Individually packaged absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an individual package of an absorbent article capable of giving a user a sense of security by making the user aware of a high level of fall prevention while suppressing tearing of a packaging sheet.SOLUTION: An individual package 30 comprises a plurality of fusion parts 4 for joining packaging sheets 20 to each other on each of a pair of both side edges 34 and 34 along a longitudinal direction Y outside a width direction X of an absorbent article 10. A first surface on which an opening end 35 of the packaging sheet located on one end side in the longitudinal direction is exposed to the surface, includes a first exposed surface 30C and a second exposed surface 30D, with an opening end used as a boundary. The first exposed surface includes, from a side close to the opening end, a first colored band area 51, a second colored band area 52 and a background area 53, where the second colored band area, the first colored band area and the background area are arranged in a descending order of density of the colored ink. A lead tape 6 is disposed across the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface, and an area of each fusion part 4 of both side edges corresponding to the first colored band area and the second colored band area is larger than an area of each fusion part of both side edges corresponding to the background area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an individual package for an absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are sold individually packaged. For example, pad-type absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins are usually wrapped in a packaging sheet, folded longitudinally, and stacked in the thickness direction to form an individually packaged package. In such individually packaged articles, a lead tape is attached across the opening edge and extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article to provide a tab function when opening the package and to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The lead tape is divided, at the opening edge, into a tape peeling portion that is gripped and pulled up, and a tape fastening portion that is fixedly held to the packaging sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-103809 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-521117 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The lead tape is used not only when opening the package as described above, but also for packaging the absorbent article for disposal after use. Therefore, the tape fastening portion needs to have adhesive properties that prevent the lead tape from coming off from the packaging sheet after opening the package until the absorbent article is disposed of. This adhesive property prevents the lead tape from coming off, allowing the user to wrap the used absorbent article in the packaging sheet, reattach the tape peeling portion of the lead tape to the packaging sheet so that the contents are not visible, and then roll it up and discard it. On the other hand, packaging sheets are generally printed with various colors to enhance the design of their appearance and thereby increase their appeal to consumers. However, as described in Patent Document 1 (see paragraph

[0007] ), in a colored packaging sheet, the higher the concentration of the colored ink in the area that adheres to the lead tape, the worse the adhesion between the lead tape and the packaging sheet may be due to the presence of the colored ink. Therefore, there is room for improvement in the adhesion between the colored area of ​​the packaging sheet and the tape fastening part from the perspective of preventing the lead tape from falling off.

[0005] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes that the adhesiveness can be improved by making the density of the colored ink of the packaging sheet relatively lower in the area overlapping the tape fastening part than in the tape peeling part. However, in this case, when the lead tape overlaps the packaging sheet, the color of the tape peeling portion appears darker than the color of the tape fastening portion. Generally, users tend to perceive a darker color of the lead tape attached to the packaging sheet as having a larger contact area and better adhesion, and as having higher adhesiveness. In other words, the actual adhesiveness and the impression of adhesiveness given by the color shade tend to be inversely proportional to each other. Therefore, users may mistakenly believe that the relatively light-colored tape fastening portion has low adhesiveness, failing to correctly recognize the lead tape's ability to prevent it from falling off and becoming anxious about it falling off. Furthermore, users may mistakenly believe that the relatively dark-colored tape peeling portion has high adhesiveness and apply more force than necessary to the lead tape. In this case, the peeling may begin too forcefully, potentially causing tears in the packaging sheet at the boundaries on both sides of the tape fastening portion.

[0006] On the other hand, as in the personal care product described in Patent Document 2, by intermittently arranging a sensory indicator using colored printing on the opening edge of the packaging sheet, the density of the colored ink in the tape fastening portion can be increased. In this case, the color density through the tape fastening portion of the lead tape can prevent users from feeling anxious about the tape falling off. However, this reduces the actual adhesion between the tape fastening portion and the packaging sheet, making the tape more likely to fall off.

[0007] To address this issue, it may be possible to increase the adhesiveness by, for example, increasing the basis weight of the fixing agent such as adhesive in the tape fastening portion of the lead tape. However, simply increasing the basis weight of the adhesive or the like in the colored area overlapping the tape fastening portion may result in tearing of the packaging sheet at the boundaries on both sides of the tape fastening portion as mentioned above due to its high adhesiveness, and there is room for improvement.

