Individually packaged absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an individual package of an absorbent article that enables even a person who is difficult to perform fine work with hands to open individual packaging and discard a used absorbent article in a sanitary manner.SOLUTION: An individual package 1 of an absorbent article according to the present disclosure includes: an absorbent article 20; and an individual packaging sheet 10 for packaging the absorbent article 20. The individual packaging sheet 10 includes a pair of slits 11a, 11b arranged in both longitudinal outer ends and extending in a width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to individually wrapped absorbent articles. [Background technology]

[0002] Individually packaged absorbent articles are known, in which pad products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, light incontinence products, light incontinence liners, and urine absorption pads are individually wrapped in individual packaging sheets and the edges of the individual packaging sheets are sealed with sealing tape. By individually packaging absorbent articles, the absorbent articles can be carried one by one easily and hygienically, and it is also relatively easy to replace used absorbent articles (hereinafter simply referred to as "used articles") with new absorbent articles (hereinafter simply referred to as "new articles") when out and about.

[0003] When replacing a used absorbent article with a new one, the used absorbent article is typically disposed of by wrapping it in a new individual packaging sheet. Specifically, a typical method involves, for example, removing the used absorbent article from its underwear, folding or rolling it into a roll, wrapping it in the individual packaging sheet that came with the new absorbent article, and sealing the resulting package with the sealing tape that came with the new absorbent article. However, this method inevitably involves touching the used absorbent article directly with hands, which can be unhygienic. Furthermore, the sealing tape, once peeled off to remove the new absorbent article, loses its adhesive strength and is difficult to reseal. Specifically, problems such as the package opening, significantly reducing the concealment of the used absorbent article, or leakage of urine, blood, or the like absorbed by the used absorbent article from the package, are likely to occur. There is a demand for an individual absorbent article package that minimizes hand contact with the used absorbent article when replacing it with a new one, packages the used absorbent article with good concealment and sealing properties, and prevents leakage of bodily fluids. Various proposals have been made to address this need.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes a flexible individual packaging sheet for individually packaging absorbent articles, the individual packaging sheet having an insertion portion penetrating from the front to the back, which can be packaged so that the absorbent articles can be maintained in a columnar state by folding or rolling the absorbent articles into a columnar shape and wrapping the absorbent articles in the individual packaging sheet so that the insertion portion is exposed on the outer surface, and inserting the insertion portion into the insertion portion of the individual packaging sheet from the axial end side of the columnar shape (Claim 1). A typical embodiment of the individual packaging sheet in Patent Document 1 is a form in which two insertion portions are arranged opposite each other in the width direction at one end in the longitudinal direction of the individual packaging sheet (Claim 2 and 3). Furthermore, the insertion portion is formed, for example, as a perforation (Claim 5). Patent Document 1 also describes that the absorbent articles can be maintained wrapped in the individual packaging sheet without using an adhesive member (paragraph 0006). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-067489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Incidentally, for people with hand disabilities who have difficulty performing delicate tasks, peeling off the sealing tape of the individual packaging sheet that individually packages unused absorbent articles can be difficult. Furthermore, since absorbent articles swell when they absorb a large amount of liquid, it is difficult to roll up used absorbent articles by hand, and it is also difficult to wrap them in the individual packaging sheet so that they do not become exposed. From a hygienic perspective, it is not desirable to repeatedly touch used absorbent articles with one's hands so that they do not become exposed. Thus, for people with hand disabilities who have difficulty performing delicate tasks, opening and disposing of absorbent articles can be difficult.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses an individual packaging sheet that can wrap absorbent articles without using an adhesive member by providing perforations in the individual packaging sheet. However, in mass production lines for absorbent articles, absorbent articles and materials that form part of them are typically transported so that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent articles and the conveying direction (MD) are perpendicular to each other. When an individual package 100 of an absorbent article 20 shown in FIG. 8 wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 90 of Patent Document 1 is transported, the longitudinal direction, which is the direction in which the perforations 80 that form the insertion portion extend, and the conveying direction are approximately perpendicular to each other. This applies tension in the conveying direction to the individual packaging sheet 90 and, by extension, the perforations 80, making the perforations 80 more likely to tear. On the other hand, if the spacing between the perforations 80 is widened in order to make the perforations 80 less likely to tear, the perforations 80 become more difficult to open during use.

[0008] Furthermore, absorbent articles often swell relatively significantly as they absorb bodily fluids. In such cases, the individual packaging sheet 90 of Patent Document 1 does not fit into the insertion portion (the cuts of the perforations 80) and cannot be used to wrap the absorbent article. If an attempt is made to force the insertion portion, the insertion portion will tear, making it impossible to package the used article with good concealment and sealing properties. Furthermore, it is not possible to adequately prevent leakage of bodily fluids.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an individual package of absorbent articles that allows even people who have difficulty performing delicate tasks with their hands to open the individual package and dispose of the used absorbent articles in a hygienic manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] As a result of extensive research to solve the above problems, the inventors discovered that by providing openings extending in the width direction at both longitudinal ends of the individual packaging sheet, even people who have difficulty performing fine work with their hands can open the individual packaging, and the used absorbent article can be wrapped in the individual packaging sheet and disposed of hygienically, and the product will not be damaged even if force is applied in the transport direction of the product, which led to the completion of the present invention.

