Package having visual indicator

#The present invention relates generally to a package, and more particularly to packaging having a visual indicator for distinguishing portions of the packaging.

#Absorbent articles such as panty liners, feminine napkins and tampons are frequently carried about in purses, backpacks and briefcases until needed. Typically, the articles are put in these containers loose. Unfortunately, these containers do not always provide a hygienic environment for the articles, and thus the articles can become dirty and/or damaged. Further, the articles can become scattered about in the containers so they are difficult to find when needed.

#In the past, specifically designed pouches have been distributed for holding several absorbent articles at a time. These pouches reduce contact between the articles and potentially non-hygienic environments, and make the articles easier to find when needed. The pouches are made from durable materials such as heavy vinyl so they can be reused, but reuse necessitates the pouches be refilled from time to time. Further, the pouches frequently become non-hygienic after extended use, requiring them to be cleaned or discarded and replaced.

#FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a prior art panty liner surrounded by a removable wrapper;

#FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a utility package of the present invention showing a flap of the package in a closed position;

#FIG. 3 is a front elevation of the utility package showing the flap in an open position;

#Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

#Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, a conventional individually wrapped absorbent article is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 20. Although the absorbent article 20 shown in FIG. 1 is a panty liner 22 surrounded by a wrapper, generally designated by 24, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be applied to other absorbent articles 20 such as feminine napkins, tampons, interlabial pads, other feminine care products, adult care products, child care products and infant care products. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the illustrated articles 20 are individually wrapped, the articles may be unwrapped without departing from the scope of the present invention.

#The panty liner 22 shown in FIG. 1 is folded twice in a conventional manner to present a generally flat and generally rectangular article. Although the folded panty liner 22 may have other sizes without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment the folded liner has a width of about 50 millimeters, a length of about 70 millimeters and a thickness of about 5 millimeters. It is also envisioned that the panty liner 22 may be unfolded and/or non-rectangular without departing from the scope of the present invention.