Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to articles comprising one or several cells filled
with an active composition wherein the cells are made out of a material which is a
barrier to liquids, gases and vapors, said cells further comprising an easy-rupturing
means.
Background of the invention
[0002] Disposable articles comprising at least one capsule filled with an active composition
associated to a substrate, for example a cotton pad are representative of the various
articles to which the present invention can apply; such disposable articles typically
comprise at least one capsule filled with an active composition and at least one element
made out of an dispersing material. At the time the user breaks the capsules, their
contents spreads onto the dispersing material and the disposable article is ready
to use.
[0003] The following references are directed to such articles comprising a capsule system
associated to an absorbent substrate:
US 4.878.775 (D1) is a US patent to 3M. It discloses a device comprising burstable microcapsules
containing a liquid, at least one sheet of a carrying substrate, and at least one
sheet of a flexible liquid permeable material overlaying the microcapsules. Pressure
on the device breaks the microcapsules and the liquid is dispensed on/through the
liquid permeable sheet.
US 3.768.916 (D2) is a US patent to Medical Supply C
y. It discloses a sponge comprising a hollow portion into which a glass ampoule is
inserted. When the ampoule is broken by the user, the contained disinfectant soap
impregnates the sponge for wound-cleaning use.
US 5.090.832 (D3) is a US patent to Colgate It discloses a disposable pad comprising a scrubber
layer, a blotter layer of absorptive material and a liquid impervious sheet located
between the scrubber and the blotter layers. The pad further comprises at least one
packet containing sufficient cleaning material to saturate the scrubber layer when
ruptured.
FR 2.754.744 (D4) is a French patent application to A, Soares Duarte. It discloses a flexible
film comprising cells filled with liquid. The cells are ruptured when pressure is
exerted and the contained liquid is released and impregnates a support.
DE 3.545.926 A1 (D5) is a German application to A.G. Frühauf. It discloses a system in which the
capsules are made out of a material which does not rupture, but in which the seals
between the two constitutive layers of said capsules are delaminated under pressure.
Then, the capsule's contents is free to flow between said layers up to punctured holes
through which it is dispensed.
EP 0 294 189 A2 (D6) is a German patent application to Jaypak Ltd. It discloses a flexible bag combined
to an absorbent applicator. The bag is burst to release the liquid inside the applicator.
[0004] WO9403369 (D7) from Avitar describes a treatment delivery system which uses a burstable,
thin film plastic inner pouch containing a treatment solution fixedly positioned in
an outer container. The outer container also contain a dry foam appliance which, when
the inner pouch is burst, comes into contact with the active solution and absorbs
it.
[0005] US3826259 (D8) from Health Products, describes a self-contained disposable medication
applicator with an encapsulated active liquid wherein a relatively rigid section of
material is provided with a recess to hold the fluid and a flexible strip has one
part thereof sealed to the relatively rigid material to close off the recess and encapsulate
the liquid.
[0006] WO9704831 (D9) from Cantwell, provides a topical hyperbaric bandage comprising a
reservoir for a source of therapeutic gas in liquid form. Gas from the reservoir is
formed by breaking the reservoir and putting the liquid in the reservoir in contact
with a reactive substance or catalyst, after the bandage has been secured to the skin.
[0007] While solving several issues, the above mentioned inventions still have some disadvantages.
D1 discloses an article comprising microcapsules filled with a liquid composition.
The size of the capsules is less than 3mm in diameter because of the material they
are made of. This limits the range of uses because the volume of contained liquid
is limited.
[0008] Some inventions, such as the one disclosed for example in D2, comprise a capsule
filled with an active composition which is made out of glass. While such capsules
can contain large amounts of active composition, they are made out of glass, or similar
rigid materials, which become dangerous for the user once they are broken.
[0009] Documents D3 to D9 disclose articles wherein the capsules are not limited in volume,
and are made out of a material which breaks without a risk of injury for the user
- in most cases, the material is a substantially flexible film -. However, for certain
tasks the capsules need to be filled with an active composition which is sensitive
to gases, vapors, or in some cases, light. While some documents refer to articles
which comprise at least one liquid impervious element, none of the cited art raises
the problem of degradation of the capsule's contents by exchange of vapors/gases between
the interior and the exterior of the capsules.
[0010] Furthermore, it appears that the film materials which are used for creating a barrier
to liquids, solvents, vapors and gases, between the interior and the exterior of the
cell, can render the cell difficult to rupture. Hence the need for a means which would
facilitate the rupture of the cells by the user.
[0011] It is therefore one main object of the present invention to provide the user with
an article comprising at least one cell filled with an active composition, the cell
being made of a material which is such that the size of the cells is not limited to
less than 3 mm in diameter.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide the user with a cell system
which can be used together with a substrate to be impregnated by the cell's contents,
once said cell has been ruptured.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide the user with an article
wherein the cell presents no risk of injury to the user, once it was broken.
[0014] It is another object of this invention to provide the user with an article which
prevents substantial exchanges of gases or vapors between the exterior of the article
and the interior of the cell.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide the user with an article
wherein the force for rupturing the cell is easily applicable by any user, while preventing
accidental rupture during manufacture, transportation and storage.
