APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STORING TAMPONS

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for packing, in particular packing in individual primary packages, digital tampons (100). The apparatus (1) comprises a first folding element (5) for forming a strip-like packaging material (116) to a substantially tubular wrapper (110') for tampons (100). The apparatus also comprises a first conveyor (2) for conveying individual tampons (100) in a direction of conveyance (A) into the folding element (5) in such a fashion that the tampons (100), upon leaving the folding element, are covered about their longitudinal axis by the substantially tubular wrapper (110') for tampons (100). The apparatus further comprises a separation element (10.1, 10.2) for separating individual covered tampons (100). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

1 / 40 APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STORING TAMPONS

[001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging, in particular for individual packaging of tampons, as well as to a corresponding method for packaging, in particular for individual packaging of tampons, each in accordance with the preambles of the independent claims. BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

[002] Tampons, according to the present invention, refer to hygienic products used by women to absorb menstrual blood. Commonly, tampons are inserted with a finger or with an insertion device, called an applicator. Tampons that must be inserted with a finger are also called digital tampons and are individually wrapped for sanitary and practical reasons. In the market, transparent plastic films that wrap the tampon to prevent the entry of moisture and dirt have prevailed for the packaging of tampons. As tampons are appropriately adapted to absorb moisture and are therefore highly hygroscopic, special attention must be paid to the packaging of the tampon.

[003] As tampons, particularly digital tampons, are mass-produced as consumer goods in large quantities, efforts are being made to increase production quantities as much as possible, as measured, for example, in units manufactured per minute. Devices and methods for continuous manufacturing, such as those shown, for example, in document WO2019 / 186325A1, are capable of significantly increasing the throughput of production lines. The means to achieve Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 9 / 69 2 / 40 The object of the invention shown herein describes continuously operating transfer stations that transfer tampons and preforms continuously between machining drums, without any stop-and-go movements. Such machines not only require less maintenance effort to operate, but they also allow for continuous scaling and control of throughput. Consequently, there is a need for downstream processing devices, particularly for packaging, especially for individual packaging of tampons, that are capable of keeping up with the high throughput figures.

[004] In well-known methods, the packaging of tampons is carried out by obliquely wrapping a film around the longitudinal extent of the tampon. In document EP3165471B1, such a method is described, in which a strip of film is wrapped around retention means, the strip enclosing the tampon. The method comprises a wrapping step, in which the film is moved radially around the longitudinal extent of the tampon. In order to be wrapped by such method, the tampons must be shipped in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the tampons. Furthermore, the tampons must be individually introduced into a packaging apparatus which, obviously, operates in a discreet manner.

[005] Therefore, there is a need for devices and methods to increase yield during packaging, in particular during the individual packaging of tampons, in particular digital tampons.

[006] The packaging is ideally designed in such a way as to ensure that the hygroscopic, compressed tampon retains its shape and its shape completely or substantially completely. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 10 / 69 3 / 40 water absorption capacity during the packaging stage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to overcome at least one of the shortcomings of the known prior art. In particular, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a previously mentioned apparatus and a previously mentioned method, respectively, that are capable of keeping pace with the continuous scaling up of tampon production in the upstream process, i.e., for example, with the wrapping and compression of tampon raw pieces. Another particularly preferred objective of the present invention is to provide a corresponding method that enables the individual packaging and conditioning of tampons, respectively, while meeting the high sanitary requirements during tampon production.

[008] At least one of these objectives was achieved with a packaging apparatus, in particular for individual packaging of tampons, according to the characterization portion of the independent claims and the characterization portion of the independent method claims.

[009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a packaging apparatus, in particular for the individual packaging of tampons. The apparatus, according to the invention, comprises a first folding member for forming a continuous sheet-type packaging material in a substantially tubular packaging strip for tampons. The apparatus further comprises a first conveying device for conveying individual tampons in a conveying direction into the folding member, such that the tampons are wrapped by the substantially tubular packaging strip for tampons around its geo-axis. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 11 / 69 4 / 40 metric longitudinal length as they exit the folding member. The apparatus, according to the invention, further comprises a partitioning member for separating individual wrapped tampons.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the folding member is configured to form the continuous sheet-type packaging material into a substantially tubular continuous packaging strip for tampons. In this sense, a substantially tubular continuous packaging strip can be a substantially tubular packaging strip not cut to the correct length. Cutting to the correct length can, for example, be carried out in a downstream step in the transport direction.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, the formation of a continuous sheet-type packaging material can be understood as described above, insofar as a continuous sheet-type packaging material, which in particular can be supplied in the form of a continuous strip, is curved around an absorbent insert that is to be packaged. For this purpose, for example, two longitudinal edges can be joined in such a way that, for example, a substantially tubular packaging strip is formed.

[0012] In one particular embodiment, a partitioning member may be understood as being a singularizing member. In doing so, an individual unit resulting from an absorbent pad and a strip section of continuous sheet-type packaging material, which has been formed into a substantially tubular packaging strip around the absorbent pad, may be separated from the continuous strip by cutting, for example. In this way, a tubular portion is formed, for example, including an absorbent pad wrapped around said tubular portion.

[0013] In one particular form, the transposing device Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 12 / 69 5 / 40 te, in particular the first transport device, is configured to transport the internal absorbents in a direction coaxial to its longitudinal geometric axis. In a particularly preferred mode, the transport is carried out with uniform orientation, i.e., the internal absorbents are placed in the transport device in a specific orientation.

[0014] Tampons are generally substantially cylindrical preforms made of an absorbent fiber material that has a tapered distal end and a proximal end. Common tampons also have a removal cord extending from the proximal end which, in use, serves to remove the inserted tampon once again.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, individual packaging or packing can be understood as the primary packaging of tampons, in particular digital tampons. It is clear that additional packaging and packing steps, such as packaging in boxes, bags or other sales or transport units, may be subsequently provided for.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, the first transport device is a linear transport device for transporting individual internal absorbents in a transport direction in a transport foreground.

[0017] The device, according to the invention, allows for the continuous packaging of tampons and provides a perfectly scalable tampon packaging apparatus capable of meeting high sanitary standards. In this way, tampons can be shipped along their longitudinal geometric axis, making an additional reorientation step unnecessary. Transport along the longitudinal geometric axis also allows for the provision of the packaging strip, in this example, the material of Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 13 / 69 6 / 40 continuous sheet type packaging, like a continuous sheet that can be partitioned or separated, respectively, after the wrapping of an individual tampon is completed.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a second transport device for transporting the tubular packaging strip for tampons with the tampons wrapped around it away from the folding member.

