Packaging of absorbent article and manufacturing method of packaging of absorbent article
The package design with a packaging sheet having higher breaking elongation in the width direction and a controlled manufacturing process addresses the issue of breakage during disposal, ensuring hygienic disposal of absorbent articles.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023222786
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing absorbent article packaging sheets, particularly those made of water-soluble paper, are prone to breakage during disposal due to uneven rolling and stretching, leading to hygienic issues.
The package design includes a packaging sheet with higher breaking elongation in the width direction than the core wrap sheet, allowing for easier stretching without breaking, and a manufacturing process that involves specific conveying, folding, and cutting steps to minimize sheet breakage.
The design ensures hygienic disposal of used absorbent articles by reducing breakage of the packaging sheet during disposal, maintaining the integrity of the package and facilitating smooth wrapping.
Smart Images

Figure 2025104752000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a package of an absorbent article wrapped with a packaging sheet.
Background Art
[0002] In recent years, from the perspective of environmental consideration, a switch from plastic to paper materials has been demanded. In view of such a background, packages of absorbent articles employing plastic-free materials have been provided. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a package of an absorbent article in which a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article is made of water-soluble paper having cellulose-based fibers.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] When a wearer exchanges and uses an absorbent article, the used absorbent article may be rolled up, and the rolled absorbent article may be wrapped and discarded with a packaging sheet that originally packaged a new absorbent article. At this time, the absorbent article may not be rolled in a certain direction and may not be rolled into a cylindrical shape, or the absorbent article may adhere to the packaging sheet in a state where the absorbent article is inclined on the packaging sheet, and the direction in which the absorbent article is wound by the packaging sheet may not follow the front-rear direction. As a result, the packaging sheet may receive forces in various directions when wrapping and may break during disposal. Therefore, the used absorbent article may not be discarded hygienically.
[0005] In particular, in the case of a paper packaging sheet such as water-soluble paper, compared with a plastic packaging sheet, it is difficult to stretch and tends to break easily. Therefore, there have been cases where used absorbent articles cannot be discarded hygienically.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides a package for an absorbent article that suppresses breakage when discarding a paper packaging sheet and enables hygienic disposal of used absorbent articles.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0007] A package for an absorbent article according to one aspect includes an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a packaging sheet for individually packaging the absorbent article. The absorbent article has an absorbent core having an absorbent material and a core wrap sheet wrapping the absorbent core. The packaging sheet and the core wrap sheet are paper sheets containing cellulose-based fibers. The breaking elongation of the packaging sheet in the width direction is higher than the breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet in the width direction.
[0008] A method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article according to one aspect is a method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article in which an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other is individually packaged by a packaging sheet. The manufacturing method includes a first conveying step of conveying an absorbent article having a core wrap sheet with a breaking elongation in the front-rear direction higher than that in the width direction along the front-rear direction, a transfer step of converting the absorbent article conveyed in the first conveying step by 90 degrees and transferring it onto a continuous package in which a packaging sheet with a breaking elongation in the width direction higher than that in the front-rear direction is continuous in the width direction, and a second conveying step of conveying the absorbent article and the continuous package along the width direction of the absorbent article after the transfer step. The second conveying step includes a folding step of folding the absorbent article and the continuous package together with a fold line along the width direction as a base point, and a cutting step of cutting the continuous package along a cutting line along the front-rear direction after the folding step.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009]
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0010] (1) Outline of the Embodiment From the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters become clear. The invention according to Aspect 1 is a package of an absorbent article. The package of the absorbent article is a package of an absorbent article having an absorbent article with a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other, and a packaging sheet for individually packaging the absorbent article. The absorbent article has an absorbent core having an absorbent material and a core wrap sheet wrapping the absorbent core. The packaging sheet and the core wrap sheet are paper sheets containing cellulosic fibers. The breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction of the core wrap sheet. According to this aspect, since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet is higher than that of the core wrap sheet, the wearer has a belief that the packaging sheet is difficult to break, and the paper packaging sheet can be safely used at the time of disposal. Further, since the breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is configured to be relatively high, breakage of the packaging sheet at the time of disposal is suppressed, and the used absorbent article can be hygienically disposed of.
[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The crepe ratio in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than the crepe ratio in the width direction of the core wrap sheet. According to this aspect, since the crepe ratio in the width direction of the packaging sheet is high, there is an elongation allowance when the packaging sheet is pulled in the width direction, and breakage when pulled in the width direction can be further suppressed.
