Sealed Packaging of Absorbent Items with Natural Fibers

Abstract

The invention relates to packaging for one or more absorbent articles, wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed within the packaging. The packaging includes: a plurality of panels, including one panel facing the consumer; and a plurality of seals incorporated by at least some of the panels. Each seal has an adhesive disposed within a sealing area. One or more seals have an adhesive area that is larger than its corresponding sealing area. The packaging material is composed of natural fibers and has a basis weight of between 50 g / m² and 120 g / m², more preferably between 60 g / m² and 105 g / m², or more preferably between 70 g / m² and 90 g / m², as determined by ISO 536 as modified herein. The packaging material is recyclable.

Description

Title of the invention: Sealed Packaging of Absorbent Articles with Natural Fibers FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles and their packaging, more particularly to a packaging material for disposable absorbent articles which comprises natural fibers.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Environmentally friendly products are at the forefront of many consumers' minds at this point in our history. There is an increased interest in products that come from sustainable sources. For example, there is a strong desire in the marketplace to create consumer products that include natural materials, materials derived from biomass, and / or recycled materials. With respect to waste disposal, there is an increasing emphasis on products that are biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, reusable, and / or otherwise produce minimal landfill waste.

[0004] In the context of disposable absorbent articles, particularly packaging for disposable absorbent articles, there are packaging materials that already meet one and / or the other of these criteria. For example, there are a myriad of absorbent articles that use cardboard for their shelf packaging. Cardboard, being derived from wood pulp, can be either sustainably sourced and / or recyclable. And when the products within the packaging cannot form a shelf-stable surface on their own, cardboard is useful.

[0005] When disposable absorbent articles can be compressed and form a stable shelf surface, a more flexible material is often used, i.e., plastic. Plastic is generally preferred over cardboard because plastic can withstand the rigors of a packaging process much more than cardboard given plastic's ability to flex and stretch. However, there is a growing public demand for alternatives to plastic-based and non-plastic materials. Flexible packaging materials that are naturally based would satisfy this demand. Summary of the invention

[0006] The packages of the present disclosure comprise one or more absorbent articles therein and comprise a packaging material comprising natural fibers. Each of the packages comprises a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel, and wherein the packaging is sealed. In addition, the packaging in this description is recyclable.

[0007] In one embodiment, a package of one or more absorbent articles, wherein the one or more absorbent articles are sealed within the package, is provided.The package comprises: a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel; a plurality of seals comprised by at least a portion of the plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of seals comprises an adhesive disposed in a seal area, wherein one or more of the plurality of seals comprises an adhesive area that is larger than its corresponding seal area; and a packaging material comprising natural fibers and a basis weight of between 50 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 60 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or most preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined via ISO 536 as amended herein, and wherein the packaging material is recyclable.

[0008] A package of one or more absorbent articles, wherein the one or more absorbent articles are sealed within the package, is presented. The package comprises: a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel, a plurality of seals comprised by at least a portion of the plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of seals comprises an adhesive disposed in a sealing area, wherein one or more of the plurality of seals comprises an adhesive area that is larger than its corresponding sealing area; and a packaging material comprising natural fibers and a basis weight of between 50 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 60 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or most preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined via ISO 536 as amended herein, and wherein the packaging material is recyclable.

[0009] The packaging may include one or more of the following characteristics:

[0010] - the packaging is generally in the form of a parallelepiped and comprises further a right panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and a rear panel; an opposing left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel; a lower panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel; and an opposing upper panel.

[0011] - one or more of the sealing areas comprises between 50 percent and 100 percent of adhesive cover.

[0012] - the adhesive area comprises between 25 percent and about 100 percent of adhesive coverage, more preferably from about 25 percent to about 80 percent, or most preferably from about 25 percent to about 75 percent adhesive coverage.

[0013] - one or more of the sealing areas comprises a colorant or coating.

[0014] - the sealing area(s) comprise from 25 percent to about 100 percent percent coverage of colorant or coating, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent coverage of colorant or coating.

[0015] - the adhesive area comprises a colorant or coating.

[0016] - the plurality of seals comprises an access seal, wherein the seal access comprises an access sealing area, and wherein the adhesive area is adjacent to the access sealing area.

[0017] - the access sealing area comprises between 50 percent and 100 percent of adhesive cover.

[0018] - the adhesive area comprises between 25 percent and about 100 percent of adhesive coverage, more preferably from about 25 percent to about 80 percent, or most preferably from about 25 percent to about 75 percent adhesive coverage.

[0019] - the access sealing area comprises a colorant or coating.

[0020] - the access sealing area comprises from 25 percent to about 100 percent of dye or coating coverage, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent dye or coating coverage.

[0021] - the adhesive area comprises a colorant or coating.

[0022] - the access seal is arranged, at least in part, on the upper panel.

[0023] - the access seal is arranged at least in part, on at least one of the panel left or right panel.

[0024] - the adhesive area comprises an adhesive applied in a striped pattern.

[0025] - the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes which have a long dimension which is parallel to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

[0026] - the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes which have a long dimension which is perpendicular to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

[0027] - the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes which are oriented in a angle relative to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

[0028] - the striped pattern comprises a first plurality of stripes and a second plurality of strips, wherein the first plurality of strips are oriented at a first angle relative to a long dimension of the adhesive area and the second plurality of strips are oriented at a second angle relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different.

[0029] - the first angle is between 15 degrees to about 75 degrees relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area and / or where the second angle is between 105 degrees to about 165 degrees relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area.

[0030] - the adhesive area comprises an adhesive applied in a pattern, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of distinct circles, ovals or polygons.

[0031] - the natural fibers include at least one of wood fibers or pulp fibers.

[0032] - the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-material recyclable from about 0.5 percent to about 30 percent, more preferably from about 0.5 percent to about 20 percent, or most preferably from about 0.5 percent to about 10 percent.

[0033] - the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-material recyclable from 0.5 percent to about 5 percent.

[0034] - the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of between 70 and one hundred to about 99.9 percent, more preferably from about 85 percent to about 99.9 percent, or most preferably from about 90 percent to about 99.9 percent as determined by method PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019).

[0035] - the packaging material does not include a barrier layer.

[0036] - the absorbent article(s) have a bag pile height of between 70 mm and about 150 mm, more preferably from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, or most preferably from about 70 mm to about 90 mm.

[0037] - the one or more absorbent articles comprise at least one of diapers- panties, urinary leak protection pads, diapers, or adult incontinence briefs.

[0038] - the packaging material comprises a single layer (one thickness). Brief description of the drawings

[0039] [Fig.1A] is a schematic representation of a sheet of packaging material in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0040] [Fig. 1B] is a schematic representation showing the sheet of packaging material of [Fig. 1A] in a folded configuration.

[0041] [Fig. 1C] is a schematic representation of a package according to the present description in an open state.

[0042] [Fig.lD] is a schematic representation of the packaging of [Fig.lA] in a closed state.

[0043] [Fig. 1E] is a schematic representation of another package of the present disclosure shown in a closed state.

[0044] [Fig.2A] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel includes seals in a block-style configuration.

[0045] [Fig.2B] is a schematic representation showing a package of the present disclosure, wherein the package comprises seals in a pinched bottom configuration.

[0046] [Fig.2C] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel includes seals in a cross-style configuration.

[0047] [Fig.2D] is a schematic representation showing another package in accordance with the present description constructed in accordance with the present description.

[0048] [Fig.2E] is a schematic representation showing a rotated view of the packaging of [Fig.4A].

[0049] [Fig.3A] is a schematic representation showing a panel of a package of the present disclosure, wherein the panel includes seals in a block-style configuration with adhesive areas and masked edges identified.

[0050] [Fig.3B] is a schematic representation showing a package of the present disclosure with an adhesive area and a sealing area.

[0051] [Fig.3C] is a schematic representation showing the packaging of [Fig.3B].

[0052] [Fig.4A] is a graph showing seal tensile strength versus temperature based on patterned adhesive application.

[0053] [Fig.4B] is a graph showing seal strength versus temperature based on the addition of a colorant to the seal areas.

[0054] [Fig.4C] is a graph showing seal strength versus temperature based on the addition of a coating in the seal areas.

[0055] [Fig.5A] is a schematic representation showing a package in accordance with the present description constructed with a tubular packaging process.

[0056] [Fig.5B] is a schematic representation showing another package in accordance with the present description constructed with a tubular packaging process.

[0057] [Fig.6A] is a cross-sectional view of the package of [Fig.1E] showing absorbent articles therein.

[0058] Figures 6B-6D are schematic representations of folding configurations for the absorbent article(s) disposed within the package of the present disclosure.

[0059] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of an absorbent article of the present disclosure showing a partial cutaway view of the article.

[0060] [Fig.8A] shows a plan view of a layer constructed in accordance with the present description.

[0061] [Fig.8B] shows a cross-section of the layer of [Fig.8A] taken along lines 35-35.

[0062] [Fig.8C] shows a cross-section of the layer of [Fig.8B] in a deployed state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0063] 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 discharged from the body. Absorbent articles of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, baby diapers, adult incontinence briefs, potty training pants, baby diaper supports, baby diaper outers, absorbent inserts for baby diaper outers, menstrual pads, bladder leak protection pads, liners, panty liners, tampons, durable menstrual pants, disposable swim pants, and the like.Additionally, the term "absorbent article" includes cleaning devices that can be used to clean surfaces such as dusting wipes, dusting wipe refills that fit onto a reusable handle, sweeping and / or wiping towels, sweeping and / or wiping towel refills that can fit onto a reusable handle.

[0064] 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 web.

[0065] The term "machine direction" or "MD," as used herein, refers to the path that material, such as a web, follows through a manufacturing process.

[0066] The term "colorant," as used herein, refers to inks, dyes, pigments, or the like, used to create color in a substrate.

[0067] The term "natural fibers" as used herein means fibers that include cellulose-based fibers, bamboo-based fibers, and the like. Natural fibers also include non-wood fibers, such as cotton, abaca, kenaf, sabai grass, flax, esparto, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed silk fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and wood, wood, or pulp fibers such as those obtained from deciduous and coniferous trees, including softwood fibers, such as northern and southern softwood kraft fibers; and 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 by any known process, including kraft, sulfite, high-yield, 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 intact and largely unrefined or minimally refined. The fibers may have a Canadian standard freeness index of at least 200, more specifically at least 300, even more specifically at least 400, and most specifically at least 500.

[0068] The term "cellulose-based fibers," as used herein, may include cellulose fibers such as wood fiber, cotton, 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 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 pulping (BCTMP), . chemical 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 lignin levels but are still considered natural fibers. High-yield fibers are well known for their stiffness in both the dry and wet states compared to typical chemically pulped fibers.

[0069] The terms "non-recyclable material" or "impurity" as used herein refer to materials that are believed to be unsuitable for treatment in the natural fiber recycling process. However, in alternative recycling streams, materials with one or both of these designations may be recyclable.

[0070] The terms "non-recyclable material" or "impurity" as used herein refer to materials that are believed to be unsuitable for treatment in the natural fiber recycling process. However, in alternative recycling streams, materials with one or both of these designations may be recyclable.

[0071] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be recycled, thereby minimizing material sent to landfills. The packaging materials of the present disclosure comprise natural fibers. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may be processed to form packages comprising one or more absorbent articles.

[0072] The packaging material of the present disclosure may be arranged as a package in a myriad of configurations containing one or more absorbent articles. For example, the package may comprise a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel. The consumer-facing panel is the side of the package, when on the shelf, that faces the consumer. Generally, the consumer-facing panel comprises a brand indicia and / or packaging information, each of which is discussed in more detail herein. Each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0073] The packages of the present description may comprise a generally parallelepiped shape. Thus, in addition to the consumer-facing panel, the packages of the present description may further comprise a rear panel opposite the consumer-facing panel, a left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, a right panel opposite the left panel, a bottom panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, and an opposite top panel.

[0074] The packaging material may be a single piece or may comprise a plurality of distinct portions of packaging material. For example, multiple plies may be used to form the plurality of panels of the package. To further clarify the example where the package is of a parallelepiped shape, at least one ply may be disposed between each of: (1) the consumer-facing panel and the left panel; (2) between the consumer-facing panel and the right panel; (3) between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel; and (4) between the consumer-facing panel and the bottom panel. Additionally, at least one ply may be disposed between each of: (1) the back panel and the left panel; (2) between the back panel and the right panel; (3) between the back panel and the top panel, and (4) between the back panel and the bottom panel.

[0075] For packages that include a parallelepiped shape, the consumer-facing panel may be positioned generally perpendicular to a store shelf while the bottom panel may lie generally flat on the store shelf or on top of another package. Generally perpendicular, assuming the store shelf is perfectly horizontal, means that the consumer-facing panel is within plus or minus 35 degrees of a vertical orientation. Generally flat, again assuming the store shelf is perfectly horizontal, means that the bottom panel is within plus or minus 35 degrees of a horizontal orientation. Alternatively, the consumer-facing panel, in some configurations, may be oriented generally horizontal on the store shelf and may face the consumer when the consumer is viewing the package.

[0076] Other forms of packaging are contemplated. Examples of such packages include a tubular package or a horizontal form-fill-seal package. Such packages may comprise a generally parallelepiped shape also configured in the manner described above. However, in some instances, particularly when a small number of absorbent articles are included therein, such packages may comprise a consumer-facing panel and an opposing back panel. In such packages, a hoop seal is formed, as described herein, as well as end seals. In such configurations, the consumer-facing panel may be oriented generally in a vertical direction or in a generally horizontal direction. In addition, in such packages, there may be an absence of fold lines that distinguish the consumer-facing panel from the back panel. consumer of the rear panel. Instead, there may be a curved surface between these panels.

[0077] Another packaging configuration contemplated is the Totani™ structure. In such configurations a plurality of distinct portions of packaging material may be used or the packaging material may be a single piece. The Totani™ structure is discussed in more detail herein.

[0078] Additional examples are contemplated where package shapes comprising fewer than six panels are formed. Construction on these examples, of packages having a circular or semi-circular shape when viewed from a bottom panel is contemplated. In addition, packages having a triangular shape when viewed from the bottom panel are contemplated. Regardless of the number of panels comprised by the packages of the present disclosure, the package includes a consumer-facing panel.