[0008] The present invention relates to an individual package for absorbent articles that can suppress tearing of the packaging sheet at the lead tape boundary along the opening direction, while increasing the ability to prevent the lead tape from falling off from the packaging sheet, and can make users aware of the high level of prevention of falling off, giving them a sense of security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides an individual package for an absorbent article, the individual package comprising an absorbent article and a packaging sheet that wraps the absorbent article in a state where the absorbent article is folded in the longitudinal direction, the individual package comprising a plurality of fused portions that join the packaging sheets together on each of a pair of side edge portions that are outward in the width direction of the absorbent article and along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the individual package comprising a first surface on which an open end of the packaging sheet located at one end side of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is exposed, and a second surface that is exposed on the opposite side to the first surface, the open end extending along the width direction of the absorbent article and included in the side edge portions, the first surface comprising a first exposed surface and a second exposed surface that are bounded by the open end, The first exposed surface includes, from the side closest to the opening end, a first colored band region, a second colored band region, and a background region, with the second colored band region, the first colored band region, and the background region being arranged in order of increasing color ink concentration; the first surface is provided with a lead tape that spans the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface and has regions that overlap with the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region in order of decreasing color ink concentration from the side closest to the opening end; and the area of ​​each fused portion of the both side edge portions corresponding to the first colored band region and the second colored band region, respectively, is larger than the area of ​​each fused portion of the both side edge portions corresponding to the background region, when viewed in a plane on the first exposed surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The individual packaging of the absorbent article of the present invention suppresses tearing of the packaging sheet at the lead tape boundary along the opening direction, while increasing the prevention of the lead tape from falling off from the packaging sheet, allowing the user to recognize the high level of prevention of falling off and giving them a sense of security. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view schematically showing a preferred embodiment of an individual package of an absorbent article according to the present invention, viewed from the first surface side where the opening end is exposed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of the individual package shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] 1 is a photograph, substituted for a drawing, showing an enlarged plan view of the fused portion from the first surface side. [Figure 4] 10 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the lead tape disposed across the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface, together with the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region. FIG. [Figure 5] 1A is a plan view of the first exposed surface, and an enlarged plan view schematically showing the arrangement of fused portions arranged on side edge portions corresponding to the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The individual packaging of the absorbent article of the present invention includes an absorbent article and a packaging sheet that wraps the absorbent article in a folded state in the longitudinal direction. Regarding this wrapping, the absorbent article and the packaging sheet may be folded together with the packaging sheet on the outside, or the folded absorbent article may be wrapped with the packaging sheet. The number of folds can be appropriately determined depending on the length of the absorbent article, the size of the individual packaging, etc. The packaging sheet may consist of a single sheet or multiple sheets.

[0013] The absorbent article refers to an article that can be attached to clothing such as underwear and worn on the wearer's body to absorb and retain excrement, etc. Examples include sanitary napkins and panty liners (discharge sheets). The absorbent article has a longitudinal shape when unwrapped and unfolded, and has a front portion, a middle portion, and a rear portion corresponding to the wearer's abdominal portion, crotch portion, and back portion. In this shape, it has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction connecting the wearer's abdominal portion, crotch portion, and back portion, and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the packaging sheet has a longitudinal direction and a width direction when unwrapped and unfolded. In the individual package, the absorbent article is folded along the longitudinal direction as described above. The packaging sheet is also folded along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. Therefore, in the individual package, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is the folding direction of the absorbent article and the packaging sheet, and is also the opening direction of the individual package, which is opposite to the folding direction. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction and width direction of the absorbent article will be referred to as the longitudinal direction Y and the width direction X, respectively. When distinguishing between the folding direction and the opening direction regarding the longitudinal direction Y, they will also be referred to as the folding direction Y1 and the opening direction Y2.

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the individual package of the absorbent article according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0015] 1 and 2, the individual package 30 of this embodiment includes a sanitary napkin 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the napkin 10), which is an absorbent article, and a packaging sheet 20 that wraps the napkin 10 while it is folded in the longitudinal direction Y. The napkin 10 and the packaging sheet 20 are folded along the longitudinal direction Y, with a portion including a middle portion C of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction Y as a folding center portion 31, and individual packaging fold lines L1 and L2 as folding axes at the front and rear of the folding center portion 31. At this time, by folding the packaging sheet 20 on the outside, the napkin 10 is enclosed in the packaging sheet 20 and stored in the individual package 30. In this embodiment, the stacked portions of the sanitary napkin 10 and the packaging sheet 20 before and after the central folded portion 31 are referred to as the first folded end portion 32 and the second folded end portion 33. In addition, the packaging sheet 20 is divided into a central packaging portion 21, a first folded packaging portion 22, and a second folded packaging portion 23 in accordance with the divisions of the central folded portion 31, the first folded end portion 32, and the second folded packaging portion 23. In this embodiment, the first folded end portion 32 overlaps the central folded portion 31, and the second folded end portion 33 overlaps on top of that. Similarly, in the packaging sheet 20, the first folded packaging portion 22 overlaps the central packaging portion 21, and the second folded packaging portion 23 overlaps on top of that. The individual packaging fold lines determine the number of times the absorbent article is folded, and as described above, can be set appropriately depending on the length of the absorbent article, the size of the individual package, etc. The folding order is not limited to the above-described form and can be set appropriately.

