Flexible, disposable dispensing container

Abstract

A container comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, where the first compartment and the second compartment are isolated by a divider. The first compartment contains a plurality of absorbent articles and the second compartment is suited for containing a plurality of wipe products. In addition, the container comprises at least one resealable dispensing orifice. The container is desirably portable, flexible and disposable. In some aspects, the plurality of wipe products is wet wipes.

Description

BACKGROUND

Articles, such as absorbent articles, are useful for absorbing many types of fluids, including fluids secreted or eliminated by the human body. Such articles can include diapers, training pants, adult incontinence pants and feminine pads, for example. Such articles are typically sold in a flexible polymer packaging which is lightweight and relatively inexpensive. As such, the packaging is generally intended to be discarded once the articles have been removed. In the case of mega, bulk or jumbo type packages, a sturdy plastic handle may optionally be included which can be grasped by the hand for easier handling of the heavy and bulky packages.

The packaging container for absorbent articles often includes a perforation which provides an opening for dispensing of the articles. The container is typically opened by hand. Once opened, the container typically cannot be resealed, leaving the contents susceptible to entry of dust and other contaminants, and often results in product exiting the container unintentionally. In addition, the container sometimes rips in the opening region while tearing the perforations or when handling the package, which exacerbates the issues. Thus, there is a need for a container that is flexible, disposable and resealable, but which is less susceptible to problems associated with current container openings.

In addition, wipes, such as wet wipes, are often utilized during the process of replacing an absorbent article on a user. Wipes are available in a separate container which is often a rigid polymer tub, but may also be available in a flexible polymer film container. In the case of wet wipes, the dispensing orifice is typically resealable and often air-tight to help prevent the wipes from drying-out prior to use.

Unfortunately, it can be cumbersome to utilize two different containers while performing the actual process of changing the absorbent article. For example, in the case of changing a baby's diaper, the caregiver is required to hold the baby with one hand, remove and dispose of the soiled diaper with the other hand, then retrieve a wipe from one location, and then retrieve a diaper from another location. The problem becomes even more substantial when the absorbent article changing process occurs outside of the home, such as in a public restroom. As such, there may not be convenient locations to place each item that is required. Thus, there is a need for a container which provides multiple items that are needed for changing an absorbent article in a single and convenient location.

Standard textile diaper bags have been used in an attempt to alleviate some of the problems discussed above. For example, many diaper bags are flexible for ease of traveling, and may include a shoulder strap which can free-up the hands of the caregiver while locating the items needed for article changing in one general location near the caregiver's person. Typically, several individual diapers and a separate container of wipes can be placed in the diaper bag, along with additional items as desired.

However, standard textile diaper bags present several disadvantages. For example, the items placed in the diaper bag can easily become mixed together and disorganized during transport, making them difficult to retrieve when needed quickly, particularly when the items are present as individuals rather than in a package. In addition, the items may become contaminated with other items currently or previously located in the diaper bag (e.g., cookie crumbs). Furthermore, textile diaper bags do not provide an effectively air-impermeable seal when closed, thus in the case of wet wipes, an additional container must be placed inside of the diaper bag which will then need to be manipulated separately during the absorbent article changing process. Still further, because of their construction and relatively high cost, textile diaper bags are considered to be a durable item rather than a disposable item, thus requiring periodic washing and/or other care necessities. Lastly, textile diaper bags need to be cleaned out on a regular basis.

Therefore, a need exists for a container which can hold multiple absorbent article changing-related items that is flexible, relatively inexpensive, and disposable, such as single-use disposable. There is also a need for a container which has a resealable and optionally air-tight dispensing orifice. There is a further need for such a container to have a carrying strap. There is yet an additional need for a container which can keep multiple items separated while traveling or when movement of the container occurs without the need for additional (i.e., secondary) containers inside.

SUMMARY

In response to the needs discussed above, a container of the present invention comprises a first compartment and a second compartment, where the first compartment and the second compartment are isolated by a divider. The first compartment contains a plurality of absorbent articles and the second compartment is suited for containing a plurality of wipe products. In addition, the container comprises at least one resealable dispensing orifice. The container is desirably portable, flexible and disposable.

In some aspects, the container comprises a separate resealable dispensing orifice for each of the first compartment and second compartment. In other aspects, the container comprises an additional compartment. In further aspects, the container comprises a separate resealable dispensing orifice for each of the first compartment, second compartment and additional compartment.

In some aspects, the container further comprises a carrying strap disposed on an exterior surface of the container. In further aspects, the carrying strap is suited to fit over a caregiver's shoulder. In other aspects, the carrying strap is thermal bonded onto the container.

In some aspects, the container is single-use disposable.

In some aspects, the container comprises a polyethylene film. In further aspects, the polyethylene film has a thickness from 0.3 mils to 7 mils.

In some aspects, the plurality of absorbent articles are in direct contact with the first compartment.

In some aspects, the plurality of absorbent articles comprises personal care articles. In other aspects, the personal care articles comprises diapers. In still other aspects, the plurality of wipe products comprises wet wipes. In yet other aspects, the plurality of wipe products are in direct contact with the second compartment.

In some aspects, the container comprises an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice.

In some aspects, the container comprises a graphic. In other aspects, the absorbent articles and/or the wipes are compression packed.

In some aspects, the container comprises a resealable closure mechanism. In further aspects, the resealable closure mechanism is an air-tight resealable closure mechanism. In further aspects, the the air-tight resealable closure mechanism is a rigid flip-top. In still further aspects, the air-tight resealable closure mechanism provides access into the second compartment.

In some aspects, the container comprises a set of caregiver instructions.