[0079] Additionally, the packages of the present disclosure include a plurality of seals. The seals of the packages of the present disclosure include seams that have been joined, for example, by an adhesive or joining a film. Seams are areas of the package where at least two portions of the packaging material have the ability to overlap one another. Seals are created when the at least two portions of the packaging material in the seam are joined to one another, for example, by an adhesive or by a film. For example, the bottom panel may include seams where ends of the packaging material overlap.An adhesive may be provided on an interior surface of a first portion of the bottom panel and on an exterior surface of a second portion of the bottom panel as well as on an exterior surface of a base portion of the bottom panel to create one or more seals. The top panel may include seals where ends of the packaging material are joined together, similar to the seals of the bottom panel. While the seals may be provided on any panel of the package, it is recommended that the consumer-facing panel not include joins or seals. The joins and seals may be visibly unattractive to consumers.

[0080] It should be noted that seams may include overlapping areas of packaging material as previously described. That is, an inner surface of a first portion of the packaging material and / or an outer surface of a second portion of the packaging material may be joined to create an overlap seal. However, butt seals Butt seals can also be created. Butt seals can be created when the inner surface of a first portion of the packaging material and / or the inner surface of a second portion of the packaging material are joined. The inner surfaces of the first portion and the second portion can be joined to form a butt seal. Butt seals and overlap seals are discussed in more detail below.

[0081] Seals are important to ensure that the packages of the present disclosure reduce the likelihood of exposure of the absorbent article(s) therein to the environment outside the packaging material. The use of seals, as described herein, can provide adequate sealing of the packaging material such that absorbent articles within the package are not exposed to the outside environment. Mere folding or laminating of the packaging material does not form a seal and is not sufficient unless seals are provided as described herein.

[0082] Each of the seals may include an adhesive disposed in a sealing area, and at least one of the plurality of seals includes an adhesive area. The adhesive area includes the area adjacent the seal where an adhesive is applied to the packaging material, and the adhesive area includes the sealing area. During manufacturing, adhesive may be provided in the sealing area to ensure a good seal. However, while precise alignment may occur to ensure that the sealing area and the adhesive area are coextensive (one on top of the other), such measures to ensure this level of alignment accuracy may unduly complicate processing of the package. Thus, as noted previously, at least one of the plurality of seals includes an adhesive area that is larger than the sealing area.Such a configuration addresses alignment issues by applying adhesive over a larger area than the sealing area. For example, the sealing area may have a width generally perpendicular to a longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or adhesive area, and the adhesive area may have a width that is also perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or adhesive area.

[0083] While the width of the adhesive area may be increased to address the alignment problem, as noted previously, the addition of increased amounts of adhesive may detrimentally affect the recycling process. With this in mind, a ratio of the width of the adhesive area to the width of the sealing area may be about 60:1 or less, more preferably about 40:1 or less, or most preferably about 20:1, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. For example, the ratio of the width of the adhesive area to the width of the sealing area may be between about 15:1 and about 60:1, more preferably from about 10:1 to about 40:1, or most preferably from about 2:1 to about 20:1, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. It should be noted that another of the plurality of seals may also include an adhesive area as described.

[0084] The sealing area width may be from about 1 mm to about 15 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or most preferably from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.

[0085] As noted, the addition of adhesive must be carefully considered to ensure that the packaging material can still meet the desired recyclability requirements. With this in mind, the overall adhesive areas of the package may not exceed 50 percent of the total internal and / or external surface area of ​​the package. For example, the overall adhesive surface area of ​​a package of the present disclosure may be 50 percent or less, more preferably 40 percent or less, or most preferably 30 percent or less, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.As another example, the overall area of ​​adhesive surfaces may be from 10 percent to about 50 percent, more preferably from about 10 percent to about 40 percent, or most preferably from about 10 percent to about 30 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In this same vein, an adhesive may be applied to a plurality of panels of the packages of the present disclosure; however, in some forms, there may be at least one panel that does not include an adhesive, more preferably at least 2 panels that do not include an adhesive, and most preferably at least 3 panels that do not include an adhesive.

[0086] With respect to the inner surface, the overall adhesive area may be from about 5 percent to about 35 percent, more preferably from about 5 percent to about 25 percent, or most preferably from about 5 percent to about 20 percent of the inner surface area of ​​the package, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. With respect to the outer surface of the package, the overall adhesive areas described above are applicable. It should be noted that the use of adhesive may be reduced, in some forms, when an adhesive on the outer surface of the package is not used. In such forms, bellows fins may be unadhered to one another.

[0087] As noted previously, an adhesive may be applied to either and / or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the packaging material to form a seal. For example, some seals may include one or more portions where the inner surfaces include an adhesive and one or more portions where the outer surfaces include an adhesive. A specific example of this is a bellows seal that includes a sealed inner portion and may include sealed outer portions, where the outer portions border the inner portion. In such a construction, both the inner and outer portions may include adhesive areas and sealing areas as previously described. However, the adhesive area for the inner portion may be larger, smaller, or the same size as the outer portions.

[0088] The sealing area, particularly for access sealing, if provided, may extend around the entire periphery of the package, i.e., 360 degrees, on the inner surface of the package. The adhesive area may similarly extend 360 degrees on the inner surface of the package. The sealing area on the outer surface of the package, if provided, may be provided to hold packaging bellows or bellows fins (described in relation to [Fig.3C]) in place. And, the adhesive area, as well as the sealing area, on the outer surface of the package may not extend completely around, i.e., 360 degrees around the package. Alternatively, the access seal may include very small openings adjacent to the bellows fins and / or near a midpoint of the access seal to facilitate opening.Similarly, the adhesive area may include small openings adjacent to the bellows fins and / or near a midpoint of the access seal to facilitate opening.

[0089] There are certain advantages to holding the gussets in place. For example, adhesively securing the gusset fins to each other provides a flat seal area free from protruding flaps or fins. This can provide improved handling during processing, for example, placing the packages into shipping containers. In addition, adhesively securing the gusset fins provides a more compact package shape that allows for more efficient use of space in the shipping containers. Securing the gusset fins provides a flatter seal in the secured area. And when the securing area is on the top panel, this can facilitate side folding of a portion of the top panel to form a flat-topped package, which facilitates stacking of the packages.It should be noted that where the top panel portion is laterally folded, an additional adhesive may be provided which secures the laterally folded portion of the top panel to another portion of the top panel of the . packaging or another panel. Adhesively attaching the gusset fins can provide the consumer with an added carrying feature. For example, the consumer can place their finger between the attached gusset fins. Finally, attached gussets provide a more finished appearance to the package. Attached gusset fins can be more visually appealing than not attaching them to each other.

[0090] In order to withstand the rigors of shipping, storage, and consumer handling, seals must have a required strength. A few variables complicate the requirement for the required seal strength, i.e., the type of seal and the level of compression of the absorbent article(s) within the package. An additional complication is the fact that adhesives are considered a non-recyclable material. However, the inventors have unexpectedly found that with careful selection of the adhesive type, weight percentage, as well as the application pattern, the seal strength requirements can be met while maintaining the recyclability of the packaging material.

[0091] Regarding the types of seals, the plurality of seals of the packages of the present disclosure may include an access seal, a hoop seal, and a bottom seal. The access seal may be provided as a seal that is opened by the consumer to access the absorbent article or articles within the package. The hoop seal may be the initial seal created in the package manufacturing process. The hoop seal is described in more detail with respect to Figures 1A and 1B. The bottom seal may be located on the bottom panel. The bottom seal and its configuration are discussed in more detail with respect to Figures 2A-2C. Tubular wrap packages may also be configured to include these seals.Or, tubular wrap packages may include a pair of opposing end seals and a hoop seal between the end seals. In this configuration, an access seal may similarly be provided. End seals are discussed in more detail in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0092] For absorbent articles that are typically compressed prior to placement within packages, the hoop seal may need to have a higher tensile strength than the seals of, for example, the bottom panel and / or the top panel. Additional examples are contemplated in which at least one seal comprises a higher tensile strength than another seal. For example, the bottom seal may comprise a higher tensile strength than the hoop seal and / or the access seal. In another example, the access seal may include a higher tensile strength than the hoop seal and / or the bottom seal.

[0093] The packages of the present disclosure may include seals that have a tensile strength of at least 3 N / in. For example, each of the plurality of seals of the packages of the present disclosure may have a tensile strength of from 3 N / in to about 40 N / in, more preferably from about 3 N / in to about 35 N / in, or most preferably from about 3 N / in to about 30 N / in, specifically citing all values ​​included in these ranges and any ranges created thereby.For packages comprising absorbent articles that do not include a significant amount of compression, e.g., menstrual pads, adult light incontinence pads, panty liners, and the like, the tensile strength of the seals of such package may range from about 3 N / in to about 25 N / in, more preferably from about 3 N / in to about 20 N / in, or most preferably from about 3 N / in to about 15 N / in, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.

[0094] As mentioned previously, for packages comprising compressed absorbent articles, the hoop seal may comprise a higher tensile strength than at least one of the other seals. For example, the hoop seal may comprise a tensile strength of from about 15 N / in to about 40 N / in, more preferably from about 20 N / in to about 35 N / in or most preferably from about 22 N / in to about 30 N / in, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In such packages, the absorbent article(s) may comprise adult incontinence diapers or briefs or adult incontinence pads for moderate to heavy use.

[0095] Additionally, the access seal may have a lower tensile strength than the hoop seal, and / or any other seal. For example, in forms where the access seal is located on the top panel of the package, there is generally not as much load as on the hoop seal and one or more of the other seals, e.g., the bottom seal, the end seal. It should be noted that the access seal may be disposed on one or more of the top panel, the right panel, and / or the left panel. Or for packages comprising end seals and a hoop seal, one of the end seals may act as the access seal.

[0096] Alternatively, packages of the present disclosure may be configured such that the seals comprise similar tensile strengths. For example, each of the plurality of seals may have a tensile strength tensile strength of at least 10 N / in. In such forms, each of the seals may have a tensile strength that is within plus or minus 15% of the tensile strength of the remainder of the seals in the package. However, as noted previously, since adhesives are considered a non-recyclable material, their use must be carefully considered to ensure that the packaging material retains its suitability for recycling. The tensile strengths of the seals mentioned herein may be determined by the tensile test method described in ASTM F88-06 as amended herein.

[0097] Surprisingly, the inventors have found that the application of adhesive in the sealing area and the adhesive area can impact the strength of the seal. For example, each of the sealing areas and / or the adhesive area may comprise 100 percent adhesive coverage. A sealing area having 100 percent adhesive coverage means that the sealing area is 100 percent covered by adhesive. 100 percent adhesive coverage of the adhesive area means that the adhesive area is 100 percent covered by adhesive. It should be noted that the adhesive area, while larger than the sealing area, may only cover a portion of the inner surface of the package.

[0098] For the sake of clarity, the sealing area is where two portions of the packaging material are joined. The adhesive area, outside the sealing area, represents those portions of the packaging material that include an adhesive but are not joined to other portions of the packaging material.

[0099] However, the inventors have found that less adhesive can be used, for example in a pattern, and still meet the seal tensile strengths described herein. The inventors have found that one or more of the plurality of seal areas may include an adhesive coverage of between 50 percent and about 100 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. However, when a colorant and / or coating are used, a seal may have a higher strength than a seal without a colorant and / or coating. One or more seal areas may include a colorant and / or coating.For example, one or more sealing areas may comprise between 25 percent and about 100 percent coverage of colorant and / or coating, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent coverage of colorant and / or coating, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.

[0100] The adhesive area on the other hand may comprise between 25 percent and about 100 percent adhesive coverage, more preferably from about 25 percent to about 80 percent, or most preferably from about 25 percent to about 75 percent adhesive coverage, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. And similar to the seal area, the adhesive area may include a colorant and / or a coating. For example, one or more seal areas may include between 25 percent and about 100 percent colorant and / or coating coverage, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent colorant and / or coating coverage, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.It should be noted that where the adhesive area is on the outer surface of the packaging material, the dye and / or coating coverage may be 100 percent, particularly where the adhesive area is visible to the consumer. This will ensure that these adhesive areas appear similar to the area of ​​the packaging material surrounding the adhesive area.

[0101] Regarding the application of the adhesive in a pattern in one or more of the sealing areas and / or adhesive areas, the inventors have unexpectedly found that the adhesive may be applied in stripes. For example, the stripes may be generally parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or a longitudinal centerline of the adhesive area. As another example, the stripes may be generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or the longitudinal centerline of the adhesive area. As another example, the stripes may be generally oriented at an angle to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or the adhesive area.As another example, the strips may be provided via a plurality of first strips and a plurality of second strips, wherein the first strips are oriented at a first angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or the adhesive area, and the second plurality of strips are oriented at a second angle relative to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or the adhesive area. The first angle and the second angle may be different. Any suitable angle may be used. To further clarify this example, the first angle may be between 10 degrees and about 80 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline of the adhesive area or the sealing area, more preferably between 30 degrees and about 50 degrees, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.The second angle may be between 100 degrees and about 170 degrees relative to the longitudinal centerline of the sealing area or adhesive area, more preferably between . 120 and 140, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In yet another example, the pattern may comprise a plurality of distinct circles, ovals, polygons, stripes, or combinations thereof.

[0102] As noted previously, the packages of the present disclosure may include an access seal. The access seal, if provided, includes an access seal area and an adhesive area. The access seal area may be configured as described herein with respect to seal areas. And, the adhesive area associated with the access seal may be configured as described herein.

[0103] It should be noted that the application of adhesive in separate, mutually spaced portions as described, whether stripes, dots, polygons, combinations thereof, etc., may also facilitate the decomposition of the packaging material. For example, the spacing between the adhesive portions may improve the speed of industrial and / or domestic composting processes. It is believed that the spacing between the adhesive portions may provide increased exposure of the adhesive and natural fibers to air, bacteria, and / or microorganisms.

[0104] Again, the type and amount of adhesive used for the package seals of the present disclosure may impact the recyclability of the package. As an example, adhesives that can dissolve in water during the repulping phase of the disintegration step of the recycling process may be particularly suitable for the package seals of the present disclosure. Such adhesives include starch-based adhesives, polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesives, and polyethylene oxide-based adhesives. A suitable example of a starch-based adhesive is available from LD Davis located in Monroe, North Carolina, under the trademark AP0420CR. A suitable example of a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive is available from Sekisui Chemical Company, located in Osaka, Japan, under the trademark Selvol 205.A suitable example of a polyethylene oxide adhesive is available from Dow Chemicals Co. located in Midland, Michigan, under the trademark WSR N-80.

[0105] If the adhesive is not water-soluble, then water-dispersible adhesives may be used in a similar manner. 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 adhesive is available from HB Fuller under the trademark PD-0330.

