GB2380138A

GB2380138A - Absorbent article and method of wrapping

Info

Publication number: GB2380138A
Application number: GB0229480A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthonette A Gossens; John Philip Vukos
Original assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc; Kimberly Clark Corp
Current assignee: Kimberly Clark Worldwide Inc; Kimberly Clark Corp
Priority date: 1997-12-19
Filing date: 1998-12-16
Publication date: 2003-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-16
Also published as: GB0229480D0; GB2380412A; GB2380412B; GB0229481D0; GB2380138B

Abstract

An integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article 50, comprises an absorbent with a first sheet surface and an opposite second sheet surface with a liquid-impermeable baffle 51 secured to the first sheet surface, the baffle having a length and width to cover the first sheet surface, where the baffle width extends further beyond the width of the first sheet surface by less than about one inch (2.5 cm). At least one garment-attachment tape(s) 52, 54 is supplied for securing the liquid-impermeable baffle 51 to an inside surface of a crotch of an undergarment, and an enclosure surrounds the absorbent. An enclosure is formed from the liquid-impermeable baffle by folding the absorbent within the enclosure. The garment-attachment tape(s) has a finger tab 56, 58, and the garment-attachment tape(s) is positioned to be pulled from a release tape(s) 62, 64 fixed to the liquid-impermeable baffle.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE AND METHOD OF WRAPPING This application is a divisional application, divided from parent application number GB 0017140.5, filed 16 December 1998.

This invention relates to a sanitary protection absorbent article designed to protect a user by absorbing or containing menstrual fluids and/or other body exudates and further relates to a method of wrapping the absorbent article. More specifically, this invention relates to an integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping which provide an integral pad wrapping around an individual feminine care sanitary absorbent pad.

Feminine sanitary protection devices designed to absorb body fluids, including menses, come in different functional designs. Sanitary napkins externally worn about the pudendal area are absorbent pads designed primarily for heavy menstrual flow. Panty liners or panty shields are thin sanitary napkin products worn about the pudendal area for light menstrual flow. Tampons are cylindrical absorbent pads positioned internally within the vagina.

Traditionally, sanitary napkins have been bundled with several napkins in each package. A single, large package is called on to keep all the napkins clean, sanitary, and undamaged. Unfortunately, however, when one napkin is removed from the package and carried individually in a pocket or purse, it becomes unprotected from dirt and deforming pressures.

In recent years, individually wrapped folded napkins have been provided with an outer wrap which can be removed by the user when the napkin is needed. The method of wrapping protects the enclosed napkin from dirt and deformation until the

wrapping is removed. Because the napkin is individually folded into a compact size, it becomes more convenient to carry. But, the individual wrapping of commercially available sanitary napkins typically increases manufacturing costs associated with the requisite materials and processing of these wraps. These additional production expenses can result ultimately in an increased cost of the product to the consumer.

Briefly, this invention relates to an integrally wrapped absorbent article including an absorbent having a first sheet surface and an opposite second sheet surface, the first sheet surface having a length and a width configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman.

A liquid-impermeable baffle is secured to the first sheet surface, the baffle having a length and a width covering the first sheet surface, wherein the baffle width further extends beyond the width of the first sheet surface by less than about one inch (2.5 cm). At least one garment attachment tape for securing the liquid-impermeable baffle to an inside surface of a crotch of an undergarment is provided. An enclosure surrounds the absorbent, wherein the enclosure is formed from the liquid-impermeable baffle by folding the absorbent within the enclosure. The garment attachment tape has a finger tab. The tape is positioned to be pulled from a release tape fixed to the liquidimpermeable baffle.

A method of wrapping the absorbent article includes the steps of providing an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable cover sheet, an absorbent, and at least one garment-attachment tape, the garment-attachment tape having a finger tab and the absorbent having a length and a width configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman ; positioning a liquid-impermeable baffle between the absorbent and the garment-attachment adhesive, the baffle having a length and a width covering the absorbent, wherein the baffle width further extends laterally larger than the absorbent pad width by less than about one inch (2.5 cm) ; forming an enclosure surrounding the

absorbent, wherein the enclosure is formed from the liquid-impermeable baffle; and positioning the finger tab to pull the garment-attachment tape from a release tape fixed to the liquid-impermeable baffle.

