Storage and dispensing container for products with holes

Abstract

A container comprising a lid for storing a product. A flexible pouch has a bottom portion, a top portion, and a side portion and contains a plurality of sheets stacked and connected to one another via connections, a majority of the connections connecting wipes on only one side of the stack, a majority of such connections being disposed on the same side of the stack, and an aperture in the top portion has a width extending between a first side edge and a second side edge and a length dimension defining a longest dimension of the aperture, wherein the second side edge is closer to a right end of the stack than the first side edge, and a portion of the second side edge disposed closest to the right end of the stack is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connections located on the right side of the stack.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Consumer products such as disposable wet wipes are typically sold in packaging designed for storing and dispensing the product. Wipes are made from a variety of materials and can be used dry or wet. Wet wipes can be moistened with a variety of suitable wiping solutions. Disposable wet wipes are typically sold in rigid drums or flexible pouches that include a dispensing hole through which the wipes are extracted from the inside of the drum or pouch. This packaging typically provides a sealed environment for the wet wipes to ensure they do not become soiled or too dry. Removable and resealable flaps or caps often cover the dispensing hole so that the drum or pouch can be sealed to the outside environment when not dispensing wipes, preventing moisture loss from the multiple wet wipes contained within.

[0002] The mechanisms used to open the flaps or covers vary. In a common "push-button" design, the cover is held closed by a latching mechanism. In the closed position, a compression spring is tensioned against the lower surface of the cover. When the open button is pressed, the latching mechanism releases the cover, and the compression spring releases its tension, throwing the cover into the open position. Other mechanisms include simple hinge designs without such a compression spring. These covers may require the user to unlock and fully open them.

[0003] Typically, wet wipes are stacked in a container in a folded or unfolded configuration. For example, a container for wet wipes may be used, in which the individual wet wipes stacked within the container are arranged in a folded configuration, such as a C-fold, Z-fold, or quarter-fold configuration well known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes, the folded wet wipes are staggered with wet wipes directly above and below them in the stack. In alternative configurations, the wet wipes are placed in a container in the form of a continuous mesh of material, the container including perforations adapted to allow individual wet wipes to separate from the mesh when tension is applied. Such wet wipes have been used as baby wipes, hand wipes, personal care wipes, household cleaning wipes, industrial wipes, and so on.

[0004] Some standard packages are also designed to dispense each wet wipe one at a time, which can be done with one hand after opening the package. This one-handed, one-at-a-time dispensing is especially desirable because the user's or caregiver's other hand is often needed for other functions simultaneously.

[0005] The "pop-up" configuration of the wet wipe dispenser advantageously facilitates the aforementioned one-handed, "one-at-a-time" dispensing. In the "pop-up" configuration, since subsequent wipes are operatively contacted with the leading wipe, such as by folding, by adhesive bonding, or by integral connection along a weak line, the wipes are pulled along the front end of the subsequent wipe in the package when removed from the dispenser. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of the package and away from it, the rear end of the leading wipe detaches from the front end of the subsequent wipe, and the front end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for gripping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

[0006] Further developments in this field represent a continued need to provide a more user-friendly dispensing experience, particularly for dispensing one at a time and with one hand. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and distributing a plurality of product pieces may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjacent to a top portion covering the bottom portion and being substantially parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a lateral direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension; the plurality of product pieces being arranged in a folded stack configuration within the pouch and collectively defining a stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end, the stack further defining a right side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral right end, and a left side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral left end. The top portion includes a dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending in the lateral direction between a first side edge and a second side edge, each side edge extending from a top edge to a bottom edge; and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein the second side edge is positioned closer to the lateral right end of the stack than the first side edge, and wherein the portion of the second side edge positioned closest to the lateral right end of the stack is located between 30 mm and 50 mm from the majority of the dispensing hole positioned on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending in the lateral direction between a first side edge and a second side edge, each side edge extending from a top edge to a bottom edge; and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein the second side edge is positioned closer to the lateral right end of the stack than the first side edge, and wherein the portion of the second side edge positioned closest to the lateral right end of the stack is positioned between 30 mm and 50 mm from the majority of the dispensing hole positioned on the right side of the stack.

[0008] In a second embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and distributing a plurality of product pieces may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjacent to a top portion covering the bottom portion and substantially parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension; the plurality of product pieces being arranged in a folded stack configuration within the pouch and collectively defining a stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end, the stack further defining a right side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral right end, and a left side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral left end, wherein each piece is connected via a connecting portion. At least one other piece connected to the stack, wherein a majority of the connection portion connecting to a subsequent wipe is disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack, the majority of the connection portion connecting to the subsequent wipe disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack is disposed on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole located in the top portion, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the transverse direction, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge comprising a convex shape; and a hole length dimension extending along the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein the second side edge of the hole is disposed closer to the transverse right end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole disposed closest to the transverse right end of the stack is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connection portion disposed on the right side of the stack.

[0009] In a third embodiment, a flexible pouch for storing and distributing a plurality of product sheets may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion; the side portions also adjacent to a top portion, the top portion covering the bottom portion and being substantially parallel to the bottom portion; the plurality of product sheets being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension. The bag's longitudinal dimensions; the plurality of product pieces are arranged in a folded, stacked configuration within the small bag, and collectively define the stack, which has a lateral right end and a lateral left end, as well as a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end. The stack is further defined on the right side between the longitudinal center line and the lateral right end, and on the left side between the longitudinal center line and the lateral left end, wherein each piece is connected to at least one other piece of the stack via a connecting portion. The connecting portion for subsequent wipes is mostly located entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack; the connecting portion for subsequent wipes located entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack is mostly located on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole is located in the top portion, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension, the hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the lateral direction, the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge of the hole, the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole... At least one of the edges includes a convex shape; a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a cap assembly including a flange and a cap, the flange being connected to the pouch and disposed around the hole, the cap being connected to the flange by a hinge, the cap being rotated from a closed position to an open position by the hinge, wherein the flange includes an inner wall defining the orifice, and the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1A A perspective view of one embodiment of the container and push-button cover according to aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the push-button cover is shown in a closed configuration;

[0011] Figure 1B Representatively illustrating aspects according to this disclosure Figure 1AA perspective view of the embodiment, in which the press-button cover is shown in an open configuration and the opening of the container is also shown;

[0012] Figure 2 Representatively illustrating aspects according to this disclosure Figure 1A A top plan view of the embodiment, in which the press-button cover is shown in an open configuration and the opening of the container is shown;

[0013] Figure 3A A perspective view of another embodiment of the container and alternative flip cover according to aspects of this disclosure is shown, wherein the flip cover is shown in a closed configuration;

[0014] Figure 3B Representatively illustrating aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3A A perspective view of the embodiment, wherein the flap is shown in an open configuration and the opening of the container is also shown;

[0015] Figure 4 Representatively illustrating aspects according to this disclosure Figure 3A A top view of the embodiment, wherein the flap is shown in an open configuration and the opening of the container is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 A top plan view of an exemplary hole of the present disclosure, shown separately according to an aspect of the present disclosure, is illustrated representatively.

