Abstract:
A packaging bag for absorbent articles for the display and sales of such absorbent articles to consumers that can be reused to carry other items after the original absorbent articles have been removed from the packaging bag, rather than disposed of as in conventional absorbent article packaging. Embodiments of the present invention allow packaging bags to be made of more cost effective materials that are durable and reusable. Embodiments of the present invention further provide additional exposure to the brand of absorbent articles displayed on the packaging bag when the consumer re-uses the bag for alternative purposes such as a diaper bag or grocery bag.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/703,944, filed Sep. 21, 2012, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a packaging bag for packaging absorbent articles and more particularly relate to a packaging bag for pant type disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, adult incontinence products, that can be reused in other applications, such as to carry groceries, diapers, or other items. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, which may be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework to facilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that this section should be read in this light, and not necessarily as any admission of prior art. 
         [0004]    Conventional packaging bags for various types of products, such as infant diapers, training pants, feminine care products, and adult incontinence garments are typically composed of flexible polymer materials or cardboard. These bags allow packaging of the articles to create a carton-like look and a configuration facilitating transportation and display on retail shelves. The bags may include handles to facilitate the carrying of the bags, and may include mechanisms for providing an access opening in the package. 
         [0005]    While these conventional packaging bags serve the purpose of providing a package of a certain number of articles for purchase by the consumers, the materials are costly. Further, they lead to further waste of resources because the conventional packaging bags are disposed of after all the diapers are removed. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a packaging bag of absorbent articles for the display and sales of such absorbent articles to consumers that can be reused to carry other items after the absorbent articles have been removed from the packaging bag, rather than disposed of as in conventional absorbent article packaging. Embodiments of the present invention allow packaging bags to be made of more cost effective materials that are durable and reusable. Embodiments of the present invention further provide additional exposure to the brand of absorbent articles displayed on the packaging bag when the consumer re-uses the bag as a diaper bag or grocery bag. 
         [0007]    According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a packaging bag for a plurality of articles comprising a pair of opposing side walls; a pair of opposing end walls; a bottom attached to the pair of opposing side walls and opposing end walls; wherein the opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and bottom form a generally polyhedral enclosure; a plurality of articles within the polyhedral enclosure; and a brand indicator disposed on the packaging bag. In one embodiment, the plurality of articles comprise disposable absorbent articles adapted to be worn by a user and including a front panel and a back panel. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the packaging bag comprises a pair of handles attached to at least one of the opposing side walls and the opposing end walls. In another embodiment, the packaging bag further comprises at least one of a size indicator, a weight range indicator, a product benefit indicator, and a combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the packaging bag comprises a nonwoven material. 
         [0009]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the embodiments of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    For a more complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a packaging bag for absorbent articles according to aspects of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a top perspective view of the packaging bag of  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging bag for absorbent articles according to aspects of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0014]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Also, for simplification purposes, there may be only one exemplary instance, rather than all, is labeled. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reusable packaging bag for absorbent articles that offers a cost effective and convenient way to bundle absorbent articles for sales to consumers as well as provide the consumers with a reusable bag for carrying and storing items, thereby assisting in the conservation and preservation of the ecology. For conventional packaging systems, the cardboard or flexible polymer packages are typically disposed of after the absorbent articles, such as diapers, are used up or removed from the packages as they only serve as sales packaging and do not provide any other functions. 
         [0016]    Embodiments of the present invention include a packaging bag that contains absorbent articles for sale to consumers that can be displayed on store shelves which can be used for carrying or storing items of purchase including, but not limited to groceries, clothing, and personal items after the absorbent articles have been removed from the bag (such as through gradual use of the articles). Embodiments of the present invention can be used as a diaper bag for storing items a care taker may need for a baby while away from the home, such as doing errands, travelling with the family, etc. These items include formula, diapers, wipes, food, spare clothes, toys, changing mats, etc. Further, embodiments of the reusable packaging bag are collapsible or foldable to provide further ease of use in a convenient and transportable form. The bags, which can be taken out and used as needed, offer consumers a simple, convenient, and cost effective means to preserve the world&#39;s natural resources. 
