonds, ultrasonic welding, heat, seams, etc., or combinations thereof. Similarly, the various seals or seams that complete the perimeter of the package and the perimeter of the article can also be formed by a variety of methods such as thermal or ultrasonic welding, adhesives, seams, and the like. An edge of the package or article can also be formed by folding the material forming the article or package without the need for additional seals or seams. As noted above, the tear location 4 remains such that the article remains secured to the package in response to the package tearing open, but removal of the seam or a portion of the seam 5 opens the cavity 6 of the package and article 3. Can be provided at any position. This is accomplished by correctly positioning the tear line 4 at the edge of the seam 5, i.e., where heat or other sealing measures are sufficient so that the outer surface of the article is secured to the inner surface of the package. However, the inner surface of the article is not fixed together. Alternatively, this result can be achieved by controlling the energy or temperature of the seam forming device (or a selected portion of the seam forming device), or the inner surface of the article is not secured together, but the outer surface of the article is The material can be achieved by providing the material in the region of the tear line 4 on the inner surface of the article so that it is at least partially secured to the inner surface. Yet another example of this concept is discussed below with reference to FIG. As discussed with reference to the previous embodiment, the article 3 is an applicator and is preferably provided with an additional impermeable layer 8 inside one or more outer layers 7. In some cases, it may have one or more outer layers 7 that are preferably formed of a material that is best suited for holding and applying the product. As also discussed above, one or more additional layers can be provided inside the layer 8.

  The package 1 can be formed of one or more layers of resin and / or metal thin film or foil. If desired, additional woven or woven or label layers can be provided on the exterior of the package 1. The package 1 can also be opaque or can be partially or wholly transparent as discussed above. When the package 1 is partially or totally transparent, it can be said that it is desirable to select a transparent thin film that prevents ultraviolet rays and prevents product deterioration.

  FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the article or applicator 3 is shown schematically, but as discussed above, the configuration of the article 3 can have a variety of shapes. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, one or more incisions 10 are provided at the edge of the package to help tear the seam 5 from the end of the package along the tear line, thereby opening the package and opening the article 3 The cavity 6 is also opened. The incision 10 can define a tear line along which the end of the package is torn apart, such an incision with or without additional weakening, for example, a tear line As discussed above with reference to 4, it can be used by scoring or other tear aids. As shown in FIG. 5, when an additional seal portion 12 extends from the seam 5, thus, when the seam 5 is torn and released, a portion of the article remains bonded to the package 1 and is still open to the package and cavity 6. The part is released. This arrangement helps to hold the article 3 in place and prevent the article from falling into the package 1 as the package is opened. Furthermore, this arrangement can help the user insert his / her outer limb into the cavity 6. In particular, by fastening a part of the article 3 fixed to the wall of the package 1, the user can also separate the walls of the package and thereby separate the inner walls of the article from each other, so that the user can Can be more easily inserted into the cavity 6 of the article 3. Once the outer limb is inserted, the user can continue to push the outer limb, or the user can rotate the outer limb to separate the article from the packaging. As discussed above, various sealing methods can be used to close the package and article 3 or attach the article 3 to a selected location on the package 1 to keep the package secured to the inner wall after the package is opened. Can be used for. Also, various seal or seam convenience methods can be utilized to secure the edges of packaging and articles.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a method for forming a packaged article according to the present invention. As shown, the article can be formed of a material that forms one or more outer layers that can be unwound from a supply roll 20. In FIG. 6, the outer layer 7 is represented as a single layer, but as discussed above, the outer layer can be formed of a plurality of layers or plies. When the article is a product applicator, this outer layer 7 is preferably suitable for holding and applying the product to the skin or other surface to which the product is to be applied. If the outer portion of the article includes multiple layers, these layers can be stored as a multi-ply substrate on the roll 20 or can be joined together in a row. Additional rolls, such as impermeable layer 8, can be unrolled so that the product in the package does not enter the cavity 6 of the article, as shown at 22. Although layer 8 is shown in the form of a substrate or thin film, as discussed above, an impermeable layer can be applied as a coating applied over one or more layers 7. If the impermeable layer is a separate winding material, it can be bonded onto the layer 7 by various means. For example, a hot melt adhesive can be applied to the substrate winding material 7 upstream from where the winding material 8 is superimposed on the winding material 7, thus making the winding material 8 the winding material 7. When pressed over and in contact with these layers, the layers are bonded together. Alternatively, a liquid or dry adhesive can be applied to the substrate winding material 7 downstream from where the winding material 8 is superimposed on the winding material 7 to activate the adhesive together. Can be combined. As yet another alternative, if the substrates 7 and 8 are materials suitable for bonding together by the addition of energy, heat, ultrasonic welding, or other suitable, without the use of additional adhesive The substrate can be bonded by any means.

