FIELD

The present disclosure relates to packages and methods of making packages, and more particularly, to sealed reclosable packages and a method of making the same.

BACKGROUND

The field of disposable absorbent articles includes a wide variety of consumer products, including diapers, bibs, wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, etc. In some cases, the absorbent articles are packaged in a flexible package, such as a package made of film.

Flexible packages for containing absorbent articles may include opposing first and second panels. Each panel may define a top edge portion, a bottom edge portion, a left side edge portion, and a right side edge portion. The first and second panels may be joined at a first seam along left side edge portions of the first and second panels and at a second seam along right side edge portions of the first and second panels. The primary package may include a reclosable feature along a top or bottom edge portion of the package for opening and closing the packages. In some primary packages, the reclosable features may include a lid, tape tab fastener, hook and loop fastener, snap, button, or latch, for example. However, adding reclosable features to the flexible package may add cost and complexity to the manufacturing of the package.

Some flexible packages include an integrated reclosable feature, such as a hood, in the second panel of the primary package. The hood may be positioned proximate to the top or bottom edge portion of the primary package. The hood may be configured in a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the hood may cover the absorbent articles contained therein. In the open configuration, the hood may be folded away from the first panel to create an opening in the package that exposes the absorbent articles contained therein. However, the first and second panels may be integrally connected in the portion of the panels opposite the hood. As such, the hood may provide the only access to the flexible package for inserting absorbent articles during the packaging process, and for removing the absorbent articles from the flexible package at the time of use by the consumer. Without using additional refastenable features, the package may not be sealed at the time of purchasing the flexible package of absorbent articles because of the opening created by the hood. Consequently, the absorbent articles may be subject to tampering or contamination before the package of absorbent articles is purchased by the consumer.

A flexible package provided with a hood is for example described in WO 2014/190102A1.

It would be beneficial to provide a reclosable flexible package which can be opened and reclosed easily and conveniently also when the package is tightly filled with compressed absorbent articles. Moreover, the flexible package should have aesthetic appearance, both when the package is in the open and closed configuration. It would also be desirable to protect the package from pre-mature opening.

SUMMARY

The invention relates to a flexible reclosable package comprising a first panel, wherein the first panel defines a first right side edge portion, a first left side edge portion, a first bottom edge portion, and a pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package further comprises a second panel, wherein the second panel defines a second right side edge portion, a second left side edge portion, a second bottom edge portion, and a hooded portion, wherein the first and second panels combine to define an interior and an exterior of the package. A first seam joins the first right side edge portion of the first panel with the second right side edge portion of the second panel. A second seam joins the first left side edge portion of the first panel with the second left side edge portion of the second panel. A third seam joins the first bottom edge portion of the first panel with the second bottom edge portion of the second panel. The pleated portion is provided adjacent to the hooded portion and a first line of weakness is provided in the pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package is convertible from a closed configuration to an open configuration and wherein the first line of weakness is not visible from the exterior of the package when the package is in the closed configuration.

The flexible reclosable package may be sealed prior to opening the package at the line of weakness.

The hooded portion of the second panel may comprise a gusset, wherein the gusset forms a top panel of the package.

The flexible reclosable package may be integrally formed from a single piece of material. The invention also relates to a method of forming a reclosable package, the method comprising the steps of:

advancing a continuous length of material in a machine direction (MD), wherein the continuous length of material has a first side and a second side and defines a first edge region and a second edge region separated in a cross direction (CD) by a central region;

forming a first line of weakness along the machine direction (MD) of the central region of the continuous length of material;

folding the continuous length of material along the central region to form a first continuous fold that extends in the machine direction (MD);

folding the continuous length of material to form a continuous pleat, wherein the continuous pleat (corresponding to the pleated portion of the flexible enclosable package of the invention which can be made by this method) comprises second and third continuous folds (corresponding to the first and second fold of the pleated portion of the flexible enclosable package of the invention which can be made by this method) that form first, second, and third overlapping continuous pleated portions (corresponding to the first, second and third layer of the pleated portion of the flexible enclosable package of the invention which can be made by this method), wherein the third continuous pleated portions is positioned between the first continuous pleated portion and the second continuous pleated portion, wherein the first line of weakness is provided in the second or, more desirably, in the third continuous pleated portion or wherein the first line of weakness is provided substantially in the third continuous fold, which is the fold between the second pleated portion and the third pleated portion; wherein the second and third continuous folds extend in the machine direction (MD);

cutting the continuous length of material in the cross direction to form a discrete package as claimed in claims 1 through 12.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a front, perspective view of a sealed, reclosable package.

Fig. 2 is a back, perspective view of a sealed, reclosable package. Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the sealed, reclosable package of Fig. 1 taken along lines 3-3.

Fig. 3 A is an enlarged view on the pleated portion of Fig. 3.

Fig. 3B is an enlarged view on an alternative execution of the pleated portion of Fig. 3.

Fig. 4A is a front, perspective view of a sealed, reclosable package having a plurality of absorbent articles contained therein.

Fig. 4B is a back, perspective view of a sealed, reclosable package having a plurality of absorbent articles contained therein.

Figs. 5 is a perspective views of a reclosable package with a hooded portion in the second, open configuration.

Fig. 6 is a top, plan view of a sealed, reclosable package.

Fig. 7 is a front, perspective view of a sealed, reclosable package having a handle. Fig. 8A is a top, perspective view of a wicketed bag.

Fig. 8B is a back, perspective view of a wicketed bag.

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the wicketed back of Fig. 8A taken along line 9-

9.

Fig. 10 is a top, perspective view of a stack of wicketed bags.

Fig. 11 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material.

Fig. 12 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material having a continuous first line of weakness.

Fig. 13 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material having a continuous first line of weakness and a plurality of intermittently spaced wicket apertures.

Fig. 14 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material folded about a first continuous fold line.

Fig. 15 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the continuous length of material of Fig. 14 taken along line 15-15. Fig. 16 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material having a continuous gusset.

Fig. 17 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the continuous length of material of Fig. 16 taken along line 17-17.

Fig. 18 is a schematic, plan view of a continuous length of material having a continuous gusset and a continuous pleat.

Fig. 19 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the continuous length of material of Fig. 18 taken along line 19-19.

Fig. 20 is a schematic, plan view of a wicketed bag having a wicket panel.

Fig. 21 is a schematic, plan view of a wicketed bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following definitions may be useful in understanding the present disclosure.

As used herein, "absorbent article" refers to devices that absorb and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices that are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and contain the various exudates discharged from the body. Absorbent articles may include diapers (baby diapers and diapers for adult incontinence), pants (for babies or for adults), absorbent inserts (which are intended to be inserted into an outer cover to form a diaper or pant), feminine care absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins or pantiliners, and the like. As used herein, the term "exudates" includes, but is not limited to, urine, blood, vaginal discharges, sweat and fecal matter. Preferred absorbent articles of the present invention are disposable absorbent articles, more preferably disposable diapers and disposable pants.

