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 inside the packaging. The packaging has a plurality of panels and a top fold line. The plurality of panels includes a consumer-facing panel and a top panel arranged above the consumer-facing panel. Each panel has an inner surface and an outer surface. The top fold line is located between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel, and the top fold line is collinear, at least partially, with a cross fold. The packaging material is made of natural fibers and has a basis weight of between 60 g / m² and 120 g / m², more preferably between 65 g / m² and 105 g / m², or more preferably between 70 g / m² and 90 g / m², as determined by means of ISO 536 as modified herein.

Description

Title of the invention: Sealed packaging of absorbent articles with natural fibers FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Environmentally friendly products are at the forefront of many consumers' concerns at this stage in our history. There is a growing interest in products that come from sustainable sources. For example, there is a strong market desire to create consumer products that include natural materials, biomass-derived materials, and / or recycled materials. With regard to waste disposal, there is an increasing emphasis on products that are biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, reusable, and / or that 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 or both of these criteria. For example, there are countless absorbent articles that use cardboard for their shelf packaging. Cardboard, since it is derived from wood pulp, can be either sustainably sourced and / or recyclable. And when the products inside the packaging cannot form a stable shelf surface on their own, cardboard is useful.

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

[0006] The packagings of this description comprise one or more absorbent articles within them and include a packaging material comprising natural fibers. Each of the packagings comprises a plurality of panels, including a panel facing the consumer, and in which the The packaging is sealed. Furthermore, the packaging described here is recyclable.

[0007] In one example, packaging for one or more absorbent articles, wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed inside the packaging, the packaging comprises: a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel and a top panel disposed above the consumer-facing panel, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; a top fold line disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel, wherein the top fold line is collinear, at least in part, with a cross fold; and wherein the packaging material comprises natural fibres and has a surface mass of between 60 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 65 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or more preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined by means of ISO 536 as modified herein. Brief description of the drawings

[0008] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation showing a sheet of conditioning material in accordance with the present description showing an internal surface of the conditioning material.

[0009] Fig. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the conditioning material of Fig. 1 taken along line 2A to 2A.

[0010] Fig. 2B is a partial cross-sectional view showing an alternative configuration for a fold in accordance with this description.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a conditioning system according to the present description.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a packaging according to the present description.

[0013] Fig. 5A is a schematic representation showing a sheet of conditioning material in accordance with the present description showing an external surface of the conditioning material.

[0014] Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the packaging material of Fig. 5A taken along line 5A to 5A.

[0015] Fig. 5C is a schematic representation showing a top panel of a package according to the present description.

[0016] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of a packaging of the present description includes seals in a bottom-in-block style configuration.

[0017] Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of a packaging of the present description comprising seals in a cross bottom style configuration.

[0018] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation showing a packaging of the present description, in which the packaging includes seals in a pinched bottom configuration.

[0019] Fig. 9A is a schematic representation showing packaging according to the present description constructed with a tubular packaging process.

[0020] Fig. 9B is a schematic representation showing another packaging according to the present description constructed with a tubular packaging process.

[0021] The [Fig.1OA] is a schematic representation showing another conditioning according to the present description constructed according to the present description.

[0022] The [Fig.1OB] is a schematic representation showing a rotated view of the conditioning of the [Fig.1OA].

[0023] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a package according to this description showing absorbent articles within it.

[0024] Fig. 12 is a schematic representation of an absorbent article of the present description showing a partial cutaway view of the article.

[0025] Fig. 13A shows a plan view of a layer constructed in accordance with this description.

[0026] Fig. 13B shows a cross-section of the layer of Fig. 13A taken along lines 35 to 35.

[0027] Fig. 13C shows a cross-section of the layer of Fig. 13B in a deployed state.

[0028] Figures 14A to 14C are schematic representations showing an ultra-sensitive fixative used in the bending process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers to devices that absorb and contain exudates, and, more specifically, 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 in this description include, but are not limited to, diapers, adult incontinence briefs, training pants, diaper retainers, diaper outer covers, absorbent inserts for diaper outer covers, menstrual pads, urinary leakage pads, pads, panty liners, tampons, durable period underwear, and the like.

[0030] The term "fold" refers to a feature or features in a sheet material that create a preferred bending axis for the sheet. The folds in this description may include embossed areas, areas of smaller gauge, areas of lower density, areas of lower stiffness, areas of material displacement, or combinations thereof. It should be noted that folds are present in the sheets of this description before folding, whereas folds are present only after the sheet has been folded.

[0031] The term "transverse direction of the machine" or "ST", as used here, refers to the trajectory that is perpendicular to the machine direction in the plane of the sheet.

[0032] The term "machine direction" or "MD", as used here, refers to the path that the material, such as a sheet, follows through a manufacturing process.

[0033] The term “colorant”, as used here, refers to inks, dyes, pigments, or the like, used to create color in a substrate.

[0034] The term “natural fibers” as used herein refers to fibers which 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 grass, straw, jute hemp, bagasse, milkweed silk fibers, and pineapple leaf fibers; and wood fibers, 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.Paper 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 described herein may be recycled natural fibers, virgin natural fibers, or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, for good mechanical properties in natural fibers, it may be desirable for the natural fibers to be relatively intact and largely unrefined or minimally refined. The fibers may have a Canadian standardized drainage index of at least 200, more specifically at least 300, more specifically at least 400, and most specifically at least 500.

[0035] The term "cellulose-based fibers," as used herein, may include cellulose fibers such as wood fiber, cotton, regenerated cellulose fiber such as viscose, lyocell, rayon or cupro-ammonium rayon, and high pulping-yield 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, cellulose produced by microbes, the rayon process, cellulose dissolution and coagulation spinning processes, and other cellulosic materials or cellulosic derivatives. Other cellulose-based fibers included are paper scraps or recycled fibers and high-yield 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%. Yield is the resulting quantity of processed fiber expressed as a percentage of the initial wood mass.Such pulping processes include bleached chemical-thermomechanical pulping (BCTMP), chemical-thermomechanical pulping (CTMP), pressure thermomechanical pulping (PTMP), thermomechanical pulping (TMP), chemical thermomechanical pulping (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.

[0036] The terms "non-recyclable material" or "impurity," as used herein, refer to materials considered unsuitable for processing in the natural fiber recycling process. However, in alternative recycling streams, materials bearing one or both of these designations may be recyclable.

[0037] The packaging material of this description can provide a premium appearance to finished packaging where the packaging material comprises natural fibers. The packaging material of this description can facilitate the processing of the packaging material by allowing tighter tolerances regarding the positioning of the fold line and potentially allow a reduction in adhesive use.

[0038] The packaging material of this description includes at least one fold to facilitate folding the packaging material along the fold. For clarity, a fold is a feature provided on the packaging material that facilitates folding the packaging material once products are placed within it or before they are placed within it. A fold line associated with the fold is generally collinear with the fold.

[0039] The folds can be created by any suitable process. In one example, the folds can be created by embossing the packaging material. In such processes, the packaging material The material can be passed through a pair of rollers, in which at least one of the rollers compresses a portion of the conditioning material. This area of ​​compressed conditioning material can create a kink or preferred bending axis for the subsequent fold line. Another suitable method for creating folds in accordance with this description is displacement. For example, the conditioning material may include an area of ​​material that is displaced in a thickness direction. The displaced material may comprise the fold. In such embodiments, unlike embossed folds, the folds may include an area of ​​lower density, for example, a lower surface of the fold. These folds can provide a preferred bending axis for one or more fold lines. Another suitable method includes peeling when the folds comprise a reduced thickness based on material shrinkage within the fold.Again, any suitable process for creating one or more folds in the packaging described herein may be used, for example, lasers or other mechanical treatments, chemical treatments, and / or combinations thereof.

[0040] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that placing pleats in specific areas of the packaging material can provide a more finished-looking package. For example, the edges of the packaging are much more defined, and the packaging panels appear much more consistent rather than disordered. Furthermore, the inventors have discovered that there is a reduced amount of gusset misalignment during the sealing of the packages. This can lead to fewer quality-related interruptions, allowing for more production time. Moreover, the inventors have also surprisingly discovered that with strategic pleat placement, packages comprising the packaging material described herein can be more easily stacked.

[0041] The packaging material of this description can be configured to include a generally parallelepiped shape, i.e., having a plurality of panels. Packaging in such configurations may include the consumer-facing panel. As noted previously, the consumer-facing panel is the side of the packaging that faces the consumer. In general, the consumer-facing panel includes a brand indication and / or packaging information, each of which is discussed in more detail here. Each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface.

[0042] In addition to the panel facing the consumer, the packaging described herein may further include a rear panel opposite the panel facing the consumer, and a left-hand panel arranged between the panel Facing the consumer and the rear panel, there is a right panel opposite the left panel, a lower panel positioned between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, and an opposing upper panel. The upper panel may include an opening tab and side gussets. The opening tabs and side gussets are discussed in more detail below. Additional packaging configurations are also described below.

[0043] Additional features of the packaging described herein include edges, particularly when such packaging has a generally parallelepiped shape. For example, a first edge may be positioned between the panel facing the consumer and the right-hand panel; a second edge may be positioned between the right-hand panel and the rear panel; a third edge may be positioned between the rear panel and the left-hand panel; and a fourth edge may be positioned between the left-hand panel and the panel facing the consumer.

[0044] The packaging material may be a single piece. For example, multiple folds may be used to form the edges between the plurality of panels of the packaging. To further specify the example where the packaging is parallelepiped-shaped, at least one fold may be arranged between each of the panels. For example, a top fold line may be positioned adjacent to a top edge of the absorbent article(s) inside the packaging. The top fold line may include a first part arranged between the panel facing the consumer and the top panel, a second part between the right panel and the top panel, a third part between the back panel and the top panel, and a fourth part between the left panel and the top panel. It should be noted that in some shapes, the packaging material may comprise separate parts.Packaging material configurations will be discussed in more detail below.

[0045] To create more defined panels of the packaging described herein, a cross fold may be positioned between one or more pairs of panels of the packaging. By way of example, the cross fold may include a first section located between the panel facing the consumer and the top panel. The first section may include a first part and a second part. The first part may extend from the fourth edge to a center line of the panel facing the consumer. The second part may extend from the first edge to a center line of the panel facing the consumer. The first section of the cross fold and the first part of the top fold line may be collinear.

[0046] The relationship between the first part of the upper fold line and the first section of the cross fold can vary. The first part of the upper fold line, in order to create a durable shape, may preferably have a length that is the length of the overall packaging. However, the first section is not necessarily required to extend over the entire length of the packaging. Instead, the cross fold is provided to facilitate folding around the cross fold; the first and second parts of the cross may have a cumulative length that is less than the length of the first part of the upper fold line.For example, the first and second parts of the first section of the cross fold may have a cumulative length that is at least 10 percent of the length of the first part of the top fold line, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the first part of the top fold line, or most preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the first part of the top fold line, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In a specific example, the first part of the top fold line and the first section of the cross fold may be coextensive. In such examples, the first part of the top fold line and the first section may extend the entire length of the package.

[0047] With regard to the transition between the right panel and the upper panel, the upper fold line may include a second part, and the cross fold may include a second section. The second part of the upper fold line and the second section of the cross fold may be collinear.

[0048] The second section of the cross fold may comprise a first part and a second part. The first part may extend from the first edge to a vertical centerline of the right-hand panel, and the second part may extend from the second edge to the vertical centerline of the right-hand panel. The second part may have a length equal to the overall depth of the packaging. Conversely, the first and second parts of the first section of the cross fold may comprise a cumulative length that is at least 10 percent of the length of the second part of the upper fold line, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the second part of the upper fold line, or more preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the second part of the upper fold line, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.In one specific example, the second part of the upper fold line and the second section of the cross fold may be coextensive. In such examples, the second part of... The top fold line and the second section of the cross fold can extend across the entire depth of the packaging.

[0049] For the sake of brevity, the relationship between the left panel and the top panel can be as described previously for the relationship between the right panel and the top panel. However, in this relationship, the top fold line may include a fourth part and the cross fold may include a fourth section. The fourth section may include a first part and a second part; the first part may extend from the third edge to a vertical midline of the left panel, and the second part may extend from the fourth edge to the vertical midline of the left panel.

[0050] With regard to the back panel and the top panel, the top fold line may include a third part, and a cross fold may include a third section. The third section may include a first part and a second part. The first part may extend from the second edge to a vertical centerline of the back panel, and the second part may extend from the third edge to the vertical centerline of the back panel. The third part may have a length that is the same as the first part of the top fold line.The combined length of the first and second parts of the third section of the cross fold may be 10 percent of the length of the third part of the top fold line, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the third part of the top fold line, or more preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the third part of the top fold line, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In a specific example, the third part of the top fold line and the third section of the cross fold may be coextensive. In such examples, the third part of the top fold line and the third section of the cross fold may extend the entire length of the packaging.

[0051] The top fold line and the cross fold are collinear to the extent that the packaging includes cross folds. For example, some packaging may include only the first section of the cross fold to create a more defined-looking consumer-facing panel and may not provide the second, third, or fourth section of the cross fold. Or, some packaging may provide the first, second, and fourth sections of the cross fold. Any suitable cross fold section or combination of cross fold sections may be used.

[0052] The cross fold may be positioned adjacent to an upper edge of the absorbent article(s) inside the packaging. For example, the absorbent article(s) The internal dimensions of the packaging include an upper edge and an opposite lower edge, wherein the lower edge is positioned more proximal to the lower panel than to the upper edge. A foreground may include the cross fold, and a second background may include the upper edge of the absorbent material, wherein the foreground and second background are generally horizontal and parallel to each other. A distance between the foreground and second background may be approximately 5 mm or less, more preferably approximately 3 mm or less, or most preferably approximately 2 mm or less, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. It should be noted that the preceding distances between the foreground and second background are the absolute values ​​of the distance. Thus, in some cases, the foreground may be more proximal to the lower panel than the second background, or vice versa.

[0053] To create a more stable shelf display when the packages described herein are stacked on top of each other, an additional fold may be used. For example, when the packages described herein include opening tabs (described below), an additional fold—an opening crease—may be used. The opening crease may be created to help the opening tab lie flatter. The flatter the opening tab, the more stable the package stacked on it.

[0054] To minimize the likelihood of contamination of the absorbent item(s) inside the packaging, the opening tab may include a seal, for example, by means of an adhesive or a barrier film. The opening tab includes a packaging material that is sealed together to form an access seal. Since the opening tab comprises multiple layers of packaging material bonded together, the opening tab may be much more rigid than a single layer of the packaging material. These more rigid tabs can resist folding and tend to straighten, which "ejects" the packaging located above the opening tab. To mitigate "ejection" through the opening tab, the opening tab and / or the top panel may include a fold that facilitates folding, i.e., the opening fold.

[0055] In addition to the opening tab, the top panel may further comprise a front face, an opposite rear face, a right face, and an opposite left face. An opening fold may be provided on a front face that facilitates folding the opening tab towards the rear face. Forms are also envisaged where the opening fold is provided on the rear face, the left face, the right face, each independently, or any combination thereof. And just like the cross fold, the opening fold may have a cumulative length that is shorter than the fold associated with the opening fold, i.e., an opening fold. For example, the cumulative length of the opening fold on any face of the opening tab may be at least 10 percent of the opening fold length, more preferably at least 30 percent of the opening fold, or most preferably at least 50 percent of the opening fold length, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In a specific example, the opening fold and the opening fold line may be coextensive. The opening fold line may be configured similarly to the top fold line, for example, comprising a first part, a second part, and so on, and the opening fold may be configured similarly to the cross fold, for example, comprising a first section, a second section, and so on., in which each section comprises a first part and a second part.

[0056] Additional folds may be provided to the packaging described herein. For example, the left and / or right face may include gusset folds. The gusset folds can ensure that the inner gusset folds are approximately equal from the front to the back face of the top panel. This reduces the variability of the gusset folds and helps ensure that the inner gusset folds appear symmetrical and provide a more finished look to the packaging.

[0057] It should be noted that, depending on the type of packaging created, additional folds beyond those described herein may be desired. For example, when a manufacturer of absorbent articles obtains bags with a block bottom configuration (discussed in more detail here), each bag may include vertical folds which, when folded, form the first, second, third, and fourth edges. Furthermore, these vertical folds, when folded, may form external gusset folds on the left and right faces of the top panel. And the block bottom configuration bags may also include a bottom fold that helps create a flat bottom panel.

[0058] In addition, bags comprising a cross-bottom configuration (discussed in more detail here) may be used. Bags with a cross-bottom configuration may include vertical folds that generally fall along a centerline of a panel, for example, the right and / or left panel. In such configurations, the manufacturer may request the packaging material manufacturer to add additional vertical folds similar to those found in block-bottom configuration packaging. These additional vertical folds may be provided to form the first, second, third, and / or fourth edges once the packaging material is folded. Furthermore, bags of Cross-shaped bottom configurations may include a bottom fold that creates a flat bottom panel.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, a pinched bottom configuration (discussed in more detail here) may be used. Such configurations may include a fold on the bottom panel that typically cuts through the depth of the bottom panel. In such configurations, manufacturers may wish to obtain the supply of vertical folds to form the first, second, third, and / or fourth edges. In addition, or independently of this, manufacturers may also wish to obtain the supply of a bottom fold that can create a more defined / flat bottom panel. The bottom fold may be configured similarly to the cross fold, for example, comprising a first section, a second section, and so on. A lower fold may be positioned collinear with the bottom fold. The bottom fold may be configured similarly to the top fold line, for example, comprising a first part, a second part, and so on.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, a vertically supported bag configuration, seals may be formed along the bottom and side panels. In such configurations, the manufacturer of absorbent articles, or a packer thereof, may request that these bags include vertical pleats corresponding to the edges described herein.

