CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/622,274, filed Jul. 17, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to absorbent articles, and more specifically relates to packaging of a single, unused absorbent article.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]     Absorbent articles such as diapers are commonly bulky and inconvenient to carry. As a result, many people must carry extra bags or inconveniently large bags simply to accommodate large absorbent articles. Because these articles are often needed away from the home in sometimes unpredictable situations, they must be transportable and easy to use. Furthermore, absorbent articles should be kept clean while in transport to reduce the chances of transmitting disease or illness, which is a major consideration when dealing with many types of absorbent articles.  
         [0004]     Various techniques to package bulky sanitary products such as diapers have been developed. However, none of these techniques provide packaging for bulky, individual absorbent articles that are easy for individual consumers to carry and use one at a time.  
         [0005]     For example, one packaging technique that has been developed is vacuum packing a plurality of diapers, which compresses the diapers for ease of shipping bulk product. However, the benefit of the vacuum packing is lost when the package is open and a few diapers are removed to carry in a purse or other bag. Another packaging technique has been vacuum packing a soiled diaper after it is used. Packing soiled diapers provides little or no benefit to the individual consumer who needs to pack and carry bulky items such as diapers or other sanitary, absorbent articles. This shortcoming is especially true because most people immediately dispose of soiled diapers and do not carry them in their purses or diaper bags.  
         [0006]     Yet other packing techniques have been developed for folding sanitary napkins and packing diapers with wipes and other products. These packaging techniques have limited, if any benefit. Sanitary products tend to be bulky. Folding a product merely changes its dimensions and does not significantly reduce its volume. Additionally, merely placing a wipe in a package with a diaper is convenient, but again, it does not reduce the volume required by the diaper when carrying it in a bag.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0007]     In general terms, the present invention relates to a sanitary, unused article that is compressed and individually packaged. An individual unused sanitary absorbent article, such as a diaper, may be placed in a compressed state with a small form factor relative to the form factor of the absorbent article in an uncompressed state for convenient handling and transportability of the absorbent article.  
         [0008]     Accordingly, one aspect of the claimed invention is a compressed, individually packaged unused absorbent article comprising a sealed package having an internal volume. A single, unused, absorbent article is located in the internal volume. The absorbent article has a compressed state and uncompressed state, and the sealed package holds the absorbent article in the compressed state.  
         [0009]     Another aspect of the invention comprises a single, unused, sanitary absorbent article having first and second form factors. The second form factor is substantially smaller than the first form factor. A sealable package has an internal volume sized to receive the absorbent article when in the first form factor. The sealable package is configured to be sealed with the absorbent article maintained in the second form factor inside the package when sealed.  
         [0010]     Another aspect of the claimed invention comprises a sealed package formed with an airtight material. A folded diaper has compressed and uncompressed states, and the folded diaper when in the compressed state occupies about 30% to about 70% less volume than when in the uncompressed state. The package maintains the absorbent article in the compressed state. A zip strip is formed in the package allowing easy opening of the package and access to the absorbent article.  
         [0011]     Yet another aspect of the claimed invention is a method of compressing and packaging a single unused sanitary absorbent article in a sealable, compressible package. The method comprises inserting a single unused sanitary absorbent article into the package; compressing the absorbent article to reduce the size of the absorbent article; and sealing the package, the sealed package maintaining the article in a compressed state. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a compression packaged absorbent article according to principles of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the compression packaged absorbent article shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 3  is a side view of one example folding arrangement for an absorbent article using two folding axes.  
         [0015]      FIG. 4  is a side view of another example folding arrangement for an absorbent article using two folding axes.  
         [0016]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a rolled absorbent article.  
         [0017]      FIG. 6  is a side view of yet another example folding arrangement for an absorbent article using three folding axes.  
         [0018]      FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view of the components of the vacuum packaged absorbent article shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of the compression packaged absorbent article shown in  FIG. 1  before the absorbent article has been compressed.  
         [0020]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an example compression packaged diaper kit that includes a diaper, a wet wipe, and a changing pad according to principles of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]     Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention. There are alternative embodiments for all of the structures and methods disclosed herein regardless of whether specific alternatives are set forth.  
         [0022]     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7 , a packaging material  12  includes first and second opposing side portions  20  and  22  and has first and second ends  24  and  26 . The packaging material defines an internal volume  30 . A single, unused absorbent article is positioned within the internal volume  30  of the packaging material  12 . In one possible embodiment, the packaging material  12  is sealed so that internal volume  30  is entirely enclosed or completely surrounded and isolated from the area external to the packaging materials.  
         [0023]     The packaging material  12  can be formed with a variety of different configurations. In at least some embodiments, for example, the first and second side portions  20  and  22  are formed from separate flat panels. In yet other possible embodiments, the first and second side portions  20  and  22  are formed from a single, tubular sheet of material having an endless wall.  
