MXPA06007594A - Wrapper component for personal care articles having a sensory cue for opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a personal care product including a wrapper having at least one free edge, an absorbent personal care article and a sensory cue providing indicia as to the location of the free edge. In one embodiment, the wrapper is a wrapper component and has a first panel, aback panel and a second panel, where the first panel is connected to the back panel and the second panel is connected to the back panel at an opposite end from where the first panel is connected to the back panel. The second panel having a free edge positioned adjacent the first panel, wherein the second panel has a first set of sensory attributes which terminate at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel has a second set of sensory attributes which are adjacent the free edge of the second panel. In the present invention, at least one attribute from the first set of sensory attributes or at least one attribute from the second set of attributes is different from attributes from the other set. The different attribute provides a contrast between the second panel and the first panel, and this contrast provides a sensory cue providing clear indicia as to the location of the free edge of the second panel. Also provided is a method of using the personal care product and wrapper. The sensory cue can also be used to direct a user as to how to open the wrapper.

Description

COMPONENT OF WRAPPING FOR ARTICLES FOR PERSONAL CARE THAT HAVE A SENSORIAL KEY FOR THE OPENING This application is a continuation in part of the patent application of the United States of America serial number 10 / 750,424, filed on December 24, 2003, and claims the benefit of the filing date of the patent application of the United States of America. United States of America serial number 10 / 750,424.

Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a personal care product, and in particular, to a wrapping component for a personal care product that includes a sensory input directed to a part of the wrapping component to assist the user in opening the component. envelope Background of the Invention Absorbent articles such as panty liners, feminine pads and tampons are frequently carried in bags, backpacks, briefcases, and the like until needed. Typically, the items are placed in bags, backpacks, briefcases, and the like in such a way that they are loose, and are free to move within the bags, backpacks, briefcases, and the like with other items that are contained therein. Unfortunately, bags, backpacks, briefcases and the like do not always provide a hygienic environment for the articles, and therefore the articles become dirty and / or damaged. In addition, items can become scattered around bags, backpacks, briefcases and the like so they are difficult to find when needed.

In the past, specially designed bags have been distributed to hold several absorbent articles at the same time. These bags reduce contact between items and potentially unhygienic environments, and make items easier to find when needed. These bags are made of durable materials such as a hard vinyl so that they can be reused, but reuse requires the bags to be refilled from time to time. In addition, the bags often become unhygienic after extended use, requiring them to be cleaned or discarded and replaced.

To avoid the problems described above, often personal care products, including for example feminine pads, tampons and panty liners, are individually wrapped in a bag or a similar wrapper, which includes a flap that closes the bag. Typically, such bags are solid in color, or have a pattern that covers the entire package. As such, it may be difficult for the user to locate the flap to open the bag, since the flap is not visually distinguishable from the rest of the wrapper.

To avoid the problem of locating the edge of the flap, bags in the past have been provided with the phrase "open here" and the like near the end of the flap to direct the user to the location of the bag opening. However, having words or phrases like "open here" on the fin diminishes any aesthetic value that the bag may have. In addition, by placing the phrase in a particular language, those unable to read the language used may not address the location of the opening flap on the bag. The problem of locating the fin can be exacerbated for users with impaired vision. Therefore, the placement of a phrase at the end of the flap on the bag may not provide a person with a visual impairment with a sensory input for the location of the flap and opening.

Other attempts have been used to direct the user's attention to the end of the flap in the bags. These include placing an edge color over the edge of the fin to highlight the edge. Generally, this is done by placing a narrow band of a different color along the edge of the fin, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B. However, since the color or pattern on the fin above the colored edge is the same as the color on the front panel or under the fin, it is often difficult to distinguish the edge of the fin from the panel. Such an indicator on a fin requires a user to study the wrap beyond a first look to ensure the location of the free end of the fin.

There is a need in the art for a way to clearly convey to a user of absorbent products wrapped in a wrapping component where the opening of the wrapper is located, and how to open the wrapper, while providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the wrapper.

Synthesis of the Invention Generally noted, the present invention provides a personal care product having at least one wrap with at least one free edge; at least one personal care item disposed within the wrapper, and at least one sensory input that provides clear clues as to the location of at least one free edge of the wrapper.

In another aspect of the present invention, the present invention also provides a personal care product that includes a wrapping component and an absorbent personal care article. The wrapper has a first panel, a rear panel and a second panel, where the first panel is connected to the rear panel and the second panel is connected to the rear panel at an opposite end from where the first panel is connected to the rear panel. The second panel has a free edge placed adjacent to the first panel, wherein the second panel has a first set of sensory attributes that terminate at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel has a second set of sensory attributes that are adjacent to the edge Free of the second panel. In the present invention, at least one attribute from the first set of sensory attributes or at least one attribute from the second set of attributes is different from the attributes of the other game. The different attribute provides a contrast between the second panel and the first panel, and this contrast provides a sensory input that provides clear indications of the location of the free edge of the second panel. The wrapping component can have more than two panels. In one embodiment, the second panel may be a fin.

Another aspect of the present invention provides an indication to the user of the location of the free edge and an indication of how to open the wrapping component to enter the absorbent article within the wrapper. In this aspect of the present invention, the sensory input may be configured to mimic other sensory inputs commonly found in daily life that tend to indicate an opening and how to open the aperture.

The present invention also provides a method for using a personal care product that includes providing a component of the personal care product placed on a wrapping component, locating a free edge using a sensory input provided on the wrapping; and manipulating the second panel of the envelope and the opening of the so-called envelope component to enter the component of the personal care product disposed within the envelope.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of the body side of a component of the exemplary personal care product with a partially cut portion thereof.

Figure 2A is a perspective view of a wrap component in an open configuration with a component of the personal care product in a bent configuration.

Figure 2B is a perspective view of another wrapping component in an open configuration with a component of the personal care product in a split configuration.

Figure 2C is a perspective view of a wrapping component in a partially open configuration with the personal care product component in a partially folded configuration.

Figures 3A-3J are plan views of various wrapping components.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a wrapper component, with various dimensions and proportions at the ends thereof exaggerated by illustration.

Figure 5A is a plan view of an embodiment of a material of the wrapper component in a split configuration.

Figure 5B is a plan view of the material of the wrapping component shown in Figure 5A in a folded configuration.

Figure 6 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a wrapping component.

Figure 7 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a wrapping component.

Figure 8 is a schematic graphic illustration of hue, luminosity and saturation / life.

Figure 9A is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a wrapping component, with various dimensions and proportions at the ends thereof exaggerated for illustration.

Figure 9B is a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 9A.

Figure 9C is a front view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 10A and 10B show the wrapping components of the prior art in a closed position.

Figure 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention that provides a sensory input of how to open the wrapping component.

Figure 12 shows another embodiment of the present invention that provides a sensory input of how to open the wrapping component.

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C each show a plan view of an embodiment of a material of the wrapping component in a folded configuration.

Definitions It should be noted that, when employed in the present description and claims, the terms "comprises", "comprising" and other derivatives of the root term "comprise" are intended to be open terms that specify the presence of any features, elements, integers. , steps, or components, and are not intended to exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, integers, components, or groups thereof.

It should be understood that the term "personal care product" or "personal care absorbent products" generally means absorbent products for use to absorb and / or dispose of body fluids, including urine, bowel movements, blood and menstrual fluids, and includes such product in a packaged and unpacked configuration. As such, personal care products, as used herein, include without limitation diapers, underpants, swimwear, absorbent underpants, baby wipes, incontinence products and devices, tampons, vaginal suppositories, linings. of panties, pads, sanitary napkins, tissue, cleaning cloths, etc. Examples of commercially available personal care products include, but are not limited to, Poise® feminine care products, including pant and pads linings, and Kotex® feminine care products, including pads, tampons, and liners, clothing Interior Depend® underwear and guards, all available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, of Neenah, Wisconsin.

It should be understood that the term "personal care product" as used herein refers to a personal care item and a wrap that is provided to a consumer or a user of personal care items as an individual product or as a part of a package that contains more than one personal care product.

As used herein, the term "nonwoven fabric or fabric" means a fabric having a structure of fibers or filaments that are in between, but not in an identifiable manner, such as a woven fabric. Fabrics or non-woven fabrics include, for example, spun-bonded fabrics, meltblown fabrics, carded fabrics, air-laid fabrics, etc. The basis weight of the non-woven fabrics is usually expressed in ounces of the material per square yard (osy) or in grams per square meter (gsm) and the useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns. (Note that to convert from ounces per square yard to grams per square meter, multiply ounces per square yard by 33.91).