[0061] Other embodiments are also possible. For example, rather than receiving pre-formed bags, a manufacturer of absorbent articles may choose to form the packages from a sheet of packaging material, for example, a roll of packaging material. In such cases, the manufacturer may choose block bottom, cross bottom, pinch bottom, or stand-up pouch configurations for their bags and add one or more of the pleats described here to provide a more defined appearance among the packaging panels and to facilitate stacking the packages.

[0062] Alternatively, the absorbent product manufacturer may use a tubular packaging process for packaging the absorbent product(s). In such configurations, the packaging material is in roll form. The absorbent product(s) are placed on a sheet of the packaging material, and the packaging is then formed around the absorbent product(s). To facilitate folding the packaging and creating the panels as described herein, the absorbent product manufacturer may provide one or more of the folds described herein to the sheet of packaging material before forming the packaging around the absorbent product(s).

[0063] Furthermore, while the preceding discussion concerns packaging that is generally parallelepiped in shape, other forms of packaging are The following are being considered: For example, packaging designs with fewer than six panels are being considered. The construction of packaging with a circular or semi-circular shape when viewed from a lower panel is being considered, as is the case here. Additionally, packaging with a triangular shape when viewed from the lower panel is being considered. Regardless of the number of panels in the packaging described here, the packaging includes a consumer-facing panel. And, as described here, a cross-fold may be provided between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel.

[0064] The data provided in Table 1 demonstrate the efficiency of adding pleats to the packaging materials described herein. All measurements in Table 1 were taken via the bag compression process described herein.

[0065] [Tables 1] Initial height at 0.2 N Force at compression height Normalized force at compression height Compression energy Final height at 0.2 N Compression energy mm NN / cm N*mm mm N*mm with fold Mean 94.7 3.6 0.39 10.3 83.7 0.20 Standard deviation 2.7 0.9 0.10 2.4 0.4 0.13 without fold Mean 102.5 5.1 0.55 17.3 84.6 0.61 Standard deviation 4.2 2.1 0.23 10.6 1.2 0.54

[0066] The compression energy demonstrates that the packaging material of the present description, i.e., comprising one or more of the pleats described herein, is easier to compress than the bag without pleats. The bag with pleats has a recovery energy that is lower than that of the bag without pleats. This means that the bag without pleats has a greater desire (and capacity) to compress again "upward" compared to the bag with pleats (the bag without pleats rebounds at a higher force compared to the pleated bag).

[0067] [Tables2] Sample Size of T sample (mm) Maximum Load Peak Energy (N*mm) Slope (N / mm) (N) Unpleated bag material 80x40 1.992 + 0.063 1.566 + 0.104 2.839 + 0.077 Unpleated bag material 70x30 2.065 + 0.106 1.520 + 0.182 2.715 + 0.121 Cross fold, front of bag 80x40 1.495 + 0.078 1.271 + 0.100 2.017 + 0.198 Cross fold, back of bag 70x30 1.345 + 0.124 1.075 + 0.153 1.950 + 0.147 Fold Opening, back of bag 70x30 1.644 + 0.092 1.309 + 0.210 2.136 + 0.084

[0068] It should be noted that the folds in this description have a preferred bending direction. Specifically, folding in the direction of the fold can provide lower forces for folding / recovery. Folding against the direction of the fold can also provide lower forces for folding / recovery; however, the reduction is not as great as the former. Data demonstrating this are shown in Table 3, where these samples have folds that were folded against the direction of the fold.

[0069] [Tables3] Sample Size of T sample (mm) Maximum Load Peak Energy (N*mm) Slope (N / mm) (N) Unpleated bag material 80x40 1.992 + 0.063 1.566 + 0.104 2.839 + 0.077 Unpleated bag material 70x30 2.065 + 0.106 1.520 + 0.182 2.715 + 0.121 Cross fold, front of bag 80x40 1.662 + 0.195 1.365 + 0.190 2.211 + 0.268 Cross fold, back of bag 70x30 1.461 + 0.166 1.278 + 0.173 1.999 + 0.244 Fold Opening, back of bag 70x30 1.606 + 0.139 1.356 + 0.199 2.155 + 0.241

[0070] The data in both Tables 2 and 3 were obtained using the bending process described herein.

[0071] Another construction during folding in the direction of the fold or against the direction of the fold, the term "stressing" is used here. A fold that is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface of the conditioning material means that the conditioning material at the inner T of the fold is recessed relative to the inner surface. Conversely, a fold that is stressed from the outer surface to the inner surface of the conditioning material means that the conditioning material at the inner T of the fold is recessed relative to the outer surface. This is further explained with reference to Figures 2A, 2B, and 5B.

[0072] As shown in Tables 2 and 3, the cross fold can have a maximum load of approximately 1.8 N or less, or more preferably approximately 1.7 N or less, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. For example, the cross fold can have a maximum load ranging from approximately 0.7 N to approximately 1.8 N, or more preferably from approximately 0.8 N to approximately 1.7 N, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. It should be noted that the opening fold can have similar maximum load values ​​to those of the cross fold.

[0073] Furthermore, the cross fold may have a slope of approximately 2.5 N / mm or less, more preferably of approximately 2.4 N / mm or less, or most preferably of approximately 2.3 N / mm or less, specifically citing all values ​​within These ranges and any ranges created by them. For example, the cross fold may have a slope ranging from approximately 1.5 N / mm to approximately 2.5 N / mm, more preferably from approximately 1.6 N / mm to approximately 2.4 N / mm, or most preferably from approximately 1.7 N / mm to approximately 2.3 N / mm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. Similarly, the opening fold may have a slope similar to that of the cross fold.

[0074] As noted previously, the pleats can be provided to the packaging material as noted herein by any suitable process. Furthermore, the pleats of this description can have any suitable width. For example, the pleats may have a width of 7 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, or most preferably 2 mm or less, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In such configurations, the pleats of this description may have a width from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.In a specific example, the folds in this description may include a width of about 0.1 mm and about 3 mm, more preferably from about 1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.

[0075] It should be noted that the folds of this description are not required to have the same width. For example, the cross fold may include a first width while the opening fold may include a second width, in which the first and second widths, although within the ranges above, are different. Similarly, when a fold of this description comprises a plurality of sections as described herein, each section may have a variable width. Furthermore, a particular section of a fold may have a variable width. For example, the first part of the first section of the cross fold may include a first fold width adjacent to the fourth edge and a second fold width where the first part extends toward the vertical centerline of the panel facing the consumer, in which the first fold width is different from the second fold width.Any section of the fold can thus be configured.

[0076] The folds of this description may have a depth greater than approximately 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than approximately 0.02 mm, or most preferably greater than approximately 0.03 mm, specifically citing all the values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. For example, the folds in this description may have a depth ranging from approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 0.9 mm, more preferably from approximately 0.02 mm to approximately 0.7 mm, or most preferably from approximately 0.03 mm to approximately 0.5 mm, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The width and / or depth of the folds in this description may be measured via fold dimensions using the CLSM method described herein.

[0077] Packaging material

[0078] In order to withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process where a plurality of absorbent articles are arranged inside the packaging, to withstand the rigors of shipping, to provide protection against environmental stresses during shipping and while on the store shelf, and to ensure product protection while in the consumer's home, the packaging material may have a certain level of strength, tensile strength, and resilience. By way of example, a packaging material of this description may have a tensile strength SM of at least 4.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 7 kN / m, or more preferably at least 8 kN / m, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.The tensile strength SM 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 tensile strength SM is measured using ISO 1924-3 as modified herein.

[0079] By way of further example, the conditioning material of this description may have a tensile strength ST of at least 2.7 kN / m, more preferably at least 4 kN / m, or most preferably at least 5.5 kN / m, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The tensile strength ST 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 stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The tensile strength ST is measured using ISO 1924-3 as modified herein.

[0080] By way of further example, the packaging material of this description may have a burst strength of at least 185 kPa, more preferably at least 250 kPa, or more preferably at least 550 kPa, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The burst strength of the packaging material of this The description 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 by them. Bursting strength is measured using ISO 2758 as modified herein.

[0081] By way of further example, the conditioning material of this description may have an elongation at break SM, more preferably at least 3 percent, or more preferably at least 6 percent, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The conditioning material of this description may have an elongation at break SM of between 3 and 6.5 percent, more preferably between 3.2 and 6.2 percent, or more preferably between 3.5 and 6 percent, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The elongation at break SM is measured using ISO 1924-3 as modified herein.

[0082] By way of further example, the conditioning material of this description may have an elongation ST at break of at least 4 percent, more preferably at least 6 percent, or most preferably at least 9 percent, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The conditioning material of this description may have an elongation ST at break of 4 to 10 percent, more preferably 4.5 to 9.5 percent, or most preferably 5 to 9 percent, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The elongation ST at break is measured using ISO 1924-3 as modified herein.

[0083] As yet another example, the surface mass of the packaging material can affect the "feel" of the packaging to the consumer, in addition to affecting the strength and resilience of the packaging material. Too low a surface mass and the packaging may seem too fragile. Too high a surface mass and the packaging may seem too inflexible. The packaging material according to this description may have a surface mass 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 surface mass may be determined by means of ISO 536 as modified herein.

[0084] It should be noted that the lower surface mass of 50 g / m² may require certain precautions during processing. For high-speed packaging processes, a surface mass of 50 g / m² may not provide the level of Desired reliability. It is believed that high-speed packaging processes can 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 desirable density of the packaging material. When hand-packing or low-speed packaging processes are used, 50 g / m² may be sufficient as the lowest density of the packaging material. Alternatively, special processing and / or tooling that is tightly controlled to ensure minimal stress is applied to the packaging material of 50 g / m² or less may be sufficient to allow the use of a 50 g / m² packaging material.

[0085] Regarding the size, the packaging material of this description may have a size of at least 50 µm, more preferably at least 70 µm, or most preferably at least 90 µm, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The packaging material of this description may have a size between 50 and 110 µm, more preferably from 55 to 105 µm, or most preferably from 60 to 100 µm, specifically stating all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. The size is measured using ISO 534 as modified herein.

[0086] It should be noted that the packaging material described herein differs from flat board, cardboard, and brown paper bags. For example, flat board is not as flexible as the packaging materials described herein. Flat board is designed and is inherently more rigid than the packaging materials described herein and may be more difficult to process on converting lines due to its rigidity. In addition, flat board has a higher unit density than the packaging materials described herein.

[0087] Similarly, cardboard also differs from the packaging materials described herein. Cardboard has a much higher density per unit area than the packaging materials described herein. Furthermore, cardboard is much less flexible than the packaging materials described herein. Cardboard materials are commonly corrugated and comprise three layers of a paper material and, as such, are structurally different from the packaging materials described herein. Moreover, the packaging material described herein has a much lower density per unit area than cardboard.

[0088] Some advantages that the packaging materials of this description have over flat board and cardboard include flexibility, as discussed herein. However, another advantage is that the packaging materials of this description occupy less space than their bulkier counterparts, flat board and cardboard. Another advantage of the packaging materials of this description is that they allow the absorbent articles within them to be compressed inside the packaging. This makes it possible to fit more product into a smaller package volume, which also allows for greater efficiency. A further advantage is that a single layer (a stratum) of the packaging materials of this description can form the packaging of this description.The inventors have discovered that, due at least in part to the properties of flexibility, strength, and resilience of the packaging materials, the packagings of this description can be formed from a single layer (a stratum) of packaging materials of this description.

[0089] With regard to brown paper bags, which were very common in grocery stores for transporting goods, the packaging described herein is also different. As discussed in more detail here, the packaging material of the present invention is sealed in such a way that the absorbent articles are enclosed and protected from the external environment by the packaging material. More specifically, the packaging of absorbent articles according to this description has no opening into which articles can be placed. Instead, the packaging of absorbent articles according to this description is sealed to reduce the likelihood of contamination of the absorbent articles during shipping, storage, and time spent on store shelves.

[0090] Although it has less flexibility compared to plastic packaging and a lower surface mass than cardboard and flat board, the inventors have surprisingly discovered that the packaging material of the present description can withstand the rigors of a manufacturing process in which one or more absorbent articles are placed inside the packaging, as well as the rigors of shipping, that it offers protection against environmental aggressions during transport and on store shelves, and that it ensures the protection of the product in the consumer's home.

[0091] It should also be noted that the packaging material of this description, in addition to lacking the high stretch properties of conventional plastic packaging film, may not provide the barrier properties of conventional plastic packaging film. For example, the packaging material The packaging material described herein may not include a functional barrier layer such as a layer of metal foil, plastic, or similar materials. However, forms are envisaged where the packaging material described herein comprises an outer material including natural fibers and a barrier layer of material, for example, polyethylene-based plastic.

[0092] Furthermore, examples are envisaged where the absorbent article's backing sheet is in direct contact with the inner surface of the packaging material. Packaging of this description comprising diapers may be configured in this way. Feminine hygiene protective pads, including menstrual pads, incontinence pads, adult incontinence pads, and the like, may be individually packaged to protect a panty-fastening adhesive on their respective backing sheets. In packaging with these articles, the individually wrapped article may be in direct contact with the inner surface of the packaging material. Forms are envisaged where the packaging that encloses the individual articles may comprise natural fibers as described herein. Moreover, such packaging may be recyclable as described herein.

[0093] Recyclability

[0094] There is currently no universal standard for determining whether a paper material is recyclable. In general, the higher the content of natural material, for example, natural fibers, and the lower the content of non-recyclable material, the higher the probability of being recyclable. Some specific examples of standards that may be useful for 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 relate to the recyclability of materials that include wood fibers and / or pulp fibers.

[0095] The conditioning materials of this description may comprise natural fibers that form a paper. For example, the conditioning material may comprise at least 50 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, or most preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. By way of further example, the conditioning material may comprise 99.9 percent by weight of natural fibers. The conditioning materials of this description may comprise between 50 percent by weight and 100 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably between 70 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight, or most preferably between 90 percent by weight and 99.9 percent by weight of natural fibers. It should be noted that when the percentage by weight of natural fibers is less than 100 percent, there is room for coatings, dyes and / or adhesives, if desired.

[0096] In order to increase the probability that the packaging material is recyclable, the total weight percentage of non-recyclable material, for example adhesives, coatings, and / or colorants, in the packaging material of this description may be carefully chosen. For example, the packaging material of this description may comprise 50 percent by weight or less, more preferably 30 percent by weight 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 in this description may comprise from approximately 0.1 percent to approximately 50 percent by weight, more preferably from approximately 0.1 percent to approximately 30 percent by weight, or most preferably from approximately 0.1 percent to approximately 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 percentage by weight of non-recyclable materials 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.

[0097] The efficiency of the recycling process on the packaging material of this description can be determined by the recyclable percentage. The packaging material of this description 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 by them. The packaging material of this description may have a recyclable percentage 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 by them.In a specific example, the packaging material described herein may have a recyclable percentage ranging from approximately 95 percent to approximately 99.9 percent, more preferably from approximately 97 percent to approximately 99.9 percent, or most preferably from approximately 98 percent to approximately 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 description can be determined by means of the PTS-RH:021 / 97 test (Draft Oct. 2019) under category II as implemented by Papiertechnische Stiftung located at Pirnaer Strasse 37, 01809 Heidenau, Germany.

[0098] Along with the recyclable percentage, the total rejection percentage can be determined by means of the PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) test procedure under Category II. However, unlike the recyclable percentage, in order to increase the probability of recyclability, the total rejection percentage can be decreased. For example, the total rejection percentage of the packaging material of this description can 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 rejection percentage of the conditioning material in this description 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 rejection percentage may be less than 5 percent, or between 0.1 percent and 5 percent, more preferably from 0.1 to 3 percent, or most preferably from 0.1 to 2 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.

[0099] For the sake of clarity, the percentage of non-recyclable material does not necessarily have a 1:1 correlation with the total rejection percentage. For example, the use of soluble adhesives is disclosed here. Since these adhesives are designed to dissolve during the recycling process, it is assumed that these adhesives would not impact the total rejection percentage; however, they would contribute to the percentage by weight of non-recyclable material.

[0100] It should be noted that the test procedure PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under Category II, Test Procedure, includes a mold inspection component. Trained inspectors inspect one or more molds of recycled packaging material for visual imperfections and adhesiveness. If the number of visual imperfections is too high or the material is too adhesive, then the packaging material is rejected. If the number of visual imperfections is acceptable and the mold is not too adhesive, in accordance with the procedure PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019) under Category II, then the packaging material is approved for further processing. The packaging material of this description may exhibit an acceptable level of visual imperfections and adhesiveness during this step of the PTS procedure, such that further processing is approved.