[0016] The individual packaging body 30 has a pair of side edge portions 34, 34 located outside the width direction X of the napkin 10 and along the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10, and each of these side edge portions 34 is a laminated portion of the packaging sheet 20 formed by the above-mentioned folding without the napkin 10 being interposed. By providing a plurality of fused portions 4 on these side edge portions 34, 34, the side edge portions 34, 34 form a sealed area that seals the individual packaging body 30 in the direction perpendicular to the individual packaging fold lines L1 and L2, i.e., along the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10. This prevents foreign matter from entering from outside. Each fused portion 4 is a portion where sheets are joined together by partially melting the packaging sheet 20, and can be formed by a method commonly used for this type of product, such as heat embossing or ultrasonic embossing. Each fused portion 4 is formed, for example, in a dot shape, and its planar shape can be various shapes as long as it has the configuration and functions described below. From the perspective of improving the prevention of foreign matter from entering from the outside, it is preferable that each of the fused portions 4 be arranged at equal intervals in the extension direction of each of the side edge portions 34, 34 (the direction along the longitudinal direction Y of the absorbent article). Similarly, it is preferable that each of the side edge portions 34, 34 has multiple rows of the above-mentioned fused portions 4.

[0017] The fused portion 4 is defined as the darkest color in the region of the both side edge portions 34, 34 as shown in FIG. 3 when viewed from the first surface 30A side, and as the region where the packaging sheet 20 is continuously and integrally bonded in the thickness direction. "Continuous" bonding means that the packaging sheet 20 is bonded in the entire planar region of the fused portion 4 without including any unbonded portions. "Integral" bonding means that the entire laminated structure of the packaging sheet 20 is bonded in the thickness direction of the fused portion 4. The color depth is indicated by dot density obtained, for example, by the method for measuring dot density described below.

[0018] The individual package 30 has a first surface 30A at which an opening edge 35 of the packaging sheet 20 located at one end side of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction Y is exposed, and a second surface 30B located opposite the first surface 30A and exposed. Here, the one end side of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction Y refers to the side of the folded end that is the outermost layer in the layered structure in which the napkin 10 is folded and both ends in the longitudinal direction Y are overlapped. In this embodiment, the one end side of the napkin 10 in the longitudinal direction Y is included in a second folded end 33 defined by an individual packaging fold line L2. The end of the second folded packaging portion 23 of the packaging sheet 20 included in the second folded end 33 is exposed as the opening edge 35 of the individual package 30. The surface at which the opening edge 35 of the second folded end 33 is exposed is the first surface 30A, and the opposite surface at which the folded central portion 31 is exposed is the second surface 30B.

[0019] In such an individual package 30, the opening edge 35 extends along the width direction X of the napkin 10 and includes parts of the side edges 34, 34. In other words, the side edges 34, 34 include parts of the opening edge 35 (specifically, both sides). When opening the individual package 30, the lead tape 6 described below is pinched and the opening edge 35 is pulled up while being pulled in the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10, i.e., in the opening direction Y2 opposite to the folding direction Y1 of the individual package 30. This causes the fusion of the multiple fused portions 4 of the side edges 34, 34 extending along the longitudinal direction Y to be peeled, opening the individual package 30 and exposing the napkin 10 inside.

[0020] The first surface 30A has a first exposed surface 30C and a second exposed surface 30D, which are bounded by the opening end 35. In this embodiment, the first exposed surface 30C is formed by the second folded packaging portion 23 of the packaging sheet 20 included in the second folded end 33, and the second exposed surface 30D is formed by the first folded packaging portion 22 of the packaging sheet 20 included in the first folded end 32. In this stacked configuration, the first exposed surface 30C is located closer to the surface than the second exposed surface 30D.

[0021] The first exposed surface 30C includes, from the side closest to the opening end 35, a first colored band region 51, a second colored band region 52, and a background region 53. These regions are distinguished by the density of the applied colored ink, with the second colored band region 52, the first colored band region 51, and the background region 53 in descending order of colored ink density. The density can be expressed as a value expressed as a percentage of the area occupied by the halftone dots that make up the colored portion (printed portion) in the image, for example, as shown in the measurement method below.

[0022] (Method for measuring halftone dot density) (1) Sample pieces measuring 10 mm x 10 mm are cut out from each of the first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53 on the first exposed surface 30C of the individual package 30. Planar images of the sample pieces are captured using an optical microscope (for example, VHX-6000 (product name) manufactured by Keyence Corporation). The observation magnification is 200x. (2) In the captured image, the ratio of the area occupied by the halftone dots is calculated as a percentage. (3) The halftone dot density is measured at three different locations according to (1) and (2) above, and the average value is calculated to determine the halftone dot density of each of the first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53.

