ES2992241T3 - Method of manufacturing a package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

A package (1000) comprising a bag (100) and a stack of absorbent articles (200) having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the stack of absorbent articles is arranged in the bag, wherein the bag (100) is made of a paper material having a basis weight between 60 and 100 g/m2 measured according to ISO 536, wherein the bag (100) has a closed bottom (110), a closed top (120) and a peripheral wall (130) between said bottom and said top, wherein the bag is provided at least on an inner surface of the bag near the top, with a sealable liner (140); wherein the closed top (120) is made by a sealed portion (145) of said sealable liner (140). (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Method of manufacturing a package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles

Technical field

The present invention relates to methods for manufacturing such packages for a stack of absorbent articles.

Background

In recent years there has been a development towards the manufacture of eco-friendly absorbent articles where fewer chemicals and more sustainable materials are used compared to traditional disposable absorbent articles.

Typically, the packaging of absorbent articles is made of plastic material. Plastic packaging material is very flexible to be manipulated into different packaging shapes and sizes, can be easily sealed, and offers many possibilities in terms of coloring and/or branding of the absorbent article packaging. Although more environmentally friendly non-plastic packaging materials exist, unfortunately these materials do not offer the same advantages in terms of flexibility and/or usability in terms of packaging, compared to plastic packaging materials. Examples of such packaging and manufacturing methods are known from WO92/10412, US-5,065,868 and US-6,033,112.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided a package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles having a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the stack of absorbent articles is arranged in the bag. The bag is made of a paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2, measured according to ISO 536. The bag has a closed bottom, a closed top, and a peripheral wall between said bottom and said top, and the bag is provided, at least on an inner surface of the bag near the top, with a sealable liner. The closed top is realized by a sealed part of the sealable liner.

A paper material bag with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2 provides the stack of absorbent articles with a sufficient amount of protection against environmental influences. In this way, the absorbent articles are kept safe from any possible pollution or contamination before the packaging is finally opened. Although paper material is less flexible compared to the commonly used plastic packaging material, it has been found that this particular basis weight range allows the paper material to be manipulated in such a way that it can be folded and/or formed into a bag, without the risk of the paper material ripping or tearing. Furthermore, by providing a sealable liner, e.g. a thermoplastic liner, on the inner surface of the bag near the top, the paper material bag can be efficiently sealed.

It should be noted that the sealable coating may only be provided locally near the top or alternatively over a major portion of the inner surface, or over substantially the entire inner surface of the bag. The sealable coating may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous coating pattern.

It should be noted that the bag, alternatively to, or in addition to, comprising paper material, may comprise other non-plastic materials, such as non-woven materials. Preferably, the bag is made of a non-plastic material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2. In the context of this application, a paper material is to be understood as a material produced by pressing together wet cellulose pulp fibres, optionally in combination with other materials, and drying the fibres into preferably flexible sheets. Preferably, the paper material is a single-ply material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2. Alternatively, the paper material is a laminated paper material. The single-ply material is preferred over the laminated paper material, as it does not require additional glue or adhesive to laminate at least two layers of the laminated paper material.

Preferably, the coating is water-based. The coating can be acrylic or PE-based. Preferably, the coating is recyclable, e.g. according to UNI 11743:2019. Preferably, the coating is free of mineral oils and, more preferably, complies with FDA 175.105-176.180. Preferably, the coating has a sealing start temperature of between 70 and 110 °C.

According to an exemplary embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the peripheral wall comprises a front wall, a rear wall opposite said front wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite said first side wall. Preferably, at the top, the first and second side walls are folded inwards such that two first wing portions are formed where the top part joins the first side wall, and such that two second wing portions are formed where the top part joins the second side wall.

As will be further described in conjunction with the figures, the paper bag typically wraps the stacked absorbent articles quite tightly or narrowly. This, in combination with the greater stiffness of the paper material compared to the plastic packaging material, results in a rather rigid package that is not easily pressed, e.g., with a finger or hand, and therefore cannot be easily gripped. However, the formed wing portions provide gripping means for the user, and allow the package of absorbent articles to be easily gripped. Since two wing portions are preferably provided near each side wall, the resulting package can be easily gripped or manipulated from many different directions and according to many different orientations. It should further be noted that the arrangement of the wing portions also results in a dented corner area below the wing portions on each side wall, where the package can be easily gripped and the bag can be opened, by “pulling open” the wing portions. Furthermore, the resulting package can be stacked and/or displayed in a supermarket on any of the package faces, e.g., on the bottom, on the top, or on any of the peripheral wall sides, i.e., front, back, first side, second side.

In other exemplary embodiments, which are not part of the invention, the length of the first sealed wings and the length of the second sealed wings is between 1 cm and 8 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 7 cm, more preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm. Wings with these dimensions have been found to be especially comfortable for purchasers and/or caregivers to grip.

In further developed exemplary embodiments, which do not form part of the invention, the length of the sealed portion between the first wings and the second wings is between 8 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, more preferably between 12 cm and 20 cm.

According to a further embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the sealable liner extends at least over a closed peripheral inner part of the inner surface of the bag. In this way, a good and airtight seal of the package is ensured. Furthermore, this allows each flap portion that is formed to also be adequately sealed. Preferably, the stack of absorbent articles is arranged such that each absorbent article extends in a vertical direction between the bottom and the top. In this way, when the package of absorbent articles is opened near the top, the absorbent articles can be easily removed from the package.

According to typical embodiments, which are not part of the invention, the absorbent articles are any of the following: baby diapers, baby pants, adult incontinence garments.

Preferably, the absorbent article is a folded absorbent article, wherein a crotch portion of the absorbent article is located at the top of the bag, and wherein a back and front end of the absorbent article are located at the bottom of the bag. In this manner, when the bag is opened near the sealed top, a caregiver can easily remove an individual absorbent article from the bag, while keeping the other absorbent articles intact and within the bag. Although less preferred, there are embodiments wherein the absorbent articles are folded and/or arranged in the bag in a different manner.

Preferably, the folded absorbent articles have a width between 7 cm and 20 cm, and a height between 15 cm and 40 cm.

According to one embodiment, the bottom has a width of between 9 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm, and a length of between 15 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the coating is made of any of the following materials, or a combination thereof: a polymeric material, such as a polyethylene material, e.g., such as low density polyethylene (LDPE), a biological coating, a printed lacquer, 1,4-succinic, fumaric and malic acids, 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol/arabinite, tricarboxylic acid. In this way, a coating is provided that can be efficiently sealed by the application of heat and/or pressure thereto. Preferably, the applied sealable coating is biodegradable.

Preferably, the coating has a basis weight of between 3 g/m2 and 25 g/m2, more preferably between 5 g/m2 and 25 g/m2, even more preferably between 7 g/m2 and 20 g/m2, even more preferably between 8 g/m2 and 16 g/m2.

Preferred liner materials include, but are not limited to, LDPE, preferably with a basis weight of between 3 g/m2 and 6 g/m2, bio-based liner, preferably with a basis weight of between 13 g/m2 and 17 g/m2.

In a preferred embodiment, the paper material has a basis weight, as measured according to ISO 536, of between 65 g/m2 and 85 g/m2. It has been found that this particular basis weight range allows the paper material to be manipulated for folding and/or bag forming, whilst reducing the risk of the paper material ripping or tearing during packaging manufacture.

Preferably, the paper material has a basis weight of about 70 g/m2, most preferably the paper material has a basis weight of about 80 g/m2.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that the paper material with the required basis weight can be combined with one or more of the coating materials described, and that many combinations are possible.

According to a further embodiment, the bottom is formed by folding and gluing a portion of the paper material such that it has a substantially rectangular shape. Such a substantially rectangular shaped bottom is preferred for supporting the stack of absorbent articles in the bag, in terms of efficient use of space and/or material.

Preferably, the bottom is provided with a handle made of paper material. This makes it even easier to grip the container.

Preferably, the packaging further comprises a sheet of paper with two cuts, wherein the sheet of paper is glued to the bottom of the bag in an area around the two cuts, such that an area of the sheet of paper between the two cuts functions as a handle.

According to one possible embodiment, which is not part of the invention, the paper material is an unbleached paper material. This contributes to the eco-friendly character of the packaging, as fewer chemicals are used in the manufacture of the packaging, compared to bleached paper. Preferably, the paper material is a fully brown paper material, such as a calendered brown paper material, with a basis weight according to ISO 536 of between 65 g/m2 and 85 g/m2. More preferably, the paper material has a basis weight of about 70 g/m2, most preferably the paper material has a basis weight of about 80 g/m2.

According to a preferred embodiment, which does not form part of the invention, the paper material has one or more of any of the following properties, under the test conditions specified in ISO 554-1976 (23 /- 1 °C/50 /- 2%):

- a tensile strength, measured according to ISO 1924-3 in a machine direction, of between 4 and 10 kN/m, preferably between 5 and 7 kN/m, and in a transverse direction, of between 2 and 6 kN/m, preferably between 4 and 5 kN/m;

- a tear index, measured according to ISO 1974 in a machine direction, of between 8 and 16 mN.m2/g, and in a transverse direction, of between 9 and 17 mN.m2/g;

- a tear, measured according to ISO 1974 in a machine direction, between 400 and 1300 mN, and in a transverse direction, between 450 and 1450 mN.

Any of these properties have been found to allow the paper material to be manipulated during the manufacturing process of a package filled with absorbent articles, while reducing the risk of the paper material ripping or tearing prematurely.

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a package for a stack of absorbent articles, comprising the steps of:

- arranging the stack of absorbent articles in a bag made of a paper material, wherein the bag has a closed bottom, an open top, and a peripheral wall between the bottom and the top, and wherein the bag is provided, at least on an inner surface of the bag near the top, with a sealable liner; and

- sealing a portion of said sealable liner to obtain a closed upper end.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the features and advantages described above with respect to various embodiments of the packaging may also be applied, mutatis mutandis, to various embodiments of the manufacturing method.

According to one embodiment, the peripheral wall comprises a front wall, a rear wall opposite the front wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall opposite the first side wall. Preferably, prior to the sealing step, the first and second side walls are folded inwardly at the top such that two first wing portions are formed where the top joins the first side wall, and such that two second wing portions are formed where the top joins the second side wall.