In some aspects, a method of using a container of absorbent articles comprises a) providing a container comprising a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a divider, wherein the first compartment is suited for containing a plurality of absorbent articles and wherein the second compartment is suited for containing a plurality of wipe products; b) providing a plurality of absorbent articles; c) providing a plurality of wet wipes; d) providing a resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment; e) providing an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice for the second compartment; and f) providing a carrying strap; wherein the plurality of absorbent articles are disposed within, and are in direct contact with, the first compartment; wherein the plurality of wet wipes are disposed within, and are in direct contact with, the second compartment; wherein the container is portable, flexible and disposable; wherein a caregiver reaches into the second compartment to retrieve a wet wipe; wherein the caregiver reaches into the first compartment to retrieve an absorbent article; and wherein the caregiver reseals the resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment and reseals the air-tight resealable dispsensing orifice for the second compartment.

In some aspects of this method, the plurality of absorbent articles comprises diapers. In other aspects of this method, the container comprises polyethylene film having a thickness from 1 mil to 7 mils. In still other aspects of this method, the absorbent articles and/or the wet wipes are compression packed. In yet other aspects, the method includes the step of providing a set of caregiver instructions In some aspects, a container comprises a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are isolated by a divider that is integral with the container. Additionally, the first compartment contains a plurality of diapers and the second compartment contains a plurality of wet wipes. Furthermore, container comprises a resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment and an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice for the second compartment. In addition, the container comprises a carrying strap. Futhermore, the container and the divider comprise polyethylene film having a thickness from 1 mil to 7 mils.

In some aspects, the absorbent articles and/or the wet wipes are compression packed.

In some aspects, the container further comprises a set of caregiver instructions.

Numerous other features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to exemplary embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments do not represent the full scope of the invention. Reference should therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the full scope of the invention. In the interest of brevity and conciseness, any ranges of values set forth in this specification contemplate all values within the range and are to be construed as support for claims reciting any sub-ranges having endpoints which are real number values within the specified range in question. By way of a hypothetical illustrative example, a disclosure in this specification of a range of from 1 to 5 shall be considered to support claims to any of the following ranges: 1-5; 1-4; 1-3; 1-2; 2-5; 2-4; 2-3; 3-5; 3-4; and 4-5.

FIGURES

The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a first and second compartment;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising an additional compartment;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising an additional compartment;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising an additional compartment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising an air-tight resealable closure mechanism;

FIG. 3B representatively shows an enlarged top view of the air-tight resealable closure mechanism of FIG. 3A, with the lid and the flange laid open flat to see the inside of the rigid flip-top;

FIG. 3C representatively shows a bottom view of the air-tight resealable closure mechanism of FIG. 3A, with the lid and the flange laid open flat to see the outside of the rigid flip-top;

FIG. 3D representatively shows a right-side view of the air-tight resealable closure mechanism of FIG. 3A in a fully open flat orientation;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a single dispensing orifice;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a first dispensing orifice and a second dispensing orifice;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a first dispensing orifice and a second dispensing orifice;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a first dispensing orifice, a second dispensing orifice and an additional dispensing orifice;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of an absorbent article that may be used with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a plurality of absorbent articles;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a plurality of absorbent articles and a plurality of wipes;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a plurality of absorbent articles and a plurality of wipes;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of a container of the present invention comprising a plurality of absorbent articles and a plurality of wipes in the form of a roll product; and

FIG. 8 representatively shows a plurality of absorbent articles that are compression packed.

Repeated use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.

Definitions

It should be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, the terms “comprises,” “comprising” and other derivatives from the root term “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

The term “absorbent article” generally refers to devices which can absorb and contain fluids. For example, absorbent articles can refer to devices which are placed against or near the skin to absorb and contain the various fluids discharged from the body. As used herein, absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, diapers, diaper pants, training pants, absorbent underpants, child care pants, absorbent protective swimwear, and other disposable garments; feminine care products including sanitary napkins, wipes, menstrual pads, menstrual pants, panty liners, panty shields, interlabials, tampons, and tampon applicators; adult-care products including dry wipes, pads such as breast pads, incontinence products, and urinary shields; clothing components; bibs; and the like.

As used herein, the terms “integral” and “integrally” refer to a non-discrete portion of an object. An integrally formed portion of an object can differ from one that is coupled to the object, since the integrally formed portion of the object typically does not form an interface with a remaining portion of the object.

As used herein, the term “attach” and its derivatives refer to the joining, adhering, connecting, bonding, sewing together, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be attached together when they are integral with one another or attached directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly attached to intermediate elements. “Attach” and its derivatives include permanent, releasable, or refastenable attachment. In addition, the attachment can be completed either during the manufacturing process or by the end user.

The term “disposable” is used herein to describe items that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored after use. The term “single-use disposable” is used herein to describe items that are discarded after the initial intended use is completed. For example, in the case of a single-use disposable container containing absorbent articles, the container is discarded when the last article is removed.

The term “durable” is used herein to describe items which can be laundered and/or refilled and reused multiple times rather than being discarded. As used herein, durable items are typically more expensive than disposable items.

The term “flexible” refers to a non-foamed polymeric containing film with a thickness of about 250 micrometers or less or a foamed polymeric containing film with a thickness of about 2000 micrometers or less. For example, a container made from flexible materials generally does not have a fixed shape or dimensions, but rather conforms to the items contained within.

The term “rigid” refers to a level of stiffness commonly associated with materials used to manufacture wet wipes tubs or parts thereof. Numerically, these materials typically have a flexural modulus (as measured in accordance with ASTM D790 “Standard Test Method for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials”) of about 100 Newtons per square millimeter or greater, more specifically from about 1100 to about 1550 Newtons per square millimeter. For example, items made from rigid materials generally have a fixed shape and dimensions.