[0106] Any suitable pressure-sensitive adhesives may also be used. A suitable example of a pressure-sensitive adhesive includes that sold by Formulated Polymer Products Ltd. located in Bury, Lancashire, England, and sold under the trademark FP2154. As a specific example, the access seal may comprise a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0107] Without intending 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 adhesives 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. It is believed that the first weight percentage may be greater than the second weight percentage for the purpose of recycling the packaging material. Data regarding suitable weight percentages of adhesive are provided below in Table 1.

[0108] The following samples are shown in Table 1. Samples 1 to 4: Available from BillerudKorsnas™ under the brand name Axello Zap. Sample No. Paper Weight (g / m2) Adhesive Type Paper Weight Percentage (%) Adhesive Weight Percentage (%) Sample 1 80 Thermoplastic Elastomer 98 2 Sample 2 80 Polyvinyl Acetate Tapes 97 3 Sample 3 80 Polyvinyl Acetate 86 14 Sample 4 80 Starch 86 14

[0109] Table 1

[0110] Table 2 below shows the recyclability data based on the PTS process mentioned herein. It is believed that the recyclable percentages obtained via the PTS process would be similar to the percentage yield of recyclable material determined by the Western Michigan test for Samples 1 and 2 which were tested only by the PTS process. These tests are discussed in more detail below. Sample No. Percent Fiber Yield Wester n Mich (%) Percent Recyclable PTS (%) Visual Inspection PTS PTS Score Sample 1 N / A 99 Pass Pass Sample 2 N / A 99.1 Pass Pass Sample 3 99.2 99.8 Fail Fail Sample 4 100 100 Pass Pass [YES] Table 2

[0112] As noted previously, the packages of the present disclosure may utilize a soluble adhesive, a dispersible adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, or any combination thereof. However, the selection of adhesives must be considered carefully from a weight percentage perspective. When soluble adhesives are used, the adhesive may comprise at least one of the following: starch-based, polyethylene oxide-based, polyvinyl alcohol-based, or combinations thereof. Sample 4 illustrates that even at 14 weight percent, the soluble (starch-based) adhesive passed the PTS process described herein while polyvinyl acetate at the same weight percentage did not pass the PTS test.

[0113] In the event that dispersible adhesives are desired, as are the foregoing, care must be taken to ensure that the packaging material retains its ability to be recycled. In the event that an adhesive, such as a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive, is desired, the weight percentage may be about 12 weight percent or less, more preferably about 10 weight percent or less, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created thereby. For example, polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives may be used in an amount of from about 0.5 weight percent to about 12 weight percent, more preferably about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent, or most preferably 0.5 weight percent to about 7 weight percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created thereby.

[0114] The foregoing weight percentages are believed to be applicable to achieve a total reject percentage of less than 5 percent in accordance with the PTS process mentioned herein and to pass the sheet inspection. As the data demonstrate, while 14 weight percent polyvinyl acetate failed the PTS process, it passed the Western Michigan process. It is believed that higher weight percentages of polyvinyl acetate may be used in certain packaging materials of this disclosure and still meet the recyclability requirements of certain jurisdictions, e.g., Western Michigan. For example, the weight percentage of polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives for the Western Michigan test is believed to be in the ranges of 0.5 to about 20 weight percent, 0.5 to about 15 weight percent, or most preferably about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created by them.

[0115] However, it should be noted that when the dispersible adhesive is a thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesive, different weight percentages may apply. For example, when the dispersible adhesive comprises a thermoplastic elastomer-based adhesive, the weight percentage may be about 7 weight percent or less, more preferably about 5 weight percent or less, or most preferably about 4 weight percent or less, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created thereby.Further, in this example, the weight percentage may be from about 0.5 weight percent to about 7 weight percent, more preferably from about 0.5 weight percent to about 5 weight percent, or most preferably from about 0.5 weight percent to about 4 weight percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created thereby.

[0116] Similar to the polyvinyl acetate adhesive, the foregoing weight percentages are believed to be applicable to achieve a total reject percentage of less than 5 percent as well as inspection of the sheet in accordance with the PTS method discussed herein. It is believed that higher weight percentages of thermoplastic elastomer adhesive may be used while still meeting the recyclability requirements of certain jurisdictions, e.g., Western Michigan. For example, the weight percentage of thermoplastic elastomer adhesives for the Western Michigan test is believed to be in the ranges of 0.5 to about 15 weight percent, 0.5 to about 12 weight percent, or most preferably about 0.5 to about 7 weight percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created thereby.

[0117] The inventors have unexpectedly found that thermoplastic elastomer and polyvinyl acetate based adhesives can provide high seal strength while also being flexible from an application perspective. For example, where heat sealing is already used as part of an existing manufacturing line, these adhesives allow the same flexibility, i.e., by being heat sealable. As another example, these adhesives could be printed onto the packaging material, which facilitates manufacturing. These adhesives can be applied in patterns, for example, the patterns described herein.

[0118] It should be noted that the characteristics of the seals of the packages of the present disclosure may depend on how the packaging material is processed. For example, an absorbent article manufacturer may purchase the package preformed. In such cases, the absorbent article manufacturer may receive from a paper package manufacturer essentially an open bag comprising a panel with a hoop seal and a panel with another seal, e.g., a bottom seal. The other seal, e.g., the bottom seal, may be configured in a block-style, cross-style, or pinch-style arrangement. Such configurations are discussed in greater detail with respect to Figures 2A-2C. Totani™-style configurations are also contemplated and are described with respect to Figures 2D-2F.

[0119] When creating an access seal, the absorbent article manufacturer may use the same adhesive as that used in the hoop seal and / or the other seal, e.g., the bottom seal. Alternatively, the absorbent article manufacturer may use an adhesive that is different from that of the hoop seal and / or the other seal, e.g., the bottom seal.

[0120] It is also possible for the absorbent article manufacturer to produce the packages themselves. For example, an absorbent article manufacturer may have the capability to produce the open bag themselves, and subsequently fill it with one or more absorbent articles and subsequently seal it without having to purchase such bags from a supplier. Another example where an absorbent article manufacturer produces the packages themselves includes the tubular packaging configuration. In such a configuration, the manufacturer forms the package around the absorbent article(s) as opposed to placing the absorbent article(s) in a preformed bag. These types of packages of the present disclosure may include end seals and a hoop seal and may further include an access seal or one of the end seals may act as an access seal.

[0121] Regardless of whether an absorbent article manufacturer purchases prefabricated bags from a supplier or manufactures the packages itself, the foregoing seal configuration may still be provided. That is, at least one seal may comprise a different adhesive than the other seals, or the adhesive in the seals may comprise the same adhesive.

[0122] Some contemplated examples include packages where the hoop seal and another seal, e.g., a bottom seal, end seal(s), comprise a soluble adhesive and where the access seal comprises a dispersible adhesive. Another contemplated example is where the hoop seal and another seal, e.g., the bottom seal, end seal(s) end seal, comprise a soluble adhesive and wherein the access seal or end seal comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Another example contemplated is the case where all of the seals comprise dispersible adhesives. Another example is the case where all of the seals comprise soluble adhesives. Yet another example is the case where all of the seals comprise the same adhesive, e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a soluble adhesive, or a dispersible adhesive. Yet another example is the case where at least one of the plurality of seals comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0123] Recyclability

[0124] There is currently no universal standard for determining whether a paper material is recyclable. In general, the higher the natural material content, e.g., natural fibers, and the lower the non-recyclable material content, the higher the likelihood of being recyclable. Some specific examples of standards that may be useful in determining whether packaging material is recyclable include the PTS process and the Western Michigan process, and each is described in more detail below. These processes address the recyclability of materials that include wood fibers and / or pulp fibers.

[0125] The packaging materials of the present disclosure may comprise natural fibers that form a paper. For example, the packaging material may comprise at least 50 weight percent natural fibers, more preferably at least 70 weight percent natural fibers, or most preferably at least 90 weight percent natural fibers, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. As yet another example, the packaging material may comprise 99.9 weight percent natural fibers. The packaging materials of the present disclosure may comprise between 50 weight percent and 100 weight percent natural fibers, more preferably between 70 weight percent and 99.9 weight percent, or most preferably between 90 weight percent and 99.9 weight percent natural fibers.It should be noted that where the weight percentage of natural fibers is less than 100 percent, there is room for coatings, dyes, films and / or adhesives, if desired.

[0126] In order to increase the likelihood that the packaging material will be recyclable, the total weight percentage of non-recyclable material, e.g., adhesives, coatings, and / or colorants, in the packaging material of the present disclosure may be carefully chosen. For example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may comprise 50 weight percent or less, more preferably 30 weight percent or less, or most preferably about 15 percent by weight or less of non-recyclable material, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created 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, more preferably from about 0.1 percent to about 30 percent by weight, or most preferably from about 0.1 percent to about 15 percent by weight of non-recyclable material, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In a specific example, the weight percentage of non-recyclable material may be 5 percent by weight or less, or from 0.1 percent to 5 percent by weight, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.

[0127] 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 70 percent or more, more preferably 80 percent or more, or most preferably 90 percent or more, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have a recyclable percentage of between 70 percent and about 99.9 percent, more preferably from about 80 percent to about 99.9 percent, or most preferably from about 90 percent to about 99.9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.In a specific example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a recyclable percentage ranging from about 95 percent to about 99.9 percent, more preferably from about 97 percent to about 99.9 percent, or most preferably from about 98 percent to about 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The recyclable percentage of the packaging material of the present disclosure may be determined via test PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under Category II as implemented by Papiertechnische Stiftung located at Pimaer Straße 37, 01809 Heidenau, Germany.

[0128] Along with the recyclable percentage, the total rejection percentage may be determined via the test method PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under category IL. However, unlike the recyclable percentage, in order to increase the likelihood of recyclability, the total rejection percentage may be decreased. For example, the total rejection percentage of the packaging material of the present disclosure may be about 30 percent or less, more preferably about 20 percent or less, or most preferably about 10 percent or less, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. For example, the total percentage rejection of the packaging material of the present disclosure may range from 0.1 percent to 30 percent, more preferably from 0.1 percent to 20 percent, or most preferably from 0.1 percent to 10 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In a specific example, the total percentage rejection may be less than 5 percent, or between 0.1 percent and 5 percent, more preferably 0.1 to 3 percent, or most preferably 0.1 to 2 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.

[0129] For clarity, the percentage of non-recyclable materials does not necessarily have a 1:1 correlation with the total percentage of rejection. For example, the use of dissolvable adhesives is disclosed herein. Since these adhesives are designed to dissolve during the recycling process, it is assumed that these would not impact the total percentage of rejection; however, they would contribute to the percentage by weight of non-recyclable material.

[0130] It should be noted that the test method PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under Category II, Test Method, includes a sheet inspection component. Trained inspectors inspect one or more sheets of recycled packaging material for visual imperfections and tackiness. If the number of visual imperfections is too large or if it is too adhesive, then the packaging material is rejected. If the number of visual imperfections is acceptable and the sheet is not too adhesive, in accordance with the method PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019), under Category II, then the packaging material is approved for further processing. The packaging material of the present disclosure can give an acceptable level of visual imperfections and tackiness during this step of the PTS process such that further processing is approved.

[0131] The packaging material of the present description can give the previously mentioned recyclable percentages as well as pass the sheet screening process. Thus the packaging material of the present description can achieve an overall score or final result of "pass" when subjected to the recycling test process PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under category II.

[0132] 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 implemented by the University of Western Michigan called the Repulpability Test can provide a percent yield of recyclable material. The packaging material of the present disclosure may achieve a percent yield, in accordance with the repulpability test, that is greater than about 70 percent, more preferably greater than about 80 percent, or most preferably greater than about 90 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have a percent yield of from 70 percent to about 99.9 percent, more preferably from about 80 percent to about 99.9 percent, or most preferably from about 90 percent to about 99.9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.In one specific example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a percentage yield of recyclable material that is between 80 percent and 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In one such example, the packaging material may include a brown base color. In another specific example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a percentage yield of recyclable material that is between 85 percent and 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In one such example, the packaging material may include a white base color. Base colors of packaging materials are discussed in more detail herein.

[0133] 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 material. For example, manufacturers typically advertise the use of recycled materials in order to demonstrate their environmentally friendly approach to packaging. 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.

[0134] Visual inspection may be as simple as using the human eye to inspect packaging for logos of the use of recycled materials. In addition or alternatively, 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 might appear different under a microscope due to the presence of a much wider range of natural fiber types than if the packaging material comprised 100% non-recycled paper. As another example, under a microscope, potentially a scanning electron microscope, recycled fibers, due to their processing, may appear more fibrillated than their virgin fiber counterparts.

[0135] Coatings and colorants

[0136] As noted previously, each of the plurality of panels includes an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface and / or the inner surface of one or more panels may include colorants and / or coatings, which create a brand indication on the package, packaging information, and / or a background color, etc. The brand indication and / or the packaging information may be provided on an outer surface and / or at least a portion of the inner surface, of at least one panel, e.g., the consumer-facing panel. The brand indication may include logos, brand names, trademarks, icons, and the like, associated with the absorbent articles within the package. The brand indication may be used to inform a consumer of the brand of the absorbent articles within the package.As an example, a trademark indication for a package of feminine hygiene protection pads may include the brand name Always®.

[0137] 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, associated with the absorbent articles within the package. In addition, the packaging information may include information regarding the packaging material itself, e.g., recyclability logos, certifications by various organizations, or the like. As an example, packaging information for a package of feminine hygiene protection pads may include a size indicator, e.g., "Size 1."Other panels of the package may similarly include a brand indication, packaging information, and / or a background color, along with those associated with the consumer-facing panel.

[0138] Additionally, one or more panels of the packages of the present disclosure may include colorants and / or coatings, to provide a background color to the packages of the present disclosure. To further clarify the background color, it should be noted that the packaging material includes a base color. A base color of the packaging material is the color packaging material without dyes and / or coatings. For example, bleached packaging material is white, unbleached is brown, and packaging material that includes recycled content is gray. A background color is any color that is not a base color, for example, blue, red, green, yellow, purple, orange, black, or combinations thereof. However, the background color may also include white, brown, or gray, if the background color is achieved through dyes and / or coatings.

[0139] As noted previously, the use of dyes and / or coatings may be considered contaminants in the recyclability stream. Thus the use of dyes and / or coatings should be carefully considered.

