MXPA00008001A - Individually wrapped sanitary napkin - Google Patents

Abstract

An individually packaged absorbent article, such as a catamenial device, is disclosed. The absorbent article has an outer periphery with first and second ends and first and second longitudinal sides. The absorbent article further has first and second major surfaces, with the second major surface having a garment attachment adhesive secured thereto. The absorbent article is enclosed by a wrapper having first and second ends, first and second longitudinal sides, and first and second major surfaces. The first major surface of the wrapper is releasably affixed to the garment attachment adhesive such that the first and second ends of the wrapper and the first and second longitudinal sides of the wrapper extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent article. An attachment device, such as a line of an adhesive or one or more dots of adhesive, is secured to the second major surface of the wrapper and is located closer to the first end than to the second end. The wrapper and the article are folded together as a unit about two fold axes such that the first major surface of the wrapper contacts the attachment device and is releasably secured thereto to form a package. The package has first and second side edges aligned adjacent to the first and second sides of the absorbent article, respectively. Formed approximately at the first and second side edges of the package are first and second seals,respectively. The first and second seals secure the side edges of the package. Located adjacent to and inward of the first and second seals are first and second lines of perforations, respectively. The first and second lines of perforations provide an easy open feature for the package.

Description

AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an individually packaged absorbent article, such as a catameni pad used to absorb menstruation fluid. M specifically, this invention relates to an individually packaged absorbent article wherein the envelope has two lines of perforations, which provide an easy opening.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Absorbent items such as sanitary napkins, pant liners and other types of catamenial devices are used to absorb menstruation fluids and other body fluids. Such absorbent articles are primarily disposable and are used during the cycle of a woman's menstruation. In addition, disposable absorbent articles are used between periods of menstruation for purposes of light incontinence. Since many of these absorbent articles are carried in the pocket in a woman's pocket before use, it is advantageous to individually wrap each item as to keep it clean. By individually packing each absorbent item, the manufacturer can ensure that the item will be contaminated with make-up, perfume, dirt, etc. Because of this, many absorbent, commercially sold items today are packaged individually.

Generally, the wrap consists of a thin ho of a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, which is folded around the absorbent article and then sealed by the use of heat and / or pressure, by ultrasonic or an adhesive to form a package. The package is designed to be opened by tearing or tearing the material on or side of the seal, such as to remove the absorbent article. Normally, the thermoplastic material is designed to tear to one side of the seal. However, when this occurs, thermoplastic material acquires a jagged appearance and tearing operation can be noisy. Most women want a package which can be silently opened to avoid any embarrassing moments. In addition, it was found that some seals are of a fragile nature, so that they will separate before use and therefore allow the contamination to come in contact with the absorbent article. This is a detriment in the sense that the consumer expects the absorbent article to appear clean when the package is opened.

Another use for wrapping is to enclose a sanitary towel soiled after it has been used by the consumer, so that it can be disposed of discreetly. For this reason, it is advantageous to design a package which can be opened so that there is a single large piece of wrapping material which can be used to wrap a soiled sanitary napkin before discarding it.

In view of the foregoing, it has been recognized that there is a need for an individually wrapped absorbent article which has an easy opening feature and which can be opened silently and discreetly. It is also advantageous to offer an individually wrapped absorbent article having one or more lines of perforations which allow the envelope to be torn cleanly so that notched edges are present.

SYNTHESIS OF THE INVENTION Briefly, this invention relates to an individually packaged absorbent article. The absorbent article has an outer periphery with the first and second ends and with the first and second sides. The absorbent article further has the first second major surfaces with the second main surface having a garment attachment adhesive secured thereto. A wrapper having the first and second ends, the first second sides, and the first and second major surfaces, is positioned relative to the absorbent article, so that the first surface of the wrapper is releasably secured to the garment fastening adhesive. In this position, the first and second ends of the wrap and the first and second sides of the wrap extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent article. The second main surface of the envelope also contains a joining device, such as a line of adhesive, which is located closer to the first end than to the second end. The envelope and the article are folded together around two fold axes, so that the first main surface of the envelope contacts the connecting device and is releasably secured thereto to form a package.

