US20200229985A1 - Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process - Google Patents

Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process Download PDF

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Publication number
US20200229985A1
US20200229985A1 US16/750,089 US202016750089A US2020229985A1 US 20200229985 A1 US20200229985 A1 US 20200229985A1 US 202016750089 A US202016750089 A US 202016750089A US 2020229985 A1 US2020229985 A1 US 2020229985A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
pad
pads
backsheet
package
separation
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US16/750,089
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sion Agami
Dale F. Bittner
Ryan Breehne
Angila A. Darcy
Benjamin P. Goodman
Mathias J. Hilpert
Andrew Saksa
Curtis Vanvalkenburgh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Docketing Central
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Docketing Central
Procter and Gamble Co
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Docketing Central, Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Docketing Central
Priority to US16/750,089 priority Critical patent/US20200229985A1/en
Assigned to DOCKETING, CENTRAL reassignment DOCKETING, CENTRAL ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BREEHNE, RYAN, VANVALKENBURGH, CURTIS, GOODMAN, BENJAMIN P, HILPERT, MATHIAS J, BITTNER, DALE F, SAKSA, Andrew, AGAMI, SION, DARCY, ANGILA A
Publication of US20200229985A1 publication Critical patent/US20200229985A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/551—Packaging before or after use
    • A61F13/5513—Packaging before or after use packaging of feminine sanitary napkins
    • A61F13/55135—Packaging before or after use packaging of feminine sanitary napkins before use
    • A61F13/5514—Packaging before or after use packaging of feminine sanitary napkins before use each item packaged single
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
    • A61F13/15666—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs
    • A61F13/15674—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs by wrapping webs or pads between webs moving in their longitudinal direction
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    • A61F13/15682—Wrapping formed fibrous webs or pads, e.g. the pads being formed by uniting pad pieces cut from fibrous webs by folding webs, moving in their longitudinal direction, around webs or pads
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    • A61F13/511—Topsheet, i.e. the permeable cover or layer facing the skin
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    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
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    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F13/531—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530802—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent
    • A61F2013/53081—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent with special pore dimension or arrangement
    • A61F2013/530817—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium characterized by the foam or sponge other than superabsorbent with special pore dimension or arrangement being open cells
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/534—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/537—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer
    • A61F13/53708—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction
    • A61F2013/53721—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having an inhomogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad characterised by a layer facilitating or inhibiting flow in one direction or plane, e.g. a wicking layer the layer having a promotional function on liquid propagation in at least one direction with capillary means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/56—Supporting or fastening means
    • A61F13/58—Adhesive tab fastener elements
    • A61F2013/582—Adhesive tab fastener elements with one strip on one place

Definitions

  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a feminine hygiene pad, open and laid out flat, topsheet side facing the viewer.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic lateral cross section of the feminine hygiene pad of FIG. 1 , taken along line 2 A- 2 A in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 2B is a view of portion 2 B of the drawing of FIG. 2A , enlarged to depict sublayers of an absorbent layer.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of the feminine hygiene pad of FIG. 1 , shown with side portions folded laterally over and inwardly alongside longitudinal fold lines.
  • FIG. 4A is a schematic side view of a feminine hygiene pad folded in four sections in a roll fold configuration, with a main fold nose oriented toward the top of the figure.
  • FIG. 4B is a schematic side view of a feminine hygiene pad folded in four section in a book jacket fold configuration, with a main fold nose oriented toward the top of the figure.
  • FIG. 4C is a schematic front view of a folded feminine hygiene pad, with a main fold nose oriented toward the top of the figure.
  • FIG. 5A is a front view of an envelope package in an opened configuration.
  • FIG. 5B is a schematic cross section of the package as shown in FIG. 5A , taken along line 5 B- 5 B in FIG. 5A .
  • FIG. 6A is a front view of an envelope package in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 6B is a schematic cross section of the package as shown in FIG. 6A , taken along line 6 B- 6 B in FIG. 6A .
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the closed envelope package as shown in FIG. 6A , showing positioning of a folded feminine hygiene pad within the package.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the closed envelope package as shown in FIG. 5A , showing positioning of a folded feminine hygiene pad within the package.
  • FIG. 9A is a front view of another example of an envelope package in an opened configuration.
  • FIG. 9B is a schematic cross section of the package as shown in FIG. 9A , taken along line 9 B- 9 B in FIG. 9A .
  • FIG. 10A is a front view of an another example of an envelope package in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 10B is a schematic cross section of the package as shown in FIG. 10A , taken along line 10 B- 10 B in FIG. 10A .
  • FIG. 10C is a front view of an another example of an envelope package in an opened configuration.
  • FIG. 10D is a front view of an another example of an envelope package in a closed configuration.
  • FIG. 11A is a schematic plan view depiction of an example of process flow for finishing and packaging feminine hygiene pads.
  • FIG. 11B is a schematic plan view depiction of an alternative example of a portion of the process flow depicted in FIG. 11A .
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic side view depiction of operating components of an example of a separation unit, shown operating with a series of folded pads.
  • FIG. 13A is an expanded plan view depiction of a portion of backsheet adhesive coversheet supply web with separation perforations.
  • FIG. 13B is an expanded plan view depiction of a portion of the backsheet adhesive coversheet supply web shown in FIG. 13A , following separation along separation perforations to form a backsheet adhesive coversheet.
  • FIG. 14A is a plan view of a portion of continuous package film stock bearing applied flap stickers.
  • FIG. 14B is a cross section of the package film stock depicted in FIG. 14A , taken along line 14 B- 14 B shown in FIG. 14A .
  • FIG. 15 is a view of the cross section of FIG. 14B , further depicting a location of disposition of a folded pad relative thereto, in preparation for flow wrapping.
  • FIG. 16 is an expanded cross section view of the elements depicted in FIG. 15 , following their exit from a flow-wrap unit.
  • lateral refers to a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel the horizontal planar surface.
  • Width refers to a dimension measured along a lateral direction.
  • “longitudinal” refers to a direction parallel with the line along which the length is measured, and parallel to the horizontal planar surface. “Length” refers to a dimension measured in the longitudinal direction.
  • front With respect to a feminine hygiene pad, the terms “front,” “rear,” “forward” and “rearward” relate to features or regions of the pad in a position as it would ordinarily be worn by a user, and the front and rear of the user's body when standing.
  • z-direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal planar surface.
  • z-direction at any particular point location on the pad refers to a direction normal to the wearer-facing surface of the pad at the particular point location.
  • “wearer-facing” is a relative locational term referring to a feature of a component or structure of the pad that when in use that lies closer to the wearer than another feature of the component or structure that lies along the same z-direction.
  • a topsheet has a wearer-facing surface that lies closer to the wearer than the opposite, outward-facing surface of the topsheet.
  • outward-facing is a relative locational term referring to a feature of a component or structure of the pad that when in use that lies farther from the wearer than another feature of the component or structure that lies along the same z-direction.
  • a topsheet has an outward-facing surface that lies farther from the wearer than the opposite, wearer-facing surface of the topsheet.
  • a feminine hygiene pad 10 may include a liquid permeable topsheet 20 , a liquid impermeable backsheet 30 and an absorbent layer 40 disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.
  • the absorbent layer has an outer perimeter 41 .
  • the topsheet and the backsheet may be bonded together in laminated fashion by any suitable mechanism including but not limited to adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, pressure bonding, etc., thereby retaining and holding the absorbent layer 40 in place between the topsheet 20 and the backsheet 30 .
  • Pad 10 may include opposing wing portions 15 extending laterally outside of perimeter 41 by a comparatively greater width dimension than the main portion of the pad.
  • Wing portions 15 may be formed of lateral extensions of the material forming the topsheet 20 , backsheet 30 , or both together.
  • the outward-facing surface of the backsheet forming the undersides of the main portion and the wing portions may have deposits of adhesive 35 thereon.
  • Adhesive deposits 35 may be provided to enable the user to adhere the pad to the inside of her underpants in the crotch region thereof, and wrap the wing portions through and around the inside edges of the leg openings of the underpants and adhere them to the outside/underside of the underpants in the crotch region, providing supplemental holding support and helping guard the leg edges of the underpants against soiling.