[0140] In order to reduce the use of dyes and / or coatings, in favor of the recycling process, a base color of the packaging material may be used. For example, packages where the consumer-facing panel includes a brand indication, packaging information, and / or a background color, while one or more panels include a base color are contemplated. In a specific example, the bottom panel and / or the back panel may use the base color of the packaging material instead of a background color. One or more of the bottom panel, the top panel, the left panel, the right panel, the back panel, or any combination thereof may use the base color of the packaging material instead of a background color.In such examples, the background color may be provided on one or more panels, e.g., the consumer-facing panel, while the base color may be used on one or more panels. In another example, the consumer-facing panel independently or in conjunction with other panels may include a base color. Expanding on this example, the packaging may include absorbent articles that include naturally derived components, e.g., cotton sheeting and / or non-chlorine bleached paper pulp in an absorbent core. In such examples, the consumer-facing panel may include a white base color. In this same example, in conjunction with the base color, the consumer-facing panel may further include a brand indicia, a background color (associated with the brand indicia), and / or packaging information.In yet another example, one or more panels may include packaging information, which, in part, includes a base color. To extend this example, the base color may be a first color, for example, white, and a background color may be applied to a panel with an image. negative of the packaging information, such that the packaging information, or part thereof, is not covered by the background color, and the packaging information includes the first color.

[0141] Another method for reducing the use of dyes and / or coatings in the packaging materials of the present disclosure is to apply varying coverage of dye and / or coating to a variety of panels. For example, a first panel may include a different percentage coverage of dye and / or coating than a second panel. To further this example, the consumer-facing panel may have a higher percent coverage of dye and / or coating than another panel of the package, e.g., the bottom panel. As noted, absorbent articles that are naturally derived, e.g., topsheets or other cotton components, non-chlorine bleached cores, no added dyes, and / or no added fragrances, may be more dependent on the base colors of the packaging material.By way of example, such packages may include a consumer-facing panel comprising a colorant coverage of 75 percent or less, more preferably 50 percent or less, or most preferably 40 percent or less. Further, the consumer-facing panel may comprise a colorant coverage of from about 10 percent to about 75 percent, more preferably from about 15 percent to about 50 percent, or most preferably from about 20 percent to about 40 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.

[0142] In such packages other panels may be configured having a higher percentage of dye coverage, a lower percentage, or a mixture thereof. For example, in such configurations, a bottom panel may include a lower percentage of dye coverage. A back panel, a left panel, and / or a right panel may include a higher percentage of dye coverage or more preferably a lower percentage of dye coverage. These same values ​​may also apply for the tubular casing configurations described herein.

[0143] Naturally derived products as described are not necessarily limited to the foregoing dye coverages; however, a lower dye percentage may mean a lower dye weight percentage which may be beneficial from a recyclability standpoint. In another example, a package of absorbent articles in accordance with the present disclosure may include a consumer-facing panel having a dye coverage of 100 percent, more preferably 99 percent or less, or the more preferably 98 percent or less. For example, packages in accordance with the present disclosure may include a consumer-facing panel having a colorant coverage percentage of from 60 percent to about 100 percent, more preferably from about 60 percent to about 99 percent, or most preferably from about 60 percent to about 98 percent. In such configurations, other panels may include the same colorant coverage percentage or more preferably may include a lower colorant coverage percentage. The colorant coverage percentage is determined via the colorant coverage percentage measurement method described herein.

[0144] While any suitable dyes may be used, it is believed that water-based dyes typically dissolve more readily in water during the recycling process. Thus, water-based dyes may facilitate the recycling process for the packages of the present disclosure. Any suitable water-based dye may be used. Water-based dyes are well known in the art.

[0145] It should be noted that solvent-based dyes and / or energy-curable dyes may also be used. However, the use of these types of dyes may make the manufacturing of the packaging material more complicated. For example, solvent-based dyes generally release volatile organic compounds that must be removed from the air. In addition, solvent-based dyes may include components that do not readily dissolve in water during the recycling process, which could negatively impact the recyclability of the packaging material.

[0146] Energy-curable dyes may also be used; however, like solvent-based dyes, energy-curable dyes may complicate the processing of the packaging material. And like solvent-based dyes, energy-curable dyes may include components that are not readily soluble in water during the recycling process, which could negatively impact the recyclability of the packaging material.

[0147] Any suitable coating used for a packaging material may be used. Coatings may be used to protect the background color, brand indication, and / or packaging information. In addition, coatings may be used to provide antistatic benefits, coefficient of friction benefits, and / or appearance benefits, e.g., gloss, matte, satin, high gloss, etc.). Like water-based colorants, it is believed that water-based coatings, if used, may facilitate the recycling process. of the packaging material. Suitable coatings include varnishes that are well known in the art. Any suitable coating may be used.

[0148] In order to withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process where a plurality of absorbent articles are disposed within the package, to withstand the rigors of being shipped, to provide protection from environmental stresses during shipping and while on the store shelf, and to provide product protection while in the consumers' homes, the packaging material may have a certain level of strength, stretch, and resilience. By way of example, a packaging material of the present disclosure may have an SM tensile strength of at least 4.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 7 kN / m, or most preferably at least 8 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby.The SM tensile strength may be between 4.7 kN / m and 8.5 kN / m, or more preferably between 5.2 kN / m and 8.2 kN / m, or most preferably between 5.5 kN / m and 8.0 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The SM tensile strength is measured using ISO 1924-3 as amended herein.

[0149] As another example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have an ST tensile strength of at least 2.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 4 kN / m, or most preferably at least 5.5 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The ST tensile strength may be between 2.7 and 6.5 kN / m, more preferably between 2.7 and 6.2 kN / m, or most preferably between 2.7 and 6 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The ST tensile strength is measured using ISO 1924-3 as amended herein.

[0150] As another example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a burst strength of at least 185 kPa, more preferably at least 250 kPa, or most preferably at least 550 kPa, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The burst strength of the packaging material of the present disclosure may be between 185 and 600 kPa, more preferably between 220 and 550 kPa, or most preferably between 250 and 500 kPa, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The burst strength is measured using ISO 2758 as modified herein.

[0151] As another example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have an elongation SM at break, more preferably at least 3 for hundred, or most preferably at least 6 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The packaging material of this specification may have an SM elongation at break of between 3 and 6.5 percent, more preferably between 3.2 and 6.2 percent, or most preferably between 3.5 and 6 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The SM elongation at break is measured using ISO 1924-3 as amended herein.

[0152] As another example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have an ST elongation at break of at least 4 percent, more preferably at least 6 percent, or most preferably at least 9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have an ST elongation at break of from 4 to 10 percent, more preferably from 4.5 to 9.5 percent, or most preferably from 5 to 9 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The ST elongation at break is measured using ISO 1924-3 as modified herein.

[0153] As yet another example, the basis weight of the packaging material can affect the "feel" of the package to the consumer in addition to affecting the strength and resilience of the packaging material. Too low a basis weight and the package may feel too brittle. Too high a basis weight and the package may feel too inflexible. The packaging material according to the present disclosure may have a basis weight of between 50 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 60 and 105 g / m2, or most preferably between 70 and 90 g / m2, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and all ranges created by them. The basis weight may be determined via ISO 536 as amended herein.

[0154] It should be noted that the lower basis weight of 50 g / m2 may require some precautions during processing. For high-speed packaging processes, a basis weight of 50 g / m2 may not provide the desired level of reliability. It is believed that high-speed packaging processes may induce deformation in the packaging material that slower packaging processes cannot. Thus, from a high-speed manufacturing perspective, 60 g / m2 may be the lowest basis weight of packaging material desirable. When hand-packing or low-speed packaging processes are used, 50 g / m2 may be sufficient as the lowest areal mass of packaging material. Or, special processing and / or tooling that is closely controlled to ensure that minimal stress is applied to packaging material of 50 g / m2 or less may be sufficient to allow a 50 g / m2 packaging material to be used.

[0155] With respect to the size, the packaging material of the present disclosure may have a size of at least 50 pm, more preferably at least 70 pm, or most preferably at least 90 pm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The packaging material of the present disclosure may have a size of between 50 and 110 pm, more preferably 55 to 105 pm, or most preferably 60 to 100 pm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. The size is measured using ISO 534 as modified herein.

[0156] It should be noted that the packaging material of the present disclosure is different from carton, paperboard, and brown paper bags. For example, carton is not as flexible as the packaging materials of the present disclosure. Carton is designed and is inherently more rigid than the packaging materials of the present disclosure and may be more difficult to process on converting lines due to its rigidity. In addition, carton has a higher basis weight than the packaging materials of the present disclosure.

[0157] Similarly, cardboard is also different from the packaging materials of the present disclosure. Cardboard has a much higher basis weight 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 as such, are structurally different from the packaging materials of the present disclosure. In addition, the packaging material of the present disclosure has a much lower basis weight than cardboard.

[0158] Some advantages that the packaging materials of the present disclosure have over cardboard and paperboard include flexibility as discussed herein. However, another advantage is that the packaging materials of the present disclosure occupy less space than their bulkier cardboard and paperboard counterparts. Another advantage of the packaging materials of the present disclosure is that they allow the absorbent articles within them to be compressed. inside the package. This allows more products to fit into a smaller volume package, which also allows for greater efficiency. An additional advantage is that a single layer (a stratum) of the packaging materials of the present disclosure can 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 single layer (a stratum) of packaging materials of the present disclosure.

[0159] With respect to brown paper bags, which were widely used in grocery stores for carrying goods, the packages of the present disclosure are also different. As discussed in more detail herein, the packaging material of the present invention is sealed such that the absorbent articles are enclosed and protected from the external environment by the packaging material. More specifically, the package of absorbent articles in accordance with the present disclosure does not have an opening into which articles can be placed. Instead, the package of absorbent articles in accordance with the present disclosure is sealed to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the absorbent articles during shipping, storage, and while on store shelves.

[0160] Although it has reduced flexibility compared to plastic packaging and a lower basis weight than cardboard and carton, the packaging material of the present disclosure can withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process where one or more absorbent articles are placed in the packaging, as well as the rigors of shipping, provides protection from environmental stresses during transport and on store shelves, and provides product protection in the consumer's home.

[0161] It should also be noted that the packaging material of the present disclosure, in addition to lacking the high stretch properties of conventional plastic packaging film, may not provide the barrier properties of a conventional plastic packaging film. For example, the packaging material of the present disclosure may not include a functional barrier layer such as a layer of metal foil, plastic, or the like.

[0162] In contrast, forms are contemplated where the packaging material comprises a film layer disposed on the inner surface of a paper layer, wherein the film layer provides a barrier function. In such forms, seals may be formed by heat sealing the film to itself or an adhesive may be provided to create one or more seals.

[0163] Additionally, examples are contemplated where the absorbent article backsheet is in direct contact with the inner surface of the packaging material. Packages of the present disclosure comprising diapers may be configured in this manner. Feminine hygiene protection pads, including menstrual pads, panty liners, adult incontinence pads, diaper inserts, reusable underwear inserts, and the like, may be individually wrapped to protect the panty-attaching adhesive on their respective backsheets. In packages with these articles, the individually wrapped article may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the packaging material. Forms are contemplated where the wrapper that packages the individual articles may comprise natural fibers as described herein.Additionally, such packaging may be recyclable as described here.

[0164] As noted previously, absorbent article manufacturers may purchase the packaging material already preformed in open bags or may purchase rolls of packaging material. 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. With reference to Figures 1A-1B, edge portions 100 and 110 of a starting paper sheet 99 may be folded back on themselves and subsequently adhered together to form a seal. For example, the side portions 100 and 110 of the sheet 99 may be folded or simply translated transversely inward toward a longitudinal centerline 90 of the sheet 99. These edge portions may overlap and be joined together to form an overlapped seal.Alternatively, the edge portions 100 and 110 may be joined on their respective inner surfaces to form a butt seal. It should be noted that butt seals tend not to be as flat as overlap seals. Thus, where the seal is located, at least in part, on a bottom panel, an overlap seal may be desirable so that the package resides on a flatter bottom panel. The joining of the edge portions 100 and 110 may be referred to as a hoop seal.

[0165] Referring now 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 pleats 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 (e.g., a gusseted bag structure) opposes the first surface 10. Each side pleat 12b, 13b is 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 block bottom configuration. Gussets and fold lines for pinch style configurations are discussed in more detail regarding [Fig. 2B], and cross style configurations are discussed in more detail regarding [Fig. 2C]. Totani™ style bag structures are shown in Figures 2D and 2E.

[0166] The bag 4 may be filled by inserting articles such as a stack of absorbent articles through the open end 48. When the bag 4 is filled with a plurality of articles, for example by introducing articles from the open end 48, the device used to introduce the articles into the bag 4 together with the articles may exert some 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. Thus the articles may expand slightly after they are introduced into the bag 4 and thus exert some tension on the second and third surfaces 12, 13 as well as on the fourth surface 14 and the fifth surface 15.Tension is exerted on each of the folds 12b, 13b at the respective second and third surfaces 12, 13, in particular along the first and second lateral folds 12a, 13a with which the packaging can maintain an essentially parallelepiped shape.

[0167] As can be appreciated in [Fig. 1D], the first opposing surface 10 of the open end 48 can then be closed to form the sixth surface 11. Any suitable style of closure can be used. As an example, the sixth surface can include closure gussets 11b by bringing the edges of the bag 4 together and bonding them together to form a closure seal 11a and a closure seal fin 11c extending from the closure seal 11a, and the sixth surface 11. In yet another example, the sixth surface can include seams that are joined in a block-style configuration or a cross-style configuration discussed below.

[0168] An example of a block-style configuration is shown in [Fig.2A]. As shown, the first surface 10 may include a block-style configuration including seals 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. An adhesive may be provided to secure the first flap of packaging material 250 to the base portion 240 thereby forming the first seal 220. A second flap of packaging material 260 may be folded and adhered to the base portion 240 and over the first flap of packaging material 250. An adhesive may be provided to secure the second packaging material flap 260 to the base portion 240 and to the first packaging material flap 250 which forms the second seal 230. A similar execution can be used with respect to the sixth surface 11.

[0169] Another example of a panel sealing style that may be used with the packages of the present disclosure is the pinch style configuration or the pinch bottom style. An example of a pinch style configuration is shown in [Fig.2A]. As shown, one of the key differences between the block bottom and pinch bottom configuration is 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.

[0170] Cross-style configurations are also acceptable for sealing portions of the packaging material of the present disclosure. An example of a cross-bottom 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 are oriented outward. In contrast, the fold lines 12a and 13a on the second surface 12 and third surface 13, respectively, in [Fig. 1C] are oriented inward 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, such as 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 will have a reduced likelihood of interference with the gussets of the cross-style configuration due to their outward orientation. This can reduce the likelihood of packaging accidents or manufacturing process shutdowns due to quality issues.

