Accordion folded absorbent article

Abstract

A method of folding a disposable absorbent article, such as a wipe, includes forming a number, greater than two, of folds in an accordion-like manner, the folds being spaced between opposing end edges. The absorbent article may be attached to other similarly disposed absorbent articles having a line of weakness extending between each pair of adjacent absorbent articles. The accordion folded absorbent articles can be rolled into a toroidal configuration for disposition within a cylindrical container, such as a cylindrical vacuum-packed diaper kit.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 907,333, filed Mar. 29, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which application is: (1) a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 665,169, filed Sep. 18, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, and which application is a nonprovisional of and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 451,433, filed Mar. 4, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (2) a nonprovisional application of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 60 / 660,792, filed on Mar. 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, the '169 Application published on Sep. 9, 2004, as patent application Publication No. US 2004 / 0176735 A1, which publication also is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] The present invent...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a packaged diaper that requires a relatively small amount of storage space. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a diaper and related accessory kit that consumes a relatively small amount of space while providing s

Problems solved by technology

Individuals incapable of controlling the release of bodily waste in a manner sufficiently reliable to enable the use of restroom facilities, and those caring for such individuals, typically need to carry extra disposable diapers and changing accessories.

This is typically because it is difficult to predict when a diaper worn by an individual may need to be changed.

Storage and carriage of clean diapers is often inconvenient.

For instance, disposable diapers are generally rather bulky items not given to easy storage or carriage in a purse, pocket, or otherwise about the person.

In addition, the problem can be acerbated in that diapers can be subject to expansion from the typically somewhat compressed state in which they are normally provided to consumers, especially in circumstances where the diapers are subject to contact with other items within a storage bag.

However, after being removed from their original packaging, bi-fold diapers often unfold or otherwise expand to consume an even larger storage space.

Thus, disposable diapers can become more bulky and difficult to carry than when in their nominal,

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