US2997166A - Packages for flat articles such as surgical supplies and method of wrapping such articles - Google Patents

Description

IES

R. H. PRATT PACKAGES FOR FLAT ARTICLES SUCH AS SURGICAL SUPPL AND METHOD OF WRAPPING SUCH ARTICLES Flled June 16. 1959 INVENTOR. W771 2,? BY W ATTwP/VIMS.

2,997,166 PACKAGES FOR FLAT ARTICLES SUCH AS SUR- GICAL SUPPLIES AND METHOD OF WRAPPING SUCH ARTICLES Robert H. Pratt, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Pratt Manufacturing COI'P-,,a corporation of Wisconsin Filed June 16, 1959, Ser. No. 820,646 Claims. (Cl. 206-56) This invention relates to improvements in packages for flat articles such as surgical supplies and method of wrapping such articles.

It is important that packages for sterile articles such as gauze pads, dressings, sponges and other surgical supplies be of such a nature that they can be easily and quickly opened without contaminating the article therein. It is also important that the package be so formed as to provide for outward breathing. This is necessary because when the packages are put into a steam chamber for sterilization air is first evacuated from the chamber. This causes collapse of the package which cannot take place without rupturing the paper unless there is provision for the escape of air from the interior of the package. In addition to the above, packages of this type must be neat and attractive in appearance and must be capable of being formed rapidly on production machinery.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved package which can be inexpensively produced and which is capable of being easily opened without contaminating the contents, and which also provides a relief valve for outward breathing during sterilization.

A further object of the invention is to provide a package which can-be expeditiously formed from a single sheet of material and which may be easily opened in a novel manner from an edge, the construction of the package being such that there are protecting flaps which project inwardly of the package from said edge to overlap the contents and protect the same from contamination, both during and after the opening of the package.

A further specific object of the invention is to provide an improved package as above described which may, if desired, contain two items, the package being so constructed that there is a protecting flap for each item.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of expeditiously and inexpensively producing packages of the class described.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists of the improved package for fiat articles such as surgical supplies, and method of manufacturing the same, and all of its parts and combinations as set forth in the claims, and all equivalents thereof.

In the accompanying drawing, in which the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views: I

FIG. '1 is a plan view of a blank for producing the improved package, showing two surgical pads laid there- FIG. 2 is a View similar to FIG. 1 showing the ends of the blank folded toward one another to overlap the pads and showing the adhesive location on each of the folded flaps;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a partially completed package after the bottom half of FIG. 2 has been folded upwardly into superimposed position on top of the other half; r

7 FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view through the partially completed package of FIG. 3 but showing opposite side edges partially folded over together;

FIG. 5 is a similar view to FIG. 4 showing the side nited States Patent 0 edges in completely folded and adhesively held down condition;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a completed package in the condition of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a completed package showing a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view showing an additional modification in a package of the general type of FIG. 9.

Referring first to the form of package of FIGS. 1 to 7 inclusive, the blank of FIG. 1 is formed of a single sheet of paper. This may be a thin non-transparent packaging paper such as white sulphite, or it may be glassine, polyethylene, or any other material suitable for the purpose. While the package may be suitable for various flat articles, it is particularly designed for gauze pads, surgical dressings, surgical sponges, and other surgical supplies of this general type. Either one or two of these items may be enclosed in a single package as desired.

In FIG. 1, two surgical pads 15 are shown in position on the blank, one on each side of the transverse center line 16 or, in other words, one on each panel. It will be noted from FIG. 1 that the blank has extension portions 17 at opposite ends which are adapted to form the flaps of FIG. 2 when said extensions are folded on the lines 18. The reverse sides of one or both of the extensions 17 have adhesive 19 thereon to come in the locations shown in FIG. 2 when the flaps are folded over. Thus, in the condition of FIG. 2 the adhesive lines are spaced a substantial distance inwardly from the fold lines 18. The adhesive may be applied in continuous lines or in spot formation and may be of any type such as a suitable glue, or a pressure sensitive tacky; material such as a latex non-setting adhesive. In addition, with certain materials and arrangements heat sealing may be employed in lieu of an adhesive, as will be described hereinafter in greater detail.

The next step in the manufacture is to fold one-half of the package on the line 16 into overlapping relationship with respect to the other half, to the condition of FIG. 3, the adhesive at 19 serving to secure the flap portions together as best shown in FIG. 7 along a line spaced well below the fold lines 18. With this arrangement the flaps in effect form a pleat and there is a space 20 (see FIG. 7) between the unadhered portion of the flaps within which the thumbs may be inserted when it is desired to open the package.