As used herein, "disposable" is used in its ordinary sense to mean an article that is disposed or discarded after a limited number of usage over varying lengths of time, for example, less than 20 usages, less than 10 usages, less than 5 usages, or less than 2 usages. If the disposable absorbent article is a diaper, a pant, sanitary napkin, sanitary pad or wet wipe for personal hygiene use, the disposable absorbent article is most often intended to be disposed after single use.

As used herein, "disposable and compressible consumer products" are products which are made of, or which comprise substantial amounts of compressible components, such as tissues, nonwovens, foams, wadding or the like. Such products are typically packaged and put on sale in a compressed form to reduce the amount of storage and shelf space. Disposable and compressible consumer products also encompass disposable absorbent articles.

As used herein, "diaper" and "pant" refers to an absorbent article generally worn by babies, infants and incontinent persons about the lower torso so as to encircle the waist and legs of the wearer and that is specifically adapted to receive and contain urinary and fecal waste. In a pant, as used herein, the longitudinal edges of the first and second waist region are attached to each other to a pre-form waist opening and leg openings. A pant is placed in position on the wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding the pant absorbent article into position about the wearer's lower torso. A pant may be pre-formed by any suitable technique including, but not limited to, joining together portions of the absorbent article using refastenable and/or non-refastenable bonds (e.g., seam, weld, adhesive, cohesive bond, fastener, etc.). A pant may be preformed anywhere along the circumference of the article (e.g., side fastened, front waist fastened). In a diaper, the waist opening and leg openings are only formed when the diaper is applied onto a wearer by (releasable) attaching the longitudinal edges of the first and second waist region to each other on both sides by a suitable fastening system.

As used herein, a "pantiliner" and a "sanitary napkin" generally have two end regions and a middle region (i.e. a crotch region). The pantiliner and the sanitary napkin have a body-facing surface and a garment facing surface. The size and shape of the absorbent structure positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet can be altered to meet absorbent capacity requirements, and to provide comfort to the wearer. The garment facing surface of the pantiliner and of the sanitary napkin can have thereon pressure sensitive adhesive for affixing to a wearer's undergarments. Typically, such adhesive is covered with a release strip which is removed before affixing to the undergarment. Pantiliners can also be provided with lateral extensions known commonly in the art as "flaps" or "wings" intended to extend over and cover the panty elastics in the crotch region of the user's undergarment. However, wings are normally not used with pantiliners but are more often used in sanitary napkins. Sanitary napkins and pantiliners of the present invention comprise barrier leg cuffs. "Longitudinal" means a direction running substantially perpendicular from a waist edge to a longitudinally opposing waist edge of an absorbent article when the article is in a flat out, uncontracted state, or from a waist edge to the bottom of the crotch, i.e. the fold line, in a bi-folded article.

"Lateral" refers to a direction running from a longitudinally extending side edge to a laterally opposing longitudinally extending side edge of an article and generally at a right angle to the longitudinal direction.

"Machine direction" (MD) is used herein to refer to the direction of material flow through a process. In addition, relative placement and movement of material can be described as flowing in the machine direction through a process from upstream in the process to downstream in the process. "Cross direction" (CD) is used herein to refer to a direction that is not parallel with, and usually perpendicular to, the machine direction.

"Sealed" refers herein to a package having an interior that is inaccessible until the package is ruptured.

A first line of weakness being provided "substantially" in fold refers herein to a line of weakness which may deviate slightly from the position of the fold due to manufacturing variations which may be inevitable in a high speed manufacturing process. Such deviations will be unsubstantial and unintended. The terms "first line of weakness being provided substantially in the second fold", "first line of weakness being provided substantially in the fifth fold" and "first line of weakness being provided substantially in the third continuous fold", as used herein, encompass first lines of weakness being provided in the respective (continuous) folds.

The present disclosure relates to flexible, reclosable packages for containing disposable compressible consumer products, such as absorbent articles, and further relates to flexible, sealed reclosable packages and methods of making the same. The disposable compressible consumer products may be contained in the flexible, enclosable package in a compressed state. Flexible, reclosable packages of the present disclosure include a first panel and an opposing second panel. The first panel defines a first right side edge portion, a first left side edge portion, a first bottom edge portion, and a pleated portion. The second panel defines a second right side edge portion, a second left side edge portion, a second bottom edge portion, and a hooded portion. The first and second panels combine to define an interior and an exterior of the flexible package. A first seam joins the first right side edge portion of the first panel with the second right side edge portion of the second panel. A second seam joins the first left side edge portion of the first panel with the second left side edge portion of the second panel. A third seam joins the first bottom edge portion of the first panel with the second bottom edge portion of the second panel. The pleated portion is provided adjacent to the hooded portion. A first line of weakness is provided in the pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package can be converted from a first, closed configuration to a second, open configuration. The flexible reclosable package may be converted from the first, closed configuration to the second, open configuration upon tearing open the flexible enclosable package along the first line of weakness. The first line of weakness is not visible from the exterior of the package when the package is in the closed configuration.

In the open configuration, the hooded portion and a part of the pleated portion are folded away from the remaining part of the pleated portion to provide access to the interior of the package. Absorbent articles, which may be comprised in the flexible reclosable package, may be disposable and may include diapers, pants, pantiliners, sanitary napkins or absorbent inserts. They may be provided in the flexible reclosable package in a compressed state.

By not having the line of weakness being visible from the exterior of the flexible reclosable package when the package is in the first, closed configuration, the risk of inadvertent tearing open the line of weakness is reduced compared to a first line of weakness which is visible -and more easily accessible- from the exterior of the package. Also, the package provides a more aesthetic appearance, as visible first line of weakness may deteriorate the attractiveness of the flexible reclosable package.

Flexible packages of the present disclosure may be configured as flexible, reclosable wicketed bags. The reclosable wicketed bags may comprise a first panel and a second panel. The first panel defines a first right side edge portion, a first left side edge portion, a first bottom edge portion, and a pleated portion. The second panel defines a second right side edge portion, a second left side edge portion, a second bottom edge portion, and a hooded portion. The wicketed bag comprises a wicket panel extending from the bottom edge portion of the second panel. The first and second panels combine to define an interior and an exterior of the package. A first seam joins the first right side edge portion of the first panel with the second right side edge portion of the second panel. A second seam joins the first left side edge portion of the first panel with the second left side edge portion of the second panel. The wicket panel comprises a wicket aperture. The first bottom edge portion of the first panel and the second bottom edge portion of the second panel combine to define an opening in the package. The pleated portion is provided adjacent to the hooded portion. A first line of weakness is provided in the pleated portion. The flexible reclosable package can be converted from a first, closed configuration to a second, open configuration. The first line of weakness is not visible from the exterior of the package when the package is in the closed configuration. In the open configuration, the hooded portion and a part of the pleated portion are folded away from the remaining part of the pleated portion to provide access to the interior of the package. Absorbent articles, which may be comprised in the flexible reclosable package, may be disposable and may include diapers, pants, pantiliners, sanitary napkins or absorbent inserts. They may be provided in the flexible reclosable package in a compressed state.

