Individual Wrapper Patents (Class 604/385.02)
  • Patent number: 8562579
    Abstract: A packaged elongate intravaginal device has an overwrap substantially enclosing the device. The overwrap has a longitudinal overlap seam disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The seam includes one ply of overwrap material disposed at a first margin of a overwrap blank superposed on a second ply of overwrap material disposed at a second margin of the overwrap blank, opposite the first. The overwrap has a substantially continuous line of weakness that intersects a plane including the longitudinal axis of the packaged device at at least three unique locations. The line of weakness extends across the longitudinal overlap seam and includes weakness components superposed in each ply of the overlap seam, and the line of weakness is arranged and configured in a manner to permit the overwrap to remain as a unitary structure upon destruction of the line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: McNeil-PPC, Inc., Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Y. Fung, David L. Kimball, Stephan M. Linkel, Ralf Mueller, Lionel Robbe, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8558054
    Abstract: An absorbent body material article includes an absorbent article main unit, an absorbent body material included in the absorbent article main unit and including absorbent fibers and a super absorbent resin, and interspersed sections in the absorbent body material and having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a thickness direction. A densely gathered state of the absorbent fibers in each of the interspersed sections is less dense than a densely gathered state of the absorbent fibers around each of the interspersed sections. An occupied volume ratio of the super absorbent resin in the interspersed sections is greater than an occupied volume ratio of the super absorbent resin around the interspersed sections. At least one of the interspersed sections overlaps a fold line and the longitudinal direction of the at least one of the interspersed sections is aligned with the fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda, Kumiko Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 8551063
    Abstract: The backsheet of an absorbent body is used as a wrapper. The backsheet includes a fastening device intended for use in an undergarment. The absorbent article is folded into a packet in such a way that the fastening device on the backsheet becomes hidden within the packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Solgun Drevik, Chatrine Stridfeldt, Magnus Melander
  • Patent number: 8545471
    Abstract: An array of disposable absorbent articles comprising a sequence of graphic designs corresponding to a wearer's stage of development. For a disposable diaper, the array of disposable absorbent article graphic designs may comprise a first absorbent article graphic design for newborns and infants, a second absorbent article graphic design for toddlers, and a third absorbent article graphic design for older wearers, and other absorbent article graphic designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: the Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Ashton, Molly Kelly Grovak, Kaoru Ishihara, Deborah Ann Vargo
  • Patent number: 8545470
    Abstract: A method of individually packaging an absorbent article and attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment including the steps of providing a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, providing a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, opening the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Y. Fung, Paul J. Serbiak
  • Patent number: 8518005
    Abstract: Tampons are packaged in a substantially cylindrical wrapper formed of a flexible, sheet-like material that is closed with one or more attachment zones having one or more gaps crossed by a line of weakness. The wrapper is closed at both ends and has a longitudinal seam area in which overlapping portions of the flexible, sheet-like material are attached. The longitudinal seam area comprises a substantially longitudinal attachment zone with a first edge and a second edge that defines a seam area. The line of weakness has a first end disposed within the seam area at a distance from a first end of the wrapper package; extends through a gap in the substantially longitudinal attachment zone; continues generally circumferentially about the wrapper; and terminates at a second end disposed within the seam area at the second edge of the substantially longitudinal attachment zone. The line of weakness extends across the seam area, and the wrapper can be removed as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignees: McNeil-PPC, Inc., Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Handel, Stephan M. Linkel, Simone Weitz
  • Publication number: 20130218117
    Abstract: A diaper kit includes a packaged single-use disposable diaper comprising, a sealed substantially air impermeable encasement completely enclosing an interior space and having at least one airtight seal, and a single compressed single-use disposable diaper vacuum-sealed within said interior space, wherein said interior space has at least a partial vacuum whereby a pressure differential acts upon said encasement and said diaper to maintain said diaper in said compressed state; at least one diaper accessory for use in the diaper changing; and wherein said diaper accessory is disposed inside of said interior space of said encasement; wherein said encasement is dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing; and wherein said single compressed single-use disposable diaper vacuum-sealed within said interior space is folded at least once; wherein the diaper kit is packaged together with a plurality of non-vacuum-packaged diapers in a combination package for retail sale.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: DIAPEROOS, LLC