The term “superabsorbent” refers to water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials capable, under the most favorable conditions, of absorbing at least about 10 times their weight, or at least about 20 times their weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride.

These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed at solving problems related to replacing a soiled absorbent article with a clean absorbent article. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container 10 suitable for storing and dispensing items related to an absorbent article changing process. Generally, the container 10 can include a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The container 10 can have a divider 16 which defines the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14. The first compartment 12 can be suitable for storing an absorbent article, such as a diaper, for example. The second compartment 14 can be suitable for storing a wipe product, such as a wet wipe, for example. Both the absorbent article and the wipe product can be of a caregiver's choosing, although suggestions may be provided. The container 10 can also include a carrying strap 18 which may be integral with the container 10 or may be separately disposed on an exterior surface 20 of the container 10, for example. In preferred aspects, the carrying strap 18 is suitable for carrying the container 10 on a caregiver's shoulder. In other aspects, the carrying strap 18 may be suitable for carrying the container 10 in other ways, such as in a caregiver's hand, on a caregiver's back, on a caregiver's stroller, on a caregiver's bicycle, and the like.

In some desirable aspects, the container 10 can be portable. In some additional desirable aspects, the container 10 can be flexible. In some additional desirable aspects, the container 10 can be disposable. In particular aspects, the container 10 can be single-use disposable. In some additional desirable aspects, the container 10 can store and/or dispense both an absorbent article and a wipe product. In some aspects, as shown in FIG. 1, the container 10 is shown as being generally hexahedral in shape, although other shapes are suitable as well. It is understood that the shape of the container 10 as described herein is based on its expanded state (e.g. when the container is full of product) since the force of gravity would tend to collapse the container 10 due to its flexible nature when the contents have been removed.

The container 10 as shown in FIG. 1 illustrates a flexible packaging container 10 having a polyhedral shape defining or forming a polyhedral enclosure. More specifically, the container 10 has a hexahedral shape that forms or defines a hexahedral enclosure. The container 10 has a length, a width and a height, and generally comprises six quadrilateral faces. The container 10 is defined by a plurality of walls, specifically a pair of end walls 22, a pair of side walls 24, a top wall 26, and a bottom wall 28. The walls 22, 24, 26, 28 define an interior space 80 for containing a plurality of absorbent articles, such as diapers, as well as a plurality of wipes, such as wet wipes. Both the absorbent articles and the wipes contained within and are in direct contact with the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively (i.e., the absorbent articles and the wipes are not disposed in a secondary container inside of each compartment).

It is understood that the shape of the container 10 is not limited to the hexahedral shape illustrated in FIG. 1, but may be of any shape provided that the container 10 allows for storage of both an absorbent article and a wipe product. For example, the container 10 may be cylindrical in shape. Naturally, the dimensions of container 10 will depend upon the types of articles to be contained therein as well as the desired or aesthetically preferred shape.

The container 10 can also include one or more dividers 16. For example, a first divider 416 separates the interior space 80 of the container 10 to define a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. The first divider 416 is desirably attached to the container 10 in the interior space 80. In some aspects, the divider 16 can be removable so that the caregiver can adjust the compartment sizes as desired. In other aspects, the divider 16 can be integral with the container 10. In some desirable aspects, the divider 16 can completely isolate the first compartment 12 from the second compartment 14. One advantage of complete isolation is that the contents from one compartment will not contaminate the contents of the other compartment. For example, if the first compartment 12 contains diapers, and the second compartment 14 contains wet wipes, complete isolation will help prevent the wet wipe moisture from being absorbed by the diapers, which would otherwise dry-out the wipes and diminish the effectiveness of the diapers.

In some aspects, the divider 16 can be made from the same material as the container 10. In other aspects, the divider can be made from different material. In some aspects, the divider 16 material is desirably at least as flexible as the container 10 material. In other aspects, the divider 16 may have a higher or lower stiffness than the container 10 to provide support to the overall container structure.

Referring to FIG. 2A, 2B and 2C, in some aspects, additional dividers 16, such as a second divider 516, can be included to provide an additional compartment 512. The additional compartment 512 can be used to store additional items as desired by the caregiver. Such items include, but are not limited to, snacks, sippy cups, toys, sun glasses, tissues/towels, diaper powder and/or lotion, a disposal bag, a changing pad and the like. The second divider 516 can be made from the same material as the container 10, or from different material. In some aspects, it is desirable that the second divider 516 material is at least as flexible as the container 10 material. In other aspects, the second divider 516 may have a higher or lower stiffness than the container material.

In some aspects, the second divider 516 can desirably be attached to the container 10 in the interior space 80. In other aspects, a portion of the second divider 516 can be desirably attached to the first divider 416. In some aspects, the second divider 516 can optionally be removable so that the caregiver can adjust the number of compartments and the compartment size as desired.

In general, the dividers 16 can be positioned so that the contents are separately housed within an individual compartment 12, 14, 512. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 1, the first divider 416 spans substantially the entire width and height of the container 10. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2A, a first divider 416 spans substantially the entire width and height of the container 10, and a second divider 516 spans substantially the entire width of container 10 and the length between the first divider 416 and an end wall 22 to form an additional compartment 512. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2B, a first divider 416 spans substantially the entire width and height of the container 10, and a second divider 516 also spans substantially the entire width and height of the container 10 to form an additional compartment 512. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2C, a first divider 416 spans substantially the entire length and width of the container 10, and a second divider 516 spans substantially the entire width of the container 10 and the height between the first divider 416 and the top wall 26 form an additional compartment 512. It is understood and FIGS. 2A-C represent only a few examples of divider/compartment designs, and that any number of additional configurations could be designed without departing from the scope of the invention.

