WO2019019035A1

WO2019019035A1 - Retail packaging for absorbent articles

Info

Publication number: WO2019019035A1
Application number: PCT/CN2017/094428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chao Zhao; Zhensheng LIU; Xuejiao SUN; Kaitian WANG; Lu JI; Jayson Oxcena GAWARAN; Minchen DU; Ankan MANDAL; Jie Chen; Mark Andrew Thornton
Original assignee: Tsinghua University; The Procter & Gamble Company
Priority date: 2017-07-26
Filing date: 2017-07-26
Publication date: 2019-01-31
Also published as: CN209678881U

Abstract

Disclosed is a retail packaging (10) for a plurality of absorbent articles. The retail packaging (10) comprises : a first compartment (21) housing a first primary packaging (31) of an absorbent article, the first compartment (21) is provided with a first artwork (41); a second compartment (22) housing a second primary packaging (32) of an absorbent article, the second compartment (22) is provided with a second artwork (42); the first artwork (41) and the second artwork (42) provide at least one difference in information selected from the group consisting of : visual presentation, information for using the absorbent article, development information associated with the absorbent article, development information unassociated with the absorbent article, and combinations thereof; a closing means for providing the first and second compartments (21, 22) in a closed configuration (10A) and an opened configuration; and wherein the retail packaging (10) is self standing in the closed configuration (10A).

Description

RETAIL PACKAGING FOR ABSORBENT ARTICLES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to retail packaging for absorbent articles such as diapers and feminine hygenic articles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, absorbent articles such as diapers and feminine hygenic articles are sold in packages in a variety of configurations. In one configuration, a selected number of articles are folded once or more along their lateral axes, optionally individually wrapped, and then collected and compressed in stacks that are roughly block-shaped, which are then enclosed in flexible packages typically formed of polymer film. The flexible packages may also serve as retail packaging, and may have information about the specific features of the article and usage instructions on the surface. The flexible packages are typically not re-usable once opened. For purposes of shipping these flexible packages to retail stores or directly to the consumer based on on-line purchases, the flexible packages are typically further bundled in rigid secondary packages such as cartons. Such rigid secondary packages are typically made as cost effective as possible, thus carrying minimum information for identifying the article, and are also not intended to be re-usable once opened.

While the aforementioned flexible and rigid packaging provide satisfactory function for providing the articles in an economical manner, they may not be attractive for specific purposes such as gifts, or may not carry the appropriate equity for certain tier of products.

Accordingly, there is an opportunity for improved retail packaging for absorbent articles that addresses these conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to retail packaging for a plurality of absorbent articles comprising:

a first compartment housing a first primary packaging of an absorbent article, the first compartment provided with a first artwork；

a second compartment housing a second primary packaging of an absorbent article, the second compartment provided with a second artwork；

the first artwork and the second artwork provide at least one difference in information selected from the group consisting of: visual presentation, information for using the absorbent article, developmental information associated with the absorbent article, developmental information unassociated with the absorbent article, and combinations thereof；

a closing means for providing the first and second compartments in a closed configuration and an opened configuration； and

wherein the retail packaging is self standing in the closed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as forming the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and which like designations are used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention in a closed configuration.

Figure 2 (a) (b) are schematic views of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention in an opened configuration.

Figure 3 is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention in a second closed configuration.

Figure 4 (a) (b) are expanded plan views of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention.

Figure 5 (a) – (c) are schematic views of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention in a re-used secondary utility.

Figure 6 is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a retail packaging of the present invention in a closed configuration for carriage.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the articles including “the” , “a” and “an” when used in a claim or in the specification, are understood to mean one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used herein, the terms “comprise” , “comprising” , “include” , “including” , “contain” , and “containing” are meant to be non-limiting, i.e., other steps and other ingredients which do not affect the end of result can be added. The above terms encompass the terms “consisting of” . As used herein, the following terms shall have the meaning specified thereafter:

“Absorbent article" refers to articles of wear which may be in the form of pant-type diapers, taped diapers, swim diapers, feminine hygiene articles such as feminine pads and tampons, incontinent briefs, and the like which are so configured to also absorb and contain various exudates such as urine, feces, and menses discharged from the body.