As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternative copolymers, terpolymers, etc., and mixtures and modifications thereof. same. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" should include all possible geometric configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic, and random symmetries.

As used herein, the term "face-to-face surface" means the surface of the article or component that is intended to be disposed toward or placed adjacent to the wearer's body during ordinary use, while the "face out" or "surface" face out "is on the opposite side, and is intended to be arranged to face outside the user's body during ordinary use. The outward surface can be arranged to face toward or be positioned adjacent to the wearer's underwear when the absorbent article is worn.

As used herein, the term "sensory attribute" means a phyl characteristic of the second panel or the first panel of the wrapping component that can be perceived by a user. The phyl characteristics include, for example, color, texture, shape, a graphic, text, alphanumeric characters, and / or a pattern, or other similar phyl characteristics.

As used herein, the term "sensory input" is intended to mean the information provided to a user of the products that distinguish the second panel from the first panel. A sensory input is provided to the user of the product by having different sensory attributes on the second panel and the first panel that allows a user to clarify clues according to the location of the free edge of the second panel so that the envelope can be opened.

As used herein, "clear clues" means that in a first encounter with the envelope, a user can easily guess the location of the free edge of the second panel. In other words, the difference in the sensory attribute of the second panel and the sensory attribute of the first panel of the envelope is such that the free end of the second panel is clearly apparent where the second panel and the first panel are adjacent, which easily monopolizes the attention of the user to the free edge of the second panel.

As used herein, the phrase "how to open" is intended to mean that the package transmits a message, directly or indirectly, to the user of how the wrapper component is intended to be opened. For example, an envelope shape conveys to a user that there is a second panel and that the second panel can be opened by adjusting the second panel up.

As used herein, the term "connected" is intended to mean directly connected or indirectly connected. By directly connected, it is intended that the connected elements are in contact with each other or fixed to each other. By indirectly connected, it is the intention that one or more intermediate or intervening elements are between the two elements that are secured or "connected" together. The elements of intervention can be fixed.

Detailed description of the invention Disposable absorbent articles such as, for example, absorbent products for female care and for incontinence, generally include a liquid pervious topsheet, a bottom sheet substantially impermeable to liquid, and an absorbent core positioned and maintained between the topsheet and the top sheet. lower sheet. The topsheet is generally operatively permeable to liquids that are intended to hold or store the absorbent article, and the bottom sheet may be substantially impermeable or otherwise operably impervious to liquids intended to be maintained or stored. Disposable absorbent articles may also include other optional components or layers, such as liquid transmission layers, liquid distribution layers, barrier layers, and the like, as well as combinations thereof, which can improve fluid handling and storage properties of the disposable absorbent article. Generally, the disposable absorbent articles and the components thereof provide a surface facing the body and a surface facing the garment. As an alternative, the bottom sheet substantially impervious to liquid can be replaced with a liquid-permeable bottom sheet, when the absorbent personal care product is used in conjunction with another liquid impervious layer or article, such as, for example, waterproof underpants to the liquid.

In the present invention, the absorbent articles of the present invention are placed in a wrapper having an opening characteristic. The opening feature is highlighted to the user of the absorbent article by providing a sensory input to the user. The sensory input can be a visual input, a "tactile input, an audible input, an olfactory input, an input that invokes the sense of taste or a combination of one or more of these inputs." From a practical point of view, the visual inputs or tactile are desirable.

To obtain a better understanding of the absorbent articles that may be present in the wrapping component of the present invention, attention is directed to Figure 1. In Figure 1, an exemplary absorbent product 10 is shown to include an outer cover 46 (otherwise referred to as a cushion or lower sheet), an absorbent core 48, an optional tissue layer 6, an optional emergence layer or a distribution layer option 4 and a side-to-body liner 44 (also referred to like the top sheet). The absorbent product 10 also has a first side 16 and a second side 18. The first and second sides 16, 18 respectively, are the longitudinal sides of the elongated absorbent product. The sides may be contoured, for example in a concave shape, or they may be linear. The sides may further include fins (not shown) extending laterally outwardly. The fins are known in the art shown in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 6,387,084 issued to Van Gompel et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment (not shown) one or more elastic elements are arranged along the sides to form a gasket with the user's body. The elastic sides are known in the art, as shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,315,765 issued to Datta et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the elastic elements are disposed between the side-to-body liner and the outer cover.

The absorbent product 10 has a first surface facing the body 20, which usually includes the outer surface of the body-side liner 44, and a side surface facing the second garment 22, which usually contains an outer part of the cover outer 46. Applied to at least a portion of the lateral surface of the second garment 22 is a garment-bonded adhesive. In several embodiments, the garment bonding adhesive is configured as a single band of adhesive or as two or more strips spaced apart. Alternatively, the garment bonding adhesive includes a swirling pattern of adhesive that includes a major portion of the second facing surface of the garment 22 of the absorbent article 10.

A release strip 28, also known as a release strip release is secured removable to the binding adhesive of the garment and serves to prevent premature contamination of the adhesive before the absorbent article 10 is secured to the crotch portion of a underwear. In several embodiments, the garment bonded adhesive is designed to be secured to the inner crotch portion of a undergarment so as to keep the absorbent product in register with the wearer's body. The release strip 28 may extend beyond one or both ends 12, 14 of the outer cover, as shown in Figure 1. As an alternative, the release strip may be shorter than the ends of the outer cover 12 and 14 (not shown). Generally, the only requirement for the length of the release strip 28 is that the release strip covers the garment adhesive frequently present on the outer cover 46.

The lining from the side to the body or top sheet 44, which is preferably liquid permeable can be formed of one or more materials. The side-to-body lining or top sheet '44 should be able to manage different excretions of the body depending on the type of product. In women's care products, often the body-side lining or body contact layer must be able to handle menstrual fluid and urine. In the present invention, the body side liner or top sheet 44 may include a layer constructed of any operative material, and may be a composite material. For example, the liner or the body contacting layer may include a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a polymer film, a nonwoven film laminate or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Examples of useful non-woven fabrics in the side-to-body lining or top sheet 44 include, for example, a non-woven fabric placed by air, non-woven fabric bonded with yarn, meltblown non-woven fabric, a carded and bonded fabric, hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics, bonded knits or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Other examples of suitable materials for building the side-to-body lining or top sheet 44 may include rayon, carded and bonded fabrics of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, or other fabrics of finely perforated film of fibers capable of heat bonding, materials of the network type, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. These fabrics can be prepared from polymeric materials such as, for example, polyolefins, such as polypropylene and polyethylene and from copolymers thereof, polyesters in general including aliphatic esters such as polylactic acid, nylon, or any other materials capable of heat bonding.

Other examples of suitable materials for the side-to-body lining or top sheet 44 are composite materials of a polymer and a non-woven fabric material. The composite materials are typically in the form of integral sheets generally formed by the extrusion of a polymer into a non-woven fabric, such as a spin-bonded material. In a desired arrangement, the body side liner or the body contact layer 44 may be configured to be operatively liquid permeable with respect to the liquids that the article intends to absorb or otherwise handle. The permeability to the operating liquid may, for example, be provided by a plurality of pores, perforations, apertures, or other openings, as well as combinations thereof, which are present or formed in the liner or in the layer that contacts the body. The openings or other openings can help to increase the rate at which body fluids can move through the thickness of the side-to-body lining or the layer that contacts the body and penetrates the other components of the article (e.g. in the absorbent core 48). The selected liquid permeability arrangement is desirably present at least in an operative part of the side-to-body lining or top sheet 44 which is designated for placement on the body side of the article. The body-side liner 44 can provide comfort and conformance, and can function to direct body exudates out of the body and into the absorbent core 48. The body side liner or top sheet 44 can be configured to retain little or no liquid in the body. its structure, and can be configured to provide a relatively comfortable and non-irritating surface close to a user's body tissue.

