A bulk packaging of individual absorbent article packages and a method for using individual absorbent article packages.

Abstract

To provide: an absorbent article individual package which can be wrapped without exposing a used absorbent article or body fluid leakage after the used absorbent article is cleanly replaced by a new absorbent article without making fingers dirty, and which absorbent article individual package, even with a plurality of new ones thereof being packed collectively, can be easily taken out without sticking to each other in a packing bag; and a method of using the same.SOLUTION: An absorbent article individual package has: a new absorbent article 50 for replacement; an individual packaging sheet 6 for packaging a used absorbent article 50a; and a hook member 5 which is fixed on one surface of the individual packaging sheet 6 and engages the used absorbent article 50a with the individual packaging sheet 6. When packed in packing bag 90, multiple articles are stacked so that the hook members 5 contact each other face-to-face, the used absorbent article 50a is removed from an underwear with the hook members 5 caused to engage with a skin side surface of the used absorbent article 50a, and the used absorbent article 50a is packaged in the individual packaging sheet 6 and abandoned.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0005] ,

[0004] , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an individual package of an absorbent article having a hook member Bulk bundle packaging and Individual packaging for absorbent articles its usage method.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, an absorbent article is composed of a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorber disposed between them. For example, a light incontinence product is used by fixing the back sheet side to underwear.

[0003] The operation of replacing a used absorbent article (hereinafter also referred to as "used product") with a new absorbent article (hereinafter also referred to as "new product") is usually carried out by removing the used product from underwear with both hands, then storing the used product in a new product packaging bag or the like and discarding it, and pasting the new product to the underwear. At this time, when removing the used product, since the fingers directly contact the used product, body fluid is likely to adhere to the fingers. In addition, when storing the used product, which has absorbed body fluid and expanded and / or deformed, in a new product packaging bag, a part of the used product may get caught on the cut of the packaging bag or the like, soiling the fingers with body fluid. Also, even if the used product is stored in a packaging bag or the like, it cannot be sealed, and there is a risk that body fluid will leak out along the inner surface of the packaging bag and adhere to clothes or the like.

[0004] Some people also wrap the used product with toilet paper instead of a packaging bag and discard it. However, since toilet paper does not have sufficient water resistance and sealing properties, problems such as the rolled-up wrapping opening and the used product being exposed, part of the body fluid in the used product leaking out and the wrapping being torn, or body fluid dropping onto the floor of the toilet cubicle are likely to occur. Thus, an individual package of an absorbent article that can cleanly replace the used product with a new product without soiling the fingers or the inside of the toilet cubicle with body fluid and can seal the used product is desired, and various proposals have been made.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a packaging for absorbent articles, comprising absorbent articles, a packaging sheet for individually packaging the absorbent articles, and an adhesive tape having one end detachably attached to the surface of the packaging sheet and the other end joined to the longitudinal end of the packaging sheet, wherein the adhesive tape is laminated in the order of a first adhesive layer, a first substrate, a second adhesive layer, and a second substrate, and further has a connecting portion that connects the first substrate and the second substrate. In the adhesive tape, the first adhesive layer and the first substrate bonded thereto are peelably attached to the non-skin side of the packaging sheet by the first adhesive layer, the second adhesive layer and the second substrate bonded thereto are peelably attached to the non-skin side of the first substrate by the second adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer further becomes an adhesive layer for temporarily attaching the packaging of absorbent articles to a wall or the wearer's body. According to Patent Document 1, the second adhesive layer and the second base material are peeled off from the adhesive tape starting from the connecting part, exposing the second adhesive layer which is connected to the packaging sheet and absorbent article via the first base material. This second adhesive layer is then attached to the wall of the toilet stall or the wearer's body to secure the absorbent article so that it does not fall to the floor. After removing the used absorbent article with both hands, only the absorbent article that was secured in this way is removed and attached to the underwear. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-198586 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The packaging for absorbent articles described in Patent Document 1 does not provide a fundamental solution, as even if the packaging is temporarily attached to a wall or body with a second adhesive layer, the possibility of the packaging falling is not eliminated. Furthermore, even if the walls of a toilet stall in a public restroom appear clean, this does not necessarily mean that it is hygienic. In addition, the packaging described in Patent Document 1 is not configured to enclose used absorbent articles in packaging materials such as packaging sheets, so if one tries to wrap a used absorbent article in packaging materials or toilet paper, fingertips, etc., will come into direct contact with the used absorbent article, making it easy for hands to become dirty.

