JP2013542135A - Flexible bag containing unit dose articles - Google Patents

Abstract

  A flexible sealing bag (10) containing a plurality of at least partially water soluble unit dose articles (100) comprises a front panel (30), a back panel (50), and a bottom panel. . The front and back panels are joined at the edges along at least two opposed edges (35a, 55a) that should be in opposition to form a closed bag. The front and rear panels are joined at the top of the bag by a fragile seal (20). The bottom panel is an interposed part of the front panel and the rear panel, and is joined to each of the front panel and the rear panel.

Description

  The field of the invention is packaging for unit dose articles, particularly unit dose articles with a laundry composition. Laundry compositions may include, but are not limited to, additives, detergents, fabric softeners, and perfumes for use in cleaning and / or rinsing cycles, among others. These unit dose articles may comprise the composition in any suitable form including, but not limited to, solids, pastes, gels, liquids, and combinations thereof. Non-solid laundry compositions will most commonly be encapsulated in a film material that is at least partially soluble in water.

  Life is getting worse than ever. We now have access to global information at the touch of a button, put our phone close at hand for any situation, and as a consumer, we are used to the lifestyle of getting it now It is coming. Household compositions such as detergents have been affected by this trend. For example, in the last decade and a half, manufacturers have moved from traditional large box laundry detergents and automatic dishwashing detergents to compact detergents and more recently unit dosage detergents. The unit dose is typically a tablet or water soluble pouch that can be added directly into the washing machine without the hassle or hassle of weighing. The unit dose is designed to dissolve in water during the wash cycle.

  Water soluble unit dose articles are susceptible to accidental or unintentional contact with moisture. As a result, it is important to protect the article from moisture during various stages of its life cycle, including during transport and storage. Packaging is a way to provide such protection. Packaging also forms an integral part of the product and may be the consumer's first point of contact with the brand. Thus, in addition to protecting unit dose articles from damage, the package must be aesthetically pleasing and provide consumers with space for brand establishment and usage information. In summary, the ideal package is functional, informative and incentive.

  One attempt to meet these needs has been to package unit dose articles in flexible bags. In order to prevent waste and to provide a filled-looking bag, the bag is typically sized according to the volume of the unit dose article contained therein. The height of the bag is often manipulated to provide a good shelf presence. The width of the bag is often manipulated to minimize the bag footprint on the shelf. Often, these considerations lead to a lengthy bag that has a small footprint and consequently a high center of gravity. These bags can tend to fall on the merchandise shelf.

  Some bags have windows through which consumers may view the product before purchasing. The size and placement of the window is such that the bag appears to be filled with product. Filled-looking bags are seen as an indispensable element for communicating to consumers that they are taking their originals.

  Given these considerations, as well as the fact that unit dose articles are sold in varying numbers, manufacturers may be required to produce a series of very many bags for a single final product. . This can be disadvantageous because it adds manufacturing costs.

  Thus, while protecting unit dose articles from moisture, providing consumers with brand and usage information, and packaging for a variety of article numbers, consumers still remain There is still a need for an incentive bag that suggests that you are getting value for money. Such a bag must also have a combination of bag dimensions that provides good process reliability while meeting these needs as a whole.

  The present invention is directed to a flexible sealing bag containing a plurality of unit dose articles. The flexible sealing bag contains at least one at least partially water soluble unit dose article having a major dimension. The flexible bag comprises a rear panel joined at the edge to the front panel along at least two opposed edges that should be in opposing relationship to form a panel and a closed bag. The front and rear panels are joined at the top by a fragile seal. The bottom panel is an interposed part of the front panel and the rear panel, and is joined to each of the front panel and the rear panel. The bag has a depth of at least about twice the depth of the major dimension of the at least one unit dose article.

  The present invention is also directed to a series of these bags, each having a height of less than about 300 mm, each differing in height by about 20 to about 30 mm.

While the specification concludes with the claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, the invention is further clarified from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It is thought that an understanding will be obtained.
1 is a perspective view of a bag containing articles according to the present invention. FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of an empty bag according to the present invention. 1 is a perspective view of a unit dose article according to the present invention. FIG. Sectional drawing of a drop mouth which is a path | route where the unit dose article of this invention falls. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag according to the present invention under a spout. FIG. 3 is a front view of a bottom seal according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a bottom seal according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of a bottom seal according to the present invention.

