MXPA01005741A - Packaging of flexible articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a package (1) containing an array (3) of flexible absorbent articles (5) (compressed or otherwise). Each absorbent article comprises a front face (7), a back face (9), a top face (6), a bottom face (8), a pair of side faces (10), an upper section (11), and a lower section (13). The upper (11) and lower (13) sections have mutually different caliper. At least a portion of the absorbent articles (5) are placed in a configuration such that their front faces (7) are in a contacting relationship with the front faces (7) of the adjacent absorbent articles. The package (1) comprises a flexible outer casing (19), an array (3) of absorbent articles (5) having a first region (15) and a second region (17) and the upper (11) and lower (13) sections of the absorbent articles are distributed over the first (15) and second (17) regions is at least about 10%smaller that when all of the upper (11) sections of the absorbent articles (5) are located in the same region of the array (3).

Description

FLEXIBLE ARTICLES PACKAGING FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the packaging of flexible articles, in particular, absorbent articles which include diapers, underpants, protective garments for men, sanitary napkins, pads for incontinence, or trusses. The package comprises a flexible outer cover in which the absorbent articles are arranged within the outer cover d so that the articles are placed in an arrangement such that at least a portion of their front faces are in a contact relationship.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In today's markets, concerns about product and material costs, as well as handling and shipping and exhibition impact packaging users. Producers of products for the consumer of products, such as absorbent articles, want to keep the cost of production material to a minimum, such as by balancing the attraction of packaging for customers with the lowest cost of the materials of production. Packaging and production costs associated with each packaging design. In addition, handling restrictions, shipping and exhibition space increase the optimal use of packaging.

It is known that during packaging, the variations in the arrangement of flexible articles, such as the absorbent articles within the package may result in situations in which the flexible outer cover is not filled to an optimum extent. In addition, if a high degree of compression occurs certain regions of the articles may be affected, such as the elastic elements including the waistbands, the fist stopped, and the elasticized side panels, the mechanical fasteners and the absorbent cores. This can cause damage to items or reduced performance of the items.

When the flexible disposable items including the absorbent articles are packaged, compressed or otherwise affected, the changes or differences in volume size that may occur can lead to both a wedge-shaped package and the items jumping out d the cover, at an inopportune moment or in an unwanted way For example two or three at a time. To counteract such situations, special configurations of the items within the inner cover can be taken to better distribute the mass or volume of the absorbent articles. However, a typical consequence of such configurations can be the reduction of the packaging speed, and therefore, the production speed will also be reduced. In addition, the difference in the size of the different parts of the articles, especially of the absorbent articles, can lead to relatively unstable and easily deformable packaging. Therefore, storage and shipping of such packaging can cause a variety of problems and difficulties. The problems discussed above can be exacerbated when using compressed packaging.

It is known that an arrangement of compressed flexible articles or otherwise comprises one or more packages of unit that can be maintained in their configuration packaged by a plastic or paper wrapper. The complete arrangement can be surrounded by a flexible cover made of a film typically of a thermoplastic material. An alternative type of packing unit uses the configuration in which the flexible items are folded and packed and in a "head-to-tail" configuration. However, such a configuration may require the presence of individual paper wrappers to maintain the arrangement. A disadvantage of such a configuration is that the consumer will have to open and tear the flexible inner plastic cover and remove the inner plastic or paper wrappers across the width of the products. These concerns become even more important even when compressed packaging is used.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention seeks to provide a package comprising an arrangement of flexible, compressed or other articles, which: A. makes efficient use of the volume of packaging available by distributing the orientation of the flexible items before packing; it can be compressed, if desired, to a relatively small volume causing damage or a significant reduction in the performance of articles, especially article absorbers; C. improves the use of free space inside the outer cover and shipping units (corrugated box) and improves the use of the pallet; D. is stable and uniform in relation to the form (tending towards a rectangular, square or other design designed for a better fit when packaging is shipped, stored or available) provides an improved appearance; E. allows easier consumer access to the items, especially the absorbent articles contained within the flexible outer cover when the outer cover is open; it allows ease in the removal of a single item, especially an absorbent article to be used from the package; eliminates the need for internal wrap or compression forms, a means for maintaining a desired configuration of the items; H. reduces material and shipping costs to allow more items, especially absorbent items in smaller packages; it provides an easier process to place the items in the package; Y J. distributes the compressive force more evenly through the package, eliminating the different areas of high and low compression inside the package.

The invention further discloses a relatively simple and reliable method for packing (compressed) another one of a flexible article arrangement while maintaining or increasing the speed or production efficiencies.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a package comprising an arrangement of flexible articles, which are housed in a flexible outer cover. The arrangement of articles such as absorbent articles has two regions namely a first region and a second region. Each article comprises a top face, a bottom face, a front face a back face, and a pair of side faces that are distributed over the first and second region of the array d items for simplicity, the relevant parts of the top, front face , posterior and lateral of the article are mentioned as the upper section and the relevant parts of the bottom, front, back and side faces of the article are mentioned as the lower section. The lower upper sections may have a mutually different caliber, in which the caliber is understood as meaning the volume thickness. This is especially obvious in absorbent articles.

The standard packaging such as the absorbent articles are aligned in an array wherein the rear face of an article is in a contact relationship with the front face of the adjacent article, and the bottom face of the first article is adjacent to the bottom face of the adjacent article. According to the configuration of the articles within the present invention, at least a part of a predetermined number of items within the array are in a front face contact relation to the front face with the adjacent articles (or alternatively, a contact ratio of posterior face to posterior face). At least a part or a predetermined number of items of the array may be in a top face to bottom face relationship with the adjacent items. Typically, articles in the front-to-front face-to-face contact relationship with the adjacent articles (or alternatively a back-to-back face contact relationship) are the articles in the top-to-bottom face relationship with the adjacent articles. .

