Absorbent article packaging

Abstract

To provide a package body for an absorbent article which can suppress unintended breakage of a packaging film and can be opened.SOLUTION: A package body (1) for an absorbent article comprises: an absorbent article (10) having a top sheet (2), a back sheet (4), an absorbent core (3) and a fastening part (5) fastened to a wearing article; a packaging film (20) packaging the absorbent article; and a release sheet (30) arranged between the packaging film and the absorbent article. An inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet (30) through a first junction (R1) having an adhesive agent. In a packaging state, an outer surface of the packaging film is joined to an opening tape (50) joined to one end of the packaging film, through a second junction (R2) having an adhesive agent. In the packaging state, at least a part of the second junction is overlapped to the first junction. Surface roughness of an inner surface of the packaging film contacting the first junction is greater than that of an outer surface of the packaging film contacting the second junction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a package of absorbent articles in which absorbent articles are individually packaged in a packaging film. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a package for absorbent articles in which absorbent articles are individually wrapped in a packaging film. The package is configured so that, in a packaged state in which the absorbent articles are individually wrapped in the packaging film, a tear tape attached to one end of the packaging film is attached to the outer surface of the packaging film, preventing the packaging film from being unintentionally opened. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-10258 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-104167 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a user opens a package, they pull the tear tape to separate the bond between the tear tape and the outer surface of the packaging film. If the bond between the tear tape and the outer surface of the packaging film is difficult to separate, an unintended load may be applied to the packaging film, causing the packaging film to tear. Therefore, there is room for improvement in absorbent article packages to prevent unintended tearing of the packaging film.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and has an object to provide a package for absorbent articles that can be opened while preventing unintentional tearing of the packaging film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A package for absorbent articles according to one embodiment includes an absorbent article (10) having a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening portion disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet for fastening to a worn article; a packaging film (20) for packaging the absorbent article; and a release sheet (30) disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening portion. The packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article are folded together to form a packaged body (1), in which the absorbent articles are individually packaged by the packaging film. The inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet (30) via a first adhesive joint (R1). In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape (50) attached to one end of the packaging film via a second adhesive joint (R2). In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint overlaps the first joint. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion is greater than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion.

[0007] A package for absorbent articles according to another embodiment includes an absorbent article (10) having a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening portion disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet for fastening to a worn article; a packaging film (20) for packaging the absorbent article; and a release sheet (30) disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening portion. The package is formed by folding the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article together, so that the absorbent articles are individually packaged by the packaging film. The inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet (30) via a first adhesive joint (R1). In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape (50) attached to one end of the packaging film via a second adhesive joint (R2). In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint overlaps the first joint. The packaging film is provided with a printed area (60) containing ink. The printed area is not provided on the outer surface of the packaging film that contacts the second joint, but on the inner surface of the packaging film that contacts the first joint. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a package of absorbent articles in a packaged state, where Figure 1(a) is a plan view and Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figure 1(a). [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article packaging body in the first opened state, as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article package in the second developed state as seen from the skin side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the absorbent article package in the second developed state, as viewed from the non-skin side. [Figure 5]Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of a package of absorbent articles. Fig. 5(a) is a schematic plan view of part B shown in Fig. 1(a). Fig. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in Fig. 5(a). Fig. 5(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of part D shown in Fig. 5(b). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a package for absorbent articles according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. A first aspect of the invention is a package for absorbent articles. The package for absorbent articles includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, an absorbent article disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and having a fastening part for fastening to a worn article, a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article, and a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part. The package is formed by folding the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article together, so that the absorbent articles are individually packaged by the packaging film. The inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first adhesive joint. In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape attached to one end of the packaging film via a second adhesive joint. In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint overlaps the first joint. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint is rougher than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint. In this aspect, the surface roughness of the region of the inner surface of the packaging film that is bonded to the release sheet is rougher than the surface roughness of the region of the outer surface of the packaging film that is bonded to the tear tape. Therefore, the surface area per unit area that comes into contact with the adhesive in the region of the packaging film that is bonded to the release sheet is greater than the surface area per unit area that comes into contact with the adhesive in the region of the packaging film that is bonded to the tear tape. Therefore, when the tear tape is pulled, the first joint is difficult to separate, and the second joint is easy to separate. This allows the tear tape to be smoothly peeled off from the packaging film. The package can be opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film.