The cushion or lower sheet 46 may include a layer constructed of any operative material, and may or may not have a selected level of liquid permeability or liquid impermeability, as desired. In a particular configuration, the cushion or lower sheet 46 can be configured to provide a cushioning structure impervious to the liquid operatively. The cushion or lower sheet 46 may, for example, include a polymeric film, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric or the like, as well as combinations or compounds thereof. For example, the buffer may include a laminate of polymer film to a woven or non-woven fabric. In a particular feature, the polymer film can be composed of polyethylene, polypropylene or the like, as well as combinations thereof. Additionally, the polymer film can be microgravure, have a printed design, have a printed message for the consumer, and / or can be at least partially colored. Suitably, the cushion or lower sheet 46 can operatively allow a sufficient passage of air and steam from the article, particularly outside an absorbent (eg, stored or absorbent core 48) while blocking the passage of body fluids. An example of a suitable cushioning material may include a micro-porous, breathable film, such as that described in, for example, US Pat. No. 6,045,900 issued to McCormack et al.

Bicomponent films or other multi-component films can also be used, as well as woven and / or non-woven fabrics that have been treated to render them operationally liquid impervious. Other suitable cushioning materials can be used, including closed cell polyolefin foams. For example, a closed cell polyethylene foam can be used.

The fluid-permeable body side liner 44 and the liquid-impermeable cushion 46 can be sealed together at the periphery to enclose the absorbent core 48 to form the absorbent article 10. Alternatively, the body side liner or top sheet 44 can be wrapped around both the absorbent 48 and the cushion or lower sheet 46 to form a wrapped pad. The body side liner 44 and the cushion 46, and other components of the absorbent product, may be attached for example with adhesive bonds, ultrasonic joints, thermal joints, bolts, sewing or any other joining techniques known in the art, as well as combinations thereof.

The absorbent core 48 is designed to absorb exudates from the body, including menstrual fluid, blood, urine, and other body fluids. The absorbent core 48 may contain one or more layers of absorbent material. The layers may contain similar materials or different materials. Suitable materials for absorbent core 48 include, for example, cellulose, wood pulp fluff, rayon, cotton, and meltblown polymers such as polyester, polypropylene, or coform. The coform is a combination formed by blown air with fusion of meltblown polymers, such as polypropylene, and absorbent basic fibers, such as cellulose. A preferable material is wood pulp fluff due to its low cost, relative ease of formation and good absorbing properties.

The absorbent core 48 may also be formed of a composite comprising a hydrophilic material which may be formed of various synthetic or natural fibers, wood pulp fibers, cotton or regenerated cellulose fibers, or a mixture of pulp and other fibers . A desired material is a material placed by air.

In one embodiment, the absorbent core 48 also includes a super absorbent material, in addition to or in place of a hydrophilic material, which increases the ability of the absorbent core to absorb a large amount of fluid relative to its own weight. Generally noted, the super absorbent material may be a hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, generally insoluble in water, capable of swelling in water, which is capable of absorbing at least about 15, suitably about 30, and possibly about 60 times or more its weight in physiological saline (for example, saline with 0.9 percent by weight of NaCl). The super absorbent materials can be inserted as particles or as a sheet. The super absorbent material can be biodegradable or bipolar. The polymeric hydrogel-forming absorbent material can be formed of organic hydrogel-forming polymeric material, which can include a natural material such as agar, pectin, and guar gum; modified natural materials such as carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose; and of synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers. Synthetic hydrogel-forming polymers include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl esters, polyvinyl morpholinone, polymers and copolymers of vinyl sulphonic acid, polyacrylates, polyacrylamides, polyvinyl pyrridine, and the like. Other suitable hydrogel forming polymers include starch grafted with hydrolyzed acrylonitrile, starch grafted with acrylic acid, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel forming polymers can be slightly crosslinked to yield the material substantially insoluble in water. The cross-linked can, for example, be by irradiation or covalent, ionic, Van der Waals, or hydrogen bonding. Hydroxyfunctional polymers have been found to be good super absorbent for sanitary napkins. Such superabsorbents are commercially available from Dow Chemical, Hoeschst-Celanese, and Stockhausen, Inc., among others, and are partially neutralized salts of a crosslinked copolymer of polyacrylic acid and polyvinyl alcohol having a low absorbency value. load of up to 25 grams of liquid absorbed per gram of absorbent material (gram / gram). Other types of super absorbent materials known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

Additional layers or substrates, including for example, the liquid acquisition and distribution layer 4, are also referred to as an emergence or transfer layer., and an optional tissue layer 6 are also incorporated in the absorbent product, for example, between the side-to-body liner or top sheet 44 and the absorbent core 48. The distribution layer 4 may be shorter than the absorbent core 48. or have the same length as the absorbent core 48. The distribution layer serves to temporarily sustain a fluid discharge to allow the absorbent core sufficient time to absorb the fluid, especially when a super absorbent material is present. In one embodiment, the absorbent core, the distribution layer, and other components, such as tissue layers, are floating free (unbonded) between the outer cover and the liner, which are secured along the peripheral edges of the lids. same. Alternatively, the absorbent core, the transfer layer and other components are attached to one or both of the outer cover and the liner and / or to each other.

Although the wrapping component may have different configurations or may be prepared otherwise without departing from the scope of the present invention, with reference to Figures 2A and 3, a typical wrapping component 11 has a bag formed from a strip or fabric 52 of material having a first and second ends having free edge 56, 5, respectively. It should be understood that the term "free edge" refers to an edge that is unbonded after the wrapper component is opened, regardless of whether the free edge is joined when the wrapper component is closed. Each of the first and second ends is folded along the fold lines 58 'and 60' which define the upper part 60 and the bottom edge 58 of the bag 50, respectively. The folded bag has a back panel 62, a first panel 64 and a second panel 66. The first panel 64 and the back panel 62 can be secured along the side edges 68, 70 thereof to form a bag shape for receive the absorbent product. In one embodiment, the bag and pocket can be formed and sized to receive a single component of the product, which is individually wrapped in the bag. Alternatively, the bag can be configured to hold more than one absorbent article. The second panel 66 is bent over the first panel 64 such that the free edge 54 of the second panel overlaps the first panel 64. The first panel 64 has a covered or overlapped portion 57 that extends between the free edge 54 (outer) and the free edge 56 (inside), which covers or overlaps the part 57 underlying the second panel 66. Generally, the second panel may be a flap, but it is not required for the present invention that the second panel is a flap. A fin is a piece of the wrapping component that can be manipulated by a user by grasping the end of the fin and pulling the fin upwards towards the top 60.

When the second panel overlaps the first panel, the overlap distance (Lo) is less than or equal to about 95% of the length of the total wrapper component (Lp) in a closed configuration (shown in Figure 4), more Desirable of less than or equal to about 35% of the length of the wrapper component, and more desirable of less than or equal to about 20% of the length of the wrapper component. In several embodiments, the free edge 54 is positioned at a distance (D1, D2) from any edge 58, or 60, which is greater than or equal to about 10% of the total length (Lp) of the wrapping component (in a closed configuration, more desirably, greater than or equal to about 30%, and more desirably about 50% of the length of the wrapping component The first panel further includes a second uncovered portion 59 extending between the edge free 54 and the bottom edge 58. Of course, it should be understood that the length and width of the product and the wrapping components may vary according to the type of product and the size of the product. of feminine pads or incontinence pads, part 57 has a length (Lo) of about 0 to about 50 millimeters, generally between about 2-22 millimeters and typically about 4-10 millimeters, between edges 54, 56.

A pair of side seals 74 secure the first panel 64 to the back panel 62. The side seals are desirably formed after the first panel is folded over the back panel and the second panel is folded over the back panel and the first panel. Even though, it is possible that the first panel may be the first to be sealed to the rear panel, and the second panel then sealed to one or both of the rear panel and the first panel. In an alternative configuration, the second panel is not sealed at the side edges of the first panel and the second panel. This embodiment is described in more detail below. The sides may be sealed by any method known to those skilled in the art. Exemplary sealing methods include, for example, adhesive sealing, bonding by the application of heat and pressure, ultrasonic bonding or any other bonding methods known in the art. In an embodiment of the present invention, the side seals 74 can be brittle, meaning that they can be easily broken, so that the second panel 66 can be separated from the first panel 64 and the rear panel 62, and in such a way that the first panel 64 can be easily separated from back panel 62, where the product component 10 is exposed for removal from the bag by the user.

Accordingly, one or more free edges may be formed along a perforation line, which is shown in Figures 13A-13C, or may adhere to an underlying layer, with the edge defined by the perforation line being an "edge". free "after the drill line is broken. The free edge may be a single layer cut or formed at the edge, or may include a double layer of folded edge, or may include an edge formed by a plurality of layers.

