Patent Application
20070119742
The present disclosure generally relates to a package containing disposable absorbent articles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a package containing disposable absorbent articles wherein the package incorporates sensory elements which communicate a characteristic of the package to a consumer.
The field of disposable absorbent articles includes a wide variety of consumer products which includes diapers, bibs, wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, etc. Within each category, i.e. diapers, wipes, etc., the number of different product offerings is typically large. For example, in the diapers category product offerings may include pull-on diapers, taped diapers, training pants, newborn diapers, etc.
Packaging for each of these disposable absorbent articles typically includes the brand name of the disposable absorbent article plus some iconography or design which allows the consumer to readily recognize a particular brand. Additionally, packaging for these disposable absorbent articles may include a description on the number of absorbent articles within the package and a description of how to use the disposable absorbent article. In some cases, particularly, in how to use the disposable absorbent article, communication with the consumer may be through visual images without the use of alpha-numeric characters.
Visual images, excluding alpha-numeric characters, can be an effective means of communication with consumers. For example, in the context of diapers and/or wet wipes, consumers often shop with babies or small children, resulting in less ability to intently focus upon various product offerings of disposable absorbent articles. Additionally, because the number of product offerings within each category can be large, it may become increasingly difficult for consumers to self-select the product or products which most appropriately meet their needs.
Unfortunately, in some instances, a consumer may select an inappropriate product simply based on the package. For example, the consumer may select a product containing wet wipes which are suitable for their needs. However, the consumer may inadvertently select a package which cannot retain the moisture of the wet wipes after being opened. After a period of use, the wipes which were formerly wet would become dry. This could cause discomfort and/or injury when using the dried out wipe. Conversely, the consumer may, after realizing that they have chosen a product which does not suit their needs, have to drive back to the place of purchase and try to return the inappropriate product and subsequently purchase the appropriate product.
Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a package incorporating sensory elements communicating a characteristic of the package. These sensory elements may help the consumer make better decisions when purchasing packages containing disposable absorbent articles.
The package of the present invention may include a sensory element which communicates a characteristic of the package to a consumer, thereby allowing the consumer to choose an appropriate product for their particular needs. In some embodiments of the present invention, a package containing at least one disposable absorbent article may comprise a body and a first sensory element. The body has an opening therein, and the first sensory element communicates a first performance attribute of the package.
In other embodiments, a flexible package may comprise a plurality of wipes therein, a body, a cover, a grasping sensory element, a first sensory element, and a cover sensory element. The cover may have an attachment region and a liftable region. The attachment region of the cover can be joined to the body. The grasping sensory element can be disposed on a portion of the liftable region of the cover, and the grasping sensory element can communicate a grasping area of the liftable region of the cover. The first sensory element can be disposed on the cover, wherein the first sensory element communicates a first characteristic of the flexible package. The cover sensory element communicates the first performance attribute of the flexible package
Other embodiments of the present invention include a line up or array of packages. The line up of packages, along with each of the packages in the line up comprising a plurality of wipes, may further comprise a first package and a second package.
The first package may comprise a first body, a first cover, and a first sensory element. The first cover includes a first attachment region and a first liftable region. The first attachment region of the first cover can be joined to the first body. The first sensory element can communicate a first characteristic of the first package to a consumer.
The second package may comprise a second body, a second cover, and a second sensory element. The second cover includes a second attachment region and a second liftable region. The second attachment region can be joined to the second body. The second sensory element can communicate the first characteristic of the second package. The first sensory element and the second sensory element can differ.
Definitions
The present invention, in some embodiments, is directed to packages comprising disposable absorbent articles or to an array or a line up of packages containing disposable absorbent articles. As used herein, the terms “line up” and “array” are intended to be interchangeable. An “array” or “line up” refers to two or more “products” which are each sold individually, but which are each part of a broader collective offering. The individual offerings in the line up or array are associated with each other by some commonality or connection. Examples of such a commonality or connection may include, but are not limited to: a common brand name, a common logo, a common color scheme, a common graphic, or any other indicia which signal that the products are related and are offerings to sub-groups within the overall group to which the line up or array as a whole is offered.