[0010] A second aspect of the invention is a package for absorbent articles. The package for absorbent articles includes a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, an absorbent article disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and having a fastening part for fastening to a worn article, a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article, and a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part. The package is formed by folding the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article together, so that the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging film. The inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first adhesive joint. In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape attached to one end of the packaging film via a second adhesive joint. In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second adhesive joint overlaps the first adhesive joint. The packaging film has a printed area with ink. The printed portion is not provided on the outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion, but on the inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion. According to this aspect, a printed portion is provided on the inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion, and the presence of ink in the printed portion forms fine irregularities. On the other hand, a printed portion is not provided on the outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion, and fine irregularities due to ink are not formed. Both the first joint portion and the second joint portion are bonded with an adhesive. Therefore, in the region of the packaging film bonded to the release sheet, the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive is larger than the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive in the region of the packaging film bonded to the tear tape. Therefore, when the tear tape is pulled, the first joint portion is difficult to separate, and the second joint portion is easy to separate. This allows the tear tape to be smoothly peeled off from the packaging film. The package can be opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 2. In the packaged state, both ends of the package in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film have fitting portions where the packaging films stacked in the thickness direction are fitted together. The printed portion is provided in an area overlapping the fitting portions. When the package is opened, the second joint portion is separated, and then the joints of the fitting portions provided at both ends of the package in the first direction are separated. According to this aspect, since the fitting portions are provided overlapping the printed portion having ink, the presence of the ink can reduce the joint strength of the fitting portions compared to a configuration without ink. Therefore, the joints of the fitting portions can be smoothly separated, and tearing of the packaging film during separation can be suppressed.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 2 or 3. The printed portion is provided on the edge of the packaging film in the first direction. According to this aspect, the edge of the packaging film in the first direction is provided with a printed portion, which can reduce the bonding strength of the fitting portion at the edge in the first direction. The bonding of the fitting portion at the edge in the first direction of the packaging film can be smoothly separated, and when peeling from that edge, tearing of the packaging film at the peel start portion can be suppressed, and when that edge is the peel end, tearing at the peel end portion can be suppressed.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 5 may have the following features in the inventions according to embodiments 2 to 4. The printed portion is composed of a collection of printed components, which are inks arranged in a dot pattern. The mating portion is composed of a collection of mating components arranged intermittently. The spacing between the printed components is longer than the spacing between the mating components. According to this embodiment, since the spacing between the printed components is relatively long, the printed components may be arranged without overlapping with the mating components. By providing an area where the printed components do not overlap with the mating components, the bonding strength of the mating portion is ensured and unintentional separation of the mating portion before use (before opening) can be prevented.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the inventions according to embodiments 2 to 4. The printed portion is composed of a collection of printed components, which are inks arranged in a dot pattern. The mating portion is composed of a collection of mating components arranged intermittently. The spacing between the printed components is shorter than the spacing between the mating components. According to this embodiment, since the spacing between the printed components is relatively short, the printed components are likely to be arranged overlapping the mating components. By the printed components overlapping the mating components, the bonding strength of the mating portion can be reduced. Therefore, the mating portion can be smoothly separated, and tearing of the packaging film during separation can be suppressed.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 2 to 6. The inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joint having an adhesive. The printed portion has an edge printed portion arranged on the inner surface of one end of the packaging film. At least a portion of the edge printed portion overlaps the third joint. According to this aspect, since at least a portion of the edge printed portion overlaps the third joint, the presence of ink in the edge printed portion increases the surface area of ​​one end of the packaging film, thereby ensuring the joining strength of the third joint. Therefore, by joining one end (opening end) of the packaging film at the third joint, it is possible to prevent the one end from being unintentionally opened.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 2 to 7. The inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joint having an adhesive. The third joint overlaps the area where the one end of the packaging film and the tear tape are joined. According to this aspect, since the third joint is provided in the area overlapping the joint between the one end of the packaging film and the tear tape, when the tear tape is pulled, the one end of the packaging film does not lift up, and a peel force is easily applied to the second joint from the area where the joint between the one end of the packaging film and the tear tape and the third joint overlap, which makes it possible to smoothly open the package while suppressing breakage of the packaging film, etc.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 9 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 2 to 8. The inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joint having an adhesive. In the packaged state, fitting portions are provided at both ends of the package in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film, where the packaging films stacked in the thickness direction are fitted together. The third joint portion is provided in an area overlapping the fitting portion. When the package is opened, the second joint portion is separated, and then the joints of the fitting portions provided at both ends of the package in the first direction are separated. At this time, because the adhesive is applied to the area where the fitting portion is provided, the surface area in contact with the adhesive at the fitting portion is increased, thereby increasing the joint strength of the fitting portion. This prevents the joint of the fitting portion from being unintentionally separated before use.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 2 to 9. The area ratio of the printed portion per unit area at both end portions of the packaging body in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region between the both end portions of the packaging film. According to this aspect, since the area ratio of the printed portion at both end portions is high, the printed portion is likely to be arranged overlapping the fitting portion, and the bonding strength of the fitting portion can be reduced. Therefore, the bond of the fitting portion can be smoothly separated, and tearing of the packaging film during separation can be suppressed.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 11 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 2 to 10. The area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet overlap is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap. In the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap, the printed portion of the packaging film directly contacts the back sheet of the absorbent article, which may result in the back sheet being soiled by the printed portion. By reducing the area of ​​the printed portion, it is possible to prevent the back sheet from being soiled by the printed portion. On the other hand, the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet overlap does not directly contact the back sheet of the absorbent article. By providing a wide printed portion in this region, it is possible to improve decorativeness while preventing the back sheet from being soiled by the printed portion. Furthermore, by increasing the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet overlap, it is easier for the printed portion to overlap the first joint that joins the release sheet and the packaging film. By overlapping the printed part with the first joint part, the unevenness of the ink increases the surface area that comes into contact with the adhesive, ensuring the bonding strength of the first joint part.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 12 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 2 to 11. The area ratio of the printed portion per unit area at both ends of the packaging body in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the area where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap. By not providing a wide printed portion in the area where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap, it is possible to prevent the back sheet from being soiled by the printed portion. Furthermore, by providing a wide printed portion at both ends where the fitting portion is provided, it is possible to reduce the bonding strength at the fitting portion due to the presence of ink. Reducing the bonding strength of the fitting portion improves the ease of opening the packaging body.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 2 to 12. The tear tape has a tape-printed area containing ink. The tape-printed area is provided on the inner surface of the tear tape that contacts the second joint. According to this embodiment, the inner surface of the tear tape that contacts the second joint is provided with a tape-printed area, and the presence of ink in the printed area forms fine irregularities. This ensures a sufficient surface area for the inner surface of the tear tape to come into contact with the adhesive of the second joint. Meanwhile, the outer surface of the packaging film that contacts the second joint is not provided with a printed area, and therefore does not form fine irregularities due to the ink. Therefore, when the tear tape is pulled, the second joint is easily separated from the packaging film, but the second joint is difficult to separate from the tear tape. Therefore, during opening, the tear tape can be smoothly peeled off from the outer surface of the packaging film while maintaining the bond between one end of the packaging film and the tear tape. The package can be opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 14 may have the following feature in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 13: The bonding strength between the packaging film and the tear tape at the second joint is lower than the bonding strength between the packaging film and the release sheet at the first joint. According to this aspect, the bonding strength of the second joint is relatively low and the bonding strength of the first joint is relatively high, so that the tear tape and the packaging film are easily separated before the packaging film is separated from the release sheet, and unintentional tearing of the packaging film when the tear tape is pulled to open the packaging film can be suppressed.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 15 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 14. The release sheet has a paper substrate and a release agent applied to the substrate. Because the release agent is applied to the paper substrate, even if the adhesive in contact with the release sheet is impregnated, the adhesive can be prevented from impregnating the entire thickness of the release sheet, and direct contact between the fastening portion of the absorbent article and the adhesive at the first joining portion can be prevented. When the adhesive in contact with the release sheet is impregnated, the impregnation increases the strength of the release sheet, while the release agent can stop the impregnation of the adhesive.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 16 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 15. The packaging film has a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The tear tape has a longitudinal direction extending across the edge of one end of the packaging film and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The tear tape has a longitudinal centerline passing through the center in the transverse direction and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction. The packaging film has a packaging centerline passing through the center in the first direction and extending parallel to the second direction. The angle formed by the longitudinal centerline and the packaging centerline is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. According to this aspect, the tear tape is not perpendicular to the edge of one end of the packaging film but is arranged slightly inclined relative to the vertical direction, so that the length of the tear tape spanning the edge of one end of the packaging film can be increased. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the longitudinal center line of the tear tape and the packaging center line of the packaging film are parallel, the sealed state by the tear tape can be maintained even if the bonding strength of the second bonding portion is reduced.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 17 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 16. The packaging film has a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first joint portion has a first joint center line that passes through the center of the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction. The second joint portion has a second joint center line that passes through the center of the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction. The angle formed by the first joint center line and the second joint center line is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. According to this aspect, the first joint center line and the second joint center line are slightly inclined, so that the rigidity of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion is not uniform, and the packaging film is prone to deflection at the second joint portion. When the tear tape is pulled, the joint at the second joint portion is partially separated and gradually separated. This allows smooth peeling with a small force.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 18 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 17. The packaging film has a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first joint portion has a first joint centerline passing through the center of the first direction and extending parallel to the second direction. The tear tape has a vertical direction extending parallel to and across the edge of one end of the packaging film and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. The tear tape has a vertical centerline passing through the center of the horizontal direction and extending in the vertical direction. The angle formed by the first joint centerline and the vertical centerline is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. When a user pulls the tear tape, the second joint portion is released, and the packaging film is pulled in the unfolding direction, and the force applied to the packaging film is transmitted to the release sheet. The release sheet is then peeled off from the main body fastening portion 51. The force applied from the packaging film to the release sheet is transmitted via the first joint. Here, when pulling the tear tape, the user tends to apply force parallel to the vertical center line. Because the vertical center line and the first joint center line are slightly inclined, the force applied to pull the tear tape to open the package is transmitted gradually to the first joint, reducing the load at the start of peeling between the main fastening part and the release sheet, allowing for smooth peeling with little force. Furthermore, because the main fastening part 51 and the release sheet 30 can be peeled gradually, the main fastening part and the release sheet can be peeled with little force.

