KR100504311B1 - Flexible packaging bag with window - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, there is provided a flexible packaging bag 50 for receiving a plurality of articles. Each article preferably has components that are visible to users, buyers, and the like. The flexible packaging bag includes a viewing window 88 of one of the walls with a perimeter that generally surrounds the graphic, which is preferably visible. The visual vent 96 may be provided on another wall to visually relate to the viewing window to attract the attention of the user, buyer, etc. with a graphic of the viewable article. In addition, an accessory viewing window 98 is provided in the flexible packaging bag so that the quantity of the remaining article can be visually easily determined.

Description

FLEXIBLE PACKAGING BAG WITH WINDOW

The present invention relates to a flexible packaging bag for storing and dispensing an article. In particular, the present invention relates to a flexible packaging bag having visual display features that enable visual recognition of a designated portion of a stored article.

Packaging bags made of flexible polymer materials are used to package a variety of products, including infant diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence garments. This packaging bag enables the packaging of the article to produce a cardboard box appearance and form that facilitates shipping and display on retail shelves. The packaging bag may include a handle that facilitates transport of the packaging bag and may include a mechanism for providing an access opening in the packaging.

In order to inform the consumer of the contents of a particular bag, the material from which the bag is manufactured is printed with textual information, illustrations, etc. appropriate to the particular item. In general, the background color is printed on the material from which the packaging bag is made, and on the background color, a description describing the design of the stored article and the article, use, manufacturer, and the like is further printed.

One of the problems with existing printing methods for such packaging bags is that the packaging bags may not truly represent the actual product stored therein. This may have the undesirable effect of reducing the consumer's confidence in the composition of the product, and thus the performance of the product.

The above and other features of the present invention, the manner of achieving the same, and the present invention itself will be better understood with reference to the following description of the present invention taken with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a front view of an article with graphics on top;

2 is a front view of another article with graphics on top;

3 is a perspective view of one packaging bag of the present invention.

4 is a perspective view of an article stack.

5 is a perspective view of a second packaging bag of the present invention.

6 is a front view of a third packaging bag of the present invention.

7 is a front view of a fourth packaging bag of the present invention.

8 is a plan view of a fifth packaging bag of the present invention.

9 is a plan view of a sixth packaging bag of the present invention.

10 is a perspective view of a packaging bag opened to expose an interior space and an article stored therein;

11 is a perspective view of a seventh packaging bag of the present invention.

12 is a perspective view of an eighth packaging bag of the present invention.

In accordance with the above-discussed difficulties and problems faced in the prior art, flexible packaging bags with visual display characteristics have been developed.

In one embodiment of the invention, a flexible packaging bag for receiving a compressed disposable absorbent article stack is provided, the packaging bag comprising a polyhedral enclosure having an interior space composed of a flexible polymeric material. . The polyhedral receiving portion has a perforation line located in at least one of the walls for accessing a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, a bottom wall and an interior space. The compressed disposable absorbent article stack is compression packed in a polyhedral enclosure and applies inflation force against the end wall. Each disposable absorbent article includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent pad located between the top sheet and the back sheet. Each article has a front panel, a back panel, a crotch panel, and graphics designed on the front panel of each article. At least a portion of one of the end walls is at least substantially transparent, and the compressed article stack is positioned in the polyhedral enclosure such that at least a portion of a graphic of one of the articles can be visually recognized through a portion of one wall. .

In another embodiment of the present invention, a packaging bag is provided comprising a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, the walls defining an interior space. The article stack is housed in an interior space, and the article has a front panel and a back panel, respectively. There is a mechanism or means for accessing the interior space for dispensing the article. There is a graphic on the front panel of each article, and there is a first window with a perimeter in one of the walls, the perimeter substantially surrounding at least a portion of the graphic. There is a second viewing window with a perimeter on the other wall and a second graphic on the back panel of each article. The periphery of the second viewing window substantially surrounds at least a portion of the graphics on the rear panel.

