Absorbent article packaging and method for producing absorbent article packaging

Abstract

The present invention provides absorbent article packaging which makes it possible to prevent the problem of an attachment part attaching to an unintended site. Absorbent article packaging (1) comprises: an absorbent article (10) which has a top sheet (11) that makes contact with the skin of a wearer and a back sheet (12) that is provided with an attachment part (15) to be attached to a worn article; and a packaging sheet (20) which is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the attachment part is attached. The absorbent article before use is folded along an article folding line (FL10) which extends along the width direction such that the skin-side surface of the absorbent article is located inside. The facing surfaces of the absorbent article which has been folded along the article folding line and which is in a folded state are temporarily joined to each other with a temporary joining part (18). The absorbent article is separated from the packaging sheet by being pulled by a user.

Description

Outer body of absorbent article and method for manufacturing outer body of absorbent article

[0001] The present invention relates to an exterior body for an absorbent article having an absorbent article and an exterior sheet.

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose an exterior body for an absorbent article having an absorbent article and an exterior sheet. A back sheet located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article is provided with a fastening part for fastening the absorbent article to a wearable article such as underwear. The fastening part in Patent Document 1 is fastened to a release sheet serving as an exterior sheet. The fastening part in Patent Document 2 is fastened to a packaging sheet serving as an exterior sheet. When using the absorbent article, the fastening part of the absorbent article is peeled off from the exterior sheet to separate the absorbent article from the exterior sheet.

[0003] JP 2022-130937 A JP 2023-118320 A

[0004] However, the above-mentioned outer covering of the absorbent article leaves room for improvement in the following respects: The rigidity of the absorbent article is not constant throughout the entire planar direction. Therefore, when peeling the absorbent article from the outer covering sheet, the absorbent article may become distorted depending on the position where the absorbent article is held or the direction in which it is pulled. If the absorbent article becomes distorted, the fastening parts provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent article may stick to each other, or the fastening parts may become fastened in unintended locations, rendering the absorbent article unusable before use.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an exterior body for an absorbent article that can prevent problems such as fastening parts fastening to unintended locations.

[0006] An outer cover for an absorbent article according to one embodiment includes an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the wearer's skin and a back sheet that is provided with a fastening part for fastening to the worn article, and an outer cover sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening part is fastened. Before use, the absorbent article is folded with the skin-facing surface of the absorbent article facing inward, using an article fold line that runs along the width direction as a base point. In the folded state where the absorbent article is folded using the article fold line as a base point, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article are temporarily joined by a temporary joint, and the absorbent article can be separated from the outer cover sheet by being pulled by the user.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing an outer body of an absorbent article includes an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the skin of a wearer and a back sheet that has a fastening part for fastening to the worn article, and an outer sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening part is attached. The manufacturing method includes an adhesive application step of applying adhesive to the non-skin side of the top sheet, a folding step of folding the absorbent article after the adhesive application step so that the top sheets face each other, and a temporary joining step of pressing the absorbent article folded in the folding step and temporarily joining the top sheets to each other with the adhesive that has passed through the top sheets.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an exterior body according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a plan view, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1(a). FIG. 2 is a plan view of the exterior body in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which an absorbent article and an exterior sheet are separated from each other in the exterior body according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exterior body according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6 is a plan view of an exterior body according to a third embodiment, as seen from the skin side, in an unfolded state. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exterior body in a folded state, folded around an article fold line, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which an absorbent article and an exterior sheet are separated from each other in the exterior body according to the third embodiment.

[0009] (1) Overview of the embodiments At least the following matters become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is an outer cover for an absorbent article. The outer cover for an absorbent article includes an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the wearer's skin and a back sheet provided with fastening parts for fastening to the worn article, and an outer cover sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening parts are fastened. Before use, the absorbent article is folded around an article fold line that runs along the width direction, with the skin-facing side of the absorbent article facing inward. In the folded absorbent article folded around the article fold line, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article are temporarily joined by a temporary joint. The outer cover sheet and the absorbent article are separated when at least one of the absorbent article and the outer cover sheet is pulled by the user. The user separates the outer cover sheet and the absorbent article by pulling the folded absorbent article. In a folded absorbent article, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article are temporarily joined by temporary joints. Therefore, when separating the absorbent article from the outer sheet, the absorbent article can be moved with the temporarily joined areas integrated. The temporarily joined areas are more rigid and less likely to twist than when not temporarily joined, since they are integrated. This prevents the absorbent article from twisting when separating the outer sheet and the absorbent article, and prevents the fastening parts from fastening to unintended locations before use of the absorbent article, thereby preventing problems that render the absorbent article unusable before use. Furthermore, the temporarily joined areas have high rigidity, and when a pulling force is applied to the absorbent article, the force is easily transmitted. Therefore, the provision of the temporarily joined areas allows the absorbent article to be smoothly separated from the outer sheet. In addition, the presence of the temporarily joined areas increases the rigidity of the absorbent article when separating the absorbent article from the outer sheet. When peeling off the exterior sheet, by increasing the rigidity of the absorbent article from which the exterior sheet is to be peeled off, it becomes easier to continue to apply the peeling force, and the separation operation can be carried out smoothly.