[0019] One advantage of this second transport device is that a conductor per inner absorbent can be omitted and transport can be effected by transporting the tubular packaging material, and thus the inner absorbent wrapped in it can be transported at the same time. Preferably, the second transport device includes at least one dispatch belt. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second transport device includes at least two dispatch belts arranged opposite each other, such that the tubular packaging strip with the inner absorbents inside is substantially confined by the dispatch belts. This can be advantageous because the inner absorbents also retain their shape within the strip, just as the tubular strip retains its folded shape until an overlapping region is sealed.

[0020] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention further comprises a feeder for feeding, in particular continuous feeding of continuous sheet type packaging material.

[0021] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one first sealing member for materially joining, in a preferred manner, an overlapping region of the substantially tubular packaging strip.

[0022] In a particularly preferred manner, the first sealing member serves to join in a thermal and / or a way Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 14 / 69 7 / 40 mechanical, in particular in a thermomechanical way, a substantially tubular overlapping region of the packaging strip. Preferably, it is a thermal unit for the thermal joining of a substantially tubular overlapping region of the packaging strip. Alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may comprise an ultrasonic unit for the ultrasound-induced sealing of a substantially tubular overlapping region of the packaging strip. Furthermore, alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member is a means for applying mechanical pressure to mechanically join a substantially tubular overlapping region of the packaging strip. Furthermore, alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may comprise a laser unit for the laser-induced sealing of a substantially tubular overlapping region of the packaging strip by applying energy over the overlapping region.One advantage of these alternative and / or additional sealing members is that energy can be precisely targeted over the overlapping region that needs to be joined.

[0023] In addition, in particular, the first sealing member is adjusted by controlling at least one parameter of temperature, pressure and duration of energy application to materially join an overlapping region of the substantially tubular packing strip, such that the energy applied is only sufficient to generate the material join without substantially affecting the wrapped inner absorbent.

[0024] Alternatively and / or additionally, a sealing member may be omitted and the continuous sheet-type packaging material is provided with an adhesive region that enters into a material joint with the other corresponding edge side of the tubular packaging material in the overlap region. To this end, in a particular embodiment Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 15 / 69 8 / 40 cular, a first sealing member may be provided that applies mechanical pressure to the overlapping region, thereby enabling the material bonding of an adhesive-treated region.

[0025] Alternatively and / or additionally, the material can be made adhesive by means of a solvent in the overlapping region, for example, by spraying a suitable solvent over an overlapping region, the solvent causing the plastic to become adhesive and materially joining it by compressing the overlapping region by means of a first sealing member.

[0026] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The second sealing member enables the sealing of the substantially tubular packaging strip in a two-stage sealing step. In this way, a particularly dense packaging of the internal absorbent can be achieved, for example, and thus better protect it against the ingress of moisture and dirt.

[0027] In another particular embodiment, the first sealing member is configured to laterally seal an overlapping region, in particular an overlapping region represented as a vertical flap. Thus, for example, an overlapping region of two lateral edges of the substantially tubular packaging strip can be formed when these edges are joined in a chiral manner. In other words, this overlapping region represented as a vertical flap can be formed by welding the two lateral edges of the substantially tubular packaging strip curved around the inner absorbent, with said edges originally pointing upwards. Thus, a vertical flap is formed. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is achieved by means of a sealing member that includes two units of Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 16 / 69 9 / 40 vertically arranged seals; of which, for example, a first sealing unit may be heatable and a second sealing unit may be for generating back pressure, i.e., represented as a fixed base. The two vertically arranged and opposite units may apply a force at their center for sealing, i.e., for material joining.

[0028] Similarly, both sealing units of the first sealing member may be heatable. Alternatively and / or additionally, these may also provide one of the alternatives mentioned above to thermal sealing, such as the application of pressure, a solvent, an adhesive, ultrasound or a combination thereof.

[0029] In one particular embodiment, the second sealing member is configured for horizontal sealing, as described above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second sealing member may be provided to seal an edge turn. This edge turn may, for example, be formed from the already sealed flap created by the first sealing member by bending the vertical flap to the horizontal position. This results in a doubly sealed seam, which can significantly improve the sealing of the absorbent inner packaging strip. Thus, the second sealing member may, for example, have a geometry that bends the flap to the left or to the right, thereby creating an edge turn. This turned-edge region may be sealed by applying heat and / or other suitable energy or force, such that a doubly sealed seam may be created in the substantially tubular packaging strip.

[0030] One advantage of the sealing member according to the invention, according to the embodiments mentioned above, is that, in a continuous sheet or in a tube, an entire edge of the material of Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 17 / 69 10 / 40 continuous sheet packaging can be sealed, and in this way, a sealing tool does not need to be moved down and away. In other words, an advantage of this method is that the sealing member can be provided in a stationary position on the production line.

[0031] In one particular embodiment, another thermal unit is provided, which may be provided downstream of the folding member in the transport direction to contract the substantially tubular packaging strip. Suitable materials, such as polyolefin or polypropylene polymeric plastic films, or a mixture thereof, may be contracted by the application of heat. This may enable a particularly tight contiguity of the packaging strip against the absorbent and, preferably, also facilitate the transport of the absorbents, for example, when the gaps between two absorbents in the substantially tubular packaging strip have a smaller diameter. Therefore, the absorbents do not shift within the packaging strip. Suitable units are known to a person skilled in the art. Heated tunnels may be particularly suitable.

[0032] In a particular embodiment, the first transport device comprises a plurality of conductors, each for transporting a single tampon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first transport device is designed in such a way that the tampons can be transported individually. For example, in the present document, conductors may be provided that move the individual tampons in the transport direction along the transport length of the first transport device. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first transport device comprises a lock for this purpose, which enables the conductors to operationally couple to the tampons. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 18 / 69 11 / 40 internal. The locking mechanism can, for example, be provided with a groove, with which a conductor arm can be operationally engaged at the proximal end of the internal absorbent. In a particularly preferred mode, the first transport device also includes a cord control unit, wherein the conductors include, for example, a suction channel that sucks the removal cord from the internal absorbents during the transport operation, so that it is substantially fixed. An advantage of this cord control unit is that it substantially prevents damage to the removal cord during transport, for example, by entanglement or due to wear.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the transport device according to the invention comprises a limiting guide. This limiting guide is configured to limit the expansion of the dispensed tampon obliquely to its longitudinal extent. For example, when tampons are compressed and fed into a packaging apparatus according to the invention, it may be advantageous to prevent expansion of the compressed tampons until the packaging is complete. For this purpose, a limiting guide, which is suitable for radially confining the tampon so that it does not begin to expand in front of the packaging, i.e., before being confined within the tubular packaging material, has proven particularly suitable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the limiting guide may be provided with a lock that enables a conductor to operationally couple to the tampon and transport it in the transport direction.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the limiting guide is configured as a C-guide having a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The C-shape forms a latch, with which the conductors can engage and carry the absorbers. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 19 / 69 12 / 40 internal tests individually.

