Single-piece absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an individual packaging absorbent article in which at least sealing properties are secured while considering environment.SOLUTION: An individual packaging absorbent article contains a packaging sheet, and an absorbent article packaged by the packaging sheet. The packaging sheet has a first area containing the one end of the first direction of the packaging sheet, and a second area containing the other end opposite to the one end. In the first area and the second area, the first area is folded to overlap with an outer surface of the second area, both edges of the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction are sealed along the first direction, the adhesives for fixing both areas are provided between the first area and the second area, and an edge area containing the one end of the first area is folded back.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to individually packaged absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence pads, etc. are provided in a state of being individually packaged by a packaging sheet for reasons such as being hygienically storable and convenient to carry. As such a packaged absorbent article (also referred to as an individually packaged absorbent article or an individual package of an absorbent article), an absorbent article is placed inside a packaging sheet, the packaging sheet is folded inside together with the absorbent article, and then both edge portions are sealed, and the end portion of the folded region of the packaging sheet is fastened with a fastening tape. This form is well known (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] The fastening tape provides a sealing property that prevents accidental opening of the individually packaged absorbent article before use and blocks the entry of dust into the individually packaged absorbent article.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, due to the increasing awareness of the environment, products with reduced plastic materials have been studied. As part of this, efforts have been made to reduce or eliminate the fastening tape, which is usually mainly made of a plastic material. However, if the use of the fastening tape is stopped, the sealing property of the individually packaged absorbent article may be impaired, causing inconvenience to the user.

[0006] In view of the above, an aspect of the present invention aims to provide an individually packaged absorbent article that takes environmental considerations into account and ensures at least a sealing property.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an individually packaged absorbent article including a packaging sheet and an absorbent article packaged by the packaging sheet, wherein the packaging sheet has a first region including one end in a first direction of the packaging sheet and a second region including the other end opposite to the one end, the first region and the second region are folded so that the first region overlaps the outer surface of the second region, both edge portions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are sealed along the first direction, an adhesive for fastening both regions is provided between the first region and the second region, and an edge region including the one end in the first region is folded back outward.

[0008] In the above first aspect, since the adhesive for fastening the first region and the second region is provided, it is possible to prevent the first region and the second region of the packaging sheet from opening, and prevent dust and dirt from entering the interior of the individually packaged absorbent article between both regions, and prevent fingers or objects from being inadvertently inserted between the first region and the second region to open the package. That is, the sealing property of the individually packaged absorbent article can be ensured.

[0009] Furthermore, since an edge region including one longitudinal end of the first region disposed outside the single-pack absorbent article is folded back, the first region is doubled and reinforced on the side away from the folding position of the first region (near the boundary between the first region and the second region in plan view), making it less likely to deform. Therefore, the tendency of the first region to open away from the second region can be suppressed, and the sealing performance can be further enhanced. Thus, according to this aspect, a single-pack absorbent article having excellent sealing performance can be configured without using an adhesive tape. Therefore, it can be provided as a product without an adhesive tape (also referred to as a tape-less product) that takes environmental considerations into account by reducing the amount of plastic-based material used. And in this aspect, since the edge region is folded back to the outside, the edge region is exposed outside the main region (the portion other than the edge region) of the first region. Since this edge region is not joined to the main region except at the seal portion, the user can insert a finger between the edge region and the main region, pinch the edge region, and pull it, thereby easily opening the single-pack absorbent article.

[0010] In the second aspect of the present invention, the adhesive is provided along the folding position of the fold.

[0011] According to the above second aspect, the adhesive is provided along the opening of the single-pack absorbent article, and excellent sealing performance can be obtained even with a small amount of adhesive.

[0012] In the third aspect of the present invention, the adhesive is provided at predetermined intervals in the central portion of the packaging sheet in the second direction.

[0013] The portion that the user grips during opening is the central portion in the second direction near the folding position of the edge region. According to the above third aspect, since no adhesive is provided in the central portion in the second direction, it becomes easier to grip the first region, and the single-pack absorbent article can be smoothly opened.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first region has the edge region and a main region other than the edge region, and the color is different at least between the inner surface of the edge region and the outer surface of the main region.

[0015] In the single-pack absorbent article, the outer surface of the main region and the inner surface of the edge region are exposed to the outside among the first regions. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, by making the color different at least between the outer surface of the main region and the inner surface of the edge region, the location of the edge region can be easily recognized due to the color difference.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a single-pack absorbent article including a packaging sheet and an absorbent article packaged by the packaging sheet, wherein the packaging sheet has a first region including one end in a first direction of the packaging sheet and a second region including the other end opposite to the one end, the first region and the second region are folded so that the first region overlaps the outer surface of the second region, both edge portions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are sealed along the first direction, an adhesive for fastening the two regions is provided between the first region and the second region, an edge region including the one end in the first region is folded back inward, and the adhesive is provided at a central portion in the second direction at a predetermined interval along the folding position of the folding.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect, since the adhesive for fastening the first region and the second region is provided, it is possible to prevent the space between the first region and the second region of the packaging sheet from opening, and prevent dust and dirt from entering the inside of the single-pack absorbent article between the two regions, or prevent fingers or objects from being inadvertently inserted between the first region and the second region to open the package. That is, the sealing property of the single-pack absorbent article can be ensured.

