Array of packages having wipes

Abstract

An array of packages is provided wherein each package in the area contains a wipe. While all the packages in the array contain wipes, the wipes are packaged differently according to the desired use. Wipes may be individually wrapped or they may be provided in a package, which contains multiple unwrapped wipes. The wipes may also be individually wrapped and joined to an absorbent article such as a feminine sanitary napkin.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to arrays of packages, particularly wherein the packages contain wipes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles, such as incontinence devices, tampons, feminine sanitary napkins, and diapers do not completely prevent body exudates from soiling areas of the skin. After the removal of an absorbent article, such areas may have residual menstrual, urinary, or fecal material attached to the skin or hair. It is desirable to remove such residual exudate material from the body. Often, an individual who is removing an absorbent article is constrained to a rather limited geographical area such as a public restroom or a child's changing table. Therefore, unless the individual has some means to clean the area of skin within close proximity, the area will remain soiled with the unwanted material.

Wipes have been used to clean the body after removal of absorbent articles. The user of an absorbent article will use a wipe to clean the area of skin associated with the wearing of the absorbent article. For example, when changing a feminine sanitary napkin, the user may wish to wipe the vaginal area with a wet or dry wipe such as a disposable towelette. Multiple wipes are often packaged together in a single package, but wipes may also be individually wrapped. To provide users with ready access to wipes, individually wrapped wipes have been provided with absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins. The individually wrapped wipes have either been packaged with the absorbent article, or joined thereto.

A consumer's decision to purchase multiple wipes packaged together, or individually wrapped wipes is often based on what location the consumer expects to use the wipes. For example, when using wipes in association with the use of a feminine sanitary napkin, a package containing multiple wipes would be easier to use in the home, as a package containing multiple wipes is usually too large to be transported discretely. When the anticipated use of a wipe in association with a feminine sanitary napkin will be outside the home, a wipe, such as an individually wrapped wipe, capable of being easily transported is preferred.

It would be desirable to have an array of packages wherein each package has a wipe disposed therein, such that a consumer may select a package from the array containing a wipe that meets their immediate or planned needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An array of packages is provided. Each package in the array has a product identifier disposed thereon. A first package contains at least one absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet. A second package contains at least one absorbent article consisting essentially of a wipe individually wrapped in a packet. A third package contains at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipe is not individually wrapped.

Another array of packages is also provided. Each package in the array has a product identifier disposed thereon. A first package contains at least one absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet, wherein the number of absorbent articles is greater than one, and the number of absorbent articles is equal to or greater than the number of wipes. A second package contains at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet, wherein the number of wipes is greater than one, and the number of wipes is greater than that of absorbent articles. A third package contains at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipe is not individually wrapped.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cut-away perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, by “array of packages” is meant more than one package in a line-up of consumer products. The consumer products can be, and usually are, branded products such as absorbent articles, home care products (cleaning wipes, dusting wipes), beauty care products such as perfume, and oral care products (toothpaste, mouthwash) in which the packages in the array of packages exhibit a common product identifier such as a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, indicia or combinations thereof. For example, the ALWAYS® sanitary napkin brand name includes an array of different products, such as Ultra, Maxi, Regular, Super, Overnight, and the like, that are usually marketed as an array of packages at a point of sale. The product identifier can be made in any manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as by printing, embossing, transferring, stamping, debossing, etching or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, an array of packages is a plurality of packages, each labeled with the same brand name.

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to articles that absorb and/or contain a substance, such as, body exudates. A typical absorbent article can be placed within, against or in proximity to the body of a wearer to absorb and contain various body exudates. Examples, of absorbent articles include feminine hygiene articles, adult incontinence products, sanitary tissue products (facial tissue, toilet tissue, paper towels, wipes), baby care products (diapers, wipes). The term “absorbent article” as used herein also refers to any associated wrapping or applicator that typically can be associated with an absorbent article. For example, an absorbent article can be a tampon that may or may not include an applicator and/or can be a feminine sanitary napkin that may or may not include a wrapper, such as, a wrapper that individually encloses a feminine sanitary napkin.