[0017] Figure 6 Representatively shown are multiple integrally interconnected wipes according to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 Representative examples are shown of multiple integrally interconnected wipes according to alternative embodiments of this disclosure;

[0019] Figure 8A Representatively showing, such as Figures 6 to 7 A front view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes as shown in either of the examples;

[0020] Figure 8B Representatively showing, such as Figures 6 to 7 A top view of a stack of folded, interconnected wipes, as shown in either of the examples;

[0021] Figure 8C Representatively showing along Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wipe stack as seen by line XX-XX, wherein the connection between wipes is located on the alternating side of the stack;

[0022] Figure 8D Representatively showing along Figure 8BA cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the wipe stack as seen by line XX-XX, wherein the connections between wipes are all on the same side of the stack;

[0023] Figure 9 Representatively showing along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the container holding the stack of wipes, seen by line XX, shows the wipe-to-wipe connection relative to the opening; and

[0024] Figure 10 Representatively showing along Figure 2 The image shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the container holding the wipes, as seen by line XX, illustrating the aspect of the wipe stack relative to the container.

[0025] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and drawings is intended to indicate the same or similar features or elements of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] This disclosure will be more fully understood when referenced to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, and other features will become apparent. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The same components of the packaging shown in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0027] In certain embodiments, container 20 is adapted to store and dispense products, such as sheets from stacks or rolls of wet wipes 22. Other examples of products suitable for use with container 20 include facial tissues, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, etc. Container 20 includes a housing 14. Housing 14 may be rigid, such as a plastic container (not shown). Alternatively, housing 14 may be flexible, such as a flexible pouch 24, for storing stacks or rolls of wipes 22. Flexible pouch 24 may be made of any suitable flexible substrate, including polymer films, nonwoven fabrics, cloth, rubber, foil, etc. Housing 14 or flexible pouch 24 defines an interior space 26 and an outer surface 29 substantially remote from the interior space 26. Housing 14 or pouch 24 defines a dispensing orifice 27 through which wipes 22 can be individually removed from the interior space 26. In certain embodiments, housing 14 or pouch 24 is substantially moisture-proof, such as when used to contain pre-wetted wipes.

[0028] The container may also include a rigid flap assembly 30. Assembly 30 includes a lid 50 connected to a flange 60 via a hinge 52. The lid 50 is rotatable about the hinge 52 to form a closed configuration (e.g., as shown). Figure 1A or Figure 3A As shown, for component 30') to the open position (e.g., as Figure 1B or Figure 3BAs shown, for component 30'). A flange 60 is provided on the outer surface 29 of the housing 14, such as by means of (e.g., via adhesive) attachment to the outer surface 29 of the pouch 24. Alternatively, the flange may be integrally formed with the housing 14.

[0029] When the cap is in the closed position, the cap 50 covers the dispensing hole 27, and when the cap 50 is in the open position, the cap 50 exposes the dispensing hole 27. The cap 50 may optionally include a cap moisture-retaining ridge 35. The flange member 60 may also optionally include a flange moisture-retaining ridge 65 adapted to abut against the cap moisture-retaining ridge 35 for sealing when the cap 50 is in the closed position, which helps to seal the internal space 26. This seal may be desirable in helping to prevent the wet wipe 22 from drying out over time.

[0030] Typically, component 30 may define an inner region 54 defined by the inner wall of flange 60. The inner region 54 may represent an orifice through flange 60. The inner wall of flange 60 may, but does not need to, be defined by flange moisture-retaining ridge 65 in all embodiments. The inner region 54 of flange 60 may overlap with orifice 27 such that orifice 27 is disposed within inner region 54, and thus the inner wall of flange 60 may surround orifice 27. In this configuration, the entire rigid flip assembly 30 is disposed outside of dispensing orifice 27 through which product can be removed from internal space 26. Rigid flip assembly 30 can be considered “disposed outside dispensing orifice,” meaning component 30 is positioned above dispensing orifice 27. In this way, with orifice 27 and inner region 54 aligned, wipe 22 within housing 14 can be dispensed via both orifice 27 and inner region 54 of flange 60, and the wipe can be dispensed via housing 14 and cap assembly 30 (or 30').

[0031] In some implementations, component 30 is a "press-button" type cover that provides automatic opening by pressing a button or similar feature, such as... Figures 1A to 2 As shown. This component 30 may include a spring-loaded or lever-operated component, such as in Rolfs et al.'s patent US20200260922A1, entitled "Container having a push-button activated, pop-open lid," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, to provide power for the automatic opening of the lid 50. In other embodiments, the flip-top assembly may be a conventional flip-top, requiring user effort to open the lid 50 and rotate it to the open position. Figures 3A to 4 This exemplary component 30' is depicted.

[0032] The housing 14 extends in the lateral direction 11 and the longitudinal direction 13. The housing includes a top portion 71 and a bottom portion 73 connected by side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b. Side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b all abut the bottom portion 73, and each side portion abuts the adjacent side portion. Side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b further extend away from the bottom portion 73 and all abut the top portion 71, which covers the bottom portion 73. In at least some embodiments, the top portion 71, the bottom portion 73, and the side portions 75a, 75b and 77a, 77b may be integrally connected together. Specifically, as... Figure 1A , Figure 3A As seen, the pouch 24 is rectangular in a particular embodiment; however, it can be of various other shapes, as long as the bottom 73 is adjacent to at least one side (e.g., a cylinder). Advantageously, the top portion 71 may be generally parallel to the bottom portion 73, but this is not required in all embodiments.

[0033] The housing 14 has a lateral width dimension 72 extending between the lateral ends 79a and 79b, and a longitudinal dimension 74 extending between the side portions 75a and 75b. The housing 14 also includes a longitudinal centerline 76 that divides the housing 14 into a left lateral side disposed between the left lateral end 79a and the longitudinal centerline 76, and a right lateral side disposed between the right lateral end 79b and the longitudinal centerline 76.

[0034] When the housing 14 is a flexible pouch 24, the housing 14 can be sealed at least at its lateral ends 79a, 79b to retain moisture, for example, when the product includes a wet wipe 22. According to some embodiments, this flexible pouch 24 may also include a laterally extending seal (not shown) that extends across the entire lateral width 72 of the flexible pouch 24. This seal is typical when the flexible pouch 24 is formed from a single continuous sheet of material.