  After the winding materials 7, 8 have been joined together, they are folded and are shown at 24 in the illustrated embodiment. This folding action partially defines a cavity 6 inside the article, which forms a remaining seam, such as a heated mold or other stool (eg, stitching, ultrasonic welding, etc.) as shown at 26. ) Completed. It should also be understood that one or more additional layers can be overlaid on layer 8 as an alternative to folding as shown in FIG. The use of an additional layer instead of bending may be preferable if, for example, it is preferable to form an article whose outer surface on one side has different properties than the other side. For example, if the article is used to apply the product to the skin or for skin care, various roughness surfaces can be applied to different sides of the article so that the user can select the most comfortable surface roughness. Can be prepared. Thus, as an alternative to folding the combination layers 7, 8, an additional layer can be overlaid on the layer 8 and then a seam is formed around the periphery of the article to define the cavity 6.

  After the contour / periphery of the article has been formed, excess material is removed as shown at 28, resulting in a separately formed article suitable for receiving the user's outer limb, as shown at 30.

  As indicated at 32, a further supply roll 32 is provided to form the outer wrap. As noted above, the package can be formed from a variety of single or multiple layer / multi-ply materials including various resins, foils, thin films, and combinations thereof. In the embodiment illustrated by way of example, the substrate that will form the package is folded upward (as shown schematically at 33) to open at the top and then folded to illustrate the formed article. Can be inserted into the open top of the wound winding material. A seal may then be formed at the bottom (along the crease) as shown at 34 to seal both the bottom of the package and also the bottom of the article (relative to the orientation of FIG. 6). As discussed above, opening this bottom seal opens both the package and the article.

  Next, side seams are formed as shown at 36, thus forming side seams of the package and separating the packages from one another. Thus, the product to be applied by the article / applicator can be placed in the package as shown at 38, followed by sealing the top of the package as shown at 40. Further, as shown at 42, a cut or other configuration can be provided to weaken the tear line. The packaged articles can then be separated from one another and any waste material can be removed by one or more cutting operations as indicated at 44. As discussed above, various conveniences can be provided to facilitate removal of the bottom seam of the packaged article to open both the package and the article cavity. Partially securing the article to the package when forming the side seam, or when forming the bottom seam, or at an individual location, even after the bottom seam of the package has been removed to open the package and the article cavity Appropriate seals or clasps can optionally be provided to secure the article in position on the package so that it remains. This can be accomplished, for example, when forming the bottom seal by utilizing a sealing device that provides a contour as shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from the foregoing, the present invention provides packaged applicators or other articles having a wide variety of uses. The following examples should not be construed as limiting with respect to the scope of the invention, but are intended to further illustrate the examples of the invention.

  Using a laminated polyethylene thin film and a rayon nonwoven fabric, a bag-shaped applicator as shown in FIG. 1 was prepared. The applicator was then combined with a laminated film comprising a polypropylene film having a (deposited) aluminum inner surface. The applicator was packaged with a product in the form of a tan lotion or sunless tan lotion as shown in FIG. Sealed bags and applicators have excellent air tightness (oxygen barrier) and durability, so that products can be stored for long periods of time. When opened from the I-shaped cut provided at the end of the sealed bag, the user inserted his hand into the closed space of the bag-shaped applicator for facial care. This article demonstrated excellent applicator ability for suntan lotions and did not soil the user's hands or clothes.

  By the same method as in Example 1, another applicator containing a polishing liquid as shown in FIG. 2 was prepared. The sealed bag containing the applicator was excellent in durability and oxygen barrier properties so that the polishing solution could be stored for a long time.

  When opened from the I-cut provided at the end of the sealed bag, the user inserted his hand into the applicator space and used it to polish the furniture. This article demonstrated excellent applicator capability for the polish and did not soil the user's hand or clothing.

