Sanitary pad

Field of technology iy /

The present invention relates to a sanitary napkin, in particular a sanitary napkin.

F^of éÁa J edno 11i v ě ^ b al e nfé c · '?> JP.

<img file="CS9101686A3_D0001.tif" />

State of the art

Sanitary napkins used to capture vaginal exudates are known. As disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146, issued December 3, 1985 to Swanson et al., Such sanitary napkins are often individually packaged for the convenience of the user when traveling, etc. patent, Swanson et al. a three-fold fold is described which wraps the sanitary napkin, covers the clip on the outwardly facing side of the bottom sheet, and can be used to store a used product.

However, the invention of Swanson et al. has the disadvantage that the package is larger than necessary due to the lateral extent of the package outside the longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin. Such a range is necessary for sealing purposes. This arrangement creates a package that is less compact than desired, requires more space in the purse, etc., and is therefore less comfortable for the user.

Other triple fold arrangements are known, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,604,423. -14 September 1971 applicant.Fraser or in the international publication WO 89/02728 of April 6, 1989 by Froidha et al. However, these embodiments have the disadvantage that they do not disclose a suitably removable package used in conjunction with a small individually packaged sanitary napkin.

The art further discloses the disposal of used sanitary napkins packaged in a package. For example, International Publication No. 89/02729, issued April 6, 1989 to Pigneul, and U.S. Pat.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an individually packaged sanitary napkin. Another object of the present invention is to provide an individually packaged sanitary napkin with easy handling for the user from the packaged configuration to the state of use. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a relatively smaller baler A. ensuring increased discretion for users. It is also a task

2 of the present invention to provide an individually packaged sanitary napkin with a wrapper that also protects the exposed clip from first use by a user. Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide an individually packaged sanitary napkin having a package that can be used to store a used product.

The essence of the invention

Thus, the present invention provides a sanitary napkin having two opposing major sides, two longitudinal and two side edges. The sanitary napkin has a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet attached to the topsheet, a clip attached to the outwardly facing side of the bottomsheet, and an absorbent core between the topsheet and the bottomsheet. A releasable wrapper having one end disposed adjacent the side edge of the sanitary napkin and releasably attached to the at least one major side of the sanitary napkin encloses the at least one longitudinal edge in a C-fold.

In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin of the present invention has two flaps, each connected by an adjacent end to one longitudinal edge of the sanitary napkin. Each flap has two opposite sides. One side is generally aligned with the top sheet. The other side is generally flush with the bottom sheet and has a clip used to attach to the wearer's undergarment. The flaps are folded over the top sheet or over the bottom sheet. The releasable cover is releasably attached to the bottom sheet clip and has two longitudinal edges. The releasable wrapper is bent around the longitudinal edges of the sanitary napkin in a C-bend so that the longitudinal edges of the releasable wrapper are between adjacent ends of the flaps.

Overview of figures in the drawings

The invention is illustrated in the drawings, where Fig. 1 is a plan view of a composite sanitary napkin and releasable package according to the present invention showing also different tabs at each longitudinal edge of the releasable package, Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the sanitary napkin of Fig. Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the package. and a sanitary napkin without flaps, in a partially triple folded configuration; Fig. 4 is a sanitary napkin. The package of Fig. 2 is shown in a fully triple fold configuration; sanitary napkins, Fig. 6 is an end vertical side view of the releasable package which encloses both sides of the flaps

-3 of the sanitary napkin of FIG. 1, FIG. 7 is a side view of the sanitary napkin in FIG

having one c-bend flap over the top sheet, one flap bent over the bottom sheet and a releasable cover which forms a C-bend over both sides of one flap and both longitudinal edges, Fig. 8 is a side view of a sanitary napkin having one flap bent around the top leaf, one flap bent around the bottom leaf and a releasable cover which surrounds both sides of one flap and forms an e-bend, and in

Fig. 9 is a side view of a sanitary napkin having one flap bent over the topsheet, one flap bent over the bottom sheet, with one flap inside the releasable wrapper and one flap outside the releasable wrapper.

