Individually packaged incontinence article comprising an absorbent article for receiving bodily excreta

Abstract

The invention relates to an individually packaged incontinence article (10) which comprises: an absorbent article (40) for receiving bodily excreta; and a packaging material portion (12), which has a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (Q) extending perpendicularly thereto, and two longitudinal edges (20) and two transverse edges (16, 17), and is folded along fold lines (14) running in the transverse direction (Q) such that it encloses the absorbent article (40) in the packaged state and thus forms a front face (24) and a rear face (26) of an item of packaging; wherein, in the packaged state, the transverse edges (16, 17) of the individually packaged incontinence article (10) are arranged such that a first transverse edge (16) is fixed to the front face (24) of the individually packaged incontinence article (10) on the side of the packaging material portion (42) facing away from the absorbent article (40); wherein the packaging material portion (10) is at least partly translucent and is printed with at least one decorative means (30) in the form of a pattern which visually perceptibly stands out from the packaging material portion (12).

Description

[0001] Title: Individually packaged incontinence articles comprising an absorbent article for the absorption of body fluids

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to individually packaged incontinence articles, comprising an absorbent article for absorbing body excretions, with an absorbent body extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a cover layer, a backing layer and an absorbent core arranged therebetween, and a packaging material section with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction running perpendicular thereto and two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges, which is folded around fold lines running in the transverse direction in such a way that it encloses the absorbent article in the packaged state, in particular on all sides, and thus forms a front side and a back side of a package, wherein the transverse edges in the packaged state of the individually packaged incontinence article are arranged in such a way that a first transverse edge forms a type of flap on the front side.The first transverse edge is fixed to the side surface of the packaging material section facing away from the absorbent article. The packaging material section is translucent at least in sections, particularly in the area of ​​the rear side, but in particular over its entire extent, and is printed with at least one decorative element that stands out visually from the packaging material section.

[0004] Disposable packaged incontinence articles are well known in the art. It is usual for each incontinence article, as well as other hygiene articles such as sanitary pads, to be individually wrapped in a section of packaging material, which is then usually secured to itself with an adhesive. A first transverse edge can overlap the second transverse edge of the packaging material section and then forms a flap-like design for closing the packaging. This creates a front and a back of the packaging material section or of the packaging for the packaged incontinence article. It is known for such packaging material sections to be provided with a decorative means in the form of a print. The provision of identification means that convey information is also known.

[0005] For example, it is already known from EP 2 243 450 A1 to provide first display regions. First and second display regions can be provided, wherein a

[0006] The first display region provides information, for example regarding the intensity of menstruation, for which the product is suitable, etc., and the second display region can have decorative means, i.e. purely decorative elements. The second display region can be provided in the area of ​​the overlapping first transverse edge, forming a type of flap.

[0007] Likewise, WO 2007 / 0186034 A1, for example, describes how at least a portion of the backing layer of the absorbent article can be seen through the packaging material portion, where the packaging material portion has an opacity of 8.5 to 50. This is intended to ensure that, for example, an aesthetic feature of the absorbent article is visible from the outside.

[0008] JP 2006 / 223757 A2 relates to a packaging for absorbent articles with a transparent or translucent packaging material and to an absorbent article which has a pattern and with marking means for conveying information which can be recognized through the packaging material together with the pattern. It can be provided that a colored adhesive is applied in the area of ​​an underwear application surface and the marking means is formed by the adhesive. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the marking means is provided on a cover element which covers the adhesive zone before being applied to underwear and, finally, it can also be provided that the marking means are provided on the packaging material section.

[0009] Another prior art, EP 2 689 757 A1, also describes an individually packaged product, wherein a separable colored zone is provided on the inside of the packaging material, which is visible from the outside and prevents a view of the absorbent product.

[0010] Furthermore, JP 2013 / 073858 discloses individually packaged absorbent articles with first and second colored zones. One colored zone forms the background for the decorative element of the other colored zone.

[0011] JP 2018 / 210103 A2 also shows an individually packaged product, wherein the product has an adhesive area and the packaging film has a patterned print on the front and back. The patterned print has a window through which the adhesive area can be seen. The adhesive area can have a color code indicating the absorption strength. Apart from the window-like element, the front and back of the packaging of the absorbent article are continuously and uniformly provided with a pattern.

[0012] Finally, JP 2015 / 116427 A2 also describes an individually packaged product, with transparent and opaque areas being provided in the packaging envelope.

[0013] Based on the aforementioned prior art, the object of the invention is to provide an individually packaged incontinence article whose packaging is visually appealing on one side thanks to a decorative element, but on the other hand also allows a view of the packaged absorbent article. In particular, a marking element applied to the absorbent article should be visible through the packaging material section. The object here is to achieve a balance between visibility of the absorbent article through the packaging material section and the decorative design.

