Absorbent article packaging

Abstract

Provided is a package for absorbent articles that allows easy understanding of proper wearing operations of absorbent articles configured such that a portion of a waistband member is detachable. [Solution] A packaging body 100 for absorbent articles comprises an absorbent article 1 having an annular waist member extending in a waist direction W along the waist of a wearer, and a packaging material 90 for packaging one absorbent article in a folded state in which the absorbent article is folded at at least one article fold line. The waist member comprises a separation section for separating the annular waist member into a first region and a second region spaced apart in the waist direction, and a connection section for connecting the separated first region and second region. The packaging body has an indicator 80 that indicates the wearing operation of the absorbent article. In an individually packaged state in which the absorbent articles are individually packaged in the packaging material, the indicator is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for absorbent articles that individually houses absorbent articles each having a separable waistband member. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 and the like disclose an absorbent article configured such that a portion of a waistband member is separable. The absorbent article is individually packaged in a package. With such a package for absorbent articles, each absorbent article can be carried hygienically.

[0003] The absorbent article of Patent Document 1 is configured such that a part of the waistband member is separable, and the waist opening and the leg openings can be partially opened to put on and take off. More specifically, the absorbent article can be put on and taken off as a normal pants-type absorbent article provided with a pair of leg openings, or the waist opening and the leg openings can be partially opened to put on and take off as a tape-type absorbent article without removing clothing such as trousers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 144990 Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, since it can be put on and taken off as a pants-type absorbent article or as a tape-type absorbent article, the wearer can wear it in a suitable manner. However, absorbent articles configured such that a part of the waistband member is detachable have not been widely used, and some wearers have been unable to put on the absorbent article appropriately.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a package for an absorbent article that is configured so that a portion of the waistband member is separable, and that allows easy understanding of the proper operation for putting on the absorbent article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A packaging body for absorbent articles according to one embodiment includes an absorbent article having an annular waist member extending in a waist direction along the waist of a wearer, and a packaging material for packaging one of the absorbent articles in a folded state in which the absorbent article is folded at at least one article fold. The waist member includes a separation portion for separating the annular waist member into a first region and a second region spaced apart in the waist direction, and a connection portion for connecting the separated first region and second region. The packaging body has an indicator portion for indicating a wearing operation of the absorbent article. In an individually packaged state in which the absorbent articles are individually packaged by the packaging material, the indicator portion is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a package for absorbent articles. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the absorbent article in a state where the separation portion is not separated. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the absorbent article with the separation section separated. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a folding manner of the absorbent article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The absorbent article packaging body according to the first aspect includes an absorbent article having an annular waist member extending in a waist direction along the waist of a wearer, and a packaging material for packaging one of the absorbent articles in a folded state in which the absorbent article is folded at at least one article fold. The waist member includes a separation section for separating the annular waist member into a first region and a second region spaced apart in the waist direction, and a connection section for connecting the separated first region and the second region. The packaging body has an indicator section for indicating the wearing operation of the absorbent article. In an individually packaged state in which the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging material, the indicator section is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body. When using the absorbent article, the wearer takes the individually packaged packaging body in his / her hand and takes out the absorbent article. At this time, since the indicator section is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body in the individually packaged state, the wearer can visually recognize the indicator section and understand the wearing operation of the absorbent article in the individually packaged state, i.e., before opening. Therefore, the wearer can understand how to put on the absorbent article and use the absorbent article, and can properly put on the absorbent article.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 2 may have the following features in the device according to embodiment 1. In the individually packaged state, the packaging material is folded around a plurality of sheet folds, and has a plurality of fold-back portions folded around the sheet folds. In the individually packaged state, the packaging body has an opening surface on which an outer fold-back portion located at the outermost position among the fold-back portions is disposed. The display portion is disposed facing the outer surface of the opening surface. According to this embodiment, when the wearer visually checks the opening surface during use of the absorbent article and performs an opening operation, the wearer can visually check the display portion and understand how to put on the absorbent article. Since the display portion can be visually checked during the opening operation process of the packaging body, the wearer can naturally understand how to put on the absorbent article without being particularly conscious of it.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 3 may have the following features in the device according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2. The display unit is attached to the packaging material. In an individually packaged state, at least a portion of the display unit overlaps with the connecting unit of the absorbent article. According to this embodiment, when the display unit is visually recognized in an individually packaged state, the presence of the connecting unit can be recognized along with the display unit. In addition, when the packaging material is opened while recognizing the display unit of the packaging material, the connecting unit of the absorbent article is easily visible, and both the display unit and the connecting unit can be visually recognized.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 4 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3. The display unit is attached to the packaging material. In the individually packaged state, the absorbent article is not joined to the packaging material and is movable within the packaging space of the packaging material. According to this embodiment, even if the packaging material wrinkles during the process of carrying the package, the absorbent article and the packaging material are not fixed to each other, so that the wrinkles in the packaging material can be easily smoothed out, and visibility of the display unit can be ensured.