Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PACK FOR PAPER HANDKERCHIEFS
Field of Invention
The invention relates generally to pack of paper tissues or handkerchiefs.
More specifically, the invention describes a pack of paper handkerchiefs that
provides hygienic protection of the handkerchiefs in the pack while allowing
for
easy, convenient dispensing of the handkerchiefs.
Background of the Invention
The use of paper handkerchiefs has become increasingly popular over the
years. Paper handkerchiefs are usually sold as pocket packs or tabletop boxes.
The present invention is directed primarily to packs of paper handkerchiefs
that
are intended to be carried in one's pocket or purse or bag. Such packs are
usually of parallelepipedic shape with dimensions of about 110mm x 55mm x
20mm, although a significant variation around these observed dimensions can be
found. In general, such packs are usually intended to carry between 5 and 15
single tissues or handkerchiefs.
Paper tissues and handkerchiefs are generally intended for single use.
They are in most instances used to collect nasal fluid expelled from the human
nose. However, more broadly, paper handkerchiefs are also used to collect and
absorb other fluids such as tears, sweat, or even used a cleaning aid to wipe
and/or absorb splashes or liquid stains from a variety of substrates.
Numerous pack designs are intended to allow a easy access to the paper
handkerchiefs as well as a satisfactory protection of the tissues inside the
pack.
However, previous attempts have been limited by cost, complexity or technical
constraints during the manufacture of the packs (for example, the use a single
initial piece of material). Furthermore, in most cases the attempts have
resulted in
the minimization of the size of the dispensing orifice in order to protect
unused
tissue inside the packs. This hygienic consideration has been detrimental to
the
convenience of use: grabbing the tissue inside the pack is an operation that
may
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be uneasy to some of the users. Further, the grabbing and dispensing may be
just un-achievable in extreme conditions (e.g. wearing gloves, rigidity of the
finger
articulation due to cold, etc.) or un-achievable to people with reduced finger
or
hand mobility or visual impairment.
Because packs of paper handkerchiefs are often carried around in a
pocket, bag or purse, it would be desirable to provide a package that is
flexible,
yet resistant to deformation to the point it becomes unusable.
Further, it would be desirable for such a package to protect the
handkerchiefs from contamination after the first use of the pack and its first
opening.
Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a package that is easy to
open and from which the contents are easily removed.
It would also be desirable to provide a pack offering a dual dispensing
capability: dispensing of a folded tissue or dispensing of a tissue that
unfolds
automatically while being removed from the pack.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention describes a pack generally used for storing a stack
of paper handkerchiefs or tissues. The invention presents the advantages,
separately or together, of enhancing both the protection of the handkerchiefs
and
the convenience of dispensing of the handkerchiefs. The invention also
presents
the possible advantage of proposing a pack that has an enhanced stability,
further increasing its convenience to use. The pack of the proposed invention
allows for a dual dispensing of the tissues: dispensing of folded tissue or
dispensing of tissues automatically unfolding during the dispensing. The pack
is
also conveniently used in extreme conditions or by people having reduced
finger
mobility.
The present invention presents a pack of paper handkerchiefs having long,
intermediate and short edges, the long edges being longer than said
intermediate
edges, the short edges being shorter than the intermediate edges. The pack
also
includes a dispensing orifice delimited by a peripheral edge and a closure
means
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covering at least said dispensing orifice and having a connected peripheral
portion and an unconnected peripheral portion. The closure means is
permanently connected to the pack by the connected peripheral portion and
extends beyond the peripheral edge of the dispensing orifice by about 2mm or
more along the unconnected peripheral portion of the closure means.
brief Description of the ~rawin~s
Figure 1 is a general overview of a pack of paper handkerchiefs.
Figure 2 shows a paper handkerchief, presented laying substantially flat
and unfolded.
Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a folded paper handkerchief. Many
other folding configurations are possible.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 each represent one particular pack of the present
invention. In Figure 5 a tissue is represented inside the pack.
Figure 6 represents a pack of tissue and more particularly highlights the
construction of the reseal tape according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 6a shows a detailed view of the reseal tape.