    Inventor: DIAPEROOS, LLC
  • Patent number: 8496636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for unfolding and dispensing diapers. The system includes a dispenser and a folded diaper that is within the dispenser. The folded diaper includes a first longitudinal fold that is between a main portion and a first side portion and a second longitudinal fold that is between the main portion and a second side portion. The dispenser includes a first projection that unfolds the first longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser and a second projection that unfolds the second longitudinal fold as the diaper is removed from the dispenser. The system may make it easier for care givers to perform multiple diaper changes per day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan K. Rice, Walter C. Reade, Daniel L. Ellingson, Rhonda K. Joch, Brenda M. Nelson, Denise J. Nelson, Jaime M. Vitense, Timothy P. Clare, Connie J. Warshall, John P. Vukos
  • Patent number: 8496637
    Abstract: A tri-folded disposable absorbent article comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core located in a chassis between a topsheet and a backsheet and comprising absorbent particulate polymer material. An array of absorbent article packages comprising disposable absorbent articles comprising a substantially cellulose free absorbent core is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Harald Hermann Hundorf, Holger Beruda, Horst Blessing, Peter Dziezok, Axel Krause, Mattias Schmidt, Lutz Stelzig, Martin Werner Frank
  • Publication number: 20130190711
    Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article that is wrapped in a wrapping sheet wherein the wrapping sheet has a colored part on the inner surface on the side of the absorbent article, and the colored part of the wrapping sheet can be seen from the outside of the individually wrapped product but the absorbent article cannot be seen from the outside of the individually wrapped product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Hashino, Yuki Noda, Shinpei Komatsu, Hideyuki Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 8491553
    Abstract: An individually wrapped absorbent article 1 comprising an absorbent article 2 and a wrapping sheet 3, said absorbent article having a shape being relatively long in a longitudinal direction having a liquid-pervious top-sheet, a liquid-impervious back-sheet and a liquid-retentive absorbent core, on one hand, and said wrapping sheet 3 having a shape being also relatively long in the longitudinal direction arranged to cover the back-sheet of the absorbent article 2, on the other hand, so as to be folded back in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 2 by a predetermined fold length dimension L1, respectively, with the top-sheet inside. The wrapping sheet 3 is provided with a first display region 33 having a predetermined length dimension L3 as measured from one end of the wrapping sheet 3 in the longitudinal direction and the length dimension L3 of the first display region 33 is set to be smaller than the fold length dimension L1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nomoto, Masashi Uda, Hideaki Morita
  • Publication number: 20130178816
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch being structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment-facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
    Inventor: MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
  • Patent number: 8480642
    Abstract: A merchandise system for disposable absorbent articles is provided. The merchandise display system includes a first line-up and second line-up of disposable absorbent articles designed to match a wearer's stage of development. The system also includes various color schemes associated with the first and second line-ups in order to facilitate consumers' identification and selection of the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a particular wearer. A merchandise system for baby care articles is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Tysonn Yuievonn Betts
  • Publication number: 20130165888
    Abstract: A package structure that includes wings that extend from both sides in the width direction provided on an absorbent article. On first regions on the clothing side of the wings and second regions on the clothing side of the backing sheet, adhesive for affixing the absorbent article to underwear is applied. With the wings folded toward the skin-contacting side of the surface sheet, a water-degradable release sheet is provided so as to cover the first regions. Wrapping sheet is non-water-degradable, is peelable from the underwear-affixing adhesive and is provided so as to cover the second regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kinoshita, Hiroyuki Harada, Jun Kudo, Mari Mimami
  • Publication number: 20130165887