[0014] The invention solves this problem by an individually packaged incontinence article having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0015] An individually packaged incontinence article is provided, comprising an absorbent article for absorbing body excretions, with an absorbent body extending in a longitudinal direction comprising a cover layer, a backing layer and an absorbent core arranged therebetween, and with a packaging material section with a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction running perpendicular thereto, as well as two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges, which is folded around fold lines running in the transverse direction in such a way that it encloses the absorbent article in the packaged state, in particular on all sides, and thus forms a front side and a back side of a package, wherein the transverse edges in the packaged state of the individually packaged incontinence article are arranged in such a way that a first transverse edge is fixed on the front side on the side of the packaging material section facing away from the absorbent article,wherein the packaging material section is translucent at least in sections, preferably in the area of ​​the back, but in particular over its entire surface, and is printed with at least one decorative means in pattern form which stands out visually from the packaging material section, wherein the at least one decorative means has a greater pattern density and / or a greater degree of coverage in the area of ​​the front of the packaging than on the back.,

[0016] It can be provided that the overlap of one transverse edge over the side of the packaging material section facing away from the absorbent article forms a flap-like configuration. The first transverse edge can project to different extents over the side of the packaging material section facing away from the absorbent article, so that there can be an overlap of different sizes in the region of the first transverse edge and the packaging material section. The overlap preferably does not take up the entire front side, but is also designed to be large enough on the other side that there is no undesired exposure of the absorbent article.

[0017] The first transverse edge can be provided with an adhesive element, in particular an adhesive strip, which is attached to the surface of the packaging material section facing away from the absorbent article and projects beyond the first transverse edge. Its free end can be attached to the region of the packaging material section lying underneath. Alternatively, one or more adhesive dots or an adhesive line can be provided on the surface facing the underlying section of the packaging material section in the region of the first transverse edge. However, other connecting means are also conceivable.

[0018] The absorbent article serves to absorb bodily excretions, in particular urine and feces, and possibly menstrual blood. This can be a pad-shaped article or a panty liner that is worn in conjunction with the user's underwear. Alternatively, other absorbent articles are also conceivable, such as diapers and diaper pants, both in a configuration that is only closed upon application by the user and in a configuration that is already closed at the side edges by the manufacturer. However, the preferred article according to the invention is a pad or panty liner.Such absorbent articles typically comprise a topsheet, which, during use, faces a user and through which body excretion enters the absorbent article and is introduced into the absorbent body, and a backsheet, which, during use, faces the undergarment, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent article extends from the abdomen to the back of the user through at least a crotch region.

[0019] The extension from the stomach to the back of the user across the crotch area is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The direction perpendicular to this is the transverse direction. The packaging material section that encloses the absorbent article also has a longitudinal and a transverse direction, these being selected such that they correlate with that of the absorbent article in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The absorbent article is arranged in the packaging material section such that the backing of the absorbent article lies against the surface of the packaging material section facing the absorbent article.

[0020] When the package is closed, the absorbent article rests with its backing against the inward-facing side of the packaging material section. The packaging material section is then folded at least twice around fold lines running in the transverse direction, whereby the transverse edges can overlap to form a flap-like design. It can be provided that the absorbent article rests entirely on the packaging material section before the folding step or projects over it and then preferably towards the second transverse edge and is only fully absorbed into it during folding.

[0021] After folding, the packaging is then sealed along the longitudinal edges, for example, with welded seams or adhesive, forming edge sections. If the back and front of the packaging material section are to be considered, the edge sections should not be included. The edge section is defined by the area where the longitudinal edges of the front and back join.

[0022] According to the invention, the front side should have a greater degree of coverage and / or a greater pattern density of decorative elements. The decorative elements are preferably applied to the side of the packaging material section facing outward, i.e., away from the absorbent article. Alternatively or additionally, they can also be applied to the side of the packaging material section facing the absorbent article.

[0023] For the purposes of this invention, decorative elements are understood to mean patterns composed of graphic elements that have no underlying informational content but serve merely as ornaments. These patterns can include both linear patterns, which are preferred, and planar patterns. The patterns can be composed of a single pattern element or of multiple pattern elements, with the connection between the pattern elements being apparent to the observer from their thematic context.

[0024] In contrast, labels contain information that is conveyed in the form of words, letters, numbers, colors, and / or symbols. Examples include the size information S, M, and L, or symbols such as drops for absorbency. Alternatively or additionally, machine-readable codes, such as QR codes, can also be provided as labels. These codes lead to user instructions or an order page, or in which the desired information is encoded.

[0025] The packaging material section can, in particular, be a film. It has proven advantageous if the film comprises or consists of a thermoplastic polymer, in particular from the class of polyolefins, especially polypropylene and / or polyethylene. However, this does not preclude the film from having a thin and transparent nonwoven coating on the outside to convey a textile impression and a pleasant haptic feel.

[0026] Furthermore, it is conceivable and advantageous for many applications if the film comprises non-polymeric fillers, such as in particular pigments, titanium dioxide or carbonates, plasticizers, fragrances, antimicrobial substances.

[0027] The film forming the packaging material section should be sufficiently stable, while using resources economically. It is therefore advantageous if the film has a basis weight of at least 10 g / m 2 in particular of at least 12 g / m 2 and a maximum of 35 g / m 2 , in particular not more than 30 g / m 2 , in particular not more than 28 g / m 2 and further in particular of not more than 24 g / m 2 has .