According to the invention, prior to the sealing step, the open upper end of the bag is provided with a handling portion containing a plurality of holes and prior to the step of arranging the stack of absorbent articles in the bag, the bag is arranged on a stack of bags, with a plurality of pins extending through the plurality of holes. The arranging step comprises opening the bag while the bag is held by the plurality of pins, and pushing the stack of absorbent articles into the bag. A hole may comprise, e.g., a round hole with a diameter, e.g., between 10 and 30 mm. The person skilled in the art understands that other shapes (e.g., oval, polygonal, such as rectangular or square, etc.) and sizes are also possible.

Preferably, the handling portion containing the plurality of holes is a portion made of a paper material, e.g., a paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2, measured according to ISO 536, or of a polymeric material, e.g., a polyethylene material, such as a low-density polyethylene material.

Preferably, the handling part is a separate part glued to the bag or an integral part of the bag.

Preferably, the handling part is substantially rectangular and has a length of between 20 cm and 35 cm, and a width of between 4 cm and 15 cm.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises, after or during the sealing step, the step of cutting an end portion of the top of the bag.

Preferably, the end portion comprises the handling portion containing the plurality of holes. In one embodiment, the stack of absorbent articles is arranged in the bag such that each absorbent article extends substantially perpendicular to the closed bottom of the bag.

Preferably, the closed bottom is formed by folding and gluing a portion of the paper material such that it has a substantially rectangular shape.

According to typical embodiments, the absorbent articles are any of the following: baby diapers, baby pants, adult incontinence garments.

According to a preferred embodiment, the paper material has a basis weight, measured according to ISO 536, of between 65 and 85 g/m2.

According to one embodiment, the coating has a basis weight of between 5 g/m2 and 25 g/m2, preferably between 7 g/m2 and 20 g/m2, more preferably between 8 g/m2 and 16 g/m2.

According to a further embodiment, the bottom or the top is provided with a handle.

According to a further developed embodiment, the method further comprises providing a sheet of paper with two cuts, and gluing said sheet of paper to the bottom of the bag in an area around the two cuts, such that an area of the sheet of paper between the two cuts functions as a handle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the absorbent articles are folded absorbent articles with a width between 7 cm and 20 cm, and a height between 15 cm and 40 cm.

The plurality of pins comprises a plurality of delay elements, wherein during opening of the bag, the plurality of holes of the handling part are guided over the plurality of delay elements. When the handling part is lifted and the plurality of holes are guided along the plurality of delay elements, the handling part and the part of the bag to which the handling part is attached are delayed or slowed down during the upward movement thereof. This causes the bag to open in a controlled manner and the risk of premature and/or uncontrolled tearing or ripping of the bag during opening of the bag is reduced.

Preferably, each delay element of the plurality of delay elements comprises a first part with a first cross section, and a second part with a second cross section, where the first cross section is smaller than the second cross section. In this way, the delay element comprises different parts with correspondingly different guiding properties for the plurality of holes. Preferably, the plurality of holes is dimensioned such that the handling part is guided more easily along the first part, compared to the second part.

Preferably, during opening of the bag, each hole of the plurality of holes is guided over the first part of the respective delay element, before being guided over the second part of the respective delay element. In this way, the handling part and the corresponding part of the bag are effectively delayed.

Preferably, a cross section of the delay element gradually increases from the first cross section to the second cross section.

In a preferred embodiment, the first portion is a cylindrical portion with a first diameter, and the second portion is a conical portion with a diameter increasing from the first diameter to a second larger diameter, wherein the manipulating part is first guided along the first portion and then along the second portion. More preferably, the plurality of holes comprises a plurality of round holes with a diameter between the first and second diameters.

Preferably, each hole of the plurality of holes comprises at least one tear-inducing element that allows the manipulation part to be detached from the respective pin while tearing in a controlled manner according to the intended tearing direction.

Preferably, the tear-inducing element extends from the opening in a direction away from the bag. The tear-inducing element may extend substantially in the direction of a free outer edge of the handling portion such that it extends in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of movement of the bag when it is pulled or pushed away from the plurality of pins.

Preferably, the at least one tear-inducing element comprises at least one tear cut that is substantially aligned with the intended tear direction. Preferably, the intended tear direction is opposite to the direction of the pulling/pushing force exerted on the bag.

Preferably, an opening comprises a round hole and at least one tear-inducing element extending from the round hole in a direction away from the bag, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round hole and the at least one tear-inducing element is such that the handling part cannot be pulled over the second portion of the delay element without tearing the material of the handling part.

In a preferred embodiment where the hole comprises a substantially round hole with a diameter and at least one tear inducing element with a length, the sum of the diameter and the length is less than 1.25 times the largest dimension of the second part of the retarding element, for example, less than the largest dimension of the second part of the retarding element. For example, if the second part of the retarding element is substantially conical with a largest diameter d2, then preferably the sum of the diameter dh of the substantially round hole and the length of the tear cut lc, is less than 1.25 times the largest diameter d2, i.e. lc dh < 1.25 d2. For example, lc dh < d2.

Preferably, the tear-inducing element has a length that is at least 5% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 20%.

In a simple preferred embodiment, exactly one cut is provided, which extends in a direction opposite and parallel to the pulling/pushing direction of the pulling/pushing force exerted on the bag.

Preferably, one or more holes of the plurality of holes comprise at least one hole-enlarging element which allows the respective hole to be enlarged in a controlled manner, while being guided along a corresponding delay element. In this way, the risk of premature and/or uncontrolled tearing or ripping of the handling part during opening of the bag is reduced. In particular, while the respective hole is guided along a part of the delay element with a cross section which is larger than the cross section of the hole, there is a risk that the hole will tear from the pins and/or the handling part, during opening of the bag. By providing at least one hole-enlarging element, the hole is enlarged in a controlled manner, thus preventing the hole and/or the handling part from prematurely detaching from the pins and/or the handling part.

Preferably, the at least one hole-enlarging element extends from the hole in a direction towards the bag. The hole-enlarging element may extend substantially in the direction away from a free outer edge of the handling part, so that it extends in a direction substantially along the direction of movement of the bag when the bag is pulled or pushed away from the plurality of pins.

Preferably, the at least one hole-enlarging element comprises at least one enlarging cut that is substantially aligned with the direction of the pulling/pushing force exerted or to be exerted on the bag.

Preferably, an opening comprises a round opening and at least one opening enlarging element extending from the round opening in a direction towards the bag, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round opening and the at least one opening enlarging element is such that the handling part can be guided over the second part of the delay element, without pulling the handling part of the delay element and/or without tearing the material of the handling part in a direction away from the bag.

Preferably, the hole-enlarging element has a length that is at least 5% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 20%. In other preferred embodiments, the hole-enlarging element has a length that is at least 30% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, preferably at least 50% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, more preferably at least 70% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, even more preferably at least 90% of the diameter of the substantially round hole.

In a simple preferred embodiment, exactly one enlarging cut is provided, which extends in a direction towards the bag and parallel to the pulling/pushing direction of the pulling/pushing force exerted on the bag.

Preferably, the plurality of holes and/or the at least one hole-enlarging element and/or one tear-inducing element are provided by means of laser cutting.

It is clear to the person skilled in the art that each hole of the plurality of holes may comprise at least one tear-inducing element and at least one hole-enlarging element.

Any of the features described above in relation to the packaging of absorbent articles are also applicable to embodiments of the method.

Brief description of the figures

The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate presently preferred non-limiting exemplary embodiments of devices of the present invention. The foregoing and other advantages of the features and objects of the invention will become more apparent, and the invention will be better understood, based on the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an open bag and a stack of absorbent articles before a package is formed;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles;

Figure 3 illustrates a package for a stack of absorbent articles according to one embodiment of the manufacturing process;

Figures 4A-4D schematically illustrate a method of manufacturing a package for a stack of absorbent articles according to one embodiment;

Figure 5 illustrates a further package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles; and

Figure 6 illustrates another package comprising a bag and a stack of absorbent articles;

Figures 7A-7D schematically illustrate steps of a method for manufacturing a package for a stack of absorbent articles according to one embodiment;

Figures 8A-8C illustrate a delay element according to different embodiments;

Figures 9A-9H illustrate various embodiments of the plurality of holes provided with a tear-inducing element; and

Figures 10A-10D illustrate various embodiments of the plurality of holes provided with a hole enlarging element.

Description of the achievements

Figure 1 illustrates an open bag 100' and a stack of absorbent articles 200 to be inserted into the open bag 100'. The bag 100' is made of a non-plastic material, and preferably has a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2. In a preferred embodiment, the bag 100' is made of a paper material, but alternative embodiments exist where the bag is made of another non-plastic material, such as a non-woven material. The bag 100' has a bottom 110 and a peripheral wall 130 extending upwardly from the bottom 110 leading to an open top 120'. The peripheral wall 130 comprises a front wall 133, a rear wall 134 positioned opposite the front wall 133, a first side wall 131, and a second side wall 132 positioned opposite the first side wall 131. The illustrated bottom is in the form of a rectangle wherein a length dimension l is greater than a width dimension w. Preferably, the bottom has a length l of between 15 cm and 50 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm, and a width w of between 9 cm and 20 cm, more preferably between 10 cm and 15 cm. In alternative embodiments, the bottom may be in the form of a square or other geometric figure. However, the substantially rectangular shaped bottom illustrated is preferred, in terms of filling efficiency and further shaping of the bag 100'. For example, the bottom 110 may be formed by folding and gluing a portion of the non-plastic material such that it has a substantially rectangular shape. Optionally, the bottom is provided with a handle made of paper material. For example, the packaging may further comprise a paper sheet with two cuts, whereby the paper sheet is attached, e.g. glued, to the bottom of the bag in an area around the two cuts, such that an area of the paper sheet between the two cuts functions as a handle.