[0035] As in Figure 2 , Figure 4 As most clearly shown, component 30 (or 30') can be aligned to open in the lateral direction 11, for example, toward one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79b. Therefore, hinge 52 can be oriented approximately perpendicular to the lateral direction 11. However, hinge 52 of component 30 (or 30') does not need to be precisely oriented in the lateral direction 11. For example, hinge 52 can be oriented such that the axis of rotation of cover 50 about which it rotates forms an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A , Figure 1BA top plan view of the housing 14, including a longitudinal centerline 76. In some embodiments, the flip-top assembly 30 may be oriented off-center relative to the longitudinal centerline 76. For example, the flip-top assembly 30 may be positioned closer to one of the lateral side ends 79a, 79b. Furthermore, the cover 50 may be configured to open toward the lateral side ends 79a, 79b where the assembly 30 is most closely located. Figure 2 In the example, component 30 is positioned close to the first lateral side end 79a, and cover 50 is configured to open toward the first lateral side end 79a. This offset nature of component 30 provides an advantage regarding the dispensing of wipe 22 within housing 14.

[0037] It is possible that hole 27 is eccentrically oriented relative to the longitudinal centerline 76, such as... Figure 2 As seen in some of these embodiments, component 30 may be centered relative to the longitudinal centerline 76, but hole 27 is off-center relative to the longitudinal centerline. In some of these embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole may be entirely located on one side of the longitudinal centerline 76. Although in other embodiments, a large portion of the periphery of the first side edge 81 of the hole may be located closer to one of ends 79a, 79b, a portion of the first side edge 81 of the hole may intersect with the longitudinal centerline 76. In yet another embodiment, the longitudinal centerline 76 may extend precisely through the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole. The particularly preferred location of hole 27 will be described in more detail below.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a top plan view of the individual hole 27. According to aspects of this disclosure, as described herein, the specific shape of hole 27 is an important factor for successful dispensing with low failure rate. As used herein, successful dispensing generally means that, upon removal of the wipe from the dispenser, the wipe is pulled along the front end of the subsequent wipe in the package due to operative contact between the subsequent wipe and the leading wipe, such as via folding, adhesive bonding, or via an integral connection along a weak line. Preferably, as the leading wipe is pulled out of and away from the package, the rear end of the leading wipe disengages from the front end of the subsequent wipe, and the front end of the subsequent wipe protrudes from the package. In this way, the front end of the subsequent wipe is immediately and automatically positioned for gripping and subsequent removal from the package, while the previous subsequent wipe now becomes the leading wipe.

[0039] Historically, two types of malfunctions or failures may occur during the operation just described. In one scenario, when the leading wipe is removed, it may fail to properly release from subsequent wipes, resulting in the subsequent wipes being pulled too far or even detached from the package entirely. The situation where one or more subsequent wipes are removed from the package in a single pull operation through operative contact with the leading wipe is referred to herein as “doubling.” Doubling may result from an overly strong or geometrically ineffective connection between subsequent wipes (e.g., excessive adhesive or insufficient mesh perforation) or from a dispensing orifice that is insufficient to hold the subsequent wipes in place to allow the leading wipe to detach (e.g., an oversized dispensing orifice).

[0040] In another scenario, subsequent wipes may not be readily usable for subsequent dispensing after being detached from the leader wipe once it has been removed. For example, although the tip of the subsequent wipe may temporarily protrude from the packaging along with the leader wipe during removal, the tip of the subsequent wipe typically falls back into the dispensing container through the dispensing orifice—referred to herein as "fallback." Fallback may result from an insufficiently strong or geometrically ineffective connection between the subsequent wipes (e.g., insufficient adhesive or an excessively weak thread), or from a dispensing orifice that is insufficient to retain the leading edge of the subsequent wipe by protruding outwards (e.g., an excessively large dispensing orifice). Occasionally, when the leader wipe is removed, such as when the connection between the leader wipe and the subsequent wipe is prematurely broken (i.e., before the leader wipe is fully removed), the subsequent wipe may not be able to leave the packaging at all.

[0041] As can be seen, hole 27 includes a first side edge 81 and a second side edge 83 extending between a top edge 82 and a bottom edge 84. The top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 may each be a point where the first side edge 81 engages with the second side edge 83. The top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 may be located at the topmost and bottommost points of hole 27, respectively. That is, hole 27 may have a length dimension 85 extending in the longitudinal direction 13 and measured between points having the same longitudinal position as the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84. According to some embodiments, the length dimension 85 is defined as both the longest dimension in the longitudinal direction 13 and the maximum dimension of hole 27. For example, hole 27 may be (in the longitudinal direction 13) taller than the width of hole 27 (in the transverse direction 11). Hole 27 may also include a width dimension 87. In these embodiments, the width dimension 87 may be determined as the maximum dimension of hole 27 in the transverse direction 11. According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the maximum lateral dimension of the hole 27 is located at the midpoint between the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole, for example, as defined by the intermediate lateral axis 86.

[0042] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the aperture 27, the length dimension 85 may be between 44 mm and 60 mm. A length between 44 and 60 mm is advantageous because it provides a sufficiently large opening in the longitudinal direction 13 through which a user can grasp the edge of the product piece 22 with two fingers, which is typically oriented in the transverse direction 11 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 13. The width dimension 87 may preferably be between 20 mm and 40 mm, and more preferably between 25 mm and 35 mm. Similarly, this width dimension 87 provides a comfortable dispensing experience for the user by providing sufficient space for grasping the edge of the product piece 22 disposed within the housing 14. This width dimension 87 is also important for providing the desired pop-up dispensing function with minimal failure, as will be described in more detail below.

[0043] Another important aspect of the hole 27 is the shape of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83. According to this disclosure, it has been found advantageous for at least one of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 to have a convex shape. For example, as... Figure 5 As can be seen, the first side edge 81 of the hole has an arcuate shape, wherein the first side edge 81 extends outward from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole. In another embodiment, the second side edge 83 of the hole may alternatively include a convex shape. Again in Figure 5 In the example, the second side edge 83 of the hole can be seen to have an arcuate shape, extending outward from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole and away from the first side edge 81. Of course, both the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 of the hole can include convex shapes, such as... Figure 5 As shown in the example.

[0044] In at least some of these implementation schemes, such as Figure 5 As shown in the embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole may extend further away from the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole than the second side edge 83 of the hole. In this way, the first side edge 81 of the hole may have a larger overall curvature than the second side edge 83 of the hole. As will be described in more detail, it may be desirable for the second side edge 83 of the hole to have a relatively flat shape. Therefore, in order to provide the desired width dimension 87 of the hole 27, in these embodiments, the first side edge 81 of the hole needs to have a larger curvature than the second side edge 83 of the hole.

