Embodiments herein relate to a package for containing and applying a substance.
Many different types of packages are made with the intent to contain a product, such as a liquid or cream. Once the package is opened, the product needs to be applied to a desired location. Some packages are designed to contain the product and to dispense the product when a tear or hole is made in the package and the package is compressed. Other packages are designed to be opened thereby exposing the product. A brush, pad, finger, or other object can be inserted into the package and into the product to remove at least a portion of the product. In some scenarios the user does not want to touch the product with his/her hands or an object in order to apply the product.
Various embodiments provide a package for containing and applying a substance, the package can include a handle layer that can include a first handle portion, a second handle portion, and a joining portion between the first handle portion and the second handle portion, a carrier layer is included having a first surface, and a second surface opposite from the first surface, wherein the joining portion of the handle layer is connected to the first surface of the carrier layer, an applicator containing the substance, and an enclosing layer coupled to the second surface of the carrier layer, wherein the enclosing layer, and the carrier layer define a cavity with the applicator disposed in the cavity, such that the applicator is disposed between the carrier layer and the enclosing layer, wherein the first handle portion and the second handle portion are configured to move from a first state to a second state, wherein, in the first state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are parallel with the carrier layer, and, in the second state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are not parallel to the carrier layer.
In an embodiment, the applicator holds the substance in pores of the applicator.
In an embodiment, the applicator includes an absorbent material, cloth, paper, porous polymer, foam, or sponge.
In an embodiment, the applicator is bonded to the second surface of the carrier layer.
In an embodiment, a first score defines a boundary between the first handle portion and the joining portion, and a second score defines a boundary between the second handle portion and the joining portion.
In an embodiment, the first score and the second score extend at least 10% through the handle layer and not more than 90% through the handle layer.
In an embodiment, the first handle portion and the second handle portion rotate in opposite directions to move between the first state to the second state.
In an embodiment, in the first state, the first handle portion is coplanar with the second handle portion.
In an embodiment, the first handle portion and the second handle portion each include a gripping element.
In an embodiment, the gripping element includes at least one of an aperture, a projection, and a recess.
In an embodiment, the handle layer includes stiff paper, thermoplastic material, polyester, or polypropylene.
In an embodiment, a first angle between the first handle portion in the first state and the first handle portion in the second state is at least 15° and not more than 130°, and a second angle between the second handle portion in the first state and the second handle portion in the second state is at least 15° and not more than 130°.
In an embodiment, the carrier layer includes a foil polymer paper laminate.
In an embodiment, a portion of the enclosing layer is removeable.
In an embodiment, a portion of the enclosing layer is fixed to the package, and a portion of the enclosing layer is not fixed to the package.
In an embodiment, micro-perforations define a boundary between the portion of the enclosing layer that is removeable and a portion of the enclosing layer which is not removeable.
In an embodiment, the enclosing layer is coupled to the carrier layer with a peelable seal.
Various embodiments provide a package for containing and applying a substance, the package is included having a handle layer is included having a first handle portion can include a first end and a second end, a second handle portion can include a first end and a second end, and a joining portion between the first handle portion and the second handle portion, wherein the first end of the first handle portion is adjacent to the joining portion and the first end of the second handle portion is adjacent to the joining portion, a carrier layer is included having a first surface, and a second surface opposite from the first surface, wherein the joining portion of the handle layer is connected to the first surface of the carrier layer, an applicator containing the substance, and an enclosing layer coupled to the carrier layer, wherein the enclosing layer, and the carrier layer define a cavity with the applicator disposed in the cavity, such that the applicator is disposed between the carrier layer and the enclosing layer, wherein the first handle portion and the second handle portion are configured to move from a first state to a second state, wherein in the first state the second end of the first handle portion and the second end the second handle portion are further apart than when the first handle portion and the second handle portion are in the second state.
Various embodiments provide a method of making a packing, the method can include providing a handle layer web, a carrier layer web, and an enclosing layer web, coupling applicators to the carrier layer web, placing a substance on the applicators, scoring the handle layer web to divide handle portions from joining portions, forming a combined web by coupling the enclosing layer web to the carrier layer web to enclose the applicators and coupling the handle layer web to the carrier layer web, and cutting at least one individual package around at least a portion of an outer package perimeter to separate the individual package from the combined web, wherein a first handle portion and a second handle portion of the individual package are configured to move from a first state to a second state, wherein, in the first state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are parallel with the carrier layer, and, in the second state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are not parallel to the carrier layer.
