Protective wrappers for consumer products and methods of making

Abstract

A protective wrapper is provided that includes a film having a first sealed end, a longitudinal seal, and a second sealed end with a first height, as well as an opening mechanism. The opening mechanism includes a pair of protrusions extending outward from the first sealed end by a first height, a line of weakness extending inward from a starting point where the pair of protrusions meet, and a pair of indentations extending inward from the second sealed end. The first height of the pair of protrusions is equal to or less than the second height of the second sealed end.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present disclosure is related to protective wrappers for consumer products such as, but not limited to feminine care products. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to protective wrappers having easy to open structures and methods of making such wrappers.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Feminine care products such as, but not limited to tampons, are typically made commercially available with protective wrappers. Wrappers provide protection of the consumer product (e.g., tampon) from being soiled prior to use. In the example of tampons, the wrapper is opened, the tampon is removed from the wrapper and inserted into the body. If the tampon has an applicator, the applicator will contact fluids from the user's body during insertion. The user must undesirably handle the used applicator prior to disposal after insertion. The wrapper and applicator are generally discarded separately.[0005]Tampon wrap...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]The present disclosure provides a protective wrapper having an opening mechanism with one end cut to include one or more protrusions on a first end leading into a line of weakness and corresponding indentations on an opposite end that are hidden from view within the end seal.

Problems solved by technology

The user must undesirably handle the used applicator prior to disposal after insertion.

Tampon wrappers made of polypropylene that are currently available to consumers produce noise or sound upon a user tearing the wrapper to access the tampon.

The noise may be heard by others, and, thus, does not allow the user to be discreet while using a tampon.

However, materials other than polypropylene can be undesirably difficult to open.

Unfortunately, these die cut ends result in “chads” needing to be removed from the wrapper and generates excess waste and excess process steps.

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