1 and 2 illustrate a disposable absorbent defecation training pant for children, the term "disposable" means that the defecation training panties are designed to be used and discarded until they are dirty rather than washed and reused. Examples of other suitable disposable absorbent articles that can be used with the flexible packaging bag of the present invention include, but are not limited to, disposable absorbent panties, diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, disposable clothing, and the like. In the following, for example, when used for disposable training pant, the term “component” means all or a portion of a designated area such as a corner, corner, side, or the like; Structural members such as elastic strips, absorbent pads, elastic layers or elastic panels, and material layers; Or graphics may be referred to, but are not limited thereto. The term "graphic" may refer to, but is not limited to, an image, a design, a pattern, a symbol, an indicia, and the like.

Disposable absorbent articles, such as the training pant shown in FIG. 1 or 2, may have multiple appearance related and / or functional related components. Examples of appearance related components include graphics; Prominent or accentuated leg and waist openings to make the shape of the product more clear or noticeable; Highlighting or emphasizing areas of the article to mimic functional components, such as elastic leg bands, elastic waist bands, simulated "fly openings" for boys, or frills for girls; Highlighting the area of the product to change its appearance size; Optionally located wetness indicator; Rear label or front label; Includes, but is not limited to, text instructions selectively positioned at a location on the article.

Examples of functional components include waist elastics, leg elastics, ventilated areas, fluid waterproof areas, fluid absorbing areas, adhesives, coatings, encapsulated inks, chemically sensitive materials, environmentally sensitive materials, thermally sensitive materials, moisture sensitive materials, perfumes , Fragrances, inks, fasteners, fluid storage areas, textured or embossed areas, and the like.

Referring now to FIG. 1, generally a front panel 12, a rear panel 14, a crotch panel 16 interconnecting the front and rear panels 12, 14, and a pair of elasticity A child disposable bowel movement pant 10 including a side panel 18 is shown. Each resilient side panel 18 is formed of two separate resilient portions to form a side seam 20 and suitably joined to each other by ultrasonic bonding or the like. In the construction of the side seams 20, a waist opening 22 and a leg opening 24 are formed. The side seam 20 may be configured to be manually rupturable such that the training pant 10 may be manually disassembled by a guardian, so that it can be easily removed from the child after defecation. A more detailed description of the configuration and design of the above described training pant 10 is disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,940,464, which is incorporated herein by reference. One specific manner of supplying the elastic side panel 18 is described in US Pat. No. 5,224,405 and US Pat. No. 5,104,116, both incorporated herein by reference. The provision of the side seams 20 can be accomplished by the method described in US Pat. No. 5,046,272, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The training pant 10 includes a front waist elastic portion 26 suitably coupled to the front panel 12, a rear waist elastic portion 28 suitably coupled to the rear panel 14, and a crotch panel 16. And an absorbent pad (not shown) positioned between the liquid elastic impermeable outer cover or back sheet 34 and the liquid permeable liner or top sheet 36 suitably positioned at the leg elastics 30. . The graphic 38 is optionally positioned on the front panel 12 and includes the design of a simulated "lap opening 40" typical for men's underwear with rainbows, sun, clouds and automobiles as shown. The graphic 38 may be in any form, such as a desired pattern, artistic shape, or the like, and is preferably positioned on the article at a designated location.

2 typically shows another training pant 42 that may be used for girls. This training pant 42 includes a graphic 44 representing other kinds of appearance related components that may be included in a disposable absorbent article. Graphic 44 includes a mock waist frill 46, a mock leg frill 48 with rainbows, sun, clouds, carriages and balloons. Likewise, any suitable graphic may be used to convey an artistic and / or functionally pleasant appearance to users and caregivers.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, there is shown a flexible packaging bag 50 having a polyhedron shape that defines or forms a polyhedron receiving portion. Specifically, the packaging bag 50 has a polyhedron shape that defines or defines a polyhedron accommodating portion. The packaging bag 50 is defined by a pair of end walls 52, a pair of side walls 54, a top wall 56 and a bottom wall 58. Each of the walls has a perimeter, such as perimeter 62, for the end wall 52. The walls 52, 54, 56, 58 define an interior space 60 (FIG. 10) for receiving a compressed article stack 64 (FIG. 4), such as a training pant 10. The term “compressed articles” or similar terminology indicates that an article stack, such as the training pant 10 of FIG. 4, may be applied in a stacking direction 66 to reduce the length dimension 68 of the original uncompressed article. Means compression inward by compressive forces at the front and rear panels or front and rear surfaces, such as front panel 12 and rear panel 14, in a direction parallel to FIG. 4). Compressed laminate 64 also includes a width dimension 70 and a height dimension 72. The term “compression packed” or similar term refers to the condition or condition of the training pant 10 after it has been compressed and inserted into the packaging bag 50. The term "expansion force" or similar term refers to a substantially identical force applied primarily to the end wall 52 by the laminate 64 compressed in a parallel direction opposite the compressive force. Naturally, the walls of the packaging bag 50 all experience some degree of tension.