The integrally wrapped absorbent article provides sanitary protection and includes a sanitary panty liner or panty shield having a folded absorbent pad of an unfolded length and a width configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman.

In one aspect, the liquid-impermeable baffle has a first lateral side on one lateral side of the baffle width and a second lateral side on the opposite lateral side of the baffle width, opposite the first lateral side. The first lateral side is sealed along its length to form a first side seal, and the second lateral side is sealed along its length to form a second side seal, such that the first and the second lateral sides and the first and the second side seals form the enclosure of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of the present invention.

In another aspect, a first perforation strip on the first side seal and a second perforation strip on the second side seal make it convenient for opening the individually wrapped package of the present invention.

A feminine sanitary protection package is needed which provides an absorbent article having a sanitary napkin, panty liner or panty shield with individual wrapping without added manufacturing and material production costs.

A feminine sanitary protection package also is needed which provides for a less expensive absorbent article to be stored discreetly until use and which prevents soiling, contamination and deformation.

A general object of this invention is to provide an integrally wrapped absorbent article capable of absorbing and containing menstrual fluids and/or other body exudates.

It is an object of the present invention to provide individually wrapped sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield having environmental impact advantages. It is also an object of the invention to provide an integrally wrapped absorbent article which facilitates cleanliness and discretion in packaging appearance.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide an integrally wrapped absorbent article which is individually wrapped.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an individually wrapped sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield having packaging and manufacturing cost advantages.

A further object of the present invention to provide individually wrapped sanitary napkin or panty liner or shield which uses less plastic material that is thrown away.

It is an object of the present invention to provide individually wrapped an integrally wrapped absorbent article which does not require a separate wrapper in order to be individually wrapped.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, provided by way of example only, and in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of an initial configuration of a sanitary napkin that is not in accordance with the present invention and is shown for illustration purposes only.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 2--2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an integrally wrapped absorbent article that may be used in accordance with the present invention and how it is integrally wrapped.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 3.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 3.

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an unfolded, integrally wrapped absorbent article having the garment attachment tape of the present invention.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of the present invention and showing how the attachment tape is opened.

Figure 9 shows an elevation view of the garment attachment tape of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an integrally wrapped absorbent article that is not in accordance with the present invention and is shown for illustrative purposes only.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 10 and how the wrapping is opened.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 10 and how the folded article is opened.

Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 10 and how the article is unfolded.

Figure 14 shows a perspective view of another integrally wrapped absorbent article that is not in accordance with the present invention and is shown for illustrative purposes only.

Figure 15 shows a perspective view of another integrally wrapped absorbent article that is not in accordance with the present invention and that is shown for illustration purposes only.

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of another

integrally wrapped absorbent article that is3 in accordance with the present invention and i.-hown for illustrative purposes only.

Figure 17 shows a perspective view oui-integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 16.

Figure 18 shows another perspective view of the integrally wrapped absorbent article of Figure 16, including an extended release strip attachment means and how it is held in a folded position.

An integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping the article are disclosed.

The integrally wrapped absorbent article provides individual wrapping for protective, absorbent sanitary napkins and panty liners or shields for undergarments.

The individually wrapped absorbent article provides for cleanliness and discretion in handling prior to use.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, an integrally wrapped absorbent article is shown, that is not in accordance with the present invention, but is in accordance with the invention of parent application number GB 0017140.5, from which this application is divided. The article includes an absorbent pad 10 having an exterior profile in the shape of an hourglass.

The absorbent pad 10 includes a liquid-pervious cover 12 and an absorbent 14.

A liquid-impermeable baffle 16 of the integrally wrapped absorbent article initial configuration 1 is designed to permit the passage of air or vapor out of the absorbent pad 10 while blocking the passage of body fluid.