Because the container 10 is flexible and disposable, it is desirable that container 10 is made from suitable material(s). The container 10 may be composed of a plurality of different materials, or may be composed of a single material. The material may be a polymer film which is sufficiently flexible to assume a desired, generally hexahedral shape when the container 10 is substantially filled with items. In addition, the material should have sufficient strength to hold and contain the items without breaking and without excessive bulging or stretching of the container material. In some aspects, the material may be a polymer film. For example, the film material may be composed of a polyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about 0.3 mils to about 10 mils, such as about 0.3 mils to about 7 mils, or about 1 mil to about 7 mils, or about 2 mils about 3 mils. Other examples include a LDPE (low density polyethylene) film, a LDPE/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/MDPE (medium density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/HDPE (high density polyethylene) film laminate, polyester film laminated to polyethylene film, and the like.

The container 10 of the present invention also comprises at least one dispensing orifice to provide access to the absorbent articles and the wipes (and in some aspects, any additional items). In some aspects, the container comprises a resealable closure mechanism to provide for a resealable dispensing orifice. As used herein, the term “resealable” refers to a closure mechanism having the ability to substantially close off access to the interior space 80 of the container 10 on a macroscopic basis. A resealable closure mechanism can assist in preventing foreign materials, such as rain drops, dust, animal hair, food crumbs and the like from entering into the interior space 80 through a dispensing orifice of the container 10. The resealable closure mechanism can also prevent the contents of the container 10 from undesirably exiting the container 10 during transport or in other circumstances. Suitable resealable closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to, zippers, ZIPLOC® fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, adhesive tabs, tapes, rigid flip-tops, and the like.

In some aspects, the closure mechanism can be air-tight resealable to provide for an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice. As used herein, the terms “air-tight,” “air-tight resealable” and variations thereof refer to a state of being effectively air-impermeable for the duration of an item's shelf life which is stored in a particular compartment of the container. Thus, with respect to wet wipes, an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice can help prevent the wetting solution associated with the wet wipes from evaporating or otherwise escaping from their respective compartment in the container, thus keeping the wet wipes in their intended wet condition. In addition, an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice can help prevent germs, bacteria, odors, humidity, pollen, and the like from entering into the interior space 80 of the respective compartment within the container 10.

Examples of air-tight resealable closure mechanisms include, but are not limited to, ZIPLOC® fasteners, adhesive tabs, tapes, rigid flip-tops, and the like. For example, a suitable air-tight resealable rigid flip-top closure mechanism is described in United States Publication No. 20050011906 to Buck et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith. The rigid flip-top may be located anywhere on the container 10 provided that the desired item, for example a wet wipe, can be suitably removed from the container 10. Referring to FIGS. 3A-D, in general, a rigid flip-top 50 includes a lid 52 connected to a flange 54 by a hinge 56. The flange is affixed to an exterior wall 20 of the container 10. The flange 54 forms a dispensing orifice 58 through which the product can be dispensed when the lid is opened. The flange can include strengthening ribs 55 around the flange to stiffen the flange as desired. The lid 52 is removably positonable to be closed to engage the flange and thereby seal the container 10. This protects the product therein from the environment outside the container 10 after a wipe is removed and no further wipes are desired during a particular dispensing occasion. The lid can further include an annular sealing ring 51 extending downwardly away from the inside of the lid and which is sized to fit against an annular sealing ring 53 extending upwardly away from the inside of the flange, to thereby assist in better sealing the lid to the flange when the lid is closed. The lid can include a latch 60 and the flange can include a catch 64.

In general, dispensing orifices can be provided where desired on the container 10 to facilitate access and/or dispensing of the contents therein. FIG. 4A illustrates an aspect of the invention where a single dispensing orifice, depicted generally by line 300, provides access to both compartments 12, 14 of the container 10 wherein the dispensing orifice 300 is located on a top portion 700 of the container 10. FIG. 7B illustrates an aspect of the invention wherein a first dispensing orifice 312 and a second dispensing orifice 314 are each located on a top portion 700 of the container, providing access to the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14, respectively. FIG. 7C illustrates an aspect of the invention wherein a first dispensing orifice 312 and a second dispensing orifice 314 are each located on a side portion 710 of the container, providing access to the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14, respectively. FIG. 7D illustrates an aspect of the invention wherein a first dispensing orifice 312, a second dispensing orifice 314, and an additional dispensing orifice 320 are present to provide access to the first compartment 12, the second compartment 14 and the additional compartment 512, respectively. It is understood that any combination of dispensing orifices and locations (e.g., top, bottom, side, front, back, corner, etc.) on the container 10 can be suitable for the invention.

As seen in FIG. 1, in some aspects of the invention, the container 10 may further include a window 808 disposed or positioned within a portion of at least one wall 22, 24, 26, 28. In some aspects, the window 808 can include a window periphery 810 that has a shape that is substantially similar to the periphery the wall 22, 24, 26, 28, although the window can be any desired shape. In some aspects, each compartment may include a window 808. In some aspect, the window 808 can substantially frame a component of the absorbent article and/or wipe product contained within container 10. In referring to window 808 framing a component, such as a graphic 900 (FIG. 8), the term “framing”, “substantially framing”, or variations thereof, means that the window periphery surrounds or encompasses all or at least a portion of the component for visual display. The present invention thus provides the feature of permitting a user, caregiver, or the like, to visually see or perceive an item within the container 10, or a portion thereof without opening the container 10. The window 808 can also allow the caregiver to determine the quantity of items remaining in each compartment without opening the container 10. This provides product visibility at the time of purchase, as well as visibility during use of the container.