[0035] In a particularly preferred manner, the latch is formed above the transport plane. Alternatively, however, the latch can also be formed laterally, below, or in two positions. In a particularly preferred manner, the latch has a latch opening with an extension between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm, and most preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm. In particular, the latch is formed in such a way that the conductor can engage through the latch opening with a lumen of the limiting guide, in particular the C-guide, and operationally couple to the inner absorber for its transport.

[0036] In one particular embodiment, the limiting guide, in particular the C-guide, has a cross-section with an inner diameter between 7 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 9 mm and 14 mm. A person skilled in the art can select the inner diameter of the limiting guide, in particular the C-guide, such that it substantially corresponds to the expected final diameter or smaller of the tampon carried in it. Consequently, the limiting guide, in particular the C-guide, can be designed to be interchangeable in one particular embodiment, for the purpose of adapting the apparatus, according to the invention, to the tampons that are to be packaged.

[0037] In one particular embodiment, the limiting guide, in particular the C-guide, is made of steel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the material is treated to create the least possible friction during the transport of the inner absorbent.

[0038] In a particularly preferred manner, the retention opening is formed in a conical shape, such that it tapers towards the lumen. This can facilitate the engagement of the conductor and thus maximize the confinement effect on the internal absorbent being carried. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 20 / 69 13 / 40 In addition, and in a particularly preferred manner, the edges on the locking openings are smoothed and / or rounded.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a second transport device for transporting the tubular packaging strip for tampons with the tampons wrapped inside. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tampons inside the packaging strip are transported forward by means of the strip's transport.

[0040] In a particular embodiment, the first folding member comprises a groove for receiving absorbent pads and a folding angled support. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first folding member is configured to guide the continuous sheet of continuous sheet-type packaging material around the absorbent pad, such that the absorbent pad is substantially wrapped by a tubular packaging strip. To this end, the first folding member may comprise a feed inlet for a continuous sheet-type packaging material and a forming channel, in which the continuous sheet-type packaging material, with its two longitudinal edges, bends around the absorbent pad conveyed into the folding member, such that a strip with an overlapping region around the absorbent pad is formed.

[0041] In a particularly preferred mode, the first folding member includes a channel.

[0042] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a weakening unit for mechanically weakening continuous sheet-type packaging material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this weakening unit is arranged upstream of the folding member and downstream of the feeder. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, this Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 21 / 69 14 / 40 weakening member for mechanical weakening of continuous sheet type packaging material comprises a perforation member for at least partial perforation of the continuous sheet type packaging material. This can serve to provide a predetermined breaking point on the side of the packaged tampon, which allows the user to tear the packaging more easily. Perforation of the continuous sheet type packaging material results in a weakening of the tampon strip, useful to the end user, whereby the tampon can be unpackaged more easily.

[0043] In an alternative and / or additional embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention includes a weakening unit for weakening the continuous sheet-type packaging material that provides laser perforation. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the weakening unit is configured to remove the continuous sheet-type packaging material layer by layer. This allows, for example, removing only individual layers of the continuous sheet-type packaging material and thus creating a predetermined rupture point. An advantage of this technique would be that the packaging would remain completely sealed despite the predetermined rupture point.

[0044] In one particular embodiment, the continuous sheet-type packaging material is constructed of multiple layers. For this purpose, the continuous sheet-type packaging material may be available as a multi-layered laminate that is individually removable, for example, by means of a laser, such that one or more layers remain. The material would then be sufficiently weakened in that position to form a predetermined breaking point for the removal of the inner absorbent, and would additionally enclose the inner absorbent completely and in a substantially airtight and moisture-proof manner. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 22 / 69 15 / 40

[0045] In one particular embodiment, the conductors of the first transport device are carried by a chain.

[0046] In one particular embodiment, the bending angle support is represented as a forming collar.

[0047] In one particular embodiment, the partitioning member consists of multiple parts. The partitioning member can be represented as a cutting station in one particular embodiment, which separates a portion of the tubular packaging strip with the wrapped absorbent pad with one or two cutting blades. Alternatively and / or additionally, the partitioning member may additionally have sealing functionalities, for example, by configuring the partitioning member to be heatable. In this way, the sealing member can already seal the open ends of the tubular packaging strip for absorbent pads, in addition to cutting.

[0048] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a third transport device configured to transport the separated tubular packaging strips for absorbent pads with the wrapped absorbent pads away from the partitioning member.In a particularly preferred embodiment, this third conveying device is configured as a V-shaped conveying device, that is, two conveying belts arranged in a substantially V-shaped cross-section are configured in such a way that a tubular portion located between the two sides of the V is conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0049] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one additional folding die for sealing the substantially tubular packaging strip of individually wrapped tampons at the head end and / or end end. In order to produce a particularly firm package, it has been shown to be advantageous to form the Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 23 / 69 16 / 40 ends, that is, the distal and proximal ends of the tampon, within a substantially tubular packaging material to conform to the shape of the tampon, for example, by providing an additional folding die.

[0050] In one particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a fourth transport device. The fourth transport device can be configured to transport the tubular strips with the internal absorbents in a manner oblique to their longitudinal extension, in another particular embodiment. Within the context of the present invention, this can, for example, be perpendicular, i.e., at an angle of 90 degrees to the direction of transport. Preferably, the apparatus according to the invention comprises at least one alignment unit configured to rotate the internal absorbents at an angle of 90 degrees, such that they can then be transported in a manner oblique to the longitudinal geometric axis by the fourth transport device.This alignment unit has the advantage that additional processing stations can be implemented to perform further processing steps on the packaged absorbent pad, for example, those that improve overall quality.

[0051] In a particularly preferred mode, for example, two additional folding dies are provided, each suitable for pre-forming a distal or proximal end, respectively, of the tubular packaging strip, for example, by folding it close to the respective end of the internal absorbent.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second folding matrices are configured in an inverted mirror image manner, wherein a folding member is provided, respectively, which, for the distal end, folds the tubular packaging strip over the distal end of the tampon, and a Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 24 / 69 17 / 40 A second folding die is provided, respectively, which folds the proximal end of the tubular packaging strip over the proximal end of the absorbent pad.