[0011] A first aspect of the present invention is an individual packaging body for an absorbent article, comprising an absorbent article and an individual packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the individual packaging sheet has a pair of openings arranged at both outer ends in the longitudinal direction and extending in the width direction.

[0012] A second aspect of the present invention is the individual packaging body for absorbent articles of the first aspect, wherein the pair of openings are slits extending in the width direction.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention is the individual packaging body for absorbent articles of the first aspect, wherein the length of the pair of openings in the width direction is 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an individual packaging body for an absorbent article according to the first aspect, wherein the pair of openings are formed in an area of ​​10 mm to 30 mm from the outer end of the individual packaging sheet in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an individually wrapped absorbent article according to the first aspect, wherein the individually wrapped sheet is made of a spunbonded nonwoven fabric or a composite nonwoven fabric containing the spunbonded nonwoven fabric.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an individual packaging body for absorbent articles according to the second aspect, wherein at least a part of the pair of openings is formed so as to protrude outward in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an individual packaging body for an absorbent article of the second aspect, wherein the individual packaging sheet has a marking area near the inside or outside of the pair of openings in the longitudinal direction, which serves as a mark for the positions of the pair of openings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, even people who have difficulty performing delicate tasks with their hands can open the individual packaging and dispose of the used absorbent article in a hygienic manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic configuration of an individual package of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) shows the package after opening and unfolding, and (b) shows the package before opening. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an absorbent article, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIb-IIb in (a). [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are explanatory views of the unfolding of an individual package of an absorbent article, in which (a) shows the state when opened and (b) shows the state when unfolded. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram of the first stage when wrapping a used absorbent article in an individual wrapping sheet and disposing of it, and the steps proceed in the order of (a), (b), and (c). [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the second stage when wrapping used absorbent articles in individual wrapping sheets and disposing of them, and the steps proceed in the order of (a), (b), and (c). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the third stage when a used absorbent article is wrapped in an individual wrapping sheet and disposed of. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view schematically showing the configuration of an individual package of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view schematically showing the configuration of an individual package of an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a problem with the conventional technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. Note that the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0021] In this specification, "wearing an absorbent article" refers to the state in which the absorbent article is worn on the body, regardless of whether bodily fluids have been absorbed or not. In an absorbent article, the length direction is the direction indicated by Y in the figure that extends from the front to the back of the body through the wearer's crotch when the absorbent article is worn on the body, the width direction is the direction indicated by X in the figure that is perpendicular to the length direction, and the thickness direction is the direction indicated by Z in the figure in which the components are stacked. The "skin side" refers to the side of the absorbent article in the thickness direction that faces the wearer's skin when worn, and the "non-skin side" refers to the opposite side. Bodily fluids refer to liquids excreted from the body to the outside, such as urine, blood, and water in loose stools.

[0022] Hereinafter, the individual packaging body 1 of the absorbent article according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0023] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an individual package 1 of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with (a) showing the package opened and unfolded, and (b) showing the package before opening. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an embodiment of an absorbent article 20, with (a) showing a plan view, and (b) showing a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIb-IIb in (a).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an individual package 1 for an absorbent article of this embodiment (hereinafter simply referred to as "individual package") includes an absorbent article 20, an individual package sheet 10 that wraps the absorbent article 20, and a closure tape 30 attached to one longitudinal end of the individual package sheet 10. The absorbent article 20 and the individual package sheet 10 are releasably adhered to each other, for example, by an adhesive layer 24 for attaching to underwear that is provided on the non-skin side of a back sheet 22 (described later) of the absorbent article 20 (see FIG. 1(a)). Before use, the individual package 1 is folded in thirds with the absorbent article 20 on the inside, and is in a sealed state with the closure tape 30 attached to the individual package sheet 10 (see FIG. 1(b)). In this embodiment, before use, the individual package 1 is folded in thirds along the dash-dotted lines x1 and x2 shown in FIG. 1(a) in this order, and is in a sealed state (see FIG. 1(b)). When using the absorbent article 20, the sealing tape 30 of the sealed individual package 1 is peeled off to unfold the individual package 1 (see Figure 1(a)), and the absorbent article 20 is removed from the individual package sheet 10 for use.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, the absorbent article 20 can be used as a variety of absorbent articles for babies, adults, and the elderly, including pad products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, panty liners, light incontinence pads, light incontinence liners, and urine absorption pads. The longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 20 is, for example, in the range of 100 mm to 800 mm, 150 mm to 500 mm, or 150 mm to 350 mm, and the width dimension is, for example, in the range of 50 mm to 250 mm, 50 mm to 180 mm, or 50 mm to 105 mm. By keeping each dimension within the aforementioned numerical ranges, an absorbent article 20 suitable for light incontinence products, sanitary napkins, panty liners, and the like can be obtained.