         [0024]     The packaging material  12  can be formed with a variety of different materials. In one possible embodiment, the packaging material  12  is formed with a material that is substantially impermeable to water. An advantage of this embodiment is that it protects the absorbent article if the package is inadvertently exposed to moisture. In another possible embodiment, the material used to form the packaging material  12  is substantially impermeable to air. This embodiment enables a vacuum to be drawn and maintained in the interior volume thereby allowing the first and second side portions  20  and  22  of the packaging material  12  to collapse and compress the single, unused absorbent article  14 .  
         [0025]     Additionally, the packaging material  12  includes a selectively openable region  50  that allows a user to easily open the packaging material  12  and access the single, unused absorbent article  14 . The selectively openable region  50  can have a variety of different structures. Examples include a score, perforation line, pull strip, resealable zip strip, or other structure that facilitates easy opening of the packaging material  12  for access to the internal volume  30  of the packaging  12 . In at least some possible embodiments, the openable region  50  does not compromise the sealed or resealable nature of the packaging material  12 , which allows a vacuum to be drawn in the interior volume and also prevents moisture from entering the interior volume  30 . Additionally, in at least some possible embodiments, the openable region  50  is resealable, which may be advantageous, for example, to repackage the absorbent article  14  after use of the article.  
         [0026]     The openable region  50  may be positioned on either of the side portions  20  and  22  of the package material or on either end  24  or  26  of the packaging material  12 . Additionally, the openable region  50  can have any orientation. It may run the width or the length of the package. Additionally, the openable region may have any length. It may extend for the entire length or the packaging material, the entire width of the packaging material, or any portion thereof. Additionally, the openable region may extend entirely around the packaging material and form an endless line.  
         [0027]     The single, unused absorbent article  14  has first and second states  32  and  34 . The first state  32  ( FIG. 8 ) is an uncompressed state in which the single, unused absorbent article has its natural form factor and can be used for its intended purpose. The second state  34  ( FIG. 2 ) is a compressed state in which the form factor or overall volume of the single, unused absorbent article  14  is reduced so that it can be carried and stored while taking up minimal storage space. The packaging material  12  holds the single, unused absorbent article  14  in the second state until a user selectively removes the single, unused absorbent article  14  from the internal volume  30 .  
         [0028]     Examples of the articles that can form the single, unused absorbent article  14  include children&#39;s and adult diapers, sanitary napkins and other feminine hygiene products, first aid and other medical products, or any other absorbent article that a consumer might want to carry. The term diaper is used herein for ease of illustration and description.  
         [0029]     Additionally, the single unused diaper  14  is folded when positioned in the interior volume. Referring to  FIG. 3 , for example, one possible folding arrangement folds the single, unused diaper  14  about two fold axes  36 ,  38 . The diaper includes first and second primary surfaces  52 ,  54  that are folded over each other along the fold axes  36 ,  38  to form a generally “Z” shaped folding arrangement. Referring to  FIG. 4 , another possible folding arrangement involves folding the single, unused diaper about two fold axes  36 ,  38 . In this configuration, the primary surfaces  52 ,  54  are folded about fold axes  36 ,  38  to form a generally “C” shaped folding arrangement.  FIG. 5  illustrates yet another folding arrangement for the single, unused diaper  14  in which the diaper  14  is rolled about a single axis  40 .  FIG. 6  illustrates a folding arrangement in which the single, unused diaper is folded about three fold axes  42 ,  44 , and  46 . In this arrangement, the primary surfaces  52 ,  54  are folded over each other twice to form a generally “M” shaped folding arrangement.  
         [0030]     Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  and the packaging material  12  can be assembled in a variety of different ways. In at least some possible embodiment, the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  and the packaging material  12  are assembled using a vacuum. In these embodiments, the packaging material  12  forms an opening  28 , and the internal volume  30  is sized to receive the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  when it is folded, but still in the first, uncompressed state  32 . In this embodiment, the interior volume is slightly larger than the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  when it is in a state (e.g., folded, semi-compressed, or fully compressed) ready to be inserted into the packaging material. The single, unused absorbent diaper  14  is folded and then inserted into the interior volume  30 . A vacuum is then drawn in the interior volume  30 , which causes the side portions  20  and  22  to collapse toward one another and compress the single, unused sanitary diaper  14  into a smaller form factor so that it occupies a smaller volume. The opening  28  is then sealed to maintain the vacuum in the interior volume  30 .  
         [0031]     There are many other possible ways to assemble the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  and the packaging material  12 . The single, unused absorbent diaper  14  can be compressed into the second state  34  and then is inserted into the interior volume  30 . The single, unused absorbent diaper  14  is allowed to expand to the dimensions of the interior volume  30  as defined by the first and second opposing side portions  20  and  22 . In this embodiment, a vacuum is not used to place the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  into the second, compressed state  34 . Additionally, in this embodiment, the packaging material  12  may not be sealed. For example, the first and second ends  24  and  26  can be open so that the packaging material  12  is generally tubular in configuration.  
