Apparatus and method for compressing absorbent articles

Abstract

An apparatus for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first platen and a second platen each having respective contact surfaces for engaging the stack of compressible absorbent articles. Each of the first and second contact surfaces defines an upper region and a lower region. The position of the first platen relative to the second platen is adjustable between a loading position and a compression position such that the first contact surface is closer to the second contact surface in the compression position than in the loading position. In both the loading and compression positions, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Many compressible absorbent products (such as diapers, incontinence products, menstrual pads, etc.) are packaged in flexible materials. Before packaging, compressible absorbent products are typically stacked and compressed using a compression device. The compressed stack of absorbent products is then packaged in a flexible material (e.g., a plastic wrap or bag) that holds the stack in its compressed form.

[0002] Interruptions in the compression and packaging process can lead to delays and packaging waste. Therefore, there is a continued need in the art for equipment and methods for compressing compressible absorbent articles, which provide improved consistency and reliability to avoid delays and waste during the packaging process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Various specific embodiments relate to an apparatus for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles. The apparatus includes a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate. The first pressure plate has a first contact surface for engaging the stack of compressible absorbent articles, the first contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region. The second pressure plate has a second contact surface for engaging the stack of compressible absorbent articles, the second contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region. The position of the first pressure plate relative to the second pressure plate is adjustable between a loading position and a compression position, such that the first contact surface is closer to the second contact surface in the compression position than in the loading position. In both the loading and compression positions, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

[0004] Various specific embodiments relate to a method for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles. The method includes the steps of: providing a compression apparatus comprising a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; positioning the stack of compressible absorbent articles between the first and second pressure plates; and moving at least one of the first and second pressure plates to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of compressible absorbent articles. The upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles experiences greater compression than the lower region of the stack.

[0005] This overview is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the apparatus or process described herein will become apparent from the detailed description set forth herein in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Various specific embodiments are explained with reference to the following figures. The figures are merely illustrative, and certain features may be used alone or in combination with other features.

[0007] Figure 1 It is a perspective front view of a folded compressible absorbent article based on a specific embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a side front view based on a specific implementation of a compression device.

[0009] Figure 3 It is based on a specific implementation including Figure 2 A side front view of the pressure plate in a compression device.

[0010] Figure 4 It is based on a specific implementation at the loading position. Figure 2 A side front view of a compression device containing a stack of uncompressed compressible absorbent articles.

[0011] Figure 5 It is based on a specific implementation in a compressed position. Figure 2 A side front view of a compression device containing a stack of compressible absorbent articles.

[0012] Figure 6 It is based on a specific implementation including Figure 2 A side front view of a pressure plate positioned adjacent to a compressible absorbent article in a compression device.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a side front view of a pressure plate with a curved middle area according to a specific implementation.

[0014] Figure 8 It is based on a specific implementation that is in the loading position and has Figure 7 A side front view of a compression device with a pressure plate, showing a stack of uncompressed compressible absorbent articles.

[0015] Figure 9 It is based on a specific implementation of a compressed position having Figure 7 A side front view of a compression device with a pressure plate, showing a stack of compressible absorbent articles.

[0016] Figure 10 It is based on the positioning of a nearby compressible absorbent article in a specific implementation. Figure 7 Side front view of the pressure plate. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The following is a more detailed description of concepts related to apparatus and methods for compressing compressible absorbable articles. Before turning to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0018] definition

[0019] As used in this application and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms. Thus, for example, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, reference to “filament” includes aspects having two or more such filaments.

[0020] It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word “comprising” and its variations, such as “including” and “containing,” means “including, but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers, or steps.

[0021] For the terms “for example,” “exemplary,” and “such as,” and their grammatical equivalents, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the phrase “and without limitation” shall be understood as conforming.

[0022] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0023] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary aspects, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0024] A range may be expressed herein as a range from one specific value to another. When expressing such a range, on the other hand, it also includes a range from one specific value to another. It should also be understood that the endpoints of each range are significant both relative to and independent of the other endpoint. Similarly, the values ​​listed include approximations of these values. In one non-limiting aspect, the term is defined as within 10%. In another non-limiting aspect, the term is defined as within 5%. In yet another non-limiting aspect, the term is defined as within 1%.

[0025] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this disclosure may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the range format is for convenience and brevity only and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, a range description should be considered as having specifically disclosed all possible subranges and the individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, a range such as 1 to 6 should be considered as having specifically disclosed subranges such as 1 to 3, 1 to 4, 1 to 5, 2 to 4, 2 to 6, 3 to 6, etc., and individual numbers within that range such as 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6, and any all and part of the increments therein. This applies regardless of the width of the range.

[0026] Compressible absorbent products

[0027] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, the various specific embodiments disclosed herein relate to apparatus and methods for compressing multiple compressible absorbent articles. Figure 1 This is a perspective front view of a folded, compressible absorbent article processed according to the various specific embodiments described herein. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the compressible absorbent article 100 includes a long axis 106 passing through most of the material. The compressible absorbent article 100 also includes a short axis 104 passing through a minimum amount of material, and a central axis 102 passing through an amount of material less than the maximum amount but greater than the minimum amount. According to various embodiments, compression of the compressible absorbent article 100 includes high compression in a direction parallel to the short axis 104 and orthogonal to the plane formed by the long axis 106 and the central axis 102.

[0028] exist Figure 1 In the specific embodiments shown, the compressible absorbent article 100 is represented by way of non-limiting example as a folded compressible absorbent article. In some specific embodiments, the compressible absorbent article 100 is baby care clothing (e.g., diapers), such as HUGGIES manufactured by Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. ® Products. In some specific implementations, compressible absorbent articles 100 are children's care clothing, such as pull-ups manufactured by Kimberly-Clark International. ® Products. In some specific implementations, compressible absorbent articles 100 are adult care garments, such as DEPEND manufactured by Kimberly-Clark International. ® Products. In some specific implementations, the compressible absorbent article 100 is a feminine hygiene product, such as KOTEX manufactured by Kimberly-Clark International. ® product.

