Packaging of absorbent article and manufacturing method of packaging of absorbent article

Abstract

To provide packaging of an absorbent article allowing users to hygienically use the absorbent article by suppressing adhesion of moisture and dirt adhering to a hand to the absorbent article before use.SOLUTION: Packaging (100) of an absorbent article comprises an absorbent article (1) having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a cover sheet (40) for covering a non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article. The cover sheet contains cellulosic fibers. The cover sheet includes inner folds (F1 and F2) along the width direction and folded such that the inner surface of the cover sheet faces each other, and an outer fold (F4) along the width direction and folded such that the outer surface of the cover sheet faces each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged in the cover sheet by folding the cover sheet along the inner folds. The outer fold is disposed on at least one of a front region in front of the inner fold located on a frontmost side and a rear region behind the inner fold located on a rearmost side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a package of an absorbent article wrapped with a coating sheet.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a package of an absorbent article wrapped with a coating sheet. The coating sheet of Patent Document 1 contains water-soluble paper having cellulose fibers. When using the absorbent article, dirt such as body fluid absorbed by the used absorbent article may adhere to the hand, or moisture when washing hands in advance may adhere to the hand. The coating sheet constitutes the outer surface of the package in an individually packaged state, and when gripping the package in the individually packaged state, dirt or the like adhering to the gripped hand may be absorbed by the cellulose fibers of the coating sheet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the package of the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 had the following problems. When using the absorbent article, the coating sheet is unfolded and the absorbent article is taken out. At this time, if the coating sheet and the absorbent article are gripped and unfolded together without gripping only the coating sheet, or if a finger is inserted between the folded absorbent articles and unfolded, dirt or the like adhering to the finger may adhere to the absorbent article, and there is a risk that it cannot be used hygienically.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a package of an absorbent article that suppresses moisture and dirt adhering to the hand from adhering to the absorbent article before use and enables the absorbent article to be used hygienically.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The package of the absorbent article according to one aspect has an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article. The covering sheet contains cellulose fibers. The covering sheet has an inner fold line that is folded along the width direction and whose inner surfaces face each other, and an outer fold line that is folded along the width direction and whose outer surfaces face each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged by the covering sheet when the covering sheet is folded by the inner fold line. The outer fold line is disposed in at least one of a front region in front of the innermost front inner fold line and a rear region behind the innermost rear inner fold line.

[0007] A method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article according to one aspect manufactures a package of an absorbent article in which an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other is individually packaged by a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article. The manufacturing method includes a first folding step of folding both the absorbent article and the covering sheet with an inner fold line along the width direction as a base point with the absorbent article disposed on the covering sheet, and a second folding step of folding the outer end portions in the longitudinal direction of the covering sheet with an outer fold line as a base point toward the outer surface of the package to form a folded-back portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] (1) Outline of the Embodiment At least the following matters become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is a package for an absorbent article. The package for the absorbent article has an absorbent article having a front-back direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a covering sheet that covers the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article. The covering sheet contains cellulosic fibers. The covering sheet has an inner fold line that is folded along the width direction and with the inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, and an outer fold line that is folded along the width direction and with the outer surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged by the covering sheet when the covering sheet is folded by the inner fold line. The outer fold line is disposed in at least one of a front region in front of the innermost front fold line and a rear region behind the innermost rear fold line. When the user unfolds the package, the front region and the rear region of the covering sheet are unfolded with the inner fold line as a base point. An outer fold line is formed in at least one of the front region and the rear region of the covering sheet, and a folded-back portion folded outward of the package is formed with the outer fold line as a base point. The user can unfold the package by gripping the folded-back portion of the covering sheet during unfolding. The folded-back portion is folded to the outer surface side of the package and is not disposed on the absorbent article side disposed inside the package. Therefore, when the user grips the folded-back portion during unfolding, it is easy to grip only the folded-back portion without grasping the absorbent article. Since the covering sheet contains cellulosic fibers, the covering sheet can absorb moisture and dirt adhering to fingers or the like that grasped the covering sheet during unfolding. Also, when wrapping and discarding the used absorbent article with the covering sheet, the covering sheet can absorb dirt or the like adhering to the hand during the wrapping process. That is, by absorbing dirt or the like adhering to the hand with the covering sheet, the absorbent article can be hygienically used by gripping the absorbent article with hygienic hands.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 1. The water absorbency of the inner surface of the coating sheet is lower than that of the outer surface of the coating sheet. The outer surface of the coating sheet constitutes the outer surface of the package, and the inner surface of the coating sheet abuts on the absorbent article. Since the water absorbency of the outer surface of the coating sheet is high, when gripping the outer surface of the package, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the outer surface of the coating sheet. Further, since the water absorbency of the inner surface of the coating sheet is low, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt and the like absorbed by the coating sheet to the absorbent article.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2. The coating sheet has a first coating sheet that constitutes the outer surface of the coating sheet, and a second coating sheet that is located inside the first coating sheet and is disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the first coating sheet. The first coating sheet contains the cellulose-based fiber and has the outer fold line formed therein. In a wet state where the coating sheet is wet, the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction of the second coating sheet is higher than the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction of the first coating sheet. According to this embodiment, it is possible to absorb dirt adhering to the outer surface of the package by the cellulose-based fiber contained in the first coating sheet. Further, in a wet state, that is, a state where the coating sheet has absorbed moisture, the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction of the second coating sheet is high, and it is possible to suppress the coating sheet from being torn during unfolding and disposal. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the effect of absorbing dirt by the coating sheet while suppressing the breakage of the coating sheet.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 3. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of the wearing article during use and folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet that constitutes the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet that covers the non-skin side of the wings that are folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article. The first covering sheet contains the cellulose-based fibers. The outer fold lines are formed in the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet. In the region outside the outer fold line in the front-back direction, the third covering sheet covers a partial region of the first covering sheet. According to this embodiment, in the region outside the outer fold line in the front-back direction, a part of the first covering sheet is covered by the third covering sheet. In the folded-back portion, the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are arranged on the surface facing the outside of the package. The first covering sheet constitutes both surfaces in the folded-back portion folded with the outer fold line as a base point. Therefore, dirt or the like adhering to the finger by the first covering sheet can be efficiently absorbed on both the upper surface and the lower surface when the folded-back portion is grasped with the finger. Also, by partially arranging the third covering sheet, the breaking strength of the folded-back portion can be increased, and when the folded-back portion is grasped and unfolded, breakage of the folded-back portion can be suppressed.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 4. The outer edge in the width direction of the third covering sheet is located closer to the inner side in the width direction than the outer edge in the width direction of the first covering sheet. According to this embodiment, since the length in the width direction of the third covering sheet is shorter than the length in the width direction of the first covering sheet, when the wearer visually recognizes the folded-back portion, it is easier to grasp the presence of the folded-back portion due to the presence of the two covering sheets. Therefore, the wearer can recognize the folded-back portion at the time of unfolding and it becomes easier to grasp the folded-back portion.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5. The outer portion in the width direction of the first covering sheet is laminated on the outer portion of the covering sheet and joined to each other by a sheet joining portion. According to this embodiment, since the first covering sheet is joined at the sheet joining portion, it is easy to maintain the state where the first covering sheet is folded back. It becomes easier for the wearer to grasp the folded portion, and by pulling the folded portion, it becomes easier to unfold the package body with the inner fold line as a base point.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6. The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet has a covering outer end located on the outer surface of the package body in a state where the absorbent article is packaged, and a covering inner end opposite to the covering outer end. A fastening tape for fastening the outer edge of the covering sheet is attached to the covering outer end. The covering inner end is folded by the outer fold line. According to this embodiment, when unfolding, the wearer can hold the fastening tape at the covering outer end with one hand and hold the folded portion with the other hand to unfold. When opening the package body, both end portions in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet can be held respectively to unfold the absorbent article without directly touching it, and the absorbent article can be used hygienically.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 8 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 7. The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the absorbent article has an article outer end located on the covering outer end side. The distance in the front-rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is longer than the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. According to this embodiment, since the distance in the front-rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is relatively long, when the wearer grasps the covering outer end of the covering sheet with the fastening tape attached, it is difficult to directly touch the absorbent article, and it is possible to suppress the attachment of dirt or the like adhering to the hand to the absorbent article. Also, since the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end is relatively short, when grasping and unfolding the folded portion, the distance between the outer fold line serving as a base point and the grasped portion is short, and it becomes easier to easily unfold the folded portion.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 7. The front and rear outer edges of the absorbent article have an article outer end located on the outer end side of the covering. The distance in the front and rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is shorter than the distance in the front and rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. According to this embodiment, since the distance in the front and rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is relatively short, when the wearer grasps the covering outer end of the covering sheet with the fastening tape attached thereto and applies a force to the covering sheet, the covering sheet is less likely to be torn. Also, since the distance in the front and rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end is relatively long, the folded-back portion is more conspicuous and easier to grasp, and the folded-back portion can be easily grasped and unfolded during the unfolding operation.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a second covering sheet located inside the first covering sheet and disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the first covering sheet. The covering joint portion joining the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet is disposed within the region where the outer fold line is provided among the front region and the rear region. According to this embodiment, when grasping and unfolding the folded-back portion, the region where the outer fold line is provided is unfolded among the front region and the rear region. At this time, since the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are joined within the region, when pulling and unfolding the folded-back portion, the covering sheets do not separate too much from each other, and the covering sheet can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 10. The non-joined region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not joined is continuously provided in the front-rear direction between the innermost fold line located on the foremost side and the innermost fold line located on the rearmost side. According to this embodiment, since no covering joint is provided between the innermost fold line located on the foremost side and the innermost fold line located on the rearmost side, a region where no adhesive constituting the covering joint is attached, or a region that is easily and flexibly deformed without the covering joint being disposed is continuously arranged. By providing the non-joined region over a wide range, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the covering sheet over a wide range.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 11. The covering sheet has a folded-back portion folded by the outer fold line. The length in the front-rear direction of the folded-back portion at the outer portion on one side in the width direction of the folded-back portion is different from the length in the front-rear direction of the folded-back portion at the outer portion on the other side in the width direction of the folded-back portion. According to this embodiment, the length in the front-rear direction of the folded-back portion is changed, and the front or rear edge of the folded-back portion is inclined with respect to the width direction. Therefore, the folded-back portion is more likely to be conspicuous. In addition, since the volume of the space sandwiched between the folded-back portion and the covering sheet that the folded-back portion overlaps changes, it is easier to insert a finger into the space and it is easier to grasp the folded-back portion.