[0045] By providing a convex shape in one or both of the first side edge 81 and the second side edge 83 of the hole, the hole 27 having a maximum dimension extending in the longitudinal direction 13 can achieve the aforementioned dimensions within the boundary of the inner region of the cover assembly (such as cover assembly 30). For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 12... Figure 2As can be seen, the cover assembly 30 provides a relatively narrow inner area 54. In fact, as can be seen, the inner area 54 is nearly the same shape and size as the hole 27. Therefore, in some embodiments, it may be more important that the first side edge 81 and / or the second side edge 83 of the hole do not have any recesses in order to achieve the size of the hole 27, so that it is comfortable for the user to grip the edge of the product piece 22 through the hole 27.

[0046] It has been further discovered that, in order to provide the desired pop-up dispensing experience with minimal failures, the second side edge 83 of the hole should have a relatively flat shape, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Preferably, it has been found that the tangent line drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 of the hole should form an angle of less than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction 13. To illustrate this feature, in Figure 5 In the image, an angle 91 can be seen forming between the longitudinal direction 13 and the exemplary tangent 90. In a more preferred embodiment, it has been found that the tangent drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 of the hole should form an angle of less than 10 degrees or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13.

[0047] Another aspect of the shape of the hole 27 is that it may be most important that the central portion of the second side edge 83 of the hole has a relatively flat shape, while it may be less important that the portion of the second side edge 83 closest to the top edge 82 and the bottom edge 84 of the hole has a relatively flat shape. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is preferred that the tangent drawn tangent to any point on the second side edge 83 within the central portion 93 forms an angle of less than 20 degrees, less than 10 degrees, or less than 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. According to some aspects of this disclosure, the central portion 93 of the second side edge 83 may be a portion of the second side edge 83 located in the longitudinal direction 13 at a distance greater than 5% of the hole length dimension 85 from the top edge 82 or the bottom edge 84 of the hole. According to another aspect, the central portion 93 of the second side edge 83 may be a portion of the second side edge 83 located in the longitudinal direction 13 at a distance greater than 10%, greater than 15%, or greater than 20% of the hole length dimension 85 from the top edge 82 or the bottom edge 84 of the hole.

[0048] According to at least some embodiments of this disclosure, while a relatively flat shape of the second side edge 83 of the hole may be desired, it is also possible that the second side edge 83 of the hole should not be parallel to the longitudinal direction 13. A hole 27 with such parallel side edges may be difficult to process in a repeatable manner. Therefore, in some contemplated embodiments of this disclosure, the tangent drawn tangent to each point on the second side edge 83 of the hole may form an angle greater than 0 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. In a more preferred embodiment, the tangent drawn tangent to each point on the second side edge 83 of the hole may form an angle greater than 2 degrees, or greater than 4 degrees, or greater than or equal to 5 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction 13. Although other embodiments of the second side edge 83 of the hole may have at least some or more portions disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction 13, such portions or portions may substantially total less than 10% or less than 5% of the periphery of the second side edge 83 of the hole.

[0049] In the experiment determining the preferred orientation of hole 27, many different orientations of hole 27 were tested for dispensing failure. For example, in Figure 2 The test hole shown is oriented upwards, from... Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 90 degrees clockwise, from Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 180 degrees clockwise, and from... Figure 2 The orientation shown is rotated 270 degrees clockwise. In each of these configurations, component 30 is also rotated by the same amount. It has been found that, as Figure 2 The specific orientation of the second side edge 83 of the hole shown achieves an average distribution failure rate of approximately 4.5%. Conversely, in hole 27 and component 30 from... Figure 2 With the orientation shown rotated 180 degrees clockwise, the same test yielded an average failure rate of 10.5%. This experiment helps to advance the understanding of the importance of the orientation of the second side edge 83 of the hole and its greater relative flatness compared to the first side edge 81. This particular orientation will be described in more detail below.

[0050] Another important feature for successful allocation of the hole 27 and flange 60 with low failure rate is the position of the second side edge 83 of the hole and the inner wall of the flange 60. For example, from Figure 2 and Figure 4 As can be seen, distance 95 is the minimum distance between the second side edge 83 of the defined hole and the inner wall of the flange 60, and distance 95 is measured at the midpoint of the hole in the longitudinal direction 13. Figure 2 and Figure 4In one embodiment, the inner wall of flange 60 is shown as being defined by a moisture-retaining ridge 65, but this is not the case in all embodiments. For example, the moisture-retaining ridge 65 may be located on the outer side of the inner wall of flange 60. In any case, for successful dispensing with a low failure rate, it may be important that the distance 95 is small, such as less than 10 mm, less than 7.5 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm. This small value of distance 95 ensures that the second side edge 83 of the aperture 27 is positioned close to the inner wall of flange 60, thereby the rigidity of flange 60 (at least in the case where housing 14 includes a flexible package) can help ensure consistent separation of the wipes within stack 22. For example, if the distance 95 is too large, the wipes dispensed from aperture 27 will cause the second side edge 83 to bend and flex more significantly, resulting in reduced forces on the connected wipes in the dispensed stack 22, and thus increasing the rate of “multiple” dispensing failures. Conversely, when the distance 95 is within the preferred range, the rigidity of the flange 60 near the second side edge 83 helps prevent the second side edge 83 of the hole from bending and deflecting, resulting in a relative increase in force on the dispensed wipe, which helps ensure that subsequent wipes are separated when dispensed from the orifice 27.

[0051] Turning to the details of the product 22 inside the housing 14 and its contribution to a successful dispensing experience, there are important aspects related to the product piece 22. Figure 6 and 7 Each of the exemplary multiple integrally interconnected chip products 110 depicts a common defined network 112. Figures 8A to 8D An exemplary plurality of integrally interconnected chip products 110 arranged in a stacked configuration 213 are depicted. About Figures 6 to 8D Multiple interconnected chip products 110 may be wet wipes. However, it should be understood that this is merely one exemplary product 22 according to this disclosure.

[0052] refer to Figures 8A to 8D This disclosure envisions a plurality of interconnected wipes 110 arranged in a stacked configuration and collectively defining a stack 213. The stack 213 has a right end 214, a left end 216, a lateral direction 222 extending between the right end 214 and the left end 216, a longitudinal direction 220 perpendicular to the lateral direction 222, and a longitudinal centerline 221 extending in the longitudinal direction 220 and located at an intermediate position between the right end 214 and the left end 216. The stack 213 laterally defines a right side 215 between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the right end 214, and a left side 217 laterally defines a left side 217 between the longitudinal centerline 221 and the left end 216. Figures 8A to 8D In the exemplary embodiment shown, each of the wiping materials is folded in half along the longitudinal direction 220. Figure 8B Show Figure 8A A top view of the folded, stacked wipes. Figure 8BThe leading edge 229 of the wiping material located on top of the stack 213 can be seen.