As used herein, the term “feminine hygiene article” refers to absorbent articles that can be worn by women for menstrual and/or light incontinence control, such as, feminine sanitary napkins, tampons, interlabial products, pessaries, and pantiliners.

As used herein, the term “feminine sanitary napkin” refers to an absorbent article that can be placed against or in close proximity to the pudendal region for absorbing menses or urine. Examples of feminine sanitary napkins are those manufactured by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Ohio as: ALWAYS® Pantiliners with DriWeave® manufactured according to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,324,246; 4,463,045; and 6,004,893; ALWAYS® Ultrathin Slender Maxi with Wings manufactured according to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,342,314, 4,463,045, 4,556,146, 4,589,876, 4,687,478, 4,950,264, 5,009,653, 5,267,992, and Re. 32,649; ALWAYS® Regular Maxi; ALWAYS® Ultra Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Ultra Long Maxi with Wings; ALWAYS® Long Super Maxi with Wings; and ALWAYS® Overnight Maxi with Wings.

The term “joined”, as used herein, encompasses configurations in which a first element is directly secured to a second element. Joined also includes configurations in which the first element is indirectly secured to the second element by securing the first element to intermediate member(s), which in turn are secured to the second element. Additionally, the term joined covers configurations in which the first element is integral with the second element, such that the first element is part of the second element. The first element and the second element can be fixedly joined, or releasably joined.

As used herein, the term “indicia” refers to any type of mark, figure, geometric shape, picture, illustration, word, symbol, icon, pattern, or any other image on a package within an array of packages having a purpose of communicating to a consumer something about the consumer product contained in a package. As used herein, the term “color scheme” refers to one or more colors or combinations of colors present on individual packages in an array that allow the individual packages to appear similar or related to each other.

Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated using the following figures. The present invention, however, is not limited to structures having the particular configurations shown in the figures.

The present invention relates to an array of packages, wherein each package in the array contains at least one wipe. In one embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, the array 10 may be comprised of a package 20 containing individually wrapped wipes 22, a package 40 containing wipes 42 wherein the wipes 42 are not individually wrapped, and a package 60 containing absorbent articles, in this embodiment sanitary napkins 62, and individually wrapped wipes 22. Although the array 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises three packages 20, 40, 60, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that an array may comprise more than three packages. Each package 20, 40, 60 within the array has an exterior surface 82. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the packages 20, 40, 60 may be comprised of different shapes, sizes and/or materials. For example, the package 20 containing individually wrapped wipes 22 could be comprised of cardboard, the package 40 containing wipes 42 wherein the wipes 42 are not individually wrapped could be comprised of plastic, and the package 60 containing sanitary napkins 62, and individually wrapped wipes 22, could be comprised of film.

Having the wipes contained in packages, in an array of packages, provides a consumer at the point of sale with an option to select a package containing wipes that meets his or her immediate or planned needs. While all the packages in the array contain wipes, the wipes are packaged differently according to the desired use. Individually wrapped wipes can be discreetly transported in a purse or wallet for use outside the home. Wipes which are not individually wrapped can be easily used in the home, as each wipe does not have to be unwrapped prior to use. Wipes with an absorbent article can be used both in the home and outside the home. The absorbent article and the individually wrapped wipe can be discretely carried for use in areas outside the home. In addition, the absorbent article and individually wrapped wipe can be conveniently used in the home, as the wipe is usually in close proximity to or even joined to the absorbent article.

A package can be of a size or shape that can contain individually wrapped wipes, absorbent articles, wipes which are not individually wrapped, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the materials that comprise the package can be relatively inflexible materials, such as, for example, cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic, paper, card stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, or combinations thereof. In certain other embodiments, the package can be made of a relatively flexible material, such as, blown or cast film, fabric, webs, or combinations thereof. The flexible material may comprise polyethylene, metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn, polyethylene terephthalate, biaxally oriented polypropylene, nylon, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. As used herein the term “flexible” refers to materials, which are compliant and easily deform in the presence of external forces. In embodiments wherein the package contains wet wipes (as described below), which are not individually wrapped, the package may be made from or have disposed thereon any material which can maintain the wetness of the wipe. For example, a package comprised of plastic such as a plastic tub.