[0023] The first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 extend in the width direction X of the napkin 10. The length of the extension can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 extend continuously in the width direction X of the napkin 10, but this is not limited thereto and they may extend intermittently. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 extend the entire length of the individual package 30 in the width direction X and are included in the both side edges 34, 34, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 may be located inward of the both side edges 34, 34 in the width direction X to such an extent that the correspondence between the respective positions of the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 and the fused portions 4 of the both side edges 34, 34 can be understood.

[0024] The first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53 may be various colors within the aforementioned dot density hierarchy. These colors include chromatic colors as well as achromatic colors such as gray and black. For example, the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 are preferably composed of chromatic colors, more preferably the same or similar chromatic colors, from the viewpoint of enhancing the visual effect of color-based adhesiveness (described below). Furthermore, the background region 53 preferably includes a color different from that of the first colored band region, more preferably an achromatic color, and even more preferably two or more colors, including an achromatic color and a chromatic color, as long as the background region 53 satisfies the aforementioned dot density hierarchy requirements, from the viewpoint of enhancing the visual effect of color-based adhesiveness and the actual adhesiveness, as well as the emotional impact of the first exposed surface 30C of the individual package 30. Furthermore, the background region may include a design or pattern expressing product information, concept, etc. The coloring can be achieved by a method commonly used for this type of article, such as flexographic printing, gravure printing, or inkjet printing using a pigment or dye.

[0025] In this specification, color differences are expressed by the color difference ΔE measured as follows, and from the above perspective, when the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 are similar colors, the color difference ΔE value is preferably 20 or less, more preferably 15 or less, and even more preferably 13 or less. In this specification, "the same color" means that the color difference ΔE between the two is 5 or less. (Method for measuring color differences) The difference between two colors is expressed by the "color difference ΔE" as shown below. Color difference ΔE is the L standard standard established by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) in 1976. * a * b * Color system (CIE1976(L) * a * b * ) color system) * , chromaticity b * and lightness L * It is calculated by the following formula (1). * , Δa * , Δb * is the L between two contrasting points in the hue space. * value, a * value, b * The difference between each value is shown. ΔE={(ΔL * ) 2 +(Δa * ) 2 +(Δb * ) 2} 1 / 2 (1) The color difference ΔE can be measured using a color difference meter (for example, SE-2000 manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.). The measurement conditions are a reflection measurement method with a luminous flux of 30 mmφ, and a standard white calibration plate (L * =98.59, a * =0.55, b *=0.36), measurement of the sample piece is started. Note that, in order to satisfy the minimum area required for color difference measurement, the sample piece may be measured using a color-printed image of the sample piece taken by an optical microscope (for example, Keyence VHX-6000) enlarged and captured using a printer (for example, Ricoh Color Basic) with predetermined colored inks (for example, Ricoh Corporation MP P Toner Cyan C6003, Yellow C6003, Magenta C6003, Black C6003).

[0026] 4, a lead tape 6 is arranged on the first surface 30A, spanning the first exposed surface 30C and the second exposed surface 30D, and having an area overlapping with, in order from closest to the opening end 35, the first colored band area 51, the second colored band area 52, and the background area 53. By being affixed across the first exposed surface 30C and the second exposed surface 30D, the lead tape 6 is intended to prevent the intrusion of foreign matter, etc. from the opening end 35.

[0027] The lead tape 6 is divided, with the opening end 35 as the boundary, into a tape peeling portion 61 that is peelably attached to the second exposed surface 30D, and a tape fastening portion 62 that is firmly attached to the first exposed surface 30C. The tape peeling portion 61 is the portion that is grasped and pulled up when opening the individual package 30, and is designed to be peelable from the packaging sheet 20 (first folded packaging portion 22) on the second exposed surface 30D by the force applied when opening. On the other hand, the tape fastening portion 62 has an adhesive strength that allows it to be firmly attached and held without peeling from the packaging sheet 20 (second folded packaging portion 23) on the first exposed surface 30C during the opening operation, while the napkin is in use, and when it is disposed of after use.

[0028] The lead tape 6 may have various planar shapes as long as it has a shape that extends along the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10 so as to straddle the first exposed surface 30C and the second exposed surface 30D when viewed from the first surface 30A side. In this embodiment, the number of lead tapes 6 is one, but there may be more than one. When one lead tape 6 is provided, it is preferably located at the middle position of the length of the individual package 30 along the width direction X of the napkin 10, from the viewpoint of smoothly opening the individual package 30. When multiple lead tapes 6 are provided, it is preferably arranged symmetrically from the same viewpoint as above.

