CN1179089A - Package bag containing absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a packaging bag containing absorbent articles of different absorbent capacities. The packaging bag includes at least one first absorbent article packed in the packaging bag with a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one second absorbent article packed in the packaging bag with a predetermined absorbent capacity. The absorbent capacity of the second absorbent article is greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article.

Description

Packaging bags containing absorbent articles

This application is a continuation of application 08/378,032, filed January 24,1995.

The present application relates to a package containing absorbent articles for treating incontinent infirm persons, and more particularly, to a package containing absorbent articles having different absorbent capacities.

Infants and other incontinent persons wear absorbent articles, such as incontinence pads and diapers, to receive and contain urine and other body exudates. The function of an absorbent article is to contain excreta and to isolate these excreta from the wearer's body, and from the wearer's clothing and bed linen. Disposable absorbent articles of various basic structures are known in the art.

The absorbent capacity of absorbent articles must provide a containment capacity that does not leak body exudates, which capacity varies widely between day and night use. Since the wear time is longer at night than during the day, the amount of bodily exudate excretion is generally greater during night use than during daytime use. Absorbent articles having the same absorbent capacity are often used both during the day and at night, although the requirements for absorbent capacity vary widely. Unfortunately, this absorbent capacity is insufficient for overnight use and leakage of the absorbent article can occur.

One solution to the above problems is to increase the capacity of absorbent articles. However, the method of increasing the absorption capacity for the night will inevitably lead to the waste of product materials and the increase of cost during daytime use.

Another solution to the above-mentioned problem is to use products with different absorbent capacities. Absorbent articles with a higher absorbent capacity are used at night and absorbent articles with a lower absorbent capacity are used during the day. However, at present, absorbent articles having different absorbent capacities are sold in separate packages, which is neither economical nor convenient for consumers.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a package for containing absorbent articles comprising at least one first absorbent article having a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one absorbent article having a predetermined absorbent capacity greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article. A second absorbent article.

The above and other objects of the present invention will be clearly and easily understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a package for containing a plurality of absorbent articles. The package contains at least one first absorbent article packaged in the package and having a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one second absorbent article packaged in the package and having a predetermined absorbent capacity greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article. absorbent articles. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second absorbent articles comprise disposable diapers.

Although the description and the appended claims specifically point out and clearly claim the subject elements constituting the present invention, it is believed that the present invention can be better understood through the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same symbols are used for represent the same elements, and where:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a disposable diaper embodiment of the present invention, with a portion cut away to reveal the underlying structure, with the inner surface of the diaper facing the viewer; and

Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view of a package containing compressed diapers.

As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to a device that absorbs and contains body exudates, and more specifically, refers to a device. The term "disposable" is used herein to indicate that absorbent articles should not be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they should be discarded after one use and preferably recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. , mixed manure or other treatments). A preferred embodiment of an absorbent article is the disposable absorbent article, diaper 20, shown in FIG. As used herein, the term "diaper" refers to an absorbent article normally worn on the lower body of infants and incontinent persons. It should be understood, however, that the present invention also applies to other absorbent articles, such as incontinent briefs, incontinent undergarments, diaper holders and liners, incontinent pads, training pants, and the like.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a diaper 20 laid flat in an uncontracted state (i.e., pulled away from an elastically contracted state), with a portion of the structure cut away to more clearly show the construction of the diaper 20, the portion of the diaper 20 facing or in contact with the wearer , that is, the inner surface faces the observer. As shown in Figure 1, the diaper 20 preferably comprises a containment component 22 comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet 24; a liquid-impermeable backsheet 26 connected to the topsheet 24; 24 and the absorbent core 28 between the backsheet 26. The diaper further includes elastic leg openings 32; ear flaps 62; elastic waist 34; a fastening system 48 comprising a pair of first fastener 40 and second fastener 42;

The diaper 20 also has two centerlines, a longitudinal centerline 100 and a transverse centerline 102 . As used herein, the term "longitudinal" refers to a line, axis, or direction within the plane of the diaper 20 that is oriented substantially aligned (approximately parallel) to a vertical plane that the wearer will stand when the diaper 20 is worn. A plane that is equally divided into left and right parts. As used herein, the terms "transverse" and "lateral" are interchangeable and refer to a line, axis or direction (dividing the wearer into front and rear sections) lying in the plane of the diaper substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

