CA2247839A1 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

Absorbent articles (2) such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads are disclosed that have a protective sheet (50) for protecting adhesive layers (40, 44) provided on opposite longitudinal side edges (30) of the absorbent article (2), such as on flaps (10) that are folded around leg openings of the garment and back flaps (210) that stay in widespread state in the garment. The protective sheet (50) has a pair of side edges (53) extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of end edges (54, 56) having a first end edge and a second end edge. The end edges (54, 56) connect the side edges (53). The first end edge (54) extends generally in the transverse direction and includes an inclined portion (57) inclining with respect to the transverse direction.

Description

W O 97131604 PCT~US97102726 ABSORBENT AR~CLE~

FlFTn OF 1~INVENIION

The present invention relates to abso-l~c..l articles such as s~ iL~ n~pkinc, panty liners, adult incu..l;~ ce devices, and the like. Still more particularly, the present invention colIc~llls abso-l,t-,l articles such as ;-alliL~ in~ and the like having 15 ~nylo~ed l)role~,liv-e sheets for ylole~Lillg adhesive layers provided on the back surface of the absorbent article.

BACKGROI~D OF THE INVENI~ON

Abso,l,c.. l articles such as sanitary n~pkin~ , and inCQ~ e-~ce pads are devices that sre typically worn in the crotch region of an und~ These devices are dc~ cl to absorb and retain liquid and other di;,~,l,ar~es from the human body and to prevent body and clothing soiling. Sanitary r~arkin~ are a type of al~so~ article worn by women in a pair of panties that is nonnally positinned ~ee.l the ~ .'s Iegs, a<~ac~nt to the perineal area of the body. Sanitary napkins both with and w;lllo~l~ side flaps (or wings) are d;~losed in the Llt:lalul~ and are in the market place.

Generally, when san.L~y napkins are provided with flaps, the flaps extend laterally from a central absorbent means and are inten~1ed to be folded around the edges of the ~.,are-'s panties in the crotch region. The flaps are generally ~ e for y~ nLing ~ d~tes from soiling the edges of the ~. ~ t'S panties. Sanitary napkins having flaps of various types are disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,267,992; U.S. Patent 4,687,478; U.S. Patent 4,608,047; U.S. Patent Bl 4,S89,876; U.S. Patent 4,285,343;
U.S. Patent 3.397,697; U.S. Patent 2,787,271.

Co.. ol-ly, flaps are provided with adhesive layers for either affixing the flaps to the underside of the v~ca-~-'s panties or to the opposing flap. The adhesive layers are W O97/31604 PCT~US97/~726 covered by protective sheets so that the adhesive layers do not stick to undesired portions such as the central absorbent means before the salllL~y napkins are used.
Several variations of ~aluL~y napkins having fiaps with ploLe~ re sheets of various types are ~i~closed in the patent literat~re. For f ~ le, 3P Utility-Model laid-open ~blif~ption Nos. 6-26833 and 6-26835 d;~ ~ose a sa~ukuy napkin having a flap protective sheet for protecting adhesive layers provided on flaps which are folded onto a topsheet of a s~-laly napkin. The sanitary naplcin also has a main l~ro~ ve sheet for protecting an adhesive iayer provided on back side of a central abso-l,GIl- means of a s~u~y napkin. The S~u~ly napkin disclosed therein appears to require the user to 10 remove the flap protective sheet and the main plotcvLiv-e sheet uldividually from the s~ukuy napkin. It is troL~I ~s ~mf~ operation for the user.

3P Utility-Model laid-open p1-hlir~tion No. 5-9529 is dilwlcl to a s~u~y napkin having flaps with a cross-shaped proLe~ sheet for adhesive layers. The 15 cross-shaped plulG~iti~e sheet colll~l.3es a first portion for IJlote~lul~, an adhesive layer provided on back side of a central abso~l~.,.,L means and a second portion for pro~ adhesive 1ayers provided on flaps which are folded onto a top;Lcet of a i~Ul~y napkin. The second portion extends PGl~el1~ Y to the first portion. The cross-shaped plulc~Live sheet for the s~,L~y napkin disclosed therein may tear when 20 the cross sllaped plùtecLiv~; sheet is lwllo~,d from the s~ napkin. Since the first portion extends perp~ndic~ rly to the second portion, c.~ , pulling force may beapplied to the portion where the first portion and the second portion cross perpen~ rly each other.

JP Utility-Model 1aid-open p~1bl;r~tion No. 7-39820 is dL~,~lcd to a salli~y napkin having flaps with a wl~per for w~pillg the ~ i~y napkin. The main body of the wla~r is a prote~LivG sheet for plute~ g adhesive layers provided on the back wrface of a napkin body. The portion which extends ouL~ lly from one end ofthe w-~ p~,r in the 1Or~itu-1in~1 direction is a plOlC~ sheet for p-ole~ adhesive 30 layers provided on the back surface of the flaps. Both plùLe~ e sheets are made of one piece of the wl~pcr. In the sanitaly napkin ~ OSG~ therein, the longjtlldin~l length of the WI~I~Jp~. iS relatively long conlp~.d with an o~.lu~ wl~per since the ~olecli~e sheet for adhesive layers of the flaps extends from one end of the protective sheet for adhesive layers of a napkin body. Thererure, it le~lul-~s a long stroke when 35 the protccLive sheets are removed from the SdlliL~ly napkin.

W 097/31604 PCTrUS97/02726 Further, some of the s~lil~ly napkins are provided with back flaps which extend laterally from a central absorbent means and are on a position biased ba.,kw~.lly. The back flaps are intF!n~ecl to stay widespread in the ~.~,~Gl'S panties so that they prevent body fluids from soiling the back region of the ~e~,fs panties. Sanitary napkins5 having back flaps of various types are r1icclosed in JP Utility-Model laid-open p~blir~tion Nos. 7-12120 and 7-33314. These pl~b~ tiol do not ~licclose protective sheets which can be easily removed from back flaps.

Thus, a need exists for an abso,l,elll article, such as a s~lil~y napkin, that is 10 provided with an allc~ c to cou~ on~l protective sheets for adhesives provided on the back surface of an absorbent article. In a particular, a need exists for a s~lll~y napkin which provides easy operation and which can co-l~,~.l.e.~ and Pfflc;~rltly solve the problems caused when ~ P to remove p~oLc~ c sheets from a sallilh,y napkin.
It is, Illelerore, an object ofthe present il.~c..Lon to provide an absJ~ ..l article, such as a sal~ila~y napkin, that is able to remove a plolc~ ., sheet for p-ol~lu,g adhesive layers provided on the back surface of an al~so.t,w-L article from an abso.l,~,.-article ~y an easy operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an abso-l,cnl article, such as a s~il~y napkin, that is able to remove a ~.ole~ sheet for pl~te~ lg adhesivelayers provided on the back surface of fiaps from an a~Solb~ article by an easy operation.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an absoll,~nL article, such as a SaI~iI~Y napkin, that is able to remove a plolc~ rG sheet for P1OIG~1iadhesive layers provided on the back surface of back flaps on a ba~wa dly biasedposition of an abso-l~c.ll article from an abso~b~ article by an easy op.,.~lion.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a l~lutc~livG sheet for protecting adhesive layers of an at)so-l,~ article, that is able to provide an easy opG.~Iion when the prolecliv-e sheet is .~,~ù~,cd from an abso~ L article.

These and other objects of the present illvenlion will be more readily appare.llwhen considered in l-,Ç~.Gncc to the following description and when taken in conjun~;lion with the accon,pa~illg dl~WI1l~,5.

-W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an abso~ ." article, such as a ;~lil~y napkin.
S The absorbent article of the present invention has a plole~ c sheet for plUI.e~;ling adhesive layers provided on the back surface of the abs(s~ l article which provides an easy operation when the protecLh~e sheet is ~lw.ed.

The absorbent article of the present invention comrri~s a liquid p~ ble 10 body-facing side, a liquid impermeable gal-l~ nl-facing side, an absoll,~ .,1 core interposed ~ ..e~.- the body-facing side and the ~ L-facing side. The adhesive layers are provided on the Jong~ rJin~l side edges of the abso.b~nL article. The~rotc~iLi~Je sheet COIlll)liSeS pn)lc~Li.re portions for plOI~ the adhesive layers and a cc,l-nF~ g portion for col-.-ecl;~g the l~loLe.iLive pollions. The protceLi~e sheet has at 15 least one end edge generally e-lc~ ;ng in the transverse direction. The end edge CO.IllJ.;SeSall in-;linPd portion inrlinine with respect to the 1.~ di e~,Lion.

The abso~ ;nL article of the present ill~c.lLioll preferably co..~ s a main body co.ll~ ng the ~so-l,~,nl article interposed be~ e.l the body-facing side and the 20 g~l-,.,.-L-facing side, and a pair of flaps eyt~ ir~ lale.~ll)r ou~w~d from the oppos;le side edges ofthe main body. The flaps are folded around leg cs~t,enil-gs of the ~
The adhesive layers are provided on the ,~--r~ç,~s ofthe flaps. The pr~ ,_ sheetp.olecLs the adhesive layers provided on the ~ .~a~ of the flaps. The end edge ofthe p-uk;~ e sheet cûlllpl;ses the inr.linf~d portion i~ ;n~ with respect to the h~ ~e 25 direction and toward a region where the adhesive layers are present.

