Folded absorbent articles and absorbent article packaging

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article, when the absorbent article is attached to a skin surface side of another absorbent article or underwear, enabling easily attaching a fastening member provided on an outer surface side of the absorbent article to a desired position without causing it to be caught by or stuck to the other absorbent article or underwear.SOLUTION: A folded absorbent article 1 comprises a body part 2 including a top sheet 3, a back sheet 4 and an absorbent core 5 disposed therebetween, and a fastening member 7 provided on an outer surface side of the body part 2. The fastening member 7 is provided in a central 1 / 3 area 2B (hereinafter referred to as a "central area") in the longitudinal direction of the body part 2, but not provided in a one-side 1 / 3 area 2A and the other-side 1 / 3 area 2C in the longitudinal direction on both sides thereof. The absorbent article 1 is folded back with a folding line F extending in the width direction, with the skin surface side facing inward, at a position not overlapping the fastening member 7 in the central area 2B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a folded absorbent article formed by folding an absorbent article such as a urine pad in a deployable manner, and an absorbent article package in which the folded absorbent article is housed in a packaging container.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles used by attaching them to the skin side of other absorbent articles such as disposable diapers or underwear such as pants and shorts are known. In such absorbent articles, a fastening member is usually provided on the outer surface side of the absorbent article in order to attach the absorbent article to the skin side of other absorbent articles or underwear (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an absorbent article is used by attaching it to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article or underwear, it is desirable that the fastening member provided on the outer surface of the absorbent article does not get caught on or stick to the other absorbent article or underwear when setting it up, and that it can be properly attached to the desired position on the skin-facing side of the other absorbent article or underwear. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an absorbent article that is folded and can be easily attached to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article or underwear without the fastening member provided on the outer surface of the absorbent article getting caught on or sticking to the other absorbent article or underwear. The present invention also provides an absorbent article package in which the folded absorbent article of the present invention is contained in a packaging container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present invention includes the following folded absorbent articles and absorbent article packaging. [1] A folded absorbent article, It has a main body having a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between them, and a fastening member provided on the outer surface side of the main body, The fastening member is provided in the central 1 / 3 region of the main body in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "central region"), and is not provided in the 1 / 3 region on one side and the 1 / 3 region on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is characterized in that, in the central region, at a position that does not overlap with the fastening member, it is folded back along a fold that extends in the width direction with the skin side facing inward. [2] The fastening member is the hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener, as described in [1]. [3] The absorbent article according to [1] or [2], wherein the fastening member is provided only on one side of the fold in the central region. [4] The absorbent core has one longitudinal portion and the other longitudinal portion and an intermediate portion between them, wherein the intermediate portion is formed to be narrower than the one longitudinal portion and the other longitudinal portion is positioned to overlap the fold, In the longitudinal region where the absorbent core exists, the main body portion is formed such that both side edges in the width direction are in a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the main body portion is unfolded without being folded back at the fold, and a margin portion is formed outward in the width direction from the intermediate portion, in which the absorbent core is not present. [5] The absorbent article according to [4], wherein the main body is folded back at the fold, and the margin is folded inward in the width direction, so that the outer edge of the folded absorbent article becomes narrower in width toward the fold. [6] The absorbent article according to [4] or [5] wherein the fastening member is entirely arranged to overlap the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. [7] The absorbent article according to any one of [4] to [6], wherein the skin-facing side of the main body is provided with rising flaps on both sides in the width direction, and the longitudinal length of the rising flaps is longer than the longitudinal length of the margin portion. [8] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein the skin-facing side of the main body is provided with rising flaps on both sides in the width direction, and the fastening member is located between the rising flaps and is arranged so as not to overlap with the rising flaps when the rising flaps are folded down. [9] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the back sheet is configured by laminating a nonwoven fabric layer on the outer side of the film layer.

[10] The absorbent article is an auxiliary absorbent article used by being attached to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article, as described in any of [1] to [9].