[0008] To overcome the weakness of the adhesive layer as described above, one could consider providing a hook member on the packaging sheet of the absorbent material, attaching the hook member to the surface of the used absorbent material, and then wrapping the used absorbent material in the packaging sheet for disposal. However, if the hook member is exposed on the surface of the packaging sheet, when packaging multiple absorbent materials in a bag, the hook member on the packaging sheet of one absorbent material may stick to the packaging sheet of another absorbent material, making it difficult to remove a new absorbent material from the bag.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an absorbent article individual packaging and a method of using the same that allows used absorbent articles to be replaced with new absorbent articles in a clean manner without soiling the hands, and that allows the used absorbent articles to be packaged without exposing them or causing leakage of bodily fluids, and that even when multiple new absorbent article individual packagings are packaged together, they do not stick to each other inside the packaging bag and are easy to remove. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The inventors have conducted thorough research and have developed an individual packaging for absorbent articles that allows for the replacement of used absorbent articles attached to underwear with new absorbent articles, while simultaneously packaging and disposing of the used absorbent articles. The individual packaging sheet that packages the used absorbent articles is provided with a hook member fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet for securing the individual packaging sheet to the used absorbent article. When multiple individual packaging units are packaged together in a single packaging bag, they are stacked so that the hook members face each other and in contact, and the used absorbent article is on the skin side. By attaching a hook member to the surface to remove used absorbent material from underwear, and then packaging the used absorbent material in an individual packaging sheet for disposal, the used absorbent material can be replaced with a new one cleanly without soiling the hands, and the used absorbent material can be packaged without exposing it or leaking bodily fluids. Furthermore, even when multiple new individual packaging units of absorbent material are packaged together, they do not stick to each other inside the packaging bag, resulting in an easily removable individual packaging unit of absorbent material, thus completing the present invention. In other words, the present invention provides the following.

[0011] (1) A first aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging for which a used absorbent article fixed to underwear is replaced with a new absorbent article, and the used absorbent article is packaged and disposed of, comprising: a new absorbent article for replacement; an individual packaging sheet for packaging the used absorbent article; and a hook member fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet for engaging the individual packaging sheet with the used absorbent article, wherein when multiple absorbent article individual packagings are packaged together in a packaging bag, the hook members are stacked so that they face each other and are in contact, the hook member is engaged with the skin-side surface of the used absorbent article to remove the used absorbent article from the underwear, and the used absorbent article is packaged with the individual packaging sheet and disposed of.

[0012] (2) A second aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging as described in (1), characterized in that the individual packaging sheet is made of a nonwoven fabric.

[0013] (3) A third aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging as described in (1) or (2), characterized in that the individual packaging sheet is folded with the hook member arrangement area of ​​the individual packaging sheet on which the hook member is provided exposed to the outside, and a means for maintaining the folded state is provided.

[0014] (4) A fourth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging as described in (3), characterized in that the retention means is composed of a tabbed tape.

[0015] (5) A fifth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging as described in (3), characterized in that the retention means is configured by sealing both ends in the width direction of the folded individual packaging sheet.

[0016] (6) A sixth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article individual packaging according to any one of (1) to (5), characterized in that the hook member has a base material portion, a hook portion provided on the base material portion, and an adhesive layer for fixing the base material portion to the individual packaging sheet.

[0017] (7) A seventh aspect of the present invention is a method for using an absorbent article individual packaging, wherein a used absorbent article fixed to underwear is replaced with a new absorbent article, and the used absorbent article is packaged and disposed of, wherein the absorbent article individual packaging comprises a new absorbent article for replacement, an individual packaging sheet for packaging the used absorbent article, and a hook member fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet for engaging the individual packaging sheet with the used absorbent article, wherein when multiple absorbent article individual packagings are packaged together in a packaging bag, the hook members are stacked so that they face each other and are in contact, the hook member is engaged with the skin-side surface of the used absorbent article to remove the used absorbent article from the underwear, and the used absorbent article is packaged with the individual packaging sheet and disposed of, characterized in that [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, after replacing a used absorbent article with a new absorbent article cleanly without soiling fingers, the used absorbent article can be packaged without being exposed or leaking body fluids, and a plurality of individually packaged new absorbent articles can be collectively packaged without sticking to each other in the packaging bag, and an individually packaged absorbent article that is easy to take out and a method of using the same can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a plan view seen from the skin side schematically showing the configuration of an individually packaged absorbent article according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic cross-sectional view in the width direction along the X-X cutting line shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a view showing a packaging form in which a plurality of individually packaged absorbent articles shown in FIG. 4(a) are collectively packaged in a packaging bag. [Figure 4] (a) and (b) are diagrams for explaining the state of unfolding an individually packaged absorbent article in this embodiment. (a) is a schematic plan view showing the folded state of the individually packaged absorbent article, and (b) is a view showing the unfolded state of the folded individually packaged absorbent article. [Figure 5] It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a state in which the individually packaged absorbent article according to this embodiment is maintained in a folded state. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a state in which the individually packaged absorbent article according to this embodiment is maintained in a folded state. [Figure 7] (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the method of using a used packaging sheet according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] (a) to (c) are diagrams for explaining the state of wrapping and discarding a used absorbent article with a used packaging sheet according to this embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, wearing the absorbent article 50 means the state in which it is attached to the wearer's body, regardless of whether it has absorbed bodily fluids or not. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 50 is the direction shown by Y in Figure 1, which runs from front to back through the wearer's groin when the absorbent article 50 is worn; the width direction is the direction shown by X in Figure 1, which is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and the thickness direction is the direction in which each component is stacked. The skin-side surface of the absorbent article 50 and each of its components is the surface that comes into contact with the wearer's skin or the surface facing the skin; and the non-skin-side surface is the surface that comes into contact with the wearer's clothing or the surface facing the clothing. Bodily fluids refer to liquids that are expelled from the body to the outside, such as urine, blood, and water in loose stools.

