MXPA01003522A - Individually packaged absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

An individually packaged absorbent article is disclosed. The individually packaged absorbent article comprises an absorbent article and a wrapper. The absorbent article extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a garment surface, and a body surface. The absorbent article includes a pair of flaps joined to the main body portion and extending laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion. The garment surface of each of the flaps has a flap fastener. The flaps are folded over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the flap fasteners. The wrapper for the absorbent article has a main wrapper sheet. The body surface of the main body portion is disposed to face the main wrapper sheet. The flap fastener of the flap is releasably affixed to the main wrapper sheet. The main body portion and the wrapper are folded as a unit at least about one transverse axis such that the garment surface is oriented inwardly with respect to the folded unit.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to individually packaged absorbent article.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent articles that are used to absorb exudates from the body, such as disposable diapers, adult incontinence products or sanitary napkins, are well known. These absorbent articles typically have a body surface which may include a liquid permeable top sheet, a garment surface which may include a sheet impervious to the liquid, and an absorbent therebetween. When the absorbent article is used, the body surface of the absorbent article is placed on the user's body and the garment surface is placed against the wearer's undergarment. The body surface of the absorbent article must be kept hygienic before use of the absorbent article because the body surface directly touches the body of the user. Typically, an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin is individually wrapped by a wrapper to protect the absorbent article from contaminants. Such individually packaged absorbent articles are disclosed in, for example, the open publication to the public of Japanese utility model 95/39820 published July 18, 1995, Japanese publication open to the public of utility model 94/75446 published on October 25. 1994, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication 91/176376 published July 31, 1991. In certain known designs, an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin is folded into three portions such that the body surface of the sanitary napkin is oriented inwards with respect to the folded sanitary napkin and the garment surface is wrapped by a wrapping. The body surface is protected from the user's touch before the sanitary napkin is unfolded for application to the wearer's undergarment. However, the user opens and removes the wrap from the sanitary napkin and unfolds the sanitary napkin when applying the sanitary napkin to an undergarment of the wearer. This causes contamination of the body surface because the user tends to apply the sanitary napkin by touching the body surface and / or pushing the body surface of the sanitary napkin towards the undergarment to secure the main fastener provided on the surface of the sanitary napkin. garment to the undergarment. Therefore, there are no convenient means to protect the body surface of the sanitary napkin while the wearer applies the sanitary napkin to the undergarment. These known sanitary napkins may also have fins extending laterally outwardly from the main body portion of the sanitary napkin. In a configuration where the sanitary napkin is packed, the flaps are folded over the top sheet. Although the folded flaps on the topsheet can provide protection for the body surface during the application of the sanitary napkin, the flaps do not cover the entire area of the body surface of the sanitary napkin which is not covered by the flaps. It can touch the user's body, that is, parts of the body surface are still left unprotected. Attempts have been made to protect the body surface of the sanitary napkin during the application of the sanitary napkin to the undergarment. For example, the publicly available publication of Japanese Patent 96/56989 published March 5, 1996 discloses an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin having a surface cover sheet covering the body surface of the main body portion. of the sanitary napkin. A part of the surface cover sheet is temporarily attached to the body surface by a thermal fusion adhesive. When the sanitary towel is applied to the undergarment, the user does not touch the body surface of the sanitary napkin because the body surface is protected by the surface cover sheet. Although this sanitary napkin protects the body surface from contamination during the sanitary napkin application process, the sanitary napkin requires a joining means such as thermal melt adhesive, to secure the surface cover sheet to the surface of the sanitary napkin. body of the sanitary napkin. Even after the surface cover sheet is removed from the body surface, the thermal fusion adhesive can remain on the body surface. If the sanitary napkin with the body surface having a thermal fusion adhesive is used, it is possible to cause a problem in the skin or e! user feels sticky while wearing sanitary napkin. Additionally, they are. necessary processing steps to apply the adhesive between the body surface and the surface cover sheet. • Based on the above, there is a need for an individually absorbent article packaged by a wrapper having a main wrap sheet; wherein the body surface of the absorbent article remains protected from, for example, the user's hands during unfolding and application. None of the existing technique provides all the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an individually packaged absorbent article. The individually packaged absorbent article comprises an absorbent article and a wrapper. AND! The absorbent article extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a garment surface, and a body surface. The absorbent article includes a pair of fins attached to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion. The garment surface of each of the fins has a fin fastener. The fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the fin fasteners. The wrapping for the absorbent article has a main wrapping sheet. The body surface of the main body portion is arranged to face the main wrapping sheet. The flap fin clip is removably attached to the main sheet of the wrapper. The main body portion and the sheath are folded as a unit at least about a transverse axis such that the garment surface is oriented inwardly with respect to the folded unit. The present invention further provides an individually packaged absorbent article. The individually packaged absorbent article comprises an absorbent article and a wrapper. The absorbent article extends in a longitudinal direction and includes a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, and a pair of end edges, a garment surface and a body surface. The absorbent article includes a pair of first fins attached to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, and a pair of second fins attached to the main body portion separated from each other. the first fins in the longitudinal direction and extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion. The garment surface of each of the first and second fins have a first fin fastener and a second fin fastener, respectively. The first and second fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the first and second fin fasteners. The wrapping for the absorbent article has a main wrapping sheet. The body surface of the main body portion is arranged to face the main wrapping sheet. The first fin fastener and the second fin fastener are releasably attached to the main wrapping sheet. The main body portion and the envelope are folded as a unit at least about a transverse axis such that the garment surface is oriented inward with respect to the folded unit BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the description concludes with the claims which specifically state and claim the invention differently, it is believed that the present invention will be understood from the description that follows of the preferred embodiments taken in combination with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers identify