The wrapping material can be formed of materials, such as, but not limited to, a non-woven material, films, paper, laminates, and / or fabric materials (including fabrics), and combinations thereof. For example, the bag may be made as described in U.S. Patent No. 6,716,203 issued to Sorebo et al., The entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Suitable laminates useful in the present invention include spin-bonded laminate (SS), laminates bonded with spin-melt-spin yarn (SMS), laminate-bonded (SF) laminates, and film laminates -movie. In one embodiment, the bag is made of a laminated film-bonded laminate available from Kimberly-Clark Corp., and known as thermally stretched laminate highly capable of breathing (HBSTL), and whose material is further described in the patent of United States of America number 6,276,032, the entire description of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an alternative embodiment, the second panel 66 is secured releasable to the first panel 64. For example, a fastening element 72, shown as an appendix 72, in Figure 3A, is secured through the free edge 54 of the second panel 66 for securing the second panel 66 to the first panel 64. The securing element can be secured releasable to both the second panel and the first panel, or can be secured fixed to one of the second panel and the first panel and secured releasable to the other. Another possible configuration includes that the fastening element is secured to both panels and one or both of the panels is provided with an area of weakness, such as a perforated area, which allows a part of one or both panels to be removed or damaged when the envelope is open. The fastening element can be formed as an adhesive tape, an instant snap, a button, a mechanical fastener (for example, a hook and loop), a tie, or like any other device known to those skilled in the art. The fastening element may have several alternative shapes, including but not limited to a square, rectangle, triangle, circle, oval, oblong, round, or diamond-shaped, or any other irregular shape or pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening element is formed on the inside of the second panel in such a way that it engages the first panel as the second panel is folded over itself and is not visible to the user. For example, fastening the second panel 66 to the first panel 64 can be accomplished by the use of an adhesive applied to the side of the second panel 66 contacting the first panel 64, next to the first panel 64 contacting the second panel 66, or both . This adhesive can be applied as a tape, knit, a swirl pattern, or any other pattern that effectively adheres the second panel 66 to the first panel 64. Otherwise alternatively to fasten the second panel 66 to the first panel 64, the second panel 66 it is simply sealed to the first panel 64 with a heat seal or other weld, with the weld defining the fastener. In another embodiment, the second panel 66 is not sealed or otherwise attached to the first panel 64, but instead is simply folded into itself. Alternatively, the sides of the second panel are sealed to the back panel and the first panel, with the side seals being able to break in response to a user grip and lifting the second panel. It is within the scope of the present invention that the sensory input can be located on the securing element.

In some embodiments, the second panel 66 is releasably secured to the first panel 64, while in others, the second panel 66 is not intended to be secured to the first panel 64 once the wrapping component is opened. For example, in one embodiment, the free edge 54 is defined by a perforation line, with the second panel not being clamped after the perforation is broken.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2A, the absorbent product 10 is shown in a folded configuration. For example, the absorbent product can be folded along a pair of fold lines 30, 32 to form a three-fold configuration. In other embodiments, the absorbent product can be bent, flat or rolled. The absorbent product is then inserted into an individual wrapping component 11, otherwise referred to as a wrapper or bag.

Alternatively, a plurality (means two or more) products 10 may be arranged in a wrapper component 11. A product / wrapper configuration is shown in U.S. Patent No. 6,601,708 to McManus et al., Which is herein incorporated by reference. Other absorbent / wrapper product configurations are described in, for example, United States of America patent application publication number 2002/0079246 filed by Ling et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference. The absorbent products can be oriented in various ways within the individual wrapping component, for example, with the folding lines 30, 32 running parallel or perpendicular to the sides of the wrapping component 68, 70.

Another embodiment of the wrapping component of the present invention is shown in Figures 2B and 2C. In this embodiment, the wrapping component 11 and the absorbent article 10 are folded together. The wrapping component 11 is a strip or fabric 52 of the material having a first and second ends having a free edge 54, 56, respectively. First, the wrapping component and the absorbent article are folded together along the line 30 such that the liner on the body side or top sheet 44 of the absorbent article comes into contact with itself. In addition, each side 68 and 70 come into contact with itself and can be sealed together to form two side seals 74, as shown in Figure 2C, or they can remain unsealed in this step. Generally, the sides of the wrapping component are joined in the side regions 68 and 70. The sides can be sealed by any method known to those skilled in the art including adhesive sealing, bonding by the application of heat and pressure, bonding ultrasonic, or any other bonding method known in the art. When bending and sealing are shown in Figure 2C, the wrapping component has a bag with a back panel 62, a first panel 64, and a second panel 66. The second panel 66 is then folded over the first panel 64 a along the line 32 such that the free edge 54 of the second panel overlaps the first panel 64. In this configuration, the top sheet portion of the absorbent article will be in contact with the first panel 64 of the wrapper component 11. As with the configuration described above, the first panel 64 has a covered or overlapped portion 57, shown in Figure 4, which extends between the free edge 54 (exterior) and the free edge 56 (interior), wherein the covered portion or overlap 57 underlie the second panel. It may be advantageous from a material point of view to fold the wrapping component 11 and the absorbent article together, since the release strip 28 may be unnecessary since the wrapping component 11 may also be used as the release strip. As with the configurations previously described, the wrapping component can be designed in such a way that there is no overlap between the free edge 54 and the first panel 64, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the free edges 54, 56 can each rest as shown in Figure 13A or can be separated by a small distance (not shown). As such, in this alternative, the second panel is defined merely as another panel.

In other wrapping configurations shown in Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C, the free edge 54 of the second panel 66 rests on the free edge 56 of the first panel. A perforation line 221 or another line of weakness separates the first panel 64 and the second panel 66 from each other, and the free edges 54, and 56 are formed when the perforation 221 or line of weakness is broken. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13C, the first panel 64 of the wrapping component may have more than one free edge 54 and there may be more than two panels present in the wrapping component. A third panel 65 is provided. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13B, the second panel 66 does not need to extend the full width or length of the wrapping component. The second panel 64 or probably a part of the width of the wrapping component. The envelope configurations shown in Figures 13A, 13B and 13C are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 6,036,679 issued to Balzar et al., Which is incorporated herein by reference.

In yet another possible wrapping configuration, the wrapping component is formed as a part of the product component. For example, an outer cover, such as the cushion material, can form a wrapping component, as shown for example in U.S. Patent No. 5,993,430 issued to Goznes, which is incorporated herein by reference. It should be understood that in these embodiments, the product component is considered to be disposed in the wrapping component when the wrapping element is sealed or otherwise closed. In other embodiments, the product component is rolled, with a flap or part of the front panel of a wrapping component overlapping a part of the wrapping component panel, regardless of whether the wrapping component is integral with the product component or separate of the same.

The present invention provides a sensory input to the user of the absorbent article, indicating to the user where the free edge of the second panel of the wrapper component is located. The sensory input can be a visual input, a tactile input, an audible input, an olfactory input, an input that invokes the sense of taste or a combination of one or more of these inputs. From a practical point of view, visual or tactile inputs are desirable. This sensory input assists the user of the absorbent article to locate the location in the wrapping component in which the wrapping component can be opened to enter the absorbent article contained within the wrapping.

From a practical point of view, visual or tactile inputs are desirable. However, this does not mean that other sensory inputs are intended to be excluded from the present invention. For example, audible inputs, olfactory inputs and taste-invoking inputs can be useful for users of products that are severely visually impaired at the point that they are blind or essentially blind. In this case of taste, a flavor can be placed on the edge of the fin or second panel near the opening to allow a user to use the sense of taste to find the opening for the bag. Similarly, a "scratch and smell" type coating can be placed near the opening of the bag to allow a user to use the sense of smell to locate the opening. In a similar manner, audible means can be used in the present invention by changing the type of material or thickness of the material used for the fin or the second panel such that when it is touched or handled, the sound generated by the fin or the Second panel is different from the rest of the bag material.