[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is 19% or more and less than 100%. According to this aspect, when the packaging sheet is pulled in the width direction, since the packaging sheet can be extended by 19% or more, the absorbent article can be wrapped while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet when pulled. Further, since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet is less than 100%, the packaging sheet does not extend too much and the force to wrap is applied to the absorbent article, and the absorbent article can be smoothly wound.
[0013] 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 elongation at break in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than the elongation at break in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet. The packaging sheet is more likely to be stretched in the width direction than in the longitudinal direction when discarded. At this time, since the packaging sheet is likely to elongate in the width direction, breakage of the packaging sheet when wrapping the absorbent article at the time of disposal can be suppressed. Further, since the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet does not stretch too much, the packaging sheet can be smoothly wound around the absorbent article by applying a winding force without excessive elongation of the packaging sheet.
[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 4. The water absorbency of the core wrap sheet is higher than the water absorbency of the packaging sheet. According to this embodiment, since the water absorbency of the core wrap sheet is relatively high, body fluid can be retained inside the absorbent article, and it becomes difficult to ooze out of the absorbent article at the time of disposal. On the other hand, since the water absorbency of the packaging sheet is low, the packaging sheet does not retain too much moisture, suppressing stickiness of the packaging sheet wrapping the absorbent article during disposal, and enabling hygienic disposal.
[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 5. The packaging sheet is folded along the width direction and based on an inner fold line where the inner surfaces of the packaging sheet face each other, so as to individually package the absorbent article. The outer edges in the front-rear direction of the packaging sheet have packaging outer edges that are located on the outer surface of the package in a state where the absorbent article is packaged. A fastening tape for fastening the outer edge of the packaging sheet is attached to the packaging outer edge. The fastening tape has a peeling end portion that peels off from the packaging sheet and is used when opening, and a fixed end portion that remains attached to the packaging sheet even after opening. The core wrap sheet is folded back inward in the width direction based on both side edges in the width direction of the absorbent core, and has a wrap laminated portion where the folded core wrap sheets overlap each other. The length in the width direction of the wrap laminated portion may be longer than the length in the width direction of the fixed end portion. When opening the package, hold the fastening tape and pull the fastening tape along the front-rear direction to unfold the packaging sheet. At this time, the force for pulling the packaging sheet through the fastening tape is transmitted through the fixed end portion. When pulling through the fastening tape, the fact that the packaging sheet does not break gives the impression that the packaging sheet is difficult to break, and the paper packaging sheet can be safely used at the time of disposal. Also, since the length in the width direction of the wrap laminated portion where the core wrap sheets overlap is longer than the length in the width direction of the fixed end portion, the wearer has the impression that the core wrap sheet is also difficult to break because the width is wider than the fixed end portion, and the absorbent article can be safely used without worrying about the breakage of the core wrap sheet.
[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 6. A main body release sheet joined to the packaging sheet via a covering joint is disposed between the packaging sheet and the absorbent article. The breaking elongation of the packaging sheet in the width direction is higher than that of the main body release sheet in the width direction. The packaging sheet has an extension region extending outward in the front-rear direction beyond the outer edges of the main body release sheet in the front-rear direction. The fixed end portion overlaps the extension region. According to this embodiment, since the absorbent article can be wrapped at the time of disposal by the packaging sheet and the main body release sheet, the rigidity of the wrapping member can be increased and breakage of the packaging sheet at the time of disposal can be suppressed. Further, since the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet is high and the fixed end portion of the fastening tape is disposed in the extension region of the packaging sheet, when the packaging sheet is pulled via the fastening tape, the packaging sheet easily stretches in the extension region, and breakage of the packaging sheet at the time of disposal can be suppressed.
[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 7. The covering joint is provided in each of a front region in front of the innermost fold located most forward and a rear region behind the innermost fold located most rearward. According to this embodiment, since the covering joints are respectively disposed outside in the front-rear direction beyond the innermost folds located most outside in the front-rear direction, the main body release sheet and the packaging sheet can be disposed across the innermost folds located on both outermost sides in the front-rear direction. When the absorbent article to be discarded is placed between the innermost folds located on both outermost sides in the front-rear direction, the absorbent article can be wrapped by the packaging sheet and the main body release sheet.
[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8. The breaking strength in the front-rear direction of the central region located at the center in the width direction among the regions obtained by trisecting the packaging sheet in the width direction is higher than the breaking strength in the front-rear direction of the side region located on the side in the width direction among the trisected regions. Generally, the wearer grips the center in the width direction of the packaging sheet and wraps the absorbent article while pulling the packaging sheet. At this time, since the breaking strength in the front-rear direction of the central region is high, the absorbent article can be wrapped while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet.
