WO2019027426A1

WO2019027426A1 - Flexible package for an absorbent article

Info

Publication number: WO2019027426A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/044691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas F. Borkovetz; Carlos J. GARCIA
Original assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
Priority date: 2017-07-31
Filing date: 2017-07-31
Publication date: 2019-02-07

Abstract

A flexible package having features that enable the complete containment of a drawing means inside the package before accessing the contents therein. A complete containment of a drawing means may help improve package manufacturing as well as improve product use and ease of product removal.

Description

FLEXIBLE PACKAGE FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a package for containing, dispensing and manufacturing absorbent articles. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flexible package with a drawstring closure feature. Specifically, the drawstring is entirely contained within the package before it is opened by the consumer.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Packaging containers have been used for packaging various types of products, including, for example, adult incontinence articles, diapers, training pants, feminine care products, among many other items. These containers provide packaging for the products configured to facilitate display of the products on the retail shelf for consumers to purchase. These containers also provide a convenient way for the consumer to transport the products from a retailer to a consumer's home or place of use. They also provide a way for the consumer to store these products at home. Typically, these containers are provided with an opening device that allows the consumer to access products contained within the packaging.

Currently available opening devices do not compromise a convenient closure feature. One closure feature that has been used in the past has been a drawstring. It is known that manufacturing the drawstring that is exposed to the outside of the package causes machine down time due to the drawstring getting caught in the machinery. To avoid this problem, there is a need in the art for a package which completely contains the draw string internally until the packaging is opened by a consumer.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Currently no equipment exists to manufacture a package wherein a drawing means is completely contained within the packaging. This is because of the additional complexity to make the package.

Accordingly, the current disclosure addresses how such a package would look and how it would be made. The present disclosure encompasses a flexible package comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, wherein the interior surface defines an interior space. A single or a plurality of absorbent articles typically having predetermined characteristics is disposed within the interior space. The flexible package having a first end and a second end. The second end having a drawing means, preferably a drawing ribbon or draw string at or near the inside second end of the package. A closure material which lies at the top of the second end of the package is a removable material which lies on top of a frangible closure. When a user opens the frangible closure the drawing means is exposed. In this manner, the present disclosure may help to improve product use and ease of product removal and manufacturing speed.

In a first embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having a first end and a second end; a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

In a second embodiment, the package according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the drawing means is threaded through a hem, casing or laced through holes_which extends completely around the circumference of the second end of the package.

In a third embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first end is sealed.

In a fourth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the frangible closure extends completely across the second end of the package in a generally straight line.

In a fifth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure material extends completely across the second end of the package in a generally straight line.

In a sixth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure material comprises a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color.

In a seventh embodiment, the package according to the sixth embodiment, wherein the color is a single color or a mixture thereof.

In an eighth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the color is a single color or a mixture thereof.

In a ninth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent articles are loaded on the gusset side of the container.

In a tenth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the absorbent articles are disposable absorbent articles selected from the group consisting of tampons, diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinent products, interlabial devices, tissue, toilet paper, paper towels, wet or dry wipes and combinations thereof.

In an eleventh embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding packaging embodiments wherein the package is used for a method of manufacturing.

In a twelfth embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having an first end and an second end; a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the first or second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the first or second end of the package further wherein the closure material has a hole in it; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed. The hole in closure material may allow a consumer to handle and/or carry the package in a convenient manner. The hole may also serve to allow a more efficient manufacturing of the package as well.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the package according to the eleventh embodiment, the drawing means is threaded through a hem, casing or laced through holes which extends completely around the circumference of the first or second end of the package.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the frangible closure extends completely across the second end of the package in a generally straight line.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure material comprises a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color.

In a sixteenth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the package is used for a method of manufacturing.

In a seventeenth embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having an unsealed first end and an unsealed second end; a drawing means wherein the drawing means lies at or near the unsealed top of the second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the unsealed second end and at or near the top of the unsealed first end further wherein the closure material has a hole in it; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible material is opened the drawing means is exposed. The hole in closure material may allow a consumer to handle and/or carry the package in a convenient manner. The hole may also serve to allow a more efficient manufacturing of the package as well.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the package is used for a method of manufacturing.