In the present invention, the sensory input is provided by contrast between the first panel and the second panel of the envelope. This can be achieved by providing the second panel with a first set of sensory attributes and the first panel with a second set of sensory attributes. At least one attribute of the first set of sensory attributes or the second set of sensory attributes is different from other sensory attributes of the other set of sensory attributes. In this invention, the difference in the sensory attributes on the second panel and the first panel of be provide clear indications of where the free edge is located at a first encounter with the envelope component. That is, the user should not have to think about the location of the free edge based on the sensory attributes on the fin or envelope. In this regard, attention is directed to Figure 10A and Figure 10B which show envelope configurations of the prior art. Each wrap 11 'has a flap 66' and a front panel 64 '. A sensory attribute 90 'is applied to the bottom portion of the fin 66' along the free edge 54 '. A user first observes this configuration initially does not collect from the configuration the location of the free edge 54". The free edge may be located above the sensory attribute 90 'or below sensory attributes 90'. In this case, one is not provided with clear indications of where the location of the free edge is, hence these configurations are outside the present invention. In addition, Figure 10B further confuses the user of how the aperture is below the sensory attribute or above. One can construct the downward arrow 90"to indicate that the fin 66 'must open downward.

The sensory attributes may take many forms and may include, for example, one or more colors, textures, shapes, graphics, texts, alphanumeric characters, and / or patterns, including indicia formed by drying, printing, and / or etching, or otherwise altering the relative texture of the second panel in relation to the first panel. Other examples include the type material of the second panel and the first panel, the color material of the second panel and the first panel, patterns engraved or printed on the second panel or the first panel, shape of the free edge, or any other attribute that may allow a user to secure the difference between the second panel and the first panel and allow the user to recognize the free edge of the second panel by the contrast created by the difference in at least one attribute.

In order to gain a better understanding of the sensory input provided by the present invention, attention is directed to Figures 3A-3J. In each of Figures 3A-3J, at least one of the second panel 66 and the first panel 64 includes a sensory attribute 90, shown as a visual or tactile attribute. The sensory attribute 90 in Figure 3A is present in the second panel 66 but not in the first panel 64. The sensory attribute 90 desirably terminates at the free edge 54 and provides clues to the location of the free edge. With the sensory attribute only in the second panel, a sensory input is provided to a user directing the user's attention to the free edge 54, where the sensory attribute in the second panel 66 ends and the first panel 64 begins. The terms "directed" and "terminate" do not require that the sensory input create or that the sensory attribute necessarily contact or run the entire distance of the free edge 54, as shown for example, in Figures 3A and 3c, where a pattern 92 is applied over portions of the second panel 66, but with a lower portion thereof being slightly spaced from the edge 54. As noted above, the sensory attributes 90 can take many forms, and may include one or more colors, textures , shapes, graphics, texts, alphanumeric characters, and / or patterns, including indicia formed by drying, printing, and / or engraving, or otherwise altering the relative texture of the second panel relative to the first panel. The sensory attributes can also be reflective and / or glow in the dark in such a way that the user can enter the free edge in poor lighting conditions.

For example, in an embodiment of the Figure 3A, the sensory attribute 90 is configured as a decorative pattern applied to the entire second panel 66. In a suitable embodiment, the pattern is formed by repeated paints. Of course, it should be understood that the pattern can be any combination of repeated drawings, lines, shapes, characters, etc. In an embodiment of Figures 3B, 13A, 13B, and 13C, the sensory attribute 90 'is configured as a color applied to the second panel 66 which is different from the color of the first panel 64, meaning that the colors have a different hue. One or more colors may also be different by virtue of having different brightness and / or saturation / intensity. Saturation / intensity is the intensity of the color from pale to dark. The elements can also have a different brightness / finish, from a matte finish, which tends to diffuse or scatter light, to a bright finish, which is to speculate.

With reference to Figure 8, the hue was measured by the angular position around the circle 110. Two colors are considered different if they have first and second shades that are more than + 0.50 degrees from each in a circle 110. Alternatively, ± degrees, alternatively of ± 30 degrees, alternately of ± 90 degrees, alternately of ± 150 degrees and alternatively of ± 175 degrees. The value (luminosity) is measured along the Z axis 112 between black and white. The colors are considered different if they have a difference value of at least 1% of maximum (Polaroid white with standard reference). Desirably, the difference value must be at least 20% of the maximum and more desirably at least 33% of the maximum. A value of one equals white, while a value of 0 equals black. The saturation / intensity is measured along the length of the radius (r). Colors are considered different if they have a saturation difference of at least 2.5% of the maximum.

Desirably, the saturation difference should be at least 7% and more desirably at least 33% of the maximum.

The hue, brightness, and saturation / intensity are measured as follows using the following calibrated equipment as follows.

Equipment Quantitative colorimetric measurements are typically done using a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. However, these instruments typically have large openings (-1 centimeter) that require a large block of color to significantly determine, making it unsuitable for color determination of graphs that can be composed of narrow lines or points whose width is much less than the opening instrument. Therefore, the Zeiss KS400 Image Analysis system was used for feature identification and colorimetric measurement.

The Zeiss KS400 instrument uses a Zeiss AxioCam color CCd camera (1300 x 1030 pixels, 3 color channels, 8 bits per channel) equipped with a 20-millimeter Af-Nikkor lens (f / 2.8). The camera was mounted vertically facing down at a sample stage and has an effective field of view of 97 x 80 millimeters. The sample incident of the lighting stage was by four incandescent lamps (Silvana) on a double Variac (70%: 90%), resulting in an illumination of approximately 11,000 lux. The lamps were above the left and right edges of the sample stage directed towards the field of view at approximately 45 degrees.

Calibration The black reference camera was with the lenses closed. The white reference camera was a positive Polaroid 803 with 15 ms of exposure. The amount for the illumination of the warm color by the influence of the lamps, the red, green, and blue (RGB) values were displaced using the white selection tool in the KS400 software, resulting in corrected RGB values that produce a white image .

Establishment of Sample and acquisition of image The samples are placed in the stage (normal angle of view) and under a glass plate of H of inch to minimize the topographic effects. The images of the graphic part of creation of the color are acquired in exhibitions of 15ms.

Image Analysis The image analysis is done in Matlab (v.6.5.1, released 13; Mathworks, Inc.) With the Image Processing Tools (version 4.0). The RGB images were converted to hue, saturation, and space value (HSV) using the hlabsv2rgb.m command from Matlab. Choosing a lower saturation limit of 0.05 (0-1 scale) results in practical detection of all the colored / linked parts of the graph. The hue, saturation and the value (for example brightness) of the densitometric distribution were calculated for the regions detected in each image.

With reference to Figure 3C, the sensory attribute 90 includes a pattern formed on a portion of the second panel 66. In Figure 3D, the sensory attribute 90 is configured as a color applied to the part of the second panel 66. In addition, a graph Arrow-shaped 94 is pointed to edge 54. Arrow-shaped graph 94 defines a region of sensory attribute 96, which may include a pattern, as shown in Figure 3C, or may be a different color, as shown in Figure 3D, then the rest of the second panel 66. This also directs the user's attention to the edge 54.

It is also pointed out that with the graph in the form of an arrow, the second panel appears and the envelope of the typeface, which tends to direct the user which direction of the second panel should be opened. That is, unsealed and sealed envelopes are typically opened from the top point. Therefore, the sensory input must also provide means to direct the user to which mode the second panel should be opened, in relation to the first panel.

With reference to Figure 3E, the first panel is configured with a pattern 98, shown as alternative vertical lines and spaced thin and thick, on the first panel 64 of the bag, which underlies the second panel 66. In this embodiment, the second panel 66 with its simple configuration contrasted with the pattern 98 of the front part, therefore provides a sensory input to the user at the location of the edge 54 of the second panel 66. The second panel 66 can be configured with any color, including the target. Desirably, the color of the second panel is selected such that it will assist in contrasting the second panel 66 from the first panel 64 of the bag. In another alternative configuration, with reference to Figure 3F, the second panel 66 is configured with a first sensory attribute in the form of a pattern 100, and the first panel is configured with a second sensory attribute in the form of a pattern 98 that is different of the first pattern 100, thereby providing a sensory input at the location of the free edge 54 of the second panel 66, which is clearly located where the first sensory attribute and the second sensory attribute intersect.