Summary of the invention
[0016] The present invention is directed to a cell system comprising at least one burstable
cell filled with an active composition, the cell system being
characterized in that each of said at least one cell comprises at least one easy opening means and wherein
the material for making said at least one cell is selected from
a) one thick layer of thermoplastic material selected from:
i) a layer of high density polyethylene (HDPE) more than 50µm thick
ii) a layer of polypropylene (PP) more than 100 µm thick
iii) a layer of low density polyethylene (LDPE) more than 150 µm thick
b) a laminate material comprising at least one layer of a barrier material wherein
said laminate is made of polyolefin and metallic layers, preferably polyolefin and
aluminum layers, more preferably a LDPE/Alu/Pet laminate,
said material for making said at least one cell (11) having a water vapor transmission
rate (WVTR) of less than 6g/sqm/day at 40°C/90%RH. Preferably, the cell system is
associated with a dispersing element, such as for example a fibrous pad, or cotton
pad. Preferably, the force required to burst the cells is comprised within the range
10 to 80 N. More preferably, said at least one cell is made out of a material through
which less than 10% product is lost per year at 35°C/20%RH, and more preferably, said
material is a laminate comprising at least one layer of aluminium. In one most preferred
embodiment, the cells are provided with an easy opening means.
Brief description of the drawings
[0017] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article according to the present invention, comprising
a cell system and a flat dispersing support.
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of an article comprising a cell system and a dispersing
support folded in half, the article being shown in partially opened position.
- Figure 3 is a profile cut view showing one cell, with screen window to control the
direction and flow of the cell's contents, once the cell has been burst.
- Figure 4 is a profile cut view of an article according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the article comprising a cell system, a flow-control means, and a dispersing
support, the cell being centered relatively to the window of the flow-control means.
- Figure 5a is a profile cut view of an article according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the article comprising a cell system, a flow-control means, and a dispersing
support, the cell being off-centered relatively to the window of the flow-control
means.
- Figure 5b is similar to 5a, but the article is shown in folded configuration, as it
is packed prior to its use.
- Figure 6a is a schematic profile view showing a cell with easy opening means, said
easy opening means being a laser scoring.
- Figure 6b is a schematic profile view showing a cell with easy opening means, said
easy opening means being an elongated, thinner, portion of the cell's dome.
- Figure 6c is a schematic profile view showing a cell with easy opening means, said
easy opening means being a weak seal located between the dome and the bottom of the
cell.
- Figure 7a is a schematic perspective view showing an O-ring cell with central weak
seal for providing an easy opening means.
- Figure 7b is a schematic profile cut view showing an O-ring cell with central weak
seal for providing an easy opening means.
- Figure 8a is a schematic profile cut view of an article according to one embodiment
of the invention, the article being shown in closed position, and comprising a cell
system, an easy opening means, and a dispersing pad, said easy opening means being
achieved by the combination of a weak peelable seal with a pull string.
- Figure 8b is similar to the previous Figure 8a, the article being shown in opened
configuration with cell's contents released into dispersing support, after the user
has pulled on the pull-string to rupture the weak seal.
- Figures 9a to 9c are schematic profile cut views of one cell with easy opening means,
said means being a pull-string.
- Figure 10a is a schematic profile cut view of one cell according to the invention,
with a pull-string attached to the periphery of the cell's dome, as an easy opening
means.
- Figure 10b is a schematic profile cut view of one cell, showing a pull-string attached
to the bottom part of the cell, to be used as an easy opening means.
- Figure 10c is a schematic profile cut view of one cell, showing a pull-string attached
to the top portion of the cell's dome.
- Figure 11 is a profile schematic view showing one cell of the cell system formed as
a sachet.
- Figure 12 is a profile schematic view showing one cell of the cell system with integral
flow-control means.
Detailed description of the invention
[0018] The article of the present invention has one or multiple enclosures or closed cells
which contain fluid or solid (including powdered) products, preferably liquid products,
which are released from the individually sealed enclosures via the increase of internal
pressure within the enclosure eventually leading to rupture of one of the enclosing
materials or a seal that may be present between two pieces of enclosing material.
As an alternative to compression, a gas-producing reaction can be initiated to increase
the cell's internal pressure to the point of rupture.
[0019] The invention is more generally related to a single or multiple cell system connected
by some means to create an article or substrate of a system of chamber(s) or cell(s).
The cells are ruptured by one means or another thus opening the chambers to exposure
to: (i) the outside environment; (ii) an internal constrained (but larger volume)
environment within the system or article; or, (iii) other fluids (e.g. gases) outside
of the original chambers which may enter into the previously sealed chambers. The
purpose of such exposure is to provide a useful benefit to the user including but
not limited to: dispensing fluids or solids (including powders) in the cells to contact
and optionally disperse onto a target surface for a variety of purposes ; mixing different
materials from different cells to cause a useful chemical reaction as described above
; exposing a reactive material to a fluid (e.g. gaseous air or liquid water) found
in the environment to cause a useful chemical reaction where either the chemical composition
or even the phase state of the end products of the reaction or the energy/heat flow
of the reaction may be the useful endpoint sought; exposing a fluid or solid to the
gaseous environment for the purpose of volatilizing and distributing components of
said fluids or solids.
[0020] The above-mentioned applications for the present invention can be directed to a multitude
of user-beneficial outcomes including, but not limited to: cleaning, bleaching, cooling,
heating, deodorizing, disinfecting, medicating, wiping...
[0021] The article of this invention optionally but preferably features a support dispersing
material designed to absorb the product upon release. This support material is designed
to assist the user in the application of the product.