  One embodiment of a flexible bag 10 according to the present invention is as illustrated in FIG. The flexible bag 10 includes a front panel 30, a rear panel 50, and a bottom panel (not shown). The front panel 30 in this embodiment has a rectangular shape and includes spaced side edges 35a and 35b. The front panel is joined at the edge to the rear panel 50 along at least two opposed edges that are to be in opposition. FIG. 1 shows two opposing edges joined together at the edge, ie, the opposing edges of the front and back panels, which are 35a and 55a, respectively. The bottom panel (not shown) is an intervening portion between the front panel 30 and the rear panel 50 and is joined to each of the front panel 30 and the rear panel 50. The front panel 30 and the back panel 50 are joined at the top by a fragile seal 20 after the bag is filled with unit dose articles.

  A variety of materials can be used to form panels of the bag, seal (s), and other elements of the present invention. Technical requirements such as moisture protection and product compatibility, as well as manufacturing costs and simplicity, are the main factors in selecting these materials.

  One or more materials may be used to form one or more panels 30, 50 of the bag 10. In some embodiments, the one or more panels 30, 50 comprise a layer of material. In some embodiments, the layers are laminated together. Materials used include, but are not limited to, film-forming plastics. The film-forming plastic may be selected from the group of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, nylon (TM), Barex (TM), Evoh (TM), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the panels 30, 50 may comprise layers stacked together.

  The panels 30, 50 of the bag 10 may be joined along the edges 35a, 35b using any suitable method that will provide a seal that serves as a moisture barrier. Non-limiting examples include heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, self-adhesion, pressure sealing, adhesive sealing, and combinations thereof.

  Any suitable means of creating a fragile seal that joins the front and back panels together is useful. Non-limiting examples include cut dotted lines, application of weak lines, peelable seals, resealable closures, and combinations thereof.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front panel 30 may include at least one opaque portion 31 and at least one transparent window 32. The unit dose article 100 is dispensed from the bottom of the bag 10 to a height 110 therein, with the transparent window 32 separating the article 100 and the empty space 33 above the height 110 of the unit dose article 100 and emptying. Space 33 is provided. The flexible bag 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes an optional additional closure 25 for securing the bag 10 in a closed state after the fragile seal 20 is broken.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the flexible bag 10 is defined by its height 11 and width 12 when the bag 10 is not filled and is placed on a flat surface with the front panel up. Good. The height 11 and width 12 of the bag 10 are measured at their maximum values.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary unit dose article 100 of the present invention. The unit dose article 100 is preferably a use dose of a home care composition, including but not limited to a laundry, dishware, or hard surface cleaning composition. While such articles 100 can have a variety of forms, shapes, and compositions, the general characteristics of such additives are that when they are exposed to long-term and / or high levels of moisture, they degenerate. They are inactivated, destabilized, or susceptible to dissolution. As an example, laundry additives encapsulated in polymer films designed to dissolve quickly under both hot and cold water conditions may not be protected from long-term exposure to atmospheric moisture , Sticky, unstable, and may dissolve prematurely. Such articles are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2010/0192986 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,995,126, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the unit dose article 100 may have a needle stick shape with a major dimension 101. As used herein, “major dimension” defines the largest linear dimension of the largest unit dose article 100 in the bag. If the unit dose article 100 is substantially circular, the “major dimension” defines its diameter. In embodiments where the bag 10 contains a plurality of unit dose articles 100 having different shapes and sizes, the major dimension 101 corresponds to the major dimension of the largest unit dose of the article 100.

  In a preferred embodiment, the unit dose article has a needlestick shape with a major dimension of about 50 mm or less.

  The bag of the present invention is filled with a predetermined amount of unit dose article along the high speed line using any suitable method in the art. Non-limiting methods include vertical fill seals, horizontal fill seals, and horizontal fill seals.

  In any one or more of these processes, the unit dose article may be dispensed through a spout that directs the unit dose through the opening of the bag. In some embodiments, the opening is at the top of the bag, and in other embodiments, the opening is on the side of the bag. Once the bag is filled, the opening may be sealed. The filling and sealing process typically occurs at a line speed as high as 60 bags per minute. As a result, process reliability is one key to reducing downtime on the line.

  Process reliability may be affected by a number of factors, such as throat shape and bag shape. One factor to consider is that when unit dose articles are dispensed from the spout into the bag, they tend to form ridges inside the bag. If the height of the mound is too large, it can interfere with subsequent sealing of the bag, which in turn can lead to item breakage and line fouling.

