MXPA99005474A - Absorbent article wrapper comprising a side flap fastener cover - Google Patents

Abstract

An individually packaged absorbent article (20) having a pair of first flaps (24) and a pair of second flaps (25) with fasteners, such as adhesive fasteners (76, 77) thereon, is disclosed. The absorbent article is wrapped by a wrapper (78) for individually packaging the absorbent article. The wrapper comprises a main wrapper sheet (80) and a first flap fastener cover (84). Adhesive fasteners of the first flaps are releasably covered by the first flap fastener cover which is joined to a part of the main wrapper sheet. Adhesive fasteners of the second flaps are releasably covered by an outer surface of the main wrapper sheet. The first flap fastener cover protects the fasteners located on the first flaps of the absorbent article and maintains the flaps in a position which protects an absorbent side of the absorbent article from contamination until the article is ready for use. The outer surface of the main wrapper sheet protects the fasteners located on the second flaps of the absorbent article and maintains the flaps in a position which protects an absorbent side of the absorbent article from contamination until the article is ready for use. The main wrapper sheet overlays one major surface of the absorbent article and by folding the article and sealing the wrapper in that folded orientation, an individually packaged disposable absorbent article is provided.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WRAPPING COMPRISING A COVER OF THE SIDE FIN ATTACHMENT FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an absorbent article individually packaged by a wrapper comprising a main wrap sheet for the absorbent article and a fin clip fastener cover for the tab fasteners. More particularly, the present invention relates to an article comprising a pair of first fins and a pair of second fins spaced apart from the first pair of fins in the longitudinal direction, wherein each fin is covered by a main wrapping sheet or a cover Fin fastener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin comprising a pair of fins which extends laterally outwardly from an absorbent means is well known. One type of such absorbent article comprises a pair of fins that extend laterally outward from a central region of both longitudinal side edges and an absorbent means. The fins are intended to fold around the edges of the wearer's undergarment in the crotch region. In this way, in use the fins are disposed between the edges of the wearer's undergarment in the crotch region and the wearer's thighs. Commonly the fins are provided with fin fasteners such as adhesive for attaching the fins to the underside of the wearer's undergarment. The fins serve at least two purposes. First, the fins prevent exudates that would otherwise stain the edges of the user's garments from doing this. Second, the fins help to stabilize the sanitary towel of the deviation out of the position chosen by the user. This is especially so when the fins are attached to the side of the undergarment. The fins of these sanitary napkins can be folded on the side of the upper sheet or the side of the back sheet to preserve the separation during the packing, that is, the period between the manufacture of the sanitary napkin and the first use attempted by the user. . At the time of first use by the user, the fins are generally unfolded to facilitate the installation of the sanitary napkin in the wearer's undergarment. The fin fasteners of the bent fins are generally covered by a fin fastener cover so as not to inadvertently adhere to each other or to another part of the product before the sanitary pad is used. When the fins are bent over the side of the top sheet, the fin flap fasteners face outward and are covered by the fin fastener cover thereby bridging the fins together on the top sheet. The Japanese patent publication open to the public H5-293139 published on November 9, 1993, the Japanese patent publication open to the public H6-78953 published March 22, 1994 and the publication of Japanese utility model open to the public H6-26835 published April 12, 1994, disclose sanitary napkins having fins that are folded over the topsheet and fin fasteners that they are covered by a fin fastener cover. The sanitary napkins disclosed therein further comprise a main fastener for securing the sanitary napkin to the inner side of the wearer's undergarment. The main fastener is also covered by a main fastener cover. Therefore, when the sanitary napkin is used, the wearer should remove both from the flapper cover and the main fastener cover. The user must then properly dispose of the various fastener covers to prevent them from extending.

Attempts have been made to facilitate the removal of a fin fastener cover and a main fastener cover from the sanitary napkin. The revealed publication of the Japanese utility model H5-9526 published on February 9, 1993, and the disclosed publication of Japanese utility model H5-9529 published on February 9, 1993, disclose sanitary napkins comprising a major portion of the sanitary napkin with a main body fastener, fins with fin fasteners and a fastener cover to cover the fin fasteners and the main fastener. The fastener cover comprises cover portions of the fin fastener and a cover portion of the main fastener which are connected to each other. Therefore, as the main fastener cover portions of the main body of the sanitary napkin are removed, the portion of the fin fastener cover of the fins is also removed. This publication, however, does not disclose the provisions for absorbent articles that have a wrapping for individually packing the absorbent article. Other attempts to facilitate the removal of a fin fastener cover and a main fastener cover from a main body of the sanitary napkin have been made in connection with the removal of a wrap to individually pack the sanitary napkin. The disclosed publication of the Japanese utility model H6-26833 published on April 12, 1994, discloses a sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin main body with a main fastener, fins with fin fasteners, a wrapper for packing the main body of the sanitary napkin. the sanitary napkin, a fin fastener cover and a main bra cover. The cover of the main fastener is connected to a part of the envelope in such a way that the cover of the main fastener is removed from the main body as the main body of the sanitary napkin is removed or removed from the envelope. However, the fin clamp cover must also be removed from the fins.