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 5 may have the following features in the device according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2. The display unit is attached to the absorbent article. The display unit is disposed within a range of 10 mm from the connecting portion or within a range of 10 mm from the separating portion. According to this embodiment, the wearer can easily visually recognize the display unit when putting on or taking off the absorbent article. In addition, the wearer can put on or take off the absorbent article while visually recognizing the display unit of the absorbent article, and can put on or take off the absorbent article with confidence.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5. The display unit includes identification information for indicating the wearing operation by accessing an information processing terminal. According to this embodiment, the display unit has the identification information, which meets the needs of the wearer who wants to know detailed information on the wearing operation.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 7 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6. The display unit includes a picture display unit that indicates the wearing operation by a picture including the absorbent article. According to this embodiment, the picture display unit can be recognized even in a relatively dark place, and the wearing operation can be easily understood. In addition, the picture display unit allows the wearing operation to be understood even if the person cannot read characters, and anyone can intuitively understand the wearing operation.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 8 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7. The display unit has a pattern display unit that indicates the wearing operation by a pattern including the absorbent article. The pattern display unit includes a first pattern display unit that indicates a non-separated state in which the first area and the second area are not separated, and a second pattern display unit that indicates a separated state in which the first area and the second area are separated. According to this embodiment, the non-separated state, i.e., a pants-type state, can be indicated by the first pattern display unit. Also, the separated state, i.e., a tape-type state, can be indicated by the second pattern display unit. The wearer can understand that the absorbent article realizes two states, and can change the absorbent article to an appropriate state according to the usage mode to perform the wearing operation.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 9 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8. The article fold has a first article fold that folds the connecting portion. According to this embodiment, the wearer can easily notice the presence of the connecting portion in the process of unfolding the absorbent article from the article fold.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 10 may have the following features in the device according to embodiment 9. The connecting portion is disposed in the front waist region facing the wearer's abdomen. The first article fold is along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the waist direction, and the outer portion of the connecting portion in the waist direction is folded toward the rear waist region facing the wearer's back. According to this embodiment, when folded along the first article fold, the outer portion of the connecting portion is folded toward the rear waist region, and the inner portion of the connecting portion is not folded toward the back side by the first article fold, and is easily visible to the wearer. Therefore, the wearer can more easily notice the presence of the connecting portion.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the eleventh embodiment may have the following features in the device according to the ninth or tenth embodiment. The connecting portion has a connecting joint portion joined to the waistband member, and an engaging portion disposed inside the connecting joint portion in the waistband direction and engaging the separated first and second regions. In a state where the article is not folded by the first article fold, the engaging portion is disposed outside the waistband direction from the inner edge of the connecting portion in the waistband direction. According to this embodiment, the region extending outside the waistband direction from the inner edge of the connecting portion in the waistband direction is a region where the engaging portion is not disposed and the connecting portion is not fastened to the waistband member. Therefore, in a state where the article is folded around the first article fold, the inner edge of the connecting portion is likely to rise up from the waistband member. Therefore, the wearer can more easily grasp the presence and position of the inner portion of the connecting portion.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the twelfth embodiment may have the following features in the device according to the tenth or eleventh embodiment. The article fold has a second article fold for folding the absorbent article folded around the first article fold. The second article fold is provided along the longitudinal direction and on the inner side in the waist direction of the first article fold. The second article fold folds an area on the outer side in the waist direction of the second article fold toward the rear waist region. According to this embodiment, since both the first article fold and the second article fold are folded from the front waist region side to the rear waist region side, the connecting portion is always disposed on the outer surface of the absorbent article in the folded state. Therefore, the wearer can easily notice the presence of the connecting portion when visually checking the absorbent article in the folded state or when unfolding the absorbent article.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to the thirteenth embodiment may have the following features in the device according to the tenth or eleventh embodiment. The article fold has a second article fold for folding the absorbent article folded around the first article fold. The second article fold is provided along the longitudinal direction on the inner side in the waist direction of the first article fold. The second article fold folds an area on the outer side in the waist direction of the second article fold toward the front waist region. According to this embodiment, the first article fold is folded toward the rear waist region, and then the second article fold is disposed toward the front waist region, so that the connecting portion folded by the first article fold is located on the front waist region side. The connecting portion is not folded toward the back side, and is easily visible to the wearer. This makes it easier for the wearer to notice the presence of the connecting portion.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the device according to embodiment 14 may have the following features in the device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13. The outer surface of the connecting part is provided with a compressed part formed by compressing the sheet constituting the connecting part. According to this embodiment, when the wearer touches the connecting part when unfolding the folds made by the first article fold, the wearer can easily touch the compressed part, and can easily notice the presence of the connecting part by the feel of the compressed part. In addition, the outer surface of the connecting part is a surface facing the waist part, and is unlikely to come into direct contact with the wearer. Therefore, even if the rigidity of the surface is increased by the compressed part, the discomfort felt when wearing the product can be suppressed.