Examples of embodiments of the invention

As can be seen in Figure 1, the present invention relates to a useful absorbent article, particularly a sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 is

used to accumulate vaginal exudates, such as menses, and to prevent contamination of the user's laundry by such exudates. The sanitary napkin 20 has a liquid-permeable topsheet 22, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 24 and an absorbent core 26 disposed between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24. The dimensions of the sanitary napkin 20 are defined by two longitudinal edges 30 and two side edges in

32. If desired, the sanitary napkin 20 may further have at least one flap 28 projecting from the longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20, and preferably two symmetrically opposed flaps 28, each projecting from one longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The sanitary napkin 20 is mounted on a releasable package 34. The releasable package 34 lies underneath and is releasably attached to the outwardly facing side of the backsheet 24. The term "releasably attached" as used herein indicates the condition of two or more components that may be. joined and re-separated without damage or undesired deformation of any of the components. The releasable wrapper 34 is preferably somewhat larger than the sanitary napkin 20 defined by the longitudinal edges 30 and the side edges 32.

The sanitary napkin 20 and each flap 28 are associated with a clip 40 for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the bottom of the wearer. In a particular embodiment, each flap 28 may have its own tab 40b associated with that side of the flap 28 that is in contact with the wearer's undergarment, and the central portion of the sanitary napkin 20 lying laterally between the flaps 28 has

4, a clip 40a associated with that portion of the sanitary napkin 20 that is in contact with the wearer's undergarment. Preferably, the clips 40a and 40b are attached to the outwardly facing side of the bottom sheet 24.

The releasable cover 34 is in contact ε with the clip 40a of the middle part of the bottom sheet 24 »and ΰθ, if desired, also with the clip 40b of the flap 28 to prevent contamination of the clip 40 before the first use by the user. The releasable cover 34 provides protection for the sanitary napkin 20 when bent inward three times and the releasable cover 34 is exposed.

A more detailed description will now be made of the components of the sanitary napkin 20 of FIG. The sanitary napkin 20 has a longitudinal centerline 26. The term longitudinal here refers to an imaginary line, axis or direction typically midway between the edges of the sanitary napkin 20 and generally lying in the vertical plane of symmetry of the wearer's body. The term lateral means an imaginary line, axis or direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20, and is generally laterally positioned relative to the wearer.

The topsheet 22 is a garment component that is directed to and in contact with the wearer's body and receives bodily exudates. The bead sheet 22 is permeable to liquids and should be flexible and not irritating to the skin. The term flexible as used herein refers to materials that are conformable to body shape or easily deformable by external forces. The topsheet 22 is preferably noise free to provide discretion to the user. The topsheet 22 should be hygienic, clean in appearance, and somewhat opaque to cover body exudates.⁷collected and absorbed by the absorbent core 26.

The topsheet 22 should further be well permeable to allow rapid excretion of body exudates into the absorbent core 26, but must not allow exudates to pass back to the wearer's skin. Suitable topsheets 22 may be made of nonwoven materials and perforated polyolefin films.

The topsheet 22 has a plurality of openings to allow liquids deposited thereon to flow into the absorbent core 26. Such openings may or may not be in the flaps 28. A topsheet 22 of perforated polyolefin film having from 5 to 5 is suitable. about 60% free area, typically 25% free area, and a thickness of from about 0.01 to about 0.05 mm before punching and about 0.46 to about 0.51 mm after punching.

If desired, the topsheet 22 can be sprayed surface

-5active agent to increase the penetration of fluid into the absorbent core

26, ku ..

The surfactant is typically nonionic and does not irritate the skin. A surfactant density of about 0.01 mg per square centimeter of topsheet area 22 is suitable. A suitable surfactant is Pegosperse, 200 KEL from Glyco Chemical, Inc., Greenwich, Connecticut.

A particularly preferred topsheet 22 may be made in accordance with U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,3.14

Aug. 3, 1982, Applicant Radel et al., And U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, issued July 31, 1984, to Ahr et al. or P1552 from Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, Terre Haute, Indiana.

The backsheet 24 may be made of a flexible, liquid-impermeable or resistant material, such as a polyolefin film, which prevents leakage of exudates collected and trapped in the sanitary napkin 20, especially exudates absorbed in the absorbent core 26, as well as soiling of the wearer's clothing and clothing. . The bottom sheet 24 is preferably free of noise to ensure user discretion.