[0029] compression equipment

[0030] Figure 2 This is a side front view of a compression device 200 according to a specific embodiment. The compression device 200 includes a first pressure plate 210a and a second pressure plate 210b. The two pressure plates 210a, 210b are spaced apart and configured to compress a plurality of compressible absorbent articles 100 positioned between the pressure plates 210a, 210b (as described herein with respect to...). Figure 4 and Figure 5 (As shown and described). Figure 2 As shown, the area between the spaced-apart pressure plates 210a and 210b defines a loading area 202, wherein the compressible absorbent articles 100 (e.g., a stack of compressible absorbent articles 100) can be positioned on the base plate 204 of the compression device 200.

[0031] The inner surfaces of the pressure plates 210a and 210b define contact surfaces 214a and 214b. Therefore, the first pressure plate 210a includes a first contact surface 214a, and the second pressure plate 210b includes a second contact surface 214b. Contact surfaces 214a and 214b are portions of the pressure plates 210a and 210b configured to engage the compressible absorbent article 100 disposed in the loading zone 202 and apply compressive force thereto.

[0032] In various specific embodiments, pressure plates 210a and 210b are configured to face each other and move laterally along the base plate 204. In this way, pressure plates 210a and 210b are configured to move between a loading position and a compression position. Figure 2 In the specific implementation shown, the pressure plates 210a, 210b and their corresponding contact surfaces 214a, 214b are oriented such that they are horizontally opposite each other.

[0033] In the loading position, the pressure plates 210a and 210b are spaced apart to facilitate the loading of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 between the contact surfaces 214a and 214b (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 4 (As shown). In the compressed position, the pressure plates 210a and 210b move toward each other to reduce the area between the contact surfaces 214a and 214b (e.g., as shown). Figure 5 (As shown). When the pressure plates 210a and 210b move from the loading position to the compression position, the contact surfaces 214a and 214b engage and compress the compressible absorbent article 100 positioned therebetween.

[0034] In the specific embodiment shown, the contact surfaces 214a, 214b of each pressure plate define a lower region 220 and an upper region 230. The upper region 230 of each contact surface 214a, 214b includes a protrusion 232 extending inwardly into the loading region 202. Figure 2As shown, contact surfaces 214a and 214b are oriented mirror images of each other, such that the protrusion 232 of each pressure plate extends into the loading area 202 in the direction of the opposing contact surfaces 214a and 214b. As will be understood from the description herein, various embodiments of the compression device 200 may be provided with a pair of pressure plates having contact surfaces oriented mirror images of each other and having the characteristics of any of the various pressure plates described herein.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower regions 220 of contact surfaces 214a and 214b are separated by a distance D1, while the upper regions 230 of contact surfaces 214a and 214b are separated by a distance D2. Figure 2 In the specific implementation shown, due to the protrusions 232 provided in the upper region 230 of each contact surface, the distance D2 is less than the distance D1. Furthermore, the distances D1 and D2 are adjustable when the pressure plates 210a and 210b move between the loading position and the compression position. For example, in the compression position (e.g., ... Figure 5 In the diagram, each distance D1, D2 between contact surfaces 214a and 214b is smaller than that at the loading position (e.g., Figure 4 The distances D1 and D2 between the contact surfaces 214a and 214b shown in the figure.

[0036] In various specific embodiments, in both the loading and compression positions, the minimum distance between the upper region 230 of the first contact surface 214a and the upper region 230 of the second contact surface 214b is less than the minimum distance between the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a and the lower region 220 of the second contact surface. In some specific embodiments, in both the loading and compression positions, the maximum distance between the upper region 230 of the contact surface 214a of the first pressure plate and the upper region 230 of the contact surface 214b of the second pressure plate is less than the minimum distance between the lower region 220 of the contact surface 214a of the first pressure plate and the lower region of the contact surface 214b of the second pressure plate.

[0037] Figure 3 Is included Figure 2 A side front view of the first pressure plate 210a in the compression device 200. Figure 2 In the specific implementation shown, the second pressure plate 210b has the same dimensions as the first pressure plate 210a, which is a mirror image of the first pressure plate in the opposite direction.

[0038] exist Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 214a of the first pressure plate spans a contact surface height H1 (e.g., measured from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 214a adjacent to the bottom plate 204 to the top edge of the first contact surface 214a). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface height H1 of the pressure plate spans the entire height of the pressure plate. However, in other embodiments, the pressure plate 210a may have a height exceeding the contact surface height H1 (e.g., such that the height of the contact surface 214a is less than the height of the pressure plate 210a).

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper region 230 of the first contact surface 214a extends from the top edge of the first contact surface 214a to the junction with the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a. Similarly, the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 214a to the junction with the upper region 230 of the first contact surface 214a.

[0040] like Figure 3 As further depicted, the lower region 220 of the pressure plate spans a height H2, which extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 214a to the bottom of the upper region 230 (e.g., the junction where the lower region 220 intersects the upper region 230). The upper region 230 of the first contact surface (and thus its protrusion 232) spans a height H3, which extends from the top edge of the first contact surface 214a to the top edge of the lower region 220 (e.g., the junction where the upper region 230 intersects the lower region 220).

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the sum of heights H2 and H3 is equal to the pressure plate height H1. In some specific embodiments, the junction of the upper region 230 and the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 214a, which is half or more of the contact surface height H1 (for example, such that the height H2 of the lower region is greater than or equal to half of the contact surface height H1, and the height H3 of the upper region is less than or equal to half of the contact surface height H1).

[0042] exist Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the lower region 220 of the first pressure plate has a plate thickness T1. The upper region 230 of the pressure plate includes a protrusion 232 that extends outwardly relative to the lower region 220 of the pressure plate by a distance T3 (also referred to herein as the protrusion thickness T3). Therefore, the upper region 230 of the pressure plate has a plate thickness T2 (equal to T1 + T3 in the illustrated embodiment).

[0043] like Figure 3As further depicted in the specific embodiment shown, the upper region 230 of the first contact surface 214a has a substantially flat surface profile. Additionally, the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a also has a substantially flat surface profile. As shown... Figure 2 As shown, the contact surfaces 214a and 214b of the first pressure plate 210a and the second pressure plate 210b are also horizontally opposite each other. Furthermore, the upper region 230 and the lower region 220 of the contact surfaces 214a and 214b are parallel to each other.

[0044] In various embodiments, the first contact surface 214a is configured to have a contact surface height H1 between approximately 50 mm and 160 mm. In various embodiments, the first contact surface 214a is configured to have a lower region height H2 between approximately 25 mm and 80 mm. In various embodiments, the first contact surface 214a is configured to have an upper region protrusion height H3 between approximately 25 mm and 80 mm.