Further, the ~bsurl,~ L article of the present invention pl~,fe.al~ly con.~-;.,es a pair of back flaps ~ di~g laterally o.ll~d ~om the opposite side edges at a position biased backwa.dly of the main body. Tke back flaps tends to stay widespread 30 in the g~l~ ll. The back adhesive layers are provided on the sl~ ces of the back flaps. The back protective sheet p-ule~iLs the back adhesive layers provided on the snrf~çes of the back flaps. The end edge of the back ~ole_Li~,~, sheet cGn~yllses the inçlin~d portion in-~.linir~ with respect to the transverse .li~e.i~,oll and toward a region where the back adhesive layers are present.
The l.role~ , sheet pl~;fe-~bly has a pair of side edges f~ n~inp~ in the longih~ n~l direction and a pair of end edges having a first end edge and a second end W O97/3160~ PCT~US97/02726 edge. The end edges connect the side edges of the protective sheet. The first end edge pl erel al>ly colllpli3es at least two inclined portions. One in~linPd portion positions at least in part of the middle of the first end edge PYt~nrlin~ between one side edge of the protective sheet and the lon~tll-lin~l center line The other inclined portion S positions at least in part of the middle of the first end edge eYtpnt1i~ b~L~ n the other side edge of the protective sheet and the lon~it~ in~l center line. Both inrlinPd ~ portions incline toward the same direction in the k~n~tv~lin~l direction. The inr1inçd portion preferably has an inrlin~tion starting point and an in~lin~tinl t~ g point on the first end edge. The ;~ ;QI tel..~ P points position laterally oulw~d 10 from the in~ nl;on starting points and apart from transverse lines passing the inrlin~tion starting po;nts toward the sarne direction in the lon~t~ in~l direction.
Further, pr~rel~bly, the transverse line passing the ilU~ ;or starting point d~ ales the abso,l.e.lt article into two regions. The adhesive layers are located in one of the two regions and the inclin~tion tel~ points are located in the region where the 15 adhesive layers are located. Fu~Lhe~ ole, the inc.lin~tion le~ n~ 8 points position apart from the transverse lines passing the i~ ;on starting points toward the sarne direction as the predelelll,ined direction where the abso~ L artide is separated from the prole~iLive sheet by moving the absorbent article.

The prote.;~ e sheet may Cc~ .lisc one single sheet with opposite free side portions being free from conn~cticn The free side portions may be the plulc~Liveportions being folded on the flaps. Alternatively, the p~u~e~ sheet may coll4,-ise two sheets and a part of a w~pel for wlapp;ng the absoll,t;,-l artide. The sheets may be cQ~ ecletl to the wl~ppei. The sheets may be col-l~c~;ted to the w-~pe. so that the free side portions extend laterally outward from the lon~tlldin~l center line. Then, the plO~ )ul~iOl~s are folded on the flaps. ~ ;.,~, the sheets are cQI~l~P~le~l to the wl~p~r so that the free end pol~ions extend laterally inward to the ion~ 1in5~l center line. Then, the ~.ole~.Li~ ~ portions are ~. p~,posed on the flaps. P'~,fel~bly, the pl.,te.;li~e portions are joined each other over the main body before the a}~so.l,~..l 30 article is used.

The absoll,e.-L article may have a wrapper for wla~pil~g the abso-l.~.lL article.
The co~ e~ portion may col~ ise a part of the Wl~L~/pe~ and the protective portions may be co~ e~led to the wl~pper.
The inr.iin~d portion coll.~,ises a curved line, more plc;Ç.,.ably~ an arc-shaped line. AllelllaLi~ ely, the in~lined portion comprises a straight line.

CA 02247839 l99X-08-21 W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 The abso,l~.,l article preferably has two folding lines and may be folded into three parts along the folding lines in the lo~t~ in~l dil~ ion. The protective sheet is preferably located on the middle part. Further, in the absG-l~ l article having the front 5 p.ole~,~ive sheet and the back protective sheet, the front prvl~ e sheet may be located on one of the two edge parts and the back prote~ sheet may be located onthe middle part.

The l~,ole~.live sheet of the present invention co~ ;ees a pair of side edges lQ P~n~ing in the lo~yt~ in~l direction and a pair of end edges having a first end edge and a second end edge. The end edges connect the side edges of the p,oL,~,Li~e sheet.
The first end edge con",- ises an inclined portion i~ i.~ with respect to the l.~l .~,~,.;,c direction at least in part of the middle of the first end edge. The first end edge further comprises straight portions eYt~n~lin~ lale.ally oulw~d on oppo,;le sides 15 ofthe first end edge. The first end edge and the second end edge are formed in a same shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF 1~ DRAW~GS

While the spe~ifie~tion con~ des with clairns p&l;-;ul~ly pointir~g out and lly cl~ the subiect matter which is regarded as r~s...-;.~K the present invention, it is believed that the invention will be better u~ld~ lood from the following description when taken in CQ~ ;on with the acG{i..~ .yi~g dlawin~;s in which:

Fig. 1 is a p~ e.~ e view of the first embo-lim~nt of the s~liLaly napkin of thepresent u~vention with a wlappt;l .

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the sallll~y napkin shown in Fig. 1 shown with the sa..lL~, napkin by an im~in~ry line to show the p.ol~ ,e sheets and the wla~)p~,..
Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the sar~L~y napkin shown in Fig. 1 with the flaps fo}ded onto the Lol,~heel and the pl.~leclivt; sheet folded onto the flaps.

Fig. 4 is a se~,l;Q~ view taken on line IV-IV in Pig. 3.
l~ig. ~ is a p~ e~ e view showing a state wlapping the ~..l~y napkin of Fig.
1 in a a~i~ napkin wl~pe..

W O 97/31604 PCTrUS97/02726 Fig 6 is a sch~m~tic plan view e~cpl~ining a process for m~n~f~ ring the protective sheet of the present invention Fig 7 is a secl;o~ view _-l lAi~ a way for removing the s~,il~uy napkin of Fig. 1 from the s~u"l~y napkin w~pe.-Fig 8 is a top plan view of the second ~ lI)o~ of the s~l~l~y napk n of the present invention with the s~,il~ napkin shown by an im~gin~ry line to show the protective sheets and the w~pe~

Fig 9 is a top plan view of the third embo~lim~nt of the sallikuy napkin of the present invention with the sllil~y napkin shown by an im~gin~ry line to show theprotective sheets and the wl~ppe Fig 10 is a top plan view of the ~allil~y napkin shown in Fig 9 with the flaps folded onto the topshe~;l and the plote.;li~c; sheet folded onto the flaps Fig 11 is a top plan view of the forth embo~im~nt of the s~lil~y napkin of the present invention with the ~lil~y napkin shown by an ;~fi~ y line to show the protective shects and the wiilpper Fig 12 is a top plan view of the fifth ~ ..I.o~ .1 of the ~ napkin of the present invention with the s~lilmy napkin shown by an i~5~n~ry line to show the 25 ~.otccli~re sheets and the Wl~pe..

Fig 13 is a p~ ,p~cli~,~, view of the sixth embodiment of the s~il~y napkin of the present invention having back flaps with a Wl~.,r.

Fig 14 is a top plan view of the salliL~ y napkin shown in Fig 13 shown with the;,~l~y napkin by an ;~A~ y line to show the ~-- lecl;~e sheets and the w~pe~

Fig 1~ is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Fig 13 with the front flaps and the back flaps folded onto the top ,he~l and the p-ole.,l~re sheets folded onto both flaps W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 Fig. 16 is a sectil~n~1 view PYpl~inin~ a way for removing the ~all~L~r napk~n of Fig. 13 ~om the sanitaty napkin wlapper.

PETAII,ED DESCRlPTION OF THE INVENTION
s A p.~f~ d embodiment of a sal-lL~y napkin 2 of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the sa,f~ napkin 2 has a 1iquid permeable topshe~,L 4 facing a v~alcl's body, a liquid ~ eable ba~ ~l.f~l 6 facing a ~..,~e '~ und~ c.-L, and an abso.~t;..L core 8 interposed beL~,~,n the to~:il.e~,L 4 10 andtheb&~L~ e~6.