[0021] Figures 1 to 8 are diagrams illustrating the individual packaging of absorbent articles according to this embodiment. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view from the skin side showing the structure of the individual packaging of absorbent articles of this embodiment, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the width direction according to the XX cutting line shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a diagram showing a packaging form in which multiple individual packagings of absorbent articles shown in Figure 2 are packaged together in a packaging bag, Figure 4(a) is a schematic plan view showing the individual packaging of absorbent articles folded in three along the folding lines described later, Figure 4(b) is a schematic plan view showing the state after being unfolded from the folded state, Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the folded state maintained using tabbed tape, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the folded state maintained by sealing both ends in the width direction, Figures 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing how to package used absorbent articles using individual packaging sheets, and Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are diagrams illustrating how to dispose of used absorbent articles by wrapping them in individual packaging sheets. Please note that these figures are merely schematic representations and do not specify the shapes or dimensional relationships of the individual packaging 1 for absorbent articles, 50 for absorbent articles, or each component.

[0022] The absorbent article individual packaging 1 according to this embodiment is a product that allows for the replacement of a used absorbent article 50a (hereinafter, as may be referred to as a used item 50a) fixed to underwear with a new absorbent article 50 (hereinafter, as may be referred to as a new item 50), while simultaneously packaging and disposing of the used absorbent article 50a. The absorbent article individual packaging 1 includes a new absorbent article 50 for replacement, an individual packaging sheet 6 for packaging the used absorbent article 50a, and a hook member 5 fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet 6 for securing the individual packaging sheet 6 to the used absorbent article 50a.

[0023] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the absorbent article 50 and the individual packaging sheet 6 are folded in three along the fold lines 61 and 62, and as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the folded state of the individual packaging sheet 6 is maintained by the maintenance means 12, which will be described later. As shown in Figure 2, the absorbent article individual packaging 1 has the following components arranged in order from the skin-side surface to the non-skin-side surface: top sheet 10, absorbent material 20, back sheet 30, first adhesive layer 80, release layer 85, release sheet 71, second adhesive layer 81, individual packaging sheet 6, and hook member 5. The following describes each component in this embodiment.

[0024] <Absorbent Articles> The absorbent article 50 according to this embodiment can be used as various absorbent articles for babies, adults, and the elderly, and is particularly suitable for use as pad products such as light incontinence pads, light incontinence liners, sanitary napkins, and panty liners. The longitudinal dimension of the absorbent article 50 is, for example, in the range of 100 mm to 300 mm or 140 mm to 230 mm, and the width dimension is, for example, in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm. By setting each dimension within the aforementioned numerical range, an absorbent article 50 suitable for light incontinence products, sanitary napkins, panty liners, etc., can be obtained.

[0025] <Hook component> In this embodiment, the hook member 5 is a member that is attached to the non-skin side surface of the individual packaging sheet 6. The hook member 5 has a base material portion 3, an adhesive layer 4 that fixes the base material portion 3 to the individual packaging sheet 6, and a hook portion 2 that is provided on the opposite side of the adhesive layer 4, sandwiching the base material portion 3. The hook portion 2 of the hook member 5 has an engaging mechanism (engaging shape, etc.) that engages with the material of the skin-side surface of the used absorbent article 50a to secure the individual packaging sheet 6. Any of the hook members 5 commonly used in this field can be used as the hook member 5 having such a hook portion 2, for example, various types of hook-and-loop fasteners. The size of the hook member 5 is set in the width direction and the length direction to be large enough to secure the used absorbent article 50a with the hook portion 2. Since peeling is not intended for the adhesive layer 4, the type and method of bonding means, adhesive, etc. are not particularly limited, as long as they can be stably fixed to the surface of the individual packaging sheet 6. The hook member 5 according to this embodiment is configured as a rectangle approximately 50 mm on each side in a plan view, but it may be configured as a predetermined shape such as a circle or an ellipse. The size of the rectangle is not limited to the above. The position where the hook member 5 is provided within the individual packaging sheet 6 can be set as appropriate, but in this embodiment, it is provided in the center of the longitudinal direction of the individual packaging sheet 6.