[11] An absorbent article package characterized in that a plurality of folded absorbent articles described in any of [1] to

[10] are contained within a packaging container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] The folded absorbent article of the present invention has a fastening member provided in the central region along the longitudinal direction of the outer surface of the main body, and is folded back at a fold line that extends in the width direction with the skin-facing side facing inward, at a position that does not overlap with the fastening member in the central region. Therefore, when attaching the absorbent article of the present invention to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article or underwear, the absorbent article, which is folded with the fold line leading, is inserted into the skin-facing side of the other absorbent article or underwear, and by moving it while the fold line is in contact with the skin-facing side of the other absorbent article or underwear, it is less likely that the fastening member will unintentionally get caught or stick to the other absorbent article or underwear. This makes it easy to attach the absorbent article to the desired position on the skin-facing side of another absorbent article or underwear. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This shows an example of an absorbent article according to the present invention, representing a plan view of the absorbent article (urine pad) in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a plan view of the absorbent material as seen from the outside. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 show a cross-sectional view of the absorbent material along line III-III. [Figure 4] This figure shows a plan view of the folded absorbent material, obtained by folding the absorbent material shown in Figure 1 in half along its length. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the folded absorbent material. [Figure 6] This shows an example of an absorbent article package in which a folded absorbent article is contained within a packaging container. [Figure 7] This shows another example of an absorbent article package in which a folded absorbent article is contained within a packaging container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The present invention relates to a folded absorbent article, and more particularly to a so-called open-type absorbent article such as a urine pad that is spread out flat when worn, and to a folded absorbent article formed by folding the absorbent article. The absorbent article of the present invention is provided with a fastening member on the outer surface side and can be suitably used as an auxiliary absorbent article, that is, an inner pad, which is attached to the skin side of another absorbent article serving as an outer cover. The absorbent article of the present invention can also be attached to the skin side of underwear such as pants or shorts and used.

[0009] First, the basic configuration of the absorbent article used in the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. In FIGS. 1 to 3, a urine pad is shown as an example of the absorbent article. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the absorbent article (urine pad) as seen from the skin side, FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the outer surface side, and FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of the absorbent article shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the drawings of the present application, arrow x represents the width direction, arrow y represents the longitudinal direction, and the direction perpendicular to the plane formed by arrows x and y represents the thickness direction z.

[0011] The absorbent article 1 has a main body portion 2 having a topsheet 3, a backsheet 4, and an absorbent core 5 disposed between them. The topsheet 3 is disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core 5 and is the sheet located on the wearer side when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The backsheet 4 is disposed on the outer surface side of the absorbent core 5 and is the sheet located on the side opposite to the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn. Urine and the like excreted from the wearer pass through the topsheet 3 and are contained by the absorbent core 5. The backsheet 4 prevents the excrement from leaking to the outside.

[0012] The absorbent article 1 has a longitudinal direction y and a width direction x. The longitudinal direction y corresponds to the direction extending in the front-back direction of the wearer's crotch when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The width direction x means a direction that lies on the same plane as the absorbent article 1 and is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction y, and corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The absorbent article 1 also has a skin-side and an outer-side with respect to the thickness direction z. The skin-side means the side facing the wearer's skin when the absorbent article 1 is worn, and the outer-side means the side facing away from the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn.

[0013] The main body portion 2 is divided into three regions by being equally divided in the longitudinal direction y. The main body portion 2 has a central 1 / 3 region 2B in the longitudinal direction y and end regions 2A and 2C which are each 1 / 3 of the longitudinal direction y on both sides thereof. The central 1 / 3 region 2B in the longitudinal direction y is referred to as the "central region 2B", and the end regions 2A and 2C which are each 1 / 3 of the longitudinal direction y are referred to as the "end region 2A" and the "end region 2C", respectively.

[0014] The shape of the main body portion 2 is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the main body portion 2 include a rectangle (including a rounded rectangle), an hourglass shape, a paddle shape, etc. From the viewpoint of ease of manufacturing the absorbent article 1, the main body portion 2 is preferably formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The main body portion 2 is preferably formed longer in the longitudinal direction y than in the width direction x. For example, the length of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction y is preferably 2.0 times or more, more preferably 2.5 times or more, still more preferably 3.0 times or more of the length in the width direction x, and preferably 5.0 times or less, more preferably 4.5 times or less, still more preferably 4.0 times or less. The length of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction y is preferably 25 cm or more, more preferably 30 cm or more, still more preferably 35 cm or more from the viewpoint of improving the handling property in the state of being folded twice in the longitudinal direction y as described later, and preferably 60 cm or less, more preferably 55 cm or less, still more preferably 50 cm or less.