The topsl-ceL 4 should allow body fluids eA~ Led by the user to pf ~f~
Iht;~,Ll~lo~ quickly into the abso-b~,nL core 8 and should not give the wearer an CA~e.Si~ ly L_~p~ nt feeling when brought into contact with the skin of the wearer.
15 ~l-it~hle materials for the lop~hf~ 4 may be, for .. , 'e, a woven or nonwoven fabric of natural fibers or synthetic fibers; a thermoplastic s.~l~lL~,~ic resin film provided with ,rvus ap~,lLu~, a sheet of porous ~I~ ic resin foam; a sheet of meshed synthetic resin foam; a meshed th~,.moplastic synthetic resin film; and a sheet of thermoplastic synthetic resin scrim.
The b~c1~h~et 6 should prevent the body fluids ~bso,l,ed by the ~so~lJen~ core 8from exuding from the sa,liL~,y napkin 2 to co~ e the wearer and/or the ~ rtl's cloths. Suitable m~tçri~l~ for the ba~ hçet 6 may be a soft, liquid ~ P~blç, thermoplastic synthetic resin filrn, such as polyolefin film. Particularly suitable films for 2S the bac~ et 6 may be a }ow density polyethylene film having the thir~ oSC of 0.01 to 0.05 mm; more p~,f~l~bly, about 0.02~ mm, such as Model XP-39385 c~ .r-.,ially .~,..k~,~e~ by ni~..te~. Dept., Ethyl Corp, and SOPFLEX 1401 ec~ ..;ally ...~-k~ t~1 by Clopay ~orp., Ci~.~ h..~ Ohio, U.S.A

The a~so,l.en~ core 8 should absorb and hold the body fluids ~,r~.Led by the wearer and ~"",ealed through the top~ e~l 4. .~ llit~le m~teri~lc for the ~so,l,e-,L core B may be, for ~ ri~llple, a fine, crushed wood pulp called air felt; a craped cell-llose wadding; melt-blown polymers; chemic~lly ri~i-lifie~1, de~--..rd or bridged cellulose fibers; abso,be..~ synthetic resin foam; tissue paper; abso,~lio~ gelling materials ~materials that absorb liquids and ~ ,); and s~lit~h'~ co~ onc of those materials.

W O97131604 PCTnUS97/02726 The external shape of the s~l-l~y napkin 2 is defsned by opposite longitll~in~l side edges 30, and opposite end edges 32 and 33 ~ K pC~I)F.~ rly to the lon~ n~l direction. In this sperifi~tion~ the terrn ''longiturlin~t~ as used herein, refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the S~lll~y napkin 2 that is generally S aligned with (e.g., app-o,ul--alely parallel to) a vertical plane which bisects a ~ nllin~
wearer into left and right body halves when the sa,.ilaly nap cin 2 is worn. In this spe-~;fic~tion the term "transverse" or "lateral" used herein, are i,.Lu.~-~n~c~bte, and refer to a line, axis or d-fccLioll which lies within the p}ane of the s~liL~y napkin 2 that is generally perpen~ic~ r to the lon~it~ in~ direction.
The topsheet 4 and the b~ct-ehPet 6 are formed in a shape coinri~lin~ with the external shape of the salul~y napkin 2 and extend transversely oLllw~d from the opposite side edges 14 ofthe absorbent core 8 to form a pair offiaps 10. When using the ;,anil~y napkin 2, the flaps 10 are folded around the leg opPni~e of underwear so 15 as to extend on the outer surface in the crotch region of the u"dc.-.~. The e~ . p~ hc.~l portions of the topsheet 4 and the b~ L!~hF,~ 6 are joined togothpr by heat and/or p-cSa~ll., to form a sealed pc,.il,h~ l region 12. Polliolls of the top~llc_l 4 and the b~ct~rehPet 6 in regions 16 ~ , along the ~ osilc side edges 14 of the al~soll enL core 8 are joined together by heat and/or PIC;~:~LIIC. If desired, the 20 topshe~l 4 and the b~rL-ehset 6 may be joined to~hP~ by other means, such as an adhesive or the like.

Adhesive layers are provided on the surface of the b~t !~h~ l 6 of the s~ -l~y napkin 2 to be in contact with the user's underwear. First adhesive layers 38, 40 and 25 42 are ~l~lged at intervals along the lo~ in~l direction ofthe abso~ .,L core 8 on the surface of the b~ heet 6 facing the u~lde~ ~ar in regions col,~ ondl..g to the abso.l,~,..l core 8. The adhesive layers 38, 40 and 42 are used for a~rhing the s~..l~y napkin 2 to the inner surface of the crotch of the underwear. Instead of three of the adhesive layers 38, 40 and 42, a single continUo~ls adhesive layer eYtçrl~i~ in 30 the lo~t~ in~l direction of the s~t.l~ napkin 2 may be used. In such a case, a protective sheet de~ ~ ;I,ed h~ .ealhller may be formed in a size l~rc~ for plol~cl;~.g the single co..~ e adhesive layer. Second adhesive layers 44 are provided on thesurfaces of portions of the back sheet 6 corresponding to the flaps 10. The adhesive layers 44 are used for atta~-hing the flaps 10 to the outer surface of the underwear when the flaps 10 are folded back. Century Adhesive A-3050IV1 comm~rcially n.a.l~eled by Century Adhesive Corp., Coll~mhl~ Ohio, U.S.A. is an adhesive suitable for those adhesive layers.

CA 02247839 l998-08-2l The sanitary napkin 2 is wrapped individually with a w-appillg film 20. A pull tab 34 is joined to the s~lhst~nti~lly rniddle portion of an upper end 26 of the w~pping film 20. The pull tab 34 is pulled to unpack the s~lil~y napkin 2. As shown in Fig. 2, S the w-~ppi"g film 20 has a reC~ r shape PYtPntling along the longitl~lin~l direction of the sanitary naplcin 2. As shown in Fig. 3, oppo.,;le side portions 22 of thewla~h~g film 20 extend ouLwa~ y beyond folded portions 24 of the flaps when the flaps are folded. An upper end 26, as viewed in Fig. 2, of the w,~p.l.g film 20 extends ouLw~rdly beyond the upper end edge 32 of the s~uL~y napkin 2. The lowerend 28, as viewed in Fig. 2, of the w-a~)~;ng film 20 coincides s ~ ly with the lower end edge 33 of the salulaly napkin 2. ~ t~ble materials for the Wl~)pulg fi~m 20 are polyethylene, poly~.lo~ylene and such. The same m~tfri51 as the prote~
sheet described hereinafter, may be used instead of the m~tPri~ls for the Wl ~)ping film.

In the embodimpnt shown in Fig. 2, the upper end 26 of the W~lpillg fiLrn 20 extends beyond the upper end edge 32 of the Sa~ul~y napkin 2. However, the upperend 26 of the w-a~plllg film 20 may be shorter than the upper end edge 32 of the~alùl~y napkin 2. The lower end 28 of the WI~JpLI~ film 20 may extend beyond thelower end edge 33 of the saru~y napkin 2. ~lle.~ , the lower end 28 of the Wl~.~p~lg film 20 may be shorter than the lower end edge 33 of the s~uliL2. y napkin 2 provided that the s~uLaly napkin 2 can be w-~ped so that any portion of the s~fLal~
napkin 2 is not ~ osed b~L~ .,n the upper end 26 and the lower end 28 of the w~alJpLI~, film 20; that is, the ~ ~ L- ...I;..p length of the upper end 26 and the lower end 28 may optionally be d~ e~l provided that the ~uL~ napkin 2 can be wl~ped 2~ so that no portion of the s~uL~y napkin is ~,Ayosed.

le~ole~iLi~,e sheets for l~lutC~Lil-g the adhesive layers 38, 40, 42 and 44 on the b~-~t~l.eeL side of the sanitary napkin 2 are ~ t~d to the inner surface of the wlalJpillg film 20 to be in contact vith the S~uL~y napkin 2.
The p~oL~cLivc sheets 46 and 48 are provided the inner sur~ce of the wlappLllg film 20 to co--~spond the adhesive layers 38 and 42. The plote~.Li~.., sheets 46 and 48 are fonned in size large enough to cover the adhesive layers 38 and 42, ~~ ~e-;Li~ Iy and have .~cl~ r shapes as shown in Fig. 2. Each ~,iol.,~ ,e sheets 46 and 48 are 3S ~ t~d to the wlapping film 20 by two adLesi~,~, regions 52 ~ along the 1On~h-~lin~l direction of the sal~ital~ napkin 2. AlL~,naLi~,ly, the plol~Li~e sheets 46 and 48 may be ~ hed to the wlappll~g iilIIl 20 by a single or three or more W O97/31604 PCTrUS97/02726 lon i~l-1in~1 adhesive regions, or a single or more adhesive regions ~ f~ g transversely. Preferably, the surfaces of the p.ole.;Li~,e sheets 46 and 48 facing the adhesive layers 38 and 42 of the sanll~y napkin 2 are coated with a surface lubricant, such as ~ilicQ~e The protective sheets 46 and 48 may be made of an oldhl~ paper sheet. A suitable material for the protective sheets 46 and 48 is MGA Silox C3R/01 available from Akrosil Co., U.S.A. Alternatively, the ~ule~;Li~G sheets 46 and 48 may be made of the same material as the Wl~ping film. The p.uleeLive sheets 46 and 48 may be formed integrally with a plùte-;Li~e sheet 5~ des~ ed hc.~.. ~Ler. Regions of the wl~ppillg filrn 20 coll~,~on~in~ to the adhesive layers 38 and 42 may be coated 10 with a surface l~briC~nt such as silicone or the lilce, thereby the ~lolceLi~e sheets 38 and 42 may be omitted Both the adhesive layers 38 and 42 or one of the adhesive layers 38 and 42 may be omitt~ ~ and both the plole-;Li~,e sheets 46 and 48 or one of the protective sheets 46 and 48 may be omitted accol.lhlgl~l.