[0028] As an example, the printable film "Hyfol® PP-FCP Pouch Film" in white made of polyolefin from RKW SE, Mannheim, Germany, with a thickness of 15 pm and a basis weight of 14 g / m 2 The film for the packaging material section can be made of polyethylene or contain a combination of both polypropylene and polyethylene; in particular, a multi-layer structure is also conceivable.

[0029] Alternatively, packaging material sections made of other materials are also conceivable.

[0030] The packaging material section preferably has a rectangular shape. Its longitudinal extension can essentially correspond to the longitudinal extension of the absorbent article.

[0031] The packaging material section is on both the

[0032] Printed with a decorative material on both the front and back. Printing can be done using conventional methods, such as flexographic printing, UV flexographic printing, rotogravure, inkjet printing, or screen printing. Flexographic printing or screen printing is preferred.

[0033] Printing can be done in black or color. Information can also be conveyed through color, for example, by using pink for women's products and blue for men's products.

[0034] The decorative elements can be linear patterns that run from one end of the packaging material section to the other, or merely over a certain section of the packaging material section, without being closed on themselves. The lines can be straight, curved, or with kinks, such as zigzag lines. Such patterns are referred to below as "open patterns." Open patterns include, for example, stripes, wavy lines, rays, etc. Closed patterns can also be provided, with some of the lines forming the pattern being closed on themselves, so that the line has no beginning or end, such as circles or squares. Pattern elements are parts of patterns that can be connected to other pattern elements or are separate from them and together with these define a pattern.

[0035] In addition, however, two-dimensional patterns can also be used as decorative means, either through the line width in the case of linear patterns or through a filling of the pattern and / or pattern element, for example in the case of closed patterns. The patterns, in particular the non-closed but open patterns, can extend only over part of the longitudinal and / or transverse extent of the packaging material section and can form, for example, radially designed flowers, etc. Alternatively, however, they can also extend essentially continuously, whereby continuous should also be understood to include interrupted lines, from one edge of the packaging material section to a second edge of the packaging material section, the two edges preferably being arranged opposite one another.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent article can be folded along fold lines running in the transverse direction in the packaging material section, or it can be folded with the packaging material section along fold lines running in the transverse direction. There are basically two possibilities: either the absorbent article is pre-folded and then wrapped into the packaging material section. Alternatively, the absorbent article can be placed on the packaging material section so that the two longitudinal directions coincide, and then the folding steps are carried out.

[0037] In principle, folding around just two fold lines is conceivable, with the transverse edges of the packaging material section then overlapping one another on the front. However, folding around three fold lines is particularly preferred, with the packaging material section first being folded in from one transverse edge up to approximately halfway and then the remaining part of the packaging material section being wrapped around the folded-in part and secured on the front. However, folding around more than three fold lines is also conceivable. The advantage of a design in which the packaging material section and the absorbent article are folded together is that when the packaging formed by the packaging material section is opened, the absorbent article is immediately unfolded too. Combinations of the two variants are also conceivable.

[0038] Before folding, in the variant in which the absorbent article is folded together with the packaging material section, the absorbent article can protrude longitudinally beyond the second transverse edge of the packaging material section. The first folding step is then preferably carried out such that the side of the absorbent article protruding beyond the packaging material section is folded in together with the packaging material section, preferably up to approximately half of the packaging material section, so that the then folded transverse edge of the absorbent article comes to lie approximately on half of the packaging material section. The packaging material section is then folded around this folded configuration, starting from the first transverse edge.

[0039] Depending on whether this first fold goes up to half, ends before it or goes beyond it, the portion which comes to rest on the front in the form of a flap and has the first transverse edge of the packaging material section is larger or smaller. According to a special embodiment, it can be provided that a cover element of an adhesive of the incontinence article comes to rest wholly or partly in the region of the back. It can be provided, in particular in the case of absorbent articles similar to sanitary pads or panty liners, that these have an adhesive coating on the side facing away from the wearer when in use, which can be covered by a cover element before use. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the packaging material section itself to serve as the cover element. It is particularly preferred if the cover element is arranged wholly or over part of its longitudinal extent in the region of the back.It is particularly preferred if the backing of the absorbent article and / or a cover element arranged on the backing and covering an adhesive has a print, in particular in the form of a marking means, in the region of the back of the packaging material section. The marking means can in particular serve to mark the incontinence article with regard to the size or its absorbency or user group. Alternatively, the marking means can also serve to provide ordering information or application information via a machine-readable code or to support the ordering process. In this case, it is particularly desirable according to the invention if the marking means is present in the region of the back of the packaging material section.

[0040] In order to provide a particularly appealing appearance of the packaging of the incontinence article, it can be provided that an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another is placed over the front of the packaging to form four grid squares of equal size, wherein the front in the area of ​​at least two, in particular at least three, preferably at least four, grid squares has a degree of coverage of decorative means of at least 7%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 9%, further in particular at least 10%, and preferably in particular at least 12% and in particular at most 50%, further in particular at most 30% and in particular at most 20%.This allows for an attractive print of decorative elements to be applied to the front, which, thanks to the sufficient coverage over the entire surface, ensures that the product has an appealing visual appearance. On the other hand, the front is not completely dominated by the decorative elements, so that the difference between the front and back is not too great and visually unsightly.