At least proximate the open top 120', the bag is provided with a sealable liner 140 that is configured to be sealed at least along a portion thereof to form a closed top 120 of the bag, as further illustrated in Figure 2. Preferably, the sealable liner 140 is a heat-sealable liner and comprises any one of the following materials, or a combination thereof: a polymeric material, such as a polyethylene material, e.g., such as a low density polyethylene (LDPE), a biological coating, a printed lacquer, 1,4-succinic, fumaric and malic acids, 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, aspartic acid, glucaric acid, glutamic acid, itaconic acid, levulinic acid, 3-hydroxybutyrolactone, glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol/arabinitol, tricarboxylic acid. Preferably, the sealable liner 140 is disposed on an inner surface of the peripheral wall 130. However, alternatively or additionally, the sealable liner may be disposed on an outer surface of the bag 100'. In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, the sealable liner 140 is disposed in the form of a substantially continuous strip extending over the front wall 133, the first side wall 131, the rear wall 134 and the second side wall 132, to form a closed loop on the inner surface of the bag 100'. In other words, the sealable liner 140 extends over a closed peripheral inner portion of the inner surface of the bag 100'. Alternatively or additionally, however, the sealable liner 140 may be disposed over a larger portion of the inner or outer surface of any one of the front wall 133, the first side wall 131, the rear wall 134, the second side wall 132, and a combination thereof. In addition or as an alternative to the substantially continuous form of the sealable liner 140, the sealable liner 140 may be applied in a discontinuous liner pattern. Such a discontinuous liner pattern may include multiple lines, strips, dots, or other geometric shapes that may at least partially overlap when viewed in the height direction of the bag 100' such that the open top 120' of the bag may be suitably sealed along at least a portion of the sealable liner 140 to form a closed top 120. Preferably, the sealable liner 140 has a basis weight of between 5 g/m2 and 25 g/m2, more preferably between 7 g/m2 and 20 g/m2, and even more preferably between 8 g/m2 and 16 g/m2.

Prior to sealing the bag near the top 120' thereof, a stack of absorbent articles 200 is inserted into the bag 100'. The absorbent articles 200 preferably have a rectangular shape, as illustrated in Figure 1, such that the dimensions of the stack of absorbent articles 200 substantially correspond to the dimensions of the available interior space of the bag 100'. In alternative embodiments, the absorbent articles 200 and/or the bag 100' are shaped and/or sized otherwise. It is noted that, in the interest of efficient filling of the bag, it is preferred that the shape and dimensions of the stack of absorbent articles substantially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the interior space of the bag 100'. More particularly, the width w of the bottom 110 of the bag 100' should be large enough to accommodate the stack of absorbent articles 200 having a width w<a>. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 130 of the bag 130 should be high enough to accommodate the stack of absorbent articles 200 having a height h<a>. Furthermore, the length l of the bottom 110 of the bag 100' should be large enough to accommodate the stack of absorbent articles 200 having a length that is determined by the number of absorbent articles in the stack and the thickness of each absorbent article 200. Preferably, the absorbent articles are folded absorbent articles with a width w<a>of between 7 cm and 20 cm, and a height h<a>of between 15 cm and 40 cm. The absorbent articles 200 may be any one of baby diapers, baby pants, and adult incontinence garments. In the illustrated embodiment, the stack of absorbent articles 200 is to be inserted into the bag 100' such that each absorbent article 200 extends in a substantially vertical direction between the bottom 110 and the top 120 of the bag 100'. As illustrated in Figure 1, the absorbent articles 200 are folded prior to being inserted into the bag 100'. Preferably, each absorbent article 200 is folded along a transverse crotch line of the absorbent article 200 such that a crotch portion 201 of the absorbent article is located on one side, and such that the back and front ends 202, 203 of the absorbent article are located on the opposite side. Preferably, the crotch portion 201 is located at the top 120 of the bag 100' after insertion, while the back and front ends 202, 203 are located at the bottom 110 of the bag 100' after insertion. In this manner, when a closed package of absorbent article is opened at its closed top 120, a person can conveniently remove one absorbent article at a time, since one end of the absorbent article, i.e., the crotch portion, corresponds to one absorbent article. In other embodiments, not forming part of the invention, where the folded absorbent articles are arranged differently in the bag, or where the bag is opened at a different location, each folded absorbent article would correspond to two ends, because the absorbent article is folded. In such embodiments, it is more difficult for a person to remove only one absorbent article at a time, while keeping the remaining absorbent articles in the stack intact.

Prior to inserting the stack of absorbent articles 200 into the bag 100', it is preferred that the bag 100' be suitably opened and held in an open position until the absorbent articles 200 are inserted into the bag. This is important since non-plastic materials, such as paper material or non-woven material, unlike plastic materials, are very susceptible to the risk of ripping or tearing during the filling and packaging manufacturing process. To reduce this risk, the open top end (120') of the bag is provided with a handling portion 160 containing a plurality of holes 161. The function of this handling portion will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3 and 4A-4D.

Figure 2 illustrates a package 1000 that is formed by placing the stack of absorbent articles 200 into the open bag 100' of Figure 1, and sealing at least a portion 145 of the sealable liner 140 to obtain a closed top 120.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the first side wall 131 is folded inward such that two first wing portions 121 are formed where the top 120 joins the first side wall 131. In the illustrated embodiment, the second side wall 132 is also folded inward such that two second wing portions 122 are formed where the top 120 joins the second side wall 132. However, it should be noted that there are embodiments where only one of the first side wall 131 and the second side wall 132 is folded inward, and where, consequently, only the two first wing portions 121 or the two second wing portions 122 are formed, respectively. In order to obtain an easily gripped package of absorbent articles, the length ls1 of the first sealed wings and/or the length ls2 of the second sealed wings is between 1 cm and 8 cm, more preferably between 2 cm and 7 cm, and even more preferably between 3 cm and 6 cm. Furthermore, it is preferred that the length ls of the sealed portion between the first wings and the second wings is between 8 cm and 40 cm, more preferably between 10 cm and 30 cm, and even more preferably between 12 cm and 20 cm.

Preferably, an end portion 170 of the top 120' is removed from the bag 100 during or after sealing. Typically, the end portion 170 comprises the handling portion 160. The illustrated handling portion 160 containing two holes 161 is preferably made of a paper material, e.g., a paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2, as measured according to ISO 536. Alternatively, the handling portion 160 may be made of a polymeric material, e.g., a polyethylene material, such as a low-density polyethylene material. It should be noted that the handling portion 160 may be either a separate portion that is attached, e.g., glued, to the bag 100', or an integral part of the bag. In the illustrated embodiment, the handling portion 160 is substantially rectangular and has a length lm of between 20 cm and 35 cm, and a width wm of between 4 cm and 15 cm. As will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4A-4D, the handling portion 160 is configured to assist in the manufacturing process of the package 1000 and is of little or no use thereafter.

Figure 3 illustrates a time point in the manufacturing process of the package 1000 of Figure 2, where a bag 100' is lifted from a stack of bags by a suction means. In embodiments where the bag 100' is made of paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2, the stiffness of the paper material allows the suction means to effectively grip the bag and, consequently, to be lifted. This is beneficial compared to the use of bags made of plastic material, since said plastic material would tend to be sucked into the suction means, or at least severely deformed where the suction means attempts to grip the bag. The bags 100' are provided with holes 161 which serve as guide means along a series of corresponding pins, to stack a plurality of bags and lift one bag after another. Preferably, the holes 161 are disposed in a handling portion that corresponds to an extension on at least one of the front wall, the rear wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the handling portion of Figure 3 is disposed on the rear wall of the bag 100', which is opposite the front wall 130. The handling portion with the plurality of holes may be a separate part that is attached to the bag 100', or it may be formed as an integral part of the bag 100'. The holes 161 are configured to primarily serve as a guide means along corresponding pins; however, at a later stage in the manufacturing process, the bag 100' is pushed or pulled from the pins toward a sealing means, the pulling or pushing of which causes the holes 161 to tear or rip. In such embodiments, it is important that the material surrounding the holes 161 allows the holes to be torn open in a controlled manner when necessary, and only when necessary. The holes 161 should remain intact, at least during the steps of lifting and opening the bags, and hold the bag open in a position such that a stack of absorbent articles 200 can be inserted into the bag 100'. Preferably, the material surrounding the holes is paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2. It may be of the same material as the bag material, or it may be of a different material. When paper material is used in the area surrounding the holes 161, i.e. for the handling portion 160, the holes 161 preferably have a substantially circular circumference. In this way, it is achieved that the holes 161 can adequately fulfill their guiding function, without prematurely tearing. In another embodiment, a polymeric material is used, e.g. 100', the bag 100' may be secured to the bag 100' with a material such as a low-density polyethylene material, e.g., low-density polyethylene material, in the area surrounding the holes 161, i.e., for the handling portion. In such an embodiment, it is preferred that the holes 161 have a substantially cross-shaped circumference. In this manner, it is achieved that by pulling on the holes 161 they can be properly opened to release the bag 100' from the pins. The idea is that for materials that are quite rigid and/or are prone to premature tearing or ripping, such as paper material, the holes 161 are preferably shaped such that there are substantially no directional features, such as slots or slits, in the holes 161. In this manner, a directional force is prevented from being exerted on the holes, e.g., by the pins, which would unintentionally tear the holes. On the other hand, for materials that are quite flexible and/or difficult to tear or rip to release the bag 100' from the pins when necessary, such as polyethylene material, preferably the holes 161 are shaped such that there are slit- or slot-like features in the holes 161, wherein the slit- or slot-like features are at least oriented along the intended tearing direction. In this manner, the holes 161 can be efficiently torn open when the pins are to release the bag 100'. Alternatively, the holes 161 can slide over the pins and/or the pins can be briefly retracted, such that the bag 100' is transported to the sealing means without the holes tearing open.

The bags 100' of the stack have a closed bottom 110 and an open top 120'. During or shortly after lifting, the respective bag 100' is opened, for example by an air flow, and a stack of absorbent articles 200 is inserted into the bag 100' through the open top 120'. The stack of absorbent articles 200 is predisposed between two holding means which are configured to insert the predisposed stack of absorbent articles 200 into the bag 100'. During filling of the bag 100', each of the holding means passes closely to the respective first and second side walls, with the stack of absorbent articles 200 disposed therebetween. A biasing means is configured to bias the prearranged stack of absorbent articles 200 from between the holding means such that the stack of absorbent articles is disposed in the bag 100' such that each absorbent article 200 extends substantially perpendicular to the closed bottom 110 of the bag 100'. Preferably, the biasing means is further configured to bias the bag 100' with the stack of absorbent articles toward a sealing means, thereby tearing the holes 161 and releasing the bag 100' from the pins. Accordingly, the opened bag 100' containing the stack of absorbent articles 200 moves through or past a sealing means, and preferably an adjacent cutting means. Preferably, a folding means, not shown, is provided which is configured to, prior to sealing the bag, fold the first and/or second sidewall inwardly at the top 120' such that two first wing portions 121 are formed where the top 120 joins the first sidewall 131, and/or such that two second wing portions 122 are formed where the top 120 joins the second sidewall 132. The sealing means is configured to seal the bag 100' at the top 120' thereof by sealing at least a portion of a sealable liner 140 disposed near the top of the bag, preferably on an inner surface of the bag. The cutting means is configured to, during or after sealing, cut an end portion of the top 120' of the bag.