A method of forming a reclosable package includes the step of advancing a continuous length of material in a machine direction, wherein the continuous length of material has a first side and a second side and defines a first edge region and a second edge region separated along a cross direction by a central region. A first line of weakness is formed along the machine direction of the central region of the continuous length of material. In some exemplary configurations, intermittently spaced wicket apertures may be formed in the machine direction along the second edge region of the continuous length of material. The continuous length of material is folded along the central region to form a first continuous fold that extends in the machine direction. Additionally, the first continuous panel may be folded to form a continuous pleat (corresponding to the pleated portion of the flexible reclosable package that can be obtained by the method). The continuous pleat may comprise second and third continuous folds (corresponding the first and second folds of the pleated portion of the flexible enclosable package that can be obtained by the method) that form first, second, and third overlapping continuous pleated portions (corresponding to the first, second and third layers of the pleated portion of the flexible reclosable package that can be obtained by the method), wherein the second and third continuous pleated portions are positioned between the first continuous pleated portion and the second panel and the third continuous pleated portion is positioned between the first and second continuous pleated portions. The second continuous fold is between the first and second continuous pleated portions and the third continuous fold is between the second and third continuous pleated portions. The first line of weakness is formed in the second or, more desirably, in the third continuous pleated portion or the first line of weakness is provided substantially in the second continuous fold which is the fold in which the second pleated portion and the third pleated portion converge (i.e. the second continuous fold is between the second and third pleated portions). The second and third continuous folds extend in the machine direction. Next, the continuous length of material is cut in the cross direction to form a discrete flexible enclosable package. A first seam is formed that joins the first right side edge portion of the first panel with the second right side edge portion of the second panel and a second seam is formed that joins the first left side edge portion of the first panel with the second left side edge portion of the second panel.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, an exemplary package 100 for containing absorbent articles includes a first panel 102 and an opposing second panel 104, shown as a front panel 158 and back panel 160, respectively. The first panel 102 defines a first right side edge portion 106, a first left side edge portion 108, a first bottom edge portion 110, and a pleated portion 114. The second panel 104 defines a second right side edge portion 107, a second left side edge portion 109, a second bottom edge portion 111, and a hooded portion 112. The first and second panels 102 and 104 combine to define an interior 118 and an exterior 120 of the package 100. A first seam 122 joins the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 with the second right side edge portion 107 of the second panel 104. A second seam 124 joins the first left side edge portion 108 of the first panel 102 with the second left side edge portion 109 of the second panel 104. A third seam 126 joins the first bottom edge portion 110 of the first panel 102 with the second bottom edge portion 111 of the second panel 104. The package 100 comprises a first line of weakness 116 which is provided in the pleated portion 114 of the first panel 102. The first line of weakness is not visible from the exterior of the flexible reclosable package 100 when the package is in the closed configuration (to generally indicate the position of the first line of weakness, Fig. 1 and 2, 4A, 4B and 7 show the first line of weakness in dotted lines from the exterior of the package. This first line of weakness is however not visible and is thus shown in dotted lines both to emphasize that the line is not visible but is concealed within the pleated portion 114 and to illustrate that the line may not be continuous but may be a discontinuous perforation). The first line of weakness 116 may extend within the pleated portion 114 from the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 to the first left side edge portion 108 of the first panel 102. The first, second, and/or third seams may be formed in various ways.

As shown in Figs. 4 A and 4B, the package 100 may contain a plurality of absorbent articles 200. Each absorbent article 200 may be folded about a lateral axis 204. Each absorbent article may, alternatively, be folded two times about fold lines substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the absorbent article. In such configurations, the folded absorbent article has two fold lines. Still further alternatively, each absorbent article may be folded three times about fold lines substantially parallel to the lateral axis of the absorbent article. In such configurations, the folded absorbent article has three fold lines. The absorbent articles may be arranged in rows with one of the two major, outwardly facing surfaces of the absorbent article contacting a major, outwardly facing surface of the adjacent absorbent articles on one side of the row and the other major, outwardly facing surface of the absorbent article contacts a major, outwardly facing surface of the adjacent absorbent article on the opposite side of the row (as is, for example, shown in Fig. 4A). The term "outwardly facing", as used herein in conjunction with an absorbent article is not to be understood as facing outwardly of the package but is to be understood as not being concealed within the folded absorbent article. Placement of the row or rows of absorbent articles 200 into the interior 118 of the package 100 forms a substantially hexahedral shaped package having a top panel 150, bottom panel 152, front panel 158, back panel 160, left side panel 154, and right side panel 156. The absorbent articles 200 may be compressed to accommodate a relatively large number of articles within the flexible package. At the same time, compressed articles provide stability to the flexible package filled with the absorbent articles. Improved stability of the package supports stackability of the packages, for example when they are stacked on a pallet for transport or storage.

With reference to Figs. 1-4B, the hooded portion 112 may define the top panel 150 of the package 100. The first panel 102 and a portion of the hooded portion 112 extending from the top panel 150 of the package 100 to the first panel 102 may define the front panel 158 of the package 100. The first and second left side edge portions 108 and 109 of the first and second panels 102 and 104 may define the left side panel 154 of the package 100 and the first and second right side edge portions 106 and 107 the first and second panels 102 and 104 may define the right side panel 156 of the package 100. The first and second bottom edge portions 110 and 111 of the first and second panels 102 and 104 may define the bottom panel 152 of the package 100. Such flexible packages are exemplary shown in Figs. 1-4B. The absorbent articles 200 comprised by the interior of the flexible package 100 may be arranged such that their major, outwardly facing surfaces are facing towards the left and right side panels, respectively, of the flexible package. In such configurations, the absorbent article at the beginning of a row will lie against the left side panel 154 and the absorbent article at the end of a row will lie against the right side panel 156 of the flexible package (they may either directly contact the left and right side panel 154, 156 or a sheet, such as a cardboard or paper may be provided between the respective major surface of the absorbent article and the left and right side panel 154, 156 to provide further stability to the flexible package).

If the absorbent articles are provided in the flexible reclosable package in this manner, repeated opening and closing of the package can be done more easily compared to a package wherein the major, outwardly facing surfaces of the absorbent articles face towards the front and back panel 158, 160 or towards the top and bottom panel 150, 152 of the flexible reclosable package. The hooded portion and a portion of the pleated portion 114 can be easily folded back over the slim, folded edges of the absorbent articles. As more and more absorbent articles are removed from the package, the rows of absorbent articles will start to slant sidewards and the articles in a row are arranged more loosely. If the rows of absorbent articles are arranges such that the major, outwardly facing surfaces of the absorbent articles face towards the front and back panel 158, 160, the slanted absorbent articles may slant towards the front panel 158 and "lean" out of the opened package, which makes reclosing of the package more difficult.

