Packaging for absorbent items with natural fibers and opening features

Abstract

A packaging for one or more absorbent articles is described. The packaging includes a packaging material enclosing the absorbent article(s). The packaging material has natural fibers and forms a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel. The panels define an internal compartment. The packaging material has a basis weight of between approximately 55 g / m² and approximately 115 g / m², depending on the basis weight test procedure. The packaging has a weakened area. The packaging is sealed so that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the internal compartment. Figure from the abstract: 1A

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging of absorbent articles with natural fibers and opening characteristics

[0001] DOMAIN

[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent article packages, more particularly to absorbent article packages with natural fibers and opening characteristics.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Consumer demand for products made at least partially from renewable resources has increased significantly over the past decades, and has become a driver for innovation for new and improved consumer products and packaging materials. As such, there is an increasing emphasis on products and packaging materials that include renewable resources. For example, there is strong market interest in consumer products that include natural and bio-sourced materials, recyclable materials, recycled materials, and / or biodegradable materials.

[0005] Compressible, non-fragile consumer products such as disposable absorbent articles (e.g., diapers and training pants, disposable adult incontinence briefs, and feminine hygiene pads) are often packaged and retailed in flexible packages formed from a plastic polymer film. Plastic is preferred as the primary packaging of consumer goods because plastic can withstand the rigors of the packaging process, given the plastic's ability to flex and stretch. In addition, because plastic can flex and stretch without tearing upon the application of force, opening features provided in plastic packages tend to form clean openings while preserving the integrity of the package residue.Plastic packaging, however, tends not to hold its shape, and may collapse when items are removed.

[0006] Packaging materials comprising renewable resources, such as natural fibers (e.g., cardboard sheet, paperboard, and paper), may be prone to wrinkling, cracking, and tearing under the stresses of the packaging and opening processes. For this reason, packaging materials comprising renewable resources, such as natural fibers, for absorbent articles need to be improved.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] The present disclosure solves one or more of the problems discussed above by providing a package of one or more absorbent articles comprising a packaging material made at least partially from renewable resources and comprising an opening feature. The packaging material, including the opening feature, can withstand the rigors of a packaging process, shipping, and handling on the shelf and in a consumer's home. The opening feature can enable the package made at least partially from renewable resources to maintain its shape after opening and partial dispensing.

[0009] The present disclosure provides, in part, a package of one or more absorbent articles comprising a packaging material, wherein the packaging material comprises natural fibers. The packaging material forms a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment. The one or more absorbent articles are disposed in the interior compartment. The packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, or more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight testing method described herein. The package includes a weakened region.The packaging is sealed so that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the inner compartment.

[0010] The present disclosure provides, in part, a package of one or more absorbent articles comprising a packaging material comprising natural fibers. The packaging material forms a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment. The package is sealed such that the one or more absorbent articles are enclosed within the interior compartment. The packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, or more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method. The package includes a weakened region.The weakened region forms at least a portion of an opening feature. The package has a weakened region performance factor of between about 0.14:1 and about 0.98:1, according to the tensile strength test method described herein.

[0011] The present disclosure provides, in part, a package of one or more absorbent articles comprising a packaging material comprising natural fibers. The packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m 2, according to the basis weight test method. The packaging material forms a consumer-facing panel, an opposing rear panel, a pair of end seals, and a hoop seam extending between and joining the end seals, wherein the panels define an interior compartment of the package. The package includes a weakened region in the packaging material configured to form an opening. The package is sealed such that the one or more absorbent articles are enclosed within the interior compartment.

[0012] Thus, a package of one or more absorbent articles is presented. The package comprises: a packaging material comprising natural fibers; wherein the packaging material forms a front panel, a back panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment of the package, and wherein the one or more absorbent articles are disposed in the interior compartment; wherein the packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method;wherein the packaging comprises a weakened region disposed in the packaging material configured to form an opening; and wherein the packaging is sealed such that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the interior compartment.;

[0013] The packaging may have one or more of the following characteristics:

[0014] - the packaging material has a tensile strength in the SM of at least 5.0 kN / m, preferably at least 7.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.0 kN / m, according to the tensile strength test method.

[0015] - the packaging material comprises at least 50 percent by weight of fibers natural, preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers.

[0016] - all sides of the packaging comprise a unitary piece of material of packaging.

[0017] - the upper panel comprises closing gussets, a closing joint, and a closing joint fin extending from the closing joint.

[0018] - the weakened region is arranged between the closing joint and the compartment interior.

[0019] - the weakened region is disposed on at least a portion of an edge region upper part of the packaging between at least one of: the upper part and the front part, and the upper part and the rear part.

[0020] - the weakened region is arranged on at least a part of three of the sides of the packaging.

[0021] - the weakened region is arranged on the front, rear, and first side panels.

[0022] - the packaging has a weakened region tensile strength of between about 1.18 kN / m and about 8.00 kN / m, preferably between about 1.27 kN / m and about 6.50 kN / m, more preferably between about 1.6 kN / m and about 3.00 kN / m, depending on the tensile strength test method.

[0023] - the packaging has a relative tear strength of between approximately 0.8 N / mm and about 1.3 N / mm, preferably between about 0.9 N / mm and 1.2 N / mm, more preferably between about 0.95 N / mm and about 1.15 N / mm, according to the tear tensile test method.

[0024] - the packaging has a tear performance factor of between about 0.865 and about 5.16, preferably between about 0.95 and about 4.55, more preferably between about 1.04 and about 4.06, according to the tear tensile test method.

[0025] - the packaging material is recyclable and in which the material of packaging has a recyclable percentage of at least 70 percent, more preferably at least 80 percent, or most preferably at least 90 percent, as determined by the PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) process.

[0026] - the packaging is formed from a single layer of the material of packaging.

[0027] - the packaging material is free of barrier layer.

[0028] - the packaging material comprises a barrier layer.

[0029] - the barrier layer comprises polyethylene.

[0030] - the barrier layer represents less than 50 percent by weight of the material of packaging, preferably less than 30 percent by weight of the packaging material, more preferably less than 10 percent by weight of the packaging material. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of realizing them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of exemplary forms of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] [Fig.lA] is a schematic representation of a sheet of packaging material;

[0033] [Fig. 1B] is a schematic representation showing the sheet of packaging material of [Fig. 1A] in a partially folded configuration;

[0034] [Fig.lC] is a schematic representation of a package with an open end;

[0035] [Fig.lD] is a schematic representation of the packaging of [Fig.lC] in a closed state;

[0036] [Fig. 1E] is a schematic representation of another package of the present disclosure shown in a closed state;

[0037] [Fig.2A] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel comprises seals in a block bottom configuration;

[0038] [Fig.2B] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel includes seals in a pinched bottom configuration;

[0039] [Fig.2C] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel includes seals in a cross-bottom configuration;

[0040] [Fig.3A] is a plan view of an example of an absorbent article in the form of a feminine hygiene napkin in an unfolded configuration;

[0041] [Fig.3B] is a side edge view of the feminine hygiene napkin of [Fig.3A], shown folded around side fold lines in a three-fold configuration;

[0042] [Fig.4A] is a plan view of an example of an absorbent article in the form of a disposable baby diaper, with the wearer-facing surfaces facing the viewer;

[0043] [Fig.4B] is a plan view of the baby diaper of [Fig.4A], shown with side portions folded over and laterally inward around longitudinal side edge fold lines;

[0044] [Fig.4C] is a plan view of the baby diaper of [Fig.4B], shown folded about a side fold line, with the wearer-facing surfaces on the inside and the outward-facing surfaces on the outside;

[0045] [Fig.4D] is a side view of the folded baby diaper shown in [Fig.4C]

[0046] [Fig. 5] is a side view of a stack of a plurality of absorbent articles arranged within a package of the present description;

[0047] [Fig. 6] is a front view of multiple stacks of a plurality of absorbent articles arranged within a package of the present description;

[0048] Figures 7A-7E are plan views of a schematic representation of exemplary perforation configurations;

[0049] [Fig.8] is a plan view of a schematic representation of an example of a perforation pattern, illustrating measurements for determining the cross-section-to-flat ratio;

[0050] Figures 9A-9E are schematic plan view representations of exemplary perforation configurations including aligned land areas;

[0051] [Fig. 10] is a representation of an end point of a trajectory of perforations or notches, including a tear stress dispersion element;

[0052] [Fig. 11] is a representation of an end point of multiple trajectories of perforations or notches, including a tear stress dispersion element;

[0053] [Fig. 12A] is a perspective view of a package of the present description, depicting a weakened region disposed between the closure joint and the interior compartment in a closed configuration;

[0054] [Fig.l2B] shows the packaging of [Fig.l2A] in a partially open configuration;

[0055] [Fig. 13A] is a perspective view of a package of the present description, representing a weakened region disposed on a portion of an upper edge of the packaging;

[0056] [Fig.l3B] shows the packaging of [Fig.l3A] in a partially open configuration;

[0057] [Fig. 14A] is a perspective view of a package of the present description, representing a weakened region surrounding a closing bellows;

[0058] [Fig.l4B] shows the packaging of [Fig.l4A] in a partially open configuration;

[0059] [Fig. 15A] is a perspective view of a package of the present description, representing a weakened region arranged on at least a portion of the front, rear, and one of the first or second side panels (long-short-long) and forming a base and a cap;

[0060] [Fig.l5B] shows the packaging of [Fig.l5A] in a partially open configuration;

[0061] [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of a package of the present disclosure, showing a weakened region disposed on at least a portion of the first side panel, the second side panel, and one of the front or rear panels (short-long-short) and forming a base and a cap;

[0062] [Fig. 17] is a schematic plan view of a package of the present disclosure made with a tubular casing process;

[0063] [Fig. 18A] is a schematic representation of a packaging configuration in accordance with the present disclosure prepared in accordance with the present disclosure; and

[0064] [Fig. 18B] is a schematic representation of a front view of the packaging configuration of [Fig. 18A]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers to devices that absorb and contain exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or near the wearer's body to absorb and contain the various exudates excreted by the body. Absorbent articles of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, baby diapers, adult incontinence briefs, potty training briefs, baby diaper supports, menstrual pads, urinary leak protection pads, liners, absorbent inserts, panty liners, tampons, and the like.

[0066] The term "machine direction" or "MD," as used herein, refers to a path that a material, such as a packaging material, follows through a manufacturing process.

[0067] The term "cross machine direction" or "TS" as used herein means the path that is perpendicular to the machine direction in the plane of the material.

[0068] The term "natural fibers" as used herein refers to fibers that include cellulose-based fibers, bamboo fibers, and the like. Natural fibers also refer to: non-wood fibers, such as cotton, abaca, Java jute, Chinese alpine rush, flax, esparto grass, straw, hemp jute, bagasse, milkweed fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and wood fibers, such as wood, or pulp fibers such as those obtained from hardwoods and conifers, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood kraft fibers, hardwood fibers, such as eucalyptus, maple, birch, and aspen. Pulp fibers may be prepared in high-yield or low-yield forms and may be pulped in any known process, including high-yield kraft, sulfite, and other known pulping processes. The natural fibers of the present disclosure may be recycled natural fibers, virgin natural fibers, or mixtures thereof. In addition, for good mechanical properties in the natural fibers, it may be desirable that the natural fibers be relatively undamaged and largely unrefined or only lightly refined. The fibers may have a Canadian Standard Freeness Index of at least 200, more specifically at least 300, more specifically at least 400, and most specifically at least 500.

[0069] The term "cellulose-based fibers," as used herein, may include regenerated cellulose fiber such as rayon or cupro-ammonium rayon, and high-efficiency pulping fibers, unless otherwise specified. The term "cellulose-based fibers" also includes chemically treated natural fibers, such as mercerized pulps, chemically stiffened or crosslinked fibers, or sulfonated fibers. Also included are mercerized natural fibers, regenerated natural cellulosic fibers, microbially produced cellulose, the rayon process, cellulose dissolution and coagulation spinning processes, and other cellulosic or cellulosic-derived materials. Other cellulose-based fibers included are paper scraps or recycled fibers and high-efficiency paper pulp fibers.High-yield pulp fibers are those fibers produced by pulping processes providing a yield of about 65% or more, more specifically about 75% or more, and even more specifically about 75% to about 95%. The yield is the resulting amount of processed fiber expressed as a percentage of the initial mass of wood. Such pulping processes include bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP), chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP), thermomechanical pressurized pulp (PTMP), thermomechanical pulp (TMP), chemical thermomechanical pulp (TMCP), high-yield sulfite pulps, and high-yield Kraft pulps, all of which leave the resulting fibers with high levels of lignin, but are still considered natural fibers.High yield fibers are well known for their stiffness in both dry and wet states compared to typical chemically pulped fibers.