The backsheet 24 may also be impermeable to odorous gases generated by absorbed body exudates, so that these gases cannot escape and the user is aware of them. The bottom sheet 24 of low density polyethylene having a thickness of about 0.01 mm to. about 0.05 mm, preferably. 0.02. XP-393S5 polyethylene film from Ethyl Corporation has proven to be particularly suitable

Visqueen Division.

The backsheet 24 may also be made of a soft linen material that is hydrophobic relative to the topsheet 22, for example, the backsheet 24 of polyester or polyolefin fiber performs well. A particularly suitable soft linen material for the backsheet 24 is a laminate of a layer of polyester nonwoven material and a uniaxially elastically stretchable elastomeric film as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,476,180 to Wnuk.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the backsheet 24 is somewhat larger than the topsheet 26 and the interposed absorbent core 26. In such an embodiment, the topsheet 22 and the absorbent core 26 are circumferentially circumscribed by the backsheet.

24. which has a radial edge of about 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm, preferably 1.0 cm, from the edge of the topsheet 22. This geometry creates a marginal protective surface when the absorbent core 26 is overloaded or the sanitary napkin 20 fails. sheet 24 and flaps 28 'rcu on the landing of uniform and symmetrics.

The lower sheet 24 and the upper sheet 22 are circumferentially connected using known techniques, either completely, so that the entire circumference of the sanitary napkin 20 is circumscribed by such a connection, or they are connected only in parts of the circumference. Any arrangement that provides a uniform array and engagement of the absorbent core 26 between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 is suitable. Such an array has two opposing major sides, one defined by the topsheet 22 and one defined by the backsheet 24.

The outwardly facing side of the backsheet 24 preferably includes a clip 40 for attaching the sanitary napkin 20 to the wearer's undergarment. Pylo was found to have a good pressure sensitive clip 40a. A longitudinally directed strap-shaped clip 40a is preferred, which provides good protection against the front or back of the sanitary napkin 20 falling off the wearer's undergarment. The clip strip 40a may be continuous or intermittent. A particularly preferred embodiment uses two longitudinally directed straps 40a, each on one side of the longitudinal centerline 36.

The absorbent core 26 is a means for collecting and storing body exudates, especially menses, lying thereon or which otherwise pass through the liquid permeable topsheet 22. The absorbent core 26 is part of a sanitary napkin 20 that receives and retains body exudates. The absorbent core 26 is acceptable and non-irritating to the skin and is preferably relatively thin. The absorbent core 26 may be rectangular or clock-shaped. The absorbent core 26 preferably has two opposite sides, one facing the bottom sheet 24 and the other facing the top sheet 22.

Suitable materials for the absorbent core 26 include combinations of air felt, such as cellulosic fleece, and fibrous backsheet, tissue paper layers, absorbent gelling materials. If tissue paper 26 is selected for the absorbent core 26, a paper made in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 4,191,609, issued March 4, 1980 to Trokhan for the absorbent core 26 of the sanitary napkin, 20 described herein is particularly suitable.

The absorbent core 26 need not have a total absorbent capacity much higher than the total amount of body exudates to be absorbed. The absorbent core 26 is preferably narrow and thin to be comfortable for the user. For the embodiment described herein, the capacity of the absorbent core 26 should be at least 2 g of 0.9% saline. A suitable physiological solution is manufactured by Trav enol Laboriop, Deeriel, Illinois.

If it is desired to introduce absorbent gelling materials into the absorbent liver 26, suitable materials are those described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,649 of 19 «> October 1565, originator Bra.ndt et al. A suitable absorbent core 26 comprises a laminate of absorbent gelling material and fabric, which is manufactured, for example, by the company model number L535. Grain Processing Corporation of Kuscs + ine, Iowa.

The absorbent core 26 is to be measured in accordance with the topsheet. 22 and the backsheet 24. The absorbent core 26 is preferably interposed between the topsheet 22 and the backsheet 24 to prevent rupture or separation of the absorbent materials of the absorbent core 26 during use of the sanitary napkin 20 and to ensure proper collection of body exudates. This arrangement also ensures a unified grouping.

The absorbent core 26 is preferably attached to the topsheet 22 and may also be attached to the backsheet 24. The term attached means that the first member or component is attached to or attached to the second member or component either directly or indirectly when the first member or component is attached or attached to an inserted member or component that is attached or attached to another member or component. The connection of the first member or component and the second member or component should be maintained hygienic throughout its life⁷ inserts 20.