The packaging bag 50 may be made of other materials, or may be made of substantially the same kind of material. Typically, the material is a polymer film having sufficient flexibility to achieve a generally hexahedral shape when the bag 50 is almost filled with the training pant 10. In addition, the material should have sufficient strength to hold and receive the training pant 10 or other article without rupture of the film material and without excessive bulging or stretching. For example, the film material may be composed of a polyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about 0.0635 mm (about 2.5 mils). Other examples include LDPE (low density polyethylene) films, LDPE / LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) film laminates, LDPE / MDPE (medium density polyethylene) film laminates, LDPE / HDPE (high density polyethylene) film laminates, and the like. Naturally, the dimensions of the packaging bag 50 depend not only on the desired or artistically good shape, but also on the type of article contained therein. Suitable packaging bags and methods of construction thereof are shown and described in US Pat. No. 5,282,687, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The bag 50 further includes means in at least one of the walls for accessing the interior space 60 (FIG. 10) for dispensing the training pant 10 from the bag 50. FIG. The means for access may be a frangible line that breaks easily. The perforation line 74 (FIG. 3) may be disposed or formed at a predetermined position or point on the packaging bag 50 from which the training pant 10 may be dispensed therefrom. As shown in FIG. 3, the perforation line 74 is partially located on one sidewall 54, runs downward along the bottom wall 58, and faces the opposite sidewall 54 at approximately the same distance as the sidewall 54. Follow up). This is also shown in FIG. 10 where the tear line 74 ruptures to provide an opening 76 for accessing and dispensing the training pant 10. The perforation line 74 may, for example, partially cut or otherwise thin the packaging material in a predetermined pattern to provide holes of the specified pattern along predetermined portions or walls of the packaging bag, and may be provided along predetermined lines of the packaging bag. By providing a stress-fatigue weakness of the pattern, and the like. As shown, the tear line 74 is provided by a series of holes where there may be approximately 2 to 10 holes per inch (2.54 cm).

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4, the training pant 10 is folded such that the elastic side panels 18 (FIG. 1) are disposed inward between the front panel 12 and the rear panel 14, respectively. As shown in Fig. 4, the training pant 10 generally has opposing side edges 78, top edges 80, bottom edges 82, facing surfaces 84 (only one in Fig. 4) and The peripheral edge 86 is defined. In the case where the training pant is compression packed in the packaging bag 50, the surface 84 faces along the stacking direction 66. Thus, the upper edge 80 of the training pant 10 (shown in FIG. 4) is in contact with the bottom wall 58, and the bottom edge 82 of the training pant 10 is at the top of the bag 50. The side edge 78 of the training pant 10 is in contact with the wall 56, and the outermost surface 84 of the last training pant 10 is the end wall 52. ). It should be noted that the bottom edge 82 of the training pant 10 of FIG. 4 corresponds to the waist opening 22 (FIG. 1).