In an embodiment, cutting the individual package includes die cutting or rotary cutting.
This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope herein is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
Aspects may be more completely understood in connection with the following figures (FIGS.), in which:
While embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the scope herein is not limited to the particular aspects described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope herein.
Various embodiments of a package are described herein. The package can be configured to contain or hold a substance, such as a substance that is a solid, liquid or partially solid and partially liquid. The package can include a handle portion, such that a user can apply the substance to a desired surface, such as a person's skin, without contacting the substance. In various embodiments, the package can be transitioned from a first state to a second state. In the first state, the handle portion can be planar or flat. In a second state, the handle portion can project away from the remainder of the package, such that the handle portion can be grasped by a user. The user can grasp or hold the handle to apply the substance to a desired surface. An enclosing layer can be at least partially removed from the package to expose the substance. In some embodiments, the enclosing layer is at least partially removed when the package is in the first state, and in other embodiments, the enclosing layer can be at least partially removed when the package is in the second state. The package disclosed herein can allow a user to expose the substance, and apply the substance without directly contacting the substance. The package also provides a structure to use to apply the substance to a receiving surface without using a secondary transfer mechanism, such as a separate brush, pad or application stick.
The term “second state” as used herein refers to a position of one or more handle portions that are not planar with a joining portion of the handle layer, not planar with the carrier layer, and can be used by a user to grasp the package. Examples will be described with the understanding that there is a continuum of possible positions in a second state for the handle portions. One example of a second state is shown in
Referring now to the figures,
Referring now to
The handle layer 202 can include a first handle portion 210 and a second handle portion 212. The handle layer 202 can also include a joining portion 214. The joining portion 214 can extend between the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212, such as to link or join the handle portions.
In various embodiments, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are configured to move from a first state 209 to a second state 211. In various embodiments, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 rotate in opposite directions to move between the first state 209 to the second state 211. The handle portions maybe alternatively be in an intermediate state between the first and second states, such as while the handle portions are being moved between the first state and the second state. It should be further understood that the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 can be in different states at the same time, such as the first handle portion 210 being in the first state 209 and the second handle portion 212 being in the second state 211 as the package 100 is converted to prepare the package 100 to apply the substance.
The
In various embodiments, the joining portion 214 can be located between the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212. In various embodiments, the joining portion 214 of the handle layer 202 can be connected to the carrier layer 204, such as to a top or first surface of the carrier layer 204. In various embodiments, the joining portion 214 can be connected, joined or coupled to the carrier layer 204 with an adhesive, sealant layer, or a weld, such as a plastic weld.
In various embodiments, the carrier layer 204 and the enclosing layer 208 can define a cavity (described further below) between the carrier layer 204 and the enclosing layer 208. In various embodiments, an applicator 206 can be disposed in the cavity between the carrier layer 204 and the enclosing layer 208. In some embodiments, the cavity can be a sterile environment. In some embodiments, the package 100 can be hermetically sealed.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can be connected, joined, bonded or coupled to the carrier layer 204. In some embodiments, the applicator 206 can be bonded to the second surface of the carrier layer 204 via a heat seal, ultrasonic weld, adhesive, interference fit or chemically bonded, such as with a two-part epoxy. The applicator 206 can be connected, joined, bonded or coupled to the second surface of the carrier layer 204, such as opposite from the joining portion 214. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can contain or hold the substance 216.
In various embodiments, the enclosing layer 208 can be coupled to the second surface of the carrier layer 204, such as on the same side of the carrier layer 204 as the applicator 206. In various embodiments, the enclosing layer 208 can be coupled to the carrier layer 204 with a peelable seal (described further below). In some embodiments, portions of the enclosing layer 208 can be permanently coupled to the carrier layers, such as with an adhesive or a weld. A permanent coupling can be stronger than the layers that are being coupled together, such that the layers themselves would be destroyed prior to the coupling between the two layers being destroyed.
In various embodiment, in the first state 209, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are parallel with the carrier layer 204, and in the second state 211, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are not parallel to the carrier layer 204. In various embodiment, in the first state 209, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are parallel with the each other, and in the second state 211, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are not parallel with each other. In various embodiment, in the first state 209, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are coplanar, and in the second state 211, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are not coplanar.
