PRIORITY INFORMATION This application relates to and claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/582,707 filed Jun. 23, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to impregnated and non-impregnated wipes and pads. More particularly, the present invention relates to the inclusion of a formulary reservoir to provide additional formulary within the package structure incorporating the wipes and pads as well as to materials and packaging for wipes and pads providing for improved performance and user protection.
2. Description of the Related Art
Various types of wipes, pads and applicators are available in the marketplace. Such wipes, pads and applicators are used for the application of a variety of formularies, such as lotions, sunscreen, insect repellents, and cleaning fluids. These wipes, pads or applicators are typically marketed as an alternative means to distribute a formulary of the particular company marketing the formulary. For instance, an insect repellent company having a proprietary insect repellent may market an insect repellent wipe, a suntan lotion company may market a suntan lotion wipe, and a cleaning fluid company may market a cleaning fluid wipe. For the purposes of simplified description, the inventor will detail the invention around impregnated wipes assuming that impregnated pads and various applicators are one in the same for the application of formulary and that the absorption of liquids or compounds is understandable as a reverse process of application of an impregnated substance.
For the purpose of applying a selected formulary to a surface, a material is impregnated with the selected formulary. The material impregnated with the formulary constitutes the wipe, pad or applicator. A formulary reservoir is integrated into the package structure to dispense new or additional formulary to the wipe, pad or applicator material to provide additional coverage of said formulary to the prescribed surface. The wipe, pad or applicator is then packaged for user convenience and to protect the wipe, for example, from evaporation or contamination, or both.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the increasing popularity of the use of impregnated wipes, pads and applicators for the convenient application of formularies, numerous products developed by companies have not been marketed for use as impregnated wipes. One reason for this unavailability of formularies in impregnated wipes, pads and applicators appears to be the high probability of transdermal migration of the formulary contained in the impregnated wipe through the skin of the user's hand or body parts when in contact with the impregnated wipe. Certain formularies should not come in contact with the skin including products that are toxic, could discolor the skin, have undesirable odors or may leave the user's skin in a condition that the user may not like.
Additionally, numerous pharmaceutical products are intended to be applied only to the point of medical problem and transdermal migration through the user's skin might constitute an overdose of the medication. Further, users of impregnated wipes may not want to receive any formulary on their skin when applying formulary to surfaces other than their own body.
Another reason for the lack of certain formularies in impregnated wipes, pads and applicators is because the methods and processes for the packaging surrounding the impregnated wipe have not addressed the user's need for a secure way to grip or hold the impregnated wipe, pad or applicator and additionally prevent transdermal migration. Further, current systems and methods, anticipated through the prior art, do not provide the capability of a formulary reservoir to dispense additional liquid to the adhered wipe/pad substrate so that the “Barrier Package” will be able to apply the intended formulary to a greater surface area. The present invention solves these and other problems in a manner not revealed in the known prior art and represents a further improvement over this inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,531 and the related Pending application No. 20030106812.
There are many different impregnated wipes available. Typically, impregnated wipes are pulled out of a bulk container or removed from a single use package prior to usage. The user's skin (hand) will come in contact with the formulary impregnated into the wipe. Additionally, the way that impregnated wipes are delivered to consumers and businesses, in the marketplace, has limited their usage in conjunction with formularies that stain, have undesirable smell or texture, or might present toxic exposure. Examples of known formularies that user's may not want in contact with their skin include: shoe polish, stains, paints, solvents, lubricants, pharmaceuticals and any potential toxic substance.
Based on the foregoing, consumers and businesses are in need of a way to exploit the convenience and portability of impregnated wipes and pads in accordance with formularies that are undesirable when in contact with the user's skin. Accordingly, one aspect involves an innovative approach to improving methods, systems and processes in packaging and impregnated wipe materials to prevent the unwanted migration of formulary from the impregnated wipe to the user's skin.
One aspect involves a wipe package having an impregnated wipe, a sealed package containing the wipe, pad or applicator, and an adjacent formulary reservoir wherein the sealed package has an exterior surface. Further, the wipe package includes at least one receptacle on the exterior surface to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe.
Another aspect involves a applicator package having an impregnated wipe and a non-permeable layer on a rear surface of the impregnated wipe and adjacent formulary reservoir wherein at least the non-permeable layer seals the impregnated wipe in a folded and closed condition.