  By the same method as in Example 1, as shown in FIG. 3, an applicator was formed in a package having an ultraviolet protection sunscreen lotion. The sealed packaging and applicator were excellent in durability and oxygen barrier properties, and the liquid lotion could be stored for a long time.

  The package was opened from the I-cut provided at the end of the sealed bag. The user applied his lotion to the face by inserting his hand into the cavity. This article had excellent application properties and prevented the lotion from contacting the user's hand or clothes.

  With the applicator shown in FIG. 2, an applicator with a cosmetic liquid containing a bleaching component was formed. The sealed packaging and applicator were excellent in durability and oxygen barrier properties, and the liquid could be maintained for a long time.

  The package was opened from the I-cut and the user inserted his hand into the cavity and used the article for facial care. This article had excellent application properties and prevented the lotion from contacting the user's hand or clothes.

  Obviously, various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described above.

It is the schematic which shows 1st Embodiment of invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an alternative configuration of an article / applicator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows yet another embodiment of an article / applicator according to the present invention. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a packaged article / applicator according to the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment of the present invention in which the article is placed with a tear cut so that the article remains partially in the package after opening. FIG. 3 shows a method for manufacturing a packaged article according to the invention.

Claims (50)

A packaged article,
An article (3) having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a cavity (6) for receiving a user's outer limb;
Packaging (1) surrounding the article;
A seam (5) that closes both the package (1) and the cavity (6) of the article, the opening of the seam (5) being the cavity (6) of the package (1) and the article (6). And a seam (5) that opens both.   The article (3) is secured to the package (1) in at least one position (12) such that the applicator remains secured to the package after the seam is opened. Item 1. A packaged article according to item 1.   The seam (5) is a tearable seam that can be torn from the packaged article, and the tearing of the seam tears apart a part of the article (3) and a part of the package (1); Packaged article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cavity (6) and the package (1) are opened.   The article (3) includes at least one impermeable layer (8) and at least one absorbent layer (7), wherein the impermeable layer has the cavity (6) from the absorbent layer. The packaged article of claim 1, wherein the packaged article is disposed inside the absorbent layer to be isolated.   Packaged article according to claim 4, wherein the article (3) is a product applicator and the product is held by the absorbent layer (7).   The packaged article of claim 5, wherein the article is configured to receive a finger or hand into the cavity.   6. A packaged article according to claim 5, wherein the product is a polishing product, a cleaning product, a liquid to pasty cosmetic product, such as a cosmetic foundation, a tanning product, a hair product, a dye, a makeup product.   A packaged article according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means for generating heat in response to exposure of the article (3) to oxygen.   A packaged article according to claim 5, wherein the absorbent layer (7) comprises an absorbent foam material.   The packaged article of claim 5, wherein the absorbent layer (7) comprises a nonwoven fabric.   The article (3) comprises a first layer, a second impermeable layer, and a third layer, wherein the first layer and the third layer are formed from any one of a woven fabric and a foam material. The packaged article according to 1.   A packaged article according to claim 8, wherein the article (3) comprises an impermeable layer for isolating the heat-generating material from the cavity (6).   The article (3) includes at least a first layer (7) and a second layer (8), the first layer includes one of a foam material and a fabric, and the second layer is an impermeable layer. The packaged article of claim 1, wherein the second layer isolates at least a portion of the first layer from the cavity.   The article (3) further includes a third layer proximate to the user's skin in response to inserting an outer limb into the cavity (6), wherein the second layer (8) is the first layer (7 ) And the third layer. The packaged article of claim 13.   14. A packaged article according to claim 13, wherein the package (1) comprises the plurality of layers, at least one of the layers being opaque.   The packaged article of claim 15, wherein the plurality of layers of the package (1) comprises a first layer comprising a resin.   The packaged article of claim 16, wherein the plurality of layers of the package (1) further comprises a metal foil and a metal thin film, for example made of aluminum.   Packaged article according to claim 13, wherein the package (1) comprises a transparent layer.   14. A packaged article according to claim 13, wherein the package (1) comprises a transparent layer resistant to ultraviolet radiation.   The packaged article of claim 1, further comprising a product (2) present in a dry form and dissolved in water for use.   21. Packaged article according to claim 20, wherein the product (2) comprises a surfactant.   