Wet wipes package

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a wet wipes package that has a simple structure and is capable of easily retaining a chemical liquid before use, the wet wipes package being such that, after the start of use, the chemical solution is less likely to migrate to a cellulose-based substrate and the wipes can be easily taken out.　A wet wipes package (1) has a plurality of wipes (3) and a chemical solution that are stored inside a packaging body (5), and is characterized in that: the packaging body (5) is provided with a cellulose-based substrate layer (13) disposed on the outer surface (9) side, and a water-impermeable layer (15) disposed on the inner surface (7) side; the package (1) is provided with a take-out part (21) including an opening (11), a flap label (23) that covers the take-out part (21) so as to be repeatedly openable and closable from the outer surface (9) side, and an impermeable inner cover member (25) that covers the take-out part (21) from the inner surface (7) side; and the package (1) is provided with a fixing part (27) in which the inner cover member (25) is fixed to the flap label (23) in the take-out part (21).

Description

Wet wipes packaging

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to packaging for wet wipes.

[0002]

[0003] For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a sheet package in which a sheet laminate formed by stacking a plurality of wet wipes is packaged in a bag-shaped package, the bag-shaped package being made of a paper material, at least the inner surface of the outer and inner surfaces of the bag-shaped package being provided with an impermeable layer, the bag-shaped package having a predetermined opening, a first sealing material attached to the outer surface of the bag-shaped package so as to cover the opening, a second sealing material attached to the inner surface of the bag-shaped package so as to cover the opening, a portion where the first sealing material and the second sealing material are attached to each other through the opening is formed with a take-out opening for taking out the wet wipes, and a seal-like lid material that can be repeatedly attached and peeled off multiple times is arranged in a position covering the take-out opening (claim 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-122656

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose a wet wipes package according to the present disclosure. Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a wet wipes package that has a simple structure, that can easily hold a chemical solution before use, that is less likely to transfer the chemical solution to the cellulose-based substrate after use has begun, and that allows the wipes to be easily removed.

[0005] The present inventors have discovered a wet wipes packaging body in which a plurality of wipes and a medicinal solution are stored inside the packaging body, the packaging body having an inner surface and an outer surface and an opening for removing the plurality of wipes, the packaging body having a cellulose-based base material layer arranged on the outer surface side and an impermeable layer arranged on the inner surface side, the packaging body having a removal section including the opening, a flap label covering the removal section from the outer surface side so that it can be repeatedly opened and closed, and an impermeable inner cover member covering the removal section from the inner surface side, the packaging body being characterized in that it has a fixing section in the removal section where the inner cover member is fixed to the flap label.

[0006] The packaging for the wet wipes according to the present disclosure has a simple structure, is easy to hold the medicinal solution before use, and after use, the medicinal solution is less likely to migrate to the cellulose-based substrate, and the wipes are easy to remove.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a packaging body 1 according to a fourth embodiment.

[0008] Specifically, the present disclosure relates to the following aspects: [Aspect 1] A wet wipes package in which a plurality of wipes and a medicinal solution are stored inside a package body, wherein the package body has an inner surface and an outer surface and is provided with an opening for removing the plurality of wipes, the package body is provided with a cellulose-based base material layer disposed on the outer surface side and an impermeable layer disposed on the inner surface side, the package is provided with a removal section including the opening, a flap label covering the removal section from the outer surface side in a manner that allows repeated opening and closing, and an impermeable inner cover member covering the removal section from the inner surface side, and the package is provided with a fixing section in the removal section where the inner cover member is fixed to the flap label.

[0009] In the wet wipes package described above, the inner cover member that covers the inside of the removal portion of the wet wipes before use is fixed to the flap label, which has a simpler structure than the sheet package disclosed in Patent Document 1 and can prevent the medicinal solution from leaking from the package before use.

[0010] Furthermore, after the wet wipes package is first used, i.e., when the flap label is first opened, the inner cover member breaks near the outer edge of the fastening part, resulting in the inner cover member having a broken portion along the outer edge of the fastening part, and at least a part of the broken portion tends to be located inside the opening of the package body.

[0011] Since the packaging body includes a cellulose-based substrate layer, it tends to be harder than conventional packaging bodies that include a plastic substrate layer. As a result, if the wet wipes come into direct contact with the opening when being removed, the medicinal solution impregnated in the wipes may migrate to the cellulose-based substrate layer, and the wipes may get caught in the opening, making them difficult to remove.

[0012] In this regard, in the above-mentioned wet wipes package, at least a part of the broken portion of the inner cover member is positioned inside the opening of the package body, and therefore the broken portion of the inner cover member positioned inside the opening prevents the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening, thereby preventing the medicinal solution from migrating to the cellulose-based base material layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes. Note that if the cellulose-based base material layer forms the outer surface of the package, migration of the medicinal solution to the cellulose-based base material layer may make it easier for the medicinal solution to volatilize from the outer surface of the package, which may ultimately make it difficult for the wet wipes package to retain the medicinal solution.

[0013] As described above, the packaging of the wet wipes has a simple structure and can hold the medicinal solution before use, and after use begins, the medicinal solution is less likely to migrate to the cellulose-based substrate, making it easy to remove the wipes.