  Another factor to consider is that when unit dose articles fall through the spout, they may gang up or “fill in” so that they plug the spout and further unit dose This prevents the article from being dispensed into the bag. Often, this problem leads to inconsistencies in the amount of unit dose articles contained within the bag as they are sealed.

  For these and other reasons, the size of the spigot is selected to minimize hole filling. The secondary dimension of the spout is selected to be at least about twice that of the major dimension of the largest unit dose article to be packaged in the bag. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary drop opening 700. The secondary dimension 710 of the throat is the diameter of a theoretical circle 711 inscribed in the cross section of the throat at the narrowest point along the height of the throat. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the spout may coincide with the cross-section of the bag, particularly at its opening. In other embodiments, the spout opening may be smaller than the cross section of the filling side of the bag.

  Bag dimensions can affect process reliability as well as presence in the shelf. As a result, the combination of bag dimensions is selected to maximize production presence in the shelf while minimizing production line disturbances. These dimensions are discussed in more detail below.

Bag depth:
When the unit dose article falls into the bag through the spout, there can be a filling in the opening of the bag. As a result, the size or “depth” from the front panel to the back panel of the bag at the opening during filling is selected to minimize hole filling. Referring to FIG. 5, the depth 13 of the bag 10 at its opening 15 is between the front panel 30 and the rear panel 50 when the bag is to be filled with a unit dose article from the spout 700. Is defined as the maximum distance.

  It has been found that bags having a bag opening depth of at least twice the major dimension of the largest unit dose article provide good process reliability. As noted above, preferred unit dose articles according to the present invention may have a major dimension that is about 50 mm or less. Thus, the preferred bag depth is at least twice that, or at least about 100 mm.

Bag Height Bag height is typically selected to provide a good presence on the merchandise shelf. It has been found that the bag height can allow easy differentiation by the consumer between bags containing different amounts of unit dose articles. The maximum bag height is often a function of the product shelf height. The height of the shelf (ie, the vertical distance between the top surface of the shelf and the bottom surface of the shelf just above it) is often about 300 mm. Thus, when different quantities of unit dose articles are to be sold, a series of bags having different heights, each less than 300 mm, are utilized.

  In order for differences in height to be readily apparent to consumers, it has been found that the minimum step height between bags is at least about 20 mm. Thus, a bag according to the present invention may be selected from a “menu” of bags starting at 200 mm and progressing up to 300 mm in 20 mm steps.

Aspect Ratio The “aspect ratio” of a flexible bag is defined as the ratio between bag height and width. The aspect ratio of the bag can affect the presence in the shelf of the bag and the stability on the shelf. Stability in the shelf is quantified by bag tip angle. The “tip angle” is defined herein as the maximum angle that the vertical axis of the package makes with the imaginary vertical line before the bag collapses. The angle is measured by tilting the package progressively until it collapses. The package can be tilted sideways, from front to back, or in any other direction desired. In the present application, we measure this tilt angle because the front-to-back tilt angle represents the least stable direction of the bag.

  For a given depth, a bag having a high aspect ratio will have a high center of gravity. A high center of gravity may in turn result in a reduced tip angle. A bag that is the same depth but has a lower aspect ratio will have a lower center of gravity and increased tip angle. Hence, a bag having a lower aspect ratio is more stable on the shelf.

  However, the stability in the shelf of the flexible bag is desirably balanced with a good shelf presence. In the laundry and automatic tableware product categories, flexible bags are typically long and narrow. Hence, short, wide bags may not fit this aesthetic.

  In balance of these considerations, the optimal aspect ratio of the flexible bag has been found to be about 1: 1 to about 1.3: 1, with the latter aspect ratio being most preferred.

Bag width For a given height and depth, there is a minimum bag width that ensures that the internal volume is sufficient to fit the contents in a reliable manufacturing operation. In other words, there is a minimum bag width that ensures that the unit dose will not be crushed by the bag sealing operation to cause fouling and line stoppage. The minimum width may be determined using laboratory testing equipment that mimics filling equipment on high speed lines.

Once the height and aspect ratio of the flexible bag are selected, the bag width may be calculated as follows:
Bag Width = Bag Height / Aspect Ratio Bag Headspace / Filling Level The filling level percentage and the headspace percentage of the flexible bag are calculated as filling height / bag height and headspace height / bag height, and the formula During,
Filling height + headspace height = bag height.

  The required headspace depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, bag size, unit dose size, coefficient of friction, bumps, and filling device design. The flexible bag according to the present invention is designed to minimize the head space required for process reliability.