Such sanitary napkin and panty liner or shield pads 10 are designed for adhesive attachment to the inside surface of the crotch portion of an undergarment. The absorbent articles 10 are constructed from layers of a liquid-permeable cover 12 and an absorbent 14, vertically arranged.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 16 is constructed and utilized as the individual absorbent pad wrapper. The liquid- impermeable baffle 16 can provide the individual absorbent pad wrapper because of an extra poly film width located along both a first side 22 and a second side 24 of the baffle 16. The first side 22 is situated on one side of the baffle 16 width as viewed relative to the longitudinal axis X-X, and the second side 24 is situated on the other side of the width of the baffle 16, opposite to the first side 22.

The first side 22 and second side 24 of the baffle 16 have a dimension which extends beyond the width of absorbent pad 10. Even though the larger width of baffle 16 will be used to enclose the absorbent pad 10, the dimension of first side 22 and second side 24 of the baffle 16 which extends beyond the width of absorbent pad 10, however, is not required to be sufficient to fold completely over the absorbent pad 10.

The larger width of baffle 16 need only be on the order of less than one inch on each side, for example, which extends beyond the width of absorbent pad 10.

A garment attachment adhesive 18 is secured to a lower surface of the baffle 16, and the adhesive 18 can be covered by a removable release strip 20. The adhesive 18 and removable release strip 20 are different to the garment-attachment tape and release tape of the present invention, which are described below.

Referring now to Figures 3-6, an individually wrapped absorbent article 30 that may be used in accordance with the present invention is shown as it is folded, enclosed, and sealed and then how it is opened, unfolded, and deployed for use. Referring to Figure 3, the

individually wrapped absorbent article 30 is folded in such a way that the extra width of the poly baffle 16 can be folded and 22 and 24 bonded together, effecting the seals 22 and 24 for a wrapped appearance. The liquid-impermeable baffle enclosure 16 encloses the absorbent pad wherein the first side 22 is sealed along its length to form a first side seal 26, and the second side 24 is sealed along its length to form a second side seal 28. The first side 22 and the first side seal 26 and the second side 24 and the second side seal 28 form the baffle enclosure 16 of the individually wrapped absorbent pad 30.

A perforation 32 is formed on the first side 22, and a perforation 34 is formed on the second side 24 as shown in Figure 3. These perforations 32 and 34 allow the extra material of the baffle 16 poly to be torn away to unwrap the absorbent article 30 as shown in Figure 4. When both of the perforated sides, 32 and 34, respectively, have been torn away as shown in Figure 4, the absorbent article 40 can be unfolded as shown in Figures 5 and 6 and used as a normal pad.

Referring now to Figure 5, absorbent article 40 has the extra material of the baffle 16 poly removed. Absorbent article 40 is shown folded in the following manner. A first end 42 and an opposite second end 44 are folded inward toward the liquid-permeable cover 12. Each of the ends 42 and 44 is folded a distance approximately equal to one-sixth of the total length of the absorbent article 40. The absorbent article 40 is then folded approximately at the middle 46 of the overall length of absorbent article 40, leaving only the garment-facing side of the absorbent article 40 visible. This method of folding is preferred because the entire body-facing surface of the absorbent article 40 is protected from contamination.

Referring to Figure 6, the absorbent article 40 is shown unfolded and deployed for use.

Referring now to Figures 7,8, and 9, the individually wrapped sanitary absorbent pad of the present invention 50 is shown unfolded and ready for use. The absorbent pad 50 has a first end 42, an opposite second end 44, and a garment-facing liquid-impermeable baffle 51 opposite the liquid-permeable cover or top sheet 12. The absorbent article 50 is shown having an extra material of the baffle 51 poly removed in accordance with the individually wrapped absorbent article 50 of the present invention shown in an unwrapped condition.

A garment attachment tape 52 and a garment attachment tape 54 are provided for attachment of the absorbent article 50 to the inside surface of the crotch of an undergarment.

The garment attachment tape 52 and the garment attachment tape 54 are spaced apart and aligned opposite to the liquid-perme- able body side cover 12.

Referring now to Figure 8, a finger tab 56 and a finger tab 58 are provided for pulling the garment attachment tapes 52 and 54 from a release tape 62 and a release tape 64 by pulling the finger tab 56 and the finger tab 58, respec- tively. In use, the woman pulls pack the attachment tapes 52 and 54 on each end 42 and 44 with the finger tabs 56 and 58.