[0026] The absorbent article 20 has a top sheet 21, an absorbent body 23, and a back sheet 22 as basic structural units, and can be modified in various known ways, such as providing three-dimensional gathers 25 or side sheets (not shown), arranging a second sheet or transfer sheet (not shown) between the top sheet 21 and the absorbent body 23, or covering the absorbent body 23 with a carrier sheet (not shown). Below, the components of the absorbent article 20 of this embodiment will be described in more detail in the order of the top sheet 21, the back sheet 22, the absorbent body 23, three-dimensional gathers 25, and side sheets.

[0027] The top sheet 21 is a liquid-permeable sheet-like substrate that quickly passes body fluids toward the absorbent body 23 and diffuses the body fluids in the plane direction of the absorbent body 23. The top sheet 21 is preferably a substrate that is soft to the touch and does not irritate the skin so that it may come into direct contact with the wearer's skin. Examples of such substrates include hydrophilic sheets, composite nonwoven fabrics that are laminates of the same or different hydrophilic sheets, apertured films such as apertured polyethylene films, and foamed films such as polyethylene foam and urethane foam. Examples of hydrophilic sheets include air-through nonwoven fabrics, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, and spunbonded nonwoven fabrics made from synthetic fibers made of synthetic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, regenerated fibers such as rayon, and natural fibers such as cotton. Among these, the various nonwoven fabrics are preferred.

[0028] The surface of the top sheet 21 may be embossed or perforated to improve liquid permeability. The top sheet 21 may contain one or more of lotions, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, etc. to reduce irritation to the skin. The basis weight of the top sheet 21 is set to, for example, 15 g / m² from the viewpoints of strength, processability, and liquid wetting-back. 2 More than 25g / m 2 The following range or 19g / m 2 More than 35g / m 2The shape of the top sheet 21 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape that covers part or all of the absorbent body 23, which is necessary to guide bodily fluids to the absorbent body 23 without leakage.

[0029] The backsheet 22 may be formed using a liquid-impermeable substrate that prevents body fluids retained by the absorbent article 20 from wetting the wearer's clothing, and examples of such substrates include resin films and composite sheets that are laminates of resin films and nonwoven fabrics. The nonwoven fabrics used in the composite sheets may be made by any method, and examples include single-layer nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabrics and meltblown nonwoven fabrics, composite nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric laminates, and spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric laminates, as well as composite materials thereof. Examples of resin films include polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and composite films of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0030] The basis weight of the backsheet 22 is, for example, 15 g / m from the viewpoint of strength and processability. 2 More than 60g / m 2 The range is as follows. In order to prevent stuffiness during wear, it is preferable that the back sheet 22 be breathable. To make the back sheet 22 breathable, for example, a filler may be blended into the resin film of the base material, or the back sheet 22 may be embossed. An example of the filler is calcium carbonate, and the blending method may be any known method without any restrictions.

[0031] The back sheet 22 has an adhesive layer 24 on its non-skin side for attaching to underwear (see FIGS. 1(a) and 2(b)). The adhesive layer 24 contains an adhesive that exhibits adhesion to resin films, paper, nonwoven fabrics, etc. The adhesive layer 24 is attached to the individual packaging sheet 10, and a release sheet (not shown) made of a plastic film or the like may be interposed between the adhesive layer 24 and the individual packaging sheet 10. Examples of materials for the release sheet include plastic films, nonwoven fabric sheets, and paper, with silicone-treated paper being preferred. Plastic films and nonwoven fabric sheets may be embossed or stretched to make them easier to handle for elderly people, for example. It is preferable that the surface of the release sheet that contacts the adhesive layer 24 is not silicone-treated or has a weaker silicone treatment than the opposite surface. This allows the release sheet and the individual packaging sheet 10 to be bonded together in an inseparable manner.

[0032] The adhesive contained in the adhesive layer 24 is not particularly limited, and known adhesives can be used, such as hot melt adhesives. Hot melt adhesives with a melting point of 100°C or higher and 180°C or lower can be used without any particular limitation, and examples include synthetic rubber hot melt adhesives such as styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers and styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers, and olefin hot melt adhesives such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. Known methods for applying the hot melt adhesive include the curtain coating method and spiral method, in which the molten hot melt adhesive is applied from a nozzle in a non-contact manner, and the slot method, in which the hot melt adhesive is applied in a contact manner. Double-sided tape or the like can also be used for the adhesive layer 24.

[0033] The absorbent body 23 may be, for example, a fluff absorbent body containing absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer. The longitudinal dimension (maximum length) of the absorbent body 23 is, for example, in the range of 100 mm to 450 mm, or in the range of 150 mm to 350 mm. The widthwise dimension (maximum width) of the absorbent body 23 is, for example, in the range of 30 mm to 250 mm, or in the range of 30 mm to 180 mm.

