Abstract:
A receptacle containing a plurality of sanitary absorbent articles that are individually packaged. On each package is applied a visual reference system. The visual reference system includes a first and a second elements of information. The first element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the sanitary absorbent article in the package. The second element of information is indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference. The certain characteristic can be the liquid absorption capacity of the sanitary absorbent article.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to sanitary absorbent articles such as feminine sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, panty liners, tampons and diapers among others and, more particularly, to sanitary absorbent articles featuring a visual reference system that allows the user to quickly ascertain a characteristic of the sanitary absorbent article, such as the liquid absorption capacity, the configuration, and the type of material used in the manufacture of the sanitary absorbent article, among others. Under a different aspect, the invention provides a reminder tag that can facilitate the selection and purchase of a sanitary absorbent article by the user in a place where sanitary articles are offered for sale.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Sanitary absorbent articles are large-scale commercially manufactured articles used to absorb and retain bodily exudates. Such articles are convenient in that they are economical yet disposable; they include sanitary napkins, infant diapers, adult incontinence pads, panty liners, tampons and the like.  
           [0003]    Sanitary absorbent articles and particularly feminine sanitary napkins are made available to the consumer in receptacles containing a plurality of sanitary napkins. Traditionally, the industry has used receptacles in the form of cardboard boxes. In more recent years the cardboard box has gradually been replaced by a bag of plastic material. The sanitary napkins held in a receptacle, either a cardboard box or a bag of plastic material are individually packaged. This feature allows the user to transport a sanitary napkin outside the protective environment of the receptacle, such as in a purse or pocket, while keeping the sanitary napkin free from dirt, stains or impurities. The typical packaging is in the form of a pouch of plastic material in which the sanitary napkin is placed. Immediately before use, the wearer removes the sanitary napkin from the pouch and installs it in the crotch portion of the undergarment. The pouch is then discarded.  
           [0004]    A user normally keeps at home a supply of sanitary napkins having different characteristics to meet the different requirements that may arise during the menstrual cycle. For example, during light menstrual days, the user will normally employ a sanitary napkin of a comparatively small liquid absorption capacity. Such a sanitary napkin has a reduced size and is comfortable to wear. During heavier menstrual flow days, the user will wear a larger sanitary napkin that offers an increased liquid absorption capacity. During the night, the user may elect to use sanitary napkins designed especially for nighttime. Nighttime products are longer and offer an exceptionally high liquid absorption capacity. At the end of the menstrual cycle or between menstrual cycles, the user will rely on a panty liner designed to retain primarily vaginal discharges other than menstrual liquid.  
           [0005]    In addition to the various levels of liquid absorption capacity, sanitary napkins can be functionally distinguished from one another on the basis of other characteristics, such as their configuration and the materials used for their construction. For example, sanitary napkins are available with or without flaps. When a sanitary napkin has flaps, the flaps can be folded about the crotch portion of the undergarment to aid in stabilizing the sanitary napkin in use. Sanitary napkins having different geometrical shapes or forms exist to better fit the anatomy of the wearer. Finally, sanitary napkins with different types of body contacting layers are available to suit the preferences of the consumers. In particular, some users prefer a body-contacting layer made of fibrous material while others prefer a body-contacting layer made of polymeric film.  
           [0006]    The wide variety of sanitary napkins that are presently available in the marketplace has the undesirable effect of confusing the consumer. This problem is compounded by ever increasing product diversification. Different manufacturers offer different product brands featuring unique characteristics. Although this approach provides sanitary napkins that are precisely tailored to the needs of the user, the identification of the product that best meets the individual needs becomes a challenge.  
           [0007]    A particular problem occurs when the user carries in her purse or pocket one or more individually packaged sanitary napkins. Since the packaging (pouch) found on sanitary napkins today is opaque, a simple visual inspection of the pouch will not reveal to the user the characteristics of the sanitary napkin in the package, such as its liquid absorption capacity, configuration or type of material used in the construction of the sanitary napkin, among others. The user is left with the option of removing the sanitary napkin from the pouch to ascertain if it is of the type she now requires. However, the removal of the sanitary napkin from the pouch usually results in the destruction of the pouch. If it turns out that the sanitary napkin is of a type unsuitable for the immediate need, the sanitary napkin is wasted.  