[0041] If a grid of nine corresponding parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another is laid over the front side, it is particularly preferred if, in the area of ​​at least five, preferably at least six, preferably at least seven and preferably at least eight and particularly preferably all nine grid squares, a degree of coverage of decorative means of at least 7%, in particular at least 8%, more particularly at least 9%, more particularly at least 10% and preferably at least 12% and in particular at most 50%, more particularly at most 30% and in particular at most 20% is provided. This makes it clear once again that the most even distribution of the decorative means on the front side, and in particular a distribution over the entire surface, is desirable.

[0042] Preferably, no grid square of the front side has a coverage of zero for either four or nine grid squares.

[0043] In an analogous manner, if a corresponding grid of parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another is laid over the back to form four grid squares of equal size, the back in the area of ​​at least three, preferably four grid squares, has a degree of coverage of decorative means of at least 3%, in particular of at least 4%, more particularly at least 5%, more particularly at least 6% and preferably in particular 7% and in particular at most 30%, more particularly at most 20% and more particularly at most 10%.

[0044] If nine equally sized grid squares are placed over the back in a corresponding manner, the result in the range of at least five, preferably at least six, preferably at least seven and preferably at least eight and particularly preferably nine grid squares is a degree of coverage of at least 3%, in particular at least 4%, more particularly at least 5%, more particularly at least 6% and preferably in particular 7% and in particular at most 30%, more particularly at most 20% and more particularly at most 10%.

[0045] Preferably, no grid square on the back has a coverage of zero, whether there are four or nine grid squares. This ensures that the coverage is relatively uniform across the respective surfaces, namely the front and back. This means that the decorative elements are not provided only in one area of ​​the front and back, but rather the decorative elements extend across the entire surface, although a certain degree of variation may be provided.

[0046] Furthermore, it is provided and particularly preferred if the distribution of the patterns of the decorative means, namely the pattern density, is designed in a certain way. The pattern density differs from the degree of coverage in that it is not the area covered by a surface that is specified here, but the number of patterns and / or pattern elements provided. Thus, if the four grid squares of the same size described above are provided on the front side in the range of three, preferably four, grid squares, a pattern density of decorative means of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably two or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular three or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square can be provided. More than 10 patterns and / or pattern elements in at least 3 grid squares are particularly preferred.

[0047] If the nine grid squares described above are placed over the front side, it can be provided that in the area of ​​at least six, preferably at least seven and more preferably at least eight and particularly preferably nine grid squares, a pattern density of decorative means of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably two or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular three or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square is provided. More than 5 patterns and / or pattern elements in at least 7 grid squares are particularly preferred.

[0048] It is again preferred if no grid square on the front side has a pattern density of zero, whether with four or with nine grid squares. In this case, each pattern and / or pattern element is counted that has at least 50% of its area within the respective grid square.

[0049] Looking at the reverse side in the same way, the provision of four equally sized grid squares results in a pattern density in at least three, preferably four grid squares of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably two or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular three or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square. More than 5 patterns and / or pattern elements in at least 3 grid squares are particularly preferred.

[0050] Likewise, when nine grid squares are provided relative to the rear side, at least six, preferably at least seven, more preferably at least eight and particularly preferably nine grid squares result in a pattern density of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably two or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular three or more patterns and / or more pattern elements per grid square. More than three patterns and / or pattern elements in at least seven grid squares are particularly preferred.

[0051] It is again preferred if no grid square on the back has a pattern density of zero, whether with four or with nine grid squares. In this case, each pattern and / or pattern element is counted that has at least 50% of its area within the respective grid square.

[0052] Particularly preferably, the degree of coverage and / or the pattern density of the front side is 5-120%, in particular 10-100%, more particularly 20-80%, and more particularly 30-50% greater than the degree of coverage and / or the pattern density of the back side relative to the entire side surface. This ensures that the front side has a significantly higher number and / or area coverage of decorative elements, thus enhancing the aesthetic impression of the front side.

[0053] The specification of the coverage levels and the pattern densities should also include deviations of + / - 10%.

[0054] The reverse side thus exhibits greater translucency, or transparency, which essentially corresponds to the translucency of the material of the packaging material section at that point, so that marking devices provided in the reverse area can be more easily located and identified. This provides a balance between the desire to make information visible to users and a visually appealing appearance.

[0055] In this case, it can be particularly preferably provided that the decoration means have a basic element, wherein the decoration means on the front corresponds to the basic element and, more preferably, the decoration means on the back can have reduced details compared to the basic element on the front. The basic element can also have a plurality of individual elements which, however, are repeated across the side surfaces of the packaging material section. For example, it can be provided that flowers, which can also be designed in different ways but are repeated across the side surfaces, are provided as the basic element, wherein the basic element is taken up in particular on the back and it can be provided here that individual elements of the flowers are omitted on the back in order to provide a lower area coverage and / or pattern density. For example, individual flower elements and / or flowers of a floral pattern can be missing.This is also possible with other basic elements, such as tendrils or striped patterns.