[0015] The top sheet 3 is preferably permeable to liquids. As the top sheet 3, for example, a nonwoven fabric formed from hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose, rayon, or cotton, or a nonwoven fabric formed from hydrophobic fibers such as polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene), polyester (e.g., PET), or polyamide (e.g., nylon), in which the surface of the hydrophobic fibers has been made hydrophilic with a surfactant can be used. Alternatively, woven fabric, knitted fabric, perforated plastic film, etc., may be used as the top sheet 3.

[0016] The backsheet 4 is preferably impermeable to liquids. As the backsheet 4, a nonwoven fabric formed from hydrophobic fibers such as polyolefin (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene), polyester (e.g., PET), or polyamide (e.g., nylon), or a plastic film can be used. A laminate of nonwoven fabric and plastic film can also be used as the backsheet 4.

[0017] The absorbent core 5 is not particularly limited as long as it contains an absorbent material capable of absorbing excrement such as urine. For example, a molded body formed by molding an absorbent material into a predetermined shape can be used as the absorbent core 5. The absorbent core 5 may be covered with a covering sheet such as a paper sheet (e.g., tissue paper or thin paper) or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric. Examples of absorbent materials include hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, and superabsorbent resins such as polyacrylic acid, polyaspartic acid, cellulose, and starch-acrylonitrile. The superabsorbent material may also include polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, and heat-fusible fibers such as polyester fibers such as PET and polyamide fibers. It is preferable that these heat-fusible fibers are hydrophilized with a surfactant or the like to increase their affinity for urine and the like.

[0018] The absorbent material preferably contains hydrophilic fibers to increase the absorption rate of urine and other fluids. Furthermore, the inclusion of hydrophilic fibers in the absorbent material ensures the rigidity of the absorbent core 5, improving the handling of the folded absorbent article 1. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of increasing the absorption capacity, the absorbent material preferably contains a water-absorbent resin. Therefore, the absorbent core 5 preferably contains hydrophilic fibers (especially pulp fibers) and a water-absorbent resin, and for example, it is preferable to use an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers mixed with or coated with a water-absorbent resin.

[0019] The absorbent core 5 may be a sheet-shaped absorbent. An example of a sheet-shaped absorbent is one formed by having an absorbent resin between nonwoven fabrics and no pulp fibers. Because such a sheet-shaped absorbent has an absorbent resin between the nonwoven fabrics, it can achieve a high absorption capacity. Furthermore, because the sheet-shaped absorbent does not have pulp fibers between the nonwoven fabrics, it can be formed into a thin, non-bulky material.

[0020] The shape (planar shape) of the absorbent core 5 is not particularly limited. The shape of the absorbent core 5 can be determined appropriately depending on the application, and examples include rectangles, hourglass shapes, shuttlecock shapes, etc.

[0021] The absorbent core 5 may consist of a single layer or multiple layers. In the latter case, the absorbent core 5 may have an upper absorbent layer and a lower absorbent layer. If the absorbent core 5 consists of multiple layers, the absorbent article 1 will be easier to fold along the fold, even if the mass per unit area of ​​the absorbent core 5 is large.

[0022] Preferably, the skin-facing side of the main body 2 is provided with upright flaps 8 on both sides in the width direction x. Providing the upright flaps 8 prevents lateral leakage of urine, etc. Preferably, the upright flaps 8 are provided with an elastic member 9 for standing up at the upper end (the end on the wearer's side) when standing up, and the contraction force of the elastic member 9 promotes the upright positioning of the upright flaps 8. Preferably, the upright flaps 8 are made of a liquid-impermeable plastic film or a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric.

[0023] Preferably, the rising flap 8 has both ends in the longitudinal direction y tilted inward or outward in the width direction x, and is fixed to the top sheet 3 or back sheet 4 by the flap fixing part 10. This allows the rising flap 8 to stand upright inward or outward in the width direction x. In the tilted state, the rising flap 8 tilts inward or outward in the width direction x, starting from the base. In the drawing, the rising flap 8 is tilted inward in the width direction x.

[0024] The nonwoven fabrics that make up each of the sheets described above can include spunbond nonwoven fabric, point bond nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, airlaid nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, tow-opened nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. The mass per unit area of ​​each of these sheets is 8 g / m². 2 The above is preferable, 10 g / m 2 The above is more preferable, and also 40g / m 2 The following is preferable: 30 g / m 2 The following are preferable.