  • adhesive deposits 35 may be covered by one or more removable sheets of release film or paper (not shown) that cover the adhesive deposits 35 and shield them from contact with other surfaces until the user is ready to remove the sheets and place the pad for use.
  • the length LP of the pad may be desired to limit the length LP of the pad to no greater than 32 cm, more preferably no greater than 29 cm, and even more preferably no greater than 26 cm.
  • the length LAL of the absorbent layer also measured in the longitudinal direction
  • Topsheet 20 may be formed of any suitable liquid permeable web material. Referring back to the figures, the topsheet 20 is positioned adjacent a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent layer 40 and may be joined thereto and to the backsheet 30 by any suitable attachment or bonding method. The topsheet 20 and the backsheet 30 may be joined directly to each other in the peripheral regions outside the perimeter 41 of the absorbent layer 40 and may be indirectly joined by directly joining them respectively to wearer-facing and outward-facing surfaces of the absorbent layer or additional optional layers included with the pad.
  • Topsheet 20 may be formed of any liquid pervious web material that is suitably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Suitable topsheet materials include a liquid pervious material that contacts the body of the wearer and permits menstrual fluid discharges to rapidly penetrate through it.
  • a suitable topsheet can be made of various materials such as woven and nonwoven materials; apertured film materials including apertured formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and fiber-entangled apertured films; hydro-formed thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; thermoplastic scrims; or combinations thereof.
  • Some suitable examples of films that can be utilized as topsheets are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135; 4,324,246; 4,342,314; 4,463,045; 5,006,394; 4,609,518; and 4,629,643.
  • Nonlimiting examples of woven and nonwoven web materials that may be suitable for use as the topsheet include fibrous materials made from natural fibers, modified natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. Some suitable examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,950,264, 4,988,344; 4,988,345; 3,978,185; 7,785,690; 7,838,099; 5,792,404; and 5,665,452.
  • the topsheet may comprise tufts as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,728,049; 7,553,532; 7,172,801; 8,440,286; 7,648,752; and 7,410,683.
  • the topsheet may have a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,655,176 or 7,402,723. Additional examples of suitable topsheet materials include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,614,365; 8,704,036; 6,025,535 and US 2015/041640.
  • Another suitable topsheet may be formed from a three-dimensional substrate as detailed in US 2017/0258647.
  • the topsheet may have one or more layers, as described in US 2016/0167334; US 2016/0166443; and US 2017/0258651.
  • the topsheet may be apertured, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097.
  • component nonwoven web material from which topsheet 20 be cut may be a nonwoven web material that includes or consists predominately (by weight) or entirely of cellulosic plant fibers such as fibers of cotton, flax, hemp, jute or mixtures thereof, that are either naturally hydrophilic or suitably processed so as be rendered hydrophilic (or have increased hydrophilicity) and processed to be suitably soft.
  • Plant-based fibers may be preferred to appeal to consumer preferences for natural products.
  • semisynthetic fibers derived from cellulosic material such as rayon (including viscose, lyocell, MODAL (a product of Lenzing AG, Lenzing, Austria) and cuprammonium rayon) may be used.
  • a topsheet cut from a carded nonwoven including or consisting predominately (by weight) or entirely of cotton fibers may be preferred.
  • the nonwoven web material may be formed via a carding process.
  • the nonwoven web material may be formed in a co-forming process in which plant-based fibers of finite lengths are physically blended or mixed with streams of filaments of indefinite lengths, spun from polymeric resin, and laid down on a forming belt to form a web as described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,017,534; 4,100,324; US 2003/0200991; U.S. Pat. No.
  • the topsheet be disposed in direct face-to-face relationship with the absorbent layer, with no intervening layer disposed therebetween.
  • an intervening layer if included (such as a secondary topsheet or acquisition layer), may be formed of a nonwoven web material having a basis weight no greater than 30 gsm, more preferably no greater than 25 gsm, even more preferably no greater than 20 gsm, and still more preferably no greater than 15 gsm.
  • the absorbent layer 40 may be formed of or include a layer of absorbent open-celled foam material.
  • the foam material may include at least first and second sublayers 40 a , 40 b ( FIG. 2B ) of absorbent open-celled foam material, the sublayers being in direct face-to-face contact with each other.
  • the wearer-facing sublayer may be a relatively larger-celled foam material
  • the outward-facing sublayer may be a relatively smaller-celled foam material, for purposes explained in more detail below.
  • the layer of absorbent open-celled foam material provide the majority, substantially most or all of the absorption capacity of the pad. This feature minimizes the number of components present to impart bulk to the pad when folded and packaged, and when in use.
  • the open-celled foam material may be a foam material that is manufactured via polymerization of the continuous oil phase of a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion (“HIPE”).
  • HIPE water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion
  • a water-in-oil HIPE has two phases.
  • One phase is a continuous oil phase comprising monomers to be polymerized, and an emulsifier to help stabilize the HIPE.
  • the oil phase may also include one or more photoinitiators.
  • the monomer component may be present in an amount of from about 80% to about 99%, and in certain examples from about 85% to about 95% by weight of the oil phase.
  • the emulsifier component which is soluble in the oil phase and suitable for forming a stable water-in-oil emulsion may be present in the oil phase in an amount of from about 1% to about 20% by weight of the oil phase.
  • the emulsion may be formed at an emulsification temperature of from about 20° C. to about 130° C. and in certain examples from about 50° C. to about 100° C.
  • the monomers will include from about 20% to about 97% by weight of the oil phase at least one substantially water-insoluble monofunctional alkyl acrylate or alkyl methacrylate.
  • monomers of this type may include C4-C18 alkyl acrylates and C2-C18 methacrylates, such as ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, octyl acrylate, nonyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, tetradecyl acrylate, benzyl acrylate, nonyl phenyl acrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, octyl methacrylate, nonyl methacrylate, decyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, dodecyl methacrylate, tetradecyl methacrylate,
  • the oil phase may also comprise from about 2% to about 40%, and in certain examples from about 10% to about 30%, by weight of the oil phase, a substantially water-insoluble, polyfunctional crosslinking alkyl acrylate or methacrylate.
  • This crosslinking comonomer, or crosslinker is added to confer strength and resilience to the resulting HIPE foam.
  • Examples of crosslinking monomers of this type comprise monomers containing two or more activated acrylate, methacrylate groups, or combinations thereof.
  • Nonlimiting examples of this group include 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate, 1,4-butanedioldimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,1 2-dodecyldimethacrylate, 1,14-tetradecanedioldimethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, neopentyl glycol diacrylate (2,2-dimethylpropanediol diacrylate), hexanediol acrylate methacrylate, glucose pentaacrylate, sorbitan pentaacrylate, and the like.
  • crosslinkers contain a mixture of acrylate and methacrylate moieties, such as ethylene glycol acrylate-methacrylate and neopentyl glycol acrylate-methacrylate.
  • the ratio of methacrylate:acrylate group in the mixed crosslinker may be varied from 50:50 to any other ratio as needed.
  • Any third substantially water-insoluble comonomer may be added to the oil phase in weight percentages of from about 0% to about 15% by weight of the oil phase, in certain examples from about 2% to about 8%, to modify properties of the HIPE foams.
  • “toughening” monomers may be desired which impart toughness to the resulting HIPE foam. These include monomers such as styrene, vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, isoprene, and chloroprene.
  • Monomers may be added to confer color, for example vinyl ferrocene, fluorescent properties, radiation resistance, opacity to radiation, for example lead tetraacrylate, to disperse charge, to reflect incident infrared light, to absorb radio waves, to form a wettable surface on the HIPE foam struts, or for any other desired property in a HIPE foam.
  • these additional monomers may slow the overall process of conversion of HIPE to HIPE foam, the tradeoff being necessary if the desired property is to be conferred.
  • such monomers can be used to slow down the polymerization rate of a RIPE.
  • Examples of monomers of this type comprise styrene and vinyl chloride.
  • the oil phase may further contain an emulsifier used for stabilizing the HIPE.