[0018] Furthermore, since the edge region including one longitudinal end of the first region disposed outside the single-pack absorbent article is folded back, the first region is doubled and reinforced on the side away from the folding position of the first region (near the boundary between the first region and the second region in plan view), making it less likely to deform. Therefore, the tendency for the first region to open away from the second region can be suppressed, and the sealing performance can be further enhanced. Thus, according to this aspect, a single-pack absorbent article having excellent sealing performance can be configured without using an adhesive tape. Therefore, it can be provided as a product without an adhesive tape (also referred to as a tape-less product) that takes environmental considerations into account and reduces the amount of plastic-based materials used. And in this aspect, since the edge region is folded back inward, it is possible to prevent the edge region from getting caught on the hand or an object and the packaging sheet from being torn when carrying the single-pack absorbent article.

[0019] Also, in this aspect, since the adhesive is provided at predetermined intervals in the central portion in the second direction, the user can easily grip the first region at the central portion in the second direction where there is no adhesive, and the opening is easy.

[0020] The sixth aspect of the present invention is that the packaging sheet includes paper.

[0021] According to the above sixth aspect, by using paper for the packaging sheet itself, a product that takes environmental considerations into account can be provided, and a unique texture can also be imparted.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a single-pack absorbent article that ensures at least sealing performance while taking environmental considerations into account.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0025] [First Embodiment] In FIG. 1, the top view of the state which expanded the individually packaged absorbent article 100 by 1st Embodiment (the state which eliminated the fold of the packaging sheet 10) is shown, and in FIG. 2, the top view of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. In addition, in FIG. 3, sectional drawing of the AA line of FIG. 1 is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the individually packaged absorbent article 100 according to the present embodiment includes a packaging sheet 10 and an absorbent article 1 individually packaged by the packaging sheet 10. The individually packaged absorbent article 100 is one in which one absorbent article 1 is packaged by one packaging sheet 10, but it may be one in which a plurality of absorbent articles are packaged.

[0026] [Absorbent Article] In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 wrapped by the packaging sheet 10 may be a flat and elongated article that is worn so as to face the discharge port of body fluids (such as menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, urine, etc.).

[0027] Specific examples of the absorbent article 1 may include sanitary napkins, pantiliners (vaginal discharge sheets), light incontinence pads, etc. The absorbent article 1 may have a liquid-permeable top sheet 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber 4 disposed between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet.

[0028] As the back sheet, at least a sheet material having water shielding properties such as an olefin resin sheet such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used. A laminated nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet of a nonwoven fabric having substantially liquid impermeability with a waterproof film interposed therebetween can be used. Further, those having moisture permeability may be used.

[0029] As the top sheet 3, a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, etc. are preferably used. As the material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric, for example, olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and mixed fibers thereof, and natural fibers such as cotton can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0030] The absorber 4 is not limited as long as it is a material that can absorb and hold body fluids, but preferably contains cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbing polymer. As the water-absorbing polymer, superabsorbent polymer granulated powder (superabsorbent polymer (SAP)), superabsorbent polymer fiber (superabsorbent fiber (SAF)), and combinations thereof can be used. Examples of the pulp include those made of cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp and dissolving pulp obtained from wood, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate.

[0031] The thickness of the absorber 4 may be 0.5 to 25 mm. The absorber 4 can also have a structure in which a region corresponding to the body fluid discharge port (body fluid discharge port corresponding region) and a region facing the groove of the buttocks, which is behind the body fluid discharge port corresponding region, are bulged. The absorber has dimensions and a shape that do not protrude from the topsheet and the backsheet. At the front and rear edge portions of the absorber 4, the outer edges of the backsheet and the topsheet are joined by an adhesive means such as hot melt, heat seal, ultrasonic seal, etc.

[0032] On both sides of the absorber 4, side sheets 7, 7 may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1. As the side sheets 7, 7, a water-repellent treated nonwoven fabric or a hydrophilic treated nonwoven fabric can be used. Note that the absorbent article 1 may have wings that extend laterally, respectively. In that case, the wings can be formed by joining the side sheet 7 and the backsheet.

[0033] Also, on the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1 (the side facing the underwear when worn), an adhesive or non-adhesive displacement prevention portion (not shown) for preventing the absorbent article 1 from shifting from the underwear when attached to the underwear may be provided.