identical elements, and in which: Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the envelope of the present invention in an open position with a preferred sanitary napkin disposed over the same; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the wrapping and sanitary napkin taken along the line ll-ll of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1 with the flaps stretched out; Figure 4 is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 1, with the fins bent over the topsheet and covered by the fin clip cover; Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the wrapping and sanitary napkin; Figure 6 is a first schematic perspective view showing a process of packing the sanitary napkin by wrapping; Figure 7 is a second schematic perspective view showing a process of packing the sanitary napkin by wrapping; Figure 8 is a third schematic perspective view showing a process of packing the sanitary napkin by wrapping; Figure 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the individually packaged absorbent article of the present invention assembled using the process shown in Figures 6 to 8; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view showing an individually packaged sanitary towel opening process assembled using the processes shown in Figures 6 to 8; Figure 11 is a first schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 6 to 8; Figure 12 is a second schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 6 to 8; Figure 13 is a third schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 6 to 8; Figure 14 is a first schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a process of packing the sanitary napkin by the wrapper; Figure 15 is a second schematic perspective view of an alternative embodiment showing a process of packing the sanitary napkin by the wrapper; Figure 16 is a first schematic perspective view showing an individually packaged sanitary towel opening process assembled using the processes shown in Figures 14-15; Figure 17 is a second schematic perspective view showing an individually packaged sanitary towel opening process assembled using the processes shown in Figures 14-15; Figure 18 is a first schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 14-15; Figure 19 is a second schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 14-15; Figure 20 is a third schematic perspective view showing a process of applying the sanitary napkin to the assembled undergarment using the processes shown in Figures 14-15; Figure 21 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a sanitary napkin of the present invention with the flaps stretched out; Figure 22 is a top plan view of the sanitary napkin shown in Figure 21 with the wings folded on the topsheet and covered by the flapper cover; and Figure 23 is a schematic perspective view showing a packaging process for the sanitary towel shown in Figure 21 by the wrapper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION All the references cited here are incorporated by reference in their totalities. The citation of any reference is not an acknowledgment with respect to any determination as to its availability as a prior art for the claimed invention. "Understanding" means that other stages and other elements that do not affect the final result can be added. This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". Individually wrapped absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are useful for protecting the absorbent article from contamination. In order to protect a body surface of an absorbent article from contamination during the application of the absorbent article to the undergarment, an envelope can be provided to protect the body surface. However, if the wrap is releasably attached to the body surface by applying adhesive between the wrapper and the body surface, it is possible to cause a problem on the skin and / or the user feels the stickiness while wearing the absorbent article because The adhesive can remain on the body surface even after the removal of the wrap. Additional processing steps are necessary to apply the adhesive between the body surface and the envelope. The present invention responds to the need for an individually wrapped absorbent article whose body surface remains protected from, for example, the user's hands during the unwrap and application of the absorbent article. Additionally, the present invention avoids the need for certain adhesives (e.g., on the body surface of the absorbent article) which may otherwise cause discomfort (e.g., feeling of force, and / or cause skin problems) to the user. Additionally, the subject invention eliminates the need for certain processing steps that are otherwise required by previously known individually wrapped absorbent articles. These and other features of the present invention are discussed in more detail below. Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is described in a preferred but not limiting embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the present invention includes a wrap 78 for a disposable absorbent article, particularly a sanitary pad 20. The sanitary pad 20 is used to collect vaginal discharges, such as menstruation, and prevent spotting of the user's clothes for these downloads. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, sanitary pad 20 basically includes a main body portion 22 and a pair of fins 24 (first fins) which will be folded to wrap the edge to the wearer's undergarment when it's used. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may have a main body fastener, such as an adhesive fastener-sensitive to pressure thereon to hold the main body portion 22 within the wearer's undergarment. The first fins 24 each preferably have fin fasteners thereon, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener, to removably attach the first fins 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a folded configuration around the edges of the sanitary napkin 20. crotch of the wearer's undergarment. The wrap 78 serves to cover and protect the fin fasteners and the body surface of the sanitary napkin 20, and is folded around the sanitary napkin 20 to provide an individual package for the sanitary napkin 20. The sanitary napkin 20 (and the main body portion 22 thereof) has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the liquid-permeable body or "body surface" 20A that is intended to be carried adjacent to the wearer's body, and a garment surface impermeable to liquid 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 is shown in Figure 3 as seen from its body surface 20A. The sanitary napkin 20 (with the other elements, such as the sheath 78) is shown in Figure 1 as seen from its garment surface 20B. The sanitary napkin 20 has two centerlines, a main longitudinal centerline L and a major transverse centerline (not shown in the Figures). Here, "longitudinal" refers to a line, axis or direction within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user standing in halves of the left body and right when you take the sanitary towel 20. Here"transverse", "lateral" or "width", are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 3 shows the main body portion 22 and the first fins 24 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 has two separate longitudinal side edges 26, two separate transverse or end edges apart (or "ends") 28, which together form the periphery 30 of the main body portion 22. The main body portion 22 also has three sections including a central section 36 (first section), an end section 34 (second section) and another section of end 32 (third section). The first section 36 is disposed between the second section 34 and the third section 32. The second section 34 and the third section 32 extend outwards in the longitudinal direction from the edges of the central section 36 of the main body portion 22. When individually sanitary towel 20 is packaged, main body portion 22 and envelope 78 are folded as a unit in the three regions including a first region 39, a second region 41, and a third region 43 divided by two bending axes F1 and F2 (refer to Figure 1). The first section 36, the second section 34 and the third section 32 of the body portion m *. 22 generally extend within the first region 39, in the second region 41 and in the third region 43, respectively. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be of any thickness, including relatively thick, of intermediate thickness, relatively thin or even very thin (or "ultra-thin"). An "ultra-thin" sanitary napkin 20 as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990 and August 23, 1991, respectively, preferably have a size less than about 3. millimeters The embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 shown in the drawings is intended to be an example of a sanitary napkin of an intermediate thickness. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can also be relatively flexible, such that it is comfortable for the wearer. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin shown is merely one embodiment, and that the wrapping of the present invention is not limited to being used, with absorbent article of the type or having the specific configurations shown, in the drawings. shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 preferably has at least three major components.These include a liquid-permeable upper sheet 38, a backsheet 40 liquid impermeable, and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core can be assembled in a variety of configurations known in the art (including the configurations in FIG. layers or "walled" and wrapped or "tube" configurations.) Suitable materials for portion components n of main body 22, and some of the various configurations in which these components can be assembled are generally described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,321,924 entitled "Bordered Disposable Absorbent Article" issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 entitled "Composite sanitary towel" issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984; U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 entitled "Slender, flexible sanitary towel" issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 5,308,346 entitled "Elastic Sanitary Towel" issued to Sneller, et al. on May 3, 1994; and in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbent article having fins and zones of differential extension capacity" issued to Lavash, et al. on February 14, 1995: Main body portion 22 of sanitary napkin 20 it may also be formed by one or more extensible components such as those sanitary napkins, and the like described in, for example, U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 07 / 915,133 and 07 / 915,284, both filed July 23. of 1992, in the name of Osborn, and others (PCT publications WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, both published on February 4, 1993). Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich construction in which the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 42. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 extends beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 to form portions of the periphery 30. The topsheet 38 is preferably attached to the side that faces the body of the absorbent core 42 and the backsheet 40 is preferably attached to the side which gives the garment of the absorbent core 42. The upper sheet '38 and the backsheet 40 can be attached to the absorbent core 42 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose, such as by an open pattern of adhesives. the upper sheet 38 and the rear sheet 40 extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 are also preferably joined together. These portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 may also be joined in any suitable manner known in the art. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, these portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are bonded using adhesives over substantially the total portions extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42, and a seal crimped around the periphery 30 of the main body portion 22 where the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are densified by the application of pressure or heat and pressure. The sanitary towel 20 shown in Figure 3, as discussed above, also has a pair of first fins 24 that are attached to the main body portion 22. The first fins 24 extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 from its proximal edges 44 to its distant edges 46 (or "free ends"). The first fins 24 extend laterally outwardly from at least a portion of the first section 36 of the main body portion 22 and most of the first fins 24 extend into the first region 36 divided by the fold axes F1 and F2 (referred to Figure 1). The first fins 24 can be attached to the main body portion 22 in any suitable manner. Here, "joined" encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to another element by fixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations 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 Figure 3, the first fins 24 are integral with the main body portion 22 (i.e., the fins 24 are formed by integral extensions of the backsheet 40).; alternatively, the fins 24 can be formed by integral extensions of the upper sheet 38 and the rear sheet 40 which are coextensive). In other alternative embodiments, the fins 24 may be formed by one or more separate components that are attached to the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22. Preferably, in such a case, each of the fins 24 is formed by a separate component that is attached to the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22. In such alternative embodiments, the flaps 24 are preferably otherwise disengaged to the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22 of the garment. sanitary napkin 20 between the points where these are attached to the main body portion 22 and to the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion 22. The vanes 24 in these latter embodiments may be attached to the garment of the portion of main body 22 by any suitable fixing mechanism. Suitable fixation mechanisms include, but are not limited to adhesives, and the like. The places or regions on the sanitary napkin 20 where the vanes 24 are attached to (or extend from) the main body portion 22, are referred to herein as "seams". These regions will typically be longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") junctures such as seam lines 48. These regions may be any of several curved or straight lines, but are not limited to lines. In this manner, the seams may include tabs, strips, intermittent lines, and the like. The first fins 24 may be of any desired configuration. For example, the first fins 24 are provided with zones of extension 24 (not shown in the Figures) on the front edge and on the trailing edge of each fin. The zones of extension capacity eliminate the efforts that are created in the first fins 24 by bending the first fins 24 around the crotch of the wearer's undergarment. The zones of extension capacity help in this way to eliminate the clutter of the first fins 24 caused by said efforts. The zones of extension capacity can be formed by precorrugated or "ring-rolled" regions of the first fins 24 in which the corrugations define ridges and valleys and are oriented at an angle with respect to the main longitudinal center line L. The structures Suitable for providing fins 24 with zones of extension capacity are described in greater detail in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash, and others and in the commonly assigned copending United States patent application. Serial No. 08 / 380,769, entitled "Absorbent article with fins with collected portions" filed in the name of Sue A. Mills, and others on January 30, 1995. The sanitary napkin 20 also preferably has fasteners for securing the sanitary napkin 20 in place in an undergarment of the wearer. Figures 3 and 4 show an array of preferred fasteners including a main body fastener, such as the main body adhesive 64, and fin fasteners, such as the adhesives of the first flap 76. The fasteners used with the sanitary napkin 20 are not limited to adhesive fasteners. Any suitable type of fastener known in the art can be used for this purpose. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 can be secured in place within an undergarment of the wearer by mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO®, or by a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners. However, for simplicity, the fasteners will be described in terms of adhesive fasteners and these fasteners are preferably pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners are described in greater detail in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697 issued to Osborn, and others on April 17, 1990.