[0027] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 19 may have the following characteristics in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 18: The first joint center line and the second joint center line are offset in the first direction. According to this aspect, the first joint center line and the second joint center line are offset, and a gap is provided between the first joint center line and the second joint center line. This means that the rigidity of the packaging film in contact with the second joint is not uniform across the entire area in the first direction, making the packaging film more likely to bend at the second joint. When the tear tape is pulled, the joint at the second joint is partially separated and can be gradually separated. This allows smooth peeling with a small force.

[0028] (2) Packaging of absorbent articles according to the embodiment A package for absorbent articles according to an embodiment (hereinafter referred to as package 1) will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following explanation. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. Figure 1 shows the packaged state of package 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 1(a) is a plan view, and Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Figure 1.

[0029] The package 1 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other and extend in a planar direction, and a thickness direction T that is perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2. The first direction D1 is a direction along the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film 20. The thickness direction T extends to the skin side and the non-skin side. Here, the "skin side" corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The "non-skin side" corresponds to the side that faces away from the wearer's skin during use. The absorbent article 10 has a front-to-back direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. In the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent article 10, the side that contacts the user's lower abdomen is referred to as the "front side," and the side that contacts the user's buttocks is referred to as the "rear side." In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is aligned with the width direction W of the absorbent article 10, and the second direction D2 is aligned with the front-to-back direction L.

[0030] The package 1 includes at least an absorbent article 10, a packaging film 20 that packages the absorbent article 10, and a release sheet 30 disposed between the packaging film 20 and the absorbent article 10. The packaging film 20, the release sheet 30, and the absorbent article 10 are folded together to create a packaged state in which the absorbent article 10 is individually packaged by the packaging film 20. The packaging film 20, the release sheet 30, and the absorbent article 10 are folded around a first fold FL1 and a second fold FL2 that are aligned in a first direction D1. The packaging film 20 has one end 21 that is disposed on the outer surface of the package 1 in the packaged state. In the packaged state, the package 1 is unopened, and the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 is sealed with a tear tape 50. A user grasps and pulls the tear tape 50 of the package 1 in the packaged state to unfold the packaging film 20 and remove the absorbent article 10. The packaging body 1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in the packaged state, and has a first rectangular surface and a second rectangular surface that face each other. One end 21 of the packaging film 20 is disposed on the first rectangular surface, which serves as the opening surface that is operated when opening the packaging body 1. The second rectangular surface is the surface on which the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 is not disposed.

[0031] Before use, the absorbent article 10 may be folded with the skin sides facing each other, starting from the first fold FL1 and the second fold FL2. The second fold FL2 is located forward of the first fold FL1. In a configuration having at least one of wings 40 and hip flaps, the wings 40 and hip flaps may be folded inward in the width direction W starting from wing folds FLW along the front-to-rear direction L, and then folded starting from the first fold FL1 and the second fold FL2. Note that other folds may be provided along which the absorbent article 10 is folded.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the package 1 as seen from the skin side in a first developed state in which the package has been developed from the packaged state shown in FIG. 1 around the second fold FL2. FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views of the package 1 as seen from the skin side in a second developed state in which the package has been developed from the state shown in FIG. 2 around the first fold FL1 (developed from the state shown in FIG. 1 around the first fold FL1 and the second fold FL2). FIG. 3 is a plan view as seen from the skin side, and FIG. 4 is a plan view as seen from the non-skin side. The absorbent article 10 of this embodiment has wings 40, and in the second developed state, the wings 40 are folded toward the top sheet 2 around the wing fold FLW. In a modified example, in an absorbent article that does not have wings 40 or hip flaps, the absorbent article 10 may be unfolded along any fold in the second developed state.

[0033] Here, the outer portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. The outer edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the outer side of the component in the width direction W, over the entire component. The inner portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge refers to the inner edge in the width direction W. The inner edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the inner side of the component in the width direction W, over the entire component. Furthermore, the front end and rear end in the present invention refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L, including edges in the front-to-rear direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-rear direction L. The outer end includes the front end and rear end, and the outer edge includes the front edge and rear edge. Furthermore, the inner side is a side that includes the inner side edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-rear direction L" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0034] The absorbent article 10 may include a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4, and an absorbent core 3. The top sheet 2 is a sheet that is placed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 3 and comes into contact with the wearer. The top sheet 2 may be made of any sheet-like material that has a liquid-permeable structure, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, or a mesh sheet. The back sheet 4 is a sheet that is placed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 3 and comes into contact with the wearable article, such as underwear. The back sheet 4 can be made of a polyethylene sheet, a laminated nonwoven fabric mainly made of polypropylene, or the like, a breathable resin film, or a sheet in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond or spunlace.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the absorbent article 10 has fastening parts 5 for fastening the absorbent article 10 to a wearing article. The fastening parts 5 are arranged on the non-skin side of the backsheet 4, and are regions provided with fastening means (e.g., adhesive) for fastening the absorbent article 10 to a wearing article. The fastening parts 5 may have main body fastening parts 51 provided in regions overlapping with the absorbent core 3, and wing fastening parts 52 provided on the wings 40. The fastening parts 5 of this embodiment extend in the front-to-rear direction L, and a plurality of fastening parts are provided at intervals in the width direction W. In a modified example, a plurality of fastening parts may extend in the width direction W, and be provided at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0036] The absorbent core 3 is disposed between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4. The absorbent core 3 may be made of an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. Examples of the absorbent material that constitutes the absorbent core 3 include pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The absorbent core 3 contains at least pulp. The absorbent article 10 may have a core wrap sheet (not shown) that covers the absorbent core 3. The core wrap sheet may be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or tissue.

[0037] The absorbent article 10 may have a pair of wings 40. The wings 40 extend outward in the width direction W beyond the absorbent core 3. When worn, the wings 40 are folded back to the non-skin side and positioned on the non-skin side of the worn article. At least a top sheet 2 and a back sheet 4 may be placed on the wings 40. Wing fastening parts 52 are provided on the non-skin side of the wings 40.

[0038] The packaging film 20 is a sheet that individually packages absorbent articles and is made of film. In the unfolded state, the packaging film 20 is rectangular and has a pair of side edges along a first direction D1 and a pair of side edges along a second direction D2. One end 21 of the packaging film 20 is a certain range (for example, a range of 10 mm) that extends inward in the second direction D2 from one of the pair of side edges along the first direction D1 that is located on the outer surface of the package 1 in the packaged state. In the second unfolded state, the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 is located on the first fold line FL1 side and on the rear edge side of the absorbent article 10.

