U.S. patent application number 11/707933 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-02 for arrangement for the removal of an absorbent article from a stack of absorbent articles.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB. Invention is credited to Peter Ronnberg, Pontus Winqvist.
Application Number | 20070175789 11/707933 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36000329 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070175789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ronnberg; Peter ; et
al. |
August 2, 2007 |
Arrangement for the removal of an absorbent article from a stack of
absorbent articles
Abstract
Arrangement for removing absorbent articles from a pack module
comprising a separate gripping device intended to influence and, at
least partially, to remove at least one absorbent article from the
pack module when the gripping device is used.
Inventors: |
Ronnberg; Peter; (Molndal,
SE) ; Winqvist; Pontus; (Stora Hoga, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Assignee: |
SCA HYGIENE PRODUCTS AB
Goteborg
SE
|
Family ID: |
36000329 |
Appl. No.: |
11/707933 |
Filed: |
February 20, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/SE04/01213 |
Aug 19, 2004 |
|
|
|
11707933 |
Feb 20, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/494 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61F 15/001 20130101;
B65D 85/07 20180101; A61F 13/5511 20130101; A61F 13/55115
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/494 |
International
Class: |
B65D 73/00 20060101
B65D073/00 |
Claims
1. An arrangement for removing absorbent articles from a pack
module, wherein the arrangement comprises at least one separate
gripping device adapted to at least partially remove at least one
absorbent article from the pack module when the gripping device is
used.
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the pack module
comprises boundary surfaces, wherein the gripping device extends
beyond at least one of the boundary surfaces of the pack
module.
3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the pack module is
arranged in a pack comprising an opening, wherein the gripping
device is arranged at a boundary surface of the pack module which
faces towards the opening of the pack.
4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the gripping
device comprises a gripping loop.
5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the gripping
device comprises a strip of material comprising a first surface and
a second surface, with the first surface of the strip of material
being in contact with the absorbent article which the gripping
device is adapted to at least partially remove, with the removal
occurring through friction between the first surface and the
absorbent article.
6. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the second surface
of the strip of material which faces away from the absorbent
article which the gripping device is adapted to at least partially
remove, exhibits lower friction with adjacent absorbent articles in
the pack module than the friction between the first surface of the
strip of material and the absorbent article which the gripping
device is adapted to at least partially remove.
7. The arrangement according claim 6, wherein the difference in the
coefficient of friction is at least 0.1.
8. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the strip of
material of comprises a laminate, with the laminate comprising a
low-friction layer arranged remotely from the absorbent article
which the gripping device is intended to influence adapted to at
least partially remove.
9. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the strip of
material comprises a first end area and a second end area, with the
first end area of the strip of material being arranged on the side
of the absorbent article which is adapted to be at least partially
removed by the gripping device and with the second end area of the
strip of material being arranged on the opposite side of the
article, with the sides of the article denoting outward-facing
sides of the article when the article is configured for packing in
a pack module, with the part of the strip of material situated
between the end areas constituting the gripping loop.
10. The arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the first end
area of the strip of material covers essentially the whole of the
side of the absorbent article which the gripping device is adapted
to at least partially remove, and with the second end area of the
strip of material covering essentially the whole of the opposite
side of the article.
11. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the gripping
device is adapted to at least partially remove two absorbent
articles, with the first surface of the gripping device being
adapted to at least partially remove one of the said two absorbent
articles and with the second surface of the gripping device being
adapted to at least partially remove the other of the said two
absorbent articles.
12. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the gripping
device is attached to the absorbent article which the gripping
device is adapted to at least partially remove.
13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein at least parts
of the gripping device can be removed from the absorbent article to
which the gripping device is attached.
14. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the gripping
device is attached to the absorbent article which the gripping
device is adapted to at least partially remove by means of
pressure-sensitive adhesive, with the entire gripping device being
capable of being removed from the absorbent article.
15. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the gripping
device comprises an information carrier, with the information
comprising text, images or symbols.
16. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent
article which the gripping device is adapted to at least partially
remove comprises an absorbent article which differs from other
absorbent articles in the pack module in respect of its design or
in respect of its constituent component parts.
17. The arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the gripping
device comprises information about an absorbent article, with the
article which the gripping device is adapted to at least partially
remove comprising an example of the absorbent article to which the
information relates.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for the removal of
absorbent articles from a pack module.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Within the field of absorbent articles, considerable efforts
have been made for many years to permit an increase to be achieved
in the quantity of manufactured articles, for example babies'
diapers or incontinence pads, per unit of volume in connection with
warehousing and transport. For example, twice as many babies'
diapers are transported per lorry today compared with the number
transported on a lorry of similar size several years ago.
[0003] Thinner articles with an unimpaired high absorption capacity
are one area in which improvements have been made. Greater thinness
has been achieved essentially by the introduction of gelling,
so-called superabsorbents in an increasingly high concentration
into the absorption bodies of the absorbent articles. The articles
have been improved in this way with regard to both storage and
transport handling. Thinner absorbent articles have also met with a
positive response from their users, which has naturally also
influenced various manufacturers to channel developments in this
direction.
[0004] Thinness has also been achieved by nowadays compressing the
articles to a significantly greater degree than previously. Patent
EP 0,122,042 describes, for example, how to compress absorbent
articles in an effective fashion in order to obtain greater
thinness with unimpaired or even increased absorption capacity.
This patent stipulates that the compression of absorption bodies
must take place at a low moisture content in order to retain
softness and pliability despite compressing to high density levels
(low bulk levels).
[0005] More effective means of packing absorbent articles have also
been developed. This has involved the increasingly firm compression
of the absorbent articles in conjunction with their being placed in
a bag, for example.
[0006] Described in Patent Application GB 2,264,278 A is a method
for the effective compression of a stack, that is to say an
individual pack module, of absorbent articles in conjunction with
enclosing the articles in a sleeve. The volume of the pack is
reduced by compressing a stack of folded absorbent articles
together with a two-part packing wrapper of the sleeve type. The
absorbent articles are finally secured in their compressed state by
attaching the two parts of the packing wrapper to one another while
the absorbent articles are still subject to external
compression.
[0007] Patent EP 0,780,325 describes a pack in which the absorbent
articles are folded and oriented head-to-foot inside the pack. The
head-to-foot orientation of folded articles means that some of the
articles in each packing stack exhibit their folded parts at the
surface of the stack that faces towards the top side of the pack,
and the remaining articles exhibit their folded parts at the
downward-facing surface of the stack. This way of arranging a
packing stack means that the distribution of material between the
top surface and the bottom surface of the packing stack is more
uniform, so that the stack can be compressed more firmly, and so
that the volume of the pack can be reduced.
[0008] In the Swedish Patent Application with application number
SE-0303557-3, the folded adsorbent articles in a packing stack are
displaced in relation to one another. By causing the articles to be
displaced in relation to one another, the folded areas of the
articles are protected in conjunction with compression, so that the
articles can be compressed more firmly in connection with their
introduction into a bag, for example.
[0009] Every alternate article is preferably displaced in a
direction essentially perpendicular to the extension length of the
fold area, so that the fold area of every alternate article ends up
on a first level in the stack of articles, and the fold area of
every other alternate article ends up on a second level in the
stack. This way of arranging the absorbent articles in the packing
stack permits a reduction in the volume of the pack.
[0010] Described in the Swedish Patent Application with application
number SE-0303560-7 are pack modules in which constituent folded
absorbent articles are both arranged in a head-to-foot fashion and
displaced in relation to one another, so that the articles can be
compressed even more firmly in connection with their packing, for
example in a bag.
[0011] A feature common to all packs that comprise firmly
compressed absorbent articles is the difficulty in removing the
first articles from the pack module. The article, in particular the
first article, to be removed from the pack is in contact with (an)
adjacent article/articles under high pressure and has surfaces
which often exhibit relatively high friction with adjacent
articles, as a consequence of which the force required to remove
the first articles is high. Moreover, the fact that it is difficult
to grip the firmly compressed articles when they are to be
withdrawn from the pack also makes the removal of is articles from
the pack more difficult.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,535 describes how absorbent articles can
be packed firmly compressed in a pack. The patent also describes
how a pack containing compressed absorbent articles is executed so
that it is both easy to open and permits the easy removal of the
first articles from the pack. The ease with which the first
articles can be removed from the pack depends on the removal of a
large part of the end surface of the pack when the pack is opened.