[0053] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8C and Figure 8D As typically shown, in a particular embodiment, each wipe is connected via a connector (e.g., connectors 142, 152) to at least one other wipe on only one of the right side 215 and left side 217 of the stack 213. Figure 8C and Figure 8D Depicting what can be seen along line XX-XX Figure 8B A cross-section of an alternative embodiment of the stack 213. In a particular embodiment, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8C In the illustrated embodiment, the closely continuous connecting portions 142 and 152 are alternately located on the right side 215 and left side 217 of the stack 213 in the stacking direction 219. In other embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8D In the embodiment shown, the closely continuous connecting portions 142a and 142b in the stacking direction 219 are located on the same side of the stack (e.g., as shown). Figure 8D On the right side (215) shown. Figure 6 Depicting from Figure 8C The stacked, interconnected wipes shown are as follows, and Figure 7 Depicting from Figure 8D The diagram shows a stack of interconnected wipes, wherein the multiple interconnected wipes are unfolded and fully extended in each case to show various features.

[0054] For example, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 8C In a particular embodiment, the plurality of wipes 110 include a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A right-side connecting portion 142 connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Furthermore, a left-side connecting portion 152 connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 located on the left side 217 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is connected to the third wipe 134 only on the left side 217 of the stack 213.

[0055] In another example, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8DIn a particular embodiment, the plurality of wipes 110 include a first wipe 130, a second wipe 132, and a third wipe 134. A first right-side connector 142a connects the first wipe 130 to the second wipe 132 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The first wipe 130 is connected to the second wipe 132 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213. Furthermore, a second right-side connector 142b connects the second wipe 132 to the third wipe 134 located on the right side 215 of the stack 213. The second wipe 132 is connected to the third wipe 134 only on the right side 215 of the stack 213.

[0056] Of course, it is not necessary for the connectors 142 and 152 to be aligned on alternating sides 215 and 217 or always on the same side 215 and 217. For example, in another embodiment, a majority of the connectors 142 and 152 may be located on one side 215 and 217 of the stack 213. In a more specific embodiment, more than 60% of the connectors 142 and 152 within the stack 213 may be located on one side 215 and 217. In another embodiment, more than 75%, more than 85%, or more than 95% of the connectors 142 and 152 within the stack 213 may be located on one side 215 and 217, while still less than all of the connectors 142 and 152 may be located on the same side 215 and 217 of the stack 213. In any of these embodiments, the corresponding percentage of connectors 142 and 152 may be located on the left side 217 of the stack 213. In addition, in any of these embodiments, the connectors 142, 152 may follow a more complex pattern than simple alternation, or in another embodiment, there need not be any prescribed pattern regarding how the connectors 142, 152 alternate between the sides 215, 217 of the stack 213.

[0057] In certain implementation schemes, such as Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8C and Figure 8DIn the representative embodiments shown, most of the wipe-to-wipe connections in the stack 213 are integrally formed with the wipes. For example, connections 142 and 152 may each include three bridging strips 192. Bridging strips 192a, 192b, and 192c collectively define the right connection 142, and bridging strips 192d, 192e, and 192f collectively define the left connection 152. The number of bridging strips may vary depending on the dispensing mechanism required for a particular configuration and the construction of the wipes involved (and, in a particular embodiment, the dispenser). In a particular embodiment, each connection 142, 152 includes 2 to 10, and more specifically 3 to 8 bridging strips. Preferably, in a particular embodiment, each bridging strip has a lateral width of 1 to 5 mm, and more preferably, each bridging strip has a lateral width of 1.5 to 3 mm. In other embodiments, the wipe-to-wipe connections in the stack are not integrally formed with the wipes. For example, the connections 142 and 152 can be achieved via energy bonding. Suitable examples of energy bonding include ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, or pressure bonding. The bonding can also be achieved using bonding materials such as adhesives.

[0058] The stack has a width 113 measured in the lateral direction 222. The right-side connector 142 has an effective width 243 extending in the lateral direction 222, and the left-side connector 152 has an effective width 253 extending in the lateral direction 222. "Effective width" is the lateral distance between the two furthest connection points of closely packed subsequent wipes within a single side 215, 217 of the stack 213. Therefore, in any case, the effective width of the connector cannot be greater than half the lateral width 113 of the stack. Preferably, the effective width of the connector is much smaller than half the lateral width of the stack. For example, in a particular embodiment, reference... Figure 7 The effective width of the right connector 243 and the effective width of the left connector 253 are each at most ten percent of the stacked horizontal width 113. In another example, refer to... Figure 7 The effective width of the first right-side connecting part 243a and the effective width of the second right-side connecting part 243b are each at most ten percent of the stacked transverse width 213.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the entirety of each right-side connector 142 in the stack 213 is closer to the right end 214 of the stack than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, and the entirety of each left-side connector 152 in the stack 213 is closer to the left end 216 of the stack than to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213, such as... Figure 6 and 8CRepresentatively illustrated. In other embodiments, the entirety of each connection in stack 213 is closer to a single stack end, such as the right end 214 of the stack, than to the distance to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack. Figure 7 and Figure 8D Representatively shown. For example, in Figures 6 to 8D As can be understood, each of the connectors 142 and 152 may include a connecting inner edge, which is the edge of the connector 142 and 152 (which may include multiple bridging strips) configured to be closest to the longitudinal centerline 221 of the stack 213.

[0060] To achieve the optimal dispensing experience with minimal failures, it has been found that specific features regarding the stack 213 of the wiping material, the housing 14, and the hole 27 should be combined. For example, Figure 9 Depicting what is seen along line XX Figure 2 or Figure 4 A cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the housing 14 including the stack 213 is shown, further detailing the generally preferred position of the hole 27 relative to the stack 213 and the specific position of the second side edge 83 of the hole 27 relative to the connection 142 of the stack 213. Although in Figure 9 Only the connecting part 142 is depicted, but it should be understood that other embodiments may include both the connecting part 142 and the connecting part 152.

[0061] It has been found that, in order to achieve the optimal dispensing experience, the connecting portions 142 and / or 152 should be primarily disposed within the stack 213, at a distance 245 from the edge of the hole 27 positioned closest to the connecting portions 142, 152. More specifically, it has been found that ensuring the connection from the inner edge (by...) Figure 9 The specific connection allocation distance 245 determined by the setting of position 244 (indicated by position 242) and the orifice 27 as being closest to a portion of the edge of the connecting parts 142, 152 helps to ensure the optimal allocation experience.