A flexible package may comprise (only) one row of absorbent articles (as, e.g., shown in Fig. 4A). Alternatively, a flexible package may comprise more than one row of absorbent articles. In flexible reclosable packages with more than one row of absorbent articles, the rows may either be stacked one on top of the other (leading to a flexible reclosable package with higher front and back panel 158, 160 and higher left and right side panels 154, 156 compared to a package with one row), or, the rows may be provided adjacent to each other (leading to a flexible package with wider left and right side panels 154, 156). In a flexible reclosable package with at least four rows of absorbent articles, the rows may be arranged such that some rows are stacked one of top of the other and other rows are provided adjacent to each other. With reference to Figs. 1, 2, 4A, and 4B, the package 100 may be configured such that the bottom panel 152 is intended to be supported by a surface such as a table, countertop, floor, changing table, and the like. However, it is to be appreciated that the package 100 may be configured to rest on any of the top panel 150, bottom panel 152, front panel 158, back panel 160, left side panel 154, or right side panel 156.

With reference to Fig. 1, prior to opening the package 100 at the first line of weakness 116, the package 100 may be sealed. Thus, the package 100 can be prevented from tampering or contamination until the consumer opens the package 100 to remove the first absorbent article. That is, during shipping, storage, and while at the store, the package 100 may remain sealed. As discussed in more detail below, upon opening the package 100 at the first line of weakness 116, the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 may be configured from a first, closed configuration to a second, open configuration and back to the first, closed configuration in order to prevent contamination in between uses.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the hooded portion 112 may define the top panel 150 of the package 100 and may define a portion of the front panel 158 of the package 100. As such, the first and second seams 122 and 124 may each join the hooded portion 112 with another portion of the second panel 104. Upon opening the package 100 along the first line of weakness 116, the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 may be arranged in a first configuration and a second configuration. As shown in Fig. 1, in the first configuration, the package 100 is substantially closed such that the hooded portion 112 is positioned adjacent to lower portion of the front panel 158, which is formed by the first panel 102. As shown in Fig. 5, in the second configuration, the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 are located away from the lower portion of the front panel 158 and the remaining part of the pleated portion 114 such that a first opening 142 is formed in the package 100. The hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 may be opened in various degrees to expose different amounts of the absorbent articles 200 contained within the package 100. Fig. 5 shows the flexible package in the second, open configuration.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the pleated portion 114 may comprise first and second folds 162 and 164 that form first, second, and third layers 166, 168, and 170, respectively.

The first layer 166 is arranged proximate to the exterior 120 of the package 100 and the second layer 168 is arranged proximate to the interior 118 of the package 100. The third layer 170 separates the first and second layers 166 and 168. The first and third layers 166 and 170 converge at the first fold 162, i.e. the first fold 162 is between the first and the third layer 166 and 170; and the second and third layers 168 and 170 converge at the second fold 164, i.e. the second fold 164 is between the second and the third layer 168 and 170. The first, second and third layers may be configured in a Z-shape. In some exemplary configurations, the entire package 100, including the first and second panels 102 and 104, may be integrally formed from a single piece of flexible material.

In flexible reclosable packages 100 wherein the pleated portion 114 has s first, second and third layer 166, 168, and 170, the line of weakness 116 may be provided in the second layer 168 or, more desirably, in the third layer 170. Alternatively, the line of weakness 116 may also be provided substantially in the second fold 164. That way, the line of weakness 116 is not visible from the exterior 120 of the package 100 when the package is in its closed configuration. Thereby, the risk of inadvertent tearing open the line of weakness is reduced compared to a first line of weakness which is visible -and more easily accessible- from the exterior of the package. Also, the package provides a more aesthetic appearance, as visible first line of weakness may deteriorate the attractiveness of the flexible reclosable package.

As the package 100 is torn open along the first line of weakness 116 and the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion are pulled open and positioned away from the first panel 102 and the remaining part of the pleated portion 102, the portion of the pleated portion 114 which is pulled open with the hooded portion 112 comprises the first layer 166 of the pleated portion and the first fold 162. If the first line of weakness 116 is provided in the third layer 170, the portion of the pleated portion 114 which is pulled open further comprises those parts of the third layer 170 which extend between the first fold 162 and the first line of weakness 116. If the first line of weakness 116 is provided substantially in the second fold 164, the portion of the pleated portion 114 which is pulled open further comprises the complete third layer 170; and if the first line of weakness 116 is provided in the second layer 168, the portion of the pleated portion 114 which is pulled open also comprises the second fold 164 and the portion of the second layer 164 which extends between the second fold 164 and the first line of weakness 116. Hence, in all these embodiments, i.e. for all possible locations of the first line of weakness 116 encompassed by the present invention, the edge of pleated portion which is pulled away from the remaining part of the pleated portion comprises two layers (the first layer 166 and at least parts of the third layer 170) and the first fold 162. The first fold provides a relatively smooth and stable edge to be pulled back over the absorbent articles to reclose the package. Also, the two layers (the first layer 166 and parts of the third layer 170) further improve the stability of the edge which is pulled back to reclose the package.

Compared thereto, a package wherein the part of the package, which is pulled away to form an opening, has an edge that is formed by a line of weakness, may be more difficult to reclose: Once the package is open, the (former) line of weakness provides a relatively rough and unstable edge. This edge may often be frayed, which makes it more difficult to pull it back over the absorbent articles to reclose the package 100. Also, as the edge is only formed of a single layer, the edge is more flimsy and reclosing the package 100 may be further hindered.

In flexible reclosable packages 100 wherein the pleated portion 114 has s first, second and third layer 166, 168, and 170, the layers may be attached to each other in one or more attachment areas. E.g. the third layer 170 may be attached to the first layer 166 in the area adjacent to the first fold 162 in a first attachment area 195 (shown in Fig. 3B). The first attachment area 195 may be substantially parallel to the first fold 162. The first attachment area 195 may be continuous along the pleated portion 114 from the left side edge portion 109 to the right side edge portion 107, or may be discontinuous. The first attachment area may be facilitated by any suitable means known in the art, such as adhesively (e.g. by hot melt adhesive or by pressure sensitive adhesive), by ultrasonic welding, thermo-bonding, pressure -bonding, or combinations thereof. The attachment may be permanent, i.e. not releasable.

In flexible reclosable packages 100 wherein the pleated portion 114 has s first, second and third layer 166, 168, and 170, the third layer 170 may be attached to the second layer 168 in the area adjacent to the second fold 164 by a second attachment area 196 (exemplified in Fig. 3B). The second attachment area 196 may be substantially parallel to the second fold 164. The second attachment area 196 may be continuous along the pleated portion 114 from the left side edge portion 109 to the right side edge portion 107, or may be discontinuous. The second attachment area may be facilitated by any suitable means known in the art, such as adhesively (e.g. by hot melt adhesive or pressure sensitive adhesive), by ultrasonic welding, thermo-bonding, pressure-bonding, or combinations thereof.

The attachment in the first and /or second attachment area 195 and 196 may be permanent, i.e. not releasable.