[0034] The absorbent fiber is not particularly limited as long as it is one generally used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and urine absorption pads, and examples thereof include fluff pulp, cotton, rayon, acetate, tissue, absorbent paper, and hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. Among these, fluff pulp is preferably used from the viewpoint of absorbency. Examples of fluff pulp include wood pulp (for example, bleached coniferous kraft pulp (N-BKP) such as southern pine or Douglas fir), synthetic fiber, resin fiber, and non-wood pulp defibrated into a cotton-like state. When fluff pulp is used as the absorbent fiber base material in the absorber 23, the basis weight of the absorbent fiber is, for example, 80 g / m2 from the viewpoint of feel on the skin, body fluid absorption capacity, and the like. 2 More than 800g / m 2 Below range, 200g / m 2 More than 500g / m 2 The range is as follows:

[0035] The superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter also referred to as "SAP") is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb body fluids and prevent backflow, and examples thereof include polyacrylates, polyaspartates, (starch-acrylic acid) graft copolymers, (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymers, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymers, and saponified products thereof. Among these, from the viewpoint of absorption per weight, polyacrylates are preferred, alkali metal polyacrylates are more preferred, and sodium polyacrylate is even more preferred. The superabsorbent polymers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0036] The superabsorbent polymer is used in, for example, particulate or fibrous form, but is preferably used in particulate form from the standpoint of ease of handling. In this case, by avoiding the use of a finely powdered superabsorbent polymer that has poor powder flowability and using a superabsorbent polymer with a median particle size, basic absorption performance can be improved and the rough feel that occurs when the absorbent body 23 hardens after absorbing body fluids can be reduced. The median particle size of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, in the range of 50 μm to 600 μm or in the range of 100 μm to 500 μm. The content of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent body 23 is in the range of 25 wt% or more, or in the range of 25 wt% to 70 wt% of the total weight of the absorbent body 23.

[0037] In the absorbent body 23, the absorbent fibers and SAP may be in the form of a mixture of SAP particles in absorbent fibers, or an SAP sheet in which SAP particles are fixed between absorbent fibers. In addition to the fluff absorbent body described above, an absorbent article containing multiple hydrophilic sheets and a superabsorbent polymer fixedly supported between them may also be used as the absorbent body 23. To prevent leakage of SAP particles from the absorbent body 23 and to stabilize the shape of the absorbent body 23, a carrier sheet (not shown) may be provided under the absorbent body 23 or to completely wrap the absorbent body 23. The substrate of the carrier sheet may be any hydrophilic material, including tissue, absorbent paper, and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as air-laid nonwoven fabrics. When multiple carrier sheets are used, the substrates of the multiple carrier sheets may be the same or different.

[0038] The three-dimensional gathers 25 are gathers for preventing side leakage of bodily fluids excreted by the wearer of the absorbent article 20, and may be provided, for example, at both widthwise ends of the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 21 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 20. The three-dimensional gathers 25 include an elastic stretchable member 25a and a water-repellent and / or waterproof sheet member 25b.

[0039] The elastically stretchable member 25a is disposed along the longitudinal direction near the free end (other end) of the sheet member 25b, imparting upstanding property to the free end and allowing the free end and its neighboring area of ​​the sheet member 25b to deform to fit the wearer's body shape. In this embodiment, one widthwise end (fixed end) of the sheet member 25b is fixed to near both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the back sheet 22, a middle portion in the widthwise direction is fixed to near both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the top sheet 21, and the other widthwise end is a free end that is upstanding. The fixing position of the fixed end (one widthwise end) of the sheet member 25b is not limited to this embodiment, and examples include the non-skin-side surface of the back sheet 22, near both widthwise ends of the skin-side or non-skin-side surface of the bonded assembly of all or part of each edge of the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 that houses the absorbent body 23, and near both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the top sheet 21.

[0040] The sheet member 25b is a water-repellent and / or waterproof sheet, and is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric for the first sheet member can be any water-repellent and / or waterproof (liquid-impermeable) nonwoven fabric made of hydrophobic fibers, and examples thereof include spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and composite nonwoven fabric (SMS nonwoven fabric) which is a spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric laminate. The basis weight of the sheet member 25b is, for example, 13 g / m 2 More than 20g / m 2 The range is as follows: As the elastic stretchable member 25a, for example, thread-, string- or band-shaped members made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane or the like can be used as appropriate.

[0041] A pair of side sheets (not shown) may be provided at both longitudinal ends of the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 21, extending in the width direction of the absorbent article 20. The material of the side sheets is not particularly limited and may be a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or resin film similar to that used for the back sheet 22. The side sheets are provided, for example, so as to cover both longitudinal ends of the top sheet 21 along its shape, and the longitudinal dimension of the side sheets in one and the other longitudinal directions is, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1, the individual packaging sheet 10 of the individual packaging body 1 is a sheet-like member for individually packaging the absorbent articles 20, and in this embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from above. The lengths of the individual packaging sheet 10 in the longitudinal and width directions are longer than those of the absorbent articles 20. The shape of the individual packaging sheet 10 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for example, an oval shape, an ellipse shape, a rounded rectangle shape, or the like.