The adhesive of the main body 74 and the adhesives of the first fins 76 can be provided in any suitable configuration. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 3, the main body adhesive 74 is provided in the form of a longitudinally oriented adhesive strip that is centered around the main longitudinal center line L. The main body adhesive 74 may be provided in the form of two or more longitudinally oriented adhesive strips which are arranged parallel to each other. Alternatively, the main body adhesive 74 may be provided in the form of two or more generally rectangular adhesive patches which are arranged in the longitudinal direction at a distance. The adhesives of the first flap 76 are provided in the form of a generally rectangular adhesive patch on each first flap 24. The main body adhesive 74 provides a fixing adhesive means for securing the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 against the crotch portion of a pantyhose. The adhesives of the first flap 76 are used to help hold the first flaps 24 in position after they are wrapped around the edges of the crotch portion of the panty. The fins can be held in their position by fixing the fins 24 to an inner garment, or to the opposite fin. Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred version of the envelope 78. The envelope 78 can be formed by a single element or it can be formed by several elements. These elements may be formed by integral portions of a single member or article, or these may be formed by separate components attached to a member or article. The elements constituting wrapper 78 include: a main wrapper sheet 80; and a fin fastener cover 81, such as a separate fin adhesive cover sheet or a release coating disposed on one side of the main cover sheet 80; optionally may include a main fastener cover 82.

The main wrapping sheet 80 is the portion of the wrapping 78 that will be folded around the sanitary napkin 20 to provide an individual package for the sanitary napkin 20. The main wrapping sheet 80 preferably covers the side or side of the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 and releasably attached to the sanitary napkin 20 as described hereinafter. The main wrapping sheet 80 has two surfaces, the inner surface 80E and the outer surface 80F. The inner surface 80E is the surface facing the sanitary napkin 20. The main shroud sheet 80 preferably has dimensions that are slightly larger than those of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in FIG. Figure 1, the main wrapping sheet 80 has longitudinal side portions 80D which extend beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main wrapping sheet 80 also preferably has a first end portion 80A and a second end portion 80B, which extend further, beyond the end edges 28 of the main body portion 22. However, it is recognized that for satisfactory protection of the sanitary napkin 20 it can be achieved through one. wrapping that is not greater than the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main wrapping sheet 80 can be made from any suitable material. The main wrapping sheet 80 is preferably manufactured from a flexible thin material which is impermeable to liquid so that the wrap 78 will be suitable for wrapping and removing a used sanitary napkin 20. For example, polyethylene films have been found to work well. The main wrapping sheet 80 can be formed by the opaque material, a semi-transparent material, or a transparent material. An opaque main wrapper sheet 80 offers the advantage of discretion when used to rewrap a used / stained sanitary napkin for removal. However, a semi-transparent or transparent main sheet of wrap 80 facilitates the visual placement of the sanitary napkin on the undergarment. The fin fastener cover (or "flap adhesive cover") 81 covers and protects the adhesives of the first flap 76 in a packaged configuration of the sanitary napkin 20 by the wrapper 78. This also holds the first flaps 24 in the folded position on top sheet 38. Figure 4 shows an example of the flap adhesive cover 81 formed by a cover sheet separate from the flap adhesive before the flap adhesive cover 81 attaches to the sheet Main wrapper 80. Flap adhesive cover 81 can be formed by a thin sheet-like element such as a paper or a plastic film. If a separate release paper is used, it can be formed by any suitable material known in the art for this purpose, such as coated papers. Suitable release papers are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697 issued to Osborn, on April 17, 1990. Such release paper 81 can be laminated to the inner surface 80E of the main sheet. wrapping 80 as shown in Fig. 2 before or after the fin adhesive adhesive 81 is removably affixed to the adhesives of the first fins 76. The fin adhesive adhesive 81 has two faces one of which is a non-tacky face (or removable face) 81A which is capable of releasably attaching with the fin fasteners, and an opposite face or opposite side 81 B. As shown in Figure 2, the non-tacky face 81 A is disposed to face the adhesives of the first yarn 76 in such a way that it will be able to detachably adhere to the adhesive of the first fin 76. When the fin fasteners are formed by the adhesive fasteners, the non-sticky face 81A it can be provided by fixing a separate release paper or element to the cover of the flap adhesive 81 which is treated with a non-tacky material, or by treating all or a portion of the flap adhesive cover 81 with a non-tacky coating, such as coating with silicone a portion of the flap adhesive cover 81. Alternatively, if the flap fasteners 76 are formed by mechanical fasteners, such as VELCRO® fasteners, the non-tacky face can be provided by a non-woven material able to detachably attach to the mechanical fastening material. The opposite side 81 B faces away from the adhesives of the first flap 76 as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The opposite side 81 B of the flap adhesive cover 81 need not have, and preferably does not have, a coating of detachment on it. The opposite side 81 B is attached to the inner surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80 by any suitable means such as a layer of adhesive 80 as shown in Figure 2. As the main wrapping sheet 80 is removed from the towel 20, the cover of the flap adhesive 81 is removed from the adhesives of the first flap 76 of the sanitary napkin 20 while remaining on the main wrapper sheet 80. '.; Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5, the cover of the flap adhesive 81 can be provided on the main wrapper sheet 80 as a release coating. The adhesives of the first fin. 76 can be releasably attached to the release liner 81. If a release liner is used, the liner can be applied directly to the inner surface 80E of the main wrapper sheet 80. Such a liner can be formed by any material known in the art. the technique for this purpose, with silicone coatings being preferred. If a coating is used, the coating 81 can be provided by coating only that area of the main wrapping sheet 80 which will be substantially in contact with the adhesives of the first flap 76. Alternately, the total internal surface 80E of the sheet Main wrapping 80 can be coated. The coating of the total internal surface of the wrapper is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,181,610 entitled "Flexible Non-stick Interior Container" which was issued to Quick et al. On January 26. 1993. The main fastener cover (or "main adhesive cover") 82 may be provided to cover and protect the adhesive from the main body 74 if it is provided. The cover of the main adhesive 82 can also be formed by a sheet-like element such as a paper or a plastic film and has two faces, one of which is a non-tacky face (or removable face) 82A which is capable of the removable attachment with the main fastener, and an opposite side or side 82B. The cover of the main adhesive 82 also has longitudinal side portions 82E, a first end portion 82C located near the first end portion 80A of the main wrapper sheet 80, and a second end portion 82B located close to the second. end portion 80B of the main cover sheet 80. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first end portion 82C is located in the third region 43 and the second end portion 82D is located in the second region 41. Preferably, as shown in Figure 2, the non-tacky face 82A of the main adhesive cover 82 faces towards the main body adhesive 74 in such a way that it will be able to detachably adhere to the adhesive of! main body 74. The non-tacky surface 82A can be formed by the same material as the non-tacky face 81 A of the flap adhesive cover 81. The opposite side 82B can, or can not have a release coating on the same. The cover of the adhesive flap 81 and the cover of the main adhesive 82 can be of any suitable size and shape, although the figures represent a flap adhesive cover 81 and a cover of the main adhesive 82 which are only of sufficient width and length to cover and protect the adhesives of the first flap 76 and the main body adhesive 74.

