Apparatus and method for packaging tampons

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for packaging, in particular individual primary packaging, digital tampons (100). The apparatus (1) comprises a first folding member (5) for forming a web-like packaging material (116) into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') for the tampon (100). It further comprises a first conveying device (2) for conveying individual tampons (100) into the folding member (5) in a conveying direction (A), so that the substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') for the tampon (100) wraps around the tampon (100) about its longitudinal axis as the tampon (100) exits the folding member. It further comprises dividing members (10.1, 10.2) for separating the wrapped tampons (100) into individual pieces. The present invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for packaging, in particular for individual packaging, tampons and a corresponding method for packaging, in particular for individual packaging, tampons, as defined in the preambles of the independent claims. [Background technology]

[0002] The tampon according to the present invention refers to a hygiene product used by women to absorb menstrual blood. Generally, tampons are introduced using a finger or an insertion aid, a so-called applicator. Digitally inserted tampons, also known as digital tampons, are individually wrapped for hygienic and practical reasons. On the market, tampon packaging is dominated by transparent plastic film that seals the tampon and prevents the penetration of moisture and dirt. Since tampons are well adapted to absorb moisture and are therefore highly absorbent, special care must be taken when packaging tampons.

[0003] Because tampons, especially digital tampons, are mass-produced as consumer goods, efforts are being made to maximize production rates, measured, for example, in units produced per minute. For example, an apparatus and method for continuous production, such as that shown in WO 2019 / 186325 A1, can significantly increase the output of a production line. The means for achieving the objectives of the invention shown in that document discloses a continuously operating transfer station that continuously transfers tampons and intermediate products between machining drums without repeated stop-and-go movements. Such machines not only operate with less maintenance, but also allow for seamless ramping and control of output. Therefore, there is a need for downstream processing equipment, particularly for packaging, and particularly for individualizing tampons, that can keep up with high output rates.

[0004] In a common known method, tampons are packaged by wrapping a film obliquely with respect to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. EP 3165471 B1 discloses a method in which a strip of film is wrapped around a holding means, the strip enclosing the tampon. This method includes a wrapping step in which the film is moved radially around the longitudinal extension of the tampon. To be wrapped in this way, the tampon must be transported in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the tampon. Furthermore, the tampons must be introduced individually into a packaging device that functions distinctly and discretely.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and method for increasing output during packaging, particularly during the individual wrapping of tampons, particularly digital tampons.

[0006] Ideally, packaging is performed in a manner that ensures that the absorbent, compressed tampon completely or substantially completely retains its shape and absorbency during the packaging process. Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and a method as mentioned above, respectively, that are able to keep up with the continuous increase and decrease in tampon production in upstream processing steps, i.e., for example, with the wrapping and compression of tampon blanks. Another particularly preferred object of the present invention is to provide corresponding methods that allow the individual wrapping and packaging of tampons, respectively, while meeting high hygiene requirements during tampon production.

[0008] At least one of these objects is achieved by a device for packaging, in particular for individual packaging, of tampons according to the characterizing parts of the independent claims and the characterizing parts of the independent method claims.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to an apparatus for packaging, particularly individual packaging, tampons. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a first folding member for forming a web-like packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon. The apparatus further comprises a first conveying device for conveying individual tampons into the folding member in a conveying direction, such that the tampons are wrapped by the substantially tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon around their longitudinal axes as they exit the folding member. The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a dividing member for separating the wrapped tampons into individual pieces.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the folding members are configured to form the web-like packaging material into a continuous, substantially tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon. In this sense, the continuous, substantially tubular packaging sleeve can be a substantially tubular packaging sleeve that has not been cut to length. Cutting to length can be performed, for example, in a downstream process in the conveying direction.

[0011] In the context of the present invention, forming a web-like packaging material may be understood as described above in that the web-like packaging material, which may be supplied in the form of a continuous strip, is bent around the tampon to be packaged. For this purpose, for example, two longitudinal edges may be brought together so that, for example, a substantially tubular packaging sleeve is formed.

[0012] In certain embodiments, a dividing member may be understood to be a separating member such that the resulting individual units of a tampon and the strip portion of web-like packaging material formed into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve around the tampon can be separated from the continuous strip, for example, by cutting, whereby a tubular portion is formed, for example, including the tampon enclosed therein.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the delivery device, particularly the first delivery device, is configured to deliver the tampon coaxially with its longitudinal axis. Particularly preferably, delivery is uniformly oriented, i.e., the tampon is positioned on the delivery device in a specific orientation.

[0014] Tampons are generally substantially cylindrical molded products made of absorbent fibrous material with tapered distal and proximal ends. A typical tampon also has a withdrawal string extending from the proximal end that serves to retrieve the tampon after it has been inserted during use.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, individual packaging or packaging may be understood as the primary packaging of tampons, in particular digital tampons. Of course, further packaging and packaging steps may be provided thereafter, such as packaging into boxes, bags, or other sales or transport units.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the first conveying device is a linear conveying device for conveying individual tampons in a conveying direction within a first conveying plane.

[0017] The apparatus according to the present invention provides a seamless, expandable tampon wrapping apparatus that allows for continuous wrapping of tampons and meets high hygiene standards, whereby the tampons are transported along their longitudinal axis, eliminating the need for an additional turning step. Transporting along the longitudinal axis also allows for the wrapping sleeve, in this example a web of packaging material, to be provided as a continuous web that can be divided or separated after wrapping of individual tampons into the sleeve is complete.

[0018] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises a second conveying device for conveying a tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon enclosing the tampon away from the folding member.

[0019] The advantage of this second conveying device is that a carrier for each tampon can be omitted, and conveying can be performed by conveying a tubular packaging material, whereby the tampons enclosed therein can be conveyed simultaneously. Preferably, the second conveying device includes at least one conveyor belt. Particularly preferably, the second conveying device includes at least two conveyor belts arranged opposite each other, and the tubular packaging sleeve enclosing the tampon therein is substantially restrained by the conveyor belts. This can be advantageous in that the tampon retains its shape within the sleeve and the tubular sleeve retains its folded shape until the overlapping region is sealed.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention further comprises a feeding device for feeding, in particular continuously feeding, the web-like packaging material.

