Patent Application
20170066579
Merchandising of packaged goods has been enhanced in recent years by overwrapping the goods with a display band, or protective band of plastic film. The overwrap protects the packaged goods in transit and may include labeling and graphics that enhance appearance of the goods at retail. Generally the overwrap entirely surrounds the goods and must be removed and disposed of prior to consumption or use of the goods. Because the overwrap must often be removed prior to use it should be easily removable and its removal should not damage or otherwise diminish the usefulness of the packaged goods.
One problem with prior art overwraps is that while they secure and protect the packaged goods in transit and on shelf they may be difficult for the user to remove prior to consumption of the goods. Another problem is that the overwraps do not provide anything for the user to grasp, making carrying and transport of the overwrapped bundle difficult. Also, prior art overwraps generally must be entirely removed from the packaged goods such that no overwrap remains leaving unconsumed goods unsecured. The present invention solves these problems by providing an overwrap that has a grasp handle and makes the bundle of packaged goods easy to transport and open. Further, the present invention provides an overwrap that remains partially intact after opening so as to secure the unused goods.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a bundle of packaged goods overwrapped with a film wrapper that not only secures and protects the packaged goods, but also permits the overwrap to be easily removed. Further, the invention provides an easy to grasp handle for transporting and opening the packaged goods. Also, the invention provides an overwrap that permits easy separation of the overwrap from a portion of the packaged goods without damaging the goods or disrupting the wrapping disposed over the unused goods.
Thus in one embodiment the present invention provides a bundle of individually packaged products comprising a plurality of packages, wherein each of the plurality of packages contains at least one product and a film wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of packages, wherein the film wrapper comprises an overlapped portion having a first film wrapper layer and a second film wrapper layer, the overlapped portion having an attached zone and an unattached zone.
In other embodiments the present invention provides a film package overwrapping individually packaged products, the flexible film package comprising a film having at least two opposing free edges, and at least a front panel and a back panel, the opposing free edges overlapping one another to form at least one overlapped portion, the overlapped portion having an attached zone and an unattached zone; a line of weakness disposed on the front panel.
In still other embodiments the present invention provides an overwrapped package of tissue cartons comprising a plurality of tissue cartons; a film overwrapping the tissue cartons, the film having two opposing free edges; an ink disposed proximal to one of the two opposing free edges, the ink defining a first printed area; at least one overlapped portion formed by the opposing free edges overlapping one another, the overlapped portion having an attached zone and an unattached zone, the unattached zone substantially corresponding to the first printed area; and a line of weakness disposed on the film overwrap.
In yet other embodiments the present invention provides an overwrapped package of tissue cartons comprising at least two tissue cartons in contact with one another along an interface, a plurality of interfolded tissue sheets disposed within the tissue cartons, and a film wrapper surrounding the at least two tissue cartons, the film wrapper having opposed first and second ends, the first and second ends overlapping to form an overlap portion having an attached zone and an unattached zone, and a line of weakness orientated substantially parallel to the first and second ends and proximal to the tissue carton interface.
The invention provides an easy to grasp handle and opening for packaging of individual packaged products that are sold in multi-packs, also referred to herein as bundles. The multi-pack is a plurality of individually packaged products that are over-wrapped together by a wrapper, such as a plastic film. In certain embodiments the packaged products comprise a package and a consumer good, such as facial tissue. The cartons are formed from a carton blank. Generally the blank has a top surface with depending side flaps, a first side surface with depending side flaps, a bottom surface with side flaps and a second side surface with depending side flaps. The carton blank may be formed from a sheet of paperboard material.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the packaged products comprise packaged tissue products and more preferably a substantially cubic paperboard tissue carton having a plurality of folded tissue sheets disposed therein. In other embodiments the packaged products comprise a plurality of rolled tissue products. In yet other embodiments the packaged products comprise a disposable absorbent article, such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence pads and pants, sanitary napkins, tampons, pantiliners, wipes, wet wipes, bandages and pessaries disposed in carton, container, bag or overwrap. In certain embodiments the disposable articles are packaged in substantially cubic paperboard cartons, which are bundled together and wrapped as described herein. In other embodiments the absorbent articles are first overwrapped with a film to form a package and several packages then bundled and overwrapped as described herein.