Figure 7 shows a particular embodiment in which a secondary piece of
material forms the peripheral edge of the dispensing orifice and the overlap.
Figure 7a shows a particular view of the pack of Figure 7.
Figure 8 shows a particular embodiment of the invention in which the
closure means, in the form of a flap, comprise a portion having reseal
functionality.
Figure 9 shows a pack of the present invention having no end panels, the
front and back panels being joined together to seal the ends of the pack. The
pack of Figure 9 is not a fully parallelepipedic pack but has long,
intermediate and
short edges.
Figure 10 shows a particular embodiment of the invention, with a specific
shape of the closure means and dispensing orifice, the overlap and a
particular
shape of the reseal tape.
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Detailed Description of the Invention
Definitions:
For the purpose of the present invention, the following terms and wording
are used interchangeably, and with the same meaning:
Grip zone, grip edge, dry zone or dry edge.
Handkerchiefs, paper handkerchiefs or tissues.
Film, flexible film, wrapping material.
Pocket pack, pack or container for tissues - to describe a receptacle for
tissues/handkerchiefs.
Flap or closure means - to describe the pieces) of material covering at
least partially the dispensing orifice.
Dispensing orifice, orifice or dispensing aperture.
Overlap or overhang - in the present invention both describe a part of the
flap that covers part of a pack panel in additional to covering the dispensing
orifice.
Figure 1 shows front panels 1 defined as the panel of largest area. A pack
has two front panels. For simplicity in this document, the reference to "the"
front
panel of the pack indicates the one panel comprising the dispensing orifice or
part
of it. The side panels 2 are defined as the panels having an intermediate size
(area) between the front and the end panels. A pack generally has two side
panels. The end panels 3 are defined as the panels of smallest area. A pack
has two end panels.
The long pack edges 4 are defined as the edge between two front panels
and corresponding to the longest edge of the pack. A pack generally has four
long edges. The intermediate pack edges 5 are defined as the pack edges
between a front and a side panel and corresponding to the edges of
intermediate
length between the long and the short edges. A pack generally has four
intermediate edges. Tlle short edges 6 are defined as the shortest pack edges
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and corresponding to the edges linking a side and a end panel. A pack
generally
has four short edges.
The flap or closure means 7 is a piece of material movable between a
closed and an open position, and able to cover at least partially the
dispensing
orifice. The flap articulates around a hinge 11 that is connected to a pack
panel or
pack edge. The periphery of the closure means 7 then has a "connected portion"
(articulating around a hinge 11 ) and an "unconnected portion" 18. The
unconnected peripheral portion 18 is not permanently connected to the pack.
The dispensing orifice 8 is the aperture though which the tissues can be
grabbed and possibly removed from the pack during the dispensing operation.
The reseal tape 9, or reseal piece 9, is a piece of material able to lock the
flap in the closed position and re-open at the users need to enable the
dispensing
operation. The reseal tape 9 can be a separate piece of material as in Figs. 1
and
10, for example, or a piece of the closure means (flap) as in Figure 8. The
reseal
tape bridges the flap and a front panel. It is usually, but not always, quasi
permanently glued and sealed to the flap and comprises an adhesive surface
able to stick in a temporary manner onto the front panel. The reseal piece or
reseal tape can have various design (Figures 1 and 10).
The grip zone 10 of the reseal tape 9 (also called dry zone or dry edge) is
generally free of any adhesive on its outer surface and enables the user to
grab
the reseal tape and operate it.
The seal 20 of the front and back panels in the embodiment of Figure 9. In
this embodiment, no end panels are present but the front and back panels are
joined together by the seal 20 to seal the pack.
Alternative possible embodiments of the present invention, in particular
Figures 4 and 10 show a specific design of the closure means 7, of the
dispensing orifice 8, of the reseal tape 9 and of the grip zone 10.
In Figure 9, a pack of the present invention is shown that is not a
parallelepipedic pack: the pack has no short edges nor end panels. The front
and
back panels are joined together in a sealing zone 20. The pack has long edges
4~,
intermediate edges 5, and short edges 6.