The package has the first second side edges aligned on one side of the first and second sides of the absorbent article, respectively. A first seal and a second seal are formed near the first and second side edges, respectively, of the package to secure together the respective side edges. The wrap also contains the first and second perforation lines, which are formed on one side and inward of the first second seals, respectively. The first second perforation lines provide an easy opening feature for the package. The general object of this invention is to provide an individually wrapped absorbent article such as a catamenial pad. A more specific object of the invention is to provide an individually packaged absorbent article, which contains a pair of perforation lines, which provide a feature of easy opening for the package.

Another object of this invention is to provide an individually packaged absorbent article which is easy to assemble and is easy to open.

A further object of this invention is to provide an individually packaged absorbent article, which allows the wrap, after it has been removed from the absorbent article, to be discreetly disposed of a soiled sanitary napkin.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a packaged absorbent article individually having the first and second spaced and separated perforation lines, which can be easily broken in a discreet and silent manner.

Yet another additional object of this invention is to provide a sanitary napkin or pant liner individually packaged, which includes a wrap having the first and second perforation lines which extends along the entire length of the wrap.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top view of an absorbent article placed on top of a rectangular shaped envelope Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article and the wrapper shown in Fig. 1, taken along line 2-2.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article and the wrapper shown in Figure 1 along line 3-3.

Figure 4 is a top view of the absorbent article and of the envelope showing the location of the fold lines A- -A and B-B.

Figure 5 is a top view of the absorbent article and the wrap having folded along the first fold line A- -A.

Figure 6 is a top view of the absorbent article and of the envelope with a second one folded along the fold line B-B, so that the first surface of the wrapper makes contact with the clamping device located on the second one. surface of the wrapper Figure 7 is a top view of the absorbent article and of the wrap folded to form a packet having the side edges of the pack sealed.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the packaged absorbent article, shown in Figure 7, taken along line 8-8.

Figure 9 is a top view of a package shown in Figure 7 with the sealed side edges stripped from the central part of the wrapper surrounding the absorbent article.

Figure 10 is a top view of the absorbent article and the wrapper, both after it has been unfolded from the position shown in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a top view of the absorbent article, after it has been removed from the wrapping is ready to be used.

Figure 12 is an alternate embodiment of the package having the first and second perforation lines spaced apart from the first and second seals.

Figure 13 is a top view of the package shown in Figure 12 with the sealed side edges stripped from the central part of the wrapper which surrounds the absorbent article.

Figure 14 is a top view of the absorbent article and the wrapper, after both have been unfolded.

Figure 15 is a top view of the absorbent article after it has been separated from the wrapper is ready for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INCORPORATIONS Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, an absorbent article 10 is shown. The absorbent article 1 can be a catamenial device, such as a sanitary towel, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, or any other type of absorbent article. , which can be used to absorb menstruation fluid, urine, body fluid, exudate from the body, etc. For the purposes of describing this invention, the absorbent article 10 will be referred to as a sanitary napkin. The absorbent article 10 includes a liquid permeable cover 12, a liquid impervious diverter 14 and an absorbent 16. The cover 12 and the diverter 14 cooperate to enclose the absorbent 16. The cover 12 and the diverter 14 can extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent 16 to form a peripheral seal 18. The peripheral seal 18 establishes the outer periphery 20 of the absorbent article 10.

The absorbent article 10 is an elongated member having a first end 22 and a second end 24 and a first longitudinal side 26 and a second longitudinal side 28. The first and second ends, 22 and 24, respectively, are spaced apart one from the other. another as are the first and second longitudinal sides, 26 and 28, respectively. The absorbent article 10 has a longitudinal central axis x-x, a transverse central axis y-y and a vertical axis z-z. The absorbent article 10 further contains a first major surface 30 and a second major surface 32. The first major surface 30 is designed to make contact with the user's body while the second major surface 32 is separated from the user's body. The second main surface 32 has a fastening adhesive 34 secured thereto. The garment fastening adhesive 34 is shown in the Figure as two separate strips of adhesive which are spaced apart from each other and which have a width of from about .25 inches to about 1 inch (about 6 inches). 6.4 mm to around 25 mm). The length of the strips may vary and may extend over a main part of the second main surface 32 if desired. Alternatively, the adhesive strips can extend the full length of the second main surface 32. The absorbent article 10 is placed on a wrapper 36 which can be a thin layer of material, such as a thermoplastic film made of polypropylene, of polyethylene a laminate of two or more movies. The wrap 36 should be impermeable to the liquid and should have a thickness of less than about 5 mils. Preferably of less than d about 3 mils and more preferably d less than about 2 mils. The sheath 3 is preferably formed of a polyethylene film having a thickness of less than about 2 mils d inch. The envelope 36 may be colored and / or contain a pattern. Preferred colors include white, peach, pink. Alternatively the wrapper 36 may be different colors or may include multiple colors if desired.