    Abstract: Packages for containing consumer goods are disclosed. The consumer goods may be disposable, durable or semi-durable. Absorbent article is one class of disposable articles that may be contained by packages. The packages comprise an opening that is covered by an overlabel. The overlabel is at least partially peeled off of the package so that articles contained within the package can be removed through the now exposed opening. In some embodiments, the package can be reclosed by covering the opening with the overlabel. A consumer may wish to dispose of a used article by placing the article back into the package via the opening and re-adhering the overlabel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Publication number: 20130158498
    Abstract: An article has a longitudinal length, an article width, and an article thickness. The article includes a fresh personal care product in a substantially unsoiled condition, and a pouch having a pouch volume which operatively encloses the fresh product. The pouch includes a front panel region, a back panel region which is operatively connected to the front panel region, and at least one expansion section which is operatively connected between the front panel region and the back panel region. The expansion section is operatively held in a substantially unexpanded, closed position when the fresh product is enclosed in the pouch. The expansion section is movable to an open position after a removal of the fresh product from the pouch. The open position of the expansion section is configured to provide an expanded disposal volume which can operatively contain a product when the product is in a used and soiled condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8460260
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch being structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment-facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Y. Fung, Paul J. Serbiak
  • Publication number: 20130144242
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch be structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
    Inventor: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130138071
    Abstract: A packaged elongate intravaginal device has an overwrap substantially enclosing the device. The overwrap has a longitudinal overlap seam disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The seam includes one ply of overwrap material disposed at a first margin of a overwrap blank superposed on a second ply of overwrap material disposed at a second margin of the overwrap blank, opposite the first. The overwrap has a substantially continuous line of weakness that intersects a plane including the longitudinal axis of the packaged device at at least three unique locations. The line of weakness extends across the longitudinal overlap seam and includes weakness components superposed in each ply of the overlap seam, and the line of weakness is arranged and configured in a manner to permit the overwrap to remain as a unitary structure upon destruction of the line of weakness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicants: JOHNSON & JOHNSON GMBH, MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
    Inventors: MCNEIL-PPC, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130123730
    Abstract: A method of individually packaging a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid includes compressing a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid from a first condition to a second, compressed condition, and retaining the single-use disposable diaper in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the single-use disposable diaper in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the single-use disposable diaper in an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use disposable diaper at the negative pressure within the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Patent number: 8435222
    Abstract: An array of absorbent article packages for multiple baby stages of development displayed via a merchandise display system may comprise multiple packages. Each package may comprise articles having absorbent article configurations appropriate for the stage of development of an infant, newborn, or toddler. Each package may also comprise indicia representative of the appropriate stage of development of the infant, newborn, or toddler. And, absorbent article configurations may differ between packages having overlapping size ranges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Karl P. Ronn, Barry R. Feist, Mary L. Carr, Kathy Q. Ames-Ooten, Danielia T. Wilkins, Merlene A. Cummins, Ooma B. Rampersad-Cutler, Monica J. Mohlenkamp, Vicki L. Streithorst
  • Publication number: 20130110069
    Abstract: Tampons are packaged in a substantially cylindrical wrapper formed of a flexible, sheet-like material that is closed with one or more attachment zones having one or more gaps crossed by a line of weakness. The wrapper is closed at both ends and has a longitudinal seam area in which overlapping portions of the flexible, sheet-like material are attached. The longitudinal seam area comprises a substantially longitudinal attachment zone with a first edge and a second edge that defines a seam area. The line of weakness has a first end disposed within the seam area at a distance from a first end of the wrapper package; extends through a gap in the substantially longitudinal attachment zone; continues generally circumferentially about the wrapper; and terminates at a second end disposed within the seam area at the second edge of the substantially longitudinal attachment zone. The line of weakness extends across the seam area, and the wrapper can be removed as a single piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicants: JOHNSON & JOHNSON GMBH, MCNEIL-PPC, INC.
