Importance

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Abstract

An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding are performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance. Folding is performed by a tri-folding mechanism that translates to convey wrapped packages through an in-line tri-folder assembly and that rotates to fold the packages into the e-shaped pouches.

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First Claim