[0171] Referring again to [Fig. 2C], similar to the block-style configuration, the first surface 10 of the cross-style configuration includes seals 320 and 330. The first surface includes a base portion 340. A first packaging material flap 350 may be folded and adhesively secured to the base portion 340. A first seal 320 may be provided to secure the first packaging material flap 350 to the base portion 340. A second packaging material flap 360 may be folded over the base portion 340 and over the first packaging material flap 350. A second seal 330 may be provided to adhesively secure the second packaging material flap 360 to the base portion 340 and to the first flap of packaging material 350. A similar execution can be used with respect to the sixth surface (formed after the placement of absorbent articles therein).

[0172] In yet another example, a Totani™ style bag may be used. The Totani™ bag style may include seams / seals that are displaced above their flat bottom, pinch bottom, and / or cross bottom counterparts. Referring to Figures 2D and 2E, a Totani™ style package 1400 is shown. The package 1400 may be configured in a generally parallelepiped shape. The package 1400 may include a first panel 1411, opposing second and third panels 1412 and 1413, opposing fourth and fifth panels 1414 and 1415, and a sixth panel 1410 opposing the first panel 1411. As shown, between the fourth panel 1414 and the sixth panel 1410, a first seal 1420 extends outwardly. The first seal 1420 forms a sort of foot for the packaging 1400.A second seal may extend outwardly between the fifth panel 1415 and the sixth panel 1410 in a manner similar to the first seal 1420. It should be noted that in some forms, the first panel 1411 may be laid flat as may the sixth panel 1410.

[0173] The first seal 1420 may extend such that a portion of the first seal 1420 is on the second panel 1412 and another portion of the first seal 1420 is disposed on the third panel 1413. Similarly, a portion of the second seal may be disposed on the second panel 1412 and another portion may be disposed on the third panel 1413. The first seal 1420 and the second seal may be provided where the sixth panel 1410 is formed from a separate piece of material that is subsequently joined to the fourth panel 1414 and the fifth panel 1415. Of course, forms where the sixth panel 1410 is integral with the fourth panel 1414 and the fifth panel 1415 are also contemplated.

[0174] A third seal 1430 and a fourth seal 1440 may extend outwardly from the second panel 1412 and the third panel 1413, respectively. It should be noted that the first seal 1420, the second seal, the third seal 1430, and the fourth seal 1440 collectively may comprise the hoop seal discussed previously. Thus, one, all, or any combination of these seals may provide the tensile strength for the hoop seal as described herein.

[0175] As shown, the package 1400 may further include a fifth join 1450 and a sixth join 1460 that are disposed on the sixth panel 1411. The fifth join 1450 and the sixth join 1460 may extend into a sealing fin 1480. It should be noted that the package 1400 and the seams associated therewith may be assembled as described herein with respect to adhesives, films, and / or combinations of films and adhesives. However, the construction of the package 1400 is particularly well-suited for creating seams via a film coating on an inner surface of the packaging material. In such configurations, the film may form a barrier that reduces the likelihood or at least the amount of moisture vapor passing through the packaging material to the absorbent articles therein. The packages of the present disclosure may comprise a plurality of compressed articles, e.g., compressed disposable absorbent articles. For example, the packages of the present disclosure may be used to accommodate feminine hygiene protection pads.As shown in Figure 5, the package 1 defines an interior space 1002 in which a plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are located. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 may be arranged in one or more stacks 1006. The absorbent articles may be compression packaged to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate quantity 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 size of the packages.Although lacking the stretch properties of conventional plastic packaging material, the inventors have unexpectedly found that the packaging materials of the present disclosure are capable of withstanding the rigors of processing and dispensing, as previously mentioned, even with absorbent articles that are compressed within the packaging. This is particularly unexpected because the materials of the present invention do not exhibit the stretch properties of conventional plastic films currently in use.

[0176] Thus, 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 of 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 falling within the specified ranges and all ranges formed within or by them, according to the bagged stack height test described herein.

[0177] It should be noted that the absorbent articles within the packages of the present disclosure may be arranged in a myriad of configurations. For example, absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be arranged within the package such that they are oriented in a vertical orientation, or the absorbent articles may be arranged such that they are arranged in a horizontal configuration, for example as shown in Figure 5. Shapes are contemplated where a combination of horizontally and vertically oriented articles are provided within the package.

[0178] Additionally, the articles within the package may be oriented such that one longitudinal peripheral edge of each of the plurality of articles is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel than another longitudinal peripheral edge. For example, when the number of absorbent articles within the package is relatively large, e.g., greater than nine, the absorbent articles may be arranged within the package in the manner previously described. However, when the number of absorbent articles within the package is less than, e.g., nine, the absorbent articles may be arranged such that a topsheet or a backsheet of an absorbent article is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel.Additional absorbent articles may be stacked behind the absorbent article that is closest to the consumer-facing panel. Shapes are contemplated where there is a combination of orientations within the package. For example, at least one absorbent article may be arranged such that one of its longitudinal peripheral side edges is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel than another, and at least one absorbent article may be arranged such that its topsheet or backsheet is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel. The remainder of the absorbent articles, if any, may take either of these configurations.

[0179] Regardless of the sealing configuration, i.e., block, cross, or pinch, these configurations are known in the art. It should be noted that for less bulky articles where the ability to stand up the package is desired, the block bottom or cross bottom may be desirable. However, for For bulky items, pinch-style bags can be advantageous because the bulky absorbent items can form a stable base for erecting the package. Additionally, it should be noted that packages in block and cross-style configurations tend to be bulkier themselves than their pinch-style counterparts. For packaging purposes, unfilled packages may arrive in stacks at an absorbent manufacturer. Typically, stacks of packages in block and cross-style configurations will take up more space—due to their bulk—than their pinch-style counterparts. The bulkiness of block and cross-style configurations can make the stacks more difficult to handle during the filling process, particularly when a large number of packages are being created per minute.In such cases, the bulkiness of these configurations may mean increased frequency of stack replenishment. Thus for (unfilled) packages comprising the same packaging material, but a different sealing style, i.e. block and pinch, the block style configuration will occupy more space than its pinch style counterparts.

[0180] Referring again to Figures 1C to 2E, the bag and package dimensions may be appropriately chosen and achieved by processes of designing, folding, stacking, compressing and packaging such that the package 1 retains the absorbent articles therein and maintains a neat, stable, essentially parallelepiped shape, i.e., a parallelepiped shape of the package.

[0181] The first surface 10 may comprise the top panel of the package 1. Or the first surface 10 may comprise the bottom panel of the package 1. It should be noted that if the first surface 10 comprises seals, it may be desirable to have the first surface 10 comprise the bottom panel. In this way the seals may be hidden from view on the store shelf. Similarly, the second and third surfaces 12 and 13, as they may comprise gussets 12b and 13b, respectively, and / or pleats, may comprise the left panel and the right panel, respectively, or vice versa. This leaves one of the fourth and fifth surfaces 14 and 15 comprising the consumer-facing panel. Thus, at least one of the fourth and / or fifth surfaces 14, 15, may comprise a brand indication, packaging information and / or a background color as described herein.However, as noted previously, the brand indication, packaging information, and / or background color are not limited to the consumer-facing panel. Any combination of the panels of the packages. of this description may include a brand indication, packaging information, and / or a background color.

[0182] With respect to [Fig.3A], an inner surface 399 of the packages of the present disclosure is shown. As discussed previously, the adhesive provided for the seals may be provided in a pattern or a complete coating. As shown, each of the plurality of seals may include a sealing area 380 and at least one of the plurality of seals includes an adhesive area 390. The sealing area 380 has a longitudinal centerline 381, and the adhesive area 390 has a longitudinal centerline 390. The adhesive area 390 as shown includes an upper portion and a lower portion that border the sealing area 380. An adhesive 392 is shown applied in stripes in the adhesive area 390 that are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline 391 of the adhesive area 390 or the longitudinal centerline 381 of the sealing area 380.Prior to the formation of the seal, the adhesive strips 392 are configured in the seal area 380 similarly to what they are in the adhesive area 390. However, after the seal is formed, the adhesive strips are compressed to some extent as shown via the stripe pattern 382 in the seal area.

[0183] As shown in [Fig.3B], the adhesive area 390 and the sealing area 380 may be provided on the inner surface of the package 1 completely around the periphery where a seal, for example an access seal, will be created. Complete, i.e., 360 degree coverage is not necessarily required, but may be provided as shown. It should be noted that adjacent to the sides 12 and 13, gaps in the adhesive may be provided to ensure that upon compression an excess amount of adhesive is not present in the seal being formed. Such gaps in the adhesive may reduce the likelihood of adhesive leaking out of the package and / or contaminating packaging equipment.

[0184] Regarding [Fig.3C], when forming the seal, the sealing area is formed between the fourth and fifth surfaces 14 and 15, a gusset may be created in the second surface 12 and the third surface 13. See gussets 11b and 11c of [Fig.1D]. The adhesive provided on the inner surface of the package 1, would be sufficient to seal the absorbent article(s) therein. However, if desired, additional adhesive may be provided on the outer surface adjacent the gussets 11b and 11c in the second surface 12 and the third surface 13. The adhesive on the outer surface may allow gusset fins 11b' and 11b'' as well as 11c' and 11c'' to be joined together. Such a configuration may allow for a more finished appearance. of the packages of this description. However, the adhesive on the external surface to join the bellows fins is optional.

[0185] It should be recalled that the inventors have unexpectedly found that the application of adhesive patterns in the sealing area 380 as well as the application of colorants and / or coatings in the sealing area 380 can advantageously impact the tensile strength of the seals. Data on this subject are provided in Figures 4A to 4C. [Fig. 4A] shows a graph that highlights the tensile seal strength based on the adhesive pattern applied in the sealing areas. [Fig. 4B] shows a graph that highlights the tensile seal strength based on the addition of colorant to the sealing areas. [Fig. 4C] shows a graph that highlights the tensile strength based on the addition of a coating, for example a varnish, to the sealing areas.

[0186] As noted previously, tubular wrap packaging configurations may also be used as a package in accordance with the present disclosure. Some examples of tubular wrap packages are shown in Figures 5A and 5B. [Fig. 5A] shows an exemplary tubular wrap package that includes a generally parallelepiped shape. Parallel-shaped packages have been discussed previously. The package 301, as shown, includes a first panel 310, opposing second and third panels 312 and 313, respectively; opposing fourth and fifth panels 314 and 315, respectively; and a sixth panel 311 opposing the first panel 310. As shown, the second panel 312 may include an end seal 312a, and the third panel 313 may include an end seam 313a.A hoop seal 316 may be disposed, in part, on the second panel 312, the third panel 313, and the sixth panel 311. In such configurations, either the first panel 310 or the fifth panel 315 may comprise the consumer-facing panel.

[0187] [Fig. 5B] shows another exemplary package 321 in accordance with the packages of the present disclosure. Like the package 301 of [Fig. 5A], the package 321 is a tubular packaging configuration. As shown, the package 321 includes a first surface 324 and an opposing second surface 328. Rounded edges may be provided as a transition between the first surface 324 and the second surface 328. Or, one or more fold lines may be provided between the first surface 324 and the second surface 328. The package 321 may further include end seals 322 and 323, and a hoop seal. 326 which may be disposed on the second surface 328. In such packages, the first surface 324 may comprise the consumer-facing panel.

[0188] With respect to both Figures 5A and 5B, while the packages shown, i.e., 301 and 321, include butt seals for the end seal, overlap seals may also be used. For example, one or more of the end seals 312a, 313a, 322, and 323 may include an overlap seal. Similarly, the hoop seal, i.e., 316 and 326, may include either an butt seal or an overlap seal.

[0189] The package may include a plurality of compressed articles, for example, compressed disposable absorbent articles. For example, the package 1 of the present disclosure may be used to accommodate feminine hygiene protection pads. As shown in [Fig. 6A], the package 1 defines an interior space 1002 in which a plurality of absorbent articles 1004 are located. The plurality of absorbent articles 1004 may be arranged in one or more stacks 1006. The absorbent articles may be compression packaged to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate quantity 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 size of the packages.Although lacking the stretch properties of conventional plastic packaging material, the inventors have unexpectedly found that the packaging materials of the present disclosure are capable of withstanding the rigors of processing and dispensing, as previously mentioned, even with absorbent articles that are compressed within the packaging. This is particularly unexpected because the materials of the present invention do not exhibit the stretch properties of conventional plastic films currently in use.

[0190] Thus, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bagged 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 bagged pile height test described herein. Alternatively, packages of the absorbent articles of the present disclosure may have a bagged pile height of 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 falling within the specified ranges and all ranges formed within or by them, according to the bagged stack height test described herein.

[0191] It should be noted that the absorbent articles within the packages of the present disclosure may be arranged in a myriad of configurations. For example, absorbent articles of the present disclosure may be arranged within the package such that they are oriented in a vertical orientation, or the absorbent articles may be arranged such that they are arranged in a horizontal configuration, for example as shown in [Fig.6A]. Forms are contemplated where a combination of horizontally and vertically oriented articles are provided within the package.

[0192] Additionally, the articles within the package may be oriented such that one longitudinal peripheral edge of each of the plurality of articles is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel than another longitudinal peripheral edge. For example, when the number of absorbent articles within the package is relatively large, e.g., greater than nine, the absorbent articles may be arranged within the package in the manner previously described. However, when the number of absorbent articles within the package is less than, e.g., nine, the absorbent articles may be arranged such that a topsheet or a backsheet of an absorbent article is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel.Additional absorbent articles may be stacked behind the absorbent article that is closest to the consumer-facing panel. Shapes are contemplated where there is a combination of orientations within the package. For example, at least one absorbent article may be arranged such that one of its longitudinal peripheral side edges is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel than another, and at least one absorbent article may be arranged such that its topsheet or backsheet is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel. The remainder of the absorbent articles, if any, may take either of these configurations.

[0193] Referring now to Figures 6A-6D, the absorbent article(s) may be arranged in the packages of the present disclosure in a folded configuration. For example, as shown in [Fig.6B], the absorbent article may be folded in half. As another example, as shown in [Fig.6C], the The absorbent articles in the packages of the present disclosure may be folded into thirds. As yet another example, as shown in [Fig. 6D], the absorbent article(s) disposed within the packages of the present disclosure may be folded into thirds, but rather than folded into approximate thirds as shown in [Fig. 6B], the article may be folded in half with the sides on either side of the fold having approximately equal length. Subsequently, the ends 697 of the sides may be folded as shown. Such folds may be used with any suitable absorbent article. In a particular example, this folding scheme may be used with diapers, e.g., double fold plus waistband.