Referring to
The illustrated bundle 100 comprises three packages 210, 220 and 230 of individually packaged products that are stacked on top of each other to form one column/stack. The packages 210, 220 and 230 are surrounded by a packaging film 132. Although the packaging film 132 substantially encloses the packages 210, 220 and 230 in the illustrated embodiment, the invention is not so limited. The film wrapper 132 may be in the form of a band for example, which only covers the front and back of the bundle. In other embodiments the film 132 may only cover the sides, top and bottom. In such an embodiment, the packaging film 132 encloses the lateral sides of the stacked packages 210, 220 and 230, but the front 135 and rear of the bundle are substantially free of packaging film 132 or could be partially covered by the packaging film 132. Preferably the film covers at least two surfaces of the packaged goods such that the goods are retained in the bundle in a stable manner.
The packaging film is preferably a plastic film, and more preferably a thermoplastic film with the thermoplastic being either a monolayer or a laminate. Useful monolayer or laminate thermoplastic materials include polyethylenes and ethylene copolymers, polypropylenes and propylene copolymers, polyethylene terephthalates, vinyl polymers and copolymers, and acrylic polymers and copolymers. The laminates include thermoplastic/paper laminates. A useful thermoplastic is biaxially oriented polypropylene. The invention is not limited to a plastic as the packaging film. In certain embodiments the packaging film may be a paper over-wrap or other material.
In embodiments where the packaging film 132 material is a plastic film, it will preferably have a gram weight/square meter (gsm) of about 15 gsm to about 75 gsm. The film material 132 will generally have a thickness of about 300 microns to about 600 microns. The film wrapper 132 material preferably will be a shrink wrap material.
As mentioned above, the bundle 100 can be used for many different products. However, it is useful in the marketing of consumer products and more particularly tissue products. Although three packages 210, 220 and 230 of individually packaged products are illustrated the invention is not so limited. For example, where tissue cartons are the product, the bundle 100 may have between 2 and 6 individually packaged products. Additionally, although only one column of packages is illustrated, the bundle 100 may comprise more than one column of packages.
Referring next to
The overlapped portion 138 has an attached zone 140 where the first 134 and a second 136 layer of packaging film 132 are attached to one another. The overlapped portion 138 also has an unattached portion 142 where the first 134 and a second 136 layer of packaging film 132 are not attached to one another. While the width and lengths of the attached 140 and unattached 142 zones is not of particular importance, it is preferred that relative size of the zones provides for a well-sealed bundle, but allows a user sufficient area to access the unattached zone to carry the bundle or to open the bundle.
The attached 140 and unattached 142 zones are shown in greater detail in
Also illustrated in
Attachment between the first 134 and a second 136 layer may be prevented by partially coating the first 134 or second 136 layers with a material that is not thermally bondable. For example, using a lacquer to coat specific areas within the overlap and then exposing the overlap to a continuous sealing bar would result in an overlap portion 138 having attached 140 and unattached zones 142. Any material that is not thermally bondable may be used to prevent the two layers from attaching continuously. The material may be coated, for example, on the appropriate sides of overlapping margins. For example, a coating process (such as with an ink or varnish) can be used to deaden the overlapping area and prevent the two layers from attaching to one another. Alternately, a separate layer, such as a label or the like may be added to provide the non-attached portion of the overlapping film layers.
The unattached zone 142 forms a handle 180. In a particularly preferred embodiment the unattached zone 142 is formed by applying an adhesive deadening agent to at least one of the overlapping layers 134, 136. The adhesive deadening compound may be applied, for example, by flexo, gravure, or ink jet to one surface of the overlapping layers. The adhesive deadening agent inks, varnish, shellac, lacquer, polyolefins, paraffins, waxes, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, film forming polymers include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, or combinations thereof. The deadening agent may be applied to select areas of one or both facing surfaces of the first and second layers 134, 136 of packaging film 132. Further, the deadening agent may be done in a pattern-applied approach such as by ink coating in a pattern-applied manner.