A further aspect involves wipe package having an impregnated wipe, a sealed package containing the impregnated wipe and having an exterior surface, an adjacent formulary reservoir and at least one receptacle on the exterior surface to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe. The sealed package includes a front sheet, a first rear sheet having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a second rear sheet. The impregnated wipe is secured to an interior surface of the first rear sheet, and at least the front sheet and the first rear sheet seal the impregnated wipe. The receptacle is formed between the exterior surface of the first rear sheet and the second rear sheet.
Another aspect involves a wipe package having an impregnated wipe and a sealed package containing the impregnated wipe, wherein the sealed package has an exterior surface. The wipe package contains at least one or more adjacent formulary reservoir/s to provide said formulary to the wipe or pad. Further, the wipe package has at least one receptacle on the exterior surface to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe. The sealed package includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and a non-permeable layer on a rear surface of the impregnated wipe. At least the front sheet and the non-permeable layer seal the impregnated wipe. The receptacle is formed between the rear sheet and the non-permeable layer of the impregnated wipe.
A still further aspect involves a wipe package having an impregnated wipe and a sealed package containing the impregnated wipe, wherein the sealed package has an exterior surface. The wipe package contains at least one or more adjacent formulary reservoir/s to provide said formulary to the wipe or pad. The wipe package has further at least one receptacle on the exterior surface to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe. The sealed package includes a front sheet and a rear sheet, which seal the impregnated wipe, and wherein the rear sheet includes the receptacle.
Another aspect involves a wipe package having an impregnated wipe and a sealed package containing the impregnated wipe, wherein the sealed package has an exterior surface. The wipe package contains at least one or more adjacent formulary reservoir/s to provide said formulary to the wipe or pad. The wipe package includes at least one receptacle on the exterior surface to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe, wherein the sealed package includes a front sheet and a rear sheet, which seal the impregnated wipe, and wherein the rear sheet includes the receptacle. An adhesive layer on an exterior surface of the rear sheet is configured to adhere to at least a part of the user's hand.
A further aspect involves a method of manufacturing a wipe package. A packaging material having an interior surface and an exterior surface is provided and a receptacle is formed on the exterior surface of the packaging material. An impregnated wipe is sealed with the packaging material so that the interior surface faces the impregnated wipe, wherein the receptacle is configured to secure the package to a user's hand or finger when using the impregnated wipe. The wipe package contains at least one or more adjacent formulary reservoir/s to provide said formulary to the wipe or pad.
Another aspect involves a wipe package having a rear sheet of packaging material and two impregnated wipes. A first impregnated wipe is attached to the rear sheet, and a second impregnated wipe is attached to the first impregnated wipes. The second impregnated wipe is removable from the first impregnated wipe to expose the first impregnated wipe for use. The wipe package contains at least one or more adjacent formulary reservoir/s to provide said formulary to the wipe or pad.
A wipe or pad in accordance with certain embodiments significantly reduces and or eliminates the transdermal migration of unwanted formulary from the impregnated wipe to the user's skin. A non-permeable barrier exists between the user's skin and the impregnated wipe providing a new improved way to exploit the convenience of impregnated wipes for a greater variety of formularies. For example, the non-permeable barrier is a part of the impregnated wipe packaging or included on one side of the impregnated wipe material. The formulary reservoir integrated into the wipe package provides a means to increase the amount of formulary available for application to the specified surface.
A wipe or pad in accordance with certain embodiments has the advantage of improving the ability of the packaging to stabilize the location or grip, in the user's hand, of the impregnated wipe while using it to apply the formulary. The one or more adjacent formulary reservoirs have the advantage of providing new or additional formulary to the wipe/applicator/pad and or providing the opportunity to mix ingredients (compound and solvent) prior to application.
Preferably, one layer of the packaging may be removed from a second layer to expose the impregnated wipe's surface for application of the formulary. The exposed impregnated wipe is attached to the second layer by a variety of techniques that are known in the art. The second layer acts as the intermediate layer wherein the formulary reservoir is integrated to provide the user the ability to deliver additional or new formulary to the wipe/pad material attached to the second layer. A third layer provides a non-permeable membrane between the impregnated wipe and the user's hand (skin). The fourth layer is attached to the third layer forming a pocket or strap for the insertion of the user's finger(s) or hand to provide additional package stabilization.