  • Emulsifiers used in a HIPE can include: (a) sorbitan monoesters of branched C16-C24 fatty acids; linear unsaturated C16-C22 fatty acids; and linear saturated C12-C14 fatty acids, such as sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monomyristate, and sorbitan monoesters, sorbitan monolaurate diglycerol monooleate (DGMO), polyglycerol monoisostearate (PGMIS), and polyglycerol monomyristate (PGMM); (b) polyglycerol monoesters of -branched C16-C24 fatty acids, linear unsaturated C16-C22 fatty acids, or linear saturated C12-C14 fatty acids, such as diglycerol monooleate (for example diglycerol monoesters of C18:1 fatty acids), diglycerol monomyristate,
  • PGS polyglycerol succinate
  • Such emulsifiers, and combinations thereof, may be added to the oil phase so that they comprise between about 1% and about 20%, in certain examples from about 2% to about 15%, and in certain other examples from about 3% to about 12% by weight of the oil phase
  • coemulsifiers may also be used to provide additional control of cell size, cell size distribution, and emulsion stability, particularly at higher temperatures, for example greater than about 65° C.
  • coemulsifiers include phosphatidyl cholines and phosphatidyl choline-containing compositions, aliphatic betaines, long chain C12-C22 dialiphatic quaternary ammonium salts, short chain C1-C4 dialiphatic quaternary ammonium salts, long chain C12-C22 dialkoyl(alkenoyl)-2-hydroxyethyl, short chain C1-C4 dialiphatic quaternary ammonium salts, long chain C12-C22 dialiphatic imidazolinium quaternary ammonium salts, short chain C1-C4 dialiphatic imidazolinium quaternary ammonium salts, long chain C12-C22 monoaliphatic benzyl quaternary ammonium salts, long chain C12-C22 dialkoyl(alkenoyl)-2-aminoethyl, short chain C1-C4 monoaliphatic benzyl quaternary
  • Photoinitiators may comprise between about 0.05% and about 10%, and in certain examples between about 0.2% and about 10% by weight of the oil phase. Lower amounts of photoinitiator allow light to better penetrate the HIPE foam, which can provide for polymerization deeper into the HIPE foam. However, if polymerization is done in an oxygen-containing environment, there should be enough photoinitiator to initiate the polymerization and overcome oxygen inhibition. Photoinitiators can respond rapidly and efficiently to a light source with the production of radicals, cations, and other species that are capable of initiating a polymerization reaction.
  • the photoinitiators used in forming foams within contemplation of the present disclosure may absorb UV light at wavelengths of about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 800 nm, in certain examples about 250 nm to about 450 nm. If the photoinitiator is in the oil phase, suitable types of oil-soluble photoinitiators include benzyl ketals, ⁇ -hydroxyalkyl phenones, ⁇ -amino alkyl phenones, and acylphospine oxides.
  • photoinitiators examples include 2,4,6-[trimethylbenzoyldiphosphine]oxide in combination with 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-1-one (50:50 blend of the two is sold by Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Ludwigshafen, Germany as DAROCUR 4265); benzyl dimethyl ketal (sold by Ciba Geigy as IRGACURE 651); ⁇ -, ⁇ -dimethoxy- ⁇ -hydroxy acetophenone (sold by Ciba Specialty Chemicals as DAROCUR 1173); 2-methyl-1-[4-(methyl thio)phenyl]-2-morpholino-propan-1-one (sold by Ciba Specialty Chemicals as IRGACURE 907); 1-hydroxycyclohexyl-phenyl ketone (sold by Ciba Specialty Chemicals as IRGACURE 184); bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphineoxide (sold by Ci
  • the dispersed aqueous phase of a HIPE comprises water, and may also comprise one or more components, such as initiator, photoinitiator, or electrolyte, wherein in certain examples, the one or more components are at least partially water soluble.
  • One component of the aqueous phase may be a water-soluble electrolyte.
  • the water phase may contain from about 0.2% to about 40%, in certain examples from about 2% to about 20%, by weight of the aqueous phase of a water-soluble electrolyte.
  • the electrolyte minimizes the tendency of monomers, comonomers, and crosslinkers that are primarily oil soluble to also dissolve in the aqueous phase.
  • Examples of electrolytes include chlorides or sulfates of alkaline earth metals such as calcium or magnesium and chlorides or sulfates of alkali earth metals such as sodium.
  • Such electrolyte can include a buffering agent for the control of pH during the polymerization, including such inorganic counterions as phosphate, borate, and carbonate, and mixtures thereof.
  • a buffering agent for the control of pH during the polymerization including such inorganic counterions as phosphate, borate, and carbonate, and mixtures thereof.
  • Water soluble monomers may also be used in the aqueous phase, examples being acrylic acid and vinyl acetate.
  • the initiator can be present at up to about 20 mole percent based on the total moles of polymerizable monomers present in the oil phase. In certain examples, the initiator is present in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 10 mole percent based on the total moles of polymerizable monomers in the oil phase.
  • Suitable initiators include ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, 2,2′-azobis(N,N-dimethyleneisobutyramidine)dihydrochloride, azo initiators, redox couples like persulfate-bisulfate, persulfate-ascorbic acid, and other suitable redox initiators.
  • addition of the initiator to the monomer phase may be just after or near the end of emulsification.
  • Photoinitiators present in the aqueous phase may be at least partially water soluble and may comprise between about 0.05% and about 10%, and in certain examples between about 0.2% and about 10% by weight of the oil phase. Lower amounts of photoinitiator allow light to better penetrate the HIPE foam, which can provide for polymerization deeper into the HIPE foam. However, if polymerization is done in an oxygen-containing environment, there should be enough photoinitiator to initiate the polymerization and overcome oxygen inhibition. Photoinitiators can respond rapidly and efficiently to a light source with the production of radicals, cations, and other species that are capable of initiating a polymerization reaction.
  • the photoinitiators used to form foams within contemplation of the present disclosure may absorb UV light at wavelengths of from about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 800 nm, in certain examples from about 200 nm to about 350 nm, and in certain examples from about 350 nm to about 450 nm. If the photoinitiator is in the aqueous phase, suitable types of water-soluble photoinitiators include benzophenones, benzils, and thioxanthones.
  • photoinitiators examples include 2,2′-Azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane]dihydrochloride; 2,2′-Azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane]disulfate dehydrate; 2,2′-Azobis(1-imino-1-pyrrolidino-2-ethylpropane)dihydrochloride; 2,2′-Azobis[2-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propionamide]; 2,2′-Azobis(2-methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride; 2,2′-dicarboxymethoxydibenzalacetone, 4,4′-dicarboxymethoxydibenzalacetone, 4,4′-dicarboxymethoxydibenzalcyclohexanone, 4-dimethylamino-4′-carboxymethoxydibenzalacetone; and 4,4′-disulphoxymeth
  • antioxidants for example hindered phenolics, hindered amine light stabilizers
  • plasticizers for example dioctyl phthalate, dinonyl sebacate
  • flame retardants for example halogenated hydrocarbons, phosphates, borates, inorganic salts such as antimony trioxide or ammonium phosphate or magnesium hydroxide
  • dyes and pigments fluorescers
  • filler particles for example starch, titanium dioxide, carbon black, or calcium carbonate
  • fibers chain transfer agents
  • odor absorbers for example activated carbon particulates; dissolved polymers; dissolved oligomers; and the like.
  • HIPE foam is produced from the polymerization of the monomers comprising the continuous oil phase of a HIPE.
  • a HIPE foam layer may have one or more sublayers, and may be either homogeneous or heterogeneous polymeric open-celled foams. Homogeneity and heterogeneity relate to distinct layers within the same HIPE foam, which are similar in the case of homogeneous HIPE foams or which differ in the case of heterogeneous HIPE foams.
  • a heterogeneous HIPE foam may contain at least two distinct sublayers that differ with regard to their chemical composition, physical properties, or both; for example layers may differ with regard to one or more of foam density, polymer composition, specific surface area, or pore size (also referred to as cell size).
  • foam density also referred to as cell size
  • pore size also referred to as cell size
  • the average pore size in the respective sublayers may differ by at least about 20%, in certain examples by at least about 35%, and in still other examples by at least about 50%.
  • the differences in the sublayers of a HIPE foam layer relate to density
  • the densities of the layers may differ by at least about 20%, in certain examples by at least about 35%, and in still other examples by at least about 50%.