[0070] The packaging of the present disclosure comprises a packaging material containing absorbent articles wherein the packaging material comprises or is derived from natural resources. Namely, the packaging material of the present disclosure comprises natural fibers. Natural fibers can form a paper from which packaging material is made. The composition of packaging materials is discussed in more detail here.

[0071] Packaging materials

[0072] The packaging materials of the present disclosure comprise natural fibers. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may comprise wood fiber and / or pulp fiber. The packaging materials may comprise at least 50 percent by weight natural fibers, at least 70 percent by weight natural fibers, at least 90 percent by weight natural fibers, between about 50 percent and about 100 percent by weight natural fibers, between about 65 percent and about 99 percent by weight natural fibers, or between about 75 percent and about 95 percent by weight natural fibers, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. In one form, the packaging materials may comprise 99.9% by weight natural fibers.

[0073] Inks, and / or dyes associated with the packaging technique, marking, packaging information, and / or background color, as well as adhesives associated with seams, and protective coatings are also considered part of the packaging materials on a weight percentage basis. When the weight percentage of natural fibers is less than 100 percent, the difference may be made up by the inks, dyes, and / or adhesives. Inks, dyes, coatings, and adhesives may be considered impurities in a paper recycling process, but may be otherwise recyclable.

[0074] While the packaging materials may include many different fibers, inks, dyes, coatings, adhesives, etc., the packaging material of the present disclosure may be formulated to facilitate and / or encourage recycling of the packaging material, and may encourage recycling of the packaging material within a single recycling stream, such as a paper recycling stream. Whether the packaging materials are recyclable may vary from region to region.In order to meet one of the highest standards of recyclability, the total weight percentage of non-recyclable material, including material not recyclable within a particular recycling stream - such as a paper recycling stream - but otherwise recyclable, e.g., inks, dyes, adhesives, and coatings in the packaging material, may be 5 percent by weight of the packaging material or less, or from 0.1 percent to 5 percent by weight, specifically citing all values ​​at . within these ranges and any ranges formed within them. However, other jurisdictions may allow a higher weight percentage of non-recyclable material. For example, in other jurisdictions, the packaging material of the present disclosure may comprise 50 weight percent or less, 30 weight percent or less, or about 15 weight percent or less of non-recyclable material, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges formed within or by them.As another example, the packaging materials of the present disclosure may comprise from about 0.1 percent to about 50 percent by weight, from about 0.1 percent to about 30 percent by weight, or from about 0.1 percent to about 15 percent by weight of non-recyclable material, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. In one example, the amount of inks, dyes, coatings, and adhesives is 5 percent by weight, or less, or between 0.1 percent by weight and 5 percent by weight, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein.

[0075] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be free of a barrier layer. As used herein, the term "barrier layer" refers to a layer of material, including barrier coatings, barrier plastics, and / or barrier metal foils, that is joined to the packaging materials comprising natural fibers. Such barrier layers may reduce the recyclability of the packaging materials within a single recycling stream.

[0076] In other cases, in order to at least partially protect absorbent articles disposed within the packaging, the packaging materials of the present disclosure may comprise a barrier layer. The barrier layer may at least partially inhibit the migration of water vapor through the packaging material. The barrier layer may comprise a water-soluble material that may not interfere with a recycling process. The barrier layer may be readily separable from the remainder of the packaging materials through a recycling process, for example, by having a different water solubility, density, buoyancy, or other physical characteristics compared to the remainder of the packaging materials.

[0077] The type of adhesive used for the seals of the packages of the present disclosure may also influence the recyclability of the package. As an example, adhesives that can dissolve in water during the repulping step of the disintegration step of the paper recycling process may be particularly suitable for the packages of the present disclosure. Such adhesives include starch-based adhesives, polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives, and polyethylene oxide-based adhesives. A suitable example of a starch-based adhesive is available from LD Davis of Monroe, North Carolina, under the trademark AP0420CR. A suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from Sekisui Chemical Company of Osaka, Japan, under the trademark Selvol 205. A suitable example of a polyethylene oxide-based adhesive is available from Dow Chemicals Co. of Midland, Michigan, under the trademark WSR N-80.

[0078] Water-dispersible adhesives may similarly be used. Suitable examples of water-dispersible adhesives include thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesives and polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives. A suitable example of a thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesive is available from Actega located in Blue Ash, Ohio, under the trademark Yunico 491. A suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from Bostik located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the trademark Aquagrip 4419U01. Another suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from HB Fuller under the trademark PD-0330.

[0079] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that packages of the present disclosure that utilize water-soluble adhesives may comprise a higher weight percentage of such adhesives than adhesive that are only water-dispersible. For example, packages comprising water-soluble adhesives may comprise a first weight percentage of adhesive while packages comprising water-dispersible adhesives may comprise a second weight percentage of adhesive. The first weight percentage may be greater than the second weight percentage for the purpose of recycling the package material.

[0080] When a barrier layer is used, the barrier material may be selected such that the use of adhesives may be reduced or eliminated. Such a barrier material may be a polyethylene film coated on an inner surface of the packaging material. The polyethylene may be used to form the seals rather than an adhesive or in conjunction with an adhesive. However, since the polyethylene film may not be recyclable in the same stream as the other packaging materials, the weight percentage of the polyethylene may be consistent with the present disclosure regarding the percentages of non-recyclable material discussed herein.

[0081] The efficiency of the recycling process on the packaging material of the present disclosure may be determined by the recyclable percentage. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have recyclable percentages of 60 percent or more, 75 percent or more, or 90 percent or more, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have a recycling percentage of between about 60 percent and about 99.9 percent, between about 75 percent and about 99.9 percent, or between about 90 percent and about 99.9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. In a specific example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a recyclable percentage of between about 95 percent and about 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein.The recyclable percentage of the packaging material of this description is determined by means of test PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under category II, as carried out by Papiertechnische Stiftung located at Pirnaer Strasse 37, 01809 Heidenau, Germany.

[0082] Along with the recyclable percentage, the total rejection percentage may be determined through PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under the Category II test method. The total rejection percentage of the packaging material of the present specification may be 40 percent or less, 30 percent or less, or 10 percent or less, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed thereby. For example, the total rejection percentage of the packaging material of the present specification may be from about 0.5 percent to about 40 percent, from about 0.5 percent to about 30 percent, or from about 0.5 percent to about 10 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed thereby.

[0083] It is believed that the percentage of non-recyclable material does not necessarily have a 1:1 correlation with the total percentage of rejection. For example, soluble adhesives and / or coatings are designed to dissolve during the recycling process. The theory is that these adhesives may not have an impact on the total percentage of rejection; however, they would contribute to the percentage by weight of non-recyclable material.

[0084] PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under the Category II test method also includes a visual component. Trained scanners inspect one or more sheets of recycled packaging material for visual imperfections. If the number of visual imperfections is too large, then the packaging material is rejected. If the number of visual imperfections is acceptable, according to PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under the Category II test method, then the packaging material is approved for a further processing. The packaging material of this description may give an acceptable level of visual imperfections during this step of the process.

[0085] The packaging material of the present description can achieve the above-mentioned recyclable percentages as well as pass the visual scanning process. Thus, the packaging material of the present description can achieve an overall rating or final result of "pass" when subjected to PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under the category IL test process

[0086] It should also be noted that there is an alternative method for determining the percentage recyclable of the packaging material of the present disclosure. The test method performed by Western Michigan University, called the Paper Repulping Test Method, can provide a percentage yield of recyclable material. While there are subtle differences between the Paper Repulping Test Method performed by Western Michigan and PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under the Category II test method, it is believed that the percentage yield of the Paper Repulping Test Method would be similar to the percentage recyclable provided by the PTS test method.

[0087] It is contemplated that the packaging material of the present disclosure, while being recyclable, may itself comprise recycled material. Such a determination may be made from a visual inspection of the packaging. For example, manufacturers typically advertise the use of recycled materials in an attempt to demonstrate their environmentally friendly product approach. To further develop this example, some manufacturers may use a logo, e.g., a leaf, along with text to indicate the use of recycled materials in the packaging material. Often, manufacturers may also specify the percentage of recycled material used, e.g., more than 50 percent, more than 70 percent, etc.

[0088] A visual inspection may be as simple as using the human eye to inspect packaging for logos of the use of recycled material. In addition or alternatively, a visual inspection may include microscopy methods such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, or other suitable methods known in the art. For example, a packaging material comprising recycled paper fibers may appear different under a microscope due to the presence of a much broader range of natural fiber types than if the packaging material comprised 100% non-recycled paper. As another example, under a microscope, recycled fibers—due to their increased processing—may appear more fibrillated than their virgin fiber counterparts.

[0089] In order to withstand the rigors of a high-speed manufacturing process where a plurality of absorbent articles are disposed within the package, to withstand the force of the compressed absorbent articles being placed directly into the package without intermediate packaging or receptacles, to withstand the rigors of shipping, to provide protection from environmental stresses during shipping and while on the store shelf, and to provide protection of the product in the consumers' homes, the packaging materials may have a certain level of strength, stretch, and / or resilience.The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be characterized using metrics such as: Tensile strength in SM in kN / m, Tensile strength in ST in kN / m, Stretch at break in SM in percent, Stretch at break in ST in percent, Bursting strength in kPa, Gauge in pm, Tensile energy absorption in SM in J / m2, Tensile energy absorption in ST in J / m2, and Basis weight in grams per square meter. While all metrics may be used in conjunction to characterize the packaging materials of the present disclosure, it is believed that some of the metrics alone or in conjunction with others may be sufficient to characterize packaging materials that are suitable for packaging absorbent articles.As an example, it is believed that burst strength can be used alone or in conjunction with other metrics to obtain packaging materials that are sufficient for the packaging of absorbent articles. Similarly, it is believed that tensile energy absorption (TEA) in SM and ST can be used in conjunction with each other, and if desired, alongside any combination of the above metrics, to obtain packaging materials that are suitable for packaging of absorbent articles.As yet another example, it is contemplated that stretch at break in the SM and / or stretch at break in the ST may be used in conjunction with at least one of tensile strength in the SM or tensile strength in the ST, respectively, to characterize packaging materials that may be sufficient to package absorbent articles as described herein. Any suitable combination of metrics may be used.

[0090] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength in the SM of at least 5 kN / m, at least 7 kN / m, or at least 8 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The tensile strength in the SM may be between about 5 kN / m and about 8.5 kN / m, between about 5.2 N / m and about 8.2 kN / m, or between about 5.5 kN / m and about 8.0 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them. Tensile strength in the SM is measured using the tensile strength test method described herein.

[0091] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength in the ST of at least 3 kN / m, at least 4 kN / m, or at least 5.5 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The tensile strength in the ST may be between about 3 kN / m and about 6.5 kN / m, between about 3 N / m and about 6.2 kN / m, or between about 3 kN / m and about 6 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The tensile strength in the ST is measured using the strength tensile test method.

[0092] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a burst strength of at least 200 kPa, at least 250 kPa, or at least 550 kPa, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The burst strength of the packaging materials of the present disclosure may be between about 200 kPa and about 600 kPa, between about 220 kPa and about 550 kPa, or between about 250 kPa and about 500 kPa, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The burst strength is measured using the burst strength test method described herein. Bursting strength, as measured, is believed to include components of strength, flexibility, and resilience.As such, it is believed that burst strength can be used independently of the other measures mentioned.

[0093] The packaging materials of the present disclosure, in addition to strength, may also exhibit some measure of resilience. Thus, the packaging materials of the present disclosure may exhibit a stretch at break in the ST of at least 3 percent, at least 4 percent, or at least 6 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may exhibit a stretch at break in the SM of between about 3 percent and about 6.5 percent, between about 3.2 percent and about 6.2 percent, or between about 3.5 percent and about 6 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.The stretch at break in the SM is measured using the tensile strength test method described here.

[0094] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may exhibit a stretch at break in the ST of at least 4 percent, at least 6 percent, or at least 9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may exhibit a stretch at break in the ST of between about 4 percent and about 10 percent, between about 4.5 percent and about 9.5 percent, or between about 5 percent and about 9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The stretch at break in the ST is measured using the tensile test method described herein.