[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 10 is a method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article has a longitudinal direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other, and an absorbent article having a core wrap sheet with a higher elongation at break in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction is individually packaged with the absorbent article by a packaging sheet having a higher elongation at break in the width direction than in the longitudinal direction. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article includes a first conveying step of conveying the absorbent article in a first conveying direction along the longitudinal direction, a transfer step of conveying a continuous package in which the packaging sheets are continuous in the width direction in a second conveying direction along the width direction, and converting the absorbent article conveyed by the first conveying step by 90 degrees and transferring it onto the continuous package, and after the transfer step, a second conveying step of conveying the absorbent article and the continuous package in the second conveying direction along the width direction of the absorbent article and along the width direction of the continuous package. The second conveying step includes a folding step of folding the absorbent article and the continuous package together with a fold line along the width direction as a base point, and a cutting step of cutting the continuous package along a cutting line along the longitudinal direction after the folding step. The packaging sheet is configured to be easily extensible in the width direction and difficult to extend in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, the core wrap sheet is configured to be easily extensible in the longitudinal direction and difficult to extend in the width direction. In the first conveying step, when the absorbent article is conveyed alone, the absorbent article is conveyed in the first conveying direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. In the first conveying step, the core wrap sheet is conveyed along the direction in which it is easily extensible, and problems such as wrinkles occurring in the core wrap sheet or the core wrap sheet breaking can be suppressed. Also, after the continuous package and the absorbent article merge, the continuous package and the absorbent article are conveyed along the second conveying direction. The second conveying direction is along the width direction, and is a direction in which the packaging sheet is easily extensible and the core wrap sheet is difficult to extend. In the folding step of the second conveying step, the continuous package and the absorbent article are folded inward in the longitudinal direction with a fold line along the width direction as a base point. The core wrap sheet has a portion where it is locally pulled in the longitudinal direction by the thickness of the absorbent core when being folded. At this time, since the core wrap sheet is easily extensible in the longitudinal direction, breakage of the core wrap sheet in the folding step can be suppressed.Further, the continuous package is cut in the cutting step. In the cutting step, since the continuous package (packaging sheet) is divided in the width direction along a cutting line along the front-rear direction, it is easily pulled in the width direction. At this time, since the packaging sheet is likely to stretch in the width direction, the package can be manufactured while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet during cutting.
[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 10. The folding step includes a first folding step of folding one outer end portion of the continuous package in the front-rear direction, and one outer end portion of the continuous package folded by the first folding step, and the other outer end portion of the continuous package, together with the absorbent article, and a second folding step of folding them so as to overlap a region folded by the first folding step. The second folding step folds one outer end portion of the continuous package folded by the first folding step. On one outer end portion of the packaging sheet, a folded-back portion folded outward of the packaging sheet is formed. By forming the folded-back portion, one outer end portion of the packaging sheet is laminated in multiple layers, and its rigidity is increased. Therefore, in the folding step, the packaging sheet is difficult to stretch, and it is possible to suppress the formation of unintended wrinkles in the packaging sheet.
[0021] (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 each dimension etc. are different from the actual ones. Therefore, specific dimensions etc. should be determined with reference to 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] The package 100 may have 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 perpendicular to each other. In the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1, the side that abuts against the lower abdomen of the wearer is referred to as the "front side", and the side that abuts against 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 abuts against 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 excretion opening of the wearer, for example, the vaginal opening. When the absorbent article 1 is worn on the wearing article, the crotch region S2 is a region that is disposed under the crotch of the wearing article and between the legs of the wearer. 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.
[0024] 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 pass through, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, or a mesh sheet. 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 the 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 a 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.
[0025] 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 portion located on the front side among 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 portion located on the rear side among the two portions recessed inward in the width direction W. The wing 7 is folded toward the surface sheet 2 side before use based on a wing fold line connecting the bases of the wings 7 and is folded back to the non-skin side T2 of the worn 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 having no wing 7, at the position where the length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction L is the longest, each of the regions obtained by trisecting the absorbent article 1 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.
[0026] In addition, the outer portion in the present invention is a portion 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 portion in the present invention is a portion 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 portion and the rear end portion in the present invention are portions that occupy a certain range in the front-rear direction L including the edges 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 portion includes the front end portion and the rear end portion, and the outer edge includes the front edge and the rear edge. Also, 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.