[0014] [Aspect 2] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 1, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on one or both of the inner surface of the flap label and the outer surface of the inner cover member at the removal portion.

[0015] In the above-mentioned wet wipes package, an adhesive layer is provided on one or both of the inner surface of the flap label and the outer surface of the inner cover member. When an adhesive layer is provided on the inner surface of the flap label, when the flap label is closed after starting to use the wet wipes, a portion of the inner cover member located inside the opening of the package body, for example, a part of the broken portion, can adhere to the flap label, making it difficult for the chemical solution to transfer to the cellulose-based substrate.

[0016] Furthermore, if an adhesive layer is provided on the outer surface of the inner cover member, when the flap label is closed after starting to use the wet wipes, the part of the inner cover member that is located inside the opening of the packaging body, for example, part of the broken part, can adhere to the cellulose-based substrate, flap label, etc. at the cross section of the opening, making it difficult for the medicinal solution to transfer to the cellulose-based substrate.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the package further includes an impermeable outer cover member having an outer cover member opening between the flap label and the package body at the removal section, and the outer cover member is spaced apart from the inner cover member.

[0018] The wet wipes package includes a predetermined outer cover member. This makes it easier to protect the package body when the flap label is opened and closed, and the flap label is less susceptible to the effects of wetting the cellulose-based base material layer. Furthermore, in the wet wipes package, the outer cover member is spaced apart from the inner cover member. Therefore, the broken portion of the inner cover member, which is located inside the opening, is not affected by the outer cover member, preventing the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening. This prevents the medicinal solution from migrating to the cellulose-based base material layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes.

[0019] [Aspect 4] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 3, wherein the outer cover member has a release surface on the flap label side. In the wet wipes package, since the outer cover member has a release surface on the flap label side, the flap label has excellent repetitive opening and closing properties.

[0020] [Aspect 5] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 3 or 4, wherein, in the removal section, the bonding strength between the flap label and the inner cover member at the fixing section is greater than the bonding strength between the flap label and the outer cover member.

[0021] In the wet wipes package, the bonding strength between the flap label and the inner cover member at the removal section is greater than the bonding strength between the flap label and the outer cover member. Therefore, in the wet wipes package, when the flap label is first opened, the inner cover member can accurately have a tear portion along the outer edge of the fixing portion, and the flap label can accurately and repeatedly open and close the removal section.

[0022] [Aspect 6] The wet wipes package according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the flap label comprises a base member disposed on the main package body side and a lid member joined to the base member so as to be repeatedly opened and closed, the base member and the lid member being integrally formed, and the inner cover member being fixed to the base member and the base member being fixed to the lid member at the fixing portion.

[0023] In the wet wipes package, the flap label includes a predetermined base member and a lid member that are integrally formed. Therefore, when the lid member is opened and closed, the package body is easily protected, and the opening and closing of the lid member is less susceptible to the influence of the wetting of the cellulosic substrate layer. Furthermore, the wet wipes package can be simplified in structure and manufacturing compared to a package that includes a separate outer cover member.

[0024] [Aspect 7] The wet wipes package according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the impermeable layer and the inner cover member are integrally formed.

[0025] In the wet wipes packaging, the impermeable layer and the inner cover member are integrally formed, so that the wet wipes packaging has a simpler structure, yet retains the chemical solution before use, and after use, the chemical solution is less likely to migrate to the cellulose-based substrate, making it easier to remove the wipes.

[0026] [Aspect 8] The wet wipes package according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein, in the removal section, the inner cover member has a wall portion that stands toward the flap label and a top portion that contacts the flap label, and at least a portion of the top portion is fixed to the flap label to form the fixed portion.

[0027] In the above-described wet wipes package, the inner cover member has a predetermined wall portion and a top portion, so that the effect of aspect 1 is more easily exhibited.

[0028] [Aspect 9] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 8, wherein the package has a weakened line at the outer edge of the inner cover member constituting the fixing portion for cutting the inner cover member.

[0029] The wet wipes packaging has a predetermined weakened line in the inner cover member, so that when the flap label is first opened, the inner cover member can be easily and reliably cut outside the fixed portion, preventing the medicinal solution from migrating into the cellulose-based substrate layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes.

[0030] [Aspect 10] The wet wipes package according to Aspect 9, wherein the inner cover member has the weakened line located inside the outer edge of the top portion.

[0031] In the above-mentioned wet wipes package, the inner cover member has a weakened line located inside the outer edge of the top. Therefore, after the package starts to be used, the part of the top outside the weakened line prevents the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening, preventing the medicinal solution from transferring to the cellulose-based substrate layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes. Furthermore, if an adhesive layer is provided on one or both of the inner surface of the flap label and the outer surface of the inner cover member, the part of the top outside the weakened line will be more likely to adhere to the flap label when the flap label is closed, preventing the medicinal solution from transferring to the cellulose-based substrate.

[0032] [Aspect 11] The wet wipes package according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the cellulosic substrate layer comprises rayon.