It is noted that the patterns shown in Figures 3A, 3C, 3E, and 3F can be printed on the material of the wrapping component or can be etched into the wrapping component material. When recording, you will love visual and tactile sensory inputs will be provided. The tactile sensory inputs can also assist the user of the product to locate the wrapping component with the absorbent article when it is stored in a location containing many objects, such as a bag, diaper bag, or briefcase. Furthermore, using engraving instead of printing also helps the user in the opening of the wrapping component since the engraving can allow the user to improve his grip on the second panel, compared to a second panel without engraving. Engraving has other advantages over printing, including for example, lower cost of the material since the inks or dyes are not necessary imparted to the sensory input. Since the engraving provides both a visual and tactile sensory input, it allows all users of the absorbent article, including those with visual impairment, to locate the second panel of the wrapping component. The methods of engraving material are well known in the art. For example, the wrapping material can be passed between a heated or unheated anvil roll and a heated or unheated engraving roll, which is etched with a pattern of embossing. Other techniques known to those skilled in the art, including the use of ultrasonic etching and the like are also used to obtain the desired engraving effect. The method in which the wrapping component is etched is not critical to the present invention. Generally, if it is desired, but not required, that the engraving pattern used contains objects imparting a feminine taste to the wrapping component, such as floral designs, when the absorbent articles are designed for use in feminine personal care articles.

The engraving can be varied on a wrapping component. For example, the second panel 66 can be recorded as shown in Figure 3A or the first panel of the bag 64 can be recorded with the pattern. In any event, the engraving pattern is directed to the user's attention to the edge 54, since the pattern ends at the edge 54. The engraving pattern may be recorded or not recorded and may be a high density pattern or a pattern of low density.

In yet another possible configuration for sensory input, the sensory attribute may include the edge 54 of the second panel 66 having a different shape compared to the rest of the wrapping component. For example, the wrapping components generally have a linear upper part 60, a bottom 58 and side edges 70 and 68, as is generally shown in Figures 3A-F. As a result of making the edge 54 of the second non-linear panel 66, the edge provides a sensory input according to the location of the opening of the envelope. Figures 3G-3J show some possible non-linear edges usable in the present invention. The sensory input provided by the non-linear edge 54 is both visual and tactile. Figure 3G shows edge 54 as having a wave pattern. In Figure 3H, the edge 54 is shown as having an oyster shape. Figures 31 and 3J each show the second panel 66 as having a V-shaped edge 54. Other non-linear shapes may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Another possible advantage of having a non-linear edge 54 on the second panel 66 of the wrapper is that the second panel can be easily grasped for those users who have impaired hand resistance, such as can be caused by arthritis and the like.

From the above described ways, - the V-shape can be advantageous since the shape looks like an envelope. The most potential users of the absorbent products are familiar with an envelope form and how to open the envelope. Therefore, by virtue of the V-shape, the user is directed to open the wrapping component.

Another way to obtain a sensory input that directs a user to the edge of the second panel of the wrapping component is to use a two-sided material as the bag component. The term "two sides", as used herein, is intended to mean that the material has different attributes on each side of the material. The different attributes can be a different color, different surface texture, different materials on each side and the like. Generally, the material of the wrapper component which is two-sided is generally a laminate such as, for example, a spin-bonded laminate (SF), a spin-melt-bonded spin-linked laminate with spinning. (SMS), a laminate of spun-bonded yarn, a film-film laminate and the like.

By providing a material that is two-sided, the second panel and / or the first panel can easily be provided with a sensory input directed toward the edge of the second panel. If each side of the material has a different color, when it is recorded, the colors can be mixed together, due to the melting of the materials on each side when it is recorded using heat, to give a third color that is different from the first two colors. For example, if one side of the material is white and the other side is blue, in the areas where the material is etched, a second blue color may turn out to be distinguishable from the first blue color. According to another example, if one side is yellow and the other side is blue, when it is recorded using heat and pressure, a green color may result. The engraving may take place in the second panel or the first panel of the bag to provide the sensory input to the user as in the location of the second opening of the panel. In addition, engraving and color change will provide two separate sensory inputs at the location of the free edge of the second panel.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when each side of the wrapping material has different attributes, the edge of the second panel can be turned upward, such as to expose the lamina of the wrapping material that is adjacent to the absorbent article within the wrapping component. To gain a better understanding of some of the advantages of using a two-sided wrapping component material in the present invention, attention is directed to Figures 9A and 9B. As can be seen in Figure 9A, which exaggerates the packaging component to clearly show the structure, the wrapping component 11 has a first side 211 and a second side 212, with the first side 211 forming the volume of the outer surface of the wrapping component 11, the second side 212 forming the volume of the inner surface of the wrapping component, adjacent the absorbent article 10. When folded, the free end 54 of the packing component is no longer in the opening of the wrapping component . Instead, an apparent free end 54 'is formed, which is the end of the second panel 66. Figure 9b shows a front view of the closed wrapping component. By having the second side 212 of the wrapping component exposed at the end of the second panel, the different attributes associated with the second side 212 provide a sensory input to the user of the location of the opening of the wrapping component 11. In essence, the difference in the attributes of the first side and the second side of the wrapping component provides a sensory input. As noted above, the second side 212 of the wrapping component has different attributes of the first side 212, such as, for example, color, bond pattern, engraving and the like. Many different combinations of the attributes of the two sides of the two-sided material can be used. Examples of some possible combinations include, for example, different colors on each side, one side is engraved and the other is not, both sides are engraved with different patterns, etc. In addition, the different attributes can also be a combination of different attributes.

In the present invention, when the free end 54 is turned up to give an apparent free end 54 ', other advantages are obtained. For example, when the free end 54 is bent upwardly on the second panel 66, the material in the opening becomes thicker, and it may be easy for the user to grasp the second panel and open the wrapping component. Also, the free end 54 may further be formed in such a way that the free end has a different shape as described above. In addition, the apparent free end 54 'can also be formed. For example, the free edge 54, which has a right side 54R and a left side 54L, can be bent from a point on each side of the free edge near the edges 68 and 70, towards the second panel creating a configuration shown in the Figure 9C, where the free edge 54R and the free edge 54L are adjacent to each other. As a result, the sides of the second panel 68 and 70 have a new position 68 'and 70', and create the free edge 54 while the free edges 54R and 54L are shown as being in contact with each other in Figure 9C, it is also within the scope of this aspect of the invention, that, when folded, the edges 54R and 541 are spaced apart from the first side of the wrapping component by being exposed. As a result of bending edges 54R and 54L, a second formed panel is created, as shown in Figure 9C. A convenient form that can be created is the second V-shaped panel, with its advantages described above. Other shapes can be created by using a combination of different folds and possible cuts of the bag material.

One advantage of having the free edge of the second panel bent upwards, as shown in Figures 9A-C is that the envelope can be opened by the apparent grip of the free edge 54 'or the free edge 54. aperture including a single strip of a different color along the free edge, which does not clearly indicate where the second panel is to be grasped to open the wrapper and does not clearly indicate the location of the free edge only on one side of the color strip, by folding the free edge over the material of the second panel, the wrap can be opened by grasping the free edge 54 or the apparent free edge 54 '. This will avoid confusion for the user about the location of the opening. This can be especially useful for the user in locating the second panel over the envelope and opening, especially in poor light conditions or helping those users with poor eyesight. The region 213 of the second panel where the second side 212 of the material is visible, will also provide a place where a user has a thicker place to grab material, thereby making it easier to open the wrapper component. Generally, region 213 will have the length Ls. Generally, the length Ls will be about an average length of an end section of a human finger of the user's group, which is generally in the range of about 20 to 35 millimeters in length.

In other embodiments (not shown) the sensory input may include a colored or pattern strip or wave formed on one or both of the second panel and the first panel. If a colored and / or patterned strip or wave is used, the color or pattern may be a color or pattern generally not associated with the absorbent article, which may draw the user's attention to the second panel 66 and the aperture associated with it. the second panel. For example, in the case of absorbent articles for female care the color may be a vibrant color such as orange. The sensory input may additionally include additional separate pieces of material applied to one or both of the second panel and the first panel.

In addition, the second part of the first panel and the second panel can be made identical (same pattern and / or color), but with the first part of the first panel being of different color or pattern that is visible through the second panel as to provide a sensory input. For example, in one embodiment, the sensory input is configured as a color adhesive, which is used to adhere the second panel to the first panel. The adhesive is visible through the second panel, which can be relatively seen through.

The sensory input is not limited to only the second panel 66 or the part of the first panel 64. Both may have a sensory input. With reference to Figure 6, both the second panel 66 has a first sensory attribute 90 and the panel part 64 has a second input attribute 91. Both the first and second sensory attributes 90, 91 create a sensory input that is directed to and ends in the free edge 54. In another aspect of the present invention, the sensory input can be provided on an absorbent article member and a clear material can be used as the wrapping component. For example, the sensory input may be provided on the release strip or the bottom sheet of the absorbent article, or any other part of the absorbent article, provided that the sensory input provides indications of the location of the opening of the wrapper component.