Referring now to Figure 9, the attachment tapes 52 and 54 having the finger tabs 56 and 58 are shown adjacent the re- lease tapes 62 and 64.

The garment attachment tape as shown in Figures 7, 8, and 9 provides advantages of not having to dispose of the conventional peel strip.

Referring now to Figures 10-13, an integrally wrapped absorbent article 70 that is not in accordance with the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes only together with how it is deployed for use.

Referring now to Figure 10, the integrally wrapped absorbent article 70 is folded in such a way that an extra poly width of a liquid-impermeable baffle 66 can be bonded together for a wrapped appearance. The liquid-impermeable baffle 66 forms an enclosure wherein a first side 72 is sealed

along its length to form a first side seal 76, and a second side 74 is sealed along its length to form a second side seal 78, wherein the first side 72 and first side seal 76 and the second side 74 and second side seal 78 form the enclosure of individually wrapped absorbent article 70.

A perforation 82 on first side 72 and a perforation 84 on the second side 74 as shown in Figure 10 allow the extra poly to be torn away to unwrap the absorbent article 80 as shown in Figure 11. When both perforated sides 82 and 84 have been torn away as shown in Figure 11, the absorbent article 80 can be unfolded as shown in Figures 12 and 13 and used as a normal absorbent article.

Referring to Figure 13, the absorbent article 80, having perforated sides 82 and 84 removed, is unfolded, and deployed for use. A garment attachment system 90 shown in Figure 13 includes a release strip 92 covering a garment adhesive 94.

Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, a garment attachment and adhesive system 90 is shown together with the simplified folding that can be used with the garment attachment and adhesive system 90. Referring to Figure 12, absorbent article 80 is folded in the following manner. An absorbent article end 43 is folded inward toward the body-side 12 of the absorbent article 80, forming the fold 45 at approximately one third the total length of the absorbent article 80. An opposite absorbent article end 47 of the absorbent article 80 is then folded toward the body-side 12 of the absorbent article 80, bringing the end 47 of the absorbent article 80 even with the opposite fold line 45 previously formed. This method of folding is preferred because there are fewer crease lines formed on the absorbent article and the folding still protects the majority of the body-facing side of the surface of the absorbent article 80.

Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, the integrally wrapped absorbent article 80 includes a folded absorbent article attachment system wherein the feminine sanitary pro-

tection absorbent article 80 has a small acrylic adhesive patch 96 printed onto the release strip 92 also known as the peel strip 92. This arrangement is in accordance with the invention of a copending-divisional application, also divided from parent application number GB 001714Q5.

The adhesive patch 96 is formed, preferably, using acrylic adhesive because of the need to prevent adhesive residue from contaminating the body side of the absorbent article 80. The adhesive patch 96 holds down the free end 98 of the folded absorbent article 80 and presents an appearance of high quality fit and finish.

As shown in Figure 15, an absorbent article 100 has a release strip 102 having an aperture 104. The release strip 102 having the aperture 104 is formed when the aperture 104 is punched in the release strip 102, thereby to expose a garment adhesive 106 under the release strip 102 to the free end 108 of the folded absorbent article 100. The adhesive 106 holds down the free end 108 of the folded absorbent article 100.

The size of the aperture 104 is varied to provide the desired amount of adhesion.

The folded absorbent article attachment means having adhesive as shown in Figures 14 and 15 provides advantages of additional sealing of the exposed end of the absorbent article 100 to present a more finished appearance and to prevent contamination of the body-facing side of the absorbent article 100.

Referring now to Figures 16,17, and 18, another integrally wrapped absorbent article that is not in accordance with the present invention but that forms the subject-matter of the copending divisional application also divided from GB 0017140.5 is shown. This article includes an extended release strip 110 to hold down a free end 112 of an absorbent article 114. Figure 16 shows the release strip 110 or peel strip 110 extending past one end 112 of the absorbent article 114.

Figure 17 shows a patch 116 of adhesive on the extended peel strip 110, and an arrow indicates that the peel strip 110 is wrapped around the folded end 118 of absorbent article 114.