In a nineteenth embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a flexible package wherein the package comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; at least one frangible closure along which the package can be opened, the frangible closure running along the entire periphery of the package and being arranged to divide the package into a first package part and a second package part, such that when the frangible closure is broken, the package is divided into two separate package parts both having an opening at the frangible closure, said first package part comprising a first edge region adjacent to the frangible closure, and the second package part comprising a second edge region adjacent to the frangible closure, wherein the package is made of wrinkable or pleatable flexible material at least in the edge regions of the first and second package parts, a means for reducing the size of the opening of the first package part being arranged in the edge region of the first package part so that the first package part retains the stacked articles when the second package part has been removed, and the second package part being adapted to hold at least one of the absorbent articles, and another means for reducing the opening of the second package part being arranged in the edge region of the second package part so that the second package part becomes a bring-along package; and a drawing means wherein the drawing means is completely contained within the interior space of the package at or near the bottom of the first package part and at or near the top of the second package part until the frangible closure is opened or removed.

In a twentieth embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the closure material comprises wording indicating a drawing means is contained inside the package with an optional arrow pointing where the drawing means is located on the package.

In yet another embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the top panel of the package comprises wording indicating a drawing means is contained inside the package with an optional arrow pointing where the drawing means is located on the package. The top panel of the package comprises a frangible closure or line of perforation.

In a further embodiment, the package according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the hole in the closure material is dependent on string size and the placement of a string into a hole wherein the hole may be on the sides of the package and extend downward toward the bottom end at any point of the package or wherein a machine is used to form a hole completely around the string. The holes may be one or a plurality of holes along the top end or center portion of the package. The holes may also serve to allow a more efficient manufacturing of the package as well.

In an additional embodiment, the package comprises a flexible end and a rigid end, wherein the package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having a first end wherein the first end is rigid and a second end wherein the second end is flexible; a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

In a further additional embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having a first end and a second end wherein at or near the second end has an interior channel, the channel completely contains a drawing means; the drawing means being longitudinally constrained to limit lengthwise movement with the channel wherein the drawing means is within the interior space toward the second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means; further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed. In another embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having a first end and a second end wherein at or near the second end has an interior channel, the channel is bonded to a drawing means wherein the channel is surrounded by an outer frangible closure and wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the second end of the package; a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means; further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

In an additional embodiment, a flexible package may comprise an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space; a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space; the package having a first end and a second end; a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the first and/or second end of the package; a top panel wherein the top panel lies at the top of the first and/or second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure is part of the top panel; the frangible closure lies at the top of the first and/or second end of the package; and wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

The above summary of the present disclosure is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. Advantages and attainments, together with a more complete understanding of the disclosure, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away perspective view of one embodiment of a package of the present disclosure in an unopened state;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a package in open state.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a package in open state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a split package in an unopened state;

FIG. 5 is a partial cut away perspective view of a package in an unopened state of the present disclosure.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed towards a flexible package having features that enable the complete containment of a draw sting, draw ribbon or a similar feature thereof before accessing the contents in the package. Accordingly, the present disclosure may help to improve product use and ease of product removal.

Each example of this disclosure is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment or figure can be used on another embodiment or figure to yield yet another embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations.

Although some suitable dimensions, ranges and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

Definitions:

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements.

The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments described above should not be used to limit the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terminology such as "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "end" and "sides" are referenced according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the terms are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention. As a point of reference for the claims and in the present specification, the term "top" refers to a panel or side of the package with an opening material or opening.

The term "frangible closure" as used herein, refers to any region or area of weakened material, preferably having a length, but not necessarily a defined width. A "frangible closure" can include linear and nonlinear patterns, such as curvilinear patterns of weakness, or other shapes, such as circles, rectangles, and so forth. A frangible closure includes a perforation or other series of cuts, a thinning or breakage or separation of material, or a strip of a different kind of material bridging between adjacent portions of material that is more easily torn or broken than the adjacent portions, and which allows the user or manufacturer to separate the adjacent portions along the frangible closure. A frangible closure can further include a single extended slit or cut.