[0033] In the wet wipes package, the cellulosic substrate layer contains rayon, so the package body is more likely to be softer than when the cellulosic substrate contains pulp fiber. Therefore, noise caused by deformation of the package body is less likely to be generated when the wet wipes package is used. In addition, the appearance of the wet wipes package is more likely to have a luxurious feel.

[0034] A wet wipes package (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "package") according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below. [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating a wet wipes package 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter, referred to as a "first embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 1 is a perspective view of the package 1. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the package 1 in use. Figure 3 is a plan view of the package 1. Figure 4 is a partially enlarged end view of the vicinity of the removal portion 21 in the IV-IV end view of Figure 3. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged end view of the vicinity of the removal portion 21 in the IV-IV end view of Figure 3, showing a state in which the flap label 23 has been opened.

[0035] The package 1 according to the first embodiment has a first direction D1, a second direction D2, and a third direction D3 that are perpendicular to one another. The third direction D3 is the vertical direction of the package 1, the direction in which the wipes 3 are stacked, and the direction in which the wipes 3 are removed. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are the longitudinal direction and width direction of the package 1, respectively.

[0036] In the package 1 according to the first embodiment, a plurality of wipes 3 and a medicinal solution (not shown) are stored inside the package body 5. Each of the plurality of wipes 3 is folded and stacked in the third direction D3, but since this is not a characteristic feature of the present disclosure, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the package 1 according to the first embodiment, the package body 5 is formed into a cylindrical shape by providing a seal portion (not shown) at each end of the sheet-like package body 5 having a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 in the second direction D2, and by providing end seal portions 101 at both ends in the first direction D1, thereby forming the package body 5 into a bag-like shape.

[0037] The package body 5 has an inner surface 7 and an outer surface 9, and is provided with an opening 11 for removing the plurality of wipes 3. The package body 5 is provided with a cellulose-based substrate layer 13 disposed on the outer surface 9 side, and an impermeable layer 15 disposed on the inner surface 7 side. The cellulose-based substrate layer 13 forms the outer surface 9 of the package body 5, and the impermeable layer 15 forms the inner surface 7 of the package body 5.

[0038] The package 1 has a removal section 21 that includes an opening 11. The package 1 also has an outer cover member 17 that covers the removal section 21 from the outer surface 9 side. The outer cover member 17 has an outer cover member opening 19. The outer edge of the outer cover member opening 19 coincides with the outer edge of the opening 11 of the package body 5 in the third direction D3.

[0039] The package 1 is equipped with a flap label 23 that covers the removal section 21 from the outer surface 9 side via the outer cover member 17 in a manner that allows it to be repeatedly opened and closed. The flap label 23 has a flap label inner surface 31 on the inner surface 7 side and a flap label outer surface 33 on the outer surface 9 side, and is equipped with an adhesive layer (not shown) on the flap label inner surface 31. The outer cover member 17 also has a release surface on the flap label 23 side that is coated with a release agent, thereby allowing the flap label 23 to be joined, or more specifically, attached, to the outer cover member 17 in a manner that allows it to be repeatedly opened and closed.

[0040] The package 1 includes an impermeable inner cover member 25 that covers the removal portion 21 from the inner surface 7. The inner cover member 25 includes an inner cover member inner surface 35 disposed on the inner surface 7 side and an inner cover member outer surface 37 disposed on the outer surface 9 side, and the inner cover member outer surface 37 includes an adhesive layer (not shown) coated with an adhesive.

[0041] The package 1 includes a fastening portion 27 at the removal section 21 where the inner cover member 25 is fastened to the flap label 23. At the removal section 21, the inner cover member 25 includes a wall portion 41 that rises toward the flap label 23 and a top portion 43 that contacts the flap label 23. A portion of the top portion 43 is fastened to the flap label 23 to form the fastening portion 27. The package 1 also includes a weakened line 45 at the outer edge (not shown) of the fastening portion 27 for cutting the inner cover member 25. The weakened line 45 is formed by cutting the inner cover member 25 from the inner surface 35 side of the inner cover member, going around the outer edge of the fastening portion 27 but not penetrating the inner cover member 25. The weakened line 45 is positioned inside the outer edge of the top portion 43.

[0042] When the flap label 23 is first opened, the inner cover member 25 is torn along the weakened line 45 that surrounds the outer edge of the fixing portion 27, and the portion of the inner cover member 25 inside the weakened line 45 remains fixed to the flap label 23 and follows the opening and closing of the flap label 23. In the portion of the inner cover member 25 outside the weakened line 45, the inner cover member 25 has a wall portion 41 with a torn portion along the outer edge of the fixing portion 27. The wall portion 41 with a torn portion is located inside the opening 11 of the package body 5.

[0043] The package body 5 tends to be harder than conventional package bodies that include a plastic base layer because it includes the cellulose-based base material layer 13. As a result, if the wipes 3 come into direct contact with the opening 11 when removing the wipes 3, the medicinal solution impregnated in the wipes 3 may migrate to the cellulose-based base material layer 13, and the wipes 3 may get caught in the opening 11, making it difficult to remove.