[0025] A fastening member 7 is provided on the outer surface of the main body 2. The fastening member 7 is provided to secure the absorbent article 1 to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear. By providing the fastening member 7 on the outer surface of the main body 2, the absorbent article 1 can be stably attached to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear and used.

[0026] As the fastening member 7, a hook or adhesive layer of a hook-and-loop fastener can be used. The hook of the hook-and-loop fastener is configured with multiple engaging elements protruding from the base, and is attached to the outer surface of the main body 2 so that the engaging elements face the outer surface of the absorbent article 1. The shape of the engaging elements is not particularly limited and examples include hook-shaped, anchor-shaped, mushroom-shaped, columnar, etc. The adhesive layer is attached to the outer surface of the main body 2 so that the adhesive layer faces the outer surface of the absorbent article 1.

[0027] The fastening member 7 is provided in the central region 2B of the main body 2, but not in the end regions 2A and 2C. The absorbent article 1 is folded back in the central region 2B at a position that does not overlap with the fastening member 7, with the skin-facing side facing inward, along a fold F that extends in the width direction x. As a result, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the absorbent article 1 is folded back in the longitudinal direction y, becoming a folded absorbent article 1. This folded absorbent article 1 can be easily attached to the desired position on the skin-facing side of an outer cover or underwear.

[0028] To explain this in more detail, when attaching the absorbent article 1 of the present invention to the skin-facing side of an outer cover or underwear, the absorbent article 1 is inserted into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the absorbent article 1 folded back at the fold F, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. At this time, by inserting the absorbent article 1 into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F leading, and moving it while keeping the fold F in contact with the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear, it is possible to prevent the fastening member 7 from unintentionally getting caught or sticking to the outer cover or underwear. This makes it easy to set the absorbent article 1 in the desired position on the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear. Once the installation position of the absorbent article 1 is determined, the fastening member 7 can be fastened to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear by unfolding the fold F of the absorbent article 1, thereby attaching the absorbent article 1 to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear. Furthermore, since the fastening member 7 is provided only in the central region 2B of the main body 2 and only near the fold F, it becomes easy to fasten the fastening member 7 to the desired position on the skin side of the outer cover or underwear when the absorbent article 1 is unfolded at the fold F.

[0029] The above effects are particularly favorably exhibited when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article, such as an outer cover. When attaching the absorbent article 1 to the skin-facing side of an outer cover, the absorbent article 1, which serves as an inner pad, may be replaced while the outer cover remains positioned near the wearer's groin area. In this case, it is necessary to attach the absorbent article 1 to the skin-facing side of the outer cover in a limited space near the wearer's groin area, but the absorbent article 1 of the present invention makes it easy to attach to a desired position on the skin-facing side of the outer cover even in such situations. Therefore, it is preferable that the absorbent article 1 is an auxiliary absorbent article used by being attached to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article.

[0030] The fold F should be formed to extend substantially parallel to the width direction x, preferably extending at an angle of ±10° or less with respect to the width direction x, and more preferably within ±5°. It is preferable that the fold F extends in this manner at a position overlapping with the absorbent core 5.

[0031] The fold F is formed in the central region 2B of the main body 2 with respect to the longitudinal direction y, but it is preferable that the fold F is formed in the central 1 / 5 region of the main body 2 (i.e., the central 1 / 5 region when the main body 2 is divided into 5 equal parts in the longitudinal direction y), more preferably in the central 1 / 7 region of the main body 2, even more preferably in the central 1 / 9 region of the main body 2, and particularly preferably at approximately the center of the longitudinal direction y of the main body 2.

[0032] The absorbent article 1 may be further folded along creases other than crease F. For example, the absorbent article 1 may be folded along crease F and then further folded along creases extending in the width direction x other than crease F. In this case, it is preferable that the absorbent article 1 is folded in half, thirds, or quarters in the longitudinal direction y by being folded along creases extending in the width direction x, including crease F. The creases extending in the width direction x other than crease F may be formed in the central region 2B, or in the end regions 2A, 2C. It is preferable that the absorbent article 1 is folded in half or quarters in the longitudinal direction y, and more preferably folded in half in the longitudinal direction y, since crease F is formed approximately at the center of the longitudinal direction y of the main body 2, and the handling of the folded absorbent article 1 is improved. When the absorbent article 1 is folded into four sections along its longitudinal direction y, it is preferable to first fold the absorbent article 1 along the crease F, and then further fold the absorbent article 1 along the crease extending in the width direction x, which is formed at a position where one side of the absorbent article 1 with the other side of the crease F overlaps.