Within the context of this description, a component is visually perceivable if it is clear or substantially clear to the person viewing it. The term “clear” refers to the material capability of transmitting light so that the component, or a portion thereof, can be seen as clearly as if there were no intervening material between the component and the individual. The term “substantially clear” refers to the capability of transmitting light, but causing sufficient diffusion of the light to eliminate perception of distinct images, shapes, forms, or the like. The window 808 is desirably capable of transmitting light and desirably comprises a transparent material such that the caregiver can perceive the contents within the container 10. A suitable transparent material can be a polyethylene film or film laminate, for example. A suitable window is illustrated and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,165, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.

In some aspects, the container 10 also comprises a carrying strap 18 (FIG. 1). The carrying strap 18 can aid in transport of the container 10. In desirable aspects, the carrying strap 18 can be configured to fit over a shoulder of the caregiver. However, in other aspects, the carrying strap 18 may be can be configured to held in a caregiver's hand, to fit over a caregiver's back, to be carried by a stroller, and the like. As shown in FIG. 1, the carrying strap 18 can be a structure that at least encircles a part of the container 10. In some aspects, the strap 18 component can be substantially rectangular in shape, although the shape of the handle can be varied. In some aspects, the strap can have two distal end portions 618, 620 which can be affixed to the container 10. In some aspects, the distal end portions 618, 620 can be affixed to the end walls 22 of the container 10. The carrying strap 18 can be affixed to the container 10 using means that well known in the art, including, but not limited to, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, thermal-mechanical embossing or crimping, ultrasonic bonding, hook-and-loop, snaps, buttons and the like. It is understood that various other combinations and configurations for including a carrying strap can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention. In some aspects, the handle can be manufactured as an integral part of the container, in which case separate attachment would not be necessary.

Typically, the material for the carrying strap 18 is a polymer film which is sufficiently flexible to assume a desired comfort shape when the package is substantially filled with articles and is being carried by the user. In addition, the material should have sufficient strength to hold and contain the articles without breaking and without excessive bulging or stretching of the film material. Suitable materials include monolayer films and coextruded films, and the various configurations can be made from tube stock or flat stock material. In one aspect, the film material may be composed of a polyethylene film or film laminate having a thickness of about 0.3 mils to about 15 mils, such as about 1 mil to about 7 mils, or about 2 mils about 5 mils. (Note that 1 mil=0.001 inch or 0.0254 mm). Particular examples of the film material may comprise a LDPE (low density polyethylene) film, a LDPE/LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/MDPE (medium density polyethylene) film laminate, a LDPE/HDPE (high density polyethylene) film laminate, polyester film laminated to polyethylene film, and the like.

The container 10 comprises a first compartment 12 into which a plurality of absorbent articles can be disposed. By way of example only, an absorbent article in the form of a diaper will be described. FIG. 5 illustrates a diaper 130. The diaper 130 is shown in FIG. 5 in an unfolded, flat-out, uncontracted state (i.e., with all elastic induced gathering and contraction removed). Portions of the structure are partially cut away to more clearly show the interior construction of the diaper 130, with the surface of the diaper 130 which contacts the wearer facing the viewer. FIG. 5 illustrates a disposable diaper 130 as having a front region 132, a rear region 134 and a crotch region 136 located between the front and rear regions. The diaper 130 comprises a backsheet 138, a topsheet 140, and an absorbent core 142 situated between the backsheet and the topsheet. The outer edges of the diaper 130 define a periphery 144 with transversely opposed, longitudinally extending side edges 146; longitudinally opposed, transversely extending end edges 148; and a system of elastomeric gathering members, such as a system including leg elastics 150 and waist elastics 152. The longitudinal side edges 146 define the leg dispensing orifices 154 for the diaper 130, and optionally, are curvilinear and contoured. The transverse end edges 148 are illustrated as straight, but optionally, may be curvilinear. The diaper 130 may also comprise additional components to assist in the acquisition, distribution and storage of bodily waste. For example, the diaper 130 may comprise a transport layer, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,798,603, issued to Meyer et al., or a surge management layer, such as described in European Patent Application Publication No. 0 539 703, published May 5, 1993, each of which is incorporate herein by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.

The diaper 130 generally defines a longitudinally extending length dimension 156, and a laterally extending width dimension 158, as representatively illustrated in FIG. 8. The diaper 130 may have any desired shape, such as rectangular, I-shaped, a generally hourglass shape, or a T-shape.

The backsheet 138 defines a length and a width that, in the illustrated version, coincide with the length and width of the diaper 130. The absorbent core 142 generally defines a length and width that are less than the length and width of the backsheet 138, respectively. Thus, marginal portions of the diaper 130, such as marginal sections of the backsheet 138, may extend past the transversely opposed, longitudinally extending terminal side edges 160 and/or the longitudinally opposed, transversely extending terminal end edges 162 of the absorbent core 142 to form side margins 164 and end margins 166 of the diaper 130. The topsheet 140 is generally coextensive with the backsheet 138, but may optionally cover an area that is larger or smaller than the area of the backsheet, as desired. The backsheet 138 and topsheet 140 are intended to face the garment and body of the wearer, respectively, while in use. The topsheet 140 and the backsheet 138 can, for example, be joined to each other in at least a portion of the diaper periphery 144 by attachment mechanisms (not shown) such as adhesive bonds, sonic bonds, thermal bonds, pinning, stitching, or a variety of other attachment techniques known in the art, as well as combinations thereof.

The topsheet 140 suitably presents a bodyfacing surface which is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 140 may be less hydrophilic than the absorbent core 142, to present a relatively dry surface to the wearer, and is sufficiently porous to be liquid permeable, permitting liquid to penetrate readily through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 140 may be manufactured from a wide selection of web materials, such as porous foams, reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, natural fibers, synthetic fibers (for example, polyester or polypropylene fibers), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 140 is suitably employed to help isolate the wearer's skin from liquids held in the absorbent core 142.

