Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SOLID PRODUCT PACKAGING
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to product packaging for solid products.
Background of the Invention
Solid products provide many advantages over using non-solid products. For
example, solid products are typically less expensive to ship because they are
usually
formulated as concentrates that are then diluted prior to use. Solid products
can be
formulated using aggressive chemistry that provides better cleaning including
strong
acids and strong bases. Solid products with such aggressive chemistry are
generally
considered safer than comparable non-solid or liquid products because solid
products
cannot spill like non-solid or liquid products.
Solid products are dispensed in solid product dispensers to create a
concentrated
use solution or a use solution. Some solid products are caustic or corrosive
and should
not be handled by coming into direct contact with the solid products. This is
particularly true in industrial laundry, warewashing, and floor care products.
Thermoformed blister packs and packages with lids are commonly used to
package solid products. However, these types of packages typically require the
user to
remove the backs or the lids from the packages and drop the solid products
into the
dispensers. This technique exposes the user to contact the solid products
directly,
which is not desirable.
Another type of packaging in which solid products are packaged is shrink
wrapped films. Small holes in the film allow the evacuation of otherwise
trapped air as
the film shrinks to conform to the shape of the solid product. These small
holes allow
moisture from the atmosphere to enter the package, which may cause the solid
product
to swell and at least partially dissolve. Further, the user may directly
contact the solid
product that has escaped through these small holes. Thus, it is challenging to
load solid
products into dispensers without touching the solid products.
One problem related to the manufacture, storage, and use of solid products
including extruded acidic and alkaline solid products is the stability of the
solid
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products. Upon exposure to environmental conditions such as humidity, the
solid
products can absorb humidity resulting in a softening or dissolution of at
least a portion
of the solid products. The absorption of humidity can result in softened
layers of the
solid products rendering the solid products difficult to handle and properly
dispense.
Further, in conditions of higher humidity or higher concentrations of
alkalinity, the
absorption of humidity can result in the creation of a liquid product that can
slump or
flow from the surface of the solid product creating a pool of highly caustic
material.
Not only is the humidity and stability of the solid products a problem in
manufacturing
and handling of the products, the instability can also cause problems in
dispensing of
the products. The softened surface or liquid material that can flow from the
surface can
cause spikes of material during dispensing resulting in uneven concentrations
being
dispensed. When dispensed using spray-type dispensers, a spray of water is
directed
onto a surface of the solid product. When operating properly, the spray
removes a
small portion of the solid product in the form of an aqueous concentrate use
solution. If
the solid product is at least partially softened or liquefied, the aqueous
concentrate use
solution will be too concentrated.
It is desired to have a solid product packaging that assists in the loading of
the
solid products into dispensers without directly contacting the solid products
and that
assists in keeping the solid products stable during storage of the solid
products.
Summary of the Invention
One aspect of the present invention provides a product packaging for a solid
product comprising a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a
bottom
forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the
base has an
exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby
the texture
enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal
interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled
away from
the top of the base.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of dispensing a
solid
product from a product packaging into a solid product dispenser. A product
packaging
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having a base, a lid, and a seal is obtained. The base has a top, sides, and a
bottom
forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive the solid product. The
seal
interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be grasped
and peeled
to separate the lid from the top of the base. A portion of the peelable lid is
grasped, and
the peelable lid is peeled away from the base. The base is held and inverted
so that the
bottom of the base is in an upward orientation and the top of the base is in a
downward
orientation. The solid product is allowed to slide out of the cavity into the
solid product
dispenser.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of dispensing a
solid
product from a product packaging into a solid product dispenser. The product
packaging has a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a
bottom forming
a cavity configured and arranged to receive the solid product, and the base
has an
exterior surface with a texture on at least a portion of the exterior surface.
The seal
interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be grasped
and peeled
to separate the lid from the top of the base. The product packaging is
obtained. A
portion of the peelable lid is grasped and the peelable lid is peeled away
from the base.
The base is held proximate the texture, which provides a grippable surface
proximate the
exterior surface of the base. The base is squeezed proximate the texture thus
deflecting
the base inward to provide friction between the base and the solid product
prior to
inverting the base so that the solid product does not fall out of the base
until the friction
is released. The base is inverted so that the bottom of the base is in an
upward
orientation and the top of the base is in a downward orientation, and the
texture
enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The
friction is
released thereby allowing the solid product to slide out of the cavity into
the solid
product dispenser.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a product packaging constructed according to
the principles of the present invention with a solid product therein;
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Figure 2 is a top view of the product packing shown in Figure 1 as the product
packaging is manufactured;
Figure 3 is a top view of the product packaging shown in Figure 1 with a solid
product therein;
Figure 4 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of another product packaging constructed
according to the principles of the present invention with a solid product
therein;
Figure 6 is a top view of the product packing shown in Figure 5 as the product
packaging is manufactured;
Figure 7 is a top view of the product packaging shown in Figure 5 with a solid
product therein;
Figure 8 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of another product packaging constructed
according to the principles of the present invention with a solid product
therein;
Figure 10 is a top view of the product packing shown in Figure 9 as the
product
packaging is manufactured;
Figure 11 is a top view of the product packaging shown in Figure 9 with a
solid
product therein;
Figure 12 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 9;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of another product packaging constructed
according to the principles of the present invention with a solid product
therein;
Figure 14 is a top view of the product packing shown in Figure 13 as the
product packaging is manufactured;
Figure 15 is a top view of the product packaging shown in Figure 13 with a
solid product therein;
Figure 16 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 13;
Figure 17 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 13 with a
lid
partially peeled away from a base of the product packaging;
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Figure 18 is a side view of the product packaging shown in Figure 17 inverted
with a portion of the base deflected inward to assist in holding the product
within the
base; and
Figure 19 is a graph showing the water vapor transmission rate, the percentage
of weight change over time.
Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
A preferred embodiment solid product packaging is designated by the numeral
100 in Figures 1-4, a preferred embodiment solid product packaging is
designated by
the number 200 in Figures 5-8, a preferred embodiment solid product packaging
is
designated by the number 300 in Figures 9-12, and a preferred embodiment solid
product packaging is designated by the number 400 in Figures 13-18.
The present invention may be used with any solid product. It is understood
that
the phrase "solid product" includes solid products, substantially solid
products, semi-
solid products, and the like. If the solid product is in a shaped form, such
as a block,
the solid product may be formed in any desired manner including cast methods,
extrusion, and pressed powder. The solid product may be formulated for a
variety of
uses such as, but limited to, a warewashing detergent, a warewashing rinse
aid, a
vehicle care detergent such as in a car wash, a medical instrument detergent,
a clean-in-
place cleaner, a floor cleaner, and the like. The solid product may include a
variety of
different chemistries including acids, bases, hardening agents, sequestering
agents,
surfactants, builders, enzymes, dyes, fragrances, and the like.
As shown in Figures 1-4, the product packaging 100 includes a base 101 and a
peelable lid 111 interconnected by a seal 114. The base 101 includes four
sides 102,
the adjacent sides 102 being interconnected by a rounded corner 103. Each side
102 is
preferably approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent side 102. The sides 102
and the
corners 103 are interconnected proximate the bottom edges of the sides 102 and
the
corners 103 by a bottom 105. A top 106, which is preferably a flange, extends
outward
from the sides 102 and the corners 103 proximate the top edges of the sides
102 and the
comers 103. The sides 102, the comers 103, and the bottom 105 form a cavity
107.
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Ribbing 104 is proximate the bottom 105 of the base 101 and is a textured, non-
slip,
grippable surface on the exterior of the base 101. It is recognized that other
textured,
non-slip, grippable surfaces such as, but not limited to, waffle weaves,
bumps,
roughened surfaces, and rubber coated surfaces may be used. The ribbing 104 is
preferably at least one ridge extending outward from at least two opposing
sides 102
and, more preferably, at least three ridges extending outward from the sides
102 and the
corners 105 around the base 101 parallel with the bottom 105. The ribbing 104
preferably extends outward from the base 101 at least 1.5 millimeters ("mm"),
and if
multiple ridges are used, the ridges are preferably spaced apart at least 25.4
mm center
to center of the ridges. The ribbing 104 is preferably within 2.0 inches from
the bottom
105.
Although it is recognized that the base 101 may be made of separate
components, the base 101 is preferably integrally formed, including the
ribbing 104
extending outward from the sides 102 and the corners 103. Preferably, the base
101 is
thermoformed by means well known in the art and made of polymeric (relating to
or
comprised of polymers) materials including, but not limited to, polyethylenes,
nylons,
polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. As shown in Figure 2, the
base
101 may be constructed by means well known in the art adjacent another base
101 with
a score line 116 between the bases 101 so that the bases 101 may be easily
separated.
A solid product 120 is placed within the cavity 107. Preferably, the solid
product 120
is a square-shaped product corresponding with the shape of the base 101. Then,
the
peelable lid 111 is connected to the top 106 of the base 101.
The peelable lid 111 is preferably an easy peel film corresponding in shape
with
the top 106 of the base 101. Preferably, the lid 111 is made of a multi-layer
laminate
comprising at least two layers, one of which is a heat sealable layer. The
seal 114,
which is preferably formed by applying heat to the lid 111 which bonds the
heat
sealable layer to the top 106 of the base 101, interconnects the top 106 and
the lid 111.
The seal 114 is preferably placed proximate the perimeter of the top 106 with
one
corner angled so that there is a corner where the lid 111 is not connected to
the top 106
thus providing a grasping portion 112 where the lid 111 can easily be grasped
by the
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user to begin peeling the lid 111 away from the top 106. The peel strength of
the seal
114 is preferably less than 250 grams per inch, which allows for easy peeling
of the lid
111 away from the top 106 while providing a seal between the top 106 and the
lid 111.
The base 101, the lid 111, and the seal 114 provide a moisture barrier so that
moisture
cannot penetrate the product packaging 100. The water vapor transmission rate
("WVTR") is measured in grams per 100 square inches per 24 hours (g/100 sq.
in.).
For moisture sensitive products, the WVTR is preferably less than 0.02 g/100
sq. in. for
the base 101 and less than 0.13 g/100 sq. in. for the lid 111.
As shown in Figures 5-8, the product packaging 200 includes a base 201 and a
peelable lid 211 interconnected by a seal 214. The base 201 includes four
sides 202,
the adjacent sides 202 being interconnected by a rounded corner 203. Each side
202 is
preferably approximately 90 degrees from the adjacent side 202. The sides 202
and the
corners 203 are interconnected proximate the bottom edges of the sides 202 and
the
corners 203 by a bottom 205. A top 206, which is preferably a flange, extends
outward
from the sides 202 and the corners 203 proximate the top edges of the sides
202 and the
corners 203. The sides 202, the corners 203, and the bottom 205 form a cavity
207.
Ribbing 204 is proximate the bottom 205 of the base 201 and is a textured, non-
slip,
grippable surface on the exterior of the base 201. It is recognized that other
textured,
non-slip, grippable surfaces such as, but not limited to, waffle weaves,
bumps,
roughened surfaces, and rubber coated surfaces may be used. The ribbing 204 is
preferably at least one ridge extending outward from at least two opposing
sides 202
and, more preferably, at least three ridges extending outward from the sides
202 and the
corners 205 around the base 201 parallel with the bottom 205. The ribbing 204
preferably extends outward from the base 201 at least 1.5 millimeters ("mm"),
and if
multiple ridges are used, the ridges are preferably spaced apart at least 25.4
mm center
to center of the ridges. The ribbing 204 is preferably within 2.0 inches from
the bottom
205.