[0034] The overall length of the absorbent article 1 can be 140 to 430 mm, and the width of the absorbent article 1 (the width of the main body excluding the wings when having wings) can be 50 to 130 mm.

[0035] <Packaging sheet> The packaging sheet 10 is also in an elongated shape similar to the shape of the absorbent article 1 in the unfolded state, and may have a shape such as a rectangle, an oblong, etc. In the description of this embodiment, the longitudinal direction D1 of the packaging sheet 10 may be referred to as the first direction, and the direction orthogonal to the first direction, that is, the short side direction D2 of the packaging sheet 10 may be referred to as the second direction. However, the planar shape of the packaging sheet 10 may be a non-elongated shape such as a square, a circle, etc.

[0036] The dimensions of the packaging sheet 10 depend on the size and shape of the absorbent article 1 to be packaged. For example, when the packaging sheet 10 is in a fully unfolded state (not folded back), the length in the longitudinal direction D1 (which may sometimes be simply referred to as the length) can be 100 to 460 mm, and the length in the transverse direction D2 (which may sometimes be simply referred to as the width) can be 70 to 250 mm.

[0037] The material constituting the packaging sheet 10 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, paper, a resin film, a nonwoven fabric, or the like. Among these, it is preferable to use paper because it has high rigidity and can be reliably folded back when folded. In addition, by using paper, the environmental burden during disposal is small, and a natural texture of natural materials can be imparted.

[0038] In this specification, paper refers to a flat material obtained by adhering plant fibers and other fibers with an adhesive. In particular, those mainly made of plant fibers (pulp), for example, those in which plant fibers account for 50% or more of the contained fibers, preferably 80% or more, can be referred to. The types of pulp contained in the paper may include wood pulp, non-wood pulp, and waste paper pulp, and these may be either mechanical pulp or chemical pulp. Additives may be added to the paper. Furthermore, specific examples of the paper used for the packaging sheet 10 include various types of paper such as Western-style paper, Japanese paper, processed paper, and synthetic paper. In addition, paper that has been used for other purposes in the past, for example, newsprint, printing paper (including high-quality paper), writing paper, drawing paper, packaging paper, tissue paper, and miscellaneous paper, can be used without processing or after processing. Note that the paper may be bleached or unbleached. Unbleached paper gives a more natural texture. Also, since the inside is less visible through it, it becomes difficult to see the packaged absorbent article 1, and when wrapping a used absorbent article at the time of disposal, it also becomes difficult to see the used product, which is preferable.

[0039] As the material of the packaging sheet 10, paper can be a thin paper with a low basis weight in order to be easily foldable when packaging the absorbent article 1 and to easily maintain the state after packaging. The thin paper may be thin imitation paper, Indian paper, rice paper (used as cigarette rolling paper, etc.), glassine paper, tissue paper, toilet paper, filter paper, etc. Also, it may be paper that has been processed after papermaking. Examples of the above processing include creping, embossing, calendering, water repellent processing (release processing), slitting, plying, printing, etc. By performing creping or embossing, both strength and flexibility can be improved. When performing water repellent processing (release processing) on the packaging sheet 10, for example, a water repellent agent containing a silicone-based resin, a paraffin-based resin, a fluororesin, etc. may be applied to at least one of the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10 (the side that is exposed to the outside when the absorbent article 1 is packaged) and the inner surface on the side opposite to the outer surface.

[0040] When paper is used as the material of the packaging sheet 10, its basis weight may be 10~100 g / m 2 And the thickness of the paper can preferably be 25~200 μm, more preferably 50~200 μm.

[0041] When a resin film is used as the material of the packaging sheet 10, the packaging sheet 10 is less likely to tear. Also, when printing is applied, the outlines of the printed characters and patterns become clear and the coloring of the colorant is also good, so the designability of the packaging sheet 10 can be improved. When a resin film is used for the packaging sheet 10, examples of the resin used include polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. As the resin film, a stretched one is preferred. Also, the resin film may be a non-breathable film or a breathable film.

[0042] When a non-woven fabric is used as the material of the packaging sheet 10, it is preferable in that the texture, flexibility, etc. can be improved. As the non-woven fabric to be used, a melt-blown non-woven fabric, a spunbond non-woven fabric, etc. are preferable, and those in which layers of these non-woven fabrics are combined and laminated in plurality can also be used. Further, the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric may be polyolefins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyesters, polyamides such as nylon, etc.

[0043] One packaging sheet 10 may be composed of a single layer containing any of the above-described different materials, or may be a laminate formed by laminating a plurality of layers. The materials contained in each layer of the plurality of layers may be the same or different from each other. For example, a sheet formed by laminating a resin film and paper can be used.