It should be noted that some absorbent articles which are commercially available use a releasable peel strip to cover the adhesive facing the garment. The present invention does not use a releasable fabric strip and therefore provides several advantages. First, the absence of a strip of cloth provides a cost saving to the manufacturer. Secondly, the user does not have to carry out the additional step of removing the strip of peeling before securing the absorbent article to the undergarment. A third advantage is that the absence of the strip of peeling reduces the waste.

The casing 36 has a first end 38 and a second end 40, a first longitudinal side 42 and a longitudinal second side 44, and a first major surface 46 and a second major surface 48. The first and second ends, 38 and 40 respectively, are spaced apart one from the other as are the first and second longitudinal sides, 42 and 4 respectively. The first main surface 46 of the wrapper 36 is releasably attached to the garment fastening adhesive 34 so that the first and second ends 38, 40 respectively of the wrapper 36 and the first two sides, 42 and 44 respectively of the wrapper 36. extends beyond the outer periphery 20 of the absorbent article 10. The first main surface 46 can be coated or treated with a silicone or other substance that will allow the adhesive 34 to be easily separated therefrom.

A connecting device 50 is secured to the second major surface 48 of the sheath 36 and is located closer to the first end 38 than to the end segund 40. The joining device 50 may be a point d adhesive or a line of adhesive which is extend transversely across the width of the wrapper 36. Alternatively, the attachment device 50 may be one or more individual points of adhesive, which are separated from one another. The fastening device 50 may also include the mechanical fasteners, the sailboat fasteners, the hook and loop fasteners, as well as other types of fasteners known to those skilled in the art. For the purposes of this invention, the fastening device 50 is shown as being a line of adhesive extending across the width of the wrapper 36. The width of the adhesive of the line 50 must be less than about .5 inches ( to about 13 millimeters), preferably less than about .25 inches (to about 6.4 millimeters), and more preferably less than about .15 inches to about 4 millimeters). Even though the joining device 50 is shown as being a continuous line of adhesive which extends transversely across the width of the wrap 36, it is possible to form the line of adhesive in an intermittent manner if desired.

Referring to Figures 4-7, the absorbent article 10 and wrapper 36 are folded together as a unit of about two lines or folding axes designated A-A and B-B. The two bending axes A- A and B-B can be located at equal or different distances from the first second, 38 and 40 ends respectively of the wrap 36 so that when the wrap 36 and the absorbent article 10 are folded together , the second end 40 will be even or spaced apart from the bent axes A- -A. In Figure 4, the absorbent article 10 is shown placed on the wrapper 36, so that the first and second ends, 38 and 40 respectively, and the first and second longitudinal sides, 4 and 44 respectively, of the wrapper 36 extend. at least about .25 inches (to about .6 millimeters) beyond the outer periphery 20 of the absorbent article 10. More preferably, the first second ends, 38 and 40 respectively, and the first and second longitudinal sides 42 and 44 respectively, of the wrapping 36 s extend less than about .5 inches (about 1 millimeter) beyond the outer periphery 20 of the absorbent article 10.

The absorbent article 10 and the wrapper 36 are bent along the first axis or fold line A- -A to arrive at a configuration like that shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5, the connecting device 50 is exposed so that when the remaining part of the wrapper 36 is folded along the second bend axis B-B, the first main surface 46 of the wrapper 36 will be brought into contact with the linking device 50 and secured Liberably to it. The connecting device 50 is designed so that it will be easily released from the first main surface 46 with a small amount of pressure.