[0010] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The absorbent article is attached to the wearing article in an unfolded state, that is, not folded along the article fold line. When the absorbent article is separated from the outer sheet, it is in a folded state and temporarily joined by a temporary joint. Therefore, the absorbent article can be separated from the outer sheet while suppressing twisting of the absorbent article. Furthermore, because the absorbent article is attached to the wearing article in an unfolded state, overlapping of the absorbent articles and discomfort caused by the presence of the temporary joint can be suppressed when worn.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following feature in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2: The shear strength of the temporary joint is higher than the peel strength of the fastening part and the outer sheet in a 180° peel test. According to this aspect, since the shear strength of the temporary joint is higher than the peel strength of the fastening part and the outer sheet in a 180° peel test, the bonded state of the temporary joint can be maintained when the fastening part and the outer sheet are peeled at 180°, and the absorbent article and the outer sheet can be separated while still bonded by the temporary joint.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following feature in the invention according to Aspect 3: The temporary joint has a higher peel strength than the peel strength in a 90° peel test between the fastening part and the outer sheet. According to this aspect, since the shear strength of the temporary joint is higher than the peel strength in a 90° peel test between the fastening part and the outer sheet, the bonded state of the temporary joint can be maintained when the fastening part and the outer sheet are peeled at 90°, and the absorbent article and the outer sheet can be separated while still bonded by the temporary joint.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4: The temporary joint joins the top sheets together. According to this aspect, because the top sheets that come into contact with the wearer's skin are temporarily joined together, it is difficult for fingers to get between the top sheets when removing the absorbent article, and the absorbent article can be removed hygienically without touching the top sheets.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. The temporary joint joins opposing surfaces of the absorbent article with an adhesive. The adhesive is configured so that it does not rejoin once it has been peeled off. According to this aspect, the temporary joint functions when the absorbent article and the outer sheet are separated, but does not function once the absorbent article has been unfolded. This prevents the adhesive from coming into contact with the skin when worn, thereby reducing discomfort when worn.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 6. The absorbent article has a second sheet that contacts the non-skin side of the top sheet. The temporary joint bonds opposing surfaces of the absorbent article with an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the top sheets together and also bonds the top sheet and the second sheet. The shear force between the top sheets is lower than the shear force between the top sheet and the second sheet. According to this aspect, the surfaces where the top sheets face each other can be unfolded when the absorbent article is in use, while maintaining the bonded state between the top sheet and the second sheet. This prevents the top sheet and the second sheet from peeling off, thereby preventing a decrease in product quality.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 5. The temporary joint is formed by pressing the surfaces of the absorbent article together. According to this aspect, the temporary joint is formed by pressing, which increases the density and rigidity of the part where the temporary joint is formed. This makes it possible to further suppress twisting of the absorbent article when separating the absorbent article and the outer sheet. Furthermore, compared to temporary joints made with adhesive, no adhesive remains on the surface where the temporary joint is formed, which reduces discomfort or discomfort when it comes into contact with the skin.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. The temporary joint is formed by fusing fibers arranged on opposing surfaces of the absorbent article together. According to this aspect, forming the temporary joint by fusing fibers increases the density of the portion where the temporary joint is formed and also increases its rigidity. This makes it possible to further suppress twisting of the absorbent article when separating the absorbent article from the outer covering sheet. Furthermore, compared to temporary joints formed with an adhesive, no adhesive remains on the surface where the temporary joint is formed, thereby suppressing discomfort or an unpleasant feeling when it comes into contact with the skin. Joining by fusing fibers can be exemplified by, for example, thermal welding.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. In the folded state, the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article is smaller than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are not provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article. According to this aspect, since the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are provided is relatively small, the bond strength due to the temporary bonded parts is prevented from becoming too strong, and the absorbent article can be smoothly unfolded when unfolding the absorbent article in a folded state.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 9: In the folded state, the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the absorbent article is larger than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are not provided on the mutually facing surfaces of the absorbent article. According to this aspect, since the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded parts are provided is relatively large, the bond strength provided by the temporary bonded parts can be increased, and it is easy to maintain the temporary bonded state when the absorbent article and the outer covering sheet are separated.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, and may have the following features: The absorbent article in the folded state is folded in half around the article fold line. The exterior body has a packaging sheet that individually packages the absorbent article before use and is configured to allow the absorbent article to be removed through an outlet when in use. The outlet is configured to be provided at an end opposite the article fold line in the front-to-rear direction. In the folded state, the front end edge of the absorbent article and the rear end edge of the absorbent article are offset in the front-to-rear direction. When a user attempts to pull the absorbent article out through the outlet, they grasp the front end and the rear end of the absorbent article. At this time, because the front end edge of the absorbent article and the rear end edge of the absorbent article are offset, one of the front end edge and the rear end edge of the absorbent article protrudes, making it easier for the user to grasp the end of the absorbent article and improving operability when pulling out the absorbent article.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12. The absorbent article has an absorbent layer disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. In the folded state, the absorbent layer is disposed only in the area where the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article overlap. According to this aspect, the absorbent layer is disposed only in the area where the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article overlap, and is not disposed in the area extending from the opposing surfaces. The area extending from the opposing surfaces is an area that is easy for a user to grasp when removing the absorbent article. Because the absorbent layer is not disposed in the area extending from the opposing surfaces, it is difficult for a user to grasp the absorbent layer when removing the absorbent article, and problems such as the absorbent layer becoming soiled or crushed during removal can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the fastening parts self-adhere in the area where the absorbent layer is disposed before use, causing the area where the absorbent layer is disposed to become wrinkled, the absorbent layer will not be properly positioned against the wearer, and absorption performance will not be ensured. However, since the absorbent layer is arranged in the area where the absorbent articles overlap, the area where the absorbent layer is arranged is prevented from twisting when the outer sheet and the absorbent article are separated, thereby ensuring absorption performance.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13. The folded absorbent article is configured to move toward the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet. The temporary joint is provided on the removal side relative to the center in the front-to-rear direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article. The area on the removal side relative to the center in the front-to-rear direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article is located at the tip end in the direction in which the absorbent article moves, and is an area that is easily grasped by a user. Because the temporary joint is provided in the area on the removal side relative to the center in the front-to-rear direction of the opposing surfaces, when a user grasps the absorbent article from the removal side, it is difficult for the user's fingers to get between the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article, allowing the absorbent article to be removed hygienically.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 15 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14. The folded absorbent article is configured to move toward the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet. The temporary joint is located closer to the removal side than the tip of the fastening part on the removal side. When the outer sheet and the absorbent article separate, separation begins from the tip of the fastening part on the removal side. Because the temporary joint is located closer to the removal side than the tip of the fastening part on the removal side, the absorbent article can be removed while suppressing deformation of the absorbent article when force is applied to the tip of the fastening part.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 16 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14. The folded absorbent article is configured to move to a removal side along the front-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet. The fastening portions extend in the width direction and are provided in a plurality of locations spaced apart in the front-rear direction. The temporary joining portions are provided in regions between the fastening portions in the front-rear direction and in regions overlapping with the fastening portions. According to this aspect, since the fastening portions are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction, when the outer sheet and the absorbent article are separated, the regions overlapping with the fastening portions are pulled, and the regions between the fastening portions are not fastened to the worn article and are therefore prone to deformation. During the process of separating the outer sheet and the absorbent article, the regions overlapping with the fastening portions are repeatedly pulled and the regions between the fastening portions are repeatedly deformed, which makes it easy for the fastening portions to self-adhere. However, since temporary joints are provided in both the areas between the fastening parts and the areas overlapping with the fastening parts, deformation of the absorbent article during the process of separating the outer sheet and the absorbent article can be suppressed, and the problem of the fastening parts fastening in unintended locations can be suppressed.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 17 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16. The folded absorbent article is configured to move to the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet. The absorbent article has an inspection member for inspecting the health condition of a wearer. The temporary joint is arranged on the removal side relative to the tip of the inspection member on the removal side. According to this aspect, because the temporary joint is arranged on the removal side relative to the inspection member, the rigidity of the area where the inspection member is arranged is increased, and deformation of the inspection member when the absorbent article is separated from the outer sheet can be suppressed.

[0026] Aspect 18 of the invention is a method for manufacturing an outer body for an absorbent article. The method for manufacturing an outer body includes an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the wearer's skin and a back sheet provided with fastening parts for fastening to the worn article, and an outer sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening parts are attached. The manufacturing method includes an adhesive application step of applying adhesive to the non-skin side of the top sheet, a folding step of folding the absorbent article after the adhesive application step so that the top sheets face each other, and a temporary joining step of pressing the absorbent article folded in the folding step to temporarily join the top sheets together with the adhesive that has passed through the top sheets. According to this aspect, a temporary joining part that joins the top sheets together can be provided. Therefore, when separating the absorbent article from the outer sheet, the absorbent article can be moved with the temporarily joined area remaining integrated, and wrinkling of the absorbent article can be prevented when separating the outer sheet from the absorbent article.

[0027] (2) Outer Body of Absorbent Article According to First Embodiment Hereinafter, the outer body 1 of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the outer body) will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional views, for the sake of convenience, the components are shown spaced apart, but in the actual product, the components are in contact with each other.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the folded state of the exterior body 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a plan view, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1(a). FIG. 2 is a plan view of the exterior body 1 in an unfolded state, viewed from the skin side T1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. The exterior body 1 has a front-to-back direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T, which are perpendicular to each other and extend in a planar direction. The front-to-back direction L is aligned with the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent article 10. In the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent article, the side that contacts the user's lower abdomen is referred to as the "front side," and the side that contacts the user's buttocks is referred to as the "rear side." The thickness direction T extends between the skin side T1 and the non-skin side T2. The "skin side" corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The "non-skin side" corresponds to the side that faces away from the wearer's skin during use.

[0029] Here, the outer portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. The outer edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the outer side of the component in the width direction across the entire component. The inner portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge refers to the inner edge in the width direction W. The inner edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the inner side of the component in the width direction across the entire component. Furthermore, the front end and rear end in the present invention refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L, including edges in the front-to-rear direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-rear direction L. The outer end includes the front end and rear end, and the outer edge includes the front edge and rear edge. The inner side is a side that includes the inner edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-rear direction L" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0030] The exterior body 1 has at least an absorbent article 10 and an exterior sheet 20 arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 may be any article that is used by being attached to a worn article such as underwear, and may be an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, or a fecal pad. The absorbent article 10 of the first embodiment is a panty liner that is used by being attached to a worn article.

[0031] The absorbent article 10 may have at least a top sheet 11, a back sheet 12, and an absorbent layer 13. The top sheet 11 is a sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin. The top sheet 11 constitutes the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 10. The top sheet 11 may be a liquid-permeable sheet, and may be made of any sheet-like material that has a liquid-permeable structure, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, or a mesh sheet. The top sheet 11 of this embodiment is made of a single sheet that is arranged over the entire area of ​​the absorbent article 10 in a planar view. However, in another aspect, the top sheet 11 may have a center sheet that is arranged at the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 10, and side sheets that cover the outer sides of the center sheet.