[0194] Absorbent articles

[0195] As noted previously, the absorbent articles that may be packaged within the packaging material of the present disclosure are numerous. Two specific examples are provided in Figures 7-8C. However, the packaging material and packages of the present disclosure may be used to contain a multitude of absorbent articles as previously described. Figures 7-8C are only examples of articles that may be contained with the packaging material / packages of the present disclosure.

[0196] In [Fig. 7] an exemplary feminine hygiene protective napkin 400 is shown. The feminine hygiene protective napkin 400 includes a topsheet 420, a backsheet 450, and an absorbent core 440 disposed between the topsheet 420 and the backsheet 450. A fluid management layer 430 may be disposed between the topsheet 420 and the absorbent core 440. The absorbent article has a wearer-facing surface 460 and an opposing garment-facing surface 462. The wearer-facing surface 460 primarily includes the topsheet 420 while the garment-facing surface 462 primarily includes the backsheet 450. Additional components may be included in either the wearer-facing surface 460 and / or the garment-facing surface 462.For example, when the absorbent article is an incontinence pad, a pair of barrier cuffs that extend generally parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the absorbent article 400 may also form a portion of the wearer-facing surface 460. Similarly, a securing adhesive may be present on the backsheet 450 and form a portion of the garment-facing surface 462 of the absorbent article.

[0197] The topsheet 420 may be joined to the backsheet 450 by attachment methods (not shown) such as those well known in the art. The topsheet 420 and the backsheet 450 may be joined directly to each other in the article periphery and may be joined indirectly to each other by joining them directly to the absorbent core 440, to the fluid handling layer 430, and / or to additional layers disposed between the topsheet 420 and the backsheet 450. This indirect or direct joining may be accomplished by attachment methods that are well known in the art.

[0198] The topsheet 420 may be compliant, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Suitable topsheet materials include a liquid-permeable material that is oriented toward, and contacts, the wearer's body allowing bodily flows to quickly penetrate therethrough without allowing fluid to flow back through the topsheet onto the wearer's skin. The topsheet, while capable of allowing rapid transfer of fluid therethrough, may also provide for transfer or migration of the lotion composition onto an external or internal portion of a wearer's skin.

[0199] A suitable topsheet 420 may be made of various materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; apertured film materials including apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and fiber-entangled apertured films; hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; crosslinked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; thermoplastic scrims; or combinations thereof.

[0200] Suitable apertured film materials for use as a topsheet include those apertured plastic films that are non-absorbent and permeable to body exudates and provide minimal or no reflux of fluids through the topsheet. Non-limiting examples of other suitable formed films, including apertured and non-perforated formed films, are described in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; U.S. Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991; U.S. Patent No. 4,609,518, issued to Curro et al. on September 2, 1986; and U.S. Patent No. 4,629,643, issued to Curro et al. on December 16, 1986.

[0201] Non-limiting examples of woven and non-woven materials suitable for use as a topsheet include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, e.g., cotton, including 100 percent organic cotton, modified natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. These fibrous materials may be either hydrophilic or hydrophobic, but it is preferred that the topsheet be hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic. Optionally, portions of the topsheet may be rendered hydrophilic, using any known method for making topsheets. topsheets containing hydrophilic components. Nonwoven fibrous topsheets 20 may be produced by any known procedure for making nonwoven webs, non-limiting examples of which include spunbond, carding, wet-laid, air-laid, meltblown, needling, mechanical entanglement, thermomechanical entanglement, and hydraulic entanglement.

[0202] The topsheet 420 may be formed from a combination of an apertured film and a nonwoven. For example, a film web and a nonwoven web may be combined as described in U.S. Patent No. 9,700,463. Alternatively, a film may be extruded onto a nonwoven material that is believed to provide improved contact between the film layer and the nonwoven material. Exemplary processes for such a combination are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,849,602 and 9,700,463.

[0203] The backsheet 450 may be positioned adjacent a garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 440 and may be joined thereto by attachment methods such as those well known in the art. For example, the backsheet 450 may be attached to the absorbent core 440 by a continuous uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of discrete lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Alternatively, the attachment methods may include the use of thermal bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment methods or combinations of such attachment methods as are known in the art.

[0204] The backsheet 450 may be impervious, or substantially impervious, to liquids (e.g., urine) and may be made from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid-impervious materials may also be used. As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are compliant and readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet may prevent, or at least inhibit, wetting by exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core of articles of clothing that contact the incontinence pad such as underwear. However, the backsheet may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., is breathable) while in some cases the backsheet may not allow vapors to escape (i.e., is non-breathable).Thus, the backsheet may comprise a polymeric film such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable material for the backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness ranging from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example. Any suitable backsheet known in the art may be used with the present invention.

[0205] The backsheet 450 acts as a barrier to any absorbed bodily fluids that may pass through the absorbent core 440 to the garment surface thereof with a resulting reduction in the risk of soiling underwear or other clothing. A preferred material is a soft, smooth, compliant, liquid and vapor permeable material that provides softness and conformability for comfort, and produces little noise so that movement does not cause unwanted sound.

[0206] Exemplary backsheets are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,885,265 (Osborn, III.) issued March 23, 1999; 6,462,251 (Cimini) issued October 8, 2002; 6,623,464 (Bewick-Sonntag) issued September 23, 2003 or U.S. Patent No. 6,664,439 (Amdt) issued December 16, 2003. Suitable dual-layer or multi-layer breathable backsheets suitable for use herein include those exemplified in U.S. Patent No. 3,881,489, U.S. Patent No. 4,341,216, U.S. Patent No. 4,713,068, U.S. Patent No. 4,818,600, EP 203,821, EP 710,471, EP 710,472, and EP 793,952.

[0207] Suitable breathable backsheets for use herein include all breathable backsheets known in the art. In principle, there are two types of breathable backsheets, single-layer breathable backsheets that are breathable and liquid impermeable, and backsheets having at least two layers, which in combination provide both breathable and liquid impermeable. Suitable single-ply breathable backsheets for use herein include those described, for example, in GB A 2184 389, GB A 2184 390, GB A 2184 391, U.S. Patent No. 4,591,523, U.S. Patent No. 3,989,867, U.S. Patent No. 3,156,242, and WO 97 / 24097.

[0208] The backsheet may be a nonwoven web having a basis weight between about 20 g / m2 and about 50 g / m2. As an example, the backsheet may be a relatively hydrophobic 23 g / m2 spunbond nonwoven web of 4 denier polypropylene fibers available from Fiberweb Neuberger, under the designation F102301001. The backsheet may be coated with a non-soluble, liquid-swellable material as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,436,508 (Ciammaichella) issued August 20, 2002.

[0209] The backsheet has a garment-facing side and an opposite body-facing side. The garment-facing side of the backsheet includes a non-adhesive area and an adhesive area. The adhesive area may be provided by any conventional means. Pressure-sensitive adhesives have commonly been found to work well for this purpose.

[0210] The absorbent core 440 may comprise any suitable shape including, but not limited to, an oval, an oblong circle, a rectangle, an asymmetrical shape, and an hourglass. For example, in some forms of the present invention, the absorbent core 440 may comprise a contoured shape, e.g., narrower in the intermediate region than in the end regions. As yet another example, the absorbent core may comprise a tapered shape having a wider portion in one end region of the napkin that tapers to a narrower end region in the other end region of the napkin. The absorbent core may comprise a stiffness that varies in the SM and ST.

[0211] The configuration and construction of the absorbent core may vary (e.g., the absorbent core 40 may have areas of varying caliber, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or a lower average density and acquisition areas of lower average basis weight). Further, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 440 may also be varied to accommodate a variety of wearers. However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 440 must be compatible with the design loading and intended use of the disposable absorbent article or incontinence pad.

[0212] In some forms of the present invention, the absorbent core may include a plurality of multifunctional layers that are in addition to the first and second laminates. For example, the absorbent core may include a core wrap (not shown) useful for wrapping the first and second laminates and other optional layers. The core wrap may be formed by two nonwoven materials, substrates, laminates, films, or other materials. In one form, the core wrap may include only one material, substrate, laminate, or other material wrapped at least partially around itself. The absorbent core may include one or more adhesives, for example, to help immobilize the PSA or other absorbent materials within the first and second laminates.

[0213] Absorbent cores comprising relatively high amounts of PSA with various core designs are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,599,335 to Goldman et al., EP 1,447,066 to Busam et al., WO 95 / 11652 to Tanzer et al., U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 to Hundorf et al., and WO 2012 / 052172 to Van Malderen. These can be used to configure the superabsorbent layers.

[0214] Additions to the core of the present disclosure are contemplated. In particular, potential additions to the current multi-laminate absorbent core are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,610,678, entitled “High-Density Absorbent Structures,” issued to Weisman et al., September 9, 1986; U.S. Patent No. 4,673,402, entitled “Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores,” issued to Weisman et al., June 16, 1987; U.S. Patent No. 4,888,231, entitled “Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer,” issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and U.S. Patent No. 4,834,735, entitled “High Density Absorbent Members Having Lower Density and Lower Basis Weight Acquisition Zones,” issued to Alemany et al., on May 30, 1989. The absorbent core may further comprise additional layers that mimic the dual core system containing an acquisition / distribution core of chemically stiffened fibers positioned over an absorbent storage core as detailed in U.S. Patent No. 5,234,423, entitled “Absorbent Article With Elastic Waist Feature and Enhanced Absorbency” issued to Alemany et al., on August 10, 1993; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,147,345. These are useful to the extent that they do not negate or conflict with the effects of the below-described laminates of the absorbent core of the present invention.Additional examples of suitable absorbent cores are described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2018 / 0098893 and 2018 / 0098891.

[0215] Any suitable fluid management layer may be used in conjunction with the feminine hygiene protection pad 400. The fluid management layer may be independent and separate from the absorbent system. Additionally, the fluid management layer is disposed below the topsheet and on the wearer-facing surface of the core. The fluid management layer may have a basis weight of about 40 g / m2 to about 100 g / m , about 45 g / m to about 75 g / m , or about 50 g / m to about 65 g / m , specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created thereby. In some forms, the fluid management layer may comprise a homogeneous blend of fibers while in other forms, the fluid management layer may comprise a heterogeneous blend of fibers.

[0216] Some exemplary fluid support layers are described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 0351976 A1 and 2014 / 0343523 A1; and US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 729704.

[0217] Another example of an absorbent article that may be included in the packages of the present disclosure is diapers. As shown in [Fig. 8A], a plan view of an exemplary absorbent article is a diaper 1900 in its flat, uncontracted state (i.e., with elastic-induced contraction pulled outward) with portions of the structure broken away to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 1900 and with its surface facing the wearer toward the observer. This diaper is shown for illustrative purposes. only, because the packages of this description can be used for a wide variety of diapers and other absorbent articles.

[0218] The absorbent article may include a liquid pervious topsheet 1924, a liquid impervious backsheet 1925, an absorbent core 1928 positioned at least partially between the topsheet 1924 and the backsheet 1925, and barrier leg cuffs 1934. The absorbent article may also include a liquid management system ("LMS") 1950 (shown in [Fig. 8B]), which, in the illustrated example, includes a distribution layer 1954 and an acquisition layer 1952, both of which will be discussed further below. In various forms, the acquisition layer 1952 may instead distribute body exudates and the distribution layer 1954 may instead collect body exudates, or either layer may distribute and / or collect body exudates.The LMS 1950 may also be supplied as a single layer or two or more layers, the absorbent article may also include elasticized sealing cuffs 1932 joined to the chassis of the absorbent article, typically via the topsheet and / or backsheet, and substantially planar with the chassis of the baby diaper.

[0219] The Figures also show typical tape-attached diaper components such as a fastening system including adhesive tabs 1942 or other mechanical clasps attached toward the rear edge of the absorbent article 1920 and cooperating with a receiving area 1944 on the front of the absorbent article 1920. The absorbent article may also include other typical elements, which are not shown, such as a rear elastic waistband element and a front elastic waistband element, for example.

[0220] The absorbent article 1920 may include a front waist edge 1910, a rear waist edge 1912 longitudinally opposite the front waist edge 1910, a first side edge 1903, and a second side edge 1904 laterally opposite the first side edge 1903. The front waist edge 1910 is the edge of the absorbent article 1920 that is intended to be positioned toward the front of the wearer when worn, and the rear waist edge 1912 is the opposite edge. Together, the front waist edge 1910 and the rear waist edge form a waist opening when the absorbent article 1920 is donned on a wearer.The absorbent article 1920 may have a longitudinal axis 1980 extending from the lateral midpoint of the front waist edge 1910 to a lateral midpoint of the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article 1920 and dividing the absorbent article 1920 into two halves substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis 1980, with the article placed flat and viewed from the wearer-facing surface as illustrated in [Fig.8A]. The absorbent article may also have a lateral axis 1990 extending from the longitudinal midpoint. from the first side edge 1903 to the longitudinal midpoint of the second side edge 1904. The length L of the absorbent article 1920 may be measured along the longitudinal axis 1980 from the front waist edge 1910 to the rear waist edge 1912. The crotch width of the absorbent article 1920 may be measured along the lateral axis 1990 from the first side edge 1903 to the second side edge 1904. The absorbent article 1920 may include a front waist region 1905, a rear waist region 1906, and a crotch region 1907. The front waist region, the rear waist region, and the crotch region each define 1 / 3 of the longitudinal length of the absorbent article. Front and rear parts can also be defined on opposite sides of the 1990 side axis.

[0221] The topsheet 1924, the backsheet 1925, the absorbent core 1928, and the other article components may be assembled in a variety of configurations, particularly by gluing or heat stamping, for example. Exemplary layer configurations are described generally in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003, U.S. Patent No. 5,221,274, U.S. Patent No. 5,554,145, U.S. Patent No. 5,569,234, U.S. Patent No. 5,580,411, and U.S. Patent No. 6,004,306.

[0222] The absorbent core 1928 may comprise an absorbent material comprising 75% to 100%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%, all by weight, of the absorbent material, specifically citing all 0.1% increments falling within the ranges specified above and all ranges formed therein or by them, and a core wrapper enclosing the absorbent material. The core wrapper may typically comprise two materials, substrates, or nonwoven materials 16 and 16' for the topside and the bottomside of the core.

[0223] The absorbent core 1928 may include one or more channels, shown in [Fig. 8A] as the four channels 1926, 1926' and 1927, 1927'. Additionally or alternatively, the LMS 1950 may include one or more channels, shown in Figures 8A-8C as channels 1949, 1949'. In some forms, the channels of the LMS 1950 may be positioned within the absorbent article 1920 such that they are aligned with, substantially aligned with, overlap, or at least partially overlap, the channels of the absorbent core 1928. These and other components of the absorbent articles will now be discussed in greater detail.