[0101] The packaging material of this description can achieve the previously mentioned recyclable percentages and pass the form screening process. Thus, the packaging material of this 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.

[0102] It should also be noted that there is an additional method for determining the recyclable percentage of the packaging material of this description. The test method implemented by the University of Western Michigan, called the Re-pulping Capacity Test, can provide a percentage yield of recyclable material. The packaging material of this description can achieve a percentage yield, according to the Re-pulping Capacity 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 by them.The packaging material described herein may have a percentage yield 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 by them. In a specific example, the packaging material described herein may have a percentage recyclable material yield of between 80 percent and 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them. In such an example, the packaging material may have a brown base color.In another specific example, the packaging material described herein may have a recyclable material yield percentage between 85 percent and 99.9 percent, specifically including all values ​​within those ranges and any ranges created by them. In such an example, the packaging material may have a white base color. The base colors of packaging materials are discussed in more detail here.

[0103] It is envisaged that the packaging material of this description, while being recyclable, may itself comprise recycled material. Such a determination can 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, for example, a foil, as well as text to indicate the use of recycled materials in the packaging material. Often, manufacturers can also specify the percentage of recycled material used, for example, more than 50 percent, more than 70 percent, etc.

[0104] Visual inspection can be as simple as using the human eye to inspect packaging for logos indicating the use of recycled materials. In addition to or alternatively, visual inspection can include microscopy techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, or other suitable techniques known in the art. For example, packaging material containing 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 contained 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.

[0105] Sealants / Adhesives

[0106] In addition, the packagings of this description include a plurality of seals. The seals of the packagings of this description include joints that have been attached / joined. Joints are areas of the packaging where at least two parts of the packaging material have the ability to overlap. Joints are created when the at least two parts of the packaging material in the joint are joined to each other. For example, the bottom panel may include joints where ends of the packaging material overlap. An adhesive may be provided on an inner surface of a first part of the bottom panel and on an outer surface of a second part of the bottom panel, as well as on an outer surface of a base part of the bottom panel, to create one or more seals.Alternatively, particularly where the packaging material described herein includes a plastic barrier layer, the plastic layer may be used in place of an adhesive. For example, a polyethylene plastic layer may be heat-sealed to itself.

[0107] The top panel may include seals where ends of the packaging material are joined to one another, similar to the seals on the bottom panel. While seals may be provided on any panel of the packaging, it is recommended that the consumer-facing panel not include any seams or seals. Seams and seals may be visibly unattractive to consumers, particularly where they extend across a portion of the consumer-facing panel that includes product information.

[0108] It should be noted that joints may include areas of overlap of the packaging material as described above. That is, an inner surface of a first part of the packaging material and an outer surface of a second part of the packaging material may be joined to create an overlap seal. However, butt seals may also be created. Butt seals can be created when the inner surface of a first part of the packaging material and / or the inner surface of a second part of the packaging material are joined. Butt seals and overlap seals are discussed in more detail below.

[0109] Seals are important to reduce the likelihood of contamination of absorbent articles inside the packaging by the external environment. The use of seals, such as those described herein, can provide adequate sealing of the packaging material so that absorbent articles inside the packaging are not exposed to the external environment, or at least have a reduced likelihood of exposure to the external environment. Simply folding or rolling the packaging material does not constitute a seal and is insufficient unless seals such as those described herein are created.

[0110] Regarding the types of seals, the plurality of seals on the packaging described herein 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 inside the packaging. The hoop seal may be the initial seal created in the packaging manufacturing process. The bottom seal may be located on the bottom panel. Tubular packaging may also be configured to include these seals. Alternatively, tubular packaging 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.A variety of packaging configurations and their respective sealing methods are discussed in more detail in Figures 6 to 10B.

[0111] When it is desired that the packaging material of this description be recyclable, the type and quantity of adhesive used for the seals may be useful. By way of example, adhesives that can dissolve in water during the re-pasting phase of the disintegration step of the recycling process may be particularly suitable for the packaging seals of this description. 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 brand name AP0420CR. A suitable example of a polyvinyl alcohol-based adhesive is available from Sekisui Chemical Company, located in Osaka, Japan, under the brand name Selvol 205. A suitable example of a polyethylene oxide-based adhesive is available from Dow Chemicals Co., located in Midland, Michigan, under the brand name WSR N-80.

[0112] If the adhesive is not water-soluble, then water-dispersible adhesives may be used similarly. 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 brand name Yunico 491. A suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from Bostik, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, under the brand name Aquagrip 4419U01. Another suitable example of a polyvinyl acetate-based adhesive is available from HB Fuller under the brand name PD-0330.

[0113] 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. By way of specific example, the access seal may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0114] Without being bound by any theory, it is thought that packaging of the present description that uses water-soluble adhesives may comprise a higher weight percentage of such adhesives than adhesives that are only water-dispersible. For example, packaging comprising water-soluble adhesives may comprise a first weight percentage of adhesive, whereas packaging comprising water-dispersible adhesives may comprise a second weight percentage of adhesive. It is thought that the first weight percentage may be greater than the second weight percentage for the purposes of recycling the packaging material.

[0115] Regarding the permissible percentage by weight of adhesive that must still be recycled, there is no uniform standard. For example, adhesives (as well as colorants, coatings, and films) are considered contaminants in the recycling stream. The cumulative permissible percentage by weight of each of these is therefore variable. However, in order to meet one of the most demanding recycling standards (described below), it is believed that the percentage by weight of adhesive should not exceed 5 percent by weight of the packaging material. That said, it is further believed that where soluble adhesives are used, a higher percentage by weight may be used as the adhesive. Dissolution does not negatively impact the recycling process. However, while 5 percent by weight is sufficient for the strictest standard, other jurisdictions may allow up to 50 percent non-recyclable material or up to 20 percent non-recyclable material. In such jurisdictions, additional adhesive may be used if desired. Again, in some forms, the need for adhesive to create the seals described here can be avoided through the use of a barrier film.

[0116] Coatings and dyes

[0117] Each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface and / or the inner surface of one or more panels may include dyes and / or coatings that create a brand indication on the packaging, packaging information, and / or a background color, etc. The brand indication and / or packaging information may be provided on an outer surface and / or at least part of the inner surface of at least one panel, for example, the panel facing the consumer. The brand indication may include logos, brand names, trademarks, icons, and the like, associated with the absorbent articles inside the packaging. The brand indication may be used to inform a consumer of the brand of the absorbent articles inside the packaging.As an example, a brand indication for packaging of feminine hygiene sanitary napkins may include the Always® brand name.

[0118] Packaging information may include the size of the absorbent items, the number of absorbent items inside the package, an example image of the absorbent items contained within the package, recyclability logos, or similar symbols, or any combination thereof, associated with the absorbent items inside the package. In addition, packaging information may include information about the packaging material itself, for example, recyclability logos, certifications by various organizations, or similar symbols, or any combination thereof. By way of example, packaging information for a package of feminine hygiene sanitary napkins may include a size indicator, for example, "Size 1".Other packaging panels may similarly include a brand indication, packaging information, and / or a background color, along with those associated with the panel facing the consumer.

[0119] In addition, one or more panels of the packaging described herein may include dyes and / or coatings to provide a background color to the packaging described herein. To further clarify background color, it should be noted that packaging material includes a base color. A base color of packaging material is the color of the packaging material without dyes and / or coatings. For example, bleached packaging material is white, unbleached packaging material 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.

[0120] As noted previously, the use of dyes and / or coatings can be considered contaminants in the recyclability stream. Therefore, the use of dyes and / or coatings must be carefully considered.

[0121] 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, packaging 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, is envisaged. 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, for example, the consumer-facing panel, while the base color may be used on one or more panels. In another example, the consumer-facing panel, either independently or in conjunction with other panels, may include a base color. Further developing this example, the packaging may include absorbent materials that comprise components of natural origin, such as a cotton sheet and / or chlorine-free 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 also include a brand indication, a background color (associated with the brand indication), and / or packaging information.In yet another example, one or more panels may contain information. of conditioning, which in part include a base color. To take this example further, the base color can be a first color, for example white, and a background color can be applied to a panel with a negative image of the conditioning information, such that the conditioning information, or part of it, is not covered by the background color, and the conditioning information includes the first color.

[0122] Another method for reducing the use of dyes and / or coatings in the packaging materials of this description is to apply a variable coverage of dye and / or coating to a variety of panels. For example, a first panel may have a different percentage of dye and / or coating coverage compared to a second panel. To further illustrate this point, the consumer-facing panel may have a higher percentage of dye and / or coating coverage than another panel in the packaging, for example, the bottom panel. As noted, absorbent items that are of natural origin, for example, cotton topsheets or other components, unbleached cores, without added dyes, and / or without added perfumes, may be more dependent on the base colors of the packaging material.By way of example, such packaging 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. In addition, the consumer-facing panel may include a colorant coverage of between approximately 10 percent and approximately 75 percent, more preferably from approximately 15 percent to approximately 50 percent, or most preferably from approximately 20 percent to approximately 40 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.

[0123] In such packaging, other panels may be configured with a higher percentage of dye coverage, a lower percentage, or a mixture thereof. For example, in such configurations, a bottom panel may have a lower percentage of dye coverage. A back panel, a left panel, and / or a right panel may have a higher percentage of dye coverage or, more preferably, a lower percentage of dye coverage. These same values ​​may also apply to tubular packaging configurations and / or stand-up pouch configurations described herein.

[0124] Products of natural origin as described are not necessarily limited to the preceding dye coverings; however, a lower percentage of dye may mean a lower percentage by weight of dye. which can be beneficial from a recyclability standpoint. In another example, packaging for absorbent articles conforming to this description may include a consumer-facing panel having 100 percent dye coverage, more preferably 99 percent or less, or most preferably 98 percent or less. For example, packaging conforming to this description may include a consumer-facing panel having a dye coverage percentage between 60 percent and approximately 100 percent, more preferably from approximately 60 percent to approximately 99 percent, or most preferably from approximately 60 percent to approximately 98 percent. In such configurations, other panels may include the same percentage of dye coverage or, more preferably, may include a lower percentage of dye coverage.The percentage of dye coverage is determined by means of the dye coverage percentage measurement method described herein.

[0125] Although any suitable dye can be used, the inventors have surprisingly found that water-based dyes generally dissolve more readily in water during the recycling process. Thus, water-based dyes can facilitate the recycling process for the packaging described herein. Any suitable water-based dye can be used. Water-based dyes are well known in the art.

[0126] It should be noted that solvent-based dyes and / or energy-curable dyes can also be used. However, the use of these types of dyes can complicate the manufacture of the packaging material. For example, solvent-based dyes generally release volatile organic compounds that must be removed from the air. In addition, solvent-based dyes may contain components that do not readily dissolve in water during the recycling process, which could negatively impact the recyclability of the packaging material.

[0127] Energy-curable dyes can also be used; however, just like solvent-based dyes, energy-curable dyes can complicate the processing of the packaging material. And just 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.

[0128] Any suitable coating used for a packaging material may be used. Coatings may be used to protect the color of background, brand indication, and / or packaging information. In addition, coatings can be used to provide antistatic benefits, coefficient of friction benefits, and / or appearance benefits (e.g., glossy, matte, satin, high gloss, etc.). Similar to water-based colorants, the inventors have surprisingly found that water-based coatings, when used, can facilitate the recycling process of the packaging material. Suitable coatings include varnishes, which are well-known in the field. Any suitable coating can be used.

[0129] As noted previously, manufacturers of absorbent articles may purchase the packaging material already pre-formed in open bags or may purchase rolls of packaging material. Regardless of whether the packaging material is on rolls or pre-formed to some extent, the packagings of this description begin with a starter paper. With reference to Figures 1 and 2A, a starter paper sheet 99 may be cut from a sheet of packaging material. The starter paper sheet 99 includes longitudinal side edges 100 and 110 that generally extend in a machine direction (MT). The starter paper sheet 99 further includes an inner surface 130 and an opposing outer surface 135. Fold lines 127A to 127E are shown as dashed lines.

[0130] Once folded along the fold lines 127A to 127E (the folded configuration of the packaging in this description is shown in [Fig. 3] without the top panel 11), these folds can create corners that separate a plurality of panels from the packaging. For example, as shown, a first fold line 127A can separate a bottom panel 10 from the left panel 12, a consumer-facing panel 14, a right panel 13, and a back panel 15. A cross fold 120 can separate the left panel 12, the consumer-facing panel 14, the right panel 13, and the back panel 15 from the top panel 11.

[0131] As discussed previously, the cross fold 120 can extend from one side edge 100 to the opposite side edge 110. Alternatively, the cross fold can include a section located between the left panel 12 and the top panel 11, between the consumer-facing panel 14 and the top panel 11, between the right panel 13 and the top panel, and / or between the back panel 15 and the top panel 11. Each of these sections comprises a first part and a second part. An example of such a construction is shown in [Fig. 3]. As shown, the cross fold 120 includes a first section located between the consumer-facing panel 14 and the top panel 11. The first section comprises a first part 122 and a second part 124. As shown, the first part 122 can extend from an edge formed by the fold line 127C towards a vertical midline 14C of the panel facing the consumer 14. Similarly, the second section 124 can extend from an opposite edge formed by the fold line 127D towards the vertical midline 14C of the panel facing the consumer 14. The first part 122 and the second part 124 can be configured as described previously here.

[0132] The remainder of the left panel 12, the right panel 13, and / or the rear panel 15 may include sections of the cross fold 120. And, similar to the first section described for the consumer-facing panel 14, these other sections may also each include a first part and a second part. With further reference to [Fig. 1], each of the first parts may extend from its leftmost fold line, for example, 127B, to a vertical midline of the corresponding panel, i.e., the left panel 12. And each of the second parts may extend from its rightmost fold line, for example, 127C, to the vertical midline of the corresponding panel, i.e., the left panel 12.The lengths of the fold lines between the top panel and each of the panels listed as being separated from them by the 120 cross fold, as well as the lengths of the first and second parts of the respective sections of the 120 cross fold, have been discussed previously here.

[0133] With specific reference to [Fig. 2A], the cross fold 120 may include a channel having a lower surface 120A disposed between the inner surface 130 and the outer surface 135. As shown, the channel may extend from the inner surface 130 to the outer surface 135. In such constructions, the sides 120A and 120B of the cross fold 120 may extend from the inner surface 130 to the outer surface 135. A lower surface 120C of the cross fold 120 may be disposed between the inner surface 130 and the outer surface 135. As shown, the cross fold 120 is stressed from the inner surface 130 to the outer surface 135.

[0134] It should be noted that the cross fold 120 can be oriented such that it is stressed from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130. In such constructions, the cross fold 120 would include sides extending from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130. However, the inventors have discovered that such constructions, where the cross fold 120 is stressed from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130, do not function as well as the former configuration. Recall the contrast in the data presented in Tables 3 and 4. Table 2 shows that folding in the direction of the fold reduces the bending / recovery forces as opposed to folding in a direction opposite to the fold.

[0135] It should be noted that the channel shown in [Fig. 2A] may include a displacement of conditioning material. With reference now to [Fig. 2B], the lower surface 120C may be disposed outside the outer surface 135. For example, the cross fold 120 or its lower surface 120C, can form a discontinuity in the external surface 135.

[0136] With reference now to Figures 2A-2B, as noted previously, a top fold line 127F can be collinear with the cross fold 120. The term "collinear" means that a fold line, for example, a top fold line, is generally disposed between sides of the associated fold, for example, the cross fold 120. As shown, the top fold line 127F can be disposed between sides 120A and 120B of the cross fold 120. Sides 120A and 120B can be configured such that the cross fold 120 comprises a "U" shape or a "V" shape. It should be noted that a "V" shaped fold may be preferred to a "U" shaped fold for smaller gauge materials, for example, the packaging material of this description. On the other hand, a U-shaped fold can be beneficial for thicker materials such as cardboard.It is believed that the "V" shape can provide a much more defined bending axis than its "U" shaped counterpart.

[0137] With reference now to [Fig. 4], a schematic cross-section of a packaging of the present description is shown. An absorbent article 90 may comprise an upper edge 150 and a lower edge 160. The lower edge 160 is disposed adjacent (as shown, against) the lower panel 10. And the upper edge 150 of the absorbent article 90 is shown adjacent to the cross fold 120. A first plane 170 comprising the cross fold 120 and a second plane 180 comprising the upper edge 150 may be separated by a distance 190. The distance 190 may be as discussed previously here. It should be noted that the first plane 170 essentially comprises the entire cross fold 120 and does not merely intersect it. Similarly, the second plane 180 substantially comprises the entire upper edge 150 and does not merely intersect it.Furthermore, when the absorbent article(s) 90 include feminine hygiene products which are wrapped, the wrapper must be included as part of the absorbent article 90.

[0138] With reference now to Figures 5A to 5C, in [Fig. 5A], the external surface 135 of the conditioning material 99 is shown. Furthermore, the conditioning material (sheet of material) 99 may further comprise bellows folds 125 which correspond to a left face 251 of the upper panel 11 and a right face 261 of the upper panel 11. As noted previously, the bellows folds 125 may ensure that internal bellows folds, discussed below, are more defined and precise.