[0045] In various embodiments, the lower region 220 of the first pressure plate is configured to have a thickness T1 between approximately 0 mm and 10 mm. In various embodiments, the upper region 230 of the first pressure plate is configured to have a thickness T2 between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm. In various embodiments, the protrusion 232 of the first pressure plate is configured to extend outward from the lower region 220 of the first contact surface 214a by a distance T3 (protrusion thickness) between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm. In one embodiment, the first pressure plate 210a has a contact surface height H1 of 112 mm, a lower region height H2 of 65 mm, an upper region protrusion height H3 of 47 mm, and a protrusion thickness T3 of 12 mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first pressure plate 210a is configured to have a protrusion height aspect ratio that reflects the height of the protrusion 232 relative to the height of the first contact surface 214a. In various embodiments, the protrusion height aspect ratio is defined as the height (H3) of the upper region protrusion 232 divided by the height (H2) of the non-protrusion lower region 220. In various embodiments, the first pressure plate 210a has a protrusion height aspect ratio (H3 / H2) of 1.0 or less. In one embodiment, the first pressure plate 210a has a contact surface height (H1) of 112 mm, a lower region height (H2) of 65 mm, and a protrusion height (H3) of 47 mm, resulting in a protrusion height aspect ratio (H3 / H2) of approximately 0.72. In another embodiment, the first pressure plate 210a has a contact surface height (H1) of 112 mm, a lower region height (H2) of 90 mm, and a protrusion height (H3) of 22 mm, thereby producing a protrusion height aspect ratio (H3 / H2) of approximately 0.24.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first pressure plate 210a is configured to have a protrusion thickness aspect ratio that reflects the thickness (T3) of the protrusion 232 relative to the protrusion height (H3). In various embodiments, the protrusion thickness aspect ratio is defined as the protrusion thickness (T3) divided by the height (H3) of the upper region protrusion 232. In various embodiments, the first pressure plate 210a has a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of 0.25 or greater. In one embodiment, the upper region protrusion 232 of the pressure plate has a height (H3) of 47 mm and a protrusion thickness (T3) of 12 mm, resulting in a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of approximately 0.26. In another embodiment, the upper region protrusion 232 of the first pressure plate has a height (H3) of 47 mm and a protrusion thickness (T3) of 18 mm, resulting in a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of approximately 0.38. In one specific implementation, the upper region protrusion 232 of the first pressure plate has a height (H3) of 72 mm and a protrusion thickness (T3) of 18 mm, thereby producing a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of about 0.25.

[0048] As will be understood from the description herein, the foregoing description of the features and dimensions of the first pressure plate 210a may also be provided in the second pressure plate 210b. For example, in Figure 2 In the specific implementation shown, the second pressure plate 210b has the same dimensions as the first pressure plate 210a, which is a mirror image of the first pressure plate in the opposite direction.

[0049] Various specific embodiments of the pressure plate described herein are adaptable for use with known compression equipment to compress compressible absorbent articles. For example, various specific embodiments of the pressure plate described herein can be used with compression equipment (e.g., the Optima LS stacker) sold by Optima Packaging Ground.

[0050] Methods for compressing compressible absorbent articles

[0051] The compressible absorbent article 100 (e.g., a diaper) is made of an outer material with increased softness and improved hand feel. For example, spunbond meltblown spunbond (SMS) material with increased softness is used as the outer material of the compressible absorbent article 100. Because the softness and hand feel of these outer materials are improved, the coefficient of friction between the compressible absorbent articles 100 is reduced. When the compressible absorbent articles 100 are arranged in a continuous stack, the reduced coefficient of friction results in greater slippage between adjacent compressible absorbent articles 100.

[0052] When the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is compressed during processing (e.g., by a compression device), the reduced coefficient of friction between the articles increases the likelihood that the compressible absorbent articles 100 will become misaligned or displaced, resulting in a loss of stack integrity. For example, during compression, the stack of compressible absorbent articles may bend upwards so severely that the stack separates. In other cases, the compressible absorbent articles 100 may become displaced from the loading zone 202 or otherwise move to become misaligned with each other. When a loss of stack integrity occurs, it may be necessary to stop the compression device to realign or remove the compressible absorbent articles 100, and in some cases, the stack may have become deformed. These scenarios lead to manufacturing delays and waste.

[0053] In various specific implementations, the compression device 200 can be used to implement a method for compressing the compressible absorbent article 100, which improves the maintenance of stack integrity. Figure 4 This is a side front view of a stack of a compression device 200 and a compressible absorbent article 100 according to a specific embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the compression device 200 includes a first pressure plate 210a and a second pressure plate 210b having an upper region 230, the upper region including a protrusion 232 (e.g., as relative to...). Figure 2 and Figure 3 (as shown and described).

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, the compression device 200 is first oriented in the loading position such that the pressure plates 210a and 210b are spaced apart. Next, a plurality of compressible absorbent articles 100 are arranged in a stack (e.g., such that each compressible absorbent article is individually folded and arranged continuously to form a stack). The stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is then positioned in the loading area 202 between the pressure plates 210a and 210b on the base plate 204. In the specific embodiment shown, the compressible absorbent articles 100 are oriented such that their central axis 102 ( Figure 1 As shown) the contact surfaces 214a and 214b are substantially parallel to the pressure plates 210a and 210b, and their minor axes 104 ( Figure 1 (As shown) is substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the pressure plates (e.g., the axis along which the pressure plates 210a, 210b move between the loading position and the compression position). In other words, the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is horizontally oriented between the horizontally opposing contact surfaces 214a, 214b of the first pressure plate 210a and the second pressure plate 210b.

[0055] The pressure plates 210a and 210b then move from the loading position to the compression position. As the pressure plates 210 move laterally toward each other, the compressible absorbent article 100 is engaged by the contact surfaces 214a and 214b of the pressure plates 210a and 210b, and along the short axis 104 parallel to each individual compressible absorbent article 100. Figure 1 It is compressed in the direction shown.

[0056] Figure 5 This is a side front view of the compression device 200, in which the pressure plates 210a and 210b are in the compression position. Figure 5 The directional arrows in the diagram depict the lateral movement of each pressure plate 210a, 210b toward another pressure plate. For example... Figure 5 As shown, pressure plates 210a and 210b apply non-uniform compression to the compressible absorbent article 100.