[0021] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one first sealing member for preferably substantially joining the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve.

[0022] Particularly preferably, the first sealing member thermally and / or mechanically, in particular thermomechanically, bonds the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. Preferably, it is a thermal unit for thermally bonding the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. Alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may comprise an ultrasonic unit for ultrasonically induced sealing of the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. Furthermore, alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may comprise a means for applying mechanical pressure to mechanically bond the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. Furthermore, alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may comprise a laser unit for laser-induced sealing of the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve by applying energy onto the overlap region. An advantage of these alternative and / or additional sealing members is that the energy can be targeted and precisely directed onto the overlap region to be joined.

[0023] Further, in particular, the first sealing member is regulated by controlling at least one parameter of temperature, pressure, and duration of the application of energy for the substantial bonding of the overlap region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve such that the applied energy is just sufficient to create a substantial bond without substantially affecting the enclosed tampon.

[0024] Further, alternatively and / or additionally, the sealing member may be omitted and the web-like packaging material may be provided with adhesive regions that enter into a substantial joint with the corresponding other edge side of the tubular packaging material in the overlap region. To this end, in certain embodiments, a first sealing member may be provided that applies mechanical pressure to the overlap region, thereby enabling substantial joining of the adhesive-provided regions.

[0025] Alternatively and / or additionally, the material can be made adhesive by a solvent in the overlap region, for example by spraying a suitable solvent onto the overlap region, which becomes a plastic adhesive when the overlap region is compressed by the first sealing member to substantially bond it.

[0026] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member, which allows the substantially tubular packaging sleeve to be sealed in a two-stage sealing process, thereby achieving, for example, a particularly dense packaging of the tampon and thus better protecting the tampon from the ingress of moisture and dirt.

[0027] In another specific embodiment, the first sealing member is configured to laterally seal the overlap region, particularly the overlap region embodied as a vertical tab. Thus, for example, the overlap region of two side edges of a substantially tubular packaging sleeve can be formed when these edges are joined together symmetrically. In other words, the overlap region embodied as a vertical tab can be formed by welding two side edges of a substantially tubular packaging sleeve that have been bent together around a tampon, with the side edges originally pointing upward. This forms the vertical tab. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this is achieved by a sealing member including two vertically arranged sealing units, of which, for example, the first sealing unit can be heatable and the second sealing unit can be for generating pressure in an opposite direction, i.e., embodied as an anvil. The two vertically opposed sealing units can apply force to their centers to seal, i.e., to substantially join.

[0028] Similarly, both sealing units of the first sealing member may be heatable. Alternatively and / or additionally, they may also provide one of the aforementioned alternatives to heat sealing, such as the application of pressure, solvents, adhesives, ultrasound, or a combination thereof.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the second sealing member is configured for horizontal sealing, as described above. Particularly preferably, the second sealing member may be provided for sealing a fold. This fold may be formed from an already sealed tab created by the first sealing member, for example, by folding a vertical tab into a horizontal position. This results in a double-sealed seam, which may further improve the sealing of the tampon packaging sleeve. Thus, the second sealing member may have a geometry that, for example, bends a tab to the left or right, thereby creating a fold. This folded area may be sealed by the application of heat and / or another suitable energy or force, such that a double-sealed seam may be created on the substantially tubular packaging sleeve.

[0030] An advantage of the sealing member according to the invention according to the aforementioned embodiment is that the entire edge of the web-like packaging material can be sealed to a continuous web or in a tube, and therefore there is no need to move the sealing tool downwards and away from it. In other words, an advantage of this embodiment is that the sealing member can be provided in a stationary form on the production line.

[0031] In certain embodiments, a separate heat unit may be provided downstream of the folding member in the conveying direction to shrink the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. Suitable materials, such as polymer plastic films of polyolefin or polypropylene or mixtures thereof, can be shrunk by applying heat. This allows for particularly tight contact of the packaging sleeve with the tampon, for example, when the gap between two tampons in the substantially tubular packaging sleeve has a smaller diameter, and preferably also facilitates the transport of the tampon. Therefore, the tampon does not slip within the packaging sleeve. Suitable units are known to those skilled in the art. A heating tunnel may be particularly suitable.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the first delivery device comprises a plurality of carriers, each carrier carrying one tampon. Particularly preferably, the first delivery device is designed so that tampons can be delivered individually. Here, for example, a carrier may be provided that moves an individual tampon in the delivery direction along the delivery length of the first delivery device. Particularly preferably, the first delivery device comprises a catch for this purpose, which allows the carrier to be operably coupled to the tampon. The catch may be provided, for example, as a groove, within which a carrier arm of the carrier can operably engage with the proximal end of the tampon. Particularly preferably, the first delivery device also comprises a string control unit, the carrier comprising, for example, a suction groove that sucks in the removal string of the tampon during the delivery operation, thereby substantially securing it. An advantage of this string control unit is that it substantially prevents damage to the removal string during delivery, for example, due to tangling or wear and tear.