[0062] In a particular embodiment, the connection allocation distance 245 should be greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm, or greater than or equal to 35 mm and less than or equal to 45 mm. Of course, it is not necessary for every individual connection 142, 152 to fall within these specified connection allocation distances 245. Therefore, in some embodiments, it is preferred that greater than 60%, or greater than 75%, or greater than 90% of the connection 142, 152 are located within the aforementioned specified connection allocation distances 245. In a more specific embodiment, it has been found that for such connection 142, 152, it is most preferred that the connection allocation distance 245 be present between the connection 142, 152, wherein the second side edge 83 of the hole 27 has a relatively flat shape as described herein. For example, as previously stated, experiments have shown that compared to the case where the hole is rotated such that the first side edge 81 of the hole is positioned closest to the connection 142 (in which the allocation distance conforms to the aforementioned range), the hole 27 and component 30 are in a more suitable position. Figure 2 The orientation shown, and the relatively flat shape of the second side edge 83 of the hole, results in a lower failure rate.

[0063] To ensure that the connection distribution distance 245 is maintained during use, the dimensions of the hole 27, the stack 213 and the housing 14 can be constructed together in a preferred manner. Figure 10 Depicting what is seen along line XX Figure 2 or Figure 4 A cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the stack 213 of product 22 shows the dimensions of the stack 213 relative to the housing 14.

[0064] For example, it has been found that the optimal distribution experience is achieved when the connection distribution distance 245 is greater than or equal to 30 mm and less than or equal to 50 mm. To ensure that this connection distribution distance 245 is maintained, the hole width dimension 87 should be greater than or equal to 20 mm and less than or equal to 40 mm, and the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be smaller than the lateral width of the stacked area of ​​the housing 14 defined by the distance 257 by less than or equal to 15 mm. In another embodiment, the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be smaller than the lateral width of the stacked area 257 by less than or equal to 10 mm. According to another embodiment, the stack lateral width dimension 113 should be smaller than the lateral width of the stacked area 257 by greater than or equal to 5 mm to allow for the manufacture and handling of the stack 213 and the housing 14.

[0065] The stacking area of ​​housing 14 is the portion of housing 14 where stack 213 of housing 14 is located and the portion of housing 14 where stack 213 of housing 14 can move within housing 14. For example, housing 14 may define an internal space larger than stack 213. However, a portion of housing 14 may narrow near the lateral ends (e.g., along side portions 77a, 77b to lateral ends 79a, 79b). If stack 213 slides within housing 14 in the lateral direction 222, stack 213 will encounter the narrowed portion of housing 14 near the lateral ends 79a, 79b and will be prevented from moving further in the lateral direction 222. If the “slack” between the lateral width 213 of stack 14 and the lateral width 257 of stacking area is too large, for example, greater than 10 mm, stack 213 may move such that the connection dispensing distance 245 falls outside the desired range. This distance 257 can be determined for stack 213 from which no product 22 is dispensed / disconnected.

[0066] Materials suitable for use with the wipes of this invention are well known to those skilled in the art. Wipes (such as pre-wetted wipes) may be made of, for example, meltblown materials, co-formed materials, air-laid materials, bonded combing materials, or hydroentangled materials, high wet strength fabrics, or combinations thereof (such as layered combinations thereof). The wipes may include synthetic or natural fibers, or combinations thereof. Wipes suitable for use in conjunction with this invention may contain a liquid (which may be any solution capable of being absorbed into the wipe), thus making it a “wet wipe.” The liquid contained in the wet wipe may include any suitable component that provides the desired wiping performance. For example, the component may include water, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, chelating agents, pH buffers, fragrances, or combinations thereof. The liquid may also contain lotions, ointments, and / or pharmaceuticals. The amount of liquid contained in each wet wipe may vary depending on the type of material used to provide the wet wipe, the type of liquid used, the type of container used to store the stack of wet wipes, and the desired end use of the wet wipe. Generally, based on the dry weight of the wipe, each wet wipe may contain about 150 to about 600% by weight and preferably about 200 to about 400% by weight of liquid to improve wiping. Examples of wipe substrates suitable for use in conjunction with the present invention include US5,508,102A, US7,585,797B2 and US8,257,553B2.

[0067] All relevant portions of the documents referenced in the specific implementation are incorporated herein by reference; any reference to any document should not be construed as an admission that it is prior art concerning the invention. In the event of any conflict between the meaning or definition of any term in this written document and any meaning or definition of a term in the documents incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall prevail.

[0068] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is contemplated that all such changes and modifications falling within the scope of the invention be covered in the appended claims.

[0069] Implementation Plan :

[0070] Implementation Scheme 1: A flexible pouch for storing and distributing multiple product pieces may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjacent to a top portion covering the bottom portion and being substantially parallel to the bottom portion, the multiple product pieces being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a lateral direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension; the multiple product pieces being arranged in a folded stack configuration within the pouch and collectively defining a stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end, and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end, the stack further defining a right side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral right end, and a left side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral left end. Each piece is connected to at least one other piece of the stack via a connecting portion, and a majority of the connecting portion connecting to a subsequent wipe is disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack; the majority of the connecting portion connecting to a subsequent wipe disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack is disposed on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole located in the top portion, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending in the lateral dimension between a first side edge and a second side edge of the hole, the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole each extending from a top edge of the hole to a bottom edge of the hole; and a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the lateral direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein the second side edge of the hole is disposed closer to the lateral right end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole disposed closest to the lateral right end of the stack is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from a majority of the connecting portion disposed on the right side of the stack.

[0071] Implementation Scheme 2: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 1, wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole closest to the right lateral end of the stack is located between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connecting portion located on the right side of the stack.

[0072] Implementation Scheme 3: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 and 2, wherein the stack has a lateral width between 100 mm and 300 mm extending between the left lateral end and the right lateral end of the stack.

[0073] Implementation Scheme 4: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 3, wherein the flexible pouch has a lateral width of a stacking area extending in the lateral direction, and wherein the lateral width of the stacking area is smaller than the lateral width of the stacking area and the difference is less than or equal to 10 mm.

[0074] Implementation Scheme 5: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 4, wherein the pore width is between 20 mm and 40 mm.

[0075] Implementation Scheme 6: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the hole width dimension includes the maximum dimension of the hole in the lateral direction.

[0076] Implementation Scheme 7: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 5, wherein the hole width dimension is defined at the midpoint between the top edge of the hole and the bottom edge of the hole.