[0043] The material of the individual wrapping sheet 10 is not particularly limited, and various materials can be used, such as nonwoven fabric, resin film, and paper sheet with at least the surface rendered water-repellent. However, nonwoven fabric is preferred from the viewpoints of durability in terms of tear resistance, lightness and bulkiness for carrying when out and about. As the nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric used for the back sheet 22 is preferred, and from the viewpoint of strength around the slits 11a and 11b described below, spunbond nonwoven fabric, composite nonwoven fabric including spunbond nonwoven fabric, etc. are more preferred. Examples of composite nonwoven fabric including spunbond nonwoven fabric include spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric, etc. The basis weight of the nonwoven fabric used is, for example, 13 g / m 2 More than 25g / m 2 The range is as follows:

[0044] The individual packaging sheet 10 has a pair of openings (slits 11a, 11b in this embodiment) that are located at both outer end portions in the longitudinal direction and extend in the width direction. As will be described later, the pair of openings are openings that a user can insert their fingers into when opening the individual package 1, or that can be used when wrapping a used absorbent article 20 in the individual packaging sheet 10. In this embodiment, the pair of openings are a pair of slits (openings) 11a, 11b that are formed by making cuts in the width direction in the outer end portions on both longitudinal sides of the individual packaging sheet 10. Regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10 that are outboard of the slits 11a, 11b in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as "outer end regions 12a, 12b") are used to insert fingers into when wrapping a used absorbent article 20 in the individual packaging sheet 10, or to conceal and seal the absorbent article 20, as will be described later. The pair of openings is not limited to slits (notches), and may have other shapes (for example, openings that are elongated in the width direction) as long as the user can insert their fingers when opening the individual packaging body 1 and the openings can be used when wrapping the used absorbent article 20 in the individual packaging sheet 10. Furthermore, the outer side in the longitudinal direction refers to the direction away from the longitudinal center, with the center side in the longitudinal direction being the inner side.

[0045] In this embodiment, the slits 11a and 11b are formed to have the same length in the width direction and are arranged in the center in the width direction of the individual packaging sheet 10. Furthermore, the slits 11a and 11b extend linearly in the width direction and are provided parallel to each other in the width direction.

[0046] The widthwise length L1 of the slits 11a, 11b is preferably 10 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and more preferably 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less. If the widthwise length L1 of the slits 11a, 11b is shorter than 10 mm, it becomes difficult for the user to insert their fingers when opening the pouch. On the other hand, if the widthwise length L1 of the slits 11a, 11b is longer than 100 mm, the concealment and sealing performance of the absorbent article 20 will be reduced when the used absorbent article 20 is wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 10. Furthermore, by setting the widthwise length L1 of the slits 11a, 11b to 25 mm or more and 50 mm, the width can be made large enough for an average adult to insert two to three fingers. The widthwise lengths of the slits 11a, 11b are not limited to being the same.

[0047] The distance L2 from the slits 11a, 11b to the longitudinal outer ends 10a, 10b of the individual packaging sheet 10 is preferably 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less. That is, the slits 11a, 11b are preferably formed in an area that is 10 mm or more and 30 mm or less from the longitudinal outer ends 10a, 10b of the individual packaging sheet 10. If the slits 11a, 11b are formed in an area closer than 10 mm from the longitudinal outer ends 10a, 10b of the individual packaging sheet 10, the width (longitudinal length) of the outer end regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10 will be shortened, and the outer end regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10 will be more likely to tear when the individual packaging sheet 10 is used to wrap a used absorbent article 20. On the other hand, if the slits 11a, 11b are formed in regions more than 30 mm away from the longitudinal outer ends 10a, 10b of the individual packaging sheet 10, the width (longitudinal length) of the outer end regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10 becomes too large, reducing the concealment and sealing properties of the absorbent article 20 and reducing usability. Note that the distance L2 from the slit 11a to the longitudinal outer end 10a of the individual packaging sheet 10 and the distance L2 from the slit 11b to the longitudinal outer end 10b of the individual packaging sheet 10 may be the same as or different from each other.

[0048] The seal tape 30 is provided in one outer end region 12a of the individual packaging sheet 10. That is, the seal tape 30 is provided at a position that does not straddle the slit 11a. In this embodiment, the seal tape 30 is provided in the center in the width direction of one outer end region 12a of the individual packaging sheet 10.

[0049] Next, the work involved in replacing a used absorbent article 20' with a new absorbent article 20 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. As an example of the general flow of steps involved in replacing a used absorbent article 20' with a new absorbent article 20, the user first opens the new individual package 1 (see Figure 3), removes the new absorbent article 20 from the individual packaging sheet 10, and replaces it with the used absorbent article 20', and then wraps the used absorbent article 20' in the individual packaging sheet 10 that was used in the new individual package 1, and discards it (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0050] First, the operation of opening a new individual package 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. In this explanation, the case where the sealed individual package 1 is opened and unfolded by utilizing the slits 11a and 11b of the individual package 1 will be described.