Next, the opposite side edges of the partially completed package of FIG. 3 are interfolded inwardly and downwardly as at 21 and 22 of FIG. 4 to provide edge interfolds, suitable adhesive having been previously deposited on the portions 22, preferably in spaced spot formation, as indicated at 23, FIG. 6. Thus, when the interfolds are pressed down to the flattened condition of FIG. 5 against the adhesive spots, the latter will hold the interfolds in the pressed down condition of FIGS. 5 and 6. If desired, any other type of closure for the: side edges may be substituted for the interfolds such as. adhesive spots Without the interfolds, or heat sealing when the material is suitable.

In opening the package of FIGS. 1 to 7 inclusive, the thumbs are inserted in the space 20 at the upper edge of the package and the two halves of the package are pulled apart at the adhesive line 19. Continued pulling 3 2, one thumb being on each flap 17 over the overlapped portion of the surgical pad 15 to keep the latter from falling out. At the same time the flaps 17 completely protect the surgical pads or the like from contamination. Thereafter, the contents may be either shaken out or removed by a forceps.

In the modification of FIGS. 8 and 9, all of the corresponding parts are indicated by the same numerals preceded by the digit l, and like parts will not be again described. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the extensions 117 have second extensions 12S folded upwardly therefrom on fold lines 126, and the adhesive which corresponds to the adhesive 19 of FIG. 2 is applied, as indicated at 119, between matching portions of the flap extensions 125 a substantial distance below the upper edges of said extensions. It is to be noted that in this form of the invention the extensions 125 preferably project beyond the fold lines 118 to provide easily accessible ends which may be grasped between the fingers to aid in pulling the two halves of the package apart. In this form of the invention opening may be facilitated, and there is an extra thickness of paper protecting the contents from contamination. Also, the extensions 117 and 125 form a pleat connection.

The modification of FIG. is similar to the modification of FIG. 9, and all corresponding parts are designated by the same numerals except that they are preceded by the digit 2 instead of by the digit 1. In the form of the invention of FIG. 10, the adhesive 119 may be omitted and the extensions 225' are preferably made longer than the extensions 125 of FIG. 9 so as to allow for an edge interfold 227 (similar to the interfolds 2122 of FIG. 4) held in place by a line of spot adhesive 228 or other suitable means. If the package of FIG. 10 is formed of polyethylene or like sealable material, the adhesive at 228 may be eliminated and the final closure may be affected by a heat seal. Likewise, in the form of the invention of FIG. 9, the projecting ends of the extensions 125 may be heat sealed together if the package is formed of polyethylene or the like, and the adhesive at 119 may be eliminated. Where polyethylene is used, heat sealing may be substituted for the spot adhesive 23 at the sides of the package of FIG. 6, or, for the adhesive 123 of FIG. 8, or the edge interfolds may be eliminated and heat sealing substituted. In opening the form of the package of FIG. 10 the thumbs are inserted in the spaces 229 to pull the two halves apart.

Where sterile surgical articles such as gauge pads, dressings, sponges or the like are being packaged. it is customary for the completed packages to be put into a steam chamber for sterilization. Thep'res ent package is well adapted for such sterilization procedure. In such chamber air is first evacuated. This causes collapse of the package, and during such collapse there must be provision for escape of air from the interior of the package. This escape is allowed through the edge interfolds 2122 and between the spot gluing, or it may be allowed by utilizing spot adhesive at 19. With any such arrangement air can be exhausted from the packages without rupturing the paper.

It is apparent from the above that a package has been designed which can be produced easily and inexpensively from a minimum of material. It is also apparent that the package can be readily opened while protecting the contents from contamination, and that if desired, two items may be packaged in the same package, with the two items conveniently held in separated condition from one another after the package has been opened. In addition, the items are thoroughly protected from contamination both during and after such opening. If only one item is to be enclosed in the package it is possible to omit one of the flaps 17 and to cause the inner side of the front panel to adhere to the adhesive 19 of the one flap with the latter overlapping the single item 15.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to the exact details of construction, or to 'the exact details of the method shown and described, for

obvious modifications will occur to persons skilled in the art.