[0224] The topsheet 1924 is the portion of the absorbent article that is in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet 1924 may be joined to the backsheet 1925, the core 1928, and / or any other layers as known to those skilled in the art. Typically, the topsheet 1924 and the backsheet 1925 are joined directly to each other at certain locations (e.g., on or near the periphery of the article) and are joined indirectly. to each other in other locations by joining them directly to one or more other elements of the absorbing article 1920.

[0225] The backsheet 1925 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 1920 positioned adjacent the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 1928 and which prevents, or at least inhibits, bodily exudates absorbed and contained therein from soiling articles such as bed sheets and underwear. The backsheet 1925 is typically impervious, or at least essentially impervious, to liquids (e.g., urine, liquid stools), but permeable to vapors to allow the diaper to "breathe." The backsheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film such as a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm. Examples of backsheet films include those manufactured by the Tredegar Corporation, based in Richmond, VA, and sold under the trademark CPC2 film.Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materials that allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article 1920 while preventing, or at least inhibiting, body exudates from passing through the backsheet 1925. Examples of breathable materials may include materials such as woven webs, nonwoven webs, and composite materials such as film-coated nonwoven webs, microporous films, and monolithic films.

[0226] The backsheet 1925 may be joined to the topsheet 1924, the absorbent core 1928, and / or any other element of the absorbent article 1920 by any attachment methods known to those skilled in the art. Suitable attachment methods are described above with respect to methods for joining the topsheet 1924 to other elements of the absorbent article 1920.

[0227] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" means the individual component of the absorbent article having the greatest absorbent capacity and which comprises absorbent material. The absorbent core may comprise a core wrap or core bag (hereinafter "core wrap") enclosing the absorbent material. The term "absorbent core" does not include LMS or any other component of the absorbent article which is not or an integral part of the core wrap or placed within the core wrap. The absorbent core may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of a core wrap, absorbent material as defined below and glue, enclosed within the core wrap. Paper pulp or air felt may also be present within the core wrap and may form a part of the absorbent material.The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core envelope, may define any suitable shape, such as a "T", "Y", "hourglass" or "dog bone" shape, for example. An absorbent core periphery having a generally "dog bone" shape. or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the central or "crotch" region of the core. In this way, the absorbent core may have a relatively narrow width in an area of ​​the absorbent core intended to be placed in the crotch region of an absorbent article.

[0228] The absorbent core 1928 of the present disclosure may comprise an absorbent material with a high amount of superabsorbent polymers (abbreviated herein as "SAP") enclosed within a core wrapper. The SAP content may comprise 70% to 100% or at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% by weight of the absorbent material contained within the core wrapper. The SAP useful with the present disclosure may include a variety of water-insoluble, but water-swellable, polymers capable of absorbing large amounts of fluids. The core wrapper is not considered an absorbent material for the purpose of evaluating the percentage of SAP in the absorbent core. The remainder of the absorbent material in the core 1928 may be airfelt.

[0229] An "absorbent material" means a material that has some absorbency or liquid retention properties, such as PSA, cellulosic fibers, and synthetic fibers. Typically, glues used in the manufacture of absorbent cores have no absorbency properties and are not considered to be an absorbent material. The PSA content may be greater than 80%, for example, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, and even up to and including 100% of the weight of the absorbent material contained within the core wrapper, as mentioned above. This provides a relatively thin core compared to conventional cores typically comprising between 40 and 60% PSA, for example, and a high content of cellulose fibers or airfelt.The absorbent material may comprise less than 15% or less than 10% by weight of natural or synthetic fibers, less than 5% by weight, less than 3% by weight, less than 2% by weight, less than 1% by weight, or may even be essentially free of, or be free of, natural and / or synthetic fibers, specifically citing all 0.1% increments falling within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them.The absorbent material may comprise little or no airfelt (cellulose) fibers, in particular the absorbent core may comprise less than 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, 1% airfelt (cellulose) fibers by weight, or may even be essentially free of, or be free of, cellulose fibers, specifically citing all 0.1% increments falling within the specified ranges and all ranges formed therein or by them.

[0230] The absorbent core 1928 may also include a generally planar top side and a generally planar bottom side. The core 1928 may have a longitudinal axis 80' substantially corresponding to the longitudinal axis 80 of the absorbent article, as viewed from the top in a plan view as in [Fig. 5A]. The absorbent material may be distributed in a higher amount toward the front side than toward the back side, as more absorbency may be required at the front in particular articles. The absorbent material may have a non-uniform basis weight or a uniform basis weight across any portion of the core. The core wrap may be formed by two nonwoven materials, substrates, laminates, or other materials, 1916, 1916' which may be at least partially sealed along the sides of the absorbent core.The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along its front side, back side, and two longitudinal sides such that substantially no absorbent material leaks from the absorbent core wrap. The first material, substrate, or nonwoven fabric 1916 may at least partially surround the second material, substrate, or nonwoven fabric 1916' to form the core wrap. The first material 1916 may surround a portion of the second material 1916' proximate the first and second side edges 1903 and 1904.

[0231] Cores comprising a relatively high amount of PSA with various core designs are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP Patent 1,447,066 (Busam), WO 95 / 11652 (Tanzer), U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), and WO 2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen).

[0232] The absorbent material may be one or more continuous layers present within the core wrapper. Alternatively, the absorbent material may consist of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material enclosed within the core wrapper. In the former case, the absorbent material may be, for example, obtained by the application of a single continuous layer of absorbent material. The continuous layer of absorbent material, in particular PSA, may also be obtained by combining two or more absorbent layers having a discontinuous pattern of application of absorbent material, wherein the resulting layer is distributed substantially continuously across the area of ​​absorbent particulate polymeric material, as described in Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), for example. The absorbent core 1928 may comprise a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer.The first absorbent layer may comprise the first material 1916 and a first layer 1961 of absorbent material, which may be 100% or less PSA. The second absorbent layer may comprise the second material 1916' and a second layer 1962 of absorbent material, which may also be 100% or less PSA.

[0233] The fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material 1951 may be at least partially in contact with the absorbent material 1961, 1962 in the receiving areas and at least partially in contact with the materials 1916 and 1916' in the joining areas. This imparts a substantially three-dimensional structure to the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material 591, which in itself is substantially a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness, compared to the dimension in the length and width directions. As a result, the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material may provide cavities to cover the absorbent material in the receiving area, and thereby immobilizes this absorbent material, which may be 100% or less PSA.

[0234] The core wrap may consist of a single substrate, material, or nonwoven folded around the absorbent material, or may comprise two (or more) substrates, materials, or nonwovens that are secured to each other. Typical attachments are the so-called C-wrap and / or sandwich wrap. In a C-wrap, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of one of the substrates are folded over the other substrate to form flaps. These flaps are then bonded to the outer surface of the other substrate, typically by gluing. Other techniques may be used to form a core wrap. For example, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the substrates may be bonded to each other and then folded under the absorbent core and bonded in that position.

[0235] The core wrap may be at least partially sealed along all sides of the absorbent core such that essentially no absorbent material leaks out of the core. By "essentially no absorbent material" is meant that less than 5%, less than 2%, less than 1%, or about 0% by weight of absorbent material leaks from the core wrap. The term "seal" is to be understood in a broad sense. The seal for the core wrap need not be continuous along the entire periphery of the core wrap, but may be discontinuous along some or all of it, such as formed by a series of seal points spaced apart in a line. A seal may be formed by gluing and / or thermal bonding.

[0236] The core wrapper may also be formed by a single substrate which may enclose, as in a parcel wrapper, the absorbent material and be sealed along the front side and back side of the core and a longitudinal seal.

[0237] The absorbent article may include a pair of barrier leg cuffs 1934. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a piece of material that is bonded to the absorbent article such that it may extend upwardly from the inner surface of the absorbent article and provide enhanced containment of fluids and other bodily exudates at about the junction of the torso and legs. of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 are defined by a proximal edge 1964 joined directly or indirectly to the topsheet 1924 and / or the backsheet 1925 and a free terminal edge 1966, which is intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 extend at least partially between the front waist edge 1910 and the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 1980 and are present at least in the crotch region 1907. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be joined at the proximal edge 1964 to the chassis of the absorbent article by a bond 1965 which may be made by gluing, fusion bonding, or a combination of other suitable bonding processes. The 1965 link at the proximal edge 1964 may be continuous or intermittent.The 1965 link closest to the raised section of the 1934 leg cuffs delimits the proximal 1964 edge of the raised section of the 1934 leg cuffs.

[0238] The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be integral with the topsheet 1924 or the backsheet 1925 or may be an independent material joined to the chassis of the absorbent article. The material of the barrier leg cuffs 1934 may extend through the entire length of the diapers, but may be "adhesively bonded" to the topsheet 1924 toward the front waist edge 1910 and the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article such that in these sections the barrier leg cuff material remains flush with the topsheet 1924.

[0239] Each barrier leg cuff 1934 may include one, two, or more elastic threads or film strips 1935 near this free terminal edge 1966 to provide a better seal. It should be noted that barrier leg cuffs may similarly be applied to a type of pad structure as described with respect to Figure 4. Such configurations may be desirable in an adult incontinence pad. Any of the configurations described herein for barrier leg cuffs may be used for adult incontinence pads.

[0240] In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 1934, the absorbent article may include sealing cuffs 1932, which are joined to the chassis of the absorbent article, particularly to the topsheet 1924 and / or the backsheet 1925, and are positioned externally relative to the barrier leg cuffs 1934. The sealing cuffs 1932 may provide an improved seal around the wearer's thighs. Each sealing leg cuff may include one or more elastic strings or elastic members included in the chassis of the absorbent article between the topsheet 1924 and the backsheet 1925 in the area of ​​the leg openings. All or a portion of the sealing leg cuffs and / or the sealing cuffs may be treated with a skin care lotion or composition. The sealing cuffs Barrier legs can be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0277713.

[0241] In one form, the absorbent article may include front tabs 1946 and rear tabs 1940. The tabs may be an integral part of the chassis, such as formed from the topsheet 1924 and / or the backsheet 1925 as a side panel. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 8A], the tabs (1946, 1940) may be independent members secured by gluing, heat stamping, and / or pressure bonding. The rear tabs 1940 may be stretchable to facilitate attachment of the tabs 1942 to the receiving area 1944 and hold the band-on diapers in place around the wearer's waistband.The rear legs 1940 may also be elasticized or expandable to provide a more comfortable and snug fit by initially adjusting the absorbent article to the wearer in a form-fitting manner and maintaining this fit throughout the wear time well after the absorbent article has been loaded with exudates since the elasticized legs allow the sides of the absorbent article to expand and contract.

[0242] One function of the LMS 1950 is to rapidly collect fluid and distribute it to the absorbent core 1928 in an efficient manner. The LMS 1950 may comprise one or more layers, which may form a single layer or may remain as individual layers that may be secured to each other. The LMS 1950 may comprise two layers: a distribution layer 1954 and an acquisition layer 1952 disposed between the absorbent core and the topsheet, but the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration.

[0243] The LMS 1950 may include a PSA, as this may slow fluid acquisition and distribution. In other forms, the LMS may be substantially free (e.g., 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% free) or completely free of PSA. The LMS may also include one or more of a variety of other suitable types of materials, such as open-cell foam, air-laid, or carded fibers, resin-bonded nonwoven materials, for example. Examples of suitable LMS are described in WO 2000 / 59430 (Daley), WO 95 / 10996 (Richards), U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,254 (McDowall), and WO 02 / 067809 (Graef), for example.

[0244] The LMS 1950 may comprise a distribution layer 1954. The distribution layer 1954 may comprise at least 50% or more by weight of crosslinked cellulose fibers, for example. The crosslinked cellulosic fibers may be crimped, twisted, or looped, or a combination thereof including crimped, twisted and looped. This type of material is described in US Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622 A1 (Hundorf).

[0245] The LMS 1950 may alternatively or additionally comprise an acquisition layer 1952. The acquisition layer 1952 may be disposed, for example, between the distribution layer 1954 and the topsheet 1924. The acquisition layer 1952 may be or may comprise a nonwoven material, such as an SMS or SMMS material, comprising a spunbond layer, a meltblown layer, and another spunbond layer, or, alternatively, a chemically bonded carded nonwoven. The acquisition layer 1952 may comprise air-laid or wet-laid cellulosic fibers, crosslinked cellulosic fibers, or synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof. The acquisition layer 1952 may comprise a roll web of synthetic fibers (which may be treated to increase void space, such as by solid-state formation), or a combination of synthetic and cellulosic fibers, bonded together to form a high-loft material.Alternatively, the acquisition layer 1952 may comprise an open-cell absorbent foam. The nonwoven material may be latex-bonded.

[0246] The LMS 1950 of the absorbent article 1920 may include channels that may generally allow for better conformance of the absorbent article to the anatomy of the wearer, resulting in increased freedom of movement and reduced gaping. One or more of the channels of the LMS 1950 may be configured to work in concert with various channels in the absorbent core 1928, as discussed previously. In addition, the channels in the LMS 1950 may also provide increased void space to retain and distribute urine, feces, or other bodily exudates within the absorbent article, resulting in reduced leakage and skin contact. The channels in the LMS 1950 may also provide internal usable cues, especially when evidenced via physical differences in texture, color, and / or pattern, to facilitate the accomplishment of proper alignment of the absorbent article on a wearer.Thus, such physical differences may be, for example, visually and / or tactilely perceptible.

[0247] Packaging set

[0248] With the packaging material of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that a wide variety of packaging networks may be provided to address the concerns of a variety of consumers. As an example, the packages of the present disclosure may be used with absorbent articles that have more components that are natural or have natural components. For example, the packages of the present disclosure may be used with absorbent articles that include a cotton topsheet and / or a cotton-based fluid management layer or acquisition layer. Additionally or alternatively, the packages of the present disclosure may be used with absorbent articles that are unscented and / or have unbleached pulp in their absorbent cores.

[0249] While some of the absorbent article offerings may be in the packages of the present disclosure, the other of the absorbent article offerings may be in conventional packaging. However, in an attempt to drive more sustainable manufacturing practices, it is contemplated of the absorbent articles offered by a single absorbent article manufacturer on a shelf, that at least 20 percent comprise recyclable packaging as described herein, more preferably at least 40 percent, or most preferably at least 50 percent, specifically citing any values ​​within these ranges or any ranges created thereby.For example, where an absorbent article manufacturer has 5 absorbent article offerings on a store shelf, e.g., 2 sizes of baby diapers, 3 sizes of feminine hygiene pads, at least one of the packages for a single size of baby diaper or a single size of feminine hygiene pads may include recyclable packaging as described herein.