[0057] In the specific embodiment shown, the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 undergoes greater compression than the lower region of the stack. In the compressed position, the distance D2 between the protrusions 232 of the pressure plates 210 is less than the distance D1 between the lower regions 220 of the pressure plates 210. Therefore, the upper region 230 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b applies a higher compressive force to the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 than the lower region 220. Thus, the pressure plates 210a, 210b apply non-uniform compression to the compressible absorbent articles 100, wherein the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (aligned with the upper region 230 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b) undergoes greater compression than the lower region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (aligned with the lower region 220 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b).

[0058] During compression by the pressure plates 210a and 210b, the length of the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack decreases to the distance D2 between the upper region protrusions 232, while the length of the lower region of the compressible absorbent product stack decreases to the distance D1 between the lower regions 220 of the contact surfaces 214a and 214b. Since D2 is less than D1, when the stack is compressed, the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack will become shorter than the lower region of the compressible absorbent product stack. In other words, as... Figure 5 As shown, the width of the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is smaller than the width of the lower region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100.

[0059] Due to the length difference between the upper and lower regions of the compressible absorbent product stack, the stack will begin to bend along the longer side of the stack. For example... Figure 5As shown, by compressing the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack beyond the lower region (non-uniform compression), the compression device 200 causes the compressible absorbent product stack to bend downward under compression.

[0060] In various specific implementations, causing the compressible absorbent article stack to bend downwards under compression improves the stack integrity during processing. For example, the downward bending of the compressible absorbent article stack (such as...) Figure 5 (As shown) This counteracts any upward forces that may occur when the product stack is misaligned and the compressible absorbent articles 100 slide relative to each other. Therefore, by applying non-uniform compression to induce downward forces in the compressible absorbent article stack, various specific embodiments of the pressure plates 210a, 210b provide more effective maintenance of stack integrity during compression.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, the pressure plates 210a, 210b are configured to have a protrusion 232 that is configured to engage a region of the compressible absorbent article 100. Figure 6 This is a side front view of a first pressure plate 210a positioned adjacent to a compressible absorbent article 100 according to a specific embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the compressible absorbent article 100 is schematically depicted and shown as having a central plane 114 extending through the center of the compressible absorbent article 100. The central plane 114 is parallel to the minor axis 104 and the central axis 102 of the compressible absorbent article (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown). Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, the compressible absorbent article 100 is folded in half and thus has an uncompressed fold height (HF) (e.g., the height when the compressible absorbent article is folded in half, uncompressed, and oriented perpendicular to the base plate 204 of the compression device 200). When the center plane 114 passes through the center of the compressible absorbent article 100, the center plane 114 is located at half the height of the fold height (HF).

[0062] In various specific embodiments, the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 described herein may include multiple folded compressible absorbent articles 100, each folded compressible absorbent article having the same fold height (HF) and being stacked sequentially. Thus, the stack of folded compressible absorbent articles may also have an uncompressed fold height (HF) and an uncompressed stack width (e.g., equal to the width of the folded compressible absorbent articles 100 multiplied by the number of compressible absorbent articles in the stack).

[0063] like Figure 6As shown, the compressible absorbent article 100 is positioned on the base plate 204 of the compression device 200 adjacent to the first pressure plate 210a, for reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plate 210a is configured such that the upper region 230 of its first contact surface 214a (which includes the protrusion 232) is positioned above the central plane 114 of the compressible absorbent article 100. Therefore, when the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is compressed by the pressure plates 210a, 210b, the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (which undergoes greater compression from the upper region 230 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b) lies above the central plane extending through the center of the folded stack of compressible absorbent articles (e.g., the central plane extending through the stack is perpendicular to the center plane of the stack). Figure 6 (The center plane 114 shown is the same). In various specific embodiments, the pressure plates 210a, 210b may be configured such that the upper region 230 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b is located at or above the center plane 114 (e.g., at or above half or more of the folding height (HF)).

[0064] After the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 has been compressed between pressure plates 210a and 210b, the compression device 200 pushes the compressed stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 out of the loading zone 202. For example, in some embodiments, the compression device 200 pushes the compressed stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 out of the loading zone 202 in the processing direction (e.g., out of the plane shown in the figure after the compression process) for packaging. In some embodiments, the compressed stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is then placed into a flexible container (e.g., a flexible, sealed plastic bag that holds the compressible absorbent articles 100 in their compressed form).

[0065] Additional pressure plates and compression equipment construction

[0066] Various additional specific implementations of the compression equipment and its use may also include an additional pressure plate structure that provides non-uniform compression of the compressible absorbent article 100.

[0067] Figure 7 This is a side front view of the first pressure plate 710a according to another specific embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, the first pressure plate 710a includes a first contact surface 714a having a lower region 720, an upper region 730, and a middle region 725. The middle region 725 is positioned between the lower region 720 and the upper region 730. The upper region 730 includes a protrusion 732 when the first pressure plate 710a is used to compress the device 700 (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion extends inward into the loading area 202.

[0068] like Figure 7As shown, the first contact surface 714a has a contact surface height H1 (e.g., measured from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 714a adjacent to the bottom plate of the compression device to the top edge of the first contact surface 714a). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 714a of the pressure plate spans the entire height of the pressure plate. However, in other embodiments, the pressure plate 710 may have a height exceeding the height (H1) of the first contact surface 714a.

[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the lower region 720 of the first contact surface spans a height H2, which extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 714a to the bottom edge of the intermediate region 725 (e.g., the junction where the lower region 720 intersects the intermediate region 725). The intermediate region 725 of the first contact surface spans a height H4, which extends from the top edge of the bottom region 720 (e.g., the junction where the lower region 720 intersects the intermediate region 725) to the bottom edge of the upper region 730 (e.g., the junction where the upper region 730 intersects the intermediate region 725). The upper region 730 of the first contact surface (and thus the protrusion 732) spans a height H3, which extends from the top edge of the first contact surface 714a to the top of the intermediate region 725 (e.g., the junction where the upper region 730 intersects the intermediate region 725).