           [0008]    To alleviate this problem, manufacturers have in the past applied on individually packaged sanitary napkins a written notice that informs the user of the liquid absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin. In theory, such written notice should suffice to provide the user with the information she seeks on the level of liquid absorption of the sanitary napkin. In practice, this is not always the case since manufacturers use different terminology to designate different levels of liquid absorption. For instance, one manufacturer may use wording like “light”, “normal” and “heavy” while a different manufacturer may prefer the terminology “mini”, “regular” and “super”. Accordingly, a written notice alone is of somewhat abstract nature to the user and fails to provide the user with precise information on the liquid absorption capacity.  
           [0009]    Considering this background, it clearly appears that there is a need in the industry to develop an improved visual reference system that would permit the user to more easily identify a certain characteristic of a sanitary absorbent article.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    Under a first broad aspect, the present invention provides a receptacle holding a plurality of sanitary absorbent articles, at least one of the sanitary absorbent articles being placed in an individual package. The individual package includes a visual reference system. The visual reference system includes two elements of information, namely a first element of information and a second element of information. The first element of information is indicative of a scale of reference establishing a range of values of a certain characteristic of the sanitary absorbent article in the individual package. The second element of information is indicative of a certain degree or level on the scale of reference.  
           [0011]    The advantage of the visual reference system resides in the additional information provided to the user by the scale of reference. The scale of reference provides a context into which the second element of information is more meaningful than when the second element of information is presented alone.  
           [0012]    The first and the second elements of information are realized by creating markings on the package such as to make the first and the second elements of information visually perceptible and understandable by the user. The intended information can be delivered to the user in a number of ways, such as in the form of a written notice, in the form of pictographs (iconic symbols) or a combination of both. In a non-limiting example of implementation, the first element of information may be a collection of words, each word expressing a certain degree on the scale of reference. The second element of information points to a particular degree on the scale of reference. This can be achieved by highlighting the word in the collection of words that corresponds to the particular degree.  
           [0013]    The markings can be applied on the package by printing, embossing, die-cutting, application of a discrete label on which the markings are realized or, in general, by any other physical change in the form or character of the package such as to make the markings visually noticeable and understandable to the user.  
           [0014]    In a specific non-limiting example of implementation, the first and the second elements of information are related to the absorbency characteristics of the sanitary absorbent article, in particular the liquid absorption capacity of the sanitary absorbent article. The first element of information defines a range of liquid absorption capacities while the second element of information points toward a certain degree or level on that range.  
           [0015]    Under a second broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle holding a plurality of sanitary absorbent articles, at least one of the sanitary absorbent articles is placed in an individual package. The individual package includes an element of information representative of a characteristic of the sanitary absorbent article, the characteristic being selected in the group consisting of the geometrical configuration of the sanitary absorbent article and a material used in the manufacture of the sanitary absorbent article. In a specific non-limiting example of implementation, the sanitary absorbent article is a sanitary napkin. The element of information conveys to the user information regarding the arrangement or formation of the parts of the sanitary napkin, such as whether the sanitary napkin has flaps or whether the sanitary napkin is flat or curved, among other possibilities. In a variant, the element of information informs the user about the type of material from which the body contacting layer of the sanitary napkin is made, in particular fibrous material or polymeric film. In another variant, the element of information communicates to the user a certain characteristic of the material used in the manufacture of the external layer of the sanitary napkin (usually called “barrier layer” or “barrier sheet”). In particular, this characteristic can be whether the external layer is breathable or not.  
           [0016]    Under a third broad aspect, the invention provides a receptacle holding a plurality of sanitary absorbent articles, at least one of the sanitary absorbent articles is placed in an individual package. A removable reminder tag is associated with the receptacle. The reminder tag has a substrate on which is realized an element of information. A matching element of information is realized on an external surface of the receptacle. When the user wants to purchase sanitary absorbent articles from the store, she takes with her the reminder tag from the empty receptacle at home. The user selects the proper brand and category of sanitary absorbent articles simply by locating the receptacle on the shelves that has an element of information matching the element of information on the reminder tag.  
           [0017]    In a non-limiting example of implementation, the reminder tag is a discrete label. The reminder tag is associated with the receptacle by removably affixing the label to the individual package placed in the receptacle. This can be effected by using adhesive on the label that establishes a non-permanent bond with the individual package. Alternatively, the reminder tag is associated with the receptacle by placing the reminder tag within the receptacle without affixing it to any one of the sanitary absorbent articles, nor to the receptacle walls. In another variant, the association between the reminder tag and the receptacle is made by making the reminder tag as part of the receptacle itself. Under this possibility, the reminder tag could be delineated by tear lines that assist the user in separating the tag from the remainder of the receptacle, or the reminder tag could be delineated by a scissors-line, such as a dotted line printed on the receptacle indicating to the user where to cut the wall of the receptacle with scissors so as to free the reminder tag.  