Referring to Figure 6, the absorbent article 10 and the wrapper 36 are folded along the second axis or fold line B-B to form a pack 52. The pack 52 has a first side edge 54 and a second side edge. 56. The two side edges 54 and 56 can be aligned parallel to one another. Preferably, the first and second side edges, 54 and 56 respectively, are aligned parallel to the first and second sides, 26 and 28 respectively of the absorbent article 10. The pack 52 will contain a fin 5 which is formed of the sheath 36. flap 58 is composed of a material located between the joining device 50 and the second end 40 of the wrap 36. This flap 58 may vary in size, but preferably has a length L, which is less than one inch (about 25 inches). millimeters), preferably less than about .5 inches (about 13 millimeters) and more preferably less than about .4 inches (to about 10 millimeters). When the individually packaged absorbent article 10 is a sanitary napkin, the length L of the flap 58 is preferably from about .3 inches to about .5 inches (about 7 to about 13 millimeters). The purpose of the fin 58 is to allow the wearer of the absorbent article 10 and insert one or more fingertips between the fin 58 and the second major surface 48 of the sheath 36. By inserting the fingers under the fin 58 , the joint device 50 can be easily broken. For example, the index finger and middle finger of the wearer can be inserted beyond the attachment device 50 and the thumb can be placed on the second major surface 48 of the wrap 50 so that by pulling out the package 52 will open. .

Referring to Figure 7, package 52 is shown having a first seal 60 and a second seal 62. The two seals 60 and 62 are formed near or on one side of the first and second side edges, 54 and 56 respectively of the package 52. The first and second seals, 60 and 62 respectively, function to secure together each of the side edges 54 and 56 respectively. Each of the first and second edges 60 and 62 respectively, should be formed by using heat, pressure, heat and pressure, an adhesive, an ultrasonic bond or by any other types of joints known to those skilled in the art. The first and second seals, 60 and 62, respectively, should have a width of less than about 1 inch (about 25 millimeters), preferably less than about .5 inches (about 13 millimeters) and more preferably less. about .25 inch (about 6.4 millimeters). When the absorbent article 1 is a sanitary napkin, it has been found that each of the first and second seals, 60 and 62 respectively, should have a width of between about 1 millimeter to about 1 millimeter, and more preferably, a width from from around 2 millimeters to around 7 millimeters.

It should be noted that the first and second seals 60 and 62 respectively, can be made to make permanent stamps. By a permanent seal "it is meant that the material adjacent to the seal" will tear, fracture or break before the seal separates. Alternatively, the first and second seals 60 and 62 respectively, may be breakable seals. By a "breakable seal" it is meant that the seal will separate before the material adjacent to the seal s breaks, fractures or separates. For the purposes of this invention, it is anticipated that the first and second seals, 60 and 62 respectively, will be of the permanent type. That is, package 5 will be opened not by breaking the first and second stamps, 6 and 62 respectively, but by means of a different feature, which will be explained shortly.

The package 52 also includes a first line of perforations 64 and a second line of perforations 66. The first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66, respectively, are formed in the envelope 36 on one side d the first and second seals, 60 and 62 respectively. The first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66 respectively, provide an easy opening feature for the package 52. The first and second perforation lines, 64 and 6 respectively, can be linear or non-linear in configuration. When the first second perforation lines 64 and 66, respectively, are linear, they can be aligned on one side of the first and second side edges, 54 and 56 respectively, of the wrapper 36. By the phrase "to a lad of" it is meant that each of the perforation lines 64 and 66 are spaced by about one inch (about 25 millimeters), preferably by about .5 inches (to about 13 millimeters) and more preferably, to about .25 (about 6.4 millimeters) of each of the first and second side edges, 54 and 56 respectively. The first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66 respectively, are preferably aligned approximately parallel to each of the first and second side edges, 54 and 56 respectively, of the package 52. In addition, the first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66 respectively, are preferably aligned approximately parallel to the first and second sides, 26 and 28 respectively, of the absorbent article 10. When the absorbent article 10 is a sanitary napkin, having an overall width of from between about 3 inches to about 4 inches (from about 76 millimeters to about 101 millimeters), the first and second drilling lines, 64 and 66 respectively, should be spaced by a distance of less than about 5 inches (about 127 millimeters) apart. Preferably, the first and second lines of perforations 64 and 66 respectively will be spaced by a short distance of between about 1 inch to about 4 inches (about 25 millimeters to about 76 millimeters). This means that the width of the wrapper 36 will be slightly larger than about 5 inches (about 127 millimeters) and more preferably, the width of the wrapper 36 will be slightly larger than about 4 inches. (of around 101 millimeters).