As used herein, the term "closure material" refers to the area of the package which can be manipulated by a user to access any articles contained within the package. The closure material may be removable from the package or may remain partially attached to the package after the closure material is opened. The closure material may be a part of the first or second end of the flexible package or the closure material may be a separate material attached to the first or second end of the package.

As used herein, the term "closure" refers to a removed or otherwise cut-away portion of the package which allows access to the articles contained within the interior compartment and allows for the articles to be removed from the interior compartment.

The term drawing means as used herein refers to a string, ribbon, cord, lace, or rope used to "draw" (gather, or shorten) fabric or other material. The draw means may be kept drawn using a cordlock inside the inner wall of the package. Typically, the draw means is loose when not being used, and tightened when needed during use. A draw means may be threaded through a hem or casing (a continuous tube of material) or laced through holes, which may be lined with eyelets. It may also be laced through loops attached to the material, in the same way that belt loops are attached to pants.

The term "absorbent article" as used herein refers herein to an article which may be placed against or in proximity to the body (i.e., contiguous with the body) of the wearer to absorb and contain various liquid, solid, and semi-solid exudates discharged from the body. Such absorbent articles, as described herein, are intended to be discarded after a limited period of use instead of being laundered or otherwise restored for reuse. It is to be understood that the present disclosure is applicable to various disposable absorbent articles, including, but not limited to, diapers, diaper pants, training pants, youth pants, swim pants, feminine hygiene products, including, but not limited to, menstrual pads or pants, incontinence products, adult diapers and pants, medical garments, surgical pads and bandages, other personal care such as toilet paper, paper towels, tissue, wet or dry wipes, or health care garments, and the like without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Examples of commercially available absorbent care products include, without limitation, Poise(R) feminine care products, including pantiliners and pads, and Kotex(R) feminine care products, including pads, tampons and liners, all available from Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah, Wis.

FIGS. 1-3 depict a flexible package according to the present disclosure. One of the features of the present disclosure is a flexible package comprising a fully contained drawing means inside the package prior to opening the package. As mentioned previously, this may help to improve product use and ease of product removal.

Referring to FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the disclosure shown is a partial cut away of a flexible package 10 made from a sheet material 15. The sheet material 15 may be made from a polymer sheet material. The sheet material 15 has an interior surface 25 and an exterior surface 20. The interior surface defines an interior an interior space which is an enclosed interior space when the package 10 is closed as shown in FIG. 1. The package has a second end 40 and a first end 41 and side portions 32. The flexible package 10 may be any shape known in the art. For example, the package may have a polyhedral shape defining or forming a polyhedral enclosure. The absorbent articles 50 disposed within the interior space 30 may all be identical to one another or may be different from one another. As shown in FIG. 1 the absorbent articles 50 are preferably disposable absorbent articles such as flat or folded sanitary napkins or pantiliners in a stacked configuration.

The flexible package 10 may be sealed or otherwise closed for shipping and marketing, and typically has an opening means for opening or otherwise accessing the interior space 30 for easy access to the articles 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , the opening mechanism or means may be a frangible closure such as a line of perforations 8. Such line can have any configurations/shapes, e.g. straight or curved. In other alternative embodiments, the opening means for accessing the interior space 30 can be tabs and adhesive openings. The opening mechanism or means for accessing the interior space 30 can be any means known in the art.

It is important to note that adequate welds or seals are produced at all locations of the package. A combination of time, temperature, pressure, seal area and/or package film materials may be used to accomplish an adequate seal as is known in the art. Seals are tested using standard industry methods, although seal strength requirements vary by individual specifications, depending on consumer, product and equipment needs. Strength tests are performed not only on the package, but also on both side seams (including gusset area seals), as well as the perforations by methods known in the art.

The flexible package 10 may be made from any one of a wide variety of materials that are known in the art to be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the desired number of absorbent articles 50 and have sufficient strength to hold and contain the articles 50 without breaking and without excessive bulging or stretching of the material. Materials include, but are not limited to, polymeric plastic films, foils, paper, paper composites, knitted or woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics and the like, or a combination thereof. Suitable materials can be made from polymeric materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, and the like, as well as any combination thereof.