[0033] In a particular embodiment, the delivery device according to the present invention comprises a limiting guide, which is configured to limit the expansion of the delivered tampon obliquely relative to its longitudinal extension. For example, when a tampon is compressed and fed to the packaging device according to the present invention, it may be advantageous to prevent the compressed tampon from expanding until packaging is complete. For this purpose, limiting guides suitable for radially restraining the tampon so that it does not begin to expand before packaging, i.e., before being restrained within the tubular packaging material, have proven particularly suitable. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the limiting guide may be provided with a catch that allows the carrier to operatively couple with the tampon and convey the tampon in the delivery direction.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the restricting guide is configured as a C-shaped guide having a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional profile, the C-shape forming a catch with which the carrier can engage and individually transport the tampons.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the trap is formed above the delivery surface. However, alternatively, the trap can also be formed laterally, downward or in two positions. Particularly preferably, the trap has a trap opening with a span of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 1 mm to 5 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 3 mm. In particular, the trap is formed so that the carrier can pass through the trap opening and engage in the lumen of the restrictive guide, in particular the C-shaped guide, and operably engage with the tampon for delivery.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the restrictive guide, particularly the C-shaped guide, has a cross section with an inner diameter of 7 mm to 25 mm, preferably 9 mm to 14 mm. One skilled in the art can select the inner diameter of the restrictive guide, particularly the C-shaped guide, to substantially correspond to or less than the expected final diameter of the tampon to be delivered therein. Thus, the restrictive guide, particularly the C-shaped guide, can be designed to be replaceable in certain embodiments in order to adapt the device according to the present invention to the tampon to be packaged.

[0037] In a particular embodiment, the restricting guide, in particular the C-shaped guide, is made of steel. Particularly preferably, the material is treated so as to cause as little friction as possible during delivery of the tampon.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the acquisition opening is conically shaped so as to taper toward the lumen, which can facilitate engagement by the carrier and thereby maximize the restraining effect on the delivered tampon. Furthermore, particularly preferably, the edges of the acquisition opening are smoothed and / or rounded.

[0039] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a second conveying device for conveying a tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon together with the enclosed tampon. Particularly preferably, the tampon in the packaging sleeve is conveyed forward by conveying the sleeve.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the first folding member comprises a tampon-receiving groove and a folding bracket. Particularly preferably, the first folding member is configured to guide a continuous web of web-like packaging material around the tampon so that the tampon is substantially enclosed by a tubular packaging sleeve. To this end, the first folding member may comprise a web-like packaging material feeding mechanism and a forming groove, in which the web-like packaging material having two longitudinal edges is bent around the tampon conveyed to the folding member, thereby forming a sleeve having an overlap region around the tampon.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the first folding member includes a groove.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises a weakening unit for mechanically weakening the web-like packaging material. Particularly preferably, this weakening unit is arranged upstream of the folding member and downstream of the feeding device. Furthermore, preferably, this weakening member for mechanically weakening the web-like packaging material comprises a perforating member for forming at least partial perforations in the web-like packaging material, which serves to provide a predetermined breaking point in the packaged tampon later, thereby making it easier for the user to tear the package. The perforations in the web-like packaging material result in a weakening of the tampon sleeve that is useful to the end user, allowing the tampon to be unpacked more easily.

[0043] In an alternative and / or additional embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a weakening unit for weakening the web-like packaging material, which provides laser perforations. Particularly preferably, the weakening unit is configured to remove the web-like packaging material layer by layer. This makes it possible, for example, to remove only individual layers of the web-like packaging material, thereby creating a predetermined breaking point. The advantage of this technique is that, despite the predetermined breaking point, the package remains completely sealed.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the web-like packaging material is constructed of multiple layers. To this end, the web-like packaging material may be available as a laminate of multiple layers that can be individually removed, for example, by a laser, so that one or more layers remain. The material is then sufficiently weakened at this location to form a predetermined breaking point for removal of the tampon, which will still completely enclose the tampon in a substantially airtight and watertight manner.

[0045] In a particular embodiment, the carriers of the first transport device are transported by chains.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the folding bracket is embodied as a formed collar.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the dividing member (partition member) is made up of multiple parts. In certain embodiments, the dividing member may be embodied as a cutting station, with one or two cutting blades separating a portion of the tubular packaging sleeve in which the tampon is enclosed. Alternatively and / or additionally, the dividing member may additionally have a sealing function, for example, by configuring the dividing member to be heatable. In this way, the sealing member may seal the open end of the tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon in addition to cutting.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a third conveying device configured to convey the separated tubular packaging sleeves for tampons together with the enclosed tampons away from the dividing member. In a particularly preferred embodiment, this third conveying device is configured as a V-shaped conveying device, i.e. two conveyor belts arranged with a substantially V-shaped cross section, configured such that the tubular part located between the two sides of the V is conveyed in the conveying direction.

[0049] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises at least one additional folding arrangement for sealing the substantially tubular packaging sleeve of the enclosed individual tampon at the leading and / or trailing end. In order to produce a particularly tight packaging, it has proven advantageous to form the ends of the tampon, i.e. the distal and proximal ends, within the substantially tubular packaging material so as to conform to the tampon shape, e.g. by providing additional folding arrangements.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises a fourth conveying device. The fourth conveying device may, in another specific embodiment, be configured to convey the tubular sleeve together with the tampons obliquely to their longitudinal extension. Within the context of the present invention, this may, for example, be vertical, i.e., at an angle of 90 degrees to the conveying direction. Preferably, the apparatus according to the present invention comprises at least one alignment unit configured to rotate the tampons at an angle of 90 degrees, so that the tampons can then be conveyed obliquely to the longitudinal axis by the fourth conveying device. This alignment unit has the advantage that further processing stations may be implemented that perform further processing steps on the packaged tampons, for example, processing steps that improve the overall quality.

[0051] Particularly preferably, two additional folding arrangements are provided, each suitable for preforming the distal or proximal end of the tubular packaging sleeve, for example by folding next to the respective tampon end.

[0052] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and second folding arrangements are configured in a mirror-inverted manner, with respect to the distal end, one folding member is provided that folds the tubular packaging sleeve onto the distal tampon end, and a second folding arrangement is provided that folds the proximal end of the tubular packaging sleeve onto the proximal end of the tampon, respectively.

[0053] In certain embodiments, at least one of the first and second folding arrangements includes a sealing member, particularly a sealing member for heat sealing the leading and / or trailing end of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve around the individual enclosed tampons.