    Inventors: MCNEIL-PPC, INC., JOHNSON & JOHNSON GMBH
  • Patent number: 8419700
    Abstract: A packaged elongate intravaginal device has an overwrap substantially enclosing the device. The overwrap has a longitudinal overlap seam disposed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The seam includes one ply of overwrap material disposed at a first margin of a overwrap blank superposed on a second ply of overwrap material disposed at a second margin of the overwrap blank, opposite the first. The overwrap has a substantially continuous line of weakness that intersects a plane including the longitudinal axis of the packaged device at at least three unique locations. The line of weakness extends across the longitudinal overlap seam and includes weakness components superposed in each ply of the overlap seam, and the line of weakness is arranged and configured in a manner to permit the overwrap to remain as a unitary structure upon destruction of the line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: McNeil-PPC, Inc., Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: Paul Y. Fung, David L. Kimball, Stephan M. Linkel, Ralf Mueller, Lionel Robbe, Yang Xu
  • Patent number: 8403903
    Abstract: An article (20) has a longitudinal length (22), an article width (24) and an article thickness (26). The article (20) comprises a fresh personal care product (28) in a substantially unsoiled condition, and a pouch (30) having a pouch volume which operatively encloses the fresh product (28). The pouch (30) includes a front panel region (32), a back panel region (34) which is operatively connected to the front panel region (32), and at least one expansion section (48) which is operatively connected between the front panel region (32) and the back panel region (34). The expansion section (48) is operatively held in a substantially unexpanded, closed position when the fresh product (28) is enclosed in the pouch (30). The expansion section 48 is movable to an open position after a removal of the fresh product (28) from the pouch (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: James Joseph Clark, Jr., Garry Roland Woltman, Susan Jean Moder, Annaïg Gaël Jacquemard, Roland Eckehard Nepf
  • Patent number: 8388592
    Abstract: A sanitary pad packaging system featuring a sleeve-like packaging having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is adapted to hold a sanitary pad. A first crease and second crease are disposed in the top surface of the packaging, and a third crease and fourth crease are disposed in the bottom surface of the packaging. The first crease and second crease divide the top surface into generally equal thirds, and the third crease and fourth crease divide the bottom surface into generally equal thirds. The creases allow the sleeve-like packaging to move between a folded and unfolded position. A slot disposed is in the second crease allowing access to the inner cavity of the sleeve-like packaging. A pocket is disposed on the bottom surface of the sleeve-like packaging. The pocket has an inner cavity and an open end for accessing the inner cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Veronica Gentile, Grace Gentile
  • Patent number: 8388591
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch be structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Y. Fung
  • Publication number: 20130053810
    Abstract: A package includes a tampon and applicator assembly and a wrapper for enclosing the tampon and applicator assembly. The wrapper is selectively configurable between a sealed configuration wherein the tampon and applicator assembly are sealingly enclosed in the wrapper and an opened configuration for allowing the tampon and applicator assembly to be removed from the wrapper. The wrapper has a front panel, a back panel, two side edges, two end edges, an interior space, a longitudinal axis, and a transverse axis. The front panel has, in the opened configuration of the wrapper, a pair of spaced-apart longitudinal components extending generally parallel to each other and longitudinally of the wrapper to define an opening in the wrapper. Each of the longitudinal components is spaced inward from the respective side edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8381907
    Abstract: An individual package of sanitary tampon that can be easily opened and can avoid any unintended seal breakage while being carried. The individual package of tampon comprises a vertically long, flat bag body made of a sheet-shaped member and a tampon with applicator individually enclosed in the bag body. The individual package further comprises a seal breaking part with one or more cut portions provided continuously or intermittently along a given direction of the sheet-shaped member and a buffer structure part provided on one side or both sides of the seal breaking part in the seal breaking direction. The buffer structure part has a slack portion formed by slacking the sheet-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kondo, Masashi Hosokawa, Hitoshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130030400
    Abstract: A packaging medium is provided only on non-skin side surfaces of a third portion and a fourth portion. The length of the packaging medium in a lengthwise direction of a sanitary napkin is shorter than the length of the sanitary napkin. A second portion includes a folded end portion which is formed by a first folded portion provided on a side of a first portion of the sanitary napkin which opposes a first folding portion. The folded end portion is folded over a non-skin side surface of the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Akira Hashino, Yuki Noda
  • Patent number: 8357134