The difference in the size (or compression force for the compression of the articles) especially the absorbent articles, when the compressed packing is used) of the first and second regions when the upper and lower sections are distributed through the arrangement of the article, e of at least 10% smaller than the difference in the size of the items (or the compression force for the strength of the items when the compressed packing is being used) d the larger region when all the upper sections of The articles are located in the same region of the arrangement of the articles. When a force with pressure is applied to the articles, the articles are compressed with between about 10% to about 75% of their uncompressed volume.

By redistributing the orientation or configuration of the items within the arrangement before packing, the packing of the articles is made uniform. In situations when compressed packing is being used, the arrangement of the articles is typically reoriented before the compression force is applied. Even though it is not necessary to reorient the articles within array before the compressive force is applied. by arrangement, the arrangement of the articles will be more stable for processing and the arrangement is reoriented before compression Therefore, the difference to the size of the lower section of the articles in the redirected array is reduced, in order to obtain a distribution of the articles or volume of the first and second regions equal.

Such reorientation provides an optimal use of volume or space of the outer cover. This reorientation also avoids overcompression of various parts of the articles where the compressed packaging is being used. Reorientation reduces or prevents damage to the articles especially of the absorbent articles, and maintains or better the functioning of the articles, especially of the articles absorbents In addition, the tendency of items to jump off the outer cover during handling is reduced.

Using the reoriented configuration of the present invention for the arrangement of articles, more articles can be included in a single array before the array becomes unstable. In this way, the simplified packaging process and the production speed of the articles are maintained or increased while providing a more stable product packaging having the advantages indicated above. In addition, there will be an improvement in the load-bearing properties and the stability of the package shape. Reorientation packages of items, especially absorbent articles, can be stacked in a more stable manner for shipping, handling and display. It has also been found that a package according to the present invention can also be compressed by at least 10% more in the direction of compression compared to a package comprising an equal number of items where all the upper sections are located in the same region the arrangement of the articles.

In an embodiment of the packaging according to the present invention, the articles are distributed within arrangement in such a way that the size (or compressive forces when the compressed packing is used, for the first and second regions of the arrangement of the articles and In this way, it is possible to simplify the packaging apparatus to accommodate the need for a variety of bag sizes.In the case when the compressed pack is used, the compression apparatus can be simplified as the support can be reduced. preventive pivoting for the compression plates to accommodate the different compression of the arrangement of articles.

Alternatively, the arrangement of the articles especially of the absorbent articles can be oriented in such a way that after compression, the expansion force of the first region of the array is essentially equal to the expansion force of the second region in order to counterattack. the deformation of the package when the compression force is removed.

An article arrangement can be formed by stacking absorbent and folded articles such as diapers, which have either a non-uniform gauge or have high and low density regions. As you know, a bi-folded cloth is folded once on itself in its crotch region. Such bi-folded diapers typically have a rounded upper section containing a high compressive strength, which corresponds to the crotch region of the unfolded diaper, and a lower section with a low compression resistance, which corresponds to the regions of the diaper. Unfolded diaper waist.

The maximum improvement in packaging can be achieved when the orientation of the rounded sections is alternating within the arrangement of absorbent articles. The orientation however of the upper sections can also be alternated by groups of two or more articles, and the number of rounded upper sections in the first and second regions of arrangement of compressed diapers does not necessarily need to be the same. Articles such as the absorbent articles a are also considered may be folded in triple folded form in double and triple form or be bent by any means of a variety of folds.

The term "compressibility" refers to or resistant which means the reduction in volume when applied in a predetermined force to an article or to an arrangement of articles, especially absorbent articles. This reduction in volume can be between 20% and 70% of the volume n compressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A better understanding of the present invention can be achieved in conjunction with the study of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a known package comprising an arrangement of flexible articles such as absorbent article; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the folded articles having the lower upper sections of similar compressibilities or sizes; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the folded articles such as the absorbent articles having the upper and lower sections of different compressibilities or sizes; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of folded articles, such as absorbent articles having upper and lower sections of different compressibility or sizes; Figure 5 shows two packages of items ta as the absorbent articles having corners deformed due to a higher compressibility in the lower regions of the packages; Figure 6 shows a packaging apparatus; Figure 7 shows a compression packing apparatus; Figure 8 shows a compression packing apparatus; Fig. 9 schematically shows arrangements of articles such as absorbent articles, having orientations distributed in a different way; Fig. 10 schematically shows arrangements of items, such as absorbent articles, having orientations distributed in a different manner.

Figure 11 schematically shows arrangements of articles such as absorbent articles, having orientations distributed in a different manner, figure 1 schematically shows arrangements of articles, such as absorbent articles having differently distributed orientations.

Figure 11b schematically shows arrangements of absorbent articles having orientations distributed in a different manner; Fig. 12 schematically shows arrangements of articles, such as absorbent articles having orientations distributed in a different manner.