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the sum of heights H2, H4, and H3 is equal to the pressure plate height H1. In some specific embodiments, the junction of the upper region 730 and the middle region 725 of the first contact surface 214a is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface 214a, which is half or more of the contact surface height H1 (for example, such that the sum of the height H2 of the lower region and the height H4 of the middle region (i.e., H2 + H4) is greater than or equal to half of the contact surface height H1, and the height H3 of the upper region is less than or equal to half of the contact surface height H1).

[0071] exist Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the lower region 720 of the first pressure plate has a plate thickness T1. The upper region 730 of the first pressure plate includes a protrusion 732 that extends outwardly relative to the lower region 720 of the pressure plate by a distance T3 (also referred to herein as the protrusion thickness T3). Therefore, the upper region 730 of the pressure plate has a plate thickness T2 (equal to T1 + T3 in the illustrated embodiment).

[0072] like Figure 7As shown, the middle region 725 of the pressure plate has a variable plate thickness. The bottom of the middle region 725 has a plate thickness T1 equal to the thickness of the lower region 720 (e.g., at the junction of the middle region 725 and the lower region 720). The plate thickness of the middle region 725 gradually increases as it approaches the upper region 730, such that the top of the middle region 725 has a plate thickness T2 equal to the thickness of the upper region 730 (e.g., at the junction of the middle region 725 and the upper region 730). Therefore, the middle region 725 has a gradually increasing plate thickness, which increases from T1 to T2 between the lower region 720 and the upper region 730.

[0073] In the specific embodiment shown, the surface profile of the first contact surface 714a is substantially flat in both the upper region 730 and the lower region 720. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the contact surfaces 714a and 714b of the first pressure plate 710a and the second pressure plate 710b are also horizontally opposite each other. Figure 8 In the specific implementation shown, the upper region 730 and the lower region 720 of the contact surfaces 214a and 214b are therefore parallel to each other.

[0074] In the intermediate region 725, the surface profile of the first contact surface 714a is curved. For example, in Figure 7 In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate region 725 defines a curved surface (e.g., having an S-shape or S-shaped cross-section). In other embodiments, the intermediate region 725 may define a curved surface having an arcuate shape or a curve with a constant radius. In other embodiments, the intermediate region 725 may be defined by an angled flat surface.

[0075] In various embodiments, the first contact surface 714a is configured to have a contact surface height H1 between approximately 50 mm and 160 mm. In various embodiments, the first contact surface 714a is configured to have a lower region height H2 between approximately 0 mm and 10 mm. In various embodiments, the first contact surface 714a is configured to have an upper region protrusion height H3 between approximately 5 mm and 80 mm. In various embodiments, the first contact surface 714a is configured to have an intermediate region height H4 between approximately 45 mm and 155 mm.

[0076] In various embodiments, the lower region 720 of the pressure plate is configured to have a thickness T1 between approximately 0 mm and 10 mm. In various embodiments, the upper region 730 of the pressure plate is configured to have a thickness T2 between approximately 5 mm and 20 mm. In various embodiments, the protrusion 732 of the pressure plate is configured to extend outward relative to the lower region portion of the contact surface 714a by a distance T3 (protrusion thickness) between approximately 5 mm and 25 mm. In one embodiment, the first contact surface 714a has a contact surface height H1 of 112 mm, a lower region height H2 of 5 mm, an upper region protrusion height H3 of 20 mm, a middle region height H4 of 87 mm, and a protrusion thickness T3 of 25 mm.

[0077] In some embodiments, the pressure plate 710 is configured to have a protrusion height aspect ratio that reflects the height of the protrusion 732 relative to the height of the contact surface 714. In various embodiments, the protrusion height aspect ratio is defined as: the height (H3) of the upper region protrusion 732 divided by the sum of the height (H2) of the lower region (non-protrusion) and the height (H4) of the middle region 725 (fewer protrusions). In various embodiments, the pressure plate 710 has a protrusion height aspect ratio of 1.0 or less (H3 / (H2+H4)). In one embodiment, the pressure plate 710 has a contact surface height (H1) of 112 mm, a lower region height (H2) of 5 mm, a middle region height (H4) of 60 mm, and a protrusion height (H3) of 47 mm, resulting in a protrusion height aspect ratio of approximately 0.72 (H3 / (H2+H4)).

[0078] In some embodiments, the pressure plate 710 is configured to have a protrusion thickness aspect ratio that reflects the thickness (T3) of the protrusion 732 relative to the protrusion height (H3). In various embodiments, the protrusion thickness aspect ratio is defined as the protrusion thickness (T3) divided by the height (H3) of the upper region protrusion 732. In various embodiments, the pressure plate 710 has a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of 0.06 or greater. In one embodiment, the upper region protrusion 732 of the pressure plate has a height (H3) of 20 mm and a protrusion thickness (T3) of 25 mm, resulting in a protrusion thickness aspect ratio (T3 / H3) of approximately 1.25.

[0079] As will be understood from the description herein, the foregoing description of the features and dimensions of the first pressure plate 710a may also be provided in the second pressure plate 710b. For example, in Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the specific embodiment shown, the second pressure plate 710b has the same dimensions as the first pressure plate 710a, which is a mirror image of the first pressure plate in the opposite direction.

[0080] Figure 8This is a side front view of a compression device 700 according to a specific embodiment. The compression device 700 has the features of the compression device 200 described herein, but uses pressure plates 710a, 710b with alternative contact surfaces. Therefore, the compression device 700 includes a first pressure plate 710a and a second pressure plate 710b. The two pressure plates 710a, 710b are spaced apart and configured to compress a plurality of compressible absorbent articles 100 positioned between the pressure plates 710a, 710b.

[0081] The inner surfaces of pressure plates 710a and 710b respectively define a first contact surface 714a and a second contact surface 714b. In various specific embodiments, pressure plates 710a and 710b each have a relative... Figure 7 The dimensions and features of the first pressure plate 710a are shown and described. (See from...) Figure 8 Understandably, the second pressure plate 710b has the same dimensions as the first pressure plate 710a, which is a mirror image of the first pressure plate in the opposite direction.

[0082] Pressure plates 710a and 710b are configured to move laterally between a loading position and a compression position. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the pressure plates 710a, 710b and their corresponding contact surfaces 714a, 714b are oriented such that they are horizontally opposite each other. Figure 8 The pressure plates 710a and 710b are shown in the loaded position, wherein the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is disposed between contact surfaces 714a and 714b.

