Systems and methods for forming openings in water soluble packets

Abstract

Systems and methods to form openings in water soluble packets are described. The system includes a packet forming assembly to form water soluble packets, and a laser to form one or more openings in the water soluble packets. The method includes forming openings in the water soluble packets with a laser. The openings permit air to escape from the packets. By allowing air to escape, the water soluble packets have improved packaging characteristics. The water soluble packets are packed more tightly with a product.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 14 / 179,878, filed Feb. 13, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61 / 764,196 filed Feb. 13, 2013, and which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to systems and methods for forming openings in water soluble packets involving the use of a laser.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Water soluble packets, also commonly referred to as pouches or sachets, provide a single dose of a product in one convenient unit. The water soluble packets include a water soluble film sealed around a pre-measured amount of the product. During exposure or contact with water, the film dissolves and the product mixes with the water. The water soluble packets provide many benefits to the consumer. The water soluble packets arc pre-measured, and thus avoid any measuring by the consumer. The product is contained by t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The openings provide a number of improvements in the manufacturing process for water soluble packets and the resulting water soluble packets. First, the laser openings do not discolor the entire film of the water soluble packet. Second, the laser openings do not make the water soluble packets sticky, which is a problem associated with the use of a conventional water mister. Further, the laser openings, when applied in a pre-fill stage, assist in forming the water soluble packet with several beneficial aesthetic features that may be more desirable to consumer. The product in such water soluble packets is more tightly packed with fewer wrinkles in the film as compared to conventional packets. Further, the water soluble packets formed using the laser processes described herein are not generally pliable and do not exhibit a loose feel common to conventional water soluble packets.

[0010]The openings may include holes, perforations, voids, vents, etc. in the film. The laser burns the openings in the films. The openings permit air to escape from the packets. During the manufacturing process, air may be trapped inside of the packet with the product. The openings provide for the trapped air to escape or vent. The air trapped in the water soluble packet is generally under pressure, and the openings allow the interior of the water soluble packet to equilibrate in pressure with the atmosphere. By allowing air to escape, the water soluble packet has improved packaging characteristics. The water soluble packets are packed more tightly with product. Further, the film does not have bubbles or loose folds of the film. Also, the packets arc not sticky or mostly discolored. Further, the packets tend to have a uniform and consistent appearance. These characteristics may be desirable to a consumer or retailer.

[0014]The laser forms the openings as part of a continuous manufacturing process, i.e., the laser forms the openings while the film or water soluble packets are moving. Typically, the films or water soluble packets are not intermittently slowed or stopped in order to form the openings with the laser. As such, the use of the laser does not slow down production rates of the water soluble packets.

Problems solved by technology

Second, the laser openings do not make the water soluble packets sticky, which is a problem associated with the use of a conventional water mister.

Further, the water soluble packets formed using the laser processes described herein are not generally pliable and do not exhibit a loose feel common to conventional water soluble packets.

During the manufacturing process, air may be trapped inside of the packet with the product.

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