The part of the end surface that is removed in this connection is
equivalent to approximately half the height of the stack of
absorbent articles situated behind the end surface. The removed
part of the end surface is situated in front of the top part of the
stack of articles, so that the articles are afforded the
possibility of expanding outwards through the opening. In
connection with the expansion, the articles are held securely in
the lower part of the stack, where the pack still exhibits an
intact end surface. The articles in this case expand like a fan in
the direction in which the opening is arranged, so that individual
articles can be gripped easily and withdrawn from the pack.
Articles that are not immediately removed from the pack remain
inside the pack because they are held securely in place by the part
of the end wall that was not removed at the time of opening the
pack, that is to say at the bottom part of the pack.
[0013] One disadvantage associated with the design of the pack
described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,535 is that the stack of absorbent
articles swells beyond the initial boundary surfaces of the pack,
so that the pack becomes more difficult to handle in its opened
state. Another problem which arises is that remaining articles that
are only held securely in place in its lower part can easily fall
from the pack during handling. This occurs above all after a number
of articles has been removed from the pack, that is to say when
compressive forces are no longer holding the lower part of the
stack in place. A third negative effect of opening the pack by
removing a large part of the end surface of the pack is that
contaminants can find their way easily into the pack and
contaminate unused articles in the pack. A fourth disadvantage is
that the solution only functions for the uppermost stack of
articles in packs comprising two or more stacks of articles
arranged on top of one another. A pack of this kind, comprising
several stacks on top of one another, would require some form of
opening point in conjunction with each stack of absorbent
articles.
[0014] Patent Application WO 95/21107 describes a pack for
compressed absorbent articles. The pack comprises an openable
continuous perforation around the entire pack, so that the
perforation extends over the four lateral surfaces of the pack at a
distance from the top surface of the pack. The pack is opened by
removing the whole of the top part, which removed top part
comprises the top surface of the pack and parts of the four lateral
surfaces of the pack. After the pack has been opened, the top part
of the firmly compressed stack of absorbent articles extends beyond
the top edge of the pack. The result is that the top part of the
articles included in the stack is permitted to expand like a fan,
while the lower part of the stack is retained in place by remaining
parts of the pack. Regarding the ease of removing individual
articles from the pack, the pack in WO 95/21107 functions in
principle in the same way as the pack described in U.S. Pat. No.
4,934,535.
[0015] The same advantages and disadvantages that are associated
with the pack described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,535 also exist in
principle for the pack in patent Application WO 95/21107.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,837 describes a bag for firmly
compressed absorbent articles, which bag comprises an expansion
part that is activated when the bag is opened. The expansion part
has been created by the arrangement of a pleat in one of the end
surfaces of the bag. The pleat in this case is executed so that it
is secured in its inward-folded position until the bag is opened.
The securing of the pleat is released in conjunction with opening
of the bag, and the bag expands to a certain extent in the
direction of compression of the articles, so that the articles are
no longer compressed as firmly and individual articles can be
removed more easily from the bag. The solution described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,377,837 probably functions in an effective fashion,
although the solution involves a significantly more complicated and
expensive design of the bag. Another disadvantage is that more
material is used to manufacture the bag. Finally, the inward-facing
expansion pleat of the bag means that the bag must be handled with
greater care when it is being filled with absorbent articles so
that the fold in the expansion pleats is not altered during
filling.
[0017] A need accordingly remains for an arrangement for the
removal of firmly compressed absorbent articles from a pack, which
arrangement does not involve the use of an unnecessary amount of
material in the bag.
[0018] There also remains a need for an arrangement for the removal
of firmly compressed absorbent articles from a pack where articles
remaining in the pack are afforded optimal protection.
[0019] There is furthermore a need for an arrangement for the
removal of firmly compressed absorbent articles from a pack so that
the pack and its contents can be handled in a secure fashion after
it has been opened and after one or more articles have been removed
from the pack.
OBJECTS AND SUMMARY
[0020] An arrangement has been made available by the present
invention, however, in which the arrangement comprises at least one
separate gripping device intended to influence and, at least
partially, to remove at least one absorbent article from a pack
module when the gripping device is used.
[0021] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the
gripping device extends beyond at least one of the boundary
surfaces of the pack module.
[0022] In accordance with one embodiment, the pack module
comprising the gripping device is arranged in a pack which
comprises an opening. The gripping device in this case is arranged
on the boundary surface of the pack module that faces towards the
opening of the pack.
[0023] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping device
comprises a gripping loop.
[0024] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping loop
comprises a strip of material comprising a first surface and a
second surface. The first surface of the strip of material is in
contact with the absorbent article which the gripping device is
intended to influence, so that the influence occurs through
friction between the first surface of the strip of material and the
absorbent article.
[0025] In accordance with one embodiment, the second surface of the
strip of material, that is to say the surface that faces away from
the absorbent article which the gripping device is intended to
influence, exhibits lower friction with adjacent absorbent articles
in the pack module than the friction between the first surface of
the strip of material and the absorbent article which the gripping
device is intended to influence.
[0026] In accordance with one embodiment, the coefficient of
friction between the absorbent article which the gripping device is
intended to influence and the gripping device is at least 0.1
higher than the coefficient of friction between the gripping device
and adjacent absorbent articles.
[0027] In accordance with one embodiment, the strip of material
consists of a laminate, which laminate comprises a low-friction
layer which, when using the gripping device, is intended to be
arranged remotely from the absorbent article which the gripping
device is intended to influence.
[0028] In accordance with one embodiment, the strip of material
comprises a first end area and a second end area, which first end
area of the strip of material is arranged on the side of the
absorbent article which is intended to be influenced by the
gripping device, and which second end area of the strip of material
is arranged on the opposite side of the article, so that the part
of the strip of material situated between the end areas constitutes
the gripping loop. The expression `sides of the article` is
intended to denote outward-facing sides of the article when it is
configured for packing in a pack module, so that the sides face
towards adjacent articles in the pack module. If the article which
the gripping device is intended to influence consists of one of the
articles that are arranged in an outermost position in the pack
module, only one of the sides will face towards an adjacent article
in the pack module, so that the opposite side of the article will
constitute one of the outward-facing boundary surfaces of the pack
module.
[0029] In accordance with one embodiment, the first end area of the
strip of material covers essentially the whole of the side of the
absorbent article which the gripping device is intended to
influence, and the second end area of the strip of material covers
essentially the whole of the opposite side of the article.
[0030] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping device is
attached to the absorbent article which the gripping device is
intended to influence.
[0031] In accordance with one embodiment, at least parts of the
gripping device can be removed from the absorbent article to which
the gripping device is attached.
[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping device is
attached by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive to the absorbent
article which the gripping device is intended to influence, so that
the entire gripping device is capable of being removed from the
absorbent article.
[0033] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping device
constitutes an information carrier, in which case the information
can consist of text, images and/or symbols, for instance.
[0034] In accordance with one embodiment, the absorbent article
which the gripping device is intended to influence consists of an
absorbent article which differs from other absorbent articles in
the pack module in respect of its design and/or in respect of its
constituent component parts.
[0035] In accordance with one embodiment, the gripping device
comprises information about an absorbent article, with the article
that the gripping device is intended to influence consisting of an
example of the absorbent article to which the information relates.
The arrangement in accordance with this embodiment is particularly
attractive in connection with the launch of upgraded articles, the
next size in a particular range of articles, or the like.
Opportunities are available both for providing information relating
to a new, upgraded article/next size in the range and for providing
the user with a sample of the article.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates a disposable diaper intended for infants,
which can be included in a pack in accordance with the
invention.
[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a first example of how a
diaper can be folded in a pack module in accordance with the
invention.