[0033] The absorbent article 1 may be further folded along a fold extending in the longitudinal direction y, in addition to a fold F extending in the width direction x. For example, the absorbent article 1 may be folded in three in the width direction x by folding along a first longitudinal fold and a second longitudinal fold extending in the longitudinal direction y such that both sides in the width direction x overlap with the center between them. It is preferable that the absorbent article 1 is not folded along a fold extending in the longitudinal direction y, that is, is not folded in the width direction x, as this makes it easier to insert the folded absorbent article 1 into the skin-facing side of an outer cover or underwear, and also makes it easier to unfold and attach the folded absorbent article 1 to the skin-facing side of an outer cover or underwear.

[0034] The shape (planar shape) of the fastening member 7 is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the fastening member 7 include a square, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon other than a square, an irregular shape, etc.

[0035] The fastening member 7 may be provided as a single unit on the outer surface of the main body 2, or as a plurality of units. In the latter case, multiple fastening members 7 may be provided on one side of the fold F, or fastening members 7 may be provided on one side and the other side of the fold F. It is preferable that the fastening member 7 is provided only on one side of the fold F in the central region 2B. If the fastening member 7 is provided only on one side of the fold F, when inserting the absorbent article 1 into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F as the leading edge, the side without the fastening member 7 faces the outer cover or underwear, making it even less likely that the fastening member 7 will unintentionally catch on or stick to the outer cover or underwear.

[0036] The fastening member 7 is provided in the central region 2B, excluding the fold F. However, it is preferable that the fastening member 7 be provided at a distance of 5 mm or more from the fold F (specifically, the tip of the fold F), more preferably at a distance of 8 mm or more, and even more preferably at a distance of 10 mm or more. This makes it less likely that the fastening member 7 will unintentionally catch on or stick to the outer cover or underwear when the absorbent article 1 is inserted into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F as the leading edge. On the other hand, it is preferable that the fastening member 7 be provided within 80 mm of the fold F, more preferably within 60 mm, and even more preferably within 50 mm. This makes it easier to fasten the fastening member 7 to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear when the fold at the fold F of the absorbent article 1 is unfolded after setting the absorbent article 1 in the desired position on the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear.

[0037] It is preferable that the fastening member 7 is positioned to overlap with the absorbent core 5. This makes it easier to fasten the fastening member 7 to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear when the absorbent article 1 is set in the desired position on the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear and the fold at the fold F of the absorbent article 1 is unfolded. It is preferable that the fastening member 7 does not protrude from the absorbent core 5 in a plan view of the absorbent article 1, that is, it is preferable that it is positioned only in a position that overlaps with the absorbent core 5. This makes it less likely that the fastening member 7 will unintentionally get caught or stick to the outer cover or underwear when the absorbent article 1 is inserted into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F in the lead.

[0038] The fastening member 7 is preferably positioned only in the central 2 / 3 of the width x of the absorbent core 5 (i.e., the central 4 sections when the width x is divided into 6 equal parts) at the position in the longitudinal direction y of the absorbent article 1 where the fastening member 7 is provided, and preferably only in the central 1 / 2 of the width x of the absorbent core 5 (i.e., the central 2 sections when the width x is divided into 4 equal parts). This makes it less likely for the fastening member 7 to unintentionally catch on or stick to the outer cover or underwear when the absorbent article 1 is inserted into the skin side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F in the lead. If the absorbent article 1 is provided with a rising flap 8, it is preferable that, in a plan view of the absorbent article 1 with the rising flap 8 folded down, the fastening member 7 is positioned between the rising flaps 8 and is positioned so as not to overlap with the rising flaps 8.