The disclosed Japanese utility model H7-39820 published on July 18, 1995 discloses a sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin main body having an upper sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core. The sanitary napkin also comprises a pair of fins that are folded around the edges of the wearer's undergarment in the crotch region when the sanitary napkin is used. The adhesive layers provided with the main body and the fins are covered by a cover of the adhesive layer, which may comprise a wrapping for individually packing the sanitary napkin. The fins are bent towards the inside of the main body. The cover of the adhesive layer covering the adhesive layers of the main body extends beyond the longitudinal sides of transverse edges of the main body. The cover of the adhesive layer extends beyond a transverse end and the extension portion of the cover of the adhesive layer is bent inwardly to cover the adhesive layers of the fins. The disclosed publication of the Japanese utility model H6-75446 published on July 18, 1995, discloses a sanitary napkin comprising a sanitary napkin main body and a pair of flaps extending laterally outward from both sides in the direction longitudinal of the sanitary napkin. The flaps are bent over the side facing the body of the sanitary napkin before the sanitary napkin is used and are folded around the edges of an undergarment of the wearer in the crotch region when the sanitary napkin is used. A side facing the garment of the sanitary napkin provided with a layer of adhesive is wrapped by a releasably treated wrap. The wrapped sanitary towel is folded together with the wrap around a fold line. This publication further discloses a packaging structure for the sanitary napkin where a part of the wrap covers the adhesive layers of the fins. Namely, the transverse edge of the wrap extends beyond the end edge of the sanitary napkin and is bent towards the adhesive layers of the tabs, which are bent over the top sheet. However, these publications do not disclose the arrangements for the absorbent articles having another pair of fins other than the fins in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. Another type of an absorbent article comprises a pair of fins that extend laterally outwardly from a posterior region of both longitudinal side edges of an absorbent means. The fins of the second type of an absorbent article are intended to remain scattered in the posterior region of the interior of a wearer's undergarment. In use, the fins are disposed between the wearer's hips and the wearer's undergarment. The fins of the second type of an absorbent article also prevent exudates, which would otherwise stain the posterior region of the wearer's undergarment, the fins may be provided with fin fasteners such as adhesive to attach the fins to the fins. inner side of the wearer's undergarment, to stabilize the towel that deflects in the posterior region of the wearer's undergarment. The fin fasteners may be covered by a fin fastener cover so that they do not inadvertently adhere to each other or to another part of the product before the sanitary napkin is used. The disclosed publication of U.S. Patent No. H8-2242698 published September 3, 1995, discloses an individually packaged sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin comprises a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core and a pair of back flap portions which are capable of adhesives on both rear sides in the longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin, and a layer of main adhesive covered by a major release paper. The rear flap portions are bent over the side of the top sheet such that the adhesive layers of the back flap portions face upward and a release paper is attached over the adhesive layers. A wrap is attached to the non-detachably treated surface of the main release paper using a first adhesive. The sanitary napkin is folded in three regions together with the wrapping, in such a way that the release paper of the flap faces the side of the back sheet of the front part of the sanitary napkin. The envelope covering the front of the sanitary napkin is attached to the non-detachably treated surface of the flap release paper using a second adhesive. This publication, however, does not disclose the arrangements or arrangements for the absorbent articles having another pair of fins other than the fins in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. Although absorbent articles of the prior art such as sanitary napkins have addressed some of the problems of achieving an individually packaged absorbent article, they have not addressed the problems to the extent of or in the manner of the present invention. Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an improved individually packaged absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an individually packaged absorbent article comprising: (a) an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a surface of garment and a body surface, wherein the garment surface of the main body portion can be placed in an undergarment of the wearer, and the absorbent article comprises a pair of first flaps attached to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edge of the main body portion and a pair of second fins attached to the main body portion spaced apart from the first fins in the longitudinal direction and extending laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edge of the body. the main body portion, where the garment surface of each a of the first and second fins comprises a first fin fastener and a second fin fastener, respectively, and the first and second fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the fin fasteners; (b) a wrapper for the absorbent article, the wrapper comprising a main wrapper sheet and a first fin fastener cover, wherein (c) the main wrapper sheet comprising a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of end portions , an inner surface facing towards the main body portion and an outer surface, the main wrapping sheet is positioned adjacent to the garment surface of the main body portion, wherein the main wrapping sheet and the main body portion of the absorbent article comprises at least two transverse axes and at least three regions divided by two axes, wherein the three regions comprise a first region within which it extends a majority of the first fins, a second region in which it extends a majority of the second fins and a third region, (d) the first cover of the fin fastener is joined at least a part of the fin The main wrapping eye of the third region wherein (e) the main wrapping sheet and the main body portion of the absorbent article are folded as a unit about an axis of the two shafts, so that the majority of the first fins face towards the main body portion of the third region and the cover of the first fin fastener is removably attached to the first fin fasteners and (f), the main wrapping sheet and the main body portion of the article The absorbers are folded as a unit around another axis of the two axes, such that the majority of the second fins face the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet, and the second fin fasteners of the second fins are attached to the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet. removable way to the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the preferred wrapper of the present invention in an open position with a preferred sanitary napkin disposed thereon, and the sanitary napkin flaps stretched outwardly. Figure 2 is a top plan view of the envelope of the present invention, shown in Figure 1 with the fins of the sanitary napkin folded on the topsheet. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 taken along the line III-III. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the fins of the sanitary napkin in a protective position of the alternate top sheet. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 2 taken along the line V-V. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a preferred wrapper of the present invention. Figure 7 is a fragmented perspective view of the envelope shown in Figure 6, with the free end of the fin release element bent back away from the main wrapping sheet. Figure 8 is a fragmented perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the envelope of the present invention. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view (taken along the longitudinal center line) of a preferred wrapper of the present invention, with a sanitary towel therein in a folded configuration. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a preferred individually packaged absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 11 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the casing of the present invention with a sanitary napkin placed thereon in substantially the same configuration as Figure 2. Figure 12 is a top plan view of an embodiment alternating the wrapping of the present invention, with a sanitary napkin placed thereon in substantially the same configuration as in Figure 2. Figure 13 is a first cross-sectional view (taken along the longitudinal center line) of the present invention explaining an action of the removal of the wrapping of a sanitary napkin. Figure 14 is a second cross-sectional view (taken along the longitudinal centerline) of the present invention, which explains an action of removing the wrap of a sanitary napkin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings, the present invention is modalized in a preferred but not limitative embodiment. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the invention comprises a wrapper 78 for an absorbent, disposable article, particularly a sanitary towel 20. The sanitary pad 20 is used to collect vaginal discharges, such as menstruation, and to avoid the staining of the user's clothes for these downloads. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, sanitary napkin 20 basically comprises a main body portion 22 and first fins 24 and second fins 25. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin may have a fastener, such as a fastener of pressure sensitive adhesive 74 thereon for securing the main body portion 22 to the wearer's undergarment. The first fins 24 preferably each have first fasteners thereon, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive fastener 76, for removably securing the first fins 24 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a folded configuration around the edges of the sanitary napkin. crotch of the wearer's undergarment. The second flap 25 preferably has each second fasteners thereon, such as a pressure-sensitive fastener 77, to releasably secure the second flaps 25 of the sanitary napkin 20 in a configuration that remains extended in the posterior region of the side. inside of a flap undergarment. The wrap 78 of the present invention serves to cover and protect the first fin fasteners 76, the second fin fasteners 77 and the main body fastener 74 (if one is present), and is folded around the sanitary napkin 20 to provide a individual package for the sanitary napkin 20. Before observing the characteristics of the casing 78 in greater detail, the properties of the sanitary napkin 20 will be briefly discussed. The sanitary napkin 20 (and the main body portion 22 thereof) has two surfaces, a surface that is in contact with the body, or "body surface" 20A permeable to the liquid that is intended to be used adjacent the wearer's body, and a liquid impervious surface to the liquid 20B. the sanitary napkin 20 is shown in Figure 1 as seen from its body surface 20A. the sanitary napkin 20 has two center lines, a main longitudinal center line L and a major transverse center line (not shown in Figure 1). The term "longitudinal", as used herein refers to a line, axis or direction in the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 that is generally aligned with (eg, approximately parallel to) a vertical plane that divides a user from foot in left and right body halves when using sanitary napkin 20. The terms "transverse", "lateral" or "wide", used herein, are interchangeable, and refer to a line, axis or direction that is located within of the plane of the sanitary napkin 20 which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 shows that the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 comprises the part of the sanitary napkin without the first vanes 24 and the second vanes 25. The main body portion 22 has two separate longitudinal edges 26, two extreme edges or separate transverse (or "ends" 28), which together form the periphery 30 of the main body portion. The main body portion 22 also has three sections comprising a central section (first section 36), an end section 34 (second section), and the other end section 32 (third section). The first section 36 is disposed between the second section 34 and the second section 32. The second section 34 and the third section 32 extend outwardly in the longitudinal direction from the edges of the central section 36 of the main body portion 32. When the sanitary napkin 20 is individually packaged, the main body portion 22 and the sheath 78 are folded into the three regions comprising a first region 39, a second region 41 and a third region. 43 divided by two fold axes F1 and F2 (referred to Figure 2). The first section 36, the second section 34 and the third section 32 of the main body portion 32 generally extend the first region 39, the second region 41 and the third region 43, respectively. The body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may be of any thickness, including relatively thick, intermediate thickness and relatively thin, or even very thin or (ultra-thin). An "ultrathin" sanitary napkin 20 as described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,950,264 and 5,009,653 issued to Osborn, preferably have a caliper less than about 3 mm. The embodiment of the sanitary napkin shown in the drawings is intended to be an example of a sanitary napkin of intermediate thickness. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 can also be relatively flexible, such that it is comfortable for the wearer. It should be understood that the sanitary napkin shown is only one embodiment, and that the wrapper of the present invention is not limited to being used with absorbent articles of the type or having the specific configurations shown in the drawings. Figure 3 shows the individual components of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 preferably comprises at least 3 main components. These include a liquid-permeable top sheet 38, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 40 and an absorbent core 42 positioned between the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40. The topsheet, the backsheet and the absorbent core can be assembled in a variety of configurations well known in the art (including layered or sandwich configurations) and wrapped or tube configurations). Suitable materials for the components of the main body portion 22, and some of the various configurations in which these components can be assembled, are generally described in U.S. Patent No. 4,321,924, entitled "Disposable absorbent article. edged ", issued to Ahr on March 30, 1982; U.S. Patent No. 4,425,130 entitled "Composite sanitary towel", issued to DesMarais on January 10, 1984; U.S. Patent No. 4,950,264 entitled "Flexible, thin sanitary towel", issued to Osborn on August 21, 1990; U.S. Patent No. 5,308,346, entitled "Elastic Sanitary Towel", issued to Sneller on May 3, 1994, and U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 