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Overlapping closure mean
Some functions of the closure means or flap of the subject pack are to
allow for protection of to the tissues inside the pack and/or to allow for a
convenient opening and re-closure operation. In most currently marketed
products, the flap barely covers the dispensing orifice. In most cases, the
tearing
of a pre-perforated line in the pack material creates the flap. No overhang of
the
flap extending over the dispensing orifice is provided. Also, very often, the
pressure of the folded tissues inside the pack (on the internal face of the
pack) is
sufficient to actually not allow the flap to cover entirely the dispensing
orifice after
the first opening of the pack. Only after the removal of the second or third
tissue
from the pack can the flap, associated wit the flexibility of the pack
material, be
brought in coincidence with the edge of the orifice.
A large flap covering all the dispensing orifice and extending over it to
create an overlap on one of the panel is beneficial for the protection of the
tissues
inside the pack. However such a large overlap implies additional and
significant
material cost and also presents the technical difficulty of requiring a
particular
process and-or a secondary material providing for the flap or overlap.
W098/06369 uses for that purpose an additional piece of material whereas EP
0553 660 creates a Z-fold in the material to create the overlap. DE 35 42
999A1
uses an over-dimensioned reseal tape for that purpose.
It has been surprisingly found in the present invention that a very large
overlap is not needed to leverage the desired hygienic benefits. On the
contrary,
the inventors have found that an overlap of at least about 2mm is sufficient
for the
hygienic protection of the tissues. An overlap of about 5mm or more is also
suitable as are overlays of about 10mm or more and about 20mm or more. An
overlap of less than about 2mm around the edge of the orifice may not provide
for
good protection of the tissues, allowing dust or other unwanted bodies to get
in
contact with the tissues. It has been found that the usage conditions can
trigger
in this case a folding of the flap, which can expose the tissues to the
environment, thus permitting contamination.
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The overlap dimension can also be limited in its maximum dimension
primarily to further enhance convenience (i.e. avoid unwanted fold of the flap
in
use) and to reduce the cost of the material. The flap could cover the entire
front
panel, however, it has been found that the maximum dimension of the overlap is
most suitable when less than about 30mm, less than about 20mm or less than
about l0mm is provided.
Similarly, is has been found that the overlap is preferentially present
around the entire periphery of the dispensing orifice to ensure protection
(i.e.
along the entire unconnected peripheral portion 18 of the closure means 7).
Along the unconnected peripheral portion 18 of the closure means 7, it has
been found that, an overlap of about 2mm or more provides sufficient
protection
of the content of the pack. The overlap (overhang) is measured radially from
the
edge of the dispensing orifice (in any straight portion of the edge of the
dispensing orifice, the overlap is measured perpendicularly to that edge).
It has been found that the overlap of the flap on to a panel creates a zone
of increased structural resistance in the pack when closed. This property can
provide an increased shape stability of the pack during the transportation in
bag
or pocket, without creating unnecessary rigidity. That quality has been found
highly appreciated by the consumers.
Size, position and shape of the dispensing orifice:
European patent application EP 01129421 describes a dispensing orifice
of a particular shape allowing for very good dispensing while protecting the
tissues.
It has been found that particular and different shape and positioning of the
dispensing orifice may offer similar or even enhanced benefits. That
particular
execution is show in Figure 5. It combines the benefits of an oval centrally
located orifice on the front panel with the convenience of the grabbing of the
tissue by the edge. Located centrally, the major part of the orifice is easy
to spot
and reach, even with gloves or by impaired people. Extending up and including
part of a long pack edge, the orifice allows a user to grab a tissue from the
side,
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which is in some cases more desirable (for example people with reduced finger
mobility elderly people).
The substantial extension ~f the orifice in a direction parallel to the long
edge of the pack brings additional convenience. It has been found that the
relative proximity of the dispensing orifice to the pack edge provides for
easier
dispensing. It is possible, but not essential, that the peripheral edge of the
dispensing orifice coincides with pack edge. However, the flexibility provided
by
the tissue inside the pack and by the nature of the packing film allows for a
certain distance between the peripheral edge of the dispensing orifice and the
pack edge. Preferably that distance should not be greater than about 6mm,
about 3mm, or about Omm.