[0026] <Individually packaged sheets> As shown in Figure 2, the individual packaging sheet 6 is adhered to the release sheet 71 by a second adhesive layer 81. On the individual packaging sheet 6, the hook member 5 is fixed to the surface opposite to the surface that adheres to the second adhesive layer 81 (the skin-side surface in this embodiment) (the non-skin-side surface in this embodiment). The individual packaging sheet 6 is formed from a film sheet as follows. The individual packaging sheet 6 is preferably made of a nonwoven fabric. Examples of such nonwoven fabrics include spunbond nonwoven fabric and a three-layer mixed nonwoven fabric of spunbond / meltblown / spunbond.

[0027] In this embodiment, it is preferable to use a highly opaque sheet for the individual packaging sheet 6. This is because, as will be explained later in Figures 7 and 8, the individual packaging sheet 6 is used to cover the used product 50a by placing it over the skin-side of the used product 50a. In this case, if the condition with bodily fluids is visible through the individual packaging sheet 6, it is not suitable in terms of concealment, and it is preferable to use a highly opaque sheet to hide stains of bodily fluids, etc. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, when multiple absorbent article individual packages 1 are packaged together in a packaging bag 90, the hook members 5 are stacked so that they face each other and come into contact. By packaging the absorbent article individual packages 1 in this way, even when multiple new absorbent article individual packages 1 are packaged together, the hook members 5 and the individual packaging sheets 6 of other absorbent articles 50 do not stick to each other in the packaging bag 90, making it possible to create absorbent article individual packages 1 that are easy to take out one by one. Note that the absorbent article individual packages 1 are packaged in an individual packaging state as shown in Figure 4(a), so in Figure 3, the absorbent article individual packages 1, including absorbent articles 50 packaged in individual packaging sheets 6, are stacked so that the hook members 5 face each other and come into contact.

[0028] (The individual packaging sheets contain antibacterial material.) By using antibacterial material in part or all of the individual packaging sheet 6, the growth of bacteria is prevented, thereby reducing the generation of odors associated with bacterial growth, and enabling the replacement of used absorbent articles 50a to be carried out hygienically and safely. The individual packaging sheet 6 is made of resin film, and the basis weight of the individual packaging sheet 6 is, for example, in the range of 15 g / m2 to 50 g / m2 from the viewpoint of strength and processability.

[0029] (Folded form of the individual packaging sheet) In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the absorbent article 50 and the individual packaging sheet 6 are folded into three sections in the longitudinal direction by two fold lines 61 and 62 extending in the width direction. In this embodiment, the hook member placement area 13 of the individual packaging sheet 6 on which the hook member 5 is provided is composed of the central surface of the sheet that is folded in three. In addition to the tri-fold, various other folding configurations such as bi-fold and quad-fold can be used as appropriate. Furthermore, it is preferable to fold the product so that the hook member 5 faces outward and is exposed after folding. This has the advantage that the position of the hook member 5 is easier to identify when it is exposed, preventing confusion for the user when wrapping the used product 50a with the individual packaging sheet 6.

[0030] <Maintenance means> The maintenance means 12 is a component, processing method, etc., for maintaining the folded state of the individual packaging sheet 6. As shown in Figure 5, one configuration of the maintenance means 12 is to maintain the folded state of the individual packaging sheet 6 by tabbed tape 11. The tabbed tape 11 is provided with an adhesive layer, a heat-sealing layer, etc., and fixes the surfaces of the folded individual packaging sheet 6 at the outermost surface of the folded individual packaging sheet 6. Alternatively, the adhesive layer of the tabbed tape 11 may be configured with a release sheet 71 on its outer surface, and the adhesive layer from which the release sheet 71 has been peeled off may be used to wrap the used product 50a inside and secure the individual packaging sheet 6, as shown in Figure 8. In this case, it is preferable that the fixing layer of the tabbed tape 11 that secures the surfaces of the individual packaging sheet 6 has a sealing configuration without an adhesive layer, such as heat fusion.

[0031] As another example of the configuration of the retention means 12, as shown in Figure 6, a configuration can be adopted in which the widthwise ends 25a, 25b of the folded individual packaging sheet 6 are sealed. The sealing method is not particularly limited as long as it can be used with respect to the material of the individual packaging sheet 6, and examples include sealing with hot melt adhesive, heat fusion, ultrasonic fusion, sealing with adhesive, and sealing by crimping.