Figure 13 shows a plan view of a disposable diaper in the flattened state; Y Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the diaper taken from the line of view 13-13 'in Figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a package 1 comprising arrangement 3 of flexible and folded articles 5, such as absorbent articles, arrangement 3 shows a first region 1 and a second region 17. Articles 5 can be compressed within package 1. The articles 5 may comprise diapers, briefs, undergarments, protections for men's garments, sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, any other type of absorbent article as well as clothing suits, medical covers, masks and protective covers. When compressed, articles 5 especially the absorbent articles are compressed between about 0% about 90%, more typically between about 0% about 80%, more typically between about 10% and 75% and more typically between about 20% and 70% of their volume n compressed. The articles 5 are contained within a flexible outer cover 19, with parts of the structure of the flexible outer cover 19 being cut in the figure to show more clearly the arrangement 3 of the articles 5, and in this case, the absorbent articles, within the package 1. The flexible outer cover 19 maintains the arrangement 3 of the articles 5 (tablets or otherwise), and may comprise a thermoplastic bag or a paper bag, as is known in the art.

In the standard packaging processes, the articles 5 are aligned in an arrangement 3 wherein the front face 9 of an article 5 is in a contact relationship with the front face 7 of the adjacent article 5 and the underside of the first article 5 is adjacent to the lower face 8 of adjacent article 5.

According to the configuration of the articles 5 such as the absorbent articles within the package arrangement 3 of the present invention, at least a part or predetermined number of the article 5 within the arrangement 3 is in a front face contacting ratio. 7 to the front face with the adjacent articles 5 (or alternatively in a back face contact relation 9 to the rear face 9) In addition, at least a part or a predetermined number of the items 5 within the array 3 can be in a relationship d upper face 6 to lower face 8 with adjacent articles 5 Two parts of articles 5 may or may not be the same articles 5.

Typically, according to the present invention, the articles 5 in a contact relation of front face 7 front face 7 with the adjacent articles 5 (alternatively, in a contact relationship of rear face 9 to the rear face 9) are the articles 5 in the relation d upper face 6 to the lower face 8 with the adjacent articles 5. In such a configuration, the articles 5 in the relation d contact of front face 7 to the front face 7 with the adjacent articles 5 (or alternatively in a relationship of contact d rear face 9 to rear face 9) will also be of articles 5 within arrangement 3 in a relation of top face 6 to bottom face 8 with adjacent articles 5.

However, the articles 5 in the relation d contact of the front face 7 to the front face 7 in relation to the adjacent articles 5 (or alternatively, in a contact relationship of the rear face 9 to the rear face 9) does not require that the articles 5 within the arrangement 3 are in a relation of top face 6 to the bottom face 8 with the adjacent articles 5.

Between 10 and 100 absorbent articles 5 are typically compressed in arrangement 3 where the articles are not absorbent articles, between 10 and 1000 items 5 are typically compressed in arrangement 3. As illustrated in Figure 2, each folded item 5 comprises a front face 7 a rear face 9, an upper face 6, a lower face 8 a pair of side faces 10. Within the arrangement 3, the articles 5 are placed with at least a part of these front faces 7 in a ratio of Contact. In a similar manner at least a part of the rear faces 9 of the articles 5 are in a contact relationship. Each article comprises an upper section 11 and a lower section 13 com was defined in the "Synthesis of the Invention".

In the embodiment of Figure 1, all the upper sections 11 are located in the first region 1 of the arrangement 3 of the articles 5. As the first region 15 of arrangement 3 of the articles 5 has a larger size (or a resistance to the superior compression when considered as a compressed packing) that of the second region 17, the first region 15 of the arrangement 3 of the article 5 will have a larger volume or size the second region 17. In the compressed packing, the first region 15 of arrangement 3 of articles 5, especially when articles 5 are absorbent, will have a larger volume size after compression than the second one 17. This may result in a 1 package of irregular or non-uniform dimensions (not rectangular, not square etc.). Under such situations, the second region 17 of pack 1 will not be filled to an optimum extent. For example, when a rectangular shaped outer cover 19 is used for the pack 1, the second region 17 of the pack 1 will not be filled to an optimum extent.

Figure 2 shows a flexible bent article 5, such as an absorbent article which is of a uniform caliper, for example, the caliber 25 of the upper section 11 e essentially equal to the caliber 21 of the lower section 13. (However, the teachings apply to the non-absorbent articles as well). When different materials are incorporated in the upper section 11 than in the lower section 13, mutually different sizes can result. For example, the upper section 11 may comprise a higher concentration of absorbent gelling material particles or may comprise an elastic liquid acquisition material such as a crosslinked or foamed crosslinked cellulose material. Alternatively, the method or configuration used for article 5 may result in the upper section 11 and the lower section 1 having mutually different sizes. Thus, after folding the articles 5, the caliber 25 for the upper section 1 and the caliber 21 for the lower section 13 of each article 5 the dimensions of the first region 15 and the second region 1 of the arrangement 3 of the articles 5, along the direction, which is orthogonal to the front faces 7 and to the rear face 9 of the articles 5, will be different.

Figure 3 shows another embodiment of a folded article 5 of the sub-lower section 13 comprises a spacing 23 so that the size of the lower section 1 is decreased compared to the size of the upper section 11 (However, the teachings are also apply to absorbent articles). Alternatively, if the compressed packing is being used, the incorporation of the folded article 5 e where the lower section 13 comprises a spacing 23 d so that the compressibility of the lower section 13 e is increased in comparison to the compressibility of the upper section 11. For many bi-bent articles 5 especially absorbent articles, the configuration of the figure will result in that the 25 gauge corresponds to the crotch regions 14 of an article 5 and is generally larger than the 21 gauge corresponding to the waist regions 12. of the articles 5. In the folded article 5 of Figure 3 the crotch region 14 forms the upper section 11 and the d waist regions 12 form the lower section 13.