The wrap 78 may also preferably include an optional package fastener 86 to retain the package formed by bending the wrapper and the sanitary napkin in its folded configuration. The package fastener 86 is preferably both capable of removably affixing to the package and capable of resealing. The package fastener 86 can be formed by any re-sealable, resealable fastener known in the art, such as adhesive spots or patches, tapes and mechanical fasteners. A package fastener with a pressure sensitive adhesive located on it has found that it works well. The package fastener 86 may be disposed at any suitable location on the wrapper 78. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the package fastener 86 is preferably positioned on the first opposite end portion 80A of the main wrapper sheet 80. Figures 6 to 8 show an example of a process for packing the sanitary napkin 20 within the shell 78. In this embodiment, the flap adhesive shell 81 is a separate cover sheet of the flap adhesive and the cover of the main adhesive 82 is an individual leaf! separated. Before packing the sanitary napkin 20 within the wrapper 78, the first wings 24 are bent over the top sheet 38 (i.e., the body surface 20A). Folding the flaps 24 in the configuration shown in Figure 6 exposes the adhesive patches 76 arranged on the garment surface 20B of the fins 24 and causes the fins 24 to cover at least a portion of the topsheet 38. The fins bent left and right 24 are connected to each other by the flap adhesive cover 81. The flap adhesive cover 81 covers the adhesives of the first flaps 76 (not shown in Figures 6 to 8) and holds the first flaps 24 in the folded position on the upper sheet 38. The adhesive layer 90 is provided on the opposite side 81 B of the cover of the flap adhesive 81. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the towel 4 > • Sanitary item 20 is placed on top of the main wrapping sheet 80 (ie, the inner surface 80E) such that the opposite side 81 B of the flap adhesive cover 81 faces the internal surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. In this way the cover of the flap adhesive 81 is attached to the main wrapping sheet 80 by the adhesive layer 90. The body surface 20A faces the inner surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80 By arranging the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 facing the main wrapping sheet 80 it can be considered that protection is provided to prevent the upper sheet 38 from becoming stained before being used. Alternatively, the flap adhesive cover 81 can be attached to the inner surface 80E of the main wrapper sheet 80 before the flap adhesive shell 81 is removably attached to the adhesives of the first flap 76. In this case, the sanitary napkin 20 is placed on the upper part of the main wrapping sheet 80 in such a way that the adhesives of the first flap 76 are located on the cover of the flap adhesive 81 on the main wrapping sheet 80. The main body adhesive 74 on the garment surface 20B may be covered by the cover of the main adhesive 82 as shown in Figure 7 if the main body adhesive 74 is provided. After the sanitary napkin 20 is laid over the sheet of the main wrapping 80 as described above, the sanitary napkin 20 will then preferably be folded as a unit, together with the wrapping 78 including the main wrapping sheet 80, the cover of the flap adhesive 81, and the cover of the main adhesive 82, in three regions that are defined by the fold axes F1 and F2. The fold axes F1 and F2 will divide both the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapper 78 into three regions that include the first region 39, the second region 41 and the third region 43. As shown in Figure 7, the central region (the first region) 39 is located between the preferred fold axes F1 and F2. The second and third regions 41 and 43 are located longitudinally outside the fold axes F1 and F2. As described above, the main body portion 22 is also separated in the fold axes F1 and F2 in three sections including the first section 36, the second section 34, and the third section 32. Each of the sections 36, 34 and 32 generally extend in each region 39, 41 and 43, respectively (referred to Figure 1 as well). As shown in Figure 7, the sanitary napkin 20 and wrapping 78 of the second region 41 are folded as a unit towards the sanitary napkin 20 of the first region 39 such that the garment surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20 is oriented inwards with respect to the folded unit and the main wrapping sheet 80 is oriented outwardly with respect to the folded unit (refer to Figure 8 as well). Then, the sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath 78 of the third region 43 are bent over the sheath 78 (i.e., the main sheath sheet 80) of the second region 41 such that the ply surface 20B of the third region 43 faces the outer surface 80F of the main wrapping sheet 80. The body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 is covered by the main wrapping sheet 80 in a folded configuration. In addition, the garment surface 20B is oriented inward with respect to the folded unit of the sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath 78. Preferably, in the folded configuration, the sanitary napkin 20 is completely enveloped by the main wrapping sheet 80 and not the main wrapping sheet 80 is exposed to the outside (ie, neither the body surface 20A and the garment surface 20B are exposed outside the main wrapping sheet 80). Alternatively, the sanitary napkin 20 can be folded together with the sheath 78 in the two regions that are divided by a bend axis. In such a case, the sanitary towel I and the wrapper 78 are folded around an axis such that a portion of the sanitary napkin 20 in one region faces a portion of the sanitary napkin 20 in the other region. In this configuration, the garment surface of the sanitary napkin 20 is oriented inward with respect to the folded unit of the sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath. Preferably, to complete the individual packing of the sanitary napkin 20 within the envelope 78, each longitudinal side portion 80D of the main wrapping sheet 80 is then frangibly sealed as shown in Figure 9 after the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapper 78 are in a bent configuration. The frangible seal of the longitudinal side portions 80D of the main wrapping sheet 80 can be achieved by any suitable sealing technique. By way of example only, the longitudinal side portions 80D can be heat sealed, glued, or ultrasonically joined. The entire sanitary towel 20 is thus protected until the main wrapping sheet 80 is opened. Suitable methods for frangibly sealing the longitudinal side portions are described in, for example, United States Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to • Swanson. Figure 9 represents the package