[0044] In the wet wipes packaging body 1, the wall portion 41 having the broken portion is positioned inside the opening 11 of the packaging body 5, so that the wall portion 41 having the broken portion prevents the wipes 3 from coming into direct contact with the opening 11, thereby preventing the medicinal solution from migrating into the cellulose-based substrate layer 13 and making it difficult to remove the wipes 3.

[0045] In the removal section 21, the bond strength between the flap label 23 and the inner cover member 25 at the fixing section 27 is configured to be higher than the bond strength between the flap label 23 and the outer cover member 17. This allows the inner cover member 25 to accurately have a breakable portion along the outer edge of the fixing section 27 when the flap label 23 is first opened, and the flap label 23 can accurately and repeatedly open and close the removal section 21.

[0046] [Second embodiment] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a wet wipes package 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "second embodiment"). Fig. 6 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 in the first embodiment. Note that, in the package 1 according to the second embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that are different from the package 1 according to the first embodiment, and a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0047] The package 1 according to the second embodiment comprises a removal section 21 including an opening 11, a flap label 23 covering the removal section 21 from the outer surface 9 side so as to be repeatedly openable and closable, and an impermeable inner cover member 25 covering the removal section 21 from the inner surface 7 side. The flap label 23 comprises a base member 51 and a lid member 53 joined to the base member 51 so as to be repeatedly openable and closable. The flap label 23 is disposed not only in the removal section 21 but also beyond the removal section 21 in a first direction (not shown) and a second direction D2.

[0048] The base member 51 and lid member 53 that constitute the flap label 23 are integrally formed and laminated. Specifically, a first adhesive layer (not shown) made of a first adhesive is provided on the inner surface (not shown) of the base member 51, and the base member 51 is fixed to the cellulose-based substrate layer 13 of the package body 5. The outer surface (not shown) of the base member 51 serves as a release surface that has releasability. A second adhesive layer (not shown) made of a second adhesive is provided on the inner surface (not shown) of the lid member 53, and is bonded to the outer surface (release surface) of the base member 51 so as to be repeatedly openable and closable. Note that the second adhesive has lower adhesiveness than the first adhesive, and the outer surface of the base member 51 has a release surface, so that the base member 51 remains fixed to the cellulose-based substrate layer 13 when the lid member 53 is opened or closed.

[0049] The inner cover member 25 has a wall portion 41 that rises toward the flap label 23 and a top portion 43 that contacts the flap label 23. At a portion of the top portion 43, the inner cover member 25 is fixed to a base member 51, and the base member 51 is fixed to a lid member 53, thereby forming a fixing portion 27. The package 1 also has a weakened line 45 on the outer edge of the fixing portion 27 for cutting the inner cover member 25 and the base member 51. Specifically, the weakened line 45 is formed by cutting the inner cover member 25 and the base member 51 from the inner cover member 25 side so as to go around the outer edge of the fixing portion 27 and penetrate the inner cover member 25 but not the base member 51. This makes it easier to reliably cut the inner cover member 25 outside the fixing portion 27 when the flap label 23 is first opened, making it easier to remove the wipes.

[0050] [Third embodiment] Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining a wet wipes package 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "third embodiment"). Fig. 7 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 in the first embodiment. Note that, in the package 1 according to the third embodiment, the description will focus on the parts that are different from the package 1 according to the first embodiment, and a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0051] The package 1 according to the third embodiment includes a removal section 21 including an opening 11, a flap label 23 that covers the removal section 21 from the outer surface 9 side so as to be repeatedly openable and closable, and an impermeable inner cover member 25 that covers the removal section 21 from the inner surface 7 side. The package 1 includes a fixing portion 27 at the removal section 21 where the inner cover member 25 is fixed to the flap label 23. The impermeable layer 15 and the inner cover member 25 are formed integrally. This allows the package 1 according to the third embodiment to have a simpler structure.

[0052] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a package 1 for wet wipes according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "fourth embodiment"). Fig. 8 is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 4 in the first embodiment. Note that, in the package 1 according to the third embodiment, the description will focus on parts that are different from the package 1 according to the first embodiment, and a description of the same parts will be omitted.

[0053] In the package 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the flap label 23 is directly bonded to the cellulose-based base material layer 13 constituting the package body 5 so as to be repeatedly openable and closable, thereby enabling the package 1 according to the fourth embodiment to have a simpler structure.

[0054] The wet wipes package according to the present disclosure may have a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction that are perpendicular to each other. The third direction is the direction in which the wipes are stacked, and the first and second directions may be planar directions of the wipes. For example, the first and second directions may be the longitudinal and lateral directions of the package, respectively.

[0055] In the wet wipes package according to the present disclosure, a plurality of wipes and a medicinal solution are contained within the package body. The plurality of wipes may be any material used as a substrate for wet wipes in the art, including fabrics such as nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics. The fabrics may include hydrophilic fibers, hydrophobic fibers, heat-sealable fibers, etc.

[0056] The hydrophilic fibers include cellulosic fibers such as natural cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, refined cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic cellulose fibers. The natural cellulose fibers include plant fibers such as pulp fibers, seed hair fibers (e.g., cotton fibers), bast fibers (e.g., hemp), leaf vein fibers (e.g., Manila hemp), and fruit fibers (e.g., palm).

