NZ515868A - Disposable hygienic packaging for retaining a sanitary pad closable with semi-permanent adhesive - Google Patents

Abstract

Pocket 22 is of sufficient size to contain a sanitary pad 21 and has an opening 23 sealed by semi-permeable adhesive 24. Tabs 27 are provided to facilitate opening and closing of the pocket 22.

Description

515868 Intellectual Property Office of NZ 3 0 SEP 2002 RECEIVED PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION DISPOSABLE HYGIENIC PACKAGING 40 We, PLATINUM LINING LIMITED, a New Zealand company of 10/104 Freyberg Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Our ref: NOAOOI 30 Patents Form No. 5 No. 515868 Dated: 29 November 2001 1 DISPOSABLE HYGIENIC PACKAGING TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to hygiene products and packages. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a disposable package for attending to human hygiene needs.

BACKGROUND ART Cleaning the soiled area of a person, particularly an infant during a period before the child is toilet trained, can require the use of a number of cleaning items. Apart from the common use of a nappy, and more recently disposable nappies, moisturised or wet wipes or towelettes, barrier cream and powders to prevent or minimise nappy rash on 15 the skin adjacent soiled regions are also commonly used.

While these items can be readily available in a home by being located adjacent to a changing table or area, it can be inconvenient to continuously pack and unpack such items for outings away from the home. Further, as items such as wet wipes and barrier 20 creams can be provided in large containers, they can be cumbersome and inconvenient during transportation.

Some adults suffer from severe incontinence or other health concerns and may require hygienic products while in transit, or at rest homes or hospitals or the like. Healthcare 25 providers or caregivers of various organisations may have a need to stock hygienic products such as sanitary pads and other hygiene products available, at least for emergency purposes. If unexpected soiling occurs, it can be difficult to find such items in one place to enable a caregiver or healthcare provider to attend to the needs of a person. 2 It is an object of the invention to provide a portable and disposable package for attending to hygiene needs which overcomes at least some of the abovementioned problems, or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first broad aspect of the invention there is provided a disposable hygiene package, the package including a receptacle having a pocket with a resealable opening, and wherein a plurality of sanitary items, including a sanitary pad, is retainable within 10 the pocket.

Preferably the receptacle is made of a flexible material, the pocket being adapted to be water impervious. Desirably the receptacle is made of a suitable durable and resilient flexible plastics material.

Preferably the package further includes tabs attachable at one end of the receptacle, in use, to allow access to the sanitary items within the pocket, and to reclose the pocket and fold the receptacle after use.

Advantageously the receptacle is adapted to include a soft absorbent material attached to the surface of the receptacle for use as a changing mat.

Preferably wherein the sanitary pad is a disposable nappy for use on an infant.

Desirably the package further includes a disposable wipe or towelette. Preferably the towelette is moisture impregnated. Advantageously the towelette is separately packaged in a sachet or water impervious package. Preferably a plurality of wipes or towelettes are included in the package.

Preferably the package further includes a barrier cream and/or moisterising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat. Desirably the gloves are made of latex. 3 Preferably the package includes any one or more of the following sanitary items including barrier cream and/or moisterising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat, each said sanitary item being separately packaged in a hermetically sealed bag.

Desirably the receptacle includes a first pocket and a second pocket separated by a fold line. Preferably each of the first pocket and the second pocket has at least one resealable opening. Desirably the first pocket contains the sanitary pad or disposable nappy, and wherein the second pocket contains wipes or towelettes, barrier cream and/or moisturising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat.

According to a second broad aspect of the invention there is provided a container for retaining a plurality of packages according to the first aspect of the invention, the container including at least two sides forming a bag for a plurality of packages, and having a flap of the width of the bag and being attached at one end to the bag and the 15 other end being a sufficient distance to enable the flap to be used as a changing mat, the other end of the flap being releasably attachable to the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1: Shows a side view of a disposable hygiene package according to one embodiment of the invention; Figure 2: Shows an end view of the disposable hygiene package of figure 1; Figure 3: Shows a side view of a disposable hygiene package according to second embodiment of the invention; Figure 4: Shows an end view of the disposable hygiene package of figure 3; 4 Figure 5: Shows an end view of a folded package of figure 3; and Figure 6: Shows a perspective view of a container for retaining a plurality of disposable hygiene packages.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to figures 1 and 2, a disposable hygiene package, generally referred to as 1, according to one embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

A disposable hygiene package 1 includes a plurality of sanitary items, including a sanitary pad preferably in the form of a disposable nappy 2. It will be appreciated that the package of the invention is tailored to provide a sanitary pad for use to meet a person's hygiene requirements. Sanitary pads are intended to include pads and 15 disposable diapers and nappies for adults suffering from incontinence or any other health related disposition where the person may not be in a position, or be capable of using a toilet or convenience, or simply not be able to control excretions voluntarily.