The first and the second attachment area 195 and 196 help to ensure that the first and second fold 162 and 164 remain intact i.e. do not unfold upon breaking open the line of weakness and converting the package from the closed configuration into the open configuration (except, of course, for flexible enclosable packages wherein the first line of weakness is provided substantially in the second fold 164, in which case the second fold 164 disappears upon tearing open the first line of weakness). This not only provides a good aesthetic appearance of the package in its open configuration but also eases the conversion of the package to the open configuration.

Moreover, if the first line of weakness extends through the third layer 170, as the first and second fold 162 and 164 remain intact upon opening the package, and the third layer is separated apart into two portions along the (broken up) first line of weakness, the edges on both sides of the (broken up) first line of weakness 116 in the third layer 170 can engage and interlock with each other when reclosing the package. Hence, reclosing the package and keeping the package reliably in its re-closed configuration can be improved by implementing a first and second attachment area 195 and 196.

On the other side, if the first line of weakness is provided along the second fold 164, the package, in its opened configuration, does not display any surfaces from its interior. That is to say, if the first line of weakness 116 extends through the third layer 170, the portion of the third layer 170 which remains adjacent to the second fold 164 in the opened configuration of the package will be visible with its interior surface folded over to the outside. As the interior surface of the material forming the flexible enclosable package will normally not be printed or otherwise decorated (but will normally be plain white or transparent), the non-decorated inside of the portion of the third layer 170 which is folded over will be facing outwardly and may disturb and interrupt the overall decorated package. Moreover, from a manufacturing standpoint, folding over the material of the flexible enclosable package in the second fold may be easier after the line of weakness has been provided to be substantially in the second fold.

The pleated portion may have a third attachment area (not shown) in addition to or instead of the first and/or second attachment area(s): The third layer 170 of the pleated portion 114 may be releasably attached to the second layer 168 between the first line of weakness 116 and the first fold 162 in a third attachment area. The third attachment area may be adjacent to the first fold 162. This releasable third attachment area can help to maintain an intimate contact between pleated portion 114 and the first panel 102 prior to tearing open the package along the first line of weakness 116. The releasable third attachment may further be reclosable (i.e. re-attachable, e.g. by use of a suitable pressure sensitive adhesive) such as maintain the reclosed flexible package in (re-)sealed configuration after the package has been opened and reclosed.

Instead of, or in addition to a first, second and/or third attachment areas, the flexible package 100 may comprise distinct materials (not shown) which are joined to the flexible enclosable package for stabilizing of the pleated portion 114, such as adhesive tapes (double or single sided), strings, or the like. Such additional, distinct materials can increase the stiffness, and/or add elasticity and stabilize the configuration of first, second and third layers 166, 168 and 170. For instance, a double sided adhesive tape may be applied continuously within the pleated portion 114, to stabilize. Alternatively, a strip of a thermoplastic material may be applied in the same position and welded, for instance with hot air, ultrasonic welding or other means known in the art.

With reference to Fig. 3, the hooded portion 112 and the pleated portion 114 together define a width, W _H , and the first panel 102 -excluding the pleated portion 114- defines a width, W _FP , in the front panel 158 of the package 100. The pleated portion 114 has a width Wp.

In some exemplary configurations, the width W _H of the hooded portion 112 and pleated portion 114 may be less than the width W _FP , of the first panel 102 (excluding the pleated portion). Or, in other exemplary configurations, the width W _H of the hooded portion 112 and pleated portion 114 may be greater than the width, W _FP , of the first panel 102. Generally, the suitable dimensions of WH and WFP depend on the dimensions of the absorbent articles contained within the package. For diapers or pants, especially for diapers and pants intended to be worn by babies and toddlers, suitable dimensions for W _H may be from 20 mm to 80 mm, or from 30 mm to 70 mm, such as, e.g. about 50 mm, and suitable dimensions for Wp may be from 5 mm to 50 mm, or from 5 mm to 30 mm, such as, e.g. about 20 mm. The dimension is generally not critical for the present invention and will depend, inter alia, on the size of the absorbent articles and on the number of rows of absorbent articles stacked on top of each other within the flexible package.

As shown in Figs. 1-3, the first line of weakness 116 may extend from the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 to the first left side edge portion 108 of the first panel 102. The first line of weakness 116 may not extend through the first and second seam 122, 124. Thereby, the line of weakness can be stabilized at its starting and end points by the first and second seam 122, 124, helping to reduce the risk of continued tearing (and inadvertent) open of the package beyond the starting and end point of the first line of weakness 116. As shown in Fig. 1, the first line of weakness 116 may be substantially linear. However, the first line of weakness 116 may, alternatively be curved, or may be configured in various other shapes.

The first line of weakness 116 may be ruptured by a user to gain access to the interior 118 of the package 100. The first line of weakness 116 shown in Fig. 1 is configured with perforations. However, the first line of weakness 116 may comprise perforations, crimps, or other means to weaken the material that provide a line that is weaker in structure as compared to the portions of package 100 adjacent to the first line of weakness 116.

The first line of weakness 116 may extend completely through the thickness of the flexible material 170 (however, while not being facilitated as a continuous cut but as intermitted, discontinuous small cuts through the material). Alternatively, the first line of weakness may be provided by weakening the material throughout its caliper without fully cutting through the material. For example one or both surfaces of the material may be weakened or eliminated in the areas of the first line of weakness in a continuous or discontinuous manner.

It is to be appreciated that the first line of weakness 116 may be strong enough to withstand shipping and handling of the package 100 without rupture, while being weak enough for a consumer to rupture the first line of weakness 116 at the time of first use of the package 100.

With reference to Figs. 1, 3, and 7, the hooded portion 112 may comprise one or more expandable gussets 128. The top panel 150 of the package 100 may comprise a gusset 128 having a first gusset panel 130 and a second gusset panel 132. The gusset 128 may be integrally formed with hooded portion 112 of the second panel 104. The gusset 128 may define a right side edge portion 134 and a left side edge portion 136 separated by a central portion 138. The gusset 128 may extend from the second right side edge portion 107 of the second panel 104 to the second left side edge portion 109 of the second panel 104. The right side edge portion 134 of the gusset 128 may be joined with the hooded portion 112 at the first seam 122 and the left side edge portion 136 of the gusset 128 may be joined with the hooded portion 112 at the second seam 124. As the package 100 is filled with absorbent articles, the right and left side edge portions 134 and 136 of the gusset 128 may become folded and tucked in toward the interior 118 of the package 100 as shown in Fig. 4 A and 4B. As a result, the package 100 may conform to the shape of the row or rows of absorbent articles 200 to prevent movement and/or distortion of the absorbent articles 200 during packing, shipping, and use by a consumer. While it is shown in Fig. 1 that the hooded portion 112 may comprise a gusset 128, it is to be appreciated that various other portions of the package 100 may comprise gussets. For example, the first and second right side edge portions 106 and 107 of the first and second panels 102 and 104, the first and second left side edge portions 108 and 109 of the first and second panels 102 and 104, and/or the first and second bottom edge portions 110 and 111 of the first and second panels 102 and 104, may comprise a gusset. Alternatively, only the hooded portion 112 may comprise a gusset 128.