[0029] 5, in a plan view of the first exposed surface 30C, the areas M1 and M2 of the fused portions 4A and 4B of the side edges 34A and 34B corresponding to the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52, respectively, are larger than the area M3 of the fused portion 4C of the side edge 34C corresponding to the background region 53. With regard to the above area configuration (M1 > M3, M2 > M3), the side edge 34C corresponding to the background region 53 may be entirely or partially filled. If only a portion of the fused portion 4C is filled, it is preferable that the area M3 of the fused portion 4C be smaller than the areas M1 and M2 of the fused portions 4A and 4B, respectively, in the side edges 34C corresponding to the region of the background region 53 adjacent to the second colored band region 52.

[0030] (Method for measuring the area of ​​the fused portion 4 in a plan view of the first exposed surface 30C) In each fused portion 4 (4A, 4B, 4C) viewed from the side of first exposed surface 30C, the boundary of the continuous, integrated area with the darkest color is traced using a line drawing tool attached to an optical microscope. The area of ​​the area within the traced boundary is defined as the area (M1, M2, M3) of first exposed surface 30C of fused portion 4 (4A, 4B, 4C).

[0031] In such an individual package 30, the lead tape 6 appears darker in the areas where the tape fastening portion 62 overlaps with the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 and in the area surrounding the tape fastening portion 62 due to the relatively high density of the colored ink. Seeing this, a user can recognize that the adhesive area between the tape fastening portion 62 and the packaging sheet 20 (the second folded packaging portion 23) is large and that the adhesive strength is high. This gives the user a sense of security that the tape fastening portion 62 will not fall off. Meanwhile, in the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52, the relatively high density makes the actual adhesive strength relatively weaker, which can prevent the packaging sheet 20 from tearing at the boundaries on both sides of the tape fastening portion 62 when opening and unpacking. At the same time, the actual resistance to tape removal of the tape fastening portion 62 is also improved. This is due to the following configuration. Specifically, the second colored region 52, which has the highest density, is sandwiched between the first colored region 51, which has a lower density, and the background region 53, which has an even lower density. As a result, the actual low adhesive strength of the second colored region 52 due to its density is compensated for by the relatively high adhesive strength of the first colored region 51 and the background region 53, thereby improving the overall adhesive retention of the tape fastening portion 62 and providing high resistance to tape removal. In particular, among the three regions overlapping the tape fastening portion 62, the adhesive strength of the background region 53, which has the lowest density, is the highest. Therefore, when the lead tape 6 is pulled in the opening direction Y2, the background region 53 becomes the last region to prevent tape removal, thereby preventing tape removal. Furthermore, even after opening, the napkin 10 can be removed and used, and the remaining packaging sheet 20 can be stored with the lead tape 6 attached, preventing tape removal until it is used for disposal. Furthermore, the user can recognize the fastening mechanism of the tape fastening portion 62 in the background area 53 when opening the package, and can feel more secure about the tape's ability to prevent it from falling off. In addition, during the process of opening the individual package 30, the difference in adhesive strength suddenly increases at the boundary between the second colored band region 52 and the background region 53. This acts as a signal to the user to sense the risk of the tape coming off and give the user an opportunity to refrain from applying too much force. This makes it possible to avoid applying excessive force to the tape fastening portion 62 in the area that overlaps with the background region 53, which actually has the highest adhesive strength, and to prevent tears in the packaging sheet 20 at the boundaries on both sides of the tape fastening portion 62.

[0032] When opening the individual package 30, the seals of the multiple fused portions 4 arranged on both side edges 34, 34 are sequentially peeled away by pinching the tape peeling portion 61 of the lead tape 6 and pulling it along the opening direction Y2. During this opening operation, the above-mentioned size relationship of the areas of the fused portions 4 (M1>M3, M2>M3) further enhances the tear resistance of the packaging sheet 20 at both boundary sides of the tape fastening portion 62. Specifically, the larger areas of the fused portions 4A and 4B near the opening end 35 of the side edge portions 34 (M1>M3, M2>M3) increase their visibility. This gives the user a relatively strong impression of the adhesiveness between the packaging sheets 20, making them realize that it is better to open the package a little harder, and they then begin opening. Even if a slightly stronger force is applied when starting to open the package, or even if the opening operation is performed more forcefully as a result, the packaging sheet 20 is less likely to tear because the adhesive strength is relatively weaker in the tape fastening portion 62 overlapping the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 due to the relatively higher density. As the seal peeling progresses further and reaches the side edge portions 34B corresponding to the background region 53, the user recognizes that the relatively small area M3 of the fused portion 4C indicates a relatively low fusion strength between the packaging sheets 20. This prompts the user to ease up on the force used to open the package at the background region 53. This allows for smooth seal peeling at the fused portion 4C while avoiding the application of excessive force to the tape fastening portion 62, which has the strongest adhesive strength at the position of the background region 53. As a result, tearing of the packaging sheet 20 at the boundaries on both sides of the tape fastening portion 62 and the resulting detachment of the tape fastening portion 62 from the packaging sheet 20 can be prevented.