The plu~e~ re sheet 50 is provided to the inner surface ofthe wl~ppillg film 20 to co--~ond the adhesive layers 40 and 44. As shown in Fig. 2, the pr~le~ , sheet 50 has a shape D~ DI~ ty r~emhlin~ an arc-shaped band. More concretely, the plûte~ e sheet 50 has a pair of side edges 53 e,~ ;f~3~ in the lo~yt~ n~l direction of the s~.i~ napl~in 2, and a pa~ ~e~ edgcs 54 ~ 6 in~erc~nnc~ p ~ile pair of 2û side edges 53 and gcn~ g in the ll~lD~De direction. As shown in Fig. 2, the end edge 54 conl~lises a curved-line. ~lcrcl~ /, the end edge 54 has an arc-shaped portion 57 i~rl;~;.,g with respect to the L1j~ID~/e~ di.~ ion of the sal il~y napkin 2, and straight end portions 59 located on the oppos;le sides of the arc-shaped portion 57 and ~ P transversely oulwald lhe~;w~l. The end edge 56 also has an arc-shaped portion 61 and straight end pulliolls 63 located on the oppos;le sides of the arc L~ed portion 61 and ~ iQg transversely ~lwdld lL_ c~um. The straight end portions 60 and 62 project transversely <sulw~d at the oppo~te sides of the prole~ re sheet 50. The arc-shaped portions 57 and 61 curve in the same direction with respect to the longi~lin~l direct;on of the sal il~y napkin 2 and are spaced a 30 pred~Lellled ~ ce apart. The prolecli~te sheet 50 has a pair of plole~ ,e portions 55 for protecting the adhesive layers 44 on oppos.le sides of the plote~;li~., sheet 50. The protective sheet 50 also has a cot~Pc~ portion 65 for co~ P~ Y theopposite plote.~ e po.~ions 55 in the middle of the ~rùle~ e sheet 50. In this embo~im~nt the opposite straight end portions 59, 59 and 63, 63 project at di~erenl lengths as shown in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the opposite straight end portions 59, 59 and 63, 63 may project at the same length.

CA 02247839 l998-08-2l W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 The arc-shaped portion 57 of the end edge 54 of the l~lu~e~i~ive sheet 50 reduces reA~i~tAnAe when removing the sa~ ~y napkin 2 from the w.~p~,g fiLfn 20.The arc-shaped portion 57 has two inclined portions syrnmptr~ with respect to the lnngit~lAin~1 center axis X ofthe sanitary napkin 2 on the ll~r.s~ ely opposite sides of 5 the lon itnrlin~l center axis X as shown in Fig. 2. Each inclined portion of the arc-shaped portion 57 iS defined by an inclinAtirJn starting point 69, an ;~ ;on te~ point 71 and an inA~ined line 75f~Yt~n~linp~b-Lv~ n the il~r.~ ;r n starting point 69 and the inAlin~tinn te,.-~ g point 71. In the embodirnent shown in Fig. 2, the inc~;n~tion starting point 69 po~ilions on the lon~ih~ l center axis X of the 0 5a~ hy napkin 2. AIL- ~llali- ely~ the inAtin~tion starting points may be apart from each other. The inA~in !d line 75 inclines so that the inrlinA~tinn tc....;-~Al;-~g point 71 iS
spaced from a ll~"s~ e line 73 passing the ;...~linA1;Qll starting point 69. In other words, the in~ ned line 75 inclines toward the adhesive iayer 44 with respect to the lldlls~ .e Iine 73 passing the inAlin~tinn starting point 69 so that the i~ ion t~ point 71is located near the adhesive layer 44. Further, the inAlir(ed line 75inclines so that the il~. ti~ ;ol~ t~ ,o point 71 is spaced from the h~ e line 73 passing the ;~.rll..Al;nn starting point 69 toward a dilc;clion Z (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) in which the sanlld,y napkin 2 is pulled relative to the w.~pL,~ film 20 whenremoving the S~ljldly napkin 2 from the w,~ppjng film 20. Plcr~ .al,ly, the inrline~i line 75 extends through at least a point of i~ e-;Lion of the end edge 54 of the proLeclivc;
sheet 50 and the folded portion 24 along which the flap 10 is to be folded. The arc-shaped portion 57 having such an inclined portion reduces l~ .re becdusc of the filnAtion of the arc-shaped portion 57 as des.;,il~cd later when the sallil~y napkin 2 is removed from the Wld~Jp;ll~; film 20. The straight end portions 59 of the end edge 54 extend o~lLw~dly from the in(~1in~tion lw~ g points 71 where the curves 75 dLeS to the side edges 53.
The inclined line 75 in the emhodiment shown in Fig. 2 is a part of an arc o~ a circle. Alternatively, a part of the end edge 54 may be an inAI;..ed straight line or a c~. ~k ~ ;o-- of a part of an arc and an inclined straight line. The other end edge 56 of 30 the plulc.l;~e sheet 50 may be formed in the same shape a~ the end edge 54.
Alte.naLii~.ly, the end edge 56 may have a straight edge ~If~ 3 in the transverse direction ofthe s~ilaly napkin 2 and not having the arc ~ hapcd portion 61.

The f~ ns of the prolc~ e sheet 50 are delc.llll.lcd selectively taking 3~i into conC;~ la~ion the ~ nSionc of the sanitaly naplcin 2 or those of the wl~ g film 20. The ~l;-n- -,~;onc of the ~n,lc~live sheet 50 are d t~ n~l ~r~ fel~ly, not ~cce~A-ily, so as to meet the following con~litionc Plef~.ably, the length S, i.e., a W O97/31604 PCT~US97/~2726 ~imPneinn along the lon~t~ inAI direction of the sanitary napkin 2, of the piote~;li.~e sheet S0 is shorter than the ~ ce T between folding lines 66 and 68 folding the sanitary napkin 2 into three parts and being folded therealong. The width P along the transverse direction of the :.dnil~y napkin 2 of the p~ule~;live sheet 50 is equal to or S greater than the tlict~nce R between the outer sides of each adhesive layer 44 provided on the back c~ ces of the flaps 10. More plerel~ly, the -width P is twice as long as the ~l;c~ ce Q bel~,~n the folded portions 24 or above. The piule~;li.~e sheet 50 having the length S des~ ed above is not folded when the s~,iL~y napkin 2 is folded into three to be wl~ped with the w,~pi"g film 20. Accol.l.l,~, the protccli~e sheet 10 50 made of a paper sheet usually need not be folded and hence the s~ napkin 2can easily be folded. The protective sheet 50 having the width P ~es-~;bcd aboveensures to protect the adhesive layers 44 provided on the flaps 10. The verticalproje~l,ons 60 and 62 of the protective sheet 50 can be o~e.lapped and col~l-e~,led as shown in Fig. 3 when the protective sheet 50 is folded in a shape as des_,il,ed later.
While the vertical projections 60 and 62 of the pl ulc~ e sheet 50 allows the width P
of the protective sheet 50 to be long eno~l~h, the vertical projections 60 and 62 allows the length ofthe plole~ re sheet 50 to be short Pnnugh The protective sheet 50 is ~t~Ached to the w,~pi"~ film 20 by the two adhesiveregions52~ flinpinthelon ihl-lin~ldi,,~,Liollofthes~,il~ynapkin2. A
single or three or more adhesive regions may be used instead of the two adhesiveregions 52 to attach the protective sheet S0 to the w,~pin~, fi~n 20. AlL~.Ilali~ly, a single or more adhesive regions P~tPntling transversely may be used. The pr~lc~
sheet 50 is Att~chP,d to the wl~ ing film 20 so that its center line dividing the protective sheet S0 into sul,~ ;Ally equal two parts coinr;dpc with the longjhlr1inAI
center axis X of the s~"l~r napkin 2. The adhesive regions 52 are located on theh~/el~ely inner side of the folded portions 24 along which the flaps 10 are folded back. Po,liolls of the ~,.,le.;li~re sheet PYt~pr~ ng on the outer sides of the adhesive regions 52 are free to move relative to the w,~p~g film 20. The su&ce of the protc~,l;.~e sheet S0 facing the adhesive layers 40 and 44 is coated with a surface lub~ L, such as ~iliconP~ The adhesive layer 40 on the back surface of the sdl~il~y napkin 2 may be omittc(l When the adhesive layer 40 is omi~te~i~ only regions on the surface ofthe protective sheet col.c~ondi"g to the adhesive layers 44 may be coated with a surface l~lbriç~rlt The plûte.;~ive sheet 50 may be an Grdi~ r paper sheet or may be MGA Silox C3R/01 available from Akrosil Co., U.S.A The same material as fo"""-~ the Wl~ img filrn may be used for forrning the ploLe:~ilive sheet.

W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 The sanitary napkin 2, the wl ~p~uing film 20 snd the protective sheet 50 may beassembled by the following steps. First the sanitary napkin 2 is fabricated. Next, the protective sheets 46 and 48 are ~tf~Ch~d to the sani~y napkin 2, and the protective sheet 50 is attached to the ~lihly napkin 2. Subseq -~ntly, after the flaps 10 are 5 folded, the ~~ .ng film 20 is ~tt~hPd to the s&lli~y napkin 2. Finally the sal il~y napkin 2 is folded into three to complete a Dal~il~y napkin packet.