The dimensions of the flexible package 10 may vary, depending on the type and number of articles 50 being packaged. Generally, the package 10 has a rectangular structure, although the invention is not so limited. The package may be from about 10 to 100 cm in height about 10 to about 120 cm in length, and about 5 to about 50 cm in width (depth). Of course these dimensions can be varied, depending on the type, amount and size of the articles 50 which are placed in the package 10, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The base or first end of the package should be of a sufficient width and length so that the base or first end of the package will support the height of the package, although this is not required of the present invention. Although not shown in the figures herein, the corners of the packages may be slightly curved. Other conventional construction features of the package 10 should be understood by those skilled in the art and will not be discussed in detail herein. Essentially, any type of flexible package known in the art can be used.

If the package of the present disclosure is filled with absorbent care articles as mentioned herein, generally the height of the flexible package should be at least about ¼ of the width of the package. Usually, the height of the package is at least about 1/2 of the width and often greater than or equal to the width. Of course, the size and ratio of the height to width of the package may be adjusted according to the types of articles stored and dispensed from the package. In the present disclosure, closure material in any of the embodiments set forth herein may be highlighted to direct a user's attention to the location where the package may be opened. Highlighting may be accomplished by various means, including, for example, coloring the opening device a color which does not appear on the remainder of the package, outlining the opening device with color which attracts attention, e.g. orange or fluorescent type colors, highlighting the lines of weakness or providing other indicia to clearly indicate the location of the opening device. In addition, instructions to the user as to how to open the flexible package may be located on the opening device.

The closure material (also known as "opening material") may be formed on the package in a variety of ways. It may be formed prior to the formation of the flexible package or after the flexible package is formed. The closure material may be formed by die-cutting the flangible closure or opening into the packaging material while the material is in a flat configuration. Other methods include folding the packaging material in half prior to forming and cutting or perforating the material from the edge where the packaging material is connected and through both of the layers of the folded material. The latter method helps ensure that the opening is symmetrical.

The flexible package 10 of the present invention may optionally be printed or otherwise provided with graphics to convey to the consumer the contents of the flexible package. The graphics on the package, if present, may optionally be coordinated with the contents of the package.

The sheet material 15 may be composed of different materials or may be composed of substantially the same type of material. The sheet material 15 may be composed of a laminate. The sheet material 15 may be any flexible material. The sheet material 15 may comprise a blown or cast film of polyethylene, or a blend of low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene, or other polymers suitable for flexible films, including metallocene, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn, polyethylene terephtalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, and/or nylon. The sheet material 15 can be cloth. The sheet material 15 can be a nonwoven material. The sheet material 15 can be a woven material.

The absorbent articles 50 of the present invention can be of any type contained within a single package

10. The absorbent articles 50 preferably are disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, catamenial devices, tampons, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, or adult incontinence products. The articles 50 may also be tissue, wipes and other hygienic absorbent articles.

As shown in Fig. 1 second end (top end) 40 of the package 10 may have a top panel 42 and closure material 34 of sides 32, the closure material 34 extending above top panel 42 when the package is oriented as shown in Fig. 1 , with the top of the package 10 being at the top of the page. The closure material 34 may be the same material as the rest of the sheet material or may be made from a different polymer material. The closure material 34 as shown in FIG. 1 is upright but may fold over the frangible closure 8 as an added containment feature of the present disclosure. The closure material may be partially or completely removable by the user. The closure material may extend completely across the second end 40 of the package 10 above the frangible closure 8 in a generally straight line. The closure material 34 may optionally comprise a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color. The graphics, text, or design may be applied by any known means in the art such as inkjet printing. The graphics, text, or design may be applied directly to the closure material 34 with a single color or a mixture of colors thereof. Typical colors that may be used include but not are not limited to herein include red, white, blue, black, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, silver or a combination of colors thereof.