[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 and the like, the absorbent article 1 has an adhesive portion 60 for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a wearing article. The adhesive portion 60 is provided on the non-skin side T2 surface of the back sheet 4 and is a region where fastening means for fastening the absorbent article 1 to the wearing article is provided. The adhesive portion 60 may have at least one of a main body adhesive portion 61 for fastening the region overlapping the absorbent core 31 to the wearing article and a wing adhesive portion 62 for fastening the wing 7 to the wearing article. Further, the adhesive portion may have a flap adhesive portion (not shown) for fastening the hip flap to the wearing article. The main body adhesive portion 61 is provided in a region overlapping the absorbent core 31 in the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1. The main body adhesive portion 61 of the present embodiment extends in the front-rear direction L and a plurality of them are provided at intervals in the width direction W. Note that in a modified example, the main body adhesive portion 61 may extend in the width direction W and a plurality of them may be provided at intervals in the front-rear direction L. The wing adhesive portion 62 is attached to the non-skin side T2 surface of the wing 7 and is fastened 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.
[0028] 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 release sheet 42, may be composed of the packaging sheet 41 and the wing release sheet 43, or may be composed of the packaging sheet 41, the main body release sheet 42 and the wing release 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 release sheet 42 is located inside the first covering sheet and is disposed 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 release 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 outside the package in the packaged state and is the surface located outside in the thickness direction. Also, the "inner surface" is the surface located inside the package in the packaged state and is the surface located inside in the thickness direction.
[0029] 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 unfolded when the package 100 is changed from the packaged state to the unfolded 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 peeling 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 in the front-rear direction than the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the main body peeling sheet 42. The packaging sheet 41 may have an extended region RE (see FIG. 6) that extends outside in the front-rear direction L from the outer edge in the front-rear direction L of the main body peeling 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 peeling 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 in the width direction than the outer edge in the width direction W of the main body peeling sheet 42.
[0030] 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 at the time of opening, and a fixed end portion 71 that remains attached to the packaging sheet even after opening. The wearer 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 unfold the packaging sheet 41. The adhesive tape 70 may be arranged across the center in the width direction W of the package 100, and preferably may be arranged to overlap a wrap lamination portion 33 described later. Note that the adhesive tape 70 does not necessarily have to be provided. For example, the wearer may grasp the packaging outer end 55 and open the package without providing the adhesive tape 70.
[0031] The main body release sheet 42 covers the main body adhesive part 61 before use and is peeled off from the main body adhesive part 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 part 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 rather than 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 part 61 may detachably cover 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.
[0032] The wing release sheet 43 covers the folded-back wing adhesive part 62 before use and is peeled off from the wing adhesive part 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 rather than 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 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 part 97. The main body release sheet 42 and the wing release sheet 43 are detachably in contact with the adhesive part 60. As the release sheet, a sheet subjected to a release treatment can be used, and the material thereof can be paper, a plastic film, a nylon film, or the like.
[0033] The covering sheet 40 has inward folding lines that are folded along the width direction W and with the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 facing each other. The inward folding lines are the lines 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 folding lines. The inward folding lines may be the lines for folding only the covering sheet 40, and the folded covering sheet by the inward folding lines may be configured to accommodate separately folded absorbent articles. Or, like in this embodiment, the inward folding lines may be the lines for folding both the covering sheet 40 and the absorbent article 1. 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 folding lines as the basis points, and the absorbent article may be individually packaged by the covering sheet. A plurality of inward folding lines may be arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction L. This embodiment has a first inward folding line F1 and a second inward folding line F2. The first inward folding line F1 constitutes the "inward folding line located at the most front side" in the present invention, and the second inward folding line F2 constitutes the "inward folding line located at the most rear side" in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the region in front of the first inward folding line F1 in the unfolded state constitutes the "front region RF" of the present invention, and the region behind the second inward folding line F2 in the unfolded state constitutes the "rear region RR" of the present invention.
[0034] The covering sheet is folded based on the inner fold line, resulting in the "packaged state" where the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged by the packaging sheet 41. In contrast, the package 100 in the "deployed state" is in a state where it is not folded based on any inner fold line, as shown in FIG. 5. In the deployed state, the covering sheet 40 may be folded based on a fold line other than the inner fold line (e.g., the wing fold line, the outer fold line described later). FIGS. 1 and 2 show the package in the packaged state, and FIGS. 3 and 4 show the package in a partially deployed state that is deployed from the packaged state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 based on the first inner fold line F1. The package in the partially deployed state is not folded based on the first inner fold line F1, and the covering sheet 40 is folded based on the second inner fold line F2. FIGS. 5 to 7 show the package in the deployed state that is deployed from the partially deployed state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 based on the second inner fold line F2. 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. 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 joint portion 48. The sheet joint portion 48 is provided on both side portions in the width direction of the package and joins the laminated covering sheets together. The sheet joint 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 joint portion 48 may not be fused in the covering sheet made of 100% cellulose, and may be fused in the covering sheet other than 100% cellulose.