         [0032]     In another possible embodiment, the packaging material  12  is formed with a heat shrink material. In this embodiment, the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  is inserted into the interior volume  30  and then the packaging material  12  is heated causing it to shrink and compress the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  into the second state  34 . Again, in this embodiment, the packaging material  12  may not be sealed.  
         [0033]     Additionally, in other embodiments, these basic assembly techniques can be combined. For example, assembly may include the actions of compressing the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  into a compressed or semi-compressed state, inserting the compressed or semi-compressed single, unused absorbent diaper  14  into the interior volume  30 , and then drawing a vacuum. Many other embodiments and combinations of actions are possible while assembling the single, unused absorbent diaper  14  and the packaging material  12 .  
         [0034]     As demonstrated in the following examples, the packaging of a single, unused diaper  14  as described results in a substantial reduction in the diaper&#39;s form factor or volume. In one possible embodiment, for example, the volume from the first, uncompressed state  32  to the second, compressed state  34  is reduced by about 40% or more. The following examples set forth the experimental results of packaging various sizes and brands of diapers with a compressive vacuum pressure of 0.035 megapascals (MPa). Although certain brands and sizes were tested at this pressure, it is understood that the packaging techniques and structure disclosed herein can be used with any size and type of single absorbent article with any type and amount of compressive force sufficient to compress the single absorbent article and reduce its volume.  
       EXAMPLE 1  
       [0035]     A size 2 children&#39;s Pampers (TM) diaper has a length of 7.3 inches, a width of 4.3 inches, and a height of 0.7 inches in an uncompressed state (first form factor), and a length of 4.4 inches, width of 3.0 inches, and height of 0.8 inches in a compressed state (second form factor). As a result, the first form factor has a volume of about 22.8 inches cubed and the second form factor has a volume of about 10.1 inches cubed, which is about a 55.54% reduction in volume from the first to the second form factor.  
       EXAMPLE 2  
       [0036]     A size 5 children&#39;s Huggies (TM) diaper has a length of 9.5 inches, a width of 4.3 inches, and a height of 0.7 inches in an uncompressed state (first form factor), and a length of 2.9 inches, width of 4.3 inches, and height of 0.9 inches in a compressed state (second form factor). As a result, the first form factor has a volume of about 29.4 inches cubed and the second form factor has a volume of about 11.1 inches cubed, which is about a 62.29% reduction in volume from the first to the second form factor.  
       EXAMPLE 3  
       [0037]     An adult extra-large Depends (TM) diaper has a length of 8.6 inches, width of 5.7 inches and height of 1.6 inches in an uncompressed state (first form factor), and a length of 5.2 inches, width of 4.1 inches, and height of 1.2 inches in a compressed state (second form factor). As a result, the first form factor has a volume of about 77.5 inches cubed and the second form factor has a volume of about 25.5 inches cubed, which is about a 67.15% reduction in volume from the first to the second form factor.  
       EXAMPLE 4  
       [0038]     An adult medium-sized Depends (TM) diaper has a length of 9.5 inches, width of 5 inches and height of 0.88 inches in an uncompressed state (first form factor), and a length of 4.24 inches, width of 2.72 inches, and height of 1.5 inches in a compressed state (second form factor). As a result, the first form factor has a volume of about 41.8 inches cubed and the second form factor has a volume of about 17.3 inches cubed, which is about a 58.61% reduction in volume from the first to the second form factor.  
         [0039]     Other examples have changes in volume between the first and second form factors of greater than 30%, with changes in volume of about 80% to 90% being possible in some cases of highly porous absorbent materials, such as cotton balls and sponges. The percentage of reduced volume is typically dependent on the article being compressed. Thus, in one possible embodiment, the change in volume between first and second form factors is in the range from about 30% to about 70%. In another embodiment the change in volume is about 30% or more. Another embodiment has a change in volume of about 40% or more. Another embodiment has a change in volume of about 55% or more.  
         [0040]     Referring to  FIG. 9 , at least some possible alternative embodiments may include kits having an item complimentary to the single, unused absorbent article. For example, the kit  100  may include one or more wipes  48  positioned in the interior volume together with a single, unused diaper  14 . In alternative embodiments, the wipes  48  may be individually wrapped or may be located between moisture impermeable surfaces of the diaper  14 . Other products may also be added to the package, such as, for example, a bag  60  for disposal of the diaper after it is used, packaged lotion or ointments, and deodorizers. In other embodiments, some of the complementary items held in the packaging  12  are compressed, while other items are uncompressed when the packaging material  12  is sealed.  
         [0041]     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the present invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
A package containing a compressed, single, unused absorbent article. The absorbent article is folded in accordion fashion resulting in an "M" or "W" configuration. The absorbent article may comprise a diaper.