[0053] In one particular embodiment, at least one of the first and second folding matrices comprises a sealing member, in particular a sealing member for thermal sealing to seal the head end and / or the terminal end of the substantially tubular packing strip around an individual wrapped inner absorbent.

[0054] In another particular embodiment, at least one of the first and second folding matrices comprises at least one folding arm lever and a folding member represented as a folding link. The folding arm lever is configured to provide a counterforce to press the inner absorbent wrapped within the tubular packaging strip over the folding link. In its simplest embodiment, the folding arm lever is configured to be able to be moved in the transport direction, for example, supported longitudinally. This folding arm lever is configured to return to its initial position after forming and compress the inner absorbent wrapped within the tubular packaging strip.In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second folding matrices comprises a plurality of, in particular three, folding arm levers that rotate about a geometric axis and are arranged tangentially to the transport plane, which are capable of applying a counterforce on the inner absorbents enclosed within the tubular packaging strip relative to the folding link. By means of this embodiment, faster transport speeds can be achieved. The transport speed can, for example, be compensated. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 25 / 69 18 / 40 sada by controlling the rotation speed of the folding arm levers around the geometric axis.

[0055] In another particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a further forming unit configured to additionally form a sealed tampon, i.e., a tampon completely enclosed by the tubular band of the packaging. For example, it is particularly desirable that the surface of a packaged tampon be particularly smooth and, therefore, another forming unit may be provided, which is configured to perform smoothing at the head end or at the terminal end and molding, respectively. For this purpose, this unit may be configured to be heatable.

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises head-end forming, wherein head-forming tools are placed in operational coupling with the heads of packaged tampons in a plurality of stations moving parallel to the transport direction, in particular coaxial to the packaged tampons to be processed, wherein the tampon heads are formed accordingly by the application of heat. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these tools are guided parallel to the packaged tampons being transported through at least one processing section, for example, by means of a conveyor belt running parallel to a transport device.

[0057] In another particular embodiment, the present invention comprises a sensor unit for visual inspection of packaged or wrapped tampons, respectively. For this purpose, a camera may be installed along the transport direction, for example, which visually captures the tampons. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, p. 26 / 69 19 / 40 and screens them according to quality using a corresponding evaluation logic.

[0058] In another particular embodiment, the present apparatus also comprises a feed output member configured for bagging the packaged tampons into additional packaging intended for retail sale, for example, in cardboard boxes.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a tear strip application unit. This unit is configured to feed a tear strip into the apparatus, which, in turn, is configured to be fused to the tubular strip of the packaging. This tear strip can serve to form an adhesion area when in use, i.e., for example, when unpacking the tampon, where the strip can be gripped and the packaging can be more easily removed from the tampon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tear strip is placed on the fully packaged tampon in a radially circumferential manner around the tampon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the tear strip is located near or substantially at the predetermined rupture point that was created by the prior perforation of the packaging material.

[0060] The tear strip is positioned on the tubular band of the packaging, obliquely to the direction of transport, and tensioned. By means of thermal heating, the packaging band is sealed with the tear strip, which is thus materially bonded to the band. The excess tear strip is cut off in a cutting station.

[0061] Another aspect of the present description relates to a method for packaging tampons. The method, according to the invention, comprises the step of supplying individual tampons to a first transport device. The method Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 27 / 69 20 / 40 further comprises feeding a continuous sheet-type packaging material to a folding member. The method further comprises feeding individual tampons to the folding member and folding the continuous sheet-type packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging strip, within which the individual tampons are arranged. Preferably, the individual tampons are spaced apart.

[0062] The method according to the invention further comprises carrying the tubular packaging strip for tampons away and separating the individual tampons together with the substantially tubular packaging strip that encloses them.

[0063] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the inner absorbers are arranged in the first transport device with their longitudinal extension coaxial to the transport direction. In a particularly preferred manner, the inner absorbers are guided in the first transport device, in particular by means of a limiting member comprising a latch, with which the conductors can engage and transport the inner absorbers.

[0064] In a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, folding the continuous sheet-type packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging strip comprises creating an overlapping region comprising the two longitudinal edges of the continuous sheet-type packaging material. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises sealing, wherein these two edges in the overlapping region are materially joined to each other.

[0065] In another particular embodiment, the method according to the invention is carried out by means of an apparatus described above and comprises providing the same.

[0066] In one particular embodiment, the method according to Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 28 / 69 21 / 40 The invention comprises material joining, in particular thermal material joining, wherein, for example, a packaging material is melted by the application of heat. Alternatively, ultrasonic welding or the application of a solvent that softens the packaging material may be carried out.

[0067] In one particular embodiment, a tampon removal cord is attached during the packaging process. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the removal cord is held in a particularly calculable orientation by way of suction. In an alternative and / or additional embodiment, a removal cord is attached by means of physical confinement within and over the body of the tampon, such that it is substantially completely enveloped by the tubular packaging strip during the packaging process. Alternatively and / or additionally, the removal cord is screwed and / or wound onto the apparatus, according to the invention, before the feed inlet, such that it is nested at the proximal end of the tampon and held in that position by the conductor until the tampon is inserted into the substantially tubular packaging strip.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises sealing the substantially tubular packaging strip of individually wrapped tampons at the head end and / or terminal end by means of at least one additional folding die, in particular two additional folding dies. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by means of a first and a second folding die, wherein the first folding die is responsible for the proximal seal and the second folding die is responsible for the distal seal of the packaged tampon.

[0069] In an additional preferred embodiment, the method of agreement Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 29 / 69 22 / 40 with the invention comprises perforating the tubular packaging material for the purpose of creating a predetermined rupture point in the packaged absorbent insert.

[0070] In a particular additional embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises placing a tear strip around the tampon, wherein the tear strip is placed around the tampon in such a way that a free end rests on the outside of the sealed packaging strip after sealing and joining the material with the tubular packaging strip. In this way, a tear region is formed which can be torn by the user with their finger, like a flap, so that the packaging can be removed.

[0071] It is evident to a person skilled in the art that the particular embodiments mentioned above can be implemented in any combination when practicing the present invention, unless they are mutually exclusive. Similarly, other structural features of an apparatus according to the invention arise from the features of the method, and additional features of the method arise from the mode of operation of the apparatus according to the invention, respectively.

[0072] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of specific illustrative embodiments and figures, however, without being limited to them.