[0033] In this way, the individual packaging body 30 can simultaneously achieve high tear resistance of the packaging sheet 20 even when the user performs a forceful opening operation, preventing the tape from falling off due to its high adhesiveness, and giving the user a sense of security due to the tape's prevention of falling off.

[0034] In the individual packaging body 30 of this embodiment, in order to make the above-mentioned effect due to the difference in concentration more effective, the ratio (N2 / N3) of the concentration N2 of the colored ink in the second colored band region 52 to the concentration N3 of the colored ink in the background region 53 is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.8 or more, and even more preferably 2.0 or more. The above color ink densities N2 and N3 and the following color ink density N1 are indicated by halftone dot densities obtained by the above-mentioned (method of measuring halftone dot density).

[0035] From the same viewpoint, the ratio (N2 / N1) of the color ink density N2 in the second coloring band region 52 to the color ink density N1 in the first coloring band region 51 is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and even more preferably 1.5 or more.

[0036] From the same viewpoint, the ratio (N1 / N3) of the color ink density N1 in the first color band region 51 to the color ink density N3 in the background region 53 is preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.8 or more, and even more preferably 2.0 or more.

[0037] Furthermore, in the individual packaging body 30 of this embodiment, from the viewpoint of making the above-mentioned effect due to the difference in area of ​​the fused portions 4 more effective, the ratio (M1 / M3) of the area M1 of each fused portion 4A of both side edges 34A corresponding to the first colored band region 51 to the area M3 of each fused portion 4C of both side edges 34C corresponding to the background region 53, and the ratio (M2 / M3) of the area M2 of each fused portion 4B of both side edges 34B corresponding to the second colored band region 52 to the area M3 of each fused portion 4C of both side edges 34C corresponding to the background region 53 are preferably 1.5 or more, more preferably 1.7 or more, and even more preferably 2.0 or more. Furthermore, the ratios (M1 / M3) and (M2 / M3) are preferably 7.0 or less, more preferably 6.5 or less, and even more preferably 6.0 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing a sense of insecurity due to the area of ​​each fused portion 4C of both side edge portions 34C corresponding to the background region 53 being too small and being too visible.

[0038] In the packaging body 30 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the length H1 of the overlapping region of the lead tape 6 between the lead tape 6 and the first colored band region 51 is longer than the length H2 of the overlapping region of the lead tape 6 between the second colored band region 52 in the direction along the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10 (see FIG. 4). This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the lead tape 6 from falling off from the packaging sheet 20 in the overlapping region of the lead tape 6 with the first fusion zone region 51.

[0039] From this viewpoint, the ratio (H1 / H2) of the length H1 of the overlapping area between the lead tape 6 and the first colored band area 51 to the length H2 of the overlapping area between the lead tape 6 and the second colored band area 52 is preferably 5.0 or more, more preferably 7.0 or more, and even more preferably 9.0 or more.

[0040] Furthermore, in the direction along the longitudinal direction Y of the napkin 10, it is preferable that the length H3 of the overlapping region of the lead tape 6 between the lead tape 6 and the background region 53 is longer than the length H2 of the overlapping region of the lead tape 6 between the second colored band region 52. This allows time for the user to reduce the force after a signal is sent due to a sudden change in adhesive strength at the boundary between the second colored band region 52 and the background region 53. This more reliably prevents the tape from coming off in the background region 53 even if the user reduces the force.

[0041] From this viewpoint, the ratio (H3 / H2) of the length H3 of the overlapping area between the lead tape 6 and the background area 53 to the length H2 of the overlapping area between the lead tape 6 and the second colored band area 52 is preferably 5.0 or more, more preferably 7.0 or more, and even more preferably 9.0 or more.

[0042] Furthermore, in the individual package 30 of this embodiment, the second colored band region 52 preferably contains both the colored ink that constitutes the first colored band region 51 and the colored ink that constitutes the background region 53. In the second colored band region 52, the color inks that constitute the first colored band region 51 and the background region 53 are mixed together, making the color density of the second colored band region 52 more prominent and easier to see. This further enhances the aforementioned effect of providing the user with a sense of security about the tape's ability to prevent slipping off.

[0043] In the individual package 30 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the lead tape 6 is light-transmitting, and the colors of the first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53 are visible through the lead tape 6. This makes it easier to see the color depth of not only the region around the tape fastening portion 62 of the lead tape 6, but also the region where the tape fastening portion 62 overlaps with the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 before pulling the lead tape 6. This further enhances the effect of giving the user the sense of security that the tape is prevented from falling off.