[0023] (2) Packaging for absorbent articles according to the embodiment Hereinafter, a packaging body 100 for absorbent articles according to an embodiment (hereinafter, packaging body 100) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted with the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0024] The package 100 includes an absorbent article 1 and a packaging material 90 for packaging one absorbent article 1 in a folded state in which the absorbent article 1 is folded at at least one article fold line FL. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the package 100, showing the folded absorbent article 1 individually packaged in the packaging material 90. The absorbent article 1 of this embodiment will be described taking as an example an absorbent article 1 as a so-called shorts-type sanitary napkin. However, the absorbent article 1 is not limited to a shorts-type sanitary napkin, and may be, for example, light incontinence pants.

[0025] 2 is a schematic front view of the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a waist circumference direction W, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction L is defined by a direction extending to the front side and the back side of the body. The waist circumference direction W is a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L and is disposed along a circumferential direction surrounding the waist of the wearer. The absorbent article 1 has a thickness direction that is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the waist circumference direction W. The thickness direction extends from a skin-facing side facing the wearer to a non-skin-facing side opposite to the skin-facing side.

[0026] The absorbent article 1 is a so-called two-piece type shorts-type napkin, and has an exterior body 10 and an absorbent body 20 that absorbs excrement such as urine. In the following description, a two-piece type shorts-type napkin (pants-type absorbent article) will be described, but the absorbent article may also be a so-called three-piece type shorts-type napkin (pants-type absorbent article) in which a front waistband member and a rear waistband member are arranged as separate bodies, a tape-type absorbent article, or the like.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 has a front waist region S1, a rear waist region S2, and a crotch region S3. The front waist region S1 is a region facing the front waist (abdomen) of the wearer. The rear waist region S2 is a region facing the rear waist (back) of the wearer. The crotch region S3 is a region located between the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2 under the crotch of the wearer. The absorbent article 1 may have a side joint 55 that joins an outer portion of the front waist region S1 to an outer portion of the rear waist region S2. The side joint 55 may extend along the longitudinal direction L. With the side joint 55 formed, the absorbent article 1 is formed with a waist opening 12 through which the wearer's waist passes, and a pair of leg openings 16 through which the wearer's legs are inserted. The waist opening 12 may be defined by the front edge of the front waist region S1 and the rear edge of the rear waist region S2. The outer edge of the crotch region S3 of the absorbent article 1 may be defined by the inner edge of the side joint portion 55 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0028] In this device, the outer portion is a portion occupying a certain range in the waist circumference direction W including the outer edge in the waist circumference direction W, and the outer edge is the outer edge in the waist circumference direction W. In this device, the inner portion is a portion occupying a certain range in the waist circumference direction W including the inner edge in the waist circumference direction W, and the inner edge is the inner edge in the waist circumference direction W. In addition, the front end and rear end are portions occupying a certain range in the longitudinal direction L including the outer edge in the longitudinal direction L, and the outer edge is the outer edge in the longitudinal direction L. The inner end is a portion occupying a certain range in the longitudinal direction L including the inner edge in the longitudinal direction L, and the inner edge is the inner edge in the longitudinal direction L.

[0029] The absorbent article 1 may have an exterior body 10 and an absorbent main body 20. The absorbent main body 20 may be configured as a separate body from the exterior body 10. The absorbent main body 20 is disposed at least in the crotch region S3. The absorbent main body 20 may also be disposed in the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. The absorbent main body 20 is disposed on the skin-facing side of the exterior body 10 and fixed to the waist member 50. The absorbent main body 20 has at least an absorbent core, a top sheet, and a back sheet. The absorbent core may contain, for example, pulverized pulp or a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof. The absorbent core may be covered by a core wrap separate from the absorbent core. The top sheet may be a liquid-permeable sheet. The back sheet may have a liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet and an exterior sheet disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the leak-proof sheet.

[0030] The exterior body has a waistline member 50. The waistline member 50 is annular and surrounds the waistline of the wearer. The waistline member 50 may be arranged at least in a front waistline region S1 and a rear waistline region S2. The waistline member 50 of this embodiment is formed into an annular shape by joining a front waistline member arranged in the front waistline region S1 and a rear waistline member arranged in the rear waistline region S2 by a side joining portion 55. However, in another embodiment, the front waistline member and the rear waistline member may be composed of a continuous member, and one end and the other end of the continuous member may be joined to form an annular shape. The exterior body 10 may have a crotch member 15 that covers the crotch region S3. The crotch member 15 is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 20 in the crotch region S3. The crotch member 15 may be separate from the waistline member 50, or may be integrated with the waistline member 50 as in this embodiment.

[0031] The waistband member 50 has a separation portion 51. The separation portion 51 is a portion that separates the annular waistband member 50 in the waistband direction W, and may be formed, for example, by a continuous perforation from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction L of the waistband member 50. The separation portion 51 may be formed by a weakened portion other than a perforation. FIG. 2 shows a non-separated state in which the waistband member 50 is not separated, and FIG. 3 shows a separated state in which the waistband member 50 is separated via the separation portion 51. The separation portion 51 separates the waistband member 50 into a plurality of regions separated in the waistband direction W. Specifically, the separation portion 51 separates the waistband member 50 into first regions R1 and R2. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are arranged on either side of the separation portion 51 in the waistband direction W. In the non-separated state, the first region R1 and the second region R2 are continuous with each other. In the separated state, the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be separated. There may be one separation portion 51 or multiple separation portions 51. In this embodiment, the separation portions 51 are provided on both sides of the center of the front waistline region S1 in the waistline direction W. The region sandwiched between the left and right separation portions 51 in the front waistline region S1 constitutes the first region R1, and the region outside the separation portion 51 in the waistline direction W in the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2 constitute the second region R2.