[0095] With respect to caliper, the packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a caliper of at least 50 pm, at least 70 pm, or at least 90 pm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a caliper of from about 50 pm to about 110 pm, from about 55 pm to about 105 pm, or from about 60 pm to about 100 pm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. Caliper is measured using the caliper test method described herein.

[0096] With respect to tensile energy absorption (TEA), the packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a TEA in the SM of at least 150 J / m2, greater than 170 J / m2, or at least 180 J / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have a TEA in the SM of between about 100 J / m2 and about 250 J / m2, between about 125 J / m2 and about 225 J / m2, or between about 150 J / m2 and about 200 J / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them.

[0097] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have an AET in the ST of at least 150 J / m2, at least 200 J / m2, or at least 250 J / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may have an AET in the ST of between about 150 J / m2 and about 275 J / m2, between about 175 J / m2 and about 260 J / m2, or between about 200 J / m2 and about 250 J / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. ci. The AETs in the SM and ST are measured according to the tensile strength test method described here.

[0098] The basis weight of packaging materials can affect the "feel" of the package to the consumer as well as the strength of the package. Too low a basis weight and the package may seem too flimsy. Too high a basis weight and the package may seem too inflexible. The packaging materials of the present disclosure have a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, between about 55 and about 115 g / m2, or between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them. Basis weight, also referred to as "grammage," is determined according to the basis weight test method described herein.

[0099] It should be noted that for high-speed packaging processes, the lower basis weight of 50 g / m2 may provide some quality assurance failures. It is believed that high-speed packaging processes may induce deformation in the packaging materials that slower packaging processes cannot induce. For this reason, when packaging materials are processed using a high-speed manufacturing process, 60 g / m2 may be the lowest desirable basis weight of packaging material. When packaging materials are processed using a hand-packing process or low-speed packaging processes, 50 g / m2 may be sufficient as the lowest basis weight of packaging material.

[0100] The packaging materials of the present disclosure are different from paperboard. For example, paperboard is not as flexible as the packaging materials of the present disclosure. Paperboard is inherently stiffer than the packaging materials of the present disclosure and does not have the same processability on high-speed converting lines as the packaging materials of the present disclosure. In addition, paperboard has a basis weight greater than 160 g / m2, which is considerably higher than that of the packaging materials of the present disclosure.

[0101] Similarly, cardboard is also different from the packaging materials of the present disclosure. Cardboard has a much higher basis weight (greater than 200 g / m2) than the packaging materials of the present disclosure. In addition, cardboard is much less flexible than the packaging materials of the present disclosure. Cardboard materials are commonly fluted and comprise three plies of a paper material and at this title, are structurally different from the packaging materials of this description.

[0102] The packaging materials of the present disclosure have the advantage of being more flexible compared to cardboard. Another advantage is that the packaging materials of the present disclosure take up less space than bulkier cardboard. An additional advantage of the packaging materials of the present disclosure, which may be attributed at least in part to the strength and resilience properties discussed herein, is that the packaging materials allow the packaged absorbent articles to be compressed within the package. This allows more products to fit within a smaller volume package which may increase manufacturing efficiency. An additional advantage is that a monolayer (a stratum) of the packaging materials of the present disclosure may form packages of the present disclosure.The inventors have discovered that, due at least in part to the flexibility, strength, and resilience properties of the packaging materials, the packages of the present disclosure can be formed from a monolayer (a stratum) of packaging materials of the present disclosure.

[0103] Despite having reduced flexibility compared to, for example, plastic packaging, and a lower basis weight than cardboard, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that the packaging materials of the present disclosure can withstand the rigors of a high-speed manufacturing process - where a plurality of absorbent articles are placed within the package under compression - as well as the rigors of shipping, provide protection from environmental stresses during shipping, and while on store shelves, and provide protection for absorbent products in the consumer's home.

[0104] Table 1 shows a variety of packaging materials that can be successfully used to package absorbent articles under high-speed processing conditions, as well as at least one packaging material that is not successful. The various properties discussed previously are also listed for each of the samples.

[0105] Sample 1: Packaging paper produced from pure white kraft pulp and consisting entirely of virgin fibers, available from BillerudKorsnâs™ under the brand name Axello Tough White.

[0106] Sample 2: Packaging paper produced from pure white kraft pulp and consisting entirely of virgin fibers, available from BillerudKorsnâs™ under the brand name Performance White SE.

[0107] Sample 3: Calendered specialty kraft paper made entirely from virgin fibers, available from Mondi™ under the Advantage Smooth White Strong brand.

[0108] Sample 4: Packaging paper produced from kraft pulp, consisting of virgin fibers, and including a fluoropolymer barrier coating, available from BillerudKorsnâs™ under the brand name Basix Glaze.

[0109] Table 1 Sample 1 Sample 2 Sample 3 Sample 4 Mass per unit area (g / m2) 80 70 70 50 Tensile strength in SM (kN / m) 7.6 5.7 5.9 4.7 Tensile strength in ST (kN / m) 4.7 4.1 3.0 2.7 Bursting strength (kPa) 480 — 256 185 Stretch at break in SM (%) 4.5 6.0 2.5 — Stretch at break in ST (%) 8.0 9.5 8.0 — Caliper (pm) 92.0 — 89.0 67.0 AET in SM (J / m2) 185 230 — — AET in ST (J / m2) 240 200 — —

[0110] The packaging material of Sample 4 cannot be successfully used in the packaging of absorbent articles. Upon placement of the absorbent article in the packaging, the packaging material tears. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that Sample 4 failed due to a combination of low basis weight and a high-speed packaging process. While Sample 4 failed under the conditions of the high-speed process, it is believed that a sample having the properties of Sample 4 may be successful with the use of a more moderate packaging process, such as manual packaging. [YES] Packaging Configurations

[0112] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be arranged as a package in a myriad of configurations to contain one or more absorbent articles. For example, the package may include a plurality of panels that define an interior compartment and enclose one or more absorbent articles. When in a sealed condition, such as during shipping and displayed on a store shelf, the package may completely enclose one or more absorbent articles. Each of the panels includes an inner surface—facing inwardly toward the packaged absorbent article—and an outer surface—facing outwardly toward the consumer. The outer surface and / or the inner surface of one or more panels may include inks or dyes that create a marking on the package, information of the package, and / or a background color.Branding and / or packaging information associated with the absorbent articles within the package may be provided on an outer surface of at least one panel. The branding may include logos, brands, trademarks, icons, and the like, associated with the absorbent articles within the package. A branding may be used to inform a consumer of the brand of the absorbent articles within the package. As an example, a brand indication for a package of feminine hygiene protection pads may include the brand name Always®. The packaging information may include the size of the absorbent articles, the number of absorbent articles within the package, an exemplary image of the absorbent articles contained within the package, recyclability logos, and the like.As an example, packaging information for a package of feminine hygiene protection pads may include a size indicator, for example, “Size 1”.

[0113] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be provided by a packaging material manufacturer to an absorbent article manufacturer. The packaging materials may be preformed to some extent into a finished package shape, or the packaging material manufacturer may simply provide rolls of the packaging materials to the absorbent article manufacturer. The packaging material may be integral, meaning that a package is formed from a single piece of packaging material. For example, multiple folds and joins may be used to form the plurality of panels of the package from a single piece of packaging material. In such examples, the absorbent article manufacturer may create the folds and joins as described herein to form a package for absorbent articles.The packaging of this description may. include a packaging material that includes a plurality of distinct parts. Such configurations are described in more detail herein.

[0114] Regardless of whether the packaging material is on rolls or preformed to some extent, the packages of the present disclosure begin with a starting paper. Referring to Figures 1A-1B, the edge portions 100 and 110 of a sheet of paper stock 99 may be folded toward each other and subsequently sealed to form a seam. For example, the side portions 100 and 110 of the sheet 99 may be brought inward toward a longitudinal centerline 90 of the sheet 99 to form a hoop seam 95 (see Figure 1C). These edge portions may overlap and be sealed together to form an overlap seam. Alternatively, the edge portions 100 and 110 may be joined together on their respective inner surfaces to form a butt seam. Butt joints tend not to lay flat as an overlap joint.For this reason, where the seam is located, at least in part, on a lower face on which the packaging may rest, an overlapping seam may be desirable so that the packaging may rest on a flatter lower face.

[0115] Referring to Figures 1C to 1E, the sheet of packaging material may be suitably folded to form bag side pleats 12b and 13b and two side creases 12a and 13a on opposite sides, to form the bag structure 4 having a first surface 10, a second and third surface 12, 13, respectively, and a fourth and fifth surface 14, 15. An open end 48 opposes the first surface 10. Each side pleat 12b, 13b may be located at the respective second or third surface 12, 13. It should be noted that in Figures 1C and 1D, the pleating and folds shown are for a package having a block configuration or a block bottom configuration. Gussets and fold lines for a pinch bottom bag are discussed in more detail in [Fig.2B].

[0116] The bag 4 may be filled by inserting articles, such as a plurality of absorbent articles through the open end 48. When the bag 4 is filled with a plurality of articles, for example by loading articles through the open end 48, the device used to introduce the articles into the bag 4 together with the articles may exert tension on each of the second and third surfaces 12, 13 of the bag 4. For example, the articles may be compressed before being inserted into the bag 4 so that the articles may expand slightly after being inserted into the bag 4, and thereby exert tension on the second and third surfaces 12, 13 as well as the fourth surface 14 and the fifth surface 15. The tension may be exerted on each of the pleats 12b, 13b at respective second and third surfaces 12, 13, particularly along the first and second lateral folds 12a, 13a by which the packaging can maintain a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0117] As can be seen in [Fig.lD], the open end 48 opposite the first surface 10 can then be closed to form a sixth surface 11. Any suitable style of closure can be used. In one form, the sixth surface can comprise closure gussets 11b, wherein portions of the outer surface of the packaging material at the closure gussets 11b are joined to form a closure seam 11a and a closure seam fin 11e extending from the closure seam 11a and the sixth surface 11. At least a portion of the closure seam fin 11e can be attached to at least a portion of the sixth surface 11.Bonding the closure joint fin 11e to at least a portion of the sixth surface may reduce the risk of unintentional opening of the package, provide improved stackability, as well as provide a cleaner shelf appearance. Instead of forming closure gussets and a closure fin, the sixth surface may include joints that are joined together in a block-like configuration or a cross-like configuration, further discussed herein.

[0118] An example of a block-like configuration is shown in [Fig.2A]. As shown, the first surface 10 may include block-like joins 220 and 230. The first surface 10 may include a base portion 240. A first flap of packaging material 250 may be folded over the base portion 240. First joins 220 may be provided to attach the first flap of packaging material 250 to the base portion 240. A second flap of packaging material 260 may be folded over the base portion 240 and over the first flap of packaging material 250. Second joins 230 may be provided to attach the second flap of packaging material 260 to the base portion 240 and to the first flap of packaging material 250. A similar embodiment may be used with respect to the sixth surface 11 to form a closure.

[0119] Another example of a type of pan seal that may be used with the packages of the present disclosure is the pinch-type or pinch-bottom type configuration. An example of a pinch-type configuration is shown in [Fig.2B]. As shown, one of the key differences between the block bottom configuration and the pinch-bottom configuration is the configuration of the pleats 12b and 13b. Instead of pleats on the sides 12 and 13, a pinch-style configuration includes gussets 22b and 23b on the first surface 10. Additionally, in the pinch-bottom configuration, the first surface 10 includes a fold line 10a which may be absent. in the block-style configuration. A similar pinch-type configuration may be used regarding the sixth surface 11 to form a closure.

[0120] Cross-style or cross-bottom-style configurations are also acceptable for sealing portions of the packaging materials of the present disclosure. An example of a cross-style configuration is shown in [Fig. 2C]. As shown, one of the key differences between the cross-style configuration and the block-style configuration is that the gussets 32b and 33b and the score lines 12a and 13a are oriented outwardly of the interior of the package. In a block-style configuration (Fig. 1C), on the other hand, the score lines 12a and 13a on the second surface 12 and the third surface 13, respectively, are oriented inwardly prior to filling the package. Due to the orientation of the gussets 32b and 33b in the cross-style configuration, filling the package with absorbent articles may require less energy to expand the package for filling.As an example, inward-facing pleats, for example, a block-style configuration, would require the pleats to be moved outward before filling the package. In addition, equipment used to guide the product into the package may have a reduced likelihood of interference with the gussets, given their outward orientation. This may reduce the likelihood of packaging incidents or manufacturing process shutdowns due to quality issues.