[0044] <Packaging structure> When the absorbent article 1 is packaged with the packaging sheet 10, the absorbent article 1 is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10, and both are folded together into three or more folds so that the absorbent article 1 is hidden inside the packaging sheet 10 for packaging.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the packaging sheet 10 has a first region R1 including one end 11 in the longitudinal direction D1 and a second region R2 including the other end 12 on the opposite side of the one end, and the region between the first region R1 and the second region R2 is the third region R3. When folding the packaging sheet 10 for packaging the absorbent article 1, the second region R2 is folded to the inner surface side at the second folding position FL2 along the lateral direction D2, and then the first region R1 is folded to the inner surface side at the first folding position FL1 along the lateral direction D2. At that time, the first region R1 and the second region R2 overlap, more specifically, the first region R1 overlaps the outer surface of the second region R2, and it is folded into a rolled triple fold (inner triple fold) (FIGS. 2 and 3). Before folding the second region R2, by folding the second region R2 at one or more folding positions along the lateral direction D2 between the other end 12 of the second region R2 and the second folding position FL2, a packaging structure of four or more folds can also be obtained.

[0046] The absorbent article 1 is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 so that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1 aligns with the longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 10 before folding the packaging sheet 10. Then, both the absorbent article 1 and the packaging sheet 10 are folded together. After folding, both edge portions in the direction orthogonal to the folding direction, that is, both edge portions in the lateral direction D2, are sealed to form seal portions 15, 15. The seal portions 15, 15 are peelable with the normal force of the user and are configured to peel off when the user lifts the first region R1 away from the second region R2 during opening. The seal portions 15, 15 may be formed by heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, an adhesive, or a mechanical method. The mechanical method is, for example, a method of deforming the surface of the packaging sheet by embossing or the like to engage the packaging sheets with each other. When the packaging sheet 10 contains paper or is made of paper, sealing by a mechanical method is preferred. The seal portions 15, 15 are preferably formed within a range from 3 to 10 mm from the edge in the lateral direction D2.

[0047] In addition, when the absorbent article 1 has wings, the wings are pre-folded on the skin side (top sheet side) of the absorbent article 1, and then the first region R1 and the second region R2 are folded.

[0048] Such a form of individual packaging in which the packaging sheet 10 is folded in one direction and both edge portions in the direction orthogonal to the folding direction are sealed is preferable because the absorbent article can be hygienically accommodated by a simple procedure.

[0049] <Adhesive> In the single-pack absorbent article 100, that is, when the packaging sheet 10 is folded together with the absorbent article 1 as described above, the adhesive 20 is disposed between the first region R1 and the second region R2. The adhesive 20 contacts both the inner surface of the first region R1 and the outer surface of the second region R2, and adheres the two to each other to seal the single-pack absorbent article 100. In this specification, "sealing" does not mean complete airtightness, but refers to protecting from the influence of the external environment so that the quality of the absorbent article can be guaranteed until it is used. Therefore, in the case of "sealing property", it refers to a function that can sufficiently prevent dust, dirt, etc. from entering the inside of the single-pack absorbent article, or fingers or objects from touching the absorbent article.

[0050] By such an adhesive 20, it is possible to prevent the space between the first region R1 and the second region R2 from opening, and thereby it becomes difficult for foreign substances such as dust and dirt to enter the inside of the single-pack absorbent article 100 from between the first region R1 and the second region R2. In addition, it is also possible to prevent fingers or objects from being inserted and caught before opening, and the first region R1 from being pulled, so that the joining of the seal portions 15, 15 is unintentionally released. That is, sufficient sealing property can be obtained.

[0051] The type of the adhesive 20 is not particularly limited, but an adhesive having re-adhesiveness, that is, even if the adhesive is once peeled off from the packaging sheet and exposed by opening the unitary packaged absorbent article 100, the packaging sheet can be re-attached by the adhesive is preferable. More specifically, a hot melt type adhesive that is easy to handle is preferable. As the main components of the adhesive 20, styrene polymers, tackifiers, plasticizers, and combinations thereof can be used. Examples of the styrene polymer include styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, styrene-isobutylene-styrene copolymer, styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, etc., and one or more of these can be used. Among these, a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer is preferable in terms of good thermal stability. Also, as the tackifier and plasticizer, those that are solid at normal temperature can be used. Examples of the tackifier include C5 petroleum resin, C9 petroleum resin, dicyclopentadiene petroleum resin, rosin petroleum resin, polyterpene resin, terpene phenol resin, etc. Examples of the plasticizer include monomer plasticizers such as triphenyl phosphate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate, etc., and polymer plasticizers such as vinyl polymers and polyesters.