entitled "Absorbing article having fins and zones of differential extension capacity" , issued to Lavash et al. on February 14, 1995. The main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 may also be composed of one or more extensible components such as those sanitary napkins, and the like described in the patent application of US Pat. United States Serial No. 07/915, 33 and 07 / 915,284 both filed July 23, 1992, in the name of Osborn et al. (PCT Publications Nos. WO 93/01785 and 93/01786, both published on February 4, 1993). Figures 1 to 3 show the preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 20 assembled in a sandwich construction, in which the upper sheet 38 and the backsheet 40 have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core 42. The sheet upper 38 and the rear sheet 40 extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 to form portions of the periphery 30. The upper sheet 38 is preferably attached to the side facing the body of the absorbent core 42 and the backsheet 40 is attached preferably on the side facing towards the garment of the absorbent core 42. The topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 can be attached to the absorbent core 42 in any suitable manner known in the art for this purpose such as by an open pattern. of adhesives. The portions of the upper sheet 38 and the rear sheet 40 that extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42 are also preferably bonded together. These portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 can also be joined in any suitable manner known in the art. Preferably, in the embodiment shown, these portions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40 are joined using adhesives on substantially all of the parts extending beyond the edges of the absorbent core 42, and a pleated seal around the periphery 30 of the main body portion 22 where the upper sheet 38 and the back sheet 40 are densified by the application of pressure or heat and pressure. The sanitary towel 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3, as discussed above, also comprises a pair of first fins 24 and a pair of second fins 25 that are attached to the main body portion 22. The first fins 24 extend laterally toward outside beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 from its proximal edges 44 towards its distant edges 46 (or "free ends"). The first fins 24 extend laterally outward from at least a portion of the first section 36 of the main body portion 22 and most of the first fins 24 extend into the first region 39 divided by the bending axes F1 and F2. The second fins 25 extend laterally outwardly beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 from their proximal edges 45 towards their distant edges 47 (or "free ends"). The second fins 25 are positioned adjacent an end edge 28 of the main body portion 22 spaced apart from the first fins 24 in the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 22. The second fins 25 extend laterally from at least a portion of the fin. second section 34 of main body portion 22 and most of second fins 25 extends in second region 41 divided by fold axis F2. The first fins 24 and the second fins 25 can be attached to the main body portion 22 in any suitable manner. The term "joined", as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly secured to the other element by attaching the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly secured to the other elements, by fixing the element to a member or intermediate members which in turn are fixed to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with the other element, that is, one element is essentially part of the other element. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the first fins 24 and the second fins 25 are integral with the main body portion 22 (i.e., the fins 24 and 25 comprise integral extensions of the backsheet 40. alternatively, the fins 24 and 25 may comprise integral extensions of the topsheet 38 and the backsheet 40).

In other alternate embodiments, the fins 24 and 25 may comprise one or more separate components that are attached to the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22. Preferably, in such a case, the fins 24 and 25 each comprise a separate component that is attached to the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22. In these alternate embodiments, the flaps 24 and 25 are preferably otherwise disengaged from the garment-facing side of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 between the points where these are attached to the main body portion 22 and to the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22. The vanes 24 and 25 in these latter embodiments can be attached to the side facing the the garment of the main body portion 22 by any suitable joining mechanism. Suitable attachment mechanisms include, but are not limited to adhesives and the like. The first fins 24 and the second fins 25 can be joined to the main body portion 22 by joining methods different from one another. The places or regions of the sanitary napkin 20 where the vanes 24 and 25 a (or extending from) the main body portion 22 are attached are referred to herein as "seams". These regions will typically be longitudinally oriented (or "longitudinal") junctures, such as juncture lines 48. These regions may be any of several curved or straight lines, but these are not limited to lines. In this way, the joints can comprise tabs, strips, intermittent lines and the like. The first fins 24 and the second fins 25 can be of any desired configuration, a preferred configuration being shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows that the first fins 24 are provided with zones of extension capacity (or "capacity zones"). differential extension 56"), on the front edge and on the trailing edge of each flap 24. The zones of extension capacity 56 release the stresses that are created in the first flaps 24 by folding the first flaps 24 around the crotch of the wearer's undergarment. The zone of extension 56 helps in this way to eliminate the bulge of the first fins 24 caused by said stresses. Preferably, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the extension capacity zone 56 comprises pre-rolled or "ring-rolled" regions of the first fins 24, in which the corrugations 58 define peaks and valleys that are oriented at an angle to of the main longitudinal centerline L. The structures suitable for providing the fins 24 with areas of extension capacity 56 are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,389,094 issued to Lavash et al., and in commonly assigned Sa copending US Patent Application No. 08 / 380,769, entitled "Absorbent article having fins with shirred portions", filed in the name of Sue A. Mills, on January 30, 1995. The sanitary napkin 20 preferably has two fasteners to secure the sanitary towel in place in a wearer's undergarment. Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred fastener arrangement which comprises a fastener of the main body portion (or central pad), such as the adhesive of the central pad 74, and fin fasteners, such as first fin adhesives 76 and second flap adhesives 77. The fasteners used with sanitary napkin 20 are not limited to adhesive fasteners. Any suitable type of fastener known in the art can be used for this purpose. For example, the sanitary napkin 20 can be secured in place within an undergarment of the wearer by mechanical fasteners such as VELCRO® or by a combination of adhesive and mechanical fasteners. However, for simplicity the fasteners will be described in terms of the adhesive fasteners and these fasteners are preferably pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners. Suitable pressure sensitive adhesive fasteners are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697.