[0083] like Figure 8 As shown, contact surfaces 714a and 714b are oriented as mirror images of each other, such that the protrusion 732 of each pressure plate extends into the loading area in the direction of the opposing contact surfaces 714a and 714b. Figures 7 to 9In the specific embodiments shown, in both the loading and compression positions, the distance between the upper regions 730 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b is less than the distance between the middle regions 725 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b, and the distance between the middle regions 725 of the contact surfaces is less than the distance between the lower regions 720 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b. In various specific embodiments, in both the loading and compression positions, the minimum distance between the upper region 730 of the first contact surface 714a and the upper region 730 of the second contact surface 714b is less than the minimum distance between the middle regions 725 of the first contact surface 714a and the middle regions 725 of the second contact surface 714b. Furthermore, in both the loading and compression positions, the minimum distance between the middle regions 725 of the first contact surface 714a and the middle regions 725 of the second contact surface 714b is less than the minimum distance between the lower regions 720 of the first contact surface 714a and the lower regions 720 of the second contact surface 714b. In some specific implementations, in both the loading position and the compression position, the maximum distance between the upper region 730 of the first contact surface 714a and the upper region 730 of the second contact surface 714b is less than the minimum distance between the middle region 725 of the first contact surface 714a and the middle region 725 of the second contact surface 714b, and the maximum distance between the middle region 725 of the first contact surface 714a and the middle region 725 of the second contact surface 714b is less than the minimum distance between the lower region 720 of the first contact surface 714a and the lower region 720 of the second contact surface 714b.

[0084] Figure 9 This is a side front view of the compression device 700, showing the pressure plates 710a and 710b in the compression position. Figure 9 The directional arrows in the diagram depict the lateral movement of each pressure plate 710a, 710b toward another pressure plate. For example... Figure 9 As shown, contact surfaces 714a and 714b engage the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 and apply non-uniform compression to them.

[0085] like Figure 9As depicted, the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 experiences greater compression than the middle and lower regions of the stack. In the compressed position, the distance between the protrusions 732 of the contact surfaces 714a, 714b is smaller than the distance between the middle region 725 and the lower region 720 of the contact surfaces 714a, 714b. Therefore, the upper region 730 of the contact surfaces 714a, 714b exerts a higher compressive force on the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 than the middle region 725 and the lower region 720. In this way, the pressure plates 710a and 710b apply non-uniform compression to the compressible absorbent article 100, wherein the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (aligned with the upper region 730 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b) undergoes greater compression than the middle and lower regions of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (aligned with the middle region 725 and the lower region 720 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b).

[0086] During compression by the pressure plates 710a and 710b, the length of the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack decreases to the distance between the upper region protrusions 732, the length of the middle region of the compressible absorbent product stack decreases to the distance between the middle regions 725 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b, and the length of the lower region of the compressible absorbent product stack decreases to the distance between the lower regions 720 of the contact surfaces 714a and 714b. Therefore, when the stack is compressed, the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack becomes shorter than the middle and lower regions of the compressible absorbent product stack. In other words, as... Figure 9 As shown, the width of the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100 is smaller than the width of the middle and lower regions of the stack of compressible absorbent articles 100.

[0087] Due to the length difference between the upper and middle / lower regions of the compressible absorbent product stack, the stack will begin to bend along the longer side of the stack. For example... Figure 9 As shown, by compressing the upper region of the compressible absorbent product stack beyond the middle / lower region (non-uniform compression), the compression device 700 causes the compressible absorbent product stack to bend downwards under compression. (As mentioned above...) Figure 5 As discussed, this downward bending of the stack provides a more effective maintenance of stack integrity during compression.

[0088] In some specific embodiments, the pressure plates 710a, 710b are configured to have a protrusion 232 that is configured to engage a region of the compressible absorbent article 100. Figure 10 It is adjacent to have relative Figure 6A side front view of the first pressure plate 710a in which the compressible absorbent article 100 is positioned, as described above. Thus, the compressible absorbent article 100 is schematically depicted as having a central plane 114 and an uncompressed folded height (HF). The central plane 114 is located at half the height of the folded height (HF) when it passes through the center of the compressible absorbent article 100.

[0089] like Figure 10 As shown, the compressible absorbent article 100 is positioned on the base plate 204 of the compression device 700 adjacent to the first pressure plate 710a, for reference. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plate 710a is configured such that the upper region 730 of its first contact surface 214a (which includes the protrusion 732) is positioned above the central plane 114 of the compressible absorbent article 100. Therefore, when the stack of compressible absorbent articles is compressed by the pressure plates 710a, 710b, the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles (which undergoes greater compression from the upper region 730 of the contact surfaces 714a, 714b) lies above the central plane extending through the center of the folded stack of compressible absorbent articles (e.g., the central plane extending through the stack is perpendicular to the center plane of the stack). Figure 6 (The center plane 114 shown is the same). In various specific embodiments, the pressure plates 710a, 710b may be configured such that the upper region 730 of the contact surfaces 714a, 714b is located at or above the center plane 114 (e.g., at or above half or more of the folding height (HF)).

[0090] Example

[0091] To further illustrate the principles of this disclosure, the following embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0092] The stack of compressible absorbent articles is compressed under different conditions using a compression device. A reference is used. Figures 2 to 5 The conventional compression device with features shown and described in the compression device 200. The pressure plates 210a and 210b of the compression device are configured such that the distance D2 between the contact surfaces 214a and 214b of the pressure plates (measured at the minimum distance between the protrusions 232) is 456 mm in the loading position and 160 mm in the compression position.

[0093] The compression device 200 was used in nine different configurations. Tests were conducted on pressure plates 210a and 210b with three different protrusion thicknesses (T3): 6 mm, 12 mm, and 18 mm. For each protrusion thickness (T3), pressure plates 210a and 210b were configured with lower region heights (H2) of 40 mm, 65 mm, and 90 mm, respectively.

[0094] The compression device 200 is loaded with Huggies having a spunbond meltblown spunbond outer material. ® Snug & Dry ™ The diapers are stacked. All loaded diapers are size 4 with a fold height (HF) of 112 mm. When using pressure plates 210a and 210b with a protrusion thickness (T3) of 6 mm, a stack of 35 diapers is loaded into the compression device 200. When using pressure plates 210a and 210b with a protrusion thickness (T3) of 12 mm, a stack of 34 diapers is loaded into the compression device 200. When using pressure plates 210a and 210b with a protrusion thickness (T3) of 18 mm, a stack of 33 diapers is loaded into the compression device 200.