           [0018]    The element of information realized on the reminder tag can be descriptive of one or more characteristics of the sanitary absorbent article. For instance, the element of information can specify either in writing, by pictographs (iconic symbols) or a combination of both the liquid absorption capacity of the sanitary absorbent article, the arrangement or formation of the parts of the sanitary absorbent article and information pertaining to the type of materials used in the construction of the sanitary absorbent article. Alternatively, the element of information can be totally abstract and provide only a mark that the user can visually associate with a corresponding mark on the receptacle to establish a match. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]    A detailed description of examples of implementation of the present invention is provided hereinbelow with reference to the following drawings, in which:  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an unopened receptacle containing sanitary napkins.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 1, the receptacle being now opened to expose a plurality of individually packaged sanitary napkins.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an individually packaged sanitary napkin provided with the visual reference system in accordance with the invention.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of an individually packaged sanitary napkin provided with a visual reference system in accordance with a first variant.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an individually packaged sanitary napkin provided with a visual reference system in accordance with a second variant.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 6 is a top plan view of an individually packaged sanitary napkin provided with a visual reference system in accordance with a third variant.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an individually packaged sanitary napkin provided with an adhesive reminder tag on which is realized a visual reference system in accordance with the invention.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a receptacle, containing a plurality of sanitary napkins, the receptacle being opened to expose a plurality of individually packaged sanitary napkins and a reminder tag that is loosely placed in the receptacle.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a receptacle containing a plurality of sanitary napkins, the receptacle being opened to expose a plurality of sanitary napkins and a reminder tag that is loosely placed in the receptacle, the reminder tag being characterized by a symbol of abstract nature.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a receptacle for storing sanitary napkins including a tear-away strip on which the reminder tag is realized.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a tampon in an individual pouch to which is realized the visual reference system in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
       [0031]    In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]    With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates a receptacle designated by the reference numeral  102  holding a plurality of sanitary napkins. The receptacle  102  is in the form of a flexible bag made of synthetic material such as plastic film. Other forms of packaging can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. Examples of these other forms could be a cardboard box or any other suitable structure that can physically hold a plurality of sanitary napkins.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 shows the receptacle  102  after it has been opened to access the sanitary napkins inside. The receptacle  102  holds a plurality of sanitary absorbent napkins  206  wrapped in individual pouches.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 illustrates a single sanitary napkin  206  removed from the receptacle  102  and stored in a pouch  310 . The pouch is made from a sheet of synthetic material folded such as to completely enclose the sanitary napkin  206  and protect the sanitary napkin  206  when the user carries the sanitary napkin  206  in her purse or pocket. Other forms of packaging can also be considered to form the pouch  310  without departing from the spirit of the invention. Examples of these other forms of packaging include paper wrapping or any other suitable material or structure that could hold the sanitary napkin  206 . The pouch  310  shown in FIG. 3 comprises a section forming an envelope-like enclosing structure  99  in which the sanitary napkin  206  is placed in a folded condition. A flap  101  closes the envelope-like enclosing structure  99 . The flap  101  and the envelope-like enclosing structure  99  are united to one another by adhesive, crimping or sealing at their longitudinal edges,  103 ,  105  such as to keep the flap  101  in a closed position. When the user wishes to remove the sanitary napkin from the pouch  310 , she pulls on the flap  101  to break the bond between the flap  101  and the envelope-like enclosing structure  99  and thus open the envelope-like enclosing structure  99 .  
         [0035]    The pouch  310  shown in FIG. 3 comprises a visual reference system  104 . The visual reference system  104  carries two elements of information. The first element of information  106  is a scale of reference that establishes a range of values of a certain characteristic of the sanitary napkin  206 . The other element of information  108  acts as a pointer, defining a position, level or degree on the scale of reference  106 .  
         [0036]    In the non-limiting example of implementation depicted in FIG. 3, the visual reference system  104  is related to the absorbency characteristics of sanitary napkins and in particular it expresses the liquid absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  206 . The first element of information  106  is comprised of a series of four icons, each icon including wave-like symbols, the number of wave-like symbols denoting the level of liquid absorbency. In particular, the higher the number of wave-like symbols in the icon, the higher the liquid absorption capacity. The first element of information  106  also comprises a written notice including a set of words or labels that communicate to the user in writing the different liquid-absorption capacities on the reference scale. There is one word or label associated with each icon. In the example shown in the drawings, the set of words or icons is “light”, “moderate”, “heavy” and “overnight”.  