Sanitary pads, particularly disposable diapers or nappies, are in extensive use for infants. 20 The disposable hygiene package 1 is particularly useful for caregivers for use on infants in transit or away from the infant's normal place of residence. In the non-limiting embodiments shown, the sanitary pad will be a disposable nappy 2.

A disposable nappy 2 is desirably packaged and retained in a pocket 3 of a receptacle 4. 25 The receptacle 4 preferably has an opening 5 that is resealable. The resealable opening desirably includes a semi-permanent bond or adhesive covering a sufficient area of the opening to enable the opening to be reclosable.

The receptacle 4 includes fastening means to enable the receptacle 4 to be opened for 30 access to the contents. Desirably the fastening means is in the form of a plurality of tabs 6 desirably beatable at one end of the receptacle 4 and allowing the package 1 to be opened to provide access to the contents in the pocket 3 obtainable via the resealable opening 5.

It is envisaged that the package 1 may be provided with a tamper evident device sealing 5 the contents from access until the time of use. If the package 1 is opened before use, the tamper evident device, in the form of a perforated line 4a across the receptacle 4 and preventing ready access to the opening 5 of the pocket 3.

Advantageously the package 1 may be adapted to include a changing mat or liner 7. 10 The changing mat 7 may be particularly useful in a package 1 designed for changing infants nappies. The mat 7 is preferably of a sufficient size and absorbency to be placed under an infant's posterior and enable any excretions to be absorbed on the mat 7. This will be useful if the infant is being changed on carpet or other such floor coverings where it is undesirable to soil the floor covering. The mat 7 may optionally be sealed in 15 a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies. The sealed bag containing the mat 7 may be in a compact sachet.

Desirably the package 1 includes a cream 8 in the form of a barrier cream, moisterising cream, water-repellent cream or the like, commonly used on infants bottoms to prevent 20 what is commonly called "nappy rash" on the skin of infants. The cream 8 can be desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and to keep the liquid or cream from spreading inside the pocket 3 before use. The sealed bag of cream 8 may be in a compact sachet form.

Preferably the package 1 includes a disposable wipe or towelette 9 to enable a user to clean a soiled area of skin before applying a pad or nappy 2. The towelette 9 is preferably impregnated with moisture to facilitate removal of any excretions on the skin in the soiled area of an infant or person. Desirably the impregnated towelette 9 is scented to neutralise any unpleasant odours. Preferably the towelette 9 is sealed in a 30 hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and, when used, to keep the moisture from evaporating from the towelette 9 before use. The hermetically sealed bag containing the towelette 9 may be a compact sachet. 6 The pocket 3 may additionally also contain an anti-rash powder 10 that is desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and, keep the powder from escaping before use. The sealed bag containing the powder 5 10 may be a compact sachet.

The pocket 3 may optionally contain gloves 11, desirably made of latex as such gloves can be packed into a small size as latex is a reasonably thin film. The gloves may be desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed package to achieve an airtight seal from 10 outside agencies. The sealed bag containing the gloves 11 may be a compact sachet.

Desirably the pocket 3 is odorised or scented to neutralise any unpleasant odour when soiled and used waste is placed in the pocket 1, after use.

In operation, a person may open the package 1 by removing the fastening or securing means or tabs 6 from the receptacle 4. In other embodiments the package 1 may be simply folded or be folded and secured by other securing means. Once broken, or access is achieved, the opening 5 to the pocket 3 is separated to allow access to the contents therein. The contents can be removed as required, or all removed, and the 20 receptacle 4 can be spread out and the mat 7 placed over the casing 4, or otherwise as required.

In the case of an infant's disposable nappy hygiene package the soiled nappy can be removed from the infant, and a towelette 8 used to clean the infant's skin in the soiled 25 region. Then cream 9 may be applied as required. The soiled nappy 2, and any spent products or disposable products, can then be returned to the pocket 3 and the opening 5 to the pocket 3 may be reclosed. Desirably the opening can be reclosed to form an airtight seal to prevent unpleasant odours permeating from the pocket 3. This would be desirable when the package 1 must be kept for a period of time in a vehicle, aeroplane 30 or other such confined space before being disposed. 7 Referring to figures 3 and 4, a disposable hygiene package, generally referred to as 20, according to a second embodiment of the invention, is illustrated.