Although it is recognized that the base 201 may be made of separate
components, the base 201 is preferably integrally formed, including the
ribbing 204
extending outward from the sides 202 and the corners 203. Preferably, the base
201 is
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thermoformed by means well known in the art and made of polymeric (relating to
or
comprised of polymers) materials including, but not limited to, polyethylenes,
nylons,
polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. As shown in Figure 6, the
base
201 may be constructed by means well known in the art adjacent another base
201 on
each side with score lines 216 between the bases 201 so that the bases 201 may
be
easily separated. A solid product 220 is placed within the cavity 207.
Preferably, the
solid product 220 is a square-shaped product corresponding with the shape of
the base
201. Then, the peelable lid 211 is connected to the top 206 of the base 201.
The peelable lid 211 is preferably an easy peel film corresponding in shape
with
the top 206 of the base 201. Preferably, the lid 211 is made of a multi-layer
laminate
comprising at least two layers, one of which is a heat sealable layer. The
seal 214,
which is preferably formed by applying heat to the lid 211 which bonds the
heat
sealable layer to the top 206 of the base 201, interconnects the top 206 and
the lid 211.
The seal 214 is preferably placed proximate the perimeter of three sides of
the top 206
with the fourth side more proximate the cavity 207 so that there is a side
edge where
the lid 211 is not connected to the top 206 thus providing a grasping portion
212 where
the lid 211 can easily be grasped by the user to begin peeling the lid 211
away from the
top 206. The peel strength of the seal 214 is preferably less than 250 grams
per inch,
which allows for easy peeling of the lid 211 away from the top 206 while
providing a
seal between the top 206 and the lid 211. The base 201, the lid 211, and the
seal 214
provide a moisture barrier so that moisture cannot penetrate the product
packaging 200.
The water vapor transmission rate ("WVTR") is measured in grams per 100 square
inches per 24 hours (g/100 sq. in.). For moisture sensitive products, the WVTR
is
preferably less than 0.02 g/100 sq. in. for the base 201 and less than 0.13
g/100 sq. in.
for the lid 211.
As shown in Figures 9-12, the product packaging 300 includes a base 301 and a
peelable lid 311 interconnected by a seal 314. The base 301 includes five
sides 302, the
adjacent sides 302 being interconnected by a rounded corner 303. Each side 302
is
preferably approximately 108 degrees from the adjacent side 302. The sides 302
and
the corners 303 are interconnected proximate the bottom edges of the sides 302
and the
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corners 303 by a bottom 305. A top 306, which is preferably a flange, extends
outward
from the sides 302 and the corners 303 proximate the top edges of the sides
302 and the
corners 303. The sides 302, the corners 303, and the bottom 305 form a cavity
307.
Ribbing 304 is proximate the bottom 305 of the base 301 and is a textured, non-
slip,
grippable surface on the exterior of the base 301. It is recognized that other
textured,
non-slip, grippable surfaces such as, but not limited to, waffle weaves,
bumps,
roughened surfaces, and rubber coated surfaces may be used. The ribbing 304 is
preferably at least one ridge extending outward from at least two opposing
sides 302
and, more preferably, at least three ridges extending outward from the sides
302 and the
corners 305 around the base 301 parallel with the bottom 305. The ribbing 304
preferably extends outward from the base 301 at least 1.5 millimeters ("mm"),
and if
multiple ridges are used, the ridges are preferably spaced apart at least 25.4
mm center
to center of the ridges. The ribbing 304 is preferably within 2.0 inches from
the bottom
305.
Although it is recognized that the base 301 may be made of separate
components, the base 301 is preferably integrally formed, including the
ribbing 304
extending outward from the sides 302 and the corners 303. Preferably, the base
301 is
thermoformed by means well known in the art and made of polymeric (relating to
or
comprised of polymers) materials including, but not limited to, polyethylenes,
nylons,
polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. As shown in Figure 10, the
base
301 may be constructed by means well known in the art adjacent another base
301 with
a score line 316 between the bases 301 so that the bases 301 may be easily
separated.
A solid product 320 is placed within the cavity 307. Preferably, the solid
product 320
is a pentagon-shaped product corresponding with the shape of the base 301.
Then, the
peelable lid 311 is connected to the top 306 of the base 301.
The peelable lid 311 is preferably an easy peel film corresponding in shape
with
the top 306 of the base 301. Preferably, the lid 311 is made of a multi-layer
laminate
comprising at least two layers, one of which is a heat sealable layer. The
seal 314,
which is preferably formed by applying heat to the lid 311 which bonds the
heat
sealable layer to the top 306 of the base 301, interconnects the top 306 and
the lid 311.
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The seal 314 is preferably placed proximate the perimeter of the top 306 with
one
corner angled so that there is a corner where the lid 311 is not connected to
the top 306
thus providing a grasping portion 312 where the lid 311 can easily be grasped
by the
user to begin peeling the lid 311 away from the top 306. The peel strength of
the seal
314 is preferably less than 250 grams per inch, which allows for easy peeling
of the lid
311 away from the top 306 while providing a seal between the top 306 and the
lid 311.
The base 301, the lid 311, and the seal 314 provide a moisture barrier so that
moisture
cannot penetrate the product packaging 300. The water vapor transmission rate
("WVTR") is measured in grams per 100 square inches per 24 hours (g/100 sq.
in.).
For moisture sensitive products, the WVTR is preferably less than 0.02 g/100
sq. in. for
the base 301 and less than 0.13 g/100 sq. in. for the lid 311.