As used herein the term “characteristic” shall refer to a functional feature and/or a performance attribute that helps to distinguish a product. For example, characteristics of the package can include re-sealable lids/covers, ability to retain moisture, impeding the loss of moisture from the contents of a package, facilitation of opening the package, and/or the like.
As used herein the term “performance attribute” refers to a benefit provided by the package to content within the package and/or to the end user when the content is used in accordance with expected use. For example, in the context of wet wipes, a package may retain the moisture of the wet wipes within the package or impede the loss of moisture from the wet wipes within the package provided that the package is used in accordance with expected use.
The term “functional feature” refers to the capabilities of the package when used in accordance with expected use. For example, the package may have a re-closable cover, float in the tub, glow in the dark, provide audible feedback in response to user action, and/or the like.
As used herein the terms “differ” and “different”, in the context of sensory elements, shall include perceptible dissimilarities in appearance, color, shape, design, feel, and/or sound between two elements. In the context of characteristics, the terms “differ” and “different” shall include functional dissimilarities and performance attribute dissimilarities. For example, a first characteristic may pertain to a package's ability to impede the loss of moisture from the wipes within the package, and a second characteristic may pertain to a package's re-closable cover. In this example, the first characteristic differs from the second characteristic.
The term “disposable” is used herein to describe products, which generally are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored and reused for their original function. They are typically intended to be discarded after about 1 or 2 uses. It is preferred that such disposable articles be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed of in an environmentally compatible manner.
A “disposable absorbent article” refers to an article device that normally absorbs and/or retains fluids. In certain instances, the phrase refers to articles that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the excreta and/or exudates discharged from the body, and includes such personal care articles as baby diapers, baby training pants, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, baby swim diapers, wound dressings, and the like. In certain instances, a disposable absorbent article may be worn by infants and other incontinent persons about the lower torso. In other instances, a disposable absorbent article may include wipes, bibs, sanitary napkins, tampons, tissue, paper towels, and the like.
As used herein the term “joined” encompasses configurations whereby an element is directly secured to another element by affixing the element directly to the other element, and configurations whereby an element is indirectly secured to another element by affixing the element to an intermediate member(s) which in turn are affixed to the other element. Additionally configurations where an element is permanently secured to another element or removably secured to another element are included.
As used herein the term “product” shall refer to a package containing disposable absorbent articles.
As used herein the term “wet wipe” means a wipe having moisture content of greater than about 10% by weight of the substrate. Some wipes are delivered in an apparent “dry” state although they have measurable moisture content. For example, some cleansing wipes (such as for bathing, face washing, or makeup removal) have a low moisture content (typically less than about 10%) cleansing solution which is impregnated or otherwise integrated with the wipe substrate. This solution may be released from the wipe upon immersing the wipe in water. Wet wipes often have higher moisture content as packaged, such as moisture content in the range from about 50% to about 350% or more by weight. For purposes of this application the moisture content imparted into the substrate will be referred to generically as “lotion.” Such lotions may be solutions, emulsions, or any other type of composition, and are typically some sort of aqueous cleansing formulation. A wide variety of such lotions is known in the art and is suitable.
Description
The packages of the present invention incorporate sensory elements to communicate one or more characteristics of the package to a consumer. The communication of the one or more characteristics of the package to the consumer may aid the consumer in choosing a product which is beneficial rather than detrimental to them.
The packages of the present invention, in some embodiments, include flexible packages and rigid plastic containers, e.g. plastic tubs. Examples of each are provided below. The present invention is applicable to packages comprising content. For example, in some embodiments, the present invention pertains to packages comprising a plurality of disposable absorbent articles. However, the description provided hereafter will pertain to packages comprising a plurality of disposable wet wipes.
Packages constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise a body which substantially encloses the contents of the package. The body may comprise an opening therein. The opening may be opened and closed by any suitable means, e.g. a cover. For example, as shown in
As shown, in some embodiments, the body 110 can be formed from a sheet of packaging film that is wrapped around the plurality of disposable wipes (not shown). Adjacent ends of the packaging film can be sealed together to completely enclose the disposable wipes. Accordingly, a rear seal (not shown) may extend along a length L of the body 110 and two side seams 126 may extend across a lateral width W of the body 110.