The steps will be described in further detail. An adhesive is applied to p~ulc~,Li~e sheet 46 to form the adhesive layer 38 on each protecLive sheet 46. The 10 protective sheet 46 each having the adhcsi~e layer 38 are cut in the pfl,d~t~ ed length. Then the p.olecli~e sheets 46 are arranged at intervals. The protc~livc sheet 46 is stt~ched to the s~'il~y napkin 2 at an appl~û~ e position on the san l~ napkin 2 with the adhesive layers 38 in contact v~th the b~-t cheet 6 of the sa- ila.r napkin 2 while the sanitary napkin 2 are conveyed contin-lol-cly. Sirnilarly, the protective sheet ~5 48 is att~ch~d to the bnr~ e~l 6 of the s~ iL~uy napkin 2.

The adhesive layers 40 and 44, and an adhesive 64 which will be ~IF .~;I,ed Ister, are applied to the pro~,liv-e sheet 50. Then, the plolecli~/c sheet 50 is cut in a length being applied to a product. Af'rer that, a pl~d~t~ F~d interval is secured 20 bcL~n the pl~,cF.li-.g and succeeAill~ protective sheet 50. Thus the pl~o~e~ , sheet 50 is ~tt~-,hed to the sal il~y napkin 2 at an approl,.iale pocitinrl on the sanila.y napkin 2 with the adhesive layers 40 and 44 in contact with the b~ch~et 6 of the sanil2..y napkin 2 while the sa~liL~y napkin 2 are co..vcycd contim~ollcly Since the :,.. -races of the ~lolcc~iv-e sheets 46, 48 and 50 facing the sa~lik.. y napkin 2 are coated with a surface 1..1~ such as silir~ne~ the adhesive layers 38, 42, 40 and 44 are l,~L.~ed virtually from the ~lulc~,livc sheets 46, 48 and 50 to the s~uf~l~y napkin 2. When the plule~ e sheets 46, 48 and 50 are l~.,.o~,ed from the ~d~f~lmy napkin 2, the adhesive layers 38, 42, 40 and 44 remain on the sd~ napkin 30 2 to achieve their ~u-~oscs.

The flaps 10 ofthe sa- iln~y napkin 2 provided with the ploLe~ c sheets 46, 48 and 50 are folded along the folded portion 24 onto the topsl.ee~ 4 toge~her with free side portions of the prolc~,live sheet 50 ~n~inp transversely u~ll~&d from the 35 folded portion 24. The free side portions of the ~role~i~ive sheet 50 may be folded onto the lopsLe~L 4 after folding the flaps 10 onto the ~o~sl-e~l 4. The vertical ~roie.,Liolls 60 and 62 of the protective sheet 50 are joined together by the adhesive W O97/31604 PCTrUS97102726 64. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the fiaps 10 are folded on top of the topsl-e~L 4 of the sanitary napkin 2, and the protective sheet 50 is folded on top of the flaps 10 and held fixedly in place.
.

Subsequently, after an adhesive is applied to the protective sheets 46, 48 and 50 in portions cc"~ onding to the adhesive regions 52, the wla~ film 20 is joined to the protective sheets 46, 48 and 50 attA~ched to the ba L~l.ee~ 6 of the saniLa y napkin 2. Then, as shown in Fig. 3, the sa-~y napkin 2 is folded together with the w.~p;~3 film 20 along the folding lines 66 and 68 folding the Sd~ ~y napkin 2 into three parts. The lower part 74, as viewed in Fig. 3, of the three parts of the sal.il~uy napkin 2 is folded onto the middle part 72, and then the upper part 70, to which the tape 34 is A~ Ach~d, is folded onto the middle part 72. The tape 34 may be a~rhed to the Wl~pil~g film 20 after co~ ,tely folding up the S~lil~y napkin 2 or may previously be ~tt~hed to the w.~ping film 20. After thus w-a~pillg the folded ~5 s~f~L~y napkin 2 in the wla~ ng film 20, the OppG;~.~O side edges of the w film 20 are joined together by a suitable means, such as hot-melt welding, pl~
bonding or heat-sealing using heat and p-~u-e, or with an adhesive to cnmplete as&nll~y napkin w-al)per CQI~ g the sdllila-y napkin 2 as shown in Fig. 5.

Preferably, creases 80 of the folded protc~ e sheet 50 in this embodiment extend in a region cGI--,~olldil~g to the middle part 72 as shown in Fig. 3 so that the creases 80 may not extend beyond the folding lines 66 or 68 and the creases 80 may not be folded by the folding lines 66 or 68. When the creases 80 extend in the region co~ ,onding to the middle part 72, the guiding filnction of the end edge 54 of the p~ e~ e sheet 50 is not obstructed which will be de~ il cd later since the protective sheet 5~ does not have creases in the transverse direction.
As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the adhesive 64 joins to~ll- the vertical proj~ -60 and 62 of the plote~ e sheet 50. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the adhesive 64 is provided S~ %~I;AI1Y at the middle of the vertical plu;e -- 60 with respect to the long~hl~lin~l d,leclion. The position of the adhesive 64 is not ~-o,ce~c--;ly limited thereto; the adhesive 64 may be formed at a posiliol~ 164 IQ~yt~ in~lly f~rthest from the inrlined portion of the end edge 54 on the vertical projection 60 or 62. Theadhesive 64 may be formed of an adhesive having a relatively weak bon~liltg sl.en~lh so that the vertical projections 60 and 62 can easily be sep~u~led from each other. The adhesive 64 may be omitte~

W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 The protective sheet 50 of the above-mt~nticned shape has the following advantages. The straight end portions 59 and 63 of the protective sheet 5Q allow a cutting process for the protective sheet 50 described later to ~t~col~nt for tracking variation in the protective sheet 50. Without the straight end portions 59 and 63, if the 5 protective sheet 50 is o~track, even by a few mill;~ .S going into a cutter, the cutter will cut the opposite end edges of the protective sheet 50 at di~, 't~ll times and the shape of the resulting protective sheet will not be ~ el~ic~l The straight end portions 59 and 63 allow the process to A.- co~lnt for tracking variation such that the opposite end edges of the p.ole.;li~.~ sheet 50 are always cut at the same tirne and 10 results in a much more ùllirv.... ~ lulc. This would be p~Li~;ul~]~ UllpOI~ in a cutting process where cut and slip lec~ ology is used. ~ cutting process of making the protective sheet 50 by the cut and slip technology will be des~i,il)ed with ,t;fcl~,nce to Fig. 6. The protective sheet 50 before cutting is a.lva.lced in the dil~lion of the arrow.
A cutter 101 cuts the leading end ofthe IJlutc~;Li~e sheet 50 in the shape ofthe end edge 15 54. Usually, the cutter 101 is mollnted on a lulaLillg cy1intlnc~l roller, not shown. In Fig. 6, the cutter 101 starts cutting the l~lule.,Li~ sheet 50 at a position cC,~l~s~,o~
to the in~ Al;Ql~ starting point 69 (Fig. 2). An intie;~ n in the p,olc~ e sheet 50 develops as the roller holding the cutter 101 rotates. Finally, portions of the lJlot6~ ,e sheet 50 co...,~.olld;~ to the straight end portions 59 are cut to produce the ~lùlc~
sheet 50. Then, the cut ~-ute~ live sheet 50 is pulled on a CO.. ~ 8 roll (not shown) by vacuum and is co,~ ,d at a speed higher than a speed at which the p.ul~li~, sheet 50 before being cut are fed to the cutter 101, so that the protective sheets 50 sepal~l~d by cutting are a,.al ged at intervals.

In this process, the plu~e~ Live sheet 50isusually fed to a pre~l~t~ ed position(pG~;lioninr~ ted by cortimlolls lines in Fig. 6) relative to the cutter 101. However, the protective sheet 50 so~ r,s gets offtrack pcl~e ~ rly to the feed direction,such as ~om a correct po;,;lio.~ to a position ~ -- ...p~ rd by 5~ e long and tmo short dashed lines in Fig. 6. The straight end portions 59 ar~ surely given to the protective sheet 50 even if the position of the cutter 101 relatively ~1ielnc~t~s with respect to the ~,ruLe~ re sheet 50, because the cutter 101 has straight portions 103. Co--e~ ly~ the width of the arc-shaped portion 57 of the in~linPd portion ûf the prole..Li~re sheet 50 is not ~ff~cte~1 Since the plùLevli~re sheet 50 is thus f~nn~ the vertical ~rujevLions 60 and 62 can surely overlap each ûther ûn the Lop~lle~l 4. More illl~ol~llly~ if the 35 protective sheet wiLlluuL the straight end portions gets offtrack, the oppGs;le end edges may be cut at ~ rc.-t times. If one end edge of the plol~vli~re sheet 50 is cut before the other end edge, one end edge of the prolevLi~,e sheet 50 will be accel~ ~aLcd prior to the other end edge being cut because the conveying roll pulls a vscuum on the protective sheet 50 and is rotating faster than the protective sheet 50 that is being cut This may result in the protective sheet 50 tearing or m~n~lering. As shown in Fig 6, the opposite end edges 65 and 67 ofthe p..~te.ili~re sheet 50 are always cut at the same S time because of the presence of the straight end portions S9 and 63 Thert;rul.; they prevent the cut protective sheet 50 from tearing and/or m~n~ering~