In Figure 4, a folded item 5 is shown which has a smaller gauge 21 for the lower section 13 compared to the 25 gauge of the upper section 11 (however, the teachings also apply to non-absorbent articles). When the absorbent articles 5 of FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are stacked in an array 3 of the articles 5 as shown in FIG. 1, the sizes will be different for the first and second regions, 15 and 17 of array 3 of Absorbent items 5. When items are stacked as such are subsequently compressed, the compression force will be different for the first second, 15 and 17 regions of arrangement 3 of items 5. These situations typically result in a useful package, one d irregular dimensions, especially where the articles are absorbent. Alternatively, the package 1 may have uniform or regular dimensions (such as square rectangular) that are easily deformable in the second region 17.

Figure 5 shows a configuration in which packages 27 and 29, each similar to package 1 are combined by means of a stretch wrap film 30. In the situation is where the size of the first region 15 of packages 27 and 29 is larger than the size of the second region 17 the packages 27 and 29 are deformed in the second regions 17 Alternatively, when the compressed package is still used and the compressibility of the first region 15 of the packages 27 and 29 is less than the compressibility of the second region 17, the packages 27 and 29 are deformed in their second regions 17. Where the compressed packing is used, the articles 5 within the packages 27 and 29 will have an expansion force. The expansion force is a result of the 5 compressed items that return or attempt to return to their original state (not compressed). The articles 5 will fill either the space provided within the package 27 or 29. The rounded corners 32 and 34 are formed by compressing the stretch wrap film 30 the lower sections 13 of the articles 5 located in the second region 17. Therefore, the Packages 27 and 29 can not be stacked with other similar packages in a stable manner.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view of how an arrangement 3 of the articles 5 is aligned between two bands 3 and 38. Where the compressed packaging is used, the compression can be applied to the individual articles 5, to the articles 5 in a arrangement 3 or both the individual article 5 the article of arrangement 3. Where compression is applied to the articles in an arrangement, bands 36 and 38 will be compression bands. Each band 36 and 38 comprises a member 39 and 40 respectively. Each band 36 and 38 can provide a strong understanding to the arrangement 3 of the articles 5. When the force of compression is applied, the arrangement 3 of the articles 5 e compressed to between about 0 and 90%, more typically around 0% and about 80%, more typically around 10% and about 75%, more typically about 20% about 70% of its volume not compressed in the direction of the arrows F by moving members 39 and 40 together, with a force that can be as large as 2000 kg. After compression alignment of the arrangement 3, the bands 36 and 38 are inserted through a lower surface 44 of the bag 42 as shown in Figure 7. The arrangement 3 of the articles is inserted into the bag 42 by rotation of the bands 3 and 38. After the arrangement 3 has been inserted into the bag 42, the bands 36 and 38 are retracted from the bag 42, which is subsequently sealed on the lower surface 44. (L charge of an arrangement 3 in articles 5 can also be achieved by using a pusher system). The bag 42 comprises a handle 41 and an opening device 43, which is formed by a line of weakness (perforations) on one of the side surfaces 45 or 46 of the bag 42. This is a method of packing the compressed articles. The invention does not try to be limited to the particular incorporation to pack compressed articles 5.

Figure 8 shows during the compression of arrangement 3 of the articles 5 between the compression bands 36 38, each article 5, or another, is squeezed tightly in the first region 15 of the arrangement 3. This will cause the articles to be squeezed out of the arrangement 3 in the direction of the arrows S or S ', S "or S"' depending on the uniformity of articles 5. Due to the movement of articles 5 within arrangement 3, conventional means of restraint are necessary to avoid such breaking of arrangement 3.

Figure 9 shows the preferred orientation of articles 50 and 52, absorbers or others according to the invention. The number of upper sections 11 and of the lower sections 13 of articles 50 and 52 of the first region 15 of the arrangement 3 is either equal to the number of the upper sections 11 and of the lower sections 13 of articles 50 and 52 in the second region 17 of the arrangement 3 oe different by one. In this manner, the compression force needed to compress the first region 15 is essentially equal to the compression force required to compress the second region 17 of the array 3.

In Figure 10, the other absorbent articles 5 are arranged in groups 53, 55, 57 and 59 so that the upper sections 11 of the articles 5 in the groups 53 and 57 are located in the first region 15 of the arrangement of the articles 5 and the upper sections 11 of articles 5 and groups 55 and 59 are located in the second region 1 of arrangement 3 of articles 5. The number of items included in each group may vary from about as illustrated in Figure 11, half of the number of items 5 in package 1, as illustrated in Figure 12. The preferred embodiment occurs when the number of groups is equal to each other, each group comprising a predetermined number equal to articles 5 FIGS. 11 and 11b show two of the possible different configurations of the items 5 within the arrangement 3. As discussed, shown in FIG. 1, the predetermined number of the items 5 in the common orientation of the front face contact ratio. to the rear face 9 of the articles 5 is changed to a contact ratio of front face 7 to 'front face 7 (or rear face 9 to rear face 9) of the present invention may be the same predetermined number of the articles 5 where the relation d of lower face 8 to lower face 8 (or of upper face 6 to upper face 6) of the common orientation is changed to a lower face contact 8 to upper face 6 of the present invention. Figure 11b shows a configuration e where the predetermined number of articles 5 having a front face contact relationship 7 to the front face 7 (or rear face 9 to the rear face 9) may not be the same predetermined number of articles 5 having the contact ratio of lower face 8 to upper face 6 of the present invention.