[0095] In each of the nine test configurations, when pressure plates 210a and 210b are in the loading position ( Figure 4 Move to the compression position ( Figure 5 During compression, the diaper stack is compressed. After compression, the integrity of the diaper stack is evaluated. When the diapers remain aligned in a single stack under compression, the result is rated as "CSI," meaning complete stack integrity. When the diapers are partially misaligned within the stack under compression, the result is rated as "PSI," meaning partial stack integrity. When the diaper stack loses integrity (e.g., due to one or more diapers blowing out of the stack under compression), the result is rated as "LSI," meaning loss of stack integrity. Table 1 shows the test results for each of the nine configurations.

[0096] Table 1

[0097]

[0098] *CSI = Complete stack integrity maintained under compression

[0099] *PSI = Partial Stack Integrity Retained Under Compression

[0100] *LSI = Stack integrity loss under compression

[0101] As reflected in the results shown in Table 1, complete stack integrity was maintained in all examples where the protrusion thickness (T3) was 18 mm. In other words, the stack of absorbent compressible articles remained intact under compression even when the protrusion 232 extended 18 mm beyond the lower region 220 of the contact surfaces 214a, 214b.

[0102] When the protrusion thickness (T3) is reduced to 12 mm, full stacking integrity is maintained at a lower region height (H2) of 65 mm, and partial stacking integrity is maintained at a lower region height (H2) of 90 mm. However, when the lower region height (H2) is reduced to 40 mm, the 12 mm protrusion thickness results in a loss of stacking integrity. For the test diaper under compression, the fold height (HF) is 112 mm, thus the diaper has a center plane 114 located at a height of 56 mm. Therefore, with the upper region protrusion 232 of the pressure plates 210a, 210b positioned above the center plane 114 of the diaper (i.e., a lower region height H2 of 56 mm or greater), the compression device exhibits improved retention of stacking integrity.

[0103] In various specific implementations, a thinner protrusion thickness (T3) can improve the aesthetic appearance of the compressed absorbent article (e.g., by reducing creases or other physical deformations of the compressible absorbent article) compared to a thicker protrusion thickness. Therefore, the results in Table 1 show that a thinner protrusion thickness (T3) can be used when the upper region protrusion 232 is positioned above the center plane of the folded compressible absorbent article, while still maintaining stack integrity under compression.

[0104] in conclusion

[0105] For the purposes of this description, certain advantages and novel features of various aspects and configurations of this disclosure are described herein. The described methods, systems, and apparatus should not be construed as limiting in any way. Rather, this disclosure relates to all novel and non-obvious features and aspects of the various disclosed aspects, individually and in various combinations and sub-combinations with each other. The disclosed methods, systems, and apparatus are not limited to any particular aspect, feature, or combination thereof, nor do they require any one or more particular advantages or problems solved.

[0106] Although the accompanying drawings and descriptions may show a specific order of method steps, the order of these steps may differ from the order depicted and described unless otherwise stated above. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. For example, such variations may depend on the chosen software and hardware system and the designer's choices. All such variations are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, the software implementation of the described method may employ standard programming techniques, utilizing rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0107] All steps of the features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings) and / or any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except that at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive combinations. The claimed features extend to any novel features or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any appended claims, abstract, and drawings), or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps in any method or process so disclosed.

[0108] All means or steps plus functional elements in the appended claims are intended to include any structure, material, action, and equivalent for performing functions in combination with other claimed elements of the specific claims. The description is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0109] Example Implementation

[0110] For convenience, various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described below. These embodiments are provided as examples and do not limit the subject matter.

[0111] Example 1: An apparatus for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles, the apparatus comprising: a first pressure plate having a first contact surface for engaging the stack of compressible absorbent articles, the first contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; a second pressure plate having a second contact surface for engaging the stack of compressible absorbent articles, the second contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; wherein the position of the first pressure plate relative to the second pressure plate is adjustable between a loading position and a compression position, such that the first contact surface is closer to the second contact surface in the compression position than in the loading position; and wherein, in both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

[0112] Example 2: According to the device described in Example 1, the maximum distance between the upper region of the contact surface of the first pressure plate and the upper region of the contact surface of the second pressure plate is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the contact surface of the first pressure plate and the contact surface of the second pressure plate.

[0113] Example 3: The device according to Example 1, wherein the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are each configured to move toward and away from each other between the loading position and the compression position.

[0114] Example 4: The device according to Example 1, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface extends from the top edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the first contact surface, and the lower region of the first contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the upper region of the first contact surface; and wherein the upper region of the second contact surface extends from the top edge of the second contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the second contact surface, and the lower region of the second contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the second contact surface to a junction with the upper region of the second contact surface.

[0115] Example 5: According to the device of Example 4, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface each span the height of the contact surface; wherein the junction of the upper region and the lower region of the first contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface; and wherein the junction of the upper region and the lower region of the second contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the second contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface.

[0116] Example 6: The device according to Example 5, wherein the height of the contact surface is between about 50 mm and 160 mm.

[0117] Example 7: According to the device of Example 6, the height of the upper region of the first contact surface from the top edge of the first contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the first contact surface is between about 25 mm and 80 mm; and the height of the upper region of the second contact surface from the top edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the second contact surface is between about 25 mm and 80 mm.

[0118] Example 8: The device according to Example 1, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface is substantially flat, and the upper region of the second contact surface is substantially flat.

[0119] Example 9: The device according to Example 8, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are horizontally opposite each other; and wherein the upper region of the first contact surface is parallel to the upper region of the second contact surface.

[0120] Example 10: The device according to Example 9, wherein the first contact surface further defines an intermediate region between its upper and lower regions; wherein the second contact surface defines an intermediate region between its upper and lower regions; wherein, in both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the intermediate region of the first contact surface and the intermediate region of the second contact surface; and wherein, in both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the intermediate region of the first contact surface and the intermediate region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

[0121] Example 11: The device according to Example 10, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface extends from the top edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the first contact surface, the middle region of the first contact surface extends from the junction with the upper region of the first contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the first contact surface, and the lower region of the first contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the first contact surface; and wherein the upper region of the second contact surface extends from the top edge of the second contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the second contact surface, the middle region of the second contact surface extends from the junction with the upper region of the second contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the second contact surface, and the lower region of the second contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the second contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the second contact surface.

