KR20010032038A - Absorbent article wrapper comprising a side flap fastener cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an individually packaged absorbent article having a pair of first flaps and a pair of second flaps having fasteners such as adhesive fasteners. The absorbent article includes a pair of first flaps and a pair of second flaps connected longitudinally away from the first flap and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion. The garment surface of each of the first and second flaps includes a first flap fastener and a second flap fastener, respectively. The first and second flaps are folded onto the body surface of the main body portion to expose the flap fasteners. The wrapper for the absorbent article includes a main wrapper sheet, a first flap fastener cover and a second flap fastener cover. The main wrapper sheet includes a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, an inner surface toward the main body portion and an outer surface. The main wrapper sheet is located adjacent to the garment surface of the main body portion. The main wrapper sheet and main body portion of the absorbent article comprise two transverse axes and three regions divided by the two axes. The second flap fastener cover is connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point in the area between the second flap fastener and the first transverse axis. The distal portion of the first flap fastener cover is connected to the distal portion of the main wrapper sheet of the second region.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WRAPPER COMPRISING A SIDE FLAP FASTENER COVER}

Absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins, which comprise a pair of flaps extending laterally outward from the absorbent means, are well known. One type of such absorbent article comprises a pair of flaps extending laterally outward from the central region of both longitudinal side edges of the absorbent means. The flap tries to fold around the edge of the wearer's underwear in the crotch region. Thus, during use, the flap is located between the edge of the wearer's underwear and the wearer's thigh in the crotch region. Typically the flap is provided with a flap fastener, such as an adhesive for securing the flap to the bottom of the wearer's underwear. Flaps are used for at least two purposes. First, the flap otherwise prevents secretions from contaminating the edges of the wearer's underwear. Secondly, the flap helps the sanitary napkin to stabilize without departing from the position selected by the wearer. This is especially true if the flap is secured to the underside of the underwear.

The flaps of such sanitary napkins may be folded onto the backsheet or topsheet surface to preserve space during packaging, i.e. during manufacture and for the intended first use by the wearer. When used for the first time by the wearer, the flap generally unfolds to facilitate positioning the sanitary napkin into the wearer's underwear. The flap fasteners of the folded flap are generally covered by a flap fastener cover to prevent inadvertent adhesion to each other or other parts of the product before the sanitary napkin is used. When the flap is folded onto the topsheet face, the flap fasteners of the flap face outwards and are covered by the flap fastener cover so that the flaps cross each other on the topsheet. Japanese Patent Publication No. 93-293139, published November 9, 1993, Japanese Patent Publication No. 94-78953, published March 22, 1994 and Japanese Utility Model published on April 12, 1994 Published Publication 94-26835 discloses a sanitary napkin having a flap folded over a top sheet and a flap fastener covered by a flap fastener cover. The sanitary napkin disclosed herein further includes a main fastener for securing the sanitary napkin inside the wearer's underwear. The main fastener is also covered by the main fastener cover. Thus, when a sanitary napkin is used, the wearer must remove both the flap fastener cover and the main fastener cover. The wearer then has to properly handle the various fastener covers to prevent getting dirty.

Attempts have been made to easily remove the flap fastener cover and the main fastener cover from the sanitary napkin. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 93-9526 published on February 9, 1993, and Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 93-9529 published on February 9, 1993, a sanitary napkin main body having a main body fastener. , A flap with a flap fastener, and a sanitary napkin having a flap fastener and a fastener cover for covering the main fastener. The fastener cover includes a flap fastener cover portion and a main fastener cover portion connected to each other. Thus, when the main fastener cover portion is removed from the main body portion of the sanitary napkin, the flap fastener cover portion is also removed from the flap. However, this publication does not disclose an arrangement for an absorbent article having wrapping paper for individually packaging the absorbent articles.

Another attempt to easily remove the flap fastener cover and / or main fastener cover from the sanitary napkin main body portion involves the removal of wrapping paper for individually wrapping the sanitary napkin. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 94-26833, published April 12, 1994, describes a sanitary napkin main body with a main fastener, a flap with a flap fastener, a wrapping paper for wrapping the sanitary napkin main body, a flap fastener cover and a main fastener. Disclosed are a sanitary napkin comprising a cover. The main fastener cover is connected with a portion of the wrapping paper so that the main fastener cover is removed from the wrapping paper when the sanitary napkin main body portion is removed from the wrapping paper. However, the flap fastener cover must also be removed from the flap.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 95-39820, published July 18, 1995, discloses a sanitary napkin including a sanitary napkin main body having a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core. The sanitary napkin also includes a pair of flaps that fold around the edge of the wearer's underwear in the crotch region when using the sanitary napkin. The adhesive layer provided on the main body and the flap is covered by an adhesive layer cover which may include wrapping paper for individually wrapping the sanitary napkin. The flap folds into the interior of the main body. An adhesive layer cover covering the adhesive layer of the main body portion extends beyond the longitudinal side and transverse edges of the main body portion. The adhesive layer cover extends beyond one transverse end and the extension portion of the adhesive layer cover is folded inward to cover the adhesive layer of the flap. Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 94-75446, published July 18, 1995, discloses a sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin main body and a pair of flaps extending laterally outwardly from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. do. The flap is folded over the body of the sanitary napkin before the sanitary napkin is used and folded around the edge of the wearer's underwear in the crotch region when the sanitary napkin is used. The garment facing side of the sanitary napkin with adhesive layer is wrapped in a wrapper that has been treated to allow it to peel off. The wrapped sanitary napkin is folded with the wrapping paper around the fold line. This publication also discloses a sanitary napkin packaging structure in which a portion of the wrapper covers the adhesive layer of the flap. That is, the transverse edge of the wrapper is folded toward the adhesive layer of the flap that extends beyond the end edge of the sanitary napkin and folds onto the topsheet. European Patent Publication No. EP 0 750 896 A2, published January 2, 1997, discloses a sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin body portion and a pair of flaps extending from the transversely opposite side edges of the sanitary napkin body. The sanitary napkin body portion is folded in three layers in its longitudinal direction with overlapping one another and the flap is also folded into the upper surface of the sanitary napkin body portion. The release sheet is bonded to peel off the adhesive area provided on the back of the sanitary napkin and flap respectively. The wrapping sheet is also folded with the sanitary napkin to wrap the sanitary napkin and also the flap, wherein the individual release sheet allows the wrapping sheet and release sheet to be peeled off from the sanitary napkin in the form of an integral strip-like sheet when the sanitary napkin is removed from the packaging sheet. It is combined to be fixed to the inner surface of the. However, these publications do not disclose an arrangement for an absorbent article having another pair of flaps spaced apart from the flap in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