[0035] (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 covering 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 covering sheet 40 may be constituted by a paper sheet. The cellulose-based fibers have high water absorption and moisture absorption, and by the covering sheet 40 containing the cellulose-based fibers, moisture and dirt adhering to a finger or the like can be absorbed by the covering sheet 40 during the process of unfolding the package 100. In the case of a form having a plurality of covering sheets, it is sufficient that at least one covering sheet has 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 covering sheets (the main body peeling sheet 42 and the wing peeling sheet 43 in the present embodiment) that come into contact with the adhesive portion 60 are silicon-coated, and the covering sheets (the packaging sheet 41 in the present embodiment) that do not come into contact with the adhesive portion 60 do not have to be silicon-coated.
[0036] The covering sheet 40 has an outer fold line F4 that is folded along the width direction W such that the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 face each other. The outer fold line F4 is a fold line that is folded 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 hold 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 side of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, when the wearer holds the covering sheet 40 during unfolding, it is easy to hold 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 disposing of 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. The dirt attached to the hand or the like can be absorbed by the covering sheet, and the absorbent article can be hygienically held with clean hands, and the absorbent article can be 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.
[0037] 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 gripping the outer surface of the package 100, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the outer surface of the covering sheet. Also, since the water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is low, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt and the like absorbed by the covering sheet 40 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-made packaging sheet containing cellulose-based fibers, and the inner surface of the covering sheet is constituted by the main body peeling sheet 42 subjected to a lamination treatment (release treatment). According to the configuration in which the covering sheet is constituted by two sheets of different materials as in the present embodiment and the water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than that of the outer surface of the covering sheet, even when the moisture cannot be completely absorbed by the packaging sheet, the main body peeling sheet 42 suppresses the permeation of moisture, making it difficult for the moisture to reach the absorbent article 1.
[0038] 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, 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 it is judged that the one with the higher weight has higher water absorbency. Also, 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 they are compared by the total amount of water until the water flows on the surface to be measured. It is judged that the one with the larger total amount of water has higher water absorbency.
[0039] 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 the 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 moisture and the like can be absorbed by the first coating sheet. 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 moisture and the like adhering to the finger or the like that has grasped the folded-back portion 45 can be absorbed by the first coating sheet.
[0040] 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, due to the presence of the second covering sheet, while suppressing the breaking of the covering sheet, it is possible to obtain 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, due to the presence of the third covering sheet, while suppressing the breaking of the covering sheet, it is possible to obtain the effect of absorbing dirt by the covering sheet.
[0041] 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), and 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 shall be 100 mm. With the tensile testing machine, while pulling the two chucks at a constant speed (exemplification: 100 mm / min) so that the distance between the two chucks increases, 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).
[0042] The first covering sheet and the third covering sheet may have an outer fold line F4 formed thereon. In the regions on the outer sides 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 sides in the front-rear direction than the outer fold line F4 are the regions on the outer sides 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 the 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 end 55 of the package. In the regions on the outer sides 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 on 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 the form in which the outer fold line F4 is formed on 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 portion where the outer fold line F4 is formed is increased, 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.
[0043] The outer edge in the width direction W of the third covering sheet may be located inside 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.
[0044] The outer part in the width direction W of the first covering sheet may be laminated at the outer part of the covering sheet 40 and joined to each other by the sheet joint 48. According to this aspect, since the first covering sheet is joined at the sheet joint 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 part 45, and by pulling the folded-back part 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 part 45 is formed in the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, the sheet joint 48 may be arranged outside the width direction W than the outer edge of the third covering sheet. Similarly, in the form where the folded-back part 45 is formed in the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet, the sheet joint 48 may be arranged outside the width direction W than the outer edge of the second covering sheet.
[0045] In a modified example, the third covering sheet may be arranged at the outer edge of the covering sheet together with the outer edge of the first covering sheet. Also, in another modified example, 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 part 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.
[0046] The outer edge of the covering sheet 40 in the front-back direction L has a covering outer end located on the outer surface of the package 100 when the absorbent article 1 is packaged, and a covering inner end on the side opposite to the covering outer end. In the present embodiment, the covering outer end is constituted by the packaging outer end 55, and the covering inner end is constituted by the packaging inner end 56. A fastening tape 70 for fastening the outer edge of the covering sheet 40 may be attached to the covering outer end. The covering inner end may be folded by the outer fold line F4. According to this configuration, when the user unfolds it, the user can hold the fastening tape 70 at the covering outer end with one hand and hold the folded-back portion 45 with the other hand to unfold it. When opening the package, the user can hold both ends of the covering sheet 40 in the front-back direction L and unfold it without directly touching the absorbent article, and the absorbent article 1 can be used hygienically.