Figure 18 shows the extended peel strip 110 wrapped around the folded end 118 of the absorbent article 114 and attached to itself, i. e. , attached to another position on peel

strip 110. The extended peel strip 110 wrapped around the folded end 118 of the absorbent 114 and attached to itself holds the free end 112 of the absorbent article 114 in place and also presents a neater appearance, i. e. , an appearance of high quality fit and finish.

The absorbent pad as used in the integrally wrapped article of the present invention can be formed in the shape of a race track or oval or the like. The absorbent article pad can have other shapes, e. g., such as rectangular shapes other than oval or race track shape, pro- vided that the shapes are designed to cover the pudendal region of a woman. The absorbent pad can be viewed as having a central longitudinal axis X-X. Most absorbent pad articles, such as sanitary napkins and panty liners or shields, are layered in sheets which are longer than they are wide. In addition to the absorbent 14 and the liquid-permeable cover 12, other layers also can be utilized, such as a transfer layer, a layer of anhydrous deodorant material, a layer con- taining super-absorbent materials, and additional absorbent layers.

The various layers can be vertically stacked, assembled, laminated, and/or bonded together to form the sheet or web of material from which the articles are later cut or stamped out, prior to attachment of the liquid-impermeable baffle of the present invention. The various layers can be bonded together by using heat, pressure, heat and pressure, adhesive, hot melt glue, stitching with thread, ultrasonic bonding, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, or a combination of these and/or other means known to those skilled in the art.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 16 or 51 is designed to permit the passage of air or vapor out of the absorbent arti- cles while blocking the passage of body fluid. The liquid- impermeable baffle 16 or 51 can be made from any material having these properties. The liquid-impermeable baffle also can be constructed from a material that will block the passage of vapor as well as fluids, if desired. A good material from

which the liquid-impermeable baffle 16 or 51 can be construted is a micro-embossed, polymeric film, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Bi-component films can also be used.

A preferred material is polyethylene film. Most preferably, the polyethylene film will have a thickness in the range of from about 0. 5 mil to about 2.0 mil.

Construction adhesive can be used in the absorbent articles of the present invention to attach and bond the various layers together. For example, referring to Figure 7, construction adhesive can be used to bond the liquid-impermeable baffle 51 to the absorbent 14 or to bond the absorbent 14 to the liquid-permeable cover 12. The presence of such construction adhesive and the amount used will depend upon manufacturing specifications. Useful construction adhesives are commercially sold by National Starch and Chemical Company, having an office located at 10 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807.

The liquid-permeable cover 12 is designed to contact the body of the wearer and can be constructed of a woven or nonwoven material which is easily penetrated by body fluid. The liquid-permeable cover 12 also can be formed from either natural or synthetic fibers. Suitable materials include bonded carded webs of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other heat-bondable fibers. Other polyolefins, such as copolymers of polypropylene and polyethylene, linear lowdensity polyethylene, finely-perforated film webs and net materials, also work well. A preferred material is a composite of an apertured thermoplastic film positioned above a nonwoven fabric material. Such a composite material can be formed by extrusion of a polymer onto a web of spunbond material to form an integral sheet. One example of this material is an apertured, thermoplastic polyethylene film bonded to a spunbond material. Spunbond material is a non-woven material which is manufactured and commercially sold by Kimberly-Clark Corporation having an office located at 401 N. Lake Street,

Neenah, Wisconsin 54956. The apertured film/non-woven laminate exhibits a smooth appearance and is soft to the touch.

This material is soft and does not irritate the wearer's skin and yet has a cushioned feel because of its bulk. Another material useful as the liquid-permeable cover 12 is a spunbond web of polypropylene. This spunbond web can contain from between about 1 percent to about 6 percent of a whitening agent, such as titanium dioxide (Ti02) or calcium carbonate (CaC03) to give it a clean, white appearance. A uniform thickness of spunbond is desirable because it will have sufficient strength, after being perforated, to resist being torn or pulled apart during use. The most preferred polypropylene webs have a basis weight of between about 18 grams per square meter (g/m2) to about 40 g/m2. An optimum weight is between about 30 gum2 te about 40 g/m2.