for the sanitary towel formed by folding the wrapper 78 and the sanitary napkin 20 in a preferred configuration for shipping, selling, and convenient carrying by the wearer. The wearer will ordinarily carry a sanitary napkin individually packaged in the manner shown in Figure 9. The individually packaged sanitary napkin can be opened by separating the package fastener 86 from the wrapper 78 and breaking the seals. frangible at about the longitudinal side portions 80D of the main wrapping sheet 80 so that the sanitary napkin 20 of the third region 43 (not shown in Figure 9) is opened from the main wrapping sheet 80 of the second region 41. This gives the user access to the first end portion 82C of the main adhesive cover 82 in the third region 43. Figure 8 can be referred to the configuration of the open sanitary napkin (although Figure 8). shows a perspective view of a step of the packaging process for the sanitary napkin, the configuration of the open sanitary napkin is similar to the configuration shown in Figure 8). The user can then grasp the first end portion 82C and pull the first end portion 82 as shown in Figure 10. While removing the cover of the main adhesive 82 from the garment surface 20B of the sanitary napkin 20, the cover of the main adhesive 82 pulls the sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath 78 of the second region 41 (not shown in Figure 10). In this way the sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath 78 of the second region 41 are automatically opened from the sanitary napkin 20 of the first region 39 by a pulling movement of the cover of the main adhesive 82. Therefore, the removal of the cover of the main adhesive 82 of the sanitary napkin 20 and the opening of the second region 41 of the first region 39 are achieved in a simple movement. By removing the cover of the main adhesive 82, the main body adhesive 74 is exposed so that it will be able to attach to the crotch region of the undergarment while the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 is still covered by the main wrapping sheet 80. Alternately, after the third region 43 of the second region 41 is opened, the user can open the second region 41 of the first region 39. (Refer to Figure 7. Although the Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a step of the packaging process for the sanitary towel. The configuration of the open sanitary towel is similar to the configuration shown in Figure 7). Then the user can remove the cover of the main adhesive! 82 of the sanitary napkin 20. As shown in Figure 11, the sanitary napkin 20, whose body surface 20A is covered by the main shroud sheet 80, is placed over the crotch portion 100 of the undergarment 102 of the sanitary napkin. such that the main adhesive 74 (now exposed) faces the inside of the crotch region 100. This can be done without touching the body surface 20A (which will subsequently directly touch the wearer's body during use) because the Body surface 20A is still covered by the main wrapping sheet 80. In addition, the adhesive of the first flap 76 does not inadvertently stick to the hands of the wearer or to a portion of the sanitary napkin 20 because the adhesive of the first flap 76 is covered by the main wrapping sheet 80. During the process of applying the sanitary towel 20 to the undergarment 102, the main wrapping sheet 80 does not easily disengage from the sanit towel. 20 because the main wrapping sheet 80 and the sanitary napkin 20 are fixed together by means of the adhesive of the first flap 76. Although the main wrapping sheet 80 is releasably attached to the sanitary napkin 20, this can be controlled in such a way that the main wrapping sheet 80 does not easily detach from the sanitary napkin 20 during the process of applying the sanitary napkin 20 to the undergarment. The configuration (as large as the fasteners of the first flap are) and / or the adhesive strength of the adhesive of the first flap 76 may be independently chosen to control it. Adjustment of the configuration (e.g., larger adhesive area) and / or adhesion strength (e.g., average superior adhesion strength of the adhesive) has no impact on the user's skin comfort during the use of the sanitary napkin 20. According to the configuration of the adhesive of the first flap 76 becomes larger and / or the adhesion strength becomes higher, the main wrap sheet 80 will not tend to detach from the absorbent article. In addition, because the adhesive of the first flap 76 is used to releasably secure the main wrap sheet 80 to the sanitary napkin 20, no additional means is necessary to secure the main wrapper sheet 80 and the sanitary napkin 20, such as the adhesives provided on the topsheet which cause skin problems or cause a sticky feeling to the user. Because the body surface 20A (not shown in Figure 11) is covered by the main wrapping sheet 80, the body surface 20A is protected from contamination during e. process of applying the sanitary napkin to the undergarment. Therefore, the wearer can pull the side of the main wrapping sheet 80 towards the undergarment 102 5 to secure the main adhesive 64 to the crotch portion 100. Then the user pulls the pack holder 86 to remove the sheet main wrap 80 of the sanitary napkin 20 which is secured to the crotch portion 100 of the undergarment 102. As shown in Figure 12, as the main wrapping sheet 80 is removed, the flap adhesive cover 81 a which is attached to the inner surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80 is removed from the adhesive of the first flap 76. The user pulls over the main wrapping sheet! 80 to remove the main wrap sheet 80 from the sanitary napkin 20 as shown in Figure 13. After completion of the removal, the wearer flips over the first flaps 24 towards the outer surface of the undergarment 102. Once the removes the sanitary napkin from the wrapper 78 and installs it on the wearer's undergarment, the wearer can fold the wrapper 78, secure the wrapper 78 in its bent orientation by re-attaching e! elastic pack holder 86 to wrapper 78. The user can then store the folded wrapper 78 to rewrap and dispose of the sanitary towel used.The user need not worry about collecting and disposing of loose cover of fin adhesive. since the flap adhesive cover 81 is attached to the main wrapping sheet 80. Therefore, the present invention provides the user with a clean sanitary napkin 20 which is easily installed while maintaining the body surface. hygienic and without additional waste pieces which must be collected Figures 14 to 20 show an alternative embodiment of the wrapper 78. The wrapper 78 includes a main wrap sheet 80, a flap adhesive cover 81 (not shown in FIG. Figures 14 to 18), and a cover of main adhesive 82. In this embodiment, both the flap adhesive cover 81 and the cover of the main adhesive 82 they are attached to the main wrapping sheet 80.