“Longitudinal” refers to a direction running substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to an opposing waist edge of the article and generally parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the article.

“Transverse” refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

“Proximal” and “distal” refer respectively to the position closer or farther relative to the longitudinal center of the article.

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relative location of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements. “Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearer during wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” implies the element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear than some other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate to the wearer’s garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbent article) .

“Disposed” refers to an element being located in a particular place or position.

“Joined” refers to configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element and to configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to intermediate member (s) which in turn are affixed to the other element.

“Film” refers to a sheet-like material wherein the length and width of the material far exceed the thickness of the material. Typically, films have a thickness of about 0.5 mm or less.

“Water-permeable” and “water-impermeable” refer to the penetrability of materials in the context of the intended usage of disposable absorbent articles. Specifically, the term “water-permeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure having pores, openings, and/or interconnected void spaces that permit liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine to pass through its thickness in the absence of a forcing pressure. Conversely, the term “water-impermeable” refers to a layer or a layered structure through the thickness of which liquid water, urine, or synthetic urine cannot pass in the absence of a forcing pressure (aside from natural forces such as gravity) . A layer or a layered structure that is water-impermeable according to this definition may be permeable to water vapor, i.e., may be “vapor-permeable” .

“Extendibility" and "extensible" mean that the width or length of the component in a relaxed state can be extended or increased.

“Elasticated” and “elasticized” mean that a component comprises at least a portion made of elastic material.

“Elongatable material” , “extensible material” , or “stretchable material” are used interchangeably and refer to a material that, upon application of a biasing force, can stretch to an elongated length of at least about 110％of its relaxed, original length (i.e. can stretch to 10 percent more than its original length) , without rupture or breakage, and upon release of the applied force, shows little recovery, less than about 20％of its elongation without complete rupture or breakage as measured by EDANA method 20.2-89. In the event such an elongatable material recovers at least 40％of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material will be considered to be “elastic” or “elastomeric. ” For example, an elastic material that has an initial length of 100mm can extend at least to 150mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 130mm (i.e., exhibiting a 40％recovery) . In the event the material recovers less than 40％of its elongation upon release of the applied force, the elongatable material will be considered to be “substantially non-elastic” or “substantially non-elastomeric” . For example, an elongatable material that has an initial length of 100mm can extend at least to 150mm, and upon removal of the force retracts to a length of at least 145mm (i.e., exhibiting a 10％recovery) .

”Artwork” refers to a visual presentation to the naked eye, which is provided by printing or otherwise, and having a color. Printing includes various methods and apparatus well known to those skilled in the art such as lithographic, screen printing, flexographic, and gravure ink jet printing techniques.

“Color” or “Colored” as referred to herein includes any primary color except color white, i.e., black, red, blue, violet, orange, yellow, green, and indigo as well as any declination thereof or mixture thereof. The color white is defined as those colors having an L*value of at least 94, an a*value equal to 0 ± 2, and a b*value equal to 0 ± 2 according to the CIE L*a*b*color system.

“Primary packaging” refers to packaging that is in direct contact with the absorbent article herein and distinguished from “retail packaging” . “Retail packaging” refers to packaging that encases or encompasses the primary packaging. Retail packaging may encase one or more of the primary packaging. Any packaging that contains the primary packaging is referred to as “retail packaging” , namely, a tertiary packaging that encase a secondary packaging are also collectively referred to as “retail packaging” .

Relative positional terms (e.g., “bottom, ” “top, ” “side, ” “upper, ” “lower, ” “horizontal, ” “vertical, ” etc. ) are used herein with respect to the orientation of the packaging as intended for display in retail sales or in-use environments according to artwork provided to the packaging or otherwise.