The diaper 20 shown in Figure 1 has an inner surface 44 (facing the viewer of Figure 1), an outer surface 46 opposite the inner surface 44, a first waist region 50, a second waist region opposite the first waist region 50. The waist region 52, the crotch region 54 between the first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52, and a boundary defined by the outer perimeter or edges of the diaper 20, wherein the longitudinal edge is indicated at 56 and the end edge is indicated at 56 is 58. The inner surface 44 of the diaper 20 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which is adjacent to the wearer in use (ie, the inner surface 44 generally consists of at least a portion of the topsheet 24 and other components joined to the topsheet 24). The outer surface 46 includes the portion of the diaper 20 away from the wearer's body (ie, the outer surface 46 generally consists of at least a portion of the backsheet 26 and other components joined to the backsheet 26). In this context, the term "connected" includes a configuration in which one element is directly affixed to another element by directly affixing one element to another element, and a configuration in which an element is affixed to an intermediate element and the intermediate element is then affixed to another element. A structure in which one component is indirectly fixed to another component on another component. The first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 extend from a bordered tip edge 58 to a crotch region 54 . The first waist region 50 includes a central region 60, and a pair of stretchable side panels 30 generally enclosing the outwardly extending lateral portions of the first waist region 50. As shown in FIG. The second waist region 52 includes a central region 72 , and a pair of ear flaps 62 generally containing the outwardly extending lateral portions of the second waist region 52 . The retractable side flaps on the first waist region 50 are indicated at 30 and the ear flaps on the second waist region 52 are indicated at 62 .

The housing assembly 22 of the diaper 20 shown in FIG. 1 constitutes the main body (configuration) of the diaper 20 . The containment component 22 includes at least one absorbent core 28 and preferably an outer cover comprising a top sheet 24 and a back sheet 26 . When the absorbent article includes a separate holder and a liner, the containment assembly 22 typically includes the holder and the liner (i.e., where the liner includes an absorbent assembly such as a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core). At the same time, the receiving component 22 also includes one or more layers of material defining the clip). Typically, the containment assembly 22 constitutes the primary structure of the diaper, which together with other additional features form the composite diaper structure. Thus, the containment component 22 of the diaper 20 generally includes a topsheet 24, a backsheet 26, and an absorbent core 28.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the containment assembly 22 in which the topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 are generally larger in length and width than the absorbent core 28 . The topsheet 24 and backsheet 26 extend from the edges of the absorbent core 28 to form the boundaries of the diaper 20 . Although the topsheet 24, the backsheet 26, and the absorbent core 28 can be assembled into known various configurations, the preferred fill assembly configuration is given to Kenneth B. Buell, January 14, 1975 entitled "Disposable Diapers". U.S. Patent 3,860,003 issued to Kenneth B. Buell et al. on September 29, 1992 entitled "Absorbent Articles with Flexible Hinges of Predetermined Restoration with Dynamic Elastic Waist Members" disclosed in Patent 5,151,092, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The absorbent core 28 can be any absorbent component that is generally compressible, comfortable, and non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining fluids such as urine and other certain body exudates. As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 28 has an outer surface 64, an inner surface 66, side edges 68, and waist edges 70. As shown in FIG. The absorbent core 28 can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., rectangular, hourglass, T-shaped, asymmetrical, etc.), and from a variety of liquid-absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, Such as ground wood pulp commonly known as air felt. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include: creped cellulosic backings; meltblown conformal polymers; chemically strengthened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; fabrics comprising cloth rolls and cloth laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent Sponge; superabsorbent polymer; absorbent gelling material; or any equivalent material or combination of materials.

The configuration and structure of the absorbent core 28 can vary (e.g., the absorbent core can have different thickness ranges, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition regions of low average density and low average basis weight; or can include one or more layers structure). However, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should match the design load and use of the diaper. The size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 can also be varied to suit various wearers from infants to adults.