    Abstract: Tampons are packaged in a substantially cylindrical wrapper formed of a flexible, sheet-like material that is closed with one or more attachment zones having one or more gaps crossed by a line of weakness. The wrapper is closed at both ends and has a longitudinal seam area in which overlapping portions of the flexible, sheet-like material are attached. The longitudinal seam area comprises a substantially longitudinal attachment zone with a first edge and a second edge that defines a seam area. The line of weakness has a first end disposed within the seam area at a distance from a first end of the wrapper package; extends through a gap in the substantially longitudinal attachment zone; continues generally circumferentially about the wrapper; and terminates at a second end disposed within the seam area at the second edge of the substantially longitudinal attachment zone. The line of weakness extends across the seam area, and the wrapper can be removed as a single piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: McNeil-PPC, Inc., Johnson & Johnson GmbH
    Inventors: Otto Handel, Stephan M. Linkel, Simone Weitz
  • Publication number: 20130012904
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin provided with an absorbent body which includes a liquid permeable skin contact side sheet, a liquid impermeable non-skin contact side sheet, and an absorbent core which is arranged between these skin contact side sheet and non-skin contact side sheet and with a cover sheet which covers the surface of the skin contact side sheet. An individually wrapped product is formed by wrapping the napkin in the ready-to-wrap state by the wrapping material. The wrapping material includes a belt-shaped material which surrounds the ready-to-wrap napkin across the entire circumference of the ready-to-wrap napkin. A width of the belt-shaped material is shorter than a length of the ready-to-wrap napkin in the width direction of the belt-shaped material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: UNICHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Nomoto, Takashi Onozuka, Kenji Oba
  • Patent number: 8348916
    Abstract: An individual package is provided to allow a tampon with an applicator to be handled easily. An individual package includes: a tampon including an applicator having an external cylinder and an internal cylinder, and an absorbent body housed so as to be pushed out from the applicator; and a flat bag formed by a predetermined sheet member in a elongated shape. The flat bag includes an unsealable portion formed on one side of the flat bag so as to enable the tampon to be removed therefrom; and a lid portion which is openable and closable in a longitudinal direction of the flat bag. The lid portion is disposed so as to cover the unsealable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Kaori Fujikawa, Hideki Kondo, Hitoshi Watanabe, Masashi Hosokawa
  • Patent number: 8343124
    Abstract: An absorbent article including an absorbent article main body which is extended in a longitude direction and having a front end portion and a rear end portion, and which includes an absorber of liquid-retaining, a topsheet of liquid-permeable covering a surface of the absorber, and a backsheet of liquid-nonpermeable supporting the absorber from a back surface of the absorber, the absorbent article includes: a belt-shaped member extended in the longitude direction of the absorbent article main body, including a base end portion fixed to any one of the absorber and the backsheet and a tip portion not fixed, and being stretchable in the longitude direction; and an attaching sheet provided on a back surface of the belt-shaped member and configured to be attached to clothing, wherein the attaching sheet is extended in a width direction of the belt-shaped member and both end portions of the attaching sheet are fixed to the belt-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Unicharm Corporation
    Inventors: Yuki Noda, Kenichiro Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20120323203
    Abstract: A method for packaging an absorbent article assembly that includes following the steps. First and second breast milk absorbent pads are fed onto wrapping sheet web. Next, the first breast milk absorbent pad is displaced from a transverse center line toward an upper end by ¼ of a dimension thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction, and the second breast milk absorbent pad is displaced from a transverse center line toward an lower end by ¼ of a dimension thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction. Next, the first and second breast milk absorbent pads are folded back from the upper and lower ends toward the transverse center line. Next, the upper and lower ends of the wrapping sheet web are folded back toward the transverse center line. Next, a joint zone is formed between the first and second breast milk absorbent pads and the pads are cut apart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji OBA, Keijiro YOKOE, Michiyo FUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20120316533
    Abstract: In a conveniently usable individually packaged absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin fixing adhesive layers formed on wing-shaped flaps are covered with a wing release material extended in the width direction, the wing-shaped flaps are folded to a permeable front-surface sheet side with the wing release material, a packaging material is fixed at least to the wing release material, and the wing release material and the packaging material are fixed by a first fixing region that includes portions around folding lines of the wing-shaped flaps and is formed over the forward end positions (forward-side root positions) of the folding lines of the wing-shaped flaps in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Yoshimi Norimoto