What I claim is:

l. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom, and side edges and having flap means folded on a first fold line from said top edge inwardly into superimposed position on said panel and then outwardly again; a relatively fiat unwrapped article loosely positioned all in one plane on said panel overlapped by said flap means; a front panel connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap means folded on a first fold line inwardly and then outwardly again; a relatively flat unwrapped article loosely positioned on said front panel having a portion overlapped by said last mentioned flap means, said front panel, article, and flap means being in superimposed position on said rear panel and on its article and flap means; means including adhesive on said outwardly folded portions of the flap means securing said portions together; and means beyond the side edges of said articles connecting the side edges of the front and rear panels together, said flap means protecting the articles both during and after opening of the package and the articles extending a sufficient distance toward said first fold lines for said flap means to provide for retention of both articles in the fingers between the flap means and panels while allowing easy withdrawal of either article for use independently of the other articles and independently of the panels.

2. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom, and side edges and having flap means folded on a first fold line from said top edge inwardly into superimposed position on said panel and then outwardly again to provide a projection beyond said flap fold line; a relatively fiat unwrapped article loosely positioned all in one plane on said panel overlapped by said flap means; a front panel connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having flap means folded on a first fold line inwardly and then outwardly again to provide a projection beyond the fold line for said last flap means; a relatively flat unwrapped article loosely positioned on said front panel having a portion overlapped by said last mentioned flap means; said front panel, articles, and flap means being in superimposed position on said rear panel and on its article and fiap means; an interfold connecting said projecting outwardly folded portions of the flap means together; and means beyond the side edges of said articles connecting the side edges of the front and rear panels together, said flap means protecting the articles both during and after opening of the package and the articles extending a suflicient distance toward said first fold lines for said flap means to provide for retention of both articles in the fingers between the flaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal of either article for use independently of the other articles and independently of the panels.

3. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom and side edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a fiap fold line; a relatively flat unwrapped article portion, all of which must be maintained sterile, loosely positioned on said panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a front panel hingedly connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap folded on a second flap fold line to a superimposed position; a relatively flat un- Wrapped article portion loosely positioned on said front panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap, said front panel, article portion and front flap being in superimposed position on said rear panel and on its article portion and flap; means inwardly of the adjacent edge of the package and inwardly of the adjacent edges of the article portions breakably connecting said flaps together, there being a finger insertion space between said flaps and outwardly of said means to facilitate pulling the front and rear panels apart to open the package; and means spaced beyond the side edges of said article portions sealing the side edges of the front and rear panels; each flap protecting a sterile article portion both during and after said opening of the package and providing for retention of the article portions in the fingers between the flaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal for use independently of the panels.

4. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom and side edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a flap fold line; a relatively flat unwrapped article portion all of which must be maintained sterile, loosely positioned on said panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a front panel hingedly connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap folded on a second flap fold line to a superimposed position; a relatively fiat unwrapped article portion loosely positioned on said front panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap, said front panel, article portion and front flap being in superimposed position on said rear panel and on its article portion and flap; means including adhesive on the flaps inwardly of the flap fold lines and inwardly of the adjacent edges of the article portions connecting said flaps together, there being a finger insertion space between said flaps and outwardly of said adhesive to facilitate pulling the front and rear panels apart to open the package; and means spaced beyond the side edges of said article portions sealing the side edges of the front and rear panels; each flap protecting a sterile article portion both during and after said opening of the package and providing for retention of the article portions in the fingers between the flaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal for use independently of the panels.

5. A package comprising a rear panel of paper having top, bottom and side edges and having a flap folded from said top edge on a flap fold line; a relatively flat unwrapped article all of which must be maintained sterile loosely positioned all in one plane on said panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said flap; a front panel hingedly connected to the bottom edge of said rear panel and having a flap folded on a second flap fold line to superimposed position; a relatively fiat unwrapped article ail of which must be maintained sterile loosely positioned on said front panel and having a loose portion near an edge overlapped by said front panel flap, said front panel, article and front flap being in superimposed position on said rear panel and on its article and flap; means including adhesive on the juxtaposed faces of said two flaps spaced inwardly of the flap fold lines and inwardly of the adjacent edges of the articles securing said flaps together while allowing a 'finger insertion space between the flaps and outwardly of the adhesive to facilitate opening; and means beyond the side edges of said articles sealing the side edges of the front and rear panels together, each flap protecting an overlapped sterile article portion both during and after opening of the package and providing for retention of both articles in the fingers between the flaps and panels while allowing easy withdrawal of either article for use independently of the other article and independently of the panels.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,366,654 Hasburg Jan. 25, 1921 2,735,544 Guyer Feb. 21, 1956 2,752,038 Abbott June 26, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS 850,597 France Sept. 18, 1939

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