[0022] For the article, barrier properties are required to prevent significant product(s)
loss through permeation (i.e. less than 10 % product loss/year at 35°C/20% RH and
the product(s) must keep the activity it is designed for). The barrier properties
of the closed cell(s) level are provided by a high barrier material. Furthermore,
it has been found that most of such barrier materials are difficult to rupture, and
thus an easy opening means is preferably added to the cells.
The cells
[0023] As shown in figures 1 to 10, the article (1) is provided with a cell system (10)
which comprises at least one cell (11) filled with an active composition, which can
be either solid, particles, granulates, powder, liquid, or even a gas, but is preferably
a liquid composition. Depending on the purposes, the cell system (10) can comprise
two or more cells, filled with the same, or different compositions (see example of
contained compositions below). The cell system (10) can be used by itself, or it can
also be coupled to a solid medium, for example a dispersing support (12) or an absorbent
support. It can also be integrated into a pouch filled with liquid or gas.
[0024] In one embodiment, a cell (11) comprises a bottom (13) and a dome (14). The dome
(14) can be made out of a flat film which is deformed into the cavities of a mold,
for example by a thermoforming process. Once filled with the active composition, the
dome (14) is closed by sealing the bottom (13) which preferably is a flat film. The
cells (11) are ruptured by applying a constraint onto their surface which can be mechanical
such as a pressure, a tearing or peeling movement; or a chemical reaction which dissolves
the surface of the cell. In one embodiment, the cells (11) are burst when the user
applies a compression force on the top or the sides of the cell, as shown for example
in figure 6c. This leads to rupture one portion of the dome (14) of the cell (11).
The cell (11) normally ruptures in its dome portion (14). This is due either to the
fact that the material used to make the cell bottom is chosen as more resistant to
rupture than the material for the dome (14), or in case the same materials are used
for forming the bottom (13) and the dome (14), this is due to the manufacturing process:
since the dome (14) is thermoformed in this example, its constitutive material thins
down in at least one point, where mechanical properties, and especially resistance
to burst, are decreased. In another embodiment , the cells (14) are chemically dissolved.
In another embodiment, rupture of the cell is achieved by an easy opening means, as
will be further described hereafter.
[0025] The cells (11) can have any shapes or dimensions, such as for example parallelepipedic,
oval or hemispheric, but while not being limited, their volume is preferably comprised
within the range of 0.01 to 5.0 ml, more preferably within the range of 0.4 to 2.0
ml. For example in the case the cells are substantially hemispheric, their diameter
is preferably comprised within the range of 10 to 20 mm and their depth is between
6 and 15 mm. Preferably, 50 to 99% of one cell's volume is filled with liquid. In
the case of cells filled with a liquid active composition, the cell (11) is preferably
made out of a liquid impervious material.
[0026] While the cell bottom and top can be joined or sealed by a variety of known techniques
including adhesives, the cell's material should preferably feature good sealing properties
and mechanical properties such that the user can rupture the cells to get the contained
active composition out by applying a reasonable force, while the cells need to be
strong enough not to rupture prematurely, for example during manufacturing, storage
or transportation. Furthermore, the material shall be chosen such that it does not
produce sharp particles once broken, especially glass shall not be used since it produces
glass splinters which can be very dangerous for example when the article (1) is used
for facial/body cleaning purposes.
[0027] In another embodiment, the cells (11) have the shape of sachets, as shown for example
in figure 11. Such sachets (11) are made out of a film which is folded and sealed.
The film is a high barrier film as described hereafter. Preferably, the sachet also
comprises an easy opening means, more preferably it comprises at least one peelable
seal (23) which ruptures when the user applies sufficient pressure on the sachet (11).
[0028] Typically, the force to be applied by the user to rupture one cell or sachet, is
substantially comprised within the range of 10 to 80 N (force applied on top of the
cell). Preferably, the force to be applied to burst the cells (11) is less than 60
N, more preferably less than 40 N. Most preferably it is comprised within the range
of 10 to 20 N. It has been found that this force to burst usually decreases for a
same cell when the force is applied on the sides for substantially hemispheric shaped
cells.
[0029] The material for making the cells is defined as a barrier material. Such a material
is defined as having a permeation of less than 10% product loss/year at 35°C/20%RH,
so that the active composition keeps the activity it has been designed for. Typically,
such properties are achieved by using a film which is: liquid impervious in that no
liquid passes through it after 30 sec.; a barrier to vapors/solvents in that its water
vapor transmission rate (WVTR) is less than 6g/sqm/day at 40°C/90%RH; and optionally
a barrier to gases in that its O
2TR (oxygen transmission rate) is less than 200cc/sqm/day/atm at 23°C/50%RH.
[0030] The barrier film can have one thick layer of a thermoplastic, but is preferably a
laminate material comprising at least one layer of a barrier material such as an aluminium
laminate for example, which is sandwiched between thermoplastic outer layers, for
good sealing properties of the film. In a most preferred embodiment, the film is laminated
comprising at least one aluminium layer which gives very good barrier properties to
liquids, gas and vapors, for example a LDPE/Alu/PET having a thickness of respectively
m/9µm/12µm. Other options can be to use thick thermoplastics, such as high density
polyethylene (HDPE) more than 50µm thick, or polypropylene (PP) more than 100µm thick,
or low density polyethylene (LDPE) more than 150µm thick. Despite such materials are
not specifically high barrier materials, the thickness which is used is such that
it allows good barrier properties of the cells. Most preferably in this case, the
cell made out of a laminate material has the shape of a sachet, as shown in figures
11 and 12. Such a sachet is preferably manufactured with a vertical (VFFS) or a horizontal
(HFFS) form fill & seal process. Such forming processes are well know in the art of
making sachets and pouches. Typically, a film is folded in halves and sealed on its
periphery to close the pouch. Optionally, a weak seal can be formed in the middle
part of the sachet, as shown in figure 12, such as to create to compartments, which
can be connected when the seal is broken (for example upon application of a pressure
on one of the compartments).