[0121] Referring again to [Fig.2C], similar to the block-like configuration, the first surface 10 of the cross-like configuration includes joints 320 and 330. The first surface includes a base portion 340. A first flap of packaging material 350 may be folded over the base portion 340. First joints 320 may be provided to secure the first flap of packaging material 350 to the base portion 340. A second flap of packaging material 360 may be folded over the base portion 340 and over the first flap of packaging material 350. Second joints 330 may be provided to attach the second flap of packaging material 360 to the base portion 340 and / or the first flap of packaging material 350.A similar execution may be used to form the closure on the sixth surface (formed once the package is sealed after absorbent articles have been placed therein).

[0122] For less bulky articles, where it is desired that the package be able to stand upright, the block bottom or cross bottom may be desirable, as these configurations form a flat base. However, for bulky articles, pinch-style configuration bags may be advantageous, as the absorbent articles Bulky items can form a stable base for erecting the packaging. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that baby diapers can be suitable for flat-bottom bags due to their bulky nature. On the other hand, feminine hygiene items, particularly menstrual pads, can be adapted for packaging configured with a block bottom.

[0123] Furthermore, it should be noted that block-type and cross-type configured packages tend to be themselves more bulky than their pinch-type counterparts. For the purpose of packaging absorbent articles, unfilled packages may arrive pre-formed in stacks to an absorbent article manufacturer. Generally, stacks of block-type and cross-type configured packages will take up more space, due to their bulk—as compared to pre-formed pinch-type configurations. The bulkiness of block-type and cross-type configurations can make the stacks more difficult to handle during the filling process, particularly when a large number of filled packages are created per minute. In such cases, the bulkiness of these configurations can mean an increased frequency of replenishing the stacks.

[0124] Referring again to Figures 1C to 1D, the first surface 10 may form at least a portion of the upper panel of the package 1. In another embodiment, the first surface 10 may form at least a portion of the lower panel of the package 1. It should be noted that if the first surface 10 includes seams, it may be desirable for the first surface 10 to form at least a portion of the lower panel. In this way the seams may be hidden from view on the store shelf. The second and third surfaces 12 and 13, since they may include gussets 12b and 13b, respectively, may comprise at least a portion of a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, respectively, or vice versa. The fourth and fifth surfaces 14, 15 may form at least a portion of a front panel and an opposing rear panel, respectively, or vice versa.At least one of the fourth and / or fifth surfaces 14, 15 may include marking, product information, and / or background color as described herein, as the front panel is generally the consumer-facing panel. However, product information and / or background color may not be limited to the consumer-facing panel. Any combination of the panels of the packages of the present disclosure may include marking, product information, and / or background color. The sixth surface 11 may form at least a portion of the top panel or at least a portion of the bottom panel of the package 1. When the sixth surface 11 includes closure gussets 11b, a closure seam 11a, and a . closure joint fin 11a extending from the closure joint 11a, it may be desirable for the sixth surface 11 to form at least a portion of the top panel. In this way the closure gussets 11b and the closure joint fin 11c do not introduce bulk and instability to the base of the package. When the sixth surface 11 forms at least a portion of the top panel, an upper edge region 11d is formed at the transition from the top panel to the front, rear, and first and second side panels. The upper edge region 11d may be formed by portions of the top, front, rear, first, and second side panels that are adjacent to a crease in the packaging material designating a transition from the top panel to another panel.

[0125] The closure joint fin 11e may include a carrying handle 1200, as shown in Figures 6, 12A-16, and 18A. The carrying handle 1200 may be formed by a portion of the closure joint fin 11e that is devoid of packaging material. In one form, at least a portion of the packaging material forming the closure joint fin 11e may be excised to define the carrying handle 1200. The carrying handle 1200 may be configured to allow a user to engage the carrying handle 1200 without having to grasp the handle with the user's hands. For example, the carrying handle 1200 may be sized to allow a user to slide their entire hand through the carrying handle 1200, and hook the carrying handle 1200 around the user's wrist, thereby keeping the user's hand free.As such, the carrying handle 1200 may measure at least 100 cm2, at least 150 cm2, at least 200 cm2, or at least 250 cm2.

[0126] Other forms of packaging are contemplated. Examples of such packages include a tubular envelope or a horizontal fill and seal envelope. Such packages may comprise a generally parallelepiped shape also configured in the manner described above. However, in some cases, as shown in [Fig. 17], a tubular wrap package 1700 may include a first surface 1702 and an opposing second surface 1704. Rounded edges may be provided as a transition between the first surface 1702 and the second surface 1704. In another form, one or more score lines may be provided between the first surface 1702 and the second surface 1704. The tubular wrap package 1700 may further include end seals 1706 and 1708, and a hoop seam 1709 that may be disposed on the second surface 1704.In such packages, the first surface 1702 may comprise the consumer-facing panel. Tubular packaging packages may be . useful, especially when a small number of absorbent articles are included in a package.

[0127] Another form of packaging according to the present disclosure may include seams / seals that are more open than those packages comprising a block bottom, a pinch bottom, and / or a cross bottom. Referring to Figure 18, a package 1800 is shown. The package 1800 may be configured in a generally parallelepiped shape. The package 1800 may include a first panel 1811, opposing second and third panels 1812 and 1813, opposing fourth and fifth panels 1814 and 1815, and a sixth panel 1810 opposing the first panel 1811. As shown, between the fourth panel 1814 and the sixth panel 1810, a first seal 1820 extends outwardly. The first seal 1820 may form a sort of foot for the package 1800. A second seal (not shown) may extend outwardly between the fifth panel 1815 and the sixth panel 1810 in a manner similar to the first seal 1820.

[0128] The first seal 1820 may extend such that a portion of the first seal 1820 is on the second panel 1812 and another portion of the first seal 1820 is disposed on the third panel 1813. Similarly, a portion of the second seal may be disposed on the second panel 1812 and another portion may be disposed on the third panel 1813. The first seal 1820 and the second seal may be provided where the sixth panel 1810 is formed from a separate piece of material that is subsequently joined to the fourth panel 1814 and the fifth panel 1815. Of course, forms where the sixth panel 1810 is integral with the fourth panel 1814 and the fifth panel 1815 are also contemplated.

[0129] A third seal 1830 and a fourth seal 1840 may extend outwardly from the second panel 1812 and the third panel 1813, respectively. It should be noted that the first seal 1820, the second seal, the third seal 1830, and the fourth seal 1840 may collectively comprise the hoop seal discussed herein. Thus, one, all, or any combination of these seals may exhibit the hoop seal tensile strength as described herein.

[0130] As shown, the package 1800 may further include a fifth seam 1850 and a sixth seam 1860 that are disposed on the sixth panel 1811. The fifth seam 1850 and the sixth seam 1860 may extend into a sealing fin 1880. It should be noted that the package 1800 and its associated seams may be assembled as described herein with respect to adhesives, barrier films, and / or combinations of barrier films and adhesives. However, the construction of the package 1800 is particularly well-suited for creating seams by coating a barrier film on a surface internal to the packaging material. In such configurations, the film can form a barrier that reduces the likelihood or at least the amount of moisture vapor passing through the packaging material to the absorbent articles within it.

[0131] Package shapes are also contemplated where the package comprises fewer than six sides. Packages having a circular or semi-circular shape when viewed from a bottom side are contemplated. In addition, packages having a triangular shape when viewed from the bottom side are contemplated. Regardless of the number of sides comprised by the packages of the present disclosure, the package comprises a side facing the consumer.

[0132] Configuration of the absorbent article

[0133] The packages of the present disclosure may comprise one or more absorbent articles. The absorbent articles may be placed within the package in an unfolded or folded configuration. The articles may be folded in the lateral direction and / or in the longitudinal direction. The articles may comprise one fold line, and may be arranged within the package in a two-fold configuration. The articles may comprise two fold lines, and may be arranged within the package in a three-fold configuration.

[0134] [Fig.3A] shows an example of a feminine hygiene pad in an unfolded configuration. [Fig.3B] shows a side view of the feminine hygiene pad of [Fig.3A] in a three-fold configuration. The feminine hygiene napkin shown in Figures 3A and 3B includes a first fold line 3400 disposed between a first napkin end region 3100 and a napkin center region 3300, and a second fold line 3402 disposed between a second napkin end region 3200 and the center region 3300. Prior to placement within the package, the second end region 3200 may be folded over and longitudinally inwardly around the second fold line 3402 to overlap at least a portion of the center region 3300, as can be observed from a comparison of Figures 3A and 3B.The first end region 3100 may then be folded over and longitudinally inward around the first fold line 3400 to overlap at least a portion of the central region 3300 and a portion of the second end region 3200. In some examples a three-fold configuration may have the article folded approximately in thirds, around the two longitudinally spaced side fold lines.

[0135] Figures 4A-4D show an absorbent article in the form of a baby diaper 4000 with front and rear waistband edges 4100, 4200, in successively open / unfolded and folded configurations. For bulk packaging, each of a plurality of baby diapers such as that shown in [Fig. 4A] may, in a first possible step, have its longitudinal side portions folded over and laterally inwardly around longitudinal side edge fold lines 4300, as can be observed from a comparison of Figures 4A and 4B. Then, the baby diaper may, in a second step, be folded longitudinally, around a side fold line 4400 that passes through the crotch region of the baby diaper, as can be observed from a comparison of Figures 4B and 4C. For a two-fold configuration as shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the article may be folded longitudinally once, and may in some examples be folded approximately in half around the side fold line 4400.

[0136] Regardless of whether the article is in a two-fold or three-fold configuration, the folded article, such as a folded feminine hygiene napkin 3000 and / or a folded baby diaper 4000, may have a single fold nose 30 defining at least one end edge of the folded article, fold nose corners 32, and left and right longitudinal peripheral edges 4500, 4600. It will be appreciated that in a three-fold example, a single fold nose may define each of the two end edges of the folded article. In some examples, as shown in Figures 4C and 4D, the fold nose 30 may be proximate the crotch region of the article (the middle region of the article adapted to be located between the wearer's legs during wear).The folded article will have a folded width LP measured as the distance between the side edges, a folded height HP measured as the distance between the fold nose 30 and the end edges (in the case of a two-fold configuration) or between the two fold noses 30 (in the case of a three-fold configuration), and a side width (LL). The folded width (LP) forms the wide flat face of the folded absorbent article, while the side width (LL) forms the narrow folded side of the absorbent article.

[0137] A plurality of folded articles as shown in Figures 3B and 4C and 4D may be placed in a similar orientation within the interior compartment of a package of the present disclosure. Figures 5 and 6 show a plurality of absorbent articles arranged within a package of the present disclosure. As shown in [Fig. 5] and 6, the package 1000 defines an interior compartment 1002 where a plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are located. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 may be arranged in a single horizontal row, as shown in [Fig. 5], or in one or more vertical stacks 1006, as shown in [Fig. 6]. When the articles are arranged in more than one vertical stack, as shown in [Fig. 6], all of the articles may be oriented in the same direction. In another example, a first set of the plurality of folded articles may have their fold noses 30 oriented along one side of the stack, and a second set of the plurality of folded articles may be rotated 180 degrees to have their fold noses oriented along the opposite side of the stack. In some examples, the articles in the first set and the articles in the second set may appear in an alternating sequence in the stack.

[0138] The folded absorbent articles may be arranged within the package of the present disclosure such that the folded width (LP) faces toward the first and second side panels. Such a configuration may be employed when the number of absorbent articles within the package is relatively large, e.g., greater than about ten individual absorbent articles, because the narrower sides (LL) of the articles will form front and back panels. For this reason, a relatively large number of absorbent articles may then be used to construct the front and back panels of the package. Such a configuration may be beneficial when the front and / or back panels form the consumer-facing panel.

[0139] The folded absorbent articles may be arranged within the package of the present disclosure such that the folded width (LP) faces the front and back panels. Such a configuration may be employed when the number of absorbent articles within the package is relatively small, e.g., less than about ten individual absorbent articles, because the wider sides (LP) of the articles will form front and back panels. Such a configuration may be beneficial when the front and / or back panels form the consumer-facing panel, and the number of absorbent articles arranged within the package is less than about ten.