[0052] The method for providing the adhesive 20 on the packaging sheet 10 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include melt coating using a hot melt coater. For example, coating devices such as a gravure coater, a spray coater, a spiral gun, and a bead gun can be used.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adhesive 20 is preferably provided along the lateral direction D2 in a plan view. The first region R1 and the second region R2 are joined to each other at the seal portions 15, 15, but the inside of the seal portions 15, 15 in the lateral direction D2, that is, the portion between the seal portions 15, 15 is not seal-joined. Therefore, by providing the adhesive 20 so as to extend along the lateral direction D2 of the unjoined region, preferably so as to extend across the lateral direction D2 of the unjoined region, the first region R1 and the second region R2 can be efficiently fixed to each other, and the sealing property can be enhanced.

[0054] Note that the adhesive 20 may be provided in a continuous linear shape, or may be provided in a discontinuous linear shape, that is, the adhesive 20 may be intermittently provided in the lateral direction D2. However, from the viewpoint of enhancing the sealing property, it is preferably continuous. Further, even if the planar shape of the adhesive 20 is not linear as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, as long as it extends in the lateral direction D2, it may be provided in a wavy shape, a spiral shape, or a random shape.

[0055] The adhesive 20 may be provided over the entire width of the packaging sheet 10 (over the entire lateral direction D2), but it is preferably not provided in the portion where the seal portions 15, 15 are formed so as not to interfere with the formation of the seal portions 15, 15, and it is more preferably not provided in the range from the inner ends of the seal portions 15 and the lateral direction D2 of the seal portions 15 to 3 mm or less inside the lateral direction D2. Further, the length of the adhesive 20 in the lateral direction D2 is preferably approximately the same as the length of the main body of the absorbent article 1 in the lateral direction D2. The width (length in the longitudinal direction D1) w of the adhesive 20 may be 3 to 15 mm.

[0056] Furthermore, the amount of the adhesive 20 to be provided is preferably not more than the amount of the adhesive provided in one fastening tape used for a general individually packaged absorbent article. Thereby, not only the material of the tape body of the fastening tape but also the adhesive which is a polymer material can be reduced, and a product with a reduced environmental load as a whole can be provided.

[0057] <Edge region> In the single-pack absorbent article 100 according to this embodiment, a part of the first region R1 of the packaging sheet 10 is folded back to form an edge region Re. In other words, the region from the folding position FLe to one end 11 in the longitudinal direction D1 in the first region R1 becomes the edge region Re. The formation of the edge region Re may be before the formation of the seal portions 15, 15, before folding back the first region R1 at the first fold FL1, or after folding back the first region R1. By forming the edge region Re, the vicinity of one end 11 in the longitudinal direction D1 of the first region R1 becomes double and is reinforced, making it difficult to deform, so that the opening of the first region R1 (the first region R1 deforms so as to separate from the second region R2) can be prevented. Therefore, the sealing performance can also be enhanced by the edge region Re.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the edge region Re is folded back outward. More specifically, at the folding position FLe extending along the lateral direction D2, the edge region Re including one end 11 in the first region R1 is folded back to the outer surface side. As a result, in the state where the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged (FIGS. 2 and 3), the edge region Re is disposed outside the main region Rm of the first region R1 (the portion other than the edge region Re in the first region R1) and is exposed to the outside. Here, the edge region Re is not joined to the main region Rm at portions other than the seal portions 15, 15, that is, at portions other than both edge portions in the lateral direction D2. Therefore, when the single-pack absorbent article 100 is opened, the edge region Re can function like a tab for gripping.

[0059] Note that when the edge region Re is folded back at the folding position FLe, a clear fold line may be formed at the folding position FLe, or a clear line may not be formed at the folding position FLe. For example, the first region R1 may be curved and change its direction at the folding position FLe.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows the initial step of opening the individually packaged absorbent article 100 according to the first embodiment. When it is desired to open the individually packaged absorbent article 100, as shown in FIG. 4(a), a finger can be inserted between the edge region Re and the main region Rm, and then the edge region Re can be pinched by sandwiching it from both sides. Then, it can be pulled in the longitudinal direction D1 in a direction to separate the first region R1 from the second region R2. When pulled, the adhesion between the first region R1 and the second region R2 by the adhesive 20 is released, and further pulling causes the joining of the seal portions 15, 15 to be released in the longitudinal direction D1, and the first region R1 is lifted from the second region R2 (FIG. 4(b)). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive 20 remains on the inner surface of the first region R1.

[0061] In this way, the formation of the edge region Re facilitates the opening of the individually packaged absorbent article 100. Also, since the edge region Re is a part of the first region R1 and is not separate from the packaging sheet 10, there is little concern of detachment from the packaging sheet 10. Therefore, the opening operation can be performed reliably.