The adhesive of the central pad 74, the first flap adhesives 76 and the second flap adhesives 77 can be provided in any suitable configuration. In the preferred embodiment shown, the central pad adhesive 74 is provided in the form of a longitudinally oriented adhesive strip that is centered around the main longitudinal center line L. the first flap adhesives 76 and the second flap adhesives 77 they are provided in the form of a generally rectangular adhesive patch on each first fin 24 and each second fin 25, respectively. The central pad adhesive 74 provides an adhesive bonding means for securing the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20 within the crotch portion of a panty. The first flap adhesives 76 are used to help hold the first flaps 24 in position after they are wrapped around the edges of the fin portion of the panty. The second flap adhesives 77 are used to help keep the second flaps 25 in position after they have been extended into the back region of the inner side of the panty. The fins can be held in the position by fixing the fins 24 to the undergarment or the opposite fin. Figures 1 to 3 and 5 to 6 show a preferred version of the wrapper 78 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, generally designated by the reference number 78, it comprises several elements. These elements may comprise integral parts of a member or an article. These elements comprising the envelope 78 include: a main wrapping sheet 80, an optional release component such as release paper or (release coating) 82 disposed on one side of the main wrapping sheet 80; a first fin fastener cover such as a first fin adhesive cover 84; a second cover of the fin fastener such as a second cover of the fin adhesive (or release liner 85). The first flap adhesive cover 84 and the second flap adhesive cover 85 can generally be placed in the third region 43. The main wrapping sheet 80 (or "wrapping sheet") is the part of the wrapping 78 that will be folded around the sanitary napkin 20 to provide an individual package to the sanitary napkin 20. The wrapping sheet 80 preferably covers and removably attaches to the adhesive of the central pad 74. The main wrapping sheet 80 preferably has dimensions that are slightly larger than those of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wrapping sheet 80 has longitudinal side portions 80D extending beyond the longitudinal side edges 26 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main shroud sheet 80 preferably also has a first end portion. 80a and a second end portion 80b, which extend beyond the end edges 28 of the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. It is recognized, however, that satisfactory protection of the sanitary napkin can be achieved. by a wrap that is not larger than the main body portion 22 of the sanitary napkin 20. The main shroud sheet 80 can be made from any suitable material. The main wrapping sheet 80 is preferably manufactured from a thin flexible material that is permeable to liquid such that the wrap 78 will be suitable for wrapping and disposing of a used sanitary napkin 20. For example, polyethylene films have been found to work well. The main wrapping sheet 80 may be provided with the optional release component such as release paper or (release coating) such that the main wrapping sheet 80 will detach from the adhesive of the middle pad 74 when the user removes the adhesive. sanitary towel 20 of the wrapper 78. If a separate release paper is used, this may comprise any suitable material known in the art for this purpose, such as coated papers. Suitable release papers are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,917,697. This release paper 82 can be laminated to the inner surface of the main wrapping sheet 80 as shown in Figures 3 and 6. If a release coating is used. The coating can be applied directly to the inner surface of the main wrapping sheet 80. This coating can comprise any material known in the art for this purpose, with silicone coatings being preferred, if a coating is used, the coating 82 can be provided by coating only that area of the main wrapping sheet 80 which will be substantially in contact with the adhesive of the central pad 76. Alternatively, the total internal surface of the main wrapping sheet 808 may be coated. The coating of the entire interior of a wrapper is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,181,6 0 entitled "Flexible container with non-tacky interior", which was issued to Quick et al. On January 26, 1993. The first Flap Adhesive Cover (or "Flap Detachment Strip") 84 covers and protects the first flap first adhesives 76 and holds the first flaps 24 in a folded position on top sheet 38 for packaging. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the first cover of the flap adhesive 84 extends from the first end portion 80A of the main wrapping sheet 80 in the third region 43. The first cover of the flap adhesive 84 it is preferably attached to the main wrapping sheet 80 and is inclined towards the main wrapping sheet 80 in such a way that it will remain in the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the first cover of the flap adhesive 84 is attached to the main wrap sheet 80 at the fixed end 84C. the distal end 84D of the first flap adhesive cover 84 extends toward the central portion 80C of the main wrapping sheet 80 and towards the first section 36 of the sanitary napkin 20 (ie, the first region 39). When the wrap 78 is in a flat configuration shown in Figure 1, the first flap adhesive cover 84 is located over the third section 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 (ie, the third region 43). The first cover of the fin adhesive 84 may be of any suitable size and shape. Although the Figures represent a first flap adhesive cover 84 that is wide enough to cover and protect the first flap adhesives 76. A flap adhesive cover 84 is also contemplated herein, which is of a width equal to width of the main wrapping sheet 80 or any width between them. The first flap adhesive cover 84 has two surfaces, one of which is a non-tacky surface (or peelable surface) 84A, which is capable of detachably joining the flap fasteners, and an opposing surface or side 84B. Preferably, as shown in Figure 6, the non-tacky surface 84A of the first flap adhesive cover 84 faces away from the main wrapping sheet 80, so that it will be able to removably adhere to the first flap adhesive 76. when the sanitary towel 20 and the wrapper 78 are in a folded configuration discussed below. When the first flap fasteners 76 comprise adhesive fasteners, the non-tacky surface 84A can be provided by attaching a separate release paper or element to the first flap cover 84, which is treated with a non-tacky material, or treating all or one part of the first cover of the fin adhesive 84 with a non-tacky coating, such as by silicone coating a portion of the first flap adhesive cover 84. Alternatively, if the first flap fasteners 76 comprise mechanical fasteners, such as the VELCRO® fasteners the non-tacky surface can be provided by a non-woven material capable of removably attaching to the mechanical fastening material. The opposite side 84B of the first flap adhesive cover 84 need not have and preferably does not have a release coating thereon. The opposite side 84B need not have a release liner since it will only be in contact with the upper sheet 38 in the first end region 32 of the sanitary napkin 20 (ie, the third region), when the sanitary napkin is disposed on the wrapper 78 and placed in the desired configuration. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the opposite side 84B which-does not have a release liner, is attached to the main wrapping sheet! 80 at the fixed end 84C applying the adhesive layer 83. Figure 8 shows a variation of the first flap adhesive cover 84, shown in the Figures of the preceding drawings. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, instead of being a separate component of the main wrapping sheet 80, the first flap adhesive cover 84 is an integral part of the main wrapping sheet 80. The second cover of the adhesive flap 85 (or "flap detachment strip"), cover and protect the second flap adhesives 77 and keep the second flaps 25 in the folded position on top sheet 38 for packaging. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 and 6, the second cover of the flap adhesive 85 extends into the third region 43 and joins the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. The Figures represent a second flap adhesive cover 85, which is only wide enough to cover and protect the second flap adhesives 77. However, a second flap adhesive cover 85, which is of a width equal to the width of The main wrapping sheet 80 or any width between them, is also contemplated herein. The second flap adhesive cover 85 has two surfaces, one of which is a non-tacky surface 85A (or release surface), which is capable of removably attaching with the fin fasteners and an opposing surface or side 85B. Preferably, as shown in Figure 5, the non-tacky surface 85A of the second flap adhesive cover 85 faces away from the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80 such that it will be able to detachably adhere to the outer surface 80E. second flap adhesive 77 when the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapper 78 are in a folded configuration discussed below. When the second flap fasteners 77 comprise adhesive fasteners, the non-tacky surface 85A can be provided by attaching a separate release paper or element to the second flap adhesive cover 85 which is treated with a non-tacky material, or treating all or a portion of the second flap adhesive cover 85 with a non-tacky coating, such as by silicone coating a portion of the second flap adhesive cover 85. Alternatively, if the second flap fasteners 77 comprise mechanical fasteners such Like the VELCRO® fasteners, the non-tacky surface can be provided by a non-woven material capable of removably attaching to the mechanical fastening material. The opposite side 85B of the second cover of the wing adhesive 85 need not have, and preferably does not have a release coating thereon. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the opposite side 85B that does not have a release coating is attached to the outer surface 80E by applying the adhesive layer 87. Alternately, the area of the outer surface 80 is of the main wrapping sheet 80 corresponding to the second cover of the wing fastener 85 can be detachably treated with a non-tacky coating, such as silicone. The wrap 78 preferably also comprises an optional packing fastener 86 for retaining the package formed by folding the wrapper and sanitary napkin in its folded configuration. The packing fastener 86 is preferably capable of releasably attaching to the package as resealable. The package fastener 86 may be comprised of any releasably resealable and resealable fastener known in the art, such as spots or patches of adhesive, tapes and mechanical fasteners. A tape tab with a pressure sensitive adhesive located thereon has been found to work well. The pack holder 86 may be disposed at any suitable location on the wrapper 78. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pack holder 86 is preferably positioned on the second opposite end portion 80B of the main wrapper sheet 80. For the initial packing of the sanitary napkin 20 within the wrapper 78, e! the garment facing side 20B of the main body portion 22 is placed on the upper part of the main wrapping sheet 80. The sanitary napkin 20 is placed in such a way that the holder of the central pad 74 is placed on the paper of release or release coating 82 on the main wrapping sheet 80. The first fins 24 and the second fins 25 are then preferably folded on the upper sheet 38, such that the first fins 24 and the second fins 25 are in the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3. The folding of the vanes 24 and 25 in the configuration shown in Figure 2 and 3, exposes the adhesive patches 76 and 77 disposed on the garment facing side of the vanes 24 and 25, and causes the fins 24 and 25 to cover at least a portion of the backsheet 38. The folding of the fins 24 and 25 onto the topsheet 38 can, thus, be considered to provide a degree of p Rotection to prevent the upper sheet 38 from getting dirty before being used. In alternate embodiments, wherein one or both of the first fins 24 have a greater spacing (i.e., their dimension measured in the transverse direction), the first fins 24 can be folded over the upper sheet 38 in such a way that one of the first fins 24 at least partly cover the other fin 24 as shown in Figure 4). The first fin 24B covers, joins and protects the fin 76 attachment means of the first fin 24A. the flap adhesive cover 84 will then cover, join and protect the flap fastener 76 of the first flap 24B. The second fins 25 can have the same structure as the first fins 24 having a greater extension. After folding the fins 24 and 25 on the upper sheet 38, the sanitary napkin 20 and the main wrapping sheet 80 will then preferably be folded in the regions that are defined by the bending axes F1 and F2, shown in Figure 2. The fold axes F1 and F2 will divide both the sanitary napkin 20 and the main shroud sheet 80 into three regions comprising the first region 39, the second region 4i, and the third region 43. As shown in Figure 2, the central region, the first region), 39 is preferably located between the fold axes F1 and F2. The second and third regions 41 and 43 are located longitudinally outward of the fold axes F1 and F2. As described above, the main body portion 22 is also separated in the fold axes F1 and F2 into three sections, the first region 36 comprising the second section 34 and the third section 32. Each section 36, 34 and 32 generally extend in each region 39, 41 and 43, respectively. Figure 9 depicts the package for the sanitary towel formed by folding the wrapper 78 and the sanitary towel 20 in a preferred configuration for shipping, sale and convenient transportation by the user. As shown in Figure 9, that is, the first portion 80A of the casing, together with the third section 32 of the main body portion 32, the first adhesive cover 84 and the second cover of the adhesive flap 85 is folded about the fold axis Fl over the first region 39. (ie, the first flap adhesive 76 of the first flaps 24, the first section 36 of the body portion 22 and the main portion 80C of the main wrapper 80. When the sanitary napkin 20 is folded to the wrapper 78 in this manner, the non-tacky surface 84A of the first flap adhesive cover 84 is placed on The first fasteners of the flap 76 and removably attaches to each adhesive patch 76. In addition, the first flap adhesive cover 84 provides a connection between each flap 24 encompassing the flaps 24, thereby holding the first flaps 24 in place. the desired position until the first cover of the flap adhesive 84 is removed The second region 41 (ie, the second end portion 80B of the main casing 80), together with the second section 34 of the po The main body portion, and the second flap adhesive 77 of the second flaps 