[0047] In addition, in a modified example, the covering outer end may be folded by the outer fold line F4. That is, the 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 user can unfold the package 100 without directly grasping the absorbent article 1 by grasping the vicinity of the covering outer end.
[0048] The outer edge of the absorbent article 1 in the front-back direction has an article outer end 11 located on the covering outer end side. In the present embodiment, the article outer end is constituted by the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The distance L11 in the front-back direction between the article outer end 11 and the covering outer end may be longer than the distance L12 in the front-back direction between the outer fold line F4 and the covering inner end. According to this aspect, since the distance L11 in the front-back direction between the article outer end 11 and the covering outer end is relatively long, when the user grasps the covering outer end 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 dirt attached to the hand from adhering to the absorbent article 1. Further, since the distance L12 in the front-back direction L between the outer fold line F4 and the covering inner end is relatively short, when grasping and unfolding the folded-back portion 45, the distance between the outer fold line F4 serving as a reference point and the grasped portion is short, and it becomes easier to easily unfold the folded-back portion 45.
[0049] In the modification example, the distance L11 in the front-back 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-back 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-back direction L between the outer end 11 of the article and the outer end of the covering is relatively short, when the wearer grasps the outer end of the covering and applies force to the covering sheet, the covering sheet 40 is less likely to be torn. Further, since the distance L12 in the front-back 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 likely to be conspicuous and easy to grasp, and the folded-back portion 45 can be easily grasped and unfolded during the unfolding operation.
[0050] The length of the folded-back portion 45 in the front-back direction may be shorter than the length of the package 100 in the front-back 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-back direction L in the packaged state. The folded-back portion 45 is more likely to lift up with the outer fold line F4 as a base point. Further, the length of the folded-back portion 45 in the front-back direction L may be 5% or more, preferably 10% or more, with respect to the length of the package 100 in the front-back direction L in the packaged state. A gripping margin can be formed for the folded-back portion 45, and it becomes easier for the wearer to grasp and unfold the folded-back portion 45.
[0051] 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 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 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 sheet can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article 1.
[0052] 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 without the adhesive constituting the covering joint portion 90, 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 sheet over a wide range.
[0053] 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 that overlaps 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.
[0054] 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 processes not described in the following description, well-known processes can be appropriately employed. 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.
[0055] 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 the base 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 the base point. In the second folding step S32, the outer end portions in the front-rear direction L of the covering sheet 40 are folded back with the outer fold line F4 as the base 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 the base point. According to this manufacturing method, a package with 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.
[0056] 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.
[0057] 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. The fold line for folding one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous package 41C in this second folding step S32 is folded so that the outer surfaces of the continuous package 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 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 made stronger, and the shape of the folded-back portion can be easily maintained. Note that, 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.
[0058] 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, by folding the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet with the outer fold line F4 as a reference point, 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 grasping and unfolding the folded-back portion 45, it is possible to suppress the folded-back portion 45 from breaking. 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.
[0059] 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 also, 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 it is possible to suppress the formation of wrinkles in the folded-back portion 45.
[0060] (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 constituted by a paper sheet containing cellulose-based fibers. According to the package 100 according to the second feature, it has the packaging sheet 41 and the core wrap sheet 32 made of a paper sheet, and can 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 tissue paper.
[0061] The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than that of the core wrap sheet 32 in the width direction W. 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 belief that the packaging sheet 41 is difficult to break and can safely use the paper packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal.
[0062] 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, when disposing of the absorbent article 1, the wearer often rolls up the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction L and wraps the rolled-up 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-up 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-up 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 likely to be 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 can be suppressed, and the used absorbent article 1 can be hygienically disposed of.
[0063] 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. Next, 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 air-dried core wrap sheet. 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 at the time of measuring the breaking elongation / Length in the width direction of the core wrap sheet before individually removing the core wrap sheet from the absorbent article
[0064] 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. Next, 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 at the time of measuring the breaking elongation / Length in the width direction of the packaging sheet in the packaged state
[0065] The width direction of the above measurement method was replaced with the front-rear direction to measure the elongation at break, and the values of the breaking strength measured using the method of the breaking strength in the package of the first feature are shown in Table 1 below. Also shown are the test results of wrapping the rounded absorbent article using the packaging sheets according to Examples 1 to 4 and the packaging sheets according to Comparative Examples 1 to 2, and evaluating whether tearing occurred when wrapping. 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
[0066] 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 extended by 19% or more, the absorbent article can be wrapped 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 extend too much and can apply the winding force to the absorbent article to smoothly wind the absorbent article.