The cover 112 may comprise an attachment region 120 and a liftable region 122. The attachment region 120, in some embodiments can be joined to the body 110. Additionally, in the closed position, the liftable region 122 is joined to the body 110. To expose the wipes within the body 110, a person can lift the liftable region 122 of the cover 112. Generally, the cover 112 is not lifted to such an extent that the attachment region 120 of the cover 112 becomes unsecured from the body 110.
In some embodiments, as shown in
Referring back to
Embodiments are contemplated where the body 110 and/or the cover 112 comprise other fastening element systems. For example, embodiments are contemplated where the body 110 and/or the cover 112 comprise adhesives, mechanical fastening elements, magnetic members, or combinations thereof. These embodiments are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/157,663 filed on Jun. 21, 2005, entitled “RESEALABLE PACKAGE WITH SEPARABLE FASTENING ELEMENT”.
As shown in
Embodiments are contemplated where the grasping sensory element 160 communicates through visual perception. For example, the grasping sensory element 160 may comprise a graphic. For example, the graphic may include an anthropomorphic image which points to a grasping area 162 and/or in the direction in which the consumer should lift the cover 112. The graphic may be any suitable visual image or images. For example, the graphic may include pictorial symbols and/or images, such as, but not limited to, photographs, drawings, embossments, or any other suitable materials utilized to create pictorial symbols and/or images. The pictorial symbols and/or images may include an image of a child, an anthropomorphic image of an animal or object, images of cartoons including well known cartoon characters, images of well known brand logos or the like, and/or images characters specifically created to be associated with the implement of commerce, symbols, such as, but not limited to arrows, indications or motion or movement, and the like, and combinations thereof. Suitable examples of graphics are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0129743A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125923A1, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125877A1. As used herein, the term “graphic” does not include alpha-numeric characters unless otherwise specified.
In conjunction with or independently of the graphic, the grasping sensory element 160, in some embodiments, may include a color which is perceptibly different than the color of the attachment region 120, which is perceptibly different from a portion of the liftable region 122, or which is perceptibly different from the attachment region 120 and a portion of the liftable region 122. For example, in one particular embodiment, the attachment region 120 and a portion of the liftable region 122 may comprise a color which is not perceptibly different than the color of the body 110. In this particular embodiment, the grasping sensory element 160 may comprise a color which is perceptibly different than the color of the attachment region 120 and the body 110.
In some embodiments, the grasping sensory element 160 may be limited to communicating the location of the grasping area 162 by visual perception. However, embodiments are contemplated where the grasping sensory element 160 communicates with the consumer by way of visual perception and/or tactile perception. For example, the grasping sensory element 160 can be embossed upon the cover 112 such that in addition to a perceptible visual difference between the grasping sensory element 160 and other portions of the cover 112, a perceptible tactile difference may also exist between the grasping sensory element 160 and other portions of the cover 112. As another example, the grasping sensory element 160 may communicate with the consumer by tactile perception.
There are many means by which the grasping sensory element 160 may communicate by visual and/or tactile perception. For example, as stated previously, the grasping sensory element 160 may be embossed onto the cover 112. As another example, material may be added to the grasping sensory element 160 such that a perceptible tactile difference and/or a perceptible visual difference are created. Any suitable means known in the art can be utilized to create a perceptible tactile difference and/or a perceptible visual difference.
Other characteristics of the flexible package 100 can be communicated to the consumer. As shown in
In some embodiments, the cover 112 can be substantially transparent such that the first sensory element 260 can be perceived by the naked eye when the cover 112 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the cover 112 can be substantially opaque such that the first sensory element 260 or a portion thereof cannot be perceived by the naked eye when the cover 112 is in the closed position.