In certain embodiments, a product identifier such as indicia may be disposed on a package's exterior surface. In certain embodiments, the indicia may be disposed on the exterior surface of a package which is intended to be viewed by the consumer, when the package is positioned on the retail shelf. The indicia may communicate to a consumer that a package contains a wipe. In certain embodiments, the indicia may also communicate a property of the wipe such as whether the wipe is wet or dry, contains a fragrance, odor controller, moisturizer, or any other property or element known by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1 a package 20 may include at least one window 92, such as a region of transparency. As used herein, “transparency” means having the property of transmitting light without substantial scattering so that individually wrapped wipes, absorbent articles, and/or wipes which are not individually wrapped, which are beyond the window can be visible to a consumer. The window can comprise a transparent covering, such as, for example, a transparent film. In addition, or alternatively, the window can comprise an opening in the package that does not include a covering. In certain embodiments, the window can comprise a transparent covering that can be clear, translucent, and/or tinted. The transparent covering can be tinted in a color or combination of colors. The transparent covering can also, or alternatively, be printed and/or embossed.

A window may be disposed on at least one face of the exterior surface of the package, such as, the front, back, top, bottom, and/or sides, as determined by the package's intended positioning on the retail shelf. In certain embodiments, a window may be disposed on more than one face. In certain embodiments, there may be more than one window disposed on the exterior surface of the package. In addition, there may be more than one window disposed on a face of the exterior surface of the package. A window may be at any position on a face of the exterior surface of the package. In certain embodiments, a window may comprise from about 5% to about 95% of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface, in other embodiments from about 5% to about 75% of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface, in further embodiments from about 5% to about 50% of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface, and in another embodiment from about 5% to about 25% of the total surface area of a face of the exterior surface. In certain embodiments, individually wrapped wipes and/or absorbent articles can be positioned adjacent the window such that at least a portion of the individually wrapped wipe and/or absorbent article, can be visible through the window.

A wipe may be individually wrapped in a packet. Referring back to FIG. 1 each packet has an exterior surface 24. The packet may be made of paper, metal foil, polymer film, metalized polymer film, and/or other materials known by one of ordinary skill in the art. When the wipe is a wet wipe, any material which can maintain the wetness of the wipe can be used for the packet, for example, laminates with a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), propylene vinyl alcohol (PVOH), or aluminum sandwiched between polymeric film layers, such as LDPE (low density polyethylene). In certain embodiments, the packet is flushable and disintegrates. Such flushable packets may include silicone-treated polyvinyl alcohol films, or films coated with a polyvinyl alcohol, tissue coated or impregnated with polyvinyl alcohol, or other water soluble materials.

In any of the embodiments, the packet may be any desired shape. For example, the packet may be a square, rectangle, oval, circle, or any other desired shape in plan view. The packet can include a means for unsealing (or opening) the packet in order to access a wipe. For example, the packet can have a scored or die cut line of weakness to allow the packet to be opened easily with a tab, easy peel label, or any other opening mechanism; a “Dry-edge” sticker mechanism, such as, a sticker with a dry edge for grasping; releasable adhesives; releasable heat and/or pressure seals; perforations; rupture seals; tear seals; or the packet can be made of a relatively easy to tear material such as, an easy to tear film. The packet may be resealable for disposal.

In certain embodiments, a packet containing an individually wrapped wipe may be joined to an absorbent article. A packet may be joined an absorbent article using methods known by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as heat and/or pressure seals, ultrasonic seals, glue seals, and zippered track sealing systems, such as Dow Company's “ZIP LOCKS”. In certain embodiments, a product identifier may be disposed on the exterior surface of a packet. The product identifier disposed on the exterior surface of a packet may be the same as the product identifier disposed on the package in which the packet is contained.