[0140] The absorbent articles or articles may be compression packaged so as to reduce the package size, while still providing an adequate number of absorbent articles per package. By compression packaging the absorbent articles, healthcare providers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings to manufacturers due to the reduced package size. Despite the lack of stretching properties of conventional plastic packaging material, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that the packaging materials of the present disclosure are capable of withstanding the rigors of processing and dispensing, as discussed herein, even with absorbent articles that are compressed within the package and without the use of an intermediate receptacle.This is particularly unexpected given that the materials of the present disclosure may not exhibit the stretching properties of conventional plastic films currently in use.

[0141] Packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bag pile height of less than about 150 mm, less than about 110 mm, less than about 105 mm, less than about 100 mm, less than about 95 mm, less than about 90 mm, less than about 85 mm, less than about 80 mm, less than about 78 mm, less than about 76 mm, less than about 74 mm, less than about 72 mm, or less than about 70 mm, specifically citing all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them, according to the bag pile height test described herein.Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bag pile height ranging from about 70 mm to about 150 mm, from about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from about 70 mm to about 90 mm, from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, or from about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically citing all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them, according to the bag pile height testing method described herein.

[0142] Opening elements

[0143] The packages of the present disclosure containing absorbent articles include features that facilitate opening without undesirable deformation or destruction of the package (opening features), so that the opened package can be used, after opening, as a receptacle for storing the unused supply of product. The opening features include a weakened region or a plurality of weakened regions.The inventors have surprisingly discovered that packages of the present disclosure having a balance between the strength properties of the packaging materials and the strength properties of the weakened region can provide a flexible and resilient package that can withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process while providing an opening feature that is designed to facilitate opening of the package and minimized deformation of the packaging material along the path during opening. The packages of the present disclosure can also retain their shape upon removal of absorbent articles, which can make retrieval of additional articles easier.

[0144] The weakened regions may have a tensile strength that is less than the tensile strength of unweakened regions of the packages to allow the package to be opened at the weakened regions, while the unweakened regions of the package remain intact. The tensile strength of the weakened regions may, however, be sufficient to withstand unintentional opening. during packaging formation, shipping, in-store presentation, and daily use by a consumer.

[0145] The inventors have also discovered that the formation of weakened regions can be more efficient and less bulky when the packages are formed from a single layer (a stratum) of packaging materials as opposed to multiple layers. As discussed herein, the packaging materials of the present disclosure can allow the formation of packages comprising a single layer of packaging material while still exhibiting sufficient strength and elasticity. Arranging weakened regions in a single layer (a stratum) of packaging materials can require less energy and time as compared to arranging weakened regions across multiple layers of material.

[0146] Weakened regions may include folds disposed in the packaging material configured to make the weakened region less resistant to tearing or bursting than unfolded portions of the packaging material. Weakened regions may also, or rather, include perforations and / or notches in the packaging material. Perforations and / or notches may form a path or paths along a portion or portions of the packaging material. The path may be continuous.For this purpose herein, a "continuous" path of perforations or notches is a singular path of individual, successive, mechanically created partial or complete perforations, a singular path of individual, successive, laser-notched partial or complete perforations, or a continuous singular path of mechanical and / or laser notches, which is uninterrupted by an unperforated / unnotched portion of the packaging material. The packages of the present disclosure may comprise a single path or may comprise multiple paths of perforations and / or notches. The path or paths of perforations and / or notches may form a generally straight line, or may form a curvilinear shape.

[0147] As shown in the non-limiting examples of Figures 7A-7E, individual perforations and / or notches defining a path 60 may have any configuration suitable for propagating a tear in the packaging material along the path. When the path 60 of perforations and / or notches comprises a plurality of individual mechanically created perforations or cuts, or individual laser-notched perforations or cuts, it may be desired for the path to have a cut-to-land ratio of between about 0.7:1 and about 6:1, between about 0.8:1 and about 5:1, or between about 1:1 and about 4:1, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them. For packaging materials of the type contemplated herein, it is believed that a cut-to-land ratio within this range strikes an appropriate balance between providing ease of opening the package and minimized deformation of the packaging material along the path during opening, and avoiding unintentional premature package bursting or opening, and maintaining the structural integrity of the package during formation, shipping, handling and other events prior to intentional opening by the consumer. For this purpose herein, the "cut-to-land ratio" of a path of perforations and / or scores is the ratio of the aggregate of the lengths of the perforations or cuts extending along the direction of the path, to the aggregate of the minimum distances of unperforated / unscored portions of the packaging material between successive perforations. With reference to [Fig.8], for example, where a portion of a path of successive rectangular perforations inclined in the diagonal direction is shown lying along the path direction STr, the cross-section-to-flat ratio is (L1 + L2 + L3) : (SI + S2 + S3).

[0148] The individual perforations and / or notches may comprise any configuration capable of forming a weakened region. As shown in [Fig. 7A], the individual perforations and / or notches 66 may be in the form of a straight line. The straight line perforation and / or notch, as shown in [Fig. 7A], may be aligned generally parallel to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches. As shown in [Fig. 7B], the individual perforations and / or notches 66 may be aligned such that each individual perforation and / or notch is disposed at an angle relative to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches. The angle may be between about 20° and about 80°. With reference to [Fig. 7E], the individual perforations and / or notches 66 may comprise a first leg 61 and a second leg 63.The first leg 61 may be disposed generally parallel to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches. The second leg 63 may be disposed at an angle relative to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches. The angle may be between about 20° and about 80°. In another form, the second leg 63 may be disposed generally parallel to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches, and the first leg 61 may be disposed at an angle relative to the path 60 of perforations and / or notches, wherein the angle may be between about 20° and about 80°. Referring to [Fig.7C], the individual perforations and / or notches 66 may comprise three legs, wherein at least one of the legs may be disposed at an angle relative to the trajectory 60 of perforations and / or notches, and wherein the angle may be between about 20° and about 80°.Weakened areas including punctures and / or nicks including at least one leg are believed to occur. arranged at an angle to the path of perforations and / or notches may have lower tensile strength, but be more resistant to tearing and accidental opening during manufacturing processes.

[0149] With reference to Figures 9A-9E, when the packages of the present disclosure include weakened regions comprising a plurality of perforation and / or notch paths 60, the paths may be separated by aligned land areas 62. The aligned land areas 62 may have a length greater than the land areas of the paths they separate, when measured in line with adjoining paths. The length of the aligned land area may be large enough to distinguish it from the land areas of the adjoining perforation and / or notch paths, but may not be so large as to disrupt the opening of the two adjoining paths upon application of force by a user. The aligned land area may be coincident with a crease or fold in the package material, such as at a corner between two panels.The aligned land area may help prevent unintentional opening of the opening features at portions of the packages that may be pre-weakened or that may experience some increased amount of stress due to the disposition of the weakened region over a fold and / or crease in the package. The aligned land areas may have a length of from about 1.5 mm to about 25 mm, from about 2 mm to about 20 mm, or from about 2 mm to about 10 mm, specifically citing all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them.

[0150] The trajectory of perforations and / or scores may include a single, uninterrupted line of laser scoring that does not fully penetrate the packaging material, but is designed to promote clean propagation of the tear along the trajectory. The uninterrupted line of laser scoring may be disposed on the packaging material coincident with a score line, or may be disposed on a flat portion of the packaging material. The provision of a single, uninterrupted line of laser scoring coincident with a score line may enhance the ability of an already weakened region to tear or burst along a designated trajectory upon application of sufficient force, while the remainder of the package maintains its shape and integrity.

[0151] Referring again to Figures 7A-7E, the pattern of perforations in the perforation path 60 may depend on the location on the package where the weakened region is disposed. Perforation patterns having a higher cross-section-to-land ratio may be desirable in a weakened region that includes a perforation path that passes through a structure of gusset, because a gusset structure includes more than one layer of packaging material and may be more difficult to tear. Furthermore, when a plurality of absorbent articles are packaged within the package of the present disclosure under compression, the perforation pattern may be arranged such that at least a portion of the direction of the cuts are arranged diagonal to or perpendicular to the direction of tension in the packaging material created by the compression of the absorbent articles, as shown in Figures 9B, 9C, and 9E. In such a configuration, it is believed that the perforations will be less likely to expand and / or open prior to intentional opening by the consumer.

[0152] With reference to Figures 10 and 11, in order to reduce the chances that a consumer opening the package will tear the packaging material beyond the end points 64, 65 of the path 60 of perforations and / or notches, and distort the packaging material and / or reduce the usefulness of the package for storing and / or protecting unused articles, it may be desirable to include a stress dispersing element 69 proximate one or both of the end points 64, 65. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the tear stress dispersing element 69 is a semicircular perforation or cut extending transversely to the direction of the path 60, which serves to disperse concentrated tear stresses at the end point, and to impede tear propagation in a manner that can be tactilely perceived by the consumer.It may be observed that the tear stress dispersing element 69 may have other shapes, including other shapes of cuts and / or perforations through the packaging material, which extend transversely to the direction of the path 60, reinforcing strips, added ribbons, and the like.

[0153] [Fig. 12A] is a perspective view of a package of the present disclosure in a closed configuration, and [Fig. 12B] shows the package of [Fig. 12A] in a partially open configuration. Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, a package 1 of the present disclosure may include a top panel 11 including closure gussets 11b, a closure seam 11a, and a closure seam fin 11e. A weakened region 700 may be disposed on at least a portion of the closure seam fin 11e between the closure seam 11a and an interior compartment 702 including one or more absorbent articles. The weakened region 700 may extend through at least a portion of the closure gussets 11b. The weakened region 700 may include a series of perforations and / or notches 704.The series of perforations and / or notches 704 may form a path generally parallel to the closure seam 11a. The path of perforations and / or notches may have a relatively high cutting-to-land ratio. A relatively high cutting-to-land ratio may be preferable when the path of . perforations and / or notches passes through at least a portion of the closure gussets, because the closure gusset portion comprises four layers of packaging material, and a higher cut-to-flat ratio may reduce the amount of force required to form an opening in the packaging. For example, the cut-to-flat ratio may be from about 0.7:1 to about 6:1, or from about 1:1 to about 6:1, or from about 2:1 to about 6:1, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0154] The weakened region may be configured to form an opening along the path of perforations and / or notches. The weakened region 700 comprising the series of perforations and / or notches 704 may be configured such that the closure joining fin 11c may be completely removable from the remainder of the package 1. In such a configuration, removal of the closure joining fin 11c may result in a large opening—defined by the front 14, rear 15, first and second side panels 12, 13—to allow easy access to the absorbent article(s) disposed within the interior compartment 702. An additional beneficial effect of a large opening created by the complete removal of the closure joining fin is that the absorbent articles may be configured in any manner within the interior compartment, and may still be readily removable.

[0155] [Fig. 13A] is a perspective view of a package of the present description in a closed configuration, and [Fig. 13B] shows the package of [Fig. 13A] in a partially open configuration. With reference to Figures 13A and 13B, a package 1 of the present description may include a weakened region 700 disposed on at least a portion of an upper edge region 706 of the package 1 between at least one of: the top panel 11 and the front panel 14, the top panel 11 and the rear panel 15, the top panel 11 and the first side panel 12, and the top panel 11 and the second side panel 13. When the top panel 11 includes closure gussets 11b, the weakened region 700 may be disposed below the closure gussets 11b.A relatively low cut-to-flat ratio may be preferable when the path of perforations and / or notches does not pass through a portion of the closure gussets, because the region of the packaging outside the closure gussets comprises only a single layer of packaging material. For example, the cut-to-flat ratio may be from about 0.7:1 to about 6:1, or from about 1:1 to about 5:1, or from about 2:1 to about 4:1, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0156] A package of the present disclosure may include a weakened region, wherein the weakened region is disposed on a portion of the upper edge region of the package only between the top panel and the front panel or only between the top panel and the back panel. Such a weakened region configuration may be beneficial when articles are disposed within the interior compartment of the package in a three-fold configuration and arranged such that the fold noses are disposed proximate the first and second side panels of the package. In such a configuration, the weakened region may form an opening slot of approximately the same size as the article, and may allow only one article at a time to pass through the opening, thereby securely and orderly keeping the remaining articles within the package.

[0157] A package of the present disclosure may include a weakened region that is disposed on a portion of the top edge region of the package only between the top panel and two adjoining panels, such as the front panel and a side panel, or the back panel and a side panel.

[0158] A package of the present disclosure may include a weakened region that is disposed on a portion of the upper edge region of the package only between the top panel and three adjoining panels, such as the front panel and both side panels, the back panel and both side panels, or one of the side panels and both of the front and back panels. In such a configuration, the weakened region may form an opening that leaves one side of the top panel attached to the remainder of the package, thereby forming a hinge. For this reason, the top panel may be removed from above the interior compartment to allow access to all items disposed within the package, however, the top panel will remain attached to the package and thus readily available for replacement above the items.