The first seam 122, which joins the right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 with the right side edge portion 109 of the second panel 104 may not include the first and third layer 166 and 170 of the pleated portion 114. Likewise, the second seam 124, which joins the first left side edge portion 108 of the first panel 102 with the second left side edge portion 111 of the second panel 104 may not include the first and third layer 166 and 170 of the pleated portion 114.

Alternatively or in addition to not including the first and third layer 166 and 170 of the pleated portion in the first and second seam 122 and 124, the flexible reclosable package 100 may comprise a slit or a second line of weakness 190 in the pleated portion 114 adjacent to each of the first and second seam 122 and 124 (exemplarily illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2). The slit or second line of weakness 190 extends along the first and second seam, respectively. Hence, the slit or second line of weakness 190 extends through the pleated portion 114 towards the hooded portion 112. If the pleated portion 114 has s first, second and third layer 166, 168, and 170, the slit or second line of weakness 190 extends from the first fold 162 through the first and third layer 166 and 170. The slit or second line of weakness 190 may not extend through the second layer 168 to avoid the creation of an opening in the package while the package is in its closed configuration. Such an opening may allow dust or other small items to unintentionally enter the interior 118 of the package 100.

The slit or second line of weakness 190 may not extend into the hooded portion - for the same reasons as the slit of second line of weakness may not extend through the second layer 168 of the pleated portion 114 (i.e. the creation of the opening in the package).

However, if a second line of weakness 190 is applied instead of a slit 190, the second line of weakness 190 may, alternatively, extend through the second layer 168 of the pleated portion 114, as the second line of weakness 190 will only be opened in conjunction with opening the first line of weakness 116. Hence, while the flexible reclosable package 100 is stored, transported or presented on the shelf in a store, the flexible reclosable package 100 has no opening.

By providing a slit or second line of weakness 190, and/or by not including the first and third layer 166 and 170 of the pleated portion 114 in the first and second seam 122 and 124, opening and reclosing the flexible reclosable package can be improved. The hooded portion 112 and portion of the pleated portion 114 can slide upwards and downwards more easily and smoothly, as the strain applied to the hooded portion and portion of the pleated portion 114 along the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 to the first left side edge portion 108 (across the package in the hooded portion) is reduced. Ease of up- and down-sliding can be especially improved when the package is filled with absorbent articles, such as compressed absorbent articles, and no (or only very few) articles have yet been removed from the package. Without providing the slit or second line of weakness 190 along the first and second seam, a user may find it difficult to open and reclose the package by lifting the hooded portion 112 and portion of the pleated portion 114. Moreover, by forcing the package to open, the portion of the pleated portion and the hooded portion may tear at random locations to relieve the strain applied to the hooded portion and portion of the pleated portion 114 along the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 to the first left side edge portion 108.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the packages 100 may comprise or consist of various flexible materials. For example, the packages 100 may comprise or consist of films made from materials such as polyolefins, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. The flexible package 100 may comprise or consist of a polyethylene- polypropylene -polyethylene laminate. The package may be made of a LDPE (low density polyethylene) mono-layer film or may be made of a film of co-extruded LDPE and HDPE (high density polyethylene) layers. The flexible enclosable package may also comprise or consist of a film of polypropylene, such as, for example, high density polypropylene and/or low density polypropylene. If the package 100 comprises a laminate, the laminate may be co-extruded. The material of the flexible reclosable package 100 may have a thickness from about 35 μιη to about 150 μιη, or from about 40 μιη to about 120 μιη, or from about 40μιη to about 100 μιη.

In some exemplary configurations, components of the package can at least partially be comprised of bio-sourced content such as described in US 2007/0219521A1 Hird et al published on September 20, 2007, US 2011/0139658A1 Hird et al published on June 16, 2011, US 2011/0139657A1 Hird et al published on June 16, 2011, US 2011/0152812A1 Hird et al published on June 23, 2011, US 2011/0139662A1 Hird et al published on June 16, 2011, and US 2011/0139659A1 Hird et al published on June 16, 2011.

The flexible package may comprise a bio-based content value from 10% to 100%, or from 25% to 75%, or from 50% to 60%, using ASTM D6866-10, method B.

In order to apply the methodology of ASTM D6866-10 to determine the bio-based content of any package, a representative sample of the package must be obtained for testing. In at least one exemplary configuration, the package can be ground into particulates less than about 20 mesh using known grinding methods (e.g., Wiley ^® mill), and a representative sample of suitable mass taken from the randomly mixed particles.

The flexible package 100 may additionally comprise one or more fastening stripes, such as tapes, which extend from and bridge the pleated portion 114 to the front panel 158 adjacent to the pleated portion 114. The one or more fastening stripes may be permanently attached to the package in the area of the pleated portion 114 and may be releasably attached to the front panel 158. The one or more fastening stripes may have a grip portion at one end adjacent to the releasable attachment which may ease opening of the package by lifting the fastening stripe(s) to thereby opening the package along the first line of weakness 116. The one or more fastening stripes many also be used to assist keeping the flexible package in its re-closed configuration. The exterior of the package 100 may comprise various images, colors, text, and the like. The package 100 may have indicia printed on the first and/or second panels 102 and 104, such that when the package 100 is placed with the bottom panel 152 facing down and the top panel 150 facing up, the indicia is oriented so that the indicia appears as upright. Such indicia may include words, e.g. brand name, size, product line, advertising, marketing claims, safety information, instructions for use, and the like, and/or graphics, e.g. pictures of users of the absorbent articles, caregivers, purchasers of the absorbent articles, advertising, and pictorial depictions of safety information and/or instructions for use, and the like.

The first line of weakness 116 is not visible when viewing the exterior 120 of the package when the package is in the closed configuration. Hence, an indicia may be provided at an appropriate position of the exterior package, such as an arrow or "tear here" statement in order to direct the skilled person toward proper opening of the package along the first line of weakness 116.

The hooded portion 112 may comprise different colors or patterns than the remainder of the package 100. For example, in such an exemplary configuration, the hooded portion 112 may be clear while the remainder of the package comprises a color and/or pattern of colors. In addition, the package 100 may comprise indicia that draws attention to the hooded portion 112 of the package 100 and/or demonstrates how to use the hooded portion 112 of the package 100. For example, an image may comprise a hand and a perspective view of the package and may demonstrate the movement of the hand relative to the package required to arrange the hooded portion and a portion of the pleated portion in the first and second configurations.

As shown in Fig. 7, the package 100 may comprise a handle 146. The handle 146 may be configured in various ways. The handle 146 may be integrally formed from the first and/or second panel 102 and 104. Alternatively, he handle 146 may be a separate component that is attached to the first and/or second panel 102 and 104 of the package 100. The handle 146 may be provided on the expandable gusset 128 of the hooded portion 112.