  • Publication number: 20120310201
    Abstract: A product includes an absorbent article contained within a pouch. The absorbent article includes a first graphic and the pouch includes a second graphic which is different than the first graphic. The pouch is at least partially translucent and the absorbent article is arranged in the pouch such that at least a portion of the first graphic is visible through the pouch. The first graphic defines a first complexity value and the second graphic defines a second complexity value wherein the difference between the first complexity value and the second complexity value is at least 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Susan Mary Oates
  • Patent number: 8317766
    Abstract: In order to produce an easily removable individually packaged absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, while maintaining the surface sheet thereof in a hygienic state and avoiding the occurrence of individually-packaging failures such as bending or wrinkling of a packaging sheet on the production line, in the process of producing individually packaged absorbent articles, absorbent articles are provided at definite intervals on a band shaped sheet and a notch out satisfying the following conditions is formed at the intermediate site between each pair of the absorbent articles. [1] The notch out is formed by an outward curved cut line, which starts from the cutting-starting point in the side periphery toward the diagonally tilting direction forward in the line and shows a convex outward of the band shaped sheet, and an inward curved line which is connected to the endpoint of the outward curved cut line via a ininflexion point P and shows a convex inward of the band shaped sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Daio Paper Corporation
    Inventors: Nakao Naoto, Kume Yukio
  • Patent number: 8317765
    Abstract: A packaged tampon and applicator assembly includes a tampon and an applicator assembled together with the tampon and adapted to facilitate insertion of the tampon in a user. A wrapper has an interior space and sealingly encloses the tampon and applicator assembly in the interior space. The wrapper includes a line of weakness formed therein to facilitate tearing of the wrapper along the line of weakness to facilitate opening a portion thereof to provide an opening in the wrapper through which the tampon and applicator assembly is removed from the wrapper. The wrapper is further configured to inhibit separation of the opened portion from the wrapper. The remainder of the wrapper defines a pocket sized for receiving the entire applicator therein following use of the applicator to insert the tampon in the user. Should mention facilitation of the opening via a line of weakness (i.e. perforation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrienne Rae Loyd, Marcus David Weiher, Carrie Nicole Pateras, Daniel Thomas LaBash, Thomas W. VanDenBogart, Gary John Borkowski
  • Patent number: 8313473
    Abstract: An absorbent garment, such as a diaper structure, includes a visually discernible alignment indicator visible from a body-facing surface. The alignment indicator includes at least one first reference point. The absorbent garment comes with instructions defining the location of the first reference point on the absorbent article, defining the location of a second reference point on a wearer, and instructing the consumer to position the absorbent garment so that the first reference point optically aligns with the second reference point, and to fasten the absorbent garment in the position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Joseph Datta
  • Publication number: 20120283680
    Abstract: A visually-coordinated absorbent product includes an absorbent article component including a garment side outer cover and a body side liner, wherein the article component has at least a first and second visual characteristic, and wherein the first visual characteristic is different from the second visual characteristic. The absorbent product also includes a first packaging component including at least first and second visual characteristics, wherein first and second visual characteristics of the absorbent article are coordinated to the first and second visual characteristics of the packaging component, and wherein at least a portion of one of the garment side outer cover and the body side liner is configured with the article component first visual characteristic and at least a portion of one of the garment side outer cover and the body side liner is configured with the article component second visual characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Teresa Marie Zander, Kristi Jo Bryant, Debra A. Haase, Sheila Marie Heyrman, Kim Hoertsch, Adrienne Rae Loyd, William Grover Reeves, Garry Roland Woltman, Theodore T. Tower, Jennifer Pozniak, Angela Rae Heck, Richard Joseph Hantke
  • Patent number: 8302844
    Abstract: A package having a wrapper having a length, a top, a bottom, an outer surface having a periphery, a longitudinal axis, and one or more predetermined lines of weakness. The one or more predetermined lines of weakness can be disposed at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The wrapper can enclose an article for feminine hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kimberly Nichole McConnell, Letha Margie Hines
  • Patent number: 8298203