  The fill level of the flexible package according to the present invention is in the range of about 28 to about 45% percent of the bag height, or in the range of about 32 to 45% of the bag height. Most commonly, the fill level is about 35% of the bag height.

Bottom Seal Referring to FIGS. 6a, b, and c, three common types of bag 10 bottom seal 900: parabolic seal (FIG. 6a), triangular seal (FIG. 6b), or square seal (FIG. 6c). Exists. As mentioned above, the stability in the shelf of the flexible bag may be quantified by its tip angle. Thus, one skilled in the art may choose a bottom seal that provides the highest tip angle and consequently the best shelf stability.

  Within category unit dose laundry and tableware products, commercial bottles and bags have been found to have a tip angle of about 20 ° to 30 °. Thus, the bag according to the present invention desirably has a tip angle of at least about 20 °. A square seal combined with a depth of at least about 100 mm provides a flexible package according to the present invention having this desirable tip angle.

  The flexible bag according to the present invention may further comprise optional components including, but not limited to, windows, resealable closures, and perfumes.

  Referring again to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the flexible bag 10 may further comprise one or more transparent or translucent windows 32 through which the consumer can see the bag 10 at the point of purchase. When displayed to a consumer for purchase, the filling line of unit dose article 100 can be seen. A useful window configuration is disclosed in a co-pending US patent application filed on September 20, 2010, having an agent docket number 11880.

  A flexible bag according to the present invention may comprise more than one seal. For example, if the bag is sealed with a fragile seal, it may further comprise a resealable seal so that, after use, the consumer may close the bag in a sealable manner.

  The flexible bag may further include a fragrance. The perfume may be applied to the inside of the bag using any suitable means. A non-limiting example is the application of a band of adhesive containing a fragrance to the inside of a bag. Useful adhesive perfume bands are found in US Pat. No. 7,034,025 and US Publication No. 2008/0081774 A1.

  The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” shall mean “about 40 mm”.

  All documents cited in this application, including all patents or patent applications that are cross-referenced or related, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, unless expressly stated to be excluded or limited. Citation of any document does not admit that such document is prior art to all inventions disclosed or claimed in this application, or such document alone or in all other references. And no reference to, teaching, suggestion, or disclosure of any such invention in any combination thereof. Further, in this document, if the scope of any meaning or definition of a term conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in the incorporated literature, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document Priority shall be given.

  While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent 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. Accordingly, it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (15)

A flexible sealing bag containing at least one at least partially water-soluble unit dose article having a major dimension, comprising:
The bag
A rear panel joined at an edge to the front panel along at least two opposed edges that should be in opposition to form a front panel and a closed bag, the front panel and the rear panel A front panel and a rear panel, the side panels being joined at the top by a fragile seal;
A bottom panel, which is an interposed part of the front panel and the rear panel, and is joined to each of the front panel and the rear panel;
With
The bag has a depth that is at least about twice the depth of the major dimension of the at least one unit dose article;
Said unit dose article is preferably a flexible sealing bag having a unit dose of a liquid laundry composition.   The flexible sealing bag of claim 1, wherein the bag has a depth of at least about 100 mm.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one unit dose article has a major dimension of about 50 mm or less.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, wherein the unit dose article has a needle stick shape.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag has a height of less than about 300 mm.   The flexible sealing bag according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the bag has an aspect ratio of about 1: 1 to about 1.3: 1.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag has a tip angle of at least about 20 °. The bag is provided with a polymer film throughout,
The front panel of the bag has a generally rectangular shape and has spaced side edges that define a width therebetween,
The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, wherein the side edge of the front panel is heat-sealed with respect to a corresponding side edge of the rear panel.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, further comprising at least one window.   The flexible sealing bag according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a bottom seal selected from the group consisting of a parabolic seal, a triangular seal, and a quadrangular seal.   The flexible sealing bag in any one of Claims 1-10 provided with the square-shaped seal | sticker.   The flexible sealing bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag has a depth of about 100 mm. A series of flexible sealing bags comprising the flexible sealing bag according to claim 1,
Each of the bags has a height of less than about 300 mm;
A series of flexible sealing bags, each of which differs in height by about 20 to about 30 mm.   14. A series of flexible sealing bags according to claim 13, wherein each of the bags contains a different amount of a unit dose article.   Use of the flexible sealing bag according to any one of claims 1-14.

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