[0139] Furthermore, the packaging material 99 may further comprise an opening fold 123. The opening fold 123 may extend from a longitudinal lateral edge 100 to the other longitudinal lateral edge 110. Or, the opening fold 123 can be configured as previously described with respect to the cross fold 120. For example, the opening fold 123 may be present only on a front face 231 of the top panel 11. The front face 231 may be disposed above the consumer-facing panel 14. The opening fold 123 may be present only on a rear face 241 of the top panel 11. The rear face 241 may be disposed above the rear panel 15. However, the inventors have discovered that when a combination of the front face 231, the left face 251, and the right face 261 includes the opening fold 123, an opening tab 265 can fold toward the rear face 241 more easily and provide less recovery force than without the opening fold 123.The lower recovery force in the opening tab 265 may reduce the likelihood that the opening tab 265 will eject a package that is stacked on top of the opening tab 265.

[0140] Alternatively, when it is desired that the opening tab 265 be folded towards the front face 231, the opening fold 123 can be provided on the rear face 241, the left face 251 and on the right face 261. And, for greater flexibility in the way of folding the opening tab 265, the opening fold 265 can be provided on the front face 231, the rear face 251, the left face 251 and the right face 261.

[0141] Furthermore, when both the front face 231 and the rear face 251 include the opening fold 123, the fold can be oriented differently for each of these faces. For example, the opening fold 123 can include a first section on the front face 231 that is oriented from the inner surface to the outer surface. That is, the lower surface of the fold can be recessed relative to the inner surface, similar to that shown in Figures 2A or 2B. In contrast, the rear face 241 can include a third section of the opening fold 123 that is oriented from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130. Or, each of these sections can be oriented in the same direction, for example, from the inner surface to the outer surface or from the outer surface to the inner surface.

[0142] Regarding the gusset folds, these are included by the left face 251 and the right face 261. External gusset folds can be created by fold lines 127B and 127C for the left face 251 and fold lines 127D and 127E for the right face 261. Internal gusset folds are collinear with the gusset folds 125. Internal gusset folds are created during the folding of the packaging material where parts of the material are nested in the opening tab 265. The gusset folds 125, as shown, can each have two legs, one extending towards the consumer-facing panel 14 and the other extending towards the rear panel 15.

[0143] With specific reference to [Fig. 5B], the bellows pleats 125 can be provided as embossed areas of the conditioning material 99. As shown, the bellows pleats 125 can be stressed from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130. And, although not shown, the opening pleat 123 can similarly include an embossed area that is stressed from the outer surface 135 to the inner surface 130. The bellows pleats 125 and / or the opening pleat 123 can be stressed from the inner surface 130 to the outer surface 135; however, the inventor has found that such configurations are not as effective as the former configuration.Furthermore, as discussed with regard to the cross fold in Figures 2A and 2B, the bellows folds 125 and / or the opening fold may include a displacement of the conditioning material 99 which provides for a lower surface of the fold which is outside the inner surface 130 or outside the outer surface 135 depending on the orientation of these folds.

[0144] A variety of packaging configurations have been described previously that could be used by a manufacturer of absorbent articles. These configurations will now be described in more detail below.

[0145] An example of a block-style configuration is shown in [Fig.6]. As shown, the lower panel 10 can include a block-style configuration comprising seals 320 and 330. The lower panel 10 can include a base portion 340. A first flap of packaging material 350 can be folded over the base portion 340. The first flap of packaging material 350 can be joined to the base portion 340, thereby forming the first seal 320. A second flap of packaging material 360 can be folded and joined to the base portion 340 and above the first flap of packaging material 350. And the second flap of packaging material 360 can be joined to the base portion 340 and the first flap of packaging material 350, thereby forming the second seal 330. Note that adhesive can be used to join these flaps of packaging material 350.Alternatively, or in conjunction with this, for those forms where a barrier film is included, the barrier film can be used to create the seals.

[0146] Additional panels, for example, the right-hand panel 13 and the consumer-facing panel 14, are shown in [Fig. 6]. As shown, the right-hand panel 13 may include a side fold 13a that approximately intersects the right-hand panel 13 and the side bellows 13b. Although not shown, the left-hand panel 12 may also include a side fold that approximately intersects the left-hand panel 12 and the side bellows.

[0147] With reference now to Figures 1 and 6, when bags comprising the block bottom configuration are used, vertical folds can be provided which correspond to fold lines 127B, 127C, 127D, and 127E. In addition, block-style configurations may include side folds that approximately intersect the left panel 12 and the right panel 13. In some cases with these configurations, folds may also be provided that correspond to fold line 127A. With respect to block-style configurations where the packaging is pre-formed, i.e., open bags, the absorbent product manufacturer may supply or request the supply of the cross fold 120, the opening fold 123, and / or the gusset folds 125, as described herein.

[0148] Cross-style configurations are also acceptable for sealing portions of the packaging material described herein. An example of a cross-bottom style configuration is shown in Figure 7C. As shown, one of the key differences between the cross-style and block-style configurations is that the gussets 432b and 433b, as well as the side pleats 12a and 13a, are oriented outwards in the cross-style configuration.

[0149] Due to the orientation of the gussets 432b and 433b in the cross-style configuration, filling the package with one or more absorbent items may require less energy to expand the package for filling. For example, when pleats are oriented inward, such as in a block-style configuration, the pleats would need to be moved outward before the package could be filled. Furthermore, the equipment used to guide the product into the package will have a reduced probability of interfering with the gussets in the cross-style configuration due to their outward orientation. This can reduce the likelihood of packaging accidents or manufacturing process stoppages due to quality issues.

[0150] With further reference to [Fig. 7], similar to the block-style configuration, the lower panel 10 of the cross-style configuration includes seals 420 and 430. The lower panel 10 may include a base portion 440. A first flap of conditioning material 450 may be folded and joined to the base portion 440. A first seal 420 may be provided to secure the first flap of conditioning material 450 to the base portion 440. A second flap of conditioning material 460 may be folded over the base portion 440 and over the first flap of conditioning material 450. The second seal 430 may be provided to join the second flap of conditioning material 460 to the base portion 440 and to the first flap of conditioning material 450. A similar embodiment may be used with respect to the upper panel (formed after the placement of absorbent articles within it).The joining of these material flaps can be achieved using an adhesive, a barrier material, or a combination thereof.

[0151] With reference now to Figures 1 and 7, concerning the cross-style configuration, a manufacturer of absorbent articles may supply or request the supply of the cross fold 120, the opening fold 123, and the gusset folds 125. However, in addition to the above, the manufacturer of absorbent articles may further supply or request the supply of folds corresponding to the fold lines 127B, 127C, 127D, and / or 127E. The supply of these fold lines may provide corners between adjacent panels and provide a more premium appearance to the packaging. Furthermore, the cross fold 120, the opening fold 123, and / or the gusset folds 125, as described herein, may be used.

[0152] Yet another bag configuration suitable for use as packaging in accordance with this description is a pinch-style configuration. An example of a pinch-style configuration is shown in [Fig. 8]. As shown, one of the key differences between the block bottom configuration and the pinch bottom configuration is the folds on the side panels. Instead of folds on sides 12 and 13, a pinch-style configuration includes gussets 522b and 523b on the first surface 10. In addition, in the pinch bottom configuration, the bottom panel 10 includes a fold line 10a, which may be absent in the block-style configuration.

[0153] With reference now to Figures 1 and 8, similar to the cross-style configuration, where manufacturers use a pinch-style configuration bag, an additional fold may be provided or requested by the manufacturer. For example, the cross fold, the opening fold, the gusset folds, and the folds that correspond to the fold lines 127B, 127C, 127D, and 127E may be provided.

[0154] As noted previously, tubular packaging configurations can also be used as packaging in accordance with this description. Some examples of tubular packaging are shown in Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9A shows an example of tubular packaging that generally has a parallelepiped shape. The packaging 601, as shown, comprises a first panel 610, opposing second and third panels 612 and 613, respectively; opposing fourth and fifth panels 614 and 615, respectively; and a sixth panel 611 opposite the first panel 610. As shown, the second panel 612 may include an end seal 612a, and the third panel 613 may include an end seal 613a. A hoop seal 616 may be disposed, in part, on the second panel 612, the third panel 613, and the sixth panel 611.In such configurations, either the first panel 610 or the fifth panel 615 may include the panel facing the consumer.

[0155] Figure 9B shows another packaging 621 given by way of example in accordance with the packagings of this description. Like packaging 601 of Figure 9A, packaging 621 is a tubular packaging configuration. As shown, packaging 621 comprises a first surface 620 and a second opposing surface 631. Rounded edges may be provided as a transition between the first surface 620 and the second surface 631. Or, one or more fold lines may be provided between the first surface 620 and the second surface 631. Packaging 621 may further comprise end seals 622 and 623, and a hoop seal 626 which may be disposed on the second surface 631. In such packagings, the first surface 620 may comprise the consumer-facing panel.

[0156] With regard to both Figures 9A and 9B, while the packaging shown, i.e. 601 and 621, include butt seals for the end seal, overlap seals may also be used. For example, one or more of the end seals 612a, 613a, 622, and 623 may include an overlap seal. Similarly, the hoop seal, i.e., 616 and 626, may include either a butt seal or an overlap seal.

[0157] As noted previously, tubular packaging does not include pre-formed packaging. Thus, manufacturers using such configurations typically produce such packaging from a sheet of material. Using such configurations, manufacturers of absorbent articles can provide pleats such as the cross pleat, the opening pleat, the gusset pleats, and pleats that correspond to the fold lines 127B, 127C, 127D, and 127E (shown in [Fig. 1]).

[0158] In yet another example, a stand-up pouch-style bag may be used. The stand-up pouch style may include seams / seals that are more apparent than their block-bottom, pinch-bottom, and / or cross-bottom counterparts. With reference to Figures 10A and 10B, a stand-up pouch-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 opposite the first panel 1411. As shown, between the fourth panel 1414 and the sixth panel 1410, a first seal 1420 may extend outward. The first seal 1420 forms a kind of base for the packaging 1400.A second seal can extend outwards between the fifth panel 1415 and the sixth panel 1410 in a manner similar to the first. sealing 1420. It should be noted that in certain forms, the first panel 1411 can be laid flat just like the sixth panel 1410.

[0159] The first seal 1420 can be extended such that part of the first seal 1420 is on the second panel 1412 and another part of the first seal 1420 is disposed on the third panel 1413. Similarly, part of the second seal can be disposed on the second panel 1412 and another part can be disposed on the third panel 1413. The first seal 1420 and the second seal can be provided where the sixth panel 1410 is formed from a separate piece of material which 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 envisaged.

[0160] A third seal 1430 and a fourth seal 1440 may extend outwards 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 earlier. Thus, one, all, or any combination of these seals may exhibit the tensile strength for the hoop seal as described herein.

[0161] As shown, the packaging 1400 may further include a fifth joint 1450 and a sixth joint 1460, which are arranged on the sixth panel 1411. The fifth joint 1450 and the sixth joint 1460 may extend into a sealing fin 1480. It should be noted that the packaging 1400 and the joints associated with it may be assembled as described herein with respect to adhesives, films, and / or combinations of films and adhesives. However, the construction of the packaging 1400 is particularly well suited for creating joints by means of a film coating on an internal surface of the packaging material. In such configurations, the film can form a barrier that reduces the likelihood, or at least the amount, of moist vapor passing through the packaging material to the absorbent articles within it.

[0162] For the vertical stand-up pouch style configuration, the supply of folds, e.g. the cross fold, the opening fold, the gusset folds and the folds which correspond to the fold lines 127B, 127C, 127D and 127E (shown in [Fig.1]) can be used.

[0163] Regardless of the packaging configuration, the packaging may contain a plurality of compressed articles, for example, compressed disposable absorbent articles. For example, the 700 package of this description may be used to hold feminine hygiene protective napkins. As shown in [Fig. 11], the packaging 700 defines an internal space 1002 in which a plurality of absorbent items 1004 are located. The plurality of absorbent items 1004 can be arranged in one or more stacks 1006. The absorbent items can be packaged under compression to reduce the size of the packages, while still providing an adequate quantity of absorbent items per package. By packaging the absorbent items under compression, healthcare providers can easily handle and store the packages, while also providing distribution savings for manufacturers due to the smaller package size.Although they lack the stretch properties of a conventional plastic packaging material, the inventors unexpectedly found that the packaging materials of the present description are capable of withstanding the rigors of processing and distribution, as previously mentioned, even with absorbent articles 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.

[0164] Thus, packs of the absorbent articles of this description may have a bag stack 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 within or by them, according to the bag stack height test described herein.Alternatively, the packaging of the absorbent articles in this description may have a bag stack height ranging from about 70 mm to about 150 mm, from about 70 mm to about 110 mm, from about 70 mm to about 105 mm, from about 70 mm to about 100 mm, from about 70 mm to about 95 mm, from about 70 mm to about 90 mm, from about 70 mm to about 85 mm, from about 72 mm to about 80 mm, or from about 74 mm to about 78 mm, specifically citing all 0.1 mm increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed within or by them, according to the bag stack height test described herein.

[0165] It should be noted that the absorbent articles inside the packagings of this description can be arranged in a myriad of configurations. For example, absorbent articles of this description can be arranged inside the packaging so that they are oriented vertically, or the absorbent articles can be arranged so that they are arranged in a horizontal configuration, for example as shown in [Fig.6]. Forms are envisaged where a combination of horizontally and vertically oriented items is provided in the packaging.

[0166] Furthermore, the items inside the packaging can be oriented such that one longitudinal peripheral edge of each item is more proximal to the panel facing the consumer than another longitudinal peripheral edge. For example, when the number of absorbent items inside the packaging is relatively high, for example, more than nine, the absorbent items can be arranged inside the packaging as described above. However, when the number of absorbent items inside the packaging is less than, for example, nine, the absorbent items can be arranged such that a top sheet or a bottom sheet of an absorbent item is more proximal to the panel facing the consumer.Additional absorbent items may be stacked behind the absorbent item closest to the consumer-facing panel. Forms are envisaged where there is a combination of orientations within the package. For example, at least one absorbent item may be arranged so that one of its peripheral longitudinal lateral edges is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel than another, and at least one absorbent item may be arranged so that its top or bottom sheet is more proximal to the consumer-facing panel. The remaining absorbent items, if any, may take either of these configurations.

[0167] Absorbent articles

[0168] As noted previously, there are many absorbent articles that can be packaged within the packaging material of this description. Two specific examples are given in Figures 12 to 13C. However, the packaging material and containers of this description can be used to contain a multitude of absorbent articles as described previously. Figures 12 to 13C are only examples of articles that can be contained with the packaging material / containers of this description.

[0169] In [Fig. 12] a feminine hygiene protective pad 800 given by way of example is shown. The feminine hygiene protective pad 800 comprises a top sheet 820, a backing sheet 850, and an absorbent core 840 disposed between the top sheet 820 and the backing sheet 850. A fluid-supporting layer 830 may be disposed between the top sheet 820 and the absorbent core 840. The absorbent article has a wearer-facing surface 860 and an opposite-clothing-facing surface 862. The wearer-facing surface 860 comprises primarily the top sheet 820, while the garment-facing surface 862 mainly comprises the backing sheet 850. Additional components may be included in either the wearer-facing surface 860 and / or the garment-facing surface 862. For example, when the absorbent item is an incontinence pad, a pair of barrier-forming flaps, which generally extend parallel to a longitudinal axis L of the absorbent item 800, may also form part of the wearer-facing surface 860. Similarly, a fixing adhesive may be present on the backing sheet 450 and form part of the garment-facing surface 862 of the absorbent item.

[0170] The top sheet 820 can be joined to the bottom sheet 850 by fastening methods (not shown) such as those well known in the art. The top sheet 820 and the bottom sheet 850 can be joined directly to each other at the periphery of the article and can be joined indirectly to each other by joining them directly to the absorbent core 840, to the fluid support layer 830, and / or to additional layers disposed between the top sheet 820 and the bottom sheet 850. This indirect or direct joining can be achieved by fastening methods that are well known in the art.

[0171] The 820 topsheet can be accommodating, soft to the touch, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Suitable topsheet materials include a fluid-permeable material that is oriented toward, and comes into contact with, the wearer's body, allowing bodily fluids to penetrate rapidly through it without allowing the fluid to flow back through the topsheet onto the wearer's skin. The topsheet, while allowing rapid fluid transfer through it, can also ensure the transfer or migration of the lotion composition to an external or internal part of the wearer's skin.

[0172] A suitable 820 topsheet may be made of various materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; perforated film materials including perforated formed thermoplastic films, perforated plastic films, and fiber-entangled perforated films; hydroformed thermoplastic films; porous foams; crosslinked foams; crosslinked thermoplastic films; thermoplastic muslins; or combinations thereof.