“Self standing” refers to a state in which the packaging can maintain the intended display configuration for the length of the intended life cycle of the merchandize, typically 3 years.

As used herein, all concentrations and ratios are on a weight basis unless otherwise specified. All temperatures herein are in degrees Celsius (℃) unless otherwise indicated. All conditions herein are at 20℃ and under the atmospheric pressure, unless otherwise specifically stated. All polymer molecular weights are by average number molecular weight unless otherwise specifically noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a retail packaging (10) of the present invention in a closed configuration (10A) . The retail packaging (10) has at least two compartments, each compartment housing a primary packaging of an absorbent article. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 (a) , the retail packaging may have a first compartment (21) housing a first primary packaging (31) of an absorbent article, a second compartment (22) housing a second primary packaging (32) of an absorbent article, a third compartment (23) housing a third primary packaging (33) of an absorbent article, and a fourth compartment (24) housing a fourth primary packaging (34) of an absorbent article, wherein the retail packaging is self standing in the closed configuration (10A) . The first, second, third, and fourth compartments (21, 22, 23, 24) each may be cuboids or block shapes, and further configured to collectively create a cuboid as the retail packaging in its closed configuration (10A) . Primary packaging refers to packaging that is in direct contact with the absorbent article herein. For articles such as feminine pads and tampons which may be housed in, or covered by an individual applicator/release paper/film, such applicator/release paper/film is considered part of the absorbent article.

The primary packaging may be formed of a single layer or multilayer polyolefin film having a desirable combination of relatively low material cost, strength and weldability at relatively low temperatures. When a multilayer film is used, the outer and inner layers may be co-formed (such as by coextrusion) , or in another example, may be separately formed and then laminated together following their formation, by use of a suitable laminating adhesive. In this latter example, an advantage provided is that one of the layers may be printed on one side before lamination. Following that, the printed side may be faced inward (facing the other layer (s) ) during lamination, such that it is protected by the other layer (s) from abrasion and wear in the finished film product, thereby preserving the integrity of the printed images, graphics, verbal content, etc. A suitable multilayer film may be formed of one or more polyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. In one example, the stock film may have at least two layers, including a first layer of polyethylene and second layer of polypropylene. In one example, a layer formed of polypropylene having a first relatively higher melting temperature, and a layer of polyethylene having a second relatively lower melting temperature, may be used to form the outer and inner layers, respectively. When the absorbent article is a diaper, a pre-determined number of diapers are folded, stacked, and compressed, prior to being enclosed in retail packages formed of polymer film. For purposes of efficiency in shipment, storage, and display, a certain amount of compression is applied to the stack of diapers. The amount of compression to be applied may be determined according to the number of diaper pads to be included per package, and in consideration of the influence of the compression force applied to the diaper. The in bag compression of the package of the present invention is typically in the range of from 1000Pa to 10000Pa. The primary packaging may be provided with a line of weakness, by perforation or otherwise, for enabling the user to tear open the film for retrieving the absorbent articles from the primary packaging. The primary packaging may accommodate from about 5 to about 50 articles, and each compartment may be configured to accommodate one primary packaging.

As explained in detail below, the present retail packaging is suitable for specific memorial occasions or purposes rather than for daily usage. Yet, for sake of manufacturing efficiency, the primary packaging may be the same as those regularly supplied to the market for daily usage.

Referring to Figure 2 (a) , the retail packaging (10) may be configured into an opened configuration (10B) wherein the primary packaging and/or absorbent article from each compartment may be provided accessible. The retail packaging (10) may be opened by releasing the closing means, the closing means being any known means such as ribbons (52) , elastic material, snaps, buttons, latches, hook-and-loop fasteners, line of weaknesses, and otherwise. Closing means having ornamental features such as ribbons and elastic material may be attractive for certain purposes. Re-usable closing means may be attractive for certain purposes. The retail packaging may be configured to remain self standing and preserving the structure of the multiple compartments in the opened configuration. The retail packaging may be made by reinforced pulp material typically referred to as carton or cardboard, hardened plastic such as high density polyethylene or polyethylenephthalate, or combinations thereof, which provide enough rigidity to self stand. Hinges (51) made of the same material or different material may be used for connecting the multiple compartments which enable the closing and opening of the retail packaging while connecting them together in either the opened or closed configuration.