Each of the first and second perforation lines 64 and 66 respectively, are made of a plurality of slits 68, which may be arranged in a continuous or intermittent manner along each of the perforation lines 64 and 66. Preferably, each of the first and second perforation lines 64 and 66 respectively, extends the entire length of the envelope 36. However, if one wishes to limit one or both of the first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66 respectively, so that they do not extend to the entire length of the envelope 36, this is also possible. Each of the first and second perforation lines, 64 66 respectively, comprises a series of slits 68. Slit 68 has a length of 60 mm. less than about .00 inches (about .02 millimeters), preferably less than about .0005 inches (to about .01 millimeters) more preferably less of around .0001 inches (around .002 millimeters). The width of each of the slits 68 may also vary and should be approximately about 1/4 of the length of the slit, more preferably less than about 1/8 of the length of the slit. The slits 68 must extend through full thickness of the sheath 36 but may be formed to only extend partially within the thickness of the slit 36 if desired. Each of the slits 68 does not have to be of the same length and / or width or be similar in configuration if one does not wish to do so. However, for the purpose of manufacture it is advantageous to form the slits 68 with a notched wheel or blade so that each of the slits 68 has a similar configuration and has the same dimensions.

The plurality of slits 68 constituting the first and second perforation lines, 64 and 6 respectively, can be spaced apart from each other by. an equal distance, or these can be arranged so that several are spaced by an equal distance and then an extra-large planic area is present before the next adjacent slit. Alternatively, the slits 68 may be equally spaced apart and spaced across the entire length of each of the perforation lines 64 and 66. It should be noted that for the best results, the first and second perforation lines 64 and 66, respectively, they must be identical in configuration, so that the force needed to tear or break the material in the first and second perforation lines, 64 and 66 respectively, will be approximately equal.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a cross-section of the folded absorbent article 10 and the wrapping 36, clearly indicating that the joining device 50 secures the first major surface 46 of the wrapping 36 to the second major surface 48 of the wrapping 36. The tab 58 is positioned to allow the user's fingers to insert there below and thereby break the joining device 50 and provide a method for opening the package 52.

Package 52 can be opened in other ways as well. A second way to open the package 52 is shown in Figures 9-11 where the user holds a corner of the package 52 with the left hand between the index finger and the thumb, and holds the central part of the package 52 in its hand right. By pulling out on the material with the left hand, a strip 70 of the main body of the wrapper 36 is detached. The consumer can then hold the opposite corner in her right hand and hold the middle part of her left hand and she can tear and remove a second pull 72 by pulling it out with your right hand. This action will leave a wide central strip 74, which encloses the absorbent article 10. The width of the strips 70 and 72 can be relatively narrow, for example, these can be less than d about .5 inches (about 13 millimeters) , and more preferably less than about .25 inches (about 6.4 millimeters). With the strips 70 and 72 removed, the wearer can then grasp the flap 58 between one or more of her finger and thumb, preferably between the index finger and her thumb she can pull the sheath 36 so that it is released from the device 50. The absorbent article 10 and the wrapper 3 can then be opened to the configuration shown in Fig. 10. The absorbent article 10 is then removed from the wrapper 36, as shown in Fig. 11, and is ready to be used. The wrap 36 is removably removed and detached from the garment bonding adhesive 34 because the wrap 36 is made of a material, such as a thermoplastic film, which will not stick to the garment bonding adhesive 34. Alternatively, the Wrap 36 can be treated with a substance, such as a silicone coating, to facilitate easy separation between the wrap 36 and the garment attachment adhesive 34.

Referring again to Figures 8 and 9, another way to open the package 52 is by which the user holds a corner of the package 52 and inserts one or more of her fingers of the other hand under the flap 58 with her flea placed against the second main surface 48 of the wrapper 36. By pulling the flap 58 out of bundle 52, a force will be exerted on the first and second perforation lines 64 and 66, respectively causing them to tear and tear. separate by unfolding the half of the package 52. The user will then grasp the first end of the package 52 and pull it upward, away from the absorbent article 10. A force will be exerted on the remaining first and second perforation lines 64 and 66 respectively , causing them to tear. In doing so, one will end up with the strips 70 and 72 remaining attached to the central strip 74. The strips 70 and 72 will be equal in length to the overall length of the wrap 36. This action will expose the absorbent article 10, which can then be attached to the inside crotch part of an undergarment.