[0173] Perforated film materials suitable for use as a topsheet include those perforated plastic films that are non-absorbent and permeable to bodily exudates and provide minimal or no reflux of fluids through the topsheet. Non-limiting examples of other suitable formed films, including perforated 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. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975; U.S. Patent No. 3,929,135, issued to Thompson on December 30, 1975. US Patent No. 4,324,246, issued to Mullane et al. on April 13, 1982; US Patent No. 4,342,314, issued to Radel et al. on August 3, 1982; US Patent No. 4,463,045, issued to Ahr et al. on July 31, 1984; US Patent No. 5,006,394, issued to Baird on April 9, 1991; US ​​Patent No. 4,609,518, issued to Curro et al. on September 2, 1986; and US Patent No. 4,629,643, issued to Curro et al. on December 16, 1986.

[0174] Non-limiting examples of woven and non-woven materials suitable for use as a topsheet include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, for example 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 preferable for the topsheet to be hydrophobic or made hydrophobic. Optionally, portions of the topsheet may be made hydrophilic, using any process known to manufacture topsheets containing hydrophilic components.Non-woven fibrous topsheets 20 can be produced by any procedure known to manufacture non-woven webs, including but not limited to spun-bonded, carded, wet-applied, air-jet applied, melt-blown, needle-punched, mechanical entanglement, thermomechanical entanglement, and hydraulic entanglement.

[0175] The top sheet 820 can be formed from a combination of a perforated film and a nonwoven material. For example, a film mat and a nonwoven mat can be combined as described in US Patent No. 9,700,463. Alternatively, a film can be extruded onto a nonwoven material which is believed to provide improved contact between the film layer and the nonwoven material. Examples of such a combination are described in US Patent Nos. 9,849,602 and 9,700,463.

[0176] The base sheet 850 can be positioned adjacent to a surface facing the absorbent core garment 840 and can be attached to it by fastening methods such as those well known in the art. For example, the base sheet 850 can be attached to the absorbent core 840 by a continuous uniform layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or a network of separate lines, spirals, or dots of adhesive. Alternatively, the fastening methods may include the use of thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable fastening methods or combinations thereof as known in the art.

[0177] The base sheet 850 can be impermeable, or essentially impermeable, to liquids (for example, to urine) and can be made from a thin Plastic film, although other flexible, liquid-impermeable materials may also be used. As used here, the term "flexible" refers to materials that are accommodating and readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. The backing sheet can prevent, or at least inhibit, wetting by absorbed exudates contained within the absorbent core of clothing items that come into contact with the incontinence pad, such as underwear. However, the backing sheet may allow vapors to escape from the absorbent core (i.e., is air-permeable), while in some cases, the backing sheet may not allow vapors to escape (i.e., is air-impermeable). Thus, the backing sheet may comprise a polymer film such as thermoplastic polyethylene or polypropylene films.A suitable material for the base sheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness ranging from approximately 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to approximately 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example. Any suitable base sheet known in the art can be used with the present invention.

[0178] The base sheet 850 acts as a barrier to any absorbed bodily fluids that may pass through the absorbent core 840 to the garment surface, thereby reducing the risk of soiling underwear or other clothing. A preferred material is soft, smooth, accommodating, and permeable to liquids and vapors, ensuring softness and adaptability for comfort, and producing little noise so that movement does not cause unwanted sound.

[0179] Example background sheets are described in US patents No. 5,885,265 (Osborn, III.) issued March 23, 1999; 6,462,251 (Cimini) issued October 8, 2002; 6,623,464 (Bewick-Sonntag) issued on September 23, 2003, or US Patent No. 6,664,439 (Amdt) issued on December 16, 2003. Suitable double-layer or multi-layer air-permeable backing sheets suitable for use here include those given as examples in US Patent No. 3,881,489, US Patent No. 4,341,216, US Patent No. 4,713,068, US Patent No. 4,818,600, EP Patents 203,821, 710,471, 710,472, and 793,952.

[0180] Suitable air-permeable backing sheets for use here include all air-permeable backing sheets known in the art. In principle, there are two types of air-permeable backing sheets: single-layer air-permeable backing sheets, which are permeable to air and impermeable to liquids, and backing sheets having at least two layers, which in combination provide both air permeability and liquid impermeability. Suitable single-layer air-permeable backing sheets for use here include those described, for example, in patents GB A 2184 389, GB A 2184 390, GB A 2184 391, and patent US No. 4,591,523, US Patent No. 3,989,867, US Patent No. 3,156,242 and application WO 97 / 24097.

[0181] The backing sheet may be a nonwoven fabric having a surface mass between approximately 20 g / m² and approximately 50 g / m². By way of example, the backing sheet may be a relatively hydrophobic spunbond nonwoven fabric of 23 g / m² of 4-denier polypropylene fibers available from Fiberweb Neuberger, under the designation F102301001. The backing sheet may be coated with a non-soluble material capable of swelling upon contact with liquids as described in US Patent No. 6,436,508 (Ciammaichella) issued on August 20, 2002.

[0182] The liner has one side facing the garment and one side facing the opposite body. The side facing the garment of the liner comprises a non-adhesive area and an adhesive area. The adhesive area can be provided by any conventional means. Pressure-sensitive adhesives have commonly been found to work well for this purpose.

[0183] The absorbent core 840 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 certain forms of the present invention, the absorbent core 440 may comprise a contoured shape, for example, narrower in the middle region than in the end regions. By way of further example, the absorbent core may comprise a tapered shape having a wider portion in one end region of the towel that tapers to a narrower end region in the other end region of the towel. The absorbent core may have a stiffness that varies in the SM and ST.

[0184] The configuration and construction of the absorbent core can vary (for example, the absorbent core 840 may have areas of varying caliber, a hydrophilic gradient, a superabsorbent gradient, or a lower average density and collection areas with a lower average surface density). Furthermore, the size and absorbency capacity of the absorbent core 840 can also be varied to accommodate a variety of wearers. However, the total absorbency capacity of the absorbent core 840 must be compatible with the design load and intended use of the disposable absorbent article or incontinence pad.

[0185] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent core may comprise a plurality of multifunctional layers in addition to the first and second laminates. For example, the absorbent core may comprise a core sheath (not shown) useful for enveloping the first and second laminates and other optional layers. The core sheath may be formed from two nonwoven materials, substrates, laminates, films, or other materials. In one embodiment, the sheath The core may consist of only one material, substrate, laminate, or other material at least partially wrapped 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.

[0186] Absorbent cores comprising relatively high amounts of PSA with various core designs are disclosed in US Patent No. 5,599,335 of Goldman et al., EP Patent 1,447,066 of Busam et al., WO Application 95 / 11652 of Tanzer et al., US Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 of Hundorf et al., and WO Application 2012 / 052172 of Van Malderen. These can be used to configure superabsorbent diapers.

[0187] Additions to the core of the present description are envisaged. In particular, potential additions to the current multi-layered absorbent core are described in US Patent No. 4,610,678, entitled "High-Density Absorbent Structures," issued to Weisman et al. on September 9, 1986; US Patent No. 4,673,402, entitled "Absorbent Articles With Dual-Layered Cores," issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987; US Patent No. 4,888,231, entitled "Absorbent Core Having A Dusting Layer," issued to Angstadt on December 19, 1989; and US 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 a chemically stiffened fiber acquisition / distribution core positioned over a storage absorbent core, as detailed in US 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 US Patent No. 5,147,345. These are useful insofar as they do not negate or conflict with the effects of the laminates described below 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.

[0188] Any suitable fluid-holding layer can be used in conjunction with the 800 feminine hygiene protective pad. The fluid-holding layer can be independent and separate from the absorbent system. Furthermore, the fluid-holding layer is positioned beneath the top sheet and on the wearer-facing surface of the core. The fluid-holding layer can have a surface mass of approximately 40 g / m² to approximately 100 g / m², approximately 45 g / m² to approximately 75 g / m², or approximately 50 g / m² to approximately 65 g / m², specifically including all values ​​within these ranges and any which areas are created by these. In some forms, the fluid support layer may comprise a homogeneous mixture of fibers, while in other forms, the fluid support layer may comprise a heterogeneous mixture of fibers.

[0189] Certain fluid support layers given by way of example are described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2015 / 0351976 A1 and 2014 / 0343523 A1; and US Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 729704.

[0190] Another example of an absorbent article that can be included in the packaging of this description is diapers. As shown in [Fig. 13A], a plan view of an example of an absorbent article is a 1900 diaper in its flat, uncontracted state (i.e., with elastic-induced contraction pulled outward), with parts of the structure being cut away to more clearly show the construction of the 1900 diaper and with its surface facing the wearer in the direction of the observer. This diaper is shown for illustrative purposes only, as the packaging of this description can be used for a wide variety of diapers and other absorbent articles.

[0191] The absorbent article may include a liquid-permeable top sheet 1924, a liquid-impermeable bottom sheet 1925, an absorbent core 1928 positioned at least partially between the top sheet 1924 and the bottom sheet 1925, and barrier leg flaps 1934. The absorbent article may also include a liquid handling system (“LMS”) 1950 (shown in [Fig. 13B]), which, in the example shown, includes a distribution layer 1954 and a collection layer 1952, both of which will be discussed further below. In various forms, the collection layer 1952 may instead distribute bodily exudates and the distribution layer 1954 may instead collect bodily exudates, or both layers may distribute and / or collect bodily exudates. The LMS 1950 can also be supplied as a single layer or two or more layers.The absorbent article may also include elasticated sealing flaps 1932 attached to the absorbent article frame, typically through the top sheet and / or the bottom sheet, and essentially flat with the baby diaper frame.

[0192] The Figures also show typical tape-fixed diaper components such as a fastening system including adhesive tabs 1942 or other mechanical fasteners fixed towards the rear edge of the absorbent article 1900 and cooperating with a receiving area 1944 on the front of the absorbent article 1900. 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.

[0193] The absorbent article 1900 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 1900 that is intended to face 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 1900 is put on a wearer.The absorbent article 1900 may have a longitudinal axis 1980 extending from the lateral midpoint of the front waistband edge 1910 to a lateral midpoint of the rear waistband edge 1912 of the absorbent article 1900, dividing the absorbent article 1900 into two essentially symmetrical halves with respect to the longitudinal axis 1980, with the article laid flat and viewed from the surface facing the wearer as illustrated in [Fig. 13A]. The absorbent article may also have a lateral axis 1990 extending from the longitudinal midpoint of the first lateral edge 1903 to the longitudinal midpoint of the second lateral edge 1904. The length L of the absorbent article 1900 may be measured along the longitudinal axis 1980 from the front waistband edge 1910 to the rear waistband edge 1912.The inseam width of absorbent article 1900 can be measured along the lateral axis 1990 from the first lateral edge 1903 to the second lateral edge 1904. Absorbent article 1900 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 portions may also be defined on opposite sides of the lateral axis 1990.

[0194] The top sheet 1924, the bottom sheet 1925, the absorbent core 1928, and the other article components can be assembled in a variety of configurations, particularly by bonding or heat stamping, for example. Examples of layer configurations are generally described in US Patent No. 3,860,003, US Patent No. 5,221,274, US Patent No. 5,554,145, US Patent No. 5,569,234, US Patent No. 5,580,411, and US Patent No. 6,004,306.

[0195] 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 within the ranges specified above and all ranges formed within or by them, and a core cover enclosing the absorbent material. The core cover may typically comprise two materials, substrates, or nonwoven materials 1916 and 1916' for the upper and lower sides of the core.

[0196] The absorbing core 1928 may comprise one or more channels, shown in [Fig. 13A] as the four channels 1926, 1926' and 1927, 1927'. In addition, or alternatively, the LMS 1950 may comprise one or more channels, shown in Figures 13A to 13C as channels 1949, 1949'. In some forms, the channels of the LMS 1950 may be positioned within the absorbing article 1900 such that they are aligned with, essentially aligned with, overlap, or at least partially overlap, the channels of the absorbing core 1928. These and other components of the absorbing articles will now be discussed in more detail.

[0197] The top sheet 1924 is the part of the absorbent article that is in direct contact with the wearer's skin. The top sheet 1924 may be joined to the back sheet 1925, the core 1928, and / or any other layers as is known to the specialist in the technique. Usually, the top sheet 1924 and the back sheet 1925 are joined directly to each other in certain locations (for example, 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 absorbent article 1900.

[0198] The backing sheet 1925 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 1900 positioned adjacent to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core 1928 and which prevents, or at least inhibits, the absorbed bodily exudates contained within it from soiling articles such as bed sheets and underwear. The backing sheet 1925 is typically impermeable, or at least substantially impermeable, to liquids (e.g., urine, liquid feces), but permeable to vapors to allow the diaper to "breathe." The backing sheet 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 backing sheet films include those manufactured by Tredegar Corporation, based in Richmond, VA, and sold under the brand name CPC2 film.Other suitable backing sheet materials may include air-permeable materials that allow vapors to escape from the absorbent article 1900 while preventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing through the backing sheet 1925. Examples of air-permeable materials may include materials such as woven sheets, non-woven sheets, and composite materials such as film-coated non-woven sheets, microporous films, and monolithic films.

[0199] The base sheet 1925 can be joined to the top sheet 1924, the absorbent core 1928, and / or any other element of the absorbent article 1900 by any fastening methods known to the specialist in the art. Suitable fastening methods are described above in relation to the methods for joining the top sheet 1924 to other elements of the absorbent article 1900.

[0200] As used herein, the term "absorbent core" refers to the individual component of the absorbent article having the greatest absorption capacity and comprising absorbent material. The absorbent core may include a core cover or core bag (hereinafter "core cover") enclosing the absorbent material. The term "absorbent core" does not include the LMS or any other component of the absorbent article that is not an integral part of, or located within, the core cover. The absorbent core may comprise, be essentially made of, or consist of a core cover, absorbent material as defined below, and adhesive, enclosed within the core cover. Paper pulp or aerated felt may also be present within the core cover and may form part of the absorbent material.The absorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core sheath, can define any suitable shape, such as a "T," "Y," "hourglass," or "dog bone" shape, for example. An absorbent core periphery typically having a "dog bone" or "hourglass" shape may taper along its width toward the central or "crotch" region of the core. In this way, the absorbent core can have a relatively narrow width in an area of ​​the absorbent core intended to be placed in the crotch region of an absorbent article.

[0201] The absorbent core 1928 of this description may comprise an absorbent material with a high amount of superabsorbent polymers (hereinafter abbreviated as "PSA") enclosed within a core casing. The PSA content may represent 70% to 100% or at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100% by weight of the absorbent material contained in the core casing. The PSA useful with this description may include a variety of polymers that are insoluble in water but can swell in water, capable of absorbing large quantities of fluids. The core casing is not considered to be an absorbent material for the purposes of evaluating the percentage of PSA in the absorbent core. The remainder of the absorbent material in the core 1928 may be aerated felt.

[0202] An “absorbent material” means a material that possesses certain absorbency or liquid retention properties, such as PSA, cellulosic fibers, and synthetic fibers. Typically, the adhesives used in the manufacture of absorbent cores have no absorbency properties and are not considered to be absorbent materials. The PSA content can 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 casing, as mentioned previously. This provides a relatively thin core compared with conventional cores typically comprising between 40% and 60% PSA, for example, and a high fiber content. of cellulose or aerated felt. 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 devoid of, or be devoid of, natural and / or synthetic fibers, specifically citing all 0.1% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.The absorbent material may comprise little or no aerated felt (cellulose) fibers; in particular, the absorbent core may comprise less than 15%, 10%, 5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% aerated felt (cellulose) fibers by weight, or may even be essentially devoid of, or be free of, cellulose fibers, specifically citing all 0.1% increments within the specified ranges and all ranges formed within or by them.

[0203] The absorbent core 1928 may also include a generally flat upper side and a generally flat lower side. The core 1928 may have a longitudinal axis 80' corresponding essentially to the longitudinal axis 80 of the absorbent article, as observed from the top in a plan view such as in [Fig. 5A]. The absorbent material may be distributed in a greater quantity toward the front side than toward the rear side, since more absorbance may be required at the front in particular articles. The absorbent material may have a non-uniform surface mass or a uniform surface mass throughout any part of the core. The core sheath may be formed of 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 casing can be at least partially sealed along its front side, rear side, and two longitudinal sides so that essentially no absorbent material leaks from the absorbent core casing. The first material, substrate, or nonwoven 1916 can at least partially surround the second material, substrate, or nonwoven 1916' to form the core casing. The first material 1916 can surround a portion of the second material 1916' near the first and second lateral edges 1903 and 1904.

[0204] Cores comprising a relatively high amount of PSA with various core designs are described in US Patent No. 5,599,335 (Goldman), EP Patent 1,447,066 (Busam), WO Application 95 / 11652 (Tanzer), US Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622A1 (Hundorf), and WO Application 2012 / 052172 (Van Malderen).

[0205] The absorbent material may be one or more continuous layers present within the core casing. Alternatively, the absorbent material may consist of individual pockets or strips of absorbent material enclosed within The core sheath. In the first case, the absorbent material can be obtained, for example, by applying a single continuous layer of absorbent material. The continuous layer of absorbent material, in particular PSA, can also be obtained by combining two or more absorbent layers having a discontinuous pattern of absorbent material application, in which the resulting layer is distributed essentially continuously throughout the area of ​​absorbent particulate polymer 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 of absorbent material, which may be 100% or less PSA.The second absorbent layer may comprise the second material 1916' and a second layer of absorbent material, which may also be 100% or less PSA.