In still another embodiment, shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a fabric of wrapping component 78 of material is provided with a color gradient, or faded, in a transverse direction 79 of a first side 75, where the darker material ( D) to the second side 73, where the material is lighter (L). As the fabric of the material 78 is moved in the direction to the machine 77, a folded product component, for example, a female three-fold pad is applied to the material fabric 78. The fabric 78 is then folded around the product component. , with the first side 75 forming the outside of the free edge 54 that covers the first panel and is spaced from the second side 73, which forms the inner free edge 56. Alternatively, the lighter side forms the outer free edge with the darker one side that forms the inner free edge. The side seals in the transverse direction 79 are then successively applied to the folded fabric, and the fabric is then cut into the side seals to form a plurality of discrete personal care products.

The gradient color provides a processing advantage in that the contrast between the dark and light ends 75, 73 provides a sensory input, but without concern about where the fold line 60 is formed. In this way, the gradient color provides a tolerance to form the fold line 60, in contrast to additions where a color or pattern ends in the fold line. In addition, the gradient color. A gradient engraving pattern can also be used.

In another embodiment, the second panel 66 and the first panel 64 are each one color, which when they overlap forms a third color. The sensory input may include a flashing line or pattern arranged in the second panel or the first panel adjacent to the free edge. A pattern that forms the sensory input may extend along a portion of the length of the second panel or the first panel, throughout, and may vary across the width thereof. Of course, it should be understood that the sensory input can take many forms, and can include various combinations of colors, patterns, shadows, etc.

In another embodiment, the first panel and the second panel may have the same color and / or pattern but with the second pattern being at least partially seen through such a way that the combined thickness of the first part and the part of the second panel which overlaps the first part has a different appearance than the second part. For example, the combined thickness of the part of the second panel overlaps the first part and the first part may appear darker than the second part of the first panel, thereby providing a sensory input directed to the free edge.

In another embodiment, the attributes of the second panel and / or the first panel can be modified by the use of different materials for the first panel and the second panel by the joining of different materials to the wrapping material or a material that is the same as the wrapping material but having a different attribute, such as color, shape, patterns and the like. In a particular embodiment, the bonded material is attached to the second panel and the material has a V-shape, described above. By joining a piece of material to the second panel having a V-shape, or other shape, the problems associated with the formation of a second shaped panel can be alleviated. Other methods include using different materials for the second panel and the first panel. If the second panel is separated and a different material, then the top edge along with the side edges may need to be joined together. In yet another embodiment, the rear panel the first panel and the second panel can each be prepared from separate materials.

In some embodiments, the sensory input includes one or both the visual input and the tactile input. For example, the second panel may have a different texture than the underlying panel, such as to form a tactile input. In some embodiments, the tactile input is formed by the engraving, or by different engravings. Similarly, a separate piece of material applied to one or both the second - panel or the first panel may have a different texture or feel than the other, thus providing a tactile input as the location of the free edge.

In one embodiment, the sensory input is located on the first panel and is directed to the free edge as to provide indications to the user as to where his hand should be located in such a way that it can be inserted to lift the second panel. In another embodiment, the sensory input is located on the second panel opposite to where the hand should be located. In any case, the sensory input provides indications of the location of the free edge, but also indications of where the user's hand should be located.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in Figure 7, the sensory attributes 90 and 91 each is of a different color as shown, are arranged on both sides of the free edge 54. In this embodiment, the sensory attributes on the second panel 66 and the first panel 64 terminate at each free edge side 54. As a result, unlike Figures 10A and 10B, the free edge 54 is readily apparent to the user, and is located at the intersection of the sensory attributes 90 and 91. As a result, a sensory input is provided . In one embodiment, the length of the sensory input (Lvc) is less than about 35 of the total length (Lp) of the product, with the free edge 54 disposed within the coverage of the sensory input. In other embodiments, the Lvc is less than about 25% Lp, and more desirably less than about 10% Lp.

With reference to Figures 2A and 2C and 3A-3J, in operation the user locates the free edge 54 of the wrapper component 50 using the sensory input (visual or tactile) 90. The user then grasps the free edge 54 of the second panel 66. and opens the wrapping component to enter the personal care product component. The user can then remove the product component and discard the wrapping component.

In another aspect of the present invention, the sensory attributes may be selected in such a way as to assist the user in communicating the direction of the free edge 54 to be moved in order to open the wrapping component. In this regard, many techniques can be applied to the second panel or the first panel to help direct the user in the direction in which the free edge must be manipulated in order to open the wrapper. Some of these methods are described above in the description of the Figures 3C, 3D, #L, 3J, and 6. As described above, the shape of an envelope relates to the life experiences of opening both sealed and unsealed envelopes by lifting the second panel from the point of the second panel. Other methods can also be used. One method is to provide some depth to the wrapping component. In this regard, the reference is made again to Figures 3A, 3E, and. 3F. To provide depth, the pattern of the sensory attribute 90 in the second panel 66 shown in Figure 3A can raise the pattern. When the pattern is raised, the second panel 66 is perceived by the user to be in front of the first panel 64. As a result, the sensory attribute 90 not only provides a sensory input as the location of the free edge 54, the sensory attribute also transmits. that the second panel 66 is in front of the first panel 64. Armed with its information, the user is directed to open the wrapping component by moving the second panel 66 out of the first panel 64. Similarly, a pattern of recess in the first panel 64 and a second pattern without pattern 66, similar to that shown in Figure 3E, will convey to the user that the first panel 64 is below or behind the second panel 66. Other techniques include having a pattern lowered on the first panel 64 and a pattern raised on the second panel 66, as shown in Figure 3F. In addition, having a pattern engraved in the second panel 66 and not recorded in the first panel 64 results in the first panel 64 having a smooth surface. Generally, when confronted with a rough surface (not soft) and a smooth surface, which results from recording the second panel 66 and not the first one, as shown in Figure A, a user will tend to slide his hand along the a smooth surface of the first panel 66, to locate the free edge 54, instead of sliding your hand along a non-smooth surface. As a result, the smooth surface and the engraved surface serve to convey to a user how to open the wrapping component.

The depth and providing a sensory input to the user of how to open the wrapping component can also be achieved by using color. In attention again directed to Figure 3B. By providing the second panel 66 with a warm color (e.g., red, yellow, orange) and the second panel with a fresh color (blue, purple, or vede) a user will perceive that the second panel 66 is in front of the first panel 64. Again if the second panel 66 is perceived by the user in front of the first panel 64, the user is provided with a sensory input of how to open the wrapping component.

Other techniques can also be used to convey to the user how to open the envelope. An example of this is provided in Figure 11. Figure 11 shows a first panel 64 with a sensory attribute 90, ending at the free edge 54 of the second panel 66. The sensory attribute has a familiar shape in which it appears partially blocked . A form that is particular is semi-circular; however, other forms may be used. Generally the form is prepared from a color that is darker or cooler then the color of the second panel 66 or the rest of the first panel, providing a shadow type effect. The color can be provided on the first panel using any of the techniques described above. As a result of the combination of sensory attributes 90, color and semi-circular shape, a sensory input is provided to the user, where the sensory input identifies the free edge and provides the user with information on how to open the wrapper component.

Figure 12 shows yet another technique for showing how to open and locate the free edge 54 of the wrapping component. The technique shown in Figure 12 is called interposition. Interposition is the term used to describe the sensory input for the discrimination of the relative distances of two objects that results when one of the objects partially obscures or overlaps the profile of other objects. In Figure 12 a line 214 is printed or otherwise provided on the first panel 64 and the second panel 66 overlaps the line 214 in such a way that the line appears behind the second panel 66. As a result, a sensory input is provided to a user who will identify the second panel 66 and the free edge 54 as being in front of the line 214. Otherwise signaled a user perceives the second panel being closer than the line 214. As a result, the second panel 66 appears to be at front of the first panel 64.

The absorbent article can be placed in the wrapping component in a number of different ways. The absorbent article can be folded and placed on an unfolded wrapping material and the wrapping component is formed by folding the wrapping material in a bag type configuration around the absorbent article. In other methods such as those described above, the wrapping material and the bag can be folded together. The wrapping material and the absorbent article can be aligned in a machine direction, and folded simultaneously. Other methods that can be used to form the combination of the absorbent article / wrapper include, for example, placing the absorbent article through the wrapping material in such a way that the wrapping material or the absorbent article is aligned in the direction to the machine. and the other is aligned in the transverse direction to the machine, by folding the absorbent article into the wrapper and folding the wrap around the absorbent article.