[0067] 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-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41. The width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 is shorter than the length of the front-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41, and the packaging sheet 41 is more easily extended in the width direction W than in the front-rear direction L. At this time, since the packaging sheet 41 is easily extended 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-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41 does not stretch too much, the packaging sheet 41 does not extend too much and can apply the winding force to the absorbent article to smoothly wind the absorbent article 1.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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 attaching the absorbent article 1 to the wearing article, when performing an operation of moving the foot such as walking, the absorbent article may stretch 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.
[0070] The crimp ratio in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the crimp ratio in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. According to this configuration, since the crimp 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 crimp ratio is a value indicating how much it has become shorter during the crimping process, and the higher the value, the shorter it has become during the processing. The crimp ratio can be measured, for example, by the underwater elongation method. Cut the material to be measured (core wrap sheet and packaging sheet) into 50 mm × 50 mm to prepare a measurement sample. Immerse the measurement sample in water for 10 seconds and then pull it out, and calculate the crimp ratio from the amount of dimensional change using Equation 3. The measurement is performed 3 times (n = 3), and the average value is taken as the measured value. (Equation 3) Crimp ratio (%) = { (dimension after immersion in water) / (dimension before immersion in water) - 1} × 100
[0071] 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 inside the absorbent article 1, and it is less likely to ooze 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 being 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 package of the first feature.
[0072] 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 an adhesive tape 70 may be attached to the packaging outer end 55. When opening the package 100, the adhesive tape 70 is gripped and pulled along the front-rear direction L to unfold the packaging sheet 41. At this time, the force for pulling the packaging sheet 41 via the adhesive tape 70 is transmitted via the fixed end portion 71. When pulled via the adhesive tape 70, since the packaging sheet 41 does not break, it 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.
[0073] 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 have a lap laminated portion 33 where the folded core wrap sheets 32 overlap each other. The length W11 in the width direction W of the lap 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 lap 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.
[0074] 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 elongation at break in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the elongation at break 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 elongation at break 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 via 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 area of the fixed end portion 71 may overlap the extension region RE.
[0075] The covering joint portions 90 may be provided respectively in a front region RF in front of the innermost fold line F1 located at the foremost side and a rear region RR behind the innermost fold line F2 located at the rearmost 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 located at the outermost sides 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 at both outermost sides in the front-rear direction L. When the absorbent article to be discarded is placed between the innermost fold lines located at both outermost sides in the front-rear direction L, the absorbent article can be wrapped by the packaging sheet 41 and the main body release sheet.
[0076] 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 of the region 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 of the trisected region. The breaking strength in the front-rear direction L of the central region RC may be higher than the breaking strength in the front-rear direction L of the side regions RS. Generally, the wearer holds 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 it is also possible to hold the fastening tape 70 and wrap the absorbent article 1 while pulling the packaging sheet 41. At this time, since the breaking strength in the front-rear 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 the 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 remaining elongation, so the used absorbent article can be neatly wound.
[0077] 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 color measurement 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 = 2 +(Δa*) 2 +(Δb*) 2 1 / 2 is obtained by.
[0078] 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 steps not described in the following description, well-known steps and the steps of the first feature can be appropriately employed. The manufacturing method of the package of the second feature is a manufacturing method of individually packaging an absorbent article 1 having a core wrap sheet 32 with a breaking elongation in the longitudinal direction L higher than that in the width direction W with a packaging sheet 41 having a breaking elongation in the width direction W higher than that in the longitudinal direction L. The manufacturing method includes at least a first conveying step S10, a transfer step S20, and a second conveying step S30.
[0079] In the first conveying step S10, the absorbent article 1 having the core wrap sheet 32 is conveyed along the first conveying direction MD1 along the longitudinal 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 longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1. In the first conveying step S10, the core wrap sheet 32 is conveyed along the longitudinal direction in which it is easily stretched, and problems such as wrinkles occurring in the core wrap sheet 32 or the core wrap sheet 32 breaking can be suppressed.
[0080] In the transfer step S20, the continuous package 41C in which the packaging sheets 41 are continuous in the width direction W is conveyed in the 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 easily stretched and the core wrap sheet 32 is difficult to stretch.
[0081] 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 within 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 the inner fold line along the width direction W as a reference 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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 this 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.
[0084] 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 description of the claims. Therefore, the description of this specification is for the purpose of illustration 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.