Referring to Figures 3 and 10, the packaging bag 50 is opened by rupturing the perforation line 74 to access the training pant 10 through the opening 76. Typically, separation of the tear line 74 ruptures a portion thereof, and then tears along the tear line 74 through the cutout portion of the bottom wall 58 and the sidewalls 54 from which the tear line 74 was made or Is initiated by propagating the tear. By rupturing the perforation 74 in this manner, the user can insert a finger or thumb through the opening 76 to access the training pant 10. Next, the user may grasp the upper portion of the training pant 10 to take out the training pant 10 from the bag 50, and the remaining training pant 10 is in the restraint or the inner space 60. maintain.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the packaging bag 50 further includes a viewing window 88 disposed or positioned within a portion of the end wall 52. The see-through window 88 includes a see-through periphery 90 having a shape approximately similar to the periphery of the end wall 52. The sight glass 88 at least substantially surrounds the components of the training pant 10 housed in the packaging bag 50. In FIG. 3, the components surrounded by the sight glass 88 are part of the graphic 38, which can be visually recognized through the sight glass 88. The training pant 10 may also have other graphics on the rear panel 14, in which case the end walls 52 are opposed from the end walls 52 with the viewing window 88 surrounding the graphics 38. It may be desirable to have such graphics on the rear panel 14 that can be visually perceived through). In this case, the opposite end wall, ie such end wall, which is not seen in FIG. 3, also has a viewing window.

Depending on the type of article contained within the packaging bag 50 and components such as graphics of such article, it may be desirable to have a viewing window on a wall different from the end wall 52. For example, if the article stack is packaged in a different orientation within the packaging bag 50, either the side wall 54 or the top wall 56 or the bottom wall 58 may have a viewing window that can visually recognize the component. have.

When referring to the see-through window 88 that surrounds a component, such as a graphic 38, the term "framing," substantially framing ", or variations thereof, means that the periphery of the see-through window is visually displayed. Encompassing or enclosing all or at least a portion of a component for purposes of, and in the context of this description, a component is visually perceivable if it is transparent or substantially transparent to the viewer. ) "Refers to the ability of an object to transmit light so that the component or part thereof can be seen as transparent, without any obstructions between the component and the individual. The term" substantially clear "means light The ability to transmit light, but to cause light diffusion sufficient to eliminate perception of distinct images, shapes, and shapes Called.

As such, the present invention provides a feature that allows a user, guardian, or the like to visually see or recognize a component or part of an article being purchased, which is particularly desirable when the article is packaged in a packaging bag. The buyer can also view or determine the size of the article, providing a reasonable degree of reliability. This gives both the user and the caregiver product visibility at the time of purchase. For example, in the case where the bag 50 has received the training pant 10, the child can not only view the specific product selected, but also the gender characteristic graphic. This gives the child a subjective and active role in the process of bowel movements. This is especially important in encouraging children to practice bowel movements. It is equally important that the guardian can see the desired features or components of the product. For example, if the training pant 10 has a unique outer cover, i.e., a cloth-like texture on both sides and includes a unique design or graphic, the guardian may have a high degree of confidence in the product selected for purchase.

In manufacturing a packaging bag such as a packaging bag 50 for storing and distributing an article such as a training pant 10, a color, a pattern, and a text instruction on the outermost or innermost surface of the packaging material. It is common to print manufacturers, manufacturers, and the like. As used herein, the term “background” or variations thereof refers to a color or ink image that is preferentially distinguishable or recognizable of the surroundings printed on the packaging bag 50. For example, if the training pant 10 is manufactured as a sex characteristic training pant such as the training pant 10 of FIG. 1 and the training pant 42 of FIG. 2, the packaging bag 50 is a blue background color for the boy. And pink background color for girls. In this case, the preferred perceptible or distinguishable color of the surroundings is blue or pink. The term "copy" refers to letter signs, numbers, letters, symbols, artistic pictures or patterns, and the like. Generally, a copy is printed over the background or over an area of the packaging bag 50 where the background is not printed. In the above example where the background is blue for the boy, the blue packaging bag 50 may have a pattern printed on the training pant along with other designs and text instructions for proper use.

Likewise, the pink packaging 50 may have a pattern of girls' training pants as well as instructions for proper use. The term "substantially transparent" refers to a portion of the packaging bag 50 or the entirety of the packaging bag 50 that may have a copy, but without a background. An example of this is that one of the walls of the packaging bag 50 has no background but includes printed text instructions for use.