[0056] The decorative means can preferably comprise a plurality of individual patterns, in particular individual patterns formed from printed lines or be formed from them. An individual pattern is understood here to mean that the individual pattern forms a self-contained pattern theme or basic element that is recognizable to an observer. The individual patterns can be designed as a pattern group comprising at least two pattern elements formed from printed lines.

[0057] It is particularly preferred if the decoration means are distributed evenly or unevenly over the front and / or back. The arrangement can be such that the desired areas are covered, or remain free or have such a degree of coverage in order to provide an appealing visual impression, but also the recognizability of identification means, without, however, having to provide a window-like recess in the decoration means, which causes interruptions in the printing process and disrupts a continuous printing process. The present arrangement offers particular advantages provided that the machine direction with which the packaging material web, from which the packaging material sections are then formed, has a machine direction which runs transversely to the longitudinal direction of the packaging material sections and the incontinence articles are fed in transversely to the machine direction.With such an arrangement, it is particularly advantageous that the printing of both the front and back with the at least one decorative element can be carried out continuously, and no repeats are necessary, since there is no need to change over between printing the front and back. This allows for a particularly simple process.

[0058] According to one embodiment, it can be provided that the front side has an average degree of coverage by the decorative means of at least 6%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 12%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20% and in particular of at most 50%, further in particular at most 40%, further in particular at most 30% and further in particular at most 25%.

[0059] In comparison, the reverse side can have a degree of coverage by the decorative means of at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 7%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 15% and further in particular of at most 30%, in particular at most 20%, preferably in particular at most 15% and further in particular at most 12%.

[0060] Preferred dimensions (+ / — 10%) for the front and back are 182 cm 2 . Furthermore, it can be provided that the packaging material section has an opacity of the front and / or the back of at most 90%, in particular at most 85%, further in particular at most 80%, further in particular at most 75%, further in particular at most 70%, in particular at most 65%.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the printing of the decorative means has an opacity of at most 100%, in particular at most 95%, in particular at most 90%, in particular at most 85%, further in particular at most 80%, further in particular at most 75%, further in particular at most 70%, both on the back and on the front.

[0062] The opacity of the decorative elements does not necessarily have to be or be significantly higher than that of the packaging material section itself, since no "masking" is required. However, it is preferably greater than the opacity of the unprinted areas.

[0063] The decorative elements stand out from the packaging material section, particularly through the choice of colour, and are visually recognizable by an observer.

[0064] The opacity is determined using the following procedure:

[0065] Determination of opacity:

[0066] Opacity is determined photometrically using a suitable testing device, following the manufacturer's instructions. Such tests are routinely performed in the field and are therefore familiar to the expert. If necessary, the testing device is calibrated before measurement according to the manufacturer's specifications and with the appropriate standards.

[0067] To determine the opacity in the example described above, the BYK-Gardner Spectro-guide sphere gloss tester was used. The reference surface used was the BYK-Gardner opacity charts, card #2810 (available from BYK-Gardner GmbH, Geretsried, Germany). The following settings were made on the tester:

[0068] Scale: CIEL* a*b*

[0069] Index: AE*

[0070] Light type: D65

[0071] Angle: 10 °

[0072] Measuring opening: 11 mm

[0073] In the case of narrower measuring ranges, a test device with a correspondingly narrower measuring aperture must be selected.

[0074] For each measurement, a section of the packaging material is used in its original state before being inserted into a packaged incontinence article. Alternatively, the packaged incontinence article is opened if necessary and the packaging material section is separated from the absorbent article in order to have the packaging material section available for measurement. To prepare the sample, the sample material, i.e. the packaging material section, is spread out flat on a level surface in the state of the natural original extension of the sample material. Ultimately, the measuring area specified by the measuring field limitation of the testing device must be taken into account for the sample size.

[0075] For the measurements to be performed, a standardized white test card is placed as a reference surface beneath the sample material in the area of ​​the intended measuring field, so that the opacity measurements are always performed against a standard surface. The upper side of the sample material to be measured is positioned facing the test device and its optical measuring field areas.

[0076] For the measurement process, the measuring head of the device is placed vertically and without additional pressure on the prepared sample material and the desired upper surface of the sample material to be measured. Depending on the design of the testing device, the relevant point on the sample material for the measurement is first determined using a component with a measuring field limitation (so-called sample observer). The testing device with its measuring opening is then placed opposite this measuring field.

[0077] N = 6 measurements are performed at different, print-free locations on the sample material. The mean value is determined from the opacity measurements. The opacity measurements and the mean value are expressed to one decimal place and as a percentage [%].

[0078] (If the distribution of the printing does not have sufficiently large free areas, the still unprinted packaging material can also be used for the measurement.) The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0079] Figure 1 : a front and a back of an individually packaged incontinence article;

[0080] Figure 2: a front and a back of an alternative individually wrapped incontinence article;

[0081] Figure 3: the incontinence article according to Figure 2 before closing the packaging;

[0082] Figure 4 and Figure 5 : Degrees of coverage of the front and back sides of the incontinence article according to Figures 1 to 3 .