[0032] The waistband member 50 has a connecting portion 60 for connecting the separated first region R1 and second region R2. The connecting portion 60 may be provided in at least one of the first region R1 and the second region R2. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 60 is provided in each of the second regions R2 on both sides of the front waistband region S1. The connecting portion 60 may have a connecting joint portion joined to the waistband member 50, a flap portion 61 extending to the other region (the first region R1 in this embodiment) side separated via the separation portion 51, and an engaging portion (e.g., a mechanical hook) 62 disposed on the flap portion 61 and engaging with the surface of the other region. The connecting joint portion is a portion where the flap portion 61 as the connecting portion 60 is joined to the waistband member 50, and is provided along the longitudinal direction L on the outer side of the separation portion 51 in the waistband direction W. The connecting joint portion in this embodiment is constituted by the side joint portion 55, but the connecting joint portion may be provided separately from the side joint portion 55. The engaging portion 62 may be positioned inside the connecting joint in the waist direction W. When the engaging portion 62 engages with the other region, the first region R1 and the second region R2, which were once separated, are connected, and the wearer's waist can be covered again by the annular waist member 50. The connecting portion 60 is attached to or detached from the first region R1, using the connecting joint as a base point. An inner portion of the connecting portion 60 in the waist direction W (an inner portion of the flap portion 61 in the waist direction) is not joined to the waist member 50.

[0033] The absorbent article 1 configured in this manner can be worn in a pants-type state and a tape-type state. For example, the absorbent article 1 in the pants-type state can be worn at home or the like in the morning, and when going out, the absorbent article 1 being worn can be removed as a tape-type state, and a new absorbent article 1 in the tape-type state can be worn. When the absorbent article 1 is removed from the packaging material 90, it is in a pants-type (shorts-type) state as shown in FIG. 2, and when worn at home or the like in the morning, it can be worn as a normal pants-type absorbent article. When going out, the waistband member 50 formed in a ring shape around the wearer's waist can be separated via the separation part 51 to change to the tape-type state, and the wearer can remove the absorbent article 1 without taking off clothes such as pants or shoes.

[0034] When wearing a new absorbent article 1 away from home, as shown in Fig. 3, the new absorbent article 1 can be separated at the separation portion 51 and worn as a so-called tape-type absorbent article 1. Then, by connecting the waist member 50 via the connecting portion 60, the waist member 50 is formed into a ring shape and can be put into a worn state. A normal pants-type absorbent article is difficult to put on and take off in a toilet or the like when going out, but by putting the absorbent article 1 in a tape-type state, the wearer can put on and take off the absorbent article 1 without taking off clothes such as trousers or shoes.

[0035] As described above, absorbent articles 1 configured such that a portion of the waistband member 50 is separable are not widely used, and some wearers may not be able to properly put on the absorbent article. For this reason, the packaging body 100 of the present embodiment is configured to make it easier for the wearer to understand the proper putting on operation of an absorbent article in which a portion of the waistband member 50 is separable. Next, a configuration for making it easier for the wearer to understand the proper putting on operation of an absorbent article will be described.

[0036] The packaging body 100 has a display unit 80 that indicates how to put on the absorbent article 1. The display unit 80 is a display that indicates how to put on the absorbent article 1 by using characters, pictures, etc. The putting operation can be, for example, the above-mentioned putting operation, and may be a display that informs the wearer that the absorbent article can be used as a pants-type absorbent article, and that the absorbent article can be put on and taken off as a tape-type absorbent article. The display unit 80 may be printed on the components that make up the absorbent article and the packaging material, or may be formed by a compression unit. At least one display unit 80 needs to be provided, but multiple display units 80 may be provided.

[0037] In an individually packaged state (as shown in FIG. 1 ) in which the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged in packaging material 90, the display unit 80 is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body 100. Since the display unit 80 is arranged facing the outer surface of the packaging body 100 in the individually packaged state, the wearer can visually recognize the display unit 80 in the individually packaged state and can understand how to put on the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the wearer can appropriately use the absorbent article configured so that a portion of the waist region can be separated.

[0038] The outer surface of the packaging body 100 refers to the surface located on the outside of the packaging body 100 in an individually packaged state. The state of facing the outer surface of the packaging body 100 includes not only a state of being disposed on the outer surface (packaging material) of the packaging body 100, but also a state of being provided on the absorbent article 1 and disposed facing a member (packaging material, etc.) that constitutes the outer surface of the packaging body 100. Preferably, the display unit 80 may be disposed on the outer surface side of the packaging body 100 relative to the absorbent core of the absorbent article 1 in an individually packaged state.