  • one layer of a HIPE foam has a density of 0.020 g/cc
  • another layer may have a density of at least about 0.024 g/cc or less than about 0.016 g/cc, in certain examples at least about 0.027 g/cc or less than about 0.013 g/cc, and in still other examples at least about 0.030 g/cc or less than about 0.010 g/cc.
  • the differences between the layers are related to the chemical composition of the HIPE or HIPE foam, the differences may reflect a relative amount difference in at least one monomer component, for example by at least about 20%, in certain examples by at least about 35%, and in still further examples by at least about 50%.
  • one sublayer of a HIPE or HIPE foam is composed of about 10% styrene in its formulation
  • another sublayer of the HIPE or HIPE foam may be composed of at least about 12%, and in certain examples of at least about 15%.
  • a HIPE foam layer structured to have distinct sublayers formed from differing HIPEs may provide a HIPE foam layer with a range of desired performance characteristics.
  • a HIPE foam absorbent layer comprising first and second foam sublayers, wherein a first wearer-facing sublayer has a relatively larger pore or cell size, than the second sublayer, may more quickly absorb incoming fluids than the second sublayer.
  • the first foam sublayer may be overlaid and be adjacent/continuous with or otherwise in contact with the second foam sublayer having relatively smaller pore sizes, and the second sublayer which exert greater capillary pressure and draw the acquired fluid from the first foam sublayer, restoring the first foam sublayer's ability to acquire more fluid.
  • HIPE foam pore sizes may range from 1 to 200 ⁇ m and in certain examples may be less than 100 HIPE foam layers of the present disclosure having two major parallel surfaces may be from about 0.5 to about 10 mm thick, and in certain examples from about 2 to about 10 mm.
  • the desired thickness of a HIPE foam layer will depend on the materials used to form the HIPE foam layer, the speed at which a RIPE is deposited on a belt, and the intended use of the resulting HIPE foam layer.
  • the HIPE foam layers of the present disclosure may be manufactured to be relatively open-celled. This refers to a structure in which the individual cells or pores of the HIPE foam layer are in substantially unobstructed communication with adjoining cells.
  • the cells in such substantially open-celled HIPE foam structures have intercellular openings or windows that are large enough to permit ready fluid transfer from one cell to its adjacent cells within the HIPE foam structure.
  • a HIPE foam is considered “open-celled” if at least about 80% of the cells in the HIPE foam that are at least 1 ⁇ m in size are in fluid communication with at least one adjoining cell.
  • HIPE foams are sufficiently hydrophilic to permit the HIPE foam to absorb aqueous fluids, for example the internal surfaces of a HIPE foam may be rendered hydrophilic by residual hydrophilizing surfactants or salts left in the HIPE foam following polymerization, by selected post-polymerization HIPE foam treatment procedures (as described hereafter), or combinations of both.
  • a HIPE foam layer may be flexible and exhibit an appropriate glass transition temperature (Tg).
  • Tg represents the midpoint of the transition between the glassy and rubbery states of the polymer.
  • HIPE foams that have a higher Tg than the temperature of use can be suitably strong but will also be relatively rigid and potentially prone to fracture.
  • regions of the HIPE foams of the current disclosure which exhibit either a relatively high Tg or excessive brittleness will be discontinuous. Since these discontinuous regions will also generally exhibit high strength, they can be prepared at lower densities without compromising the overall strength of the HIPE foam.
  • HIPE foams intended for applications requiring flexibility should contain at least one continuous region having a Tg as low as possible, so long as the overall HIPE foam has acceptable strength at in-use temperatures.
  • the Tg of this region will be less than about 40° C. for foams used at about ambient temperature conditions, in certain other examples less than about 30° C.
  • the Tg of the continuous region may be no more than 10° C. greater than the use temperature, in certain examples the same as use temperature, and in further examples about 10° C. less than use temperature wherein flexibility is desired. Accordingly, monomers are selected as much as possible that provide corresponding polymers having lower Tg's.
  • HIPE foams useful for forming absorbent layers and/or sublayers within contemplation of the present disclosure, and methods for their manufacture also include but are not necessarily limited to those foams and methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,045,890; 9,056,412; 8,629,192; 8,257,787; 7,393,878; 6,551,295; 6,525,106; 6,550,960; 6,406,648; 6,376,565; 6,372,953; 6,369,121; 6,365,642; 6,207,724; 6,204,298; 6,158,144; 6,107,538; 6,107,356; 6,083,211; 6,013,589; 5,899,893; 5,873,869; 5,863,958; 5,849,805; 5,827,909; 5,827,253; 5,817,704; 5,817,081; 5,795,921; 5,741,581; 5,652,194; 5,650,222; 5,632,
  • the absorbent layer formed of HIPE foam may include one or more patterns of perforations 42 , including at least a first pattern disposed within an expected discharge region overlying the intersection of longitudinal and lateral axes 100 , 200 of the pad. Perforations 42 may be punched, cut or otherwise formed through the entire z-direction depth of the HIPE foam absorbent layer, or only through a wearer-facing layer or partially into the wearer-facing portion thereof.
  • perforations 42 may serve as a group of reservoirs to receive, temporarily hold, and aid in distributing rapid discharges of relatively small quantities of menstrual fluid, until the HIPE foam has sufficient time to distribute and absorb the fluid via capillary action. Additionally, such perforations help decrease bending stiffness of the absorbent layer, which may help increase both comfort and foldability.
  • a more detailed description of configurations of such perforations in combination with examples of suitable absorbent layers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,211,078.
  • the backsheet 30 may be positioned adjacent an outward-facing surface of the absorbent layer 40 and may be joined thereto by any suitable attachment methods.
  • the backsheet 30 may be secured to the absorbent layer 40 by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of separate lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive.
  • the attachment method may include heat bonds, pressure bonds, ultrasonic bonds, dynamic mechanical bonds, or any other suitable attachment mechanisms or combinations thereof.
  • it is contemplated that the absorbent layer 40 is not joined directly to the backsheet 30 .
  • the backsheet 30 may be impervious, or substantially impervious, to liquids (e.g., urine, menstrual fluid) and may be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used.
  • liquids e.g., urine, menstrual fluid
  • flexible refers to materials which are compliant and will readily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body.
  • the backsheet 30 may prevent, or at least substantially inhibit, fluids absorbed and contained within the absorbent layer 40 from escaping and reaching articles of the wearer's clothing which may contact the pad 10 such as underpants and outer clothing.
  • the backsheet 30 may be made and/or adapted to permit vapor to escape from the absorbent layer 40 (i.e., the backsheet may be made to be breathable), while in other instances the backsheet 30 may be made so as not to permit vapors to escape (i.e., it may be made to be non-breathable).
  • the backsheet 30 may comprise a polymeric film such as thermoplastic films of polyethylene or polypropylene.
  • a suitable material for the backsheet 30 is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of from about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mils), for example. Any suitable backsheet known in the art may be utilized with the present invention.
  • backsheets are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,885,265; 4,342,314; and 4,463,045.
  • Suitable single layer breathable backsheets for use herein include those described for example in GB A 2184 389; GB A 2184 390; GB A 2184 391; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,591,523, 3,989,867, 3,156,242; WO 97/24097; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,623,464; 6,664,439 and 6,436,508.
  • the backsheet may have two layers: a first layer comprising a vapor permeable aperture-formed film layer and a second layer comprising a breathable microporous film layer, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,462,251.
  • Other suitable examples of dual or multi-layer breathable backsheets for use herein include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,881,489, 4,341,216, 4,713,068, 4,818,600; EP 203 821, EP 710 471; EP 710 472, and EP 0 793 952.
  • a particular folding arrangement for the pad, to be placed inside an individual package may be employed.
  • This folding arrangement can be facilitated in some circumstances by construction of a thin pad utilizing an open-cell foam HIPE material for the absorbent layer, as described above.
  • Open-celled HIPE foam provides advantages that include a thin and highly foldable but still suitably absorbent layer. It has been discovered that an absorbent layer of open-celled HIPE foam has greater resiliency and thereby enables a pad to take on less “set” from folding, than a pad having an absorbent layer of other absorbent materials that may cellulosic fiber and absorbent gelling material (or superabsorbent polymer material).