[0062] The width (length in the longitudinal direction D1) Le of the edge region Re (FIG. 1) is preferably 5 to 15 mm. By setting the width to 5 mm or more, it becomes easier for the user to pinch and pull the edge region Re. Also, by setting the width to 15 mm or less, when carrying the individually packaged absorbent article 100 or taking it out from a pouch or the like, it is possible to prevent fingers or objects from accidentally entering between the edge region Re and the main region Rm and the first region R1 from being accidentally peeled off. Also, the material cost of the packaging sheet 10 can be reduced.

[0063] The above-mentioned adhesive 20 is preferably provided along the folding position FLe near the folding position FLe on the inner surface of the main region Rm of the first region R1. In the unitary absorbent article 100, the folding position FLe serves as the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in a plan view (Fig. 2) and corresponds to the opening of the unitary absorbent article 100. Therefore, by providing the adhesive 20 as close as possible to the folding position FLe, dust and dirt attempting to enter from the opening can be effectively blocked. Thus, even if the adhesive 20 is separated from the folding position FLe in the longitudinal direction D1, the separation distance is preferably 8 mm or less. Also, the adhesive 20 may be provided in contact with the folding position FLe, but considering manufacturing errors, the separation distance between the adhesive 20 and the folding position FLe is preferably 2 mm or more.

[0064] Also, the adhesive 20 is preferably formed within the region of the edge region Re in a plan view. Further, in order to prevent the adhesive 20 from adhering to the absorbent article 1, it is provided at a position where there is no absorbent article 1 in the state where the unitary absorbent article 100 is unfolded (Fig. 1).

[0065] Thus, according to this embodiment, a unitary absorbent article 100 with high sealing performance and ease of opening can be configured without a fastening tape. Therefore, a tape-less product that reduces the environmental burden during disposal while maintaining ease of use can be provided.

[0066] Also, the adhesive 20 provided on the packaging sheet 10 can also be used when the packaging sheet 10 is utilized for the disposal of the used absorbent article. In that case, for example, the used absorbent article is placed on the inner surface near the other end 12 of the packaging sheet 10, the packaging sheet 10 is wrapped around, and then the portion near the one end 11 is fastened to the outer surface of the packaging sheet by the adhesive 20. The user can perform such wrapping of the packaging sheet 10 at the time of disposal with the edge region Re. And since the adhesive 20 is directly applied to the packaging sheet 10, there is little concern of detachment like a fastening tape even when pulled with a strong force, so the disposal operation becomes comfortable.

[0067] Incidentally, it is preferable that the adhesive 20 remains in the first region R1. Thereby, when the packaging sheet 10 is used for disposing of used absorbent articles, the used absorbent article is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 10 and the packaging sheet 10 is wound, and finally, the end of the packaging sheet 10 can be fixed with the adhesive 20 remaining in the first region R1 (main region Rm). Note that which sheet the adhesive 20 sandwiched between two sheets remains on is determined by the affinity between the surface of the sheet and the adhesive 20. That is, if the affinity of the surface of one of the two sheets is made higher than the other, the adhesive 20 remains on the sheet with the higher affinity. Therefore, by performing a process for enhancing the affinity with the adhesive on the surface of one sheet, for example, a process for making the surface of one sheet smoother to enhance the adhesion with the adhesive (smoothing process), and not performing the same process on the surface of the other sheet, the adhesive 20 can be made to remain on one sheet. The smoothing process can be performed by pressing the packaging sheet using a roller or the like with a smooth surface, applying a dedicated treatment agent, or the like. For example, in the present embodiment, since the adhesive 20 is disposed between the inner surface of the first region R1 and the outer surface of the second region R2, by performing the smoothing process on at least the portion of the first region R1 facing the adhesive 20, after peeling the first region R1 from the second region R2, the adhesive 20 remains in the first region R1. A packaging sheet 10 in which the entire inner surface is subjected to the smoothing process and the entire outer surface is not subjected to the same process may be used. Further, by leaving the surface of one sheet untreated and forming irregularities on the surface of the other sheet to reduce the total contact area between the other sheet and the surface and the adhesive, so that the adhesive is likely to separate, the adhesive 20 is also likely to remain on one sheet.

[0068] Further, when the packaging sheet 10 contains fibers such as paper or non-woven fabric, it is preferable that the surface of the sheet on which the adhesive 20 does not remain after the first region R1 is peeled off from the second region R2 is such that fibers do not detach from the surface. Therefore, for example, when the adhesive 20 is left in the first region R1 in the illustrated example, a fiber detachment prevention treatment such as applying a chemical agent is performed so that fibers do not detach from at least the portion of the second region R2 facing the adhesive 20, or it is preferable that the entire packaging sheet 10 is made of a material from which fibers hardly detach, particularly from the outer surface.