The bonding is preferably made by adhesively attaching the absorbent core 26 to the topsheet 22 or the backsheet 24. The adhesive shown may be applied in a suitable spray pattern, such as a spiral or in longitudinally directed strips. The adhesive should be resistant to surfactants, less sensitive to pressure, so as not to adhere to the user's skin.

The sanitary napkin 20 preferably has a thickness of less than 4 mm or better than 2 mm and as measured by a reference scale has about 80.0 g test weight of about 10.0 g comparison level at a diameter of about

2.54 cm and a contact surface area of ​​5.1 cm 2. The sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention should have a topsheet surface of at least about

100 cm⁶ to prevent exudates from escaping the surface.

in

The sanitary napkin 20 may also have a tab 28 protruding

At the longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20, and preferably a flap 28 projecting from each longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20.

The flaps 28 have an adjacent end 44 which is typically coincident with the attachment of the flap 28 to the longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. Alternatively, the adjacent end 44 of the flap 28 may be attached to the sanitary napkin 20 at a location other than but adjacent to the longitudinal edge 30.

The flaps 28 project laterally outward from the sanitary napkin 20 and terminate at a distal end 46 which forms the portion of the flaps 28 furthest from the longitudinal edges 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. The distal ends 46 of the flaps 28 are directed from the longitudinal centerline 36 and the central portion of the sanitary napkin 20. The term center portion as used herein represents, in particular, a lateral center portion defined by adjacent ends 44 of the flaps 28. The flaps 28 may have any desired shape, with a particularly preferred shape being shown in FIG.

The flaps 28 may be formed integrally with the topsheet 22, the bottomsheet 24, or a laminate of both₀ Alternatively, the flaps 28 may be formed from a separate piece of material®. attached to the longitudinal edges 30 of the sanitary napkin 20. Each flap 28 has one side generally parallel to the topsheet 22 and the opposite side generally parallel to the backsheet 24. The side of the flap 28 is considered parallel to the topsheet 22 or bottomsheet 24 when the line having a side component, can be pulled from the top sheet 22 or from the bottom sheet 24. and this line does not cross part of the edges.

or 32 on the periphery of the sanitary napkin 20, except for that portion of the edges 30 and 32 which is generally longitudinally adjacent the adjacent end 44 of the flap 28.

The flaps 28 generally have clips 40 for attaching one side of the flap 28 to the wearer's undergarment or to the other flap 28. The clip 40 may be formed as a mechanical fastener or preferably as a pressure sensitive clip 40b. When the pressure sensitive clip 40b is selected, it should be located on the side of the flap 28 parallel to the bottom sheet 24 so that when the flaps 28 wrap around the crotch portion of the wearer's undergarment, the clip 40b is against the outside of the wearer's undergarment. The rectangular shape of the clip 40b measuring 25 mm x 20 mm on each flap 28 works well.

To wrap, the flaps 28 are folded over the upper sheet 22, FIG. The flaps 28 are in contact with a line generally perpendicular to the plane of hygiz of the topsheet 22 intersecting one so that they contact it according to the topsheet 22 when the technical inserts 20 are pulled out.

-Folded around the top cover sheet 22

58. The flaps 28 are preferably so that maximum arrangement is provided to ensure a larger area is adjacent to. The side of the flap at the end 94, here 22. This is covered by the flaps 28, in particular that area of ​​the topsheet 22 which is in contact with the user's vagina, so that a hygienic and clean appearance of this part of the topsheet 22 is promoted._O It is not necessary for the flaps 28 to fold around the adjacent ends 44 to be in contact with the topsheet 22 or for other bends to occur between the adjacent ends 44 and the distal ends 46 of the flaps 28. It is only necessary for the flaps 28 to abut the topsheet 22 and prevented contamination of the topsheet 22 covered by the flaps 28.

The folding of the flaps 28 in the configuration of FIG.

However, it will be appreciated that the flaps 28 may be folded over the bottom sheet 54 or bent so that one flap 28 overlaps the top sheet 22 and the other flap 28 overlaps the bottom sheet 24. All of these embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

The releasable package has a perimeter defined by longitudinal edges and side edges. Preferably, the side edges of the releasable wrapper 34 are disposed adjacent the respective side edges 32 of the sanitary napkin 20. This arrangement provides a releasable wrapper 34 having sufficient longitudinal extent to surround and protect the sanitary napkin 20 in the folded configurations described below.