[0039] The fastening member 7 is preferably a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener. If the fastening member 7 is a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener, even if the fastening member 7 is attached to an unintended location on the outer cover or underwear, the fastening member 7 can be detached from the outer cover or underwear, the absorbent article 1 can be repositioned appropriately, and the fastening member 7 can be reattached to the desired location on the outer cover or underwear. This makes it easy to attach the absorbent article 1 to the desired location on the skin side of the outer cover or underwear. Among these, a hook member having a columnar engaging element is particularly preferred, as this allows the fastening member 7 to be easily detached from the outer cover or underwear even if it is attached to an unintended location on the outer cover or underwear.

[0040] Preferably, the backsheet 4 is constructed by laminating a nonwoven fabric layer on the outer side of the film layer. With the backsheet 4 constructed in this way, the nonwoven fabric layer of the backsheet 4 is present on the outer side of the absorbent article 1, and when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear, the backsheet 4 is less likely to slip on the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear. Therefore, the absorbent article 1 can be stably installed on the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear.

[0041] The backsheet 4 may have a film layer on its outer surface. When the backsheet 4 is constructed in this way, the fastening member 7 will not easily adhere to the backsheet 4 of adjacent absorbent articles 1 when the absorbent articles 1 are folded in half along the longitudinal direction y and stacked. This makes it easier to pick up the folded absorbent articles 1 individually.

[0042] The absorbent core 5 preferably has an hourglass shape. Specifically, the absorbent core 5 has one portion 5A and the other portion 5C in the longitudinal direction y, and an intermediate portion 5B between them, and it is preferable that the intermediate portion 5B is formed to be narrower than the one portion 5A and the other portion 5C. With the absorbent core 5 formed in this way, the absorbent core 5 is less likely to be compressed by the wearer's legs at the intermediate portion 5B, and the absorbent core 5 is less likely to be distorted when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The absorbent core 5 is formed to be widest at one portion 5A and / or the other portion 5C. The length in the width direction x of one portion 5A and the length in the width direction x of the other portion 5C may be the same or different.

[0043] In the absorbent core 5, one portion 5A in the longitudinal direction y includes the widest part of the front half of the absorbent core 5 and can be defined as the portion in front of that part, and the other portion 5C in the longitudinal direction y includes the widest part of the rear half of the absorbent core 5 and can be defined as the portion in rear of that part. The intermediate portion 5B of the absorbent core 5 can be defined as the portion behind the widest part of the front half of the absorbent core 5 and in front of the widest part of the rear half of the absorbent core 5.

[0044] The absorbent core 5 preferably has portions in one section 5A and the other section 5C where the length in the width direction x is constant. Therefore, the outer edge of the absorbent core 5 preferably has a straight portion extending in the longitudinal direction y in one section 5A and the other section 5C. The absorbent core 5 may have portions in the intermediate section 5B where the length in the width direction x is constant, but it is preferable that one side of the intermediate section 5B in the longitudinal direction y has a portion where the width gradually increases toward the one section 5A, and the other side of the intermediate section 5B in the longitudinal direction y has a portion where the width gradually increases toward the other section 5C.

[0045] When the absorbent core 5 is formed as described above, it is preferable that a fold F is formed in the intermediate portion 5B, that is, it is preferable that the intermediate portion 5B is positioned to overlap with the fold F. It is also preferable that the intermediate portion 5B is located in the central region 2B of the main body portion 2. The fastening member 7 is preferably positioned to overlap with the intermediate portion 5B in the longitudinal direction y, and it is more preferable that the entire fastening member 7 is positioned to overlap with the intermediate portion 5B of the absorbent core 5. This makes it easier to insert the absorbent article 1 into the skin-facing side of the outer cover or underwear with the fold F in the lead, and at that time, it is less likely that the fastening member 7 will unintentionally get caught or stick to the outer cover or underwear.

[0046] When the absorbent core 5 is formed as described above, the main body 2 is preferably formed such that, in the longitudinal direction y where the absorbent core 5 exists, both side edges in the width direction x are formed in a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction y, and when the main body 2 is unfolded without being folded back at the fold F, it has a margin portion 6 where the absorbent core 5 does not exist, extending outward in the width direction x from the middle portion 5B of the absorbent core 5. In this case, the margin portion 6 will be composed of the top sheet 3 and / or the back sheet 4. When the absorbent article 1 is formed in this way, when the absorbent article 1 is used, if the absorbent article 1 is compressed from both legs of the wearer in the central region 2B, the margin portion 6 will bend toward the wearer's skin, and the margin portion 6 will more easily function as a leak-proof wall. Furthermore, when the margin portion 6 is formed in this way, the folded absorbent article 1 can be made into a shape in which the width narrows toward the fold F, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. In this case, it is preferable that the main body portion 2 is folded back at the fold line F, with the margin portion 6 folded inward in the width direction x, so that the outer edge of the folded absorbent article 1 becomes narrower toward the fold line F. When the absorbent article 1 is formed in this manner, it becomes easy to insert the absorbent article 1, folded with the fold line F as the leading edge, into the skin-facing side of an outer cover or underwear. It is preferable that the margin portion 6 is not substantially formed beyond the width direction x from one portion 5A and the other portion 5C of the absorbent core 5.