[0038] FIG. 3a illustrates a pack module comprising an arrangement
for removing a diaper from a pack module in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 3b illustrates a diaper contained in the pack module in
FIG. 3a, which diaper comprises the arrangement in accordance with
one embodiment of the invention for removing the diaper from the
pack module.
[0040] FIG. 3c illustrates a diaper contained in the pack module in
FIG. 3, which diaper comprises an alternative embodiment of an
arrangement for removing the diaper from the pack module.
[0041] FIG. 3d illustrates an alternative embodiment of a pack
module comprising a gripping device so arranged as to influence two
diapers.
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates an unopened pack comprising a pack module
comprising an arrangement for removing a diaper from the pack in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates the pack in accordance with FIG. 4 in the
opened state.
[0044] FIG. 6a illustrates a pack module comprising an arrangement
for removing a diaper from a pack module in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the invention.
[0045] FIG. 6b illustrates a diaper contained in the pack module in
FIG. 6a, which diaper comprises an alternative arrangement for
removing a diaper from the pack module.
[0046] FIG. 6c illustrates a diaper contained in the pack module in
FIG. 6a, which diaper comprises a second alternative arrangement
for removing a diaper from the pack module.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates a diaper comprising an alternative
arrangement for removing a diaper from the pack module.
[0048] FIG. 8a illustrates a cross section through a pack
comprising an alternative arrangement for removing one or more
diapers from a pack.
[0049] FIG. 8b illustrates a cross section through a pack
comprising an alternative arrangement for removing one or two
diapers from a pack.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The invention relates to an arrangement for removing
absorbent articles from a pack comprising at least one pack module,
in conjunction with which the pack module comprises firmly
compressed absorbent articles.
[0051] Absorbent articles contained in a pack module comprising an
arrangement for removing the articles from the pack module may
consist of so-called all-in-one diapers, pant diapers or belt
diapers. The articles can also consist of baby diapers intended for
incontinent children or incontinence pads intended for incontinent
adult wearers. The invention can also be applicable to packs
comprising absorbent articles intended for menstruation.
[0052] So-called pant diapers are characterized above all in that
they have already been folded at the time of manufacture about an
essentially transverse fold line in the crotch area, after which
they have been joined together at the side parts. Diapers of this
type are intended to be put on a wearer precisely like a pair of
underpants, that is to say they are passed over the wearer's
legs.
[0053] Belt diapers are characterized in that they comprise a, in
relation to the absorbent part of the diaper, transverse belt
attached to either the front or the rear transverse edge of the
diaper. When putting on a belt diaper of this kind, the belt is
fitted as a first step around the wearer's waist. The absorbent
part of the diaper hangs loosely from the belt at this point. The
absorbent part of the diaper is then passed between the wearer's
legs and is fastened to the belt, for which purpose the belt
comprises fixing surfaces intended to adhere strongly to fixing
devices arranged on the absorbent part of the diaper adjacent to
its free transverse edge.
[0054] Diaper inserts are characterized in that they are intended
to be placed inside retaining pants or, for example, a pair of
underpants, with the inserts lacking special attachment
devices.
[0055] FIG. 1 illustrates the main components of a diaper 101 which
can be included in a pack in accordance with the invention.
[0056] The diaper 101 is an open baby's diaper of the so-called
all-in-one type. The diaper 101 in this case is not joined together
in the waist part at the time of sale, but is intended instead to
be placed around the infant's abdomen and then joined together
around the infant's waist.
[0057] The diaper 101 essentially exhibits the form of an hourglass
and in this case exhibits longitudinal edges 112, 113, a front
transverse edge 114 and a rear transverse edge 115. The diaper 101
also exhibits a front end portion 121, a rear end portion 122 and a
narrower crotch portion 123 located between the end portions 121,
122. The crotch portion 123 is intended to be situated in the
narrowest area between the wearer's thighs during use.
[0058] A longitudinal line of symmetry 133, which divides the
article into a right half and a left half, is drawn in FIG. 1. The
two halves in this case are laid out symmetrically to either side
of the line of symmetry 133. Also drawn in FIG. 1 is a transverse
centre line 134. The transverse centre line 134 in this case
divides the diaper 101 into a front part and a rear part, whereby
the length of the front part and the rear part is essentially the
same in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101.
[0059] The diaper 101 comprises a liquid-permeable covering layer
102 arranged over the surface of the diaper 101 which is intended
to face towards the wearer when it is being worn, a backing layer
104 arranged over the surface of the diaper which is intended to
face away from the wearer when it is being worn, an absorption body
106 enclosed between the liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and
the backing layer 104, and side flaps 103 arranged outside the
absorption body 106.
[0060] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101
extends beyond the absorption body 106 along the whole of the
periphery of the absorption body 106. The liquid-permeable covering
layer 102 can consist of any material that is suitable for the
purpose. Examples of commonly encountered liquid-permeable covering
materials include non-woven textile materials, known as non-woven
materials, perforated plastic films, plastic or textile meshes, and
liquid-permeable foam layers. Liquid-permeable covering materials,
which consist of continuous thin fibres extending for the most part
in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the product, are
also found. Laminates consisting of two or more of the
above-mentioned possible covering materials are also commonly
encountered, as are covers consisting of different materials in
different parts of the surface.
[0061] Absorbent articles comprising absorption bodies 106, which
exhibit particularly high strength and resistance to wear, are even
capable of functioning without the need for any additional
liquid-permeable covering layer on the side of the article that
faces towards the wearer when the article is being worn.
[0062] The backing layer 104 also extends beyond the absorption
body 106 along the whole of the periphery full extent of the
absorption body 106. The backing layers that are normally present
on absorbent articles are usually liquid-impermeable, although
other types of backing layer are found. The backing layer 104 can
consist of a range of different materials. The backing layer 104
most commonly consists of a thin, liquid-impermeable plastic film,
although it is also possible to use other types of
liquid-impermeable material, such as non-woven material, which have
been made liquid-impermeable for example by the use of plastic
coating, liquid-impermeable foam layers, liquid-impermeable
adhesive or the like. The backing layer 104 can also consist of a
vapour-permeable material. Laminates consisting of at least one
liquid-impermeable material are also found. These laminates
commonly consist of a liquid-impermeable material acting as a
liquid barrier and a more textile-like material arranged on the
side of the article that faces away from the wearer when the
article is being worn, as a consequence of which the outside of the
article more closely resembles a piece of cloth.
[0063] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing
layer 104 are attached to one another outside the absorption body
106 along the full periphery of the absorption body 106.
[0064] The liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing
layer 104 can be attached to one another by a number of different
means. Examples of attachment means include gluing, thermo bonding,
ultrasonic welding or the like.
[0065] Elastic members 105 are arranged outside the absorption body
106 in those parts of the side flaps 103 of the diaper 101 which
run essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101.
The elastic members 105 function as leg elastics with the task of
preventing liquid and excrement from leaking out past the
longitudinal edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101, and in this way form
outer liquid barriers 108 together with the surrounding layer. The
elastic members 105 consist of one or more elastic threads which,
in their stretched state, have been applied between the
liquid-permeable covering layer 102 and the backing layer 104, at
least in the crotch area 123 of the diaper 101. The elastic members
105 are attached to the backing layer 104 and the covering layer
102 by gluing, ultrasonic welding or the like.
[0066] In alternative embodiments, the elastic members can be
arranged on the side of the side flaps 103 that is intended to face
towards the wearer when the article is being worn or on the
opposite side of the side flaps, and in this case they are
naturally only attached to the covering layer 102 and the backing
layer 104 respectively.
[0067] The elastic members in alternative embodiments can consist
of elastic tape material, for example foam material.