[0051] 3A and 3B are explanatory diagrams showing the unfolding of the individual package 1 of the absorbent article, with (a) showing the state when opened and (b) showing the state when unfolded. In Fig. 3, the steps proceed in the order of (a) and (b).

[0052] As shown in Fig. 3(a), when using the novel absorbent article 20, a user first inserts a finger F from the inside to the outside in the longitudinal direction (towards the outer end 10a) into a slit 11a provided on one outer end 10a side of the individual packaging sheet 10. Then, with the finger hooked in the slit 11a, the user moves their hand in the direction of peeling off the closure tape 30, as shown by the outline arrow A in Fig. 3(a), to peel off the closure tape 30 and unfold one longitudinal side of the individual packaging body 1 (the side on which the closure tape 30 is provided). In this state, one longitudinal side of the individual packaging body 1 (the side on the outer end 10a side from the dash-dotted line x2) is unfolded, and the other side (the side on the outer end 10b side from the dash-dotted line x1) is still folded.

[0053] Next, the user inserts a finger F into a slit 11b provided on the other outer end 10b side of the individual packaging sheet 10 from the inside to the outside in the longitudinal direction (toward the outer end 10b). Then, with the finger F hooked in the slit 11b, the user unfolds the other side of the individual packaging body 1 in the longitudinal direction as shown by the outline arrow B in FIG. 3(a). In this way, the user can open and unfold the sealed individual packaging body 1 using the slits 11a and 11b without performing a pinching motion with the finger F (for example, pinching the sealing tape 30 with the finger F) (see FIG. 3(b)). Thereafter, the user removes the unused absorbent article 20 from the individual packaging sheet 10 and uses it. The user can also peel off the sealing tape 30 with the finger F to open and unfold it without using the slits 11a and 11b.

[0054] Next, the work of wrapping a used absorbent article 20' in the individual packaging sheet 10 and discarding it will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In this explanation, the case where a used absorbent article 20' is wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 10 using the slits 11a, 11b of the individual packaging body 1 and discarded will be described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4(a), when a used absorbent article 20' is wrapped in an individual packaging sheet 10 and disposed of, the individual packaging sheet 10 is prepared after the absorbent article 20 has been removed from a new individual package 1. Note that Figure 4(a) illustrates the release sheet 13 that was placed between the adhesive layer 24 of the new absorbent article 20 and the individual packaging sheet 10.

[0056] Next, as shown in Figure 4(b), the used absorbent article 20' is placed on the individual packaging sheet 10. When placing the used absorbent article 20' on the individual packaging sheet 10, the used absorbent article 20' may be attached to the individual packaging sheet 10 using an adhesive layer (not shown) of the used absorbent article 20'.

[0057] Next, as shown in Figure 4(c), insert fingers F into the slits 11a, 11b on both sides of the individual packaging sheet 10 in the longitudinal direction, and with the fingers F hooked around the outer end regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10, fold the individual packaging sheet 10 in half together with the used absorbent article 20' so that the used absorbent article 20' is on the inside, as shown by the white arrow in Figure 4(c).

[0058] Next, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the outer end region 12a on one longitudinal side of the individual packaging sheet 10 is inserted into the slit 11b on the other side and crossed. At this time, it is preferable to insert the outer end region 12a on one side where the closure tape 30 is provided into the slit 11b on the other side. This makes it easy to see the outer end region 12a on one side through the closure tape 30, so that the outer end region 12a on one side can be easily inserted into the slit 11b on the other side. It is also possible to pull the closure tape 30 to pull the outer end region 12a on one side out of the slit 11b on the other side.

[0059] Next, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the other outer end region 12b is inserted into the one slit 11a. At this time, as shown by the outline arrow in Fig. 5(a), the other outer end region 12b can be inserted into the one slit 11a by inserting the hand from the other slit 11b into the one slit 11a, hooking the fingers around the other outer end region 12b on the opposite side, and pulling out the other outer end region 12b.

[0060] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(c), by inserting a finger into the other slit 11b and lifting the used absorbent article 20' while hooking the finger around the other outer end region 12b, the base of the other outer end region 12b is fastened by the one outer end region 12a, utilizing the weight of the used absorbent article 20'. The package thus obtained has the base of the other outer end region 12b firmly fastened by the one outer end region 12a. Finally, as indicated by the hollow arrow in FIG. 5(c), a closure tape 30 may be attached to the individual packaging sheet 10. This prevents the package from loosening and coming apart. Note that the method of fastening the base of the other outer end region 12b with the one outer end region 12a is not limited to utilizing the weight of the used absorbent article 20'. For example, the package may be fastened by holding the one outer end region 12a with one hand and pulling the other outer end region 12b.

[0061] Finally, as shown in Fig. 6, the used absorbent article 20' can be disposed of by inserting a finger F into the other slit 11b and hooking the finger around the other outer end region 12b, and then moving the used absorbent article 20' to a predetermined disposal box or the like. This allows the used absorbent article 20' to be wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 10 and disposed of. In other words, the user can wrap the used absorbent article 20' in the individual packaging sheet 10 and dispose of it by using the slits 11a and 11b to hook the fingers, without having to pinch the absorbent article with their fingers.