Figures 4A-4D illustrate multiple steps of a method for manufacturing a package for a stack of absorbent articles according to one embodiment. Figure 4A illustrates a stack of bags 100', wherein each bag is provided with a plurality of holes 161, e.g., two holes 161. A series of corresponding pins 301, e.g., two pins 301, extend through the plurality of holes 161. In this manner, each bag 100' in or on the stack has substantially the same orientation. In Figure 4A, each bag 100' is oriented such that it has an open top 120' on the left side and a closed bottom 110 on the right side. Furthermore, the bags 100' are oriented such that the front wall 133 of the bag faces upward, while the rear wall 134 is located below the front wall 133. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower rear wall 134 is extended compared to the upper front wall 133, because the rear wall 134 is provided with a handling portion 160 comprising the plurality of holes 161. In other words, the lower rear wall 134 is longer compared to the upper front wall 133. A suction means 303 is illustrated which is configured to engage the front wall 133 of the upper bag 100' of the stack, and lift the upper bag 100'. In doing so, the rear wall 134 is also raised and the holes 161 of the handling part 160 are raised along the pins 301 until they reach a respective stop element 302, located at the top of each pin 301. In this way, the rear wall 134 comprising the handling part 160, remains at the level of the stop elements 302, while the front wall 133 is raised further, thus opening the bag 100', as further illustrated in Figure 4B. The functionality of the holding means 304, the pushing means 305, the sealing means 306 and the cutting means 307, will be explained in more detail below.

Figure 4B illustrates the top bag 100' in its raised and open state. A sealable liner 140 is present in the bag near the top 120'. The sealable liner 140 is positioned on the front wall 133 and/or the rear wall 134. Preferably, the sealable liner 140 is positioned on an inner surface of the front wall 133 and/or the rear wall 134. A stack of absorbent articles 200 is provided, in this case, by gripping means 304, and is inserted into the open bag 100' through the open top 120'. The biasing means 305 comprises a biasing surface that is sized to fit between the gripping means 304, and to substantially correspond to the surface of the opening in the open top 120' and/or the surface of the closed bottom 110. The biasing surface is preferably rectangular. The biasing means 305 is configured to bias the stack of absorbent articles 200 from between the holding means 304 toward the closed bottom 110 of the bag 100'. When the stack of absorbent articles 200 comes into contact with the closed bottom 110, the biasing means 305 further causes the bag 100' and the stack of absorbent articles 200 disposed therein to move toward a sealing means 306. Preferably, a cutting means 307 is also provided. This will be explained in more detail in connection with Figures 4C and 4D.

Figure 4C illustrates the bag 100' in a pushing position, ready to be sealed. In this position, at least a portion of the sealable liner 140 is located between the sealing means 306. The portion 145 of the sealable liner 140 is then sealed by means of pressure and/or heat, such that a closed top end 120 of the bag 100 is achieved. Preferably, the sealable liner 140 is a pre-liner that is applied to the bag in advance, and which is dry when the stack of absorbent articles is inserted into the bag 100. Preferably, prior to the sealing step, the first and second side walls are folded inwardly at the top 120, such that two first wing portions 121 are formed where the top 120 joins the first side wall 131, and such that two second wing portions 122 are formed where the top 120 joins the second side wall 132. These wing portions 121, 122 are illustrated in Figures 2, 5 and 6, and are described in detail below. in the corresponding passages of this description.

Preferably, during or after the bag sealing step, an end portion 170 is cut from the top 120' of the bag. For example, the cut from the end portion 170 may comprise the handling portion 160, or at least a portion thereof comprising the holes 161 that may or may not be opened at that point in the manufacturing process, according to the respective embodiment. Preferably, the cut is executed along a cutting line that is at least partially serrated. In this way, a serrated portion remains close to the sealed top of the package, which serrated portion allows the user to easily open the package. Alternatively or additionally, the cutting line may comprise any one of a substantially straight line, a wavy line, a grooved line, or a combination thereof. Figure 4D schematically illustrates a closed bag 100 with a stack of absorbent articles 200 disposed therein, and a cut-off end portion 170. In the final package, the stack of absorbent articles 200 is disposed in the bag 100 such that each absorbent article extends substantially perpendicular to the closed bottom 110 of the bag 100. Preferably, the closed bottom is formed by folding and gluing a portion of the paper material such that it has a substantially rectangular shape. It should be noted that, at least at the peripheral wall 130 and at the closed bottom 110, the bag 100 is tightly arranged against the stack of absorbent articles 200. At the top 120 of the package there is a free volume in the bag, between the stack of absorbent articles 200 and the sealed part 145. On the one hand, the free volume is provided as a buffer, so that a safety distance is created between the absorbent articles and the sealed top 120 of the bag, to prevent the absorbent articles in the bag from being affected by the sealing means 306 when sealing the bag 100. On the other hand, the free volume forms a depressible and foldable area on the outside of the bag 100. This area can be more easily grasped by users or caregivers, compared to the tightly wrapped peripheral wall 130 and bottom 110. Furthermore, it can be seen that the sealed portion of the top 120 protrudes from the bag 100 and thus provides an additional gripping area for a user or caregiver. In another preferred embodiment, even easier-to-grip areas are provided on the outer surface of the bag 100, as explained in more detail in relation to Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 illustrates a package 1000 where the bottom 110 is provided with a handle 155. The handle 155 is illustrated substantially aligned with a longitudinal direction of the bottom 110, but it is clear that there are embodiments where the handle 155 is oriented in another direction. In this way, additional gripping means are provided in an area of the package 1000 that would otherwise be difficult to grip. Preferably, the handle is made of non-plastic material, such as paper material. In the illustrated embodiment, the package 1000 comprises a paper sheet 150 with two cuts 153. The paper sheet is attached to the bottom 120 of the bag in an area 151 around the two cuts, such that an area 152 of the paper sheet between the two cuts functions as handle 155.

Figure 6 illustrates a further package, which is provided with a number of features that allow the non-plastic bag to be easily opened. Non-plastic bags, and especially paper bags, are more difficult to open compared to thin plastic bags, which can be grabbed in a random location and easily torn open at that location. Figure 6 shows that a sealing seam 125 is formed at the top 120 of the bag. In addition to the sealing seam 125, two first wing portions 121 are formed where the top 120 joins the first sidewall 131. As described above, these wing portions 121 are formed by folding the first sidewall 131 inwardly prior to sealing the top 120 of the bag. In addition to acting as gripping means, these wing portions 121 comprise, respectively, the wing portion seam 121a, and the wing portion seam 121b, which allow for easy opening of the bag. More particularly, the wing portions 121 and their corresponding seams 121a, 121b are sized and formed such that the separation force required to separate the seams 121a, 121b is substantially lower compared to the separation force required to separate the sealing seam 125. Preferably, the end portion 170 that is cut from the top 120 during or after sealing is cut such that a ribbed or serrated seam portion remains on the top 120 of the bag. In this way, the sealing seam 125 and/or the seams 121a, 121b of the wing portions comprise a ribbed or serrated portion that can be easily torn by applying a tearing force transversely on the sealing seam 125 and/or the seams 121a, 121b of the wing portions. Additionally or alternatively, the bag may be provided with one or more tear strips 126, 128 to allow easy opening of the bag. A tear strip 126, 128 may be attached to or incorporated into one or more of the walls of the paper bag, and preferably comprise a tear line opener 127, 129 extending or protruding, at least partially, from the respective wall of the paper bag. The tear strip 126, 128 and/or the tear line opener 127, 129 may be made of cotton, polypropylene, or a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear strip 128 is positioned such that it causes the package to open along a plane that is substantially parallel to the top and/or bottom of the package. The tear strip 128, optionally, in combination with the corresponding tear line opener 129, allows the top of the package to be at least partially removed, so that a person can easily remove an absorbent article from above, especially when the absorbent articles are arranged in the bag according to one of the preferred embodiments described above. Additionally or alternatively, a tear strip 126 may be provided which is positioned such that it causes the package to open along a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the top and/or bottom of the package. The tear strip 126, optionally in combination with a corresponding tear line opener 127, allows for at least partial removal of a side wall of the package so that a person may easily remove an absorbent article from the side, especially when the opened package is stored or placed on its opposite side. It is clear to the person skilled in the art that other tear strips which are positioned and/or oriented differently may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the illustrated tear strips 126 and/or 128. It should be noted that any of the plurality of features illustrated in Figure 6 may be applied in isolation or in combination with any other illustrated features.

Figures 7A-7D illustrate multiple steps of a method for manufacturing a package for a stack of absorbent articles according to the invention, wherein the plurality of pins 701 is provided with a plurality of delay elements 710. In Figure 7A, a bag 100' is to be lifted from a stack of bags by a suction means 703. The bags 100' are illustrated as folded bags, wherein the front wall 133 faces upward and the rear wall 134 faces downward, and wherein the rear wall is provided with a handling portion 760 comprising a plurality of holes 761. It is clear to one skilled in the art that this is one of several possible orientations of the bag and by extension the stack of bags, and that other orientations are also possible. Additionally or alternatively, the handling portion 760 may be disposed on at least one of the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The handling portion 760 with the plurality of holes 761 may be a separate part that is attached to the bag 100', or it may be formed as an integral part of the bag 100'. The holes 761 serve as a guide means along a series of corresponding pins 701 for stacking a plurality of bags and lifting one bag after another. The pins 701 are provided with a plurality of delay elements 710. The holes 761 are configured to primarily serve as a guide means along the corresponding pins and delay elements. However, at a later stage in the manufacturing process, the bag 100' is pulled or pushed from the pins 701 toward a sealing means, the pulling or pushing of which causes the holes 761 to tear or rip, as illustrated in Figure 7D. It is advantageous for the holes to be torn and opened in a controlled manner when necessary, and only when necessary. Preferably, the holes 761 remain at least partially intact during the steps of lifting and opening the bags, and holding the bags open in a position such that a stack of absorbent articles 200 can be inserted into the bag 100'. Preferably, the material surrounding the holes 761 is paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2. It may be of the same material as the bag material, or it may be of a different material.