[0250] Sets are contemplated where the packaging material of the present disclosure is used for two different absorbent articles and wherein the packages have a different seal configuration. For example, a first package may include a plurality of feminine hygiene napkins and include at least one panel having a block-style configuration. A second package may include a plurality of baby diapers and include at least one panel having a pinch-style or crisscross-style configuration.

[0251] Test methods

[0252] ASTM F88-06 - Tensile Strength

[0253] This test method determines the strength of a seal in flexible barrier materials by measuring the force required to separate a test strip of material containing the seal. Seal strength is measured in accordance with a standard ASTM F0088-06 method on a constant rate of extension tensile tester, with the procedural specifics noted therein. A suitable instrument is the Instron Model 5965 using Bluehill Universal software, both available from Instron Norwood, MA), or equivalent. 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 2 hours prior to testing.

[0254] The preparation of the test specimens and the test procedure are described in the referenced ASTM method, with the following specific details. The test specimen is cut to a width of 1.0 in., the clamp separation speed is 300 mm / min, and the tail holding process is unsupported. The maximum force encountered when the test specimen is stressed to failure is recorded as force per unit width to the nearest 0.1 N / in. The test is repeated for a total of five replicate test specimens. Calculate the arithmetic mean for the maximum seal strength and report as the tensile strength to the nearest 0.1 N / in.

[0255] ISO 1924-3 - Tensile properties (tensile strength, stretching, energy absorption)

[0256] The tensile properties (tensile strength, stretching, and energy absorption) of a test specimen are calculated from measured values ​​of force and elongation obtained using a constant rate of extension test until the specimen breaks. The test is conducted in accordance with the standard method ISO 1924-3, with the modifications noted herein. Measurements are made on a constant rate of extension tensile tester using a load cell for which the measured forces are between 1% and 99% of the cell limit. A suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using Test Suite software, available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN, or an equivalent instrument. All measurements are made in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test specimens are conditioned in this environment for at least 2 hours prior to testing..

[0257] Measurements are made on both SM (machine direction) and ST (cross direction) 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 joins or folds. The test sample is cut to a width of 25.4 mm with a length that can accommodate a test span of 50.8 mm. The long side of the sample is parallel to the direction of interest (SM, ST). Normally in finished packages, the SM runs from the bottom to the top of the package, but this can be verified by determining the fiber orientation if there is any doubt.Ten replicate test samples should be prepared from the SM and ten additional replicates from the ST.

[0258] Program the tensile tester for a constant rate of elongation at uniaxial extension to failure as follows. Set the reference length (test span) to 50.8 mm using a calibrated gauge block and zero the crosshead. Insert the test specimen into the clamps so that the long side is centered and parallel to the tensile centerline of the tensile tester. Raise the crosshead at a rate of 25.4 mm / min until the test specimen breaks, collect force (N) and extension (mm) data at 100 Hz over the entire test. Construct a graph of force (N) versus extension (mm). Read the maximum force (N) from the graph and record it as the peak force to the nearest 0.1 N, indicating SM or ST. Read the extension at maximum force (N) from the graph and record it as the elongation at break to the nearest 0.01 mm, indicating SM or ST. On the graph, determine the point (z) where the tangent to the curve, with a slope equal to the maximum slope of the curve, crosses the axis of elongation.Now calculate the force versus strain curve from point z to the point of maximum force and relate it to the nearest 0.1 mJ, indicating SM or ST. [Refer to Figure 2 in ISO 1924-3 for a representation of a typical force versus strain curve where point z is indicated].

[0259] Calculate the arithmetic mean of the peak force for all SM replicates and then all ST replicates and record respectively as the mean SM peak force and the mean ST peak force to plus or minus 0.1 N. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the elongation at break for all SM replicates and then all ST replicates and record respectively as the mean SM elongation at break and the mean ST elongation at break to the nearest 0.01 mm. Calculate the arithmetic mean under the force versus elongation curve for all SM replicates and then all ST replicates and record respectively as the mean area under the SM curve and the mean area under the ST curve to the nearest 0.1 mJ.

[0260] Tensile strength is calculated by dividing the average peak force (N) by the width of the test specimen (25.4 mm). Calculate the tensile strength for the SM replicates and then the ST replicates and report as SM tensile strength and ST tensile strength respectively to the nearest 0.1 kN / m.

[0261] 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.

[0262] ISO 2758 - Bursting strength

[0263] Burst strength is the maximum uniformly distributed pressure that a test sample can withstand. Burst strength is measured in accordance with the standardized ISO 2758 procedure using a test apparatus as described in the procedure. A suitable instrument is the 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 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 before testing.

[0264] Measurements are made on test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or 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 must be taken from an area free from folds, creases, or seams.

[0265] 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.

[0266] ISO 534 - Caliber

[0267] The caliber, 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.

[0268] The caliber 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 sample. The A micrometer is a deadweight-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 flat, horizontal reference platform that is larger than and parallel to the surface of the pressure foot. The system is calibrated and operated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0269] 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.

[0270] 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.

[0271] ISO 536 - Surface mass

[0272] 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.

[0273] 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 sample The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free of any seams or creases. The test sample should be as large as possible to account for any inherent material variability.

[0274] Measure the dimensions of the single-layer test sample using a calibrated steel metal ruler meeting NIST standards, or equivalent. Calculate the area 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 surface density by dividing the mass (in grams) by 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 surface density and report to the nearest 0.01 gram / square meter.

[0275] Bag stack height test

[0276] The bagged stack height of a package of absorbent articles is determined as follows:

[0277] Equipment

[0278] 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.

[0279] Test procedure

[0280] Packages of absorbent articles are equilibrated at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity prior to measurement.

[0281] The horizontal sliding plate is lifted and a package of absorbent articles is placed centrally under the horizontal sliding plate in such a manner that the absorbent articles inside the package are in a horizontal orientation (see Figure 3). Any handles or other packaging elements on the package surfaces that might come into contact with either plate are folded flat against the package surface 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 identical packages (packages of the same size and number of absorbent articles) are measured and the arithmetic mean is reported as the package width. The “Bagged stack height” = (package width / number of absorbent articles per stack) x 10 is calculated and reported to ± 0.5 mm.

[0282] Method for measuring percentage of dye coverage

[0283] The dye coverage percentage measurement method measures the percentage of dye coverage area on a packaging panel. A flatbed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24-bit color at 800 dpi with manual color management control (a suitable scanner is an Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson America Inc., Long Beach CA, or equivalent) is used to acquire images. The scanner is interfaced with a computer running color calibration software capable of calibrating the scanner against an IT8 color reflectance target using a corresponding reference file conforming to the ANSI IT8.7 / 2-1993 method (a suitable color calibration software is Monaco EZColor or il Studio available from X-Rite Grand Rapids, MI, or equivalent).Color calibration software constructs an International Color Consortium (ICC) color profile for the scanner, which is used to color correct an output image using an image acquisition program that supports the application of ICC profiles. The color-corrected image is then segmented via color thresholding using color analysis software (suitable color analysis software is MATLAB R2017b available from The Mathworks, Inc., Natick, MA).

[0284] Samples are conditioned at about 23°C ± 2°C and about 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

[0285] The scanner is turned on 30 minutes before calibration and image acquisition. Unselect any automatic color correction or color management options that may be included in the scanner software. If automatic color management cannot be disabled, the scanner is not suitable for this application. The recommended procedures of the color calibration software are followed to create and export an ICC color profile. for the scanner. The color calibration software compares an acquired IT8 target image to a corresponding reference file to create and export the ICC color profile for a scanner, which will be applied within the image analysis program to correct the color of subsequent output images.

[0286] A sample is obtained from a package or packaging materials with identified panels. A single panel is selected and cut along its perimeter to remove it for testing. Panels selected for testing must not contain any visible tears or wrinkles.

[0287] The scanner lid is opened, and the sample carefully laid flat on the center of the scanner glass with the colored surface facing the glass. A scan containing a panel region is acquired at 24-bit color with a resolution of 800 dpi (approximately 31.5 pixels per mm) in reflectance mode. The ICC color profile is assigned to the image producing a color-corrected sRGB image. This calibrated image is saved in an uncompressed format to retain the calibrated R,G,B color values, such as a TIFF file, before analysis.

[0288] The calibrated image is opened in color analysis software. The image is smoothed using a 2D Gaussian filter with a sigma of 3 to blur any individual colorant dots. Then, using a color thresholding program, a color space to implement the color thresholding is selected, for example, CIELAB with its three color values ​​L*,a*,b*. Then a region of interest (ROI) boundary is manually drawn within a visibly perceptible region of only the base color, with no colorant present, to identify its color space values. A panel with no visible base color region will be considered to have 100% colorant coverage.The thresholding levels in all three channels of the selected color space are then manually adjusted to segment the regions of the panel that contain colorant coverage from those regions of the base color. The area of ​​the panel containing colorant coverage is measured and the percentage of the panel containing colorant coverage is calculated and recorded to the nearest whole percent.

[0289] Similarly, prepare, scan, and analyze six replicate conditioning panels. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of the area values ​​measured in percent dye coverage to the nearest whole percent.

[0290] The dimensions and values ​​described herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, and unless otherwise indicated, each of these dimensions corresponds equally well to the value indicated only at a functionally equivalent range around this value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" means "approximately 40 mm".

[0291] 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.

[0292] 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.

Claims

Claims

1. A package (1, 1400) of one or more absorbent articles (1004), wherein the one or more absorbent articles are sealed within the package, the package comprising: a plurality of panels (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415), including a consumer-facing panel (14, 1414), a plurality of seals (1420, 1430, 1440) comprised by at least a portion of the plurality of panels (1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415), wherein each of the plurality of seals (11c, 1420, 1430, 1440, 1450, 1460, 1480) comprises an adhesive (392) disposed in a sealing area (380), wherein one or more of the plurality of seals (11c, 1420, 1430, 1440, 1450, 1460, 1480) comprises an adhesive area (390) that is larger than its corresponding sealing area (380);and a packaging material comprising natural fibers and a basis weight of between 50 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 60 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or most preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined via ISO 536 as amended herein, and wherein the packaging material is recyclable.;

2. Packaging (1, 1400) according to the preceding claim, wherein the packaging is generally parallelepiped-shaped and further comprises a right panel (13, 1413) disposed between the consumer-facing panel (14, 1414) and a rear panel (15, 1415); an opposite left panel (12, 1412) disposed between the consumer-facing panel (14, 1414) and the rear panel (15, 1415); a lower panel (10, 1410) disposed between the consumer-facing panel (14, 1414) and the rear panel (15, 1415); and an opposite upper panel (11, 1411).

3. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the sealing areas (380) comprises between 50 percent and 100 percent adhesive coverage.

4. Packaging (1, 1400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive zone (390) comprises between 25 percent and about 100 percent adhesive coverage, more preferably about 25 percent to about 80 percent, or most preferably about 25 percent to about 75 percent adhesive coverage.

5. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the sealing areas (380) comprises a colorant or coating.

6. The package (1, 1400) of claim 5, wherein the one or more sealing areas (380) comprise from about 25 percent to about 100 percent coverage of colorant or coating, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent coverage of colorant or coating.

7. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the adhesive area (390) comprises a colorant or coating.

8. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of seals (11c, 1420, 1430, 1440, 1450, 1460, 1480) comprises an access seal (11c, 1430, 1440, 1480), wherein the access seal comprises an access seal area (380), and wherein the adhesive area (390) is adjacent the access seal area.

9. The package (1, 1400) of claim 8, wherein the access seal area (380) comprises between 50 percent and 100 percent adhesive coverage.

10. The package (1, 1400) of claim 9, wherein the adhesive area (390) comprises between 25 percent and about 100 percent adhesive coverage, more preferably from about 25 percent to about 80 percent, or most preferably from about 25 percent to about 75 percent adhesive coverage.

11. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the access sealing area (380) comprises a colorant or coating.

12. The package (1, 1400) of claim 11, wherein the access seal area (380) comprises from about 25 percent to about 100 percent dye or coating coverage, more preferably from about 30 percent to about 100 percent coverage, or most preferably from about 40 percent to about 100 percent coverage of colorant or coating.

13. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the adhesive area (390) comprises a colorant or coating.

14. Packaging (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the access seal (380) is disposed, at least in part, on the top panel.

15. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the access seal (11c, 1430, 1440, 1480) is disposed at least in part on at least one of the left panel or the right panel.

16. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the adhesive area (390) comprises an adhesive (392) applied in a striped pattern.

17. The package (1, 1400) of claim 16, wherein the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes that have a long dimension that is parallel to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

18. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes that have a long dimension that is perpendicular to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

19. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 16 to 17, wherein the striped pattern comprises a plurality of stripes which are oriented at an angle relative to a long dimension of the adhesive area.

20. A package (1, 1400) according to any one of claims 16 and 19, wherein the striped pattern comprises a first plurality of stripes and a second plurality of stripes, wherein the first plurality of stripes are oriented at a first angle relative to a long dimension of the adhesive area and the second plurality of stripes are oriented at a second angle relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area, wherein the first angle and the second angle are different.

21. A package (1, 1400) according to claim 20, wherein the first angle is between 15 degrees to about 75 degrees relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area and / or where the second angle is between 105 degrees to about 165 degrees relative to the long dimension of the adhesive area.

22. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the adhesive area (390) comprises an adhesive (392) applied in a pattern, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of distinct circles, ovals or polygons.

23. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the natural fibers comprise at least one of wood fibers or paper pulp fibers.

24. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging material comprises a weight percentage of non-recyclable material of between 0.5 percent to about 30 percent, more preferably from about 0.5 percent to about 20 percent, or most preferably from about 0.5 percent to about 10 percent.

25. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging material comprises a weight percentage of non-recyclable material of between 0.5 percent and about 5 percent.

26. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of between 70 percent to about 99.9 percent, more preferably about 85 percent to about 99.9 percent, or most preferably about 90 percent to about 99.9 percent as determined by method PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019).

27. Packaging (1, 1400) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging material does not comprise a barrier layer.

28. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the absorbent article(s) has a bag pile height of between 70 mm to about 150 mm, more preferably about 70 mm to about 100 mm, or most preferably about 70 mm to about 90 mm.

29. The package (1, 1400) of claim 28, wherein the one or more absorbent articles (1004) comprise at least one of diapers, protective pads 74 urinary leaks, diapers, or adult incontinence briefs.

30. A package (1, 1400) according to any preceding claim, wherein the packaging material comprises a single layer (one thickness).

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