[0206] A fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material can be at least partially in contact with the absorbent material 1960 in the receiving areas and at least partially in contact with materials 1916 and 1916' in the junction areas. This imparts a practically three-dimensional structure to the fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material, which itself is practically a two-dimensional structure of relatively small thickness compared to its dimensions in the length and width directions. As a result, the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material can provide cavities to cover the absorbent material in the receiving area, thereby immobilizing this absorbent material, which may be 100% or less of PSA.

[0207] The core casing may consist of a single substrate, material, or nonwoven fabric folded around the absorbent material, or it may comprise two (or more) substrates, materials, or nonwoven fabrics that are bonded to one another. Typical bonding methods are the so-called C-casing and / or sandwich casing. In a C-casing, 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 casing. For example, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the substrates may be bonded to one another and then folded under the absorbent core and bonded in that position.

[0208] The core casing can be at least partially sealed along all sides of the absorbent core so 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 escapes from the core casing. The term "sealing" should be understood In a broad sense, the seal for the core casing does not necessarily have to be continuous along the entire periphery of the core casing, but can be discontinuous along part or all of it, such as formed by a series of sealing points spaced along a line. A seal can be formed by bonding and / or thermal bonding.

[0209] The core envelope can also be formed from a single substrate which can enclose the absorbent material as in a parcel package and be sealed along the front and back sides of the core and a longitudinal seal.

[0210] The absorbent article may comprise a pair of barrier leg cuffs 1934 and gathered leg elastics 1933. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed from a piece of material that is bonded to the absorbent article so that it can extend upwards from the inner surface of the absorbent article and provide enhanced retention of fluids and other bodily exudates approximately at the junction of the wearer's torso and legs. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 are delimited by a proximal edge 1964 joined directly or indirectly to the top sheet 1924 and / or the bottom sheet 1925 and a free terminal edge 1966, which is intended to come into contact with and form a seal against 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 area 1907. The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be joined at the proximal edge 1964 to the frame 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 bond 1965 at the proximal edge 1964 may be continuous or intermittent. The bond 1965 nearest to the raised section of the leg cuffs 1934 demarcates the proximal edge 1964 from the raised section of the leg cuffs 1934.

[0211] The barrier leg cuffs 1934 may be integral with the top sheet 1924 or the bottom sheet 1925 or may be an independent material attached to the frame of the absorbent article. The barrier leg cuff material 1934 may extend through the entire length of the layers, but may be "adhesively bonded" to the top sheet 1924 towards the front waist edge 1910 and the rear waist edge 1912 of the absorbent article so that in these sections the barrier leg cuff material remains flush with the top sheet 1924.

[0212] Each barrier leg cuff 1934 may include one, two, or more than two elastic threads or film strips 1935 near that 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 towel structure as described Regarding [Fig. 12]. Such configurations may be desirable in an adult incontinence pad. Any of the configurations described here for barrier leg cuffs can be used for adult incontinence pads.

[0213] In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 1934, the absorbent article may include sealing cuffs 1932, which are attached to the frame of the absorbent article, in particular to the top sheet 1924 and / or the bottom sheet 1925, and are positioned externally to the barrier leg cuffs 1934. The sealing cuffs 1932 may provide a better seal around the wearer's thighs. Each sealing leg cuff may include one or more elastic cords or elastic elements included in the frame of the absorbent article between the top sheet 1924 and the bottom sheet 1925 in the area of ​​the leg openings. All or part of the sealing leg cuffs and / or sealing cuffs may be treated with a skin care lotion or composition.Barrier leg reverses can be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0277713.

[0214] In one form, the absorbent article may include front tabs 1946 and rear tabs 1940. The tabs may be an integral part of the frame, such as being formed from the top sheet 1924 and / or the bottom sheet 1925 as a side panel. Alternatively, as shown in [Fig. 13A], the tabs (1946, 1940) may be separate elements attached by gluing, heat embossing, and / or pressure bonding. The rear tabs 1940 may be stretchable to facilitate the attachment of the tabs 1942 to the receiving area 1944 and to hold the band-on baby diapers in place around the wearer's waistband.The 1940 rear tabs can also be elastic or stretchable to provide a more comfortable and form-fitting fit by initially conforming to the shape of the absorbent item on the wearer and maintaining this fit throughout the wearing time well after the absorbent item has become saturated with exudates, since the elasticated tabs allow the sides of the absorbent item to expand and contract.

[0215] One function of the LMS 1950 is to rapidly collect the fluid and efficiently distribute it to the absorbent core 1928. The LMS 1950 may comprise one or more layers, which may form a single layer or remain as individual layers that can be bonded to one another. The LMS 1950 may comprise two layers: a distribution layer 1954 and a collection layer 1952 arranged between the absorbent core and the top sheet, but the present description is not limited to such a configuration.

[0216] The LMS 1950 may include a PSA, as this can slow down fluid acquisition and distribution. In other forms, the LMS may be substantially free (for example, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% free of) 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-jet applied or carded fibers, resin-bonded nonwoven materials, for example. Examples of suitable LMS are described in applications WO 2000 / 59430 (Daley), WO 95 / 10996 (Richards), US Patent No. 5,700,254 (McDowall), and WO 02 / 067809 (Graef), for example.

[0217] The LMS 1950 may include 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 cellulose fibers may be curled, twisted, or looped, or any combination thereof, including curled, twisted, and looped. This type of material is described in US Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0312622 A1 (Hundorf).

[0218] The LMS 1950 may alternatively or further comprise a collection layer 1952. The collection layer 1952 may be disposed, for example, between the distribution layer 1954 and the top sheet 1924. The collection 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 collection layer 1952 may comprise air-applied or wet-applied cellulosic fibers, crosslinked cellulosic fibers, or synthetic fibers, or mixtures thereof. The 1952 collection layer may include a roll sheet of synthetic fibers (which may be treated to increase void space, such as by solid-state forming), or a combination of synthetic and cellulosic fibers, bonded together to form a bulky bulking material.Alternatively, the 1952 collection layer may include an open-cell absorbent foam. The non-woven material may be latex-bonded.

[0219] The LMS 1950 of the absorbent article 1900 may include channels that can generally allow for better adaptation of the absorbent article to the wearer's anatomy, resulting in increased freedom of movement and reduced gaping. One or more of the channels in the LMS 1950 may be configured to work in conjunction with various channels in the absorbent core 1928, as discussed previously. In addition, the channels in the LMS 1950 may also provide increased empty 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 usable indications internal differences, especially when highlighted through physical variations in texture, color, and / or pattern, facilitate the correct alignment of the absorbent article on the wearer. Such physical differences may be, for example, visually and / or tactilely perceptible.

[0220] Packaging assembly

[0221] With the packaging material of this description, it is envisaged that a wide variety of packaging networks can be provided to address the concerns of a variety of consumers. By way of example, the packaging of this description can be used with absorbent articles that have more natural components or contain natural components. For example, the packaging of this description can be used with absorbent articles that include a cotton top sheet and / or a cotton-based fluid support or collection layer. In addition, or as an alternative, the packaging of this description can be used with absorbent articles that are unscented and / or that have unbleached pulp in their absorbent cores.

[0222] While some of the absorbent article offerings may be in the packaging described herein, the other absorbent article offerings may be in conventional packaging. However, in an attempt to encourage more sustainable manufacturing practices, it is envisaged that, for absorbent articles offered by a single absorbent article manufacturer on a shelf, at least 20 percent will comprise recyclable packaging as described herein, more preferably at least 40 percent, or most preferably at least 50 percent, specifically citing all values ​​within these ranges and any ranges created by them.For example, when a manufacturer of absorbent products has 5 absorbent product offerings on a store shelf, e.g. 2 sizes of baby diapers, 3 sizes of feminine hygiene pads, at least 1 of the packages for a single size of baby diaper or a single size of feminine hygiene pad may include recyclable packaging as described here.

[0223] Sets are envisaged when the packaging material of this description is used for two different absorbent articles and the packages have different sealing configurations. 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 cross-style configuration.

[0224] Examples considered

[0225] Example A. A package for one or more absorbent articles, wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed inside the package, the package comprising: a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel and a top panel disposed above the consumer-facing panel, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; a top fold line disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel, wherein the top fold line is collinear, at least in part, with a cross fold; wherein the packaging material comprises natural fibres and wherein the cross fold has a maximum load of about 1.8 N or less, more preferably about 1.7 N or less.

[0226] Example A1. The packaging of any of Example A, in which the upper panel comprises a front face, an opposite rear face, a right face and an opposite left face and an opening tab.

[0227] Example A2. The packaging of Example A1, in which at least one of the front and / or rear face includes an opening fold.

[0228] Example A3. The packaging of any of Examples A1 or A2, wherein the right face and / or the left face comprise bellows folds.

[0229] Example A4. The packaging of any of Examples A to A3, wherein the packaging further comprises a rear panel opposite the consumer-facing panel, a left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, and a right panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel.

[0230] Example A5. The packaging of Example 4 further comprising one or more vertical folds arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the left panel, the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, the right panel and the rear panel, and / or the left panel and the rear panel.

[0231] Example A6. The packaging of any of Examples A to A5, wherein the cross fold is arranged in a foreground and an upper edge of the absorbent article(s) is arranged in a background, and wherein a distance between the foreground and background is about 5 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or less, or most preferably about 2 mm or less.

[0232] Example A7. The packaging of any of Examples A to A6, wherein the cross fold has a depth greater than about 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.02 mm, or most preferably greater than about 0.03 mm.

[0233] Example A8. The packaging of any one of Examples A to A7, wherein the cross fold has a depth of about 0.01 mm to about 0.9 mm, more preferably about 0.02 mm to about 0.7 mm, or most preferably about 0.03 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0234] Example A9. The packaging of any of Examples A2 to A8, wherein the opening fold has a depth of about 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.02 mm, or more preferably greater than about 0.03 mm.

[0235] Example A10. The packaging of any of Examples A2 to A9, wherein the opening fold has a depth ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 0.9 mm, more preferably from about 0.02 mm to about 0.7 mm, or most preferably from about 0.03 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0236] Example A11. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A10, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0237] Example A12. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A11, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0238] Example A13. The packaging of any one of Examples A2 to A12, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm or more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0239] Example A14. The packaging of any of Examples A2 to A13, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0240] Example A15. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A14, in which the cross fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

[0241] Example A16. The conditioning of any one of Examples A2 to A15, in which the opening fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

[0242] Example A17. The packaging of Example A16, in which the opening fold is arranged on the front face.

[0243] Example A18. The conditioning of any of Examples A to A17, in which the cross fold has a maximum load ranging from about 0.7 N to about 1.8 N or more preferably from about 0.8 N to about 1.7 N.

[0244] Example A19. The conditioning of any of Examples A2 to A18, wherein the opening fold has a maximum load of about 1.8 N or less, or more preferably about 1.7 N or less.

[0245] Example A20. The conditioning of any of Examples A2 to A19, in which the opening fold has a maximum load ranging from about 0.7 N to about 1.8 N or more preferably from about 0.8 N to about 1.7 N.

[0246] Example 21. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A20, wherein the cross fold has a slope of about 2.5 N / mm or less, more preferably about 2.4 N / mm or less, or most preferably about 2.3 N / mm or less.

[0247] Example A22. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A21, wherein the cross fold has a slope from about 1.5 N / mm to about 2.5 N / mm, more preferably from about 1.6 N / mm to about 2.4 N / mm or most preferably from about 1.7 N / mm to about 2.3 N / mm.

[0248] Example A23. The conditioning of any of Examples A to A22, wherein the opening fold has a slope of about 2.5 N / mm or less, more preferably about 2.4 N / mm or less, or most preferably about 2.3 N / mm or less.

[0249] Example A24. The conditioning of any one of Examples A to A23, wherein the opening fold has a slope ranging from about 1.5 N / mm to about 2.5 N / mm, more preferably from about 1.6 N / mm to about 2.4 N / mm or most preferably from about 1.7 N / mm to about 2.3 N / mm.

[0250] Example A25. The packaging of any of Examples A to A24, wherein the top fold line includes a top fold length and wherein the cross fold includes a cross fold length, wherein the cross fold length is at least 10 percent of the length of the top fold length, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the top fold length, and most preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the top fold length.

[0251] Example A26. The packaging of Example A25, wherein the cross fold length is between 10 percent and 100 percent of the top fold length, more preferably about 30 percent to about 100 percent, or more preferably about 50 percent to about 100 percent.

[0252] Example A27. The packaging of any one of Examples A to A26, in which the packaging is recyclable.

[0253] Example B. A package for one or more absorbent articles, wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed inside the package, the package comprising: a plurality of panels, including a panel making facing the consumer and an upper panel disposed above the panel facing the consumer, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; an opening fold line disposed on the upper panel, wherein the opening fold line is collinear, at least in part, with an opening fold; wherein the packaging material comprises natural fibers and wherein the opening fold has a maximum load of about 1.8 N or less, more preferably about 1.7 N or less.

[0254] Example Bl. The packaging of any of Example B, in which the upper panel comprises a front face, an opposite rear face, a right face and an opposite left face and an opening tab.

[0255] Example B2. The packaging of Example B to B1, in which at least one of the front and / or rear face includes the opening fold.

[0256] Example B3. The packaging of any of Examples B to B2, wherein the packaging further comprises a rear panel opposite the consumer-facing panel, a left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, and a right panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel.

[0257] Example B4. The packaging of Example B4 further comprising one or more vertical folds arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the left panel, the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, the right panel and the rear panel, and / or the left panel and the rear panel.

[0258] Example B5. The packaging of any of Examples B to B4, wherein the opening fold has a depth of about 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.02 mm, or more preferably greater than about 0.03 mm.

[0259] Example B6. The conditioning of any one of Examples B to B5, wherein the opening fold has a depth ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 0.9 mm, more preferably from about 0.02 mm to about 0.7 mm, or most preferably from about 0.03 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0260] Example B7. The packaging of any one of Examples B to B6, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0261] Example B8. The packaging of any one of Examples B to B7, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0262] Example B9. The conditioning of any one of Examples B to B8, in which the opening fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

[0263] Example B10. The packaging of Example B9, in which the opening fold is arranged on the front face.

[0264] Example B11. The conditioning of any of Examples B to B10, wherein the opening fold has a maximum load of about 1.8 N or less, or more preferably about 1.7 N or less.

[0265] Example B12. The conditioning of any of Examples B to B11, in which the opening fold has a maximum load ranging from about 0.7 N to about 1.8 N or more preferably from about 0.8 N to about 1.7 N.

[0266] Example B13. The conditioning of any of Examples B to B12, wherein the opening fold has a slope of about 2.5 N / mm or less, more preferably about 2.4 N / mm or less, or most preferably about 2.3 N / mm or less.

[0267] Example B14. The conditioning of any one of Examples B to B13, wherein the opening fold has a slope ranging from about 1.5 N / mm to about 2.5 N / mm, more preferably from about 1.6 N / mm to about 2.4 N / mm or most preferably from about 1.7 N / mm to about 2.3 N / mm.

[0268] Example B15. The packaging of any of Examples B to B14, wherein the opening fold line comprises an opening fold length and wherein the opening fold comprises an opening fold length, wherein the opening fold length is at least 10 percent of the length of the top fold length, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the opening fold length, and most preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the opening fold length.

[0269] Example B16. The packaging of Example B15, wherein the opening fold length is between 10 percent and 100 percent of the opening fold length, more preferably about 30 percent to about 100 percent, or more preferably about 50 percent to about 100 percent.

[0270] Example B17. The packaging of any of Examples B to B16, wherein a cross fold is arranged between the panel facing the consumer and the upper panel.

[0271] Example B18. The packaging of any one of Examples B to B17, in which the packaging is recyclable.

[0272] Example C. Packaging for one or more absorbent articles, wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed inside the packaging, the packaging comprising: a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel and an upper panel disposed above the consumer-facing panel facing the consumer, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface and an outer surface; a top fold line disposed between the panel facing the consumer and the top panel, wherein the top fold line is collinear, at least in part, with a cross fold; wherein the packaging material comprises natural fibres and has a surface mass of between 60 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 65 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or more preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined by means of ISO 536 as modified herein.

[0273] Example Cl. The packaging of any of Example C, in which the upper panel comprises a front face, an opposite rear face, a right face and an opposite left face and an opening tab.

[0274] Example C2. The packaging of Example C1, in which at least one of the front or rear face includes an opening fold.

[0275] Example C3. The packaging of any of Examples C1 or C2, wherein the right face and / or the left face comprise bellows folds.

[0276] Example C4. The packaging of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the packaging further comprises a rear panel opposite the consumer-facing panel, a left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel, and a right panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the rear panel.

[0277] Example C5. The packaging of Example C4 further comprising one or more vertical folds arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the left panel, the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, the right panel and the rear panel, and / or the left panel and the rear panel.

[0278] Example C6. The packaging of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the cross fold is arranged in a foreground and an upper edge of the absorbent article(s) is arranged in a background, and wherein a distance between the foreground and background is about 5 mm or less, more preferably about 3 mm or less, or most preferably about 2 mm or less.