A wipe may comprise a woven or nonwoven web of natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,604 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Fereshtehkhou et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,354 issued May 13, 2003 to Fereshtehkhou et al. Natural fibers may include cellulosic fibers, such as wood pulp fibers, cotton, and rayon. Synthetic fibers may include fibers commonly used in textiles, such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polyester and polypropylene fibers. In certain other embodiments, the wipe can comprise a paper material, for example, paper material that is made of a wet-laid material in a manner used to produce toilet tissue or facial tissue. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise silk and/or foam, such as foam disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,260,345 issued Nov. 9, 1993 to DesMarais et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 issued Feb. 7, 1995 to Dyer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,817,704 issued Oct. 6, 1998 to Shiveley et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167 issued Aug. 27, 1996 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 5,827,909 issued Oct. 27, 1998 to DesMarais; U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,642 issued Apr. 2, 2002 to Dyer et al. The wipe may be capable of being flushed in a toilet (i.e., it is “flushable”). For example, the wipe may disintegrate into pieces sufficiently small, such that when being transported in the sewer system the pieces do not plug any element of the sewer system.

The wipe can be any size or shape that may be used for cleansing the skin, or for providing other benefits (as described below) when using or changing an absorbent article. For example, in certain embodiments, the wipe may be rectangular or circular. In certain embodiments, the wipe may be about 4 square inches (about 25 square centimeters) in size to about 9 square inches (about 50 square centimeters) in size. In certain other embodiments, the wipe may be between about 16 square inches (about 100 square centimeters) in size to about 50 square inches (about 320 square centimeters) in size.

The wipe may be apertured, textured, patterned embossed, dyed, printed with ink, coated with clear polymer or colored polymer, or combinations thereof. For example, the wipe may be printed or dyed to give a visual signal of an active ingredient.

The wipe can be a wet wipe that comprises a liquid-based solution. In certain embodiments, the wipe can comprise a nonwoven fabric impregnated with the liquid-based solution. The liquid-based solution can include, for example, surfactants, alcohols, fragrance compositions, antimicrobial agents, pH buffers, anti-itch agents, odor control agents, cooling agents, preservatives, combinations thereof, or any other substances known in the art for inclusion in wet wipes. The wipe can also contain substances such as silicones that can inhibit body exudates from adhering to the user's body. The liquid-based solution can also comprise a lotion, such as, for example, an aqueous or non-aqueous lotion. In certain embodiments, the lotion can increase the cleaning capabilities of the wipe by aiding removal of soiling from the skin. The lotion can also provide skin benefits by reducing friction between the skin and the wipe, and/or between skin and the absorbent article, and/or by containing materials that can soothe the skin, such as, for example, aloe, Vitamin E, or chamomile. Other embodiments can include dry wipes or wipes containing non-aqueous cleaning solutions such as, mineral oils, and the emollient described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,243 issued Nov. 6, 1984 to Allen et al.

One or more fragrance compositions can be included in the liquid-based solution in order to produce a scented wipe. Alternatively, the one or more fragrance compositions can be included in the wipe separately from any liquid-based solution such as, for example, by applying the fragrance composition to the wipe prior to addition of a liquid-based solution. The wipe can also include a separate component such as, for example, a carrier material comprising a fragrance composition. Additionally, the one or more fragrance compositions can be disposed of together or separately on at least a portion of the wipe.

FIG. 2 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, with each package 20, 40, 60 containing a different feminine hygiene article such as a feminine sanitary napkin, but wherein the appearance of the individual packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 is the same or similar to each other. Package 20 contains individually wrapped wipes 22, package 40 contains wipes which are not individually wrapped 42, and package 60 contains sanitary napkins 62 with individually wrapped wipes 22. This example shows that the packages 20, 40, 60 in an array 10 may have the same or similar shapes and sizes. The packages 20, 40, 60 may also comprise the same or similar materials. Further, in certain embodiments, the packages in an array may comprise consumer products other than wipes and sanitary napkins. For example an array could comprise a package containing wipes, a second package containing tampons, and a third package containing a fragrance.

FIG. 3 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, wherein the sanitary napkins 62 and individually wrapped wipes 22 are contained in the same package 60, but are not joined to each other.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, wherein the packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 have the same brand name 94 disposed thereon. In certain embodiments, the brand name 94 will be disposed on the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by the consumer when the package 20, 40, 60 is placed on the retail shelf.