On the second end 40 inside of the package 10 may comprise a drawing means such as a draw string 60 as depicted in FIG. 2. Draw string can be any of known stings, yarns, fibers, threads, cords, other flexible, string-like elements. The draw string may be disposed to move freely inside the package such that the second end 40 of package 10 can be drawn closed as shown in Fig. 1. Drawing means such as draw strings may be constrained to limit lengthwise movement within the inside of the package 10, typically at least one location, preferably two locations within the package 10 wherein the draw means may be threaded through a hem or casing (a continuous tube of material) or laced through holes, which may be lined with eyelets. It may also be laced through loops attached to the material, in the same way that belt loops are attached to pants.

The drawing means or draw string 60 may be constructed of any material sufficient to withstand the pulling forces required to repeatedly close the package 10. Examples of suitable draw string materials include, without limitation, nylon, rayon, cotton, other suitable yarn or string materials, polymeric materials, leather or other suitable materials. The draw strings 60 may also be constructed of an elastic material and remain within the scope of this invention.

In use, the user can unseal the package by tearing or cutting an opening material 34 which lies on top of the frangible closure 8, wherein after the closure material and frangible closure are at least partially removed the drawing means is exposed for the user to see. FIG. 2.

Once the frangible closure or line of perforation 8 is removed, both the drawing means and the absorbent articles 50 from inside the interior 30 of the package 10 are exposed for the user to see. FIG. 2. To re-close the package the user may pull on the drawing means or draw string 60 in an easy and convenient manner. Once closed, the draw string 60 may be used as a convenient carrying handle. Thus in another embodiment the present disclosure also encompasses a carry package.

Packages 10 may be made by methods known in the art, such as by known "flow wrap" processes in which a web of material is conveyed, cut, folded, seamed, filled and closed. Flow wrap processes can produce generally "cube-shape" or polyhedral-shaped packages by providing a gusset, indicated as 33 in Fig. 1. Gussets 33 permit excess material to be provided for and folded flat. In particular, seams 44 may be made in a flow wrap process for making polymer film packages by a use of a sealing bar that thermally melts and seals package 10 on opposing side portions 32. In such a manufacturing process, drawing means 60 is also thermally sealed beneath the frangible closure 8 inside the package 10.

In one embodiment herein as shown in Fig. 3, the drawing means is a draw string 60. The draw string may be pulled, thereby gathering in the top end edge 62. When the draw string 60 is pulled to its substantially maximum amount, the second end 40 of the package 10 may be closed such that the absorbent articles 50 contained within cannot fall out. The drawing ribbon in a pulled position is an easy and convenient means for the consumer to carry the package 10.

The drawing means or string 60 can be made of any thin flexible material. The drawing ribbon 60 can comprise a blown or cast film in a blend of low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene, metallocenes, ethylene vinyl acetate, surlyn, polyethylene terephtalate, biaxially oriented polypropylene, and/or nylon. The draw string 60 can be cloth. The drawing ribbon 60 can be a nonwoven material. The draw string 60 can be a woven material.

To permit better stacking, storing, packing, or shelving, the package 10 may be configured wherein the open material 34 in FIG. 1 is folded all the way down so as to lie substantially flat against sides 32, package 10 can take on a shape having a relatively flat bottom 41 and top 42. Such a configuration enables more stable stacking and shelving, providing a better in-store appearance to consumers. Once opened, for example, the closure material 34 and frangible closure 8 are opened, the drawing means such as the draw string 60 are exposed and may be utilized as described above for closing package 10.

In another embodiment of the invention, the second end 40 has a draw ribbon instead of a draw string

60. As with the draw string 60, the drawing ribbon may be pulled, thereby gathering in the top end edge 62, as shown in Fig. 2. When the draw ribbon is pulled to its substantially maximum amount, the second end 40 of the package 10 can be closed such that the absorbent articles 50 contained within cannot fall out. The draw ribbon may also be an easy way for the consumer to carry the package 10.

In a further embodiment, the closure material 34 may have text disposed on it by any known method known in the art. For example, when the package 10 is in the closed position, the exposed closure material 34 may have graphics, text or color disposed thereon. The graphics, text, or color may be disposed on the entire closure material 34 or disposed on only a portion of it 34. Text may identify size, absorbency, use instructions, manufacturer's logo, or any other predetermined characteristic of the absorbent articles 50 contained therein. The text can be an inspirational message or any other information that can be communicated via text.