  • an absorbent layer formed of HIPE foam will more easily and completely return toward its open, flattened configuration following unpackaging and unfolding. It has been learned that this feature is desired by users because it reduces effort needed to manipulate the pad for positioning within the underpants. Further, the resiliency of the absorbent layer and the material forming it helps ensure that fluid transfer within the absorbent layer and along its length will be less likely to be interrupted or obstructed by permanently compressed/deformed regions created by folding, along the fold lines.
  • this folding arrangement may be further facilitated and improved by the two-layer HIPE foam structure described above (and pictured in FIG. 2B , with a relatively larger-celled wearer-facing layer 40 a and a relatively smaller-celled outward-facing layer 40 b ).
  • a relatively smaller-celled HIPE foam in an outward-facing layer 40 b having a greater number and density of cell walls and struts, has greater tensile strength needed to withstand the stress imposed on the outsides of the lateral folds (as described below) without substantial damage
  • the relatively larger-celled wearer-facing layer 40 a having a lesser number and density of cell walls and struts, has greater compressibility and is more amenable to being compressed on the insides of the lateral folds.
  • an absorbent structure formed of or including a heterogeneous mass or layer assembly that includes a combination of relatively open-celled foam, such as but not limited to HIPE foam, in one or a plurality of discrete sections or pieces, layered and/or intermingled with fibers of a nonwoven web such that these components are present in a singularized layer, may provide a highly flexible, thin, foldable absorbent structure that substantially retains its fluid distribution and absorbency properties despite being folded as described herein.
  • HIPE foam such as but not limited to HIPE foam
  • pad 10 may first be folded about side longitudinal fold lines 204 , about which wings 15 are folded laterally over the wearer-facing surface of the pad. Following such folding, one or more suitably-sized section(s) of a thin release film or paper (not shown) may be laid over and applied to the portions of the wings having backsheet adhesive 35 deposited thereon, to cover the adhesive and protect it from unwanted sticking, until the time the user wishes to apply the pad to her underpants. To avoid unnecessarily adding caliper to the pad in the completely folded configuration, it may be desired to avoid folding the pad along any longitudinal fold lines that traverse the absorbent layer or polymeric foam material included in the absorbent layer. As noted above, the central outward-facing surfaces of the pad having backsheet adhesive 35 deposited thereon may also be covered with one or more sections of release film or paper (not shown).
  • the pad may be further folded into at least four sections including front section 210 , front-mid section 211 , rear-mid section 212 and rear section 213 , along at least a front lateral fold line 201 , middle lateral fold line 202 and rear lateral fold line 203 .
  • Middle lateral fold line 202 may, but does not necessarily have to, coincide with pad lateral axis 200 .
  • Sections 210 , 211 , 212 and 213 may be approximately equal in length, or the lengths of each (i.e., the positions of the lateral folding lines) may be adjusted to facilitate folding of one section length inside another section length.
  • the pad may be folded into at least four sections 210 , 211 , 212 and 213 in a number of ways.
  • one of two folding configurations may be applied.
  • the first is a “roll” fold configuration depicted in FIG. 4A .
  • rear section 213 is folded along about rear lateral fold line 203 over rear-mid section 212 ; then both sections 213 and 212 together are folded about middle lateral fold line 202 over front-mid section 211 ; and lastly, the three section 213 , 212 and 211 together are folded about front lateral fold line 201 over front section 210 .
  • the foregoing procedure results in a front-section-out roll fold configuration, in which front section 210 and forward end 12 are disposed on the outside of the folded pad configuration 10 a as shown in FIG. 4A .
  • an alternative roll fold configuration as described above may be formed by first folding the front section 210 over about front lateral fold line 201 , and preceding to fold rearward, resulting in a rear-section-out roll fold configuration, in which rear section 210 and rearward end 14 lie on the outside of the folded configuration.
  • a front-section-out roll fold configuration as shown in FIG. 4A may be desired, however, for purposes of user convenience, because it provides for front-to-rear unfolding that may be more intuitive for the user.
  • a front-section-out roll fold configuration, or a rear-section-out roll fold configuration may be created via steps that differ from those described above.
  • the second configuration is a “book jacket” fold configuration, named herein because it resembles the manner in which a book jacket (or book dust jacket) is folded, and is depicted in FIG. 4B .
  • front section 210 is folded about front lateral fold line 201 over front-mid section 211 ; and rear second 212 is folded about rear lateral fold line 203 over rear-mid section 212 (these two folds can occur simultaneously or one after another in either order).
  • the two remaining portions comprising front section 210 folded over front-mid section 211 as one portion, and rear section 213 folded over rear-mid section 212 , are folded about middle lateral fold line 202 to bring them together to create the book jacket fold configuration depicted in FIG. 4B .
  • the fold is formed with the wearer-facing (i.e., topsheet) surfaces facing inward in the fold.
  • This serves three purposes. First, it is believed that it provides for more intuitive, and therefore more convenient, unfolding for the user. Second, it cooperates with an absorbent layer formed of two sublayers of open-celled HIPE foam, as described above, to help minimize permanent deformation, or damage, to the absorbent layer resulting from folding.
  • both the roll fold configuration and the book jacket fold configuration result in an isolated and singularized main fold nose 214 , wherein an outside folded edge along one of the lateral fold lines is alone, with no proximate folded or end edges present—in contrast to the secondary fold nose 215 proximate to end edge 12 shown at the bottom of FIG. 4A and proximate secondary fold noses 216 , 217 shown at the bottom of FIG. 4B ).
  • a singularized main fold nose 214 may be desired for purposes of user convenience and user perceptions of greater imperviousness to contamination of the product, as will be described below.
  • Package 50 may have an envelope configuration as depicted. It may be formed from a single sheet of web material, preferably a nonwoven web material, polymeric film material, or laminate of a nonwoven web material and polymeric film material. The single sheet of material may be cut to appropriate length, size and shape configured to provide front panel 51 , rear panel 53 and closure flap 58 , wherein front panel 51 is cut to provide an extended access front opening edge 54 visible in an opened configuration shown in FIGS.
  • closure flap 58 that may in some examples be configured to overlie and cover front opening edge 54 when in the closed configuration as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B (flap 58 folded about closure flap fold line 56 ).
  • the cut package material may be folded as shown and then ultrasonically, thermally, compressively and/or adhesively bonded alongside edges thereof to form side seams 52 and thereby form the envelope structure.
  • a thermal bonding-fusion mechanism e.g., by application of heat directly, or via ultrasonic means that results in side seams formed of welded/fused film material that are no more than 6 mm in width, more preferably no more than 4 mm in width, and even more preferably no more than 3 mm in width.
  • the package includes a polymeric film material
  • the film material may comprise polyethylene.
  • the polymer resin from which the film is formed may include a particle filler or additive, such as particles of calcium carbonate. Without intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that such particle fillers may beneficially reduce noise generation/transmission characteristics of the polymer film.
  • suitable polymer film and particle filler compositions are disclosed in US 2015/0376384 and US 2015/0376383.
  • the packaging may be configured such that accessing the pad within requires separating the package material along a total/combined distance of no more than 50 percent of the total length of all seams present, more preferably no more than 30 percent of the total length of all seams present, and even more preferably no more than 15 percent of the total length of all seams present.
  • an openable closure element may be provided, in combination with any of the other package features described herein.
  • a closure element may include a releasable flap closure adhesive 60 a on the underside of the flap 58 , or panel closure adhesive 60 c on the outside of the package front panel 51 , and in some examples may include an adhesive closure tape or sticker 60 b that overlies the edge of closure flap 58 and adheres to the front panel 51 of package 50 .
  • the closure element may be a deposit of releasable closure adhesive 60 a (e.g., in a position as depicted in FIG.
  • releasable panel closure adhesive 60 c may be disposed on the front panel 51 , which may be desired to minimize likelihood of inadvertent contact with the pad.
  • the releasable adhesive may also be reusable/refastenable, which may make the package 50 more useful for storing a used pad for disposal.
  • an envelope package may be formed about a pad in a flow-wrap process in which a seam 55 is created in back panel 53 .
  • seam 55 is a fin seam; however, seam 55 may also be in the form of an overlap seam that lies flush along the rear panel 53 .
  • Either a fin seam or an overlap seam may be formed and held together via thermal bonding/fusion of the separate portions of film joined therealong, by a deposit of a suitable adhesive between the separate portions of film, or a combination thereof.