Another type of absorbent article comprises a pair of flaps extending laterally outward from the rear region of both longitudinal side edges of the absorbent means. The second type of flap of the absorbent article seeks to stay widely in the rear region inside the wearer's underwear. In use, the flap is positioned between the wearer's hips and the wearer's underwear. The second type of flap of the absorbent article also prevents secretions that would otherwise contaminate the rear region of the wearer's underwear. The flap is provided with a flap fastener, such as an adhesive, for securing the flap to the inner surface of the wearer's underwear to stabilize the movement of the sanitary napkin in the rear region of the wearer's underwear. The flap fasteners may be covered by a flap fastener cover to prevent inadvertent adhesion to other parts of the product or to each other prior to using the sanitary napkin. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 96-224269, published September 3, 1996, discloses individually packaged sanitary napkins. The sanitary napkin includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, a pair of rear flap portions having an adhesive layer on both the longitudinal rear side of the sanitary napkin, and a main adhesive layer covered by the main release paper. The rear flap portion is folded onto the topsheet face such that the adhesive layer of the rear flap portion faces up and the flap release paper is bonded onto the adhesive layer. The wrapper is connected to the treated surface of the main release paper so that it is not peeled off by using the first adhesive. The sanitary napkin is folded into three areas with the wrapper such that the flap release paper faces the backsheet side of the front portion of the sanitary napkin. The wrapping paper covering the front portion of the sanitary napkin is connected to the treated side of the flap release paper by using a second adhesive. However, this publication does not disclose an arrangement for an absorbent article having another pair of flaps spaced apart from the flap in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

While prior art absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins, have solved some of the problems for obtaining individually packaged absorbent products, they have not solved the problems or the extent of the present invention. It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide an improved individually packaged absorbent product.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention includes (a) a main body portion extending longitudinally and having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of distal edges, a garment surface and a body surface, wherein the garment surface of the main body portion is positioned in the wearer's underwear And a pair of first flaps connected to the main body and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body, and connected to the main body spaced apart from the first flap in the longitudinal direction. A pair of second flaps extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the body portion, wherein each garment surface of the first and second flaps comprises a first flap fastener and a second flap fastener, respectively, An absorbent article, wherein the first and second flaps are folded onto the body surface of the main body portion to expose the flap fasteners; And

(b) a wrapper for absorbent article comprising a main wrapper sheet, a flap fastener cover and a second flap fastener cover; At this time

(c) the main wrapper sheet includes a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, an inner surface and an outer surface facing the main body portion, wherein the main wrapper sheet is positioned adjacent to the garment surface of the main body portion, The main wrapper sheet and the main body portion comprise three regions divided by two transverse axes and two axes, wherein the three regions are the first region, the majority of the second flap extending from the majority of the first flap. A first region extending laterally between the first region and the second region, and a first region extending laterally between the first region and the second region; A second axis extending into;

(d) the first flap fastener cover comprises a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, a releasable surface facing the first flap fastener, an opposing surface, wherein at least the absorbent article is in contact with the first transverse axis; The first flap fastener cover extends to the first area when the first flap fastener cover is secured to be peelable to the first flap fastener;

(e) the second flap fastener cover comprises a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, a releasable surface facing the second flap fastener, an opposing surface, wherein at least the absorbent article is in contact with the second transverse axis; The second flap fastener cover extends to the second area when the second flap fastener cover is secured to be peeled off the second flap fastener;

(f) a second flap fastener cover is connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point of the region between the second flap fastener and the first transverse axis,

(g) providing a separately packaged absorbent article wherein the distal portion of the first flap fastener cover is connected to the distal portion of the main wrapper sheet of the second region.

The present invention relates to an absorbent article individually packaged by a wrapper comprising a main wrapper sheet for the absorbent article and a flap fastener cover for the flap fastener of the flap. More specifically, the invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a pair of first flaps and a pair of second flaps away from the first flap in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, each flap comprising a flap fastener, The flap fasteners are covered by a flap fastener cover.

1 is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the wrapper of the present invention in an open position where a preferred sanitary napkin is disposed and the flap of the sanitary napkin is unfolded.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the wrapping paper of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 with the flap of the sanitary napkin folded into a top sheet. FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line III-III.

4 is a top view of the wrapper of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 before the flap fastener cover and the main wrapper sheet are joined.

5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the flap of the sanitary napkin in another topsheet protective position.

6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line VI-VI.

7 is a perspective view of the wrapping paper of FIG. 1.

8 is a cross-sectional view of a first other embodiment of the junction of the flap fastener cover.