In Figure 7A, each bag 100' is oriented such that it has an open top on the left side and a closed bottom 110 on the right side. At the open top, the lower back wall 734 is extended compared to the upper front wall 733, by providing the handling portion 760 comprising the plurality of holes 761. The bags are positioned such that a pin 701 comprising a delay element 710 extends through each hole 761. Preferably, the delay element 710 is positioned at the bottom of the pin 701, such that the delay element 710 extends through the hole 761 when the bag 100' is on the stack. A suction means 303 is illustrated that is configured to engage the front wall 133 of the top bag 100' of the stack, and lift the top bag 100'. In doing so, the rear wall 134 is also lifted and the holes 761 of the handling portion 760 are lifted along the delay elements 710. The delay element 710 is configured to delay or slow the upward movement of the rear wall 134 relative to the front wall 133, so that the bag 100' begins to open as the bag 100' is lifted, as illustrated in Figure 7B.

At the time of Figure 7B, the bag is partially raised over the delay element 710. More particularly, the front wall 133 is raised beyond the delay element, while the rear wall 134 is positioned further down. The illustrated delay element 710 comprises a first part 710a and a second part 710b. The first part 710a is substantially cylindrical and the second part 710b is substantially funnel-shaped. However, other configurations of the delay element 710 are possible to achieve the desired delay effect. The delay element 710 surrounds at least part of the corresponding pin 301. Preferably, the pin 301 and the delay element 710 are concentric. While being raised along the delay element 710, the respective hole 761, more particularly, its circumference, will be subject to some friction and/or resistance. This will cause the handling portion 760 and the rear wall 134 to lag behind during the upward movement. Consequently, since the front wall 133 does not encounter such friction and/or resistance, the front wall 133 is lifted faster and the bag is at least partially opened.

In Figure 7C, the bag is completely lifted over the delay element 710 and the corresponding pin 701, and is in a further open state. The holes 761 have abutted the stop element 702, which prevents the rear wall 134 with the handling part 760 from being lifted further. At this time, a stack of absorbent articles 200 is provided by the holding means 704, and is inserted into the open bag 100' through the open top part 120'. In addition, pushing means 705 are provided which are configured to push the stack of absorbent articles 200 from between the holding means 704 towards the closed bottom 110 of the bag 100'. The biasing means 705 further cause the bag 100' and the stack of absorbent articles 200 disposed therein to move toward a sealing means on the right side of the figure (not illustrated).

As can be seen in Figure 7D, the bag 100' moves in the bag direction (BD), which is away from the pins 701. Consequently, the handling portion 760 is detached from the pins 701, causing a tear that extends from the holes 761 in a tear direction (TD), which is substantially opposite to the bag direction.

In the course of the various stages, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7D, the holes 761 are guided along the delay elements 710 and the pins 701, before being torn from the pins 701. On the one hand, the holes 761 maintain their integrity to fulfill their guiding function during the early stages of this process and, on the other hand, the holes 761 are easily detached from the pins 701 in a controlled manner at the end of this process. In general, it is clear that it is advantageous for the shape and dimensions of the holes 761 to substantially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the delay elements 710, especially as regards the cross section and/or the circumference. For example, if the pins 701 and the delay elements 710 have a substantially circular cross section, the holes 761 preferably have a substantially circular circumference, with suitable dimensions such that the holes 761 can be efficiently guided along the pins 701 and/or the delay elements 710, with a low risk of premature tearing. Similar reasoning applies to other shapes, such as ovals, polygons, etc. In addition, particular configurations of the delay elements 710 and/or the holes 761 have been found to offer additional advantages, as will be explained in more detail in view of Figures 8A-8C and 9A-9G. It will be clear that any of the configurations and features detailed below can be applied either in isolation, or can be combined with each other.

Figures 8A-8C illustrate exemplary embodiments of delay elements. The delay elements should be located along at least part of the pins. Preferably, they are located at a bottom portion of the pins, as illustrated in Figures 7A-7D. Alternatively or additionally, the pins are located at an intermediate portion and/or at the top of the pins, and/or extend substantially along the entire length of the pins. Figure 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a delay element 810 comprising a first portion 810a and a second portion 810b. The first portion 810a is located below the second portion 810b. The first portion 810a is preferably substantially cylindrical, and has a cross-sectional distance C1. In the case of, e.g. In a preferred embodiment, the first portion 810a is a cylindrical portion with a first diameter d1 (see FIG. 8C ), and the second portion is a conical portion 810b with a diameter increasing from the first diameter d1 to a second larger diameter d2, and the handling portion is first guided along the first portion 810a and then along the second portion 810b. More preferably, the plurality of holes 761, 791 (see Figures 7A-7D and Figures 9A-9G, described below) comprises a plurality of round holes with a diameter dh comprised between the first diameter d1 and the second diameter d2, i.e., d1 < dh < d2. If the diameter of the hole were less than d1, there is a serious risk of premature tearing of the hole. If the diameter of the hole were greater than d2, there would be too much space between the delay element 810 and the circumference of the hole. This would cause the bag to not be properly guided and/or the handling part comprising the hole to not be properly delayed. To further improve the guiding, delaying and/or tearing functionality, the holes are preferably provided with tear-inducing elements, as will be explained in more detail in relation to Figures 9A-9G.

Preferably, the delay element 810 comprises two parts, which can be separated from each other, as indicated by the dashed separation line SL in Figure 8A. In this way, a part of the delay element having the maximum cross-sectional distance C2 can be temporarily removed, such that a stack of bags and, more in particular, the bag handling parts with the plurality of holes, can be easily placed on the remaining part of the delay element having the minimum cross-sectional distance. The second part 810b of the delay element 810 is illustrated as a funnel, wherein the cross-sectional distance gradually increases. In this way, the risk of premature tearing of the hole is reduced. Preferably, the delay element is made of polyethylene, more preferably of high-density polyethylene. Alternatively or additionally, other materials having similar mechanical and/or frictional properties can be used.

8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of a delay element 810 further comprising a third portion 810c and a fourth portion 810d. The third portion 810c corresponds to a platform portion of the delay element, and is substantially disk-shaped. The third portion 810c has a cross-sectional distance that is significantly greater than C2. The third portion 810c increases the stability of the delay element 810 and/or ensures that bags that are stacked on the delay element 810 remain in place. The fourth portion 810d corresponds to an upper portion of the delay element 810, and has a cross-sectional distance that is substantially equal to C2. The function of the fourth portion 810d is to further enhance the guiding and/or delaying functionality of the delay element.

Figure 8C is a perspective view of the delay element 810 of Figure 8B, illustrating the preferred cylindrical shape of the first part 810a and the preferred funnel shape of the second part 810b.

Figures 9A-9G illustrate different possible shapes of the plurality of holes preferably having a tear-inducing element.

Figure 9A illustrates the general configuration of a wall of a bag, in this case, a rear wall 334, which is provided with a handling portion 960. As described above, the handling portion 960 may be a separate portion that is attached to the bag, or it may be an integral part of the bag. The handling portion extends over at least a portion of the width of the wall 334 of the respective bag, and comprises a plurality of holes 961. In the illustrated embodiment, two holes 961 are provided, but embodiments with only one hole or at least three holes are also possible. The holes 961 comprise a substantially circular hole 961a and at least one tear-inducing element 961b. The tear-inducing element 961b allows the cross-section, in this case the diameter of the hole 961, to be at least partially increased when the hole 961 is guided along a delay element and/or a pin. Especially, when the hole 961 is to be guided along or over a delay element or a pin having a larger cross-section compared to the diameter of the round hole 961a, the provision of a tear-inducing element 961b allows the diameter of the hole 961 to be locally increased in a controlled manner. This reduces the risk of premature and uncontrolled tearing or ripping of the hole, while maintaining good guiding and/or delaying functionality. With reference to Figure 7D and the corresponding description, the tear-inducing element 961b is preferably arranged along an intended tear direction (TD). In this manner, the provision of a tear-inducing element assists in tearing the handling portion 760, 960 from the pins in a controlled manner as the bag moves in the indicated bag direction toward the sealing means (not illustrated). Figures 9B-9G illustrate embodiments of holes 961 comprising a round hole 961a that is provided with at least one tear-inducing element 961b. It will be clear that the illustrated examples are not limiting, and that other embodiments are possible with respect to the shape of the hole 961a and/or the configuration of the at least one tear-inducing element 961b.

Figure 9B illustrates a substantially circular hole 961a wherein the tear-inducing element 961b comprises a tear cut extending from the circumference of the hole 961a along the intended tear direction (TD).

Figure 9C illustrates a substantially circular hole 961a with two tear-inducing elements 961b, 961b'. Each tear-inducing element 961b, 961b' comprises a linear cutout extending from the circumference of the hole 961a along the intended tear direction (TD). The two tear-inducing elements are positioned substantially parallel to one another.

Figure 9D illustrates a substantially circular hole 961a with two tear-inducing elements 961b, 961b'. Each tear-inducing element 961b, 961b' comprises a linear cutout extending perpendicularly from the circumference of the hole 961a. The two tear-inducing elements 961b, 961b' are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the intended tear direction (TD). In this manner, the two tear-inducing elements will cooperate to induce a tear that is oriented substantially along the intended tear direction (TD).

Figure 9E illustrates a substantially circular hole 961a with a triangular-shaped tear-inducing element 961b, wherein the base of the triangle substantially corresponds to part of the circumference of the circular hole 961a, and the free vertex of the triangle extends toward the intended tear direction (TD).

Figure 9F illustrates a substantially oval hole 961 wherein the tear-inducing element 961b is incorporated into the shape of the oval hole 961. More particularly, the oval hole 961 is elongated along the intended tear direction (TD), and has a portion 961a with primarily a guiding function, and a portion 961b with a tear-inducing function.

Figure 9G illustrates a substantially oval hole 961a with a tear-inducing element 961b comprising a linear tear cut extending from the circumference of the oval hole 961a along the intended tear direction (TD).

Figure 9H illustrates a hole 961 wherein the tear-inducing element 961b is incorporated into the shape of the hole 961. More particularly, the oval hole 961 is elongated along the intended tear direction (TD), and has a substantially rounded portion 961b with primarily a guiding function, and a corner portion 961b with a tear-inducing function.