Using any of the herein described methods to secure the finger(s) or hand to the impregnated wipe, the active formulary surface may be exposed by separating the edges of the impregnated wipe, maintaining the hand or fingers to the non-permeable coating of the impregnated wipe by die-cut hole, strap or adhesive and effectively applying the wipe formulary without causing transdermal migration. The user may then press on the adjacent reservoir/s to deliver additional formulary to the wipe/applicator/pad.
For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is described in more detail below in connection with the attached drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not limit the invention, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an impregnated wipe package;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the package ofFIG. 1, taken along the line2-2;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the package ofFIG. 1, illustrating the peeling off of the front side packaging sheet;
FIG. 4 is a front view of the package ofFIG. 1 with the front side packaging sheet peeled off;
FIG. 5 is a rear view of an embodiment of an impregnated wipe;
FIG. 6 illustrates a preferred method of use of an impregnated wipe;
FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of an impregnated wipe sized and shaped for improved application of formulary to a person's skin.
FIG. 8A is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the impregnated wipe ofFIG. 5;
FIG. 8B is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the impregnated wipe ofFIG. 5;
FIG. 8C is a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of the impregnated wipe ofFIG. 5;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a further embodiment of an impregnated wipe illustrating the protective packaging sheet being peeled off,
FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the package ofFIG. 5;
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a wipe/pad package;
FIG. 12 is a rear view of the package ofFIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the package ofFIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a wipe/pad package;
FIG. 15 is a rear view of the package ofFIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the package ofFIG. 14; further embodiment ofFIG. 15 showing a plurality of perforations in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir;
FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the wipe/pad package illustrating the peeling off of the front side packaging layer and revealing the applicator pad and perforation/s in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir;
FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment ofFIG. 17 showing a plurality of perforations in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir;
FIG. 19 is an alternative embodiment of the wipe/package illustrating one or more perforations in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir positioned behind the applicator pad;
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package illustrating a slit/rupture in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir positioned behind the applicator pad;
FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the wipe/pad package illustrating an alternative embodiment of the formulary reservoir whereby more than one formulary reservoirs are available;
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package illustrating the use of a defined channel or capillary to distribute formulary from the reservoir;
FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package illustrating the use of an adhesive strip to secure the location of the wipe/pad package to a specific surface;
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package whereby the wipe material acts as a controlled barrier to maintain the formulary reservoir;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In order to facilitate a complete understanding of various embodiments of the invention, the remainder of the detailed description describes exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings, wherein like elements are referenced with like numerals throughout.
FIGS. 1-3 illustrate apackage20 containing a wipe orpad22 in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. Thepackage20 is preferably formed from thin compliant material, such as sealed paper, plastic or foil, as is well known in the art. It is important that the packaging material is sufficiently non-porous, to minimize or prevent absorption of substance on the wipe22. In the present embodiment, thepackage20 includes afront sheet26 and arear sheet28 and aformulary reservoir40 formed by the joining of therear sheet28 and theintermediate sheet24. The edges38 ofsheets24,26 and28 are sealed together so that thefront sheet26 can be peeled off of thepackage20 if desired. Those in the art will understand that any of several well known sealing methods can be employed to achieve the purposes of this invention.
FIG. 4 depicts an alternative embodiment of anadvantageous package20 for use with formularies which may be particularly bothersome when left on the hands. As depicted inFIG. 4, thepackage20 is ready for use after the front packaging sheet26 (FIG. 3) has been peeled off. Wipe22 is preferably secured to theinterior surface31 ofintermediate sheet24 of thepackage20. Preferably, wipe22 is adhered, glued, heat sealed or affixed electronically ontosurface31. Also, wipe22 can be formed from any well-known material, as will be apparent to those in the art. Preferably, such material is significantly porous to promote the absorption/distribution of lotion, fluids or chemicals. A user can apply the impregnated formulary to his or her skin simply by positioning the wipe22 onto the skin and wiping with one hand placed on the dry exterior surface30 (FIG. 2) of rear sheet34 (FIG. 2). Those skilled in the art will recognize the same convenience for protective application of any formulary to any surface such as a table or the surface of a shoe. This embodiment is particularly useful for compounds which may be bothersome to absorb into the user's skin including such formularies as concentrated pharmaceuticals, paints, dyes and toxic chemicals.
Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted inFIG. 5. As explained above, the advantage of having a wipe attached to thepackage20 is that it allows the user to avoid leaving residue on his or her fingers after use. Accordingly, as depicted inFIG. 5, in order to allow for increased control during application, wipe22 optionally includes adry notch48. This allows the user to place a finger on theinterior surface31 offront sheet24, within thenotch48, without getting lotion or other fluids on the user's hand. Best results are achieved by placing one's thumb in thenotch48 and the other four fingers on theexterior surface34 ofsheet24, as shown inFIG. 6. A plurality ofnotches48 could also be provided.FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment ofFIG. 5 enabling those skilled in the art to understand that any geometrical configuration may be produced to achieve similar application performance as depicted inFIG. 6.
Thenotch48 may be any of a wide range of shapes. For example, referring toFIG. 8A, the wipe22 is secured to theinterior surface31 ofintermediate sheet24, as discussed above. However, the wipe22 is smaller than theinterior surface31 of theintermediate sheet24 so that a user may place a thumb or other digit on aperiphery80 of thefront sheet24 without contacting the formulary in the wipe22. This may be advantageous in application of the formulary.
FIG. 8B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the wipe22 secured to theinner surface31 of theintermediate sheet24. The wipe22 in this embodiment is angled such that thenotch48 permits easy application of the formulary, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. As illustrated inFIG. 8C, the wipe22 may be configured in any of a wide range of shapes to accommodate anotch48 in the wipe22 to permit application of the formulary in the wipe22 without a user's thumb or other digit contacting the formulary in the wipe22.
FIG. 9 illustrates the peeling away of thefront sheet26 from theinterior surface31 of theintermediate sheet24 exposing the wipe/pad22 ready for application.
FIG. 7 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the present invention. Conventional wipes are typically rectangular or square which can be awkward to use. Accordingly,FIG. 7 illustrates an improved shape for an impregnated wipe. A wipe34 is shaped and configured for improved manageability and easier application of the impregnated formulary. In particular, wipe34 is adapted to prevent excessive folding or rolling during use. Wipe34 has a substantially curvilinear shape, without any sharp corners that would normally promote folding or rolling of the wipe34. In an embodiment where the curved shape wipe is attached to one side of the package as in the embodiment ofFIG. 4, the wipe could have an oval shape as inFIG. 7, which is approximately sized to fit within a person's hand. In this embodiment, the wipe34,intermediate sheet24,front sheet26 andrear sheet28 may have substantially the same shape. Although shown in an oval shape, wipe34 could be configured to have any of a variety of suitable shapes (such as circular) and sizes, giving due consideration to the goals of improved manageability, ease of use, and substantial prevention of rolling or folding of the edges of the wipe. Also, wipe34 might include adry notch48 as described above in the embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6.
Moreover, the periphery of apackage20 need not correspond with the outer dimension of a wipe22. For example, thepackage20 may be square or rectangular and the wipe22 could be oval or round, as will be readily understood by those of skill in the art. For example,FIGS. 8A, 8B and8C illustrate a wipe22 having an outer periphery which does not correspond with the outer periphery of thepackage20.
FIG. 10 illustrates a sectional view with respect toFIGS. 1-9 above. InFIG. 10, theformulary reservoir40 is placed behind theintermediate sheet24 andrear sheet28. The majority of the user's hand is placed behind therear sheet28 during application and the act of pressing the hand againstrear sheet28 creates pressure inside theformulary reservoir40 to force additional formulary into the wipe/applicator material22.
FIGS. 11-16 show a variety of embodiments of wipes and wipe/applicator packages. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the inventive features of these embodiments may be implemented in or combined with the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-10. For example, certain embodiments may include one ormore notches48 shown inFIGS. 8A, 8B and8C. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that pockets, straps or additional packaging materials may be configured in any angle relative to thepackage20 geometry or in any multiples or combinations (Ex. One pocket with one strap attached to therear sheet28, two straps attached to therear sheet28, etc.) to achieve different functionality in gripping thepackage20.