The first, second, third, and fourth compartments (21, 22, 23, 24) each may be provided with a first, second, third, and fourth artwork (41, 42, 43, 44) , respectively. At least one of the artwork may provide at least one difference in information from another artwork, the information selected from the group consisting of: visual presentation, information for using the absorbent article, developmental information associated with the absorbent article, developmental information unassociated with the absorbent article, and combinations thereof. The information provided in each artwork is selected according to the purpose of the retail packaging and the types of absorbent articles to be housed in each primary packaging.

The present retail packaging may be a gift pack for a child at a memorial occasion such as birth, 100days, a first birthday, or otherwise, wherein the absorbent article is a baby diaper. The compartments may house baby diapers of the same size, while the artwork for each compartment is provided in different artwork. Each compartment may include a plane providing information related to child bearing such as information for tracking development milestones, seasonal precaution information, or means for recording developmental information. The compartments may house diapers of different sizes, while the artwork for each compartment is provided with developmental information according to each size. The compartments may house baby diapers of different wearability, such as taped diapers and pant-type diapers, while the artwork for each compartment is provided with usage or developmental information according to the wearability of diaper. The artwork for a gift pack may be provided in different colors for making the packaging attractive as a gift, or as a display in the opened configuration, or with colors representing different seasons, or with colors representing girl/boy. The artwork may represent the astronomical zodiac or the Chinese zodiac of a child, or mother and child. The artwork for a birth gift pack may be provided in black and white for attracting attention of a newborn child. The retail packaging may further have a compartment or portion of a compartment for housing articles other than absorbent articles and associated with child bearing, such as wipes, clothing, bibs, toys, and otherwise.

The present retail packaging may be a starter kit for a female. The compartments may house feminine hygenic articles of different absorbency capacity. The compartments may house feminine hygenic articles of different wearability, such as pads, pants, and tampons, while the artwork for each compartment is provided with usage or developmental information according to the wearability of feminine hygenic article. The artwork may be provided with tips for handling feminine biological cycles. As described above for baby diapers, the artwork may be those suitable for a gift pack.

The present retail packaging may be provided in a configuration or in artwork which provides a pleasant experience when opening the retail packaging, according to the intended specific memorial occasion or purpose. The retail packaging may be provided with significantly different outer and inner artwork. The retail packaging may be devised to have a window which anticipates or enhances imagination of the inner artwork. Referring to Figures 2 (a) and 2 (b) , the retail packaging may be provided in an outer carton (61) and a plurality of inner cartons (62) , wherein the inner carton (62) is provided in significantly different artwork from the outer carton (61) , and configured to be housed in the outer carton (61) . The plurality of inner cartons (62) may be provided in different colors representing, for example, different sizes. Referring to Figure 1, the outer carton (61) may be so configured such that portions of the inner cartons (62) are seen from a window (53) from the top in the closed configuration. Referring to Figure 3, the retail packaging may be provided in a second closed configuration (10C) by folding the hinges (51) in the other direction as the first closed configuration (10A) , therefore exposing at least a part of the inner cartons (62) to be shown from the outside. Such second closed configuration (10C) may be advantageous as a display at point of sales, such as retail stores, wherein the contents of the gift pack may be explicitly displayed. Further, the artwork of the compartments may be arranged such that, when the second closed configuration (10C) is taken, a unique artwork (45) is collectively created. The unique artwork (45) may be one associated with the brand of the merchandize, a character, or any other attractive visual presentation. The second closed configuration (10C) may also be attractive as a display for usage at home, wherein the absorbent article may be accessed.