In the embodiments of Figures 9A-9F, preferably, an opening 961 comprises a rounded (e.g., round or oval) opening 961a and a tear-inducing element 961b extending from the rounded opening in a direction away from the bag, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round opening 961a and the at least one tear-inducing element 961b is such that the handling portion cannot pass over the second portion of the delay element, without tearing material of the handling portion.

Preferably, when the rounded hole 961a has a major diameter/dimension dh and the at least one tear inducing element has a length lc, the sum of the major diameter/dimension dh and the length lc is less than 1.25 times the major dimension d2/c2 of the second portion of the retarding element, e.g., less than the major dimension d2/c2 of the second portion of the retarding element. For example, if the second portion of the retarding element is substantially conical with a major diameter d2, then preferably the sum of the diameter dh of the substantially round hole and the length of the tear cut lc, is less than 1.25 times the major diameter d2, i.e., lc dh < 1.25 d2. For example, lc dh < d2. Preferably, the tear-inducing element has a length lc that is at least 5% of the largest diameter/dimension dh of the rounded hole, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 20%.

Figures 10A-10D illustrate different possible shapes of the plurality of holes which are preferably provided with one or more hole enlarging elements.

Figure 10A illustrates the general configuration of a wall of a bag, in this case, a rear wall 334, which is provided with a handling portion 1060. As described above, the handling portion 1060 may be a separate portion that is attached to the bag, or it may be an integral part of the bag. The handling portion extends over at least a portion of the width of the wall 334 of the respective bag, and comprises a plurality of holes 1061. In the illustrated embodiment, two holes 1061 are provided, but embodiments with only one hole or at least three holes are also possible. The holes 1061 comprise a substantially circular hole 1061a and at least one hole enlarging element 1061b. The hole enlarging element 1061b allows the cross section, in this case, the diameter of the hole 1061, to increase, at least partially, when the hole 1061 is guided along a delay element and/or a pin.

Particularly, when the hole 1061 is to be guided along or over a delay element or a pin having a larger cross section compared to the diameter of the round hole 1061a, the provision of the hole-enlarging element 1061b allows the diameter of the hole 1061 to be increased, at least locally, in a controlled manner. In other words, this allows the respective hole to be enlarged in a controlled manner while being guided along a corresponding delay element and thus reduces the risk of premature and uncontrolled tearing or ripping of the hole during bag opening. Premature tearing or ripping may cause the bag to be unintentionally detached from the delay element and/or the pin during bag opening, so that it cannot be filled correctly. With reference to Figure 7D and the corresponding description, the hole-enlarging element 1061b is preferably arranged along the bag direction (BD). In this manner, the provision of a hole-enlarging element helps to guide the handling portions 760, 1060 along the pins and/or the delay element(s) in a controlled manner as the bag is moved upwardly to be opened. By providing the hole-enlarging element substantially along the indicated direction of the bag, the risk of the bag prematurely detaching from the pins and/or the delay element(s) is reduced. Preferably, the hole-enlarging element comprises a linear laser cut in the direction opposite to the intended tear direction (TD). Furthermore, the hole-enlarging element preferably extends from the circumference of a semicircle of the hole closest to the bag. More preferably, the hole-enlarging element extends in the direction of the bag. Figures 10B-10C illustrate embodiments of holes 1061 comprising a round hole 1061a that is provided with at least one hole enlarging element 1061b. It will be clear that the illustrated examples are not limiting, and that other embodiments are possible with respect to the shape of the hole 1061a and/or the configuration of the at least one hole enlarging element 1061b.

10B illustrates a substantially circular hole 1061a wherein the hole-enlarging element 1061b comprises an enlarging cut extending from the circumference of the hole 1061a along the bag direction BD, which is opposite to the intended tear direction TD. The substantially circular hole 1061a is divided into two semicircles A, B by the dividing line DL. The dividing line DL is substantially perpendicular to the bag direction BD, and defines a semicircle A located on the side of a free edge of the handling part, and a semicircle B located on the bag side. Preferably, the hole-enlarging element 1061b extends from the circumference of the semicircle B in a direction towards the bag. In the illustrated embodiment, an angular line AL is illustrated which is substantially parallel to the dividing line DL. The hole enlarging element 1061b defines an angle a with respect to the angular line AL. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the angle a is approximately 90°. In other preferred embodiments, the angle a is between 30° and 150°, more preferably between 45° and 135°, even more preferably between 60° and 120°.

Figure 10C illustrates a substantially circular hole 1061a with two hole-enlarging elements 1061b, 1061b'. Each hole-enlarging element 1061b, 1061b' comprises a linear cutout extending from the circumference of the hole 1061a along the pocket direction BD. The two hole-enlarging elements are positioned substantially parallel to each other.

Figure 10D illustrates a substantially circular hole 1061a with two hole-enlarging elements 1061b, 1061b'. Each hole-enlarging element 1061b, 1061b' comprises a linear cutout extending perpendicularly from the circumference of the hole 1061a. The two hole-enlarging elements 1061b, 1061b' are positioned substantially symmetrically with respect to the pocket direction BD. In this manner, the two hole-enlarging elements will cooperate to efficiently guide the hole over the pins and/or the delay elements.

In the embodiments of Figures 10A-10D, preferably, an orifice 1061 comprises a rounded (e.g., round or oval) orifice 1061a and an orifice-enlarging element 1061b extending from the rounded orifice in a bag-ward direction, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round orifice 1061a and the at least one orifice-enlarging element 1061b is such that the handling portion can be lifted over the second portion of the delay element without tearing material from the handling portion. Preferably, the orifice-enlarging element has a length that is at least 5% of the diameter of the substantially round orifice, more preferably at least 10%, even more preferably at least 20%. In other preferred embodiments, the hole-enlarging element has a length that is at least 30% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, preferably at least 50% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, more preferably at least 70% of the diameter of the substantially round hole, even more preferably at least 90% of the diameter of the substantially round hole.

Glossary

As used in this application, the following terms have the following meanings:

“A”, “an”, “an”, and “the” as used herein refer to both plural and singular referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, “a border barrier” refers to one or more than one border barrier.

“About” as used herein with reference to a measurable value such as a parameter, a quantity, a time duration, and the like, is intended to encompass variations of +/- 20% or less, preferably +/- 10% or less, more preferably +/- 5% or less, most preferably +/- 1% or such variations as are appropriate to be effected in the disclosed invention. However, it is to be understood that the value referred to by the modifier “about” is also specifically described itself.

“Absorbent article”, “absorbent garment”, “absorbent product”, “absorbent article”, “absorbent garment”, “absorbent product” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to devices that absorb and contain bodily exudates, and more specifically, refer to devices that are placed against or near the body of the wearer to absorb and contain various fluids discharged from the body. Absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants, adult incontinence garments, various diaper and pants supports, liners, pads, absorbent inserts, and the like.

“Absorbent core,” as used herein, refers to a three-dimensional portion of an absorbent structure, comprising liquid absorbent material, useful for permanently absorbing and/or retaining bodily exudates. “Absorbent component,” as used herein, refers to a structural constituent of an absorbent article, for example, a piece of an absorbent core, such as one of multiple pieces in a multi-piece absorbent core. “Absorbent element,” as used herein, refers to a portion of a functional constituent of an absorbent structure, for example, an acquisition layer, a dispersion layer, a core layer, or a release structure formed from a material or materials having particular liquid handling characteristics suitable for the specific function.

“Absorbent fibrous polymeric material,” as used herein, refers to an absorbent polymeric material that is formed into such fibers, filaments, and the like so as to be less fluid in the dry state than in particulate form.

“Absorbent insert,” as used herein, refers to a device adapted for insertion into a “absorbent layer,” as used herein, refers to a term referring to an identifiable sheet-like or web-like element of an absorbent article that may remain separate and relatively movable relative to another such element or may be attached or bonded so as to remain permanently associated with another such element. Each absorbent layer may itself include a laminate or combination of several layers, sheets, and/or webs of similar or diverse compositions.

“Absorbent polymeric material”, “absorbent gelling material”, “AGM”, “superabsorbent”, “superabsorbent material”, “superabsorbent polymer”, “SAP” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to any suitable particulate (e.g., shredded, particulate, granular, or powdered) or fibrous crosslinked polymeric materials that can absorb at least 5 times and preferably at least about 10 times or more their weight of a 0.9% aqueous salt solution as measured using the centrifugal retention capacity test (EDANA 441.2-01).

“Absorbent polymeric material area,” as used herein, refers to the area of the absorbent structure where adjacent layers are separated by a multiplicity of absorbent polymeric material. Zones of incidental contact between these adjacent layers within the absorbent particulate polymeric material area may be intentional (e.g., bonding area) or unintentional (e.g., manufacturing artifacts).

“Absorbent particulate polymeric material”, as used herein, refers to an absorbent polymeric material that is in particulate form such as powders, granules, flakes and the like so that it is flowable in a dry state.

“Absorption,” as used herein, refers to the process by which a liquid is absorbed into a material.

“Absorption rate,” as used herein, refers to the rate of liquid absorption, i.e., the amount of liquid that is absorbed per unit of time, typically by an absorbent component, absorbent element and/or layer of the absorbent article, structure and/or core.

“Acquisition layer layer”, “acquisition region”, “acquisition surface” or “acquisition material” and the like, as used herein, refer to the layer overlying the absorbent core that has a faster liquid absorption and/or distribution capacity.

“Absorbency” is the ability of a material to absorb fluids by various means including capillary, osmotic, solvent, chemical, and/or other action.

“Adult incontinence garment,” as used herein, refers to absorbent articles intended for use by adults with incontinence to absorb and contain body exudates.

“Adhesion,” as used herein, refers to the force that holds dissimilar materials together at their interface.

“Adhesive,” as used herein, refers to a material that may or may not flow in solution or when heated, that is used to bond materials.

“Adsorption,” as used herein, refers to the process by which a liquid is absorbed by the surface of a material.

“Air-laid,” as used herein, refers to forming a web by dispersing fibers or particles in an air stream and condensing them from the air stream onto a moving screen by means of a pressure and/or vacuum; a web of fibers produced by air laydown is referred to herein as “air-laid”; an air-laid web bonded by one or more techniques to provide fabric integrity is referred to herein as “air-laid nonwoven.”

“Apparent density”, “density”, as used herein, refers to the basis weight of the sample divided by the caliper with the appropriate unit conversions incorporated therein. The apparent density used herein has the unit g/cm3.