[0032] The backsheet 12 constitutes the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 10 and is a sheet that contacts the worn article. The backsheet 12 is provided with a fastening part 15 for fastening to the worn article. The backsheet 12 may be a liquid-impermeable sheet, and may be a polyethylene sheet, a laminated nonwoven fabric mainly made of polypropylene or the like, a breathable resin film, or a sheet in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as spunbond or spunlace.

[0033] The fastening portion 15 is disposed on the non-skin side of the backsheet 12, and is an area provided with fastening means (e.g., adhesive) for fastening the absorbent article 10 to a worn article such as underwear. The fastening portion 15 in this embodiment extends in the width direction W, and a plurality of fastening portions 15 are provided at intervals in the front-rear direction L. In a modified example, the fastening portion 15 may extend in the front-rear direction L, and a plurality of fastening portions 15 may be provided at intervals in the width direction W. The fastening portion 15 may be fastening means disposed in an area overlapping with the absorbent layer 13.

[0034] The absorbent layer 13 is a layer containing an absorbent material and may be disposed closer to the skin side T1 than the backsheet 12. The absorbent layer 13 may be a nonwoven fabric containing cellulose fibers, or a laminate with pulp laminated thereon. The laminate may contain a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) together with the pulp. When the absorbent layer 13 is formed from a nonwoven fabric, the skin side T1 of the absorbent layer 13 may be disposed so as to abut against the wearer. In other words, the absorbent layer 13 may constitute the topsheet 11. An example of an absorbent article of this type may have a skin-facing nonwoven fabric containing cotton fibers, an air-through nonwoven fabric disposed closer to the non-skin side T2 than the skin-facing nonwoven fabric, and a backsheet 12 disposed closer to the non-skin side T2 than the air-through nonwoven fabric. The skin-facing nonwoven fabric constitutes the topsheet 11 and the absorbent layer 13, and the air-through nonwoven fabric constitutes the second sheet 14. Furthermore, whether the absorbent layer 13 is formed of a laminate containing pulp or a nonwoven fabric containing cellulose fibers, the absorbent article 10 may have a core wrap sheet covering the absorbent layer 13. The core wrap sheet may be formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or tissue. The absorbent article of this embodiment has at least a top sheet 11, an absorbent layer 13 made of an air-laid pulp sheet, and a back sheet 12, but does not have a core wrap sheet. Furthermore, the absorbent layer 13 may reach the outer edge of the absorbent article in a plan view.

[0035] The absorbent article 10 may have a second sheet 14 that contacts the non-skin side of the top sheet 11. The second sheet 14 may be disposed between the top sheet 11 and the absorbent layer 13. The second sheet 14 may be a liquid-impermeable sheet, and may be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. In a modified example, the absorbent article 10 may not have a second sheet 14.

[0036] The exterior body 1 may have a packaging sheet 21. The packaging sheet 21 is a sheet that individually packages the absorbent articles 10. The packaging sheet 21 may be made of nonwoven fabric or film. The packaging sheet 21 preferably has low breathability to ensure the airtightness of the exterior body 1, and may be made of film. In an unfolded state, the packaging sheet 21 is rectangular and may have a pair of front and rear side edges 211 extending along the front-rear direction L and spaced apart in the width direction W, and a pair of width side edges 212 extending along the width direction W and spaced apart in the front-rear direction L. The front and rear side edges 211 form outer edges of the packaging sheet 21, and the width side edges 212 form outer end edges of the packaging sheet 21. When folded around a packaging fold line FL21 (described later) as a base point, the pair of width side edges 212 are arranged to overlap, and the overlapped width side edges 212 form sides facing the packaging fold line FL21.

[0037] The exterior body 1 may have a release sheet 22 disposed between the absorbent article 10 and the packaging sheet 21. The release sheet 22 may be a release-treated sheet. The release sheet 22 may have a paper substrate and a release agent applied to the substrate. The release agent may be one that can reduce the coefficient of friction of the sheet surface, and examples of the release agent include silicone-based resins, fluorine-based resins, and tetrafluoroethylene-based resins.

[0038] The exterior body 1 has an exterior sheet 20. The exterior sheet 20 is a sheet to which fastening parts 15, which are arranged in an area overlapping with the absorbent layer 13, are fastened. In a configuration in which the fastening parts 15 abut against the packaging sheet 21, the packaging sheet 21 constitutes the exterior sheet 20. In a configuration in which a release sheet 22 is arranged between the packaging sheet 21 and the absorbent article 10 and the fastening parts 15 abut against the release sheet 22, as in the present embodiment, the release sheet 22 constitutes the exterior sheet. That is, in the present embodiment, the release sheet 22 constitutes the exterior sheet 20.

[0039] The packaging sheet 21 and the release sheet 22 may be joined at a joining region 25. A plurality of joining regions 25 may be provided at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. In this embodiment, the joining region 25 includes a first joining region 251 overlapping the front end of the release sheet 22 and a second joining region 252 overlapping the rear end of the release sheet 22. The first joining region 251 and the second joining region 252 may be located on both sides of a packaging fold line FL21 and a peeling fold line FL22 (described later) in the front-to-rear direction L. A non-joint region may be provided continuously between the first joining region 251 and the second joining region 252. Regions other than the first joining region 251 and the second joining region 252 are non-joint regions where the packaging sheet 21 and the release sheet 22 are not joined. The non-bonding region includes not only the region between the first bonding region 251 and the second bonding region 252, but also the region in front of the first bonding region 251, the region behind the second bonding region 252, and the region outside the bonding region 25 in the width direction W.

[0040] Before use, the exterior body 1 individually packages the absorbent articles 10 with the packaging sheet 21. The absorbent articles 10 may be folded together with the packaging sheet 21 and individually packaged in the packaging sheet 21, or in a configuration in which the absorbent articles 10 have a release sheet 22, the release sheet 22 may also be folded together. Furthermore, as in Modification 2, the packaging sheet may be designed to package a pre-folded absorbent article, i.e., the folds of the absorbent article and the packaging sheet may be provided in separate processes.

[0041] In the present embodiment, the packaging sheet 21 is folded around a packaging crease FL21, and the release sheet 22 is folded around a peel crease FL22. The packaging crease FL21 may be located near the center in the front-to-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 21 in the unfolded state, and the peel crease FL22 may be located near the center in the front-to-rear direction L of the release sheet 22 in the unfolded state. The packaging sheet 21 has a substantially rectangular shape surrounded by four sides when folded around the packaging crease FL21, and three of the four sides other than the side edge formed by the packaging crease FL21 have packaging joints where overlapping packaging sheets 21 are joined together. The packaging joint includes a first packaging joint 231 that joins a region extending inward in the front-rear direction L from the width side edge 212, a second packaging joint 232 that joins a region extending inward in the width direction W from the front-rear side edge 211 located on one side of the center of the width direction W of the packaging sheet 21, and a third packaging joint 233 that joins a region extending inward in the width direction W from the front-rear side edge 211 located on the other side of the center of the width direction W of the packaging sheet 21. The width of the packaging joint can be set as appropriate, but is preferably 5 mm or more to ensure airtightness.

[0042] The packaging joints can be formed by well-known methods such as welding or adhesive. One end of the second packaging joint 232 may be continuous with the first packaging joint 231, and the other end of the second packaging joint 232 may be continuous with the packaging fold FL21. Furthermore, one end of the third packaging joint 233 may be continuous with the first packaging joint 231, and the other end of the third packaging joint 233 may be continuous with the packaging fold FL21. By providing packaging joints that are continuous in this manner, the exterior body 1 is sealed. In the packaged state, the exterior body 1 has a packaging space WS that can accommodate the absorbent article 10. The packaging space WS is a space sandwiched between the inner surfaces of the packaging sheet 21, and is surrounded by the packaging fold FL21, the first packaging joint 231, the second packaging joint 232, and the third packaging joint 233 in a plan view.