[0057] The pulp fibers include those known in the art as pulp fibers, such as wood pulp fibers and non-wood pulp fibers. Examples of the wood pulp fibers include softwood pulp fibers and hardwood pulp fibers. Examples of the non-wood pulp fibers include straw pulp fibers, bagasse pulp fibers, reed pulp fibers, kenaf pulp fibers, mulberry pulp fibers, bamboo pulp fibers, hemp pulp fibers, and cotton pulp fibers (e.g., cotton linter fibers). The pulp fibers may be waste paper, recycled pulp fibers, etc.

[0058] The cotton fiber includes Hirsutum cotton fiber (e.g., upland cotton), Barbadense cotton fiber, Arboreum cotton fiber, and Helbaceum cotton fiber. The cotton fiber may also be organic cotton fiber or Pre-Organic Cotton (trademark) fiber. Organic cotton fiber refers to cotton certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard).

[0059] Examples of the regenerated cellulose fibers include rayon, for example, viscose rayon obtained from viscose, polynosic and modal, and cuprammonium rayon (also called "cupra") obtained from a cuprammonium salt solution of cellulose.

[0060] The purified cellulose fiber includes lyocell, specifically, a fiber obtained by dissolving pulp in an aqueous solution of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide to form a spinning dope (dope) and extruding the dope into a dilute solution of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide. The purified cellulose is commercially available, for example, under the trade name Tencel (trademark). The semi-synthetic fiber includes semi-synthetic cellulose, such as acetate fibers, e.g., triacetate and diacetate fibers.

[0061] The hydrophobic fibers include those commonly used in the art, such as synthetic fibers. The synthetic fibers may include those containing a single component, such as a single fiber, or those containing multiple components, such as a composite fiber. The synthetic fibers may also be biomass plastics, recycled fibers, etc.

[0062] Examples of the above components include polyolefin-based polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyester-based polymers such as terephthalate-based polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, and polypentylene terephthalate; polyamide-based polymers such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; acrylic-based polymers; polyacrylonitrile-based polymers; and modified products thereof.

[0063] The hydrophobic fiber may include a water-repellent cellulosic fiber obtained by treating the cellulosic fiber with a water-repellent agent. For clarity, the cellulosic fiber may also be referred to as a hydrophilic cellulosic fiber. The water-repellent cellulosic fiber (i) prevents adjacent wet wipe portions from sticking together and facilitates separation, and (ii) is biodegradable, reducing environmental impact.

[0064] The water-repellent cellulose fibers are disclosed in, for example, JP 2002-266241 A, JP 2003-20570 A, JP 2019-65443 A, JP 2022-58301 A, and the like. For example, Ecorepellent (trade name, water-repellent viscose rayon) manufactured by Daiwabo Rayon Co., Ltd., and Olea (trade name, water-repellent viscose rayon) manufactured by Kelheim Fibres GmbH, and the like are commercially available.

[0065] When the fabric contains the heat-fusible fibers, and heat fusion between the heat-fusible fibers and the heat-fusible fibers, or between the heat-fusible fibers and the cellulosic fibers (water-repellent cellulosic fibers and hydrophilic cellulosic fibers), the strength of the fabric and, ultimately, the wet strength of the wet wipes can be increased. When the heat-fusible fibers are heat-fused together, the strength of the fabric and, ultimately, the wet strength of the wet wipes can be further increased.

[0066] The heat-fusible fibers can be any of those used in the art, specifically, fibers containing a low-melting thermoplastic resin and a high-melting thermoplastic resin, and are preferably those containing a low-melting thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene resin or low-melting polypropylene on at least the surface to fuse the heat-fusible fibers together. Examples of the heat-fusible fibers include monocomponent fibers of polyethylene resin, monocomponent fibers of polypropylene resin, core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers having a polyethylene terephthalate resin core and a polyethylene resin sheath, core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers having a polypropylene resin core and a polyethylene resin sheath, core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers having a high-melting polypropylene resin core and a low-melting polypropylene resin sheath, side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate resin and polyethylene resin, and side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin.

[0067] The heat-fusible fiber is preferably a biodegradable heat-fusible fiber, which makes the fabric, and ultimately the wet wipes, more biodegradable. Examples of the low-melting-point thermoplastic resin constituting the biodegradable heat-fusible fiber include polybutylene succinate, poly(hydroxybutyrate / hydroxyhexanoate), polycaprolactone, poly(caprolactone / butylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate / adipate), poly(butylene succinate / carbonate), poly(butylene adipate / terephthalate), polyethylene succinate, and polylactic acid.

[0068] Examples of the high-melting thermoplastic resin constituting the biodegradable heat-fusible fiber include polylactic acid, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyglycolic acid, and cellulose acetate. The heat-fusible fiber may be a biomass plastic or a recycled fiber.

[0069] As the nonwoven fabric, any nonwoven fabric (e.g., spunlace nonwoven fabric, air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point-bond nonwoven fabric, etc.) produced by a known method such as a dry method, a wet method, a water jet method, a direct spinning method, an air-laid method, a needle punch method, or a felt method can be used, and a spunlace nonwoven fabric having high wet strength is preferred.