[0039] The display unit 80 may be configured to be visible from the outer surface side of the packaging body 100 at least in an individually packaged state. When the wearer visually checks the outer surface of the packaging body 100, the wearer can understand how to put on the absorbent article 1. In this invention, "visible" means that the display unit 80 can be seen by a subject with good visual acuity (1.0 or higher) in both eyes when looking at an object at a distance of about 30 to 50 cm in a room brightly lit with daylight white light (approximate color temperature: 4600 to 5400 K (Kelvin)) (approximate color temperature: 500 to 750 lx (lux)).

[0040] In an individually packaged state, the packaging material 90 may be folded around a plurality of sheet folds FLC. The sheet folds FLC may be folds along which only the packaging material 90 is folded, or may be folds along which the packaging material 90 is folded together with the absorbent article 1. The packaging body 100 of the present embodiment is configured such that the absorbent article 1 in a folded state is placed on the packaging material 90 in an unfolded state, and the packaging material 90 is folded around the sheet folds FLC. Thus, the sheet folds FLC are folds along which the packaging material 90 is folded without folding the absorbent article 1.

[0041] The sheet fold FLC may have a first sheet fold FLC1 and a second sheet fold FLC2 arranged parallel to the first sheet fold FLC1. The first sheet fold FLC1 and the second sheet fold FLC2 are arranged at an interval in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sheet fold FLC extends. The packaging body 100 may be rectangular in an individually packaged state and have a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 perpendicular to each other. The first direction D1 is the direction in which the sheet fold FLC extends. The second direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first direction D1 may be along the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article 1. Alternatively, the first direction D1 may be along the waist circumference direction W of the absorbent article 1.

[0042] In the individually packaged state, the packaging material 90 may have a plurality of folded portions that are folded around the sheet fold FLC. In the individually packaged state, the packaging body 100 may have an opening surface 101 on which the outer folded portion located at the outermost position among the folded portions is arranged. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the opening surface 101. The folded portion in this embodiment has a first folded portion 91 that is folded around the first sheet fold FLC1 and a second folded portion 92 that is folded around the second sheet fold FLC2. After being folded around the first sheet fold FLC1, the packaging material 90 is folded around the second sheet fold FLC2. Therefore, the second folded portion 92 is arranged on the outer surface side of the packaging body 100 relative to the first folded portion 91, and constitutes the outer folded portion located at the outermost position among the folded portions. The surface on which the second folded portion 92 as the outer folded portion is arranged becomes the opening surface 101.

[0043] The display unit 80 may be disposed facing the outer surface of the opening surface 101. According to this configuration, when using the absorbent article 1 and visually checking the opening surface 101 to perform the opening operation, the wearer can visually check the display unit 80 and understand how to put on the absorbent article 1. Since the display unit 80 can be visually checked during the process of opening the package 100, the wearer can naturally understand how to put on the absorbent article 1 without being particularly conscious of it.

[0044] In the packaging body 100, the packaging materials 90 that overlap each other in an individually packaged state may be joined together via a sheet joint. The sheet joint in this embodiment has a first sheet joint 95 extending in a first direction D1 and a pair of second sheet joints 96 extending in a second direction D2. At least a part of the display unit 80 may be arranged in close proximity to the sheet joint (for example, within a range of 10 mm). According to this configuration, the wearer can easily notice the presence of the display unit 80 when opening the sheet joint. The first sheet joint 95 joins the orthogonal end of the second folded portion 92, and is a joint where the wearer performs the opening operation when opening. Therefore, the display unit 80 may be arranged in close proximity to the first sheet joint 95 (for example, within a range of 10 mm). In addition, at least a part of the display unit 80 may be arranged along the second direction D2 perpendicular to the sheet fold. When unfolding the packaging material 90 during the opening operation of the packaging body 100, the folded portion is unfolded in the second direction D2 with the sheet fold FLC as the base point. When unfolding the packaging material 90, the wearer moves his / her line of sight in the second direction D2, which makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the display portion 80.

[0045] The display unit 80 may be attached to the packaging material 90. The display unit 80 may be attached to the outer surface of the packaging material 90 by printing or the like, or may be attached to a surface other than the outer surface (such as the inner surface) and configured to be visible through the packaging material 90. By providing the display unit 80 on the packaging material 90, the wearer can easily visually recognize the display unit 80 when visually checking the packaging material 90 in an individually packaged state. In addition, the wearer grasps and visually checks the packaging material 90 when opening the packaging material 90 from an individually packaged state, and therefore, at that time, the wearer can easily visually check the display unit 80. The display unit 80 in this embodiment is attached to the outer surface of the packaging material 90.