  • attachment between the joined sections forming back panel 53 , at seam 55 may be intermittent or discontinuous and may have spaced intervals of attachment, rather than being continuous, along seam 55 . This may be desired to allow venting of air from the finished package upon compression of the package, such as may occur in processes downstream of package formation, reducing chances that the package will burst open along seams or along the flap closure.
  • flap 58 may be contiguous and integral with film forming front panel 51 , and may be defined along edge 54 by a path of perforations, laser scoring, mechanical scoring or cutting or other suitable mechanism for imparting a path of separation along which front panel 51 and flap 58 will easily tear away or separate from each other.
  • a larger flap sticker 60 d with flap sticker adhesive 60 e disposed to hold it to the front panel 51 and flap 58 may overlie the path of separation and thereby prevent opening of the package until desired by the user.
  • the film forming front panel 51 may be cut (such as by die-cutting) substantially entirely through its thickness along the path of separation during the manufacturing/packaging process, following application of flap sticker 60 d to the package film, such that the flap sticker 60 d and flap sticker adhesive 60 e thereunder are the only structure that effectively holds the flap in a closed position after packaging is completed.
  • flap sticker adhesive composition may be included, because the user will not need to tear the film of the front panel (which has a potential to generate noise) to open the package.
  • the flap sticker it may be desired that the flap sticker be of a size and shape suitable to cover the entirety of the path of separation. Such a feature may serve to enhance the ability of the package to protect a new pad from contamination prior to use; to create favorable consumer perceptions resulting from such effect; and to make the package a more effective container/disposal aid for receiving, isolating and carrying a used pad until the time the user can dispose of it.
  • a flap sticker 60 d may include a lift tab 59 .
  • Lift tab 59 may simply be an extension of the distal end of flap sticker 60 d .
  • Lift tab 59 or a distal portion thereof may be provided with a reduced amount, or entirely without, any adhesive 60 e thereon. In such configuration, lift tab 59 may easily be lifted away from front panel 51 and grasped by the consumer, facilitating the consumer's lifting and peeling upward of flap sticker 60 d and/or flap 58 to open the package.
  • a package configuration such as any of those depicted in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7, 8, 9A, 9B, 10A-10D and described herein, may be configured so as to be openable with substantially limited or even no destruction thereto, and to be reclosable, so as to make it suitable to serve as a disposal aid—into which the user may insert a used, folded pad, and reclose the package around it, to isolate the used pad until a convenient time for disposal thereof.
  • an openable flap 58 may be configured to be openable without substantial destruction of the flap itself, and without substantial destruction or separations of other portions of the package (e.g. side seams 52 ), such that the flap is effectively reclosable to cover the access opening.
  • a reclosure refastenability feature may be provided, such as, for example a releaseable/refastenable flap closure adhesive 60 a beneath the flap or a releasable/refastenable adhesive 60 e beneath a flap sticker 60 b or 60 d , such that the flap 58 and access opening may be fastenably reclosed after opening.
  • the opening edge 54 follow a curving path, which will avoid localization of stresses therealong and thereby avoid unintended tearing of the package film.
  • the curving path be configured such that a greatest portion of the contained folded pad is exposed and made accessible to the user at a location between the side seams 52 , for purposes of user convenience.
  • the package 50 be sized relative the folded pad 10 a , so as to be as small as possible (for convenient and discreet carry) without being so snug as to create friction between the folded pad 10 a and the insides of the package sufficient to frustrate easy and quiet withdrawal of the pad from the package.
  • the folded pad 10 a and the package 50 be configured such that there are few or no substantial deposits of adhesive, preferably no deposits of adhesive, disposed between the outside surfaces of the folded pad 10 a and the inside surfaces of the package 50 and/or the closure flap 58 .
  • a normal-capacity daytime use feminine hygiene pad of the same design and materials as current ALWAYS INFINITY pads (a product of The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio) and having an absorbent layer formed of an open-celled HIPE foam can be folded and packaged as described herein to have an uncompressed package caliper when laid flat on a horizontal surface of 25 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, even more preferably 15 mm or less, or from 10 mm to 25 mm, more preferably from from 10 mm to 20 mm, and even more preferably from 10 mm to 15 mm—following removal from a larger package containing a plurality of individually packaged pads, and a 24-hour rest period.
  • This package caliper contributes to providing a relatively small packaged pad believed to be preferred by many consumers for its discreet pocketability and ease of discreet one-hand carry.
  • a folded pad 10 a folded as described above, be placed within the package with a main fold nose 214 disposed closest the package opening or top of the package (when the package is in an opened configuration) as suggested in FIG. 8 .
  • Placing a main fold nose 214 relative the package opening in this orientation presents the user with a single edge of the folded product that she can quickly and easily visually and/or tactilely identify, for easy and quick grasping of the entire pad, e.g., between a thumb and forefinger, and removal from the package.
  • user effort grasping and removing the pad from the package may require more slightly more concentration and/or effort. It has been discovered that users substantially prefer the former configuration, for this reason, and also for the reason that users perceive that this configuration of the pad within the package makes the pad more impervious to contamination.
  • Another feature that may be desired to improve user convenience is to impart contrasting colors or other visible characteristics to the respective outside visible surfaces of the folded pad 10 a and the inside surfaces of the package material, thereby providing a visual contrast between the inside surfaces of the opened package and an outer surface of the pad as contained therein, visible immediately after the package is opened.
  • This feature helps the user quickly visually identify the pad within the package for grasping and removal.
  • Visual contrast may be imparted by any suitable techniques including tinting, pigmenting or printing the materials of the pad backsheet, the release film or paper, the package material, or any combination thereof.
  • a “visual contrast” between colors or shades of two respective materials means that an ordinary observer having 20/20 vision (natural or corrected) and no substantial color vision deficiency, in normal office lighting conditions appropriate for desktop work, can perceive a contrast between the color(s) on the outside of the folded pad in the package, and the color(s) of the inside of the package material, with the package in an opened condition.
  • a “visual contrast” is identified when the value of delta E* determined through the Visual Contrast method below is equal to or greater than 2.0. For enhanced visual contrast, it may be preferred that the value of delta E* be equal to or greater than 3.5.
  • a “visual contrast” is identified when a design is visibly present on one but not the other, or when designs are visibly present on each but the designs differ in any visible respect.
  • FIG. 11 a process for manufacturing a packaged, folded feminine hygiene article is schematically depicted.
  • feminine hygiene pads 10 may be received from a converting line in configuration (I) in substantially finished condition, and with their longitudinal axes oriented in the machine direction MD.
  • pads 10 may have yet to have had backsheet adhesive 35 (see FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 ) applied.
  • Pads 10 may include wings 15 , as previously described.
  • Pads 10 may be conveyed from the converting line to a wing folding unit 301 , which folds wings 15 (along, e.g., side longitudinal fold lines 204 , see FIG. 1 ) over the wearer-facing/topsheet surfaces of the pads 10 , from which they emerge in configuration (II) with the wings 15 folded over.
  • FIG. 3 A more detailed example of a depiction of a pad as it would appear in configuration (II) appears in FIG. 3 .
  • the pads may be conveyed to a wings coversheet application unit 303 .
  • the wings coversheet application unit 303 may be configured to receive wings coversheet stock from a supply roll 302 (which may be a roll of polymeric film or paper bearing an adhesive release surface or coating), cut it into individual wings coversheets 16 , apply deposits of backsheet adhesive thereto, and place the individual wings coversheets 16 bearing the adhesive over the folded wings 15 .
  • a supply roll 302 which may be a roll of polymeric film or paper bearing an adhesive release surface or coating
  • the adhesive applied to the wings coversheet 16 can adhere and effectively transfer to the wings, so as to become a first portion of backsheet adhesive 35 deposited on the wings (see, e.g., FIGS.
  • the wings coversheet 16 may serve to cover the adhesive and prevent it from being contaminated or adhering to surfaces not intended by the user.
  • the process may be configured to apply the adhesive directly to the wings directly/initially, rather than to the wings coversheets 16 .
  • the process can be configured such that the pads emerge from wings coversheet application unit 303 in configuration (III).
  • the pads may be conveyed to a turn and repitch unit 305 .