Various woven and nonwoven fabrics may be used for the topsheet 140. For example, the topsheet 140 may be composed of a meltblown or spunbonded web of polyolefin fibers. The topsheet 140 may also be a bonded-carded web composed of natural and/or synthetic fibers. The topsheet 140 may be composed of a substantially hydrophobic material, and the hydrophobic material may, optionally, be treated with a surfactant, or otherwise processed, to impart a desired level of wettability and hydrophilicity. Specifically, the topsheet 140 may be a nonwoven, spunbond, polypropylene fabric.

The backsheet 138 may suitably be composed of a material which is either liquid permeable or liquid impermeable. It is generally desirable that the backsheet 138 be formed from a substantially liquid impermeable material. For example, a typical backsheet 138 can be manufactured from a thin plastic film or other flexible liquid impermeable material. Further, the backsheet 138 may be formed of a woven or nonwoven fibrous web layer which has been totally or partially constructed or treated to impart a desired level of liquid impermeability to selected regions that are adjacent or proximate the absorbent core 142. Still further, the backsheet 138 may optionally be composed of micro-porous “breathable” material that permits vapors to escape from the absorbent core 142 while still preventing liquid exudates from passing through the backsheet 138.

The absorbent core 142 may comprise a matrix of hydrophilic fibers, such as a web of cellulosic fluff, mixed with particles of a high-absorbency material commonly known as superabsorbent material. In a particular version, the absorbent core 142 comprises a mixture of superabsorbent hydrogel-forming particles and wood pulp fluff. The wood pulp fluff may be exchanged with synthetic polymeric, meltblown fibers or with a combination of meltblown fibers and natural fibers. The superabsorbent particles may be substantially homogeneously mixed with the hydrophilic fibers or may be non-uniformly mixed.

The high-absorbency material can be selected from natural, synthetic and modified natural polymers and materials. The high-absorbency materials can be inorganic materials, such as silica gels, or organic compounds, such as crosslinked polymers. The term “crosslinked” refers to any means for effectively rendering normally water-soluble materials substantially water insoluble, but swellable.

Examples of synthetic, polymeric, high-absorbency materials include the alkali metal and ammonium salts of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid), poly(acrylamides), poly(vinyl ethers), maleic anhydride copolymers with vinyl ethers and alpha-olefins, poly(vinyl pyrolidone), poly(vinyl morpholinone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and mixtures and copolymers thereof. Further polymers suitable for use in the absorbent core include natural and modified natural polymers, such as hydrolyzed acrylonitrile-grafted starch, acrylic acid grafted starch, methyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, and the natural gums, such as alginates, xanthum gum, locust bean gum, and the like. Mixtures of natural and wholly or partially synthetic absorbent polymers can also be useful. Processes for preparing synthetic, absorbent gelling polymers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,663, issued to Masuda et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,082, issued to Tsubakimoto et al.

As representatively illustrated in FIG. 5, the diaper 130 may include a pair of containment flaps 157 that are configured to provide a barrier to the lateral flow of body exudates. The containment flaps 157 may be located along the longitudinally extending side edges 146 of the diaper 130 adjacent the side edges of the absorbent core 142. Each containment flap 157 typically defines an unattached edge that is configured to maintain an upright, perpendicular configuration in at least the crotch region 136 of the diaper 130 to form a seal against the wearer's body. The containment flaps 157 may extend longitudinally along the entire length of the absorbent core 142 or may only extend partially along the length of the absorbent core 142. When the containment flaps 157 are shorter in length than the absorbent core 142, the containment flaps 157 can be selectively positioned anywhere along the side edges 146 of the diaper 130 in the crotch region 136. The containment flaps 157 may extend along the entire length of the absorbent core 142 to better contain the body exudates.

The diaper 130 may further include elastics at the end edges 148 and side edges 146 of the diaper 130 to further prevent leakage of body exudates and support the absorbent core 142. The diaper 130 may also include a pair of waist elastics 152 that are connected to the end edges 148 of the diaper 130. The leg elastics 150 and waist elastics 152 are generally adapted to fit about the legs and waist of a wearer in use to maintain a positive, contacting relationship with the wearer to effectively reduce or eliminate the leakage of body exudates from the diaper 130.

The elastics may be adhered to the backsheet 138 in a stretched position, or they may be attached to the backsheet 138 while the backsheet 138 is pleated, such that elastic constrictive forces are imparted to the backsheet 138. The leg elastics 150 may also include such materials as polyurethane, synthetic and natural rubber. The waist elastics 152 may be formed by elastic strands attached to the backsheet 138 or they may be formed by attaching separate pieces of stretchable materials to the waist regions of the article.

The disposable absorbent articles can but need not necessarily comprise fasteners 167 for securing the absorbent article about the waist of the wearer. The illustrated version of the diaper 130 comprises such fasteners 167. In at least one aspect, the fasteners 167 are situated in the rear region 134 of the diaper 130, and are located inboard each longitudinal extending side edge 146. The fasteners 167 may be configured to encircle the hips of the wearer and engage the backsheet 138 of the front region 132 of the diaper 130 for holding the diaper on the wearer. Suitable fasteners are well known to those of skill in the art and can comprise adhesive tape tab fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, mushroom fasteners, snaps, pin, belts and the like, and combinations thereof. Desirably, the fasteners 167 are releasably engageable directly with the garment-facing surface of the backsheet 138. Desirably, the fasteners 167 comprise a mechanical fastening system.