[0046] In the individually packaged state, at least a portion of the display unit 80 may overlap the connecting unit 60 of the absorbent article 1. When the wearer visually recognizes the display unit 80 in the individually packaged state, the wearer can easily recognize the presence of the connecting unit 60 as well as the display unit 80. In particular, when the packaging material 90 is made of a translucent or other see-through material, the wearer can visually recognize both the display unit 80 and the connecting unit 60 when visually recognizes the display unit 80 of the individually packaged body. Furthermore, when the wearer opens the packaging material 90 while recognizing the display unit 80 of the packaging material 90, the connecting unit 60 of the absorbent article 1 is likely to come into view, and the wearer can visually recognize both the display unit 80 and the connecting unit 60.

[0047] In the individually packaged state, the absorbent article 1 is not joined to the packaging material 90 and may be movable within the packaging space of the packaging material 90. According to this configuration, even if the packaging material 90 becomes wrinkled during the process of carrying the package 100, the absorbent article 1 and the packaging material 90 are not fixed, so that the wrinkles in the packaging material 90 can be easily smoothed out and the visibility of the display unit 80 can be ensured.

[0048] Furthermore, the display unit 80 may be attached to the absorbent article 1. With this configuration, the wearer can easily visually recognize the display unit 80 when putting on or taking off the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the wearer can put on or take off the absorbent article 1 while visually recognizing the display unit 80, and can put on or take off the absorbent article with confidence. The display unit 80 is preferably disposed on the outer surface (non-skin side) of the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the display unit 80 may be disposed in the vicinity of the connecting portion 60 or the separating portion 51 that is gripped when putting on the absorbent article (for example, within a range of 10 mm).

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the display unit 80 may have a picture display unit 81 that indicates the putting operation by a picture including the absorbent article 1. The place where the absorbent article 1 is put on may be a relatively dark place such as a toilet, and if the display unit has characters or the like, it may be difficult for the wearer to see. However, with the display unit 80 having the picture display unit 81, the wearer can recognize the picture display unit 81 even in a relatively dark place, and it is easy to understand the putting operation. Furthermore, with the picture display unit 81, the wearing operation can be understood even if the wearer cannot read characters, and anyone can intuitively understand the putting operation.

[0050] The picture display section 81 may include a first picture display section 811 that indicates a non-separated state in which the first region R1 and the second region R2 are not separated, and a second picture display section 812 that indicates a separated state in which the first region R1 and the second region R2 are separated. The first picture display section 811 can indicate the non-separated state, i.e., the pants-type state. The second picture display section 812 can indicate the separated state, i.e., the tape-type state. The wearer can understand that the absorbent article realizes two states, and can change the absorbent article to an appropriate state depending on the mode of use and perform a wearing operation.

[0051] The display unit 80 may have a third pattern display unit 813 that indicates a state in which the absorbent article 1 that was once in a separated state is again in a non-separated state. The third pattern display unit 813 allows the wearer to easily understand that the absorbent article can be changed not only from a non-separated state to a separated state, but also from a separated state to a non-separated state.

[0052] The display unit 80 may include identification information 82 for indicating the wearing operation by accessing an information processing terminal. The identification information 82 is a display for indicating the wearing operation on an information processing terminal such as a smartphone, and may be, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a barcode. According to this configuration, the display unit has the identification information, so that the needs of a wearer who wants to know detailed information on the wearing operation can be met. The identification information 82 may be printed directly on the packaging material 90, or may be printed on a base material layer 83 that serves as a base, which is printed on the packaging material 90. According to this configuration, even if the packaging material is relatively thin, the identification information 82 can be easily recognized by the information processing terminal by providing the base material layer 83.

[0053] The display unit 80 may have at least one of the identification information 82 and the picture display unit 81, or may have both. The display unit 80 may also be provided with a display unit other than the identification information 82 and the picture display unit 81. The other display unit may, for example, indicate the wearing operation by using characters. The display unit 80 may have at least one of the display unit 80 attached to the packaging material 90 and the display unit 80 attached to the absorbent article 1, or may have both. In a form having a container that contains multiple packaging bodies, a display unit may also be provided on the outer surface of the container.

[0054] Next, a folding mode of the absorbent article will be described. The absorbent article of the present embodiment is configured so that the wearer can easily understand the appropriate wearing operation of the absorbent article 1 when the wearer visually checks the absorbent article in a folded state or when the wearer unfolds the absorbent article in a folded state.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of a folding mode of an absorbent article. The absorbent article 1 is folded at at least one article fold FL to be in a folded state. The article fold FL may be one or more. The article fold FL may have a first article fold FL1 at which the connecting portion 60 is folded. In the process of unfolding the absorbent article with the first article fold FL1 as a base point, the wearer is more likely to notice the presence of the connecting portion 60. Note that the first article fold FL1 may be a fold that folds the connecting portion 60 so as to face each other, or may be a fold that folds the connecting portion 60 so as to face the outside, as long as it overlaps at least a part of the connecting portion 60. The first article fold FL1 in this embodiment is a fold that folds the connecting portion 60 so as to face the outside. According to this configuration, since the connecting portion 60 is arranged on the outer surface side, the connecting portion 60 is more likely to be in the field of view of the wearer, and the wearer is more likely to notice the presence of the connecting portion 60.