It has also been found that orifice dimension can be optimized. If too
large, the orifice may increase the risk of contamination; if too small the
orifice
may not allow for a convenient tissue dispensing. Suitable dimensions
measured in terms of surface area, have been found to be between about 500
and about 3000 square millimeters (sqmm), between about 700 sqmm and about
2500 sqmm, between about 1000 sqmm and about 2000sqmm, or between about
1200sqmm and about 1800sqmm.
Figures 4 and 5 describe two possible combinations of a flap overlapping
the front panel and are preferred dispensing orifice size, location and shape,
according to the present invention.
Folding of the tissues inside the pack
Selecting an appropriate folding of the tissue and orientation inside the
pack can further enhance the dispensing convenience.
Tissues, usually substantially rectangular, have two surfaces 15 and four
tissue edges 12. The tissues are generally folded in a way that creates one
area
with multiple free tissue edges 12 and one area presenting a U-fold 13. In a
lJ-
fold area, no tissue free edge is present parallel to the U-fold.
It has been found that a tissue edge coinciding with the dispensing orifice
and preferably extending transversally to the primary direction of the opening
(for
s
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example the longest axis of the substantially oval opening in Figure 5),
enhances
the convenience of use. In such a configuration, the user is able to slip his
finger
(even covered by a glove) under the tissue edge 12. The user has then an easy
grab of the tissue and a facilitated removing of the tissue from the pack by a
simple movement of translation in a direction substantially orthogonal to the
general plane of the front panel. In the same movement the user can unfold the
tissue, still using a single hand (this operation is referred to as "unfolded
dispensing").
Additionally it has been surprisingly found that the convenience of the
"unfolded dispensing" can be further improved. When the folding of the tissue
in
the pack is made in such a way that the user can fit a finger under the tissue
edge (and grab the tissue) coming from the left side, it has been shown most
of
the users recognize a significant additional convenience. Statistically most
users
grab the pack of tissue with their right hand while grabbing the tissue with
their
left hand. A configuration providing an open-grip of the tissue on the left
side may
therefore be preferred.
In another embodiment of this invention the folded tissues are positioned
inside the pack in such a way that no tissue free edge 12 having a direction
substantially parallel to a pack long edge coincides with the dispensing
orifice
along the hinge zone of the flap. In other word, only tissue U-folds 13
appears
thru the dispensing orifice edge along the flap hinge. This particular
configuration
allows one to grab and remove a full tissue in one movement without having the
tissue unfolding during the said movement. This feature is also called "folded
dispensing".
Dual dispensing
Sy combining two of the above features the pack of Figures 4 or 5, with
the tissues appropriately folded inside, allows for both "folded dispensing"
and
"unfolded dispensing" together, giving more choice and convenience to the
user.
This property is referred to as "dual dispensing".
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Figure 5 shows a pack with a tissue folded inside. The tissue edge 12
appears through the dispensing orifice and can be grabbed by the user.
Alternatively the user can grab the U-fold 13 to remove the tissue from the
pack.
Reseal tape with a U-folded dry zone
The non-permanent closure of the flap over the front panel is, in one
embodiment of the present invention, secured via the use of a reseal tape 9
presenting a dry zone 10. The dry zone allowing a good grip of the reseal
tape,
is, made by a same piece of tape that is folded on itself in a U-fold 16. The
internal faces of the U-folded 16 dry zone 10 are sealed together.
The dry zone part of the reseal tape is more rigid, in comparison to a
regular, single layer, non U-folded reseal tape. It is been found that the
above
described construction of the reseal tape 9 presents a much better convenience
of use and an easier grip of the dry zone 10 by the users, more particularly
by
those users with impaired finger mobility or in extreme conditions (wearing
gloves, cold fingers, etc).
The reseal functionality of the present invention can be achieved by a
separate piece of material. Alternatively the closure means or flap can
comprise
an extension having reseal functionality, as shown in Figure 8. A dry-edge or
grip
zone can be provided as well as adequate adhesive to enable the reseal of the
flap.