Referring now to
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Generally, the peelable seal 1130 is a hermetic bond between the contacting surfaces of the carrier layer 204 and enclosing layer 208. In some embodiments, hermetic can refer to an air tight and liquid tight seal, such that air and liquid cannot pass through the bond. The peelable seal 1130 can be formed by any appropriate method known in the art. In a variety of embodiments, peelable seal 1130 is a heat seal or melt bonded relationship caused by the application of heat and pressure. In an alternate embodiment, peelable seal 1130 is formed with a suitable adhesive applied to at least one of the contacting surfaces of the carrier layer 204 and enclosing layer 208. In at least one embodiment, the peelable seal 1130 is re-sealable, thereby allowing a user to reclose the package 100.
In general, the peelable seal 1130 is configured to have strength conducive to allowing a user to peel the enclosing layer 208 away from and apart from the carrier layer 204 without the use of tools, to access the applicator 206 and the substance 216. In one embodiment, the peelable seal 1130 strength is in the range of 1.25 to 2 pounds per linear inch of seal when pulled apart at 180 degrees at 12 inches per minute travel rate according to testing procedure TAPPI T-494 as published by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. In some embodiments the peelable seal strength is in the range of 1.0 to 2.5 pounds per linear inch of seal. In a variety of embodiments, the peelable seal has strength in the range of 0.25 to 3.5 pounds per linear inch of seal.
In some embodiments, the package 100 can have a length that is about 2.68 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 0.5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 0.75 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 1 inch. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is at least 2.5 inches.
In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 10 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 9 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 8 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 7 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 6 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 4 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 3 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a length L that is no more than 2.75 inches. In should be understood the package 100 can have a length L that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of about 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 1 inch. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 2.5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of at least 5.0 inches.
In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 8.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 7.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 6.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 2.5 inches. In various embodiments, the package 100 can have a width W of no more than 2.0 inches. In should be understood the package 100 can have a width W that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
The peelable seal 1130 can surround an unsealed area 1131. The applicator 206 can be disposed in the unsealed area 1131.
In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of about 1.84 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 0.25 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 0.5 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 0.75 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 1.75 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of at least 2.0 inches.
In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 8.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 7.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 6.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 2.5 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a length of no more than 1.5 inches. In should be understood the unsealed area 1131 can have a length that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of about 1.59 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of at least 0.5 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of at least 0.75 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of at least 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of at least 2.0 inches.
In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 6.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 1.75 inches. In various embodiments, the unsealed area 1131 can have a width of no more than 1.5 inches. In should be understood the unsealed area 1131 can have a width that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
Referring now to
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the first handle portion 210 can include a gripping element 1370. Similarly, in some embodiments, the second handle portion 212 can include a gripping element 1370. In various embodiments, the gripping element 1370 includes at least one of an aperture, a projection, and a recess. In the embodiment of
In some embodiments, the handle layer 202 can include stiff paper, thermoplastic material, polyester, or polypropylene. In various embodiments, the handle layer 202 can be monolithic or one continuous element. In various embodiments, the handle layer 202 has a stiffness of at least 0.1 millinewtons/meter and not more than 1 millinewtons/meter per the Taber stiffness test.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring now to
In various embodiments, the carrier layer 204 provides a barrier for moisture, air and/or light. In various embodiments, the carrier layer 204 has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 0.0005 g/100 in2 per 24 hours at 90% relative humidity and 40° C. and not more than 5 g/100 in2 per 24 hours at 90% relative humidity and 40° C. per ASTM F1245. In various embodiments, the carrier layer 204 has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of at least 0.0005 cc/100 in2 per 24 hours at 0% relative humidity and 23° C. and not more than 500 cc/100 in2 per 24 hours at 0% relative humidity and 23° C. per ASTM D3985.
In various embodiments, the carrier layer 204 can include a multilayer laminate, such as a foil polymer paper laminate. In various embodiments, the various layers in a multilayer laminate can provide different properties, such as one layer for a moisture barrier and a second layer for structural integrity.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the applicator 206 holds the substance 216 in pores of the applicator 206. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can include an absorbent material, such as cloth, paper, porous polymer, foam, or sponge.