In another embodiment, the closure material 34 may be a graphic design. For example, when the package 10 is in the closed position, the exposed opening material may have a graphic design disposed thereon. The graphic design may be disposed on the entire closure material 34 or only a portion of it 34. The same graphic design can be repeated along the entire closure material 34. The graphic design can identify size, absorbency, use instructions, manufacturer's logo, or any other predetermined characteristic of the absorbent articles 50 contained therein. The graphic design can be an inspirational message or any other information that can be communicated via a graphic design.

In a further embodiment, FIG. 4 depicts a package including at least one frangible closure 8 arranged to divide the package into a first and second package parts such that when the frangible closure is broken, the package is divided into two separate package parts (also known as a split package) wherein both the first and second package parts comprise a frangible closure such as a line of perforations or may be a line in which the package material is thinner that the other parts of the package. Alternatively, the frangible closure may be a cut in the package material, which is held by a piece of tape before opening. The first package part includes a first edge region adjacent to the frangible closure, and a second package part includes a second edge region adjacent to the frangible closure.

FIG. 4 also shows a split package for holding stacked articles wherein the drawing means is completely contained inside the bottom edge portion of the first package and the drawing means is completely contained inside the top edge of the second package until the user removes the perforation or frangible closure.

Alternatively, the drawing means may only be inside of the bottom edge of the first package but not on the top edge of the second package. Or the drawing means may only be inside the top edge of the second package but not on the bottom edge of the first package. Additionally the frangible closure may be on either the first or second package parts that correspond to the appropriate drawing means.

In addition, the package in FIG. 4 may comprise of more than a first and second package parts. The package may comprise three or more separate package parts that have corresponding drawing means and frangible closures on each package part.

Further, on each side of the frangible closure and adjacent thereto, the side walls comprise edge regions on which means for reducing the size of the opening are arranged. Various means for reducing the size of the opening can be used. Such means can for example be an elastic member, such as a rubber band, which may be attached to the inside or outside or the edge region material, or running in a channel formed on the edge region. Alternatively, a single or double string, running in a channel formed on the edge region, can be used. Further, tape, hook-and-loop fasteners or zip lock can be used for reducing the size of the opening. Of course, the first package part and the second package part need not include the same type of means for reducing the size of the opening, but can include any combination of opening reducing means. The purpose of reducing the size of the opening is not exactly the same in the first and second package part.

In the first package part, which is intended for use as a storage package, the means of reducing the size of the opening serves to securely retain the remaining absorbent articles, so as to prevent absorbent articles from falling out from the package during storage. For this purpose an elastic member; single or double string; tape; or hook-and-loop fasteners are most suitable as these allow multiple resizing of the opening.

The stack of absorbent articles can be oriented in the package in different directions, e.g. the stacking direction can be parallel or perpendicular to the end parts, i.e. the absorbent articles stand (parallel) or lie

(perpendicular) on one of the end parts of the package. In this context, the stacking direction is meant to be the direction in which the stacked articles lie on top of each other. The possibility of reducing the opening size is particularly advantageous when the stacking direction of the absorbent articles is parallel to the end parts, i.e. the articles stand in the package, and the line of weakness is arranged on the side walls substantially parallel to the stacking direction. Because the frangible closure along which the package is opened is arranged on the side walls and not on one of the end parts, a portion of each absorbent article in the remaining stack will protrude outside the first package part, thus allowing easy access. The height of the first package part may thus be at least 50 percent of the height of the stacked article. Upon reduction of the opening size, the remaining articles will be kept in a neat stack, which is pressed together and tightly held as the means of reducing the size of the opening is tightened. Thus, the means of reducing the size of the opening should be chosen so that the opening can be reduced over and over again as the number of remaining articles in the package decreases. Elastic member or single or double string are particularly suitable means for reducing the opening size, when the absorbent articles are thus oriented in the package.