[0159] A package of the present disclosure may include a weakened region disposed on a portion of the upper edge region of the package between the top panel and the front, rear, and either side panels. In such a configuration, the top panel may be completely removable. Such a configuration may create a large opening to allow easy access to the interior compartment and items disposed therein.

[0160] With reference to Figures 14A and 14B, a package 1 of the present disclosure may include a weakened region 700 disposed on at least a portion of the top panel 11, at least a portion of the front panel 14, at least a portion of the rear panel 15, and at least a portion of one of the first or second side panels 12, 13. The weakened region may surround a closure gusset 11b. The weakened region may form an opening upon application of an appropriate force by a consumer which can remove the closing gusset 11b. Removal of the closing gusset may form an entry point into the interior compartment of the package approximately the same width as the sides of the package. Such an entry point may be provided for the easy removal of articles that are arranged side to side in the package. The weakened region may include a path of perforations and / or notches with a cut-to-flat ratio of between about 0.7:1 and about 6:1, or between about 1:1 and about 5:1, or between about 2:1 and about 4:1, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0161] [Fig. 15A] is a perspective view of a package 1 of the present disclosure comprising a weakened region 700 disposed on at least a portion of at least three of the panels of the package. [Fig. 15B] shows the package of [Fig. 15A] in an open configuration. With reference to [Fig. 15A], the weakened region may comprise a series of perforations and / or notches 704 disposed on a portion of each of the at least three panels. The weakened region 700 may include a single path of perforations and / or notches 704 disposed along each of the panels, or, as discussed with respect to Figures 9A-9E, the weakened region may include multiple paths of perforations and / or notches 704 separated by aligned land areas 62. The aligned land areas may be disposed at transition areas between panels of the package, such as at corners of the package.The weakened region 700 may be disposed on at least three of the front 14, rear 15, first side 12, and second side 13 panels, such that the weakened region 700 defines a base 1502 of the package and a cap structure 1504. Referring now to [Fig. 15B], it is believed that a cap structure 1504 having three sides, each formed from a portion of one of the front 14, rear 15, first side 12, and second side 13 panels, and a top formed from a portion of the top 11 panel, may provide an effective, easy-to-use cover for the supply of unused absorbent articles disposed within the package, and may help protect against the entry of airborne contaminants into the package. The cap structure 1504 is formed when the consumer tears the packaging material along the weakened region 700.When the weakened region is disposed on only three panels, a portion of the cap structure may be partially removable from the base, since at least one panel may remain intact and attached to the base. After opening, the cap structure 1504 may be reclosed by returning it to a position similar to that occupied relative to the remainder of the package before opening.

[0162] As shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the weakened region 700 may include a path or paths of perforations and / or notches 704 disposed on one of the first or second side panels 12, 13, as well as on portions of either the front and rear panels 14, 15. This configuration (herein referred to as a "long-short-long" or "LCL" path) forms an opening along one short side (either the first or second side) of the package. Such a configuration may be especially useful when absorbent articles are stacked within the package from side panel to side panel. In such a case, the entire width of the article may be exposed upon opening the package, and the article may be easy to remove. The path(s) of perforations and / or notches may not traverse the entire width of the front and / or rear panels.For example, the path(s) of perforations and / or notches may traverse about 25 percent, about 33 percent, about 45 percent, about 50 percent, about 60 percent, or about 75 percent of the width of the front and back panels. Referring again to Figures 15A and 15B, where the perforation and / or score path(s) 704 do not traverse the entire width of the front and / or rear panels, it may be beneficial to have a stress dispersing element 69 disposed near the end point of the perforation and / or score path(s) 704. As discussed, the stress dispersing element may serve to disperse concentrated tear stresses at the end point, and may help reduce or prevent tearing of the packaging material beyond the end point of the perforation and / or score path(s).In another example, the path(s) of perforations and / or notches traverse the entire width of the front and rear panels.

[0163] In another form, shown in [Fig. 16], the weakened region 700 may include a path or paths of perforations and / or notches 704 disposed on one of the front or rear panels 14, 15, as well as on portions of either of the first and second side panels 12, 13. This configuration (herein referred to as a "short-long-short" or "SLS" path) is intended to form an opening along an entire long side (either the front or the rear) of the package. Such a configuration may be especially useful when articles are stacked within the package from the front panel to the rear panel. In such a case, the entire width of the article may be exposed upon opening the package, and the article may be easy to remove. The path or paths of perforations and / or notches traverse the entire width of the side panels.In another form, the path(s) of perforations and / or notches may not traverse the entire width of the side panels. For example, the path(s) of perforations and / or notches may traverse about 25 percent, about 33 percent, about 45 percent, about 50 percent. hundred, about 60 percent, or about 75 percent of the width of the side panels. The weakened region 700 may include a stress dispersing element disposed near the end points of the perforation and / or notch path(s), as discussed with respect to Figure 15.

[0164] In one form, the weakened region may be disposed on each of the front, rear, first side, and second side panels. The weakened region may include a path or paths of perforations and / or notches that pass through each of the panels. In such a configuration, the cap structure may be completely removable from the base. Such a configuration may be beneficial when the packaging material has limited flexibility, and is susceptible to tearing.

[0165] Referring now to Figures 15A, 15B and 16, the weakened region 700 may be disposed on the at least three sides of the package 1 such that the base 1502 has a base height (HB), and the cap structure 1504 has a cap height (HC). The base height may range from about 60 percent to about 90 percent, from about 65 percent to about 85 percent, or from about 70 percent to about 85 percent of the total height of the package, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0166] It is believed that consumers may prefer that the cap structure have at least a minimal amount of material to grasp and remove from the unused portion of absorbent articles in the package. The minimal amount of material may be placed around a portion of the stack of absorbent articles in the package and remain in place until removed again by a user. The packages of the present disclosure may therefore have a cap height (CH) of at least about 15 mm, at least about 20 mm, or at least about 25 mm.

[0167] The packages of the present disclosure may be reclosable. The packages may include means for resealing the packages after opening around the weakened region(s). A means for resealing may be, for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a reclosable zipper, and hook and loop fasteners. The means for resealing the package may be disposed adjacent to the weakened region(s).

[0168] The packages of the present disclosure may include more than one weakened region. Each weakened region may include a path or paths of perforations and / or notches. The multiple paths of perforations and / or notches may not intersect. The packages of the present description include more than one weakened region in the first 50% of the packaging height.

[0169] The packages of the present disclosure may include a graphic indicia and / or an identifying colorant to alert a user to the presence of a weakened region. In one form, the weakened region may include an identifying colorant. The identifying color may be a color different from a color disposed on a consumer-facing panel of the package. The package may also, or instead, include a graphic representation, for example, a graphic of a pair of scissors, disposed adjacent to the weakened region. The inventors have discovered that placing a graphic indicia and / or an identifying colorant in the weakened region of the packages of the present disclosure may increase consumer recognition and satisfaction with the weakened region that is designed to function as an opening feature.

[0170] Without distinction of the weakened region configuration of the packages of the present disclosure, the packages may have a weakened region tensile strength (WRT) of at least 1.18 kN / m, or between about 1.18 kN / m and about 8.00 kN / m, between about 1.27 kN / m and about 6.50 kN / m, between about 1.35 kN / m and about 5.00 kN / m, between about 1.49 kN / m and about 4.72 kN / m, between about 1.49 kN / m and about 3.35 kN / m, or between about 1.6 kN / m and about 3.00 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them, according to the strength tensile testing method described herein.It is believed that a package including a weakened region with an RTRA within the above ranges may be sufficient to withstand unintentional rupture during package formation, package filling, shipping, and store display.

[0171] The inventors have discovered that packages with a balance between the strength properties of the package material in an unweakened region (tensile strength) and the strength properties of the package material in the weakened region (RTRA) can provide a flexible and elastic package that can withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process while also providing an opening feature that is designed to facilitate opening of the package. This balance can be calculated by taking the ratio of the weakened region tensile strength (RTRA) of a package to the tensile strength of a portion of the package without a weakened region (according to the strength tensile testing method), referred to herein as a "weakened region performance factor" (PRA factor).The packages of the present disclosure may have a PRA factor of between about 0.14:1 and about 0.98:1, about 0.15:1. and about 0.98:1, about 0.16:1 and about 0.94:1, about 0.18:1 and about 0.94:1, about 0.19:1 and about 0.94:1, about 0.2:1 and about 0.94:1, or about 0.23:1 and about 0.6:1, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0172] Table 2 presents weakened region tensile strength (WRTS) data from samples of various packaging materials. WRTS and PRA factor data of weakened region configurations including perforation paths with different cross-section-to-land ratios and different perforation shapes are presented for each packaging material. All weakened regions of the samples shown in Table 2, except for the "Slanted Perf" variable, comprise straight-line perforations with a land area of ​​1 mm. The "Slanted Perf" variable comprises contoured perforations as shown in [Fig.7E], with a land area of ​​approximately 2.5 mm.

[0173] Sample 5 is a calendered specialty kraft paper packaging material consisting entirely of virgin fibers with a basis weight of 70 g / m2, available from Mondi™ under the brand name Advantage Smooth White Strong. Various weakened region configurations including perforation paths arranged in the ST direction of the packaging material are shown.

[0174] Sample 6 is a paper packaging material produced from pure white kraft paper pulp and consisting entirely of virgin fibers with a basis weight of 70 g / m2, available from BillerudKorsnâs™. Various weakened region configurations comprising perforation paths arranged in the ST direction of the packaging material are shown.

[0175] Sample 7 is a paper packaging material produced from pure white kraft pulp and consisting entirely of virgin fibers with a basis weight of 80 g / m2, available from BillerudKorsnâs™ under the brand name Axello Tough White. Various weakened region configurations including perforation paths arranged in the ST direction of the packaging material are shown.

[0176] Table 2 Cut-to-flat ratio Weakened region tensile strength (RTR A) in SM (kN / m) Weakened region performance factor (rPRA factor) Maximum Average Standard deviation Sample 5 (70 g / m2 packaging material; 8.11 kN / m tensile strength in SM 1:1 4.64 4.61 0.04 0.568 2:1 3.01 2.66 0.41 0.328 3:1 2.22 2.06 0.15 0.254 6:2 2.20 1.91 0.32 0.236 4:1 1.97 1.70 0.37 0.210 6:1 1.40 1.34 0.05 0.165 2.5:1 (Perf. in slant) 0.63 0.59 0.04 0.073 Sample 6 (70 g / m2 packaging material) 5:1 1.62 1.27 0.03 N / A 6:1 0.78 0.74 0.05 N / A Sample 7 (80 g / m2 packaging material; 8.03 kN / m tensile strength in SM 1:1 3.98 3.44 0.46 0.428 2:1 2.08 1.89 0.27 0.235 3:1 1.93 1.78 0.30 0.222 6:2 2.07 1.76 0.28 0.219 4:1 1.56 1.49 0.08 0.186 6:1 1.11 1.07 0.03 0.133 2.5:1 (Perf. in inclined) 0.74 0.65 0.10 0.081

[0177] As shown in Table 2, the RTRAs of packaging materials with various weakened region configurations range from 0.63 kN / m to 4.64 kN / m. The data suggest a trend whereby lower cut-to-land ratio configurations exhibit higher tensile strength compared to higher cut-to-land ratio configurations. However, weakened regions including angled perforations do not follow this trend. Weakened regions including angled perforations exhibit the lowest RTRAs. The weakened region performance factor (PRF) data follows a similar trend to the RTRA data, with lower cut-to-land ratio configurations exhibiting higher PRF ratings.

[0178] Table 3 presents the tear tensile data for Samples 5 and 7, as previously described. Absolute tear strength is the force required to tear a single perforation land area within the first 5 perforation land areas of a weakened region, as measured according to the tear tensile test method described herein. Relative tear strength is the average force required to tear 1 mm of land area over the first 5 perforation land areas of a weakened region, as measured according to the tear tensile test method described herein. The data may be useful in determining perforation configurations and patterns that may be relatively easy for a consumer to open.