These embodiments significantly reduce the transdermal migration of unwanted formulary from the impregnated wipe to the user's skin. Further, these embodiments have the advantage of improving the ability of the packaging to stabilize the location or grip, in the user's hand, of the impregnated wipe while using it to apply the formulary.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that a variety of packaging materials exist that are suitable to encapsulate impregnated wipes. These packaging materials may be laminated materials or co-extruded materials. Depending on the intended use of the wipe, the packaging materials may be more or less flexible. Further, some materials may include a sealant at selected locations, or covering complete surfaces, so that heat or electronic welds create a seal between the materials at the locations where the heat is applied. Also, packaging materials may be coated with “cold seal” adhesives to achieve the desired results in sealing the package and eliminating the need to electronically weld or heat seal the packaging materials and wipe/applicator materials. Machines that produce the wipe packages can form, weld, seal, glue, shape and die-cut.
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an impregnated wipepackage20 configured to allow the user to securely hold the wipepackage20. Similar to the previous embodiments, thepackage20 includes a wipe22 and packaging material including aintermediate sheet24 and afront sheet26, which have properties as described above, for example, with respect toFIGS. 1-3. The impregnated wipe22 is sealed between the front andintermediate sheets24,26 to maintain the integrity of the impregnated wipe's formulary. Thepackage20 includes aformulary reservoir40 formed by the sealing of theintermediate sheet24 and therear sheet28. Thepackage20 includes further a secondrear sheet60 secured to therear sheet28.FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view ofFIG. 11 indicating placement of one or more fingers of the user's hand into the formed pocket undersheet60.FIG. 13, which is a sectional view of thepackage20 shown inFIG. 11, illustrates the four layer packaging structure of the wipe in an open position with the users hand inserted undersheet60 adjacent to theformulary reservoir40.FIG. 11 illustrates further apocket58 between therear sheets28,60. Thepocket58 allows the user to insert a hand or one or more finger to hold the packaging material containing the impregnated wipe22. A variety of packaging materials and sealing techniques are well known by those skilled in the art. For example, circumferential boundaries of the secondrear sheet60 may be secured to therear sheet28 leaving an opening for the user's hand or fingers. Thesheets28,60 may be joined by gluing, welding or any other technique used to join sheets of packaging material. Those skilled in the art will understand that therear sheet60 may be replaced by astrap90 as depicted inFIG. 14 below and achieve similar results in securing thepackage20 to the user's hand.
FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an impregnated wipepackage20 configured to allow the user to securely hold the wipepackage20. Similar to the previous embodiments, thepackage20 includes a wipe22 and packaging material including aintermediate sheet24 and afront sheet26, which have properties as described above, for example, with respect toFIGS. 1-3. The impregnated wipe22 is sealed between the front andintermediate sheets24,26 to maintain the integrity of the impregnated wipe's formulary. Thepackage20 includes aformulary reservoir40 formed by the sealing of theintermediate sheet24 and therear sheet28. Thepackage20 includes further a secondrear strap90 secured to therear sheet28.FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view ofFIG. 14 indicating placement of one or more fingers of the user's hand into the formed pocket undersheet90.FIG. 16, which is a sectional view of thepackage20 shown inFIG. 14, illustrates the four layer packaging structure of the wipe in an open position with the users hand inserted under thestrap90 adjacent to the formulary reservoir.
FIG. 17 is one embodiment front perspective view ofpackage20 depicting perforations to distribute formulary from the rear formulary reservoir.Front sheet26 is peeled away fromintermediate layer24 revealing anopen perforation70 which allows transport of formulary from theformulary reservoir40 as described previously above. Those skilled in the art will understand that theperforation70 of theintermediate layer24 may be a single perforation or a plurality of perforations to achieve the desired flow of formulary from the formulary reservoir. Further, perforations may be of any geometrical configuration and may be achieved by physical perforation of theintermediate layer24 by electronic/mechanical means or by rupturing theintermediate layer24 by the controlled peeling of thefront sheet26. Those skilled in the art will understand controlled adhesions and “weak seal” capabilities to tear or rupture packaging layers.
FIG. 18 is a further embodiment ofpackage20 showing a plurality ofperforations70 in theintermediate packaging layer24 to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir to the perimeter of wipe/applicator material22.
FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofpackage20 illustrating one or more perforations in the packaging layer to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir positioned behind theapplicator pad22.Perforations70 are placed in the field of wipe/applicator22 and are not outside the area covered by wipe/applicator22 as adhered tointermediate packaging sheet24.Perforations70 may only exist on theintermediate sheet24 or may extend through the wipematerial22. Those skilled in the art will understand that formulary compounds of different chemical makeup and or viscosity may requireperforations70 to extend from the formulary reservoir40 (described above) through both theintermediate sheet24 and wipe22 to achieve the desired application performance.
FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofpackage20 illustrating a slit/rupture95 in theintermediate sheet24 to distribute formulary from the adjacent formulary reservoir40 (described above) positioned behind the wipe/applicator22. The slit/rupture95 may be designed to open upon stretching or pulling theintermediate layer24 in a specific fashion to allow formulary to flow from the formulary reservoir40 (described above). Those skilled in the art will understand that controlled rupturing of packaging layers may be achieved through a variety of means including electro/mechanical weakening of the packaging material to allow rupturing the layer in a precise location and size. An alternative embodiment to rupture theintermediate layer24 might be a mechanical device encapsulated within theformulary reservoir40 similar to a tack or nail to physically rupture theintermediate sheet24.
FIG. 21 is a rear sectional view of thepackage20 illustrating a plurality offormulary reservoirs40 formed in front of therear sheet28. The use of more than one formulary reservoir would provide the ability to reuse the applicator after the initial application by activating an alternativeformulary reservoir40. Another option would be the mixing of two different ingredients (solvent and compound) prior to distributing the final mixed ingredient to the wipe/pad material. It is well known in the prior art that many compounds and liquids have a limited shelf life to be used when they are mixed together. An example may be recognized in the use of epoxy glue. Those skilled in the art will understand that most epoxy glue generally exists in two parts: A and B when stored. To activate epoxy glue, the user mixes together equal parts of fluid A and fluid B. After mixing the epoxy glue starts to harden and within a prescribed period of time will harden. Those skilled in the art will understand that the formulary reservoir may be positioned in a variety of locations on thepackage20 to enable additional formulary to the wipe22 viaperforations70 in theintermediate packaging layer24.
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of thepackage20 showing an alternative embodiment of theformulary reservoir40 whereby channels/capillaries97 are formed on theintermediate sheet24 by controlled sealing of therear sheet28 in conjunction with the formation of theformulary reservoir40. Those skilled in the art will understand that the formation of one or more specific channels or capillaries will enable the flow of formulary from the formulary reservoir in a controlled fashion.
FIG. 23 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package illustrating the use of anadhesive layer100 to secure the location of the wipe/pad package20 to a specific surface. Those skilled in the art will understand that thepackage20 may be used as an island dressing or bandage to take advantage of its formulary reservoir to provide additional prescribed ingredients to a specific location.
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package whereby the wipe material22B acts as a controlled barrier to maintain the formulary reservoir. Those skilled in the art will understand that the wipe/pad material22 may be treated in manufacturing to provide capabilities of sealing and porosity to control liquid movement from the formulary reservoir/s. Accordingly, this alternative embodiment would eliminate the need for theintermediate sheet24 possibly lower the cost of manufacturing
FIG. 24 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the wipe/pad package whereby there are a plurality of layers of wipematerial22 enabling removal of the top layer after initial application and providing a next layer for further application of formulary.22 B represents the next layer available for application after removal of thetop material layer22. Those skilled in the art will understand that the wipe/pad material22 may become contaminated after initial application and it would be preferable to continue application after removal of the first layer to reveal a new layer of wipe/pad material. Accordingly, this alternative embodiment would eliminate the need to always use anew package20 after the first application and subsequent contamination of only the wipe/pad material with additional formulary still remaining in thereservoir40.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many formularies perform superior at higher temperatures. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein may be configured for using heat to activate the impregnated wipe22. The impregnated wipepackage20 may, therefore, be configured to withstand increased temperatures to activate the formulary. For example, an impregnated wipepackage20 may include a wipe22 and packaging material configured for heating in a microwave oven. Further, the impregnated wipepackage20 may include packaging material that insulates a heated impregnated wipe22 from the user's skin.
In another embodiment, the impregnated wipepackaging20 may have more than one chamber available to provide formulary to impregnate the wipe at the time of application. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain formularies require mixing immediately prior to application.
In a further embodiment, the impregnated wipe22 may be configured to be re-closable or re-sealable for multiple uses of the impregnated wipe. Techniques for re-closable packaging are known by those skilled in the art.
For summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.