As shown in Figures 13-17, the product packaging 400 includes a base 401 and
a peelable lid 411 interconnected by a seal 414. The base 401 includes six
sides 402,
the adjacent sides 402 being interconnected by a rounded corner 403. Each side
402 is
preferably approximately 120 degrees from the adjacent side 402. The sides 402
and
the corners 403 are interconnected proximate the bottom edges of the sides 402
and the
corners 403 by a bottom 405. A top 406, which is preferably a flange, extends
outward
from the sides 402 and the corners 403 proximate the top edges of the sides
402 and the
corners 403. The sides 402, the corners 403, and the bottom 405 form a cavity
407.
Ribbing 404 is proximate the bottom 405 of the base 401 and is a textured, non-
slip,
grippable surface on the exterior of the base 401. It is recognized that other
textured,
non-slip, grippable surfaces such as, but not limited to, waffle weaves,
bumps,
roughened surfaces, and rubber coated surfaces may be used. The ribbing 404 is
preferably at least one ridge extending outward from at least two opposing
sides 402
and, more preferably, at least three ridges extending outward from the sides
402 and the
corners 405 around the base 401 parallel with the bottom 405. The ribbing 404
preferably extends outward from the base 401 at least 1.5 millimeters ("mm"),
and if
multiple ridges are used, the ridges are preferably spaced apart at least 25.4
mm center
to center of the ridges. The ribbing 404 is preferably within 2.0 inches from
the bottom
405.
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Although it is recognized that the base 401 may be made of separate
components, the base 401 is preferably integrally formed, including the
ribbing 404
extending outward from the sides 402 and the corners 403. Preferably, the base
401 is
thermoformed by means well known in the art and made of polymeric (relating to
or
comprised of polymers) materials including, but not limited to, polyethylenes,
nylons,
polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. As shown in Figure 14, the
base
401 may be constructed by means well known in the art adjacent another base
401 with
a score line 416 between the bases 401 so that the bases 401 may be easily
separated.
A solid product 420 is placed within the cavity 407. Preferably, the solid
product 420
is a hexagon-shaped product corresponding with the shape of the base 401.
Then, the
peelable lid 411 is connected to the top 406 of the base 401.
The peelable lid 411 is preferably an easy peel film corresponding in shape
with
the top 406 of the base 401. Preferably, the lid 411 is made of a multi-layer
laminate
comprising at least two layers, one of which is a heat sealable layer. The
seal 414,
which is preferably formed by applying heat to the lid 411 which bonds the
heat
sealable layer to the top 406 of the base 401, interconnects the top 406 and
the lid 411.
The seal 414 is preferably placed proximate the perimeter of the top 406 with
one
corner angled so that there is a corner where the lid 411 is not connected to
the top 406
thus providing a grasping portion 412 where the lid 411 can easily be grasped
by the
user to begin peeling the lid 411 away from the top 406. The peel strength of
the seal
414 is preferably less than 250 grams per inch, which allows for easy peeling
of the lid
411 away from the top 406 while providing a seal between the top 406 and the
lid 411.
The base 401, the lid 411, and the seal 414 provide a moisture barrier so that
moisture
cannot penetrate the product packaging 400. The water vapor transmission rate
("WVTR") is measured in grams per 100 square inches per 24 hours (g/100 sq.
in.).
For moisture sensitive products, the WVTR is preferably less than 0.02 g/100
sq. in. for
the base 401 and less than 0.13 g/100 sq. in. for the lid 411.
The product packages 100, 200, 300, and 400 allow for the solid products 120,
220, 320, and 420, respectively, contained therein to be easily placed into a
solid
product dispenser without directly contacting the solid products 120, 220,
320, and 420.
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Although specific shapes of the bases and of the products are shown and
described, it is
recognized that other shapes of the bases and of the products may be used.
Preferably,
the shape of the base corresponds with the shape of the product. For ease of
reference,
how the product packaging 400 is used to place the product 420 into a solid
product
dispenser is described, although this description is also applicable to other
embodiments.
In operation, the user preferably holds the product package 400 in one hand
and
grasps the lid 411 proximate the grasping portion 412 with the other hand and
begins to
peel the lid 411 away from the top 406 by breaking the seal 414, as
illustrated in Figure
17. Preferably, a tool is not needed to remove the lid 411. Once the lid 411
has been
peeled away from the top 406, thus exposing the solid product 420 within the
cavity
407, the user preferably squeezes the base 401 thus deflecting the base 401
proximate
the ribbing 404 inward to provide friction between the base 401 and the solid
product
420, as shown in Figure 18, so that the solid product 420 does not fall out of
the base
401 when the base 401 is inverted until it is positioned above the product
housing and
the user releases his or her grip on the base 401. The user then inverts the
base 401, the
ribbing 404 providing a non-slip, grippable surface, and releases his or her
grip on the
base 401 thus releasing the friction between the base 401 and the solid
product 420,
which allows the solid product 420 to fall out of the cavity 407 and into the
product
housing of the solid product dispenser. Thus, no direct contact with the solid
product
420 is necessary.
Some solid products, such as solid acidic and alkaline products, are
susceptible
to moisture gain, which has a detrimental effect on the product appearance,
ease of
handling, and product performance. Examples of acidic solid products are
disclosed in
U.S. Patent 6,432,906 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
2005/0197276
Al . Examples of
alkaline solid products
are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,474,698 and U.S. Patent Application No.
11/487,599.
The acidic
solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
2005/0197276
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Al and the alkaline solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
11/487,599
are the SOL1DSENSETM Floor Care A
& B products by Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thus, the types of materials used for the product packaging is important to
ensure the stability of certain types of solid products. As stated previously,
for
moisture sensitive products, the WVTR is preferably less than 0.02 g/100 sq.
in. for the
base and less than 0.13 g/100 sq. in. for the lid. Several materials were
tested to
determine which materials were most desirable in keeping solid products
stable.