[0073] The figures are purely schematic and illustrate the concepts according to the invention in a simplified manner.

[0074] For a person skilled in the art, a number of additional advantageous embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from studying these exemplary embodiments. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Examples of embodiments of the invention will be described. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 30 / 69 23 / 40 with the help of the attached figures.

[0076] In the figures: Figure 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus according to the invention for packaging, in particular for individual packaging of tampons; Figure 2a schematically illustrates an internal absorbent pad with a tubular packaging strip on a sealing member; Figure 2b schematically illustrates an internal absorbent pad with a tubular packing strip on a sealing member; Figure 3 schematically depicts the sealing of the substantially tubular packaging strip around an internal absorbent pad wrapped at the end and head end; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a terminal end sealing unit; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a conductor for changing the orientation of an internal absorbent during transport; Figure 6 schematically illustrates a wrapping unit for wrapping a tampon with a substantially tubular packaging strip; Figure 7a schematically illustrates a first folding member to form a continuous sheet-type packaging material in a substantially tubular packaging strip; Figure 7b illustrates a schematic side view of a sealing unit; Figure 8 schematically illustrates a unit for softening tampons packaged at the head end; and Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 31 / 69 24 / 40 Figure 9 illustrates schematically a conductor array for transport within a first transport device. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION'S EMBODIMENTS

[0077] Figure 1 schematically illustrates the basic structure of an apparatus 1 according to the invention. The apparatus 1 is intended for the individual packaging of tampons 100, each with a pre-formed packaging strip 110'. The apparatus 1 according to the invention is therefore suitable for the manufacture of packaged tampons from individually unpackaged tampons 100. For this purpose, the tampons 100 are conveyed through various processing steps in a conveying direction A. The processing steps shown in the present example in Figure 1 are illustrative for the practice of the solution according to the invention. Thus, the tampons are individually fed from the left, from a winding and compression process (not shown), to the apparatus 1 represented in Figure 1.The upstream winding process and the completion of the inner absorbents from the resulting preforms can be learned by a person skilled in the art from the relevant prior art, in particular, from document WO2022 / 223330A1. As a matter of routine, one or more additional modules may be provided for intermediate processing or for transferring the winding drum to the apparatus according to invention 1.

[0078] The finished tampons 100 are transported individually and spaced apart in transport direction A within apparatus 1 in a first transport device. For this purpose, a plurality of conductors 4.1 and 4.2 are provided in apparatus 1, which are represented as first conductors for the purpose of transporting, each one, one tampon 100. These first Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 32 / 69 25 / 40 drivers can be operated together and each can have a driver arm that operationally engages with the distal end of the transported internal absorbent 100 and propels it forward in the transport direction A.

[0079] A feeder 7 is located below the conveying device 2, the feeder being configured to unwind a continuous sheet type packaging material 116 and guide it to a folding member 5, for example, by way of suitable rollers and reels. This folding member 5 is configured to form the supplied continuous sheet type packaging material 116 in a substantially linear manner, by means of suitable geometric structures around the inner absorbent 100, which is also fed to the folding member 5, such that a substantially tubular packaging strip is formed around the inner absorbent 100 from the continuous sheet type packaging material 116.

[0080] In the context of the present invention, cellulose hydrates or their derivatives, which are used as packaging material under the trademark Celofane in a variety of areas, are suitable as the continuous sheet-type packaging material 116. However, suitable packaging materials can also be manufactured on a different basis, particularly from a sustainability standpoint, from plant-based or mushroom-based plastics. However, in common practice, Celofane has also proven to be widely biodegradable. Alternative packaging materials that can be processed with the present invention as continuous sheet-type packaging material 116 are, for example, vegetable fiber-based fabrics and / or wool, such as paper packaging materials. These can also be coated with plastics and / or metals, for example, for a moisture-repellent coating.It is clear that these plastics can also be manufactured with natural and / or other materials. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 33 / 69 26 / 40 compostable and / or biodegradable. Suitable plastics would be, for example, thermoplastics based on polylactic acids (PLA) and / or cellulose acetate.

[0081] Feeder 7 can be configured in such a way that a plurality of rolls with the corresponding continuous packaging material can be provided as a compartment, so that the continuous operation of apparatus 1 is ensured.

[0082] The internal absorbents 100 exit the folding member 5 wrapped by a substantially tubular packaging strip 110' formed from curved continuous sheet-type packaging material 116. Preferably, an overlapping region is formed in this way, which is suitable for sealing the tubular packaging strip. In the continuous sheet transport direction, the substantially tubular packaging strip 110' is transported by means of a fixed base belt 9, which is arranged opposite a sealing unit 8, in particular a thermal unit 8. The sealing unit 8 energizes at least the overlapping region of the substantially tubular packaging strip around the internal absorbent 100, such that the overlapping region is materially joined.In a concrete example embodiment, this is ensured by means of heat, which the sealing unit 8, implemented as a thermal unit 8, transfers to the tubular packaging strip in the overlapping region.

[0083] In this concrete example, the fixed base belt 9 is configured as a tensioned shipping belt and passed through a guide rail, such that the inner absorbents 100 and the substantially tubular packaging material 110' come into complete physical contact with the sealing unit 8. Subsequently, the inner absorbents are separated. In the present example, the separation occurs by way of a two-part partitioning member 10.1 and Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 34 / 69 27 / 40 10.2. This partitioning member may, for example, be fitted with heatable separation jaws, which bridge the intermediate region between two tampons and come into contact with each other, thereby tightening and fusing the substantially tubular packaging strip. This creates individually packaged tampons with a substantially pre-formed packaging strip 110''. Alternatively, the separation unit 10.1 and 10.2 may also include simple cutting means, for example, a cutting blade arranged on a roller that cuts the substantially tubular packaging strip with an open end. Optionally, additional processing steps may be provided, for example, to increase the attractiveness of the cut.Downstream of the folding member 5, the tampons are no longer transported individually, but rather together, by means of the second transport device 3, which is configured as a conveyor belt, as described above, and transports the tubular strip together with the tampons 100 wrapped in it.

[0084] A sealing process according to the invention is explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2a and 2b.