When taking the sanitary napkin 2 thus p~L~P.ed in the -Wl~pillg film 20 from the s~lil~y napkin packet, the tape 34 is pulled in the di~ecLioll of the arrow 76 (Fig 5) and the sealed side edge portions 22 of the Wl~Jpill~, film 20 are tom apart, thereby the upper part 70 is 11nfo1~1ed first Then the lower part 74 is ~mfolded to unfold the sall.kuy napkin 2 in the state shown in Fig 3 Subsequently, the upper end edge 32 of the sanitary napkin 2 is pulled in a direction out of the paper, as viewed in Fig.. 3, relative to the wl~ph~g film 20 As the upper end edge 32 of the sa-lil~y napkin 2 is thus pulled, first, the adhesive layer 38 sticking to the back surface of the san.l~y napkin 2 is sepa aled from the protective sheet 46 In the initia1 stage of separation of the adhesive layer 38 from the p-uLe~ sheet 46, the vertical proje ~i- - 60 and 62 joined together by the adhesive 64 are not .~ leased; .~ ~cd; 1~ 1y from each other even if the sanila-y napkin 2 is raised from the wla~lJiny~ film 20 As the s~ , napkin 2 is raised further from the w.~ping film 20, the p-utccli~e sheet 50 is raised tope11 with the sar i~y napkin 2 as shown in Fig 7 Since the arc-shaped end edge 54 of the p.~le~ sheet 50 is able to guide the ~ iL~y napkin 2 as the sal.ll~r napkin 2 isseparated gradually from the Wl~pillg film 20, the p.oLc~,Li~e sheet 50 does not tear As the sanil2-,y napkin 2 is further pulled apart from the Wl~pl~l~ film 20, the vertical proje~ e 60 and 62 joined togel~ by the adhesive 64 are sep~aLed from each other Next, the adhesive layers 44 formed on the flaps 10 are sep~al~.d from thepro~c~ sheet 52 Finally, the adhesive layer 42 is sep~a~d from the p~otec~
sheet 50 to se~.~ale the s~..l~y napkin 2 comrlet~ y from the wl~ping film 20 Fig 8 shows a sallll~y napkin 2 in a second embodi-m--ent acco.d.ng to the present invention In the second embo~liment the ploLc~ sheet 50 colll~ es a pairof side edges 53 ~Yt n-~ing in the 1O~t~ in~1 direction of the Sdl il~y napkin 2, and a pair of end edges 54 and 56 intelco~ e~ g the pair of side edges 53 The end edges 54 has an only arc-shaped portion 57 However, the straight end portions 59 and 63 in the first embodiment may not be provided W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 Figs. 9 and 10 show a sanil~y napkin 2 in a third embodiment according to the present invention. Whereas the protective sheets 46, 48 and 50 employed in the first embodiment for protecting the adhesive layers 38, 40, 42 and 44 cv~ ;se s~,p~alesheets and ~tf~h~d to the wrapping film 20, the third embodiment may employ a S single protective sheet 100 for p~utecLi-lg adhesive layers 38, 40, 42 and 44. The S~ulh,y napkin 2 need not nec~oss~rily be provided on its back surface with the ae~,alaLe adhesive layers. Allell.aliv~l~, the sat~itary napkin 2 may be provided with a single cross-shaped adhesive layer 102 in~lic~t~od by altemate long and two short dashes lines in Fig. 9. The protective sheet 100 may be ~tt~rh~d to a W~a~plll~13 film 20 10 by adhesive regions 52 and the llans~ ely outer end portions of the prot~liv~ sheet 100 may be free to move relative to the Wl~pillg film 20. The opposite IQ~itll~iend edges 104 of the protective sheet 100 may be fonned in the shape of an arc.
Th~refore, the p,oLc~;Li~,re sheet 100 may have inclined edges ~ ..t;.~g b~ n the ion starting points 101 and the il~r~ l;on tc....;l~ ;3 points 103 at the 15 lo ~ tU~tin~loppG~;lc ends thereo~ As is obvious from Fig. 10 sl.ow~.~ the flaps 10 of the S&~ aly napkin and the protective sheet 100 in a folded state, both end edges 104 formed in the shape of an arc of the plule.;li~c sheet 100 may serve as a guide when S~&alillg the sallilaly napkin 2 from the ~rvlc~ , sheet 100. Hence the scuul~y napkin 2 may be pulled from any l--ngit~ in~l direction when sep&a~ the ;~a~ ~y 20 nspkin 2 from the Wlh~pillg film 20. In the third emborliment~ creases 80 in the plote.,li~c sheet 100 also extend within a middle part of the Sdlulhly napkin 2 folded into three along folding lines 66 and 68. The single p~vh~ /e sheet 100 formed as one sheet to protect each the adhesive layer as shown in Fig. 9 of the third embodiment may not be ~tt~rhed to the w-a~ing fflm 20. The protc~ c sheet 100 25 may be ~'~"-,~,~id from the s~ula,~ napkin 2 after taking the s~,il~y napkin 2 with the plulccli~c sheet 100 out from the wla~pillg film 20.

Fig. 11 shows a s~ y napkin 2 in a forth ~mhor~im~nt aceo.di..g to the present i.l~elllion. In the forth Pmhor1im~nt, adhesive layers 44 provided on the back s-~ces of flaps 10 may be p~)Lc~led by p~ sheets .li~G.lL in shape from the ~role~ e sheet c.l.pl~ d in the first embor~im~nt More concr,tcly, the adhesive layers 44 may be protected by a pair of ~luLc~ e sheets 110 having the protective portions 113. The opposite IQt~gihl(?in~l end edges 116 of the pair of pr~lc~ . sheets 110 may cor,.p,ise in~ n~cl straight lines ~Yten~ins~ b~,h.~,~,n the ;~ n starting points 115 and the in~lin~til~n t~ points 117 as shown in Fig. 11. Each proLG~ C sheet 110 has one side edge 112 near to the lor~tlldin~l center a~cis of the saniL~uy napkin 2. The side edge 112 is co....e~;led to the wla~pillg film 20 by the W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 adhesive layer 114. The~GîolG, the wl~ppcl film 20 col~le.;ls the opposite protective sheets 110 each other as the connecting portion 111. Since the opposite side edges 112 ofthe prote.li~e sheets 110 are spaced from each other, the san~l~y napkin 2 in the forth embo-lim~nt may not be provided with any adhesive layer co-L~ondin~g to the adhesive layer 40 of the sal il~ y napkin 2 in the first embo~;m~ont If a portion of the WL~pil~g film 20 co~ ol1ding to the space between the opposite side edges 112 is coated with a surface lubricant, the s~LnilaLy nspkin 2 may be provided with an adhesive layer corresponding to the adhesive layer 40. When the flaps 10 are folded along the folded portions 24 and the pl'ole~livG sheets 110 are folded onto the folded 10 flaps 10, the end edges 116 having inclined portions serve as a guide when peeling off the S~lLl~Y napkin 2.

In the forth embo~lim~nt~ creases 80 in the plùte~live sheet 110 extend within amiddle part of the s~L;l~uy napkin 2 folded into three along folding lines 66 and 68.
FII11LG11110~ the entire protective sheet 110 lies within the middle part of the salfil~Ly napkin 2. T}.e.~rorG, the protective sheet 110 need not be folded when fo1ding the sa"i~L~r napkin 2 into three.

Fig. 12 shows a sa~ Ly napkin 2 in a fifth ~mho~;nn~nt ~ dLll~ to the 20 present il~Vell~iOIl. In the fifth embodiment, the outer side edges 122 of plul~Li~_ sheets 120 are ~ l to a Wl~l~iLlg film 20 to po.Lons near the side edges 22 ofthe wL~L~ping film 20 by adhesive layers 124. Th_.~,fùle, the free side poLLol s of the p-ute~ e sheets 120 not ~ hed to the wlappiLlg film 20 extend toward the lo~ihlrl;n~l center line of the s~lil~Ly napkin 2. These p~olccli~,_ sheets 120 may be 25 superposed onto flaps 10 of the sal,il~y napkin 2. When s_p~aliLlg the s&nil~y napkin 2 from the Wl~LppiLlg film 20, the free side portions of the plule~ sheets 120 can be e~-ten~ed away from the longihl~lin~l center line. As shown in Fig. 12, the plol~ ,., sheets 120 may be ~ ched to the w~ ing film 20 so as to protect adhesive layers provided on the flaps 10 a~er folding back the flaps 10 of the s~uf~l~y 30 napkin 2 along the folded portions 24. The width, i.e., the llana~e~e ~h~ L cl~, of the protective sheets 120 may be so-~ al greater than the transverse ~ c n of the s~ul~uy napkin 2 in a state where the flaps 10 are folded back, i.e., the sum of the .e, rlim-~n~ion of the ~ uy napkin 2 in a state where the fiaps 10 are folded back and the width of a portion of the ~lole.,li~., sheet 120 ~ h~l to the w. ,~ ~
35 film 20. Thus, the width of the p-ult~ re sheets 120 need not be very large so the cost is reduced. It is desirable to form a margin of a width L b~ the outer sideedge 122 of each protective sheet 120 and the collt;~pûnding side edge of the .
CA 02247X39 l998-08-2l w.~ing film 20 to enable the opposite side edge portions 22 ofthe ~ldppillg film 20 to be sealed as shown in Fig. 5. In the fifth embodiment also, each of the end edges 126 of the protective sheets 120 has an inclined portion and serves as a guide when remov ng the sani~ary napkin 2 from the w. dppillg film 20.
s In the fifth embodiment shown in ~ig. 12, the longitlltl;n~1 end edge 126 of each protective sheet 120 intersect the folded portion 24 along which a flap 10 is folded at ;..~ e~l;on points 130 and 132, lc~e~liv-ely. It is ~lGr~ab1e that the il,ltl~eeLion points 130 and 132 are in a middle part of the s~il~y napkin 2 as folded into three along folding lines 66 and 68, and the protective sheets 120 are in the middle part ofthe Sd~t~y napkin 2 as folded into three.