Example 1
Testing was conducted to determine weight loss and weight gain in an acid
product, as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US
2005/0197276 Al
and the acid product of the SOLIDSBNSETM Floor Care A & B products by Ecolab
Inc.
of St. Paul, Minnesota, over a period of eight weeks when exposed to
accelerated
conditions (100 F with a relative humidity of 90%) in three different types
of product
packaging.
Product packaging 1 was a flexible film, an oriented polypropylene pouch
(WLP-2202 manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) heat
sealed to contain the solid product therein.
Product Packaging 2 was a rigid polypropylene tray manufactured by Creative
Forming, Inc. of Ripon, Wisconsin with a film lid (ESE 1250 Z1 film
manufactured by
Creative Forming, Inc. of Ripon, Wisconsin) heat sealed onto the tray to
contain the
solid product therein.
Product Packaging 3 was a rigid recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET)
tray manufactured by Creative Forming, Inc. of Ripon, Wisconsin with a film
lid (ES3
50 N film manufactured by Creative Forming, Inc. of Ripon, Wisconsin) heat
sealed
onto the tray to contain the solid product therein.
Table 1 shows the percentage of weight gain over eight weeks when the solid
products were exposed to accelerated conditions (100 F with a relative
humidity of
90%) in the three different types of product packaging.
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Table 1
Percentage of Weight Gain Over Right Weeks
Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 0.26 0.49 0.75 0.97 1.16 1.38 1.58 1.77
2 0.15 0.35 0.59 0.75 0.96 1.15 1.34 1.51
3 0.54 0.98 1.41 1.79 2.14 2.50 2.79 3.08
As shown in Table 1 and in Figure 19, which is a graph representation of the
data shown in Table 1, the Product Packaging 2 provided the best moisture
barrier.
After approximately 3 weeks, the products contained in the Product Packaging 2
began
to yellow in appearance and continued to yellow over the 8-week period.
Coloration
data was not available for the other two product packages.
Example 2
Testing was conducted to determine weight loss and weight gain in solid acid
and alkaline products over a period of eight weeks when exposed to ambient
conditions
(73 F with a relative humidity of 50%) and accelerated conditions (100 F
with a
relative humidity of 65% and 100 F with a relative humidity of 85%) in
several
different types of product packaging.
The solid acid product was the product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2005/0197276 Al, and the solid alkaline product was the
product
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No 11/487,599.
The acidic solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
US 2005/0197276 Al and the alkaline solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application No. 11,487,599
are the SOLIDSENSErm
Floor Care A & B products by Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota.
14
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Packaging A was a semi-rigid vacuum formed tray made of 15 mil polyester! 3
mil linear low density polyethylene (WINPAK PETE 37575 L manufactured by
WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of
0.8 mil nylon /2.7 mil low density polyethylene (WINPAK PAE 2070 Z14
manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging B was a semi-rigid vacuum formed tray made of 15 mil polyester / 3
mil linear low density polyethylene (W1NPAK PETE 37575 L manufactured by
WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of
4.0 mil white pigmented high density polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK SK 100
WNF manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging C was a semi-rigid vacuum formed tray made of 21 mil
polypropylene /3 mil polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK PE 600 N manufactured by
WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of
4.0 mil white pigmented high density polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK SK 100
WNF manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging D was a flexible vacuum formed tray made of 9 mil nylon, EVOH,
linear low density polyethylene (WINPAK MB 225L manufactured by WINPAK LTD.
of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of 0.8 mil
nylon! 2.7
mil low density polyethylene (WINPAK PAE 2070 Z14 manufactured by WINPAK
LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging E was a flexible vacuum formed tray made of 9 mil nylon, EVOH,
linear low density polyethylene (WINPAK MB 225L manufactured by WINPAK LTD.
of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of 4.0 mil
white
pigmented high density polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK SK 100 WNF
manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging F was a flexible vacuum formed tray made of 9.0 mil polypropylene,
polyolefin plastomer coextrusion (WINPAK MFS 225 L manufactured by WINPAK
LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of 4.0
mil
white pigmented high density polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK SK 100 WNF
manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
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In addition to weight loss and weight gain under ambient and accelerated
conditions, visual inspections were conducted to help determine the stability
of the
solid products under these conditions. The solid products were rated each week
over 8
weeks using a numerical system. The number 1 represents that there were no
discrepancies observed, the number 2 represents that there was no change from
the
previous week, the number 3 represents that there was a hole in the film, the
number 4
represents that the product was discoloring (yellow), and the number 5
represents that
the product was becoming soft.
The results of the change in weight for the solid acid product are in Table 2
and
for the solid alkaline product are in Table 4. The results of the visual
inspection for the
solid acid product are in Table 3 and for the solid alkaline product are in
Table 5.