[0039] The release sheet 30 is disposed between the packaging film 20 and the absorbent article 10 and covers the main fastening portion 51 before use of the absorbent article. The release sheet 30 may be a sheet that has been subjected to a release treatment. In this embodiment, the release sheet 30 that covers the main fastening portion 51 and the wing release sheet 35 that covers the wing fastening portion 52 are provided. The release sheet 30 constitutes the "release sheet" of the present invention, but the wing release sheet 35 does not constitute the "release sheet" of the present invention. The wing release sheet 35 is disposed across the pair of wings 40 when the wings 40 are folded about the wing fold line FLW, and covers the wing fastening portion 52. The packaging film 20 and the release sheet 30 are joined via a first joint R1 having an adhesive. The first joint R1 joins the inner surface of the packaging film 20 and the outer surface of the release sheet 30. The adhesive of the first joint R1 may be disposed between the inner surface of the packaging film 20 and the outer surface of the release sheet 30. The adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the packaging film 20 or the outer surface of the release sheet 30. A plurality of first joints R1 may be provided at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. In this embodiment, one first joint R1 is provided in front of the second fold FL2, two first joints R1 are provided between the first fold FL1 and the second fold FL2, and one first joint R1 is provided behind the first fold FL1. At least one of the plurality of first joints R1 may be disposed overlapping a second joint R2 (described later). The first joint R1 disposed overlapping the second joint R2 (the first joint R1 behind the first fold FL1 in this embodiment) constitutes the "first joint" of the present invention. Furthermore, the "first joint" according to claim 18 of the present invention may be a first joint located closer to one end of the tear tape than the fold that first unfolds when the tear tape is pulled. In this embodiment, the first joint located forward of the second fold FL2 constitutes the "first joint" according to claim 18 of the present invention.

[0040] In a packaged state, both end portions 22 of the package in the first direction D1 may be provided with fitting portions 70 where the packaging films 20 stacked in the thickness direction T are fitted together. The end portions 22 of the package in the first direction D1 are a certain range (for example, a range of 10 mm) extending inward in the first direction D1 from a pair of side edges along the second direction D2. The fitting portions 70 may be formed by the overlapping packaging films 20 being fitted together in the packaged state. The fitting portions 70 may be, for example, a welded portion, or a joined portion with a hole cut out between the joined portions. FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged view of portion B in FIG. 1. The fitting portions 70 may be formed by an assembly of intermittently arranged fitting components 71. The fitting components 71 in this embodiment are arranged in rows spaced apart in the second direction D2, and the rows are arranged in multiple rows (two rows) spaced apart in the first direction D1.

[0041] The packaging film 20 may be provided with a printed portion 60 containing ink. While FIG. 1(a) shows the position of the printed portion 60 in a plan view, the printed portion 60 is omitted in FIGS. 2 to 4. Known inks can be used for the printed portion 60, such as those containing a pigment (inorganic or organic) as a colorant component, a resin for transferring and fixing the pigment, and a solvent. The resin contains oil. The printed portion 60 may be provided on at least a portion of the packaging film, or may be provided on the entire surface of the packaging film 20. FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 5(a), and FIG. 5(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view of portion D in FIG. 5(b). The printed portion 60 may be composed of a collection of printed portions 61, which are ink dots arranged in a dot pattern. The printed portions 61 are areas where ink is applied in a dot pattern and may be arranged in a dot pattern. The arrangement of the print portion 60 and the print composition portion 61 may be confirmed visually, but it is particularly preferable to confirm a fine structure such as the print composition portion 61 using a microscope.

[0042] Next, a detailed description will be given of a configuration for opening the absorbent article package 1 configured as described above while preventing unintentional tearing of the packaging film 20. The modes for opening the package 1 while preventing unintentional tearing of the packaging film 20 are roughly divided into a first mode and a second mode. Configurations not otherwise specified below are common to the first and second modes. When opening the package 1, the packaging film 20 is separated from the opening tape 50. As shown in FIG. 1 , the opening tape 50 is disposed across the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film 20. A portion R51 of the opening tape 50 that overlaps with the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 is joined to the outer surface of the packaging film 20 via a fourth joint R4 having an adhesive. That is, the fourth joint R4 joins the portion R51 of the opening tape 50 that overlaps with the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 to the outer surface of the packaging film 20. The portion R52 of the tear tape 50 that does not overlap with the one end 21 is joined to the outer surface of the packaging film 20 via a second joint R2 having an adhesive. That is, the second joint R2 joins the portion R52 of the tear tape 50 that does not overlap with the one end 21 to the outer surface of the packaging film 20. The adhesive of the fourth joint R4 and the adhesive of the second joint R2 may be applied to the outer surface of the packaging film 20 or the inner surface of the tear tape 50 as long as they are disposed between the inner surface of the tear tape 50 and the outer surface of the packaging film 20. Note that in this embodiment, the second joint R2 and the fourth joint R4 are described separately for convenience of explanation. However, in the product, the adhesive of the second joint R2 and the adhesive of the fourth joint R4 may be applied to the tear tape 50 together and integrated. The second joint R2 and the fourth joint R4 may be adjacent to each other. In the drawings of this embodiment, the second joint R2 and the fourth joint R4 are also shown as integrated.

[0043] When opening the package 1 configured in this manner, the user grasps the portion R52 that does not overlap with the one end 21 and separates the bond at the second joint R2. The portion R52 of the tear tape that does not overlap with the one end 21 does not have the second joint R2, and may be provided with a gripping portion 53 for grasping the tear tape 50 when opening. By pulling the tear tape 50 and separating the bond at the second joint R2, the user can switch the absorbent article 10 to the first unfolded state or the second unfolded state. In the first unfolded state or the second unfolded state, the user can pull the absorbent article 10 to peel it off from the packaging film 20.

[0044] When a user opens the package 1, they pull the tear tape 50 to separate the second joint R2 between the tear tape 50 and the outer surface of the packaging film 20. If the second joint R2 is difficult to separate, an unintended load may be applied to the packaging film 20, causing the packaging film 20 to tear. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the second joint R2 overlaps the first joint R1 in the packaged state. The second joint R2 overlaps the first joint R1 where the packaging film 20 and the release sheet 30 are joined. When the packaging film 20 is pulled by the tear tape 50, the packaging film 20 is joined to the release sheet 30 in the area where the pulling force is applied, making it difficult for the packaging film 20 to separate from the release sheet 30. Therefore, the packaging film 20 does not excessively respond to the force pulling the tear tape 50, allowing the tear tape 50 to be smoothly peeled off the packaging film 20. For example, if the packaging film 20 responds too strongly to the force of pulling the tear tape 50, the tear tape 50 and the packaging film 20 may not peel smoothly at the second joint R2, resulting in tearing of the packaging film 20. However, because the second joint R2 overlaps the first joint R1, the joint at the second joint R2 can be smoothly separated, and the package 1 can be opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film 20.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the surface roughness of the inner surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the first joint R1 may be rougher than the surface roughness of the outer surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the second joint R2. The inner surface of the packaging film 20 is joined to the release sheet 30 by the first joint R1, and the outer surface of the packaging film 20 is joined to the tear tape 50 by the second joint R2. The packaging film 20 is sandwiched between the first joint R1 and the second joint R2. According to this embodiment, the surface roughness of the region of the packaging film 20 joined to the release sheet 30 is rougher than the surface roughness of the region of the packaging film 20 joined to the tear tape 50. Both the first joint R1 and the second joint R2 are joined with an adhesive. Therefore, the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive in the region of the packaging film 20 joined to the release sheet 30 is greater than the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive in the region of the outer surface of the packaging film 20 joined to the tear tape 50. Therefore, when the tear tape 50 is pulled, the first joint portion R1 is difficult to separate, and the second joint portion R2 is easy to separate. As a result, the tear tape 50 can be smoothly peeled off from the packaging film 20, and the package 1 can be opened while preventing the packaging film 20 from being unintentionally torn.