[0068] The hourglass-shaped absorption body 106 can be constructed
from one or more layers of cellulose fluff pulp. The cellulose
fluff pulp can be mixed in this case with fibres or particles of a
high-absorbency polymer material of the kind which, when absorption
takes place, chemically bonds large quantities of liquid to form a
liquid-containing gel. The absorption body 106 can also contain a
high-absorbency polymer material arranged in a layer inside the
absorption body or in conjunction with the surface or surfaces of
the absorption body. It is also possible to include additional
components in the absorption body 106 in order to improve the
characteristics of the absorption body 106. Examples of components
of this kind include binding fibres, different types of
liquid-distributing layers or fibres, form-stabilizing components,
reinforcing fibres or the like. The absorption body 106 can
naturally also consist of other types of absorption material, such
as absorbent non-woven materials, absorbent foams, textile
materials, peat or mixtures of different kinds of absorption
material.
[0069] Special layers with the ability rapidly to receive
relatively large quantities of liquid and to retain this liquid
temporarily and subsequently to release the temporarily stored
liquid to other parts of the absorption body 106 can also be
included in diapers of the prescribed kind. Receiving layers of
this kind are normally arranged for this purpose between the
liquid-permeable covering layer 102 of the diaper 101 and the
absorption body 106. No receiving layer is drawn in FIG. 1.
[0070] As an additional means of preventing liquid or faeces from
leaking out past the lateral edges 112, 113 of the diaper 101, the
diaper 101 is provided with internal side leakage barriers 109 on
the side intended to face towards the wearer when the article is
being worn. The internal side leakage barriers 109 are arranged
adjacent to the longitudinal edges 110 of the absorption body 106
and extend essentially in the longitudinal direction of the diaper
101. Each internal side leakage barrier 109 is executed as a
separate strip 111 of material, which exhibits two essentially
parallel longitudinal edges 116, 117. The strip 111 of material is
double-folded, wherein the longitudinal edges 116, 117 of the strip
111 of material are arranged next to one another. The edges 116,
117 of the strip 111 of material are fastened to the covering layer
102 and form the fixed edge of the side leakage barrier. The folded
edge of the strip 111 of material forms the free edge of the side
leakage barrier 109.
[0071] The internal side leakage barriers 109 are folded down and
fastened to the covering layer 102 on the front end portion 121 and
the rear end portion 122 of the diaper 101.
[0072] The internal side leakage barriers 109 contain elastic
elements 124 attached to the internal side leakage barriers 109 in
a pre-stressed state. The elastic elements 124 are preferably
arranged adjacent to the free edges of the internal side leakage
barriers 109. When the pre-stressed elastic elements 124 are
released, they contract together with the free edges of the side
leakage barriers 109, thereby causing the internal side leakage
barriers 109 to be brought into a raised configuration remote from
the liquid-permeable covering layer 102, at least, in the crotch
portion 123 of the diaper 101, where the side leakage barriers 109
are not folded down and fastened to the covering layer 102.
[0073] The rear and/or front parts of the diaper 101 can also be
provided with a so-called waist elastic 125, which consists of
elastic members arranged along the front transverse edge 114 and/or
the rear transverse edge 115 of the diaper 101 in order to give the
diaper 101 a soft and pliable closure around the wearer's waist. In
the described illustrative embodiment, only the rear end portion
122 of the diaper 101 is provided with a waist elastic 125 in the
form of a thin strip of an elastic foam material that is attached
with adhesive between the backing layer 104 and the
liquid-permeable surface layer 102. The waist elastic 125 is
applied in the stretched state between the layers 102, 104 in order
to achieve a holding force which stretches the diaper 101 around
the wearer's waist.
[0074] Two soft and inelastic attachment flaps 126 are arranged on
the rear end portion 122 for the purpose of securing the diaper 101
around a wearer. One attachment flap 126 is arranged for this
purpose on each lateral part of the rear end portion 122. When the
article is being worn, the attachment flaps 126 fasten the rear end
portion 122 to the front end portion 121 through the attachment
flaps 126 exhibiting fixing devices 127, which can be attached to a
receiving part arranged on the front end portion 121 of the diaper
101. The attachment flaps 126 are conveniently executed from a very
soft and inelastic material, for example from a single non-woven
layer or a laminate.
[0075] The attachment flaps may be elastic in alternative
embodiments.
[0076] The fixing devices 127 preferably consist of male parts made
of a Velcro.RTM. material and are attached to the attachment flaps
126, for example with adhesive, on the side of the attachment flaps
126 which face towards the receiving part when the diaper 101 is
being worn.
[0077] The receiving part, which is not illustrated in FIG. 1, for
the attachment flap 126 consists of a strip of a receiving material
adapted for the fixing device 127 of the attachment flap 126. The
receiving part extends essentially parallel with the front
transverse edge 144 on the side of the diaper which faces away from
the wearer when the diaper is being worn, that is to say on the
side of the backing layer 104 which faces away from the absorption
body 106. The material in the receiving part consists, in the
described illustrative embodiment, of a female part made of a
Velcro.RTM. material and is appropriately executed so that its
extent in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 101 corresponds
to the width 129 of the attachment flaps 126. The receiving part
extends essentially over the full width of the diaper 101 in the
transverse direction of the diaper 101.
[0078] In alternative illustrative embodiments of a diaper, it is
possible to consider the arrangement of separate receiving parts
for the respective fixing devices 127, which receiving parts are
arranged in conjunction with the longitudinal edges 112, 113 of the
diaper on the front transverse edge 114 of the diaper 101.
[0079] When putting the diaper 101 on an infant, the diaper 101 is
placed between the infant's legs in the infant's crotch. The diaper
101 is then closed around the infant's waist by causing the
attachment flaps 126 to overlap the front end portion 121 so that
the fixing devices 127 of the attachment flaps 126 can be applied
to the receiving part in order to hold the diaper in place.
[0080] The attachment flaps 126 are attached to the rear end
portion 122 in the attachment areas 130 that are located in the
areas of the rear end portion 122 which lie at the lateral edges
112, 133 running in the longitudinal direction. The attachment
areas 130 consist of parts of the attachment flaps 126 and those
parts of the rear end portion 122 that are attached to one
another.
[0081] In alternative embodiments, the fixing devices 127 of the
attachment flaps 126 can consist of pressure-sensitive adhesive, in
which case the receiving part (not shown in FIG. 1) consists of a
material to which the selected pressure-sensitive adhesive of the
fixing devices 127 can be attached so as to achieve the appropriate
joint strength. Combinations of materials are usually selected so
that the attachment between the fixing devices 127 and the
receiving part can be opened and reclosed to allow the diaper 101
to be checked while it is being worn.
[0082] Illustrated in FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a
diaper 201 that is folded in a way which is commonly encountered
when diapers 201 are packed. The schematically drawn diaper 201 in
FIG. 2 lacks certain components that are present in a diaper in
accordance with embodiments of the invention and are illustrated,
for example, in FIG. 1. Examples of components that are not
illustrated in FIG. 2 include attachment flaps 126 and waist
elastic 125.
[0083] The diaper 201 is folded along an essentially transverse
fold line 202, essentially in the middle of the diaper 201 in its
longitudinal direction. The area adjacent to the fold line 202
constitutes the fold area 203 of the diaper 201. The method of
folding diapers 201 along only one essentially transverse fold line
202 is encountered particularly commonly in smaller diapers 201,
such as babies' diapers.
[0084] Alternative folding procedures are also encountered. It can
be mentioned by way of example that larger absorbent articles, such
as incontinence pads for adult incontinent users or larger babies'
diapers, are often folded along two essentially transverse fold
lines. One of the essentially transverse fold lines is arranged in
this case in the front half of the incontinence pad, and the other
fold line in the rear half of the incontinence pad, which
transverse fold lines divide the incontinence pad into three parts
of essentially identical length in the longitudinal direction of
the incontinence pad. An incontinence pad or diaper folded along
two essentially transverse fold lines thus exhibits two fold areas,
one adjacent to each fold line. An incontinence pad or a diaper
that has been folded along two fold lines exhibits a smaller
surface area in its folded state, so that a pack containing the
folded incontinence pads can be made easier to handle.
[0085] As an alternative, it is also possible to consider folding
the incontinence pad or diaper around an additional one or more
fold lines.