9 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative embodiment of the junction of the flap fastener cover.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the wrapper of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the sanitary napkin folded out.

11 is a perspective view of one preferred individually packaged absorbent article.

FIG. 12 is a top view of another embodiment of the wrapper with the sanitary napkin positioned in substantially the same appearance as FIG. 2.

13 is a first cross-sectional view of the present invention for explaining the action of removing the wrapping paper from the sanitary napkin.

14 is a second cross-sectional view of the present invention for explaining the action of removing the wrapping paper from the sanitary napkin.

15 is a third cross-sectional view of the present invention for explaining the action of removing the wrapping paper from the sanitary napkin.

Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is implemented in a preferred but non-limiting aspect. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the present invention comprises a wrapper 78 for a disposable absorbent article, in particular a sanitary napkin 20.

The sanitary napkin 20 is used to collect vaginal secretions, for example menstrual blood, and to prevent the wearer's clothing from being contaminated by such secretions. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sanitary napkin 20 basically includes a main body portion 22 and a first flap 24 and a second flap 25. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may have a fastener, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener 74, for securing the main body portion 22 to the wearer's underwear. The first flap 24 preferably wraps around the edges of the crotch of the wearer's underwear and each of the first fasteners, eg, depressurized, to secure the first flap 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a folded form so that it can be peeled off. And an adhesive adhesive fastener 76. The second flaps 25 are preferably second fasteners, eg, to secure the second flaps 25 of the sanitary napkin 20 so that they can be peeled off in an unfolded appearance in the rear region of the interior of the wearer's underwear. For example, it has a pressure-sensitive adhesive fastener 77. The wrapping paper 78 of the present invention acts to cover and protect the first flap fastener 76, the second flap fastener 77 and the main body fastener 74 (if one), and wrap the sanitary napkin 20 It can be folded to provide individual packaging for sanitary napkin 20. Before examining the features of the wrapping paper 78 in detail, the nature of the sanitary napkin 20 will be briefly disclosed.

Sanitary napkin 20 (and its main body portion 22) has two surfaces, a liquid permeable body-contacting surface or ″ body surface ″ 20A, and a liquid impermeable garment surface that are intended to be worn adjacent to the wearer's body. Has 20B. Sanitary napkin 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as seen from its body surface 20A. Sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a main longitudinal centerline L and a main transverse centerline (not shown in FIG. 1). As used herein, the term ″ longitudinal ″ refers to the line, axis, or axis of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally parallel (eg approximately parallel) with a vertical line that divides the upright wearer into the left and right body when the sanitary napkin 20 is worn. Means the direction of the plane. As used herein, the term ″ transverse ″, ″ lateral ″ or ″ width ″ means a line, axis or direction within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is interchangeable and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 includes a portion of the sanitary napkin without the first flap 24 and the second flap 25. The main body portion 22 has two spaced longitudinal edges 26, two spaced transverse or distal edges (or ″ ends ″) 28, which together form a perimeter 30 of the main body portion. do. The main body part 22 also has three parts comprising a central part (first part) 36, one distal part (second part) 34 and the other distal part (third part) 32. Have The first fraction 36 is located between the second fraction 34 and the third fraction 32. The second fraction 34 and the third fraction 32 extend outwardly in the longitudinal direction from the edge of the central fraction 36 of the main body portion 22. When the sanitary napkin 20 is individually packaged, the main body portion 22 and the wrapping paper 78 are the first area 39 and the second area 41 divided by two folding axes F1 and F2. ) And three regions including the third region 43 (see FIG. 2). The first fraction 36, the second fraction 34 and the third fraction 32 of the main body portion 22 are generally the first region 39, the second region 41 and the third region 43, respectively. )

The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be any thickness, including a relatively thick, medium thickness, relatively thin or even very thin (or ultra thin) thickness. The ″ ultra thin ″ sanitary napkin 20, as disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 to Osborn, has a caliper of less than about 3 mm. The aspect of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the figure is an example of a medium thickness sanitary napkin. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may also be relatively flexible to be comfortable to the wearer. It is to be understood that the sanitary napkin shown is just one aspect and that the wrapper of the present invention is not intended to be used in an absorbent article having a particular type or specific appearance shown in the drawings.

3 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. Main body portion 22 of sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises at least three first components. These include a liquid permeable topsheet 38, a liquid impermeable backsheet 40 and an absorbent core 42 between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core can be combined into various shapes known in the art (including layered or ″ sandwich ″ shapes and wrapped or ″ tube ″ shaped shapes).

Materials suitable for the components of the main body portion 22, and some of the various appearances in which these components can be combined, are entitled ″ Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article ″ to Ahr on March 30, 1982. U.S. Patent No. 4,321,924, US Patent No. 4,425,130 entitled "Compound Sanitary Napkin" to DesMarais, dated January 10, 1984, to Osborne on August 21, 1990. U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264, entitled `` Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin, '' U.S. Patent No. 5,308,346, titled `` Elasticized Sanitary Napkin, '' issued May 3, 1994, and Sneller. The invention, assigned to Lavash et al. On February 14, 1, is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,389,094 entitled `` Absorbent Article Having Flaps and Zones of Differential Extensibility ''. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 is also described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 07 / 915,133 and 07 / 915,284, both filed July 23, 1992 in the name of Osborne et al. One or more extensible components, such as in these sanitary napkins as disclosed in PCT Publications WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, published on December 4;

1 and 3 show that the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 is that the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are generally combined into a sandwich structure having a greater length and width dimension than the absorbent core 42. The top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 extend beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 to form part of the perimeter 30. The top sheet 38 is preferably connected to the body facing surface of the absorbent core 42, and the back sheet 40 is preferably connected to the garment facing surface of the absorbent core 42. Topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be connected to absorbent core 42 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose, for example by an open pattern of adhesive. A portion of the top sheet 38 and back sheet 40 extending beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42 is preferably also connected to each other. These portions of the topsheet 38 and backsheet 40 may be connected in any suitable manner known in the art. Preferably, in the illustrated embodiment, these portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extend substantially beyond the edge of the absorbent core 42, and the circumference 30 of the main body portion 22. The top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are compacted by pressure or heating and pressure application.