[0054] In a further specific embodiment, at least one of the first and second folding arrangements includes at least one folding arm lever and a folding member embodied as a folding link. The folding arm lever is configured to provide a reaction force for pressing the tampon enclosed in the tubular packaging sleeve onto the folding link. In its simplest embodiment, the folding arm lever is configured to be displaceable in the conveying direction, for example supported longitudinally. This folding arm lever is configured to return to a home position after forming and compress the tampon enclosed in the tubular packaging sleeve. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the first and second folding arrangements includes multiple, in particular three, folding arm levers rotating about an axis and arranged tangentially to the conveying surface, which can apply a reaction force to the tampon enclosed in the tubular packaging sleeve against the folding link. This embodiment can achieve a faster conveying speed. The conveying speed can be offset, for example, by controlling the rotation speed of the folding arm lever about the axis.

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

[0056] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises tip forming tools operatively coupled to the packaged tampon tips at a plurality of stations moving parallel to the conveying direction, in particular coaxially with respect to the packaged tampons to be processed, the tampon tips being formed accordingly by applying heat. Particularly preferably, these tools are guided parallel to the conveyed packaged tampons for at least one processing section, for example by a conveyor belt moving parallel to the conveyor.

[0057] In another particular embodiment, the present invention comprises a sensor unit for visually inspecting each pack or packaged tampon. For this purpose, for example, cameras can be provided along the conveying direction that store visual information of the tampons and screen them for quality by a corresponding evaluation logic.

[0058] In another particular embodiment, the device also includes a delivery member configured to place the packaged tampons into further packaging intended for retail sale, such as a carton box.

[0059] In a particular embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises a tear strip application unit configured to deliver a tear strip to the device, the tear strip being configured to be fused onto the tubular packaging sleeve. The tear strip may act to form a gripping area that can be grasped during use, i.e., for example, when unwrapping the tampon from the packaging, and that allows the packaging to be more easily removed from the tampon. Particularly preferably, the tear strip is positioned radially around the tampon within the fully wrapped tampon. Particularly preferably, the tear strip is positioned adjacent to or substantially at a predetermined break point created by pre-perforations in the packaging material.

[0060] The tear strip is positioned on the tubular packaging sleeve at an angle to the conveying direction and tensioned. By thermal heating, the packaging sleeve is sealed with the tear strip, thereby substantially joining the sleeve. Excess tear strip is cut off in a cutting station.

[0061] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for packaging tampons. The method according to the present invention includes the step of supplying individual tampons to a first conveying device. The method further includes feeding a web of packaging material to a folding member. The method further includes feeding the individual tampons to the folding member and bending the web of packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve into which the individual tampons are disposed. Preferably, the individual tampons are spaced apart.

[0062] The method according to the present invention further comprises conveying a tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon and separating individual tampons together with the enclosing substantially tubular packaging sleeve.

[0063] In another particularly preferred embodiment, the tampon is arranged on a first conveying device having a longitudinal extension coaxial with the conveying direction, and particularly preferably, the tampon is guided on the first conveying device by a restricting member, in particular comprising a catch, by means of which the carrier can engage with the tampon and convey it.

[0064] In a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention, bending the web-like packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve comprises creating an overlap region comprising two longitudinal edges of the web-like packaging material. Particularly preferably, the method according to the invention comprises sealing, wherein these two edges in the overlap region are substantially joined to one another.

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

[0066] In a particular embodiment, the method according to the invention comprises substantial bonding, in particular thermal substantial bonding, for example, where the packaging material is fused by applying heat. Alternatively, ultrasonic welding or the application of a solvent that softens the packaging material may be provided.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the removal string of the tampon is secured during the packaging process. Particularly preferably, the removal string is held in a specific and reliable orientation via suction. In alternative and / or additional embodiments, the removal string is secured by being physically restrained within and on the tampon body so that it is substantially completely enclosed by the tubular packaging sleeve during packaging. Alternatively and / or additionally, the removal string is coiled and / or rolled within the device according to the present invention prior to delivery, and is surrounded by the proximal end of the tampon and held in this position by a carrier until the tampon is inserted into the substantially tubular packaging sleeve.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the method according to the present invention comprises sealing the substantially tubular packaging sleeve of each enclosed tampon at the leading and / or trailing end by at least one additional, in particular two additional, folding arrangements. Particularly preferably, this is accomplished by a first folding arrangement and a second folding arrangement, the first folding arrangement being responsible for the proximal sealing and the second folding arrangement being responsible for the distal sealing of the packaged tampon.

[0069] In an additional preferred embodiment, the method according to the present invention includes perforating the tubular packaging material to create a predetermined break point on the packaged tampon.

[0070] In additional specific embodiments, the method according to the present invention includes placing a tear strip around the tampon such that after sealing and being substantially joined to the tubular packaging sleeve, the tear strip has a free end outside the sealed packaging sleeve, thereby forming a tear area that can be torn like a tab by a user's fingers to allow removal of the package.

[0071] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments described above can be realized in any combination when practicing the present invention, as long as they are not mutually exclusive. Similarly, further structural features of the device according to the present invention arise from the features of the method, and further features of the method arise from the operating mode of the device according to the present invention, respectively.

[0072] The present invention will now be described in more detail by means of specific exemplary embodiments and figures, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

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

[0074] For those skilled in the art, several further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent upon studying these exemplary embodiments.