[0279] Example C7. The conditioning of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the cross fold has a depth greater than about 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.02 mm, or most preferably greater than about 0.03 mm.

[0280] Example C8. The conditioning of any of the preceding Examples, in which the cross fold has a depth ranging from approximately 0.01 mm to approximately 0.9 mm, more preferably from about 0.02 mm to about 0.7, or most preferably from about 0.03 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0281] Example C9. The conditioning of any of Examples C2 to C8, wherein the opening fold has a depth of about 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than about 0.02 mm, or more preferably greater than about 0.03 mm.

[0282] Example C10. The conditioning of any of Examples C2 to C9, wherein the opening fold has a depth ranging from about 0.01 mm to about 0.9 mm, more preferably from about 0.02 mm to about 0.7 mm, or most preferably from about 0.03 mm to about 0.5 mm.

[0283] Example Cl 1. The conditioning of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the cross fold has a width ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0284] Example C12. The conditioning of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the cross fold has a width ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0285] Example C13. The packaging of any one of Examples C2 to C12, wherein the cross fold has a width ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 7 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 35 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 4 mm.

[0286] Example C14. The conditioning of any one of Examples C2 to C13, wherein the cross fold has a width from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, more preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 2 mm, or most preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm.

[0287] Example C15. The conditioning of any of the preceding examples, in which the cross fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

[0288] Example C16. The conditioning of any one of Examples C2 to C15, in which the opening fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

[0289] Example C17. The packaging of Example C16, in which the opening fold is arranged on the front face.

[0290] Example C18. The conditioning of any of Examples C3 to C17, in which the pair of bellows folds is stressed from the outer surface to the inner surface.

[0291] Example C19. The packaging of any one of Examples C4 to C18, wherein the upper fold line comprises a first part disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel, a second a part arranged between the right panel and the top panel, a third part arranged between the rear panel and the top panel, and a fourth part arranged between the left panel and the top panel, and in which a first corner is arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, a second corner is arranged between the right panel and the rear panel, a third corner is arranged between the rear panel and the left panel, and a fourth corner is arranged between the left panel and the consumer-facing panel.

[0292] Example C20. The packaging of Example C19, in which the cross fold comprises a first section arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel, in which the first section comprises a first part and a second part, the first part extending from the fourth corner to a vertical midline of the consumer-facing panel and the second part extending from the first corner to the midline of the consumer-facing panel.

[0293] Example C21. The packaging of Example C20, in which the first part and the second part have a cumulative length which is less than a length of the first part of the upper fold line.

[0294] Example C22. The conditioning of Examples C20 and C21, wherein the cumulative length is at least 10 percent of the length of the first part, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the first part, or more preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the first part.

[0295] Example C23. The packaging of any of Examples C19 to C22, wherein the cross fold is arranged, at least in part, between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel, the right and left panels and the top panel, and the back panel and the top panel.

[0296] Example C24. Packaging according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the packaging material comprises at least 50 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, or most preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers.

[0297] Example C25. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the packaging material comprises between 50 and 100 percent by weight of natural fibers, more preferably between 65 and 99 percent by weight of natural fibers, or most preferably between 75 and 95 percent by weight of natural fibers.

[0298] Example C26. Conditioning according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the natural fibres of the conditioning material comprise at minus one of the following: cellulose-based fibers, bamboo-based fibers, cotton-based fibers, abaca-based fibers, Javanese jute-based fibers, Chinese alpine rush-based fibers, flax-based fibers, esparto grass-based fibers, straw-based jute-based fibers, hemp-based fibers, bagasse-based fibers, milkweed-based fibers, pineapple-based fibers, wood-based fibers, or paper pulp-based fibers.

[0299] Example C27. Conditioning according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the natural fibres comprise at least one of wood fibres or pulp fibres.

[0300] Example C28. Packaging according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-recyclable material of less than about 30 percent by weight, more preferably less than about 20 percent by weight, or most preferably less than about 10 percent by weight.

[0301] Example C29. Packaging according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-recyclable material of between 0.5 percent and 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.

[0302] Example C30. Packaging according to any of the preceding Examples, in which the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-recyclable material of less than about 5 percent by weight.

[0303] Example C31. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the packaging material comprises a percentage by weight of non-recyclable material of between 0.5 percent and about 5 percent.

[0304] Example C32. Packaging according to any of the preceding Examples, wherein the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of at least 70 percent, more preferably at least 80 percent, or most preferably at least 90 percent, as determined by process PTS-RH:021 / 97 (Draft Oct. 2019).

[0305] Example C33. Conditioning according to any one of the preceding Examples, in which the conditioning material has an overall test result of “passing”, as determined through the PTS-RH:021 / 97 process (Draft Oct. 2019).

[0306] Example C34. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the packaging material has a recyclable percentage of between 70 percent and 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.

[0307] Example C35. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the packaging material comprises recycled natural fibres as determined by visual inspection.

[0308] Example C36. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, in which the packaging material does not include a barrier layer.

[0309] Example C37. Packaging according to any one of Examples C to C35, wherein the packaging material comprises a barrier layer.

[0310] Example C38. Packaging according to any one of the preceding Examples, wherein the absorbent article(s) have a bag stack height of less than about 150 mm, more preferably less than about 100 mm, or most preferably less than about 70 mm, in accordance with the bag stack height process.

[0311] Example C39. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein 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.

[0312] Example C40. Packaging according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the absorbent article(s) comprise at least one of the following: adult incontinence pants, incontinence pads, diapers, or incontinence pants.

[0313] Test methods

[0314] ASTM F88-06 - Sealing Tensile Strength

[0315] This test method determines the strength of a seal in flexible barrier materials by measuring the force required to separate a test strip from the material containing the seal. The seal strength is measured in accordance with a standardized ASTM F0088-06 procedure on a constant rate-of-extension tensile tester, with the procedural specifications noted herein. A suitable instrument is the Instron Model 5965 using Bluehill Universal software (both available from Instron, Norwood, MA), or equivalent. All measurements are performed in a laboratory maintained at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity, and the test specimens are conditioned in this environment for 2 hours prior to testing.

[0316] The preparation of the test specimens and the test procedure are described in the referenced ASTM procedure, with the following specific details. The test specimen is cut to a width of 1.0 inch, the gripper separation speed is 300 mm / min, and the tail-holding method 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 A total of five replicated test specimens were used. Calculate the arithmetic mean for the maximum sealing strength and report it as the tensile strength to the nearest 0.1 N / in.

[0317] ISO 1924-3 - Tensile properties (tensile strength, stretching, energy absorption)

[0318] The tensile properties (tensile strength, elongation, and energy absorption) of a test specimen are calculated from measured force and elongation values ​​obtained using a constant-rate elongation test until the specimen breaks. The test is performed in accordance with the standard procedure ISO 1924-3, with the modifications noted herein. Measurements are taken on a constant-rate 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 performed 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..

[0319] Measurements are taken on both SM (machine direction) and ST (transverse direction) test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or from test samples obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or deform the sample during the process. The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free of any seams 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 extends 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 replicated test samples must be prepared from the SM and ten additional replicates from the ST.

[0320] Program the tensile tester for a constant uniaxial extension rate until 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 tester's central axis. Lift the crosshead at a rate of 25.4 mm / min until the test specimen breaks, collecting force (N) and extension (mm) data at 100 Hz over the entire test. Plot a force (N) versus extension (mm) graph. Read Record the maximum force (N) on the graph and note it as the peak force at the nearest 0.1 N, indicating SM or ST. Read the extension at the maximum force (N) from the graph and note it as the elongation at break at 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, intersects the elongation axis. Now calculate the force-elongation curve from the z-point to the point of maximum force and report 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-elongation curve where the z-point is indicated.]

[0321] Calculate the arithmetic mean of the peak force for all SM replicas and then all ST replicas, and record these values ​​respectively as the average SM peak force and the average ST peak force to the nearest ±0.1 N. Calculate the arithmetic mean of the elongation at break for all SM replicas and then all ST replicas, and record these values ​​respectively as the average SM elongation at break and the average ST elongation at break to the nearest 0.01 mm. Calculate the arithmetic mean under the force-elongation curve for all SM replicas and then all ST replicas, and record these values ​​respectively as the average area under the SM curve and the average area under the ST curve to the nearest 0.1 mJ.

[0322] The tensile strength is calculated by dividing the mean peak force (N) by the width of the test sample (25.4 mm). Calculate the tensile strength for the SM replicas and then the ST replicas, and report them respectively as SM tensile strength and ST tensile strength to the nearest 0.1 kN / m.

[0323] The stretch at break is calculated by dividing the mean 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 replicas and then the ST replicas and report respectively as SM elongation at break and ST elongation at break to the nearest percent.

[0324] ISO 2758 - Burst resistance

[0325] Burst strength is the maximum uniformly distributed pressure that a test sample can withstand. Burst strength is measured in accordance with the standard procedure ISO 2758 using a test apparatus as described in the procedure. A suitable instrument is the Paper and Metal Foil Burst Tester 13-60 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.

[0326] Measurements are taken on test samples from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or from test specimens obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or deform the test sample during the process. The test sample must be larger than the clamps used to hold the test sample in the instrument. The test sample should be taken from an area free of creases, folds, or seams.

[0327] Measure burst strength (using sufficient clamping pressure to prevent slippage during the test, and a pumping rate of 95 ± 15 mL / min) for a total of 10 replicated test samples. For side-sensitive samples, the side of the test sample that is supposed to face the inside of the packaging faces the pressure when placed in the clamps, and 10 replicates are tested in this orientation. For balanced (side-insensitive) samples, 5 replicates are tested with the inside of the packaging facing the pressure and 5 replicates are tested with the outside of the packaging facing the pressure, and the average of the results is calculated. Record the pressure at which each test sample 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 burst pressure for all replicas and report it as the burst strength to the nearest 0.001 kPa.

[0328] ISO 534 - Caliber

[0329] The gauge, or thickness, of a single-layer test sample is measured under a static load by a micrometer, in accordance with the standard procedure ISO 534, with the modifications noted herein. 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.

[0330] The gauge is measured with a micrometer equipped with a pressure foot capable of exerting a constant pressure of 70 kPa ± 0.05 kPa on the test specimen. The micrometer is a 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 smaller than that of the test specimen and capable of exerting the required pressure. A foot The appropriate pressure foot has a diameter of 16.0 mm. The test sample is supported by a horizontal, flat reference platform that is larger than and parallel to the surface of the pressure foot. The system is calibrated and implemented according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0331] Measurements are taken on single-layer test samples taken from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or from test samples obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or deform the sample during the process. The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free of any seams or folds. Ideally, the test sample is 200 mm² and must be larger than the pressure foot.

[0332] To measure the gauge, first zero the micrometer against the horizontal flat reference platform. Place the test sample on the platform with the test location centered under the pressure foot. Gently lower the pressure foot at a rate of 3.0 mm per second until full pressure is applied to the test sample. Wait 5 seconds and then record the gauge of the test sample to the nearest 0.1 micrometer. Repeat this procedure similarly for a total of ten replicated test samples. Calculate the arithmetic mean for all gauge measurements and report the value as the gauge to the nearest 0.1 micrometer.

[0333] ISO 536 - Surface mass

[0334] The surface mass 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 ISO 536 standard procedure. 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 before testing.

[0335] Measurements are taken on test samples from rolls or sheets of the raw material, or from test samples obtained from a finished package. When excising the test sample from a finished package, care must be taken not to contaminate or deform the sample during the process. The excised sample must be free of residual adhesive and taken from an area of ​​the package free of any seams or folds. The test sample should be as large as possible to account for any inherent variability in the material.

[0336] Measure the dimensions of the single-layer test sample using a calibrated steel ruler conforming to 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 mass per unit area by dividing the mass (in grams) by the area (in square meters) and record to the nearest 0.01 gram per square meter (g / m²). Repeat this procedure similarly for a total of ten replicated test samples. Calculate the arithmetic mean for the mass per unit area and report to the nearest 0.01 gram per square meter.

[0337] Fold dimensions using CLSM

[0338] The width and / or depth of a crease line on a conditioning material are measured using a 3D laser confocal scanning microscope (LCSM) with a resolution of 5 nm. A suitable instrument is the Keyence VK-X1050 (available from Keyence Corporation of America, Itasca, IL, USA), or equivalent. The instrument is calibrated according to the manufacturer's instructions before use to ensure an accurate distance scale. Test samples are conditioned at 23 °C ± 2 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing, and all tests are performed under these same environmental conditions.

[0339] The test sample is excised either from a finished, undamaged bag of product or from a test material that has been provided with fold lines. The test sample is taken from an area that includes a fold line but is otherwise free of creases, kinks, or seams. The dimensions of the test sample are to be determined by the analyst. However, the sample must be small enough to fit on the CLSM stage, and the entire width of the fold must be centered within the sample. Care must be taken during the preparation and handling of the test sample to ensure that the integrity of the fold line and the surrounding area is maintained and that no distortion of either is introduced.

[0340] The test sample is mounted on the CLSM stage using small pieces of tape (any suitable source) to create an overall flat (non-wavy) surface without deforming the test sample. The tape should be placed along the outermost edges of the test sample while avoiding the fold line and its immediately surrounding area, which will be analyzed. Use the optical microscopy function and a low magnification setting to select the area of ​​the test sample that includes the fold line. Start the height profile measurement for the selected area using the confocal laser scanning function at a resolution of 5 nm. Note that if the area to be analyzed is too large, the individually acquired scans can be stitched together later. In the image of the To create a height profile, use the top view of the scanned area to define cross-sectional view lines (approximately ten) running perpendicular to the fold line to create several linear height profiles. Analyze one of the height profiles digitally as follows. Using the "flat" areas surrounding the fold line, define and draw a baseline to represent the surface height. Note that when defining the baseline, ignore any obvious raised or recessed artifacts that may occur along, or immediately adjacent to, the fold line itself. Now, measure the distance from the baseline to the lowest point of indentation in the fold line and record this as the nearest 1-micron fold depth.Measure the width of the fold line using the baseline to define the start and end reference points of the depression, and record this as the fold width to the nearest 1 micron. Similarly, measure and record the depth and width for each height profile created by the ten cross-sectional view lines previously created, recording each to the nearest 1 micron.

[0341] Repeat the entire procedure for five replicated test samples representing five separate fold lines. Calculate the arithmetic mean for all individually measured fold depths (within each test sample, over all five test samples for a total of approximately 50 values), and report as the fold depth to the nearest 1 micron. Calculate the arithmetic mean for all individually measured fold widths (within each test sample, over all five test samples for a total of approximately 50 values), and report as the fold width to the nearest 1 micron.

[0342] Measurements of the opening tongue height and joint offset

[0343] The height of the opening flap and the seam offset are dimensional measurements taken on the finished, undamaged bag filled with the product. The height of the opening flap 265 is the vertical distance from the height of the product inside the bag to the highest edge of the opening flap. The seam offset is measured at the side edges of the opening flap 265 at the top of the bag on the right and left sides of the seal. When the highest seal is formed, if the front of the bag is not perfectly aligned with the back of the bag, then an offset will occur. The magnitude of the offset is measured as the distance over which the front side edge of the bag extends beyond the rear side edge of the bag (or vice versa) along the side edge of the opening flap. These dimensional measurements are taken using a calibrated steel ruler traceable to NIST, or equivalent.Test samples are conditioned at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing. and all pre-conditioning and testing is carried out under these same environmental conditions.

[0344] The test sample is the intact bag filled with product. Before testing, a preconditioning step is performed on the test samples to eliminate any compression effects caused by case packing. To precondition the filled intact bag, first remove it from any external packaging that may be present, then place it on a flat, rigid surface in its upright position (i.e., the base of the bag facing the rigid surface). Leave the bag to sit freely in this upright position for 72 hours. After 72 hours, promptly take dimensional measurements.

[0345] Measure the height of the opening tab as follows. With the test sample resting on a flat, rigid surface with the front panel of the bag facing the analyst, measure the distance from the bottom edge of the bag to the top edge of the opening tab using a ruler. Take these measurements on both the left and right sides of the bag and record them to the nearest 0.01 cm as the height of the bag filled to the left and the height of the bag filled to the right, respectively. The vertical height of the product inside the filled bag is also measured using a ruler and recorded as the product height to the nearest 0.01 cm. Note that the product height is the distance from the flat, rigid surface to the top edge of the product inside the bag, and it may be necessary to sacrifice a filled bag (i.e., open it by cutting the bag) to take this measurement.Subtract the product height from the height of the left-hand bag and record this value as the height of the left opening tab, rounded to the nearest 0.01 cm. Subtract the product height from the height of the right-hand bag and record this value as the height of the right-hand opening tab, rounded to the nearest 0.01 cm. Now calculate the average of the height of the left opening tab and the height of the right-hand opening tab, and record this value as the height of the opening tab, rounded to the nearest 0.01 cm.

[0346] Measure the seam offset as follows. Locate the opening tab 265 on the upper side of the bag. Inspect the left and right side edges of the opening tab, both front and back. Use the ruler to measure the distance the front side of the side edge extends beyond the back side of the side edge (or vice versa) at the left side edge of the seam, and record this as the left seam offset to the nearest 0.1 mm. Similarly, perform the same inspection and measure at the right side edge of the seam and record this as the right seam offset to the nearest 0.1 mm. Now calculate the average between the left joint offset and the right joint offset and save as the joint offset to the nearest 0.1 mm.