[0086] FIG. 3a illustrates how diapers 301, folded in accordance
with FIG. 2, are configured in a pack module 317 in accordance with
a first embodiment of the invention. The pack module 317 comprises
eight diapers 301, although it can naturally contain more or fewer
diapers 301. The pack module 317 exhibits essentially rectangular
parallelepipedic form comprising six outward-facing boundary
surfaces. All the diapers 301 in the pack module 317 face the same
way in the pack module 317, so that the fold areas 303 of all the
diapers 301 are arranged at the same boundary surface 304 in the
pack module 317. The front and rear transverse edges 314, 315 of
the diapers 301 are arranged at the opposite boundary surface 305
of the pack module 317. The pack module 317 also includes a front
boundary surface 306 and a rear boundary surface 307, which
boundary surfaces 306, 307 are essentially perpendicular to the
boundary surfaces 304, 305. The pack module 317 also includes a
first end surface 308 and a second end surface 309, in which case
these also constitute boundary surfaces for the pack module
317.
[0087] The pack module 317 is characterized primarily in that it
comprises at least one gripping device 320. The gripping device 320
can be executed in many different ways and is intended primarily to
facilitate the removal of a diaper from a pack module 317, for
which purpose it consists appropriately of some form of gripping
flap or gripping loop which projects beyond one of the boundary
surfaces of the pack module 317. It is possible to remove at least
one diaper 301, at least partially, from the pack module 317 by
actuating the gripping device 320 by pulling it. The use of a
gripping device 320 is particularly advantageous when the first
diaper 301 is to be removed from a firmly compressed pack module
317. After removing the first diaper 301, the compression of the
diapers 301 in the pack module 317 is reduced, so that the need for
additional gripping devices is reduced. It is possible, however, to
consider pack modules 317 containing several gripping devices 320,
especially if the pack module 317 contains a large number of
diapers 301 and is extremely firmly compressed. The gripping device
320 illustrated in FIG. 3a is intended to influence diaper 301
number two from the left in the pack module 317. The gripping
device 320 can naturally be intended to influence any diaper in
pack module 317. The gripping device 320 is connected to the diaper
301 that is intended to be removed as the first of all the diapers
301 from the pack module 317, that is to say the diaper 301 to be
removed when the pack module 317 is compressed to its maximum
extent and when the pressure from adjacent diapers 301 in the pack
module 317 is at its greatest.
[0088] The function of the gripping device 320, in accordance with
the first embodiment, is dependent on friction between the gripping
device 320 and the outward-facing surface of the folded diaper 301,
and on the fact that surrounding diapers 301 press the gripping
device 320 against the diaper 301 to which the gripping device is
attached. If the gripping device 320 is attached to one of the
outermost diapers 301 in the pack module 317, the function of the
gripping device 320 will depend on the pressure from the nearest
diaper 301 and the end pressure from the packing wrapper in which
the pack module 317 is packed.
[0089] In alternative embodiments, the function of the gripping
device 320 can be dependent on the fact that the gripping device is
attached to the outward-facing surface of the folded diaper 301, as
described below. The attachment can be separable, in which case the
entire gripping device 320 can be removed from the diaper 301
before the diaper 301 is put on a wearer. The attachment can also
be permanent, in which case it cannot be removed from the diaper
301. The permanently attached gripping device 320 can incorporate
tear instructions (tear indication) or the like, so that parts of
the gripping device which threaten to interfere with continued use
of the diaper 301 can be torn away.
[0090] The gripping device 320 is arranged in such a way in
relation to the diaper 301 that a gripping loop 326 is created
between the gripping device 320 and the fold area 303 of the diaper
301, in which case at least one finger can be introduced into the
gripping loop 326 when the diaper 301 is to be removed from the
pack module 317.
[0091] The distance by which the diaper 301 can be removed from
other diapers 301 in the pack 317 with the help of the gripping
device 320 will differ depending on the distance by which the
gripping device 320 extends into the pack module 317 from the
boundary surface 304 of the pack module 317 towards the opposite
boundary surface 305 of the pack module 317.
[0092] If the gripping device 320 extends into the pack module 317
for only a short distance, the pressure of the surrounding diapers
301 against the gripping device 320 will be released after only a
short distance, in which case the frictional forces between the
gripping device 320 and the diaper 301 to be removed from the pack
module 317 will also cease. It is usually sufficient, however, for
the diaper 301 to have been removed from the pack module 317 with
the help of the gripping device 320 to a sufficient extent to
permit the individual diaper 301 to be gripped firmly in order to
remove it finally from the pack module 317. If, on the other hand,
the gripping device 320 extends as far as the boundary surface 305,
pressure from surrounding diapers 301 against the gripping device
320 and the diaper 301 that the gripping device 320 is intended to
influence will be retained until the diaper has been removed in its
entirety from the pack module 317.
[0093] The gripping device 320 extends beyond the boundary surface
304 of the pack module 317, so that it is easy to find where the
gripping device is located.
[0094] It is possible in alternative embodiments for a number of
gripping devices 320 to be present, and for each gripping device to
be attached to a specific diaper 301 in the pack module 317.
[0095] It is also possible to consider the attachment of the
gripping device 320 to two diapers 301, in which case both diapers
301 are removed from the pack module 317 when the gripping device
320 is used.
[0096] It is also possible to consider the arrangement of the
gripping device 320 in such a way as to influence three or more
adjacent diapers 301 in the pack module 317, in which case the
gripping device 320 is attached to the diapers 301 which the
gripping device 320 is intended to influence which are arranged
furthest apart. The diapers 301 arranged between the two diapers
301 arranged furthest apart are then influenced indirectly when the
gripping device 320 is used.
[0097] The specific diaper 301 in the pack module 317 to which the
gripping device 320 is attached, that is to say diaper 301 number
two from the left in the pack module 317 in FIG. 3a, is illustrated
in FIG. 3b. The gripping device 320 comprises a long and narrow
strip 321 of material, which strip 321 of material consists of a
laminate 323. The first surface 324 of the laminate 323, which
faces towards the diaper 301 that is to be removed from the pack
module 317, consists of a material which exhibits high friction
against the outward-facing surface of the folded diaper 301. The
second surface 325 of the laminate 323, which faces towards
surrounding diapers 301 in the pack module 317, exhibits low
friction with the outward-facing surfaces of the surrounding folded
diapers 301. Depending on what material is exhibited by the
outward-facing surfaces of the diapers 301, the laminate may
present different appearances. In the embodiment described here,
the folded diapers 301 exhibit outward-facing surfaces which
consist of a non-woven material or the like. The first side 324 of
the laminate 323, which is in contact with the diaper 301 to be
removed by means of the gripping device 320, also exhibits for this
purpose a surface which consists of a non-woven material or the
like, in conjunction with which high friction is obtained between
the diaper 301 and the first surface 324 of the gripping device
320. The second side 325 of the laminate 323, which consists of a
low-friction layer intended to slide against surrounding diapers
301 when the gripping device 320 is used, consists of an
essentially smooth plastic surface which exhibits low friction with
surrounding diapers 301.
[0098] It is possible to consider the use of alternative materials
in alternative embodiments, in which the function also depends on
high friction between the gripping device 320 and the diaper 301 to
be removed from the pack module 317 and on lower friction between
the gripping device 320 and adjacent diapers 301. For example, the
strip 321 of material which comprises the gripping device 320 can
consist solely of a plastic film, a strip of paper or the like.
Such alternative materials for the gripping device 320 sometimes
exhibit the same frictional characteristics on both sides, which
can also cause the diapers 301 that are situated closest to the
diaper 301 that the gripping device 320 is intended to remove from
the pack module 317 to be removed, at least partially, when the
gripping device 320 is used. Tests have shown, however, that the
problem occurs extremely rarely because the gripping device 320 is
in contact with both sides of the diaper 301 that is intended to be
influenced by the gripping device 320 while it is in contact with
only one side of the immediately adjacent diaper 301. The result is
that the force transferred to the diaper that is to be removed by
means of the gripping device is twice as great as the force
transferred to adjacent diapers 301. It has also emerged that it is
easy for a user to push against the adjacent diapers 301 with the
fingers of one hand when pulling one diaper 301 from the pack
module 317 with the help of the gripping device 320. If the
material in the gripping device 320 consists of only a single
plastic film, a strip of paper or the like, it is also possible to
treat the material in the gripping device 320 so that it possesses
different characteristics with regard to friction on the two sides
of the material. The material can be embossed, for example, thereby
making the material different on either side, or one side of the
material can be roughened. It is also possible to consider coating
one side of the material with a high-friction substance having a
rubber-like structure or the like. Because the gripping device 320
interacts with the diaper 301 to be removed from the pack module
317 through friction and pressure, the gripping device 320
constitutes a separate component that must be removed immediately
after it has been used.