The packaged article of claim 21, wherein the article (3) comprises a non-woven fabric.   The packaged article of claim 1, further comprising a product (2) disposed within the package (1) in a concentrated form that is diluted with water for use.   The article (3) is an applicator, and the package (1) has an enclosed region (9) defined between the inner surface of the package (1) and the outer surface of the applicator (3); Furthermore, before opening the package (1), the cavity (6) of the applicator (3) is isolated from the enclosed area (9) and the product (2) is the enclosed of the package. 24. A packaged applicator according to any one of claims 1 to 23, arranged in one of the enclosed region of the applicator (3) and the applicator (3).   25. The packaged applicator of claim 24, comprising an impermeable layer such that the inner surface of the applicator (3) is isolated from the outer surface of the applicator.   26. Packaged applicator according to claim 25, wherein the product (2) is in the form of a cosmetic article, in particular a liquid to a paste.   27. Packaged applicator according to claim 26, wherein the product (2) further comprises a woven layer, in particular a non-woven fabric, to form the outer surface of the applicator.   27. Packaged applicator according to claim 26, wherein the product (2) is a liquid product and the product is placed in the enclosed area (9).   25. Packaged applicator according to claim 24, comprising at least two layers (7, 8), said two layers comprising a woven layer, in particular a nonwoven and an impermeable layer.   The seam (5) closes both the cavity (6) of the applicator (3) and the enclosed area (9) of the package (1), so that the opening of the seam (5) is 30. The packaged applicator of claim 29, wherein the package is opened and the cavity is opened, thus allowing a user to insert an outer limb into the cavity.   The applicator (3) is secured to the package (1) in at least one position (12) so that the applicator (3) remains secured to the package (1) after opening the seam. 32. The packaged applicator of claim 30, wherein:   The seam (5) is a tear seam that can be torn from the packaged applicator, and tearing the seam tears apart a portion of the applicator (3) and a portion of the package. Item 32. The packaged applicator according to Item 30 or 31.   25. The packaged applicator of claim 24, wherein the product is dissolved in water for dryness and use.   34. A packaged applicator according to claim 33, wherein the product (2) comprises a surfactant.   25. The packaged applicator of claim 24, wherein the product (2) is placed in the package in a concentrated form that is dissolved in water for use. A method for forming a packaged article comprising:
Forming an article (3) having a cavity (6) for receiving a user's outer limb;
Inserting the article (3) into a partially formed package (1);
Sealing the end of the package to form a seam (5) for the package and closing the cavity of the article.   37. Forming the article comprises forming an article having an impermeable layer (8) and at least one layer (7) disposed on the impermeable layer from the outside. The method described in 1.   38. Method according to claim 37, wherein said at least one layer (7) comprises one of a foam layer and a fabric layer, in particular a nonwoven fabric.   37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of adding a product (2) into the package after the step of sealing the end.   40. The method of claim 39, wherein the product (2) is a liquid to pasty product.   41. Method according to claim 40, wherein the product (2) is a cosmetic product. i) product applicator (3);
ii) packaging (1) surrounding the product applicator;
iii) a product (2) to be applied by the product applicator, wherein the product (2) is placed in the package (1) and is in contact with the product applicator (3);
iv) a seam (5) that closes the package and secures the product applicator (3) to the package (1), the opening of the seam (5) opening the package and the product applicator (3 And a seam that allows the product to be applied in close proximity.   43. Packaged article according to claim 42, wherein the product (2) is a cosmetic product.   44. Packaged article according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the product (2) is dissolved in water for dryness and use.   44. Packaged article according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the product (2) is placed in a concentrated form and diluted with water for use. 44. Packaged article according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the product (2) comprises a surfactant.   47. A packaged article according to any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the product applicator (3) is an application pad or comprises a non-woven fabric.   48. Packaged article according to any one of claims 42 to 47, wherein the product applicator (3) has a cavity (6) for receiving a user's outer limb. 49. A packaged article according to claim 48, wherein the seam (5) closes both the package (1) and the cavity (6), and the opening of the seam (5) opens the cavity.   The product applicator (3) remains fixed to the package (1) after the seam (5) is opened, and the product applicator (3 is applied by applying force after the seam is opened. 50) Any of claims 42 to 49, wherein the product applicator (3) is secured to the package (1) in at least one position (12) so that it can be loosened from the package (1) A packaged article according to claim 1.

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