If the stack of absorbent articles is oriented in the package perpendicular to the end parts, i.e. the articles lie on top of each other in the package, and the frangible closure is arranged on the side walls substantially perpendicular to the stacking direction, the means of reducing the size of the opening should be chosen such that the size of the opening can be reduced to such an extent that the opening becomes smaller than the surface area of an absorbent article held in the package. For this purpose elastic member; single or double string; tape; or hook-and-loop fasteners are most suitable as these allow multiple resizing of the opening.

In the second package part, which is intended for use as a bring-along package, the purpose of reducing the size of the opening is to more or less close the opening. The bring-along package can be closed or the opening can be reduced by means of zip-lock or hook and loop members, strings, elastic members, or resealable glue. The package material of the bring-along package will thus enclose the absorbent articles to an essential extent, thereby protecting them from mechanical damage or contamination by objects being kept close to the absorbent articles. Thus, a number of absorbent articles can be conveniently carried in for example a handbag without having to worry about dirt and damage from the debris that is often contained in a handbag. Further, the bring-along package can serve to conceal the absorbent articles within a bag, which is preferred by many consumers. For the purpose of reducing the size of the opening of the second package part, (bring-along package) any of the above mentioned means can be used. The dimensions of the second package part are such that it can hold at least one single article.

In order to allow for effective reduction of the size of the opening, for the respective purposes indicated above, the package may be made optionally of wrinkable or pleatable flexible material at least in the edge regions of said first and second package parts. Thereby, the package material adjacent to the opening can be deformed as needed for the necessary reduction of the opening size. Preferably, the entire package is made of wrinkable or pleatable flexible material, since it is advantageous from a manufacturing point of view to make the package from one material. A suitable wrinkable or pleatable flexible material may be a film, nonwoven, or a laminate thereof, made of a polymeric material, such as of polyolefines, preferably polyethylenes and/or polypropylenes. The material may advantageously be weldable, liquid-impervious, recyclable and/or biodegradable.

Additional reinforcing layers may be attached to the edge regions to make them wear resistant.

Additional layers forming channels for strings or elastic threads may also be attached to the edge regions, preferably in the form of a strip which is glued or welded to the edge regions of the respective package parts. Such additional layers can be attached to the inside or the outside of the package.

FIG. 5 depicts a flexible package 10 wherein the package contains a channel 80 wherein the channel may have two openings 88 on opposite sides of the package 10. FIG. 5 shows one end containing a cut away portion of the channel and on the opposite end the closed flexible package. The openings 88 and channel 80 are both completely inside the first and/or second end of the package until a closure material and/or top panel and frangible closure are removed. The openings 88 have a drawing means 60 such as a drawing ribbon so that, for example, once the closure material and frangible closure are removed the drawing means 60 is exposed. The drawing means 60 may thereafter be pulled and the package closed thereby retaining the absorbent articles.

The closure material 34 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 is upright but may fold over the frangible closure 8 as an added containment feature of the present disclosure. The closure material may be partially or completely removable by the user. The closure material may extend completely across the second end 40 of the package 10 above the frangible closure 8 in a generally straight line.

The closure material 34 may optionally comprise the wording "drawstring within", "drawing ribbon within" or "drawstring" or "drawing ribbon" or similar words thereof and with an arrow pointing to (or highlighting) where on the package the drawing means 60 is located. Additionally, the closure material 34 may comprise a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color. The graphics, text, or design may be applied by any known means in the art such as inkjet printing. The graphics, text, or design may be applied directly to the closure material 34 with a single color or a mixture of colors thereof. Typical colors that may be used include but not are not limited to herein include red, white, blue, black, green, yellow, orange, purple, pink, silver or a combination of colors thereof.

Alternatively, a flexible package 10 may contain a channel 80 wherein the channel may have two openings 88 on opposite sides of the package 10 wherein the openings 88 are completely inside the first or second end of the package. The channel 80 is bonded (bonded by any known means in the art such as by glue; tape, etc.) to a drawing means 60 and may be completely or partially surrounded by an outer frangible closure or line of perforation 8. Once the frangible closure is removed from the channel the drawing means 60 is exposed. The drawing means 60 may thereafter be pulled and the package closed thereby retaining the absorbent articles.