Referring to Figures 12-15, a second alternate embodiment of a pack 52 'is shown. In this embodiment, the first and second perforation lines 64 'and 66', respectively, are spaced a distance away from the first and second seals, 60 and 62 respectively, from what was shown in Figure 7. Yes The absorbent article 10 has a width of from about d 2 inches to about 4 inches (about 50 to 10 millimeters) and the wrap 36 has a width, measured transversely from between the first side edge 54 and the second side edge 56, from between about 3.5 inches about 5 inches (to about 89 millimeters to about 127 millimeters) then the first and second perforation lines 64 ' and 66 'respectively, will be located at least about 1 inch (to about 25 millimeters) away from the first and second stamps, 60 and 62, respectively.

Referring to Figure 13, one will see that package 52 'can be opened in a similar manner, as shown for package 52, except that when comparing Figure 15, with Figure 9, one will note that strips 70' and 72 'are much wider than the strips 70 and 72. Because of this, the central strip 74' will have a width, which is less than the width of the absorbent article 10. This means that the strips 70 'and 72' are broken. out from the central strip 74 ', the first and second longitudinal sides 26 and 28 of the absorbent article 10 will be exposed beyond the width of the central strip 74'. As the absorbent article 10 and the wrapper 36 are unfolded to the configuration shown in Figure 14, one will note that the first and second side, 26 and 28 respectively of the absorbent article 10, will extend beyond the edges of the central part 74 '. of the wrapper 36. The absorbent article 10 can then be removed from the central strip 74 'and will be ready to be attached to the inner crotch portion of an interior trim. The absorbent article 10 without the center strip 74 's shows in Figure 15.

It should be noted that the package 52 'can also be opened in the ways discussed above for the package 52. The package 52' can be opened by the user holding a corner of the package 52 ', then grasping the flap 58 with the fingers and the thumb and pulling out from the rest of package 52 '. This action will cause the first and second perforation lines 64 'and 66' respectively to be separated. Upon separation of the wrapping material between the plurality of slits 68 ', the lines of the first second perforations, 64' and 66 'respectively, will tear along the length of the complete wrapper 36. As noted with respect to the package 52, the first and second perforation lines 64 'and 66' respectively may be composed of a series of slits 68 'which may vary in width and / spacing and configuration. The plurality of slits 68 'which may constitute the first second perforation lines 64' and 66 'respectively, may be spaced apart by an equal distance or may be oriented as desired by the manufacturer. However, for the best results, it has been found that the plurality of slits 68 must be equally spaced apart from the adjacent slits and continuously formed along the length of the sheath 36. It is advantageous to form the slits 68 ', Which constitutes the first line of perforations 64 'to the same as the slits 68' constituting the second line d perforations 66 '. This will ensure that an equal or approximately equal force is required to tear apart the two line of first and second perforations, 64 'and 66' respectively.

Even though the invention has been described in conjunction with two specific embodiments, it should be understood that many alternatives will be apparent, modifications, variations for those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Therefore, this invention is intended to encompass all of these alternatives, modifications and variations, which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (23)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. An absorbent article packed individually comprising: a) an absorbent article having an outer periphery with the first and second ends and the first and second sides, said absorbent article further having the first and second main surfaces with said second main surface having a garment fastening adhesive secured thereto; b) a casing having the first and second ends, the first and second sides and the first and second major surfaces, said first main surface of said casing being releasably attached to said garment-holding adhesive, so that the first and second ends thereof second of said wrapping and the first and second sides of said wrapping extend beyond the outer periphery of said absorbent article; c) a fastening device secured to said second main surface of said casing and located closer to the first end than to the second end, said casing and said absorbent article being folded together around two fold axes, so that said first main surface of said envelope makes contact with said fastening device and is releasably secured thereto to form a package, said package having the first second side edges aligned to one side of the first and second sides d said absorbent article, respectively; d) a first seal and a second seal formed near said first and second lateral edges respectively, said first and second seals secure said lateral edges of said package; Y e) the first and second perforation lines formed in said envelope around the first second seals, respectively, said first and second perforation lines provide an easy opening feature for said package.

2. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said wrapper is made of polypropylene.

3. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that said wrapper is made of polyethylene.

4. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said clamping device is adhesive.

5. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that said joining device is an adhesive line.

6. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that each of said first and second seals is formed by heat and pressure.

7. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1 characterized in that one of said first and second seals is formed by means of an ultrasonic connection.

8. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that each of said seals, first and second has a width of less than about 25 millimeters.

9. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that each of said first and second seals has a width of less than about 10 millimeters.

10. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 9 characterized in that each of said seals, first and second has a width of less than about 5 millimeters.