One embodiment of the diaper 20 has an asymmetrical deformed T shape, and the absorbent core 28 has side ears in the first waist region and a generally rectangular shape in the second waist region. Typical absorbent structures useful as the absorbent core 28 of the present invention are those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9, 1986, entitled "High Density Absorbent Structures," as disclosed in Weisman et al. 4,610,678; U.S. Patent 4,673,402 issued to Weisman et al. on June 16, 1987 entitled "Absorbent Article Having a Double Layer Core"; Patent 4,888,231; and US Patent 4,834,735, entitled "High Density Absorbent Assembly Having Low Density and Low Basis Weight Acquisition Region," issued May 30, 1989 to Alemany et al. The absorbent core may further comprise a dual core system comprising an acquisition/distribution core with chemically reinforced fibers positioned above the absorbent storage core, as described in the article entitled "Absorbent with Elastic Waist Member and Enhanced Absorbency" to Alemany et al., August 10, 1993. and US Patent 5,147,345, issued September 15, 1992 to Young, LaVon and Taylor, entitled "Highly Efficient Absorbent Articles for Incontinence Management," all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The backsheet 26 is positioned adjacent the outer surface 64 of the absorbent core 28 and is preferably attached thereto by attachment means known in the art (not shown). For example, the backsheet 26 may be secured to the absorbent core by a uniform continuous layer of adhesive, a patterned layer of adhesive, or an array of discrete lines, spirals, or spots of adhesive. A known satisfactory adhesive is that manufactured by the H.B. Fuller Company of St. Paul, Minnesota under the trademark HL-1258. An example of a suitable attachment means comprising a web pattern of sparse strips of adhesive is disclosed in US Patent 4,573,986, issued March 4, 1986 to Minetola et al., entitled "Disposable Disposable Containing Underwear." Another suitable means of attachment involving several helically curved adhesive-coated lines is disclosed in US Patent 3,911,173, issued October 7, 1975 to Sprague, Jr; US Patent issued November 22, 1978 to Ziecker et al. 4,785,996; and the apparatus and methods disclosed in US Patent 4,842,666, issued June 27, 1989 to Werenicz. Each patent is a reference cited herein. Additionally, the attachment means may include thermal bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, dynamic mechanical bonding, or any other suitable attachment means known in the art, or a combination of these attachment means.

The backsheet 26 is impermeable to liquids (eg urine) and is suitably made of a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impermeable materials could also be used. As used herein, "flexible" refers to materials that are compliant and tend to conform to the overall shape and contours of the human body. The backsheet 26 prevents exudates that are absorbed and contained in the absorbent core 28 from wetting articles that come into contact with the diaper 20, such as bed sheets and undergarments. Furthermore, the backsheet 26 can release vapors (ie, breathable) from the absorbent core 28 while blocking exudates from passing through the backsheet 26 . The backsheet 26 may then comprise: a woven or nonwoven material, a polymeric film such as a thermoplastic film of polyethylene or polypropylene, or a composite material such as a coated nonwoven material. An example of a suitable backsheet is a thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm (0.5 mil) to about 0.051 mm (2.0 mil). Other suitable materials for the backsheet 26 include RR8220 blown film and RR5475 injection molded film manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, IN. The backsheet 26 is suitably embossed and/or matte finished to provide a more cloth-like appearance. Another suitable backsheet is a laminate comprising a thermoplastic film secured to a fibrous nonwoven web.

The topsheet 24 is positioned adjacent the inner surface 66 of the absorbent core 28 and is suitably joined to this surface and the backsheet 26 by attachment means (not shown), such as are known in the art. Suitable attachment means have been described in the section relating to the attachment of the backsheet 26 to the absorbent core 28 . In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 are directly attached to each other along the periphery of the diaper, and are indirectly attached to each other by some attachment means (not shown) directly to the absorbent core 28. connected together.

The topsheet 24 is compliant, has a soft feel, and is non-irritating to the wearer's skin. Also, the topsheet 24 is desirably liquid pervious to allow liquids, such as urine, to rapidly pass through its thickness. A suitable top sheet 24 can be made of many materials, such as porous foam; reticulated foam; porous plastic film; or natural fibers (wood or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (such as polyester and polypropylene fibers), or A woven or nonwoven mesh of mixed natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet 24 is suitably made of a hydrophobic material to insulate (ie prevent rewetting) the wearer's skin from liquids that have penetrated the topsheet 24 and are contained within the absorbent core 28 . If the topsheet 24 is made of a hydrophobic material, at least the upper surface of the topsheet 24 will be hydrophilically treated to allow liquids to pass through the topsheet more quickly. This reduces the potential for body exudates to flow out of the topsheet 24 without being absorbed by the absorbent core 28 downwardly through the topsheet 24. The topsheet 24 may be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. Suitable methods of treating the topsheet 24 with the surfactant include spraying the topsheet 24 with the surfactant and immersing the material into the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such treatments and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Patent 4,988,344, issued January 29, 1991 to Reising et al., entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Multiple Absorbent Layers," and issued January 29, 1991 to Reising et al., US Patent 4,988,345, entitled "Absorbent Articles Having Rapid Gathering Absorbent Core," each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