[0021] The invention according to Aspect 13 is a method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article manufactures a package of an absorbent article in which an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other is individually packaged with a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article. The manufacturing method includes a first folding step of folding both the absorbent article and the covering sheet with a folding line along the width direction as a base point with the absorbent article disposed on the covering sheet, and a second folding step of folding the outer end portion in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet with a folding line as a base point toward the outer surface of the package to form a folded-back portion. According to this manufacturing method, a package in which a folded-back portion is formed at the outer end portion in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet can be manufactured.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 13. In the first folding step, one outer end portion located on the folding line side among the outer end portions in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet is folded. In the second folding step, one outer end portion of the covering sheet folded in the first folding step and the other outer end portion among the outer end portions in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet are folded together so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. According to this aspect, the folding line formed by folding one end portion folded in the first folding step so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step constitutes a folding line. Therefore, a folded-back portion folded to the outside of the package can be formed at one end portion of the covering sheet. Also, in the second folding step, an inner folding line and an outer folding line can be formed simultaneously. Compared with a configuration in which folding lines are formed separately, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the folding crease by the folding line can be strongly formed, and the shape of the folded-back portion can be easily maintained.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 15 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 13 or Embodiment 14. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of the wearing article during use and folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet that constitutes the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet that covers the non-skin side of the wing that is folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article. In the second folding step, the outer fold line is disposed at a position overlapping a wing joint portion that joins the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet to form the folded portion. According to this embodiment, according to this configuration, the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are folded back based on the outer fold line, and the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet can be disposed in the folded portion. Therefore, the breaking strength of the folded portion can be increased, and when the folded portion is grasped and unfolded, it is possible to suppress the folded portion from breaking. Further, since the outer fold line is disposed at a position overlapping the wing joint portion, the positions of the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet do not shift when the outer fold line is formed, so the position of the outer fold line is stable, and it is possible to suppress the formation of wrinkles in the folded portion.

[0024] (2) Schematic configuration of the package of the absorbent article according to the embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a package 100 of an absorbent article according to an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the package 100) will be described. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in consideration of the following description. Also, there may be portions where the relationships and ratios of the dimensions to each other are different between the drawings. The absorbent article may be an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, or a fecal pad. The absorbent article may be an article that is attached and used inside a wearing article such as underwear. The absorbent article 1 of the embodiment is a sanitary napkin for daytime use.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the package 100 in the packaged state. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the package 100 in a partially unfolded state. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the package 100 in the unfolded state. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] The package 100 may include the absorbent article 1 and the covering sheet 40. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are orthogonal to each other. In the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1, the side that contacts the lower abdomen of the wearer is referred to as the "front side", and the side that contacts the buttocks of the wearer is referred to as the "rear side". In the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1, the side that contacts the skin of the wearer is referred to as the "skin side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side". The absorbent article 1 has a crotch region S2, a front region S1, and a rear region S3. The crotch region S2 is a region that is disposed opposite to the excretory opening of the wearer, such as the vaginal opening. When the absorbent article 1 is worn on the wearer's article, the crotch region S2 is a region that is disposed under the crotch of the wearer's article and between the wearer's legs. The front region S1 is located in front of the crotch region S2. The front edge of the front region S1 defines the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The rear region S3 is located behind the crotch region S2. The rear edge of the rear region S3 defines the rear edge of the absorbent article 1.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 has at least an absorber 3, a topsheet 2, and a backsheet 4, and has a vertically long shape. The topsheet 2 is composed of any sheet-like material having a structure that allows liquid to permeate, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, a mesh sheet, or the like. The backsheet 4 is a liquid-impermeable sheet. As the backsheet 4, a breathable resin film, a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond or spunlace, or a sheet in which a breathable resin film is joined to a nonwoven fabric can be used. The absorbent core 31 has an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. The absorber 3 has at least the absorbent core 31. The absorbent core 31 may be wrapped by a core wrap sheet 32 (see FIG. 7). The absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 31 can be formed from, for example, hydrophilic fibers, pulp, and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The core wrap sheet 32 can be composed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or a tissue sheet. As a modification, the absorbent core 31 may not be covered by the core wrap sheet 32.

[0028] The absorbent article may have at least one of the wings 7 and a hip flap (not shown). The wing 7 may be provided in the crutch region S2. The hip flap may be provided in the rear region S3. The wings 7 and the hip flap extend outward in the width direction W from the absorbent core 31. The surface sheet 2 and the back sheet 4 may be disposed on the wing 7. The front edge of the wing 7 is defined by the base of the wing 7 and corresponds to the front portion of the two portions recessed inward in the width direction W. The front edge of the wing 7 may define the boundary between the crutch region S2 and the front region S1. The rear edge of the wing 7 is defined by the base of the wing 7 and corresponds to the rear portion of the two portions recessed inward in the width direction W. The wing 7 is folded to the surface sheet 2 side before use with the wing fold connecting the bases of the wings 7 as a reference point, and is folded back to the non-skin side T2 of the wearing article during use. The rear edge of the wing 7 may define the boundary between the crutch region S2 and the rear region S3. Further, in the absorbent article 1 without the wing 7, at the position where the length in the front-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1 is the longest, each of the regions obtained by dividing the absorbent article 1 into three equal parts in the front-rear direction L may constitute the front region S1, the crutch region S2, and the rear region S3. The absorbent article 1 of the embodiment has the wing 7 and does not have a hip flap.

[0029] In addition, the outer part in the present invention is a part that occupies a certain range in the width direction W including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge is the outer edge in the width direction W. The inner part in the present invention is a part that occupies a certain range in the width direction W including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge is the inner edge in the width direction W. Further, the front end part and the rear end part in the present invention are parts that occupy a certain range in the front-rear direction L including the edge in the front-rear direction L, and the front edge and the rear edge are the edges in the front-rear direction L. The outer end part includes the front end part and the rear end part, and the outer edge includes the front edge and the rear edge. Further, the inner side is a side that includes the inner edge and extends along the front-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-rear direction L. Note that, in this specification, the term "along the front-rear direction L" means a direction having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the absorbent article 1 has an adhesive part 60 for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a wearing article. The adhesive part 60 is provided on the non-skin side T2 surface of the back sheet 4, and is an area where fastening means for fastening the absorbent article 1 to the wearing article is provided. The adhesive part 60 may have at least one of a main body adhesive part 61 for fastening the area overlapping the absorbent core 31 to the wearing article and a wing adhesive part 62 for fastening the wing 7 to the wearing article. Further, the adhesive part may have a flap adhesive part (not shown) for fastening the hip flap to the wearing article. The main body adhesive part 61 is provided in the area overlapping the absorbent core 31 in the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1. The main body adhesive part 61 of the present embodiment extends in the front-rear direction L and is provided in a plurality at intervals in the width direction W. Note that, in a modified example, the main body adhesive part 61 may extend in the width direction W and be provided in a plurality at intervals in the front-rear direction L. The wing adhesive part 62 is attached to the non-skin side T2 surface of the wing 7 and fastens to the non-skin side T2 surface of the wearing article in a state where the wing 7 is folded back to the non-skin side T2 of the wearing article during wearing.