[0047] In the main body portion 2, it is preferable that the top sheet 3 or back sheet 4 is folded back along both side edges in the width direction x of one portion 5A and the other portion 5C of the absorbent core 5. Specifically, it is preferable that both sides in the width direction x of the top sheet 3 are folded back toward the outer surface side of the absorbent core 5 along both side edges in the width direction x of one portion 5A and the other portion 5C of the absorbent core 5, or that both sides in the width direction x of the back sheet 4 are folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent core 5 along both side edges in the width direction x of one portion 5A and the other portion 5C of the absorbent core 5. This makes it easy to form both side edges in the width direction x of the main body portion 2 into a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction y. In addition, even if the wearer's legs touch both end edges in the width direction x of the main body portion 2, the wearer is less likely to feel discomfort or pain. In Figure 3, both sides in the width direction x of the back sheet 4 are folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent core 5, and the top sheet 3 is joined to the folded sides in the width direction x of the back sheet 4.

[0048] The length of the rising flap 8 in the longitudinal direction y is preferably longer than the length of the margin portion 6 in the longitudinal direction y. Specifically, the length of the upright portion between the ends of the rising flap 8 in the longitudinal direction y (between the flap fixing portion 10) is preferably longer than the length of the margin portion 6 in the longitudinal direction y. This allows the rising flap 8 to stand higher in cooperation with the margin portion 6. As a result, the effect of preventing lateral leakage of urine, etc., can be enhanced.

[0049] The present invention also provides an absorbent article package in which a plurality of absorbent articles folded as described above are contained within a packaging container. The packaging container is not particularly limited as long as it can contain absorbent articles, and examples include bags made of plastic film, bags made of paper, rigid plastic containers, corrugated cardboard, etc.

[0050] It is preferable that the packaging container contains multiple folded absorbent articles stacked together in a bundle. In this bundle, it is preferable that all of the folded absorbent articles are facing the same direction (for example, that the folds F are on the same side).

[0051] The packaging container may contain one or more bundles of absorbent material. In the latter case, the folded bundles of absorbent material may be stacked vertically in multiple layers within the packaging container, arranged side by side, or in any combination thereof.

[0052] Preferably, the packaging container is designed to allow for the formation of an outlet. The outlet of the packaging container can be formed, for example, by creating perforations in the packaging container and cutting along the perforations. Alternatively, a cutting line may be provided in the packaging container, a seal may be applied including this cutting line, and when the seal is peeled off, the packaging container is cut along the cutting line, forming the outlet. Furthermore, an opening may be provided in the packaging container as the outlet, and a lid or seal may be applied to close this opening. When the lid is removed or the seal is peeled off, the outlet is formed.

[0053] The dispensing portion can be formed, for example, on the top or side of the packaging container. The dispensing portion may be formed on the side facing the fold F of the folded absorbent article 1 contained within the packaging container, or it may be formed on the side opposite to the side facing the fold F.

[0054] Figures 6 and 7 show examples of the configuration of absorbent article packaging. Figures 6 and 7 schematically show a side view of the absorbent article packaging. The folded absorbent article contained within the container may not be visible from the outside of the container, but it is represented by a solid line for ease of understanding. The "..." in the figures indicate that multiple folded absorbent articles are arranged on both sides.

[0055] Multiple folded absorbent articles 1 are stacked to form a bundle, and the bundled absorbent articles 1 are placed inside the packaging container 12 to form an absorbent article package 11. In the absorbent article package 11A shown in Figure 6, the folded absorbent article 1 is folded back along a crease F extending in the width direction x, and folded in half along the longitudinal direction y. In the absorbent article package 11B shown in Figure 7, the folded absorbent article 1 is folded back along creases F and F2 extending in the width direction x, and folded in quarter along the longitudinal direction y. It is preferable that multiple folded absorbent articles 1 are stacked so that the creases F face the same direction. This makes it easy to remove the folded absorbent articles 1 from the packaging container 12.