As discussed above, the sanitary napkin 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 also includes a pair of first flaps 24 and a pair of second flaps 25 connected to the main body portion 22. The first flap 24 extends laterally outward from the proximal edge 44 beyond the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body 22 from the distal edge (or ″ glass end ″) 46. The first flap 24 extends laterally outward from at least a portion of the first fraction 36 of the main body portion 22, with the majority of the first flaps 24 at the folding axes F1 and F2. It extends to the 1st area | region 39 divided by it. The second flap 25 extends laterally outward from their proximal edge 45 to their distal edge (or ″ glass end ″) 47 beyond the longitudinal side edge 26 of the main body portion 22. do. The second flap 25 is positioned adjacent one distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22 spaced from the first flap 24 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 22. The second flap 25 extends laterally from at least a portion of the second fraction 34 of the main body portion 22, with the majority of the second flaps 25 divided by a folding axis F2. Extends to region 41.

The first flap 24 and the second flap 25 may be connected to the main body portion 22 in any suitable manner. As used herein, the term ″ connections ″ refers to the appearance of securing an element directly to another element by directly fixing the element to another element; An appearance in which the element is indirectly fixed to the other element by fixing the element to the intermediate member (s) and fixing it to the other element; And appearances in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. Preferably in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the first flap 24 and the second flap 25 are integral with the main body portion 22 (ie, the flaps 24 and 25 are the backsheets). Integral extension of the top 40. Alternatively, the flaps 24 and 25 include integral extensions of the top sheet 38 and the back sheet 40).

In another alternative aspect, the flaps 24 and 25 may include one or more separate components connected to the garment facing surface of the main body portion 22. Preferably, in this case, the flaps 24 and 25 each comprise a separate element connected to the garment facing surface of the main body portion 22. In this alternative embodiment, the flaps 24 and 25 are preferably sanitary napkins between the points where they are coupled to the main body portion 22 and the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22. It is not coupled to the garment facing surface of the main body portion 22 of 20). In these latter aspects the flaps 24 and 25 may be connected to the garment facing surface of the main body portion 22 by any suitable attachment mechanism. Suitable attachment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, adhesives and the like. The first flap 24 and the second flap 25 may be connected to the main body portion 22 by different bonding methods.

The location or area of the sanitary napkin 20 to which flaps 24 and 25 are connected to (or extend from) main body portion 22 is referred to herein as a ″ junction ″. These regions will typically be longitudinally oriented (or ″ longitudinal '') junctions, for example bond lines 48. These regions can be any of a variety of curves or straight lines, but they are not limited to lines. Thus, the joints can include flanges, strips, dashed lines, and the like.

The first flap 24 and the second flap 25 can be of any desired shape, one preferred shape being shown in FIG. 1. 1 shows that the first flap has an extensible region (or ″ differential extensible region ″) at the front and rear edges of each flap 24. The extensible region 56 relieves the stress generated in the first flap 24 by folding the first flap 24 around the crotch region of the wearer's underwear. The extensible region 56 thereby helps to eliminate clumping of the first flap 24 due to the stress. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the extensible region 56 comprises a pre-wrinkled or ″ ring-rolled ″ region of the first flap 24, where the pleats 58 are the major species. Define ridges and valleys oriented angularly in the direction centerline (L). Structures suitable for providing the extensible region 56 to the flap 24 are described in US Pat. No. 5,389,094 to Lavash et al. And Sue A. Mills et al. On January 30, 1995. The invention filed under the name is disclosed in detail in the commonly assigned co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 380,769, entitled " Absorbent Article Having Flaps With Gathered Portions. &Quot;

The sanitary napkin 20 preferably also has a fastener for positioning the sanitary napkin 20 in the wearer's underwear. 1 and 2 include a main body (or center pad) fastener, for example a center pad adhesive 74, and a flap fastener, for example a first flap adhesive 76 and a second flap adhesive 77. Represents a preferred arrangement of fasteners. The fasteners used for the sanitary napkin 20 are not limited to adhesive fasteners. Any suitable type of fasteners known in the art can be used for this purpose. For example, sanitary napkin 20 may be secured in place to the wearer's underwear by a mechanical fastener, such as Velcro®, or by a combination of adhesive and mechanical fastener. However, for simplicity, fasteners will be disclosed in terms of adhesive fasteners, which are preferably pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners are disclosed in more detail in US Pat. No. 4,917,697.

The central pad adhesive 74, the first flap adhesive 76, and the second flap adhesive 77 may be provided in any shape. In the preferred embodiment shown, the center pad adhesive 74 is provided in the form of a longitudinally oriented strip of adhesive concentrated around the main longitudinal center line L. First flap adhesive 76 and second flap adhesive 77 are provided on each first flap 24 and each second flap 25, generally in the form of an adhesive in a rectangular patch. Alternatively, the first flap adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77 may be in any form, such as circles, ellipses, triangles. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second flap adhesive 77 has a first end edge 77A and a second end edge 77B and a longitudinal side edge. If the shape of the second flap adhesive 77 is circular, the first flap and the second flap distal edges 77A and 77B may be one point located at the longitudinal end. The central pad adhesive 74 provides adhesive attachment means for securing the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 to the crotch portion of the panty. The first flap adhesive 76 is used to help hold the first flap 24 in place after wrapping around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. The second flap adhesive 77 is used to help hold the second flap 25 in place after it is widely positioned in the rear region of the interior of the panty. The flap is held in place by attaching the flap 24 to the undergarment or the opposite flap.