[0031] The covering sheet 40 covers the non-skin side T2 surface of the absorbent article. The covering sheet 40 may be composed of a plurality of sheets or may be composed of a single sheet. In the unfolded state, the covering sheet 40 only needs to cover at least a part of the non-skin side T2 surface of the absorbent article 1, and may cover the entire non-skin side T2 surface of the absorbent article 1. At least one covering sheet individually packages the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the covering sheet 40 has at least a packaging sheet 41. The covering sheet 40 of the present invention may be composed only of the packaging sheet 41, may be composed of the packaging sheet 41 and the main body peeling sheet 42, may be composed of the packaging sheet 41 and the wing peeling sheet 43, or may be composed of the packaging sheet 41, the main body peeling sheet 42 and the wing peeling sheet 43. The packaging sheet 41 constitutes the outer surface of the covering sheet 40 and constitutes the "first covering sheet" of the present invention. The main body peeling sheet 42 is located inside the first covering sheet and is arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the first covering sheet, and constitutes the "second covering sheet" of the present invention. The wing peeling sheet 43 covers the non-skin side T2 of the wing 7 folded back on the skin side T1 of the absorbent article, and constitutes the "third covering sheet" of the present invention. Here, the "outer surface" is the surface located on the outside of the packaged package in the packaged state and is the surface located on the outside in the thickness direction. Also, the "inner surface" is the surface located inside the packaged package in the packaged state and is the surface located on the inside in the thickness direction.

[0032] The packaging sheet 41 is a sheet-like packaging member that individually packages the absorbent article 1, and is a member that is removed when the absorbent article 1 is used. The outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41 has a packaging outer end 55 that is located on the outer surface of the package 100 in the packaged state, and a packaging inner end 56 that is located inside the package 100 in the packaged state. The packaging outer end 55 is along the width direction W and is the portion that is first deployed when the package 100 is changed from the packaged state to the deployed state. The packaging outer end 55 is located on the outer surface of the package in the packaged state among the outer edges in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet 40, and constitutes the "covering outer end" of the present invention. The packaging inner end 56 is located on the side opposite to the covering outer end among the outer edges in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet 40, and constitutes the "covering inner end" of the present invention. The length of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L may be longer than the length of the main body release sheet 42 in the front-rear direction L, and the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41 may be located outside the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the main body release sheet 42. The packaging sheet 41 may have an extended region RE (see FIG. 6) that extends outside the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the main body release sheet 42. Also, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may be longer than the length of the main body release sheet 42 in the width direction W, and the outer edge in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be located outside the outer edge in the width direction W of the main body release sheet 42.

[0033] An adhesive tape 70 may be attached to the packaging outer end 55. The adhesive tape 70 is provided to maintain the packaged state of the package 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the adhesive tape 70 includes a peeling end portion 72 that peels off from the packaging sheet 41 and is used when opening, and a fixed end portion 71 that remains attached to the packaging sheet even after opening. The user first grasps the peeling end portion 72 side of the adhesive tape 70 at the time of opening and pulls the adhesive tape 70 to deploy the packaging sheet 41. The adhesive tape 70 may be disposed across the center in the width direction W of the package 100, and preferably may be disposed so as to overlap the wrap laminate portion 33 described later. Note that the adhesive tape 70 does not necessarily have to be provided. For example, the user may grasp the packaging outer end 55 and open the package without providing the adhesive tape 70.

[0034] The main body release sheet 42 covers the main body adhesive portion 61 before use and is peeled off from the main body adhesive portion 61 during use. The main body release sheet 42 is disposed between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article 1. The main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 are joined at the covering joint portion 90. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5 and the like, in the region of the absorbent article 1 other than the wing 7, the main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 are disposed on the non-skin side T2 with respect to the absorbent article 1. The packaging sheet 41 constitutes the outer surface of the covering sheet 40, and the main body release sheet 42 constitutes the inner surface of the covering sheet 40. In a modified example, the package 100 may not include the main body release sheet 42, and the main body adhesive portion 61 may be detachably covered by the packaging sheet 41. In this modified example, the packaging sheet 41 constitutes both the outer surface and the inner surface of the covering sheet.

[0035] The wing release sheet 43 covers the folded wing adhesive portion 62 before use and is peeled off from the wing adhesive portion 62 during use. The wing release sheet 43 is disposed between the packaging sheet and the absorbent article at least in the packaged state. In the packaged state shown in FIG. 1 and the like, in the region where the wing 7 is disposed, the wing release sheet 43 and the packaging sheet 41 are disposed on the skin side T1 with respect to the wing. The packaging sheet 41 constitutes the outer surface of the covering sheet, and the wing release sheet 43 constitutes the inner surface of the covering sheet. One end portion of the wing release sheet 43 in the front-rear direction L is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41 via the wing joint portion 97. The main body release sheet 42 and the wing release sheet 43 are in contact with the adhesive portion 60 detachably. As the release sheet, a sheet subjected to a release treatment can be used, and materials such as paper, plastic film, and nylon film can be used.

[0036] The covering sheet 40 has an inward fold line that is folded along the width direction W and where the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 face each other. The inward fold line is a fold line for folding the covering sheet 40 toward the inside of the package. The absorbent article 1 is individually packaged by the covering sheet when the covering sheet is folded by the inward fold line. The inward fold line may be a fold line that folds only the covering sheet 40, or the folded covering sheet by the inward fold line may be configured to accommodate a separately folded absorbent article. Alternatively, the inward fold line may be a fold line that folds both the covering sheet 40 and the absorbent article 1 as in the present embodiment. Specifically, after the absorbent article 1 is disposed on the unfolded covering sheet 40, the covering sheet 40 and the absorbent article 1 may be folded together with the inward fold line as a reference point, and the absorbent article may be individually packaged by the covering sheet. A plurality of inward fold lines may be arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction L. The present embodiment has a first inward fold line F1 and a second inward fold line F2. The first inward fold line F1 constitutes the "innermost frontward located inward fold line" in the present invention, and the second inward fold line F2 constitutes the "innermost rearward located inward fold line" in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the region forward of the first inward fold line F1 in the unfolded state constitutes the "front region RF" of the present invention, and the region rearward of the second inward fold line F2 in the unfolded state constitutes the "rear region RR" of the present invention.

[0037] When the covering sheet is folded with the inner fold line as a base point, it becomes a "packaged state" in which the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged by the packaging sheet 41. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the package 100 in the "deployed state" is in a state where it is not folded with any inner fold line as a base point. In the deployed state, the covering sheet 40 may be folded with a fold line other than the inner fold line (for example, the wing fold line, the outer fold line described later) as a base point. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the package in the packaged state, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the package in a partially deployed state developed from the packaged state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the first inner fold line F1 as a base point. The package in the partially deployed state is not folded with the first inner fold line F1 as a base point, and the covering sheet 40 is folded with the second inner fold line F2 as a base point. FIGS. 5 to 7 show the package in the deployed state developed from the partially deployed state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the second inner fold line F2 as a base point. The package in the deployed state is not folded by the first inner fold line F1 and the second inner fold line F2. For the sake of convenience of explanation, in FIG. 5, a state where the covering sheet is not folded by the outer fold line F4 is shown, and in FIG. 6, a state where the covering sheet is not folded by the outer fold line F4 is shown by a solid line, and a state where the covering sheet is folded by the outer fold line F4 is shown by a dotted line. In the packaged state, the outer portion of the covering sheet 40 may be joined via the sheet joining portion 48. The sheet joining portion 48 is provided on both side portions in the width direction of the package and joins the laminated covering sheets. The sheet joining portion 48 may join the sheets by pressing the covering sheets together so that the covering sheets engage with each other. The fibers constituting the sheet at the sheet joining portion 48 may be fused in the covering sheet made of 100% cellulose and may be fused in the covering sheet other than 100% cellulose.