[0070] The wipes may be stacked in a third direction in a manner known in the art, for example, stacked from bottom to top in the third direction, and arranged such that the upper end of a lower wet wipe overlaps the lower end of an adjacent upper wet wipe, with the upper end of the lower wet wipe being higher than the lower end of the upper wet wipe.

[0071] The chemical solution may be one commonly used in the art depending on the intended use of the wet wipes. For example, the chemical solution may contain water, a water-soluble solvent such as alcohol (e.g., ethanol), an antibacterial agent, an additive, etc. In the package according to the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of the problem, the chemical solution preferably contains water in an amount of 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, even more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more.

[0072] In the package according to the present disclosure, the package body has an inner surface and an outer surface and an opening for removing the wipes. The inner surface refers to the surface of the package body where the wipes and the medicinal solution are held. The package body includes a cellulose-based substrate layer disposed on the outer surface side and an impermeable layer disposed on the inner surface side, and may include other layers.

[0073] The cellulosic substrate layer may be a layer containing the above-mentioned hydrophilic fibers, such as pulp fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers (e.g., rayon), etc. The cellulosic substrate layer may have a thickness of, for example, 0.05 to 0.5 mm.

[0074] When the cellulose-based substrate layer contains pulp fibers, the rigidity of the package body (packaging) is increased, making the package body less likely to be crushed when the package according to the present disclosure is stored in a storage container. Furthermore, when the cellulose-based substrate layer contains pulp fibers, the rigidity of the package body tends to be increased, making the wipes more likely to get caught in the opening. However, in the package according to the present disclosure, the broken portion of the inner cover member prevents the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening, making it less difficult to remove the wipes. Furthermore, when the cellulose-based substrate layer contains pulp fibers, for example, when it contains 50% by mass or more of pulp fibers, the package body can be disposed of as paper waste.

[0075] When the cellulose-based substrate layer contains regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., rayon), refined cellulose fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, etc., noise caused by deformation of the packaging body is less likely to be generated when the wet wipes packaging is used, and the wet wipes packaging is more likely to have a luxurious feel.

[0076] The impermeable layer is not particularly limited as long as it does not allow water to pass through, and examples thereof include a barrier layer, a sealant layer, a combination thereof, etc. Examples of materials for the barrier layer include a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate or nylon on which alumina, silica, etc. are vapor-deposited. Examples of materials for the sealant layer include thin films having heat-sealing properties such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or non-axially oriented polypropylene (CPP).

[0077] The opening can have any shape, such as a perfect circle, an ellipse (e.g., an ellipse having a major axis in the first direction), a rounded square, a rounded rectangle (e.g., a rounded rectangle having a long side in the first direction), etc. For example, in a package according to the present disclosure, when the first direction is the longitudinal direction and the opening is long in the first direction (e.g., an ellipse having a major axis in the first direction, a rounded rectangle having a long side in the first direction), when the wet wipes are removed from the removal opening, the broken portion of the inner cover member more easily prevents the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening.

[0078] In the above-mentioned package body, when the flap label is unopened, it is preferable that at least a portion of the cellulose substrate layer is exposed at the cross section of the opening, and when the flap label is unopened, it is preferable that at least 30%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 70%, and even more preferably at least 90% of the total cross-sectional area of ​​the cellulose substrate layer is exposed at the cross section of the opening. Here, "exposed" means that the cross section of the cellulose substrate layer is not directly covered with a waterproof material such as a film.

[0079] The packaging body includes a removal section including the opening, a flap label directly or indirectly covering the removal section from the outer surface side so as to be repeatedly openable and closable, and an impermeable inner cover member directly or indirectly covering the removal section from the surface side. Note that the removal section includes the opening and refers to the range where the flap label and the inner cover member overlap in the third direction, and the region between the flap label and the inner cover member.

[0080] The material for the flap label can be any material known in the art as a flap label, without limitation, and examples thereof include a film, a laminate of the above-mentioned layer containing hydrophilic fibers and a film, etc. Furthermore, when the material for the flap label is a film, the flap label may be provided with a tear-off section that enables the flap label to be separated from the package body, so that the flap label can be separated and recycled.

[0081] In the package according to the present disclosure, the flap label may include a base member disposed on the package body and a lid member joined to the base member so as to be repeatedly openable and closable. In this case, the inner cover member may be fixed to the base member, and the base member may be fixed to the lid member, at the fastening portion. This makes it possible to protect the package body when the lid member is opened and closed, and to make the opening and closing of the lid member less susceptible to the effects of, for example, wetting of the cellulose-based substrate layer.

[0082] In the flap label having the lid member and base member, the lid member and base member may be integrally fixed to the package body, for example, the lid member and base member may be laminated. This simplifies the structure and manufacturing of the wet wipes package. Furthermore, after the flap label is first opened, it is preferable that the base member is not fixed to the inner cover member, and that the base member is separated from the inner cover member. This prevents the broken portion of the inner cover member, which is located inside the opening, from being affected by the base member and from directly contacting the wipes with the opening, thereby preventing the medicinal solution from migrating to the cellulose-based substrate layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes.