[0046] The surface roughness can be measured, for example, by the following method. The package is unfolded, and the release sheet and absorbent article are peeled away from the packaging film. The surface roughness of the packaging film surface can be measured using a high-precision two-dimensional laser displacement meter LJ-G series (model: LJ-G030) manufactured by Keyence Corporation. If the adhesive at the first joint and the adhesive at the second joint cannot be removed, the surface roughness of the film surface around the joints is measured. The surface roughness of the inner surface of the packaging film and the surface roughness of the outer surface of the packaging film are measured and compared.

[0047] In the second embodiment, the printed area 60 may not be provided on the outer surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the second joint R2, but may be provided on the inner surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the first joint R1. The printed area 60 is provided on the inner surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the first joint R1, and fine irregularities are formed by the presence of ink in the printed area 60. On the other hand, the printed area 60 is not provided on the outer surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the second joint R2, and fine irregularities (see FIG. 5(c)) caused by ink (printed area 61) are not formed. The first joint R1 and the second joint R2 are both bonded with an adhesive. Therefore, in the region of the packaging film 20 bonded to the release sheet 30, the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive is larger than the surface area per unit area in contact with the adhesive in the region of the outer surface of the packaging film bonded to the tear tape. Therefore, when the tear tape 50 is pulled, the first joint R1 is difficult to separate, and the second joint R2 is easy to separate. Therefore, the tear tape 50 can be smoothly peeled off from the packaging film 20, and the package 1 can be opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film 20. In the second embodiment, the printed portion 60 does not have to be provided in a region of the outer surface of the packaging film 20 that contacts the second joint R2, and may be provided in a region of the outer surface of the packaging film 20 that does not contact the second joint R2. In the second embodiment, the printed portion 60 only has to be provided in a region of the inner surface of the packaging film 20 that contacts the first joint R1, and does not have to be provided in a region of the inner surface of the packaging film 20 that does not contact the first joint R1.

[0048] In the first and second embodiments, the adhesive at the first joint R1 and the adhesive at the second joint R2 preferably have the same bonding strength, but may be different. The bonding strength may be higher on the side with a larger surface roughness (the side with a larger surface area per unit area) or on the side where the printed portion 60 is provided. That is, the bonding strength between the packaging film 20 and the tear tape 50 at the second joint R2 may be lower than the bonding strength between the packaging film 20 and the release sheet 30 at the first joint R1. Because the bonding strength at the second joint R2 is relatively low and the bonding strength at the first joint R1 is relatively high, the tear tape 50 and the packaging film 20 are easily separated before the packaging film 20 is separated from the release sheet 30, which prevents unintended tearing of the packaging film 20 when the tear tape 50 is pulled to open the packaging film 20.

[0049] The bond strength refers to the magnitude of the force per unit area required to separate each bond. Bond strength can be measured by known methods, but may also be measured by the following method. First, a package 1 to be measured is prepared, and samples 1 and 2 of the same area are cut out. Sample 1 is the portion of package 1 where the first bond R1 is provided, and sample 2 is the portion where the second bond R2 is provided. The samples are preferably cut to a width of 25 mm and compared based on the tensile strength per 25 mm width (N / 25 mm). However, if a sample cannot be cut to a width of 25 mm, a sample with the maximum width is cut out. Note that it is preferable to measure samples contained in the same package. Next, sample 1 or sample 2 is placed in the upper and lower chucks of a tensile tester (e.g., Instron Series 5564 manufactured by Instron Corporation). Then, the upper and lower chucks are separated at a predetermined tensile speed (e.g., 100 mm / min), and samples 1 and 2 are pulled. The maximum load (N) until the chuck distance increases is obtained. For each of Samples 1 and 2, n (e.g., 5) measurement results are obtained, and the average of the n maximum loads (N) is calculated. The average value (N) for Sample 1 is then used as the bonding strength, and the two values ​​can be compared. Note that the bonding strengths in the following description can also be compared using the same measurement method.

[0050] A preferred configuration for both the first and second embodiments will be described below. As shown in FIG. 5(b), the printed portion 60 may be provided in an area overlapping the mating portion 70. When opening the package 1, after the second joint portion R2 is separated, the packaging film 20 is unfolded while separating the joint of the mating portion 70. Because the mating portion 70 is provided on the printed portion 60 containing ink, the presence of the ink reduces the bonding strength of the mating portion 70 compared to a configuration without ink. More specifically, the ink contains a pigment that does not have sealing properties and does not provide adhesive strength, preventing the films sandwiched between the pigment from bonding together. In other words, the pigment in the ink creates a physical distance between the films, reducing the bonding strength between them. Furthermore, depending on the printing method, corona treatment is performed on the film surface as a pretreatment before applying the ink. This corona treatment causes an uneven charge on the film surface, which reduces the bonding strength between the films. In addition, the ink's resin and other components contain oil. This oil reduces the bonding strength between the films. Therefore, the joint of the fitting portion 70 can be smoothly separated, and the breakage of the packaging film 20 during separation can be further suppressed.

[0051] Furthermore, since the printed portions 60 are provided on the inner surfaces of the packaging films 20, the printed portions 60 abut against each other in the regions where the inner surfaces of the packaging films 20 abut against each other, as shown in Fig. 5(b). With this configuration, the bonding strength between the packaging films 20 can be further reduced in the areas where the printed portions 60 overlap. Therefore, the bond at the fitting portion 70 can be separated more smoothly, and tearing of the packaging films 20 during separation can be further suppressed.

[0052] The printed portion 60 may be provided on the edge 22E of the packaging film 20 in the first direction D1. That is, the printed portion 60 may be provided on a side of the packaging film 20 along the second direction D2. The printed portion 60 may be provided over the entire edge 22E of the packaging film in the first direction D1, or may be provided on a part of the edge 22E. The printed portion 60 is provided on the edge 22E of the packaging film 20 in the first direction D1. The presence of ink can reduce the bonding strength of the fitting portion at the edge 22E. The fitting portion 70 at the edge 22E of the packaging film 20 can be smoothly separated. When peeling from the edge 22E, tearing of the packaging film 20 at the peel start portion can be suppressed. When the edge 22E is the peel end portion, tearing at the peel end portion can be suppressed.

[0053] The distance between the printing components 61 may be shorter than the distance between the fitting components 71. This distance is the distance in the planar direction. Because the distance between the printing components 61 is relatively short, the printing components 61 are easily arranged overlapping the fitting components 71. When the printing components 61 overlap the fitting components 71, the presence of ink can reduce the bonding strength of the fitting portion 70. This allows the fitting portion 70 to be smoothly separated, preventing the packaging film 20 from breaking during separation. As an example, the distance between the printing components 61 may be 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm, and the distance between the fitting components 71 may be 0.5 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0054] In a modified example, the distance between the printing components 61 may be longer than the distance between the fitting components 71. Because the distance between the printing components 61 is relatively long, the printing components 61 may be positioned without overlapping the fitting components 71. By providing an area where the printing components 61 do not overlap the fitting components 71, the bonding strength of the fitting components 70 is ensured and unintentional separation of the fitting components 70 before use (before opening) can be prevented.