As shown in
As described above with regard to
The first sensory element 260 may include an image of any suitable object known in the art capable of communicating a characteristic of a package to a consumer. For example, in some embodiments, the first sensory element 260 may include an image of bivalves, suitable examples of which include oysters, clams, and the like. Additionally, embodiments are contemplated where the first sensory element comprises a graphic as described above. Moreover, embodiments are contemplated where the first sensory element 260 communicates to the consumer by visual and/or tactile perception as described above with regard to the grasping sensory element 160 (shown in
As shown in
As shown, in some embodiments, the cover sensory element 360 may comprise a droplet shaped cover 112. The cover 112 may include any suitable shape known in the art which is capable of communicating a characteristic and/or performance attribute of a package. In some embodiments, the cover 112 and the first sensory element 260 (shown in
Additionally, the cover sensory element 360, in some embodiments, may communicate to the consumer a property of the wipes along with at least one characteristic of the flexible package 100 (shown in
As shown in
As shown, in some embodiments, the second sensory element 460 may comprise an image which depicts a liquid droplet falling into a body of liquid. The second sensory element 460 may comprise any suitable image which is capable of communicating to the consumer a characteristic of a package. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second sensory element 460 may communicate properties of the contents within the flexible package 100 in addition to a characteristic of the flexible package 100.
As stated previously, a package in accordance with the present invention may comprise a flexible package and/or a plastic tub. As shown in
As shown, in some embodiments, the container body 11 may comprise a bottom wall 17, a back 18, a front 19, a right side wall 20, and a left side wall 21, which define a substantially parallelepipedic hollow receptacle. As shown, the container body's top side is wide open so as to define an upper opening. A flange may extend along an outer peripheral edge of the opening onto which the closing device 10 is fitted.
In some embodiments, the front wall 19 may comprise a protruding portion 25 which may cooperate with a second protrusion 26 disposed on the movable cover 13 so as to form the releasable locking mechanism 14. In operation, upon depressing a deformable portion 27, the movable lid 13 can be automatically opened via the spring element 15 thereby exposing an opening 23 in the top surface of the stationary housing 12. The operation and construction of the plastic tub 500 are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,902,077.
The plastic tub 500 of the present invention may comprise a first sensory element as described heretofore. In conjunction with the first sensory element or independently of the first sensory element, the plastic tub 500 may comprise a second sensory element, a grasping sensory element, and/or a cover sensory element, as described heretofore. For example, the first sensory element may communicate to the consumer that the plastic tub 500 can retain the moisture of the wipes disposed within the plastic tub 500, or that the plastic tub 500 at least impedes the loss of moisture of the wipes within the plastic tub 500.
The first sensory element and/or the second sensory element may be disposed on any suitable surface of the plastic tub 500. For example, the first sensory element and the second sensory element may be disposed on the front wall 19 and the movable cover 13, respectively. In order to communicate the characteristics of the plastic tub 500 effectively, the first sensory element and/or the second sensory element should be disposed on an exterior surface of the plastic tub 500 such that the first sensory element and/or the second sensory element are visible from the store shelf to the consumer. However, embodiments are contemplated where the plastic tub 500 may comprise sensory elements which are disposed on the interior of the tub which may communicate further characteristics of the plastic tub 500 to the consumer.
As shown in
The container body 662 may be removably associated with the base 678 such that the combination of the container body 662 and the base 678 form an enclosure having the opening 680. Wipes may be placed within the enclosure by removing the container body 662 from the base 678 and placing the wipes on the base 678. Subsequently, the container body 662 may be re-joined to the base 678 thereby enclosing the wipes.
As shown, the cover 674 is in the open position. However, being hingedly associated with the container body 662, the cover 674 is capable of closing thereby covering at least a portion of, if not all, the opening 680. The cover 674 can be held in the closed position by the latching element 682. In some embodiments, by depressing the latching element 682, the cover 674 can be released and may be subsequently opened by the consumer. Opening the cover 674 may expose at least a portion of the opening 680 thereby exposing the wipes within the enclosure.
Similar to the plastic tub 500 (shown in
Another aspect of the present invention is directed to line ups and arrays of products. A line up of products according to the present invention may comprise two or more packages as described heretofore. For example, a first package may comprise a first sensory element, and a second package may comprise a second sensory element. In some embodiments, the first sensory element may communicate a functional feature of the first package while the second sensory element communicates a performance attribute of the second package. As an example, the functional feature may be that the package includes a re-closable cover while the performance attribute may be that the package impedes the loss of moisture from the wipes within the package.