[0038] (3) The first feature of the package Next, the first feature of the package will be described in detail. The package according to the first feature is configured to prevent moisture and dirt adhering to the hand from adhering to the absorbent article 1 before use, so that the absorbent article 1 can be used hygienically. Next, the configuration for preventing dirt and the like from adhering to the absorbent article before use and using the absorbent article hygienically will be described in detail. The coating sheet 40 contains cellulose-based fibers. The cellulose-based fibers are fibers whose main component (for example, 50% or more) is cellulose, and examples thereof include plant fibers such as cotton and hemp, regenerated fibers such as rayon, cupra, and lyocell, and synthetic fibers such as acetate. The coating sheet 40 may be composed of a paper sheet. The cellulose-based fibers have high water absorption and moisture absorption, and by including the cellulose-based fibers in the coating sheet 40, moisture and dirt adhering to fingers and the like can be absorbed by the coating sheet 40 during the process of unfolding the package 100. In the case of a form having a plurality of coating sheets, at least one coating sheet may have cellulose-based fibers. In the present embodiment, the packaging sheet 41, the main body peeling sheet 42, and the wing peeling sheet 43 all contain cellulose-based fibers. The water absorption and moisture absorption of the cellulose fibers in the main body peeling sheet 42 and the wing peeling sheet 43 are lower than the water absorption and moisture absorption of the cellulose fibers in the packaging sheet 41. The coating sheet (in the present embodiment, the main body peeling sheet 42 and the wing peeling sheet 43) that comes into contact with the adhesive portion 60 is silicon-coated, and the coating sheet (in the present embodiment, the packaging sheet 41) that does not come into contact with the adhesive portion 60 does not have to be silicon-coated.

[0039] The covering sheet 40 has an outer fold line F4 that is folded along the width direction W and with the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 facing each other. The outer fold line F4 is a fold line that folds toward the outside of the package 100. The outer fold line F4 is disposed in at least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR. When the wearer unfolds the package 100, the front region RF and the rear region RR of the covering sheet 40 are unfolded with the inner fold line as a base point. An outer fold line F4 is formed in at least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR of the covering sheet 40, and a folded-back portion 45 folded toward the outside of the package 100 with the outer fold line F4 as a base point is formed. The folded-back portion 45 is a portion folded outward by the outer fold line F4 and is a region between the outer fold line F4 and the outer edge of the covering sheet. The wearer can grip and unfold the folded-back portion 45 of the covering sheet 40 during unfolding. The folded-back portion 45 is folded back to the outer surface side of the package 100 and is not disposed on the absorbent article 1 side. Therefore, when the wearer grips the covering sheet 40 during unfolding, it is easy to grip only the folded-back portion 45 without grasping the absorbent article 1. The covering sheet 40 contains cellulose-based fibers and can absorb moisture and dirt attached to fingers or the like during the unfolding process. Also, when wrapping and discarding the used absorbent article 1 with the covering sheet 40, the dirt attached to the hand during the wrapping process can be absorbed by the covering sheet. Dirt or the like attached to the hand can be absorbed by the covering sheet, and the absorbent article can be hygienically gripped with clean hands and used hygienically. Note that the outer fold line F4 may be provided in at least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR. As in the present embodiment, the outer fold line F4 may not be provided in one (the front region RF of the present embodiment) and may be formed in the other (the rear region of the present embodiment). However, in a modified example, the outer fold line may be provided in both the front region RF and the rear region RR.

[0040] The water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet 40 may be lower than that of the outer surface of the covering sheet 40. The outer surface of the covering sheet 40 constitutes the outer surface of the package 100, and the inner surface of the covering sheet 40 abuts on the absorbent article 1. Since the water absorbency of the outer surface of the covering sheet is high, when the outer surface of the package 100 is gripped, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the outer surface of the covering sheet. Further, since the water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is low, it is possible to suppress the dirt and the like absorbed by the covering sheet 40 from adhering to the absorbent article 1. The inner surface and the outer surface of the covering sheet may be constituted by the same covering sheet, or in the form in which a plurality of covering sheets are laminated as in the present embodiment, the inner surface and the outer surface of the covering sheet may be constituted by different covering sheets. In the present embodiment, the outer surface of the covering sheet is constituted by a paper packaging sheet containing cellulosic fibers, and the inner surface of the covering sheet is constituted by the main body release sheet 42 subjected to a lamination treatment (release treatment). According to the configuration in which the covering sheet is constituted by two sheets of sheets made of different materials and the water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than that of the outer surface of the covering sheet as in the present embodiment, even when the moisture cannot be completely absorbed by the packaging sheet, the main body release sheet 42 suppresses the permeation of moisture, making it difficult for the moisture to reach the absorbent article 1.

[0041] Here, "water absorbency" can be measured by the following method. When the material constituting the outer surface of the coating sheet is different from the material constituting the inner surface of the coating sheet, each of the material constituting the outer surface of the coating sheet and the material constituting the inner surface of the coating sheet is cut into 50 mm × 50 mm. 0.1 ml of water is dropped onto the surface to be measured of each material, and wait for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, 10 sheets of filter paper are placed on the surface to be measured of the material, and a weight of 525 g is placed on the filter paper, and wait for 10 seconds. Measure the weight of the filter paper that has absorbed water, and the one with the higher weight is judged to have higher water absorbency. When the material constituting the outer surface of the coating sheet is the same as the material constituting the inner surface of the coating sheet, that is, when both the outer surface and the inner surface of the coating sheet are constituted by the packaging sheet 41, two pieces of the packaging sheet cut into 50 mm × 50 mm are prepared. 0.1 ml of water is dropped one drop at a time onto the outer surface and the inner surface of the packaging sheet, and compared by the total amount of water until the water flows on the surface to be measured. The one with the larger total amount of water is judged to have higher water absorbency.

[0042] The packaging sheet 41 as the first coating sheet may contain cellulose-based fibers. The cellulose-based fibers contained in the first coating sheet can absorb dirt adhering to the outer surface of the package. Therefore, even when the package before opening is gripped with a hand to which moisture and dirt have adhered, the first coating sheet can absorb the moisture and the like. The first coating sheet may have an outer fold line F4 formed thereon. Cellulose-based fibers can be arranged in the folded-back portion 45 folded based on the outer fold line F4, and the first coating sheet can absorb moisture and the like adhering to a finger or the like that has grasped the folded-back portion 45.

[0043] In a wet state where the covering sheet is wet, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the longitudinal direction L may be higher than the breaking strength of the first covering sheet in the longitudinal direction L. In the wet state, that is, when the covering sheet absorbs moisture, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the longitudinal direction is high, and it is possible to prevent the covering sheet from tearing during deployment and disposal. Even when the breaking strength of the first covering sheet having cellulose-based fibers is relatively low, the presence of the second covering sheet can suppress the breaking of the covering sheet while obtaining the effect of absorbing dirt by the covering sheet. Also, in the wet state, the breaking strength of the third covering sheet in the longitudinal direction L may be higher than the breaking strength of the first covering sheet in the longitudinal direction L. In the wet state, the breaking strength of the third covering sheet in the longitudinal direction is high, and it is possible to prevent the covering sheet from tearing during deployment and disposal. Even when the breaking strength of the first covering sheet having cellulose-based fibers is relatively low, the presence of the third covering sheet can suppress the breaking of the covering sheet while obtaining the effect of absorbing dirt by the covering sheet.

[0044] Here, the "breaking strength in the longitudinal direction in the wet state" can be measured by the following method. First, cut the material to be measured into 125 mm × 25 mm, pour 0.5 ml of water onto each material, and wait for 5 seconds. This state is defined as the wet state. Next, use a tensile testing machine (manufactured by Instron, a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf), Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580-1KN) to grip both ends of the material in the longitudinal direction in the wet state with two chucks provided on the tensile testing machine. The distance between the chucks is set to 100 mm. With the tensile testing machine, while pulling the two chucks at a constant speed (for example: 100 mm / min) so that the distance between the two chucks expands, measure the load applied to the two chucks. The load at which the material breaks is defined as the breaking strength. However, calculate the average value of the breaking strengths of six materials as the final breaking strength (N / 25 mm).

[0045] The first covering sheet and the third covering sheet may have an outer fold line F4 formed therein. In regions on the outer side in the front-rear direction than the outer fold line F4, the third covering sheet may cover a partial region of the first covering sheet. The regions on the outer side in the front-rear direction than the outer fold line F4 are regions on the outer side in the front-rear direction than the outer fold line F4 in a state where the package is not folded by the outer fold line, and are regions that become the folded-back portion 45. In the present embodiment, it is the region from the outer fold line F4 to the outer packaging end 55. In regions on the outer side in the front-rear direction L than the outer fold line F4, a part of the first covering sheet is covered by the third covering sheet. In the folded-back portion 45, the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are disposed on the surface facing the outside of the package. In the present embodiment, the outer fold line F4 is formed in the packaging sheet 41 as the first covering sheet and the wing peeling sheet 43 as the third covering sheet. The first covering sheet constitutes both surfaces in the folded-back portion 45 folded with the outer fold line F4 as a base point. Therefore, the first covering sheet can efficiently absorb dirt or the like attached to the finger on both the upper surface and the lower surface when the folded-back portion 45 is grasped with a finger. Further, by partially disposing the third covering sheet, even when the breaking strength of the first covering sheet having cellulose-based fibers is relatively low, the breaking strength of the folded-back portion can be increased, and when the folded-back portion 45 is grasped and unfolded, it is possible to suppress the folded-back portion 45 from breaking. Further, in a form in which the outer fold line F4 is formed in the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, the wing joint portion 97 may be disposed across the outer fold line F4. The rigidity of the location where the outer fold line F4 is formed becomes high, the position of the outer fold line F4 is stabilized, and it is possible to suppress the formation of wrinkles in the folded-back portion 45.