[0055] The inner surface of one end 21 of the packaging film 20 may be joined to the packaging film 20 covered by the one end 21 via a third joint R3 having an adhesive. The third joint R3 joins the inner surface of the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 to the outer surface of the packaging film 20 overlapping the one end 21. The adhesive of the third joint R3 may be disposed between the inner surface of the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 and the outer surface of the packaging film 20 overlapping the one end 21. The adhesive may be applied to the inner surface of the packaging film 20 or the outer surface of the packaging film 20. In this embodiment, the adhesive of the third joint R3 may be applied to the inner surface of the packaging film 20. The third joint R3 seals the one end 21 of the packaging film 20, thereby preventing unintentional intrusion of foreign matter into the package 1 before use. The third joint R3 may extend along the edge 21E of the one end 21 of the packaging film 20. The third joint R3 serves to fasten the one end 21 before use and separates when the film is used. The joint strength of the third joint R3 may be lower than the joint strength of the first joint R1. Furthermore, when the tear tape 50 is pulled to separate the packaging film 20, it is preferable that the third joint R3 separates after the second joint R2, and the joint strength of the third joint R3 may be higher than the joint strength of the second joint R2.

[0056] At least a portion of the third joint R3 may overlap the area (fourth joint R4) where the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 and the tear tape 50 are joined. In this embodiment, the third joint R3 overlaps a portion of the fourth joint R4 in the second direction D2, overlaps the entire fourth joint R4 in the first direction D1, and extends beyond the fourth joint R4. In a configuration in which the third joint R3 does not overlap the fourth joint R4 that joins the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 and the tear tape 50, the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 rises when the tear tape 50 is pulled. Therefore, a shear force is likely to be applied to the second joint R2 that joins the tear tape 50 and the outer surface of the packaging film 20. However, because the third joint portion R4 overlaps the fourth joint portion R4, the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 does not lift up when the tear tape 50 is pulled. Instead, a peeling force is easily applied to the second joint portion R2 from the overlapping portion of the fourth joint portion R4 and the third joint portion R3, making it possible to smoothly open the package while suppressing breakage of the packaging film 20, etc. The bonding strength of the fourth joint portion R4 is higher than that of the third joint portion R3. Therefore, the bond between the tear tape and one end of the packaging film can be maintained while the bond at the third joint portion R3 can be separated.

[0057] The printed portion may include an edge printed portion 62 disposed on the inner surface of one end 21 of the packaging film 20. The edge printed portion 62 may extend along the first direction D1 at one end 21 of the packaging film 20. At least a portion of the edge printed portion 62 may overlap the third joint portion R3 and abut against the adhesive at the third joint portion R3. The presence of ink in the edge printed portion 62 increases the surface area in contact with the adhesive at one end of the packaging film 20, thereby ensuring the bonding strength of the third joint portion R3. Therefore, one end (opening end) 21 of the packaging film 20 is bonded at the third joint portion R3, preventing the one end 21 from being unintentionally opened. The third joint portion R3 abuts against both the inner surface of the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 and the outer surface of the packaging film 20 where the one end 21 of the packaging film 20 overlaps. Because at least a portion of the edge printed portion 62 overlaps the third joint portion R3, the presence of ink in the edge printed portion 62 tends to make the bond strength between the third joint portion R3 and the inner surface of the one end 21 stronger than the bond strength between the third joint portion R3 and the outer surface of the packaging film. This difference in bond strength allows the third joint portion R3 to be smoothly separated from the outer surface of the packaging film 20 while remaining attached to the one end 21.

[0058] The third joint R3 may be spaced apart from the fitting portion 70. Air can be let in and out through the gap between the third joint R3 and the fitting portion 70, allowing air to escape from the package 1. Meanwhile, in a modified example, the third joint R3 may extend to the fitting portion 70 provided at the end 22 of the package 1 in the first direction D1 and be provided in an area overlapping the fitting portion 70. In this configuration, the third joint R3 and the fitting portion 70 can maintain a sealed state and easily suppress the intrusion of foreign matter. In addition, applying an adhesive to the area where the fitting portion 70 is provided increases the surface area that comes into contact with the adhesive by the fitting portion 70, thereby increasing the bonding strength of the fitting portion 70. This prevents the fitting portion 70 from unintentionally separating before use.

[0059] The area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area at both end portions 22 of the packaging body in the first direction D1 may be higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region between both end portions 22 of the packaging film 20. Because the area ratio of the printed portion 60 at both end portions 22 is high, the presence of ink can reduce the bonding strength of the fitting portion 70. This allows the fitting portion 70 to be smoothly separated, preventing the packaging film 20 from breaking during separation.

[0060] The area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area in the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 overlap may be higher than the area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area in the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 do not overlap. In the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 do not overlap, the printed portion 60 of the packaging film 20 comes into direct contact with the back sheet 4 of the absorbent article 10, and there is a risk that the back sheet 4 will be soiled by the printed portion 60. By reducing the area of ​​the printed portion 60, it is possible to prevent the back sheet 4 from being soiled by the printed portion 60. On the other hand, the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 overlap does not come into direct contact with the back sheet 4 of the absorbent article 10. By providing a wide printed portion 60 in this region, it is possible to improve decorativeness while preventing the back sheet 4 from being soiled by the printed portion 60. Furthermore, by increasing the area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area in the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 overlap, the printed portion 60 is more likely to overlap the first joint R1 that joins the release sheet 30 and the packaging film 20. By having the printed portion 60 overlap the first joint R1, the unevenness of the ink increases the surface area that comes into contact with the adhesive, ensuring the bonding strength of the first joint R1.

[0061] Furthermore, the area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area at both end portions 22 of the package in the first direction D1 may be higher than the area ratio of the printed portion 60 per unit area in the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 do not overlap. By not providing a wide area of ​​the printed portion 60 in the region where the absorbent article 10 and the release sheet 30 do not overlap, it is possible to prevent the back sheet 4 from being soiled by the printed portion 60. Furthermore, by providing a wide area of ​​the printed portion 60 at both end portions 22 where the fitting portion 70 is provided, it is possible to reduce the bonding strength at the fitting portion 70 due to the presence of ink. Reducing the bonding strength of the fitting portion 70 improves the ease of opening the package 1.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1( b), the tear tape 50 may have a tape printing section 64 with ink. The tape printing section 64 may be provided on the inner surface of the tear tape 50 in contact with the second joint R2. The tape printing section 64 may be provided on at least a portion of the area in contact with the second joint R2, the entire inner surface of the tear tape 50, or an area of ​​the inner surface of the tear tape 50 other than the gripping section 53. The tape printing section 64 is provided on the inner surface of the tear tape 50 in contact with the second joint R2, and fine irregularities are formed by the ink in the printing section 60. On the other hand, the printing section 60 is not provided on the outer surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the second joint R2, and fine irregularities due to the ink are not formed. Therefore, the surface area per unit area of ​​the inner surface of the tear tape 50 in contact with the adhesive at the second joint R2 is likely to be larger than the surface area of ​​the outer surface of the packaging film 20 in contact with the adhesive at the second joint R2. Therefore, when the tear tape 50 is pulled, the second joint portion R2 easily separates from the packaging film 20, but the second joint portion R2 is difficult to separate from the tear tape 50. Therefore, when opening, the tear tape 50 can be smoothly peeled off from the outer surface of the packaging film 20 while maintaining the bond between the one end portion 21 of the packaging film 20 and the tear tape 50. The package 1 can be smoothly opened while preventing unintended tearing of the packaging film 20.