25) is then bent around the fold axis F2 on the third region 43 (ie, the outer surface 80 is of the main wrap sheet 80. When the sanitary towel 20 and the wrap 78 are folded in this manner, the non-sticky surface 85A of the second flap adhesive cover 85 is placed over the second fin fasteners 77 and removably attached to each adhesive patch 77. By pressing the tab 186 on the outside of the wrapper 78 in the position shown in Figure 9, the sanitary pad 20, its fins 24 and the wrapper 78 remain in the configuration shown. In a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 9. The edge 74A of the adhesive of the central pad 74 in the third region 41 may extend adjacent to the end edge 28 of the main body portion 22 beyond the edge 77A of the second adhesive of the second adhesive. flap 77 at a distance S. when the second region 41 is bent over the third region 43 as shown in Figure 9, the edge 87A (referred to in Figure 5) of the adhesive layer 87 may extend adjacent to the second portion of end 80B of the main wrapping sheet 80 beyond the edge 77A of the second fin adhesive 77 at a distance T. The adhesive layer 87 affixes the second flap adhesive cover 85 to the main wrapper sheet 80. Preferably, to complete the individual packing of the towel sanitary 20 in the wrapper 78 of the present invention, each longitudinal side edge 80D of the main wrapper sheet 80 is then frangibly sealed after the sanitary pad 20 and the wrapper 78 are in the folded configuration shown in Figure 9 The frangible seal of the side edges 80D of the main wrapping sheet 80 can be effected by any suitable sealing technique. By way of example, only the longitudinal side edges 80D may be heat sealed, glued, or ultrasonically joined as shown in Figure 10. The total sanitary napkin 20 is thus protected until the wrapper 78 is opened. Suitable methods for frangibly sealing the longitudinal side edges are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,556,146 issued to Swanson. Several alternate embodiments of the present invention are possible. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 11, instead of extending only over part of the third section 32 of the main portion 22 (i.e. the third region 43), the first cover of the fin adhesive 84 can be made longer so that it extends from one of the longitudinal ends of the main wrapping sheet 80 lying on the first section 36 of the main body portion 32 (i.e., the first region 39), so that it covers the first flap adhesives 76 when the wrap 78 and the sanitary napkin 20 are in an unfolded condition. In this embodiment the non-tacky side 84A of the first cover of the adhesive 84 will face inward towards the main wrapping sheet 80 and the objectives of the invention will be achieved without regard to the folded back configuration of the wrapping 78 and the towel 20. As a result, the wrapper 78 and the sanitary napkin 20 can be folded on themselves about the axes F1 and F2, or in any other way to provide the individually packaged absorbent article of the present invention. The various embodiments of the wrap described herein can be made in a suitable manner. The fin adhesive covers 84 and 85 can be made of the same material as the main wrapping sheet or any adhesive adhesive material known in the art. The adhesive covers 84 and 85, if they are separate elements, can be attached to the main wrapping sheet 80 at any time during the manufacture of the individually packaged sanitary towel 20 of the present invention. Preferably, for ease of fabrication the first flap adhesive cover 84 will be attached to the main wrapping sheet 80 after the sanitary napkin 20 is already placed on the main wrapping sheet 80. This will eliminate the need to fold the first cover of the flap adhesive 84 backward as shown in Figure 7, to allow the sanitary napkin 20 to be placed on the main wrapper sheet 80. The peeling paper or the release coating 82 on the main wrapper sheet 80, the non-sticky surface 84 on the first cover of the flap adhesive 84 and the non-tacky surface 85A on the second cover of the adhesive 85 can be applied either before or after the fin adhesive covers 84 and 85 are attached to the main wrapping sheet 80. Preferably for ease of manufacture, these articles are applied before the fin adhesive covers 84 are bonded and 85 to the main wrapping sheet 80. More preferably, for ease of manufacture, the first flap adhesive cover 84 and the second cover of the second flap adhesive cover 85 can be placed over the first fins 24 and the second fin. 25 respectively, as shown in Figure 12, before the flap adhesive covers 84 and 85 are bonded to the main wrap sheet 80. The non-tacky surface 84A covers the first flap adhesives 76 and the non-tacky surface 85A covers the second flap adhesives 77. Opposite sides 84B and 85B that are not detachably treated can be provided with the adhesive layers 83 and 87, respectively, either before or after the flap adhesive fins are placed. 84 and 85 on the fins 24 and 25. Then the third region 43 is bent towards the first region 39, and the adhesive layer 83 applied to the first cover of the fin adhesive 84 is attached in a non-detachable manner. resilient to the first end portion 80A of the main wrapping sheet 80. After this the second region 41 is bent towards the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80 and the third region 43 as shown in Figure 9, and the adhesive layer 87 applied to the second flap adhesive cover 85 is non-releasably attached to the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. When the individually packaged sanitary napkin 20 is opened, the first cover of the adhesive flap 84 is removed from the first flap 24 but remains with the first end portion 80A of the main wrapping sheet 80, The second flap adhesive cover 85 is also removed from the second flaps, but remains with the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. The consumer will ordinarily wear the individually packaged sanitary napkin of the present invention in the manner illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. Co As shown in Figure 13, the individually packaged sanitary napkin of the present invention can be opened by separating the tape tab 86 from the wrapper 78 and breaking the frangible seals along the longitudinal side edges 80D of the slip sheet. main wrapper 80. Second flap adhesives 77 are separated from the second adhesive cover 85 and exposed. The second cover of the flap adhesive 85 remains on the outer surface 80E of the main wrapping sheet 80. This gives the consumer access to the end edge 28 of the main body portion 22 of the second region 41. The consumer can then grasping the end edge 28 of the main body portion 22 of the second region 41 and pulling the tape tab 86 of the sanitary napkin 20 as shown in Figure 13. As the sanitary napkin 20 is separated from the sheath 78, the adhesive of the central pad 74 is separated from the release paper 82. When the first section 36 and the second portion 34 of the main body portion 22 separate from the wrap 78, the first cover of the adhesive of the fin 84 begins at Separate from the first flap adhesives 76 provided on the first flaps 24 as shown in Figure 14. The sanitary napkin 20 is pulled further from the wrap 78, the sanitary napkin 20 and the wrapper 78 are separated one from the other. The separation of the sanitary napkin 20 from the sheath 78 is preferably achieved in a simple movement. In the preferred embodiment described above, when the second region 41 is separated from the third region 43 (i.e., when the second adhesive 