[0083] Figure 1 shows, in illustration A, a front side 24 of an individually packaged incontinence article and illustration B shows the corresponding back side 26. A packaging material section 12 of the individually packaged incontinence article can be seen which is provided with the reference symbol 10 in its entirety, the packaging material section 12 having a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction Q running perpendicular thereto. The packaging material section 12 is folded around fold lines 14, which then form the later edges 15 of the individually packaged incontinence article 10, so that one of the transverse edges 16 overlaps the other transverse edge 17 (not shown) and forms a flap-like design on the front side 24. The flap-like design is then adhesively fixed with an adhesive strip 18 on the packaging material section 12 and here on the side facing away from the absorbent article 40 (not shown).

[0084] The longitudinal edges 20 of the packaging material section 12 are connected to one another over their entire length by a weld seam, which weld seam bears the reference symbol 22. This forms an edge region 21 that is not part of the front 24 or rear 26.

[0085] The front side 24 and the back side 26 are characterized by the area between the edge areas 21 and the edges 14.

[0086] Illustration B now shows the rear side 26, where the longitudinal edges 20 and the weld 22 as well as the edge regions 21 can also be seen. The rear side 26 is designed continuously and extends transversely between the edge regions 21.

[0087] Both the front side 24 and the back side 26 have decorative elements 30, wherein the decorative elements are designed as flower-like patterns and comprise differently shaped blossoms in various sizes as well as individual flower elements as pattern elements, wherein these are so-called "individual patterns" which are designed here as open patterns, i.e., the printed lines which comprise the decorative element 30 do not form a closed line. The flowers which represent the decorative elements are designed here more in a radial manner.

[0088] The rear side 26 has a lower pattern density and a lower degree of coverage than the front side 24. In this way, the packaging material section 12, which is itself translucent, is more translucent in the area of ​​the rear side 26 than on the front side, wherein the same basic element of the pattern of the decorative means 30 results in an attractive, uniform appearance.

[0089] The packaging material section 12 is a printable film "Hyfol® PP-FCP Pouch Film" in white made of polyolefin from RKW SE, Mannheim, Germany, with a thickness of 15 pm and a basis weight of 14 g / m 2 This has an opacity of 62%, measured according to the method described above. In areas where two layers of the packaging material section 12 overlap, the opacity is 72%.

[0090] By providing a greater degree of coverage and a greater pattern density on the front side 24, the front side 24 appears more visually appealing than the back side 26.

[0091] Figure 2 now shows an alternative design, wherein identical elements are designated by identical reference numerals. The packaged incontinence article according to Figure 2 differs from that according to Figure 1 in that the absorbent article (not shown) has a covering element of an adhesive on its side facing away from a wearer, with which it rests against the packaging material section 12. The covering element is provided here with identification means 60.

[0092] The advantage here is that the identification means 60 applied to the absorbent article 40 can be seen through the back 26 of the packaging (see also Figure 3). If the individually packaged incontinence articles 10 are then removed from a storage location, the identification means 60 can already be recognized through the packaging material section 12, which can provide information about the size, the absorbency, and / or the user group, and a suitable individually packaged incontinence article 10 can thus be selected.

[0093] Because the back 26 has a lower degree of coverage of decorative means 30 than the front 24, the marking means 60 are less covered by decorative means 30 there and can be recognized more easily. In contrast, the front 24 appears more decorative and visually appealing. Furthermore, the front 24 is more opaque, i.e., less translucent, since two layers of the packaging material overlap here.

[0094] Figure 3 shows the individually packaged incontinence product 10 with the packaging material section 12 and the absorbent article 40 already applied. The absorbent article 40 comprises a backing layer 42 and a top layer 41 and an absorbent core 44 enclosed between them. In use, the backing layer 42 faces away from a wearer of the absorbent article 40, whereas the top layer 41 faces the wearer. The backing layer 42 is in contact with the packaging material section 12. For this purpose, the backing layer 42 carries an adhesive which is covered by a cover element 50 so that there is no adhesive contact between the adhesive and the packaging material section 12 in the packaged state. The cover element 50 carries the identification means 60, which can be seen through the packaging material section in the illustration in Figure 3.

[0095] Figure 3 also shows how the incontinence article 40 is placed on the packaging material section 12. The fold lines 14 can also be seen, which in turn form the transversely running edges 15 of the packaging. It can be seen that the absorbent article 40 projects beyond the packaging material section 12 in the longitudinal direction L before the folding steps. The folding process is carried out in the illustration in Figure 3 such that first the side with the absorbent article 40 projecting beyond the packaging material section 12 is folded in around the fold line 14', then it is folded around the middle fold line 14'', and then the packaging is closed by folding around the last fold line 14'''. By folding around the predetermined fold lines 14, the absorbent article is then enclosed on all sides by the packaging material section 12.In a further step, the longitudinal edges 20 are then closed via the weld seams 22 so that the edge regions 21 are formed.