[0063] Similarly, the tape printed area 64 may be provided on the inner surface of the tear tape 50 that contacts the fourth joint portion R4. With this configuration, the fourth joint portion R4 is easily separated from the packaging film 20, but the fourth joint portion R4 is difficult to separate from the tear tape 50. Therefore, when opening the package, the tear tape 50 can be smoothly peeled off from the outer surface of the packaging film 20 while maintaining the bond between the one end portion 21 of the packaging film 20 and the tear tape 50. The package can be smoothly opened while preventing unintentional tearing of the packaging film 20.

[0064] The release sheet 30 may have a paper substrate and a release agent applied to the substrate. The release agent may be one that can reduce the coefficient of friction of the sheet surface, and examples of such a release agent include silicone-based resins, fluorine-based resins, and tetrafluoroethylene-based resins. Because the release agent is applied to the paper substrate, even if the adhesive in contact with the release sheet (the adhesive that constitutes the first joint R1) is impregnated, the release sheet is prevented from being impregnated throughout the entire thickness direction of the release sheet, thereby preventing direct contact between the fastening part 5 of the absorbent article 10 and the adhesive at the first joint R1. When the adhesive in contact with the release sheet 30 is impregnated, the impregnation increases the strength of the release sheet 30, while the release agent prevents the impregnation of the adhesive, thereby preventing direct contact between the fastening part 5 of the absorbent article 10 and the adhesive at the first joint R1.

[0065] Next, a packaging body according to a modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a packaging body 1X according to a modified example in a packaged state. In the following description of the modified example, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The tear tape 50 is rectangular and has a longitudinal direction X extending across the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film 20 and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The tear tape 50 has a longitudinal center line 50XL passing through the center of the transverse direction Y and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction X. The packaging film 20 has a packaging center line 20CL passing through the center of the first direction D1 and extending parallel to the second direction D2. In the packaged state, the angle formed by the longitudinal center line 50XL and the packaging center line 20CL may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. Since the tear tape 50 is arranged not perpendicular to the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film 20 but slightly tilted relative to the vertical direction, it is possible to increase the length of the tear tape 50 that straddles the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film 20. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the vertical center line 50XL of the tear tape 50 and the packaging center line 20CL of the packaging film 20 are parallel, the sealing state provided by the tear tape 50 can be maintained even if the bonding strength of the second bonding portion R2 is reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the tear tape 50 and one end of the packaging film 20 are joined by the fourth joint R4, the longitudinal center line 50XL of the tear tape 50 and the packaging center line 20CL of the packaging film 20 are inclined, so that it is possible to increase the width (length in the first direction) of the fourth joint R4 relative to the edge 21E of one end 21 of the packaging film. By increasing the width (length in the first direction) of the fourth joint R4, it is possible to distribute the force applied from the tear tape 50 to the packaging film 20, and to prevent the packaging film 20 from breaking when opening.

[0067] The second joint portion R2 has a second joint center line R2CL that passes through the center of the first direction D1 and extends parallel to the second direction D2. The angle between the second joint center line R2CL and the package center line 20CL may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. Because the second joint center line R2CL is slightly inclined with respect to the package center line 20CL, when the tear tape 50 is pulled in a direction parallel to the package center line 20CL to open the package, the second joint portion R2 gradually separates, reducing the load at the start of separation and preventing the packaging film from breaking. Furthermore, because the second joint portion R2 separates gradually, it can be separated with a small force.

[0068] The first joint R1 has a first joint center line R1CL that passes through the center in the first direction D1 and extends parallel to the second direction D2. The second joint R2 has a second joint center line R2CL that passes through the center in the first direction D1 and extends parallel to the second direction D2. The angle between the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. Because the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL are slightly inclined, the rigidity of the packaging film in contact with the second joint is not uniform throughout the first direction, making the packaging film more likely to bend at the second joint. When the tear tape is pulled, the second joint is partially separated and gradually separated. This allows for smooth peeling with little force.

[0069] The angle formed by the first joint center line R1CL and the vertical center line 50XL may be greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees. When a user pulls the tear tape 50, the second joint R2 is released, and the packaging film 20 is pulled in the unfolding direction (the direction unfolding from the second fold FL2), and the force applied to the packaging film 20 is transmitted to the release sheet 30. Then, the release sheet 30 is peeled off from the main body fastening portion 51. This force applied from the packaging film 20 to the release sheet 30 is transmitted via the first joint R1. Here, when pulling the tear tape 50, the user is likely to apply force parallel to the vertical center line 50XL. Because the longitudinal center line 50XL and the first joint center line R1CL are slightly inclined, the force used to pull the tear tape to open it is gradually transmitted to the first joint portion R1, reducing the load at the start of peeling between the main fastener portion 51 and the release sheet 30 and allowing smooth peeling with little force. Furthermore, because the main fastener portion 51 and the release sheet 30 can be peeled gradually, the main fastener portion 51 and the release sheet 30 can be peeled with little force. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6 , in order to smoothly peel the main fastener portion 51 and the release sheet 30 from each other, the angle 51EL formed by the direction in which the front-to-rear edge 51E of the main fastener portion 51 extends (in this embodiment, the width direction W) and the first joint center line R1CL does not have to be 90 degrees, and may be within ±5 degrees of 90 degrees (85 degrees or more and 95 degrees or less, excluding 90 degrees). Furthermore, the release sheet 30 can be peeled off gradually from the front and rear edges of the main fastening part 51, reducing the load at the start of peeling and allowing the main fastening part 51 and the release sheet 30 to be peeled off with a small force.

[0070] The first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL may be offset in the first direction D1. In a configuration in which the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL are inclined, the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL may be offset from each other on any imaginary line (e.g., the edge 21E) along the first direction D1. When peeling off the tear tape 50, if the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL are aligned in the first direction D1, the rigidity of the packaging film 20 side of the second joint portion R2 is uniform throughout the entire area in the first direction D1, and the packaging film 20 is less likely to bend. Therefore, the force pulling the tear tape 50 pulls the entire second joint portion R2, which may cause peeling force or tear the packaging film 20 if a strong force is applied. In contrast, because the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL are misaligned and a gap is provided between the first joint center line R1CL and the second joint center line R2CL, the rigidity of the packaging film in contact with the second joint is not uniform over the entire area in the first direction, the packaging film is prone to bending at the second joint, and when the tear tape is pulled, the joint at the second joint separates partially and gradually, allowing for smooth peeling with little force.