    Abstract: A multi-presentational package for disposable diapers such that the package may be presented in a multi-package form or an individual-package form. One exemplary embodiment of the package may include a plurality of disposable diaper products, a plurality of stabilizers, and a wrapping layer. The multi-presentational package may be marketed as a single unit such that a substantial portion of said plurality of disposable diaper products is visible to the consumer and/or the plurality of disposable diaper products and plurality of stabilizers may be removed from said multi-presentation package and subsequently marketable as multiple units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Andreas Peter Motsch, Beate Christine Janik, Martin Werner Frank
  • Patent number: 8292861
    Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article including an absorbent article and a package. The package can enclose the absorbent article and can have an outer surface and an inner surface. In certain embodiments, the package can include a package material that is a polymeric film. The package can have two opposing faces, and an opening area. The opening area can be provided substantially on a face of the package, and the package having an overlabel substantially covering the opening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Douglas Toms, Jeremy Robert Basham
  • Patent number: 8292863
    Abstract: A disposable diaper has a front pouch with a wet wipe inside and a rear pouch with a closable open end. When the diaper has been soiled the wet wipe can be removed from the front pouch and used to clean the baby and then the diaper, once removed from the baby, can be inverted into the rear pouch, which inverts inside out with the soiled diaper inside. A closure can be used to close the open end of the now-inverted rear pouch to contain the soiled diaper inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher D. Donoho
  • Patent number: 8286793
    Abstract: An individual package of tampon that has a bag body capable of easily accommodating an applicator after use. The individual package of tampon comprises a vertically long, flat bag body (2) consisting of a sheet member and, individually enclosed therein, a tampon with applicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Kondo, Akie Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 8287510
    Abstract: An odor control substrate that is applied with an activated carbon ink is provided. The activated carbon ink is applied in a pattern that covers from about 25% to about 95% of the surface area of the substrate. Although not covering the entire surface, the present inventors have discovered that the activated carbon ink is still capable of providing good odor reduction qualities to the substrate. To further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the odor control substrate to a consumer, one or more colored inks may also be applied the substrate in a pattern that may or may not overlap with the activated carbon ink pattern. The colored ink(s) may contrast well with the activated carbon ink to provide an overall design that is more aesthetically than otherwise would be provided by a uniform coating of activated carbon ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gavin MacDonald, Roger Bradshaw Quincy, III, Jaeho Kim, Jeffrey Eldon Fish
  • Publication number: 20120253309
    Abstract: A packaged absorbent article having a body surface and a garment surface; and a wrapper sheet for wrapping the absorbent article so that at least a portion of the garment surface of the absorbent article can be seen through the wrapper sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Shimizu, Akane Matsuo, Sachiko Ninomiya, Tsunetoshi Miura
  • Patent number: 8277428
    Abstract: A sanitary napkin including a central absorbent pad, the central absorbent pad having a liquid pervious cover layer, a liquid impervious barrier layer and an absorbent core between the cover layer and barrier layer. The central absorbent pad includes a pair of flaps adapted to fold over a crotch portion of an undergarment in use. The central absorbent pad further includes two preferential bending axes, each axis being inward from and adjacent to a respective longitudinal side edge and extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal centerline, the axes converging towards the longitudinal centerline in the first distal end of the central absorbent pad. The preferential bending axes are adapted to enable the sanitary napkin to be folded from an initial substantially hourglass shape to a tapered shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Ind. E Com. Ltda
    Inventors: Antonio Carlos Ribeiro Carvalho, Marcia Helena Teixeira Fajolli, Flavia Guimaraes Guaragna
  • Patent number: 8277429
    Abstract: Absorbent product including a package, at least one absorbent article and a miniature model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Proctor and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Tanguy Yann Pellen, Jing Zhang, Xiaofeng Wang
  • Patent number: 8231591
    Abstract: A personal care article (20) has a longitudinal-direction (22), a lateral cross-direction (24), a first end-section (72), a second end-section (72a), and an intermediate-section (76) interposed between the first end-section (72) and the second end-section (72a). At least a portion of the first end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a first end-fold-region (64) which is substantially convex along a backsheet-side of the article. At least a portion of the second end-section has been folded along or otherwise includes a second end-fold-region (66) which is substantially convex along the backsheet-side of the article. In other aspects, the article can include a first, lengthwise-fold-region (58) in the first end-section, a second, lengthwise-fold-region (62) in the second end-section, and a third, lengthwise-fold-region (68) in the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry Roland Woltman, Carrie Nicole Pateras, Angela Rae Heck, Karyn Clare Schroeder, Marcille Faye Ruman