[0031] The thickness of the material used for making the cells should be adapted to the
nature of the material which is used, so that said thickness is as little as possible
while keeping barrier properties as defined above. It is preferably comprised within
the range of 35 to 90 µm, more preferably within the range of 35 to 50 µm. When the
thickness is below 35 µm, it was found that manufacturing problems appear, for example
wrinkles appear during thermoforming, and the force to rupture the cells is decreased
- typically below 10 N - which leads to premature burst. Thicknesses above 90µm may
be used, such values will however lead to cells which are particularly resistant to
rupture.
[0032] It has been found that when cells are constructed with materials having barrier properties
as defined above, the force to burst is often more than the acceptable value (i.e.
10 to 80 N). This is due firstly to the thickness of the film which is limited to
a minimal value, under which the barrier properties are not achieved, and/or secondly
to the nature of the polymer.
[0033] Optionally but preferably, each cell of the cell system according to the present
invention is provided with an easy opening means. Several possible embodiments of
easy opening means can be applied to the present invention, which are discussed hereafter.
The easy-opening means
[0034] Optionally but most preferably, each cell of the cell system according to the present
invention is provided with an easy opening means (30), such as to counter balance
the high force required to burst the cell (11).
[0035] In one first embodiment and as shown in figure 6a, said easy opening means (30) is
achieved by applying a laser scoring (31) onto the surface of the cell. Preferably,
said laser scoring (31) is located on the cell's dome (14), more preferably on the
top portion of said cell's dome. Techniques for making such laser scorings are well
known in the art. The shape and dimensions of the laser scoring may be determined
by those skilled in the art, such as to create a cell which can be burst when applying
a force comprised within the range of 10 to 80 N, preferably, 10 to 60 N, more preferably
10 to 40 N, and most preferably within the range of 10 to 20 N. The advantage of such
an easy opening means (30) is that it decreases the force to burst the cell, by creating
an area in its walls where the thickness is decreased. However, the barrier properties
are only marginally affected by the lower thickness, since the surface of the laser
scoring is very limited.
[0036] In a second embodiment of the present invention, the easy opening means (30) is achieved
by providing the cell with at least one elongated portion (32), as shown in figure
6b. Such an elongated region (32) has a lower thickness compared to the rest of the
cell's walls, due to the manufacturing process, usually a thermoforming process or
similar, which is such that the elongated portion (32) will be more stretched during
manufacture of the cell, and thus, will have a lower thickness. The optimum thickness
for the elongated portion may be determined via a sampling/trials procedure, and will
typically depend on the nature of the material, nature of the contents, temperature
of use, so as to achieve barrier properties as defined above. In any case, the volume
inside said elongated portion should preferably be less than 10 % of the cell's total
volume, more preferably less than 5% of the cell's total volume, and most preferably
less than 2 % of the cell's total volume. In this way, the exchanges of gases, vapors,
and solvents, as well as the risk of leaking (in case the cell's contents is a liquid)
are limited over the period from the manufacture to the use. Alternatively but similarly,
the easy opening means (30) is an inverted elongated portion of the cell, with less
thickness, so that it is pointing in the inside of the cell. At the time the user
presses onto the cell, the inverted protrusion comes inside out and bursts to release
the cells contents.
[0037] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the easy opening means (30) is achieved
by a peeling area (33) located at the interface between the dome of the cell (14)
and its bottom part (13), as shown in figure 6c. When the user presses on the top
of the cell, an internal pressure is created inside the cell, which peels the seal
off. Techniques of making seals between two films are well known in the art, and a
skilled person will easily find the correct parameters when making the seal, so that
the force to peel off the seal is preferably comprised within the range of 10 to 80
N, as previously described. Such techniques include heat sealing, hot gluing, cold
gluing which are well known techniques in the field of making seals. Alternatively,
when the cell has the shape of a sachet made by a VFFS or HFFS forming process, the
peeling area can be a weak seal (23), as shown in figure 12 for example. In one embodiment,
the weak seal (23) is located on a side of the sachet. In another embodiment, the
sachet (11) comprises at least two compartments separated by a weak seal (23), the
first compartment being closed and filled with a composition, and the other compartment
being punched with a cut-out portion (16). When the user presses on the first closed
compartment, the median weak seal (23) breaks and the composition passes to the second
compartment, and is dispensed through the cut-out portion which acts as a means for
controlling the direction and flow of released composition.
[0038] In a forth embodiment of this invention, the easy opening means (30) is achieved
by an O-ring shaped cell, as shown in figures 7a and 7b. The cell's contents is located
inside circular peripheral walls (34). The cell further comprises a central channel
(35). The outer seal (36) is strong while the inner seal (37) is weak and comprises
a central punctured hole through which the contents is free to pass when said weak
seal is broken. When pressure is applied onto the cell, the central weak seal breaks,
and the cell's contents is released to the outside through the central channel (35)
of the cell. This further allows to control the direction of the released contents.