[0043] In the packaged state, the packaging sheet 21 has cut lines 27 formed therein for forming an outlet 5 (see FIG. 4 ) through which the absorbent articles 10 are removed. The packaging sheet 21 individually packages the absorbent articles 10 before use and is configured to allow the absorbent articles 10 to be removed through the outlet 5 during use. In the present embodiment, the cut lines 27 extend inward from the front and rear side edges 211 in the width direction W. The cut lines 27 are formed within the regions where the first packaging joint 231 and the second packaging joint 232 are provided. A user cuts the packaging sheet 21 using the cut lines 27 as a base point, thereby cutting at least one of the first packaging joint 231 and the second packaging joint 232, opening the packaging space WS and forming the outlet 5. The outlet 5 may be provided at an end of the exterior body 1 in the packaged state in the front-rear direction L, opposite the article fold FL10. This allows the user, when removing the absorbent article 10, to grasp the front end or rear end of the absorbent article 10, which is the side opposite to the article fold line FL10, and remove the absorbent article 10.

[0044] Before use, the absorbent article 10 is folded with the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 10 facing inward, around an article fold FL10 along the width direction W. In this embodiment, when the packaging sheet 21, the release sheet 22, and the absorbent article 10 are stacked, the absorbent article 10, the packaging sheet 21, and the release sheet 22 are all folded in half around the fold along the width direction W. Therefore, the packaging fold FL21, the article fold FL10, and the release fold FL22 are formed simultaneously and overlap one another. In a modified example, the article fold FL10 may be a fold along which only the absorbent article 10 is folded, and the packaging sheet 21 and the release sheet 22 are not folded together. The article fold FL10 may be located in the center of the absorbent article 10 in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0045] The article fold line FL10 is a fold line along the width direction W when folding the absorbent article 10 before use. The absorbent article 10 before use may be folded only around the article fold line FL10 as a base point, or may be folded along fold lines other than the article fold line FL10. The fold line other than the article fold line FL10 is a fold line that does not extend along the width direction W, for example, a fold line that extends along the front-to-rear direction when folding the wings.

[0046] When using the absorbent article 10, the user pulls at least one of the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 to separate the absorbent article 10 from the exterior sheet 20. The exterior body 1 of this embodiment is configured to prevent problems that occur when the fastening part 15 of the absorbent article 10 is peeled off from the exterior sheet 20 to separate the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20. Next, the configuration for preventing problems that occur when separating the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 will be described in detail.

[0047] In the folded absorbent article 10 folded around the article fold line FL10, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 are temporarily joined by temporary joints 18. When at least one of the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 is pulled by the user, the exterior sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 are separated. The absorbent article 10 is configured to be separated from the exterior sheet 20 while still joined by the temporary joints 18. A range R10 in the front-to-rear direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 in the folded state is shown in Figure 1.

[0048] It should be noted that the absorbent article 10 in a folded state may be in a state where it is folded along at least one article fold line FL10, and in a form having a plurality of article fold lines FL10, it may be in a state where some of the article fold lines are used as base points and other article fold lines are not used as base points. That is, in a form having a plurality of article fold lines, the absorbent article 10 may be provided with a temporary joint 18 and the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 may be separated in a state where some of the article fold lines are used as base points and other article fold lines are not used as base points, or the absorbent article 10 may be provided with a temporary joint 18 and the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 may be separated in a state where all of the article fold lines are used as base points. In a form having a single article fold line FL10 as in the present embodiment, the absorbent article 10 may be provided with a temporary joint 18 and the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 may be separated in a state where it is folded along that one article fold line FL10.

[0049] The absorbent article 10 in a folded state may have a first region where opposing surfaces of the absorbent articles are arranged, and a second region extending from the first region. The first region is a region where the absorbent articles 10 are stacked in the thickness direction T, and the second region is a region where the absorbent articles 10 are not stacked in the thickness direction T and a single layer of the absorbent article 10 is arranged. The absorbent article 10 of the present embodiment is folded in half, and the entire area of ​​the absorbent article 10 in the folded state may be the first region, and no second region may be provided. Alternatively, the front and rear edges of the absorbent article may be misaligned, and almost the entire area of ​​the absorbent article 10 (e.g., 90% or more) may be the first region, with a small area of ​​the second region (e.g., less than 10%) provided.

[0050] The folded absorbent article 10 moves to a take-out side D1 (see FIG. 4 ) along the front-to-rear direction L relative to the outer covering sheet 20, and separates from the outer covering sheet 20. The manner in which the absorbent article 10 moves to the take-out side D1 relative to the outer covering sheet 20 includes a manner in which the absorbent article 10 is pulled and moves to the take-out side D1, and a manner in which the outer covering sheet 20 is pulled to the side D2 opposite the take-out side, and the absorbent article 10 moves relatively toward the take-out side D1. In this embodiment, the take-out side D1 is the side of the take-out opening 5, and the side D2 opposite the take-out side is the side of the article fold FL10.

[0051] In the folded state, the absorbent article 10 has opposing surfaces temporarily joined together via temporary joints 18. The configuration in which opposing surfaces are joined together may involve joining the top sheets 11 together when the top sheets 11 face each other as in the present embodiment, or may involve joining the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 when the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 face each other as in the third embodiment.

[0052] The absorbent article 10 is configured to be separated from the exterior sheet 20 in a folded state, i.e., in a state where the absorbent article 10 is temporarily joined by the temporary joints 18. Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a manner in which the absorbent article 10 is separated. When a user removes the absorbent article 10 from the exterior body 1, the user cuts a portion of the packaged packaging sheet 21 to form a removal opening 5. Fig. 4(a) shows a state in which the removal opening 5 has been formed. The user inserts a finger or the like through the removal opening 5, grasps the absorbent article 10, and pulls the absorbent article 10 out of the packaging space WS. Fig. 4(b) shows a state in which a portion of the absorbent article (an end in the front-rear direction L) has been pulled, and a portion of the fastening portion 15 has been separated from the release sheet 22. When the user further pulls the absorbent article 10, the absorbent article 10 is removed out of the packaging space WS, and the entire fastening portion 15 is separated from the release sheet 22, as shown in Fig. 4(c).

[0053] A user separates the absorbent article 10 from the outer covering sheet 20 by pulling the absorbent article 10 in a folded state. In the absorbent article 10 in a folded state, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article are temporarily joined by temporary joining parts 18. Therefore, when separating the absorbent article 10 from the outer covering sheet 20, the absorbent article 10 can be moved with the temporarily joined areas remaining integrated. Because the temporarily joined areas are integrated, they are more rigid and less likely to twist than when not temporarily joined. This prevents the absorbent article 10 from twisting when separating the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10, and prevents the fastening parts 15 from fastening to unintended locations before use of the absorbent article 10, thereby preventing problems that would render the absorbent article 10 unusable before use.

[0054] Furthermore, the temporarily joined regions have increased rigidity, and when a pulling force is applied to the absorbent article 10, the force is easily transmitted. Therefore, the provision of the temporarily joined regions allows the absorbent article 10 to be smoothly separated from the exterior sheet 20. In addition, when separating the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20, the presence of the temporarily joined regions increases the rigidity of the absorbent article 10. When peeling off the exterior sheet 20, by increasing the rigidity of the absorbent article 10, which is the other side to be peeled off, it becomes easier to continue to apply the peeling force, and the separation operation can be performed smoothly.

[0055] The temporary joint 18 may be temporarily joined when separation of the absorbent article 10 and the outer covering sheet 20 begins (a folded state before at least one of them is pulled), and the temporary joint may be released when separation begins, for example, when part of the fastening part 15 is separated from the outer covering sheet. However, preferably, the temporary joint 18 may remain joined until the entire fastening part 15 is separated from the outer covering sheet 20. In other words, the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 may be separated with the temporary joint 18 maintaining the joining of the first region R1 (the region where the absorbent article is layered). This configuration prevents the absorbent article from twisting from the start of separation of the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 until separation is completed, and further prevents the fastening part 15 from self-adhering.

[0056] The absorbent article 10 may be configured to be attached to a wearing article in an unfolded state, i.e., not folded along the article fold lines FL10. That is, the absorbent article 10 may be configured to be attached to a wearing article in a state in which the temporary joining by the temporary joining lines 18 has been released. When the absorbent article 10 is separated from the outer sheet 20, it is in a folded state and temporarily joined by the temporary joining lines 18. Therefore, the absorbent article 10 can be separated from the outer sheet 20 while suppressing wrinkling of the absorbent article 10. Furthermore, since the absorbent article 10 is attached to a wearing article in an unfolded state, overlapping of the absorbent articles 10 and discomfort caused by the presence of the temporary joining lines 18 can be suppressed when worn. Note that the unfolded state may be a state in which the absorbent article is not folded along any of the article fold lines FL10, or may be folded along a fold other than the article fold line FL10 (for example, a fold along which the wings are folded).