The absorbent layer 14 can be present as a single layer or as two or more distinct layers. The absorbent layer 14 can be formed from various natural or synthetic fibers such as wood pulp fibers, virgin cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, cotton fibers, peat moss, or a blend of pulp and other fibers. The absorbent layer 14 also could be formed from a fine pore fabric such as wet-laid, air-dried tissue or from an uncreped through air-dried (UCTAD) tissue having a

2 2 basis weight of from about 30 g/m2 to about 120 g/m2. The UCTAD tissue can be prepared by a process disclosed in U. S.

Patent No. 5,048, 589 issued to Crook et al. on September 17, 1991. The UCTAD tissue is disclosed in U. S. Patent No.

5,399, 412 issued to Sudall et al. on March 21,1995. Each of these patents is incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. The absorbent layer 14 also may be comprised of other well-known materials such as cellulose fibers, rayon fibers, cellulose sponge, hydrophilic synthetic sponge, for example polyurethane, and the like.

Absorbent articles 10 that are not in accordance with the present invention may also include one or more elongated strips or areas of a garment attachment adhesive 18, for

example, referring to Figure 2, secured to the bottom surface of the liquid-permeable baffle 16. The garment attachment adhesive 18 functions to attach the absorbent articles 10 to the inner crotch portion of an undergarment during use. The garment attachment adhesive 18 enables the sanitary napkin or panty liner to be properly aligned and retained relative to the user's vaginal opening so that maximum fluid protection can be obtained. The garment attachment adhesive 18 can cover a portion of the bottom surface of the liquid-impermeable baffle 16. The garment attachment adhesive 18 can consist of a swirl pattern of adhesive or be one or more strips of adhe- sive or various other patterns. The garment attachment adhe- sive 18 also can consist of a plurality of adhesive dots which are randomly or uniformly arranged on the exterior surface of the baffle 16. When in strip form, e. g. , by way of example, in a single wide strip, the garment attachment adhesive 18 can be aligned along the central longitudinal axis X-X of the absorbent articles 10, respectively. Alternatively, the garment attachment adhesive 18 can be present as two or more spaced apart longitudinal strips. The garment attachment adhesive 18 is of such a nature that it will allow the user to remove the absorbent article 10 and reposition it on her undergarment if needed. A hot melt adhesive which works well as the garment attachment adhesive is commercially sold by National Starch and Chemical Company having an office located at 10 Finderne Avenue, Bridgewater, New Jersey 08807.

In order to protect the garment attachment adhesive 18 from contamination or drying prior to use, the adhesive 18 can be protected by a releasable peel strip 20, for example, referring to Figure 2. The release strip 20 can be a white Kraft paper which is coated on one side so that it can be released from the adhesive 18. The coating can be a silicone coating, such as a silicone polymer commercially available from Akrosil having an office located at 206 Garfield Avenue, Menasha, Wisconsin 54952. The release strips 20 are designed

to be removed by the user prior to attachment of the absorbent articles 10, respectively, to the inner crotch portion of her undergarment.

The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping of the present invention do not require a separate wrapper or releasable peel strip in order to be individually wrapped. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article and method of wrapping provides advantages in both the cost of materials and in environmental impact. Although less plastic that is thrown away, still providing the cleanliness of individual wrapping is provided.

Now, an integrally wrapped absorbent article and method of wrapping have been developed which provide a sanitary napkin or panty liner with individual wrapping without added manufacturing and material production costs. The integrally wrapped absorbent article of the present invention provides a less expensive absorbent article which is individually wrapped, having packaging cost advantages, having cost of material advantages, and having environmental impact advantages. The integrally wrapped feminine sanitary protection packaging of the present invention provides a less expensive napkin to be stored discreetly until use and which prevents soiling contamination and deformation. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection package fills a woman's need to have an inexpensive absorbent article readily accessible and which facilitates cleanliness and discretion in packaging appear-