  • Unit 305 may be a single unit, or a combination of cooperating units configured to receive individual pads moving with their longitudinal axes oriented in the machine direction MD, rotate them 90 degrees such that their longitudinal axes are oriented in the cross direction CD, phase them (i.e., space them along the MD by a predetermined distance), and place them onto a continuous web of backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 .
  • Unit 305 may also be configured to receive backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 from a supply roll 304 and place the rotated pads thereonto.
  • Unit 305 may also be configured to apply a deposit of backsheet adhesive, either directly to the pads, or indirectly to the backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 stock, such that the adhesive applied to the backsheet coversheets can adhere and effectively transfer to outward-facing surfaces of the pads (e.g., the outward-facing surfaces of the pad backsheets), so as to become a second portion of backsheet adhesive 35 deposited on the pads (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 3 ) and later remain in place on the pads when a user peels away the backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 in preparation to apply the pad to underwear.
  • backsheet adhesive either directly to the pads, or indirectly to the backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 stock, such that the adhesive applied to the backsheet coversheets can adhere and effectively transfer to outward-facing surfaces of the pads (e.g., the outward-facing surfaces of the pad backsheets), so as to become a second portion of backsheet adhesive 35 deposited on the pads (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 3 ) and later
  • Backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 may be any polymeric film or paper material suitable for serving as a releasable coversheet for covering areas of the pad bearing backsheet adhesive 35 . Further, in many circumstances, it may be desired that coversheet stock 17 be a material that is quiet, i.e., does not generate substantial audible noise, when manipulated by a user (such as when she removes the backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 a from the pad in preparation to apply the pad to underwear). For this reason, a relatively quiet polymeric film may be selected for the coversheet stock 17 .
  • the film may be predominately polyethylene, of an average caliper no greater than 0.08 mm (80 ⁇ m), preferably no greater than 0.065 mm (65 ⁇ m) and even more preferably no greater than 0.05 mm (50 ⁇ m).
  • Polyethylene-based films tend to be relatively quiet as compared with paper and with films based on other polymers. Other relatively quiet film materials might also be selected.
  • Backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 may be provided on the supply roll 304 with machine-direction-spaced separation perforations 18 already present, or alternatively, unit 305 may include a perforation unit (not specifically shown) that provides successive cross-direction lines of separation perforations 18 (or other suitable lines of weakness, such as scoring partially through the thickness of the backsheet adhesive coversheet stock), substantially uniformly spaced along the machine direction by distances approximately corresponding to the widths of the pads with wings folded. Spacing PS of separation perforations 18 along the coversheet stock 17 may include any desired margins beyond the pad widths, but in some circumstances, it may be desired that such margins be minimized for purposes of compactness and neatness of the completed folded pad product.
  • machine-direction spacing PS of separation perforations 18 be no greater than 125 percent of the average width of the pads (wings, if present, folded), more preferably no greater than 120 percent of the average width of the pads, and even more preferably no greater than 115 percent of the average width of the pads.
  • the widths of the backsheet adhesive coversheets on the pad products will be, respectively, no greater than 125 percent of the average width of the pads (wings, if present, folded), more preferably no greater than 120 percent of the average width of the pads, and even more preferably no greater than 115 percent of the average width of the pads. It will be appreciated, however, that as a feature or result of the process steps described herein, in no case will the machine-direction spacing PS be less than 100 percent of the average width of the pads.
  • the individually oriented, spaced series of pads 10 b in configuration (IV) may have, between them prior to folding, separation perforations 18 in the backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 .
  • the above-described method and any variant thereof that successively places pads 10 on backsheet coversheet stock with the pads' longitudinal axes oriented in the cross direction CD, enables the manufacturer to provide coversheet stock 17 having a cross-direction dimension that is less than the length (L P , see FIG. 3 ) of the pads.
  • coversheet stock 17 does not extend in the cross direction CD to the ends 12 , 14 of the pads, but rather, lies short of them. This feature of the process is another way to enable the manufacturer to provide for a smaller, neater folded pad configuration because no unused margins of coversheet stock material 17 extend past the ends 12 , 14 of the pads.
  • the series of pads 10 b with adhered backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 may be conveyed to a folding unit 306 .
  • Folding unit 306 may be configured to continuously fold the series of pads 10 b into two, three, four or more sections (for example, along fold lines 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 ; see FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B ), resulting in a connected series of folded pads 10 c (adhered to backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 ), in configuration (V).
  • Folding unit 306 may be configured such that in configuration (V), the connected series of folded pads 10 c are imparted with, for example, one of the folding configurations schematically illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B .
  • the connected series of folded pads 10 c may be conveyed to a separation unit 307 .
  • Separation unit 307 may be configured to continuously and successively exert machine direction tensile force on the successive pads, perpendicular to and across the lines of the separation perforations 18 , causing the backsheet adhesive coversheet stock 17 to separate along the perforations 18 .
  • This results in a series of separated, folded pads 10 a each of which includes a backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 a .
  • the folded, separated pads may be conveyed to a packaging phasing unit 308 configured to space the folded pads apart from one another along the machine direction, by a predetermined distance suitably selected for individual packaging as will be described below.
  • separation unit 307 may include two successive pairs of opposing separation rollers including an upstream pair 307 a and a downstream pair 307 b .
  • Each respective pair of separation rollers 307 a , 307 b may be configured to operate without conveyor belts (whereby the pads 10 c , 10 a pass directly through the nip between each pair of rollers), or with respective corresponding, respective upstream and downstream pairs of upper and lower conveyor belts 307 c , 307 d cycling about each of the rollers (whereby the pads pass between the respective upper and lower belts).
  • Upstream separation roller pair 307 a may be operated such that their circumferential roller surfaces move at a tangential/linear velocity V 1 .
  • Downstream separation roller pair 307 b may be operated such that their circumferential roller surfaces move at a tangential/linear velocity V 2 .
  • the system may be configured and operated such that V 2 is greater than V 1 .
  • friction between the pad and pair 307 b , or between the pad and belts 307 d increases machine direction tension in the pad between roller pairs 307 a , 307 b , and causes each, leading, exiting folded pad 10 a to separate from the incoming/trailing series of pads 10 c , along the separation perforations 18 .
  • the average width of the backsheet adhesive coversheets 17 a on the separated folded pads 10 a will be approximately equal to the spacing PS between the separation perforations 18 as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the width of a pad is the greatest width of any portion of the absorbent layer 40 or absorbent core component disposed between the topsheet and backsheet.
  • averages may be calculated after measurements of adhesive backsheet coversheets and absorbent layer/core components of 10 examples of the product in question.
  • the configuration of the separation perforations 18 may be important to efficient operation of the process as well as appearance of the resulting product. It may be desired that the separation perforations 18 through the coversheet stock 17 are not so extensive as to unacceptably compromise the tensile strength of the coversheet stock 17 , i.e., its ability to withstand ordinary machine direction operating tension in the line upstream of the separation unit 307 . If the separation perforations 18 are too extensive, the coversheet stock 17 may be vulnerable to premature, unwanted separation in processes upstream of the separation unit 307 , which can necessitate line shutdown.
  • the coversheet stock separate easily, neatly and cleanly in separation unit 307 , so as to provide for smooth, even and uninterrupted conveyance of the pads through the separation unit 307 and the remainder of the line downstream, and provide a neat finished appearance to the separated side edges of the individual backsheet adhesive coversheets 17 a , such that the edges have a relatively smooth, not jagged appearance to the naked eye.
  • separation perforations 18 may be substantially uniformly dimensioned and spaced to provide for smooth and even separation.
  • the perforations may be created mechanically, e.g., by use of a perforating die, or thermally, e.g., by use of a suitably selected and tuned laser.
  • the perforations may penetrate the film entirely, or only partially, to an extent sufficient to propagate an orderly separation of the file along the perforations.
  • Separation perforations 18 have an average length PL in the cross direction CD, an average separation distance PSD in the cross direction CD, and an average perforation width PW in the machine direction MD.
  • perforating equipment For purposes of balancing the needs for preserving suitable tensile strength in coversheet stock 17 upstream of the separation unit 307 , providing for efficient separation of pads in separation unit 307 , and providing for backsheet adhesive coversheets 17 a with neatly separated edges in the finished product, it may be desired to configure perforating equipment such that perforations 18 have the following ranges of dimensions and ratio:
  • a sufficiently magnified plan view of separated side edges of backsheet adhesive coversheets 17 a will approximately reflect such dimensions and ratio.