The reseal functionality can be provided by adequate adhesive on the
reseal tape of the reseal zone. The adhesive may be located along the entire
unconnected portion of the peripheral edge of the closure means or any portion
thereof.
Process of making:
Another aspect the present invention relates to the process of making a
pack of paper handkerchiefs. The problem of creating a pack according to the
present invention is to provide for the overlapping zone between the flap and
tile
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front panel. The present invention solves this problem by at least two methods
for achieving the desired overlap.
One unigue wrap~inq material
In a first embodiment, a piece of primary material, generally a soft flexible
plastic film, is cut and folded and sealed in a way that creates the flap
overlap. If
compared to a non overlapping flap option, the original material should be of
increased dimensions. Rolls of material with increased width generally provide
the extended dimension. The comparatively increased material provides for
sufficient area to create the overlapping flap. By cutting a piece of material
having a larger width, the folding can be adjusted to create an overlap of at
Feast
about 5mm between the flap and the front panel. Optionally a reseal tape is
added to the flap, with the permanent sealing to the flap and the non-
permanent/closable adhesive facing the front panel. This execution has be
benefit to represent a relatively simple solution to the problem but is
technically
complex, as it requires in most instances a production line able to handle raw
materials of increased width. Selecting the right cutting and folding
configuration
in order to achieve the desired overlap, preferably along the entire periphery
of
the dispensing orifice, requires visualizing and understanding the desired
benefits.
A secondary material
In a second embodiment, a secondary piece of material is used. During
the manufacturing process, a step of cutting and attaching or joining the
secondary material onto the primary material is additionally foreseen. Such
process steps can occur before, during or after the formation of the 3-
dimensional
pack by folding. In certain embodiments, it may be preferred that the cutting
and
attaching steps be executed before the folding, i.e. the secondary material is
attached on a substantially flat primary material.
In one alternative embodiment, the secondary mafierial is preferably the
same material as the primary material. As previously described the overlap
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creates a zone of high stability in the pack, helping it shape to remain
stable
during use and transportation. It is however contemplated, in another
embodiment, to use a secondary material of higher strength, higher caliper or
higher rigidity in order to increase furfiher the gain in pack stability
created by the
overlap. The secondary material can be sealed to the side of the primary
material forming the outside or the inside of the pack.
In another embodiment, the secondary piece of material 17, once in place
on the newly formed pack forms a flap 8 that is hingedly connected to one of
the
panels 1, preferably along a pack edge 11. More preferably the hinge is
parallel
to a long pack edge and can be substantially co-located with a long pack edge.
One can foresee that the hinge has substantially the same dimension as the
long
pack edge, thus maximizing the dimension of the flap.
In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in Figure 7, the
secondary piece of material 17 constitutes the edge of the dispensing orifice.
Preferably a hole is cut out of the secondary material. The secondary material
17
is positioned and sealed onto the primary material, for example onto the front
panel 1. A selected area of the primary material forms the flap 7 whereas the
secondary material forms the portion of the panel overlapping the flap as well
as
the dispensing orifice 8 per se.
Example:
In the above-described embodiments (in particular Figures 4, 5, 7, 8, 9,
10) of possible pack configuration of the present invention, the material
(primary
and secondary material where applicable) is a soft flexible film having the
characteristics suitable for the standard manufacture of handkerchief packs.
For
example the film can be a polyethylene/polypropylene film having a thickness
between about 25 and about 50 micrometers and able to be thermo-sealed at a
temperature in the range of about 120-200 degrees Celsius. The sealing
operations are executed by a combination of thermo sealing and gluing. The
reseal fiape is polypropylene material with a permanent adhesive in one end
and
a reseal able adhesive on the other end. The tissues can be of any commonly
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used material for making paper handkerchiefs (such as Tempo) and their
folding can be as shown in Figure 3 or in the referenced documents. All other
operations are as commonly practiced by paper hatldl<erchief manufacturers and
packers.
All documents cited herein 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.
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.
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