| 摘要 |
A more environmentally compatible package (10) containing one or more stacks of compressed flexible articles (20). For products such as single use absorbent baby diapers, catamenial pads, incontinent briefs and the like, the degree of compression within the bag may be as much as 50 % or more when compared to the uncompressed thickness of the articles. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the bag totally encloses a stack of compressed flexible articles and exhibits a substantially rectilinear shape. The bag preferably includes an integral carrying device (71). The side panels (30 and 31) and the front and back panels (40, 41) of the bag are subject to tension imposed by the stack of compressed flexible articles. A line of weakness at least partially spanning a tensioned side panel of the bag is provided and functions as an opening device. The line of weakness is coated with a layer of reinforcing material preferably comprised of polyvinyl alcohol to prevent premature rupturing of the opening device. The opening device (17) allows the compressive forces acting upon the flexible articles contained in the bag to be at least partially released when the opening feature is activated by the end user. Partial separation or complete removal of a portion of the tensioned side panel (17) of the bag allows the coinciding portion of the stack of compressed articles to project in a fan-like array through the aperture thus created to permit easy one-at-a-time or multiple removal. Polyvinyl alcohol of the type used to reinforce the opening feature may, if desired, also be used as a sealant for assembling the bag and to provide additional support for the carrying device. |