Figure 13 shows a plan view of a flattened disposable article 58, such as a diaper. Article 58 comprises a liquid-permeable upper sheet 60 and a lower leaf impervious to liquid 61. In Figure 13, the upper sheet 60 has been shortened largely to show the underlying characteristics. Article 58 comprises an absorbent core 63, which may comprise the cellulosic fibers, the hydrogel-forming particles. (The absorbent core 6 may comprise any structure or material which is used for the absorption of body fluids.) The discussion given here "is not intended to limit the absorbent core 63 to the structure discussed." A central acquisition patch 65 is placed in the crotch region 64 of the absorbent core 63 The elastic leg members 69 are located in the leg regions 68 of article 58. The front and back belt elastics 66 in the corresponding front and rear regions 76 and 74 may be comprised in article 58. A fastening system 71, which comprises the adhesive tape fasteners 72, is connected to the rear region 74 of article 58. The fastening system 71 may alternatively comprise mechanical fasteners or a combination d adhesive fasteners 72 and mechanical fasteners.

Figure 14 shows a cross section of article 58 taken from line of sight 13-13 'of the figur 13. By folding the article 58 along the line 13-13 ', the central region of article 58, comprising the acquisition patch 65, will have the highest caliber.

Although articles 5 discussed herein may be absorbent articles such as diapers, underpants, protective garments for men, sanitary napkins and other such products, incontinence pads, undergarments or trusses, it is understood that the present invention is also apply to other consumer products, absorbent or others, including hospital suits, masks, surgical covered gloves, protective clothing, clothing in general similar. The articles 5 may be of semi-durable or durable disposable nature. It is anticipated that the present invention may be more beneficial where items 5 that are being packed are not uniformly after items 5 are folded.

The present invention is for a package 1 which contains an arrangement 3 of flexible articles 5. The articles comprise a front face 7, a rear face 9, an upper car 6, a lower face 8, a pair of side faces 10 an upper section 11, and a lower section 13. Sections 11 and 13 may have mutually different calibers 21 and 25. In accordance with the present invention, at least a portion of the articles 5 are placed with the front faces 7 in a contact relationship and at least one of the subsequent faces 9 is in a contact relationship. The package 1 comprises a flexible outer cover 19, the arrangement 3 has a first region 15 and a second region 17. The lower upper sections 11 and 13 of the articles 5 are distributed over the first and second regions 15 and 17 of the arrangement 3. The distribution of the upper and lower sections 11 and 13 is such that the difference in size of the first and second regions 15 and 1 is at least about 10% smaller than when all the upper sections 11 of the articles 5 they are located in the same region 15 or 17 of arrangement 3.

The present invention may include a configuration wherein the upper and lower sections 11 and 1 of the articles 5 are distributed in such a manner that the sizes of the first and second regions 15 and 17 of the array 3 are essentially the same. The package 1 of the present invention can have at least a part of the articles 5 placed inside the lower faces 8 in a contact relationship with the upper faces 6 of the upper articles 5. The orientation of the articles 5 can be alternating periodically The dimensions of the first region 15 of array 3 can be essentially equal to the dimensions d of the second region 17 of array 3. The articles 5 can comprise different gauges 21 and 25 in the upper and lower sections 11 and 13. Package 1 of the present invention may not comprise an interior means, particularly n comprise a paper wrapper to maintain the arrangement 3 d of the articles 5.

The present invention also relates to a method for forming a packet 1 comprising the following steps: transporting articles 5 in a consecutive manner to a folding unit; b. fold items 5, - change the orientation of the items 5 regularly spaced intervals; d. align a predetermined number of the articles 5 with the front faces 7, with the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, wherein a predetermined number of the articles 5 have their upper sections 11 located in a first region 15 in an array 3 and a second predetermined number of articles 5 have their upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of array 3; and place the arrangement 3 in a flexible outer cover 19.

The present invention is also for a package 1 containing an array 3 of compressed flexible articles 5 The articles 5 comprises a front face 7, a rear face 9, an upper face 6, a lower face 8, a side face pair 10, an upper section 11 and a lower section 13 Sections 11 and 13 may have compressions and caliber 21 and 25. According to the present invention, at least a part of the articles 5 is placed with said fronts 7 in a contacting relationship and at least a part of the rear faces 9 in a contacting relationship. The package comprises a flexible outer cover 19. The array 3 has a first region 15 and a second region 17. The upper and lower sections 11 and 13 of the articles 5 are distributed over the first and second regions 15 and 17 of the arrangement 3. The distribution of the upper and lower sections 11 and 13 is that the difference between the compression force for the compression of the first and second regions 15 and 17 to between 0 and 90% of its uncompressed volume is at least 10% less than the difference in compression force for the compression of said first and second regions 15 and 17 when all the upper sections 11 of articles 5 are located in the same region 15 or 17 of arrangement 3. The flexible outer cover 19 keeps arrangement 3 of the compressed items 5 The present invention may include a configuration wherein the upper and lower sections 11 and 1 of the articles 5 are distributed in a manner such that the compressive forces for said first and second regions 1 and 17 of the array 3 are essentially equal. The package 1 can have at least a part of the articles 5 placed with the lower faces 8 in a contact relationship with the upper faces 6 of the adjacent articles. The orientation of articles 5 can be alternated periodically. After compression, the dimension along the compression direction of the first region 15 of the array 3 may be essentially equal to the dimension along the compression direction of the second region 17 of the array 3. After the compression, the expansion force of the first region 15 can be essentially equal to the expansion force of the second region 17. The articles 5 can comprise different calibers 21 and 2 in the upper and lower sections 11 and 13. The package 1 can not comprising an interior means, particularly n comprising a paper wrapper to maintain the arrangement 3 d of the compressed articles 5.