Figs. 13 to 16 show a Sdllil~y napkin 2 in a sixth embOdlment$CCO-dill3 to the present invention. In the sixth embodiment, the opposile side edges of the topsllecl 4 15 and the b~rt~shPet 6 extend at the position biased backwardly of the ~nila.y napkin 2 I.~s~ ely outward from the opposite side edges 14 of the a~so,b~lll core 8 to form a pair of back flaps 210, in additi~n to the front flaps 10 in the first embofim~nt which are folded back around the leg c~)e.~ s of underwear. When using the s~~ y napkin 2, the back flaps 210 tend to stay widespread in the ~..,~t:l'S panties so that 20 they prevene body fluids from soiling the back region of the ~ ZIG1'S panties.

In the sixth embodiment, adhesive layers 38, 40, 42 and 240 are a-ldl.ged longituAin~lly at u.le.v~ls on the surface ofthe barl~ oet 6 in regions CO~I~iSl~Ollding to the al~SGII~e~ll core 8. The adhesive layers 38, 40, 42 and 240 are used for ~t~h;ng 25 the ;.~..l~ ~ napkin 2 to the inner surface of the crotch of the underwear. Furthermore, adhe~;vG layers 244 are provided on the surfaces of portions of the b~,t!~hç~l 6 corresponding to the flaps 210. The adhesive layers 244 attach the flaps 210 to the inner surface ofthe underwear to hold the flaps 210 in a spread state.

Protective sheets for protecting the adhesive layers 38, 40, 42, 240, 44 and 244 are ;~ ed to the inner surface of the Wl~p;-lg fil~n 20 to be in contact with the sal~ y napkin 2. The prù~e~ e sheets 46, 48 and the front protective sheet 50 are provided to cover the adhesive layers 38, 42, 40 and 44 as ~esçnhed in the first embodiment and are ~tt~çhrd to the inner surface of the wla~ , film 20 by two longitu~in~l adhesive lines 52. In the sixth embo~1impnt~ the back ~ ,te~ re sheet 250 may be provided to cover the adhesive layers 240 and 244 and att~rhpd to the inner surface ofthe wld~ping film 20. The front p-otG-;live sheet 50 and the back plute~

W O 97/31604 PCTrUS97/02726 sheet 250 may be formed in the same shape. The.eÇole, the back p.uleeli~ sheet 250 has a shape substantially 1~S~;;A~IbIi~Ig an arc-shaped band. More concretely, the back plole~live sheet 250 has a pair of side edges 253 parallel to the lon ihl-~in~l axis of the saluL~y napkin 2, and a pair of end edges 254 and 256 e~en~in~ belween the pair of S side edges 2S3. As shown in Fig. 14, the end edge 254 has an arc-shaped portion 257 curving with respect to a transverse direction and straight end portions 259 PYtendins~
outwardly from the opposite ends of the arc-shaped portion 257, r~s~e~,lively. The end edge 256 also has an arc-shaped portion 261 and straight end portions 263 Oulwa~ldly from the opposite ends of the arc-shaped portion 261, lQ r~e~ 1y. The straight end portions 260 and 262 project II~S~.SeI~ uul~d at the opposite sides of the ploteeli~re sheet 50. The arc-shaped portions 257 and 261 curve in the same lon it~lin~l direction ...~ g a fixed di~t~nre lL~.el,~ . An area between the arc-shaped pol~ions 257 and 261 is an arc-shaped main portion 265 of the back plule~live sheet 250. The coll~ -d; ~ straight end portions 259 and 263 are spaced a fixed ~ t~nce apart. The pr~lc~;li.re sheet 250 has a pair of pr~;,le~ ., pol lions 255 for pl ~ l~,clin~ the adhesive layers 244 on oppos ::e sides of the plu~ re sheet 250. The plû~eclive sheet 250 also has the col~ portion 265 for con~-e~ the OppG;,;le p-olecli~e portions 255 in the n~iddle of the ~-u~ sheet 250.
The arc-shaped portion 257 of the end edge 254 of the back pn-le~ ,., sheet 250 .e.lu.,es .- ~ ee when removing the ~alUl~ napkin 2 from the Wl~pillg film 20. The arc-shaped portion 257 has two inrlined portions s~ ;c~l with respect tothe lo~itu~in~l center axis X of the s~ukuy napkin 2 on the ~ ely oppo3;le 25 sides of the lo~it~ldin~l center axis X as shown in Fig. 14. Each i~ &cl portion of the ar~shaped portion 257 is defined by the ;~ ;Qrl starting point 269, the n~ n t~ n~ g point 271 and the inrlinPd line 275 ~ n~l.ng b~lw~en the 5n starting point 269 and the ;... r1;.. ~1;on t.. ~ g point 271. In the od;~ l shown in Fig. 14, the ;nl,ti~l;on starting point 269 pGC l;onc on the 30 lon~tlltlin~l center axis X of the s~ul~ napkin 2. The inclinPd line 275 inclines so that the ;n~ ;on 14~ Q~ ; point 271 is spaced from a lla.. ,~c :ie line 273 passing the in.~ .AIion starting point 269. Ln other words, the inrlined line 275 inclines toward the adhesive layer 244 with respect to the ~ l;.vel~e line 273 passing the ;n. l;n~;on starting point 269 so that the ;-,~ l-Al;~n tel~ point 271 is located near the adhesive layer 244. Further, the inclined line 275 inclines so that the ;~ ;nAl;~n le~ point 271 is spaced from the ~1~n~ 4 line 273 passing the inrlin~tion starting point 269 toward a direction Z (shown in Figs. 13 and 14) in which the CA 02247839 l998-08-2l W O97/31604 PCT~US97/02726 s~~ uy napkin 2 is pulled relative to the Wl~)ping film 20 when removing the sa.l,laly napkin 2 from the Wl~:lpping film 20. Preferably, the inriined line 275 extends through at least a point of intersection of the end edge 254 of the back plule~ sheet 250 and the folded portion 24 along which the flap 2}0 is to be folded. The arc-shaped S portion 257 having such an inrlined portion reduces re~ict~n~e be~n~ee of the filn~iQn of the arc-shaped portion 257 as dPs~- ;bed later when the sal--~y napkin 2 is removed from the wrapping film 20. The straight end portions 259 of the end edge 254 extend outwardly from the ;I~cl;~ ion t~ points 271 where the curves 275 t~ Ales to the side edges 253. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 14, the curve 75 of the front plolc~;Li~re sheet 50 and the curve 275 of the back protective sheet 250 curve in the same direction along the lon ih1-~in~l direction of the sanil~y napkin 2 with respect to the transverse lines 73 and 273"~,sl,ec~ ely.

The tiimPncions of the back ploleclivc sheet 250 may be del~~ Pd selecli~,ely 15 taking into consideration the d;...~ ol-c of the s~iila.y napkin 2 or those of the Wl~pillg film 20. The dim~ncions ofthe back prol~li~e sheet 250 may be dCIf ~ Pii pl~.f~..ably, not nececc,..ily, SO as to meet the following CQn~1;1;01~C It is ~r,r~ ble that the back ~lole~ re sheet 250 extend within the back part 74 so that the back protective sheet 250 may not ;~ e~,l the folding line 68 along which the sdlfi~r20 napkin 2 is folded. More pl~r~ bly, the length S, i.e., a ~ aiong the lon it~lin~l duc~lion of the ;,aui~y nap}cin 2, of the back p,olecli~c sheet 250 is shorter than the ~1ict~nce T beL~ en folding lines 68 and the end edge 28 of thewla~ing film 20. The width P along the ~lah ,~rcl~e direction of the s&nil&,y napWn 2 of the back pl ulc~ sheet 250 is equal to or ~eater than the ~ e R bel~ell the outer sides of each ~I}.esi.,e layer 244 provided on the back s~ .. r~ce 5 of the flaps 210.
More plcfe~ , the width P is twice as long as the .Ji~ )r~ Q be~ the folded portions 24 or above.