[0096] It can be provided that the cover element 50 for the adhesive has a print, in particular in the form of an identification means 60, where the print can convey information, for example about the absorbency, but also about the size or the area of ​​application (male / female / unisex). For example, it is possible to indicate the absorbency either using graphic elements or numbers and symbols. Furthermore, it can be indicated, for example, whether it is a size L or M. Furthermore, suitability, for example for men or women, can be indicated in the form of a mark. In the present example, the product is characterized as a women's product with an absorbency of 3. Letters as well as words, numbers and symbols can be used.Due to the lower pattern density and lower degree of coverage of the back 26 compared to the front 24, these identification means 60 are visible through the packaging material section 12 and can thus be visible to a user from the outside without the absorbent article 40 having to be unpacked from the packaging material section 12.

[0097] In order to illustrate the different degrees of coverage, the front 24 and the back 26 of the packaging material section 12 were divided into four equally sized grid squares by a grid of parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another, with Figure 4 showing the front 24 in illustration A and the back 26 in illustration B. Illustration A shows that the four grid squares have a coverage in the range from 8.8% to 14%, whereas illustration B shows that the coverage of the back 26 is between 2.8% and 6.2%. The coverage levels therefore differ significantly from one another.

[0098] The coverage levels were not specified precisely, so deviations of + / - 10% may occur. The images of the incontinence product and its components are not to scale.

[0099] In addition, it can also be seen that the pattern density differs between the front 24 and the back 26. The back has significantly fewer patterns and / or pattern elements of the decorative means than the front 24. If, for example, field 1A is considered, there are seventeen pattern elements on the front 24, at least 50% of which are arranged in the area of ​​the grid square 1A, whereas the comparable field 1A has no more than six corresponding pattern elements on the back 26. A similar picture results if the front and back are divided into nine squares as shown in Figure 5, with the front 24 again being shown in illustration A and the back 26 in illustration B. Here, too, coverage levels of between 22.4% and 4.6% are obtained for the front, with an average coverage level for the front 24 being in the region of 11%.For the back 26, the coverage levels are between 2.6% and 9%, with an average coverage level of 5%.

[0100] The division into four or more grid squares also shows that the decorative elements are distributed substantially evenly across the entire front 24 and back 26 and are not merely arranged in one area thereof. The decorative elements 30 can be configured such that not all four grid squares have the same patterns and / or pattern elements, but rather the at least one decorative element 30 can vary across the front 24 and back 26. This creates areas that have a greater degree of coverage or a greater pattern density than other areas.

[0101] In the following tables 1-4, the degrees of coverage of decorative elements 30 determined in the respective grid squares on the front and back are shown as shown in Figures 1-5. The column designation (letters A, B and, if applicable, C) and the row designation (numbers 1, 2 and, if applicable, 3) identify the respective measured grid square. The degree of coverage is given in percent. Table 1: Degree of coverage of the 2x2 grid squares on the

[0102] Front of the incontinence article in Figure 4 ( illustration

[0103] A) Table 2 : Coverage of the 2x2 grid squares on the

[0104] Back of the incontinence article in Figure 4 ( Illustration B )

[0105] Table 3 : Coverage levels of the 3x3 grid squares on the

[0106] Front of the incontinence article in Figure 5 (Illustration A) Table 4 : Coverage levels of the 3x3 grid squares on the

[0107] Back of the incontinence article in Figure 5 ( Illustration B )

[0108] 1 to 5, the decorative means 30 are designed as linear patterns, with several lines together forming an individual pattern, with flower-like patterns having different pattern elements being provided in the present case. It can also be clearly seen that the pattern on the front side is the basic element, with the basic element being modified on the back side 26 in that individual lines of the basic element, i.e. individual details, are not printed, so that this results in a lower pattern density and a lower degree of coverage, the pattern as such being the same on the front side 24 and back side 26, whereby a particularly attractive appearance is achieved and at the same time the transparency on the back side 26 is increased or less impaired compared to the front side 24.

Claims

Patent claims 1. An individually packaged incontinence article (10) comprising an absorbent article (40) for absorbing body excretions, having an absorbent body extending in a longitudinal direction (L) comprising a cover layer (41), a backing layer (42) and an absorbent core (44) arranged therebetween, and a packaging material section (12) having a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (Q) running perpendicular thereto, as well as two longitudinal edges (20) and two transverse edges (16, 17), which is folded around fold lines (14) running in the transverse direction (Q) in such a way that it encloses the absorbent article (40) in the packaged state, in particular on all sides, and thus forms a front side (24) and a back side (26) of a package, wherein the transverse edges (16, 17) are arranged in the packaged state of the individually packaged incontinence article (10) in such a way,that a first transverse edge (16) is fixed on the front side (24) of the individually packaged incontinence article (10) on the side of the packaging material section (42) facing away from the absorbent article (40), wherein the packaging material section (10) is translucent at least in sections, in particular in the region of the rear side (26), but in particular over its entire extent, and is printed with at least one decorative means (30) in pattern form, which stands out visually from the packaging material section (12), characterized in that the at least one decorative means (30) in, Area of ​​the front (24) of the packaging has a greater pattern density and / or a greater degree of coverage than on the back (26).