[0057] 4(b), when the absorbent article 10 is pulled relative to the exterior sheet 20, the exterior sheet 20 first peels off at a peel angle of 90° relative to the fastening part 15, and as the peeling progresses, it peels off at a peel angle of 180° relative to the fastening part 15. Furthermore, because both surfaces of the absorbent article 10 sandwiching the temporary joint 18 move in the same pulling direction, a shear force parallel to the opposing surfaces is generated in the temporary joint 18. The shear force parallel to the opposing surfaces is a shear force generated when the surfaces joined by the temporary joint 18 are pulled in opposite directions.

[0058] The shear force of the temporary joint 18 may be 0.03 N or more and 10.0 N or less. Having a shear force of 0.03 N or more makes it easier to maintain the bonded state of the temporary joint 18 when separating the absorbent article 10 and the outer covering sheet 20. Having a shear force of 10.0 N or less allows the temporary joint 18 to separate with a constant force (10.0 N or less), thereby preventing problems such as the absorbent body becoming twisted due to the temporary joint 18 remaining bonded when a strong force is applied. The peel force of the temporary joint 18 in a 180° peel test may be 0.01 N or more and 2.0 N or less. Having a peel force of 0.01 N or more in a 180° peel test makes it possible to prevent the absorbent article from unintentionally unfolding when the absorbent article is removed, for example. Furthermore, since the peel strength of the temporary joint 18 in a 180° peel test is 2.0 N or less, the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 can be easily peeled away from each other during use, allowing the absorbent article to be unfolded.

[0059] The shear force of the temporary joint 18 may be higher than the peel force in a 180° peel test between the fastening part 15 and the exterior sheet 20. Because the shear force is higher than the peel force in a 180° peel test between the fastening part 15 and the exterior sheet 20, the bonded state of the temporary joint 18 can be maintained when the fastening part 15 and the exterior sheet 20 are peeled at 180°, and the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 can be separated while still bonded by the temporary joint 18.

[0060] Preferably, the shear force of the temporary joint 18 may be higher than the peel force in a 90° peel test between the fastening part 15 and the outer sheet 20. When peeling between the outer sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 begins, the angle formed by the movement direction of the outer sheet 20 and the movement direction of the fastening part 15 is 90°. Because the peel force in the 90° peel test between the fastening part 15 and the outer sheet 20 is lower than this shear force, the bonded state of the temporary joint 18 can be maintained when the fastening part 15 and the outer sheet 20 are peeled at 90°, and the absorbent article 10 and the outer sheet 20 can be separated while still bonded by the temporary joint 18.

[0061] The peel strength of the fastening part 15 and the exterior sheet 20 in the 90° peel test and the 180° peel test were measured using an autograph testing machine (AG-X10plus) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. Specifically, the outer packaging was first opened so as not to change the state of the fastening part and the exterior sheet of the sample to be measured. The sample was then placed in the autograph testing machine, and the peel strength was measured at a tensile speed of 100 mm / min. The sample was pulled in such a way that the angle between the exterior sheet and the sample was 90° or 180°. For the 90° evaluation, the sample was fixed at a 90° angle. The peel direction was the main direction when the fastening part was removed from the exterior sheet, and the results were reported as the average of n = 5. (Unit: N / mm (mm is the total width of the fastening part))

[0062] The shear force of the temporary joint 18 was measured by removing a sample absorbent article from the outer sheet 20 without affecting the temporary joint 18, (1) cutting the fold line of the article to one side and the other with a sharp cutter or the like (again, cutting should be done so as not to affect the temporary joint or the measurement point). (2) For absorbent articles with side sheets, the portion corresponding to the side sheet was cut with a cutter to eliminate the influence of friction of the side sheet, and a sample was prepared. (3) The edge of one side of the absorbent article facing the cut point and the edge of the other side of the absorbent article facing the cut point were clamped in a chuck, and the shear force was measured at a pulling speed of 100 mm / min (N / mm (mm is the width direction length of the cut absorbent article)). The results were averaged for n=5.

[0063] The peel force of the 180° peel test of the temporary bonded portion 18 was measured using an autograph testing machine (AG-X10plus) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation. Specifically, first, the sample absorbent article was prepared by removing it from the exterior sheet 20 so as not to affect the temporary bonded portion 18. The sample was set in the autograph testing machine, and the peel force was measured at a pulling speed of 100 mm / min. The pulling direction was set so that the angle between the opposing surfaces was 180 degrees. The peel direction was the main direction when one surface was turned over relative to the other opposing surface, and the results were expressed as an average of n=5. (Unit: N / mm (mm is the length of the absorbent article in the width direction)).

[0064] The temporary joints 18 may join the top sheets 11 together. The configuration in which the top sheets 11 are joined together using the temporary joints 18 may involve joining only the top sheets 11 facing each other using the temporary joints 18, or may involve joining other components (e.g., the second sheet 14) that overlap the top sheets 11 in the thickness direction T together with the top sheets 11. Joining the top sheets 11 together using the temporary joints 18 makes it difficult for fingers to get between the top sheets 11 when removing the absorbent article 10, allowing the absorbent article 10 to be removed hygienically without touching the top sheets 11. In a configuration in which the top sheets 11 are joined together using the temporary joints 18, the top sheets 11 may be provided with convex portions that protrude in the thickness direction and concave portions that are recessed in the thickness direction. The engagement of the concave and convex portions formed on the opposing surfaces increases the friction between the top sheets 11, making it easier to maintain the joined state provided by the temporary joints 18.

[0065] The temporary joints 18 may bond opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 with an adhesive. An example of the adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive. The adhesive may be configured so as not to re-bond once peeled off. According to this aspect, the temporary joints function when the absorbent article 10 and the outer covering sheet 20 are separated, and the temporary joints 18 do not function once the absorbent article 10 is unfolded. This prevents the adhesive from coming into contact with the skin when worn, thereby reducing discomfort when worn. Here, an example of an adhesive that does not re-bond once peeled off is an olefin-based hot-melt adhesive. Furthermore, the concept of an adhesive that does not re-bond includes not only a configuration in which the bonding strength after peeling off is 0 N, but also a configuration in which the shear strength in a tensile test when peeled off and then joined is 0.01 N or less. In this embodiment, the temporary joint 18 is formed by an adhesive HMA (see Figure 3) that joins the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14, and more specifically, the temporary joint 18 is formed by the adhesive HMA passing through the top sheet 11 and seeping out onto the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 11.

[0066] The adhesive constituting the temporary joint 18 may join the top sheets 11 facing each other in the folded state, and may also join the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14. The shear force between the top sheets 11 may be lower than the shear force between the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14. According to this embodiment, the surfaces where the top sheets 11 face each other can be unfolded when the absorbent article 10 is in use, while maintaining the joined state between the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14. This prevents the problem of the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14 peeling off, and prevents deterioration in product quality. To make the joining strength between the top sheets 11 stronger than the joining strength between the top sheet and the second sheet, for example, the basis weight of the adhesive between the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14 may be greater than the basis weight of the adhesive between the top sheets 11.

[0067] The temporary bond 18 is not limited to a configuration in which the absorbent articles are bonded together using an adhesive. For example, the temporary bond 18 may be bonded by pressure bonding the surfaces of the absorbent article together. Forming the temporary bond 18 by pressure bonding increases the density and rigidity of the area where the temporary bond 18 is formed. This further reduces twisting of the absorbent article 10 when the absorbent article 10 and the outer sheet 20 are separated. Furthermore, compared to temporary bond 18 formed using an adhesive, no adhesive remains on the surface where the temporary bond 18 is formed, thereby reducing discomfort and discomfort when the absorbent article 10 comes into contact with the skin. Bonding by pressure bonding can be formed, for example, by pressing the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent article inward in the thickness direction while the skin-facing surfaces of the absorbent articles are facing each other; an example of this is embossing. It is preferable that the fibers in the bonded area of ​​the temporary bond formed by pressure bonding are not fused. The lack of fusion of the fibers in the bonded area ensures voids between the fibers, ensuring the transfer and diffusion of body fluids.