[0077] Implementation Scheme 8: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 7, wherein more than 80% of the connecting portion of the subsequent wipe that is located entirely on one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack is provided on the right side of the stack.

[0078] Implementation Scheme 9: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 8, wherein each of the connecting portions of a subsequent wipe located entirely on the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack is provided on the right side of the stack.

[0079] Implementation Scheme 10: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 9 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

[0080] Implementation Scheme 11: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 9 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

[0081] Implementation Scheme 12: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 9 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

[0082] Implementation Scheme 13: A flexible pouch for storing and distributing a plurality of product pieces may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjacent to a top portion covering the bottom portion and being substantially parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a lateral direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the longitudinal dimension; the plurality of product pieces being arranged in a folded stack configuration within the pouch and collectively defining a stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end and a longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end, the stack being further defined on the right side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral right end and on the left side of the stack between the longitudinal centerline and the lateral left end, wherein each piece is connected via a connecting portion. The device comprises at least one other piece connected to the stack, wherein a majority of the connection portion for connecting a subsequent wipe is disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack, the majority of the connection portion for connecting a subsequent wipe disposed entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack being disposed on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole located in the top portion, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the transverse direction, the first side edge and the second side edge each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, at least one of the first side edge and the second side edge comprising a convex shape; and a hole length dimension extending along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole, wherein the second side edge of the hole is disposed closer to the transverse right end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole disposed closest to the transverse right end of the stack is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connection portion disposed on the right side of the stack.

[0083] Implementation Scheme 14: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 13, wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole closest to the right lateral end of the stack is located between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connecting portion located on the right side of the stack.

[0084] Implementation Scheme 15: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 and 14, wherein the first side edge of the hole includes a convex shape.

[0085] Implementation Scheme 16: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 15, wherein both the first side edge of the hole and the second side edge of the hole include a convex shape.

[0086] Implementation Scheme 17: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 16, wherein neither portion of the first side edge of the hole nor any portion of the second side edge of the hole includes a concave shape.

[0087] Implementation Scheme 18: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 17, wherein at any point on the second side edge of the hole further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0088] Implementation Scheme 19: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 18, wherein at any point on the second side edge of the hole further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 20% of the hole length dimension, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 20 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0089] Implementation Scheme 20: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 18, wherein at any point on the second side edge of the hole further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0090] Implementation Scheme 21: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 18, wherein at any point on the second side edge of the hole further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 20% of the hole length dimension, the projection line tangent to the second side edge of the hole does not form an angle greater than 10 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0091] Implementation Scheme 22: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 21, wherein at any point on the first side edge of the hole, further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension, at least one projection line tangent to the first side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 20 degrees.

[0092] Implementation Scheme 23: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 22, wherein at any point on the first side edge of the hole, further away in the longitudinal direction from the top edge or the bottom edge of the hole by more than 10% of the hole length dimension, at least one projection line tangent to the first side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 45 degrees.

[0093] Implementation Scheme 24: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 23, wherein more than 90% of the periphery of the second side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 0 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0094] Implementation Scheme 25: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 24, wherein more than 90% of the periphery of the second side edge of the hole forms an angle greater than 2 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0095] Implementation Scheme 26: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 25, wherein at least 80% of the connection portion connecting the subsequent wipe located entirely on only one of the right side and the left side of the stack is disposed on the right side of the stack.

[0096] Implementation Scheme 27: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 26, wherein each of the connecting portions of a subsequent wipe located entirely on one of the right side of the stack and the left side of the stack is provided on the right side of the stack.

[0097] Implementation Scheme 28: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 27 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

[0098] Implementation Scheme 29: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 27 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

[0099] Implementation Scheme 30: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 27 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

[0100] Implementation Scheme 31: The flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 13 to 27 further includes a flange connected to the housing, the flange including defining an opening and surrounding an inner wall of the opening, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the opening and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

[0101] Implementation Scheme 32: A flexible pouch for storing and distributing multiple product sheets may include: a bottom portion having side portions adjacent to the bottom portion, each side portion adjacent to an adjacent side portion and extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions also adjacent to a top portion, the top portion covering the bottom portion and being substantially parallel to the bottom portion, the multiple product sheets being positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a lateral dimension extending in a transverse direction and a longitudinal dimension extending in a longitudinal direction, the lateral dimension being larger than the pouch dimensions. Longitudinal dimension; the plurality of product pieces are arranged in a folded and stacked configuration within the pouch, and collectively define the stack, the stack having a lateral right end and a lateral left end, and a longitudinal center line extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned midway between the lateral right end and the lateral left end. The stack is further defined on the right side between the longitudinal center line and the lateral right end, and on the left side between the longitudinal center line and the lateral left end, wherein each piece is connected to at least one other piece of the stack via a connecting portion, and its The majority of the connecting portion for subsequent wipes is located entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack; the majority of the connecting portion for subsequent wipes located entirely on only one of the right and left sides of the stack is located on the right side of the stack; and a dispensing hole is located in the top portion, the dispensing hole having: a hole width dimension extending from a first side edge to a second side edge in the lateral direction, the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole each extending from a top edge to a bottom edge of the hole, the first side edge and the second side edge of the hole... At least one of the edges includes a convex shape; a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining the longest dimension of the dispensing hole; and a cap assembly including a flange and a cap, the flange being connected to the pouch and disposed around the hole, the cap being connected to the flange by a hinge, the cap being rotated from a closed position to an open position by the hinge, wherein the flange includes an inner wall defining the orifice, and the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

[0102] Implementation Scheme 33: The flexible pouch as described in Implementation Scheme 32, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge of the hole and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

[0103] Implementation Scheme 34: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 32 and 33, wherein the second side edge of the hole is positioned closer to the right lateral end of the stack than the first side edge of the hole, and wherein the portion of the second side edge of the hole closest to the right lateral end of the stack is positioned between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connecting portion located on the right side of the stack.

[0104] Implementation Scheme 35: A flexible pouch as described in any one of Implementation Schemes 32 to 34, wherein both the first side edge of the hole and the second side edge of the hole include a convex shape.