The present invention is also for a method for forming a package 1 comprising the steps of: transporting articles 5 in a consecutive manner to a folding unit; fold article 5; change the orientation of the items 5 regularly spaced intervals; align a predetermined number of the articles 5 with the front faces 7 or the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, wherein a predetermined number of the articles 5 have their upper sections 11 located in a first region 15 of arrangement 3 compress the fix 3; place the compressed arrangement 3 in a flexible outer casing 19.

The method for forming a packet 1 can also include a second predetermined number of the items 5 which have their upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of the array 3.

The method to form a packet 1 can also comprise the following steps: to. transporting articles 5 in a consecutive manner to a folding unit; b. fold article 5; change the orientation of the items 5 regularly spaced intervals; d. align a predetermined number of the articles 5 with the front faces 7 or the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, wherein a predetermined number of the articles 5 has its upper sections 11 located in a first region 15 of the arrangement 3 and a second predetermined number of the articles 5 have their upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of the arrangement 3; compress the fix 3; place the compressed arrangement 3 and on a flexible outer cover 19.

The method for forming a package 1 wherein the compression force is essentially uniform through the first and second regions 15 and 17.

The present invention is for 1 package containing an array 3 of the flexible absorbent articles 5 the absorbent articles 5 comprise a front face 7, a rear face 9, an upper face 6, a lower face 8, or a pair of side faces 10, an upper section 11, a lower section 13, the sections 11 and 13 can have mutually different caliber 21 and 25. According to the present invention, a part of the absorbent articles 5 are placed with the front faces 7 in a contact relationship and at least one of the rear faces 9 are in a contact d relationship. The package 1 comprises a flexible outer cover 19. The arrangement 3 has a first region 15 and a second region 17. The upper and lower sections 11 and 13 of the absorbent articles 5 are distributed over the first second regions 11 and 13 of the arrangement 3 The distribution of the upper and lower sections 11 and 13 is such that the size difference of the first and second regions 15 and 17 is at least d about 10% smaller than when all the upper sections 11 of the absorbent articles 5 are located in the same regions 15 or 17 of arrangement 3.

The present invention may include a configuration in which the upper and lower sections 11 and 1 of the absorbent articles 5 are distributed in a manner such that the sizes of the first and second regions 15 and 17 of array 3 are essentially the same. The package 1 of the present invention can have at least a part of the absorbent articles 5 placed with the lower faces 8 in a contact relationship with the upper faces 6 of the adjacent absorbent articles 5. The orientation of the absorbent articles 5 can be alternated periodically. The dimensions of the first region 15 of the arrangement 3 may be essentially equal to the dimensions of the second region 17 of the arrangement 3 The absorbent articles 5 may comprise a different gauge 21 or 25 in the upper and lower sections 11 and 13 The packing 1 of the present invention may not comprise an interior means, particularly not comprising a wrapping paper to maintain the arrangement 3 of the absorbent articles 5.

The present invention is also for a method for forming a packet 1 comprising the following steps: transporting the absorbent articles 5 in a manner consecutive to a bending unit; folding the absorbent articles 5; change the orientation of the items 5 regularly spaced intervals; align a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 with the front faces 7 or the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, where a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 have their upper sections 1 located in a first region 15 of array 3 and a second predetermined number of absorbent articles 5 have their upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of array 3; Y place the arrangement 3 in a flexible outer cover 19.

The present invention is also for a package 1 containing an array 3 of compressed flexible absorbent articles 5. The absorbent articles 5 comprise a front car 7, a rear face 9, an upper face 6, a lower car 8, a pair of faces side 10, a top section 11, and a bottom section 13. In sections 11 and 13 may have mutually different compressibilities and sizes 21 and 25. According to the present invention, at least a portion of the absorbent articles 5 are placed with said front faces 7 in a contacting relationship and at least a part of the rear faces 9 in a contacting relationship. The package comprises a flexible outer cover 19. The array 3 has a first region 15 and a second region 17. The upper and lower sections 11 and 13 of the absorbent articles 5 are distributed over the first and second regions, 15 and 17 of arrangement 3. The distribution of the upper and lower sections 11 and 13 is such that the difference of the compression force for the compression of the first and second regions 15 and 17 to 0% 90% of its uncompressed volume is at least 10% less than the difference in the compression force for the compression force of said first and second regions 15 and 17 when all the upper sections 11 of the absorbent articles are located in the same region 15 or 17 of the arrangement 3. L cover flexible exterior 19 maintains arrangement 3 of compressed absorbent articles 5.

The present invention may include a configuration wherein the upper and lower sections 11 and 1 of the absorbent articles 5 are distributed in a manner such that the compression forces for said first second regions 15 and 17 of article 3 are essentially equal. The package 1 can have at least a part of the absorbent article 5 placed with the lower faces 8 in a contact relationship with the upper faces 6 of the adjacent absorbent articles 5. The orientation of the absorbent articles 5 can be alternating periodically. After the compression, the dimension along the direction of compression of the first region 15 of the array 3. can be essentially equal to the dimension along the compression dimension d the second region 17 of the array 3. After the compression, The expansion force of the first region 15 can be essentially equal to the expansion force of the second region 17. The articles 5 can comprise different sizes 21 and 2 in the upper and lower sections 11 and 13. The package 1 can not comprise interior means, particularly n comprise a paper wrap to maintain the arrangement 3 d the absorbent articles compressed 5.