[0071] Furthermore, the vertical center line 50XL of the tear tape 50 may be offset in the first direction D1 with respect to the package center line 20CL. In a configuration in which the vertical center line 50XL and the package center line 20CL are inclined, it is sufficient that the positions of the vertical center line 50XL and the package center line 20CL are offset on any imaginary line (for example, the edge 21E) along the first direction D1. Because the distances from the tear tape to the fitting portions 70 located on both sides in the first direction D1 are not uniform but different, when the tear tape 50 is pulled to open it, the timing at which the joining of each fitting portion 70 is released is offset, and the joining of the fitting portions 70 can be released smoothly with a small force.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. 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 claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1: Packaging 2: Top sheet 3: Absorbent core 4: Back seat 5: Fastening part 10: Absorbent articles 20: Packaging film 20CL: Packaging center line 21:One end 30: Peel-off sheet 50: Opening tape 50XL: Vertical center line 60: Printing department 61:Printing component 62: Edge printing section 64: Tape printing section 70: Fitting part 71: Fitting component D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction R1: First joint R1CL: 1st joint center line R2: 2nd joint R2CL: 2nd joint center line R3: 3rd joint X: Vertical direction Y: Horizontal direction

Claims

1. an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening part disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and fastened to a wearing article; a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article; a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part, A package for absorbent articles in which the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article are folded together to form a package in which the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging film, an inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first joining portion having an adhesive; In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape joined to one end of the packaging film via a second joining portion having an adhesive, In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint portion overlaps the first joint portion, a surface roughness of an inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion is greater than a surface roughness of an outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion; A package for absorbent articles, wherein the region on the inner surface of the packaging film that has a surface roughness greater than that of the outer surface of the packaging film is in contact with the first joint portion.

2. an absorbent article having a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening part disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and fastened to a wearing article; a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article; a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part, A package for absorbent articles in which the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article are folded together to form a package in which the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging film, an inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first joining portion having an adhesive; In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape joined to one end of the packaging film via a second joining portion having an adhesive, In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint portion overlaps the first joint portion, The packaging film is provided with a printed portion having ink, the printed portion is not provided on an outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion, but is provided on an inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion, A packaging body for absorbent articles, wherein the printed portion is in contact with the first joint portion.

3. In the packaged state, fitting portions are provided at both end portions of the package in a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film, and the packaging films stacked in a thickness direction are fitted together, The absorbent article packaging body according to claim 2 , wherein the printed portion is provided in an area overlapping the fitting portion.

4. The absorbent article package according to claim 3 , wherein the printed portion is provided on an edge of the packaging film in the first direction.

5. The printing unit is composed of a collection of printing components that are inks arranged in dots, the fitting portion is configured by a group of fitting components arranged intermittently, The absorbent article package according to claim 3 , wherein the spacing between the print components is longer than the spacing between the fitting components.

6. The printing unit is composed of a collection of printing components that are inks arranged in dots, the fitting portion is configured by a group of fitting components arranged intermittently, The absorbent article package according to claim 3 , wherein the spacing between the print components is shorter than the spacing between the fitting components.

7. an inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joining portion having an adhesive; The printing unit has an edge printing unit disposed on the inner surface of one end of the packaging film, The absorbent article package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least a portion of the edge printed portion overlaps the third joint portion.

8. an inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joining portion having an adhesive; The absorbent article package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third joint overlaps a region where one end of the packaging film and the tear tape are joined.

9. an inner surface of one end of the packaging film is joined to the packaging film that the one end covers via a third joining portion having an adhesive; In the packaged state, fitting portions are provided at both end portions of the package in a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film, and the packaging films stacked in a thickness direction are fitted together, The absorbent article packaging body according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third joint portion is provided in an area overlapping the fitting portion.

10. A packaging body for absorbent articles as described in claim 3, wherein the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area at both ends of the packaging body in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region between the both ends of the packaging film.

11. A packaging body for absorbent articles as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet overlap is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in the region where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap.

12. A packaging body for absorbent articles as described in claim 3, wherein the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area at both ends of the packaging body in a first direction along the edge of one end of the packaging film is higher than the area ratio of the printed portion per unit area in an area where the absorbent article and the release sheet do not overlap.

13. The tear tape is provided with a tape printing portion having ink, The absorbent article package according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tape printed portion is provided on an inner surface of the tear tape that contacts the second joint portion.

14. 3. The absorbent article package according to claim 1, wherein the bonding strength between the packaging film and the tear tape at the second bonding portion is lower than the bonding strength between the packaging film and the release sheet at the first bonding portion.

15. 3. The absorbent article packaging body according to claim 1, wherein the release sheet has a paper substrate and a release agent applied to the substrate.

16. The packaging film has a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, The tear tape has a vertical direction extending across an edge of one end of the packaging film and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the tear tape has a longitudinal centerline passing through the lateral center and extending parallel to the longitudinal direction; the packaging film has a packaging centerline that passes through the center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction; The absorbent article package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle formed between the vertical center line and the package center line is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees.

17. The packaging film has a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first joint portion has a first joint centerline that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction; the second joint portion has a second joint center line that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction, The absorbent article package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an angle formed between the first joint center line and the second joint center line is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees.

18. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening part disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and fastened to a wearable article; a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article; a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part, A package for absorbent articles in which the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article are folded together to form a package in which the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging film, an inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first joining portion having an adhesive; In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape joined to one end of the packaging film via a second joining portion having an adhesive, In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint portion overlaps the first joint portion, a surface roughness of an inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion is greater than a surface roughness of an outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion; The packaging film has a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first joint portion has a first joint centerline that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction; The tear tape has a vertical direction extending across an edge of one end of the packaging film and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the tear tape has a longitudinal centerline passing through the lateral center and extending in the longitudinal direction; A package for absorbent articles, wherein the angle formed by the first joint center line and the vertical center line is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees.

19. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fastening portion disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet and fastened to a wearable article; a packaging film for packaging the absorbent article; a release sheet disposed between the packaging film and the absorbent article and covering the fastening part, A package for absorbent articles in which the packaging film, the release sheet, and the absorbent article are folded together to form a package in which the absorbent article is individually packaged by the packaging film, an inner surface of the packaging film is joined to the release sheet via a first joining portion having an adhesive; In the packaged state, the outer surface of the packaging film is joined to a tear tape joined to one end of the packaging film via a second joining portion having an adhesive, In the packaged state, at least a portion of the second joint portion overlaps the first joint portion, The packaging film is provided with a printed portion having ink, the printed portion is not provided on an outer surface of the packaging film in contact with the second joint portion, but is provided on an inner surface of the packaging film in contact with the first joint portion, The packaging film has a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first joint portion has a first joint centerline that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction; The tear tape has a vertical direction extending across an edge of one end of the packaging film and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, the tear tape has a longitudinal centerline passing through the lateral center and extending in the longitudinal direction; A package for absorbent articles, wherein the angle formed by the first joint center line and the vertical center line is greater than 0 degrees and less than 10 degrees.

20. The packaging film has a first direction along an edge of one end of the packaging film and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the first joint portion has a first joint centerline that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction; the second joint portion has a second joint center line that passes through a center in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction, The absorbent article package according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first joint center line and the second joint center line are offset from each other in the first direction.

Images