[0062] In the individual package 1 configured as described above, the individual package sheet 10 has a pair of openings (slits 11a, 11b in this embodiment) located at both outer edges in the longitudinal direction and extending in the width direction. That is, the individual package sheet 10 has an opening on the side where the seal tape 30 is provided in the longitudinal direction (one side in this embodiment). Therefore, when opening a new individual package 1, the seal tape 30 can be peeled off by hooking a finger on the opening on one side (slit 11a) and pulling it, without having to pinch and peel off the seal tape 30 with fingers. In this way, the user can open the individual package of the individual package 1 without pinching with fingers, so that even people who have difficulty performing fine work with their hands (for example, pinching with fingers) can open the individual package.

[0063] Furthermore, the individual packaging sheet 10 has an opening on the opposite side in the longitudinal direction from the closure tape 30 (the other side in this embodiment), so when opening and unfolding a new individual package 1, the user can insert their fingers into the opening on the other side (slit 11b) and unfold the individual packaging of the individual package 1 without having to pinch the individual packaging sheet 10 or the absorbent article 20 with their fingers. In this way, the user can unfold the individual packaging of the individual package 1 without having to pinch it with their fingers, so even people who have difficulty performing delicate tasks with their hands can unfold the individual packaging.

[0064] Furthermore, as described above, the user can wrap the used absorbent article 20' in the individual packaging sheet 10 and discard it by using the slits 11a and 11b to hook their fingers, without having to pinch it with their fingers. Therefore, even people who have difficulty performing delicate tasks with their hands (for example, pinching with their fingers) can wrap the used absorbent article 20' in the individual packaging sheet 10 and discard it.

[0065] Furthermore, since the user performs the packaging work by touching the longitudinal outer end regions 12a, 12b of the individual packaging sheet 10, the used absorbent article 20' can be hygienically wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 10, unlike when the used absorbent article 20' is rolled up by hand.

[0066] Furthermore, the user can dispose of the used absorbent article 20' by touching the outer end regions 12a, 12b in the longitudinal direction of the individual packaging sheet 10 without touching the used absorbent article 20', thereby enabling hygienic disposal.

[0067] Furthermore, the package in which the used absorbent article 20' is wrapped in the individual packaging sheet 10 has the base of the outer end region 12b on the other side tightly fastened, making it highly rigid, and providing excellent sealing and concealing properties, and also effectively preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0068] Thus, according to this embodiment, even people who have difficulty performing delicate tasks with their hands can open the individual packaging and dispose of the used absorbent article 20' in a hygienic manner.

[0069] The pair of openings are slits 11a and 11b extending in the width direction. As such, slits 11a and 11b extend in the same direction as the conveyance direction of the product on the production line, so that tension is not applied in the conveyance direction on the production line, and opening of slits 11a and 11b on the production line can be prevented.

[0070] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The individual packaging body 2 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shapes of the slits 14a, 14b are not linear. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0071] Fig. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an individual package 2 of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7(a) shows slits 14a and 14b of this embodiment, Fig. 7(b) shows one modified example of slits 14a and 14b, and Fig. 7(c) shows another modified example of slits 14a and 14b.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 7(a), the individual packaging body 2 of this embodiment includes an absorbent article 20 (see Fig. 2), an individual packaging sheet 10 that wraps the absorbent article 20, and a closure tape 30 attached to one longitudinal end of the individual packaging sheet 10. The individual packaging sheet 10 includes a pair of slits (openings) 14a, 14b. The area where the pair of slits 14a, 14b are provided may be the same as the pair of slits 11a, 11b of the first embodiment described above.

[0073] 7(a), the pair of slits 14a, 14b of the individual packaging sheet 10 extend in the width direction as a whole, and are formed over their entire areas in a convex shape outward in the longitudinal direction (toward the outer ends 10a, 10b). That is, at least a portion of the pair of slits 14a, 14b is formed in a convex shape outward in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the slits 14a, 14b have a middle portion 15 that extends linearly in the width direction, and inclined end portions 16, 16 that are inclined with respect to the width direction from both ends of the middle portion 15 in the width direction outward in the width direction and inward in the longitudinal direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the shape of the pair of slits 14a, 14b is a shape having an intermediate portion 15 and inclined end portions 16, 16 on both sides of the width direction of the intermediate portion 15, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if at least a portion of the pair of slits 14a, 14b is formed in a convex shape extending outward in the longitudinal direction.

[0075] For example, as shown in Fig. 7(b), the pair of slits 14a, 14b may have a curved shape as a whole, with the intermediate portion in the width direction thereof bulging outward in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7(c), the pair of slits 14a, 14b may have a shape including an intermediate curved portion 17 disposed in the intermediate portion in the width direction (the central portion in Fig. 7(c)) and bulging outward in the longitudinal direction, and linear end portions 18, 18 extending linearly outward along the width direction from both ends of the intermediate curved portion 17 in the width direction.