[0068] The temporary joints 18 may be formed by fusing fibers arranged on opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 together. Forming the temporary joints 18 by fusing fibers increases the density of the portion where the temporary joints 18 are formed, and also increases its rigidity. This makes it possible to further prevent the absorbent article 10 from twisting when separating the absorbent article 10 from the outer covering sheet 20. Furthermore, compared to temporary joints 18 formed by adhesive, no adhesive remains on the surface where the temporary joints 18 are formed, thereby reducing discomfort or an unpleasant feeling when the temporary joints 18 come into contact with the skin. An example of joining by fusing fibers is heat welding.

[0069] The area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 may be smaller than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are not provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article. The opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 correspond to the first region. Because the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article is relatively small, the bond strength of the temporary bonded portions is prevented from becoming too strong, and tearing of the opposing surfaces is prevented when the folded absorbent article is unfolded. Furthermore, the absorbent article 10 can be easily and smoothly unfolded without applying a strong force. The temporary bonded portions 18 may be provided along the outer edges of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10, or may be provided over the entire outer edges of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10. The temporary bonded portions 18 may be provided on at least the outer edge that is the tip of the removal side of the outer edges of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10.

[0070] In another embodiment, the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 may be larger than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are not provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article. Because the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bonded portions 18 are provided is relatively large, the bond strength of the temporary bonded portions 18 can be increased, making it easier to maintain the temporary bonded state when the absorbent article and the outer sheet are separated. The bonded regions may be at least one of the regions where the adhesive that constitutes the temporary bonded portions is applied, the regions where the pressed portions are formed, and the regions where the fibers are fused.

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the absorbent article 10 is individually packaged in a packaging sheet 21 and is configured to be pulled out through an outlet 5 when in use. The outlet 5 is provided at the end opposite the article fold FL10 in the front-to-rear direction L. In the folded state, the front edge of the absorbent article 10 and the rear edge of the absorbent article 10 may be misaligned in the front-to-rear direction L. When a user attempts to pull out the absorbent article 10 through the outlet 5, they grasp the front and rear ends of the absorbent article 10. At this time, because the front edge of the absorbent article and the rear edge of the absorbent article are misaligned, one of the front and rear edges of the absorbent article protrudes, making it easier for the user to grasp the end of the absorbent article and improving operability when pulling out the absorbent article 10.

[0072] The offset length in the front-to-rear direction between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article 10 may preferably be 3 mm or more, and more preferably 5 mm or more. This offset length makes it easier for a user to grasp the protruding portion of one of the front and rear edges of the absorbent article 10. The offset length in the front-to-rear direction between the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article 10 may preferably be 15 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less. This offset length allows the user to grasp both the protruding side of the front edge or the rear edge of the absorbent article 10 and the non-protruding side of the other, and allows both the front edge and the rear edge of the absorbent article 10 to be pulled out while maintaining the temporary joint state. The temporary joint portion 18 may be provided at the tip of the other non-protruding side on the removal side. This configuration makes it easier to pull out the other non-protruding side as well.

[0073] In the folded state, the absorbent layer 13 is disposed only in the region where the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 overlap. That is, the absorbent layer 13 is disposed in the first region, but not in the second region. The absorbent layer 13 is disposed only in the region where the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 overlap, and is not disposed in the region extending from the opposing surfaces. The region extending from the opposing surfaces is a region that is easy for a user to grasp when removing the absorbent article 10. Because the absorbent layer 13 is not disposed in the region extending from the opposing surfaces, it is difficult for a user to grasp the absorbent layer 13 when removing the absorbent article 10, and problems such as the absorbent layer 13 becoming soiled or crushed when removed can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the fastening portions 15 self-adhere in the region where the absorbent layer 13 is disposed before use, causing the region where the absorbent layer 13 is disposed to become wrinkled, the absorbent layer 13 will not be properly positioned against the wearer, and absorption performance will not be ensured. However, since the absorbent layer 13 is arranged in the first region where the absorbent articles 10 overlap each other, the region where the absorbent layer 13 is arranged is prevented from twisting when the outer sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 are separated, thereby ensuring absorption performance.

[0074] The temporary joint 18 may be provided closer to the removal side D1 than the center R10C in the front-to-back direction L of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10. That is, the temporary joint 18 is arranged closer to the removal side D1 (the side of the removal opening 5) than the center of the first region in the front-to-back direction L. The region on the removal side D1 closer to the center R10C in the front-to-back direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10 is located closer to the tip in the direction in which the absorbent article 10 moves, and is a region that is easily grasped by a user. Because the temporary joint 18 is provided closer to the removal side D1 than the center of the opposing surfaces in the front-to-back direction L, when a user grasps the absorbent article 10 from the removal side D1, it is difficult for the user's fingers to get between the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10, and the absorbent article 10 can be removed hygienically. In addition, it is sufficient that at least a part of the temporary joint 18 is located on the removal side D1, rather than the center R10C in the front-to-back direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10, and at least a part of the temporary joint 18 may be located on the opposite side D2, rather than the center R10C in the front-to-back direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article.

[0075] The temporary joint 18 may be positioned closer to the removal side D1 than the tip of the removal side D1 of the fastening part 15. That is, the tip of the temporary joint 18 on the removal side D1 is closer to the removal opening 5 than the tip of the fastening part 15 on the removal side. When the outer sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 separate, separation begins from the tip of the removal side D1 of the fastening part 15. Because the temporary joint 18 is provided closer to the removal side D1 than the tip of the fastening part 15 on the removal side D1, deformation of the absorbent article 10 when force is applied to the tip of the fastening part 15 is suppressed, and the absorbent article can be removed while suppressing deformation. Note that it is sufficient that at least a part of the temporary joint 18 is provided closer to the removal side D1 than the tip of the fastening part 15 on the removal side D1, and at least a part of the temporary joint 18 may also be provided on the opposite side D2 of the tip of the fastening part 15 on the removal side D1.

[0076] The temporary joining portions 18 may be provided in the regions between the fastening portions 15 in the front-to-rear direction L and in the regions overlapping with the fastening portions 15. Since the fastening portions 15 are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L, when the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article are separated, the regions overlapping with the fastening portions 15 are pulled, and the regions between the fastening portions 15 are not fastened to the worn article and are therefore prone to deformation. In the process of separating the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10, the regions overlapping with the fastening portions 15 are repeatedly pulled and the regions between the fastening portions 15 are deformed, which makes it easy for the fastening portions 15 to self-attach. However, since the temporary joining portions 18 are provided in both the regions between the fastening portions 15 and the regions overlapping with the fastening portions 15, deformation of the absorbent article 10 during the process of separating the outer covering sheet 20 and the absorbent article 10 is suppressed, and the fastening portions 15 can be prevented from fastening to unintended locations. Preferably, the temporary joint 18 may be disposed across the region between the fastening parts 15 in the front-rear direction L and the region overlapping with the fastening parts 15 .

[0077] The temporary joints 18 may be arranged in an area overlapping with the absorbent layer 13. Preferably, the temporary joints 18 may reach the outer edges (outer edges and outer end edges) of the absorbent layer 13. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the absorbent layer 13 coincide with the outer edges of the absorbent article 10, and the temporary joints 18 are also arranged at the outer edges of the absorbent article. With this configuration, the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 can be separated while suppressing wrinkling in the area where the absorbent layer 13 is arranged. Furthermore, the temporary joints 18 may be arranged on both sides of the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 can be separated in a state where they are temporarily joined by the temporary joints 18 over a wide range in the width direction of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the temporary joints 18 may be provided at the outer end edges of the removal side D1 of the absorbent article 10 in a folded state. The outer edge of the removal side D1 of the absorbent article 10 is a portion that is easy for a user to grasp, and can prevent this portion from becoming twisted. The temporary joint 18 of this embodiment is provided over the entire area of ​​the opposing surfaces.