The present invention is also a method for forming a packet 1 comprising the following steps: transporting the absorbent articles 5 in a manner consecutive to a bending unit; folding the absorbent articles 5; changing the orientation of the absorbent articles 5 at regularly spaced intervals; d. aligning a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 with the front faces 7 or the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, where a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 has its upper sections 1 located in a first region 15 of arrangement 3; c omp rimi r e 1 fix F. place the compressed arrangement 3 in a flexible outer casing 19.

The method for forming a package 1 can also include a second predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 having their upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of the array 3.

The method to form a packet 1 can also comprise the following steps: transporting the absorbent articles 5 in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; folding the absorbent articles 5; changing the orientation of the absorbent articles 5 at regularly spaced intervals; d. aligning a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 with the front faces 7 or the rear faces 9 in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array 3, where a predetermined number of the absorbent articles 5 has its upper sections 1 located in a first region 15 of arrangement 3 and a second predetermined number of absorbent articles 5 has its upper sections 11 located in a second region 17 of arrangement 3; compress e 1 fix place the compressed arrangement 3 in a flexible outer casing 19.

The method for forming a package 1 wherein the compression force is essentially uniform through the first and second sections, 15 and 17.

Even though several patents and other reference materials have been incorporated herein by this mention, in the extent that there is any consistency between the incorporated material and that of the written specification, the written specification will control. Furthermore, even though the invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various alterations, modifications, and other changes to the invention may be made if departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. invention. Thus, it is intended that the claims cover all modifications, alterations and other changes encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims (40)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A package containing a flexible article arrangement, said articles comprising a front car, a rear face, an upper face, a lower car, side faces, an upper section and a lower section, said sections have mutually different gauges whereby at less a part of said articles is placed with said front faces in a contact relationship and at least a part of said back faces are in a contact relationship, said package comprises a flexible outer cover, said arrangement has a first region and a second region and said upper and lower sections of said articles are distributed over the first and second regions of said array wherein said distribution of the upper and lower sections is such that the difference in size d said first and second regions is at least about 10% less than when all the upper sections of said articles are local hoisted in the same region of said arrangement

2. A package as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said lower upper sections of said articles are distributed in a manner so that the sizes of the first and second regions of said arrangement are essentially equal.

3. A package as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that at least a part of said articles are placed with the lower faces in a contact relationship with the upper faces of the adjacent articles.

4. A package as claimed in clauses 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the orientation of said articles is alternating periodically.

5. A package as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the dimension is of said first region of said array or is essentially equal to the dimensions of said second region of said array.

6. A package as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said articles comprise different calibers in the upper and lower sections.

7. A package as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said package does not comprise interior means, particularly n comprises a paper wrapper to maintain said arrangement d said absorbent articles.

8. A method for forming a package as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: to. transporting said articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; fold said items; changing the orientation of said articles regularly spaced intervals, - aligning a predetermined number of said articles with said front faces or with said rear faces in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array, wherein a predetermined number of said articles have their sections higher ones located in a first region of said array and a second predetermined number of said articles have their upper sections located in a second region of said array; d. place said arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

9. A package containing an array of compressed flexible articles, said articles comprising a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, side faces, an upper section and a lower section, said sections having mutually different caliber compressibilities, wherein at least a portion of said articles are placed with said front faces in a contacting relationship and at least a portion of said rear faces are in a contacting relationship, said packet comprising a flexible outer shell, said arrangement having a first region and a second region and said upper and lower sections of said article are distributed over said first and second regions of said arrangement, wherein said distribution of said upper and lower sections, is such that the difference in compression force for the compression of said first and second regions to between 0% and 90% of its uncompressed volume, is at least 10% less than the compression force difference for the compression of said first and second region, when all the upper sections of said articles are located in the same region of said arrangement.; and said flexible outer cover maintains said arrangement of said compressed articles.

10. A package as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that said lower upper sections of said articles are distributed in a manner such that the compression forces for said first second regions of said arrangement are essentially equal.

11. A package as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that at least a part of said articles is placed with the lower faces in a contact relationship with the upper faces of the adjacent articles

12. A package as claimed in clauses 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that the orientation of said articles can be alternating periodically.

13. A package as claimed in clauses 9, 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that after compression, the dimension along the direction of compression of said first region of said array is essentially equal to the dimension at length of the compression direction of said second region of said array.

14. A package as claimed in clause 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that compression of the expansion force of said first region is essentially equal to the expansion force of said second region.

15. A package as claimed in clauses 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, characterized in that said articles comprise different sizes in said upper and lower sections.

16. A package as claimed in clauses 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, characterized in that said package does not comprise interior means, particularly n comprises a paper wrapper to maintain said arrangement of said compressed articles. .

17. A method for forming such a com packet is claimed in clause 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: to. transporting said articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; fold said items; change the orientation of said articles regularly spaced intervals; aligning a predetermined number of said articles with said front faces to said subsequent faces in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array, wherein a predetermined number of said articles has its upper sections located in a first region of said array; compress that arrangement, - and f. place said compressed arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

18. A method for forming such a packet is claimed in clause 9, characterized in that a second predetermined number of said articles have their upper sections located in a second region of said array.

19. A method for forming such a com packet is claimed in clause 9, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: transporting said articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; fold said items; change the orientation of said articles regularly spaced intervals; d. aligning a predetermined number of said articles with said front faces or said rear faces in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array, wherein a predetermined number of said articles has its upper sections located in a first region of said array and a second predetermined number of said articles have their upper sections located in a second region of said array; compress that arrangement; Y place said arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

20. A method as claimed in clauses 17 or 19, characterized in that the compressive force is essentially uniform across said first second regions.