[0099] In order to increase the capacity of the gripping device 320
to slide against adjacent diapers 301 and to increase its
frictional forces against the diaper 301 to be influenced by the
gripping device 320, it is also possible, in addition to selecting
a laminate as described above, to increase the active surface 327
of the gripping device 320 as shown in FIG. 3c. The active surface
327 of the gripping device 320 in this case essentially covers both
surfaces of the diaper 301 facing towards adjacent diapers 301 in
the pack module 317.
[0100] The friction for different material combinations, which have
been found to function as material for the gripping device, was
measured by the method described below.
[0101] The principle for measuring the friction of a material
combination, that is to say between two specific materials,
involves drawing a sledge, the sliding surface of which is
constituted by one material in the combination, over a fixed
horizontally orientated surface consisting of the second material
in the combination, and measuring the force required to draw the
sledge.
[0102] The apparatus for the friction measurement consists of a
horizontally oriented friction table, a sledge, a tensile testing
machine (for example an Instron) and a thin flexible wire between
the tensile testing machine and the sledge. The test equipment also
comprises a deflector pulley arranged on the friction table, in
conjunction with which the wire runs over the deflector pulley so
that the vertical movement of the tensile testing machine is
transformed into a horizontal movement parallel with the friction
table. The deflector pulley is made from a rigid plastic material
and runs very easily around its suspension, in conjunction with
which the additional force generated by the friction of the
deflector pulley is negligible for the purposes of the friction
measurement.
[0103] The sledge consists of a rectangular steel plate with a
surface area of 40 cm.sup.2. The underside of the sledge, that is
to say the side that is intended to slide against the friction
table, is covered with an elastic coating with a thickness of ca. 3
mm intended to distribute the compressive force uniformly over the
surface of the sledge in conjunction with friction measurement. The
weight of the sledge is 200 grams (.+-.5 grams). The edges of the
sledge that are intended to face in the direction of movement of
the sledge during testing are rounded. The thin wire is attached to
the front edge of the sledge, that is to say the edge of the sledge
that is intended to face forwards in the direction of movement when
testing takes place. The other end of the wire is attached to the
tensile testing machine via the deflector pulley. The friction
table consists of a stable steel plate with a length of 50 cm and a
width of 15 cm. The deflector pulley is arranged on the front edge
of the steel plate, and the deflector pulley is positioned so that
the wire runs along the line of movement of the tensile testing
machine when the wire runs over the deflector pulley.
[0104] Test pieces of one of the materials in the material
combination intended to cover the underside of the sledge were
stamped out with dimensions of 65.times.100 mm. Test pieces of the
second material in the material combination intended to cover the
friction table were also stamped out with dimensions of
200.times.150 mm. The materials were conditioned at 50.+-.5% r.h.
and 23.degree. C. for a period of 4 hours before the start of
testing.
[0105] In conjunction with all handling of the test materials, it
is important to handle the test pieces with the greatest care and
as little as possible in order to avoid fingerprints, dust and the
like, which can interfere with the test results. It is also
important to ensure that every test piece is stamped or cut out so
that the friction measurement takes place in the intended direction
on the respective test piece. Certain types of material, such as
many non-woven materials, exhibit different frictional
characteristics in the machine direction and in the transverse
direction. The test piece that is intended to be applied to the
sledge must accordingly be cut so that the long side (100 mm) of
the test piece is parallel with the direction for which it is
wished to determine the coefficient of friction, and the test piece
intended for the friction table must also be cut with its long side
(200 mm) parallel with the direction for which it is wished to
determine the coefficient of friction. The test piece intended to
be applied to the sledge was folded over the rounded front edge of
the sledge, after which the test piece was attached to the top side
of the sledge next to the said front edge with tape. The test piece
was arranged with its long sides (100 mm) in the direction of
movement of the sledge, in conjunction with which a small part of
the test piece come to be located behind the sledge. It is
important to ensure that the test piece covers the underside of the
sledge in its entirety and that it is applied smoothly to the
sledge. The test piece intended for the friction table was applied
essentially centrally on the friction table, and the long sides
(200 mm) of the test piece were arranged parallel with the
direction of movement of the sledge. The test piece was fixed by
means of tape along the short side of the test piece that is
arranged on the rear edge of the friction table, that is to say at
the furthest distance from the deflector pulley on the friction
table. It is important to ensure that this test piece is also
smoothly applied.
[0106] The wire was connected to the tensile testing machine via
the deflector pulley and was tensioned to 0.05 N, after which the
force of the tensile testing machine was set to zero. The tensile
testing machine was then started, and the sledge was drawn over the
test table. The drawing speed was 100 mm/min, and the total drawing
distance was 100 mm. Six samples of each material combination were
tested. The mean force (F) required in order to draw the sledge
over the friction table at a constant speed was calculated. The
starting force, that is to say the increased force required in
order to set the sledge in motion, was discounted when calculating
the mean force. The sledge was weighed, and its weight (W) was
determined to an accuracy of 0.03 g, with the weighing being
performed before the test piece was applied to the sledge. The
dynamic coefficient of friction .mu..sub.D of the material
combination was calculated according to the formula
.mu..sub.D=F/(W.times.9.81). The test method is a modified variant
of the test method DIN 53 375.
[0107] The following material combinations were tested: [0108] 1
Mira air 37 g/m.sup.2 non-woven plastic laminate from Nuova
Pansac/Mira air 37 g/m.sup.2 non-woven plastic laminate from Nuova
Pansac. The non-woven surfaces of the laminates were tested against
one another in the direction in which the laminates were produced,
that is to say in the machine direction. [0109] 2 High Impact 24
g/m.sup.2 embossed polyethylene (PE) film from Nuova Pansac/High
Impact 24 g/m.sup.2 embossed PE film from Nuova Pansac. Both
materials were oriented in the directions in which they were
produced. [0110] 3 Me 1208, 24 g/m.sup.2 friction plastic
(high-friction side) from Trioplanex/Mira air 37 g/m.sup.2
non-woven plastic laminate from Nuova Pansac, in which case the
non-woven side of the laminate was tested. The non-woven surface of
the laminate was tested in the direction in which the laminate was
produced. The friction plastic was also oriented in the direction
of manufacture during the test. [0111] 4 Me 1208, 24 g/m.sup.2
friction plastic (low-friction side) from Trioplanex/Mira air 37
g/m.sup.2 non-woven from Nuova Pansac. Both the non-woven surface
of the laminate and the low-friction side of the friction plastic
were tested in the directions in which they were produced. [0112]
The Mira air 37 g/m.sup.2 laminate and the embossed High Impact 24
g/m.sup.2 PE film can be purchased from Nuova Pansac S.p.a., V. Le
Restelli, 5-20124 Milan, Italy. [0113] Me 1208 24 g/m.sup.2 plastic
film can be purchased from Trioplanex International AB, Box 526,
261 24 Landskrona, Sweden.
[0114] The following results were obtained: TABLE-US-00001
Coefficient of friction Sample No. Force (F) (.mu..sub.D) 1 0.87 N
0.44 2 1.03 N 0.53 3 1.44 N 0.73 4 0.82 N 0.42
[0115] All the materials were found, in the course of practical
tests on diapers 301 contained in pack modules 317, to function as
gripping devices 320 in which the gripping device 320 influences
the diaper 301 by means of friction.