The releasable package 34 has opposite sides. One side is directed inwardly towards the clip 40 and the outwardly facing side of the backsheet 24. The other side is the outwardly facing side opposite the inwardly directed side and directed outwardly from the sanitary napkin 20.

The inwardly facing side is preferably releasably coated to facilitate simple and routine handling of the releasable package 34, and in particular separation from the clip 40. It has been found to work well with silicone release agents known in the art. The releasable package 39 may be band coated with a releasable. coating · only on the surfaces of the clips 40a and 40b, or, if desired, may be provided with a separating coating, on the whole inwardly directed sides,

The releasable package 34 may be made of cardboard, calendered paper or other materials known in the art without

-10 deviated from the scope of the present invention. A particularly preferred releasable package 34 is made of machine-polished or polished paper having a specific gravity of 40.7 x 10 6.^y kg.m ^C. The inwardly facing side of the releasable package 34 may be coated with a releasable coating, such as silicone,

It can be seen from Figure 2 that the releasable wrapper 34 wraps at least one, preferably each longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in an O-bend 50. The term C-bend used herein refers to a component configuration such that it is bent on itself to forming a double thickness and may have a foreign component inserted between its folded layers. As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferred that the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 be disposed and symmetrically folded and folded around the longitudinal centerline 36.

In the arrangement according to FIG. 2 with a bend, the entire bottom sheet 24 is covered with a release. the cover 34 and the portion of the topsheet 22 adjacent the longitudinal edges 30 is also covered by the releasable cover 34. The term releasable as used herein describes a condition where the first component can be separated from the second component at least once without breaking or spontaneously deforming any of the components.

The arrangement shown has the advantage that one cell is the main side, in particular the side associated with the bottom sheet. 34, is protected by a releasable cover 34, the longitudinal edges 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 are similarly protected, and in addition, a portion of the topsheet 22 is protected by the releasable cover 34. Further, in this arrangement, no significant.

the portion of the releasable package 34 does not extend laterally outwardly from the sanitary napkin 20, thereby eliminating the need for a bulky package or the portion of the releasable package 34 required to seal the package.

As shown in Figure 3, the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 may be folded around two CDs. spaced sideways. The term spaced lateral bend line as used herein refers to longitudinally offset lines, generally parallel to the lateral direction, and around which the sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable wrapper 34 are folded together.

Folding the sanitary napkin 20 around spaced lateral bend lines will form an folded configuration defining three thirds 51 and 52, a middle third 51 bounded by two edge thirds 52. The edge thirds 52 may be more accurately described as an inner edge 52 and an outer edge. third 52b. As used herein, the inner and outer edge thirds' 52 are described with respect to the middle third> 1 when • '' seeeKaKSSassar. *

The sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 are folded in the folded configuration of FIG. 4. The inner edge third 52a is generally adjacent the middle third 51s between it and the outer edge third 52b. Conversely, the outer edge third 52b is relatively longer from the middle third 51 due to the insertion of the inner edge third 52a.

In the folded configuration of FIG. 4, the package defines two opposed major surfaces, one defined by an outer edge third 52 and one defined by a middle third 51. -bend. The releasable package 34 has a sufficient longitudinal length^- dimension for the overlap of the outer third ^and More preferably, the releasable cover 34 has a sufficient length dimension to overlap all three thirds 51 and 52 so that no clip 40a is exposed.

According to FIG. 1, the releasable wrapper 34 may further include means for maintaining the sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable wrapper 34 in the above folded configuration. Suitable means for maintaining the folded configuration are mechanical fasteners comprising a hook and loop, adhesive connectors known in the art, or preferably clips 54 disposed adjacent the longitudinal edge of the releasable package 34.

Clip 54 j^E and preferably located at the longitudinal edge of the releasable package 34, which overlaps and protrudes out of the rock sheet 22. In one embodiment, the clip 54 may be associated with the edge thirds 52, such that when there is an inner edge third. 52a folded over the middle third 51, the thirds 51 and 52a are releasably connected to each other and the clip is located adjacent the outer edge third 52b 'so that it can be releasably attached to the inner edge third 52a.