11. An absorbent article packed individually comprising: a) an absorbent article having an outer periphery with the first and second ends and the first and second sides, said absorbent article further having the first and second main surfaces with said second main surface having a garment attachment adhesive secured thereto; b) a casing having the first and second ends, said first and second sides and the first and second main surfaces, said first main surface of said casing being releasably secured to said garment fastening adhesive so that the first second ends of said wrapper and the first and second sides of said wrapper extend beyond the outer periphery of said absorbent article; c) a line of adhesive secured to the main surface of said wrapping and located closer to the first end than to the second end, said wrapping said absorbent article being folded together around two bending axes so that the second end of said wrapping contacts With said line of adhesive and releasably secured thereto to form a package, said package has the first and second side edges aligned in an approximately parallel fashion to said first and second sides of said absorbent article, respectively; f d) a first seal and a second seal securing said first and second lateral edges, respectively, of said package together; Y e) the first and second perforation lines formed in said wrapping on one side of the first and second seals, respectively, said perforation lines provide an easy opening feature to said package.

12. The individually packaged absorbent article as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that each of said first and second seals have a width of from about one millimeter to about 10 millimeters.

13. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 12 characterized in that each one of said stamps, first and second have a width of from between about millimeters to about 7 millimeters.

14. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that said first second perforation lines are spaced apart by a distance of less than about 5 inches.

15. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 14, characterized in that said first second perforation lines are separated by a distance of between about 1 inch to about 4 inches.

16. The individually packaged absorbent article as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that one of said first and second perforation lines is composed of a series of slits, each having a length of less than about .001 inches

17. An absorbent article packed individually comprising: a) an absorbent article having an outer periphery and the first and second ends and the first second sides, said absorbent article further has the first and second main surfaces with said second main surface having a garment attachment adhesive secured thereto; b) a casing having the first and second ends, the first and second sides and the first and second major surfaces, said first main surface of said casing being releasably fixed to said garment adhesive so that the first and second ends of said wrapping and the first and second sides of said wrapping extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent article; c) an adhesive secured to the second major surface of said wrapping and being located closer to the first end than to the second end, said wrapping and said absorbent article being folded together around two bending axes so that the second end of said wrapping makes contact with said adhesive and is releasably secured thereto to form a package, said package having the first and second side edges aligned on one side of the first and second side of said absorbent article, respectively; d) a first seal and a second seal formed near the first and second lateral edges, respectively of said package, said first and second seals securing said lateral edges of the package; Y e) the first and second perforation lines formed in said envelope on one side of the first second seals, respectively, said first and second perforation lines provide an easy opening feature for said package.

18. The individually packaged absorbent article as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each of said first and second perforation lines is composed of a series of slits, each having a length of less than about .001 inches.

19. The individually packaged absorbent article as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each of said first and second ends and each of the first and second sides of said wrap extends at least about .25 inch beyond of the outer periphery of said absorbent article

20. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each of said first second ends and each of said first and second sides of said envelope extend for less than about .5 inches beyond the periphery exterior of said absorbent article.

21. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 17 characterized in that each of the first and second seals have a width of between about 1 millimeter about 10 millimeters.

22. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each of the first and second stamps is a permanent seal.

23. The absorbent article individually packed as claimed in clause 17, characterized in that each of the first and second stamps is a fragile seal. SUMMARY An absorbent article is individually packaged, such as a catamenial device. The absorbent article has an outer periphery with the first and second ends and the first and second longitudinal sides. The absorbent article further has the first and second major surfaces, with the second main surface having a garment fastening adhesive bonded thereto. The absorbent article is enclosed by an envelope having the first and second ends, the first second longitudinal sides, and the first and second major surfaces. The first main surface of the wrapper is releasably secured to the garment fastening adhesive, so that the first and second ends of the wrap and the first and second longitudinal sides of the wrap extend beyond the outer periphery of the absorbent article. A joining device, such as a line of adhesive or one or more points of adhesive, is secured to the second main surface of the envelope and is located very close to the first end of the second end. The wrap and the article are folded together as a unit around two fold axes so that the first main surface of the wrapper makes contact with the attachment device and is releasably secured thereto to form a package. The package has the first and second side edges aligned to the side of the ^ * 36 first and second sides of the absorbent article respectively The first and second seals secure the pack side edges. Located on one side and in the first and second seal are the first second perforation lines, respectively. The first second perforation lines provide an easy opening feature for the package.