[0083] Examples of the material for the lid member include a film, a layer containing the above-mentioned hydrophilic fiber, etc. Examples of the material for the base member include the same materials as those for the outer cover member (inner cover member) described below.

[0084] The flap label may have an adhesive layer made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive on its inner surface (the surface facing the inner cover member), which is the surface facing the inside of the package body, and the flap label may be joined to the package body directly or indirectly by the adhesive layer so that it can be repeatedly opened and closed. This allows the portion of the inner cover member located inside the opening of the package body, for example, a part of the broken portion, to adhere to the flap label when the flap label is closed after starting to use the wet wipes, making it difficult for the chemical solution to transfer to the cellulose-based substrate.

[0085] Examples of materials for the impermeable inner cover member include films, such as synthetic resin films, such as polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide, and polyvinyl chloride. The outer surface of the inner cover member, which faces the flap label, may be provided with an adhesive layer made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive, and the inner cover member may be directly or indirectly fixed to the package body by this adhesive layer. As a result, after starting to use the wet wipes, when the flap label is closed, the portion of the inner cover member located inside the opening of the package body, such as a part of the broken portion, can adhere to the cellulose-based substrate, the flap label, etc., at the cross section of the opening, thereby making it difficult for the medicinal solution to transfer to the cellulose-based substrate.

[0086] The package includes a fastening portion at the removal portion where the inner cover member is fastened to the flap label. This allows the inner cover member associated with the fastening portion to accurately follow the flap label when the flap label is first opened. Fastening at the fastening portion may be achieved by an adhesive layer provided on the inner surface of the flap label and / or the outer surface of the inner cover member, by an adhesive layer disposed between the flap label and the inner cover member, or by fusion bonding between the flap label and the inner cover member.

[0087] In this disclosure, the terms "fixed portion" and "fixed" mean that two or more members are in contact with each other so that they do not separate during normal use of the package according to the present disclosure. On the other hand, in this disclosure, the term "joined" includes two or more members in contact with each other so that they do not separate during normal use of the package according to the present disclosure, in contact so that they can be separated, and in contact so that they can be repeatedly separated.

[0088] In the package according to the present disclosure, the inner cover member may have a wall portion that rises toward the flap label and a top portion that contacts the flap label at the removal section. The inner cover member may also be fixed to the flap label at at least a portion of the top portion to form the fixing portion. This allows the effects of the present disclosure to be more accurately achieved.

[0089] The package may include a weakened line for cutting the inner cover member at the outer edge of the fastening portion of the inner cover member. This makes it easier to reliably cut the inner cover member outside the fastening portion when the flap label is first opened, making it easier to remove the wipes. The weakened line may be arranged, for example, along the outer edge of the fastening portion, and may be, for example, blind holes arranged continuously or intermittently along the outer edge of the fastening portion, or through holes arranged intermittently along the outer edge of the fastening portion.

[0090] The inner cover member may have the weakened line on the outside or inside of the outer edge of the top, or aligned with the outer edge of the top, but it is preferable that the weakened line be on the inside of the outer edge of the top. This makes it easier for the part of the top outside the weakened line to come into contact with the flap label when the flap label is closed after the package has started to be used, preventing the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening, and preventing the medicinal solution from migrating into the cellulose-based base material layer and making it difficult to remove the wipes.

[0091] The package according to the present disclosure may further include an impermeable outer cover member having an outer cover member opening between the flap label and the package body at the access portion. This protects the package body when the flap label is opened and closed, and reduces the influence of the flap label on the cellulosic substrate layer, etc. The outer cover member opening may have any shape, for example, the same shape as the opening in the package body, a larger shape, or a smaller shape than the opening.

[0092] The outer cover member opening may have the same shape as the opening and may be positioned to coincide with the opening in the third direction. This allows, for example, the outer cover member opening and the opening to be formed simultaneously when manufacturing the package according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the outer cover member may be easily separated from the inner cover member, and a broken portion of the inner cover member positioned inside the opening may be unaffected by the outer cover member, preventing the wipes from coming into direct contact with the opening. This prevents the medicinal solution from migrating into the cellulose-based substrate layer and makes it difficult to remove the wipes.

[0093] The outer cover member opening may be larger than the opening and positioned outward in the third direction, which makes it easier for the outer cover member to separate from the inner cover member and facilitates achieving the above-described effects. Furthermore, the outer cover member opening may be smaller than the opening and positioned inward in the third direction, which prevents the wipe from coming into direct contact with the opening.

[0094] The outer cover member is preferably not fixed to the inner cover member, and more preferably is separated from the inner cover member, so that the broken portion of the inner cover member located inside the opening is not affected by the outer cover member, preventing the wipe from coming into direct contact with the opening, preventing the medicinal solution from migrating into the cellulose-based base material layer, and preventing the wipe from being difficult to remove.

[0095] The material of the impermeable outer cover member can be the same as that of the impermeable inner cover member. The impermeable outer cover member can have a release surface on the flap label side, which allows the flap label to be easily opened and closed repeatedly.