         [0037]    The second element of information  108  includes an icon of wave-like symbols associated to a word or label expressing in writing the level of liquid-absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  206  in the pouch  310 . The first element of information  106  establishes a context in which the significance of the second element of information  108  can be precisely appreciated. For instance, the first element of information  106  indicates to the user that the sanitary napkin  206  is available in four different liquid-absorption capacities. The second element of information  108  indicates that the sanitary napkin  206  in the pouch  310  is at the second level on the reference scale in the direction of increasing liquid-absorption capacity.  
         [0038]    The visual reference system  104  can be realized by creating markings on the receptacle  102  that render the first and second elements of information  106 ,  108  readily visible to the user. In the example of implementation depicted in FIG. 3, the markings are created by a printing process. Alternatively, the markings can be created on the pouch by embossing, die-cutting, application of a separate stick-on tab or label or any other suitable method. The application of the markings by embossing presents the advantage of allowing the markings to be understood by the sense of touch. This is useful for blind people or in dark environments where there is not enough light to read the markings.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 4 depicts an individually packaged sanitary napkin  410  with a visual reference system  404  according to a variant. The first element of information  406  or scale of reference in this embodiment is comprised of a series of three icons wherein each icon includes three symbols in the shape of liquid drops. The number of darkened drops denotes the liquid-absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  410 . In particular, the higher the number of darkened drops, the higher the liquid-absorption capacity. The first element of information  406  also comprises a written notice including a set of words or labels that communicate, in writing to the user the different liquid-absorption capacities on the reference scale. There is one word or label associated with each icon. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the set of words is “light”, “regular” and “overnight”. The second element of information  408  points to a particular degree on the scale of reference.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 5 depicts an individually packaged sanitary napkin  510  with a visual reference system  504  according to another variant. The first element of information  506  is comprised of a series of numbers from 1 to 5, the value of the number denoting the liquid-absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  510 . More specifically, the higher the number, the greater the liquid-absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  510 . The second element of information  508  includes a single number, between 1 and 5, that expresses the liquid-absorption capacity of the sanitary napkin  510  contained within the pouch  310 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 6 depicts an individually packaged sanitary napkin  610  with a visual reference system  604  according to yet another variant. The visual reference system  604  is related to the configuration of the sanitary napkin  610 . The element of information conveyed by the visual reference system  604  is comprised of an icon depicting a specific geometrical configuration of the sanitary napkin  610 . The icon pertaining to FIG. 6 shows a sanitary napkin  610  with flaps. Alternatively, the icon could depict a sanitary napkin without flaps indicating to the user that the sanitary napkin in the pouch  610  is of the flapless variety.  
         [0042]    In yet another possible variant, not shown in the drawings, the visual reference system indicates to the user whether the sanitary napkin is flat or curved. A curved sanitary napkin is a product that normally acquires a certain curvature in a vertical plane that contains the longitudinal axis of the sanitary napkin. One possible way to create the curvature is to provide the sanitary napkin with elasticized longitudinal sides. In contrast, a flat sanitary napkin is a product that has no mechanisms or means designed to impart a curvature to the body of the sanitary napkin.  
         [0043]    In yet another possible variant, not shown in the drawings, the visual reference system is descriptive of the type of material or the characteristics of the material used in the manufacture of the sanitary napkin. In one specific, non-limiting example the visual reference system is related to the type of material used in the construction of the body-contacting layer of the sanitary napkin. As it is well known to those skilled in the art, a sanitary napkin is constructed from different layers of materials. On the top of the sanitary napkin is provided a fluid-pervious body-contacting layer (usually called “cover layer”). Immediately below the body contacting layer is provided an absorbent system. Under the absorbent system is provided a liquid-impervious layer (usually called “barrier layer”). The barrier layer normally faces the undergarment of the user when the sanitary napkin is worn. Under a first possibility, the visual reference system indicates to the user the material used in the construction of the body-contacting layer, whether fibrous material of apertured polymeric film. Under a different possibility, the visual reference system indicates to the user the characteristics of the material used for the construction of the barrier layer, in particular whether the barrier layer is breathable or not breathable. A breathable material is a material that allows vapor to pass through it while blocking the passage of liquid.  