Table 2
Weight Change of Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Initial Weight Week Week Total
Percentage
(grams) 4 8 Weight
Weight
Change
Change
Ambient B 1127.10 1128.50 1129.62 2.52 0.22
Ambient C 1098.80 1099.30 1099.87
1.07 0.10
Ambient E 1087.90 1088.70 1089.37
1.47 0.14
Ambient F 1077.90 1079.00 1079.86 1.96 0.18
100 F, B 1150.00 1157.00 1161.77 11.77
1.02
85% RH
100 F, C 1103.60 1107.10 1109.81 6.21
0.56
85% RH
100 F, E 1089.50 1094.90 1098.81 9.31
0.85
85% RH
100 F, F 1095.00 1102.00 1106.85 11.85
1.08
85% RH
16
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Table 3
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ambient B 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient C 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient E 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient F 1 2 2 2 2 2 5 2
bottom
edge
100 F, B 1 2 4 4 4,5 4,5 4,5
4,5
85% RH
100 F, C 1 4 2 2 4,5 4,5 4,5
4,5
85% RH
100 F, E 1 2 4 4 4,5 4,5 4,5
4,5
85% RH
100 F, F 1 ' 4 4 4 4,5 4,5 4,5
4,5
, 85% RH ,
17
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Table 4
Weight Change of Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight
Weight
(grams) Change
Change
Ambient A 1260.00 1261.00 1262.03 2.03 0.16
Ambient B 1257.40 1258.20 1259.09 1.69 0.13
Ambient D 1242.50 1243.10 1243.73 1.23 0.10
Ambient E 1255.10 1255.60 1256.18 1.08 0.09
100 F, A 1242.50 1248.70 1253.60 11.10
0.89
65% RH
100 F, B 1245.60 1253.30 1259.22 13.62
1.09
65% RH
100 F, D 1237.20 1241.60 1245.26 8.06
0.65
65% RH
100 F, E 1236.40 1240.50 1243.63 7.23
0.58
65% RH
100 F, A 1240.90 1248.70 1254.87 13.97
1.13
85% RH
100 F, B 1225.60 1233.00 1238.68 13.08
1.07
85% RH
100 F, D 1227.40 1234.00 1239.32 11.92
0.97
85% RH
100 F, E 1233.50 1238.90 1243.12 9.62
0.78
85% RH
18
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Table 5
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
_
Conditions Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
____________________________________________________________________________ _
_ __________________________________
Ambient A 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient B 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient D 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
_ ___________________________________________________________________________
Ambient E 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
100 F, A 1 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
65% RH
100 F, B 1 2 31 2 5 5 5 5
65% RH
100 F, D 1 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
65% RH
100 F, E 1 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
65% RH
100 F, A 1 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
85% RH _________________________________________________________
100 F, B 1 2 2 2 5 5 5 5
85% RH
100 F, D 32 2 2 5 5 5 5 5
85% RH
- 100 F, E 1 2 2 - 5 5 5 5 5
_ 85% RH
1 - tear caused by handling
2- package was damaged
From these results, it was determined that the lower the WVTR of the film, the
better protection was provided for the acid and alkaline products. The films
providing
acceptable protection for the acid and alkaline products had a WVTR of less
than 0.02
g/100 sq. in. The films providing unacceptable protection for the acid and
alkaline
products had WVTR of less than 0.06 to 0.45 g/100 sq. in., at which the
integrity of the
products deteriorated.
19
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Example 3
Testing was conducted to determine weight loss and weight gain in solid acid
and alkaline products over a period of eight weeks when exposed to ambient
conditions
(73 F with a relative humidity of 50%) and accelerated conditions (100 F
with a
relative humidity of 65% and 100 F with a relative humidity of 85%) in
several
different types of product packaging.
The solid acid product was the product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2005/0197276 Al, and the solid alkaline product was the
product
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No, 11/487,599.
The acidic solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
US 2005/0197276 Al and the alkaline solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application No. 11/487,599
are the SOLIDSENSEnn
Floor Care A & B products by Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Packaging G was a semi-rigid vacuum formed tray made of 15 mil polyester /3
mil linear low density polyethylene (WINPAK PETE 37575 L with a WVTR of 0.06
g/100 sq. in. manufactured by WINPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with
an easy peel lid stock made of 0.8 mil nylon / 2.7 mil low density
polyethylene / easy
peel (WINPAK PAE 2070 Z14 with a WVTR of 0.45 g/100 sq. in. manufactured by
WINPAK LID. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging H was a flexible shrink film made of multi-layered, cross-linked
polyethylene shrink film, single wound, 1.25 mil manufactured by Cryovac, Inc.
of
Saddle Brook, New Jersey.
In addition to weight loss and weight gain under ambient and accelerated
conditions, visual inspections were conducted to help determine the stability
of the
solid products under these conditions. The solid products were rated each week
over 8
weeks using a numerical system. The number 1 represents that there were no
discrepancies observed, the number 2 represents that there was no change from
the
previous week, the number 3 represents that there was tearing in the film, the
number 4
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represents that the product was becoming soft, the number 5 represents that
the product
was discoloring, the number 6 represents that the product was discolored, and
the
number 7 represents that slight mold patches were beginning to form.
The results of the change in weight for the solid acid product are in Table 6
and
for the solid alkaline product are in Table 8. The results of the visual
inspection for the
solid acid product are in Table 7 and for the solid alkaline product are in
Table 9.