In this alternative embodiment, the sanitary napkin 20 is placed on the main wrapping sheet 80 according to the same process as explained with reference to Figure 6 in such a way that the body surface 20A of the sanitary napkin 20 faces the surface internal 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 91 is provided on the opposite side 82B of the cover of! main adhesive 82 near the first end portion 82C of the cover of the main adhesive 82. The sanitary napkin 20 and the sheath 78 of the second region 41 is bent toward the sanitary napkin 20 of the first region 39, then the sanitary napkin 20 and the envelope 78 of the third region 43 is bent over the main wrapping sheet 80 of the second region 41 as shown in Figure 15. The first end portion 82C of the cover of the main adhesive 82 of the third region 43 It joins the outer surface 80F of the main wrapping sheet 80 near the second end portion 60B of the second region 41 (not shown in Figure 15) by the adhesive layer 81. After this, the individual packing is completed. of the sanitary jacket 20 within the complete wrapper 78 s by the same process as described above. The individual packing! The entire sanitary napkin 20 may be in the same configuration as shown in Figure 9. When the user opens the individually packaged sanitary napkin assembled using the processes shown in Figures 14 to 15 separating the package fastener 86 from the wrapper 78 (ie, the third region 43 is opened from the second region 41), the first end portion 82C of the cover of the main adhesive 82 remains on the outer surface 80F of the main wrapping sheet 80 because of the layer of adhesive 91 as shown in Figure 16. In this manner, a portion of the adhesive of the main body 74 located in the third region 43 is automatically exposed as the third region 43 is opened from the second region 41. Then the second region 41 is opened from the first region 39 in order to further expose the main body adhesive 74 as shown in Figure 17. After this, as shown in FIG. In Figure 18, a sanitary napkin 20 whose body surface 20A is covered by the main wrapping sheet 80 is placed over the crotch portion 100 of the undergarment 102 in such a manner that the main adhesive 74 (now exposed ) faces and secures to the interior of the crotch region 100. The wearer pulls the pack holder 86 to remove the main wrapper sheet 80 from the sanitary pad 20, which is secured to the crotch portion 100 of the garment. interior 102. As shown in Figure 19, as the main wrapper sheet 80 is removed, the flap adhesive cover 81 which is attached to the inner surface 80E of the main wrapper sheet 80 is also removed from the adhesive. of the first flap 76. The user pulls over the main wrapper sheet 80 to remove the main wrapper sheet 80 from the sanitary towel 20 as shown in Figure 20. As the sheet is pulled further the nvoltura principa! 80, the cover of the main adhesive 82 is also pulled and removed in a simple movement in conjunction with the main wrapping sheet 80 because the cover of the main adhesive 82 is attached to the main wrapping sheet 80. In addition, because the first end portion 82C of the cover of the main adhesive 82 of the third region 43 (instead of the second end portion 82D of the second region 41) is attached to the outer surface 80F of the main envelope sheet 80 near At the second end portion 80B of the second region 41, the user is able to separate the cover of the main adhesive 82 together with the main wrapping sheet 80 from! 64 main body adhesive without feeling a cutting force between them. For both, after placing the sanitary napkin 20 with the main wrapping sheet! 80 against the crotch region 100 (Figure 16), the removal of the main wrapping sheet 80 and the cover of the main adhesive 82 can be done in a simple movement of pulling a part of the main wrapping sheet 80. After completing the removal, the user flips the first flap 24 towards the outer surface of the undergarment. Figures 21 to 23 show an alternative embodiment of the sanitary napkin and of the wrapper 178. The sanitary napkin 120 shown in Figure 21 has another pair of additional flaps 124 (second fins). The second fins 124 extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges 126 of the main body portion 122 from their proximal edges 145 to their distant edges or ("free ends") 147. The second fins 124 are placed close to each other. an end edge 128 of the main body portion 122 and spaced from the first fins 124 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 122. The second fins 124 each preferably have second fasteners thereon, such as an adhesive fastener pressure sensitive 176, for releasably securing the second fins 124 of the sanitary napkin 120 in a configuration that remains extended in a posterior region of an interior of the wearer's undergarment. The adhesives of the second flap 176 they are used to help keep the second AEDs 124 in position after they have been extended in a region. n posterior of the inside of the panties. The casing 178 includes a main wrap sheet 180, an adhesive cover of the first flap 81, an adhesive cover of the second flap 181, and a cover of the main adhesive (not shown in Figures 22 and 23) as shown in Figures 22 and 23. The adhesive cover of the second flap 181 may have the same structure and / or shape as the cover of the first adhesive 81. The cover of the fastener of the second flap 181 covers and protects the adhesives of the second flap 176, and holds the second flaps 124 in the folded position on the top sheet 138 (i.e., the body surface 120A) for packaging as shown in Figure 22.