[0085] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic cross-section of an internal absorbent 100 with a substantially tubular packaging strip wrapped around the internal absorbent 100. The internal absorbent is conveyed by a belt 9 towards the observer, but is located within the packaging strip, which may have been shrunk in a previous step. A two-part sealing member 8.1 and 8.2 is provided to seal a vertical flap 112 in an insulated sealed packaging strip, wherein the member applies heat to the vertical flap on both sides and creates the sealed flap 112. In Figure 2a, this process is illustrated schematically, wherein a shaded region 112 represents a materially joined edge. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 35 / 69 28 / 40

[0086] Figure 2b illustrates a schematic cross-section of an internal absorbent 100, with a substantially tubular packing strip 110' wrapped around the internal absorbent 100. This figure may, for example, represent a second sealing member 8 that performs a second sealing step subsequent to the vertical seal. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that this step can also be performed as a single sealing step. In this case, an edge turn can be omitted, for example, and the two side edges can be materially joined directly in an overlapping region.

[0087] In the illustrated example, an overlapping region 20 is formed, in which the two longitudinal edges of the substantially tubular packaging material 110' overlap each other. The inner absorbent is carried by a fixed base belt 9 in the direction of the observer. A sealing unit 8 is arranged opposite the fixed base belt, the sealing unit being configured to energize at least the overlapping region 20, such that, in that region, the tubular packaging strip is materially joined to the two ends of the overlapping edges.

[0088] This can be effected, for example, as described above, by heating, wherein, alternatively, ultrasound can also be applied to fuse the overlap region 20. It is also conceivable to apply a chemical solvent that weakens the molecular structure of the plastic used and materially joins the overlap region 20, for example, by means of a pressure roller. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a tubular packaging material 110' is provided with a plastic adhesive in the overlap region 20 and that the application of energy via the sealing unit 8 is performed merely in the form of contact pressure against the fixed base band 9, thus materially joining the overlap region. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 36 / 69 29 / 40

[0089] By turning the edge of the sealed flap of Figure 2a with the region 112 already materially joined, a second region 113 is materially joined. This double seal proved to be particularly stable.

[0090] In a further alternative embodiment, the plastic is not yet fully cured and in an elastic state during processing. Subsequently, the plastic cures in such a way that the overlapping region remains stable due to static adhesion and due to the structural stability of the cured plastic; and, strictly speaking, there is no material bonding, but essentially an analogous effect is achieved.

[0091] Figure 3 depicts an example of a closing unit 50, which may be further provided downstream of the apparatus of Figure 1 and which is configured to further improve the quality of tampons with the pre-formed packaging strip. In particular, the distal and proximal ends, respectively, of the tubular packaging strip around the tampon should be better pre-formed, for example, and a clean overall finish should be achieved. For this purpose, several processing members are provided in the closing unit 50.The closing unit 50 transports the inner absorbents to various processing stations in transport direction A, starting from the first processing unit shown in Figure 1. In this example, the inner absorbents are transferred from their transport direction, which is coaxial to their longitudinal extension, to an orientation perpendicular to the transport direction. This allows for particularly precise control of the head end and end end components of the packaging strip and a better overall termination. The unit on the left in the view plane of Figure 3 can be configured as shown schematically in Figure 1. The inner absorbents 100 arranged longitudinally relative to the transport direction enter a closing unit. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 37 / 69 30 / 40 on the left, comprising secondary conductors 19. These secondary conductors 19 are arranged and guided by means of a guide plate, in such a way that they are able to transfer the individually transported internal absorbents from their longitudinal orientation to an oblique orientation relative to the transport direction, that is, to an orientation that is substantially at a 90° angle relative to the transport direction.

[0092] In this orientation, the inner absorbents reach the first folding die 17.1, configured to seal the pre-formed packaging strip at the end. For this purpose, the first folding die 17.1 comprises a series of folding arm levers with folding tools that are fixed at the end and feed the rear end of the pre-formed packaging strip into the folding member 13, such that the end is folded when the inner absorbent passes. A subsequent sealing unit 12 seals the folded end, wherein this end sealing unit 12 is configured for thermal sealing, i.e., to apply heat over the end of the inner absorbent and to the pre-formed packaging strip 110' located over it. A second folding die 17.2, which is arranged in a substantially mirrored inverted manner, serves to perform the same process with the head end, wherein the head is again folded by means of a head sealing unit 18 against a corresponding folding member and subsequently thermally sealed by the head sealing unit.

[0093] For quality control, an inspection element 51 with an optical sensor, in this case a camera lens 52, is arranged downstream of the folding dies 17.1 and 17.2, by means of which the inspection element visually inspects the absorbents. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 38 / 69 31 / 40 internals finished with the pre-formed packaging strip and the folded head and end strips, respectively. A visual inspection assessment can be computer-assisted.

[0094] Figure 4 illustrates again the first folding die 17.1, whereby the first folding die 15 is arranged downstream of a second conductor 19, which guides a packaged inner absorbent 100 provided with a pre-formed packaging strip 110'' by way of a conductor head, for example, by means of suction, perpendicularly, i.e., at an angle of 90° in a transport direction, which places the head side of the inner absorbent in operational coupling with the folding die, whereby the folding die is formed by a plurality of folding arm levers 16 and folding tools 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 provided at the terminal ends on the folding arm levers 16.The folding arm levers 16 are arranged in a rotary manner around a geometric folding arm axis 15 and are operationally coupled to the folding member and to the rear and open ends of the substantially tubular packing strip, such that the end is folded against the folding member, whereby the folding member 13 is configured as a folding link in the present example. Downstream, the folded end passes through a sealing unit 12, which materially joins that folded end.

[0095] By way of example, Figure 5 illustrates the function of the second conductor 19 in a schematic representation. In the present example, the second conductor 19 serves to rotate the internal absorbers arranged and transported longitudinally in relation to the transport direction by 90°, so that they are transported obliquely to the transport direction A and the respective Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 39 / 69 32 / 40 ends are more easily accessible by additional processing tools in the direction of the machine. To this end, the second conductor 19 includes a conductor head 22, which has a vacuum opening 30 at its end as an adhesive unit, which holds and transports the inner absorbent by suction. Alternatively to the vacuum opening, the adhesive unit 30 can hold the corresponding inner absorbents by electrostatic attraction or by means of a gripper. The conductor 19 is guided in a guide groove 21, which is angled in the direction of the belt and guided over a pulley on a guide plate 20. A guide lever 24 transfers the movement along the guide groove 21 to the conductor 19. The pulley can be configured as a cam, such that the conductor can be rotated 90°.