FIG. 5 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, wherein the packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10 have the same indicia 96 disposed thereon. With reference to FIG. 4 the indicia may be disposed on the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by the consumer.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, wherein the packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10, have the same or similar color schemes. At least one of the faces of each package, which in this embodiment is the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by the consumer, has disposed thereon a first color 98 and another color 100 other than the first color.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an array 10 of packages 20, 40, 60, wherein the packages 20, 40, 60 in the array 10, have a window 92 disposed on at least one face of the package 20, 40, 60, which in this embodiment is the face 95 of the package 20, 40, 60 intended to be viewed by the consumer.

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 document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An array of packages, said array comprising:

a.) a first package having a first product identifier disposed thereon, said first package having disposed therein at least one absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet,

b.) a second package having a second product identifier disposed thereon, said second package having disposed therein at least one absorbent article consisting essentially of a wipe individually wrapped in a packet, and

c.) a third package having a third product identifier disposed thereon, said third package having disposed therein at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipe is not individually wrapped.

2. The array of claim 1 wherein the product identifier disposed on the first package, the product identifier disposed on the second package, and the product identifier disposed on the third package is at least one of a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, or indicia.

3. The array of claim 1 wherein the first package, second package, or third package comprises a material that is at least one of cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic, paper, card stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, blown film, cast film, fabric, or webs.

4. The array of claim 1 wherein the product identifier disposed on the first package, the product identifier disposed on the second package, and the product identifier disposed on the third package, is at least one of a print, embossment, transfer, stamp, debossment, or etch.

5. The array of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first package, second package, or third package includes a window.

6. The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the first package has a product identifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on the first package.

7. The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the second package has a product identifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on the second package.

8. The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the first package has disposed thereon the same product identifier as the product identifier of the packet disposed in the second package.

9. The array of claim 1 wherein the packet disposed in the first package is joined to a wrapper associated with the absorbent article.

10. The array of claim 1 wherein the absorbent article is at least one of a feminine hygiene article, adult incontinence product, sanitary tissue product, or baby care product.

11. The array of claim 10 wherein the feminine hygiene article is a feminine sanitary napkin.

12. An array of packages, said array comprising:

a.) a first package having a product identifier, said first package having disposed therein at least one absorbent article and at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet, wherein the number of absorbent articles is greater than one, and the number of absorbent articles is equal to or greater than the number of wipes;

b.) a second package having a product identifier, said second package having disposed therein at least one wipe individually wrapped in a packet, wherein the number of wipes is greater than one, and the number of wipes is greater than that of absorbent articles; and

c.) a third package having a product identifier, said third package having disposed therein at least one wipe, wherein the at least one wipe is not individually wrapped.

13. The array of claim 12 wherein the product identifier disposed on the first package, the product identifier disposed on the second package, and the product identifier disposed on the third package is at least one of a brand name, trademark, logo, color scheme, or indicia.

14. The array of claim 12 wherein the first package, second package, or third package comprises a material that is at least one of cardboard, paperboard, cartonboard, chipboard, plastic, paper, card stock, ceramic, mesh, screen, blown film, cast film, fabric, or webs.

15. The array of claim 12 wherein the product identifier disposed on the first package, the product identifier disposed on the second package, and the product identifier disposed on the third package, is at least one of a print, embossment, transfer, stamp, debossment, or etch 16. The array of claim 12 wherein at least one of the first package, second package, or third package includes a window.

17. The array of claim 12 wherein the packet disposed in the first package has a product identifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on the first package.

18. The array of claim 12 wherein the packet disposed in the second package has a product identifier disposed thereon that is the same as the product identifier disposed on the second package.

19. The array of claim 12 wherein the packet disposed in the first package has disposed thereon the same product identifier as the product identifier of the packet disposed in the second package.

20. The array of claim 12 wherein the absorbent article is at least one of a feminine hygiene article, adult incontinence product, sanitary tissue product, or baby care product.