         [0017]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary reusable packaging bag for absorbent articles of the present invention is depicted and generally designated with reference numeral  10 . Packaging bag  10  has a polyhedral shape defining or forming a polyhedral enclosure. Specifically, packaging bag  10  has a hexahedral shape that forms or defines a hexahedral enclosure. Referring to  FIG. 2 , packaging bag  10  includes opposed side walls  12 ,  14 , opposed end walls  16 ,  18  joined with side walls  12 ,  14 , and a bottom wall (not shown) joined with side walls  12 ,  14  and end walls  16 ,  18  to define storage compartment  22  therein. Storage compartment  22  is configured to contain articles, particularly at least one stack of absorbent articles, such as diapers  28 . It is understood that other types of absorbent articles, such as training pants and adult incontinence products, can be packaged for sale with packaging bag  10 . The preferred absorbent articles generally comprise a front portion, a back portion, a crotch portion interconnecting the front and back portions, and a pair of elastic side panels. The preferred absorbent articles further comprise an absorbent pad positioned between a liquid impermeable outer cover or backsheet and a liquid permeable liner or topsheet. Certain absorbent articles further comprise a graphic that is typically selectively positioned on the front portion. The graphic can be any type of desired pattern, artistic feature, or the like, and is desired to be positioned in the articles at a selected location. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, each absorbent article is folded across the crotch portion and placed adjacent one another to form a stack of folded absorbent articles. The stack of articles is then compressed inwardly by a compression force at the front and back surfaces or portions of the respective absorbent articles in a direction parallel to the direction of the stack so as to decrease the original overall length the uncompressed stack of articles. As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the length of compressed stack of diapers  28  is determined at least by the number of diapers  28  in each stack. The width and height of each stack of diapers  28  are determined at least by the dimensions of the articles themselves, including in the folded configuration. In a preferred embodiment, packaging bag  10  comprises dimensions that are configured to sufficiently exceed the overall dimensions of the articles to be packaged when stacked or arranged in a desired manner. For instance, referring to  FIG. 2 , packaging bag  10  contains two rows or stacks of diapers  28 . The dimensions (length, width, and height) of packaging bag  10  sufficiently exceed the overall dimensions of the two rows of diapers  28  to hold diapers  28  stacked in the manner shown. In particular, the length of packaging bag  10  sufficiently exceeds the length of each stack of diapers  28 . The width of packaging bag  10  sufficiently exceeds the combined width of the two stacks of diapers  28  placed adjacent one another in the manner shown. The height of packaging bag  10  sufficiently exceeds the height of diapers  28  folded in the manner shown. Other arrangements are also contemplated, such as the two stacks of diapers  28  laid on their side on top of each other. Also, other embodiments can vary in the quantity of articles and/or configuration in which they are arranged, such as number of stacks, e.g., one, three, four, five, six, etc. and number of articles in each stack and/or total number of articles to be packaged. This is particularly useful where it is desirable to provide consumers with different purchase options in the quantity of articles for sale. The manner in which the articles are folded prior to stacking can also affect the dimensions of packaging bag  10 . In any of these embodiments, the dimensions of packaging bag  10  are reconfigured (e.g., shorter/longer, wider/narrower, and/or shorter/taller) to hold the desired overall configuration of articles. 
         [0019]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , packaging bag  10  preferably includes one or more sets of handles  24 ,  26 , attached to either opposed side walls  12 ,  14 . As shown, handles  24 ,  26  in a preferred embodiment run along at least the height of the respective side walls  12 ,  14  to provide additional aesthetic features. Alternatively, handles  24 ,  26  are attached near the top of packaging bag  10  without extending along the height of side walls  12 ,  14 . In another embodiment, handles  24 ,  26  can be attached to end walls  16 ,  18 . Handles  24 ,  26  can be attached to the outside (e.g., as shown) or inside of packaging bag  10 . As shown, handles  24 ,  26  are separate elements from side walls  12 ,  14 , although in other embodiments, handles  24 ,  26  can be an integral part of side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18 . The length of each handle  24 ,  26  is configured to provide a comfortable carrying experience for the user. For instance, larger packaging bags may require shorter handles as compared to smaller packaging bags. According to one aspect of the present invention, two sets of handles  24 ,  26  may be provided in different lengths to offer a choice of lengths to make carrying items comfortable and easy. Of course, other handle configurations are also possible. 