The outer carton (61) and inner carton (62) may be suitably made by folding expanded plan views such as in Figures 4 (a) and 4 (b) , respectively, wherein the hinges are simply made by folding lines.

Referring to Figures 2 (b) and 5 (a) – (c) , the retail packaging may have at least one compartment further comprising means for re-using at least a part of the material of the compartment for a secondary utility. The secondary utility may be matched with the intended specific memorial occasion or purpose, for example a birth gift pack. The compartment may comprise an inner carton (62) which may be detached and used as a box as in Figure 2 (b) . Alternatively or additionally, one plane for making the compartment or inner carton may be provided with means for separating from the remainder of the packaging such that it can be used as a tab to display, a calendar, a picture stand, a mobile hanging toy, or any other collectable or memorial item, as in Figures 5 (a) – (c) .

The closing means for the retail packaging may also have multiple usage. Referring to Figure 6, the closing means may be ribbons (52) , and the ribbons may be so configured that it serves as a handle for the retail packaging in the closed configuration (10A) .

The merchandize comprising the retail packaging and plurality of absorbent articles of the present invention may be provided as a compilation of predetermined absorbent articles and packaging by the manufacturer. Alternatively, the merchandize comprising the retail packaging and plurality of absorbent articles of the present invention may be customized by the purchaser, gift receiver, or user (hereinafter collectively “User” ) . For example, the merchandize of the present invention may be connected with an interface accessible by the User, wherein the User selects the contents of the absorbent articles. Such interface accessible site may be made according to the image of the intended specific memorial occasion or purpose, for example a birth gift pack. Taking the exemplary occasion of a birth gift pack, the User may customize the gift pack by choosing baby diaper absorbent articles based on size and/or wearability, and further by choosing the artwork of the outer carton and/or inner carton.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, 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” is intended to mean “about 40 mm. ” Further, every numerical range given throughout this specification includes every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range.

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious 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. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

A retail packaging for a plurality of absorbent articles comprising:

a first compartment housing a first primary packaging of an absorbent article, the first compartment provided with a first artwork；

a second compartment housing a second primary packaging of an absorbent article, the second compartment provided with a second artwork；

the first artwork and the second artwork provide at least one difference in information selected from the group consisting of: visual presentation, information for using the absorbent article, developmental information associated with the absorbent article, developmental information unassociated with the absorbent article, and combinations thereof；

a closing means for providing the first and second compartments in a closed configuration and an opened configuration； and

wherein the retail packaging is self standing in the closed configuration.
The retail packaging of Claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles packaged in the first and second primary packaging are different types of absorbent articles.
The retail packaging of Claim 2 wherein the different types of absorbent articles are based on difference in size, absorbent capacity, usage, or wearability.
The retail packaging of Claim 3 wherein the absorbent article is a baby diaper and the difference is based on taped type and pant type.
The retail packaging of Claim 3 wherein the absorbent article is a baby diaper and the difference is based on size.
The retail packaging of Claim 3 wherein the article is a feminine hygenic article and the difference is based on absorbency capacity.
The retail packaging of Claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles packaged in the first and second primary packaging are the same types of absorbent articles.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims wherein the first and second compartments are provided with a different visual presentation.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims wherein at least one compartment further comprises a means for re-using at least a part of the at least one compartment for a secondary utility, the second utility being a tab, a calendar, or a photograph stand.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims wherein the first and second compartments each comprise an inner carton and an outer carton, wherein at least part of the inner carton is visible from outside the retail packaging in the closed configuration.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims so configured that the compartments are self standing in the opened configuration.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims so configured that the compartments remain connected to each other in the opened configuration.
The retail packaging of any of the preceding claims having a first closed configuration and a second closed configuration, wherein the first and second closed configurations provide a different visual presentation.