[0076] In the individual packaging body 2 configured as described above, at least a portion of the pair of slits 14a, 14b is formed convexly outward in the longitudinal direction, so that when a user inserts their fingers to open the individual packaging body 1, it is easy for them to insert their fingers into the slits 14a, 14b outward in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] Moreover, the same effects as those of the individual packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment are achieved.

[0078] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The individual packaging body 3 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that marker areas are provided near the slits 11a and 11b of the individual packaging sheet 10. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0079] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an individual package 3 of an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8(a) shows a state in which marking regions 19 are provided on the longitudinal inner sides of slits 11a and 11b, and Fig. 8(b) shows a state in which marking regions 19 are provided on the longitudinal outer sides of slits 11a and 11b. Note that Fig. 8 does not show the marking region 19 provided on the slit 11b side.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the individual packaging body 3 of this embodiment comprises an absorbent article 20 (see Figure 2), an individual packaging sheet 10 that wraps the absorbent article 20, and a sealing tape 30 attached to one longitudinal end of the individual packaging sheet 10.

[0081] The individual wrapping sheet 10 has marking areas 19 serving as marks for the positions of the pair of slits (openings) 11a, 11b near the inside or outside in the longitudinal direction of the pair of slits 11a, 11b. For example, as shown in Fig. 8(a), the marking areas 19 of the individual wrapping sheet 10 may be provided on the inside in the longitudinal direction of the slits 11a, 11b, or may be provided on the outside in the longitudinal direction of the slits 11a, 11b, as shown in Fig. 8(b).

[0082] The marking area 19 of the individual packaging sheet 10 of this embodiment is an area (different color area) of a different color from the other areas, and serves as a mark for the positions where the slits 11a, 11b are provided. For example, the base color of the individual packaging sheet 10 may be white, and the marking area 19 may be blue. In this embodiment, the marking area 19 (different color area) is provided along the slits 11a, 11b, across the entire width of the slits 11a, 11b.

[0083] In addition, when the marker area 19 is a different color area, it may be an area constructed by coloring a desired area that serves as a marker for the position of the slits 11a, 11b in the individual packaging sheet 10 in a color different from that of the other areas, or it may be an area constructed by not coloring the desired area but coloring the other areas in a color different from that of the desired area.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the marking area 19 (different color area) is arranged along the slits 11a and 11b and across the entire width of the slits 11a and 11b, but this is not limited to this, and the marking area 19 (different color area) may be arranged in a partial area in the width of the slits 11a and 11b.

[0085] In the present embodiment, the mark regions 19 that mark the positions of the slits 11a and 11b are regions of a different color from the other regions, but this is not limiting. For example, an arrow (pointing toward the slits 11a and 11b), a triangle, a square, a circle, or other pattern may be added to a desired region that marks the positions of the slits 11a and 11b of the individual packaging sheet 10, and the desired region may be used as the mark region 19 that marks the positions of the slits 11a and 11b.

[0086] In addition, in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), the marker area 19 is applied to the slits 11a, 11b extending in a straight line, but this is not limited to this and it may also be applied to the slits 14a, 14b of the individual packaging body 2 according to the second embodiment described above.

[0087] In the individual packaging body 3 configured as described above, the individual packaging sheet 10 has marking areas 19 serving as markers for the pair of slits 11a, 11b near the inside or outside of the pair of slits 11a, 11b in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, even if the slits 11a, 11b are thin and difficult to see, for example, the marking areas 19 can be seen, making it easy to find the positions of the slits 11a, 11b.

[0088] Moreover, the same effects as those of the individual packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment are achieved.

[0089] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, operational techniques, etc. made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 2, 3: Individually packaged absorbent articles 10: Individually wrapped sheets 10a, 10b: Outer end of individual wrapping sheet in the longitudinal direction 11a, 11b, 14a, 14b: a pair of slits (openings) 19: Landmark area 20: Absorbent articles

Claims

1. An individual package of absorbent articles comprising an absorbent article, an individual packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, and a sealing tape attached to one end of the individual packaging sheet in the longitudinal direction, the individual package being folded with the absorbent article facing inward and sealed by attaching the sealing tape to the individual packaging sheet, The individual wrapping sheet has a pair of openings disposed at both outer ends in the longitudinal direction and extending in the width direction, The length of the pair of openings in the width direction is 25 mm or more and 50 mm or less, The pair of openings are formed in a region of 10 mm to 30 mm from the outer end of the individual wrapping sheet in the longitudinal direction. An individually packaged absorbent article characterized by:

2. The pair of openings are slits extending in the width direction. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 .

3. The individual wrapping sheet is made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric or a composite nonwoven fabric containing the spunbond nonwoven fabric.

3. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least a part of the pair of openings is formed to be convex outward in the longitudinal direction. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 2 .

5. The individual wrapping sheet has marking areas near the inner or outer sides of the pair of openings in the longitudinal direction, the marking areas serving as marks for the positions of the pair of openings. The individually packaged absorbent article according to claim 2 .

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