A disposable hygiene package 20 is similar to the package 1 in many respects, and 5 some repetitious aspects will not be repeated.

It will be appreciated that the package 20 is also tailored to provide a sanitary pad 21 for use with a person's hygiene requirements. In this non-limiting embodiment, the sanitary pad will be a disposable nappy 2. The nappy 2 is desirably packaged and retained in a 10 pocket 22 of a receptacle 26. The pocket 22 preferably has an opening 23 that is sealed desirably with a semi-permanent adhesive strip 24. The strip 24 desirably is over the entire width of the pocket 22 to enable the pocket 22 to be reclosed to form an airtight seal, or at least preferably a reasonable seal.

The pocket 22 may advantageously contain a changing mat or liner 25. The changing mat 25 may be particularly useful in a package 1 designed for changing infants nappies. The mat 25 is preferably of a sufficient size and absorbency to be placed under an infant's posterior and enable any excretions to be absorbed on the mat 25. This will be useful if the infant is being changed on carpet or other such floor coverings whereby 20 any soiling may be considered undesirable. The mat 25 may optionally be sealed in a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies. The sealed bag containing the mat 25 may be in a compact sachet.

The receptacle 26 includes fastening means 27 to enable the casing 26 to be opened for 25 access to the contents. Desirably the fastening means is in the form of a plurality of tabs 27 desirably locatable at one end of the casing 26. A tamper evident device, in the form of a perforated line 28 close to the fold line 29 on the pocket 22, can allow the contents to be seen to be sealed before access into the pocket 22 is made by breaking the perforation line 28.

A second pocket 30 preferably has an opening 31 that is sealed desirably with a semipermanent adhesive strip 32. The strip 32 desirably is over the entire width of the 8 pocket 30 to enable the pocket 30 to be reclosed to form an airtight seal, or at least preferably a reasonable seal to minimise the escape of undesirable odours.

Desirably the pocket 30 can retain a cream 33 in the form of a barrier cream, moisterising cream, water-repellent cream or the like, commonly used on infants bottoms to prevent what is commonly called "nappy rash" on the skin of infants. The cream 33 can be desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and to keep the liquid or cream from spreading inside the pocket 30 before use. The sealed bag of cream 33 may be in a compact sachet form.

Preferably the pocket 30 also includes a disposable wipe or towelette 34 to enable a user to clean a soiled area of skin before applying a pad or nappy 2. The towelette 34 is preferably impregnated with moisture to facilitate removal of any excretions on the skin in the soiled area of an infant or person. Desirably the impregnated towelette 34 is scented to neutralise any unpleasant odours. Preferably the towelette 34 is sealed in a hermetically sealed bag to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and, when used, to keep the moisture from evaporating from the towelette 34 before use. The sealed bag containing the towelette 34 may be a compact sachet.

The pocket 30 may additionally also contain an anti-rash powder 35 that is desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed package to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies and, keep the powder from escaping before use. The sealed bag containing the powder 35 may be a compact sachet.

The pocket 30 may optionally contain gloves 36, desirably made of latex. The gloves may be desirably sealed in a hermetically sealed package to achieve an airtight seal from outside agencies. The sealed bag containing the gloves 36 may be a compact sachet.

This embodiment can include a second tamper evident device, in the form of a perforated line 37 close to the fold line 29 on the pocket 30, can allow the contents to 9 be seen to be sealed before access into the pocket 30 is made by breaking the perforation line 37.

Desirably the pockets 22, 30 are odorised or scented to neutralise any unpleasant odour 5 when soiled and used waste is placed in the pockets 22, 30, after use.

Referring now particularly to figure 5, the package 20 in a folded state, is illustrated.

It is seen that the pockets 22, 30 can be folded about the fold line 29, and the tabs 27 10 securing the pockets 22, 30 and the contents therein, in a desired state until they are required. The tabs 27 may operate to keep the package 20 in a folded position before use of the contents, and be reused to reclose the package after use. The refolded package 20 can be seen to be reclosable and in a compact bundle for easy disposal.

Referring now to figure 6, a bag or container, generally referred to as 50, for retaining packages 1, 20, is illustrated.

The container 50 for retaining a package 51, that may be the package 1 or 20 is seen. The container desirably retains a plurality of packages 51. In this embodiment four 20 packages 51 are stored but it is considered that any suitable number of packages 51 can be retained, such as, for example, four, six, ten, twelve, eighteen, twenty, twenty four, thirty, or thirty four. The size of the container 50 is proportional to the number of packages 51 being retained and the size of the packages 1, 20. The packages 1, 20 can vary with size depending on the size of the nappy or pad required.