Referring primarily to FIG. 3, the packaging bag 50 includes a copy 92, shown generally horizontally. Such a portion of the packaging bag 50 outside the copy 92 may have a background such as printed blue or pink as described above. Finally, looking at the end wall 52 with the viewing window 88, the individual may have a background 94 such as blue or pink, a copy 92 where text instructions or other data may be recorded, and a graphic ( 38 is visually visible, such as a viewing window 88 that can be visually recognized.

In some cases where the packaging bag 50 is arranged on a retail shelf, it may not be practical to orient the packaging bag 50 so that the viewing window 88 is visible. In this case, for example, the packaging bag 50 may be oriented on the shelf space such that one of the side walls 54 can be seen. In order to draw attention to the end wall 52 with the viewing window 88 where the graphic 38 can be seen, a visual cue is arranged or arranged on at least one of the side walls 54. The gaze induction part 96 is at least substantially transparent, and has a lightning shape, for example, as shown in FIG. Note that for clarity, the gaze induction part 96 does not show the side edges 78 (Fig. 4) of the individual training panties 10 housed therein. When the observer looks at the eye guidance unit 96, the observer pays attention to the end wall 52, so that components such as a graphic 38 of an article such as a training pant 10 may be visually recognized. The gaze induction part 96 also functions as a product remaining amount indicator or gauge, so that the guardian can easily determine the quantity of the training pant 10 remaining in the packaging bag 50.

The gaze guide part 96 may or may not be continuous with the viewing window 88. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the eye gaze guide 96 and the sight window 88 form a closed loop pattern or peripheral portion. However, it may be desirable to have a line of sight 96 and a sight window 88 provided as separate visible areas for manufacturing, printing, or packaging. In the latter case, the eye guide 96 still serves to draw attention to the sight glass 88 and the graphics 38. As such, the gaze guide unit 96 is visually associated with the viewing window 88 to attract the attention of the buyer, the user, and the like through the viewing window 88 and the graph 38.

Continuing mainly with reference to FIG. 3, the packaging bag 50 further includes an accessory viewing window 98 located on the top wall 56. Due to the particular structure of the bag 50, the top wall 56 includes an upper gusset 100, and the bottom wall 58 includes a bottom reinforcement 102. This particular structure is described in more detail in US Pat. No. 5,282,687. Regardless of whether the top wall 56 has an upper reinforcement 100, the accessory viewing window 98 allows at least a portion of the contents of the interior of the training pant 10 or the like to be visually recognized. An accessory viewing window 98 may be located or formed on any of the walls of the packaging bag 50, but is present in the top wall 56 so that the user may have a training pant 10 left in the packaging bag 50. It is desirable to be able to determine the quantity. It should be noted that the top wall 56 has not only a seal 104 associated with the formation of the top reinforcement 102, but also a similar seal at the bottom reinforcement 102. The accessory viewing window 98 need not be located on a particular wall with reinforcement. As with the viewing window 88, the accessory viewing window 98 may be transparent or substantially transparent and may include a copy as long as it does not interfere with the required use of the accessory viewing window 98. If desired, an accessory viewing window 98 may also be used to attract the attention of the buyer, the user, etc. with the viewing window 88 and graphics 38. The accessory viewing window 98 may take any shape, design, or form that is artistically comfortable or provides a means of attracting attention to the viewing window 88. FIG. 9 shows an accessory viewing window 98 positioned in the upper wall 56, and FIG. 8 shows an accessory viewing window 98 extending to the end or end of the upper wall 56 adjacent or subsequent to the end wall 52. Modifications are shown.

The present invention contemplates various features as shown in the figures. In Figure 5, the packaging bag 50 is all made of a transparent or substantially transparent material, so that most, if not all, of the individual training pant 10 can be seen. However, it may be necessary to include some copy content, and to some extent most training pant 10 can be seen.

6 shows the packaging bag 50 with the sight glass 88 positioned completely within the perimeter of the end wall 52. While copy content 92 is shown, it may be removed if desired. Similarly, see-through window 88 may be transparent or substantially transparent.