[0096] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a wrapping unit 70, such as that described in Figure 1 at the beginning, as an exemplary embodiment in greater detail. The inner absorbents enter the wrapping unit 70 via individual conductors 4.1, which feed the inner absorbents to a folding member 5 via a limiting guide fitted with a notch. In the present example, the conductors 4.1 are arranged in a current guide that can be actuated by means of a geometric conductor shaft 99. In this part of the apparatus and the wrapping unit 70, a substantially tubular wrapping strip is folded around the inner absorbents as a continuous tube. The inner absorbents are inserted into this tube and passed under a sealing unit (not shown) on a fixed base belt (not shown in Figure 6).

[0097] A positioning belt 74 carries the substantially tubular packaging strip forward, with the inner absorbents spaced apart on it. Positioning belt 74 Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 40 / 69 33 / 40 is driven by means of a positioning belt drive 91 configured as a roller. In the present example, the positioning belt includes means to ensure direct feeding of the substantially tubular packaging strip. This can be ensured, for example, by providing members on the positioning belt 74 that increase the coefficient of friction and generate sufficient grip to move the substantially tubular packaging strip forward in the transport direction A. Alternatively and / or additionally, the positioning belt 74 can be configured to generate vacuum by suction and thus transport the substantially tubular packaging strip.

[0098] A partitioning unit is located downstream of the sealing unit, configured to separate the substantially tubular packing strip into the intermediate gaps, for which, in the present example, a fixed base roller and an opposing separation roller are provided, which separate the tube end by means of mutual interaction. Alternatively and / or additionally, the separation roller may be configured to seal the tube ends.

[0099] Figures 7a and 7b describe the individual components of the wrapping units, as described above, in more detail by means of a concrete exemplary embodiment. Figure 7a schematically illustrates the process step in which the continuous sheet-type packaging material is shaped into a substantially tubular packaging strip. The continuous sheet-type packaging material 116, which in the present example has already been perforated obliquely to its longitudinal extent in a previous step in order to create a predetermined breaking point in the subsequently packaged inner absorbent, is guided towards the folding member 5 from the left. In the present example, the folding member 5 is represented as a forming collar 5. Also Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 41 / 69 Coming from the left, the internal absorbents 100 are supplied, whereby the internal absorbents 100 are first individually transported in a limiting guide 61 by conductors 4.1. For this purpose, a conductor drive 40 includes a plurality of conductors 4.1, which may be arranged in an orbital manner and, for example, driven by means of a chain or belt drive. In the present example, the limiting guide 61 is represented as a guide having a C-shaped cross-section with a groove on the upper part as a lock, with which the conductors 4.1 can engage and propel the respective internal absorbents forward from the proximal end through the limiting guide 61.Downstream of the limiting guide 61, a feed inlet cylinder 60 serves to feed the inner absorbents to the folding member 5, whereby a folding collar 5 is configured such that a taper downstream of the feed inlet cylinder 60 results in the guiding of a tubular packing strip with an overlapping region around the inner absorbent. The tubular packing strip is conveyed to the sealing unit (not shown in Figure 7a) together with the inner absorbents 100 wrapped therein by means of a pair of vertically arranged guide belts. As a matter of routine, the belts may be replaced by other guides, as known to a person skilled in the art.

[00100] Figure 7b schematically illustrates how the internal absorbents 100 are propelled from the feed inlet cylinder into a strip formed by the folding collar 5 within a tubular packaging strip. A crude cylinder 63 stabilizes and secures the overlapping region formed therein. Downstream, the substantially tubular packaging strip, with the internal absorbents 100 enclosed within it, reaches a sealing unit 8 by means of the Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 42 / 69 35 / 40 where the substantially tubular packaging strip has perforations 117. In the present example, the sealing unit 8 is represented as a thermal unit 8. This head unit 8 is arranged in an elastic manner above the substantially tubular packaging strip that passes with the aid of springs 8.2, such that heat can be transferred from the thermal unit 8 by way of a sealing strip over the overlapping region. In this example, a sealing strip is applied over the overlapping region by way of a driven pulley 3.1. On the opposite side, a fixed-base belt is arranged, which also runs around a pulley, in this case a fixed-base belt pulley 9.2, by way of a fixed-base belt guide 9.

[00101] Optionally, additional elements may be provided that improve the quality of individually wrapped tampons produced with the solution according to the invention. In particular, it may be desirable to smooth the molded end portions, i.e., the proximal end and / or the distal end of a tampon with a pre-formed packaging strip. In Figure 8, such an auxiliary unit is shown schematically.In the present example, individually transported inner absorbents with a pre-formed packing strip that have been rotated from the longitudinal direction to the oblique direction by an upstream unit, for example, as shown in Figure 5, are transported on a circulation belt of a molding unit parallel to a circulation belt for forming tools 93, such that the inner absorbents with the pre-formed packing strip are guided in a coaxial manner to the forming tools for a given period of time. In the present example, the circulation belt of the forming unit includes a series of conductors 80.3. These conductors of the forming unit 80.3 include a... Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 43 / 69 36 / 40 forming unit conductor head 80 with a vacuum suction opening 80.1. This vacuum suction opening 80.1 serves to hold the packaged tampons in the pre-formed packaging strip by means of suction.

[00102] Alternatively, it is possible to provide other means for securing tampons, as already described elsewhere in this application, for example, by means of electrostatic forces and / or mechanical adhesion and grip.

[00103] The chosen method of fastening with the vacuum suction opening proved to be advantageous because it is particularly gentle on packaged tampons and therefore the high quality of the products is not compromised.

[00104] The supports of the forming unit 80.3 are arranged on the circulation belt of the forming unit 80.2, such that they move parallel to the forming tools, also guided by a circulation belt 93, for a given period. These forming tools comprise a forming tool head 95, which is located on the end face of a forming tool piston 94. The forming tool piston 94, in turn, is mounted in a sliding manner on a geometric translation axis FG that is oblique to the direction of transport, such that it can be moved from an unengaged state to an operationally engaged state. For this purpose, the circulation belt of the preform tools 93 may have corresponding translation members (not shown) capable of moving the forming tools as a whole.Alternatively and / or additionally, the pistons of the forming tool 94 can be mounted on the forming tools, so that they can be moved pneumatically along the geometric axis of translation FG, for example. If the training tools are arranged operationally coupled to the head. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 44 / 69 37 / 40 of the forming tool 95, then a mold 92, which is molded in a manner substantially complementary to the portion of the inner absorbent strip that is to be molded, can act upon the latter. For this purpose, the heads of the forming tools 95 can be configured to be heatable with the mold 92 arranged thereon, such that the corresponding packaging materials can be softened or reshaped by the application of heat.

[00105] Figure 9 shows in more detail the arrangement for guiding the unpackaged internal absorbents in a specific exemplary embodiment, as already described in Figure 1 and other figures.