As shown in Figs. 8A, 8B, and 9, prior to inserting absorbent articles into the package 100, the package 100 may be configured as a wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148. The wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 may comprise a first panel 102, a second panel 104, and a wicket panel 172. The first panel 102 defines a first right side edge portion 106, a first left side edge portion 108, a first bottom edge portion 110, and a pleated portion 114. The second panel 104 defines a second right side edge portion 107, a second left side edge portion 109, a hooded portion 112, and a second bottom edge portion 111. The pleated portion 114 may comprise first and second folds 162 and 164 to form first, second, and third layers 166, 168, and 170, respectively. The first and second folds and the first, second and third layers may be configured as described above. The wicket panel 172 may be connected with the second bottom edge portion 111 of the second panel 104. The first and second panels 102 and 104 combine to define an interior 118 and an exterior 120 of the package 100. A first seam 122 joins the first right side edge portion 106 of the first panel 102 with the second right side edge portion 107 of the second panel 104. A second seam 124 joins the first left side edge portion 108 of the first panel 102 with the second left side edge portion 109 of the second panel 104. A first line of weakness 116 may be provided in the second layer 168 or, more desirably, in the third layer 170. Alternatively, the line of weakness 116 may also be provided substantially in the second fold 164, and the pleated portion 114 joins the first panel 102 with the hooded portion 112 of the second panel 104. The wicket panel 172 comprises at least one wicket aperture 174, each wicket aperture 174 configured to receive a wicket. As shown in Fig. 8A, the wicket panel 172 may include two wicket apertures 174. The first and second bottom edge portions 110 and 111 of the first and second panels 102 and 104 combine to define a second opening 176 in the package 100. The wicket panel 172 may extend beyond the first bottom edge portion 110 of the first panel 102 such that the wicket panel 172 does not overlap the first panel 102.

As shown in Fig. 9, the hooded portion 112 of the wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 may comprise an expandable gusset 128. The gusset 128 may be integrally formed with the hooded portion 112 of the second panel 104. In such an exemplary configuration, the gusset 128 may include a first gusset panel 130 and a second gusset panel 132. The gusset 128 may form third, fourth, and fifth folds 178, 180, 182 (corresponding to the first, second and third continuous folds in the description of the method below) in the second panel 104. The first gusset panel 130 may be between the third and fourth folds 178 and 180 and the second gusset panel 132 may be between the fourth and fifth folds 180 and 182. The third, fourth, and fifth folds 168, 180, and 182 may be configured as C- shape folds. As shown in Fig. 10, a plurality of empty (i.e. not filled with absorbent articles or any other items) wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 148 may be stacked one on top of the other such that the wicket apertures 174 of each wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 are aligned. A wicket 184 may extend through the wicket apertures 174 of each wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 to hold the stack of wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 184 together. In an exemplary configuration wherein wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 148 in a stack each comprise two wicket apertures 174, two wickets 184 may be used. Various types of wickets 184 for holding a stack of wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 148 together may be used. As discussed in more detail below, with reference to Figs. 8 A, 9, and 10, the plurality of wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 148 are held together by the wickets 184 while the absorbent articles are introduced into the wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 through the second opening 176. Once the wicketed, flexible enclosable package 148 is filled with absorbent articles, the first and second panels 102 and 104 may be sealed together and the wicketed panel 172 may cut away from the second panel 104.

A reclosable wicketed, flexible reclosable package may be formed from a single continuous length of material. As shown in Fig. 11, method of making a wicketed, flexible reclosable package may include advancing a continuous length of material 210 in a machine direction MD. The continuous length of material 210 has a first side 212 and an opposing second side 214 and may be define a first edge region 216 and an opposing second edge region 218 separated along a cross direction by a central region 220. The continuous length of material may comprise a thermoplastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film, for example.

The continuous length of material 210 may be subjected to various operations while advancing in the machine direction MD. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, a continuous first line of weakness 222 may be formed in the continuous length of material 210. The first line of weakness 222 may extend along the machine direction MD and may be positioned in various cross directional CD locations. As shown in Fig. 12, in some exemplary configurations, the first line of weakness 222 may extend in the machine direction MD along the central region 220 of the continuous length of material 210. The first line of weakness 222 may be formed in various ways as described above, such as by perforating, crimping, embossing, and the like to provide a line that is weaker in structure as compared to the other portions of the package. The first line of weakness 222 may be configured in various ways as described above. For example, the first line of weakness 222 may be substantially linear, or, in other exemplary configurations, the first line of weakness may be curved.

As shown in Fig. 13, in another step, intermittently spaced wicket apertures 174 may be formed in the continuous length of material 210 along the machine direction MD. The wicket apertures 174 may be positioned in various cross directional CD locations of the continuous length of material 210. For example, the wicket apertures 174 may be formed in the second edge region 218 of the continuous length of material 210. The wicket apertures 174 may be intermittently spaced at various increments in the machine direction MD. Various methods may be used to form the wicket apertures 174, including various mechanical or thermal cutting operations such as die cutting or laser cutting. The wicket apertures 174 may be sized such that a wicket may be inserted through each wicket aperture.

With reference to Figs. 14 and 15, the continuous length of material 210 may be folded in the cross direction CD along the central region 220 to form a first continuous panel 226 and a second continuous panel 228 joined along a first continuous fold 230. The first continuous fold 230 may extend in the machine direction MD. The second sides 214 of the first and second continuous panels 226 and 228 may be arranged in a face-to- face orientation. The first fold 230 may be positioned in various locations relative to the first and second edge regions 216 and 218 of the continuous length of material 210 depending on the desired configuration of the flexible enclosable package obtained by the method. As such, the first fold 230 may be positioned equidistant from the first and second edge regions 216 and 218. Alternatively, the first fold 230 may be positioned relatively nearer to either of the first or second edge regions 216 or 218.

With reference to Figs. 16 and 17, in some exemplary configurations, a continuous gusset 246 may be formed in the continuous length of material 210. To form the continuous gusset 246, the continuous length of material 210 may be folded by directing a portion of the first side 212 of the continuous length of material 210 toward another portion of the first side 212 of the continuous length of material 210 such that a second continuous fold 248 and a third continuous fold 250 are formed along the machine direction MD. The continuous gusset 246 may include a first continuous gusset panel 252 and a second continuous gusset panel 254. The first continuous gusset panel 252 may be between the second continuous fold 248 and the first continuous fold 230 and the second continuous gusset panel 254 may be between the first continuous fold 230 and the third continuous fold 250. The first continuous gusset panel 252 and the second continuous gusset panel 254 may be arranged in a face-to-face relationship in substantially parallel planes. The first and second continuous gusset panel 152 and 254 together form the continuous gusset 246. The continuous gusset 246 may be located in various cross-directional positions of the continuous length of material 210.