[0046] The outer edge in the width direction W of the third covering sheet may be located on the inner side in the width direction W than the outer edge in the width direction W of the first covering sheet. According to this aspect, since the length in the width direction of the third covering sheet is shorter than the length in the width direction of the first covering sheet, when the wearer visually recognizes the folded-back portion 45, it is easy to grasp the presence of the folded-back portion 45 due to the presence of the two covering sheets. Therefore, the wearer can recognize the folded-back portion at the time of deployment, can recognize it, and it becomes easier to grasp the folded-back portion.

[0047] The outer portion in the width direction W of the first covering sheet may be laminated at the outer portion of the covering sheet 40 and joined to each other by the sheet joint portion 48. According to this aspect, since the first covering sheet is joined at the sheet joint portion 48, it is easy to maintain the state where the first covering sheet is folded back. It becomes easier for the wearer to grasp the folded-back portion 45, and by pulling the folded-back portion 45, it becomes easier to unfold the package body with the inner fold line as a base point. In the form where the folded-back portion 45 is formed in the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, the sheet joint portion 48 may be disposed outside the width direction W than the outer edge of the third covering sheet. Similarly, in the form where the folded-back portion 45 is formed in the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet, the sheet joint portion 48 may be disposed outside the width direction W than the outer edge of the second covering sheet.

[0048] In a modification, the third covering sheet may be disposed at the outer edge of the covering sheet together with the outer edge of the first covering sheet. Also, in another modification, the outer fold line F4 may be formed only in the first covering sheet among the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet and may not be formed in the third covering sheet. That is, the folded-back portion 45 may be constituted only by the first covering sheet. Also, the outer fold line F4 may be formed only in the first covering sheet among the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet and may not be formed in the second covering sheet, or may be formed in both the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet.

[0049] The outer edge of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction L has a covering outer edge located on the outer surface of the package 100 in the state where the absorbent article 1 is packaged, and a covering inner edge on the side opposite to the covering outer edge. The covering outer edge of the present embodiment is constituted by the packaging outer edge 55, and the covering inner edge is constituted by the packaging inner edge 56. A fastening tape 70 for fastening the outer edge of the covering sheet 40 may be attached to the covering outer edge. The covering inner edge may be folded by the outer fold line F4. According to this configuration, the wearer can, when unfolding, hold the fastening tape 70 of the covering outer edge with one hand and hold the folded-back portion 45 with the other hand to unfold. When opening the package, both ends of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction L can be held respectively to unfold the absorbent article without directly touching it, and the absorbent article 1 can be used hygienically.

[0050] In addition, in a modified example, the covering outer edge may be folded by the outer fold line F4. That is, a folded-back portion 45 may be formed on the outer surface in the packaged state. According to this modified example, even if the fastening tape 70 is not provided, the wearer can unfold the package 100 without directly grasping the absorbent article 1 by grasping the vicinity of the covering outer edge.

[0051] The outer edge of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction has an article outer edge 11 located on the covering outer edge side. The article outer edge of the present embodiment is constituted by the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The distance L11 in the front-rear direction between the article outer edge 11 and the covering outer edge may be longer than the distance L12 in the front-rear direction between the outer fold line F4 and the covering inner edge. According to this aspect, since the distance L11 in the front-rear direction between the article outer edge 11 and the covering outer edge is relatively long, when the wearer grasps the covering outer edge of the covering sheet 40 to which the fastening tape 70 is attached, it is difficult to directly touch the absorbent article 1, and it is possible to suppress the attachment of dirt etc. attached to the hand to the absorbent article 1. Also, since the distance L12 in the front-rear direction L between the outer fold line F4 and the covering inner edge is relatively short, when grasping and unfolding the folded-back portion 45, the distance between the outer fold line F4 serving as the base point and the grasped portion is short, and it becomes easier to easily unfold the folded-back portion 45.

[0052] In a modified example, the distance L11 in the front-rear direction L between the outer end 11 of the article and the outer end of the covering may be shorter than the distance L12 in the front-rear direction L between the outer fold line F4 and the inner end of the covering. According to this aspect, since the distance L11 in the front-rear direction L between the outer end 11 of the article and the outer end of the covering is relatively short, when the wearer grabs the outer end of the covering and applies force to the covering sheet, the covering sheet 40 is less likely to be torn. Also, since the distance L12 in the front-rear direction L between the outer fold line F4 and the inner end of the covering is relatively long, the folded-back portion 45 is more prominent and easier to grab, and the folded-back portion 45 can be easily grabbed and unfolded during the unfolding operation.

[0053] The length of the folded-back portion 45 in the front-rear direction may be shorter than the length of the package 100 in the front-rear direction L in the packaged state, but preferably may be 50% or less, more preferably 30% or less, with respect to the length of the package 100 in the front-rear direction L in the packaged state. The folded-back portion 45 is more likely to lift up with the outer fold line F4 as the base point. Also, the length of the folded-back portion 45 in the front-rear direction L may be 5% or more, preferably 10% or more, with respect to the length of the package 100 in the front-rear direction L in the packaged state. A gripping margin for the folded-back portion 45 can be provided, making it easier for the wearer to grab and unfold the folded-back portion 45.

[0054] The covering joint portion 90 that joins the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet may be disposed within the region where the outer fold line F4 is provided, among the front region RF and the rear region RR. When gripping and unfolding the folded-back portion 45, the region where the outer fold line F4 is provided, among the front region RF and the rear region RR, is unfolded. At this time, since the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are joined within the said region, when pulling and unfolding the folded-back portion 45, the covering sheets can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article 1 without being overly separated from each other. The covering joint portion 90 of the present embodiment has a first covering joint portion 91 disposed between the first inner fold line F1 and the packaging outer end 55, and a second covering joint portion 92 disposed between the second inner fold line F2 and the outer fold line F4. The outer fold line F4 is provided in the rear region RR, and the second covering joint portion 92 is provided in the said rear region RR. Therefore, when gripping the folded-back portion 45 and unfolding it with the second inner fold line F2 as a base point, the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are less likely to shift in the rear region RR that moves by applying force, and force can be applied to both the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet to move them. Therefore, the covering sheets can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article 1.

[0055] The non-joint region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not joined may be continuously provided in the front-rear direction L between the first inner fold line F1 and the second inner fold line F2. According to this aspect, since the covering joint portion 90 is not provided between the first inner fold line F1 and the second inner fold line F2, a region where the adhesive constituting the covering joint portion 90 is not attached, or a region that is not provided with the covering joint portion 90 and is easily deformed flexibly is continuously arranged. By providing the non-joint region over a wide range, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the covering sheets over a wide range.

[0056] The length in the front-rear direction of the folded portion 45 at the outer portion on one side in the width direction W of the folded portion 45 and the length in the front-rear direction of the folded portion 45 at the outer portion on the other side in the width direction W of the folded portion 45 may be different. The outer portion on one side in the width direction W of the folded portion 45 and the outer portion on the other side in the width direction W of the folded portion 45 are outer portions respectively located on both sides sandwiching the center in the width direction W of the package. According to this aspect, the length in the front-rear direction L of the folded portion 45 is changed, and the front edge or the rear edge of the folded portion 45 is inclined with respect to the width direction. Therefore, the folded portion 45 is likely to be conspicuous. Further, since the volume of the space sandwiched between the folded portion 45 and the covering sheet overlapping the folded portion 45 is changed, it is easy to put a finger into the space and it becomes easier to grasp the folded portion 45.

[0057] Next, a manufacturing method of the package 100 configured as described above will be described. Note that the following description of the manufacturing method is an example, and for other steps not described in the following description, well-known steps can be appropriately adopted. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing method of the package. MD shown in FIG. 8 is the conveyance direction. CD is the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction.

[0058] The manufacturing method of the first feature includes at least a first folding step S31 and a second folding step S32. The conveyance direction MD of the first folding step S31 and the second folding step S32 is the second conveyance direction MD2. The second conveyance direction MD2 is a direction along the width direction of the package. In the first folding step S31, with the absorbent article 1 placed on the covering sheet 40, the absorbent article 1 and the covering sheet 40 are folded together with the inner fold line F2 along the width direction W as a reference point. In the present embodiment, with the absorbent article 1 spaced apart in the second conveyance direction MD2 on the continuous package 41C in which the packaging sheet 41 as the first covering sheet is continuous in the conveyance direction MD, the continuous package 41C and the absorbent article 1 are folded together with the second inner fold line F2 as a reference point. In the second folding step S32, the outer end portion in the front-rear direction L of the covering sheet 40 is folded back with the outer fold line F4 as a reference point toward the outer surface of the package 100 to form a folded-back portion 45. In the second folding step S32 of the present embodiment, the outer end portion 41C1 folded by the first folding step S31 among the end portions in the orthogonal direction CD of the continuous package 41C is folded with the outer fold line F4 as a reference point. According to the manufacturing method, a package having a folded-back portion 45 formed at the outer end portion in the front-rear direction L of the covering sheet 40 can be manufactured.