[0179] Table 3 Cut-to-flat ratio Absolute range of tear strength (N) Relative tear strength: Average. Force on first 5 flat areas (N / mm) Visual inspection Sample 5 1:1 N / AN / A Unable to open 5 consecutive flats 2:1 0.80-1.56 1.03 All 5 flats are open. 4:1 0.81-1.53 ​​1.11 All 5 flats are open. 6:1 0.86-1.37 1.10 All 5 flats are open. 2.5:1 (Perf. slanted) 0.84-1.47 1.08 All 5 flats are open. Sample 7 1:1 N / AN / A Unable to open 5 consecutive flats 2:1 0.63-1.36 1.02 All 5 flats are open. 4:1 0.634- 1.46 0.96 All 5 flats are open. 6:1 0.77-1.52 1.01 All 5 flats open. 2.5:1 (Inclined Perf.) 0.73-1.03 0.91 All 5 flats open in 1 rep. Less than 5 flats open in 2 reps.

[0180] As shown in Table 3, the absolute tear strength range was between 0.63 N and 1.56 N. The relative tear strength was slightly greater for Sample 5 compared to Sample 7. This is consistent with the RTRA data shown in Table 2, showing that the various weakened region configurations arranged in Sample 5 have slightly larger RTRAs than the same configurations arranged in Sample 7. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the higher RTRA and relative tear strength of Sample 5, compared to the same configurations in Sample 7, may be due to the packaging material of Sample 5 having a slightly higher tensile strength in the SM. The weakened region comprising angled perforations in Sample 7 was unable to open 5 consecutive land areas in two replicates.During testing in these two replicates, the tear line deviated from the path of the perforations in the unperforated packaging material.

[0181] Without distinction of the configuration of the weakened region of the packages of the present disclosure, the weakened region may have an absolute tear strength of between about 0.63 N and about 1.56 N per single perforation land area, between about 0.73 N and about 1.46 per single perforation land area, or between about 0.8 N and about 1.3 N per single perforation land area, according to the tear tensile testing method described herein.

[0182] The packages of the present disclosure may include a weakened region having a relative tear strength of between about 0.8 N / mm and about 1.3 N / mm, between about 0.9 N / mm and 1.2 N / mm, or between about 0.95 N / mm and about 1.15 N / mm, according to the tear tensile testing method described herein.

[0183] The inventors have discovered, without intending to be bound by any particular theory, that process reliability on commercial-scale, high-speed packaging equipment and acceptable weakened region openability can be achieved simultaneously by appropriately balancing weakened region tensile strength (WRTS) and weakened region tear strength. Proper balancing of these parameters can provide a package that can withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process while also ensuring an opening feature that is designed to be opened easily by a consumer with minimal destruction to the unweakened region of the package. This balance may be represented by a tear performance (PD) factor. The PD factor is defined as the ratio of the package weakened region tensile strength (RTRA), according to the tensile strength test method described herein, to the absolute tear strength of the weakened region of the package, according to the tear tensile test method described herein. The packages of the present disclosure may have a PD factor of from about 0.8 to about 5, from about 0.9 to about 4.5, or from about 1 to about 4, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.It is believed that a package having a PD factor within the above ranges may exhibit sufficient strength to withstand manufacturing processes while still being readily openable around the weakened region with minimal destruction to the unweakened region of the package.

[0184] Test methods

[0185] Tensile strength testing method

[0186] The tensile strength test method is performed according to ASTM D828-16 “Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Paper and Paperboard Using Constant-Rate-of-Elongation Apparatus” with the following specifications and / or modifications: Two sets of test specimens are cut from conditioning materials containing a weakened region. The first set of test specimens contains the weakened region, such that the weakened region is disposed across the entire width test sample and is centered along and perpendicular to the length of the test specimen. The second set of test specimens is cut from the same conditioning materials and is oriented in the same direction as the first set but does not include a weakened region.The specimen length is approximately 101.6 mm (4 in) to allow enough specimens to be held in the instrument grips with a distance between the grips of 50.8 mm (2 in). The speed of separation of the grips during the test is 300 mm / min. When placing the test specimens containing the weakened region in the grips for testing, the path of the weakened region should be centered between the grips and perpendicular to the tensile axis of the tensile tester. The average tensile strength of the first set of specimens containing the weakened region is reported as the weakened region tensile strength (WRTS) to the nearest 0.01 kN / m. The average tensile strength of the second . set of specimens without the weakened region is reported as the conditioning tensile strength (SM or CT) to the nearest 0.01 kN / m.

[0187] Weakened Region Performance Factor (WRP) - The Weakened Region Performance Factor is calculated by taking the ratio of the Weakened Region Tensile Strength (WRTS) of a package to the package tensile strength measured in the same direction (SM or ST). The factor is calculated according to the following equation and stated to the nearest 0.01 unit:

[0188] Weakened region tensile strength (¼1) PRA factor = ---—---:— ---—----- Conditioning tensile strength I—J

[0189] Tear tensile test method

[0190] The tear tensile test method is performed according to ASTM D2261-13 “Tearing Strength of Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Procedure (Constant-Rate-of-Extension Tensile Testing Machine)”, which has been adapted for testing packaging materials comprising natural materials and a weakened region, with the following specifications and / or modifications: Test specimens are cut from packaging materials containing a weakened region, such that the path of the weakened region is oriented along the center of the specimen width. The specimen width is 50.4 mm (2 inches), with 25.4 mm (1 inch) on each side of the line of weakened regions.The 75 mm (3 in) preliminary cut made along the center of the width should not partially cut any land area within the weakened region, so that only the entire land areas are torn during testing. A total of five replicate test specimens are prepared. The distance between the clamps is set at 50.4 mm (2 in) at the start of the test, and a test speed of 300 mm / min is used. Preconditioning, conditioning, and testing of dry test specimens is performed as specified in ASTM D685-17, "Standard Practice of Conditioning Paper and Paper Products for Testing." Calculation Option 1, Average of the Five Highest Peaks, is used to measure the average tear strength (peak force) of each of the first five land areas torn during testing and recorded to the nearest 0.01 N.This procedure is repeated for all five test specimens and the arithmetic mean of the five recorded values ​​is calculated and reported as the absolute tear strength value to the nearest 0.01 N. The absolute tear strength value is divided by the average width of all flat areas, which were torn and the peak forces measured during the tests, and is reported as the relative tear strength value to the nearest 0.01 N / mm.

[0191] Tear Performance Factor (PD Factor) - The tear performance factor is calculated by taking the ratio of the weakened region tensile strength (RTRA) of the package, according to the tensile strength test method described herein, to the absolute tear tensile strength of the weakened region of the package, according to the tear tensile test method described herein. The factor is calculated according to the following equation and stated to the nearest 0.01 unit:

[0192] weakened region tensile strength) PD fade — absolute tear pull (N)

[0193] Stretch at Break - Stretch at break is calculated by dividing the average elongation at break (mm) by the initial test length (test span) of 50.8 mm, then multiplying by 100. Calculate the stretch at break for the SM replicates and then the ST replicates and report as SM elongation at break and ST elongation at break to the nearest percent, respectively.

[0194] Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) - Tensile Energy Absorption (TEA) is calculated using the following equation:

[0195] AET = (1000 * Mean area under curve, rnJ) / (test sample width * initial test length)

[0196] where the test sample width is 25.4 mm and the initial test length (test span) is 50.8 mm. Calculate the AET for the replicates in the SM and then the replicates in the ST and report respectively as AET in the SM and AET in the ST to the nearest J / m2.

[0197] Traction Energy Absorption Index (TEA) - The traction energy absorption index (TEA) is calculated using the following equation:

[0198] AET index = (AET) / Surface mass

[0199] where AET has the unit J / m2 and the unit mass per unit g / m2. Calculate the AET index for the repeats in the SM, then the repeats in the ST and report respectively as AET index in the SM and AET index in the ST to the nearest J / g.

[0200] Burst strength test method

[0201] Burst strength is the maximum uniformly distributed pressure that a test sample can withstand. Burst strength is measured in accordance with the standard ISO 2758 method using a test apparatus as described in the method. A suitable instrument is a 13-60 Paper and Foil Burst Tester available from Testing Machines, Inc. (New Castle, DE), or equivalent. The instrument is calibrated and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions. All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23°C + / - 2°C and 50% + / - 2% relative humidity, and the test samples are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours before testing.

[0202] Measurements are made on test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or from test specimens obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or distort the test sample during the process. The test sample must be larger than the clamps used to hold the test sample in the instrument. The test sample should be taken from an area free from folds, creases, or seams.

[0203] Measure the burst strength (using sufficient clamping pressure to prevent slippage during testing, and a pumping rate of 95 ± 15 mL / min) for a total of 10 replicate test specimens. For specimens that are side-sensitive, the side of the test specimen that is intended to face the inside of the package faces the pressure when placed in the clamps, and 10 replicates are tested in this orientation. For specimens that are balanced (not side-sensitive), 5 replicates are tested with the inside of the package facing the pressure and 5 replicates are tested with the outside of the package facing the pressure, and the results are averaged jointly. Record the pressure at which each test specimen bursts to the nearest 0.001 kPa.If the burst pressure is less than 70 kPa, multiple layers of the test material must be used. To obtain the burst strength, divide the burst pressure by the number of layers tested. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the burst pressure for all replicates and report it as the burst strength to the nearest 0.001 kPa.

[0204] Caliber Test Method

[0205] The gauge, or thickness, of a single-layer test sample is measured under static load by a micrometer, in accordance with the standard method ISO 534, with the modifications noted herein. All measurements are made in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity and the test samples are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

[0206] The gauge is measured with a micrometer equipped with a pressure foot capable of exerting a constant pressure of 70 kPa ± 0.05 kPa on the test specimen. The micrometer is a dead weight type instrument with readings accurate to 0.1 micrometer. A suitable instrument is the TMI Model 49-56 Digital Micrometer, available from Testing Machines Inc., New Castle, DE, or equivalent. The pressure foot is a circular, flat-bottomed movable face with a diameter that is less than that of the test specimen and is capable of exerting the required pressure. A suitable pressure foot has a diameter of 16.0 mm. The test specimen is supported by a horizontal, flat reference platform that is larger than and parallel on the surface of the pressure foot. The system is calibrated and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0207] Measurements are made on single-layer test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or test samples obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or distort the sample during the process. The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free from any seams or folds. The test sample is ideally 200 mm2 and should be larger than the pressure foot.

[0208] To measure the gauge, first zero the micrometer against the horizontal flat reference platform. Place the test specimen on the platform with the test location centered under the pressure foot. Slowly lower the pressure foot with a descent rate of 3.0 mm per second until full pressure is exerted on the test specimen. Wait 5 seconds and then record the gauge of the test specimen to the nearest 0.1 micrometer. In a similar manner, repeat for a total of ten replicate test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean for all gauge measurements and report the value as the gauge to the nearest 0.1 micrometer.

[0209] Surface mass testing method

[0210] The surface density of a test sample is the mass (in grams) per unit area (in square meters) of a single layer of material and is measured in accordance with the standard method ISO 536. The mass of the test sample is cut to a known area, and the mass of the sample is determined using an analytical balance accurate to 0.0001 grams. All measurements are carried out in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity and the test samples are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

[0211] Measurements are made on test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or test samples obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or distort the sample during the process. The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free from any seams or folds. The test sample should be as large as possible to account for any inherent material variability.

[0212] Measure the dimensions of the single-layer test sample using a calibrated steel metal ruler meeting NIST standards, or equivalent. Calculate the size of the test sample and record to the nearest 0.0001 square meter Use an analytical balance to obtain the mass of the test sample and record to the nearest 0.0001 gram. Calculate the areal density by dividing the mass (in grams) by the area (in square meters) and record to the nearest 0.01 gram per square meter (g / m2). In a similar manner, repeat for a total of ten replicate test samples. Calculate the arithmetic mean for the areal density and report to the nearest 0.01 gram / square meter.

[0213] Bagged stack height test method

[0214] The bagged stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows:

[0215] Equipment

[0216] A thickness tester with a flat rigid horizontal sliding plate is used. The thickness tester is configured so that the horizontal sliding plate moves freely in a vertical direction with the horizontal sliding plate always held in a horizontal orientation directly above a flat rigid horizontal base plate. The thickness tester includes a device suitable for measuring the gap between the horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate to ±0.5 mm. The horizontal sliding plate and the horizontal base plate are larger than the surface area of ​​the absorbent article packaging that contacts each plate, i.e., each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent article packaging in all directions.The horizontal slide plate exerts a downward force of 850 ± 1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent article packaging, which can be achieved by placing a suitable weight on the center of the non-packaging contacting top surface of the horizontal slide plate so that the total mass of the slide plate plus the added weight is 850 ± 1 gram.