With reference to Figs. 18 and 19, the continuous length of material 210 may be folded to form a continuous pleat 232. The continuous pleat 232 corresponds to the pleated portion 114 of the flexible reclosable package of the present invention, which can be obtained by the method. In particular, a portion of the first side 212 of the continuous length of material 210 may be directed toward another portion of the first side 212 of the continuous length of material 210 such that fourth and fifth continuous folds 234 and 236 are formed along the machine direction MD. The fourth and fifth continuous folds 234 and 236 correspond to the first and second fold 162 and 164 of the pleated portion 114 of the flexible enclosable package of the present invention which can be obtained by the method. The continuous pleat 232 may include a first continuous pleated portion 238 (corresponding to the first layer 166 of the pleated portion 114 of the flexible enclosable package of the present invention which can be obtained by the method), a second continuous pleated portion 240 (corresponding to the second layer 168 of pleated portion 114 of the flexible enclosable package of the present invention which can be obtained by the method), and a third continuous pleated portion 242 (corresponding to the third layer 170 of pleated portion 114 of the flexible enclosable package of the present invention which can be obtained by the method). The fourth continuous fold 234 is between the first and third continuous pleated portions 238 and 240 and the fifth continuous fold 236 is between the second and third continuous pleated portions 240 and 242. The first, second, and third pleated portions 238, 240, and 242 may be arranged in substantially parallel planes. The first, second and third pleated portions 238, 240, 242 are formed such that the first line of weakness 222 is provided in the second pleated portion 240, or, more preferably, in the third pleated portion 242, or the first line of weakness is provided substantially in the fifth continuous fold 236.. The fourth and fifth continuous folds 234 and 236 may be located in various cross-directional CD positions of the continuous length of material 210 depending on the desired configuration of the flexible enclosable package obtained by the method. Upon folding the continuous length of material 210 to form the continuous pleat 232 and/or the continuous gusset 246, the second continuous panel 228 may extend beyond the first continuous panel 226 in the cross direction CD.

Fig. 19 shows the first fold 230 and the fifth fold 236 being provided adjacent to each other, with the second and third pleated portions 240 and 242 on the one side and the first and second continuous gusset panels 252 and 254 on the other side also being provided adjacent to each other. However, depending on the desired dimensions of the flexible reclosable package and specifically, depending on the dimensions of the top panel 150, the hooded portion 112 and the pleated portion relative to each other, the second and third pleated portions 240 and 242 and the first and second continuous gusset panels 252 and 254 may at least partly lie on top of each other.

With reference to Figs. 16-19, the continuous gusset 246 and the continuous pleat 232 may each extend in the machine direction MD. As such, the same or similar equipment may be used to fold the continuous length of material 210 to form the continuous gusset 246 and the continuous pleat 232. Additionally, a manufacturing line configured to manufacture a wicketed bag having a gusset may require only minimal changes to manufacture a wicketed bag having both a hooded portion and a gusset. In some exemplary configurations, the continuous gusset 246 and the continuous pleat 232 may be formed concurrently. In other exemplary configurations, the continuous gusset 246 and the continuous pleat 232 may be formed sequentially.

With reference to Figs. 14 and 20, in another step, the continuous length of material 210 may be cut in the cross direction CD between adjacent wicket apertures 174 to form discrete wicketed, flexible reclosable packages 148. The continuous length of material 210 may be cut using various cutting apparatuses, such as a rotary knife cutter, a die cutter, or a laser cutter, for example.

The method of forming wicketed, flexible enclosable packages 148 may include the step of seaming the first right and left side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the gusset. With reference to Figs. 1, 2, 3, 14, and 20, a first seam 122 may be formed in the first and second right side edge portions 106, 107 of the first and second panel 102 and 104 and the right side edge portion 134 of the gusset 128, respectively. A second seam 124 may be formed in the first and second left side edge portions 108, 109 of the first and second panel 102 and 104 and the left side edge portion 136 of the gusset 128, respectively. The first and second seams 122 and 124 may be formed in various ways, including ultrasonic welding, hot air seaming, adhesives, and the like. The steps of cutting the continuous length of material 210 to form discrete wicketed bags 148 and forming the first and/or second seams 122 and 124 may occur concurrently. Alternatively, the steps of cutting and seaming may occur sequentially.

With reference to Fig. 20, a second opening 176 is defined by the second end portions of the first and second panels 102 and 104. The wicketed, flexible reclosable packages 148 may be filled with absorbent articles by inserting the absorbent articles through the second opening 176. As discussed above, the absorbent articles may be folded about a lateral axis prior to inserting the absorbent articles into the wicketed, flexible reclosable package. The absorbent articles may be arranged in a row with the folded end of the absorbent articles facing the gusset 140 of the wicketed bag. Two or more rows of absorbent articles may be inserted into the wicketed, flexible reclosable package 148.

With reference to Fig. 2 and 21, once the wicketed, flexible reclosable package

148 is filled with absorbent articles, the second end portions 110 and 111 of the first and second panels 102 and 104 may be joined together to form a third seam 126. Like the first and second seams 122 and 124, the third seam 126 may be formed in various ways as described above.

Additionally, the wicket panel 172 may be cut away from the second panel 104 to form the flexible reclosable package 100 such as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The steps of forming the third seam 126 and cutting the wicket panel 172 may occur concurrently. Alternatively, the steps of forming the third seam 126 and cutting the wicket panel 172 may occur sequentially. Various methods may be used to cut the wicket panel 172 from the second panel 104. Exemplary cutting apparatuses include knife rolls, die cutters, and lasers. As shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, the package 100 may generally take the shape of the row of absorbent articles 200 contained therein.

It is to be appreciated that the steps described above for forming a wicketed, flexible reclosable package may be performed in various orders. Additionally, some steps may overlap or occur concurrently, while other steps may occur sequentially.

With reference to Figs. 1 and 5, to open the flexible enclosable package 100, a consumer may hold the first and/or third layers 166 and 170 of the pleated portion 114 of the first panel 102 with fingers from one hand and may hold the hooded portion 112 of the second panel 104 near the pleated portion 114 with fingers from the other hand. The person may rupture the first line of weakness 116 by pulling his or her hands apart in opposite directions until the first line of weakness 116 is fractured. Once the first line of weakness 116 is fractured, the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 may be configured from the first, closed configuration to the second, open configuration.

With continuing reference to Figs. 1 and 5, when a consumer is ready to remove an absorbent article 200 from the package 100, the consumer may configure the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 of the package 100 from the first configuration to the second configuration. To configure the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 in the second configuration, the consumer may grasp the hooded portion 112 at various locations with one or both hands and simultaneously move the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 away from the remaining part of the pleated portion 114 until the absorbent articles 200 are exposed through the first opening 142 in the package 100. At the same time, the user may hold another portion of the package 100 with the opposite hand. Once the user has removed an absorbent article 200 from the package 100, the user may close the hooded portion 112, including the portion 114 of the pleated portion, of the package 100 to protect the absorbent articles 200 from contamination and tampering in between uses. To close the package 100, the hooded portion 112 and the portion of the pleated portion 114 of the package 100 may be positioned back in the first configuration by grasping a portion of the hooded portion 112 with one or both hands and moving the hooded portion 112 over the absorbent articles 200 and toward the pleated portion 114 of the first panel 102. At the same time, the user may hold another portion of the package 100 with the opposite hand. The steps of opening and closing the package 100 by configuring the hooded portion 112 and a portion of the pleated portion 114 in the first and second configurations may be repeated until all of the absorbent articles 200 are removed from the package 100.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm." Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.