21
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Table 6
Weight Change of Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Pkg. Sample Initial Week Week To
Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight
Weight
(grams) Change
Change
Ambient G 1 1119.06 1119.41 1119.63 0.57 0.05
Ambient G 2 1116.64 1116.97 1117.13 0.49 0.04
Ambient G 3 1118.62 1118.85 1119.12 0.50 0.04
Ambient G 4 1120.17 1120.45 1120.63 0.46 0.04
Ambient H 1 1099.17 1100.86 1102.03 2.86 0.26
Ambient H 2 1090.03 1091.70 1092.95 2.92 0.27
Ambient H 3 1088.23 1089.85 1091.06 2.83 0.26
Ambient H 4 1093.31 1094.94 1096.16 2.85
0.26
100 F, G 1 1128.95 1130.28 1131.45 2.50 0.22
65% RH
100 F, G 2 1111.16 1113.00 1115.00 3.84 0.35
65% RH
100 F, G 3 1117.61 1118.97 1120.18 2.57 0.23
65% RH
100 F, G 4 1114.64 1116.29 1117.98 3.34 0.30
65% RH
100 F, H 1 1091.19 1096.94 1101.14 9.95 0.91
65% RH
100 F, H 2 1101.87 1107.32 1111.76
9.89 0.90
65% RH
100 F, H 3 1098.43 1105.37 1110.76 12.33 1.12
65% RH
100 F, H 4 1096.20 1102.52 1107.08
10.88 0.99
65% RH
22
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Table 6 Continued
Weight Change of Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Pkg. Sample Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight
Weight
(grams) Change
Change
100 F, G 1 1112.21 1113.79 1115.98 3.77 0.34
85% RH
100 F, G 2 1120.96 1131.55 1133.82 12.86 1.15
85% RH
100 F, G 3 1113.88 1117.78 1121.80 7.92 0.71
85% RH
100 F, G 4 1109.62 1111.99 1114.16 4.54 0.41
85% RH
100 F, H 1 1099.03 1112.95 1125.19 26.16 2.38
85% RH
100 F, H 2 1103.50 1116.29 1127.11 23.61 2.14
85% RH
100 F, H 3 1096.66 1110.49 1121.45 24.79 2.26
85% RH
100 F, H 4 1090.39 1100.65 1110.46 20.07 1.84
85% RH
23
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Table 7
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging ! Week Week ' Week Week Week Week 1 Week Week
/ Sample ' 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ambient G / 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G / 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G / 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G / 4 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient H / 1 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
Ambient H /2 1 2 4 2 5 2 2 2
Ambient H / 3 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient H / 4 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
100 F, G / 1 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, G / 2 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, G / 3 1 2 4 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, G / 4 1 2 4 2 5 2 ' 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 1 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 2 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 3 3,4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 4 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
24
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Table 7 Continued
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Acid Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
/Sample
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
100 F, G/ 1 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G12 1 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G13 1 4 2 5 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G14 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 5
85% RH
100 F, H / 1 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 2 4,5 3 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 3 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 4 4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
25
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Table 8
Weight Change of Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Pkg. Sample Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight Weight
(grams) Change
Change
Ambient G 1 1148.65 1148.86 1148.98 0.33
0.03
Ambient G 2 1144.95 1145.14 1145.28 0.33
0.03
Ambient G 3 1152.76 1152.98 1153.12 0.36
0.03
Ambient G 4 1149.80 1150.30 1150.68 0.88
0.08
Ambient H 1 1125.57 1127.66 1129.00 3.43
0.30
Ambient H 2 1117.30 1119.18 1120.30 3.00
0.27
Ambient H 3 1128.05 1129.93 1131.22 3.17
0.28
Ambient H 4 1133.85 1135.64 1136.92 3.07
0.27
100 F, G 1 1142.92 1144.33 1145.41 2.49 0.22
65% RH
100 F, G 2 1143.59 1145.24 1146.30 2.71 0.24
65% RH
100 F, G 3 1148.00 1152.34 1153.26 5.26 0.46
65% RH
100 F, G 4 1130.44 1132.35 1133.37 2.93 0.26
65% RH
100 F, H 1 1061.10 1068.38 1074.65 13.55 1.28
65% RH
100 F, H 2 1068.07 1078.63 1083.45 15.38 1.44
65% RH
100 F, H 3 1127.08 1134.73 1140.84 13.76 1.22
65% RH
100 F, H 4 1136.93 1159.92 1165.15 28.22 2.48
65% RH
26
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Table 8 Continued
Weight Change of Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Pkg. Sample Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8
Weight Weight
(grams)
Change Change
100 F, G 1 1147.85 1149.82 1151.50 3.65
0.32
85% RH
100 F, G 2 1142.47 1145.18 1148.37 5.90
0.52
85% RH
100 F, G 3 1137.91 1140.50 1142.46 4.55
0.40
85% RH
100 F, G 4 1132.36 1135.48 1137.89 5.53
0.49
85% RH
100 F, H 1 1138.11 1152.12 1164.40 26.29
2.31
85% RH
100 F, H 2 1125.72 1140.80 1153.99 28.27
2.51
85% RH
100 F, H 3 1126.95 1142.40 1157.47 30.52
2.71
85% RH
100 F, H 4 1068.28 1078.24 1092.91 24.63
2.31
85% RH
27
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Table 9
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
/Sample
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ambient G / 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G /2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G /3 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient G / 4 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient H / 1 3 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient H /2 1 3 2 4 2 2 2 2
Ambient H /3 1 1 2 4 2 2 2 7
Ambient H /4 1 1 2 4 2 2 2 2
100 F, G/ 1 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, G/2 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, 0/3 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, G/4 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 2 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 '2
65% RH
100 F, H/3 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
65% RH
100 F, H / 4 3,4 2 2 2 2 5 2 2
65% RH
28
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Table 9 Continued
Visual Inspection Results of the Solid Alkaline Product Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Packaging Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
/Sample 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
100 F, G / 1 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G / 2 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G / 3 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, G / 4 1 2 2 4 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 1 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 2 3,4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 3 3,4 2 2 2 5 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, H / 4 3,4 2 2 2 5 2 6 2
85% RH
Both the solid acid products and the solid alkaline products packaged in the
semi-rigid trays showed a significant reduction in weight gain as compared to
the solid
acid products and the solid alkaline products packaged in the flexible shrink
film.
Further, the appearance of the solid acid products and the solid alkaline
products
packaged in the semi-rigid trays were acceptable while the solid acid products
and the
solid alkaline products packaged in the flexible shrink film had a mottled
appearance.
For Packaging G, the base had a WVTR of 0.06 g/100 sq. in. and the lid had a
WVTR of 0.45 g/100 sq. in.
Example 4
Testing was conducted to determine weight loss and weight gain in solid acid
and alkaline products over a period of eight weeks when exposed to ambient
conditions
(73 F with a relative humidity of 50%) and accelerated conditions (100 F
with a
relative humidity of 85%) in several different types of product packaging.