[0039] In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the easy opening means (30) is achieved
by a pull string (38) which is attached to at least one portion of the cell. The pull
string comprises an attachment portion, which is fixed to the cell, and a free portion
which is long enough to be reached and pulled by the user. Usually, cells are ruptured
by pressing onto them, in this case the user's force is dispersed over the surface
of contact comprised between the fingers and the cell. When the cell's material is
difficult to rupture, the force needs to be more concentrated to one point of the
cell, to be more effective in rupturing said cell. Such a concentration is achieved
by using the pull string having a small diameter (preferably less than 1mm), which
is fixed to a limited surface of the cell. For example, it can be attached all around
the periphery of the cell, as shown in figures 9a and 9b. It can also be attached
around a portion liking two cells, as shown in figure 9c. It can also be attached
to certain points of the periphery of the cell, at the seal region between the dome
and the bottom of said cell, as shown in figure 10a. The pull string can be attached
directly to the bottom of the cell, thus passing through the cell, as shown in figure
10b. It can also be attached to the top part of the cell's dome, as shown in figure
10c.
[0040] In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the easy opening means (30) is providing
each cell of the cell system with at least one peelable seal (33), said at least one
peelable seal further comprising a pull string (38), as shown in figures 8a and 8b.
The user releases the cell's contents by pulling on the pull-string, thus peeling
off the weak seal. Preferably, said peelable weak seal is a portion located at the
interface between the dome (14) and the bottom (13) of the cell.
[0041] The two preceding embodiments are also applicable in the case the cell has the shape
of a sachet made by a VFFS or a HFFS forming process.
The support material
[0042] Preferably, the cell system (10) is coupled to a support material (12). In a first
embodiment of this invention, said support material is made out of a liquid impervious
material, such as for example a flexible pouch which contains the cell system. In
another embodiment of this invention, the support material is an dispersing material
(12), such as for example, a fibrous pad for facial cleaning for example made out
of cotton, a wipe for body or household cleaning made out of a non-woven material,
a pad to be used for wound-protection, as shown for example in figures 1, 2 or 4.
Said dispersing material (12) can have any shape, and dimensions suitable for containing
or being coupled with a cell system (10) with dimensions as defined above. Once the
active composition contained inside the cell (11) has been released, said composition
disperses into the structure of the dispersing material, up to its surface. The structure
of said dispersing material can be chosen so as to fit the purposes of the article
(1): it can have a smooth surface for pampering, or a rough surface for cleaning,
rubbing or removing dead skin for example, or it can be spongy for moisturizing/impregnating
the surface to treat. The thickness, shape and dimensions of the dispersing material
should be chosen relatively to the number of cells (11) comprised inside the cell
system (10), and the volume of active composition contained inside each cell (11).
Examples of fibrous pads are already known in the art, and some of them are particularly
described in US.5.738.212.
The flow control means
[0043] It has been found that in some occasions, and particularly when the active composition
contained inside the cells (11) comprises a liquid or cream form, spillage of said
composition can occur at the time the cell (11) is ruptured, even when the cell system
(10) is coupled to or associated with an dispersing material (12). To prevent spillage
and/or ensure good absorption and diffusion of the composition at the surface of the
dispersing material (12), if any, the article (1) of the present invention is optionally
but preferably provided with a means to control the flow of released active composition
when the cell (11) bursts.
[0044] As shown in figures 3 to 5, the flow-control means (15) is a film which covers at
least the dome (14) side of the cell (11) and comprises at least one restricted area
for the active composition to pass through, from the cell (11) to the outside medium.
Optionally, said film also covers the bottom (13) of the cell (11), so as to prevent
any spillage of the composition from the bottom (13) side of the cell (11) in case
of accidental or intentional burst of said bottom (13) of the cell (11). In one embodiment,
the flow-control means (15) is provided with a cut-out portion (16), through which
the active composition released from the cell (11) is directed. In another embodiment,
the flow-control means (15) is achieved by a cut-out portion of the film onto which
a flow-control window (17) such as for example a grid, or a sheet of a porous material
is adapted, as shown in figures 6 and 7. Such a grid material is described for example
in US.3.929.135 to Thompson, or in US.4.324.246 to Mullane, or in US.4.342.314 to
Radel. Another grid material which can be used is known under the trademark name "DRI-WEAVE™"
marketed by The Procter & Gamble Company. The surface of the portion through which
the product will be dispensed may be adapted, for example in view of the viscosity
of the product, and also in view of the application of this product. Typically, the
surface is comprised within the range of 1 to 1500 mm
2, preferably 25 to 700 mm
2.
[0045] Preferably in both of the preceding embodiments, and as shown in figure 7, the cut-out
portion (16) or the flow-control window (17) is not aligned with a cell (11), so that
the way of released composition from the cell to the exterior - for example, to the
absorbent cotton pad (12) - is diverted. This allows to better prevent spillage of
composition to the exterior, especially in case said composition has a very low viscosity
(i.e. less than 100 cps measured with a viscosity meter at 20°C, 1200 rpm).