There are a variety of manufacturing processes that can be used to make the top sheet 24 . For example, the topsheet 24 may be a nonwoven web of fibers. When the topsheet 24 comprises a nonwoven web, the web can be convoluted, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroentangled, and combinations of the above or similar methods, etc. . A suitable topsheet 24 is carded heat bonded by methods well known in the fiber manufacturing art. A satisfactory top sheet 24 comprises woven length polypropylene fibers having a count of about 2.2. In this context, the term "woven fiber length" refers to fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm (0.625 inches). The topsheet 24 suitably has a basis weight of about 18 to 25 grams per square meter. A suitable top sheet is manufactured by Veratec, Inc. a division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass. under the trademark P-8.

The diaper 20 also desirably includes elasticized leg cuffs 32 to provide greater capacity for liquids and other body exudates. Each elasticized leg cuff 32 may comprise several different specific forms to reduce the leakage of bodily exudates in the leg area. (The leg cuffs may be and are sometimes referred to as leg cuffs, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs.) U.S. Patent 3,860,003 discloses a disposable diaper having a side flap and one or more The elastic components retract the leg openings to provide an elastic leg cuff (constraint cuff). U.S. Patent 4,909,803, issued March 20, 1990 to Aziz et al., entitled "Disposable Absorbent Articles with Elastic Flaps," discloses a "stand-up" elastic flap (barrier sleeve) with improved leg region containment. Hoop) for disposable diapers. US Patent 4,695,278, issued September 22, 1987 to Lawson, entitled "Absorbent Article With Dual Cuffs," discloses a disposable diaper with a dual cuff comprising a restraint cuff and a barrier cuff. Although each elastic leg cuff 32 can be constructed similar to the aforementioned leg cuffs, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or any one of the elastic cuffs, each elastic leg cuff 32 preferably includes the above-cited The restraint cuff described in US Patent 3,860,003.

Also, the diaper 20 desirably includes an elastic waist 34 to help improve fit and containment. The elastic waist 34 is a portion and an area of the diaper that elastically expands and contracts for dynamic fit around the waist of the wearer. The elastic waist 34 suitably extends longitudinally outwardly from at least one waist end 70 of the absorbent core 28 and generally forms at least a portion of the end 58 of the diaper 20 . Disposable diapers are generally constructed with two elastic waists, one in the first waist region 50 and one in the second waist region 52, although the diaper can be constructed with a single elastic waist. And, although elastic waist 34 or any member thereof, can be fixed on the independent element on the diaper 20, but elastic waist 34 also can be constructed as the extension of other elements of diaper, as back sheet 26 or top sheet 24, preferably It is the back sheet 26 and the top sheet 24 together. The waist 34 can be constructed in a number of different configurations, including those disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,515,595 to Kievit et al., issued May 7, 1985, and in the previously cited U.S. Patent 5,151,092 to Buell; each reference is cited In this article as a reference.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diaper 20 further includes ear flaps 62 projecting laterally outwardly from each longitudinal end 56 of the receiving component 22 in the second waist region 52 . The ear flaps 62 have a structure connectable to the first waist region 50 to surround the wearer's legs and waist. Ear flaps 62 can take many different sizes, shapes, profiles, and materials. The ear flaps 62 may be part of the material from which one or more diaper components, including the topsheet 24, and the backsheet 26, are made. Additionally, the ear flaps 62 may be a single element or multiple elements attached to the diaper. Materials suitable for ear flap 62 include fabric meshes; nonwoven meshes; films including polymeric films; foams; including film laminates, nonwoven laminates, or zero strain laminates. laminate materials; elastomers; composite materials; or any combination of the above materials herein or known in the art as stretchable side panels. The ear flaps 62 can be attached to the housing assembly 22 by any method known in the art; for example, heated or non-heated adhesives, heat bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, power mechanical bonding, etc. can be used. The ear flaps 62 are joined continuously or intermittently to the housing assembly by adhesive or other methods known in the art.