[0044] Furthermore, it is preferable that the lead tape 6 is colored, and that the color difference R1 between the color of the first colored band region 51 and the color of the second colored band region 52 visible through the lead tape 6 is smaller than the color difference R2 between the color of the first colored band region 51 and the color of the second colored band region 52 at a position adjacent to the lead tape 6. This makes it easier for the first colored band region 51 and the second colored band region 52 to appear integrated on the lead tape 6 compared to the adjacent regions of the lead tape 6. This appearance allows the user to perceive a larger overlapping area with the lead tape 6, further enhancing the effect of providing the user with a sense of security regarding the tape's ability to prevent slipping off.

[0045] In the individual package 30 of this embodiment, in a plan view of the first exposed surface 30C, the fused portions 4 are preferably darker in color than the regions where the fused portions 4 are not located. For example, the color of the fused portions 4A in the side edges 34A corresponding to the first colored band region 51 is preferably darker than the color of the first colored band region 51 where the fused portions 4A are not located. The color of the fused portions 4B in the side edges 34B corresponding to the second colored band region 52 is preferably darker than the color of the second colored band region 52 where the fused portions 4B are not located. Furthermore, the color of the fused portions 4C in the side edges 34C corresponding to the background region 53 is preferably darker than the color of the background region 53 where the fused portions 4C are not located. This color density can be determined, for example, by the halftone dot density obtained by the method for measuring halftone dot density described above. This further improves the visibility of the fused portions 4 (4A, 4B, 4C), and further enhances the aforementioned effect of giving the user a sense of security that the tape will not fall off, and the effect of controlling the force the user applies when opening the package.

[0046] In a package in which a plurality of individual packages 30 of this embodiment are housed in a packaging bag, at least one surface of the packaging bag preferably contains information regarding the overlap between the lead tape 6 and at least two or more of the first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53, which have different color ink densities, as well as information regarding the correspondence between the fused portions 4 (4A, 4B, 4C) having different fused areas and at least two or more of the first colored band region 51, the second colored band region 52, and the background region 53. As an example of displaying this information, there is an embodiment in which at least one surface of the package is transparent or translucent, and the surface of the individual packages 30 containing the information is visible from that surface of the package. This makes it easier for users to visually inspect the packaging at the store or before opening it after purchase, and become aware of the amount of force required to apply to each colored band area when opening the packaging, making it easier to achieve the aforementioned effects more reliably.

[0047] The napkin 10 and the packaging sheet 20 constituting the individual packaging body 30 may be made of any material used for this type of article, without any particular restrictions.

[0048] The packaging sheet 20 can be made of various materials capable of forming the fused portion 4, without any particular restrictions. For example, it can be made of polyolefin polymer resins such as polyethylene resin and polypropylene resin. Examples of such materials include polyethylene [linear low-density polyethylene (L-LDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE)], polypropylene, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer (EA), styrene-isoprene copolymer (SIS), styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBS), olefin-based elastomers, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] The napkin 10 preferably has a topsheet on the skin contact side, a backsheet on the non-skin contact side, and an absorbent body disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent body can be any of a variety of forms commonly used in absorbent articles, without particular limitation. For example, it may be a hydrophilic fiber stack or a mixed stack of hydrophilic fibers and a superabsorbent polymer material covered with a hydrophilic covering sheet. It may also be composed of a thin absorbent sheet in which a superabsorbent polymer material is sandwiched and fixed between two sheet-like fiber layers made of hydrophilic fibers. The absorbent sheet can be formed by utilizing the adhesive strength that the superabsorbent polymer material develops when wet, or by utilizing a binder such as a separately added adhesive or adhesive fiber. It can be produced by a variety of commonly used methods, including either a wet or dry method. The absorbent sheet has a thickness of 3.0 mm or less, and the highly absorbent polymer material is dispersed in the planar direction of the sheet, making it less susceptible to gel blocking and providing high absorption capacity. For example, the absorbent sheet is described in paragraphs

[0019] to

[0131] of JP-A-8-246395.

[0050] The hydrophilic fibers constituting the absorbent include those obtained by subjecting hydrophobic fibers to hydrophilic treatment and those that are hydrophilic themselves. In particular, those that are hydrophilic and have water-retaining properties are preferred. Examples of the latter hydrophilic fibers include natural fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers. Pulp and rayon are particularly preferred as hydrophilic fibers, with pulp being even more preferred. Furthermore, crosslinked cellulose fibers in which cellulose fibers are crosslinked intramolecularly and / or intermolecularly, and bulky cellulose fibers obtained by mercerizing wood pulp may also be used. Examples of pulp include, but are not limited to, wood pulp such as softwood kraft pulp or hardwood kraft pulp, and natural cellulose fibers such as cotton pulp and straw pulp. One or more of these pulps may be used.