29
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WO 2098/908061
PCT/US2006/027140
The solid acid product was the product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. US 2005/0197276 Al, and the solid alkaline product was the
product
disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/487,599.
The acidic solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
US 2005/0197276 Al and the alkaline solid product disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application No. 11/487,599
are the SOLIDSENSETm
Floor Care A & B products by Ecolab Inc. of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Packaging I was a semi-rigid vacuum formed tray made of 15 mil polyester /3
mil linear low density polyethylene (WlNPAK PETE 37575 manufactured by
WlNPAK LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) with an easy peel lid stock made of
1
mil nylon /3 mil polyethylene coextrusion (WINPAK PE manufactured by WlNPAK
LTD. of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).
Packaging J was a flexible shrink film made of multi-layered, cross-linked
polyethylene shrink film, single wound, 1.25 mil manufactured by Cryovac, Inc.
of
Saddle Brook, New Jersey.
In addition to weight loss and weight gain under ambient and accelerated
conditions, visual inspections were conducted to help determine the stability
of the
solid products under these conditions. The solid products were rated each week
over 8
weeks using a numerical system. The number 1 represents that there were no
discrepancies observed, the number 2 represents that there was no change from
the
previous week, the number 3 represents that there was product discoloration
and
weepage proximate the perforation holes, the number 4 represents that there
was
product discoloration proximate the film pressure points, the number 5
represents that
there was product softening proximate the perforation holes, and the number 6
represents that there was product discoloration proximate the perforation
holes.
The results of the change in weight for the solid acid product are in Table 10
and for the solid alkaline product are in Table 12. The results of the visual
inspection
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PCT/US2006/027140
for the solid acid product are in Table 11 and for the solid alkaline product
are in Table
13.
31
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Table 10
Weight Change in Product Packaged in Shrink Film Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Sample Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight Weight
(grams) Change Change
Ambient 1 999.64 1000.13 1000.62 0.98 0.10
Ambient 2 1004.72 1005.27 1005.85 1.13 0.11
Ambient 3 987.78 988.44 989.06 1.28 0.13
Ambient 4 999.89 1000.59 1001.23 1.34 0.13
100 F, 1 1028.89 1040.62 1051.69 22.80 2.22
85% RH
100 F, 2 993.37 1004.54 1016.15 22.78 2.29
85% RH
100 F, 3 993.98 1004.88 1015.93 21.95 2.21
85% RH
100 F, 4 1012.31 1023.48 1034.50 22.19 2.19 ,
85% RH 1
Table 11
Visual Inspection Results of Product Packaged in Shrink Film Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Sample Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ambient 1 4 2 2 2 6 2 2 2
Ambient 2 4 2 2 2 6 2 2 2
Ambient 3 4 2 2 2 6 2 2 2
Ambient 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
100 F, 1 3,4 3,4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 2 3,4 3,4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 3 3,4 3,4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 4 3,4 3,4,5 2 2 2 2 2 2
85% RH
Table 12
32
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Weight Change in Product Packaged in Tray Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Sample Initial Week Week Total Percentage
Weight 4 8 Weight Weight
(grams) Change Change
Ambient 1 1011.95 1012.45 1012.88 0.93 0.09
Ambient 2 1021.66 1022.22 1022.70 1.04 0.10
Ambient 3 1010.86 1011.37 1011.81 0.95 0.09
Ambient 4 1019.63 1020.15 1020.59 0.96 0.09
100 F, 1 992.89 998.60 1003.72 10.83 1.09
85% RH
100 F, 2 1016.14 1021.36 1026.03 9.89 0.97
85% RH
100 F, 3 1013.60 1018.77 1023.49 9.89 0.98
85% RH
100 F, 4 1010.98 1017.27 1022.96 11.98
1.18
85% RH
Table 13
Visual Inspection Results of Product Packaged in Tray Over Eight Weeks
Conditions Sample Week Week Week Week Week Week Week Week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Ambient 1 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Ambient 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
100 F, 1 3 2 2 2 4 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 2 3 2 2 2 4 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 3 3 2 2 2 4 2 2 2
85% RH
100 F, 4 3 2 2 2 4 2 2 2
85% RH
33
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WO 2008/008061
PCIYUS2006/027140
For the shrink wrapped blocks, no significant changes were noticeable under
ambient conditions. The blocks retained a lot of moisture, were soft, and
changed in
color in areas where moisture was absorbed under the accelerated conditions.
The
shrink wrapped blocks did not provide an acceptable moisture barrier. The
nature of
shrink films requires that there be a process for the evacuation of air as the
film shrinks
around the product being encased. The two options for air evacuation typically
used
are punched holes or pin perforations in the film. Both options leave an
exposed area
of product to atmospheric conditions, specifically moisture uptake, the rate
of which
can be controlled by the size of the evacuation holes or perforations, but not
less than
0.02 g/100 sq. in. as provided by the base portion of the tray packages
referenced
earlier. The base portion of the tray packages reduces the amount of moisture
uptake
by the product.
For the tray packages, no significant changes were noticeable under ambient
conditions. The blocks retained their firmness under the accelerated
conditions. The
tray packages provided an acceptable moisture barrier.
Through the series of testing, various materials were evaluated for their
ability
to maintain the integrity of the packaged products based on moisture gain,
product
appearance such as discoloration, deformation, and the like. In evaluating
different
polymers such as nylons, polyethelenes, polypropylenes, and the like, it was
determined that a polypropylene coextrusion provided the most desirable
results. In
addition to having acceptable WVIR rates, polypropylene provides good clarity
and
has a higher softening point allowing for use with various forming methods
known in
the an. Although polypropylene provided the most desirable results, it is
recognized
that other materials also provided acceptable results.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments
set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent
with the description as a whole.
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