[0116] Illustrated in FIG. 3d is an alternative embodiment of a
pack module 317 comprising a gripping device 320 intended to
influence two diapers 301, in which the first surface 335 of the
gripping device 320 influences the diaper 301 that is in contact
with the said first surface 335, and the second surface 336 of the
gripping device 320 influences the diaper 301 that is in contact
with the said second surface 336. The gripping device 320 consists
of a strip of material which is arranged between two diapers 301 in
the pack module 317, in which case the function of the gripping
device 320 is dependent on friction between the gripping device 320
and the two diapers 301 between which the gripping device 320 is
arranged. The gripping device is executed so that the coefficient
of friction between both surfaces of the gripping device 320 and
the surfaces of the adjacent diapers 301 is greater than the
coefficient of friction between two diapers 301. In order to
achieve a satisfactory function, the difference in the coefficient
of friction should be at least 0.1.
[0117] When the gripping device 320 is subjected to a tensile force
F, the immediately adjacent diaper 301 to either side of the
gripping device 320 accompanies the latter from the pack module
317. FIG. 3d shows the pack module 317 after the gripping device
320 has partially removed two diapers 301 from the pack module 317.
The distance for which the diapers 301 accompany the gripping
device 320 when it is used will differ depending on the extent to
which the gripping device 320 projects between the diapers 301 in
the pack module 317. However, the gripping device 320 must project
in between the diapers 301 sufficiently to enable the diapers 301
to be withdrawn from the pack module 317 with the help of the
gripping device 320 for a distance which is sufficiently long to
permit a secure grip to be effected directly around the two diapers
301 after the gripping device 320 has ceased to function. Final
removal of the two diapers 301 from the pack module 317 can then be
performed by gripping the two diapers 301 and withdrawing them from
the pack module 317. The reason why the diapers 301 can be removed
only partially from the pack module 317 if the gripping device 320
projects for only a short distance between the diapers 301 is that
the normal force against the surface of the gripping device 320
reduces/ceases when the compressive forces from surrounding diapers
301 in the pack module 317 cease, in conjunction with which the
frictional forces are also reduced/cease.
[0118] It is even possible to consider an embodiment which also
consists of a gripping device 320 which, in the same way as the
gripping device 320 in FIG. 3b, is inserted between two diapers 301
in a pack module 317, but where the gripping device 320 is attached
to the diapers 301 that are in contact with the two surfaces of the
gripping device 320. The gripping device 320 can be securely
attached to the diapers or detachably attached, in conjunction with
which the attachment can consist of an adhesive connection,
thermobonding, ultrasonic welded connection or the like.
[0119] Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a pack 442, into which a pack
module 417 comprising a gripping device 420 functioning by means of
friction is introduced. The pack module 417 is arranged in the same
way as the pack module 317 in FIG. 3a. In order to illustrate more
clearly how the pack module 417 is arranged inside the pack 442, a
part of the front side 410 and the top side 411 of the pack has
been removed in FIG. 4. The pack module 417 contains eight diapers
401, but can naturally contain a larger or smaller quantity of
diapers 401. The pack 442 consists of a plastic bag, although in
alternative embodiments it may consist of a paper bag or some other
suitable material. It is also possible to consider a pack 442
consisting of a material combination comprising, for example, a
laminate consisting of a plastic film and a paper layer, the
plastic film to make the pack 442 tight and the paper layer to give
the pack 442 strength.
[0120] A pack module 417 can alternatively be enclosed in a sleeve,
as described in patent specification WO 93/16925. The pack module
417 provided with a sleeve can then be enclosed in a bag made of a
suitable material or supplied without any extra wrapping material.
It is also possible to consider vacuum-packing one or more pack
modules 417 in accordance with the invention inside an essentially
airtight plastic pack.
[0121] In alternative embodiments, the pack 442 can contain a
number of pack modules 417 arranged side by side or one above the
other. It is also possible to consider large packs 442 containing
pack modules 417 arranged both side by side and in a number of
layers one above the other.
[0122] The diapers 401 in the pack module 417 can be arranged in an
alternative fashion inside the pack 442; for example, the fold
areas 403 of the diapers 401 can face towards the bottom surface
413 of the bag or towards either the front side 410 of the bag or
its opposite rear side.
[0123] The top side 411 of the pack 442 constitutes the opening
side of the pack 442 and comprises a T-shaped perforation 412,
which is capable of being broken open and is intended to be broken
open when the pack 442 is to be opened.
[0124] The gripping device 420, which extends beyond the boundary
surface 404 of the pack module 417, lies folded down onto the
boundary surface 404 below the opening side of the pack 442.
[0125] Illustrated in FIG. 5 is a pack 542 in the opened state. The
pack 542 is executed in the same way as the pack 442 in FIG. 4, but
the T-shaped perforation 512 of the pack 542 is broken open. In
conjunction with the breaking open of the perforation 512, the
gripping device 520 has risen up from its folded-down position
under the top side 511 of the pack 542. When the first diaper 501
is to be removed from the pack module 517 contained in the pack
542, a finger is expediently introduced through the gripping loop
526 that is formed between the diaper 501 to be removed from the
pack 542 and the gripping device 520. The diaper 501 is then
removed by the application of a tensile force F to the gripping
loop 526.
[0126] Illustrated in FIG. 6a is an alternative embodiment of an
arrangement for the removal of a diaper 601 from a pack module 617,
which arrangement comprises a gripping device 620. The gripping
device 620 in FIG. 6a is also intended to influence diaper 601
number two from the left in the pack module 617, but it can
naturally also be arranged in an equivalent fashion to influence
some other diaper 601 in the pack module 617. The gripping device
620 is attached to the side of the diaper 601 that faces towards
the centre of the pack module 617, although it can naturally be
attached to the opposite side of the diaper 601, or to both sides
of the folded diaper facing towards adjacent diapers 601.
[0127] Illustrated in FIG. 6b is the specific diaper 601 to which
the gripping device 620 is attached. The attachment between the
gripping device 620 and the diaper 601 consists of an adhesive
joint 630. In alternative embodiments, the gripping device 620 can
be attached to the diaper 601 by means of a welded joint or the
like, in which case the welded joint can be a thermobonded joint,
an ultrasonic welded joint or the like. A perforation 631 is
arranged on the gripping device 620, so that the part of the
gripping device 620 that is not attached to the diaper 601 can be
removed from the diaper 601 when it is to be put on a wearer. The
gripping device 620 can also be attached to the diaper 601, in
other embodiments, by means of an openable joint of a suitable
kind. For example, it is possible to consider executing a welded
joint so that it is capable of being opened. An adhesive joint with
pressure-sensitive adhesive is another conceivable alternative. An
adhesive joint of this kind can be opened after the gripping device
620 has been used, so that the gripping device 620 can be separated
from the diaper 601. When a pressure-sensitive adhesive has been
selected as the attachment medium between the gripping device 620
and the diaper 601, it is most appropriate for the adhesive to
remain on the gripping device 620 after the gripping device 620 has
been separated from the diaper 601. It is appropriate for this
reason for the receiving surface for the pressure-sensitive
adhesive on the diaper 601 to be treated with a release agent in an
appropriate fashion, and for the surface of the gripping device 620
not to be treated with a release agent. An adhesive joint with
pressure-sensitive adhesive withstands high loads with regard to
shearing, and it functions effectively for this reason when the
diaper 601 is to be removed from the firmly compressed pack module
617, that is to say when the adhesive joint is exposed to a
shearing force. A pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to a surface
treated with a release agent exhibits low strength with regard to
forces acting perpendicular to the surface of the adhesive, which
is an advantage when the gripping device 620 is to be removed from
the diaper 601.
[0128] The gripping device 620 consists of any suitable material
that is capable of being attached to the outward-facing surface of
the diaper 601 and exhibits sufficiently high tensile strength in
the plane of the material. Suitable materials are plastic films,
paper, non-woven materials or the like. It is also possible to
consider different laminate structures, in conjunction with which a
special layer in the laminate can exhibit good strength
characteristics and a second layer in the laminate can exhibit good
characteristics with regard to adhesive capacity or weldability to
the diaper. One advantage arises if the material in the gripping
device 620 exhibits low friction on the side that faces away from
the diaper 601, to which the gripping device is attached, since
this side of the gripping device 620 is intended to slide against
the adjacent diaper 601 in the pack module 617.