“Join,” “united,” and “union” as used herein are synonyms for their counterparts the terms “fasten,” “adhere,” “secure,” “agglutinate,” “unite,” and “link.”

“Baby diaper” as used herein refers to absorbent articles intended for use by infants to absorb and contain body exudates which are pulled up between the legs and fastened around the wearer's waist.

“Baby briefs” as used herein refers to absorbent articles marketed for use in transitioning children from diapers to underwear intended to cover the lower torso of children, to absorb and contain bodily exudates which article is generally configured as a garment and constructed with a full portion encircling the waistline, thereby eliminating the need for the user to fasten the article around the waist of the wearer.

“Back region,” as used herein, refers to that portion of an absorbent article or part thereof intended to be placed near the back of a wearer.

“Packaging,” as used herein, refers to a frame or other material that supports and reinforces the back of a product.

“Grammage” is the weight per unit region of a sample reported in grams per square meter, g/m2 or gsm.

“Bodily exudates”, “body fluids”, “body fluids”, “bodily discharges”, “discharges from the body”, “fluid(s)”, “liquid(s)”, “fluid(s) and liquid(s)” and the like, as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to, but are not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal secretions, breast milk, sweats and fecal matter.

“Binder”, “adhesive”, “glue”, “resins”, “plastics” and the like, as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to substances, generally in solid form (e.g., powder, film, fiber) or as a foam, or in liquid form (e.g., emulsion, dispersion, solution) used, for example, by impregnation, spraying, printing, foaming and the like used to bond or join functional and/or structural components, elements and materials, for example, including heat and/or pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melts, heat activated adhesives, thermoplastic materials, chemical activated adhesives/solvents, curable materials and the like.

“Cohesive force” as used herein refers to the amount of adhesion between bonded surfaces. It is a measure of the tension required to separate a layer of material from the base to which it is bonded. “Capillary action”, “capillarity” or “capillary motion” and the like as used herein are used to refer to the phenomenon of liquid flow through porous media.

“Chassis,” as used herein, refers to a major constituent of an absorbent article upon which the remainder of the structure of the article is built or superimposed, e.g., in a diaper, the structural elements that give the diaper the shape of a brief or panty when configured to be worn, such as a backsheet, a topsheet, or a combination of a topsheet and a backsheet.

“Cellulose fibers” as used herein refers to natural fibers based on cellulose, such as, for example, cotton, linen, etc.; wood pulp fibers, an example of cellulose fibers; man-made fibers derived from cellulose, such as regenerated cellulose (rayon), or partially or fully acetylated cellulose derivatives (e.g., cellulose acetate or triacetate) are also considered cellulose fibers.

“Clumping” or the like, as used herein, refers to an agglomeration of particles and/or fibers.

“Chemically toughened fibers”, “chemically modified fibers”, “chemically cross-linked fibers”, “tough fibers” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to any fiber that has been toughened by chemical means to increase the stiffness of the fibers under both dry and aqueous conditions, for example, by the addition of chemical toughening agents (e.g., coating, impregnation, etc.), altering the chemical structure of the fibers themselves (e.g., by cross-linking polymer chains, etc.), and the like.

“Cohesion,” as used herein, refers to the resistance of similar materials to separating from each other.

“Compartment” as used herein refers to chambers, cavities, pockets, and the like.

“Comprising”, “comprising” and “comprises” and “comprise by” as used herein are synonyms for “include”, “including”, “includes” or “contain”, “containing”, “contains” and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of what follows, for example, a component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional components, features, elements, members, steps, which are known in the art or disclosed therein.

“Pad wrap”, as used herein, refers to a lightweight nonwoven material used to contain and conceal an underlying absorbent core material; examples are the facing layer or materials covering the absorbent cores of feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and briefs, and adult incontinence garments.

The “crotch region” of an absorbent article as used herein refers to approximately 50% of the total length of the absorbent article (i.e., in the y dimension), where the crotch point is located at the longitudinal center of the crotch region. That is, the crotch region is determined by first locating the crotch point of the absorbent article and then measuring back and forth a distance of 25% of the total length of the absorbent article.

“Transverse direction (CD)”, “lateral” or “transverse” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and includes directions within ±45° of the transverse direction.

“Curing” as used herein refers to a process by which resins, binders or plastics are set in or on fabrics, usually by heating, to cause them to remain in place; setting may occur by removing solvent or by cross-linking to make them soluble.

“Diaper”, “conventional diaper”, “diaper-like”, “diaper-like garment” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to disposable absorbent articles, typically including a front waist portion and a rear waist portion that are releasably connected about the wearer's hips during use by conventional fasteners such as adhesive tape fasteners or hook and loop type fasteners. For use, the article is placed between the wearer's legs and the fasteners are releasably attached to fasten the rear waist portion to the front waist portion of the diaper, thereby securing the diaper about the wearer's waist. The front waist portion and a rear waist portion are connected by relatively non-stretchable or stretchable members (the term “stretchable” as used herein refers to materials that are extensible when forces are applied to the material, and offer some resistance to extension). Therefore, such items are generally not configured to ride up or down the wearer's hips when fasteners are attached.

“Dispersion layer”, “dispersion region”, “dispersion surface” or “dispersion material” and the like, as used herein, refer to the layer overlying the absorbent core that has a faster liquid absorption and dispersion capacity.

“Disposable” is used herein to describe items that are generally not intended to be washed or otherwise refurbished or reused (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after a single use and preferably to be recycled, composted, or disposed of in any other environmentally compatible manner).

“Dry-laid”, as used herein, refers to a process for making a nonwoven web from dry fiber; these terms apply to the formation of carded webs as well as the air-laid formation of random webs; a web of fibers produced by dry laydown is referred to herein as “dry-laid”; a dry-laid web bonded by one or more techniques to provide fabric integrity is referred to herein as “dry-laid nonwoven”.

“Dry strength” as used herein refers to the strength of the joint determined under dry state conditions, immediately after drying under specified conditions or after a conditioning period in the standard laboratory atmosphere.

“Substantially cellulose-free,” “substantially lint-free,” or “little or no cellulose fibers,” as used herein, refers to an absorbent article, structure, principal component and/or element that contains less than 20% by weight of cellulosic fibers, less than 10% cellulosic fibers, less than 5% cellulosic fibers, no cellulosic fibers, or no more than an immaterial amount of cellulosic fibers that does not materially affect the fineness, flexibility, or absorbency thereof.

“Substantially lint-free” or “low or no fluff pulp”, as used herein, refers to an absorbent article, structure, core, component and/or element that contains less than 20% by weight of fluff pulp, less than 10% fluff pulp, less than 5% fluff pulp, no fluff pulp, or no more than an amount of fluff pulp that does not materially affect the thinness, flexibility, or absorbency thereof.

“Fabric,” as used herein, refers to a sheet structure made of fibers, filaments and/or yarns. “Feminine hygiene garments,” as used herein, refers to absorbent sanitary articles intended for use by women to absorb and contain bodily exudates.

“Fiber” as used herein refers to the basic thread-like structure from which nonwovens, yarns and textiles are made. It differs from a particle in that it has a length at least 4 times its width; “natural fibers” are of animal (wool, silk), plant (cotton, linen, jute) or mineral (asbestos) origin, while “artificial fibers” may be polymers synthesized from chemical compounds (polyester, polypropylene, nylon, acrylic, etc.) or modified natural polymers (rayon, acetate) or minerals (glass). “Fiber” and “filament” are used interchangeably.

“Fluff pulp” or “pulp fluff” as used herein refers to wood pulp specially prepared for dry coating. The fibers may be natural or synthetic or a combination thereof.

“Frontal region,” as used herein, refers to that portion of an absorbent article or part thereof intended to be placed near the front of a wearer.

“Garment-facing layer,” as used herein, refers to frame elements that form the exterior surface of the absorbent article, such as the backsheet, side panels, waist fasteners, and the like, when such elements are present.

“Heat-activated adhesive,” as used herein, refers to a dry adhesive that is made tacky or fluid by the application of heat or heat and pressure to the assembly.

“Heat sealant adhesive,” as used herein, refers to a thermoplastic adhesive that is melted between adhering surfaces by the application of heat to one or both adjacent adhering surfaces.

“Long staple” as used herein refers to the general term for thick or bulky, low-density fabrics.

“Hot melt adhesive” as used herein refers to a solid material that melts rapidly upon heating, then sets into a firm bond upon cooling; it is used for almost instantaneous bonding.

“Hydrophilic,” as used herein, refers to having an affinity to be wetted by water or to absorb water.

“Hydrophobic,” as used herein, refers to lacking the affinity for water or to absorb water.

“Immobilization layer,” as used herein, refers to a layer that may be applied to the absorbent polymeric material or area of absorbent polymeric material with the intent of gathering, bonding, and/or immobilizing the absorbent material and/or the absorbent layer.

“Join”, “joined” and “attached” as used herein are meant to encompass configurations where one element is secured directly to another element by adhering the element directly to the other element, as well as configurations where the element is secured indirectly to the other element by adhering the element to an intermediate member or members which are in turn attached to the other element.

“Knitting,” as used herein, refers to the technique of interlacing loops of fibers with needles or similar devices.

“Layer” refers to identifiable components of the absorbent article, and any part referred to as a “layer” may actually comprise a laminate or combination of several sheets or webs of the required type of materials. As used herein, the term “layer” includes the terms “ply” and “laminate”.

“Top” refers to the layer of the absorbent article that is closest to and/or faces the wearer-facing layer; conversely, the term “bottom” refers to the layer of the absorbent article that is closest to and/or faces the garment-facing layer. “Layer” is a three-dimensional structure having a width of dimension x, a length of dimension y, and a thickness or gauge of dimensions z, said x-y dimensions being substantially in the plane of the article, however, it should be noted that the various members, layers, and structures of the absorbent articles according to the present invention may or may not be generally planar in nature, and may be shaped or profiled in any desired configuration.

“Machine direction (MD)”, “longitudinal” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to a direction that runs parallel to the maximum linear dimension of the structure and includes directions within ±45° of the longitudinal direction.

“Major surface”, as used herein, refers to a term used to describe the largest extending surfaces of a generally planar or sheet-like structural element and to distinguish these surfaces from the lesser surfaces of the end edges and side edges, i.e., in an element having a length, a width and a thickness, the thickness being the smallest of the three dimensions, the major surfaces are those defined by the length and width and therefore have the largest measurement.