The container 51 may include two side panels 52, 53 joined at preferably edge panels 54, 55 to form a cavity having a cavity opening 56. The edge panels 54, 55 can expand to fit the packages 51 within the cavity opening 56.

Preferably a flap 57 is joined at one end to the panel 53 but may be attached at any suitable place on the container 50. The flap 57 width extends the width of the container 50 and the length is sufficient to enable the flap 57 to close over the opening 56 and fasten to the other panel 52 to prevent the packages 51 from falling out. Fastening means 58 in the form of domes, or hook and loop strips, or any other known fastening systems, can be used.

Preferably the flap 57 has an outer panel 59 and an inner panel defining an opening 61 into a pocket therebetween the panels 59, 60. The pocket can contain a plurality of changing mats 62 that can be separately removed for use, as required. These mats 62 may be similar to the mats 7, 25 as previously described and therefore the composition will not be repeated. It is seen that the flap 57 can desirably be used as a changing area 10 or pad, and one of the disposable moisture absorbent mat 62 can be placed over the flap 57 and an infant placed on it for changing purposes.

Advantageously the ends of a handle 63 are attached to any one or more of the panels 52, 53, 54, 55 to enable the container 1 to be easily transported. Desirably the handle 15 63 is adapted to be an adjustable shoulder strap.

The container 50 is made of any suitable and durable material and may preferably be made of a plastics material, a fabric such as cotton or polyester, or a combination thereof.

It is envisaged that the packages can be plastic wrapped, and such plastics material used can be coloured to define different sized nappies 2. The containers 50 can be colour coded also. It is envisaged that a plurality of disposable packages in a container 50 can be marketed together as a bundle.

Wherein the aforegoing reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that changes may be made to the above described embodiments of the invention without departing from the principles taught 30 herein.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent for 11 those skilled in the art after considering the principles in particular form as discussed and illustrated. Thus, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described or illustrated, but is intended to cover all alterations or modifications which are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

Intellectual Property Office of NZ CM- JttUYMt receiveb

1. A disposable hygiene package, the package including a receptacle having a pocket with a resealable opening, the opening having a semi-permanent 5 adhesive means covering a substantial area of the opening to enable, in use, the opening to be reclosable, the pocket being of a sufficient size to retain a plurality of sanitary items including a sanitary pad, and further including at least one tab attached at one end of the receptacle adjacent the opening, in use, allowing the opening of the pocket to be reclosed and the package refastened after discarded 10 items are placed within the pocket.

2. A package according to claim 1 wherein the receptacle is made of a flexible material, the pocket being adapted to be water impervious. 15

3. A package according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the receptacle is made of a suitable durable and resilient flexible plastics material.

4. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptacle is adapted to include a soft absorbent material attached to the surface of the 20 receptacle for use as a changing mat.

5. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sanitary pad is a disposable nappy for use on an infant. 25

6. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the package further includes a disposable wipe or towelette.

7. A package according to claim 6 wherein the towelette is moisture impregnated. 30

8. A package according to either claim 6 or claim 7 wherein the towelette is separately packaged in a sachet or water impervious package. 13

9. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a plurality of wipes or towelettes are included in the package.

10. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the package 5 further includes a barrier cream and/or moisterising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat.

11. A package according to claim 10 wherein the gloves are made of latex. 10

12. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein any one or more of the following sanitary items including barrier cream and/or moisterising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat, each said sanitary item being separately packaged in a hermetically sealed bag. 15

13. A package according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the receptacle includes a first pocket and a second pocket separated by a fold line.

14. A package according to claim 13 wherein each of the first pocket and the second pocket has at least one resealable opening. 20

15. A package according to either claim 13 or claim 14 wherein a first pocket contains the sanitary pad or disposable nappy, and wherein the second pocket contains wipes or towelettes, barrier cream and/or moisturising cream and/or gloves and/or a changing mat. 25

16. A container for retaining a plurality of packages according to any one of claims 1 to 15, the container including at least two sides forming a bag for a plurality of packages, and having a flap of a size matching the width of the bag and being attached at one end to the bag and the other end being a sufficient distance to 30 enable the flap to be used as a changing mat, the other end of the flap being releasably attachable to the bag. 'nten«?tual Pr°Perty Office of NZ 14 2 8 MAY 2004 RECEIVED

17. A disposable hygiene package substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the accompanying figures 1 to 5.

18. A container for retaining a plurality of packages substantially as herein described 5 with reference to figure 6. PLATINUM LINING LIMITED By their Attorneys 10 SCHUCH & COMPANY per: 15 20 25 InteHectual Property Office of NZ 2 8 MAY im 15