The handle 180 and package opening system will now be discussed further with reference to
In the illustrated embodiment the unattached zone 142, which forms the handle 180, is created by a first printed portion 170 disposed on the inner surface of the outer film layer 136. The printed portion 170 extends partially across the width (w) and length (l) of the overlapped portion. In this manner the printed portion 170 has a width and a length that corresponds to the width (uw) and a length (ul) of the unattached zone. The printed portion 170 overlaps a layer 134 of packaging film, however, the printing prevents the two layers 134, 136 of packaging film from attaching to one another. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the bundle 100 has a handle 180 formed from the overlapping unattached layers 134, 136 with an opening 182 orientated along the upper peripheral edge 150 of the bundle 100. The lateral edges of the handle 180 are formed by attached overlapping portions of film at opposite sides of the printed portion 170.
The handle 180 may assist a user in gripping and opening the product bundle 100. Accordingly, in use of the embodiments illustrated in
In an exemplary embodiment, the overlapping portion of packaging film 132 extends from the top peripheral edge 150 of the bundle 100 for a length (l) of about 3 inches. The width (w) of the overlapping portion of packaging film extends substantially the width (W) of the bundle 100. Only a portion of the overlapping portion 138 of packaging film 132 is attached however, as the printed portion 170 inhibits the sealing of the top 136 and bottom 134 layers. This is a non-limiting example and in some embodiments the overlapping portion may extend a distance that is less than or greater than 3 inches.
The present embodiments can also provide a line of weakness in the film substrate to define a package opening. The line of weakness may be imparted by scoring or perforating the film. The score or perforation may be imparted by any known process, such as by mechanical, laser or other processes that would provide a line of weakness to compromise the integrity of the film. Generally perforations will extend entirely through the film forming an aperture, while scores will cut through only the exterior or interior surface of film. Scores and perforations need not be continuous to form a line of weakness. In some embodiments, the line of weakness may be formed by a combination of perforations and scores.
The preferred tear strength of line of weakness should be at least weaker than the strength of the film to allow the package to be opened along the line of weakness. The line of weakness may extend along the width (W) of the front 135 of the bundle 100, but can be configured in many embodiments depending on the anticipated product and how much product is desired to be exposed when the package is opened. For example,
Other arrangements of the line of weakness 190 relative to the packages 210, 220 and 230, are contemplated and within the scope of the present invention. By selectively positioning the line of weakness relative to the packages it is possible to provide an overwrap that opens completely around at least one of the packages, but maintains the other packages as a single unitary piece. For example, in use a user inserts a hand into the handle 180 and separates the attached layers by sliding their hand downward. Continuing downward the user splits the film along the line of weakness, opening the bundle. The user can then pull the upper most package out of the film wrapper, while the wrapper remains intact over the lower packages. In this manner, the overwrap remains as a single piece of material.
The line of weakness does not necessarily have to be straight. As formed in the overwrap, the weakness components and resultant line of weakness may be a diagonal line, a curved line or a line that changes direction by e.g. having angles, curves, and/or inflections such as inflection points. In order to obtain the line of weakness in this type of embodiment, the sheet of material will need to have the weakness components in the appropriate pattern. In one embodiment, the line of weakness originates in the withdrawal portion of the package and inclines such that it terminates in the central portion. Again, the line of weakness can be inclined at an angle from the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The angle of inclination is balanced against the desire to maintain the wrapper in a single piece. The smaller the angle, the greater the component of force applied to the package is translated into shear force that is able to rupture the line of weakness. However, a small angle of inclination provides a greater opportunity for the wrapper material to tear between the ends of the line of weakness to result in two separated package remnants. A larger angle of inclination provides a lesser opportunity for the wrapper material to tear between the ends of the line of weakness to result in two separated package remnants.
In another embodiment, the line of weakness is disposed in the upper third of the bundle. In still another embodiment, the line of weakness is a straight line that extends along a portion of each opposed side of the bundle and along the front of the bundle. In such embodiments, the upper most packaged good is easily removed after the line of weakness has been ruptured, which leaves the remaining packaged goods intact and overwrapped. This allows the user to easily open the bundle and remove a packaged good without having to unwrap all of the packaged goods.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the line of weakness according to the present invention extends around three sides of the bundle. In this manner the line of weakness is arranged and configured such that upon the rupturing of the line of weakness, the resultant open overwrap can be removed as a unitary piece of material. As the line of weakness originates and ends at different parts of the seam, the line of weakness will not cause division of the wrapper into separate pieces upon opening. The end and origin of the line of weakness are sufficiently separated so as not to overlap and to reduce the likelihood of an undesired tear continuing between them.