  • a backsheet adhesive coversheet 17 a processed according to the steps described herein (including such perforation step) will have a side edge oriented in the cross direction, having an appearance with features having similarities to those shown in FIG. 13B .
  • edges 18 b having cross direction dimensions approximately corresponding to length PL where the perforations were present (relatively easily identifiable and measurable with aid of suitable magnification equipment provided/combined with linear distance measuring aids), and tabs 18 c where unperforated portions were present between the perforations, the distal ends of tabs 18 c evidencing strain of the uncut portions of the film in the machine direction, to the point of failure of such portions of the film.
  • the separation process imparts the tabs 18 c with somewhat irregular lengths and irregularly-shaped distal end edges.
  • the individual folded pads may be conveyed to a packaging phasing unit 308 , configured to receive the pads and reposition/space them apart along the machine direction by an average predetermined distance suitable for individual packaging described as follows. Suitably spaced, individual folded pads 10 a then emerge from packaging phasing unit 308 in configuration (VI) as shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the individual folded, spaced pads 10 a may be conveyed to a flow-wrap unit 311 .
  • Flow-wrap unit 311 may be configured to receive package film 19 from a package film supply roll 309 .
  • the package film may be predominately polyethylene, of an average caliper no greater than 0.08 mm (80 ⁇ m), preferably no greater than 0.065 mm (65 ⁇ m) and even more preferably no greater than 0.05 mm (50 ⁇ m).
  • package film 19 already bearing pre-applied flap stickers 60 d overlying pre-formed package opening cuts or perforations 54 a in the film 19 may be received by flow-wrap unit 311 .
  • package film 19 may be received already bearing pre-applied flap stickers, but the film may yet to have package opening cuts or perforations 54 a provided; and flow-wrap unit 311 may include or be preceded by a package film process unit 310 that provides package opening cuts or perforations 54 a in package film 19 .
  • package film process unit 310 may be configured to perform either or both of application of flap stickers 60 d to the package film 19 , and provision of package opening cuts or perforations 54 a in the package film 19 .
  • Package opening cuts or perforations 54 a may be intermittent perforations or continuous cuts that penetrate substantially or all of the entire thickness/caliper of the package film 19 along the intended path of separation.
  • a supplier of pre-cut package film, or the manufacturer of the product who performs such perforating or cutting, may be provided advantage by application of flap stickers 60 d to the film prior to perforating or cutting.
  • Perforating or cutting may be performed continuously using roller-based die-cutting equipment, and the presence of stickers 60 d makes it unnecessary to adjust the equipment such that the die cutting blade edges contact an opposing anvil roller to effect a cut through substantially the entire caliper or thickness of the film. Rather, previously-placed flap stickers 60 d on the film 19 can effectively provide relatively soft “anvil” surfaces against which the die cutting blades operate.
  • Clearances in the cutting equipment may be adjusted such that the die-cutting blades substantially penetrate/cut through the film 19 , but not the flap stickers. In this manner, die cutting blade life may be extended because the die-cutting blade edges are not required to contact a relatively hard surface of an opposing anvil roller.
  • a continuous cut 54 a in the film along the intended opening edge 54 may provide a benefit for the consumer/user in that no tearing of package film 19 (at uncut or unperforated portions between perforations) is required to open the package, thereby generating less noise by opening the package.
  • flow-wrap unit 311 As it continuously intakes package film 19 , flow-wrap unit 311 also intakes the spaced (phased), individual folded pads 10 a and successively disposes them in contact with the film along pre-determined (phased) intervals wherein the pad machine direction spacing corresponds and is registered with the film such that each pad is substantially evenly disposed/aligned between side crimp/seal/cut lines along the cross direction CD of the film, and between package bottom and top fold lines 401 and 402 . Such disposition is illustrated by way of example by pad disposition location PDL shown in FIG. 14A . Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16 , flow-wrap unit 311 may be configured to then continuously wrap package film 19 over and about the succession of advancing pads 10 a (e.g. via plow folding equipment).
  • package film 19 may be provided with seam margins 19 a of extra film material extending (in the cross direction) outboard of seam margin lines 404 , to provide material to create a continuous machine-direction seam 55 joining the machine-direction edges of the package film 19 after it is wrapped about the pads 10 a .
  • the flow-wrap unit 311 may include or be accompanied by equipment for forming the seams via use of adhesive, via thermal fusion of the package film, or a combination thereof, along the seam margins 19 a .
  • the seaming equipment may be configured to form a continuous machine-direction fin seam (such as shown in cross section, by way of example, in FIG.
  • attachment between the joined sections forming back panel 53 , at seam 55 may be intermittent or discontinuous and may have spaced intervals of attachment, rather than being continuous, along seam 55 . This may be desired to allow venting of air from within the finished package upon compression of the package, such as may occur in processes downstream of package formation, reducing chances that the package will burst open along seams or along the flap closure such as upon compression of the completed package.
  • a continuous series of flow-wrapped pads 10 d emerge from the flow-wrap unit 311 in configuration (VII), also depicted by way of example, in cross section, in FIG. 16 .
  • the series 10 d may be conveyed to a package crimp sealing and cutting unit 312 .
  • Package crimp sealing and cutting unit 312 may be configured to continuously receive the series 10 d and then, at intervals corresponding to side crimp/seal/cut lines 403 (see FIG. 14 ) crimp the package film 19 to form front and rear panels 51 , 53 together, adhere or fuse the package film of the respective panels to form cross direction side seams 52 (illustrated in, e.g., FIGS.
  • unit 312 may be configured to create package separation perforations 19 a between the formed seams of respective leading and trailing packages, as they pass through the unit, resulting in a continuous chain 10 f of individual packages held together by the uncut portions of film within/along the paths of the package separation perforations between the respective package side seams of adjacent leading and trailing packages.
  • This provides a chain of packages 10 f that may be gathered by rolling, or folding or festooning with each other in, e.g., accordion-fashion, in a desired quantity, for a desired alternative mode of packaging and/or dispensation.
  • Packages supplied in this mode may be separated from each other by tearing along the package separation perforations 19 a.
  • the color difference measurement is based on the CIE L*a*b* color system (CIELAB).
  • CIELAB CIE L*a*b* color system
  • a flatbed scanner capable of scanning a minimum of 24 bit color at 1200 dpi and has manual control of color management (a suitable scanner is an Epson Perfection V750 Pro from Epson America Inc., Long Beach Calif.) is used to acquire images.
  • the scanner is calibrated against a color reflection target compliant to ANSI method IT8.7/2-1993 using color management software (a suitable package is MonacoEZColor available from X-Rite Grand Rapids, Mich.) to construct a scanner profile.
  • the resulting calibrated scanner profile is opened within an imaging program that supports sampling in CIE L*a*b* (a suitable program is Photoshop S4 available from Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif.) to measure bonded and unbonded areas.
  • the scanner is not appropriate for this application.
  • the MonacoEZColor software uses this image to compare with included reference files to create and export a calibrated color profile compatible with Photoshop. After the profile is created the scan resolution (dpi) can be changed, but all other settings must be kept constant while imaging samples.
  • each layer 75 mm by 75 mm square. Precondition the samples at about 23° C. ⁇ 2 C.° and about 50% ⁇ 2% relative humidity for 2 hours prior to testing.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Botany (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Packaging Of Annular Or Rod-Shaped Articles, Wearing Apparel, Cassettes, Or The Like (AREA)
US16/750,089 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process Pending US20200229985A1 (en)

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US16/750,074 Pending US20200229990A1 (en) 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process
US16/750,095 Active 2041-09-01 US11712379B2 (en) 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process
US16/750,089 Pending US20200229985A1 (en) 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process
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US16/750,074 Pending US20200229990A1 (en) 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process
US16/750,095 Active 2041-09-01 US11712379B2 (en) 2019-01-23 2020-01-23 Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process

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US20200229991A1 (en) * 2019-01-23 2020-07-23 The Procter & Gamble Company Packaged feminine hygiene pad product adapted for discreet carry and access, and manufacturing process

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USD912807S1 (en) * 2018-06-21 2021-03-09 The Procter & Gamble Company Sanitary napkin

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