In the above description, it is generally pointed out or implied that there is a single absorbent article within the wrapping component. However, it is within the scope of the present invention that a plurality of absorbent articles may be present in each wrapping component of the present invention.

To open the wrapping component of the present invention access to the personal care product placed in a wrapping component, the sensory input provided in the envelope is used to locate the free edge of the second panel, and the second panel is manipulated in such a way that the envelope component is opened and the component of the personal care product disposed within the envelope is Removable from the wrapper. Manipulating the second panel generally includes grasping the second panel by the user's fingers and pulling the second panel up from the first panel. In some configurations, such as the second perforated panel, the second panel may tear away from the side seams of the wrapping component.

Other embodiments not specifically described above may also be used to provide a sensory input to the user about the location of the free edge. For example, the sensory input can be provided on the absorbent article, for example, on the cushion or the garment facing side of the absorbent article. This may allow a clear envelope to be used. In addition, the free edge of the wrapper can be located above or to the bottom 58 of the wrapper component.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the above detailed description be seen as illustrative rather than limiting and that they are the appended claims, including all their equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims (40)

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

1. A product for personal care that includes: at least one envelope with at least one free edge; an item for personal care placed inside the envelope; Y at least one sensory key that provides clear clues as to the location of a free edge of the envelope.

2. The personal care product as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the envelope comprises a wrapping component comprising a first panel, a back panel and a second panel, said first panel being connected to said back panel and said second panel is connected to said back panel at an opposite end from where the first panel is connected to the back panel, said second panel has a free edge placed at one side of the first panel, wherein the second panel comprises a first set of sensory attributes which ends at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel comprises a second set of sensory attributes which are adjacent to the free edge of the second panel, wherein at least one attribute of the first set of sensory attributes or at least minus one attribute from the second set of attributes is different from the attributes of the other game, where the different attributes p they provide a contrast between the second panel and the second panel; the contrast provides a sensory key that provides clear clues as to the location of the free edge of the second panel.

3. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the sensory key comprises a visual key, a key of touch or a combination of a visual key and a key of touch.

4. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the first set of sensory attributes comprise a first color, a first printed pattern or a first recorded pattern, and the second set of sensory attributes comprise a second color , a second pattern printed or a second pattern engraved.

5. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that said free edges lie on at least a part of said first panel.

6. The personal care product as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that said first set of sensory attributes comprises a first color and the second set of sensory attributes comprises a second color different from the first color.

7. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that at least one of the first set of sensory attributes and the second set of sensory attributes comprises an engraved or printed pattern.

8. The personal care product as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that the first set of sensory attributes comprises a first recorded or printed pattern, and the second set of sensory attributes comprises a second recorded or printed pattern, and the second Pattern is a different pattern from the first pattern.

9. The personal care product as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that only one of the first set of sensory attributes and the second set of sensory attributes comprises an engraved or printed pattern and another set of sensory attributes is devoid of a pattern engraved or printed.

10. The personal care product as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that each pattern is printed.

11. The personal care product as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the pattern is printed.

12. The personal care product as claimed in clause 8, characterized in that each pattern is engraved.

13. The personal care product as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the pattern is engraved.

14. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that at least one of the first set of sensory attributes and the second set of sensory attributes comprises an arrow shape directed to said free edge.

15. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the first set of attributes comprises the free edge of the second panel comprising a non-linear form.

16. The personal care product as claimed in clause 15, characterized in that the non-linear form comprises a V shape, a wave shape or in grooves.

17. The personal care product as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that it also comprises at least one additional attribute which is different from the first set of attributes and the second set of attributes.

18. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the second panel comprises a first material and the first panel comprises a second material in which the first material is different from the second material.

19. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the wrapper comprises a material having a first side and a second side, each having sensory attributes, at least one sensory attribute of the first side is different of the second side and the first side comprises an outer surface of the envelope.

20. The personal care product as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the free edge of the second panel is bent over the second panel so that one part of the outer surface of the second panel is adjacent to itself and exposes the second. side wrapping component and the second side of the wrapping component contrasts with the first side of the wrapping present on an outer surface of the first wrapping panel.

21. The personal care product as claimed in clause 20, characterized in that the second panel is bent in a manner which provides a shape to the part of the second panel adjacent to the panel having a shape other than a straight line.

22. The personal care product as claimed in clause 21, characterized in that the shape comprises a form of V.

23. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the sensory key also provides indications to a user of the personal care product of how to open the wrapping component.

24. The personal care product as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that the sensory key also provides indications to a user of a personal care product of how to open the wrapping component.

25. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that in addition the second panel comprises a flap.

26. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that it also comprises at least one additional panel.

27. The personal care product as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that one of the sensory attributes comprises a color gradient or an engraving gradient.

28. A product for personal care that includes: at least one envelope with at least one free edge; at least one personal care item placed inside the envelope; Y at least one sensory key that provides clear indications of how to open the envelope.

29. The personal care product as claimed in clause 28, characterized in that the sensory key also provides clear indications as to the location of the free edge.

30. A method for using a personal care product comprising: providing a personal care item placed in a wrapping component, said wrapping component having a free edge and a sensory key that provides clear indications as to the location of the free edge of the wrapper; locate said free edge using a sensory key; Y manipulating said second panel panel and the opening of said wrapping component to access said personal care product component.

31. The method as claimed in clause 30, characterized in that the wrapping component comprises a first panel, a rear panel and a second panel, said first panel is connected to said rear panel and said second panel is connected to said rear panel at an opposite end of from where the first panel is connected to the rear panel, said second panel has a free edge placed at one side of the first panel, wherein the second panel comprises a first set of sensory attributes which ends at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel comprises a second set of sensory attributes which are adjacent to the free edge of the second panel, wherein at least one attribute of the first set of sensory attributes or at least one attribute of the second set of attributes is different from the attributes of the other game, where the different attribute provides a contrast between the second panel and the first nel the contrast provides the sensory key by providing clear indications as to the location of the free edge of the second panel.

32. The method as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that the product component comprises an absorbent product component.

33. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the second panel comprises a different sensory attribute and the sensory key is a visual key.

34. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that said first panel comprises a different sensory attribute and the second key is a visual key.

35. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the first set of sensory attributes comprises a first color and the second set of sensory attributes comprises a second color different from the first color.

36. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the first set of sensory attributes comprises a first recorded or printed pattern, and the second set of sensory attributes comprises a second recorded or printed pattern, and the second pattern is a pattern different from said first pattern.

37. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that said at least one of the first set of sensory attributes and the second set of sensory attributes comprises an arrow shape directed to said free edge.

38. The method as claimed in clause 32, characterized in that the envelope comprises a material having a first side and a second side, each having sensory attributes, at least one sensory attribute of the first side being different from those of the second. side and the first side comprises an outer surface of the envelope.

39. The method as claimed in clause 38, characterized in that the free edge of the second panel is bent over the second panel so that a part of the outer surface of the second panel is adjacent to itself and exposes the second side wrapping component and the second side of the wrapping component contrasts with the first side of the wrapping present on an outer surface of the first panel of the wrapping.

40. The method as claimed in clause 31, characterized in that said manipulation comprises grasping and pulling the second panel. SUMMARY The present invention provides a personal care product that includes a wrap that has at least one free edge, an article for the absorbent personal care and a sensorial key that provides indications as for the location of the free shore. In one embodiment, the wrapper is a wrapper component and has a first panel, a rear panel and a second panel wherein the first panel is connected to the rear panel and the second panel is connected to the rear panel at an opposite end from where the First panel is connected to the rear panel. The second panel has a free edge placed on one side of the first panel, where the second panel has a first set of sensory attributes which end at the free edge of the second panel and the first panel has a second set of sensory attributes which they are adjacent to the free edge of the second panel. In the present invention, at least one attribute of the first set of sensory attributes or at least one attribute of the second set of attributes is different from the attributes of the other set. The different attributes provide a contrast between the second panel and the first panel, and this contrast provides a sensory key that provides clear indications as to the location of the free edge of the second panel. A method of using the product for personal care and wrapping is also provided. The sensory key can also be used to direct a user to how to open the envelope.