[0059] Preferably, in the first folding step S31, one outer end portion located on the outer fold line F4 side among the outer end portions in the front-rear direction L of the covering sheet 40 is folded, and in the second folding step S32, one outer end portion of the covering sheet 40 folded by the first folding step S31 and the other outer end portion in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet are folded together so as to overlap the region folded by the first folding step. Note that one outer end portion located on the outer fold line F4 side among the outer end portions in the front-rear direction L of the covering sheet 40 is the outer portion close to the outer fold line F4 when in the packaged state, in other words, the outer portion forming the folded-back portion.

[0060] In this embodiment, in the first folding step S31, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous package 41C is folded with the second inner fold line F2 as a reference point. Next, in the second folding step, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous package 41C and the other outer end portion 41C2 of the continuous package 41C are folded so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. In this second folding step S32, the fold line for folding one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous package 41C is folded so that the outer surfaces of the continuous package 41C face each other, and becomes the outer fold line F4. Further, the fold line for folding the other outer end portion 41C2 of the continuous package 41C is folded so that the inner surfaces of the continuous package 41C face each other, and becomes the first inner fold line F1. Therefore, a folded-back portion 45 folded to the outside of the package can be formed at one end portion of the covering sheet. Also, in the second folding step, the inner fold line F1 and the outer fold line F4 can be formed simultaneously. By forming them simultaneously, compared with a configuration in which fold lines are formed separately, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the creases formed by the fold lines can be strengthened, and the shape of the folded-back portion can be easily maintained. In a modification, the inner fold line F1 and the outer fold line F4 may not be formed simultaneously, and the inner fold line F1 and the outer fold line F4 may be formed in separate steps.

[0061] Preferably, in the second folding step S32, the third covering sheet may be folded together with the first covering sheet. In this embodiment, the continuous package 41C and the wing release sheet 43 may be folded together with the outer fold line F4 as a reference point. According to this configuration, the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are folded with the outer fold line F4 as a reference point, and the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet can be arranged at the folded-back portion 45. Therefore, the breaking strength of the folded-back portion 45 can be increased, and when the folded-back portion 45 is grasped and unfolded, it can be suppressed that the folded-back portion 45 breaks. Note that the wing release sheet 43 may not be folded in the first folding step S31 and may be folded only in the second folding step S32.

[0062] Preferably, in the second folding step S32, the outer fold line F4 may be disposed at a position overlapping the wing joint portion 97 that joins the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, thereby forming the folded-back portion 45. According to this configuration, the wing joint portion 97 is disposed across the outer fold line F4 in the front-rear direction L. The rigidity of the portion where the outer fold line F4 is formed is increased, and since the positions of the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet do not shift when the outer fold line F4 is formed, the position of the outer fold line F4 is stabilized, and the formation of wrinkles in the folded-back portion 45 can be suppressed.

[0063] (4) Second feature of the package Next, the second feature of the package will be described in detail. The package according to the second feature is configured to suppress breakage when the paper packaging sheet is discarded and to hygienically discard the used absorbent article. Next, the configuration for suppressing breakage when the paper packaging sheet is discarded and hygienically discarding the used absorbent article will be described in detail. The package 100 according to the second feature includes the absorbent article 1 and the packaging sheet 41 that individually packages the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 includes the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32. The packaging sheet 41 and the core wrap sheet 32 are each composed of a paper sheet containing cellulose-based fibers. According to the package 100 according to the second feature, since it has the packaging sheet 41 and the core wrap sheet 32 made of a paper sheet, it is possible to provide a package for an absorbent article that takes environmental considerations into account. The paper sheet is manufactured by adhering fibers containing cellulose-based fibers, and may be either Japanese paper, Western paper, or a tissue.

[0064] The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. Absorbent articles using a paper sheet (tissue) as the core wrap sheet 32 have been conventionally provided. The core wrap sheet 32 maintains its shape without breaking during use in its normal usage form. The wearer recognizes that the core wrap sheet 32 does not break in its normal usage form. Since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 is higher than that of the core wrap sheet 32, the wearer has a conviction that the packaging sheet 41 is difficult to break and can safely use the paper-made packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal.

[0065] Generally, the length of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W, and the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the longitudinal direction L is also longer than the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W. Also, the wearer often rolls up the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction L at the time of disposal and wraps the rolled absorbent article 1 with the packaging sheet 41. Therefore, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the longitudinal direction L is sufficiently long for the rolled absorbent article 1. However, since the absorbent article 1 is not rolled up in the width direction W at the time of disposal, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W is not sufficiently long for the rolled absorbent article 1. Therefore, when wrapping the absorbent article 1 at the time of disposal, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may not be sufficient, and in such a case, the packaging sheet 41 is easily pulled in the width direction W. At this time, since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W is configured to be relatively high, breakage of the packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal is suppressed, and the used absorbent article 1 can be hygienically disposed of.

[0066] The "breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet" can be measured by the following method. Use a tensile testing machine (manufactured by Instron - a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf) Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580 - 1KN). Freeze the absorbent article to be tested with liquid nitrogen, cut it along the cross-section in the width direction W with a sharp cutter, and measure the length in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet before individually removing the core wrap sheet from the absorbent article. Then, remove the adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive) attached to the core wrap sheet with toluene or the like, and measure the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet after air drying. The "breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet" is calculated by Equation 1. (Equation 1) Breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet = Length by which the core wrap sheet has elongated in the width direction during measurement of breaking elongation / Length in the width direction of the core wrap sheet before individually removing the core wrap sheet from the absorbent article

[0067] The "breaking elongation of the packaging sheet" can be measured by the following method. Use a tensile testing machine (manufactured by Instron - a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf) Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580 - 1KN)). Measure the length in the width direction of the packaging sheet in the packaged state. Then, create a sample at a location where there is little change in the physical properties of the material due to the adhesive and embossing, etc., and measure the breaking elongation. The "breaking elongation of the packaging sheet" is calculated by Equation 2. (Equation 2) Breaking elongation of the packaging sheet = Length by which the packaging sheet has elongated in the width direction during measurement of breaking elongation / Length in the width direction of the packaging sheet in the packaged state

[0068] The width direction of the above measurement method was replaced with the front-back direction to measure the elongation at break, and the values obtained by measuring the breaking strength using the method for the breaking strength of the package of the first characteristic are shown in Table 1 below. Also shown are the test results of evaluating whether tearing occurs when wrapping a rounded absorbent article using the packaging sheets according to Examples 1 to 4 and the packaging sheets according to Comparative Examples 1 to 2. The evaluation test was conducted by five testers. The packaging sheets were evaluated by each tester three times. That is, 15 evaluation tests were conducted for one packaging sheet. When the number of times the packaging sheet was torn was 2 or less, it was rated as "◎", when it was 5 or less, it was rated as "○", and when it was 6 or more, it was rated as "×".

Table 1

[0069] The elongation at break in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be 19% or more and less than 100%. When the packaging sheet 41 is pulled in the width direction W, since the packaging sheet 41 can be stretched by 19% or more, it is possible to wrap the absorbent article while suppressing the breakage of the packaging sheet 41 when pulled. Also, since the elongation at break of the packaging sheet 41 is less than 100%, the packaging sheet 41 does not stretch too much and can apply a wrapping force to the absorbent article to smoothly wrap the absorbent article.

[0070] The elongation at break in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the elongation at break in the front-back direction L of the packaging sheet 41. The width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 is shorter than the length in the front-back direction L of the packaging sheet 41, and the packaging sheet 41 is more easily stretched in the width direction W than in the front-back direction L. At this time, since the packaging sheet 41 is easily stretched in the width direction W, breakage of the packaging sheet 41 when wrapping the absorbent article at the time of disposal can be suppressed. Also, since the front-back direction L of the packaging sheet 41 does not stretch too much, the packaging sheet 41 does not stretch too much and can apply a wrapping force to the absorbent article to smoothly wrap the absorbent article 1.

[0071] The breaking strength in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction L of the packaging sheet 41. The packaging sheet 41 is more likely to be stretched in the width direction W than in the longitudinal direction L when being discarded. At this time, the packaging sheet 41 is less likely to break in the width direction W, and the breakage of the packaging sheet 41 when wrapping the absorbent article at the time of discarding can be suppressed.