[0075] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0076] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates diagrammatically a device according to the invention for packaging, in particular for individual wrapping of tampons. [Figure 2a] 1 illustrates schematically a tubular packaging sleeve and a tampon within a sealing member. [Figure 2b] 1 illustrates schematically a tubular packaging sleeve and a tampon within a sealing member. [Figure 3]10A and 10B schematically depict seals at the trailing and leading ends of a substantially tubular packaging sleeve around an enclosed tampon. [Figure 4] 10 illustrates a rear end sealing unit. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B illustrate schematically a carrier for redirecting a tampon during delivery. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates schematically a sleeve unit for wrapping a tampon in a substantially tubular wrapping sleeve. [Figure 7a] 1 illustrates schematically a first folding member for forming a web of packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve. [Figure 7b] 1 illustrates a schematic side view of a sealing unit. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates schematically a unit for smoothing the tip of a packaged tampon. [Figure 9] 10 illustrates a schematic illustration of a carrier arrangement for transport within a first transport device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0077] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the basic structure of an apparatus 1 according to the present invention. The apparatus 1 is intended for individually packaging tampons 100 in a single preformed packaging sleeve 110'. The apparatus 1 according to the present invention is therefore suitable for producing packaged tampons from individual unpackaged tampons 100. For this purpose, the tampons 100 are conveyed in a conveying direction A through various processing steps. The processing steps shown in the present example in FIG. 1 are exemplary for implementing the solution according to the present invention. Thereby, the tampons are individually fed into the apparatus 1 from a winding and compression processing step (not shown) on the left side of the representation in FIG. 1. The upstream winding processing step and the resulting completion of the tampon from the intermediate product can be learned by a person skilled in the art from the relevant prior art, in particular WO 2022 / 223330 A1. Naturally, one or more additional modules can be provided for intermediate processing or for transfer from the winding drum to the apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

[0078] The finished tampons 100 are individually transported and spaced apart in the transport direction A within the device 1 on a first transport device. For this purpose, a plurality of carriers 4.1, 4.2 are provided in the device 1, which are embodied as first carriers, each for transporting one tampon 100. These first carriers may be driven together and each may have a carrier arm operatively coupled to the distal end of the delivered tampon 100 and pushing it forward in the transport direction A.

[0079] The supply device 7 is arranged below the conveying device 2 and is configured to unwind the web-like packaging material 116 and guide it, for example via a suitable roll and reel, into the folding member 5. The folding member 5 is configured to form the substantially linearly fed web-like packaging material 116 by a suitable geometric configuration around the tampon 100 which is also fed to the folding member 5, thereby forming a substantially tubular packaging sleeve around the tampon 100 from the web-like packaging material 116.

[0080] In the context of the present invention, cellulose hydrate or its derivatives, which are used as packaging materials in various fields under the trade name cellophane, are suitable as the web-like packaging material 116. However, suitable packaging materials can also be produced from different systems, particularly plant- or mushroom-based plastics, from a sustainability perspective, although common practice has shown that cellophane is also primarily biodegradable. Alternative packaging materials that can be treated in the present invention as the web-like packaging material 116 are, for example, textiles and / or fleeces based on plant fibers, such as paper packaging materials. These can also be coated with plastic and / or metal, for example, for moisture-proof coating. Naturally, these plastics can also be made from natural materials and / or be compostable and / or biodegradable. Suitable plastics would be, for example, thermoplastics based on polylactic acid (PLA) and / or cellulose acetate.

[0081] The supply device 7 may be arranged such that a plurality of rolls with corresponding continuous packaging material are provided as a magazine, ensuring continuous operation of the device 1 .

[0082] The tampon 100 emerges from the folding member 5 wrapped in a substantially tubular packaging sleeve 110' formed from the folded web-like packaging material 116. Preferably, an overlapping region suitable for sealing the tubular packaging sleeve is thereby formed. In the web transport direction, the substantially tubular packaging sleeve 110' is further transported by a sealing unit 8, in particular an anvil belt 9 arranged opposite a heat unit 8. The sealing unit 8 applies electricity to at least the overlapping region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve around the tampon 100 so that the overlapping region is substantially joined to one another. In a specific exemplary embodiment, this is ensured by heat that the sealing unit 8 implemented as a heat unit 8 transfers to the tubular packaging sleeve in the overlapping region.

[0083] In this specific example, the anvil belt 9 is configured as a tension conveyor belt and passes through a guide rail so that the tampons 100 and the substantially tubular packaging material 110' come into full physical contact with the sealing unit 8. The tampons are then separated. In this example, separation occurs via a two-part dividing member 10.1, 10.2. This dividing member may be provided with, for example, heatable separating jaws that bridge the intermediate region between the two tampons and contact each other, thereby pinching and fusing the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. This creates individually packaged tampons with a substantially pre-formed packaging sleeve 110''. Alternatively, the dividing units 10.1, 10.2 may also include simple cutting means, for example, cutting blades arranged on rollers that cut the substantially tubular packaging sleeve with an open end. Optionally, further processing steps may be provided, for example, to increase the attractiveness of the cutting. Downstream of the folding member 5, the tampons are no longer transported individually but rather together by a second transport device 3 configured as a conveyor belt as described above, and the tubular sleeve is transported together with the tampon 100 enclosed therein.

[0084] The sealing process according to the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 2a and 2b.

[0085] Figure 2a illustrates a schematic cross section of a tampon 100 with a substantially tubular packaging sleeve wrapped around the tampon 100. The tampon is transported via belt 9 in the direction of the viewer and is placed within the packaging sleeve, which may have been shrunk in a previous step. Two-part sealing members 8.1, 8.2 are provided to seal a vertical tab 112 into the single sealed packaging sleeve, which applies heat to both vertical tabs to create the sealed tab 112. In Figure 2a, this process is illustrated diagrammatically, with the shaded areas 112 representing the substantially joined edges.

[0086] 2b illustrates a schematic cross section of the tampon 100, with a substantially tubular packaging sleeve 110' wrapped around the tampon 100. This figure may represent, for example, a second sealing member 8 performing a second sealing step subsequent to the vertical sealing. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that this step may also be performed as a single sealing step. In this case, for example, the folding may be omitted and the two side edges may be substantially joined directly in the overlap region.