Alternatively, a flexible package 10 may comprise a top panel 42 and a frangible closure 8 wherein both the top panel and frangible closure are at the top of the first and/or second end of the package replacing the closure material 34. This may allow for a more convenient and quicker way to access a drawing means 60 which is located at or near the first or second end of the inside of the package.

Applicants herein incorporate by reference U.S. patent publication US2017/0057721. All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the term in a document incorporated by references, the meaning or definition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Specifically, the various features described with respect to the various embodiments and figures should not be construed to be applicable to only those embodiments and/or figures. Rather, each described feature may be combined with any other feature in various contemplated embodiments, either with or without any of the other features described in conjunction with those features. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A flexible package comprising:

an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space;

a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space;

the package having a first end and a second end;

a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the top of the second end of the package;

a closure material wherein the closure material is at or near the top of the second end of the package; a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure is between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

2. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the drawing means is threaded through a hem, casing or laced through holes_which extends completely around the circumference of the second end of the package.

3. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the first end is sealed.

4. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the frangible closure is completely removable.

5. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the frangible closure extends completely across the second end of the package in generally a straight line.

6. The package accordingly to claim 1 , wherein the closure material extends completely across the second end of the package in a generally straight line.

7. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the closure material comprises a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color.

8. The package according to claim 6, wherein the color is a single color or a mixture thereof.

9. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent articles are loaded on the gusset side of the package.

10. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent articles are disposable absorbent articles selected from the group consisting of tampons, diapers, sanitary napkins, pantiliners, adult incontinent products, interlabial devices, tissue, toilet paper, paper towels, wet or dry wipes and combinations thereof.

1 1 A method of manufacturing according to claim 1

12. A flexible package comprising:

a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space;

the package having a first end and a second end;

a drawing means wherein the drawing means is within the interior space at or near the first or second end of the package;

a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the first or second end of the package further wherein the closure material has a hole in it;

a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible closure is opened the drawing means is exposed.

13. The package according to claim 11 , wherein the drawing means is threaded through a hem, casing or laced through holes_which extends completely around the circumference of the first or second end of the package.

14. The package according to claim 11 , wherein the frangible closure extends completely across the first or second end of the package above the closure material in a generally straight line.

15. The package according to claim 11 , wherein the closure material comprises a graphic design and/or graphic letters, texts and/or color.

16. A method of manufacturing according to claim 1 1.

17. A flexible package comprising:

a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space;

the package having an unsealed first end and an unsealed second end;

a drawing means disposed inside the package wherein the drawing means lies at or near the top of the unsealed second end of the package;

a closure material wherein the closure material lies at or near the top of the unsealed second end and at or near the top of the unsealed first end further wherein the closure material has a hole in it;

a frangible closure wherein the frangible closure lies between the closure material and the drawing means further wherein when the frangible material is opened the drawing means is exposed.

18. A method of manufacturing according to claim 18.

19. A flexible package, the package comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface defining an interior space;

a plurality of absorbent articles disposed within the interior space;

at least one frangible closure along which the package can be opened, the frangible closure running along the entire periphery of the package and being arranged to divide the package into a first package part and a second package part, such that when the frangible closure is broken, the package is divided into two separate package parts both having an opening at the frangible closure, said first package part comprising a first edge region adjacent to the frangible closure, and the second package part comprising a second edge region adjacent to the frangible closure, wherein the package is made of wrinkable or pleatable flexible material at least in the edge regions of the first and second package parts, a means for reducing the size of the opening of the first package part being arranged in the edge region of the first package part so that the first package part retains the stacked articles when the second package part has been removed, and the second package part being adapted to hold at least one of the absorbent articles, and another means for reducing the opening of the second package part being arranged in the edge region of the second package part so that the second package part becomes a bring-along package; and

a drawing means wherein the drawing means is in the interior space of the package at or near the bottom of the first package part and at or near the top of the second package part.

20. The package according to claim 1 , wherein the closure material comprises wording indicating a

drawing means is contained inside the package with an optional arrow pointing where the drawing means is located on the package.