Claims

1. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product pieces, the pouch comprising: a bottom portion having side portions adjoining the bottom portion, and each side portion adjoining an adjacent side portion, and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions further adjoining a top portion, the top portion overlying the bottom portion and generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension; the plurality of product pieces disposed within the pouch in a folded stack configuration, and collectively defining a stack, the stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned intermediate the transverse right end and the stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each piece is connected to at least one other piece of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connections connecting subsequent wipes are disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side, a majority of the connections connecting subsequent wipes that are positioned entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side being disposed on the stack right side; and a dispensing aperture located in the top portion, the dispensing aperture having: an aperture width dimension extending between an aperture first side edge and an aperture second side edge in the transverse dimension, the aperture first side edge and the aperture second side edge each extending from an aperture top edge to an aperture bottom edge; and an aperture length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the transverse direction, the aperture length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, wherein the aperture second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the aperture first side edge, and wherein a portion of the aperture second side edge disposed closest to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the majority of the connections disposed on the stack right side; wherein at any point on the aperture second side edge further away from the aperture top edge or the aperture bottom edge in the longitudinal direction more than 10% of the aperture length dimension, a projection line tangent to the aperture second side edge does not form an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction that is greater than 20 degrees.

2. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the portion of the aperture second side edge disposed closest to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 35 mm and 45 mm from the connections disposed on the stack right side.

3. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the stack has a lateral width between 100 mm to 300 mm extending between the stack lateral left end and the stack lateral right end.

4. The flexible pouch of claim 3, wherein the flexible pouch has a stack region lateral width extending in the lateral direction, and wherein the stack lateral width is less than and differs by less than or equal to 10 mm from the stack region lateral width.

5. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the aperture width dimension is between 20 mm to 40 mm.

6. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein the aperture width dimension comprises a maximum dimension of the aperture in the lateral direction.

7. The flexible pouch of claim 1, wherein more than 80% of the attachment of a subsequent wipe connected entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side is disposed on the stack right side.

8. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a flange connected to a housing, the flange comprising an inner wall defining an aperture and surrounding the aperture, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 10 mm.

9. The flexible pouch of claim 1, further comprising a flange connected to a housing, the flange comprising an inner wall defining an aperture and surrounding the aperture, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the aperture second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the lateral direction is less than 5 mm.

10. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product pieces, the pouch comprising: a bottom portion having side portions adjoining the bottom portion, and each side portion adjoining an adjacent side portion, and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions further adjoining a top portion, the top portion covering the bottom portion and being generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a pouch lateral dimension extending along a lateral direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch lateral dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension; The plurality of product panels are disposed within the pouch in a folded stack configuration and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned intermediate the transverse right end and the stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each panel is connected to at least one other panel of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connection connecting subsequent wipes is disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side, the majority of the connection connecting a subsequent wipe that is positioned entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side being disposed on the stack right side; and a dispensing aperture located in the top portion, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge comprising a convex shape; and a hole length dimension extending along the longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture, wherein the hole second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the hole first side edge, and wherein a portion of the hole second side edge that is disposed closest to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connection disposed on the stack right side; wherein at any point on the hole second side edge further away in the longitudinal direction from the hole top edge or the hole bottom edge than 10% of the hole length dimension, a projection line tangent to the hole second side edge does not form an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction that is greater than 20 degrees.

11. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein the hole first side edge comprises a convex shape.

12. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein both the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge comprise a convex shape.

13. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein neither the hole first side edge nor the hole second side edge comprises a concave shape.

14. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein at any point on the hole second side edge further away in the longitudinal direction from the hole top edge or the hole bottom edge than 20% of the hole length dimension, a projection line tangent to the hole second side edge does not form an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction that is greater than 20 degrees.

15. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the hole first side edge forms an angle greater than 20 degrees at any point on the hole first side edge further away from the hole top edge or the hole bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the hole length dimension.

16. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein at least one projection line tangent to the hole first side edge forms an angle greater than 45 degrees at any point on the hole first side edge further away from the hole top edge or the hole bottom edge in the longitudinal direction than 10% of the hole length dimension.

17. The flexible pouch of claim 10, wherein each of the connections connecting subsequent wipes located entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side is disposed on the stack right side.

18. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to a housing, the flange comprising an inner wall defining an aperture and surrounding the hole, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the hole second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

19. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to a housing, the flange comprising an inner wall defining an aperture and surrounding the hole, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the hole second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

20. The flexible pouch of claim 10, further comprising a flange connected to a housing, the flange comprising an inner wall defining an aperture and surrounding the hole, wherein a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the hole second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 3 mm.

21. A flexible pouch for storing and dispensing a plurality of product pieces, the pouch comprising: a bottom portion having side portions adjoining the bottom portion, and each side portion adjoining an adjacent side portion, and the side portions extending away from the bottom portion, the side portions further adjoining a top portion, the top portion overlying the bottom portion and generally parallel to the bottom portion, the plurality of product pieces positioned within the pouch; the pouch having a pouch transverse dimension extending along a transverse direction and a pouch longitudinal dimension extending along a longitudinal direction, the pouch transverse dimension being greater than the pouch longitudinal dimension; The plurality of product sheets are disposed in a folded stack configuration within the pouch and collectively define a stack having a stack transverse right end and a stack transverse left end and a stack longitudinal centerline extending in the longitudinal direction and positioned intermediate the transverse right end and the stack transverse left end, the stack further defining a stack right side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse right end and a stack left side between the stack longitudinal centerline and the stack transverse left end, wherein each sheet is connected to at least one other sheet of the stack via a connection, and wherein a majority of the connection connecting subsequent wipes is disposed entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side, the majority of the connection connecting a subsequent wipe that is positioned entirely on only one of the stack right side and the stack left side being disposed on the stack right side; a dispensing aperture located in the top portion, the dispensing aperture having: a hole width dimension extending in the transverse direction from a hole first side edge to a hole second side edge, the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge each extending from a hole top edge to a hole bottom edge, at least one of the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge comprising a convex shape; a hole length dimension extending in the longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the transverse direction, the hole length dimension defining a longest dimension of the dispensing aperture; wherein at any point on the hole second side edge further away in the longitudinal direction from the hole top edge or the hole bottom edge than 10% of the hole length dimension, a projection line tangent to the hole second side edge does not form an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction that is greater than 20 degrees; and a lid assembly comprising a flange connected to the pouch and disposed about the aperture and a lid connected to the flange by a hinge, the lid being rotatable by the hinge from a closed position to an open position, wherein the flange comprises an inner wall defining an aperture, and a distance between a longitudinal midpoint of the hole second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 10 mm.

22. The flexible pouch of claim 21, wherein the distance between the longitudinal midpoint of the hole second side edge and the inner wall of the flange in the transverse direction is less than 5 mm.

23. The flexible pouch of claim 21, wherein the hole second side edge is disposed closer to the stack transverse right end than the hole first side edge, and wherein a portion of the hole second side edge disposed closest to the stack transverse right end is disposed between 30 mm and 50 mm from the connection disposed on the stack right side.

24. The flexible pouch of claim 21, wherein both the hole first side edge and the hole second side edge comprise a convex shape.

Images