In some embodiments, the first package may comprise a first sensory element, and a second package may comprise a second sensory element. However, the first sensory element and the second sensory element, in some embodiments, may communicate the same characteristic and be perceptibly different from one another. Additionally, embodiments are contemplated where the first package further comprises a first grasping sensory element, and the second package comprises a second grasping sensory element. In some embodiments, the first grasping sensory element and the second grasping sensory element may be perceptibly different from one another. Similarly, embodiments are contemplated where the first package comprises a first cover sensory element, and a second package comprises a second cover sensory element. In some embodiments, the first cover sensory element and the second cover sensory element can be perceptibly different.
Embodiments are contemplated where a first package and/or a second package comprise a combination of at least one of a first sensory element, a second sensory element, a grasping sensory element, and a cover sensory element. Moreover, embodiments are contemplated where at least one of the first sensory element, the second sensory element, the grasping sensory element, and the cover sensory element, between the first package and the second package are perceptibly different. In these embodiments, differing sensory elements may communicate the same characteristic and/or performance attribute or may communicate differing characteristics and/or performance attributes of their respective packages.
Multiple characteristics of a package constructed in accordance with the present invention may be communicated via a combination of the grasping sensory element, the first sensory element, the cover sensory element, and/or the second sensory element. For example, embodiments are contemplated where the first sensory element 260 (shown in
Additionally, embodiments are contemplated where a synergy exists between two or more sensory elements. For example, the grasping sensory element 160 (shown in
Embodiments are contemplated where the first sensory element, the second sensory element, the grasping sensory element, and/or the cover sensory element, communicate a characteristic of a package by audible perception. Any suitable audible device known in the art can be used.
In addition to the sensory elements described herein, packages constructed in accordance with the present invention may comprise targeted sensory elements, targeted scent elements, targeted tactile elements, and targeted auditory elements as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/066,091 entitled “Line Up of Wipes Products Incorporating Targeted Sensory Elements”, filed on behalf of Joshua James Norman.
Additionally, embodiments are contemplated where a package or a portion thereof comprises a gender specific color. For example, a package may comprise a color which is a shade of pink. As another example, a package may comprise a color which is a shade of blue. In yet another example, a package may comprise a color which is gender neutral, such as shades of purple or shades of green. Further examples are discussed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0129743A1, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125923A1, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0125877A1.
Each of the packages of the present invention includes a wet wipe or a plurality of wet wipes. A wet wipe may comprise at least a substrate. No particular design for such a substrate is required, and those of skill in the art will readily appreciate that all manner and variety of substrates are suitable. Nonwoven materials are typical, though not required, for substrates. Additionally, the substrates may be formed into sheet-like material by any of a variety of well known processes including: airlaying, carding, spunbonding, spunlacing, hydroforming, and the like.
The properties of the substrate according to the present invention may be homogeneous or non-homogeneous. For example, while a single uniform web is suitable, it may be desired to have a layered substrate where fiber composition is different among some or all of the various layers. Additionally, zones of varying properties are also possible. Substrates may be made from a variety of conventional natural and/or synthetic fibers including cellulosic based fibers (such as rayon, cotton, pulp, lyocell, and variations of these), or polyethylene, polypropylene, bicomponent or other synthetic fibers.
Wipes suitable for use in the presented invention may be provided in a wide variety of convenient shapes and sizes although there is no particular shape or size which is necessary. For ease of manufacture and dispensing, rectangular sheets of wipe material may be used, although wipes can also be rounded, circular, or other shapes. Individual sheets can be separately packaged (such as in an interleaved “pop up” configuration) or the wipes can be packaged in a continuous stack or roll to be separated later by the user (e.g., by perforations or the like).
The substrate material of a wipe may be impregnated with a liquid or semi-liquid composition that may enhance cleaning, provide a smooth feeling, or perform some other function. The composition may include an emollient, a surfactant, an emulsifier, a soothing agent, a rheology modifier, a preservative or preservative system, water, or other component. Suitable examples of each component and additional details regarding substrates and compositions for wet wipes, are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/878,875, filed on Jul. 9, 2004, and entitled “A Composition for Wet Wipes that Enhances the Efficacy of Cleansing While Being Gentle to the Skin”.
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”.
All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written 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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 000437413 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437454 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437462-0001 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437462-0002 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437462-0003 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437462-0004 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
| 000437462-0005 | Nov 2005 | EP | regional |