[0072] Also, the elongation at break in the longitudinal direction L of the core wrap sheet 32 may be higher than the elongation at break in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. The breaking strength in the longitudinal direction L of the core wrap sheet 32 may be higher than the breaking strength in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. After the absorbent article 1 is attached to the wearing article, when performing an operation of moving the foot such as walking, the absorbent article may expand and contract in the longitudinal direction L. At this time, by having both the elongation and strength such that the core wrap sheet 32 can follow the movement, the basic functions as the absorbent article 1 can be ensured.

[0073] The crepe ratio in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the crepe ratio in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. According to this configuration, since the crepe ratio in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 is high, there is an elongation allowance when the packaging sheet 41 is pulled in the width direction W, and breakage when pulled in the width direction W can be more suppressed. Here, the crepe ratio is a value indicating how much it has become shorter during the crepe processing, and the higher the value, the shorter it has become during the processing. The crepe ratio can be measured, for example, by the underwater elongation method. The material to be measured (core wrap sheet and packaging sheet) is cut into 50 mm × 50 mm to prepare a measurement sample. After immersing the measurement sample in water for 10 seconds and then pulling it out, the crepe ratio is calculated from the amount of dimensional change by Equation 3. The measurement is performed 3 times (n = 3), and the average value is taken as the measured value. (Equation 3) Crepe ratio (%) = { (dimension after immersion in water) / (dimension before immersion in water) - 1} × 100

[0074] The water absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 may be higher than that of the packaging sheet 41. According to this configuration, since the water absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 is relatively high, body fluids can be retained within the absorbent article 1, and it becomes difficult for the fluids to seep out of the absorbent article 1 during disposal. On the other hand, since the water absorbency of the packaging sheet 41 is low, the packaging sheet 41 does not retain too much moisture, suppressing the packaging sheet 41 wrapping the absorbent article from becoming sticky during disposal and enabling hygienic disposal. Note that the water absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 and the water absorbency of the packaging sheet 41 can use the method for measuring water absorbency in the packaging body of the first feature.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging sheet 41 may be folded along the width direction W and based on the inner folds F1, F2 where the inner surfaces of the packaging sheet 41 face each other to individually package the absorbent article 1. In the state where the absorbent article 1 is packaged, the outer packaging end 55 of the packaging sheet 41 is disposed on the outer surface of the package 100, and a fastening tape 70 may be attached to the packaging outer end 55. When opening the package 100, the fastening tape 70 is gripped and pulled along the longitudinal direction L to unfold the packaging sheet 41. At this time, the force for pulling the packaging sheet 41 via the fastening tape 70 is transmitted via the fixed end portion 71. When pulled via the fastening tape 70, the fact that the packaging sheet 41 does not break gives the impression that the packaging sheet 41 is not easily broken, and the paper packaging sheet 41 can be used with confidence during disposal.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7, the core wrap sheet 32 may be folded back inward in the width direction W based on both side edges in the width direction W of the absorbent core 31, and may have a wrap laminated portion 33 where the folded core wrap sheets 32 overlap each other. The length W11 in the width direction W of the wrap laminated portion 33 may be longer than the length W12 in the width direction W of the fixed end portion 71. Since the length in the width direction W of the wrap laminated portion 33 where the core wrap sheets 32 overlap is longer than the length in the width direction W of the fixed end portion 71, the wearer has the impression that the core wrap sheet 32 is also not easily broken because it is wider than the fixed end portion 71, and the absorbent article 1 can be used with confidence without worrying about the breakage of the core wrap sheet 32.

[0077] A main body release sheet 42 joined to the packaging sheet 41 via a covering joint portion 90 may be disposed between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article 1. Since the absorbent article 1 can be wrapped by the packaging sheet 41 and the main body release sheet 42 at the time of disposal, the rigidity of the wrapping member can be increased, and breakage of the packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal can be suppressed. The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the main body release sheet 42. As shown in FIG. 6, the packaging sheet 41 may have an extension region RE extending outward in the front-rear direction L beyond the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the main body release sheet 42 in the unfolded state. The fixed end portion 71 may overlap the extension region RE. Since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 is high and the fixed end portion 71 of the fastening tape 70 is disposed in the extension region RE of the packaging sheet 41, when the packaging sheet 41 is pulled through the fastening tape, the packaging sheet 41 easily stretches in the extension region, and breakage of the packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal can be suppressed. Note that at least a part of the fixed end portion 71 may overlap the extension region RE, but preferably, the entire fixed end portion 71 may overlap the extension region RE.

[0078] The covering joint portion 90 may be provided in each of a front region RF in front of the innermost fold line F1 located at the most front side and a rear region RR behind the innermost fold line F2 located at the most rear side. In the present embodiment, a first covering joint portion 91 is provided in the front region RF, and a second covering joint portion 92 is provided in the rear region RR. According to this aspect, since the covering joint portions 90 are respectively disposed outside the innermost fold lines in the front-rear direction L in the front-rear direction L, the main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 can be disposed across the innermost fold lines located on both outer sides in the front-rear direction L. When the absorbent article to be discarded is placed between the innermost fold lines located on both outer sides in the front-rear direction L, the absorbent article can be wrapped by the packaging sheet 41 and the main body release sheet.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1 and the like, the packaging sheet 41 has a central region RC located at the center in the width direction W among the regions obtained by trisecting the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W, and side regions RS located on the sides in the width direction W among the trisected regions. The breaking strength in the longitudinal direction L of the central region RC may be higher than the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction L of the side regions RS. Generally, the wearer grips the center in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 and wraps the absorbent article while pulling the packaging sheet 41. Also, the fastening tape 70 is disposed in the central region RC, and sometimes the wearer grips the fastening tape 70 and wraps the absorbent article 1 while pulling the packaging sheet 41. At this time, since the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction L of the central region is high, the absorbent article 1 can be wrapped while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet 41. Preferably, the packaging sheet 41 is joined by a sheet joint 48 in the side regions RS, and may not be joined by the sheet joint 48 in the central region RC. Although the crepe has fully extended in the sheet joint 48, the central region RC where the sheet joint 48 is not formed still has some stretch, so the used absorbent article can be neatly rolled up.

[0080] The color difference ΔE between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article may be 3.0 or more. It is easy for the wearer to distinguish and recognize the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article, and the absorbent article at the time of disposal can be placed at an appropriate position (for example, the center) of the packaging sheet 41. At the time of disposal, the absorbent article is rolled up with the skin side facing inward, and since the absorbent article is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41, the color difference ΔE between the non-skin surface of the absorbent article and the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41 may be 3.0 or more. The color difference ΔE can be obtained by performing colorimetry on two points (two regions) to be measured using a commercially available colorimeter and comparing the numerical values based on the CIE1976 (L*a*b*) color space defined in JIS Z 8729. Specifically, when the difference in L* value between the two points to be measured is ΔL*, the difference in a* is Δa*, and the difference in b* value is Δb*, the color difference ΔE = [(ΔL*)2+(Δa*)2+(Δb*)2]1 / 2.

[0081] Next, a method for manufacturing the package 100 configured as described above will be described. Note that the following description of the manufacturing method is an example, and for other processes not described in the following description, well-known processes and the processes of the first feature can be appropriately employed. The manufacturing method of the package of the second feature is a manufacturing method of a package in which an absorbent article 1 having a core wrap sheet 32 with a breaking elongation in the front-rear direction L higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W is individually packaged with a packaging sheet 41 having a breaking elongation in the width direction W higher than the breaking elongation in the front-rear direction L. The manufacturing method has at least a first conveying step S10, a transfer step S20, and a second conveying step S30.

[0082] In the first conveying step S10, the absorbent article 1 having the core wrap sheet 32 is conveyed along a first conveying direction MD1 along the front-rear direction L. In the first conveying step S10, when the absorbent article 1 is conveyed alone, the absorbent article 1 is conveyed in the first conveying direction MD1 along the front-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1. In the first conveying step S10, the core wrap sheet 32 is conveyed along the front-rear direction in which it is likely to stretch, and it is possible to suppress problems such as wrinkles occurring in the core wrap sheet 32 or the core wrap sheet 32 breaking.

[0083] In the transfer step S20, a continuous package 41C in which the packaging sheet 41 is continuous in the width direction W is conveyed in a second conveying direction MD2 along the width direction W, and the absorbent article 1 conveyed by the first conveying step S10 is rotated 90 degrees and transferred onto the continuous package 41C. In the present embodiment, the absorbent articles 1 are arranged on the continuous package 41C at intervals in the conveying direction MD. The second conveying direction MD2 is along the width direction W, in which the packaging sheet 41 is likely to stretch and the core wrap sheet 32 is unlikely to stretch.