[0046] Alternatively, when the cell has the shape of sachet (11) made of a film which is
folded in halves, with sealings on the sides, the flow control means (15) can be an
extension (24) of the sachet which comprises for example a punched portion (16), as
shown in figure 12. The main sachet-cell (11) which is filled with a product, and
its flow-control extension (24) are separated by a peelable seal (23). Both are manufactured
from the same film which is folded in two halves and sealed, with one median seal
(23), so that when the user applies a pressure on the top of the filled portion of
the sachet (11), it breaks the peelable seal (23), creating a channel between the
sachet (11) and the flow-control extension (24), and the product is released through
the punched portion (16).
Examples
[0047] Different possible embodiments of articles according to the present invention will
now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying figures.
[0048] In a first embodiment of the present invention, one article (1) comprises a cell
system (10) with one cell filled with an active composition. The cell is made out
of a material which is a barrier to liquids, gases, vapors and solvents, as defined
previously. The cell is preferably covered by a flow control means, such as a film
with a cut-out portion (16) which is off-centered relatively to the dome (14) of the
cell. The flow-control film is attached onto the cell system (10) by sealing or gluing
its edges to the cell system's edges. Said cell system (10) is further sandwiched
between two layers of an dispersing material (12) such as cotton, so as to create
an absorbent cotton pad with an integrated burstable cell where the two outer layers
of cotton can be glued or taped one to the other, but are preferably sealed, using
the thermoplastic material of the cell system (10) and/or the thermoplastic material
of the flow-control means (15) as sealing agent(s). The cotton pad further comprises
an integrated outer package. Said outer package (19) is integrated to the article
(1) as a backing sheet which is glued or sealed to the outer side of the pad opposite
to the dome (14) of the cell, as shown in figure 5a. Preferably, the surface of the
backing sheet is slightly superior to the surface of the cotton pad, so that when
the pad is folded into two halves into a clamshell-like article, both halves being
maintained in closed position by a peelable peripheral seal (21), the backing sheet
protects the whole cotton pad inside from the outside medium. The clamshell article
(1) is used by peeling or cutting the outer package open, bursting the cell to release
the active composition into the cotton pad, and then using it. Preferably also, the
cell is off-centered from the pad's folding, so as to reduce the risk of accidental
squeeze in the pad's folding, and burst of the cell during transportation or storage.
The clam-shell structure with integrated outer package as a backing sheet enables
the consumer to use a pad whose surface which comes in contact with the surface to
treat has never been in contact with another surface (i.e. fingers of the user or
neck of a bottle), and thus is very clean, even once the active composition impregnates
the pad. This renders this structure particularly useful for cosmetic purposes.
[0049] The present embodiment is best achieved by providing the cell with an easy opening
means. Said means can be of any type but more preferably of one of the types previously
described. For example, it is a laser scoring which is located onto each cell's dome.
[0050] In a second embodiment of this invention, and as shown in figure 2, each article
(1) comprises a cell system (10) with one cell (11) filled with the active composition.
It further comprises an absorbent pad (12), for example a cotton pad which contains
the cell system (10). The pad is folded into two halves which are maintained by sealing
portions (20), which are glued, peel-sealed, taped, or maintained by another suitable
means for securing the pad in folded position while being easily openable during use.
The barrier to liquids, gases or vapors is achieved the material for making the cell's
walls which is for example a laminate LDPE/Alu/PET having a thickness of respectively
80µm/9µm/12µm. One or more articles shall be contained in a separate outer package,
such as for example a pouch, or a film wrapping.
[0051] The present embodiment is best achieved by providing the cell with an easy opening
means. Said means can be of any type but more preferably of one of the types previously
described. For example, it is a laser scoring which is located onto each cell's dome.
[0052] In a third embodiment of this invention, and as shown in figure 1, each article (1)
comprises a cell system (10) with several cells (11) filled with the active composition.
It further comprises a flat absorbent pad (12), for example a flat cotton pad which
contains the cell system (10). The barrier to liquids, gases or vapors is achieved
by the material for making the cell's walls, which is for example a laminate LDPE/Alu/PET
having a thickness of respectively m/9µm/12µm. One or more articles shall be contained
in a separate outer package, such as for example a pouch, or a film wrapping.
[0053] The present embodiment is best achieved by providing the cells with easy opening
means. Said means can be of any type but more preferably of one of the types previously
described. For example, it is a laser scoring which is located onto each cell's dome.
Contents
[0054] The active composition which is contained inside the cell can be of any type, for
example a face cleaning lotion or cream, a disinfectant composition, a composition
for household cleaning purposes, a perfume composition, a polish, a medicament...
Its viscosity is preferably comprised within the range of 0.1 to 6000cps measured
at 20°C. In one embodiment of the present invention, the active composition is a liquid
face cleaning and disinfecting composition known under the trademark Clearasil™ manufactured
and sold by The Procter & Gamble Company. Such a composition typically comprises for
example: Purified Water; Alcohol 96%; Diethyl Phthalate; Myrtrimonium Bromide; Ceteareth-14;
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate 38%; Tartaric Acid; Allantoin; Chlorhexidine Digluconate
20%; Perfume Balance PSV 1270; Cl 42051 Acid Blue 3 E131. Detailed examples of such
composition are disclosed for example in European Patent Applications EP-A-0614353
and EP-A-0614354 to the Procter & Gamble Company.