The back p.olc~ sheet 250 may be ~ chpd to the wl~pin~ film 20 by the 30 two adhesive regions 52 eYten~ing in the longitllAin~l diu~ion of the S~IikUY napk n 2. The surface ofthe back ~-ole~ e sheet 250 facing the adhesive layers 240 and 244 may be coated with a surface lubricant, such as silicone The front ~l.JLccli~e sheet 50 and the back ~lote.~ , sheet 250 may be placed 35 in the follo-wing arr~ngemrnt The sanita{y napkin 2 is folded into a front part 70, a middle part 72 and a back part 74 by folding lines 66 and 68. The front p~olc~ c W O 97/31604 PCTrUS97/02726 sheet 50 is located in the middle part 72, and the back p.ùlec~iv~ sheet 250iS located in the back part 74.

The sanitary napkin 2, the wrrapping film 20, the front protective sheet 50 in the sixth embodiment may be assembled by the same manner as the first embodiment.
The back protective sheet 250 is ~tt~he~l to the b~ heet 6 ofthe s~uliL~y napkin 2 by the same process as the front p,ule~ re sheet 50. The front prote~ r_ sheet 50 and the back p~ute~;livc; sheet 250 is ~tt~ehP,d to the ~la y napkin 2 by the same app~z~ s or by two &~uz lu~es z-u~zu~gcd along a direction in which the Sd~ il~ynapkin 2 is cO--~rr"~r~,d. The front prole.,li~re sheet 50 and the back ~rOle~Li~re sheet 250 employed in this embodiment have the same shape. The~r~o._, the front prote~ ,r sheet 50 and the back prote~ilive sheet 250 may be ~tt~Chpd to the sa~ zuy napkin 2 succe~ively by making one appz-u~Lus carry out two p-ùler.~ re sheet ~tt~hing cycles while the s~ulzuy napkin 2 passes the a~palz lus. Thus, both the front pro~ce~i~,e sheet 50 and the back protective sheet 250 can be ~ chPd to the s~la.y napkin 2 by a single appala~ùs. When the adhesive layers 44 and 244 are provided in the same shape and the adhesive layers 40 and 240 are provided in the same shape, those adhesive layers may be formed by a single adhesive applying appz-uz lus.

As shown in Fig. 15, preferably, creases 80 ofthe folded front p-ùte~ sheet 50 in this embodiment may extend in a region co--. ~ond;ng to the middle portion 72 and creases 280 of the folded back piolccli~, sheet 250 may extend in a region CO11 ,~JO~ g to the back part 74 so that the creases 80 and 280 may not extend beyond the folding lines 66 or 68 and the creases 80 and 280 may not be folded.
As shown in Figs. 14 to 15, the adhesive 264 3Oins together the vertical projections 260 and 262 of the back plul~,live sheet 250. The adhesive 264 may be provided s~sL~.~i&lly at the middle of the vertical projection 26û with respect to the longit~ldinS-I direction. AlLe11!a~ IY~ the adhesive 264 may be formed at a position 364 lon~ 1inS-lly farthest from the inf~lin~d portion of the end edge 254 on theverlical projection 260 or 262. The adhesive 264 may be formed of an adhesive having a lclalively weak bonding strength so that the vertical plo; ~ 260 and 262 - can easily be sep&.z led from each other. The adhesive 264 may be omitterl A way for removing the sanil~-y nap~cin of Fig. 13 from the sz~ul~uy napkin Wl~l).,. iS show in Fig. 16. Until the adhesive layer 42 is sepalaled from the ~ûle~;live sheet 50, the same procedure is used as des~-;bed in the first ~mho~impnt W O97/31604 PCT~US97102726 24 After that, the sanitary napkin 2 is sepa.~ed ~om the back p~u~e~live sheet 250 as the same way tha~ the ~ont protective sheet 50 is removed In the sixth embodiment, the ~ont Ilaps 10 may be omitted if desired and the S front protective sheet 50 may be omitted accoldingly In such a case, the plote.,Li~c sheet co..esponding to the adhesive layer 40, the protective sheets 46 and 48 may be ;,.lb~ d by a single p-ote~ e sheet Some or all of the vertical pro~ectiQn~ 60, 62, 260 and 262 of the front p~ule~ re sheet 50 and the back protective sheet 250 may be nmitted In such a case, the front protective sheet 50 and the back proLc.,~h~e sheet 250 may have the arc-shaped main portions 65 and 2~5, rc,~cc~ ly The all~.llaL~r~,s for the protective sheet shown in Figs 8 - 12 may be applied to the back ploL~,~,L~ e sheet 250 While particular embo~imente of the present invention have been illU~
15 and des~rihe~ it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other es and ~nodifir~tinns can be made without depa,~ om the sprit and scope of the invention

Claims (10)

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An absorbent article having a liquid permeable body-facing side, a liquid impermeable garment-facing side, an absorbent core interposed between the body-facing side and the garment-facing side, a longitudinal center line extending in a longitudinal direction, a transverse center line extending in a transverse direction, and two spaced apart longitudinal side edges and two spaced apart end edges, the absorbent article comprising;

adhesive layers provided on the longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, a protective sheet for protecting the adhesive layers, the protective sheet comprising protective portions protecting the adhesive layers and a connecting portion connecting the protective portions, the protective sheet having at least one end edge generally extending in the transverse direction, wherein the end edge comprises an inclined portion inclining with respect to the transverse direction.

2. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the protective sheet has a pair of side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of end edges having a first end edge and a second end edge, and wherein the end edges connect the side edges of the protective sheet.

3. The absorbent article of Claim 2 wherein the first end edge comprises at least two inclined portions, wherein one inclined portion positions at least in part of the middle of the first end edge extending between one side edge of the protective sheet and the longitudinal center line, the other inclined portion positions at least in part of the middle of the first end edge extending betweenthe other side edge of the protective sheet and the longitudinal center line, and both inclined portions incline toward the same direction in the longitudinal direction.

4. The absorbent article of Claim 3 wherein each inclined portion has an inclination starting point and an inclination terminating point on the first endedge, and wherein the inclination terminating points position laterally outward from the inclination starting points and apart from transverse lines passing theinclination starting points toward the same direction in the longitudinal direction.

5. The absorbent article of Claim 4 wherein the transverse line passing the inclination starting point demarcates the absorbent article into two regions, and wherein the adhesive layers are located in one of the two regions and the inclination terminating points are located in the region where the adhesive layers are located.

6. The absorbent article of Claim 5 wherein the absorbent article is separated from the protective sheet by moving the absorbent article in a predetermined direction relative to the protective sheet, and the inclination terminating points position apart from the transverse lines passing the inclination starting pointstoward the same direction in the longitudinal direction.

7. The absorbent article of Claim 1 wherein the absorbent article has a wrapper for wrapping the absorbent article, wherein the connecting portion comprises a part of the wrapper and the protective portions are connected to the wrapper.

8. An absorbent article having a liquid permeable body-facing side, a liquid impermeable garment-facing side, a longitudinal center line extending in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse center line extending in a transverse direction, said absorbent article comprising;

a main body having two spaced apart longitudinal side edges and two spaced apart end edges, the main body comprising an absorbent core interposed between the body-facing side and the garment-facing side, a pair of flaps extending laterally outward from the opposite side edges of the main body, the flaps being folded around leg openings of the garment, adhesive layers provided on the surfaces of the flaps that face the garment, a protective sheet for protecting the adhesive layers, the protective sheet comprising protective portions protecting the adhesive layers and a connecting portion connecting the protective portions, the protective sheet having at least one end edge generally extending in the transverse direction, wherein the end edge comprises an inclined portion, and wherein the inclined portion inclines with respect to the transverse direction and toward the adhesive layers.

9. An absorbent article having a liquid permeable body-facing side, a liquid impermeable garment-facing side, a longitudinal center line extending in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse center line extending in a transverse direction, said absorbent article comprising;

a main body having two spaced apart longitudinal side edges and two spaced apart end edges, the main body comprising an absorbent core interposed between the body-facing side and the garment-facing side, a pair of back flaps extending laterally outward from the opposite side edges at a position biased backwardly of the main body, the back flaps staying widespread in the garment, back adhesive layers provided on the surfaces of the back flaps that face the garment, a back protective sheet for protecting the back adhesive layers, the back protective sheet comprising protective portions protecting the back adhesive layers and a connecting portion connecting the protective portions, the back protective sheet having at least one end edge generally extending in the transverse direction, wherein the end edge comprises an inclined portion, and wherein the inclined portion inclines with respect to the transverse direction and toward the back adhesive layers.

10. A protective sheet for protecting adhesive layers provided on opposite longitudinal side edges of an absorbent article, the absorbent article having a liquid permeable body-facing side, a liquid impermeable garment-facing side, an absorbent core interposed between the body-facing side and the garment-facing side, a longitudinal center line extending in a longitudinal direction, a transverse center line extending in a transverse direction, the protective sheet comprising;

a pair of side edges extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of end edges having a first end edge and a second end edge, the end edges connecting the side edges of the protective sheet, wherein the first end edge comprises an inclined portion inclining with respect to the transverse direction at least in part of the middle of the first end edge, and straight portions extending laterally outward on opposite sides of the first end edge.