77 is separated from the second flap adhesive cover 85), the second cover of the flap adhesive 85 does not will move with the second fin adhesive 77 and will not separate from the outer surface 80E, because the edge 87A (referring to Figures 5 and 9), of the adhesive layer 87 extends adjacent the second end portion 80B of the wrapping sheet main 80, beyond the edge 77A of the second fin adhesive 77 at a distance T. in addition, because the edge 74A of the adhesive of the central pad 74 in the third region 41 extends adjacent the end edge 28 of the body portion 22 beyond the edge 77A of the second flap adhesive 77 at a distance F, the end edge 28 of the second section 36 will move with the main wrapping sheet 80 and then the second flap adhesive 77 will separate from the second cover of the flap adhesive 85. The structure provided gives the consumer the easy operation of separating the second region 41 from the third region 43. Once the sanitary napkin is removed from the wrapper 78 and installed in the pantyhose of the user, the consumer can fold the wrap 78 in its folded orientation, and gather the resealable strip of tape 80 to the wrap 78. The consumer can then store the folded wrap 78 to re-wrap and dispose of the sanitary napkin used. The user need not worry about collecting the loose flap adhesive release strips, which were previously required, since all of these release strips are attached to or integral with the wrapper 78. The present invention, therefore, provides the user with a clean sanitary towel 20 that is easily installed and without extra pieces of waste to be collected. Disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patents issued thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent publications), and publications mentioned throughout this description are hereby incorporated by reference herein. However, it is not expressly admitted that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It should be recognized that the above detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is given by way of illustration only, and that numerous modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention will be determined with reference to the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising: (a) an absorbent article extending in a longitudinal direction and comprising a main body portion having a pair of longitudinal side edges, a pair of end edges, a garment surface and a surface of body, wherein the garment surface of the main body portion can be placed in an undergarment of the wearer, and the absorbent article comprises a pair of first flaps attached to the main body portion and extending laterally outwardly beyond a longitudinal side edge of the main body portion and a pair of second wings joined to the main body portion spaced apart from the first wings in the longitudinal direction and extending laterally outwardly beyond a longitudinal side edge of the body portion main, where the pledge surface of each of the first and second fins s comprises a first fin fastener and a second fin fastener, and the first and second fins are bent over the body surface of the main body portion to expose the fin fasteners; (b) a wrapper for the absorbent article, the wrapper comprising a main wrap sheet and a first fin clip cover, wherein; (c) the main wrapping sheet comprising a pair of longitudinal side portions, a pair of end portions, an inner surface facing the main body portion and an outer surface, the main wrapping sheet is placed adjacent to the surface garment of the main body portion, wherein the main wrapping sheet and the main body portion of the absorbent article, comprise at least two transverse axes and at least three regions divided by two axes, wherein the three regions comprise a first region in which it extends a majority of the first fins, a second region in which it extends a majority of the second fins and a third region, (d) the first fin fastener cover is attached to at least a part of the leaf of the main envelope of the third region where; (e) the main wrapping sheet and the main body portion of the absorbent article are folded as a unit about an axis of the two shafts, such that most of the first wings face towards the main body portion of the third region, and the first region of the flap fastener is removably attached to the first fasteners, and (f) the main wrap sheet of the absorbent article is folded as a unit around the other axis of the two shafts, in such a way that the majority of the second fins face towards the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet, and the second fin clips of the second fins are attached to the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article further comprises a second fin fastener cover removably attached to the second fin fastener of the second fins, wherein the second fin fastener cover is attached to the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the first fin fastener cover comprises a separate element attached to the main wrapping sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the first region is positioned between the second region and the third region, the third region is bent over the main body portion of the first region such that the sheet The main wrap faces outward, and the second region is bent over the main wrap sheet of the third region. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the portions of the longitudinal edge of the main wrapping sheet extend beyond the longitudinal side edges of the main body portion of the absorbent article, at least one end portion of the main wrapping sheet of the third region extends beyond the end edge of the main body portion of the third region, and the first fin fastener cover of the first fin fastener is attached to the end portion of the main wrapping sheet of the third region. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article further comprises a fastener of the main body portion that is disposed on the garment surface of the main body portion and extends the longitudinal direction, wherein the The fastener of the main body portion extends adjacent to the end edge of the main body portion, beyond the second fin fastener of the second fins. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the first region is positioned between the second region and the third region wherein the third region is bent over the main body portion of the first region, such that the The main wrapping sheet faces outward, and the second region is folded over the third region such that the second cover of the wing fastener faces the outer surface of the main wrapping sheet of the third region. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the second cover of the fin fastener is attached to the outer surface of the main cover sheet of the third region at least at a point adjacent the end portion of the Main wrapping sheet of the second region beyond the second wing clip of the second wings. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the absorbent article further comprises a fastener of the main body portion, which is disposed on the garment surface of the main body portion and extends in the longitudinal direction , wherein the fastener of the main body portion extends adjacent to the end edge of the main body portion beyond the second fin fastener of the second fins. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the main wrapping sheet and the fin fastener covers can be removed from both of the main body portion of the absorbent article and the fins in a simple movement.