[0122] Example 12: The device according to Example 11, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface each span the height of the contact surface; wherein the junction of the upper region and the middle region of the first contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface; and wherein the junction of the upper region and the middle region of the second contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the second contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface.

[0123] Example 13: The device according to Example 10, wherein the intermediate region of the first contact surface has a curved surface profile, and the intermediate region of the second contact surface has a curved surface profile.

[0124] Example 14: A method for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles, the method comprising the steps of: providing a compression device including a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate; positioning the stack of compressible absorbent articles between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate; and moving at least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of compressible absorbent articles, wherein the upper region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles is subjected to greater compression than the lower region of the stack of compressible absorbent articles.

[0125] Example 15: According to the method of Example 14, the width of the upper region of the stack of compressed absorbent articles is smaller than the width of the lower region of the stack of compressed absorbent articles.

[0126] Example 16: According to the method of Example 14, the stack of the compressible absorbent articles comprises a plurality of folded absorbent articles stacked continuously and each having a fold height; and the upper region of the stack of the compressible absorbent articles is located above a central plane that extends through the center of the folded compressible absorbent articles at a height of half or more of the fold height.

[0127] Example 17: According to the method of Example 14, wherein the first pressure plate has a first contact surface for engaging the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the first contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; wherein the second pressure plate has a second contact surface for engaging the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the second contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; wherein the step of moving at least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of the compressible absorbent articles includes moving the contact surfaces of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate toward each other to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of the compressible absorbent articles.

[0128] Example 18: According to the method of Example 17, the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface exert greater compression on the stack of the compressible absorbent articles than the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

[0129] Example 19: According to the method of Example 14, the non-uniform compression applied to the stack of the compressible absorbent article causes the stack to bend downward under compression.

[0130] Example 20: The method according to Example 14 further includes the step of placing the stack of the compressed absorbent articles into a flexible container.

Claims

1. An apparatus for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles, the apparatus comprising: A first pressure plate having a first contact surface for engaging the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the first contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; A second pressure plate having a second contact surface for engaging the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the second contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; The position of the first pressure plate relative to the second pressure plate can be adjusted between a loading position and a compression position, such that the first contact surface is closer to the second contact surface in the compression position than in the loading position; and In both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the maximum distance between the upper region of the contact surface of the first pressure plate and the upper region of the contact surface of the second pressure plate is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the contact surface of the first pressure plate and the contact surface of the second pressure plate.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are each configured to move toward and away from each other between the loading position and the compression position.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface extends from the top edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the first contact surface, and the lower region of the first contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the upper region of the first contact surface; and The upper region of the second contact surface extends from the top edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the second contact surface, and the lower region of the second contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the upper region of the second contact surface.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface each span the height of the contact surface; The junction of the upper and lower regions of the first contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface; and The junction of the upper and lower regions of the second contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the second contact surface, and the height is half or more of the height of the contact surface.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the height of the contact surface is between about 50 mm and 160 mm.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the height of the upper region of the first contact surface from the top edge of the first contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the first contact surface is between about 25 mm and 80 mm; and The height of the upper region of the second contact surface from the top edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the second contact surface is between approximately 25 mm and 80 mm.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface is substantially flat, and the upper region of the second contact surface is substantially flat.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are horizontally opposite each other; and The upper region of the first contact surface is parallel to the upper region of the second contact surface.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the first contact surface further defines an intermediate region between its upper region and lower region; The second contact surface defines an intermediate region between its upper region and lower region; in, In both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the middle region of the first contact surface and the middle region of the second contact surface. and In both the loading position and the compression position, the minimum distance between the middle region of the first contact surface and the middle region of the second contact surface is less than the minimum distance between the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface extends from the top edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the first contact surface, the middle region of the first contact surface extends from the junction with the upper region of the first contact surface to a junction with the lower region of the first contact surface, and the lower region of the first contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the first contact surface to a junction with the middle region of the first contact surface; and The upper region of the second contact surface extends from the top edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the middle region of the second contact surface, the middle region of the second contact surface extends from the junction with the upper region of the second contact surface to the junction with the lower region of the second contact surface, and the lower region of the second contact surface extends from the bottom edge of the second contact surface to the junction with the middle region of the second contact surface.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface each span the height of the contact surface; The junction of the upper region and the middle region of the first contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the first contact surface, the height being half or more of the height of the contact surface; and The junction of the upper region and the middle region of the second contact surface is located at a certain height from the bottom edge of the second contact surface, and the height is half or more of the height of the contact surface.

13. The device of claim 10, wherein the intermediate region of the first contact surface has a curved surface profile, and the intermediate region of the second contact surface has a curved surface profile.

14. A method for compressing a stack of compressible absorbent articles, the method comprising the steps of: A compression device including a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate is provided; The stack of the compressible absorbent articles is positioned between the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate; as well as At least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate is moved to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, wherein the upper region of the stack of the compressible absorbent articles is subjected to greater compression than the lower region of the stack of the compressible absorbent articles.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the width of the upper region of the stack of compressed absorbent articles is smaller than the width of the lower region of the stack of compressed absorbent articles.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the stack of the compressible absorbent articles comprises a plurality of folded absorbent articles stacked sequentially and each having a fold height; and The upper region of the stack of the compressible absorbent articles is located above a central plane that extends through the center of the folded compressible absorbent article at a height of half or more of the fold height.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first pressure plate has a first contact surface for engaging the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the first contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; The second pressure plate has a second contact surface for joining the stack of the compressible absorbent articles, the second contact surface defining an upper region and a lower region; The step of moving at least one of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of the compressible absorbent articles includes moving the contact surfaces of the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate toward each other to apply non-uniform compression to the stack of the compressible absorbent articles.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the upper region of the first contact surface and the upper region of the second contact surface exert greater compression on the stack of the compressible absorbent articles than the lower region of the first contact surface and the lower region of the second contact surface.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the non-uniform compression applied to the stack of the compressible absorbent article causes the stack to bend downward under compression.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of placing the stack of the compressed absorbent articles into a flexible container.

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