[0217] Test procedure

[0218] Packages of absorbent articles are equilibrated at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity prior to measurement.

[0219] The horizontal sliding plate is raised, and a package of absorbent articles is placed centrally under the horizontal sliding plate such that the absorbent articles in the package are in a horizontal orientation (see [Fig.6]). Any handles or other packaging elements on the surfaces of the package that might come into contact with either plate are folded flat against the surface of the package to minimize their impact on the measurement. The horizontal sliding plate is slowly lowered until it comes into contact with the top surface of the package and then released. The gap between the horizontal plates is measured to ± 0.5 mm ten seconds after the horizontal sliding plate is released. Five packages identical (packs of the same size and same number of absorbent articles) are measured, and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package width. The “stack height in bag” = (pack width / number of absorbent articles per stack) x 10 is calculated and reported to ± 0.5 mm.

[0220] The dimensions and values ​​described herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, and unless otherwise indicated, each of these dimensions corresponds both to the indicated value and to a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" means "approximately 40 mm".

[0221] Citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art to any invention described or claimed herein or that alone, or in any combination with any other reference, it teaches, proposes, or describes any such invention.

[0222] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, intended to cover in the appended claims all such variations and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0223] Combinations:

[0224] 1. Packaging of one or more absorbent articles comprising:

[0225] a packaging material comprising natural fibers;

[0226] wherein the packaging material forms a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment of the packaging, and wherein the absorbent article(s) are disposed in the interior compartment;

[0227] wherein the packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method;

[0228] wherein the packaging comprises a weakened region in the packaging material configured to form an opening; and

[0229] wherein the packaging is sealed such that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the interior compartment.

[0230] 2. Packaging of one or more absorbent articles comprising:

[0231] a packaging material comprising natural fibers;

[0232] wherein the packaging material forms a front panel, a rear panel opposite the front panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a top panel, and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment;

[0233] wherein the packaging is sealed such that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the interior compartment;

[0234] wherein the packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method;

[0235] wherein the packaging comprises a weakened region,

[0236] wherein the weakened region forms at least part of a feature opening; and

[0237] wherein the packaging has a weakened region performance factor of between about 0.14:1 and about 0.98:1, according to the tensile strength testing method.

[0238] 3. Packaging of paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein the material of packaging has a tensile strength in the SM of at least 5.0 kN / m, preferably at least 7.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.0 kN / m, according to the tensile strength test method.

[0239] 4. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material has a tensile strength in the ST of at least 3 kN / m, preferably at least 4 kN / m, or more preferably at least 5.5 kN / m, according to the tensile strength test method.

[0240] 5. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material has a stretch at break in the SM of between about 3 percent and about 6.5 percent, preferably between about 3.2 percent and about 6.2 percent, more preferably between about 3.5 and about 6 percent, according to the tensile strength test method.

[0241] 6. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material has a stretch at break in the ST of between about 4 percent and about 10 percent, preferably between about 4.5 percent and about 9.5 percent, more preferably between about 5 percent and about 9 percent, according to the tensile strength test method.

[0242] 7. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material has a size between about 50 pm and about 110 pm, preferably between about 55 pm and about 105 pm, more preferably between about 60 pm and about 100 pm, depending on the caliper test method.

[0243] 8. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material comprises at least 50 percent by weight of natural fibers, preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers.

[0244] 9. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the Natural fibers in the packaging material include: cellulose-based fibers, bamboo fibers, cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto grass, straw, jute, hemp, bagasse, milkweed silk fibers, pineapple leaf fibers, wood fibers, paper pulp fibers, or combinations thereof.

[0245] 10. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging material is paper.

[0246] 11. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging is free of a barrier layer.

[0247] 12. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein all sides of the packaging include a single piece of packaging material.

[0248] 13. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the The upper panel includes closing gussets, a closing seam, and a closing seam fin extending from the closing seam.

[0249] 14. Packaging of paragraph 13, wherein at least a portion of the fin closing joint is releasably attached to a portion of the upper panel.

[0250] 15. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 13 or 14, wherein the weakened region is disposed between the closure seam and the interior compartment, and wherein the weakened region passes through at least a portion of one of the closure bellows.

[0251] 16. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 13 to 15, wherein the weakened area includes a series of punctures and / or cuts.

[0252] 17. Conditioning of paragraph 16, wherein the series of perforations and / or of notches forms a path generally parallel to the closing seam, and wherein a path formed by the series of perforations and / or notches has a cutter-to-flat ratio of between about 0.7:1 and about 6:1, preferably between about 0.85:1 and about 6:1, more preferably between about 1:1 and about 6:1, even more preferably between about 2:1 and about 4:1.

[0253] 18. Conditioning of any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the weakened region is disposed on at least a portion of an upper edge region of the packaging between at least one of: the upper panel and the front panel, and the upper panel and the rear panel.

[0254] 19. Conditioning of paragraph 18, wherein the weakened region is further disposed on at least a portion of the upper edge region of the packaging between at least one of: the upper panel and the first side panel, and the upper panel and the second side panel.

[0255] 20. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 18 or 19, wherein the upper pan includes closing gussets and a closing seam, and wherein the weakened region does not pass through the closing gussets.

[0256] 21. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 18 to 20, wherein the weakened area includes a series of punctures and / or cuts.

[0257] 22. Conditioning of paragraph 21, in which a trajectory formed by the series of perforations and / or notches has a cutting-to-flat ratio of between about 0.7:1 and about 6:1, preferably between about 0.85:1 and about 6:1, more preferably between about 1:1 and about 6:1, even more preferably between about 2:1 and about 4:1.

[0258] 23. Conditioning of any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, wherein the weakened region is located on at least part of three of the sides of the packaging.

[0259] 24. Conditioning of paragraph 23, in which the weakened region is arranged on the front panels, first side panels, and second side panels.

[0260] 25. Conditioning of paragraph 23, in which the weakened region is arranged on the front, back, and first side panels.

[0261] 26. Conditioning of paragraph 23, in which the weakened region is arranged on the front, rear, and second side panels.

[0262] 27. Conditioning of paragraph 23, in which the weakened region is arranged on the back panels, first side panels, and second side panels.

[0263] 28. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 23 to 27, wherein the weakened area includes a series of punctures and / or cuts.

[0264] 29. Packaging of paragraph 28, wherein the packaging material comprises a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CT), wherein the series of perforations and / or notches comprises a plurality of cutting lines, wherein each cutting line comprises at least a portion of the cutting line disposed at an angle to the machine direction (MD) or the cross-machine direction (CT), and wherein the angle is between about 20° and about 90°.

[0265] 30. Conditioning of any of paragraphs 28 to 29, wherein a path formed by the series of perforations and / or notches has a cutting-to-flat ratio of between about 0.7:1 and about 6:1, preferably between about 0.85:1 and about 6:1, more preferably between about 1:1 and about 6:1, even more preferably between about 2:1 and about 4:1.

[0266] 31. Packaging of any one of paragraphs 23 to 30, wherein the pan upper includes closing gussets and a closing seam, and wherein the weakened region does not pass through the closing gussets.

[0267] 32. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, in wherein the packaging material is recyclable and wherein the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of at least 70 percent, more preferably at least 80 percent, or most preferably at least 90 percent, as determined by the PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) method.

[0268] 33. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the lower pan includes a pinched bottom configuration.

[0269] 34. Packaging of any one of paragraphs 1 to 32, wherein the pan lower includes a block background configuration.

[0270] 35. Packaging of any one of paragraphs 1 to 32, wherein the pan lower includes a cross bottom configuration.

[0271] 36. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the weakened region includes a graphic visual element.

[0272] 37. Packaging of any one of paragraphs 1 to 35 comprising in in addition to a background color, wherein the weakened region comprises an identification color, and wherein the identification color is different from the background color.

[0273] 38. Condition of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging has a weakened region tensile strength of between about 1.18 kN / m and about 8.00 kN / m, preferably between about 1.27 kN / m and about 6.50 kN / m, more preferably between about 1.6 kN / m and about 3.00 kN / m, according to the tensile strength testing method.

[0274] 39. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging has a relative tear strength of between about 0.8 N / mm and about 1.3 N / mm, preferably between about 0.9 N / mm and 1.2 N / mm, more preferably between about 0.95 N / mm and about 1.15 N / mm, according to the tear tensile test method.

[0275] 40. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the packaging has a tear performance factor of between about 0.865 and about 5.16, preferably between about 0.95 and about 4.55, more preferably between about 1.04 and about 4.06, according to the tear tensile test method.

[0276] 41. Conditioning of any of the preceding paragraphs, in in which the packaging is formed from a single layer of the packaging material.

[0277] 42. Packaging of one or more absorbent articles comprising:

[0278] a packaging material comprising natural fibers;

[0279] wherein the packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method;

[0280] wherein the packaging material forms a consumer-facing panel, an opposing rear panel, a pair of end seals, and a hoop seam extending between and joining the end seals, and wherein the panels define an interior compartment of the package;

[0281] wherein the packaging comprises a weakened region in the packaging material configured to form an opening; and

[0282] wherein the packaging is sealed such that the absorbent article(s) are enclosed within the interior compartment.

[0283] 43. Packaging of paragraph 42, wherein the rear panel further comprises a closure joint fin extending from the hoop joint, and wherein at least a portion of the closure joint fin is releasably joined to a portion of the rear panel.

Claims

Claims

1. A package (1, 1000, 1800) of one or more absorbent articles (1004) comprising: a packaging material comprising natural fibers; wherein the packaging material forms a front panel (14), a back panel (15) opposite the front panel, a first side panel (12), a second side panel (13) opposite the first side panel, a top panel (11), and a bottom panel opposite the top panel, wherein the panels define an interior compartment of the package, and wherein the one or more absorbent articles are disposed in the interior compartment; wherein the packaging material has a basis weight of between about 50 g / m2 and about 120 g / m2, preferably between about 55 g / m2 and about 115 g / m2, more preferably between about 60 g / m2 and about 110 g / m2, according to the basis weight test method;wherein the packaging comprises a weakened region (700) disposed in the packaging material configured to form an opening; wherein the packaging is sealed such that the one or more absorbent articles are enclosed within the interior compartment; and wherein the packaging has a tear performance factor of between about 0.865 and about 5.16, according to the tear tensile test method.;

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the packaging material has a tensile strength in the SM of at least 5.0 kN / m, preferably at least 7.0 kN / m, more preferably at least 8.0 kN / m, according to the tensile strength test method.

3. A packaging according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaging material comprises at least 50 percent by weight of natural fibers, preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers.

4. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein all sides of the package comprise a unitary piece of packaging material.

5. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the top panel comprises closure gussets (11b), a closure seam (11a), and a closure seam fin (11c) extending from the closure seam.

6. A package according to claim 5, wherein the weakened region is disposed between the closure seam and the interior compartment.

7. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weakened region is disposed on at least a portion of an upper edge region (1 Id) of the package between at least one of: the upper panel and the front panel, and the upper panel and the rear panel.

8. A package according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the weakened region is disposed on at least a portion of three of the sides of the package.

9. A package according to claim 8, wherein the weakened region is disposed on the front, rear, and first side panels.

10. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the package has a weakened region tensile strength of between about 1.18 kN / m and about 8.00 kN / m, preferably between about 1.27 kN / m and about 6.50 kN / m, more preferably between about 1.6 kN / m and about 3.00 kN / m, according to the tensile strength testing method.

11. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the package has a relative tear strength of between about 0.8 N / mm and about 1.3 N / mm, preferably between about 0.9 N / mm and 1.2 N / mm, more preferably between about 0.95 N / mm and about 1.15 N / mm, according to the tear tensile test method.

12. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the tear performance factor is between about 0.95 and about 4.55, preferably between about 1.04 and about 4.06, according to the tear tensile test method.

13. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging material is recyclable and wherein the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of at least 70 percent, more preferably at least 80 percent, or most preferably at least 90 percent, as determined by the PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) method.

14. A package according to any preceding claim, wherein the package is formed from a single layer of the packaging material.

15. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the packaging material is free of a barrier layer.

16. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the packaging material comprises a barrier layer.

17. A package according to claim 16, wherein the barrier layer comprises polyethylene.

18. Packaging of any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the barrier layer represents less than 50 percent by weight of the packaging material, preferably less than 30 percent by weight of the packaging material, more preferably less than 10 percent by weight of the packaging material.

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