[00106] Figure 9 illustrates a multi-part limiting guide 61.1 and 61.2. A plurality of conductors 4.1 are driven by way of a current drive in a conductor drive 4.0, whereby a locking insert 4.11 is provided for each conductor 4.1, which are rigidly coupled to the conductor drive 4.0 and in a circular manner around a geometric axis of the conductor 99 by a current drive, such that they are able to engage with a limiting guide 61.1 and 61.2 when in an operational orientation. The limiting guide 61.1 and 61.2, shown here in a multi-part configuration, has a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional profile, within which the internal absorbents are carried by conductors that drive the proximal ends of the internal absorbents forward. In this way, the profile is chosen such that the expansion of the compressed internal absorbents is substantially inhibited. For practical reasons, the multi-part configuration of this example may be chosen, for example, to more easily achieve a tapered profile of the limiting guide 61.1 and 61.2 when manufacturing the components.

[00107] Subsequently, as described above, tampons are supplied to a bending member 5 via a Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 45 / 69 38 / 40 feed inlet cylinder 60, and the folding member places the respective tubular packaging strip around the internal absorbents.

[00108] With the apparatus according to the invention, it is possible to provide an arbitrarily scalable system for packaging individual tampons. In this way, the system according to the invention can be supplemented with additional elements, for example, to improve quality. To this end, certain advantageous embodiments of the present invention are shown, such as, for example, the possibility of a change of orientation or the corresponding limiting guide, which allows the transport of tampons along their longitudinal geometric axis without requiring straps. A person skilled in the art will recognize additional advantages and advantageous embodiments of the present invention from studying the embodiments set forth in the specific examples and the general description. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS: first device transport device second device transport device 3.1 pulley . 0 driver drive 4.1 first drivers 4.2 first drivers 4.11 Locking insert for folding members of the feeder, sealing units / thermal unit 8.1 side sealing unit 8.2 side sealing unit 8.2 spring Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 46 / 69 39 / 40 fixed base belt guide 9.1 fixed base belt 9.2 fixed base belt pulley 0.1 partitioning member 0.2 partitioning member end sealing unit folding member 14.1 bending tool 14.2 bending tool 14.3 Bending tool geometric axis of bending arm bending arm lever 17.1 First folding matrix 17.2 Second folding die head sealing unit second conductors overlap region 20' guide plate, groove guide, driver head, suction opening, guide lever, adhesive unit / vacuum opening, driver drive, closing unit, inspection element, lenses, feed inlet cylinder, limiting guide. 61.1 First portion of limitation guide Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 47 / 69 40 / 40 61.2 second portion of limiting guide roller cylinder wrapping unit guide profile cord control unit feed inlet profile positioning belt fixed base roller separation roller forming unit driver head 80.1 vacuum suction opening 80.2 circulation belt of the forming unit 80.3 forming unit driver belt drive positioning mold forming tool circulation belt forming tool head forming tool piston geometric driver shaft 100 tampons 116 continuous sheet type packaging material 110' range of substantially tubular packaging 110'' pre-formed packaging strip 111 packaging strip with edge turn-up 112 individually sealed packaging strip / materially bonded region 113 double-sealed packaging strip / second materially bonded region 116 continuous sheet type packaging material 117 drilling The transport department Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 48 / 69

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (1) for packaging, in particular for individual packaging of tampons (100), characterized in that it comprises: a. a first folding member (5) for forming a continuous sheet type packaging material (116) in a substantially tubular packaging strip (110') for tampons (100); b. a first transport device (2) for transporting individual tampons (100) in a transport direction (A) into the folding member (5), such that the tampons (100) are wrapped by the substantially tubular packaging strip (110') for tampons (100) around their longitudinal geometric axis when exiting the folding member; c. a partitioning member (10.1, 10.2) for separating individually wrapped tampons (100).

2. Apparatus, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a feeder (7) for feeding, in particular continuous feeding, of continuous sheet type packaging material.

3. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it further comprises at least one first sealing member (8), in particular a thermal unit (8), for thermal joining of an overlapping region of the substantially tubular packing strip (110').

4. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first transport device comprises a plurality of conductors (4.1, 4.2, ...), each for transporting a single internal absorbent (100).

5. Apparatus, according to any of the claims in Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 49 / 69 2 / 4 1 to 4, characterized in that the first transport device comprises a limiting guide configured to limit an expansion of the transported internal absorbents in a manner oblique to the longitudinal extension, in particular, wherein the limiting guide is configured as a C-guide.

6. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises a second transport device (3) for transporting the tubular packaging strip for tampons with the tampons wrapped inside, in particular in such a way that the tampons wrapped inside the packaging strip are transported by the transport of the latter.

7. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the folding member (5) comprises a groove for receiving internal absorbents and an angled folding support.

8. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the partitioning member consists of multiple parts.

9. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the partitioning member is configured to be heatable.

10. Apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises an alignment unit for changing the orientation of the transported tampons (100) and / or the packaged tampons (110'') relative to the direction of transport, in particular, for rotating the transported tampons (100) and / or the packaged tampons (110'') at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the direction of transport.

11. Apparatus, according to any of the claims Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 50 / 69 3 / 4 tions 1 to 10, characterized in that it further comprises at least one additional folding die (17.1, 17.2) for sealing the substantially tubular packaging strip (110') of individually wrapped tampons (110'') at the head end and / or at the terminal end.

12. Method for packaging tampons, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a. supplying individual tampons to a first transport device (2); b. feeding a continuous sheet-type packaging material to a folding member; c. feeding individual tampons to the folding member and folding the continuous sheet-type packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging strip, within which the individual tampons are arranged; d. transporting the substantially tubular packaging strip away; and e. separating the individual tampons together with the wrapping portion of the substantially tubular packaging strip.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that folding the continuous sheet-type packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging strip comprises creating an overlapping region of the two longitudinal edges of the continuous sheet-type packaging material.

14. Method, according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that it further comprises the material joining, in particular the thermal joining, of the two longitudinal edges of the continuous sheet-type packaging material, particularly in the overlapping region. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, page 51 / 69 4 / 4 15. A method, according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a tampon removal cord is attached during the course of the method.

16. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it comprises sealing the substantially tubular packaging strip (110') of individually wrapped tampons (100) at the head end and / or at the terminal end by means of at least one additional folding die, in particular a first folding die and a second folding die.

17. Method, according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that it comprises the step of: providing an apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11. Petition 870250080963, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 52 / 69

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