[0032] The materials constituting the heat seal are not particularly limited, and any material exhibiting various heat-sealing properties can be used. For example, polyolefin resins and other thermoplastic resins can be used. Among these, polyolefin resins are preferred. Such materials include, for example, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, ethylene-α·olefin copolymer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer, ionomer, amorphous polyester, polypropylene, styrene-acrylic copolymer, propylene-ethylene copolymer (preferably a copolymer with an ethylene content of 10 mol% or less), or polypropylene resins obtained by graft polymerization or copolymerization of polypropylene with unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated carboxylic acid anhydrides, ester monomers, etc., medium-density polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, etc. The materials constituting the heat seal layer may be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0033] Furthermore, the adhesive used for sealing is not particularly limited, and any known adhesive can be used. For example, ethylene-based adhesives, two-component curing urethane-based adhesives, polyester urethane-based adhesives, polyether urethane-based adhesives, acrylic-based adhesives, styrene-acrylic-based adhesives, polyester-based adhesives, polyamide-based adhesives, polyvinyl acetate-based adhesives, epoxy-based adhesives, rubber-based adhesives, etc., can be used. As a maintenance means 12, both configurations can be used in combination, such as the one shown in Figure 5, in which the folded state of the individual packaging sheet 6 is maintained by a tabbed tape 11, and the one shown in Figure 6, in which both ends 25a and 25b in the width direction of the folded individual packaging sheet 6 are sealed. As mentioned above, the individual packaging sheets 6 may be provided unfolded. If they are not folded, the retention means 12 is not necessary, and the retention means 12 is provided as needed, depending on the embodiment of the present invention. The components of this embodiment will be described in more detail below, in the following order: top sheet 10, absorbent body 20, back sheet 30, three-dimensional gather 40, side sheet 60, and release sheet 71.

[0034] <Top sheet> The top sheet 10 is a liquid-permeable sheet-like substrate that allows bodily fluids to pass rapidly towards the absorbent 20 and diffuse them in the planar direction of the absorbent 20. The top sheet 10 is preferably made of a soft, non-irritating substrate so that it can come into direct contact with the wearer's skin. Examples of such substrates include hydrophilic sheets, composite nonwoven fabrics which are laminates of the same or different types of hydrophilic sheets, open films such as open 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 spunbond nonwoven fabrics made using synthetic fibers made of synthetic resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, regenerated fibers such as rayon, and natural fibers such as cotton. Among these, each type of nonwoven fabric is preferred. The top sheet 10 may have an embossed or perforated surface to improve liquid permeability. The top sheet 10 may contain one or more of the following to reduce skin irritation: lotion, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory component, pH adjuster, antibacterial agent, moisturizer, etc. The basis weight of the top sheet 10 is, for example, in the range of 15 g / m2 to 40 g / m2 or 19 g / m2 to 35 g / m2, from the viewpoint of strength, processability, and liquid return. The shape of the top sheet 10 is not particularly limited and should be such that it covers part or all of the absorbent 20, as is necessary to guide body fluids into the absorbent 20 without leakage.

[0035] <Absorbent> The absorbent material 20 has a longitudinal dimension (maximum length) that is, for example, in the range of 100 mm to 800 mm, 150 mm to 500 mm, or 270 mm to 500 mm. The width dimension (maximum width) of the absorbent material 20 is, for example, in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm, 60 mm to 400 mm, or 70 mm to 105 mm. Furthermore, if the plan view shape of the absorbent material 20 is hourglass-shaped, the longitudinal dimension is in the range of 180 mm to 800 mm, the width dimensions of the front and rear parts that come into contact with the wearer's abdomen and back are both in the range of 60 mm to 400 mm, and the width dimension of the central part that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch is in the range of 90 mm to 250 mm. Examples of plan view shapes of the absorbent material 20 include hourglass shape, I-shape, rectangle, rounded quadrilateral, oval, etc. Examples of the absorbent material 20 include a fluff absorbent material containing absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer. In this embodiment, the plan view shape of the absorber 20 is a rounded rectangle with rounded corners, the length dimension (maximum length) is 178 mm, and the width dimension (maximum length) of the absorber 20 is 65 mm.