[0056] The connecting part 60 may be disposed in the front waist region S1. The first article fold FL1 is along the longitudinal direction L, and the outer part of the connecting part 60 in the waist direction W may be folded toward the rear waist region S2. According to this configuration, when folded at the first article fold FL1, the outer part of the connecting part 60 is folded toward the rear waist region S2, and the inner part of the connecting part 60 is not folded toward the back side by the first article fold FL1, and is easily visible to the wearer. If the inner part of the connecting part 60 is a non-fastening area NR (described later), the inner part of the connecting part 60 in the state folded at the first article fold FL1 protrudes outward in the waist direction W from the first article fold FL1 as shown in FIG. 4(b). Also, if the inner part of the connecting part 60 is not a non-fastening area, the inner part of the connecting part 60 in the state folded at the first article fold FL1 is disposed within the area sandwiched by the first article fold FL1. In either form, the wearer will be more likely to notice the presence of the connector 60.

[0057] The inner part of the connecting part 60 (the inner part of the flap part) may have a curved shape that bulges inward in the waist circumference direction W. Since the connecting part 60 is folded by the first article fold FL1 along the longitudinal direction L, the curved shape of the connecting part 60 becomes easily noticeable. When the first article fold FL1 is visually recognized, such as when unfolding the article with the first article fold FL1 as a base point, the presence of the connecting part 60 and the position of the inner part of the connecting part 60 become easily recognized. In addition, the first article fold FL1 may be disposed close to the separating part 51 (for example, within a range of 10 mm). When the first article fold FL1 is visually recognized, the presence and position of the separating part 51 become easily recognized.

[0058] In a state where the article is not folded by the first article fold FL1, the engaging portion 62 may be disposed outside the inner edge 60I of the connecting portion 60 in the waistline direction W. The inner edge of the engaging portion 62 and the inner edge of the connecting portion 60 are spaced apart in the waistline direction W, and the region between the inner edge of the engaging portion 62 and the inner edge of the connecting portion 60 is a non-fastening region NR where the connecting portion 60 is not fastened to the waistline member 50. Since the non-fastening region NR is provided in a region extending outward in the waistline direction W from the inner edge of the connecting portion 60 in the waistline direction W, the inner edge 60I of the connecting portion 60 is likely to rise up from the waistline member 50 in a state where the article is folded around the first article fold FL1. Therefore, the wearer can more easily grasp the presence and position of the inner portion of the connecting portion 60. In addition, the inner portion of the connecting portion 60 is the portion to be operated when operating the connecting portion. The wearer can grasp the position of the end of the connecting part 60 to be operated, making it easier to operate the connecting part 60.

[0059] The article fold FL may have a second article fold FL2 for folding the absorbent article 1 folded around the first article fold FL1. The second article fold FL2 may be provided along the longitudinal direction L on the inner side of the first article fold FL1 in the waist direction W. As shown in FIG. 4, the second article fold FL2 may fold an area (an outer part in the waist direction in a state where the absorbent article 1 is folded around the first article fold) on the outer side of the second article fold FL2 in the waist direction W toward the rear waist region S2. Since both the first article fold FL1 and the second article fold FL2 are folded from the front waist region S1 side to the rear waist region S2 side, the connecting portion 60 is always disposed on the outer surface of the absorbent article 1 in the folded state. Therefore, the wearer can easily notice the presence of the connecting portion 60 when visually checking the absorbent article 1 in the folded state or when unfolding the absorbent article 1.

[0060] 4(c), in a state where the absorbent article 1 is folded around the second article fold line FL2 as a base point, at least a part of the connecting portion 60 may protrude outward from the second article fold line FL2 in the waist circumference direction W. According to this configuration, the connecting portion 60 protruding from the second article fold line FL2 stands out, and the wearer can more easily notice the presence of the connecting portion 60 when visually checking the absorbent article 1 in a folded state or when unfolding the absorbent article 1.

[0061] In another folding mode, the second article fold FL2 may fold an area outside the second article fold FL2 in the waistline direction W toward the front waistline region S1. According to this configuration, after being folded toward the rear waistline region S2 by the first article fold FL1, the article is disposed toward the front waistline region S1 by the second article fold FL2, so that the connecting portion 60 folded by the first article fold FL1 is located toward the front waistline region S1. The connecting portion 60 is not folded toward the back side, and is easily visible to the wearer. This makes it easier for the wearer to notice the presence of the connecting portion 60.

[0062] In another folding mode, the first article fold FL1 and the second article fold FL2 may both fold the connecting portion 60. According to this configuration, the connecting portion, which is always disposed on the outer surface of the absorbent article 1 in the folded state, is folded by the first article fold FL1, and then folded by the second article fold FL2 with the folded portion facing inward. Therefore, in the state where the absorbent article is folded with the first article fold FL1 and the second article fold FL2 as the base points, the connecting portion 60 is sandwiched between the folded portions, and the connecting portion 60 is less likely to float up. Therefore, the connecting portion 60 can be protected before use, while preventing problems such as the connecting portion 60 being unintentionally separated.