         [0044]    For additional information on the structure of a sanitary napkin the reader is invited to refer to the U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,718,699 and 5,868,727 both assigned to Johnson &amp; Johnson Inc. These two patents describe examples of sanitary napkins using the layered construction described earlier.  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3. The pouch  310  shown in FIG. 7 comprises a visual reference system  704  that has two elements of information that are the same as those described in connection with FIG. 3. However, in this embodiment, the visual reference system  704  is realized on a substrate  722  that is adhesively attached to the pouch  310 , extending partly on the flap  101  and partly on the envelope-like enclosing structure  99 . The adhesive generally used is of a type such as to create a weak and temporary bond so that the user can remove the substrate  722  without tearing the substrate  722  or the material of the pouch  310 . Such adhesives are well known to those skilled in the art and they do not need to be described in detail here.  
         [0046]    The substrate  722  forms a convenient closure device that keeps the flap  101  closed prior to the use of the sanitary napkin  206 . Under this embodiment, the longitudinal sides of the flap  101  and the longitudinal sides of the envelope-like enclosing structure  99  do not need to be bonded to one another.  
         [0047]    Once the flap  101  has been opened, the substrate  722  can be peeled-off completely to form a reminder tag  723  that can assist the user in the purchase of sanitary napkins from the store.  
         [0048]    Individually packaged sanitary napkins  206  are sold to consumers in the receptacle  102  depicted in FIG. 1. According to one embodiment of this invention, the receptacle  102  carries on its external surface an indicia  127  that can be visually matched with the reminder tag  723 . When the user needs to buy sanitary napkins, she takes the reminder tag  723  in her purse or pocket to the store. It then suffices for the user to locate on the shelf of the store the receptacle with the indicia  127  that matches the reminder tag  723 . This system permits to easily identify the type of sanitary napkin the user normally purchases, without the need of remembering details such as the particular brand, absorption characteristics, configuration, materials used in the construction of the sanitary napkin etc.  
         [0049]    It should be noted that it is not essential that the information on the reminder tag  723  be identical to the indicia  127  for them to match. What is required is that the element of information on the reminder tag  723  is related in appearance, nature, sense or significance to the indicia  127  so that a user can rapidly create an association between them.  
         [0050]    Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 depicts the reminder tag  723  adhesively placed on the pouch  310 , straddling the flap  101  and the envelope-like enclosing structure  99 , it is to be expressly understood that the positioning of the adhesive reminder tag  723  anywhere along the body of the pouch  310  falls within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8 depicts a variant in which the reminder tag  723  is loosely placed within the receptacle  102  without being attached to any one of the individually packaged sanitary napkins  206 . Thus, the reminder tag  723 , freely floating within the receptacle  102 , is readily accessible to the user once the receptacle  102  is opened. This implies that the user can, at any time, remove the reminder tag  723  from the receptacle  102  and place it in her pocket or purse for future reference.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 9 depicts yet another possible variant in which the reminder tag  924  contains a purely abstract element of information. In particular, the reminder tag  924  is in the shape of a sun or star. Although the reminder tag  924  in FIG. 10 has the shape of a sun or star, any other type of abstract symbol can be used. Moreover, the same abstract symbol  922  is also realized on the outer surface of the receptacle  102  that houses the corresponding sanitary napkins  206 . The user can thereby easily associate the shape of the reminder tag  924  that is contained within her purse or pocket to the symbol  922  on the outer surface of the receptacle  102  on the shelves in the store.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 10 depicts another variant in which the receptacle  102  is characterized by a tear-away strip  178  that extends along the top walls of the receptacle  102 . The tear-away strip&#39;s  178  main purpose is to facilitate the opening of the receptacle  102  so that the user can readily access the sanitary napkins contained therein. At one of its extremities, the tear-away strip  178  has a pull-tab  180 . The tear-away strip is defined by lines of weakness  184  such as perforation lines. In this specific example, the reminder tag  954  is realized on a section of the tear-away strip  178 . Consequently, the user, upon opening the receptacle  102 , can easily detach the reminder tag  954  and immediately store it in her purse or pocket for future reference.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. A pouch  1100  contains a tampon. The pouch is provided with a visual reference system  1102  similar to the visual reference system  404  illustrated in FIG. 4.  
         [0055]    Although various embodiments have been illustrated, this was for the purpose of describing, but not limiting, the invention. Various modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the scope of this invention, which is defined more particularly by the attached claims.