The diaper 20 also includes stretchable side panels 30 disposed adjacent each longitudinal end 56 of the containment assembly 22 of the diaper 20, preferably in the first waist region 50. (In this context, the term "arranged" means that elements of an absorbent article are formed (attached or positioned) in a specific place or location) the stretchable side panels 30 provide an elastically stretchable part, since the stretchable side panels 30 allow the sides of the diaper 20 to expand and contract, so that the wearer can smoothly put on the diaper at first, and throughout the wearing process. Both are more comfortable and fit in terms of getting through the time well after the diaper has contained exudate. The stretchable side panels 30 also allow for more efficient use of the diaper since the diaper "self-adjusts" during its wear to a better fit even if the diaper is worn asymmetrically by the diaper wearer. The stretchable side panels 30 of the present invention also allow the wearer's hips to have as good a dynamic fit as the waist, reducing the potential for sagging and gaping around the waist and legs that can cause leaks, while improving freedom of movement and fit. the overall comfort of the patient.

Although the diaper 20 of the present invention suitably has stretchable side panels 30 located in the first waist region 50; The retractable side wings 30 that all have. Although the stretchable side panels 30 can be configured in many configurations, examples of diapers with stretchable side panels are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,857,067 entitled "Disposable Diapers with Elastic Ears" issued to Wood et al. on August 15, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,381,781 issued to Sciaraffa et al. on July 3; U.S. Patent 4,938,753 issued to VanGompel et al. on July 3, 1990; and Miguel A. Robles et al. Absorbent Articles with Flanks," US Patent Application Serial No. 08/155,048, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 also suitably has a fastening system 48 for fastening the diaper to the wearer. The overlapping fashion of the fastening system 48 maintains the first waist region 50 and the second waist region 52 to form a closed side edge. The fastening system 48 also remains stretched within the stretchable side panels 30 to allow the diaper 20 to fit on the wearer while providing better dynamic fit characteristics around the wearer's legs and waist. Fastening system 48 may comprise any attachment means known in the art, including (but not limited to) pressure sensitive adhesives, adhered materials, mechanical fastening means such as hook and loop type fasteners, and any of these means and Combinations of other means known in the art. Examples of suitable adhesive tape lug fastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. This article is used as a reference. Other examples of closure systems useful in the present invention, including mechanical closure systems, are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,869,724 issued September 26, 1989 to Scripps; U.S. Patent 4,848,815 issued July 11, 1989 to Scripps; and No. 5,242,436 to Weil, Buell, Clear, and Falcone; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The diaper 20 is suitably applied to the wearer by positioning one of the waist regions, preferably the first waist region 50, under the wearer's back, and stretching the rest of the diaper 20 between the wearer's legs so that the other waist region A region, preferably the second waist region 52, is positioned across the front of the wearer. One of the stretchable side panels 30 of the diaper is then wrapped around the wearer while fastening one of the first fastening components 40 placed on each stretchable side panel 30 . The diaper wearer then repeats this step for the other stretchable side panel 30 . By snapping together the first fastening component 40 and the second fastening component 42 on the second waist region 52, a closed loop of the waist is formed. By forming the waist closure, the new diaper 20 is snugly fitted to the wearer. If the diaper 20 is worn asymmetrically, the diaper 20 will self-adjust to fit during wear. Once applied to the wearer, the stretchable side panels 30 will stretch and contract with the movement of the wearer to provide good dynamic wear characteristics during wear and to survive well after the diaper 20 has been loaded with exudates time. This good dynamic wear characteristic reduces sagging and tearing of the diaper 20 in the waist and hip portions while increasing wearer comfort.

As noted above, the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should be compatible with the design load and the application of the diaper. If the diaper 20 is to be used during times when the wearer excretes a significant amount of bodily fluids, such as during nighttime use, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 should be compatible with such use. Since the diaper load during night use is greater than during day use, the diaper absorbent core for night wear will desirably have a higher absorbent capacity. Conversely, the absorbent capacity of the absorbent core 28 need not be as high during times when the amount of bodily fluids excreted by the wearer is relatively low, such as during daytime use. Therefore, the absorbent core of a disposable diaper for daytime wear should suitably have a lower absorbent capacity relative to the absorbent capacity of the nighttime diaper.