[0129] An alternative embodiment of the gripping device 620 is
illustrated in FIG. 6c. The loose flap 632 of the gripping device
620 is not capable of being detached from the diaper in the same
way as the gripping device 620 in FIG. 6b. Instead, the loose flap
632 of the gripping device 620 exhibits an adhesive surface 633
that is capable of attachment to the surface layer of the diaper
601. After the gripping device 620 has been used to remove the
diaper 601 from the pack module 617, the free end of the gripping
device 620 can be extended out over the surface layer of the diaper
and attached to the surface layer of the diaper 601. This
embodiment is best suited to diapers 601 that are folded with their
waterproof backing layer 604 facing outwards, in which case the
gripping device 620 will end up on the outside of the diaper 601
when the diaper 601 is being worn and as such will not interfere
with the function of the diaper 601 in relation to comfort or
absorption of liquid. The adhesive surface 633 is arranged at the
furthermost point on the loose flap 632 of the gripping device 620,
in conjunction with which the part that contains the adhesive
surface 633 constitutes a double-folded part of the loose flap 632
of the gripping device. The adhesive surface 633 is protected in
this way beneath the double-folded part of the loose flap 633 of
the gripping device 620. When the adhesive surface 633 is to be
used to fix the loose flap 632 of the gripping device 620 to the
backing layer 604 of the diaper 601, the double-folded part is
opened so that the adhesive surface 633 is exposed and is attached
to the backing layer 604 of the diaper 601 as described above. The
adhesive in the adhesive surface 633 consists of a
pressure-sensitive adhesive, in conjunction with which the part of
the gripping device 620 against which the adhesive surface 633
makes contact consists of a surface that is treated with a release
agent in an appropriate fashion. The loose flap 632 of the gripping
device 620 is in principle executed in the same fashion as a
commonly encountered attachment tab for fixing a diaper around the
waist of a wearer, in which case the fixing is of the adhesion
type. In alternative embodiments, it is also possible to consider
that the adhesive surface 633 is covered with a special protective
layer treated with a release agent, in conjunction with which the
outermost part of the loose flap 632 of the gripping device 620
need not be double-folded. The protective layer in this case must
be removed before the loose flap 632 of the gripping device 620 can
be fixed to the backing layer 604 of the diaper 601.
[0130] Illustrated in FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of an
arrangement for removing a diaper 701 from a pack module, which
arrangement comprises a gripping device 720. The diaper 701,
comprising the gripping device 720, is intended to be present in a
firmly compressed pack module in the same way as described above.
The gripping device 720 consists of a tape 730, which encloses the
diaper 701. Both end areas 731, 732 of the tape 730 extend beyond
the fold area 703 of the diaper 701, in conjunction with which the
two end areas 731, 732 are appropriately attached to one another.
The end areas 731, 732 in this case can be joined together by
gluing, thermo bonding, ultrasonic welding or the like. The
material in the gripping device 720 consists of a paper strip,
although in alternative embodiments it can consist of a plastic
strip, a strip of a laminate material or the like. The surface of
the gripping device 720 facing away from the enclosed diaper 701
preferably exhibits a surface which exhibits low friction, in which
case the diaper 701 and its associated gripping device will slide
easily against adjacent diapers at the time of the removal of the
diaper 701 from a firmly compressed pack module. The end areas 731,
732 that are joined together and extend beyond the diaper
constitute the drawing flap 733 of the gripping device 720, which
flap is intended to be used when the diaper 701 is to be removed
from a pack module.
[0131] Illustrated in FIG. 8a is an alternative embodiment of an
arrangement for removing one or more diapers 801 from a pack module
817, which arrangement comprises a gripping device 820. The pack
module 817 is situated inside a pack 842. The Figure shows a cross
section through the diapers 801 contained in the pack module 817,
and through the pack 842. In order to illustrate more clearly how
the arrangement in accordance with the embodiment functions, the
normally firmly compressed diapers 801 in the pack module 817 have
been drawn apart in the Figure. Finally, the top part of the pack
842, comprising the opening of the pack 842, has been removed in
the Figure in order to make the Figure more illustrative.
[0132] The gripping device 820 is arranged adjacent to the opening
of the pack 842 (not illustrated in FIG. 8a), which gripping device
820 projects beyond the pack module 817 after the pack 842 has been
opened. The gripping device 820 constitutes the outermost part of a
strip 819 of material that extends through the pack module 817. The
strip 819 of material extends in this case in a snaking fashion
between the diapers 801 in the pack module 817, in conjunction with
which every other diaper 801 is arranged on one side of the strip
819 of material, and every other diaper 801 is arranged on the
other side of the strip 819 of material.
[0133] The diaper 801 that is situated nearest to the gripping
device 820 is arranged on the side of the strip 819 of material
that faces towards the opening side of the pack 842, which diaper
801 is removed from the pack module 817 when the gripping device
820 is subjected to a tensile force. When the gripping device 820
is subjected to a tensile force F, a sliding movement takes place
between the first diaper 801 and the strip 819 of material, in
conjunction with which the first diaper 801 accompanies the device
in the direction of movement, when it can be removed from the pack
module 817. Frictional forces between the strip 819 of material and
the other firmly compressed diapers 801 in the pack module 817
ensure that the strip 819 of material is not pulled out on its own
when the gripping device 820 is used, but that the first diaper 801
accompanies the device in the direction of movement. It is
advantageous, although not essential, if the strip 819 of material
exhibits lower friction on the side that it intended to slide
against the diaper 801 that is to be removed from the pack module
817 than on the opposite side of the strip 819 of material. Because
the strip 819 of material extends in a snaking fashion between all
the diapers 801, it is possible to remove further diapers 801 from
the pack module 817. All the diapers 801 that are arranged on the
side of the strip 819 of material that faces towards the opening
side of the pack 842 can thus be removed one after the other from
left to right, that is to say diapers number 1, 3, 5, 7 from the
left in the Figure, and so on, when the strip 819 of material is
arranged in accordance with FIG. 8a.
[0134] In alternative embodiments, it is possible to consider that
the strip 819 of material extends only between some of the diapers
801 in the pack module 817, as illustrated in FIG. 8b, in which
case only one or a couple of diapers 801 can be removed from the
pack module 817 by means of the gripping device 820 and the
associated strip 819 of material.
[0135] Regardless of whether the gripping device is intended to
influence the diaper through frictional forces or through the
attachment of the gripping device to the diaper to be influenced,
the gripping device is suitable as a carrier of information between
the manufacturer and the customer. The gripping device in this case
can contain information in the form of text, images, symbols or a
combination of at least two of these forms of information. The
gripping device can include information about forthcoming new
products, for example, or it can serve as discount coupons or the
like.
[0136] Since the gripping device in the first-mentioned embodiment
only influences a specific diaper in the pack module, it is also
possible to consider that this specific diaper is a sample diaper,
for example a diaper that is about to be launched onto the market.
The sample diaper in this case consists of a diaper that differs
from other diapers in pack modules with regard to its design or
choice of material.
[0137] A combination of a gripping device containing information
about an upgraded diaper whose market launch is imminent together
with a sample of the upgraded diaper that is capable of being
influenced by the gripping device is one conceivable embodiment of
the invention. Alternatively, it is possible to consider that the
diaper that the gripping device is intended to influence consists
of the next larger variant of a diaper contained in an entire range
of diapers. Consideration can also be given to other situations in
which it is wished to provide information about an article, at the
same time as it is wished to provide the user with a sample of the
article about which information is being provided.
[0138] The invention also extends to all conceivable combinations
of the described illustrative embodiments.
[0139] Furthermore, the invention is not restricted to the
above-mentioned illustrative embodiments, but is naturally
applicable to other embodiments within the scope of the following
patent Claims.
* * * * *