Alternatively, the clip 54 may be an edge third 52b. the clip 54 is formed by an outer edge edge longitudinally outside such an inner edge three assigned to the middle third £ 1 and to the outer edge. The clip 54 of the tape 55 not lying on the side edge is attached to the exposed side of the tin 52b.

The clip 54 may be formed as a continuous strip, as shown, or as a dashed strip, or as a single point.

The shape of the clip 54 is not critical, it only needs to have sufficient peel resistance to maintain the folded configuration until the usual opening of the sanitary napkin 20 is required as well as

Ί2 the release shell 34 for the first use by the user.

Fig. 5 shows a modified embodiment of the invention in which the release liner 34 has a longitudinal extension 6 which overlaps at least one, if desired, side edges 32 of the sanitary napkin 20. This arrangement provides additional protection for the sanitary napkin 20.

If only one longitudinal extension 56 is formed, it preferably, but not necessarily, overlaps the side edge 52 of the outer edge third 52b. The means for maintaining the sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable wrapper 34 in the desired folded configuration may also be advantageously used with the elongate extension 56. In one particularly preferred embodiment, a clip 8 is located on the elongate attachment 56, especially on the folded side of the elongate attachment 56. which faces outward and away from the topsheet 22 when the sanitary napkin 20 is not in a folded configuration and faces the opposite edge third 52 when the sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable cover 34 are folded.

The clip 58 may be located adjacent the longitudinal edges of the elongate extension 56, or may generally fall within the longitudinal centerline, or may be located on the elongate extensions 56 generally along the longitudinal centerline 36. Using either of these arrangements, the elongate extension 56 of the releasable package 34 is attached. to a portion of the releasable wrapper 34 that is longitudinally between the side edges 32 of the sanitary napkin 20.

v • ·> / ι τ i- 'ia τ 11 λ P,³<u C- .L u. v ol, j L.

28. In Fig.6

Fig. 6 shows a sanitary napkin modification of the invention having a tab 20 having flaps.

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the releasable wrapper 34, in addition to the C-folds of the longitudinal edges 32 of the sanitary napkin 20, extends laterally inwardly to the distal ends 46 of the flaps 28 and forms a C-fold of the distal end 46 of one, preferably both flaps 28 of the sanitary napkin 20. between the flap 28 and the top sheet 22_O If the releasable wrapper 34 extends longitudinally outward and between the two side edges 32 and the two C-folds 50 that overlap the distal ends 46 of the flaps 28 touching or overlapping, the entire sanitary napkin 20 is protected by the releasable wrapper 34 without triple folding around laterally spaced sides. directional bend lines.

Figures 7 to 9 generally illustrate embodiments of the invention where the two flaps of the sanitary napkin 20 are not folded over the same main side defined by the topsheet 22 and the bottomsheet 24. In the modified embodiments of the invention shown in Figures 7 to 9. 9, the sanitary napkins 20 have one flap folded over the topsheet 22a

-13 the second flap 28 folded over the bottom sheet 24 in a coiled pattern of defects *.

At least one, preferably both flaps 28 of the sanitary napkins 20 in FIG. out, where this clip 40b can be covered

V and protected by a releasable cover 34 * If the flap 2S is folded. .. over the bottom sheet 24 it also has a clip 40b, such a clip 40b is preferably covered by an independent piece of release paper (not shown). However, the flap 2.8 having the clip 40b exposed by the selected coiled fold arrangement may advantageously utilize a releasable cover 34 to cover such a clip 40b and cover the clip 40a associated with the center portion of the bottom sheet 24.

In the embodiment of the invention according to FIG. the sanitary napkin 20 is packed into a second C-bend 50. The remainder of the releasable wrapper 34 extends laterally over the sanitary napkin 20, covers the second flap 28, collapses the opposite longitudinal edge 30 into the third C-bend 50, and extends laterally inwardly to the longitudinal centerline 36 near the distal end 46 of the flap 28 of the first longitudinal edge 30. if desired, the longitudinal edge of the releasable package 34, which is close to the distal end. 46 first flaps. 28 may overlap the portion of the releasable package 34 that forms the C-fold around the distal end 46 of the flap 28.