In other embodiments, the applicator can include a non-absorbent material, such as a closed cell foam. In such embodiments, the applicator 206 can hold the substance 216 on a surface of the applicator 206.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 has a stiffness of at least 0 millinewtons/meter and not more than 1 millinewtons/meter per the Taber stiffness test.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of about 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 1.75 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of at least 5.0 inches.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of no more than 6.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of no more than 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of no more than 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of no more than 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a length L of no more than 2.0 inches. In should be understood the applicator 206 can have a length L that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of about 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 1.0 inch. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of at least 4.0 inches.
In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 5.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 4.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 3.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 2.0 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 1.5 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 1.25 inches. In various embodiments, the applicator 206 can have a width W of no more than 1.0 inch. In should be understood the applicator 206 can have a width W that is within a range of any combination of values listed above.
In various embodiments, the substance on or held by the applicator can be at least partially solid or at least partially liquid. In some embodiments, the substance can be entirely a solid or entirely a liquid. In some embodiments, the substance can be at least partially solid and at least partially liquid. In various embodiments, the substance can include a cream or a gel.
In some embodiments, the substance can include medicated gel or cream. In some embodiments, the substance can include a paint, a stain or a dye.
Referring now to
In various embodiments, the enclosing layer 208 provides a barrier for moisture, air and/or light. In various embodiments, the enclosing layer 208 has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 0.0005 g/100 in2 per 24 hours at 90% relative humidity and 40° C. and not more than 5 g/100 in2 per 24 hours at 90% relative humidity and 40° C. per ASTM F1245. In various embodiments, the enclosing layer 208 has an oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of at least 0.0005 cc/100 in2 per 24 hours at 0% relative humidity and 23° C. and not more than 500 cc/100 in2 per 24 hours at 0% relative humidity and 23° C. per ASTM D3985.
Referring now to
The handle layer 202 can include a first handle portion 210 and a second handle portion 212 joined by a joining portion 214. The first handle portion 210 can include a first end 2434 and a second end 2436. The second handle portion 212 can include a first end 2438 and a second end 2440.
In various embodiments, the first end 2434 of the first handle portion 210 is adjacent to the joining portion 214 and the first end 2438 of the second handle portion 212 is adjacent to the joining portion 214. In various embodiments, in the first state 209, the first handle portion 210 can be coplanar with the second handle portion 212.
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the angle 2558 between the first state 209 and the second state 211 can be at least 15° and not more than 130°. In various embodiments, the angle 2558 between the first state 209 and the second state 211 for the first handle portion 210 can have the same range as a similar angle for the second handle portion 212.
In various embodiments, in the second state 211, the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are substantially perpendicular with the carrier layer 204. In various embodiment, in the second state, the angle 2558 between the first state 209 and the second state 211 can be greater than 90 degrees so that the first handle portion 210 and second handle portion 212 can contact each other. The angle 2558 is influenced by the length of the joining portion 214. A longer joining portion 214 will result in a larger angle 2558 when the first handle portion 210 is contacting the second handle portion 212. In one embodiment, the angle 2558 between the first state 209 and the second state 211 can be about 120 degrees.
In various embodiments, in the second state 211, the first handle portion 210 can contact the second handle portion 212, such as the second end 2436 contacting the second end 2440. In this configuration, the user can squeeze the second end 2436 against the second end 2440 when grasping the handle portions. For example, the user may squeeze the second end 2436 against the second end 2440 using a thumb and forefinger or thumb and middle finger.
To expose the applicator 206 and substance 216, the enclosing layer 208 can be removed from the package 100, such as by pulling or moving the enclosing layer 208 away from the remainder of the package 100 shown by arrow 2532.
Referring now to
In various embodiments, in the first state 209, the second end 2436 of the first handle portion 210 and the second end 2436 the second handle portion 212 are further apart than when the first handle portion 210 and the second handle portion 212 are in the second state 211, such as shown when comparing
Referring now to
In various embodiments, a portion of the enclosing layer 208 is removeable, such as the removeable portion 2844. In various embodiments, a portion of the enclosing layer 208 is fixed to the carrier layer, such as the fixed portion 2848, and a portion of the enclosing layer 208 is not fixed to the carrier layer, such as the unfixed portion 2850.
In some embodiments, the coupling between the carrier layer and the enclosing layer can include a fixed portion 2848. The fixed portion 2848 can include a coupling between the carrier layer and the enclosing layer that is permanent, such that the layers themselves would be destroyed before the coupling. For example, the fixed portion 2848 can include the enclosing layer welded to the carrier layer or fixed via an adhesive. The package 100 can further include an unfixed portion 2850. The unfixed portion 2850 can be a portion of the package 100 where the carrier layer is not coupled to the enclosing layer, such that an air gap or the applicator 206 can be disposed between the enclosing layer and the carrier layer. In various embodiments, the unfixed portion 2850 can also include portions of the carrier layer contacting, but not coupled or attached to, the enclosing layer.