[0036] (Absorbent fiber) Absorbent fibers are generally not limited to those used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and incontinence pads. Examples include fluff pulp, cotton, rayon, acetate, tissue, absorbent paper, and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics. Among these, fluff pulp is preferred from the viewpoint of absorbency. Examples of fluff pulp include wood pulp (for example, bleached kraft pulp from coniferous trees such as Southern pine and Douglas fir (N-BKP)), synthetic fibers, resin fibers, and non-wood pulp that have been defibrated into a cotton-like form. When fluff pulp is used as the absorbent fiber base material in the absorbent body 20, the basis weight of the absorbent fiber is, for example, in the range of 100 g / m2 to 800 g / m2 or 325 g / m2 to 615 g / m2, from the viewpoint of skin feel and body fluid absorption capacity.

[0037] (Highly absorbent polymer) 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 include polyacrylates, polyaspartates, (starch-acrylic acid) graft copolymers, (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymers, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymers, and their saponifies. Among these, polyacrylates are preferred from the viewpoint of absorption per unit weight, alkali metal polyacrylates are more preferred, and sodium polyacrylate is even more preferred. The superabsorbent polymer can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0038] Superabsorbent polymers are used in various forms, such as particulate or fibrous, but are preferably used in particulate form for ease of handling. In this case, by avoiding the use of superabsorbent polymers in the form of fine powder, which have poor fluidity as a powder, and instead using superabsorbent polymers with a medium particle size, the basic performance related to absorption can be improved, and the rough texture that occurs when the absorbent body 20 hardens after absorbing bodily fluids can be reduced. The medium particle size of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, in the range of 50 μm to 600 μm or 100 μm to 500 μm. The content of superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent body 20 is in the range of 40% by weight or more of the total amount of the absorbent body 20, or in the range of 40% by weight or more and 70% by weight or less.

[0039] In the absorbent body 20, the form of the absorbent fibers and SAP may be one in which SAP particles are mixed into absorbent fibers, or it may be an SAP sheet in which SAP particles are fixed between absorbent fibers. In addition to the fluff absorbent described above, an absorbent sheet including multiple hydrophilic sheets and a superabsorbent polymer fixed and supported between them may also be used as the absorbent body 20. From the viewpoint of preventing leakage of SAP particles from the absorbent body 20 and stabilizing the shape of the absorbent body 20, a carrier sheet may be provided below the absorbent body 20 or so as to enclose the entire absorbent body 20 (not shown). The base material of the carrier sheet may be any material that is hydrophilic, and examples include hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as tissue, absorbent paper, and airlaid nonwoven fabric. If multiple carrier sheets are provided, the base materials of the multiple carrier sheets may be the same or different.

[0040] <Back seat> The backsheet 30 is formed using a base material that is impermeable to liquids so that the bodily fluids held by the absorbent sheet do not wet the wearer's clothing. Examples of such base materials include resin films and composite sheets which are laminates of resin films and nonwoven fabrics. The nonwoven fabric used in the composite sheet is not particularly limited in its manufacturing method and includes, for example, 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, and composite materials thereof. Examples of resin films include polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and composite films of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0041] The basis weight of the backsheet 30 is, for example, in the range of 15 g / m2 to 60 g / m2, from the viewpoint of strength and processability. Furthermore, in order to prevent stuffiness when worn, it is preferable that the backsheet 30 be breathable. To make the backsheet 30 breathable, for example, a filler can be compounded into the base resin film or the backsheet 30 can be embossed. Calcium carbonate can be used as a filler, and the compounding method can be any known method without limitation.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the backsheet 30 has a first adhesive layer 80 on its non-skin-facing surface. The first adhesive layer 80 is used, for example, in embodiments where a release sheet 71 is provided, as an adhesive layer for peeling off and adhering the release sheet 71, or ultimately for attaching the new 50 to the underwear. The first adhesive layer 80 contains an adhesive that exhibits adhesion to resin films, paper, nonwoven fabrics, etc. The adhesive contained in the first adhesive layer 80 is not particularly limited, and known adhesives can be used, such as hot melt adhesives. As for hot melt adhesives, those with a melting point of 100°C to 180°C can be used without particular limitation, such as synthetic rubber-based hot melt adhesives such as styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymers and styrene-isoprene-styrene copolymers, and olefin-based hot melt adhesives such as ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. As for the application method of the hot melt adhesive, known methods such as the curtain coating method and spiral method, which apply the molten hot melt adhesive from a nozzle in a non-contact manner, and the slot method, which applies it in a contact manner, can be used. The first adhesive layer 80 and the second adhesive layer 81 may use the same adhesive, or they may use different adhesives. Furthermore, double-sided tape or the like may be used for the first adhesive layer 80.