[0087] In the illustrated example, an overlap region 20 is formed, where two longitudinal edges of a substantially tubular packaging material 110' are overlapped with one another. The tampon is transported in the direction of the viewer by an anvil belt 9. A sealing unit 8 is arranged opposite the anvil belt, and the sealing unit is configured to energize at least the overlap region 20, whereby in this region the tubular packaging sleeve is substantially joined with the two overlapped edge ends.

[0088] This may be achieved, for example, by heating, as described above; alternatively, ultrasound may be applied to fuse the overlap region 20. It is also conceivable to apply a chemical solvent that weakens the molecular structure of the plastic used, and then substantially bond the overlap region 20, for example by means of a pressure roller. It is further conceivable that the tubular packaging material 110' is provided with a plastic adhesive in the overlap region 20, and that the application of energy via the sealing unit 8 is solely in the form of contact pressure against the anvil belt 9, thereby substantially bonding the overlap region.

[0089] By folding the sealed tab of Figure 2a over the already substantially bonded region 112, a second region 113 is substantially bonded. This double seal has proven to be particularly stable.

[0090] In a further alternative embodiment, the plastic is not yet fully cured during this process and is still in a stretchable state, after which the plastic hardens so that the overlap area remains stable due to the static adhesion and structural stability of the cured plastic, achieving essentially a similar effect, although strictly speaking there is no substantial bond.

[0091] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a closure unit 50, which may be additionally provided downstream of the apparatus of FIG. 1 and is configured to further improve the quality of tampons with preformed packaging sleeves. In particular, the distal and proximal ends of the tubular packaging sleeve around the tampon, for example, should be better preformed, and an overall cleaner finish should be achieved. For this purpose, multiple processing elements are provided in the closure unit 50. The closure unit 50 transports tampons in a conveying direction A to various processing stations, starting from the first processing unit shown in FIG. 1. In this example, the tampons are transferred from their conveying direction, which is coaxial with their longitudinal extension, to an orientation perpendicular to the conveying direction. This allows particularly precise control of the leading and trailing end components of the packaging sleeve and overall better termination processing. The unit on the left in the plan view of FIG. 3 may be configured as schematically shown in FIG. 1. A tampon 100 arranged longitudinally relative to the conveying direction enters the closure unit 50, which includes a second carrier 19, from the left. These second carriers 19 are positioned and guided via guide plates, which allow the individually delivered tampons to be changed from their longitudinal orientation to an orientation oblique to the delivery direction, i.e. at an angle of substantially 90° to the delivery direction.

[0092] In this orientation, the tampon reaches a first folding arrangement 17.1, which is configured to seal the preformed packaging sleeve at its rear end. For this purpose, the first folding arrangement 17.1 is attached to the end and comprises a series of folding arm levers equipped with folding tools that feed the rear end of the preformed packaging sleeve to the folding members 13 so that the end is folded as the tampon passes. A subsequent sealing unit 12 seals the folded end, which end sealing unit 12 is configured to heat seal, i.e. apply heat to the tampon end and the preformed packaging sleeve 110' located thereon. A second folding arrangement 17.2, arranged in a substantially mirror-image manner, serves to carry out the same process steps at the distal end, which is also folded by a distal end sealing unit 18 against a corresponding folding member and then thermally sealed by the distal end sealing unit.

[0093] For quality control, an inspection element 51 equipped with an optical sensor, in this case a camera lens 52, is arranged downstream of the folding arrangements 17.1, 17.2, whereby the inspection element visually inspects the finished tampons together with the preformed wrapping sleeve and the folded leading and trailing end sleeves, respectively. The evaluation of the visual inspection can be computer-aided.

[0094] 4 again illustrates a first folding arrangement 17.1, whereby the first folding arrangement 15 is arranged downstream of the second carrier 19, which, by means of its carrier tip, for example by suctioning vertically, i.e. at an angle of 90° to the conveying direction, guides the packaged tampon 100 provided with a preformed packaging sleeve 110" so that the tip side of the tampon is operatively coupled to the folding arrangement, whereby the folding arrangement is formed by a plurality of folding arm levers 16 and folding tools 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 provided at the end of the folding arm levers 16. The folding arm levers 16 are rotatably arranged around a folding arm axis 15 and are operatively coupled to the folding member as well as to the open end of the rear end of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve, which end is folded against the folding member, whereby the folding member 13 is configured in this example as a folding link. Downstream, the folded edge passes through a sealing unit 12 which substantially joins the folded edge.

[0095] By way of example, FIG. 5 illustrates the function of the second carrier 19 in a schematic diagram. In this example, the second carrier 19 serves to rotate longitudinally arranged and transported tampons by 90° relative to the transport direction, so that the tampons are transported forward at an angle relative to the transport direction A, making their respective ends more accessible to additional processing tools in the machine direction. For this purpose, the second carrier 19 includes a carrier tip 22 having a vacuum opening 30 at its end as an adhesive unit that holds and transports the tampon via suction. As an alternative to a vacuum opening, the adhesive unit 30 can hold the corresponding tampon by electrostatic suction or by claws. The carrier 19 is guided on a guide groove 21 angled toward the belt and guided over a pulley on a guide plate 20. A guide lever 24 transfers movement along the guide groove 21 to the carrier 19. The pulley can be configured as a cam so that the carrier can be pivoted 90°.

[0096] Figure 6 illustrates, in a more detailed exemplary embodiment, a sleeve unit 70 as initially described in Figure 1. Tampons enter the sleeve unit 70 via individual carriers 4.1, which feed the tampons through restrictive guides provided with notches onto the folding member 5. In this example, the carriers 4.1 are arranged on chain guides that can be driven by a carrier shaft 99. In this part of the apparatus and in the sleeve unit 70, a substantially tubular packaging sleeve is folded around the tampon as a continuous tube. The tampon is inserted into this tube and threaded under a sealing unit (not shown) on an anvil belt (not shown in Figure 6).