[0085] The creases for folding both the covering sheet (packaging sheet) and the absorbent article are only inner creases that are folded along the width direction W and with the inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, and do not necessarily 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 creases as the basis. At this time, if one tries to unfold with a hand to which moisture or the like has adhered with the front-back creases as the basis, it is impossible to apply a force to unfold up to the end portions of the covering sheet in the front-back direction L, and there is a risk that the covering sheet will break. The inner creases along the width direction W have a shorter crease length when unfolded than the front-back creases, and by applying a force across the entire crease, the covering sheet can be unfolded while suppressing breakage.
[0086] A plurality of inner creases may be provided, and other inner creases may be formed between the first inner crease F1 and the second inner crease F2. However, preferably, it is composed only of the first inner crease and the second inner crease, and does not necessarily have other inner creases. By unfolding with two inner creases as the basis, the absorbent article can be taken out, and problems such as the covering sheet breaking during the process of multiple unfoldings or dirt or the like adhering to the hand during the process of multiple unfoldings adhering to other than the covering sheet can be suppressed.
Explanation of Reference Numerals
[0087] 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 the package (coated inner end) 70: Fixing tape 90: Coated joint 97: Wing joint 100: Package 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. A package of an absorbent article, comprising: an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other; and a packaging sheet for individually packaging the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article includes an absorbent core having an absorbent material and a core wrap sheet wrapping the absorbent core, the packaging sheet and the core wrap sheet are paper sheets containing cellulosic fibers, and a breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than a breaking elongation in the width direction of the core wrap sheet.
2. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a crepe ratio in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than a crepe ratio in the width direction of the core wrap sheet.
3. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is 19% or more and less than 100%.
4. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than a breaking elongation in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet.
5. The package of the absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a water absorbency of the core wrap sheet is higher than a water absorbency of the packaging sheet.
6. The packaging sheet is folded along the width direction and is folded based on an inner fold line where inner surfaces of the packaging sheet face each other to individually package the absorbent article, outer edges in the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet have packaging outer ends located on an outer surface of the package in a state where the absorbent article is packaged, a fastening tape for fastening an outer edge of the packaging sheet is attached to the packaging outer end, the fastening tape has a peeling end portion peeled from the packaging sheet at the time of opening and a fixed end portion remaining attached to the packaging sheet after opening, the core wrap sheet is folded back inward in the width direction based on both side edges in the width direction of the absorbent core and has a lap laminated portion where the folded core wrap sheets overlap each other, and a length in the width direction of the lap laminated portion is longer than a length in the width direction of the fixed end portion.
7. A body release sheet joined to the packaging sheet via a covering joint portion is disposed between the packaging sheet and the absorbent article. The breaking elongation in the width direction of the packaging sheet is higher than that of the main body release sheet in the width direction. The packaging sheet has an extended region that extends outward in the front-rear direction beyond the outer edges in the front-rear direction of the main body release sheet. The absorbent article package according to claim 6, wherein the fixed end portion overlaps the extended region.
8. The absorbent article package according to claim 7, wherein the covering joint portion is provided in each of a front region in front of the innermost fold line located at the frontmost side and a rear region behind the innermost fold line located at the rearmost side.
9. The breaking strength in the front-rear direction of the central region located at the center in the width direction among the regions obtained by trisecting the packaging sheet in the width direction is higher than the breaking strength in the front-rear direction of the side regions located on the sides in the width direction among the trisected regions. The absorbent article package according to claim 1 or claim 2.
10. A method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article, which individually packages an absorbent article having a core wrap sheet having front-rear and width directions orthogonal to each other and having a breaking elongation in the front-rear direction higher than that in the width direction with a packaging sheet having a breaking elongation in the width direction higher than that in the front-rear direction, a first conveying step of conveying the absorbent article in a first conveying direction along the front-rear direction; a transfer step of conveying a continuous package in which the packaging sheets are continuous in the width direction in a second conveying direction along the width direction, and converting the absorbent article conveyed in the first conveying step by 90 degrees and transferring it onto the continuous package; after the transfer step, a second conveying step of conveying the absorbent article and the continuous package in the second conveying direction along the width direction of the absorbent article and along the width direction of the continuous package. The second conveying step includes a folding step of folding the absorbent article and the continuous package together with a fold line along the width direction as a reference point, and a cutting step of cutting the continuous package along a cutting line along the front-rear direction after the folding step. A method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article.
11. The folding step includes a first folding step of folding one outer end portion in the front-rear direction of the continuous package. A second folding step of folding together one outer end portion of the continuous package folded by the first folding step and the other outer end portion of the continuous package so as to overlap a region folded by the first folding step, together with the absorbent article, the method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article according to claim 10.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Individually packed absorbing article
JP1999047187A