By way of illustration only, various materials and methods for constructing other absorbent articles are disclosed in PCT Patent Application WO 00/37009 published Jun. 29, 2000 by A. Fletcher et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464 issued Jul. 10, 1990 to Van Gompel et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,389 issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Brandon et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,645,190 issued Nov. 11, 2003 to Olson et al. which are incorporated herein by reference in a manner that is consistent (i.e., not in conflict) herewith.

A plurality of the absorbent articles can be disposed in a first compartment 12 of the container. FIG. 6 illustrates a container 10 comprising a first compartment 12 having a plurality of absorbent articles 90 in the form of diapers (by way of example only) disposed therein. In this particular aspect, the articles 90 are oriented horizontally. However, it is understood that the articles could also be oriented vertically, or diagonally, peak-shaped, or numerous other configurations as desired by the manufacturer and/or the caregiver. In addition, the type of absorbent article can help determine the desired storage orientation. In some aspects, the absorbent article 90 in the first compartment 12 can be present in a laid-flat configuration. In other aspects, the absorbent article 90 may be folded one or more times. FIG. 8 shows a plurality of folded absorbent articles 30 in the form of diapers which have been folded one time.

The container 10 comprises a second compartment 14 into which a plurality of wipe products can be disposed. In one desirable aspect, the wipe product 92 is in the form of a wet wipe. However, it is understood that other types of wipes, such as dry wipes, toweling and the like may also be suitable. By way of example, a wet wipe is described herein.

The individual wipes may have conventional configurations. For example, wet wipes may be constructed from any web suitable for use as a wet wipe, including meltblown, coform, airlaid, bonded-carded web, and the like and can comprise synthetic or natural fibers or combinations thereof. One non-limiting example of web for a wipe basesheet is a coform basesheet of polypropylene and cellulose fibers having a basis weight of about 70 grams per square meter and manufactured generally as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,324 to Anderson et al. dated Jul. 11, 1978, which is herein incorporated by reference in a manner that is consistent herewith.

The basesheet is then saturated or otherwise impregnated with a wet wipe solution by any suitable means such as spraying, dipping, or the like. Add-on levels of solution can range from about 100 to about 700 weight percent, such as from about 200 to about 400 weight percent, based on the dry weight of the basesheet. The desired amount will depend greatly on the nature of the basesheet. The liquid contained within the wet wipes can include any suitable components which provide the desired wiping properties. For example, the components can include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances or combinations thereof. The liquid can also contain lotions, ointments and/or medicaments. The amount of liquid contained within each wet wipe can vary depending upon the type of material being used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid being used, the type of container being used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe.

Each wipe is generally rectangular in shape and defines a pair of opposite side edges and a pair of opposite end edges which can be referred to as a leading end edge and a trailing end edge. The leading end edge of each wet wipe is typically positioned in the second compartment 14 of the container 10 under the dispensing orifice 314 to be grasped by a user to facilitate a removal of the wipe from the container.

The wipes can be arranged in the second compartment 14 in any manner which provides convenient and reliable one at a time dispensing and which assists the wipes in not becoming dirty and/or overly dry. For example, the wipes may be arranged as a plurality of individual sheets arranged in a stacked configuration to provide a stack of wipes which may or may not be individually folded. The wipes may be individual wipes which are folded in a c-fold, z-fold, quarter fold or other zigzag fold or interfolded or non-interfolded configurations as are known to those skilled in the art. The second compartment 14 may include a plurality of wipes stacked one on top of each other in a non-interfolded configuration, for “reach-in” dispensing. For such a non-interfolded wipe, each wipe is folded onto itself with no portion of another wipe being positioned between or underneath any portion of the folds of the adjacent wipe(s). These configurations for wipes, as well as those discussed herein, may be provided by means known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, the individual wipes can be interfolded or in other ways related such that the leading and trailing end edges of successive wipes in the stacked configuration overlap, for “pop-up” dispensing. In such a configuration, the leading end edge of the trailing wipe is loosened from the stack by the trailing end edge of the leading wipe as the leading wipe is removed by the user. The wipes can be interfolded to facilitate such dispensing by means known to those skilled in the art.

Yet alternatively, the wipes can be arranged in the second compartment 14 as a continuous web of interconnected wipes which are folded in an accordion-like stacked configuration or a roll. The individual wipes can be connected together along lines of frangibility, such as lines of perforations, to ensure that the trailing wipe is in position for grasping by the user after the leading wipe is removed. For example, the wipes can be provided by a continuous web of material which has a series of lines of frangibility extending across the width of the web. The portion of the web of material between successive lines of frangibility provides each individual wipe. The lines of frangibility can be provided by means known to those skilled in the art such as perforations, indentations or cuts in the web of material. For example, the lines of frangibility or perforations can be provided in the web of material by passing the web of material between a die cutter roll and anvil roll. After the lines of frangibility have been incorporated into the web of material, the web can then be arranged in a stacked configuration for easy insertion into the container 10.

The container 10 of the present invention can include any suitable number of individual wipes. For example, the container 10 can be configured to include a stack of wipes which can include at least about 5 wipes and to about 350 individually wipes, such as about 10 wipes to about 100 wipes, or about 20 wipes to about 50 wipes. The amount of wipes will depend upon the end use, as well as the absorbent article, for example. Desirably, the amount of wipes will be complimentary to the absorbent article such that both the absorbent articles and the wipes will be depleted at approximately the same time.

FIG. 7A illustrates a container 10 comprising a first compartment 12 having a plurality of absorbent articles 90 oriented horizontally, and a second compartment 14 having a plurality of wipes 92 also oriented horizontally. FIG. 9B illustrates a container 10 comprising a first compartment 12 having a plurality of absorbent articles 90 oriented horizontally, and a second compartment 14 having a plurality of wipes 92 also oriented vertically. FIG. 9C illustrates a container 10 comprising a first compartment 12 having a plurality of absorbent articles 90 oriented horizontally, and a second compartment 14 having a plurality of wipes 92 in a continuous, roll form.