A preferred method of dealing with infantile incontinence and other incontinence is to use the first disposable diaper with a predetermined absorbent capacity for them during periods when they excrete lesser volumes of bodily fluids, such as during daytime use. After removing the first disposable diaper from the wearer during a period in which the wearer excretes a large amount of bodily fluids, such as during nighttime use, the user is provided with a second disposable diaper having a predetermined absorbent capacity greater than the absorbent capacity of the first disposable diaper. Two disposable diapers.

Nighttime diapers have a greater absorbent capacity than daytime diapers. The absorbent capacity of the night diaper is suitably at least about 20%, more suitably at least about 50%, and most preferably at least about 75% greater than the absorbent capacity of the daytime diaper. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent capacity of the night diaper is at least about 100% greater than the absorbent capacity of the day diaper.

Similar to the current practice in dealing with infantile incontinences and other incontinences, disposable diapers are usually changed at least once during the day. A diaper change can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as wetness, time of day, daytime activities, or bowel movements. Due to the frequent diaper changes during the day, the absorbent capacity of disposable diapers is often underutilized during the day. Due to the frequent changes during the day, the number of diapers required during the day often exceeds the number of diapers required during the night.

For convenience and ease of use by users, multiple disposable diapers with different absorbent capacities are packaged in the same package. The ratio of the number of lower absorbent capacity diapers to higher absorbent capacity diapers packaged in one package is in the range of about 1:1 to 10:1. The ratio of the number of lower absorbent capacity diapers to higher absorbent capacity diapers is suitably about 5:1, more suitably about 4:1, most preferably about 3:1.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the package 200 generally has the shape of a parallelepiped and shows a filled package containing compressed diapers of different absorbent capacities. The packaging bag 200 includes a front panel 210 , a back panel 211 , a top panel 212 , a back panel 213 , and side panels 214 and 220 . The side panel 214 includes two sections 215 and 216 secured to each other along a connecting line 217 . The side panel 220 includes two sections 221 and 222 fixed to each other along a connecting line 223 . Opening means 225 are adapted on the side panels 214 . The opening means 225 suitably includes a tamper line 227 . The tear line 227 suitably extends through the front panel 210, the top panel 212 portion and into the back panel 211 portion.

The packaging bag 200 can be made of paper or recyclable materials, and has a laminated structure composed of two or more layers of the above materials. In addition, the packaging bag 200 can also be made of non-biodegradable or non-recyclable materials, such as a polymer film with the same structure as the packaging bag.

Other constructions for the pouch 200 of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,846,587 issued to Hull on July 11, 1989; U.S. Patent 4,934,535 issued to Muckenfuhs et al. on June 19, 1990; US Patent 4,966,286; US Patent 5,036,978 issued August 6, 1991 to Frank et al; US Patent 5,050,742 issued September 24, 1991 to Muckenfuhs; and US Patent 5,054,619 issued October 8, 1991 to Muckenfuhs; each of which All are references in this article.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, all such changes and modifications that are included within the scope of the present invention are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A package for containing absorbent articles, characterized in that at least one first absorbent article is packaged in said package, said first absorbent article comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a connecting A liquid-impermeable back sheet next to the top sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the first absorbent article has a predetermined absorbent capacity, and at least one second Two absorbent articles are packaged in the bag, the second absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet connected to the top sheet, and a An absorbent core between said top sheet and back sheet, said second absorbent article has a predetermined absorbent capacity greater than the absorbent capacity of said first absorbent article. 2. The package of claim 1, wherein said package contains a plurality of first absorbent articles and a plurality of second absorbent articles. 3. The package of claim 2, wherein the ratio of the number of said first absorbent articles to said second absorbent articles is in the range of about 1:1 to 10:1. 4. The package of claim 2, wherein the ratio of the number of said first absorbent articles to said second absorbent articles is 5:1. 5. The package of claim 2, wherein the ratio of the number of said first absorbent articles to said second absorbent articles is 4:1. 6. The package of claim 2, wherein the ratio of the number of said first absorbent articles to said second absorbent articles is 3:1. 7. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent capacity of the second absorbent article is at least 20% greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article. 8. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent capacity of the second absorbent article is at least 50% greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article. 9. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent capacity of the second absorbent article is at least 100% greater than the absorbent capacity of the first absorbent article. 10. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first absorbent article and said second absorbent article are both disposable diapers.

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