[0078] The outer package 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the absorbent article 10 is separated from the packaging sheet 21 while the packaging joint of the packaging sheet 21 is maintained. However, in another aspect, the packaging joint may be configured so that the joint is released when the absorbent article 10 is separated from the packaging sheet 21. In this other aspect, the joint strength of the packaging joint may be lower than the shear force of the temporary joint 18. With this configuration, the packaging joint of the packaging sheet 21 can be partially separated while maintaining the temporary joint by the temporary joint 18, allowing the absorbent article 10 to be smoothly removed. Furthermore, in a modified example, the joint strength of the packaging joint may be higher than the shear force of the temporary joint 18. With this configuration, the joint state of the packaging joint is easily maintained, and after the absorbent article 10 is removed, a space within the packaging sheet surrounded by the packaging joint is maintained, and the absorbent article 10 can be stored in this space after use, allowing the absorbent article 10 to be hygienically disposed of. The joint strength of the packaging joint can be measured, for example, by the following method. In the state where separation of the absorbent article 10 and the outer covering sheet 20 begins (a folded state before at least one of them is pulled), one packaging sheet and the other packaging sheet joined by a packaging joint are clamped in an Instron chuck and pulled at a speed of 100 mm / min, and the maximum strength when these sheets are pulled is defined as the joining strength. In this embodiment, the state where separation of the absorbent article 10 and the outer covering sheet 20 begins is a state where the take-out opening 5 is formed and the left and right packaging joints are joined, as shown in Figure 4(a).

[0079] The joining region 25 joining the packaging sheet 21 and the release sheet 22 may be provided in a region that does not overlap with the packaging fold FL21 and the peel fold FL22. If the joining region 25 is provided so as to overlap with the packaging fold FL21 and the peel fold FL22, the release sheet 22 will not separate from the packaging fold FL21 when the absorbent article 10 is removed, making it difficult for the fastening part 15 to peel off from the release sheet, as shown in Fig. 4 . However, by providing the joining region 25 in a region that does not overlap with the packaging fold FL21 and the peel fold FL22, the release sheet 22 will easily rise up from the packaging fold FL21 when the absorbent article 10 is removed, making it easy for the fastening part 15 to peel off from the release sheet. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the fastening part 15 abuts against the packaging sheet 21 (a configuration in which a release sheet is not provided), the fastening part 15 may be provided in a region that does not overlap with the packaging fold FL21. According to this configuration, the fastening part 15 can be easily peeled off from the packaging sheet. Furthermore, the exterior body 1 may have a release sheet 22 against which the fastening part 15 abuts, and may not have a packaging sheet 21. According to this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can be used by peeling off the release sheet 22 as the exterior sheet 20, and the operation of separating the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 can be performed more easily.

[0080] (3) Exterior Body of Absorbent Article According to Other Embodiments Next, an exterior body of an absorbent article according to another embodiment will be described in detail. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Referring to FIG. 5, an exterior body 1X of an absorbent article 10X according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the folded state of the exterior body 1X according to the second embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a plan view, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC shown in FIG. 5(a). In the exterior body 1X according to the second embodiment, the configuration of the exterior sheet 20 is the same as that of the first embodiment, while the configuration of the absorbent article 10X is different from that of the first embodiment. The absorbent article 10X according to the second embodiment has an inspection member 19 for inspecting the wearer's health condition.

[0081] The test member 19 may be a member that displays the wearer's health condition (or a color indicating the health condition) using an indicator; for example, the test member described in JP 2020-022585 A may be applied. The temporary joint 18 may be disposed closer to the removal side (dispensing opening 5 side) D1 than the tip of the removal side D1 of the test member 19. Because the temporary joint 18 is disposed closer to the removal side D1 than the test member 19, the rigidity of the region where the test member 19 is disposed can be increased, and deformation of the test member 19 when separating the absorbent article 10X and the outer covering sheet 20 can be suppressed. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the temporary joint 18 is disposed closer to the removal side D1 than the tip of the removal side D1 of the test member 19, and at least a portion of the temporary joint 18 may be disposed on the opposite side D2 of the tip of the removal side D1 of the test member 19. The temporary joint 18 may be disposed in a region that overlaps with the test member 19 in the thickness direction T. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the area where the inspection member 19 is arranged from twisting, and to remove the absorbent article 10X while protecting the inspection member 19.

[0082] The test member 19 may be disposed between the top sheet 11 and the absorbent layer 13. A film covering the skin side T1 of the test member 19 may be disposed between the top sheet 11 and the test member 19. The film covers at least a portion of the test member 19, preventing the entire test member 19 from being soiled by body fluids, and preventing the display portion of the test member 19 showing the test result from being soiled by body fluids, thereby ensuring the visibility of the display portion. The bonding strength between the top sheet 11 and the film may be higher than the shear force of the temporary bonding portion 18. In a configuration in which the top sheets 11 are temporarily bonded together, as in this embodiment, the shear force of the temporary bonding portion 18 is the shear force between the top sheets 11. Because the shear force of the temporary bonding portion 18 is relatively high, when the absorbent article is unfolded during use, the bonded state between the top sheet 11 and the film can be maintained while the absorbent article is unfolded, the function of the test member 19 can be maintained, the absorbent article can be used appropriately, and appropriate testing of the test member can be performed.

[0083] Next, an exterior body 1Y of an absorbent article 10Y according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the exterior body 1Y in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side T1. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the exterior body 1Y in a folded state, folded around an article fold line FL10, as seen from the skin side T1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which the absorbent article 10Y and the exterior sheet 20 are separated in the exterior body 1Y according to the third embodiment. Before use, the exterior body 1Y of the third embodiment is folded around two fold lines along the width direction W. That is, the exterior body 1Y is folded in thirds. More specifically, the absorbent article 10Y is folded around the article fold line FL10, and then folded around a second article fold line FL102, which is located forward of the article fold line FL10. In the present embodiment, in a state in which the packaging sheet 21, the release sheet 22, and the absorbent article 10Y are stacked, the absorbent article 10Y, the packaging sheet 21, and the release sheet 22 are all folded in thirds around folds along the width direction W. Therefore, the packaging fold FL21, the article fold FL10, and the release fold FL22 are formed simultaneously and overlap one another.

[0084] The release sheet 22 and the packaging sheet 21 are joined via a joining region 25. A plurality of joining regions 25 are arranged spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L. The joining regions 25 are arranged in regions that do not overlap the packaging fold line FL21 and the peeling fold line FL22, and are arranged on both sides in the front-to-rear direction L, sandwiching the packaging fold line FL21, the article fold line FL10, and the peeling fold line FL22 therebetween.

[0085] The absorbent article 10Y also has wings 7. Before use of the absorbent article 10Y, the wings 7 are folded toward the skin side T1, starting from wing folds FL103. When using the absorbent article 10Y, the wings 7 are folded back toward the non-skin side T2 of the worn article, starting from the wing folds FL103. After being folded about the wing folds FL103, the absorbent article 10Y is folded about the article fold FL10, and then about the second article fold FL102. By folding both the packaging sheet 21 and the absorbent article 10Y about two folds along the width direction, the absorbent articles 10 are individually packaged by the packaging sheet 21. The exterior body 1Y has fastening tapes 29 that fasten the outer edges of the packaging sheet in the individually packaged state. The fastening parts 15 of the absorbent article 10Y extend in the front-rear direction L, and a plurality of them may be arranged at intervals in the width direction W.

[0086] The absorbent article 10Y of the third embodiment is configured to be separated from the exterior sheet 20 in the folded state shown in Fig. 7 . In this folded state, the packaging sheet 21, the release sheet 22, and the absorbent article 10Y are unfolded from the individually packaged state, with the second article fold line FL102 as the base point. The absorbent article 10Y in the folded state is folded with the wing fold line FL103 and the article fold line FL10 as base points. In the folded state, the packaging sheet 21 is folded with the packaging fold line FL21 as the base point, and the outer sides of the stacked packaging sheets 21 in the width direction W are joined via a packaging joint 23. The rear end edge of the packaging sheet 21 in the unfolded state, in other words, the front-to-rear edge of the packaging sheet 21 folded via the packaging fold line FL21, forms the removal opening 5 for removing the folded absorbent article 10Y from the exterior sheet 20.