In one embodiment of a packing process for the sanitary towel 120 within the wrapper 178, the first and second fins 24 and 124 are folded over the topsheet 138 (i.e., the body surface 102A) to expose the patches of the pads. first and second adhesives 76 and 176. As shown in Figure 23, the adhesive covers of the first and second fins 81 and 181 are positioned to cover the adhesives of the first and second fins 76 and 176 and maintain to the first and second fins 24 and 124 in the folded position on the upper sheet 138. The layer of the second adhesive 190 is provided on the opposite side 181 B of the adhesive cover of the second fin 181. The layer of the first adhesive 90 it is also provided on the opposite side 81 B of the adhesive cover of the first flap 81 as explained above. The sanitary napkin 120 is placed on the upper part of the main wrapping sheet 180 (ie, the inner surface 180E) in such a way that the coverings of the outer shell 180E. The adhesive of the first and second fins 81 and 181 are attached to the main wrapping sheet 80 by the layers of the first and second adhesive 90 and 190. The body surface 120A is then protected by the wrapping sheet. Main 180 to prevent the upper sheet 130 from becoming stained before being used. The-adhesive! Main body 74 can be provided and covered by the cover of the main adhesive. The cover of the main adhesive may or may not be attached to the main wrapping sheet 181. Subsequent steps to complete the packing of the sanitary napkin 120 may be the same as those steps previously discussed herein. In this modality, the same benefit as explained above can be obtained. In particular, the wearer may place the sanitary napkin 120 in the crotch portion of the undergarment without touching the body surface 120A. During the process of applying the sanitary towel 120 to the undergarment, the main wrapping sheet 180 does not easily disengage from the sanitary napkin 20 because the main wrapping sheet 180 and the sanitary napkin 20 are fixed to each other by means of the adhesive of the first flap 76. Furthermore, no additional means is necessary to fix the main wrapping sheet 180 and the sanitary towel J 120, such as the adhesives provided on the upper sheet which can cause skin problems or cause the user have the sticky feeling. The user can also pull the side of the main wrap sheet 180 towards the undergarment 102 to secure the main adhesive 74 to the crotch portion because the body surface 120A is covered by the main wrap sheet 180. After the sanitary napkin is removed from the wrapper 178 and installed in the wearer's panties, the wearer need not also worry about collecting and discarding the loose flap adhesive covers 81 and 181. In the embodiment shown in Figures 23 a 25, the adhesive cover of the first flap 81 and the adhesive cover of the second flap can be formed by a simple element such as a simple paper which can cover both the first cover of the adhesive of the first flap 76 and the cover of the adhesive of the second flap 176. It will be recognized that the above detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is given merely by way of illustration, and which numerous modifications and variations may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention can be determined by reference to the appended claims.

Claims (9)

1. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising: a) an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and including a main body portion; having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a garment surface, and a body surface and the absorbent article including a pair of fins attached to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, wherein the garment surface of each of the fins has a fin fastener, and the fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the fasteners of the main body portion. fin, b) a wrap for the absorbent article, the wrap having a main wrap sheet, wherein • c) the body surface of the main body portion is arranged to face the main wrap sheet, and the fastener fin flap is removably attached to the main wrapping sheet, and d) the main body portion! and the wrap are folded as a unit at least about a transverse axis such that the garment surface is oriented inwardly with respect to the folded unit. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the wrapping includes a cover of the underwire fastener provided on the main wrapping sheet, wherein the wing fastener is removably attached to the cover of the wing fastener. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the fin fastener is an adhesive and the fin fastener cover is formed by a thin sheet-like element provided with a non-tacky surface, wherein the fastener The flap is removably attached to the non-tacky surface of the flap fastener cover. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the fin holder is an adhesive and the fin holder cover is formed by a release liner provided on the main liner sheet, wherein the fin holder is removably fixes the release liner. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the garment surface of the main body portion has a main fastener, and the envelope has a cover of the main fastener, wherein the main fastener is detachably attached to the fastener. the main fastener cover !. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the cover of the main fastener is attached to the main wrapping sheet. 7. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising: a) an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and including a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a garment surface, and a body surface, and the absorbent article including a pair of first fins attached to the main body portion! and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion and a pair of second fins attached to the main body portion spaced apart from the first fins in the longitudinal direction and extending laterally outwardly beyond the ends. longitudinal side edges of the main body portion, wherein the garment surface of each of the first and second fins have a fastener of the first fin and a fastener of the second fin respectively, and the first and second fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the fasteners of the first and second finsb) a wrapping for the absorbent article, the wrapping having a main wrapping sheet, wherein c) the body surface of the main body portion is arranged to face the main wrapping sheet, and the bracket of the first wrapping the flap and the fastener of the second flap are releasably attached to the main casing sheet, and d) the main body portion and the casing are bent as a unit at least about a transverse axis such that the surface of the casing Garment is oriented inward with respect to the folded unit. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the wrap includes a fin clip fastener provided on the main wrap sheet, wherein the fasteners of the first and second fins are removably attached to the top cover. flap fastener cover 9. The absorbent article according to claim 8 wherein the flap fastener cover comprises a fastener cover of the first flap and a fastener cover of the second flap.