FIG. 7 illustrates another variation in which the end wall 52 is either completely transparent or substantially transparent, such that the anterior portion of the training pant 10, such as the anterior waist elastic portion 26 and at least a portion of the graphic 38, is present. It is shown.

11 and 12 show a wraparound viewing window 106 of the packaging bag 50. In FIG. 11, the viewing window 106 substantially surrounds the four walls of the packaging bag 50, specifically the end wall 52 and the side wall 54. The term "substantially wraps around" means that the sight glass 106 may not be able to continuously wrap around the packaging bag 50 due to manufacturing or sealing requirements. However, it is preferable that the sight glass 106 surrounds the packaging bag 50 continuously. The wrap-around window 106 also serves to check the remaining amount of the training pant 10 in the packaging bag 50. In FIG. 12, the sight glass 106 substantially surrounds the end wall 52, the top wall 56, and the bottom wall 58.

Although the present invention has been described as having a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that further modifications are possible. Accordingly, the present invention, which may be or be known or commonly employed in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, is derived from the disclosure of the present invention within the limits of the appended claims, following the general principles of the present invention, It should be construed to include modifications, substitutions, uses, or modifications of the present invention.

Claims (15)

A flexible packaging bag for receiving a compressed laminate of folded disposable absorbent articles, A polyhedral accommodating portion made of a flexible polymer material having an inner space and having a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, A perforation line located in at least one of the walls to access the interior space, Compressively wrapped in the polyhedral accommodating portion to apply inflation force to the end wall, each having an upper sheet, a rear sheet, and absorbent pads between the upper sheet and the rear sheet, and configured to be worn by a user A compressed laminate of folded disposable absorbent articles, each further comprising a front panel, a back panel and a crotch panel, Graphics designed for each of the absorbent articles, At least a substantially transparent portion in an end wall of one of said end walls; A viewing window configured on at least one of the walls to allow an observer to determine the quantity of absorbent articles in the packaging bag, The compressed stack of disposable absorbent articles may comprise a portion of the one or more graphics of one of the disposable absorbent articles through the at least substantially transparent portion in the one wall to which the compressed stack of disposable absorbent articles applies inflation force. A flexible packaging bag, wherein at least a portion thereof is folded and positioned within the polyhedron receiving portion. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, further comprising at least a substantially transparent region on another of said walls, said region leading to said at least substantially transparent portion of said one end wall. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least a substantially transparent area on another one of said walls, said area being separated from said at least substantially transparent portion of said one end wall, but with said at least one graphic. Flexible packaging bag, characterized in that positioned to attract. 2. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein said one end wall is at least substantially transparent in its entirety. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein at least substantially transparent portion of the end wall of one of the end walls is transparent. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein said disposable absorbent article is a disposable absorbent defecation training pant for children comprising elastic side panels joined together by side seams to form a waist opening and leg opening. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein the tear line is provided on two walls. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein the tear line is provided on three walls. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein the tear line is a series of holes. The flexible packaging bag of claim 1, wherein the tear line is provided on three walls other than the end walls. In the packaging bag, A pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall defining an internal space, A folded disposable absorbent article laminate housed in said interior space, each configured to be worn by a user, said folded disposable absorbent article comprising a front panel and a back panel; An access portion in at least one of the walls, A first graphic designed on the front panel of each said article, A first viewing window located on one of the end walls and having a perimeter surrounding at least a portion of the first graphic; A second graphic designed on the back panel of each said article, A second viewing window located on another of said end walls, said second viewing window having a periphery substantially surrounding at least a portion of said graphic on said back panel; And a viewing window configured on at least one of said walls to allow an observer to determine the quantity of absorbent articles in said packaging. 12. The packaging bag of claim 11, further comprising at least a substantially transparent area located on another of the walls to visually associate with the viewing windows. 12. The packaging bag of claim 11, wherein said access portion comprises a perforation line. 13. The packaging bag of claim 12, wherein said at least substantially transparent area is subsequent to said viewing windows. 11. The packaging bag of claim 10, wherein the three walls include one of the two side walls and the bottom wall and the top wall.