[0063] The outer surface of the connecting part 60 may be provided with a compressed part obtained by compressing the sheet constituting the connecting part 60. The compressed part may be formed on at least the sheet arranged on the outer surface side (opposite the waistband member) of the sheets constituting the connecting part. The compressed part may be provided on the flap part 61 that is gripped when operating the connecting part. By providing the compressed part on the connecting part, the wearer can easily touch the compressed part when touching the connecting part when unfolding the folds due to the first article fold, and the wearer can easily notice the presence of the connecting part by the feel of the compressed part. In addition, the outer surface of the connecting part is the surface facing the waistband and is unlikely to come into direct contact with the wearer. Therefore, even if the rigidity of the surface is increased by the compressed part, the discomfort when wearing the product can be suppressed.

[0064] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-mentioned embodiment, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the description of the scope of the utility model registration claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0065] The entire contents of Application No. 202323475449.7 of the People's Republic of China, filed on December 20, 2023, are hereby incorporated by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 100: Packaging for absorbent articles 101: Opening side 1: Absorbent articles 50: Waist material 51: Separation part 60:Connection part 62: Engagement part 80:Display section 81: Picture display section 82: Identification information 90: Packaging material 92: Second fold (outer fold) 811: First picture display section 812: Second picture display section FL: Product fold FL1: First item fold FL2: Second item fold FLC: Sheet crease L: Longitudinal direction R1: 1st area R2: 2nd area S1: Front waist area S2: Rear waist area W: waist circumference

Claims

1. an absorbent article having an annular waistband member extending in a waistband direction along the waistband of a wearer; A packaging material for packaging one of the absorbent articles in a folded state folded at at least one article fold line, The waistband member includes a separation portion that separates the annular waistband member into a first region and a second region spaced apart in the waistband direction, and a connection portion that connects the separated first region and the separated second region, The packaging body has an indicator that indicates how to wear the absorbent article, A package for absorbent articles, wherein, in an individually packaged state in which the absorbent articles are individually packaged in the packaging material, the display portion is arranged facing an outer surface of the package.

2. The packaging material, in the individually packaged state, is folded about a plurality of sheet folds, and has a plurality of folded-back portions that are folded about the sheet folds, In the individually packaged state, the package has an opening surface on which an outer folded portion located at the outermost position of the folded portion is arranged, The absorbent article package according to claim 1 , wherein the display portion is disposed facing an outer surface of the opening surface.

3. The display unit is attached to the packaging material, The package of absorbent articles according to claim 1 , wherein in the individually packaged state, at least a portion of the display portion overlaps a connecting portion of the absorbent article.

4. The display unit is attached to the packaging material, The package of absorbent articles according to claim 1 , wherein in the individually packaged state, the absorbent articles are not joined to the packaging material and are movable within a packaging space of the packaging material.

5. The display unit is attached to the absorbent article, The absorbent article packaging body according to claim 1 , wherein the indication portion is disposed within a range of 10 mm from the connecting portion or within a range of 10 mm from the separating portion.

6. The package for absorbent articles according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit includes identification information for indicating a wearing operation by accessing an information processing terminal.

7. The absorbent article package according to claim 1 , wherein the display portion includes a pattern display portion that indicates a wearing operation by using a pattern including the absorbent article.

8. The absorbent article packaging body of claim 7, wherein the pattern display portion includes a first pattern display portion indicating a non-separated state in which the first region and the second region are not separated, and a second pattern display portion indicating a separated state in which the first region and the second region are separated.

9. The absorbent article package according to claim 1 , wherein the article fold includes a first article fold that folds the connecting portion.

10. The connecting portion is disposed in a front waist region facing an abdomen of a wearer, The absorbent article package according to claim 9, wherein the first article fold is along a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the waist direction, and an outer portion of the connecting portion in the waist direction is folded toward a rear waist region side facing the back of the wearer.

11. The connecting portion has a connecting joint portion joined to the waistband member, and an engaging portion disposed on the inside of the connecting joint portion in the waistband direction and engaging the separated first region and the second region, The absorbent article packaging body according to claim 10 , wherein when the absorbent article is not folded along the first article fold, the engagement portion is positioned outside the waist circumference direction relative to an inner edge of the connecting portion in the waist circumference direction.

12. The article fold has a second article fold that folds the absorbent article folded around the first article fold, The second article fold is provided along the longitudinal direction on the inner side of the first article fold in the waist circumference direction, The absorbent article package according to claim 10 , wherein the second article fold is formed by folding an area on an outer side of the second article fold in the waist direction toward the rear waist region.

13. The article fold has a second article fold that folds the absorbent article folded around the first article fold, The second article fold is provided along the longitudinal direction on the inner side of the first article fold in the waist circumference direction, The absorbent article package according to claim 10 , wherein the second article fold is formed by folding an area on an outer side of the second article fold in the waist direction toward the front waist region.

14. The absorbent article package according to claim 1 , wherein a compressed portion is provided on an outer surface of the connecting portion, the compressed portion being formed by compressing a sheet that constitutes the connecting portion.

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