[0051] Examples of superabsorbent polymer materials constituting the absorbent include hydrogel materials obtained by polymerizing water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers, primarily composed of acrylic acid or acrylate salts, optionally with the addition of a crosslinking agent. Other examples include crosslinked products of polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sulfonated polystyrene, and polyvinylpyridine, saponified starch-poly(meth)acrylonitrile graft copolymers, starch-poly(meth)acrylic acid graft copolymers, and hydrolyzed starch-poly(meth)acrylic ester graft copolymers. These superabsorbent polymer materials can be used alone or in combination of two or more. The superabsorbent polymer material is preferably one that can absorb and retain at least 20 times its own weight in liquid and can gel. The shape of the superabsorbent polymer material is not particularly limited and may be any of the various shapes used for absorbents, such as spherical, granular, fibrous, bale-like, and block-like shapes.

[0052] Various liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics can be used for the topsheet. Considering the pleasant feel, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are preferred, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics are more preferred, and air-through nonwoven fabrics are particularly preferred. Hydrophilized thermoplastic resin fibers are preferred, and the fibers are three-dimensionally crimped, such as secondary or tertiary crimps. Specifically, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or composite fibers thereof are prepared and coated with various hydrophilizing agents before being cut to a predetermined length to form staples. Examples of hydrophilizing agents that can be used include various alkyl sulfonates, such as α-olefin sulfonates; acrylates; acrylate / acrylamide copolymers; ester amides; salts of ester amides; polyethylene glycol and its derivatives; water-soluble polyester resins; various silicone derivatives; various sugar derivatives; and mixtures thereof.

[0053] Various leak-proof materials can be used as the backsheet. For example, a moisture-impermeable or moisture-permeable film alone, a film bonded to a nonwoven fabric, or a water-repellent nonwoven fabric (SMS, SMMS, etc.) can be used. From the standpoint of cost and compatibility with anti-slip adhesives, it is most preferable to use a moisture-impermeable film alone as the leak-proof material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 10. Sanitary napkins 20 Packaging Sheet 30 pieces package 30A 1st side 30B 2nd side 30C 1st exposed surface 30D 2nd exposed surface 34 Side edge 35 Open end 4 Fusion part 51 First colored band area 52 Second colored band area 53 Background area 6 Lead Tape 61 Tape peeling section 62 Tape fastening part X Width direction Y Longitudinal direction Y1 Folding direction Y2 Opening direction

Claims

1. An individual package for an absorbent article, comprising an absorbent article and a packaging sheet that wraps the absorbent article in a state where the absorbent article is folded in the longitudinal direction, The individual package has a plurality of fused portions that join the packaging sheets together on each of a pair of both side edge portions that are outward in the width direction of the absorbent article and along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and has a first surface on which an opening edge of the packaging sheet located on one end side of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is exposed, and a second surface that is exposed on the opposite side to the first surface, and the opening edge extends along the width direction of the absorbent article and is included in the both side edge portions, the first surface has a first exposed surface and a second exposed surface with the opening end as a boundary, and the first exposed surface includes, from the side closest to the opening end, a first colored band region, a second colored band region, and a background region, the second colored band region, the first colored band region, and the background region in descending order of color ink density; a lead tape is disposed on the first surface, the lead tape spanning the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface, and having an area overlapping with the first colored band area, the second colored band area, and the background area in that order from closest to the opening end; In a plan view of the first exposed surface, an area of ​​each fused portion of the side edge portions corresponding to the first colored band region and the second colored band region is larger than an area of ​​each fused portion of the side edge portions corresponding to the background region. Individually packaged absorbent articles.

2. 2. An individually packaged absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein the length of the overlapping area between the lead tape and the first colored band area in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is longer than the length of the overlapping area between the lead tape and the second colored band area.

3. 3. An individually packaged absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the overlapping area between the lead tape and the background area in a direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is longer than the length of the overlapping area between the lead tape and the second colored band area.

4. The individually wrapped absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second colored band region contains both the colored ink constituting the first colored band region and the colored ink constituting the background region.

5. 3. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the lead tape is light-transmitting, and the colors of the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region are visible through the lead tape.

6. The individually wrapped absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a plan view of the first exposed surface, the fused portion has a darker color than an area where the fused portion is not provided.

7. A package in which a plurality of individual packages of the absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2 are housed in a packaging bag, A packaging body in which at least one surface of the packaging bag contains information regarding the overlap between the lead tape and at least two or more of the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region, which have different color ink concentrations, and information regarding the correspondence between the fused portion, which has a different fused area, and at least two or more of the first colored band region, the second colored band region, and the background region.

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