2. Individually packaged incontinence article (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent article (40) is folded around fold lines running in the transverse direction (Q) in the packaging material section (12) or is folded with the packaging material section (12) around fold lines (14) running in the transverse direction (Q), wherein in particular a cover element (50) of an adhesive of the absorbent article (40) comes to lie wholly or partly in the region of the back (26) of the packaging.

3. Individually packaged incontinence article (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the backing (42) and / or a cover element (50) arranged on the backing (42) and covering an adhesive in the region of the rear side (26) of the packaging have a print, in particular in the form of a marking means (60), in particular for marking with regard to the size of the incontinence article (10) or its absorbency.

4. Individually packaged incontinence article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the front side (24) of the package to form 4 equally sized grid squares, the front side (24) in the region of at least 2, in particular at least three, preferably four grid squares, a coverage of decorative agents (30) of at least 7%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 9%, further in particular at least 10% and preferably in particular at least 12% and in particular at most 50%, further in particular at most 30% and in particular at most 20%.

5. Individually packaged incontinence article (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the front side (24) of the packaging to form 9 equally sized grid squares, the front side (24) in the region of at least five, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7 and preferably at least 8 and particularly preferably 9 grid squares, has a degree of coverage of decorative means (30) of at least 7%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 9%, further in particular at least 10% and preferably in particular at least 12% and in particular at most 50%, further in particular at most 30% and in particular at most 20%.

6. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the front (24) of the package to form 4 equally sized grid squares, the front (24) in the area of ​​at least three, preferably four grid squares, a pattern density of decorative means (30) of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably 2 or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular 3 or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square.

7. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another is placed over the front side (24) of the packaging to form 9 equally sized grid squares, the front side (24) has a pattern density of decorative means (30) of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably 2 or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular 3 or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square in the region of at least 6, preferably 7 and more preferably at least 8 and particularly preferably 9 grid squares. 8 . Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the back (26) of the packaging to form 4 equally sized grid squares, the back (26) in the area of ​​at least three, preferably four grid squares, has a degree of coverage of decorative means (30) of at least 3%, in particular at least 4%, further in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 6% and preferably in particular at least 7% and in particular at most 30%, further in particular at most 20% and further in particular at most 10%.

9. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant lines running perpendicular to one another is placed over the back (26) of the packaging to form 9 equally sized grid squares, the back (26) in the area of ​​at least five, preferably at least 6, preferably at least 7 and preferably at least 8 and particularly preferably 9 grid squares, has a degree of coverage of decorative means (30) of at least 3%, in particular at least 4%, further in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 6 and preferably in particular at least 7% and in particular at most 30%, further in particular at most 20% and in particular at most 10%.

10. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the back (26) of the packaging to form 4 equally sized grid squares, the back (26) in the area of ​​at least three, preferably four grid squares, has a pattern density of decorative means (30) of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably 2 or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular 3 or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square.

11. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when an imaginary grid of parallel, equidistant, mutually perpendicular lines is placed over the back (26) of the packaging to form 9 equally sized grid squares, the back (26) has a pattern density of decorative means (30) of at least one pattern and / or pattern element, preferably 2 or more patterns and / or pattern elements, in particular 3 or more patterns and / or pattern elements per grid square in the region of at least 6, preferably at least 7 and more preferably at least 8 and particularly preferably 9 grid squares.

12. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the degree of coverage and / or the pattern density of the front side (24) is 5-120%, in particular 10-100%, further in particular 20-80% and further in particular 30-50% greater than the degree of coverage and / or the pattern density of the back side (26).

13. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the packaging material section (12) of the front (24) and / or back (26) has an opacity of at most 90%, in particular at most 85%, further in particular at most 80%, further in particular at most 75%, further in particular not more than 70% and further in particular not more than 65%.

14. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative means (30) have a basic element, wherein the pattern on the front side (24) corresponds to the basic element and the pattern on the back side (26) is reduced in details compared to the basic element on the front side (24).

15. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative means (30) has or is formed from a plurality of individual patterns, in particular individual patterns formed from printing lines.

16. Individually packaged incontinence article according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one individual pattern of the decorative means (30) is designed as a pattern group comprising at least two pattern elements formed from printing lines.

17. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the decorative means (30) can be distributed evenly or unevenly over the front (24) and / or the back (26).

18. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front side (24) has a degree of coverage by the decorative means (30) of at least 6%, in particular at least 8%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 12%, further in particular at least 15%, further in particular at least 20% and in particular of at most 50%, further in particular at most 40%, further in particular at most 30% and further in particular at most 25%.

19. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the back (26) has a degree of coverage by the decorative means (30) of at least 1%, in particular at least 5%, further in particular at least 7%, further in particular at least 10%, further in particular at least 15% and in particular of at most 30%, further in particular at most 20%, further in particular at most 15% and further in particular at most 12%.

20. Individually packaged incontinence article according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the longitudinal edges (20) in the region of the front side (24) are connected to the longitudinal edges (20) in the region of the back side (26), in particular via an adhesive or a welded connection.

Images