1 to 4, 6 and 7 show one preferred embodiment of the wrapping paper 78 of the present invention. The wrapper, generally designated by reference numeral 78, contains several elements. These elements may constitute a single member or an integral part of the article, or they may constitute individual components connected to the member or article. The elements that make up the wrapper 78 include a main wrapper sheet 80, an optional stripping component located on one side of the main wrapper sheet 80, such as a release paper (or stripping coating) 82, a flap fastener cover. For example, a first flap adhesive cover 81 and a second flap adhesive cover 89. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, these elements comprise separate components connected to each other in a combined appearance.

The main wrapper sheet 80 (or ″ wrap wrapper sheet ″) is a portion of the wrapper 78 that wraps around the sanitary napkin 20 to provide an individual package for the sanitary napkin 20. The main wrapper sheet 80 is preferably bonded to cover and peel off the center pad adhesive 74. The main wrapper sheet 80 preferably has dimensions slightly larger than the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the main wrapper sheet 80 extends beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. 80D). The main wrapper sheet 80 preferably also has a first end portion 80A and a second end portion 80B extending beyond the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. However, it should be appreciated that satisfactory protection of sanitary napkin 20 may be provided by a wrapper that is no larger than the main body portion 22 of sanitary napkin 20.

The main wrapper sheet 80 can be made from any suitable material. The main wrapper sheet 80 may preferably be made of a thin, flexible material that is liquid impermeable to suit the wrapping of the sanitary napkin 20 in which the wrapper 78 is used. For example, polyethylene films have been found to work well.

The primary wrapper sheet 80 is an optional stripping component, such as a release paper (or release), such that when the wearer removes the sanitary napkin 20 from the wrapper 78, the main wrapper sheet 80 is peeled off from the central pad adhesive 74. Stripping coating) 82. If separate release papers are used, they may include any suitable material known in the art for this purpose, for example coated paper. Suitable release papers are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,917,697. This release paper 82 may be laminated to the inner surface of the main wrapper sheet 80 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. If release paper is used, the coating may be applied directly to the inner surface of the main wrapper sheet 80. Such coatings may include any material known in the art for this purpose, with silicone coatings being preferred. If a coating is used, the coating 82 may be provided by covering only the area of the main wrapper sheet 80 that will substantially contact the central pad adhesive 74. Alternatively, the entire inner surface of the main wrapper sheet 80 may be covered. Covering the entire interior of the wrapper is disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,181,610, entitled "Flexible Container with Nonstick Interior," issued to Quick et al. On January 26, 1993.

The first flap adhesive cover (or ″ flap release strip ″) 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 cover and protect the first flap adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77, respectively, and the first flap The 24 and the second flap 25 are kept folded in place on the top sheet 38 for packaging. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 have a first flap adhesive cover 87 and a second flap adhesive cover 89 with the main wrapper sheet 80. ) Extends generally into the second region 41 in a contour combined with the. The first flap adhesive cover 87 is preferably connected to the main wrapper sheet 80 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 is preferably connected to the first flap adhesive cover.

In the form before the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 are combined with the main wrapper sheet 80 as shown in FIG. 4, the first flap adhesive cover 87 is preferably Extending to the first region 39, the second flap adhesive cover 89 preferably extends to the second region 41. The first flap adhesive cover 87 preferably comprises a single individual sheet having a first end portion 87C, a second end portion 87D and a pair of longitudinal side portions 87E. The first flap adhesive cover 87 has a length and width sufficient to cover and protect the first flap adhesive 76, but is preferably shorter than the length of the first region 39. The second flap adhesive cover 89 preferably comprises a single individual sheet having a first end portion 89C, a second end portion 89D and a pair of longitudinal side portions 89E. The second flap adhesive cover 89 has a length and width sufficient to cover and protect the first flap adhesive 76, but is preferably shorter than the length of the second region 41. Alternatively, the first flap adhesive cover 87 may extend beyond the first axis F1 and / or the second axis F2. The second flap adhesive cover 89 may extend beyond the first axis F1.