[0096] In the removal section, the bond strength between the flap label and the inner cover member at the fastening part is preferably higher than the bond strength between the flap label and the outer cover member, so that when the flap label is first opened, the inner cover member can accurately have a break portion along the outer edge of the fastening part, and the flap label can accurately and repeatedly open and close the removal section.

[0097] In the package according to the present disclosure, the impermeable layer and the inner cover member may be separate bodies, or may be integrally formed. By integrally forming the impermeable layer and the inner cover member, the wet wipe package has a simpler structure while retaining the chemical solution before use and preventing the chemical solution from migrating to the cellulose-based substrate after use, making it easier to remove the wipes. Furthermore, when the impermeable layer is composed of multiple layers, at least one of the impermeable layers may be integrally formed with the inner cover member.

[0098] The package according to the present disclosure can be manufactured by a method known in the art. For example, the package 1 according to the first embodiment can be manufactured as follows. A flap label 23, an outer cover member 17, a package body 5 (having a sheet shape) having an opening 11, and an inner cover member 25 are laminated in this order to form a laminate. The laminate is passed through a pair of rolls or the like equipped with a line-of-weakness forming section, and at the removal section 21, the inner cover member 25 is fixed to the flap label 23 to form the fixing section 27 and the line of weakness 45. A plurality of wipes 3 are placed on the inner cover member 25 of the laminate with the line of weakness 45 formed, and the wipes 3 are impregnated with a chemical solution. A seal portion and an end seal portion 101 are formed on the laminate including the plurality of wipes 3 and the chemical solution, and the package 1 is completed.

[0099] For example, the package 1 according to the third embodiment can be manufactured as follows: An outer cover member 17 and a cellulose-based base layer 13 are laminated to form a first laminate, and an opening 11 and an outer cover member opening 19 are formed in the first laminate. A flap label 23, the first laminate having the opening 11 and the outer cover member opening 19, and an impermeable layer 15 (inner cover member 25) are laminated to form a second laminate. The second laminate is passed through a pair of rolls or the like equipped with a line-of-weakness forming unit, and at the removal unit 21, the impermeable layer 15 (inner cover member 25) is fixed to the flap label 23 to form a fixing unit 27 and a line of weakness 45. A plurality of wipes 3 are placed on the impermeable layer 15 (inner cover member 25) of the second laminate with the line of weakness 45 formed therein, and the wipes 3 are impregnated with a chemical solution. A seal portion and an end seal portion 101 are formed in the second laminate including the plurality of wipes 3 and the chemical solution, completing the package 1.

[0100] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Wet wipes packaging 3 Wipes 5 Packaging body 7 Inner surface 9 Outer surface 11 Opening 13 Cellulose-based substrate layer 15 Impermeable layer 17 Outer cover member 21 Removal portion 23 Flap label 25 Inner cover member 27 Fixing portion 41 Wall portion 43 Top portion 45 Weakened line 51 Base member 53 Lid member

Claims

1. A wet wipes package in which a plurality of wipes and a medicinal solution are stored inside a packaging body, the packaging body having an inner surface and an outer surface and an opening for removing the plurality of wipes, the packaging body comprising a cellulose-based base material layer disposed on the outer surface side and an impermeable layer disposed on the inner surface side, the packaging body comprising a removal section including the opening, a flap label covering the removal section from the outer surface side so as to be repeatedly opened and closed, and an impermeable inner cover member covering the removal section from the inner surface side, the packaging body comprising a fixing section in the removal section at which the inner cover member is fixed to the flap label.

2. The wet wipes package according to claim 1, wherein an adhesive layer is provided on one or both of the inner surface of the flap label and the outer surface of the inner cover member at the removal section.

3. A wet wipes package as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein at the removal section, the package further comprises an impermeable outer cover member having an outer cover member opening between the flap label and the package body, and the outer cover member is spaced apart from the inner cover member.

4. The wet wipes package according to claim 3, wherein said outer cover member has a release surface on said flap label side.

5. A wet wipes package as described in claim 3 or 4, wherein, in the removal portion, the bonding strength between the flap label and the inner cover member in the fixing portion is higher than the bonding strength between the flap label and the outer cover member.

6. A wet wipes packaging body as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the flap label comprises a base member arranged on the packaging body side and a lid member joined to the base member so as to be repeatedly opened and closed, the base member and the lid member are integrally formed, and the inner cover member is fixed to the base member and the base member is fixed to the lid member at the fixing portion.

7. A wet wipes package according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the impermeable layer and the inner cover member are integrally formed.

8. A wet wipes package as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, in the removal section, the inner cover member has a wall portion that stands toward the flap label and a top portion that contacts the flap label, and at least a portion of the top portion, the inner cover member is fixed to the flap label to form the fixed portion.

9. The wet wipes package according to claim 8, wherein the package is provided with a weakened line for cutting the inner cover member on the outer edge of the inner cover member constituting the fixing portion.

10. The wet wipes package of claim 9, wherein the inner cover member has the weakened line inside the outer edge of the top portion.

11. The wet wipes package of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cellulosic substrate layer comprises rayon.

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