In those embodiments where the line of weakness extends along the sides of the bundle, the line of weakness may extend through overlapping margins and seals. The overlapping of the margins and sealing does not compromise the line of weakness such that when the user opens the overwrap, the line of weakness tears completely around and through the sealed overwrap. The seal does not prevent the line of weakness from extending through the overlap region to effectively propagate a tear through this overlap region. If the line of weakness is formed from a series of slits, the forming of the seam in the margins will not close up the slits; rather the slits remain open sufficiently to be easily ruptured.
Generally the packaging film is such that when it is heated and comes into contact with a semi-rigid structure, the film does not shrink and distort significantly. However, any part of the packaging film that goes beyond the rigid structure of the product bundle will distort and shrink significantly. Further, when overlapping layers of packaging film are heated they preferably seal to one another. This sealing may be prevented by disposing printing on one surface of the packaging film. In this manner, when two layers of packaging film are brought into facing arrangement with one another the printed surface prevents the films from contacting one another and forming a seal when heated.
As described above, product items may be bundled together using an externally-applied packaging film, such as a clear or substantially transparent single or coextruded ply film made of a polymeric material, including polyethylene, polypropylene polyolefin, cellophane, or polyvinyl chloride or netting material. The film may be provided in the form of an open-ended sleeve or band, but may also be provided on one or more continuous rolls. A variety of techniques and machines for applying such a sleeve, band, or film over the product items and shrinking it to form a packaged product bundle is known in the art.
One exemplary technique uses the conventional “C-fold” wrapping technique, which relies on a single roll of packaging film manipulated into a C-shape for receiving a group of product items or articles. More specifically, a plurality of articles positioned adjacent to one another are advanced into the C-shaped film, such as by a pusher or conveyor. Once the group of articles is surrounded by the film on four sides, and an “L-bar” type sealing jaw including a heated knife or cutter is then used to sever and seal the film adjacent to the lateral (left or right) sides and the trailing side of the group of articles, in one embodiment. Other sealing technologies may also be employed, such as a cross bar seal technology, an air knife, among others. Further, a preformed tube of film may be used to envelope the product bundle during a wrap, in one embodiment, as an alternative to wrapping the bundle with a roll or rolls of film and sealing the ends. To illustrate, an elastic tube of film may be preprinted and mechanically opened and stretched to the size of the product bundle and pulled over the product bundle as a first or second wrap. The elasticity of the tube will then cause the bundle to tighten around the product bundle after being mechanically released.
Regardless of the wrapping technique used, in one embodiment, the film placed over, wrapped around, or covering the articles is then usually subjected to a heating process or restricting technology process such that it shrinks over the bundle, thereby temporarily securing the articles together against movement for more efficient distribution as unit.
In addition to the above mentioned embodiments the present invention provides, in a first embodiment, a bundle of individually packaged products comprising a plurality of packages, wherein each of the plurality of packages contains at least one product; a film wrapper surrounding at least a portion of the plurality of packages, wherein the film wrapper comprises an overlapped portion having a first film wrapper layer and a second film wrapper layer, the overlapped portion having an attached zone and an unattached zone.
In a second embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first embodiment comprising an adhesive deadening agent disposed on the first or second film wrapper layer.
In a third embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first or second embodiment wherein the bundle comprises an adhesive deadening agent selected from the group consisting of inks, varnish, shellac, lacquer, polyolefins, paraffins, waxes, polyacrylates, and polyurethanes.
In a fourth embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first through third embodiments further comprising an ink disposed on the first film wrapper layer, thereby forming the unattached zone.
In a fifth embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first through fourth embodiments wherein the overlapped portion has a length (l) and width (w) and the unattached zone has a length (ul) that is less than l and width (uw) that is less than w.
In a sixth embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first through fifth embodiments wherein the unattached zone has an open upper edge that is substantially parallel to the upper peripheral edge of the bundle.
In a seventh embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first through sixth embodiments further comprising a line of weakness disposed on the film wrapper.
In an eighth embodiment the present invention provides the bundle of the first through seventh embodiments wherein the packages are substantially cubic tissue cartons containing a plurality of interfolded tissue sheets
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US15/13236 | 1/28/2015 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61946092 | Feb 2014 | US |