The first flap adhesive cover 87 also has two sides, one of which is a non-adhesive side (or stripping side) 87A that can be peeled off to the flap fastener, and the other side is the opposite side or side. (87B). Similarly, the second flap adhesive cover 89 also has two sides, one of which is a non-adhesive side (or stripping side) 89A that can be peeled off to the flap fastener, and the other is opposite. Face or side 89B. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the non-adhesive side 87A of the first flap adhesive cover 87 (only the opposing face 87B is shown in FIG. 4) and the second flap adhesive cover 89. The non-adhesive side 89A (only the opposing side 89B is shown in FIG. 4) is each of the first flaps so that they can be detachably attached to the first flap adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77. Facing the adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77. If the flap adhesives 76 and 77 comprise adhesive fasteners, attach separate release papers or elements to the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 treated with a non-stick material, or Non-adhesive by treating all or part of the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 with a non-stick coating such as silicone coating a portion of the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89. Faces 87A and 89A may be provided. Alternatively, where the first and second flap fasteners 76 and 77 comprise mechanical fasteners, for example Velcro® fasteners, the non-adhesive side may be joined to the mechanical fixation material Can be provided by a nonwoven material. Opposing faces 87B and 89B face away from first and second flap adhesives 76 and 77. The opposing surfaces 87B and 89B of the flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 need not have, and preferably do not have, a peel off coating on their top.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 7, in the combined contour, the first flap adhesive cover 87 is connected to the main wrapper sheet 80, and the second flap adhesive cover 89 is the first flap adhesive. It is connected to the cover 87. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first flap adhesive cover 87 generally extends to the second region 41 in a combined contour and the non-adhesive of the first flap adhesive cover 87 is shown. Face 87A faces upward. Opposite side 87B faces second flap adhesive cover 89 and main wrapper sheet 80. The first distal portion 87C of the first flap adhesive cover 87 extends beyond the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22 and the second distal portion 89D of the second flap adhesive cover 89. The second distal portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80 extends beyond the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22. Thereby, the first end portion 87C faces the main wrapper sheet 80 and is connected to the inner surface of the second end portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80 by applying the adhesive layer 83. The opposite surface 87B of the first flap adhesive cover 87 is opposite the second flap adhesive cover 89 near the first end portion 89C and the second end portion 87D by applying the adhesive layer 90. Connected to face 89B. Thus, the second flap adhesive cover 89 is connected to the main wrapper sheet 80 by the first flap adhesive cover 87. In a preferred embodiment, the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 are formed with a second flap adhesive 77 (or first end edge 77A) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. It is connected between at least one point of the longitudinal area R of the sanitary napkin 20 between one lateral axis F1. More preferably, the first end portion 89C of the second flap adhesive cover 89 and the second end portion 87D of the first flap adhesive cover 87 do not extend beyond the first transverse axis F1. . The first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 are connected to each other at one point in the area between the second flap adhesive 77 and the first end portion 89C or the second end portion 87D. do. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, since the second end portion 87D is closer to the second flap adhesive 77 than the first end portion 89C, the flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 are A connection is made in the region R1 between the second flap adhesive 77 and the second end portion 87D. If the first end portion 89C is closer to the second flap adhesive 77, the covers 87 and 89 are connected in the region between the second flap adhesive 77 and the first end portion 89C. . Since the position of the adhesive layer 90 is closer to the second flap adhesive 77, the length of the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 is the second end portion 87D and It may be shorter at the first terminal portion 89C. This saves material for the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89. The adhesive layer 90 has a second end portion 89D of the second flap adhesive cover 89 such that a portion of the adhesive layer 90 overlaps at least a portion of the second flap adhesive 77 as shown in FIG. 8. May extend toward. Alternatively, the adhesive layer 90 may further extend toward the second end portion 89D such that a portion of the adhesive layer 90 overlaps the entirety of the second flap adhesive 77 as shown in FIG. 9. have. In both cases, the flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 are joined at at least one point of the region R.

The flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 may be of any suitable size and shape, but the figures are only flaps that are wide and long enough to cover and protect the first flap adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77. Adhesive covers 87 and 89 are shown.

The wrapper 78 also preferably includes an optional wrap fastener 86 for holding the wrapper formed by folding the wrapper and sanitary napkin in a folded outline. The packaging fastener 86 may preferably be detachably attached to the package and may be resealed. Packaging fasteners 86 may include any peelable attachable and resealable fasteners known in the art, such as adhesive dots or patches, tapes and mechanical fasteners. It was found that the tape tab on which the pressure sensitive adhesive was located worked well. The packaging fasteners 86 may be located at any suitable location on the wrapping paper 78. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging fastener 86 is preferably located at the first end portion 80A of the main wrapper sheet 80.

In order to initially wrap the sanitary napkin 20 in the wrapping paper 78, the garment facing surface 20B of the main body portion 22 is placed on top of the wrapping paper sheet 80. The sanitary napkin 20 is positioned so that the center pad fastener 74 is on a release paper or peelable coating 82 on the main wrapper sheet 80. Then, the first flap 24 and the second flap 25 are preferably folded onto the top sheet 38 such that the first flap 24 and the second flap 25 have the outlines shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. . Folding the flaps 24 and 25 to the contours shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 exposes patches 76 and 77 of adhesive located on the garment facing surfaces 24 and 25 of the flap. The flaps 24 and 25 cover at least a portion of the top sheet 38. Thus, folding the flaps 24 and 25 onto the top sheet 38 can be considered to provide some degree of protection against contamination of the top sheet 38 prior to use. In another embodiment where one or both of the first flaps 24 have a larger width (ie, dimensions measured in the transverse direction), one of the first flaps 24 may have a different flap (as shown in FIG. 5). The first flap 24 may be folded onto the topsheet 38 to at least partially overlap with 24. The first flap 24B overlaps, engages and protects the flap attachment means 76 of the first flap 24A. The flap adhesive cover 84 will then overlap, engage and protect the flap fastener 76 of the first flap 24B. The second flap 25 may have the same structure as the first flap 24 having a larger width.

After folding the flaps 24 and 25 onto the top sheet 38, the sanitary napkin 20 and the main wrapper sheet 80 are preferably by the folding axes F1 and F2 shown in FIG. It can be folded into three defined areas. The folding axes F1 and F2 are three zones comprising both the sanitary napkin 20 and the main wrapper sheet 80 including a first zone 39, a second zone 41 and a third zone 43. Will divide into As shown in FIG. 2, the central region (first region) 39 is located between the preferred folding axes F1 and F2. The second and third regions 41 and 43 are located longitudinally outward of the folding axes F1 and F2. As described above, the main body portion 22 also separates into three fractions including a first fraction 36, a second fraction 34 and a third fraction 32 on the folding axes F1 and F2. do. Respective fractions 36, 34 and 32 generally extend to respective regions 39, 41 and 43, respectively.