In some embodiments, the enclosing layer can include micro-perforations 2846, such as a series of laser cut recesses in the enclosing layer. The micro-perforations 2846 can surround the removeable portion 2844. The micro-perforations 2846 can define an enclosed area. The portion of the enclosing layer that is within the enclosed area can be removed, such as to expose the applicator 206 and the substance 216.
The enclosing layer 208 can include a removeable portion 2844 and a remaining portion 2842. The removeable portion 2844 can be separated from the remaining portion 2842 and the rest of the package 100 to expose the applicator 206. The boundary between the removeable portion 2844 and the remaining portion 2842 can be defined by the micro-perforations 2846. In various embodiments, the remaining portion 2842 can include a portion of the unfixed portion 2850 and the fixed portion 2848, such as when the micro-perforations 2846 extend through the unfixed portion 2850. The removeable portion 2844 can be surrounded by the micro-perforations 2846.
Referring now to
The removeable portion 2844 can be removed or separated from the package 100, such as by pulling, peeling, or otherwise removing the removeable portion 2844 away from the remaining portion 2842 and the carrier layer 204 in the direction of arrow 2952. In various embodiments, the user will start the peeling process from one of the shorter ends of the removeable portion 2844.
Referring now to
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In reference to
In reference to
In embodiments using micro-perforations in the enclosing layer, the enclosing layer web can go through a process to add the microperforated boundary between the removable portion and the remaining portion before the enclosing layer is coupled to the carrier layer. An enclosing layer web can be applied to the carrier layer web with the applicators located between the enclosing layer web and the carrier layer web. The carrier layer web and the enclosing layer web can be coupled together at a seal area.
A handle layer can go through a die-cut process to create the aperture portions and create the scores between the joining portion and the first and second handle portions. The die-cut process may happen before the handle layer is joined to the carrier layer or after the handle layer is joined to the carrier layer.
A handle layer can be coupled to the opposite side of the carrier layer web from the applicator and enclosing layer web before or after the coupling with the applicator and/or the coupling with the enclosing layer. The webs can be cut to separate the individual packages
Many different methods are contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, methods of making, methods of using, and the like. Aspects of system/device operation described elsewhere herein can be performed as operations of one or more methods in accordance with various embodiments herein.
In an embodiment, a method 3800 of making a package, is included, the method 3800 can include providing a handle layer web, a carrier layer web, and an enclosing layer web 3802. The method 3800 can include coupling applicators to the carrier layer web 3804. The method 3800 can include placing a substance on the applicators 3806. In some embodiments, placing a substance on the applicators occurs after the applicators are coupled to the carrier layer web. In some embodiments, placing a substance on the applicators occurs before the applicators are coupled to the carrier layer web. The method 3800 can further include scoring the handle layer web to divide handle portions from joining portions 3808. In some embodiments, the method 3800 can include forming a combined web by coupling the enclosing layer web to the carrier layer web and coupling the handle layer web to the carrier layer web 3810. In some embodiments, forming the combined web can enclose the applicators between the carrier layer web and the enclosing layer. In various embodiments, the method 3800 can include cutting at least one individual package around at least a portion of an outer package perimeter to separate the individual package from the combined web 3812. In various embodiments, a first handle portion and a second handle portion of the individual package are configured to move from a first state to a second state, wherein, in the first state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are parallel with the carrier layer, and, in the second state, the first handle portion and the second handle portion are not parallel to the carrier layer. In an embodiment of the method 3800, cutting the individual package comprises die cutting or rotary cutting.
It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase “configured” describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration. The phrase “configured” can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.
All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.
As used herein, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints shall include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 2 to 8 includes 2.1, 2.8, 5.3, 7, etc.).
The headings used herein are provided for consistency with suggestions under 37 CFR 1.77 or otherwise to provide organizational cues. These headings shall not be viewed to limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. As an example, although the headings refer to a “Field,” such claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims.
The embodiments described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices. As such, aspects have been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope herein.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/949,292, filed Dec. 17, 2019, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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62949292 | Dec 2019 | US |