[0043] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first adhesive layer 80 consists of five elongated first adhesive layers 80 that are short in the width direction and long in the longitudinal direction, provided along the longitudinal direction of the backsheet 30. The first adhesive layer 80 is not limited to this, and a single first adhesive layer 80 with approximately the same width as the release sheet 71 (described later) may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the backsheet 30. Furthermore, the backsheet 30 may have wing-like portions extending in the width direction formed on both sides in the width direction, near the center of the backsheet 30 in the longitudinal direction, that is, near the center of the absorbent article 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] <3D Gathering> The three-dimensional gathers 40 may be provided, for example, at both ends in the width direction of the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 10, extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 50, in order to prevent leakage of bodily fluids excreted by the wearer of the absorbent article 50. The three-dimensional gather 40 includes a water-repellent and / or waterproof sheet member 40a. In this embodiment, one end (fixed end) of the sheet member 40a in the width direction is fixed to the skin-facing surface of the back sheet 30 near both ends in the width direction, the middle part in the width direction is fixed to the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 10 near both ends in the width direction, and the other end in the width direction is a free end. The fixing position of the fixed end (one end in the width direction) of the sheet member 40a is not limited to this embodiment, and examples include the non-skin side surface of the back sheet 30, the skin side surface or non-skin side surface near both ends in the width direction of the joint between all or part of the edges of the top sheet 10 containing the absorbent body 20 and the back sheet 30, and the skin side surface near both ends in the width direction of the skin side surface of the top sheet 10. Furthermore, the three-dimensional gather 40 may have wing-like portions extending in the width direction formed on both sides in the width direction, near the center of the three-dimensional gather 40 in the longitudinal direction, that is, near the center of the absorbent article 50 in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] The sheet member 40a 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 formed from hydrophobic fibers, without any particular limitations. Examples include spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and composite nonwoven fabric (SMS nonwoven fabric) which is a laminate of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric. The basis weight of the sheet member 40b is, for example, in the range of 13 g / m2 to 20 g / m2. As the elastic stretchable member, thread-like, string-like, or strip-like materials made of, for example, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or polyurethane can be used as appropriate. Furthermore, an elastic stretchable member may be provided near the free end (other end) of the sheet member 40b of the three-dimensional gather 40, arranged along the longitudinal direction, to give the free end uprightness, and to allow the free end of the sheet member 40a and the surrounding area to deform to conform to the wearer's body shape.

[0046] <Side Seat> A pair of side sheets 60 may be provided at both longitudinal ends of the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 10, extending in the width direction of the absorbent article 50. The material of the side sheets 60 can be any liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or resin film, similar to that used for the back sheet 30, without any particular limitations. The side sheets 60 are provided, for example, to cover both longitudinal ends of the top sheet 10 in accordance with its shape, and the longitudinal dimensions of one and the other are, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0047] <Release sheet> As shown in Figure 2, the release sheet 71 is removably adhered to the backsheet 30 by a release layer 85 interposed between the first adhesive layer 80 and the release sheet 71. The release layer 85 is, for example, provided on the surface of the release sheet 71. The release sheet 71 has, for example, a base material and a release layer 85 provided on the entire surface or part of the base material and containing a release agent, and may further have a sealing layer between the base material and the release layer 85 (not shown). Examples of base materials include paper base materials such as semi-bleached kraft paper, kraft paper, fine paper, medium-grade paper, alkaline paper, glassine paper, semi-glassine paper, cardboard, and white cardboard, as well as films made of various synthetic resins. Examples of release agents included in the release layer 85 include silicone-based release agents and fluorine-based release agents. Furthermore, the sealing layer is used to prevent the release agent from penetrating the paper substrate when the release agent is applied to the paper substrate, and is formed as a thin layer of several micrometers to several tens of micrometers thick, for example, made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, or polyvinyl alcohol. The sealing layer may also be a clay coat layer. When a configuration including a paper substrate is adopted as the release sheet 71, the paper substrate has higher rigidity than the nonwoven fabric or resin film that constitutes the used packaging sheet 6, which has the advantage of making the used packaging sheet 6 easier to peel off.

[0048] <How to use this embodiment> First, from the state shown in Figures 5 and 6, remove the tabbed tape 11 or seal and unfold the folded absorbent article individual packaging 1 (Figure 4(b)). Next, peel the individual packaging sheet 6 from the back sheet 30 together with the release sheet 71, turn the peeled individual packaging sheet 6 inside out (Figure 7(a)), attach the hook portion 2 of the hook member 5 to the top sheet 10 side of the used absorbent article 50a fixed to the underwear, and place the individual packaging sheet 6 over the used absorbent article 50a (Figure 7(b)(c)). With the hook portion 2 of the hook member 5 engaged with the top sheet 10 of the used absorbent article 50a, the used absorbent article 50a is removed from the underwear through the individual packaging sheet 6, and the individual packaging sheet 6 is fixed to the used absorbent article 50a (Figure 7(c)). Then, as shown in Figures 8(a) to (c), the used absorbent material 50a is wrapped in an individual packaging sheet 6 and disposed of.