[0097] The positioning belts 74 transport the substantially tubular packaging sleeve forward with the tampons spaced therein. The positioning belts 74 are driven via positioning belt drives 91 configured as rollers. In this example, the positioning belts include means for ensuring forward feeding of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve. This can be ensured, for example, by providing members on or at the positioning belts 74 that increase the coefficient of friction and create a grip sufficient to move the substantially tubular packaging sleeve forward in the conveying direction A. Alternatively and / or additionally, the positioning belts 74 can be configured to create a vacuum by suction, thereby transporting the substantially tubular packaging sleeve.

[0098] The dividing unit is located downstream of the sealing unit and is configured to separate the substantially tubular packaging sleeves at an intermediate gap, for which purpose an anvil roll and an opposing separating roll are provided in this example, which interact to separate the tube ends. Alternatively and / or additionally, the separating roll may be configured to seal the tube ends.

[0099] 7a and 7b show in more detail the individual components of the sleeve unit, as described above, according to a specific exemplary embodiment. Fig. 7a illustrates diagrammatically the process step in which a web-like packaging material is formed into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve. The web-like packaging material 116, which in this example has already been perforated in a previous step obliquely relative to its longitudinal extension in order to subsequently create predetermined breaking points in the packaged tampons, is guided from the left towards the folding member 5. In this example, the folding member 5 is embodied as a forming collar 5. The tampons 100 are also fed from the left, whereby they are first individually conveyed in the limiting guide 61 by a carrier 4.1. For this purpose, the carrier drive 40 includes a plurality of carriers 4.1, each of which is arranged in a track direction and can be driven, for example, by a chain or belt drive. In this example, the restricting guide 61 is embodied as a guide having a C-shaped cross section with a groove at the top as a catch, and the carrier 4.1 can engage with the catch and push each tampon forward from the proximal end through the restricting guide 61. Downstream of the restricting guide 61, a feeding cylinder 60 serves to feed the tampon to the folding member 5, whereby the folding collar 5 is configured such that the downstream taper of the feeding cylinder 60 guides a tubular packaging sleeve having an overlapping region around the tampon. The tubular packaging sleeve together with the tampon 100 enclosed therein is transported to a sealing unit (not shown in FIG. 7a) by a pair of vertically arranged guide belts. Naturally, the belts can be replaced with other guides as known to those skilled in the art.

[0100] 7b illustrates diagrammatically how the tampon 100 is forced from the feeding cylinder into the sleeve formed by the folding collar 5 and into the tubular packaging sleeve. The blank cylinder 63 stabilizes and fixes the overlap area formed thereby. Downstream, the substantially tubular packaging sleeve with the tampon 100 enclosed therein reaches the sealing unit 8, whereby the substantially tubular packaging sleeve has perforations 117. In this example, the sealing unit 8 is embodied as a thermal unit 8. This unit 8 is elastically positioned above the passing substantially tubular packaging sleeve with the aid of a spring 8.2, whereby heat can be transferred from the thermal unit 8 onto the overlap area via the sealing strip. In this example, the sealing strip is applied onto the overlap area via a drive pulley 3.1. On the opposite side, an anvil belt is arranged, which also passes around a pulley, in this case around an anvil belt pulley 9.2 via an anvil belt guide 9.

[0101] Optionally, additional elements may be provided to improve the quality of individually packaged tampons manufactured using the solution according to the present invention. In particular, it may be desirable to smooth the formed end portions, i.e., the proximal and / or distal ends of tampons with preformed packaging sleeves. Such an auxiliary unit is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8. In this example, the individually conveyed tampons with preformed packaging sleeves, which have been rotated obliquely from the longitudinal direction by the upstream unit, as shown in FIG. 5, are conveyed on a circulating belt of the forming unit parallel to the circulating belt for the forming tool 93, so that the tampons with preformed packaging sleeves are guided coaxially relative to the forming tool for a given period of time. In this example, the circulating belt of the forming unit includes a series of carriers 80.3. These carriers of the forming unit 80.3 include carrier tips of the forming unit 80, which are provided with vacuum suction openings 80.1. These vacuum suction openings 80.1 serve to hold the tampons packaged in the preformed packaging sleeves by suction.

[0102] Alternatively, other means for retaining the tampon may be provided, such as by electrostatic forces and / or mechanical retention and gripping, as already described elsewhere in this application.

[0103] The choice of retention technique at the vacuum suction opening has proven to be advantageous as it is particularly gentle on the wrapped tampon and therefore does not compromise the high quality of the product.

[0104] The carriers of the forming unit 80.3 are arranged on the circulating belt of the forming unit 80.2 and move for a certain period of time parallel to forming tools also guided on the circulating belt 93. These forming tools comprise forming tool heads 95 located on the end faces of forming tool pistons 94. The forming tool pistons 94 are then slidably mounted on a translation axis FG oblique to the conveying direction so that they can be moved from a disengaged state to an operatively coupled state. For this purpose, the circulating belt of the intermediate product tool 93 may have a corresponding translation member (not shown) that can move the entire forming tool. Alternatively and / or additionally, the forming tool pistons 94 may be mounted on the forming tools so that they can be moved, for example, pneumatically on the movement axis FG. When the forming tools are arranged operatively coupled with the forming tool heads 95, a mold 92 that is formed substantially complementary to the portion of the tampon sleeve to be formed can act on the tampon sleeve. To this end, the forming tool head 95 may be configured to be heatable with the mold 92 disposed therein, such that the corresponding packaging material can be softened or reformed by the application of heat.

[0105] FIG. 9 shows in more detail the arrangement for guiding an unwrapped tampon in a specific exemplary embodiment as previously described in FIG. 1 and other figures.