[0069] <Modification example> FIG. 5 shows a modification example of the adhesive 20. The adhesive 20 may be formed in a discontinuous linear shape as shown in FIG. 5(a). Further, if the adhesive 20 is provided along the folding position FLe and also along the lateral direction D2, it may be formed in a dot shape. In that case, while maintaining the sealing property of the adhesive 20, the amount of the adhesive 20 can be reduced.

[0070] Further, the adhesive 20 may be provided in a plurality of rows arranged in the longitudinal direction D1. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the adhesive 20 can be provided in two rows in the longitudinal direction D1. In that case, since two-stage fastening positions are formed in the longitudinal direction D1, the sealing property can be improved.

[0071] Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a modification example of the packaging sheet 10. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the color is different between the inner surface (the surface on which the absorbent article is placed) and the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10. As described above, in the state where the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment is packaged, the main region Rm of the first region R1 and the outer surface of the second region R2 are exposed, while for the edge region Re, its inner surface is exposed. Therefore, by making at least the colors of the outer surface and the inner surface of the first region R1 different, a color difference occurs between the second region R2 and the edge region Re, and between the first region R1 and the edge region Re, making it easier for the user to recognize the location of the edge region Re. Therefore, the opening operation becomes smooth. Also, as the packaging sheet 10, a sheet material having different colors for the entire outer surface and the entire inner surface can be used. In that case, it is preferable in that coloring of a specific part becomes unnecessary and manufacturing becomes easy.

[0072] Note that the configuration for facilitating the recognition of the edge region Re is not limited to the above. For example, the edge region Re can be embossed, or an additional sheet can be attached to the inner surface of the edge region Re. In that case, since the rigidity of the edge region Re can be made higher than that of other regions of the packaging sheet 10, it is preferable from the viewpoint that the edge region Re can be surely gripped when picking up and pulling the edge region Re.

[0073] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the individually packaged absorbent article 200 according to the second embodiment in a developed state (a state where the folds of the packaging sheet 10 are eliminated), and FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 of FIG. 1. Further, FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B1 - B1 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B2 - B2 of FIG. 7. The basic configuration of the individually packaged absorbent article 200 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the individually packaged absorbent article 100 (FIGS. 1 to 6) according to the first embodiment, but the individually packaged absorbent article 200 is different from the individually packaged absorbent article 100 (FIGS. 1 to 6) in that the folding direction of the edge region Re' is different, and accordingly, the arrangement of the adhesive 20' is different. Note that for points not otherwise described, the individually packaged absorbent article 200 according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the individually packaged absorbent article 100 according to the first embodiment and exhibits the same effects.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the edge region Re' is folded back inward. In FIG. 7, the folding position FLe' extending along the lateral direction D2 serves as a valley fold line, and the edge region Re' including one end 11 in the first region R1 is folded back to the inner surface side. In this embodiment, in the individually packaged absorbent article 200 (in the state where the absorbent article 1 is packaged), the edge region Re' is hidden inside.

[0075] Even in this embodiment, since the edge region Re' doubles and reinforces the vicinity of the end of the first region R1 in the longitudinal direction D1 (near the boundary between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in plan view), the tendency of the first region R1 to deform away from the second region R2 is suppressed, and the sealing property can be enhanced. Further, in this embodiment, at the time of opening, the user can hold the portion where the edge region Re' and the main region Rm of the first region R1 are double - overlapped and thickened, so that the packaging sheet 10 can be surely gripped, and the opening becomes smooth. Further, since the edge region Re' is not exposed to the outside, when carrying the individually - packaged absorbent article 200, putting it into a pouch or the like, or taking it out from the pouch, the possibility that the edge region Re' gets caught on a finger or an object and the packaging sheet is torn can be reduced.

[0076] In this embodiment, the width (length in the longitudinal direction D1) Le' (FIG. 7) of the edge region Re' is preferably 10 to 20 mm, and more preferably 10 to 15 mm. By setting the width to 10 mm or more, the above - described effect of reinforcing the end of the first region R1 can be improved, and by setting it to 20 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the region where the sheets are double - overlapped from becoming excessively large and causing unnecessary roughness. Also, the material cost of the packaging sheet 10 can be reduced.

[0077] Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the adhesive 20' is provided on the outer surface of the packaging sheet 10. Thereby, when the edge region Re' is folded back inward, the edge region Re' and the second region R2 face each other, and the adhesive 20' is arranged therebetween (FIGS. 8 and 10). Therefore, also in this embodiment, the adhesive 20' can fasten the first region R1 and the second region R2.

[0078] Note that, as described above, the adhesive 20' is sandwiched between the outer surface of the edge region Re' and the outer surface of the second region R2 (FIG. 10). Therefore, since the outer surfaces of both packaging sheets 10 come into contact with the adhesive 20' vertically, a process for reducing the affinity with the adhesive 20' or a process for improving the affinity is performed on either region so that the adhesive 20' remains on the surface with a lower affinity with the adhesive 20' when opened. For example, by performing a smoothing process on the entire outer surface of the packaging sheet 10 and leaving the entire inner surface untreated, the adhesive 20' can be left in the edge region Re'.