It will be appreciated that the first C-fold 50 of the releasable package 34₁ which encloses, the distal end 46 of the flap 28 need not have its apex located close to the distal end 46, as shown, but rather this apex should be laterally offset from it to the opposite longitudinal edge 50. The apex of the C-fold 50 which encloses the distal end 46 of one flap 28 approaches the opposite longitudinal edge 30, the larger part of the main side which such flap covers is covered and protected by the double thickness of the releasable wrapper 34. If desired, the releasable package 34 of such an embodiment of the invention may. be generally in the same position or laterally outside such an opposite longitudinal edge 30 rather than laterally inside such an opposite longitudinal edge 30 as shown.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the releasable package 34 has a first C-bend

A 1 '

1450 enclosing the distal end 46 of one flap 28 encloses the corresponding longitudinal edge 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 in the second C-bend. The releasable wrapper 34 extends generally without interruption over the main side of the sanitary napkin 20, in particular the main side opposite the wall around which the flap 28 is folded by the C-cbyb.

The side edge of the releasable package 34 may be generally flush with the second longitudinal edge 22, as shown. It will be appreciated that the backsheet 24 may have a clip 40a covered by an independent release paper (not shown) or may have such a clip 40a attached to the inwardly facing side of the releasable package 34, as shown. Further, the apex of the first C-bend 22, which encloses the distal end 46 of the flap 28, may be adjacent to this distal end 46 rather than the opposite longitudinal edge 32, or may be in some intermediate position. When the main side of the sanitary napkin 20 is exposed, which is not shown in Fig. 8, the exposed side is the side defined by the bottom sheet 24, so that the top sheet 22 is protected and remains in a hygienic condition.

Fig. 9 shows a releasable wrapper 21 which wraps one longitudinal edge 30 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a C-bend 50 and covers the flap 25 corresponding to this longitudinal edge 22 ° zřejméθ it is clear that the second longitudinal edge 22 could also be wrapped in a C-bend 22 The longitudinal edge of the releasable package 34 is interposed between the second flap 28 and the main side covered by the second flap 28.

In another embodiment of the invention, not shown, the sanitary napkin 20 is bent into an S-bend around two spaced transverse bend lines so that the top sheet 22 of one edge third 52 faces outwardly exposed and the bottom sheet 24 of the second edge third 52 faces outward. and is uncovered. In the S-fold configuration, the releasable wrapper 34 may be somewhat shorter than the unfolded longitudinal dimension of the sanitary napkin 20 when the releasable wrapper 21 is used to wrap the sanitary napkin 20 after the S-bend.

With the sanitary napkin 20 bent in an S-bend, the releasable wrapper 34 may overlap the third 52, which has an exposed topsheet 22 so that the topsheet 22 is completely covered and wraps the longitudinal edges 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 in C-folds. they now cover the bottom sheet 24 of the second exposed third 52. A common feature of this and previous embodiments of the invention is that the longitudinal edges of the package 34 may be spaced apart or overlapped.

-15If desired, the sanitary napkin 20 can be bent into

S-bend rotated 90 ° relative to the releasable wrapper 34 so that the longitudinal axes of the sanitary napkin 20 and the releasable wrapper 34 are perpendicular to each other. The sanitary napkin 20 bent S-fold® is placed on the releasable wrapper 34 so that the third 52 of the sanitary napkin 20 having the exposed topsheet 22 is completely covered. One top of the S-bend and a side edge 32 are now wrapped in a releasable® wrap® 34 in the C-bend 50. In this arrangement, the longitudinal edges of the releasable insert 34 limit the exposed bottom sheet 24, as described above. It will be appreciated that this arrangement may be displaced so that the releasable cover 34 covers the top sheet 22 and the longitudinal edges of the releasable cover 34 cover the bottom sheet 24.

In any embodiment of the invention in which the sanitary napkin 20 is bent by an S-bend, the releasable wrapper 34 need not be bent by a similar S-bend, but rather has a U-bend. does not have a given length of releasable packaging 3.4 »

It will be appreciated that a number of other variations of the arrangements described above may be made within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, combinations of the embodiments described above are possible, and other means may be used to keep the sanitary napkin 20 in a collapsed state. Additionally, other asymmetrical arrangements and designs of the sanitary napkin 20 and releasable wrapper 34 may be used to achieve the desired package size. All such variations are included within the spirit of the invention.

/ .

Otékat ŠVORÓk