[0106] FIG. 9 illustrates a multi-part restrictor guide 61.1, 61.2 in which a plurality of carriers 4.1 are driven via a chain drive on the carrier drive 4.0, thereby securing the carrier drive 4.0 and driven circulatoryly around the carrier axis 99 by the chain drive. A catch insert 4.11 is provided on each carrier 4.1 to engage with the restrictor guide 61.1, 61.2 when in an operative orientation. The restrictor guides 61.1, 61.2 shown here in a multi-part configuration have a substantially C-shaped cross-sectional profile within which a tampon is conveyed by the carrier, which pushes the proximal end of the tampon forward. The profile is selected so that expansion of the compressed tampon is substantially inhibited. For practical reasons, the multi-part configuration of this example may be selected, for example, to more easily realize the tapered profile of the restrictor guides 61.1, 61.2 when manufacturing the components.

[0107] Thereafter, as already mentioned above, the tampons are fed via a feed cylinder 60 to the folding members 5, which place the respective tubular wrapping sleeves around the tampons.

[0108] The device according to the invention can be provided with an optionally scalable system for packaging individual tampons, which allows the system according to the invention to be complemented with additional elements, for example, to improve quality. For this purpose, certain advantageous embodiments of the invention are shown, such as, for example, the possibility of changing orientation or corresponding restrictive guides, which allow the tampon to be transported along its longitudinal axis without the need for a sleeve. Those skilled in the art will recognize further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention from studying the specific examples and the embodiments shown in the general description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1 device 2. First conveying device 3 Second conveying device 3.1 Pulley 4.0 Carrier Drive 4.1 First Support 4.2 First Support 4.11 Capture Insert 5 Folding member 7 Feeding device 8 Sealing unit / heat unit 8.1 Horizontal sealing unit 8.2 Horizontal sealing unit 8.2 Springs 9 Anvil belt guide 9.1 Anvil Belt 9.2 Anvil belt pulley 10.1 Divided Members 10.2 Partitions 12 End sealing unit 13 Folding member 14.1 Folding Tools 14.2 Folding Tools 14.3 Folding Tools 15 Folding arm axis 16 Folding arm lever 17.1 First Folding Array 17.2 Secondary Folding Array 18 Tip sealing unit 19 Second carrier 20 Overlapping Area 20' guide plate 21 Guide groove 22 carrier head 23 Intake port 24 Guide lever 30 Adhesive unit / vacuum opening 40 Carrier drive unit 50 Closing unit 51 Test Elements 52 Lens 60 Feed cylinder 61 Restrictions Information Section 61.1 First restriction information section 61.2 Second restriction information section 63 Cylinder Roll 70 Sleeve Unit 71 Guide Contour 72 String Control Unit 73 Infeed Profile 74 Positioning Belt 75 Anvil Roll 77 Separation Roll 80 Carrier head of forming unit 80.1 Vacuum suction opening 80.2 Circulating belt of forming unit 80.3 Forming unit carrier 91 Positioning belt drive unit 92 Mold 93 Forming tool circulation belt 95 Forming Tool Head 94 Forming Tool Piston 99 Support shaft 100 tampons 116 Web-like packaging materials 110' substantially tubular packaging sleeve 110'' Preformed Packaging Sleeve 111 Foldable packaging sleeve 112 Single sealed packaging sleeve / substantially joined area 113 Double sealed packaging sleeve / second substantially joined region 116 Web-like packaging materials 117 perforations A Conveying direction

Claims

1. A device (1) for packaging tampons (100), in particular for individual packaging, comprising: a. a first folding member (5) for forming a web-like packaging material (116) into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') for said tampon (100); b) a first conveying device (2) for conveying individual tampons (100) in a conveying direction (A) to the folding member (5) such that the tampons (100) are wrapped by the substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') for the tampons (100) about their longitudinal axes as they exit the folding member; c. Dividing members (10.1, 10.2) for separating the wrapped tampons (100) into individual pieces; An apparatus (1) comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a feeding device (7) for feeding, in particular continuously feeding, the web-like packaging material.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising at least one first sealing member (8), in particular a thermal unit (8), for thermally sealing the overlapping region of the substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110').

4. 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first conveying device comprises a plurality of carriers (4.1, 4.2, ...), each carrying one of said tampons (100).

5. 5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first delivery device comprises a restricting guide configured to restrict the expansion of the delivered tampon obliquely relative to the longitudinal extension, in particular the restricting guide configured as a C-shaped guide.

6. 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a second conveying device (3) for conveying the tubular packaging sleeve for the tampon together with the tampon enclosed in the packaging sleeve, in particular such that the tampon enclosed in the packaging sleeve is conveyed by conveying the packaging sleeve.

7. 7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the folding member (5) comprises a tampon receiving groove and a folding bracket.

8. 8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the dividing member is made up of multiple parts.

9. 9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the dividing member is configured to be heatable.

10. 10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an alignment unit for changing the orientation of the delivered tampon (100) and / or the packaged tampon (110'') relative to the transport direction, in particular for rotating the delivered tampon (100) and / or the packaged tampon (110'') at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the transport direction.

11. 11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one additional folding arrangement (17.1, 17.2) for sealing the substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') of an individual enclosed tampon (110'') at its leading and / or trailing end.

12. 1. A method for packaging tampons, comprising: a. feeding individual said tampons into a first delivery device (2); b. feeding a web of packaging material to a folding member; c. feeding the individual tampons to the folding member and bending the web-like packaging material into a substantially tubular packaging sleeve into which the individual tampons are disposed; d. conveying said substantially tubular packaging sleeve; e. Separating individual said tampons together with the enclosed portion of said substantially tubular packaging sleeve; A method comprising:

13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of bending the web-like packaging material into the substantially tubular packaging sleeve includes creating an overlap region of two longitudinal edges of the web-like packaging material.

14. 14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising substantially joining, in particular heat-sealing, the two longitudinal edges of the web-like packaging material, in particular in the overlap region.

15. 15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the withdrawal string of the tampon is fixed during the course of the method.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, comprising sealing the substantially tubular packaging sleeve (110') of each enclosed tampon (100) at its leading end and / or trailing end by at least one additional folding arrangement, in particular a first folding arrangement and a second folding arrangement.

17. A method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, comprising the step of providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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