FIG. 10 shows a sanitary napkin package formed by folding the wrapper 78 and sanitary napkin 20 in one embodiment preferred for shipping, sale, and convenient movement by the wearer. As mentioned above, when the second flap 25 is folded onto the top sheet 38, the non-adhesive surface 89A of the second flap adhesive cover 89 as shown in FIG. 77 and detachably attached to each adhesive patch 77. The second flap adhesive cover 89 also provides a connection point between each flap 25 across the flap 25 to position the second flap 25 in the desired position until the flap adhesive cover 89 is removed. Keep it. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the second area 41 (ie, the second fraction 34 of the main body portion 22, the second flap 25, the second flap adhesive 77, and the first agent). The first region 39 (around the first folding axis F1) of the second end portion 80B of the main wrapper 80 together with the second flap adhesive cover 89 with the first flap adhesive cover 87. That is, it folds on the center part 80C of the main wrapping paper 80, the 1st fraction 36 of the main body part 22, the 1st flap 24, and the 1st flap adhesive 76). When the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapping paper 78 are folded in this manner, the non-adhesive side 87A of the first flap adhesive cover 87 is placed on the first flap adhesive 76 and on each adhesive patch 76. Attached so that it can be peeled off. In addition, the first flap adhesive cover 87 is provided with a connection point between each flap 24 across the flap 24 to close the first flap 24 until the first flap adhesive cover 87 is removed. Maintained in the desired position. Then, the third region 43 (ie, the first end portion 80A of the main wrapper 80 together with the third segment 32 of the main body portion 22) is already on the first region 39. It folds around the axis | shaft F2 on the 2nd area | region 41 folded in the middle. By compressing the tape tab 86 onto the outside of the wrapper 78 in the position shown in FIG. 10, the sanitary napkin 20, its flaps 24 and 25, and the wrapper retain the shape shown.

Preferably, in order to complete the individual packaging of the sanitary napkin 20 in the wrapping paper 78 of the present invention, after the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapping paper 78 have the folded outline shown in FIG. Each longitudinal side edge 80D is sealed brittlely. The brittle seal of the side edge 80D of the main wrapper sheet 80 can be obtained by any suitable sealing technique. By way of example only, the longitudinal side edge 80D may be heat sealed, glued or ultrasonically bonded, as shown in FIG. 11. Thereby, the whole sanitary napkin 20 is protected until the wrapping paper 78 is opened. Suitable methods for brittle sealing of the longitudinal side edges are disclosed in US Pat. No. 4,556,146 to Swanson.

Various aspects of the wrapper 78 disclosed herein can be made in any suitable manner. The first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 may be made of the same material as the main wrapper sheet or any adhesive cover material known in the art. The first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 may be connected to the main wrapper sheet 80 at any point during the manufacture of the individually packaged sanitary napkin 20 of the present invention. Preferably, for ease of manufacture, first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 are first connected to each other. The sanitary napkin 20 will then already be placed on the main wrapper sheet 80 and then the first flap adhesive cover 87 will be connected to the main wrapper sheet 80. This will obviate the need to temporarily remove the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 from the main wrapper sheet 80 so that the sanitary napkin 20 is positioned in the main wrapper sheet 80. The release paper on the main wrapper sheet 80 or the peelable coating 82, the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89, and the non-adhesive surfaces 87A and 87B are preferably the first and the The second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 are connected and applied before the first flap adhesive cover 87 is connected to the main wrapper sheet 80.

More preferably, for ease of manufacture, the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover 89 may be replaced by the first flap adhesive cover 87 and the second flap adhesive cover as shown in FIG. 12. The 89 can be positioned on the first flap 24 and the second flap 25, respectively, before they are connected to each other. The non-adhesive surfaces 87A and 89A of the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 cover the first flap adhesive 76 and the second flap adhesive 77, respectively. In addition, the first and second flap adhesive covers 87 and 89 cover and protect most of the body contact surface 20A from contamination while manufacturing the absorbent article. The opposing side 87B, which is not peeled off, may be provided with adhesive layers 83 and 90 before or after the first flap adhesive cover 87 is positioned on the flap 24. Then, the second region 41 is folded on the first region 39 around the folding axis F1. The adhesive layer 90 applied to the first flap adhesive cover 87 is thereby connected without detachment to the area 90A on the opposite surface 89B of the second flap adhesive cover 89, and the adhesive layer 83 is The area 83A of the second end portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80 is not detachably connected. Thereafter, the third region 43 is folded onto the second region 41 already folded onto the first region 39. Alternatively, adhesive layer 83 is provided in region 83A of main wrapper sheet 80 and / or adhesive layer 90 is region 90A on opposing face 89B of second flap adhesive cover 89. Can be provided. Opening the individually packaged sanitary napkin 20 removes the flap adhesive cover 81 from the first flaps 24 and 25, but with the second end portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80. Stay