         [0020]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , packaging bag  10  further includes fastener component  20  such as, but not limited to, a zipper, draw-string, hook and loop material, or snaps, provided on side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18 , or a top close flap (not shown) which allow packaging bag  10  to be closed. In the preferred embodiment, fastener component  20  of packaging bag  10  is a zipper attached to the top of side walls  12 ,  14  that run along at least the width of side walls from one end wall, e.g.,  16 , to another end wall, e.g.,  18 . 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, packaging bag  10  is constructed of a nonwoven material. Packaging bag  10  has at least side walls  12 ,  14  and end walls  16 ,  18  formed of a nonwoven material, which allows the respective walls to converge to a closure point, i.e., fastener component  20 . In other embodiments, packaging bag  10  is not limited in construction to simply nonwoven materials. Other materials that are reusable, flexible, foldable/collapsible, durable, washable, and/or waterproof are also contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, these materials may further be treated with waterproofing chemicals to aid in the protection of the packaging bag of the present invention. 
         [0022]    Embodiments of the packaging bag of the present invention are available in a multitude of colors and designs. Referring to  FIG. 1 , packaging bag  10  preferably displays the logo or brand of the absorbent articles being sold, in this case “Parent&#39;s Choice.” The color scheme of packaging bag  10  can be configured to match the brand or logo. As shown, side walls  12 ,  14  and end walls  16 ,  18  generally have a lighter color such as white or off white to provide a background for brand indicator  30 , which includes a term corresponding to a brand of absorbent article products. As used herein, the term “brand” refers to any term, symbol, design or combination thereof that identifies and differentiates a seller&#39;s product or service. The term “brand” also encompasses the set of expectations associated with a product or service which typically arise in the minds of consumers. In one example, as mentioned above, brand indicator  30  includes the term Parent&#39;s Choice. In preferred embodiments, these brand indicators are trademarks of absorbent article products sold by particular companies. It is understood that side walls  12 ,  14  and end walls  16 ,  18  can have any combination of colors as desired to suit the desired color scheme and/or brand. As shown in  FIG. 1 , handles  24 ,  26  can have similar colors to the color of the Parent&#39;s Choice logo. Further the edges of side walls  12 ,  14  and fastener component  20  can contain material that match the color of Parent&#39;s Choice logo to provide borders to packaging bag  10  for enhanced aesthetic values. 
         [0023]    Other aesthetic features can include a common color scheme that is associated with a particular stage of development. The term “color,” as used herein, relates to the phenomenon of visual perception that enables one to differentiate otherwise identical objects. In one embodiment, a background color scheme is chosen for the brand or development stage that matches a color scheme of various absorbent article configurations. The color schemes can vary to coordinate or match the designs on the absorbent articles themselves. The background colors can also vary to signal that a particular absorbent article configuration is available in different versions, for example, blue for boys and pink for girls. The use of a color scheme that matches a color scheme of various absorbent article configurations can be used to facilitate consumers&#39; identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. 
         [0024]    In certain embodiments, in addition to brand indicator  30 , packaging bag  10  can include information that assists consumers in identifying the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer by associating each absorbent article configuration with a corresponding stage of development. This information can include, but not be limited to, a size indicator, a weight range indicator, and at least one product benefit indicator. The information can include visual or narrative features or combinations thereof. Exemplary product benefit indicators, may include, without limitation, visual and/or narrative indicia which communicate a product benefit such as, an absorb away liner, blanket like feel, umbilical notch, contoured shape, high stretch sides, flexible fasteners, a 3-way fit, easy standing change, a pull on chassis designed to look like underwear, and a feel wet liner that enables a wearer to recognize the discomfort associated with wetting. The information, such as indicators, can be printed on a side wall or end wall. 
         [0025]    Packaging bag  10  can further include portions on either side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18  to allow the consumer to view the content of packaging bag  10 . These viewing portions can be made of clear or see through material. Further, they can be strategically placed to reveal the front and/or back design of the absorbent article. The entire side wall or end wall, or substantially the entire wall can be made of clear or see through material. Referring to  FIG. 3 , in one embodiment, packaging bag  32  is made to be more transparent. The material can be adjusted to provide the desired transparency. In certain embodiments, packaging bags  10  and  32  can further include dividers attached to the interior surface of side walls  12 ,  14 , or end walls  16 ,  18  to provide separated storage space. In other embodiments, packaging bags  10  and  32  include additional pouches attached to the interior surface of side walls  12 ,  14  or end walls  16 ,  18  to provide additional storage spaces for smaller items. 
         [0026]    It is understood that the packaging bags of the present invention are not limited to the shapes or dimensions shown and described herein, and that any of the components and features described herein for any packaging bag may be interchangeably employed in any of the other packaging bags of the present invention. 
         [0027]    Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.