[0049] By following this procedure, the individual packaging sheet 6 covers the skin-side surface of the used absorbent article 50a that has bodily fluids or excrement on it, and the hook portion 2 prevents the individual packaging sheet 6 from slipping off the used absorbent article 50a. As a result, the used absorbent article 50a can be disposed of without soiling your hands or dropping bodily fluids on the floor. Furthermore, as described above, when multiple absorbent article individual packages 1 are packaged together in a packaging bag 90, the hook members 5 are stacked so that they face each other and come into contact. By packaging the absorbent article individual packages 1 in this way, even when multiple new 50 absorbent article individual packages 1 are packaged together, the hook members 5 and the individual packaging sheets 6 of the other absorbent articles 50 do not stick to each other inside the packaging bag 90, making it possible to create absorbent article individual packages 1 that are easy to take out one by one.

[0050] Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a new product 50 and an individual packaging sheet 6 on which a hook member 5 is fixed to one surface are integrated with a release sheet 71, since the release sheet 71 is configured to be peelable from the new product 50, used absorbent articles 50a can be packaged with a two-layer sheet consisting of the release sheet 71 and the individual packaging sheet 6, thereby improving hand hygiene, packaging and concealment of used absorbent articles 50a. When packaging with a two-layer sheet consisting of the release sheet 71 and the individual packaging sheet 6, it is preferable to use a base material for the release sheet 71 that also has a layer that improves concealment.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described above with examples of embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in the above embodiments. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the description in the claims, and it goes without saying that various modifications, additions of configurations, or improvements can be made within that scope. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 1. Individual packaging for absorbent articles 2 Hook section 3 Base material part 4 Adhesive layer 5 Hook member 6 individually wrapped sheets 11 Tabbed Tape 12 Maintenance means 13 Hook member placement area 20 absorbent material 25a, 25b Both ends in the width direction 40 Three-dimensional gathers 40a, 40b Sheet members 50 (new) absorbent articles 50a Used absorbent articles 60 Side Seats 61, 62 Folding lines 71 Release sheet 80, 81 Adhesive layer 85. Delamination layer 90 packaging bags

Claims

1. An individual packaging for absorbent articles, which replaces used absorbent articles attached to underwear with new absorbent articles while packaging and disposing of the used absorbent articles, A bulk packaging of absorbent article individual packages, comprising a packaging bag for packaging multiple absorbent article individual packages together, The absorbent article individual packaging is A new absorbent article for replacement, Individual packaging sheets for packaging the aforementioned used absorbent articles, A hook member is fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet and is used to secure the individual packaging sheet to the absorbent article. It has, When multiple absorbent article individual packages are packaged together in the packaging bag, the hook members are stacked so that they face each other and come into contact. The hook member comprises a base material portion, a hook portion provided on the base material portion, and an adhesive layer for fixing the base material portion to the individual packaging sheet. The individual packaging sheet is peelably adhered to the non-skin side surface of the back sheet of the new absorbent article via a first adhesive layer, a release layer, a release sheet, and a second adhesive layer, and the hook member is fixed to the non-skin side surface of the individual packaging sheet. With the hook member area of ​​the individual packaging sheet on which the hook member is provided exposed to the outside, the individual packaging sheet is folded, and a means for maintaining the folded state is provided. A bulk packaging system characterized by attaching the hook member to the skin-facing surface of the used absorbent article to remove the used absorbent article from the underwear, and then packaging the used absorbent article with the individual packaging sheet for disposal.

2. The aggregate packaging body according to claim 1, characterized in that the individual packaging sheets are made of nonwoven fabric.

3. The bulk packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that the maintenance means is composed of tabbed tape.

4. The bulk packaging body according to claim 1, characterized in that the maintenance means is configured by sealing both ends in the width direction of the folded individual packaging sheet.

5. A method for using an individual package of absorbent material, wherein a used absorbent material fixed to underwear is replaced with a new absorbent material, and the used absorbent material is packaged and disposed of; The individual packaging of absorbent articles contains a new absorbent article for replacement, Individual packaging sheets for packaging the aforementioned used absorbent articles, A hook member is fixed to one surface of the individual packaging sheet and is used to secure the individual packaging sheet to the absorbent article. It has, When multiple absorbent article individual packages are packaged together in a single packaging bag, the hook members are stacked so that they face each other and come into contact. A method for using an absorbent article in individual packaging, characterized by attaching the hook member to the skin-facing surface of the used absorbent article to remove the used absorbent article from the underwear, and then packaging the used absorbent article in the individual packaging sheet for disposal.

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