[0079] The adhesive 20' is provided along the lateral direction D2. The arrangement of the adhesive 20' can be the same as that of the adhesive 20 described in the first embodiment. However, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the adhesive 20' is preferably intermittent at the center in the lateral direction D2. The length G in the lateral direction D2 of the intermittent portion can be 10 to 40 mm. In such an example where the adhesive 20' is intermittent, it becomes easier to insert a finger between the first region R1 and the second region R2, more specifically, between the edge region Re' and the second region R2 (FIG. 9) when opening. Therefore, it becomes easier to grip the first region R1 and easier to open.

[0080] Also, if the packaging sheet 10 has a certain degree of rigidity, for example, when the packaging sheet is made of a highly rigid material such as paper, or when it has a thickness that can impart a certain degree of rigidity, the edge region Re' has a stronger tendency to return to the state before folding. Therefore, the edge region Re' acts to close the gap between the edge region Re' and the second region R2 even at the central portion in the second direction D2 where there is no adhesive (FIG. 9). Therefore, in this embodiment where the adhesives are arranged at a predetermined interval (G), the sealing property is ensured along the opening before opening, and the first region R1 can be easily gripped and opened at the center in the second direction D2 when opening.

[0081] FIG. 11 shows a modified example of the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 11, the edge of the first region R1 is folded twice. More specifically, at the first folding position FLe1, the first edge region Re'1 is folded, and at the second folding position FLe2, the second edge region Re'2 is folded. And the adhesive 20' is provided on the outer surface of the second edge region Re'2. With this configuration, the first region R1 of the individually packaged absorbent article 200 has a portion where the main region Rm, the second edge region Re'2, and the first edge region Re'1 are stacked in order, and the edge of the first region R1 can be made thick and rigid. Thus, in the configuration where the edge region is formed by folding multiple times, the effect of reinforcing the edge of the first region R1 is enhanced, and the sealing property can be improved. Also, since the rigidity of the portion held by the user is increased even when opening, it becomes easier to open by pulling the first region R1.

[0082] As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Also, within the scope described in the claims, various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, combinations, etc. are possible, and these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described plurality of features can be arbitrarily combined. For example, the arrangement of the intermittent adhesives at the center shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 may be applied in the first embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0083] 1 Absorbent article 3 Topsheet 4 Absorbent body 7 Sidesheet 10 Packaging sheet 11 One end in the first direction (longitudinal direction) 12 The other end in the first direction (longitudinal direction) 15 Seal portion 20, 20' Adhesive 100, 200 Individually packaged absorbent article D1 First direction of the packaging sheet D2 Second direction of the packaging sheet FL1 First folding position FL2 Second folding position FLe, FLe' turning positions FLe1 First turning position FLe2 Second turning position R1 First region R2 Second region R3 Third region Re, Re' Edge regions of the first region Re'1 First edge region Re'2 Second edge region Rm Main region of the first region

Claims

1. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising a packaging sheet and an absorbent article packaged by the packaging sheet, wherein the packaging sheet has a first region including one end in a first direction of the packaging sheet and a second region including the other end opposite to the one end, the first region and the second region are folded so that the first region overlaps the outer surface of the second region, and both edge portions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are sealed along the first direction, an adhesive for fastening both regions is provided between the first region and the second region, an edge region including the one end in the first region is folded back outward, the other end is not exposed, and the adhesive is formed within the range of the folded edge region in a plan view so as to remain on the inner surface of the first region when opened, the individually packaged absorbent article.

2. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive is provided along the folding position of the fold.

3. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the adhesive is provided at a predetermined interval in a central portion of the packaging sheet in the second direction.

4. The first region has the edge region and a main region other than the edge region, and the individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least the inner surface of the edge region and the outer surface of the main region have different colors.

5. An individually packaged absorbent article comprising a packaging sheet and an absorbent article packaged by the packaging sheet, wherein the absorbent article and the packaging sheet are folded together, the packaging sheet has a first region including one end in a first direction of the packaging sheet and a second region including the other end opposite to the one end, the first region and the second region are folded so that the first region overlaps the outer surface of the second region, and both edge portions in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction are sealed along the first direction, an adhesive for fastening both regions is provided between the first region and the second region, an edge region including the one end in the first region is folded back inward, and the adhesive is provided at a predetermined interval in a central portion of the second direction along the folding position of the fold so as to remain on the outer surface of the folded edge region when opened, the individually packaged absorbent article.

6. The individually packaged absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the packaging sheet contains paper.

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