[0347] Similarly, the entire procedure is repeated for a total of ten replicated test sample bags. The reported value for each parameter is the arithmetic mean of the ten individually recorded measurements for the opening tab height to the nearest 0.01 cm and the seam offset to the nearest 0.1 mm.

[0348] Bending method

[0349] The flexural properties of a sample are measured using an ultrasensitive 3-point flexural test on a constant rate-of-extension tensile tester (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using Testworks 4.0 software or TestSuite software, as available from MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell for which the measured forces are between 1% and 99% of the cell limit. All tests are performed in a room controlled at approximately 23°C ± 3°C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0350] The ultra-sensitive 3-point bending method is designed to maximize the force-to-noise ratio when testing materials with very low bending forces. The force signal is maximized by using a high-sensitivity load cell (e.g., 5 N), a small span (the load is proportional to the span cubed), and a wide sample width (the total measured load is directly proportional to the width). The fixture is designed so that the bending measurement is performed under tension, allowing the fixture mass to be kept to a minimum. Noise in the force signal is minimized by keeping the load cell fixed to reduce mechanical vibration and the inertial effect, and by making the mass of the fixture attached to the load cell as small as possible.

[0351] With reference to Figures 14A to 14C, the load cell 2401 is mounted on the fixed crosshead of the tensile tester. The ultra-sensitive fixture 2400 consists of three thin blades made of a lightweight, rigid material (such as aluminum or equivalent). Each blade is 1.0 mm thick, has rounded edges, and is long enough to accommodate the bending width of the test sample. Each blade has a cavity 2404a and 2404b (outer blades) and 2405 (center blade) cut out to create a height, h, of 5 mm of blade material along their horizontal edges. The two outer blades 2403a and 2403b are mounted horizontally on the moving crosshead of the tensile tester, aligned parallel to each other, with their horizontal edges aligned vertically. The span, s, between the two outer blades 2403a and 2403b is 5 mm ±0.1 mm (inner edge to inner edge).The central blade 2402 is mounted at the load cell on the fixed crossmember of the traction tester. When in place, the central blade 2402... is parallel to the two outer blades 2403a and 2403b and centered at the midpoint between the outer blades 2403a and 2403b. The blade fixings include suitable integral adapters to adjust the respective positions on the tensile tester frame and lock into position such that the horizontal edges of the blades are orthogonal to the movement of the tensile tester cross member.

[0352] The samples are conditioned at 23 °C ± 3 °C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity two hours before the test. There are two types of samples prepared for this test: a control sample and a test sample. The samples are excised from either an intact finished bag of product or from test material that has been provided with fold lines. The control sample is taken from an area of ​​the bag (or sample material) free from folds, creases, seams, or fold lines. In addition, the control sample must be cut to the same dimensions as the test sample, and the long side of the control sample has the same directional orientation on the bag (or sample material) as the test sample. The test sample is taken from an area of ​​the bag (or sample material) that includes a fold line but is otherwise free from additional folds, creases, or seams.The crease line must be centered laterally along the long side of the test sample. The dimensions of the test sample are determined by the analyst; however, the width (short side) must be at least 10 mm and the length (which corresponds to the "flexure width") must be as long as possible to provide a sufficient load signal. When the sample is double-sided, a control sample and a test sample are prepared on each side.

[0353] The test is performed under tension. The tensile tester is programmed so that the moving crosshead is set to move in the opposite direction to the fixed crosshead at a speed of 1.0 mm / sec. The crosshead movement begins with the sample 2406 lying flat and undeflected on the outer blades 2403a and 2403b, continues with the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 2405 in the central blade 2402 coming into contact with the upper surface of the sample 2406, and continues for a further 10 mm of crosshead movement. The force (N) and displacement (mm) are recorded at 50 Hz across the assembly.

[0354] Before loading the sample 2406, the outer blades 2403a and 2403b are moved toward and beyond the central blade 2402 until there is approximately a clearance of 3 mm, c, between the inner horizontal edges of the cavities 2404a and 2404b in the outer blades 2403a and 2403b and the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 2405 in the central blade 2402 (see [Fig. 14C]). The sample 2406 is placed inside the clearance C so that it covers the inner horizontal edges of the cavities 2404a and 2404b in the outer blades 2403a and 2403b, oriented so that the short side of the sample is perpendicular to the horizontal edges of the blades. Note which side of sample 2406 faces the central blade 2402. Center sample 2406 between the outer blades 2403a and 2403b. Slowly move the outer blades 2403a and 2403b in a direction opposite to the fixed crossbar until the inner horizontal edge of the cavity 2405 in the central blade 2402 touches the upper surface of sample 2406.

[0355] The force (N) is plotted against the displacement (mm). The maximum force is recorded as the maximum load at the nearest 0.001 N. The area under the curve up to the maximum force is calculated and recorded as the peak energy at the nearest 0.001 N / mm. The slope of the linear portion of the force-displacement curve is determined and recorded as the slope at the nearest 0.001 N / mm.

[0356] Similarly, repeat the entire test sequence for a total of five control samples and five test samples on each side of the sample, if applicable, noting which side faces the central blade 2402 on the fixed crosshead for each replica for double-sided samples. The reported value for each parameter is the arithmetic mean of the five measurements recorded individually within similar samples (e.g., control and test) for the maximum load to the nearest 0.001 N, peak energy to the nearest 0.001 N / mm, and slope to the nearest 0.001 N / mm. The results for the control sample can be directly compared to those of the test sample, for each respective side of the sample, if applicable.

[0357] Bag compression

[0358] Bag compression is measured for a finished bag filled with a product on a universal constant rate of expansion (TCE) mechanical testing system (a suitable instrument is the MTS Alliance using TestSuite software marketed by MTS Systems Corp., Eden Prairie, MN) using a load cell for which the measured forces are between 1% and 99% of the cell limit. The fixed and moving fixtures are both rectangular stainless steel trays with dimensions larger than the top and bottom surfaces of the filled bag. Both trays have adapters compatible with the TCE test machine's fixtures, capable of fixing the trays parallel to each other and orthogonal to the movement of the TCE test machine's crosshead. All preconditioning and testing is performed in a room maintained at 23°C ± 3°C and 50% ± 2% relative humidity.

[0359] The test sample is the intact bag filled with product. Before the test, a preconditioning step is performed on the test samples to eliminate any compression effects caused by case packing. During the preconditioning step, a clamp is attached to the top seal of the bag (“Finger”). such that the clamp can be suspended to allow the bag to hang freely under its own weight for 24 hours. To pre-condition the filled, undamaged bag, first remove it from any external packaging that may be present, then place it on a flat, rigid surface in its upright position (i.e., the base of the bag faces the rigid surface). Locate the opening tab 265 on the top side of the bag. Determine the length of the opening tab 265 using a NIST-traceable calibrated steel ruler, or equivalent, and record it as the top seal length to the nearest 0.1 cm. The vertical height of the product inside the filled bag is also measured using the ruler and recorded as the product height to the nearest millimeter.Note that the product height is the distance between the flat, rigid surface and the top edge of the product inside the bag, and it may be necessary to sacrifice a filled bag (i.e., open it by cutting it) to take this measurement. Using an undamaged bag, position a clamp so that it grips the opening tab 265 at its longitudinal midpoint, then hook the clamp so that the bag hangs under its own weight. Leave the bag hanging freely for 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the clamp and secure the undamaged bag in its upright position on a flat, rigid surface and promptly perform the compression test.

[0360] Prepare the TCE test machine for a compression test to measure force and distance. Establish a defined distance between the platens sufficient to accommodate the height of the test sample bag such that the initial force applied to the bag is zero. Record this distance as Do to the nearest 0.1 mm. Zero the crosshead and load cell. Place the test sample bag vertically (i.e., base of the bag downwards) on the lower platen so that the bag is centered (widthwise and lengthwise) under the upper platen. Lower the crosshead at a speed of 1 mm / s to a platen separation 5 mm below the predetermined product height, then raise the crosshead until a load of 0.05 N is reached. Then return the crosshead to the initial platen separation (Do).Collect force (N) data as a function of distance, D, (mm) at a frequency of 25 Hz.

[0361] Construct a graph of force (N) versus height (mm) where height (H) is the distance between the platforms, calculated by H = Do - D. Note that force and displacement are positive values ​​throughout the test. From the compression portion (downward movement of the upper platform) of the resulting force versus height curve, determine the following parameters. Record the height at a force of 0.2 N as the initial height to the nearest 0.1 mm. Record the height that is greater than 3 mm relative to the product height. Record a predetermined compression height to the nearest 1 mm. Record the force at the compression height to the nearest 0.1 N. Divide the force at the compression height by the predetermined upper seal length and record this as the normalized force at the compression height to the nearest 0.01 N / cm. Calculate the area under the compression portion of the curve up to the compression height and record this as the compression energy to the nearest 0.1 N / mm. Now, from the recovery portion (upward movement of the upper plate) of the resulting force-height curve, determine the following parameters. Record the height at a force of 0.2 N as the final height to the nearest 0.1 mm.Calculate the area under the curve between the compression height and the final height, and record it as the compression energy to the nearest 0.01 N*mm.

[0362] Similarly, the entire procedure is repeated for a total of five replicated test samples. The reported value for each parameter is the arithmetic mean of the five individually recorded measurements for the normalized force at the compression height to the nearest 0.01 N / cm, the compression energy to the nearest 0.1 N*mm, and the recovery energy to the nearest 0.01 N*mm.

[0363] Bag pile height test

[0364] The stack height in a bag of absorbent material packaging is determined as follows:

[0365] Equipment

[0366] 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 suitable device 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 material packaging that comes into contact with each plate; that is, each plate extends beyond the contact surface of the absorbent material packaging in all directions.The horizontal sliding plate exerts a downward force of 850 ± 1 gram-force (8.34 N) on the absorbent item packaging, which can be obtained by placing a suitable weight on the center of the upper surface not in contact with the packaging of the horizontal sliding plate so that the total mass of the sliding plate plus the added weight is 850 ± 1 gram.

[0367] Test procedure

[0368] Packaging of absorbent articles is balanced at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity before measurement.

[0369] The horizontal sliding plate is raised, and a package of absorbent material is placed in the center beneath the horizontal sliding plate so that the absorbent material inside the package is in a horizontal orientation (see [Fig. 3]). Any handles or other packaging elements on the surfaces of the package that could come into contact with either of the plates are folded flat against the surface of the package to minimize their impact on the measurement. The horizontal sliding plate is lowered slowly until it comes into contact with the top surface of the package and is 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 packs (packs of the same size and the same number of absorbent items) are measured, and the arithmetic mean is given as the pack width. The "pile height in bag" = (pack width / number of absorbent items per pile) x 10 is calculated and given to ± 0.5 mm.

[0370] Method for measuring the percentage of dye coverage

[0371] The dye coverage percentage measurement method measures the percentage area of ​​dye coverage on a packaging panel. A flatbed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24 bits 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 interfaces with a computer running color calibration software capable of calibrating the scanner against an IT8 color reflection target using a corresponding reference file conforming to the ANSI IT8.7 / 2-1993 process (suitable color calibration software is Monaco EZColor or il Studio available from X-Rite, Grand Rapids, MI, or equivalent).The color calibration software builds 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).

[0372] Samples are conditioned at approximately 23 °C ± 2 °C and approximately 50% ± 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

[0373] The scanner is turned on 30 minutes before calibration and image acquisition. Deselect 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 matching reference file to create and export the ICC color profile for the scanner, which will be applied within the image analysis program to correct the color of subsequent output images.

[0374] A sample is obtained from packaging or packaging materials with identified panels. A single panel is selected and cut along its perimeter for removal for testing. The panels selected for testing must not contain any visible tears or creases.

[0375] The scanner lid is opened, and the sample is carefully placed flat on the center of the scanner glass with the colored surface facing the glass. A scan containing a panel region is acquired in 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.

[0376] The calibrated image is opened in the color analysis software. The image is smoothed using a 2D Gaussian filter with a sigma of 3 to blur any individual dye points. Then, using a color thresholding program, a color space for implementing color thresholding is selected, for example, CIELAB with its three color values ​​L*, a*, b*. Next, a region of interest (ROI) boundary is manually drawn within a visibly perceptible region of only the base color, with no dye present, to identify its color space values. A panel with no visible base color region will be considered to have 100% dye 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 dye coverage from those regions of the base color. The area of ​​the panel containing dye coverage is measured, and the percentage of the panel containing dye coverage is calculated and recorded to the nearest whole number.

[0377] Similarly, prepare, scan, and analyze six replicated conditioning panels. Calculate and report the arithmetic mean of the values area measured as a percentage of dye coverage to the nearest whole percent.

[0378] The dimensions and values ​​described herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​quoted. Instead, and unless otherwise indicated, each of these dimensions corresponds both to the stated value and to an equivalent functional range around that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" means "approximately 40 mm".

[0379] The citation of any document does not constitute an admission that it is a prior art in relation 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. Furthermore, if any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition given to that term in this document shall prevail.

[0380] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such variants and modifications which fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Packaging for one or more absorbent articles (90), wherein the absorbent article(s) are sealed inside the packaging, the packaging comprising: a plurality of panels (11, 12, 13, 14, 15), including a consumer-facing panel (14) and an upper panel (11) disposed above the consumer-facing panel, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises an inner surface (130) and an outer surface (135); an upper fold line (127F) disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel, wherein the upper fold line is collinear, at least in part, with a cross fold (120);wherein the conditioning material comprises natural fibres and has a surface mass of between 60 g / m2 and 120 g / m2, more preferably between 65 g / m2 and 105 g / m2, or most preferably between 70 g / m2 and 90 g / m2, as determined by means of ISO 536 as modified herein; wherein the cross-fold (120) is stressed from the inner surface (130) to the outer surface (135).

2. Packaging according to claim 1, wherein the top panel comprises a front face (231), an opposite rear face (241), a right face (261) and an opposite left face (251) and an opening tab (265).

3. Packaging according to claim 2, wherein at least 1' one of the front or rear face includes an opening fold (123).

4. Packaging according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the right face and / or the left face comprise bellows folds (125).

5. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging further comprises a back panel (15) opposite the consumer-facing panel, a left panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the back panel, and a right panel disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the back panel.

6. Packaging according to claim 5 further comprising one or more vertical folds (127B, 127C, 127D and 127E) arranged between the consumer-facing panel and the left panel, the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, the right panel and the rear panel, and / or the left panel and the rear panel.

7. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross fold is arranged in a first plane and an upper edge (150) of the absorbent article(s) is arranged in a second plane, and wherein a distance between the first plane and the second plane is 5 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, or more preferably 2 mm or less.

8. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross fold has a depth greater than 0.01 mm, more preferably greater than 0.02 mm, or most preferably greater than 0.03 mm.

9. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross fold has a depth of 0.01 mm to 0.9 mm, more preferably 0.02 mm to 0.7 mm, or more preferably 0.03 mm to 0.5 mm.

10. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross fold has a width from 0.1 mm to 7 mm, more preferably from 0.1 mm to 5 mm, or most preferably from 0.1 mm to 4 mm.

11. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross fold has a width from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, more preferably from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, or most preferably from 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

12. Packaging according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the opening fold is stressed from the inner surface to the outer surface.

13. Packaging according to claim 12, wherein the opening fold is arranged on the front face.

14. Conditioning according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the pair of bellows folds is stressed from the outer surface to the inner surface.

15. Packaging according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the upper fold line comprises a first part disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel, a second part disposed between the right panel and the upper panel, a third part disposed between the rear panel and the upper panel, and a fourth part disposed between the left panel and the upper panel, and wherein a first corner is disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the right panel, a second corner is disposed between the right panel and the rear panel, a third corner is disposed between the rear panel and the left panel, and a fourth corner is disposed between the left panel and the consumer-facing panel.

16. Packaging according to claim 15, wherein the cross fold comprises a first section disposed between the consumer-facing panel and the upper panel, wherein the first section comprises a first part and a second part, the first part extending from the fourth corner to a vertical midline of the consumer-facing panel and the second part extending from the first corner to the midline of the consumer-facing panel.

17. Packaging according to claim 16, wherein the first part and the second part have a cumulative length which is less than a length of the first part of the upper fold line.

18. Packaging according to claim 17, wherein the cumulative length is at least 10 percent of the length of the first part, more preferably at least 30 percent of the length of the first part, or more preferably at least 50 percent of the length of the first part.

19. Packaging according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the cross fold is arranged, at least in part, between the consumer-facing panel and the top panel, the right and left panels and the top panel, and the back panel and the top panel.

20. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging material comprises at least 50 percent by weight of natural fibers, plus preferably at least 70 percent by weight of natural fibers, or most preferably at least 90 percent by weight of natural fibers.

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

22. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging material does not include a fluid barrier layer.

23. Packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the packaging material comprises a fluid barrier layer.

24. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent article(s) comprise at least one of adult incontinence pants, incontinence pads, diapers, or pants.

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