1. A cell system (10) comprising at least one burstable cell (11) filled with an active
composition said at least one cell (11) comprising an easy opening means (30), said
cell system being
characterized in that the material for making said at least one cell is selected from:
a) one thick layer of thermoplastic material selected from:
i) a layer of high density polyethylene (HDPE) more than 50µm thick
ii) a layer of polypropylene (PP) more than 100 µm thick
iii) a layer of low density polyethylene (LDPE) more than 150 µm thick
b) a laminate material comprising at least one layer of a barrier material wherein
said laminate is made of polyolefin and metallic layers, preferably polyolefin and
aluminum layers, more preferably a LDPE/Alu/Pet laminate,
said material for making said at least one cell (11) having a water vapor transmission
rate (WVTR) of less than 6g/sqm/day at 40°C/90%RH.
2. A cell system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the force required
to burst one cell (11), when using said easy-opening means is comprised within the
range of 10 to 80 N, preferably 10 to 60N, more preferably 10 to 20N.
3. A cell system (10) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said easy-opening means (30)
is achieved by providing at least one portion of the cell's walls with a laser scoring
(31).
4. A cell system (10) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said easy-opening means (30)
is achieved by providing the cell's walls with an elongated region (32) which features
a burst force comprised within the range of 10 to 80 N, preferably 10 to 60N, more
preferably 10 to 20N.
5. A cell system (10) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said easy-opening means (30)
is achieved by providing the cell with a weak seal, preferably a peelable seal.
6. A cell system (10) according to claim 1 to 2, wherein said easy opening means is further
achieved by a cell in the shape of an O-ring made out of a non-burstable material,
the cell further comprising strong peripheral seals (36) and a weak central seal (37),
said weak central seal comprising a punctured hole in its middle part through which
the cell's contents is directed once said weak central seal has been ruptured.
7. A cell system (10) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said easy-opening means (30)
is achieved by providing the cells with at least one peelable portion (33), said portion
being connected to a pull-string (38).
8. A cell system (10) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein said easy-opening means is
achieved by a pull-string (38) directly attached to at least one portion of the cell's
walls.
9. A cell system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said at least
one cell has an internal volume which is comprised within the range of 0.01 ml to
5.0 ml, preferably 0.4 to 2.0 ml.
10. A cell system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein 50 to 99% of
one cell's volume is filled with the composition.
11. An article comprising a cell system (10) as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 12.
12. An article according to claim 11, wherein the cell system (10) is coupled to an dispersing
article (12) for controlling the release and application of said active composition,
once said at least one cell has been burst.
13. An article according to claim 12, wherein said dispersing article is a fibrous pad
(12).
14. An article according to claims 12 and 13, which comprises a backing sheet, said article
being folded in half and two halves being attached together by peripheral openable
seals (20).
1. Zellsystem (10), das wenigstens eine berstfähige Zelle (11) umfasst, die mit einer
Wirkstoff-Zusammensetzung gefüllt ist, wobei die wenigstens eine Zelle (11) eine Vorrichtung
zum einfachen Öffnen (30) umfasst, und wobei das Zellsystem dergestalt charakterisiert
ist, dass das Material zum Herstellen der wenigstens eine Zelle ausgewählt ist aus:
a) einer dicken Schicht Thermoplastmaterial, ausgewählt aus:
i) einer Schicht Polyethylen von hoher Dichte (HDPE) mit einer Dicke von mehr als
50 µm;
ii) einer Schicht Polypropylen (PP) mit einer Dicke von mehr als 100 µm;
iii) einer Schicht Polyethylen von geringer Dichte (LDPE) mit einer Dicke von mehr
als 150 µm;
b) einem Laminatmaterial, das wenigstens eine Schicht eines Sperrmaterials umfasst,
worin das Laminat aus Polyolefin- und Metallschichten, vorzugsweise Polyolefin- und
Aluminiumschichten, mehr bevorzugt einem LDPE/Alu/PET-Laminat hergestellt ist;
wobei das Material zum Herstellen der wenigstens einen Zelle (11) bei 40 °C/90 %
RF eine Wasserdampf-Übertragungsrate (WVTR) von weniger als 6 g/m2/Tag hat.
2. Zellsystem (10) nach irgendeinem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin die Kraft, die
erforderlich ist, um eine Zelle (11) zum Bersten zu bringen, bei Verwendung der Vorrichtung
zum einfachen Öffnen im Bereich von 10 bis 80 N, vorzugsweise von 10 bis 60 N, mehr
bevorzugt von 10 bis 20 N liegt.
3. Zellsystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnen
(30) durch Versehen mindenstens eines Teils der Zellwände mit einer Laserritzung (31)
erreicht wird.
4. Zellsystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnen
(30) erreicht wird, indem die Zellwände mit einem länglichen Bereich (32) versehen
werden, der eine Berstkraft aufweist, die im Bereich von 10 bis 80 N, vorzugsweise
von 10 bis 60 N, mehr bevorzugt von 10 bis 20 N liegt.
5. Zellsystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnen
(30) erreicht wird, indem die Zelle mit einer schwachen Versiegelung versehen wird,
vorzugsweise einer abziehbaren Versiegelung.
6. Zellsystem (10) nach Anspruch 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnen
darüber hinaus durch eine Zelle in Form eines O-Rings, der aus einem nicht berstfähigen
Material hergestellt ist, erreicht wird, wobei die Zelle zudem starke Randversiegelungen
(36) und eine schwache Mittelversiegelung (37) umfasst, wobei die schwache Mittelversiegelung
ein Stanzloch in der Mitte umfasst, durch das der Inhalt der Zelle geleitet wird,
nachdem die schwache Mittelversiegelung aufgebrochen wurde.
7. Zellsystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnuen
(30) dadurch erreicht wird, dass die Zelle mit wenigstens einem abziehbaren Teil (33) versehen
ist, wobei das Teil mit einem Zugfaden (38) verbunden ist.
8. Zellsystem (10) nach den Ansprüchen 1 bis 2, worin die Vorrichtung zum einfachen Öffnen
durch einen Zugfaden (38) erreicht wird, der direkt an wenigstens einem Teil der Zellwände
angebracht ist.
9. Zellsystem (10) nach irgendeinem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin die wenigstens
eine Zelle ein Innenvolumen hat, das im Bereich von 0,01 ml bis 5,0 ml liegt, vorzugsweise
von 0,4 bis 2,0 ml.
10. Zellsystem (10) nach irgendeinem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, worin 50 bis 99 % des
Volumens einer Zelle mit der Zusammensetzung gefüllt sind.
11. Gegenstand, umfassend ein Zellsystem (10) wie in irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12
beansprucht.
12. Gegenstand nach Anspruch 11, worin das Zellsystem (10) mit einem Dispergiergegenstand
(12) gekoppelt ist, um die Freisetzung und Auftragung der Wirkstoff-Zusammensetzung
zu steuern, wenn wenigstens eine Zelle geborsten ist.
13. Gegenstand nach Anspruch 12, worin der Dispergiergegenstand ein faserstoffartiges
Kissen ist (12).
14. Gegenstand nach Anspruch 12 und 13, der eine Deckfolie umfasst, wobei dieser Gegenstand
in der Mitte gefaltet ist und die beiden Hälften durch Randversiegelungen (20), die
sich öffnen lassen, miteinander verbunden sind.
1. Système cellulaire (10) comprenant au moins une cellule frangible (11) remplie d'une
composition active, ladite au moins une cellule (11) comprenant un dispositif pour
faciliter l'ouverture (30), ledit système cellulaire étant
caractérisé en ce que le matériau de fabrication de ladite au moins une cellule est choisi parmi :
a) une couche épaisse de matériau thermoplastique choisi parmi :
i) une couche de polyéthylène haute densité (HDPE) ayant une épaisseur supérieure
à 50 µm
ii) une couche de polypropylène (PP) ayant une épaisseur supérieure à 100 µm
iii) une couche de polyéthylène basse densité (LDPE) ayant une épaisseur supérieure
à 150 µm
b) un matériau stratifié comprenant au moins une couche d'un matériau de barrière
dans lequel ledit matériau stratifié est constitué de polyoléfine et de couches métalliques,
de préférence des couches de polyoléfine et d'aluminium, plus préférablement un matériau
stratifié de LDPE / Alu / Pet,
ledit matériau pour fabriquer ladite au moins une cellule (11) ayant un coefficient
de transmission de la vapeur d'eau (CTVE) inférieur à 6 g/m
2/jour à 40 °C/90 % HR.
2. Système cellulaire (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel la force nécessaire pour faire éclater une cellule (11), lorsqu'on utilise
ledit dispositif pour faciliter l'ouverture, est comprise dans la gamme de 10 à 80
N, de préférence de 10 à 60 N, plus préférablement de 10 à 20 N.
3. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture (30) est obtenu en munissant au moins une partie des parois
de la cellule d'une éraflure au laser (31).
4. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture (30) est obtenu en munissant les parois de la cellule d'une
région allongée (32) qui a une force d'éclatement comprise dans la gamme de 10 à 80
N, de préférence de 10 à 60 N, plus préférablement de 10 à 20 N.
5. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture (30) est obtenu en munissant la cellule d'un joint faible,
de préférence un joint pelable.
6. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture est en outre obtenu par une cellule en forme d'anneau en
O constitué d'un matériau non frangible, la cellule comprenant en outre des joints
périphériques forts (36) et un joint central faible (37), ledit joint central faible
comprenant un trou piqué dans sa partie médiane à travers lequel le contenu de la
cellule est dirigé une fois que ledit joint central faible a été rompu.
7. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture (30) est obtenu en munissant les cellules d'au moins une
partie pelable (33), ladite partie étant connectée à une ficelle de traction (38).
8. Système cellulaire (10) selon les revendications 1 à 2, dans lequel ledit dispositif
pour faciliter l'ouverture est obtenu au moyen d'une ficelle de traction (38) directement
attachée à au moins une partie des parois de la cellule.
9. Système cellulaire (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel ladite au moins une cellule a un volume interne compris dans la gamme de 0,01
ml à 5,0 ml, de préférence de 0,4 à 2,0 ml.
10. Système cellulaire (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans
lequel 50 à 99 % du volume d'une cellule est rempli avec la composition.
11. Article comprenant un système cellulaire (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications
1 à 12.
12. Article selon la revendication 11, dans lequel le système cellulaire (10) est couplé
à un article dispersant (12) pour contrôler la libération et l'application de ladite
composition active, une fois qu'on a fait éclaté ladite au moins une cellule.
13. Article selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit article dispersant est un coussin
fibreux (12).
14. Article selon les revendications 12 et 13, comprenant une feuille doublure, ledit
article étant plié en deux et les deux moitiés étant attachées ensemble par des joints
ouvrables périphériques (20).