[0056] The packaging container 12 is designed to have an access port for removing the folded absorbent article 1 contained inside. In the absorbent article packaging 11 shown in Figures 6 and 7, perforations 13 are formed in the packaging container 12, and by cutting the packaging container 12 along the perforations 13, an access port is formed on the top surface (upper side in the drawings) of the packaging container 12.

[0057] In the absorbent article packaging 11A shown in Figure 6, it is preferable that the packaging container 12 has a removable section on the side facing the fold F. With the absorbent article packaging 11A formed in this way, even if the fastening member 7 is fastened to the back sheet 4 of an adjacent folded absorbent article 1, it becomes easy to peel off the fastening member 7 and remove the folded absorbent article 1 from the packaging container 12.

[0058] In the absorbent article packaging 11B shown in Figure 7, the folded absorbent article 1 is first folded back along a crease F extending in the width direction x, and then further folded back along a crease F2 extending in the width direction x with the fastening member 7 on the inside, resulting in a four-fold in the longitudinal direction y. The crease F2 is formed at a position where one side of the absorbent article 1 with the other side of the crease F overlap. Preferably, the packaging container 12 can be configured to have a dispensing section on the side facing the crease F or crease F2. In the absorbent article packaging 11B shown in Figure 7, the unity of the individual folded absorbent articles 1 is increased, and the fastening member 7 is prevented from fastening to adjacent folded absorbent articles 1, so that the folded absorbent articles 1 can be smoothly removed from the packaging container 12. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0059] 1: Absorbent articles 2: Main body, 2A: Edge area, 2B: Center area, 2C: Edge area 3: Top sheet 4: Back seat 5: Absorbent core, 5A: One side (in the longitudinal direction), 5B: Middle section, 5C: The other side (in the longitudinal direction) 6: Margin section 7: Fastening member 8: Standing flap 9: Elastic member for standing 10: Flap fixing part 11: Absorbent article packaging 12: Packaging container 13: Perforation

Claims

1. A folded absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article is an auxiliary absorbent article used by being attached to the skin-facing side of another absorbent article. It has a main body having a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between them, and a fastening member provided on the outer surface side of the main body, The fastening member is provided in the central 1 / 3 region of the main body in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter referred to as the "central region"), and is not provided in the 1 / 3 region on one side and the 1 / 3 region on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is folded back in the central region at a position that does not overlap with the fastening member, with the skin side facing inward, along a fold extending in the width direction formed approximately at the center of the longitudinal direction of the main body, and not folded back along a fold extending in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent core has one longitudinal portion, the other longitudinal portion, and an intermediate portion between them, wherein the intermediate portion is formed to be narrower than the one longitudinal portion and the other longitudinal portion is positioned to overlap the fold. The main body portion is formed such that the top sheet or the back sheet is folded back along both widthwise edges of one and the other portion of the absorbent core, and in the longitudinal range where the absorbent core exists, the widthwise edges of the main body portion are formed in a straight line extending in the longitudinal direction, and when unfolded without being folded back at the fold, a margin portion is formed beyond the intermediate portion in the widthwise direction where the absorbent core does not exist. The main body portion is folded back at the fold, and the margin portion is folded inward in the width direction, thereby giving the outer edge of the folded absorbent article a shape that narrows in width towards the fold.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is a hook member of a hook-and-loop fastener.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is provided only on one side of the fold in the central region.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the fastening member is arranged to overlap the entire intermediate portion of the absorbent core.

5. On the skin-facing side of the main body, rising flaps are provided on both sides in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal length of the rising flap is longer than the longitudinal length of the margin portion.

6. On the skin-facing side of the main body, rising flaps are provided on both sides in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, when the rising flaps are in a folded-down state, the fastening member is positioned between the rising flaps and is arranged so as not to overlap with the rising flaps.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the back sheet is configured such that a nonwoven fabric layer is laminated on the outer side of the film layer.

8. An absorbent article package characterized in that a plurality of folded absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are contained within a packaging container.

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