“Mass flow,” as used herein, refers to the flow of a liquid from one absorbent element or component to another absorbent element or component by channel flow action.

“Mechanical bonding” as used herein refers to a method of bonding fibers by entangling the fibers. This may be achieved by needling, stitching with fibers, or by the use of high pressure air or water jets and the like.

“Nonwoven” as used herein refers to a sheet, web or batt made of directionally or randomly oriented fibers bonded by friction and/or cohesion and/or adhesion, excluding paper and products that are woven, knitted, flocked, stitch-bonded incorporating bonding yarns or filaments, or felted by wet milling, whether or not additionally. The fibers may be of natural or man-made origin and may be short, continuous filaments or formed in situ. Commercially available fibers have diameters ranging from less than about 0.001 mm to greater than about 0.2 mm and come in several different forms: short fibers (known as staples, or chopped), continuous individual fibers (filaments or monofilaments), untwisted tows of continuous filaments (tow), and braided tows of continuous filaments (yarn). Nonwoven fabrics can be formed by many processes, such as meltblown, spunbond, solvent forming, electrospinning, and carding. The basis weight of nonwoven fabrics is usually expressed in grams per square meter (gsm).

“Panty,” “training pant,” “closed diapers,” “pre-snapped diapers,” “pull-on diapers,” and “diaper-pants” and the like, as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to absorbent articles that are typically applied to the wearer by first inserting the feet into the respective leg openings and subsequently pulling the pants from the feet to the waist area above the hips and buttocks of the wearer and which can be pulled up or down above the hips of the wearer. Typically, such articles may include a front waist portion and a rear waist portion that can be connected about the hips of the wearer by integral or releasable members. A panty may be preformed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining portions of the article by the use of refastenable and/or non-fastenable attachments (e.g., sewing, welding, adhesive, cohesive bonding, fastener, etc.). A panty may be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the item (e.g. fastened sideways, fastened by the front waistband).

“Polymer” as used herein refers to, but is not limited to, homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and mixtures and modifications thereof. Unless otherwise specifically limited, the term “polymer” includes all possible spatial configurations of the molecule and includes, but is not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

“Posterior,” as used herein, refers to that portion of an absorbent article or part thereof intended to be placed near the back of the wearer.

“Release structure,” “release region,” “release surface,” or “release material” and the like, as used herein, are used interchangeably and refer to a structure in fluid communication with the absorbent core that has a greater liquid absorption capacity and/or relative velocity that enables it to rapidly absorb, temporarily retain, and release liquids.

“Resin” as used herein refers to a solid or semi-solid polymeric material.

“Thermofusion,” as used herein, refers to a method of joining fibers through the use of heat and/or high pressure.

“Thermoplastic,” as used herein, refers to polymeric materials that have a melting point and can flow or be formed into desired shapes upon application of heat at or below the melting point.

“Ultrasonic” as used herein refers to the use of high frequency sound to generate localized heat through vibration, which causes thermoplastic fibers to bond together.

“Water absorbent”, “liquid absorbent”, “absorbent”, “absorb” and the like as used herein are used interchangeably and refer to compounds, materials, products that absorb at least water, but typically also other aqueous fluids and typically other portions of bodily exudates such as at least urine or blood.

“Wearer-facing layer,” as used herein, refers to chassis elements that form the inner surface of the absorbent article, such as the topsheet, leg gussets, and side panels, etc., when such elements are present.

“Weaving,” as used herein, refers to the process of interlacing two or more sets of yarns at right angles to form a fabric; a web of fibers produced by weaving is referred to herein as “woven.”

“Weft material,” as used herein, refers to a material that is endless in one direction, i.e., the longitudinal extent or length, or the x-direction in Cartesian coordinates relative to the weft material. Included in this term is an essentially unlimited sequence of pieces cut or otherwise separated from an essentially endless material. Often, but not necessarily, weft materials will have a thickness dimension (i.e., the z-direction) that is significantly smaller than the longitudinal extent (i.e., in the x-direction). Typically, the width of the weft materials (they-direction) will be significantly greater than the thickness, but less than the length. Often, but not necessarily, the thickness and width of such materials are essentially constant along the length of the weft. Without intending any limitation, such weft materials may be cellulosic fiber materials, fabrics, woven or nonwoven materials, and the like. Typically, though not necessarily, web materials are supplied in roll form, or on coils, or in a folded state in boxes. The individual administrations may then be spliced together to form the essentially endless structure. A web material may be comprised of several web materials, such as multi-layer nonwoven material, coated fabrics, nonwoven/film laminates. The web materials may comprise other materials, such as added binder material, particles, hydrophilizing agents, and the like.

“Wet burst strength” is a measure of a layer’s ability to absorb energy when wetted and subjected to deformation normal to the plane of the weft.

“Wet strength” as used herein refers to the strength of a given joint immediately after removal from a liquid in which it has been immersed under specific conditions of time, temperature and pressure. The term is commonly used in the art to designate strength after immersion in water.

“Wet-laid,” as used herein, refers to the formation of a web from an aqueous dispersion of fibers using modified papermaking techniques; a web of fibers produced by wet-laying is referred to herein as “wet-formed.”

“Wood pulp,” as used herein, refers to cellulosic fibers used to make viscose rayon, paper, and the absorbent cores of products such as feminine hygiene garments, baby diapers and pants, and adult incontinence garments.

“x-y dimension” as used herein refers to the plane orthogonal to the thickness of the article, structure or element. The x and y dimensions generally correspond to the width and length, respectively, of the article, structure or element.

“Z dimension” as used herein refers to the dimension orthogonal to the length and width of the article, structure or element. The z dimension generally corresponds to the thickness of the article, structure or element.

Claims (15)

i. A method of manufacturing a container for a stack of absorbent articles, comprising the steps of: a. arranging the stack of absorbent articles (200) in a bag (100') made of a paper material; said bag (100') having a closed bottom (110), an open top (120'), and a peripheral wall (130) between said bottom and said top; wherein the bag is disposed at least on an inner surface of the bag near the top, with a sealable liner (140); b. sealing a portion (145) of said sealable liner (140) to obtain a closed top end (120); wherein, prior to the sealing step, the open top end (120') of the bag is provided with a handling portion (160, 960) containing a plurality of holes (161), and wherein, prior to the step of arranging the stack of absorbent articles in the bag, the bag is arranged on a stack of bags, with a plurality of pins (301) extending through the plurality of holes (161), and wherein the arranging step comprises opening the bag (100') while the bag is held by the plurality of pins (301), and pushing the stack of absorbent articles (200) into the bag (100'); and wherein the plurality of pins comprises a plurality of delay elements (710, 810), and wherein, during opening of the bag (100'), the plurality of holes (161) of the handling part (160, 960) are guided over the plurality of delay elements. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the peripheral wall (130) comprises a front wall (133), a rear wall (134) opposite said front wall, a first side wall (131) and a second side wall (132) opposite said first side wall, and wherein, prior to the sealing step, the first and second side walls are folded inwardly at the top (120), such that two first wing portions (121) are formed where the top (120) joins the first side wall (131), and such that two second wing portions (122) are formed where the top (120) joins the second side wall (132). 3. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the paper material has a basis weight, measured according to ISO 536, of between 60 and 100 g/m2. 4. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each delay element of the plurality of delay elements comprises a first part (710a, 810a) with a first cross section/circle, and a second part (710b, 810b) with a second cross section/circle, wherein the first cross section/circle is smaller than the second cross section/circle. 5. The method of the preceding claim, wherein, during opening of the bag (100'), each hole of the plurality of holes is guided onto the first part of the respective delay element, before being guided onto the second part of the respective delay element. 6. The method of any one of the preceding claims 4-5, wherein a cross section/circumference of the delay element gradually increases from the first cross section/circumference to the second cross section/circumference. 7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a hole of the plurality of holes comprises at least one tear-inducing element (961b, 961b') that allows the handling part (960) to be detached from the respective pin, while tearing in a controlled manner according to the intended tearing direction; preferably, wherein the tear-inducing element extends from the hole (961a) in a direction away from the bag; Preferably, wherein the at least one tear-inducing element (961b, 961b') comprises at least one tear cut that is substantially aligned with the intended tear direction. 8. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the hole comprises a substantially round hole, and the at least one tear-inducing element extends from the round hole in a direction away from the bag, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round hole and the at least one tear-inducing element is such that the handling part cannot pass over the second part of the delay element without tearing the material of the handling part. 9. The method of claim 4 and any one of claims 7-8, wherein the hole comprises a substantially round hole with a diameter (dh) and at least one tear-inducing element with a length (le), wherein the sum of the diameter (dh) and the length (le) is less than 1.25 times the largest dimension (c2) of the second part of the delay element. 10. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more holes of the plurality of holes comprise at least one hole enlarging element (1061b, 1061b') that allows the respective hole to be enlarged in a controlled manner, while being guided along a corresponding delay element; preferably, wherein the hole enlarging element extends from the hole (1061a) in a direction towards the bag; preferably, wherein the at least one hole-enlarging element (1061b, 1061b') comprises at least one enlarging cut that is substantially opposite to the intended tearing direction; Preferably, wherein the hole comprises a substantially round hole, and the at least one hole-enlarging element extends from the round hole in the direction towards the bag, wherein an opening formed by the combination of the round hole and the at least one hole-enlarging element is such that the handling part can pass over the second part of the delay element, without pulling the handling part of the delay element. 11. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling portion (160) containing the plurality of holes is a portion made of a paper material, e.g., a paper material with a basis weight of between 60 and 100 g/m2, measured according to ISO 536, or of a polymeric material, e.g., a polyethylene material, such as a low-density polyethylene material. 12. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling portion (160) is a separate portion attached to the bag (100'). 13. The method of any one of the preceding claims 1-11, wherein the handling portion (160) is an integral part of the bag (100'). 14. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handling portion (160) is substantially rectangular and has a length (lm) of between 20 cm and 35 cm, and a width (wm) of between 4 cm and 15 cm. 15. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises, after or during the sealing step, the step of cutting an end portion (170) from the top portion (120') of the bag, preferably wherein the end portion (170) comprises the handling portion (160) containing the plurality of holes; and/or wherein the stack of absorbent articles is arranged in the bag such that each absorbent article extends substantially perpendicular to the closed bottom of the bag.