Claims

Claims 1. An integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article, comprising: (a) an absorbent having a first sheet surface and an opposite second sheet surface, said first sheet surface having a length and a width configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman; (b) a liquid-impermeable baffle secured to said first sheet surface, said baffle having a length and a width covering said first sheet surface, wherein said baffle width further extends beyond the width of said first sheet surface by less than about one inch (2.5 cm); (c) at least one garment-attachment tape for securing said liquid-impermeable baffle to an inside surface of a crotch of an undergarment; and (d) an enclosure surrounding said absorbent, wherein said enclosure is formed from said liquidimpermeable baffle, by folding the absorbent within the enclosure; wherein the at least one garment-attachment tape has a finger tab, and said garment-attachment tape is positioned to be pulled from a release tape fixed to said liquid-impermeable baffle.
2. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 1 wherein said liquidimpermeable baffle has a first lateral side on one side of said baffle width and a second lateral side on the other side of said baffle width, opposite said first lateral side, and wherein said first lateral side is sealed along its length to form a first side seal and said second lateral side is sealed along its length to form a second side seal, wherein said first lateral side

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and said first side seal and said second lateral side and said second side seal form said enclosure.
3. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 2 further comprising a perforation on said enclosure.
4. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 3 comprising a first perforation strip on said first side seal and a second perforation strip on said second side seal.
5. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein said absorbent further comprises a liquid-permeable cover sheet covering said second sheet surface on a sheet side opposite said garment-attachment tape.
6. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein said absorbent comprises an absorbent pad selected from the group consisting of a sanitary napkin and a panty liner.
7. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein said liquid-impermeable baffle is composed of a material which permits the passage of air or vapor out of said absorbent.
8. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 7 wherein said liquidimpermeable baffle is composed of a material of microembossed polymeric film.
9. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said micro-embossed polymeric film comprises polyethylene film.

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10. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of claim 8 wherein said micro-embossed polymeric film comprises polypropylene film.
11. The integrally wrapped sanitary protection absorbent article of any preceding claim wherein said absorbent pad has a body-side, a first pad end, and an opposite second pad end, and further wherein said folding of said absorbent comprises said first pad end being folded toward said body-side of said pad to form a first fold line at approximately one third the total length of said pad, said second pad end being folded toward said body-side of said pad to a position even with said first fold line.
12. A method of wrapping a sanitary protection absorbent article comprising the steps of: (a) providing an absorbent article having a liquid permeable cover sheet, an absorbent, and at least one garment-attachment tape, said garment attachment tape having a finger tab and said absorbent having a length and a width configured to fit the pudendal region of a woman ; (b) positioning a liquid-impermeable baffle between said absorbent and said garment-attachment adhesive, said baffle having a length and a width covering said absorbent, wherein said baffle width further extends laterally larger than said absorbent pad width by less than about one inch (2.5 cm) ; (c) folding the absorbent to form an enclosure surrounding said absorbent, wherein said enclosure is formed from said liquid-impermeable baffle; and (d) positioning said finger tab to pull said garment-attachment tape from a release tape fixed to said liquid-impermeable baffle.
13. The method for providing a feminine care

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sanitary protection package as set forth in claim 12 wherein said positioning a liquid-impermeable baffle comprises providing a liquid-impermeable baffle having a first lateral side on one lateral side of said baffle width and a second lateral side on the opposite lateral side of said baffle width, and wherein said first lateral side is sealed along its length to form a first side seal and said second lateral side is sealed along its length to form a second side seal, wherein said first lateral side and said first side seal and said second lateral side and said second side seal are attached to form said enclosure.
14. The method of wrapping a sanitary protection absorbent article as set forth in claim 12 or 13 further comprising providing a perforation on said enclosure.
15. The method of wrapping a sanitary protection absorbent article as set forth in claim 14 comprising providing a first perforation strip on said first side seal and a second perforation strip on said second side seal.
16. The method of wrapping a sanitary protection absorbent article as set forth in any of claims 12 to 15 wherein said step of folding said absorbent pad comprises folding a first pad end inward toward a bodyside of said pad to form a first fold line at approximately one third the total length of said pad, said second pad end being folded toward said body-side of said pad to a position even with said first fold line.
17. A sanitary protection article substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.

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18. A method of producing a sanitary protection article substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.