The consumer will typically carry the individually packaged sanitary napkin of the present invention in the form shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. As shown in FIG. 13, the individually packaged sanitary napkin of the present invention peels off the tape tab 86 from the wrapper 78 and is crumbly sealed along the longitudinal side edge 80D of the main wrapper sheet 80. Can be opened by breaking the This allows the consumer access to the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22 of the third region 43. The consumer can then grasp the distal edge 28 of the main body portion 22 of the third region 43 and pull the tape tab 86 from the sanitary napkin 20 as shown in FIG. 13. As the sanitary napkin 20 is detached from the wrapper 78, the central pad adhesive 74 is detached from the main wrapper sheet 80 as shown in FIG. 14. At the same time, the first flap adhesive 76 is separated from the first flap adhesive cover 87. Since the first end portion 87C of the first flap adhesive cover 87 adjacent the peeling starting side of the first flap adhesive 76 is connected to the second end portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80, It is easy and smooth to separate the first flap adhesive 76 from the first flap adhesive cover 87. When the main body portion 22 is separated from the main wrapper sheet 80 or after the separation, the second flap adhesive 77 provided on the second flap 25 is second flap adhesive as shown in FIG. 15. It begins to separate from the cover 89. The first end portion 89C adjacent to the peeling starting side of the second flap adhesive 77 is connected to the second end portion 87D of the first flap adhesive cover 87 (which is connected to the main wrapper sheet 80). Connected and beyond the second adhesive layer 77 opposite the direction A in which the first end portion 89C and the second end portion 87D of the second flap adhesive cover 89 pull the sanitary napkin 20. It is easy and smooth to separate the second flap adhesive 77 from the second flap adhesive cover 89 because it is connected by the adhesive layer 90 at at least one point. The sanitary napkin 20 can also be pulled out of the wrapper 78, and the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapper 78 are separated from each other. The separation of the sanitary napkin 20 from the wrapper 78 is preferably performed in a single operation.

Once the sanitary napkin is removed from the wrapper 78 and mounted on the wearer's panties, the consumer folds the wrapper 78 and reattaches the resealable tape tab 86 to the wrapper 78 to wrap the wrapper 78 in its folded form. It can be fixed externally. The consumer can then store the folded wrapper 78 for repackaging and disposal of the used sanitary napkin. Since all stripped strips are attached to or integral with the wrapper 78, the wearer does not have to worry about the collection and disposal of the previously released loose flap adhesive release strip. Thus, the present invention provides a clean sanitary napkin 20 free of additional waste pieces that must be easily mounted and collected by the wearer.

All patents, patent applications (and any patents granted thereto, and also any corresponding published foreign patent applications) and documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference. However, it is apparent that none of the documents cited herein teaches or discloses the present invention.

The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention is illustrative only and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention will be determined on the basis of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

(a) a main body portion extending longitudinally and having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of distal edges, a garment surface and a body surface, wherein the garment surface of the main body portion may be located in the wearer's underwear A pair of first flaps connected to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, and longitudinally connected to the main body portion spaced from the first flap; A pair of second flaps extending laterally beyond the lateral side edges, wherein each garment surface of the first and second flaps comprises a first flap fastener and a second flap fastener, respectively; An absorbent article, the second flap folded over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the flap fasteners; And (b) a wrapper for absorbent article comprising a main wrapper sheet, a flap fastener cover and a second flap fastener cover; At this time (c) the main wrapper sheet includes a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, an inner surface and an outer surface facing the main body portion, wherein the main wrapper sheet is positioned adjacent to the garment surface of the main body portion, The main wrapper sheet and the main body portion comprise three regions divided by two transverse axes and two axes, wherein the three regions are the first region, the majority of the second flap extending from the majority of the first flap. A first region extending laterally between the first region and the second region, and a first region extending laterally between the first region and the second region; A second axis extending into; (d) the first flap fastener cover comprises a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, a releasable surface facing the first flap fastener, an opposing surface, wherein the absorbent article is folded at a first transverse axis and The first flap fastener cover extends to at least the first area when the first flap fastener cover is secured to be peelable away from the first flap fastener; (e) the second flap fastener cover comprises a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of distal portions, a releasable surface facing the second flap fastener, an opposing surface, wherein the absorbent article is folded at a second transverse axis and The majority of the second flap fastener cover extends to at least the second area when the second flap fastener cover is secured to be peelable to the second flap fastener; (f) a second flap fastener cover is connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point in the area between the second flap fastener and the first transverse axis, (g) an individually packaged absorbent article wherein the distal portion of the first flap fastener cover is connected to the distal portion of the main wrapper sheet of the second region. The method of claim 1, An absorbent article, wherein the first flap fastener cover and the second flap fastener cover comprise separate elements. The method of claim 2, The distal portion of the second flap fastener comprises a first distal portion adjacent the first transverse axis and a second distal portion adjacent the distal edge of the absorbent article in the second region, wherein the second flap fastener cover includes a second flap An absorbent article connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point in the area between the fastener and the first transverse axis. The method of claim 3, wherein In an outline, wherein the first flap fastener cover is connected to the main wrapper sheet and the second flap fastener cover is connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point in the area between the second flap fastener and the second end portion of the first flap fastener cover. An absorbent article, wherein the distal portion of the first flap fastener comprises a first distal portion adjacent a distal edge of the absorbent article in a second region and a second distal portion adjacent the first transverse axis. The method of claim 4, wherein And the second flap fastener cover is connected to the first flap fastener cover at at least one point in the area between the second flap fastener and the first end portion of the second flap fastener cover. The method of claim 5, An absorbent article in which the opposite face of the first flap fastener cover and the opposite face of the second flap fastener cover are connected by applying an adhesive therebetween. The method of claim 6, Wherein the first end portion of the first flap fastener cover extends toward the end portion of the main wrapper sheet in a second region beyond the second end portion of the second flap fastener cover. The method of claim 7, wherein An absorbent article, wherein the first end portion of the first flap fastener cover extends beyond the distal edge of the main body portion of the second region. The method of claim 8, An absorbent article, wherein the distal portion of the main wrapper sheet in the second region extends beyond the distal edge of the main body portion. The method of claim 9, Absorbent article with the primary wrapper sheet and the main body portion of the absorbent article folded as one about the first axis such that the second region overlaps on the first region and the first flap fastener cover faces each other with the second flap fastener cover. .