In some aspects, the container 10 can include a graphic (not shown). The graphic can assist in making the container 10 look like other objects. For example, one type of graphic could resemble a cloth fabric such that the container resembles a piece of carry-on luggage. In another example, the graphic can resemble leather such that the container resembles a lady's purse. In still another example, the graphic can include a professional sports team logo such that the container resembles an athletic duffle bag. The above example should not be viewed as limiting in any manner, but rather it is understood that any number of graphics are suitable for the container as desired.

Referring to FIG. 8, in some aspects, the absorbent articles and/or the wipes product may be compressed in the container 10. The term “compressed articles” or similar terminology means that the stack of absorbent articles 90 and/or the wipes 92 are compressed inwardly by a compression force at their front and back surfaces or panels, such as front region 132 and rear region 134 (FIG. 5), in a direction parallel to stack direction 86, so as to decrease the length dimension 88 of the originally, uncompressed articles. The compressed stack 84 also includes a width dimension 290 and a height dimension 292. The term “compression packed” or similar terminology describes the state or condition of absorbent articles 90 and/or wipes 92 after they have been compressed and inserted into container 10. The term “expansion force” or similar terminology refers to that generally equal force exerted by the compressed stack 84 in a direction generally opposite and parallel to the compression force and against primarily the adjacent walls 22, 24, 26, 28 of container 10 (FIG. 1).

In some aspects, a set of caregiver instructions can be provided with the container of the present invention. The instructions can assist the caregiver with how to properly enable or utilize the container. The instructions an also comprise additional information which can be beneficial to caregiver and/or the user of the container.

It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing examples, given for purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this invention. Although only a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. For example, features described in relation to one example may be incorporated into any other example of the invention.

Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention, which is defined in the following claims and all equivalents thereto. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceived that do not achieve all of the advantages of some embodiments, particularly of the desirable embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shall not be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outside the scope of the present invention. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A container comprising a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are isolated by a divider;

wherein the first compartment contains a plurality of absorbent articles;

wherein the second compartment is suited for containing a plurality of wipe products;

wherein the container comprises at least one resealable dispensing orifice; and

wherein the container is portable, flexible and disposable.

2. The container of claim 1 comprising a separate resealable dispensing orifice for each of the first compartment and second compartment.

3. The container of claim 1 comprising an additional compartment.

4. The container of claim 3 comprising a separate resealable dispensing orifice for each of the first compartment, second compartment and additional compartment.

5. The container of claim 1 further comprising a carrying strap disposed on an exterior surface of the container.

6. The container of claim 5 wherein the carrying strap is suited to fit over a caregiver's shoulder.

7. The container of claim 5 wherein the carrying strap is thermal bonded onto the container.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is single-use disposable.

9. The container of claim 1 comprising a polyethylene film.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the polyethylene film has a thickness from 0.3 mils to 7 mils.

11. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of absorbent articles are in direct contact with the first compartment.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles comprise diapers.

13. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of wipe products comprises wet wipes.

14. The container of claim 13 where the plurality of wipe products are in direct contact with the second compartment.

15. The container of claim 1 further comprising an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice.

16. The container of claim 1 further comprising a graphic.

17. The container of claim 1 wherein the absorbent articles and/or the wipes are compression packed.

18. The container of claim 1 further comprising a resealable closure mechanism.

19. The container of claim 18 wherein the resealable closure mechanism is an air-tight resealable closure mechanism.

20. The container of claim 19 wherein the air-tight resealable closure mechanism is a rigid flip-top.

21. The container of claim 19 wherein the air-tight resealable closure mechanism provides access into the second compartment.

22. The container of claim 1 further comprising a set of caregiver instructions.

23. A method of using a container of absorbent articles comprising:

a) providing a container comprising a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a divider, wherein the first compartment is suited for containing a plurality of absorbent articles and wherein the second compartment is suited for containing a plurality of wipe products;

b) providing a plurality of absorbent articles;

c) providing a plurality of wet wipes;

d) providing a resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment;

e) providing an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice for the second compartment; and

f) providing a carrying strap;

wherein the plurality of absorbent articles are disposed within, and are in direct contact with, the first compartment;

wherein the plurality of wet wipes are disposed within, and are in direct contact with, the second compartment;

wherein the container is portable, flexible and disposable;

wherein a caregiver reaches into the second compartment to retrieve a wet wipe;

wherein the caregiver reaches into the first compartment to retrieve an absorbent article; and

wherein the caregiver reseals the resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment and reseals the air-tight resealable dispsensing orifice for the second compartment.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein the plurality of absorbent articles comprises diapers.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein the container comprises polyethylene film having a thickness from 1 mil to 7 mils.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein the absorbent articles and/or the wet wipes are compression packed.

27. The method of claim 23 further comprising the step of providing a set of caregiver instructions.

28. A container comprising a first compartment and a second compartment;

wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are isolated by a divider that is integral with the container;

wherein the first compartment contains a plurality of diapers;

wherein the second compartment contains a plurality of wet wipes;

wherein the container comprises a resealable dispensing orifice for the first compartment and an air-tight resealable dispensing orifice for the second compartment;

wherein the container comprises a carrying strap; and

wherein the container and the divider comprise polyethylene film having a thickness from 1 mil to 7 mils.

29. The container of claim 28 wherein the absorbent articles and/or the wet wipes are compression packed.

30. The container of claim 28 further comprising the step of providing a set of caregiver instructions.

31. The container of claim 28 further comprising a window.