[0084] The second conveying step S30 conveys the absorbent article 1 and the continuous packaging body 41C in a second conveying direction MD2 along the width direction W of the absorbent article 1 and along the width direction W of the continuous packaging body 41C after the transfer step S20. The second conveying step S30 includes a folding step and a cutting step S35. The folding step may be constituted by a first folding step S31 and a second folding step S32 in the manufacturing method of the first feature. By the folding step, the absorbent article 1 is enclosed in the continuous packaging body 41C. In the folding step of the second conveying step S30, the continuous packaging body 41C and the absorbent article 1 are folded inward in the longitudinal direction L with a medial fold line along the width direction W as a base point. The core wrap sheet 32 has a portion that is locally pulled in the longitudinal direction L by the thickness of the absorbent core 31 when being folded. At this time, since the core wrap sheet 32 is likely to extend in the longitudinal direction L, breakage of the core wrap sheet 32 in the folding step can be suppressed.

[0085] The cutting step S35 cuts the continuous packaging body 41C along a cutting line CL along the longitudinal direction L after the folding step. The cutting step S35 cuts the continuous packaging body 41C by a cutting device such as a cutter. By the cutting step S35, individual packaging bodies 100 can be obtained. In the cutting step S35, since the continuous packaging body (packaging sheet) is divided in the width direction W along the cutting line CL along the longitudinal direction L, it is likely to be pulled in the width direction W. At this time, since the packaging sheet 41 is likely to extend in the width direction W, the packaging body 100 can be manufactured while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet 41 during cutting.

[0086] Preferably, in the first folding step S31, one outer end portion of the continuous packaging body 41C in the front-rear direction L is folded, and in the second folding step S32, one outer end portion of the continuous packaging body 41C folded in the first folding step S31 and the other outer end portion of the continuous packaging body 41C in the front-rear direction L are both folded so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. In the present embodiment, in the first folding step S31, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous packaging body 41C is folded with the second inner fold line F2 as a base point. Next, in the second folding step, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous packaging body 41C and the other outer end portion 41C2 of the continuous packaging body 41C are folded so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. The fold line for folding one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous packaging body 41C in the second folding step S32 is folded so that the outer surfaces of the continuous packaging body 41C face each other, and becomes the outer fold line F4. Also, the fold line for folding the other outer end portion 41C2 of the continuous packaging body 41C is folded so that the inner surfaces of the continuous packaging body 41C face each other, and becomes the first inner fold line F1. Therefore, a folded-back portion 45 folded to the outside of the packaging body 100 can be formed at one end portion of the packaging sheet 41. By forming the folded-back portion 45, one outer end portion of the packaging sheet 41 is laminated in multiple layers, and its rigidity is increased. Thus, in the folding step, it is difficult for the packaging sheet 41 to stretch, and it is possible to suppress the formation of unintended wrinkles in the packaging sheet 41.

[0087] As described above, the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. The present invention can be implemented as modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is for illustrative purposes and has no restrictive meaning for the present invention. The above-described first feature and second feature can be combined as appropriate. For example, the packaging body may have the second feature together with the first feature.

[0088] The creases for folding both the covering sheet (packaging sheet) and the absorbent article are only inward creases that are folded along the width direction W and with the inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, and may not have front-back creases that are folded along the front-back direction L and with the inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other. In the form having front-back creases, when the package is unfolded, it is necessary to unfold the entire area of the covering sheet in the front-back direction L with the front-back crease as the base point. At this time, if one tries to unfold with the hand with moisture or the like adhering to it with the front-back crease as the base point, it is impossible to apply a force to unfold up to the end of the covering sheet in the front-back direction L, and there is a risk that the covering sheet will break. The inward crease along the width direction W has a shorter crease length when unfolded than the front-back crease, and by applying a force across the entire crease, the covering sheet can be unfolded while suppressing breakage.

[0089] A plurality of inward creases may be provided, and other inward creases may be formed between the first inward crease F1 and the second inward crease F2. However, preferably, it is composed only of the first inward crease and the second inward crease, and may not have other inward creases. By unfolding with two inward creases as the base points, the absorbent article can be taken out, and problems such as the covering sheet breaking during the process of multiple unfoldings or dirt adhering to the hand during the process of multiple unfoldings adhering to other than the covering sheet can be suppressed.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0090] 100: Package 1: Absorbent article 3: Absorbent body 31: Absorbent core 32: Core wrap sheet 7: Wing 11: Outer end of the article 40: Covering sheet 41: Packaging sheet (first covering sheet) 42: Body release sheet (second covering sheet) 43: Wing release sheet (third covering sheet) 45: Folded-back portion 48: Sheet joint portion 55: Outer end of the package (outer end of the covering) 56: Inner end of packaging (coated inner end) 70: Fixing tape 90: Coated joint 97: Wing joint 100: Packaging body F1: First inner fold line (inner fold line) F2: Second inner fold line (inner fold line) F4: Outer fold line RF: Front region RR: Rear region RC: Central region RR: Side region S10: First conveying process S20: Transfer process S30: Second conveying process S31: First folding process (folding process) S32: Second folding process (folding process) S35: Cutting process L: Front - rear direction T1: Skin side T2: Non - skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article package having an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article, wherein the covering sheet contains cellulosic fibers, the covering sheet has an inner fold line folded along the width direction and with the inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, and an outer fold line folded along the width direction and with the outer surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, the absorbent article is individually packaged by the covering sheet when the covering sheet is folded by the inner fold line, the outer fold line is disposed in at least one of a front region in front of the innermost front fold line and a rear region behind the innermost rear fold line, an absorbent article package.

2. The absorbent article package according to claim 1, wherein the water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than the water absorbency of the outer surface of the covering sheet.

3. the covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet and a second covering sheet located inside the first covering sheet and disposed overlapping at least a part of the first covering sheet, the first covering sheet contains the cellulosic fibers and the outer fold line is formed, The absorbent article package according to claim 1, wherein in a wet state where the covering sheet is wet, the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction of the second covering sheet is higher than the breaking strength in the longitudinal direction of the first covering sheet.

4. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of the wearing article during use and are folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use, the covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet covering the non-skin side of the wing folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article, the first covering sheet contains the cellulosic fibers, the outer fold line is formed in the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, In a region outside the longitudinal direction from the outer fold line, the third covering sheet covers a part of the region of the first covering sheet. The absorbent article package according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The outer edge in the width direction of the third covering sheet is located closer to the inner side in the width direction than the outer edge in the width direction of the first covering sheet. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 4.

6. The outer portion in the width direction of the first covering sheet is laminated at the outer portion of the covering sheet and joined to each other by a sheet joining portion. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 5.

7. The front and rear outer edges of the covering sheet have a covering outer end located on the outer surface of the package in a state where the absorbent article is packaged, and a covering inner end on the side opposite to the covering outer end. A fastening tape for fastening the outer edge of the covering sheet is attached to the covering outer end. The covering inner end is folded by the outer fold line. The package of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The front and rear outer edges of the absorbent article have an article outer end located on the covering outer end side. The distance in the front and rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is longer than the distance in the front and rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 7.

9. The front and rear outer edges of the absorbent article have an article outer end located on the covering outer end side. The distance in the front and rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is shorter than the distance in the front and rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 7.

10. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a second covering sheet located closer to the inside than the first covering sheet and disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the first covering sheet. The covering joint portion for joining the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet is disposed within the region where the outer fold line is provided among the front region and the rear region. The package of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The non-joined region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not joined is continuously provided in the front and rear direction between the innermost fold line located at the frontmost side and the innermost fold line located at the rearmost side. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 10.

12. The covering sheet has a folded-back portion folded by the outer fold line. The length in the front-back direction of the folded portion at the outer portion on one side in the width direction of the folded portion, and the length in the front-back direction of the folded portion at the outer portion on the other side in the width direction of the folded portion, are different. The package of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. A method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article, in which an absorbent article having front-back and width directions orthogonal to each other is individually packaged with a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article, a first folding step of folding both the absorbent article and the covering sheet with an inner fold line along the width direction as a base point in a state where the absorbent article is disposed on the covering sheet; and a second folding step of folding the outer end portions in the front-back direction of the covering sheet with an outer fold line as a base point toward the outer surface of the package to form a folded portion. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article.

14. In the first folding step, one outer end portion located on the outer fold line side among the outer end portions in the front-back direction of the covering sheet is folded, In the second folding step, one outer end portion of the covering sheet folded in the first folding step and the other outer end portion in the front-back direction of the covering sheet are both folded so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article according to claim 13.

15. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of the wearing article during use and are folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use, the covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet covering the non-skin side of the wings folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article, In the second folding step, the outer fold line is disposed at a position overlapping a wing joining portion that joins the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet to form the folded portion. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article according to claim 13.

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