21. A package containing an array of flexible absorbent articles, said absorbent articles comprising a front face, a rear face, a top car, a bottom face, side faces, a top section and a bottom section, said sections having mutually different caliber, wherein at least a portion of said absorbent articles are placed with said fronts in a contacting relationship and at least a portion of said posterior faces are in a contact relationship, said package comprising a flexible outer covering, said arrangement It has a first region and a second region and said upper and lower sections of said absorbent articles are distributed over said first and second regions of said arrangement, wherein said distribution of the lower upper sections is such that the difference in the size The first and second regions are at least about 10% less than when all the upper sections of said article are located in the same region of said array.

22. A package as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that said lower upper section of said absorbent articles are distributed in such a way that the sizes of said first second regions of said arrangement are essentially equal.

23. A package as claimed in clause 22, characterized in that at least a part of said absorbent articles are placed in said lower face in a contact relationship with said top faces of the adjacent absorbent articles.

24. A package as claimed in clauses 21, 22 or 23, characterized in that the orientation of said absorbent articles is alternating periodically.

25. A package as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the dimensions of said first region of said array are essentially equal to the dimensions of said second region of said array.

26. A package as claimed in any of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said absorbent articles comprise a different caliber in said upper and lower sections.

27. A package as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that said package does not comprise an interior means, particularly it does not comprise a wrapping of paper to maintain said arrangement of said absorbent articles.

28. A method for forming such a package is claimed in clause 21, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: transporting said absorbent articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; folding said absorbent articles, - changing the orientation of said absorbent articles at regularly spaced intervals align a predetermined number of said absorbent articles with said front faces or said rear faces in a contact relationship to form a compressed array, and wherein a predetermined number of said absorbent articles have their upper sections located in a first region of said array and a second predetermined number of said absorbent articles have their upper sections located in a second region of said array; Y place said arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

29. A package containing an array of compressed flexible absorbent articles, said absorbent articles comprising a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, side faces, an upper section and a lower section, said sections having compressibilities and gauges mutually different, where at least a part of said absorbent articles are placed with said front faces in a contact relationship and at least a part of said rear faces in a contact relationship, said package comprises flexible outer cover, said arrangement having a first region and a second region and said upper and lower sections of said article are distributed over said first and second regions d said arrangement, wherein said distribution of said upper and lower sections, is such that the difference in compression force for the compression of said first second regions to between 0% and 90% of your The non-compressed volume is at least 10% less than the difference in compression force for the compression of said first second regions, when all the upper sections of said absorbent articles are located in the same region of said array; and said flexible outer cover maintains said arrangement of said compressed absorbent articles.

30. A package as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the lower upper sections of said absorbent articles are distributed in such a way that the compressive forces for said first and second regions of said arrangement are essentially equal.

31. A package as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that at least a part d of said absorbent articles are placed with said lower faces in a contact relationship with said top faces of the adjacent absorbent articles.

32. A package as claimed in clauses 29, 30 or 31, characterized in that the orientation of said absorbent articles is alternating periodically.

33. A package as claimed in clauses 29, 30, 31 or 32, characterized in that after compression, the dimension along the direction of compression of said first region of said array is essentially equal to the dimension at length of the compression direction of said second region of said array.

34. A package as claimed in clause 29, 30, 31, 32 or 33, characterized in that after compression, the expansion force of said first region is essentially equal to the expansion force of said second region.

35. A package as claimed in clauses 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 or 34, characterized in that said absorbent articles comprise a different caliber in said upper and lower sections.

36. A package as claimed in clauses 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 or 35, characterized in that said package does not comprise interior means, particularly n comprises a paper wrapper to maintain said arrangement of said absorbent articles compressed .

37. A method for forming such and such a package is claimed in clause 29, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: transporting said absorbent articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit, - b. folding said absorbent articles; changing the orientation of said absorbent articles at regularly spaced intervals d. aligning a predetermined number of said absorbent articles with said front faces or said rear faces in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array, and wherein a predetermined number of said absorbent articles have their upper sections located in a first region of said array; and. compress that arrangement; Y F. place said compression arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

38. A method for forming such a package is claimed in clause 29, characterized in that a second predetermined number of said absorbent articles has its upper sections located in a second region of said arrangement;

39. A method for forming such a package is claimed in clause 29, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: to. transporting said absorbent articles in a consecutive manner to a bending unit; folding said absorbent articles; changing the orientation of said absorbent articles at regularly spaced intervals d. aligning a predetermined number of said absorbent articles with said front faces or said rear faces in a contact relationship to form an uncompressed array, and wherein a predetermined number of said absorbent articles have their upper sections located in a first region of said array; compress that arrangement; Y place said compressed arrangement in a flexible outer cover.

40. A method as claimed in clause 37 or clause 39, characterized in that the compression force is essentially uniform across the first and second regions. SUMMARY The present invention relates to a package containing an arrangement of flexible absorbent articles (tablets or others). Each absorbent article comprises a front face, a rear face, an upper face, a lower face, a pair of side faces, an upper section, and a lower section. The upper and lower sections have mutually different calibers. At least a portion of the absorbent articles are placed in a configuration such that their front faces are in a contact relationship with the front faces of the adjacent absorbent articles. The package includes a flexible outer cover, an array of absorbent articles having a first region and a second region and the upper and lower sections of the absorbent article are distributed over the first second regions of the array. The distribution of the lower upper sections is such that the difference in size of said first and second regions is at least about 10% less than when all the upper sections of the absorbent articles are located in the same region of the arrangement. .