[0087] The temporary joints 18 join opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10Y in the folded state. The absorbent article of this embodiment has, in the folded state, an area where the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 constituting the non-skin-side surfaces of the wings 7 face each other, and an area where the top sheets 11 face each other. The temporary joints 18 are provided in at least one of the area where the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 face each other and the area where the top sheets 11 face each other. The temporary joints 18 of this embodiment are arranged to extend in the width direction W, and are arranged across the area where the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 face each other and the area where the top sheets 11 face each other. The temporary joints 18 are provided in areas that do not overlap the wing release sheets 26 that cover the fastening parts 16 provided on the wings 7. This results in a The absorbent article 10Y can be separated from the exterior sheet 20 while the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article 10Y are temporarily joined together by the temporary joining portion 18.

[0088] As shown in Figure 8, when separating the absorbent article 10Y from the outer covering sheet 20, with the absorbent article 10Y in a folded state, at least one of the front end of the absorbent article 10Y and the front end of the outer covering sheet 20 is grasped and pulled in the direction away from each other. Figures 8(a) and 8(e) show the state in which the fastening part 15 and the release sheet 22 are separated near the front end of the absorbent article. As the separation of the absorbent article 10Y and the release sheet 22 progresses further from the state shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(e), the states shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(f) are obtained. Figures 8(b) and 8(f) show the state in which the separation of the absorbent article 10Y and the release sheet 22 has progressed to the region where they overlap with the temporary joint 18. As the separation of the absorbent article 10Y and the release sheet 22 further progresses from the state shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(f), the states shown in Figures 8(c) and 8(g) are obtained. 8(c) and 8(g) show a state in which the separation of the absorbent article 10Y and the release sheet 22 has progressed to the vicinity of the article fold FL10. The absorbent article 10Y floats up from the packaging sheet 21 while remaining folded via the temporary joint 18. At this time, because the joining region 25 is not provided over a certain range extending from the packaging fold FL21 and the peel fold FL22 in the front-to-rear direction L, the release sheet 22 floats up from the packaging sheet 21 over a certain range spanning the peel fold FL22, and the absorbent article 10Y floats up from the packaging sheet 21 while remaining folded. When the absorbent article 10Y further moves away from the packaging sheet 21 from the state shown in FIGS. 8(c) and 8(g), it reaches the state shown in FIGS. 8(d) and 8(h). The absorbent article 10Y separates from the packaging sheet 21 and the release sheet 22 while remaining joined by the temporary joint 18.

[0089] The absorbent layer 13 of the absorbent article 10Y is disposed inside the outer edge of the absorbent article in a plan view. That is, the outer edge of the absorbent layer 13 is spaced apart from the outer edge of the absorbent article. The temporary joint 18 may straddle the outer edge of the absorbent layer 13. This configuration makes it possible to separate the absorbent article 10 and the exterior sheet 20 while suppressing twisting in the region where the absorbent layer 13 is disposed and also suppressing twisting in the region outside the absorbent layer 13 that has a relatively low rigidity.

[0090] (4) Manufacturing Method of Absorbent Article Outer Body Next, an example of a manufacturing method of an outer body configured as described above will be described. Note that well-known manufacturing methods for absorbent articles and outer bodies can be applied to steps other than those described below. The manufacturing method of the outer body according to the embodiment is a manufacturing method of an outer body 1, 1X, 1Y having an absorbent article 10, 10X, 10Y including a top sheet 11 that contacts the wearer's skin and a back sheet 12 to which a fastening part 15 for fastening to the worn article is attached, and an outer sheet 20 disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 10, 10X, 10Y and to which the fastening part 15 is attached. The absorbent article may have an absorbent layer 13 disposed between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12.

[0091] The manufacturing method for the outer cover includes at least an adhesive application step, a folding step, and a temporary joining step. In the adhesive application step, an adhesive is applied to the non-skin side T2 surface of the top sheet 11. The adhesive may be an adhesive that bonds the top sheet 11 and the second sheet 14 as in the first embodiment, or an adhesive that bonds the top sheet 11 and the absorbent layer 13. The basis weight of the adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is a basis weight necessary to pass through the top sheet 11 and be exposed on the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 11. The folding step is a step that follows the adhesive application step and is a step of folding the absorbent article so that the top sheets face each other. The folding step may be a step of folding only the absorbent article, or a step of folding the release sheet and the packaging sheet 21 together with the absorbent article. The temporary joining step is a step that occurs simultaneously with or after the folding step and involves pressing the absorbent article folded in the folding step to temporarily join the top sheets together using the adhesive that has passed through the top sheets. When pressing the absorbent article, only the temporarily joined portion (the portion where the temporary joint 18 is provided) may be pressed, or the entire absorbent article may be pressed. According to this manufacturing method, a temporary joint that joins the top sheets together can be provided. Therefore, when separating the absorbent article from the outer cover sheet, the absorbent article can be moved with the temporarily joined area remaining integrated, and it is possible to prevent the absorbent article from wrinkling when separating the outer cover sheet from the absorbent article.

[0092] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0093] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-188907, filed on November 2, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] It is possible to provide an exterior body for an absorbent article that can prevent problems such as the fastening part fastening to an unintended location.

[0095] 1, 1X, 1Y: outer body 5: removal port 10, 10X, 10Y: absorbent article 11: top sheet 12: back sheet 13: absorbent layer 14: second sheet 15: fastening portion 18: temporary bonded portion 19: inspection member 20: outer sheet 21: packaging sheet 22: release sheet 25: bonded region D1: removal side D2: opposite side FL10: article fold HMA: adhesive L: front-to-back direction T: thickness direction T1: skin side T2: non-skin side W: width direction

Claims

1. An exterior body for an absorbent article comprising: an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the wearer's skin, and a back sheet provided with a fastening part for fastening to a worn article; and an exterior sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening part is fastened, wherein the absorbent article before use is folded around an article fold line along the width direction with the skin side of the absorbent article facing inward, and in the absorbent article in a folded state folded around the article fold line, opposing surfaces of the absorbent article are temporarily joined together by temporary joints, and the absorbent article is separated from the exterior sheet when pulled by a user.

2. The absorbent article outer cover according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is attached to the wearing article in an unfolded state, that is, not folded along the article crease.

3. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein the shear strength of the temporary joint is higher than the peel strength of the fastening portion and the outer sheet in a 180° peel test.

4. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in claim 3, wherein the shear strength of the temporary joint is higher than the peel strength of the fastening portion and the outer sheet in a 90° peel test.

5. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temporary joint joins the top sheets together.

6. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temporary joints are formed by bonding opposing surfaces of the absorbent article with an adhesive, and the adhesive is configured so as not to rebond once peeled off.

7. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article has a second sheet in contact with the non-skin side of the top sheet, the temporary joint bonds opposing surfaces of the absorbent article with an adhesive, the adhesive bonds the top sheets together and also bonds the top sheet and the second sheet, and the shear force between the top sheets is lower than the shear force between the top sheet and the second sheet.

8. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temporary joint is formed by pressing the surfaces of the absorbent article together.

9. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the temporary joint is formed by fusing and joining fibers arranged on opposing surfaces of the absorbent article.

10. An outer casing for an absorbent article described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the folded state, the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bond is provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article is smaller than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bond is not provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article.

11. An outer casing for an absorbent article described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in the folded state, the area of ​​the bonded regions where the temporary bond is provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article is larger than the area of ​​the non-bonded regions where the temporary bond is not provided on the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article.

12. An absorbent article exterior body as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article in the folded state is folded in half around the article fold line, the exterior body has a packaging sheet that individually packages the absorbent article before use and is configured to allow the absorbent article to be removed through an outlet when in use, the outlet is configured to be provided at the end opposite the article fold line in the front-to-rear direction, and in the folded state, the front end edge of the absorbent article and the rear end edge of the absorbent article are offset in the front-to-rear direction.

13. An outer casing for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article has an absorbent layer disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and in the folded state, the absorbent layer is disposed only in the area that overlaps with the mutually facing surfaces of the absorbent article.

14. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article in the folded state is configured to move to the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet, and the temporary joint is provided on the removal side rather than the center in the front-to-rear direction of the opposing surfaces of the absorbent article.

15. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article in the folded state is configured to move to the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet, and the temporary joint portion is positioned on the removal side relative to the tip of the fastening portion on the removal side.

16. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article in the folded state is configured to move to a removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet, the fastening portions extend in the width direction and are provided in a plurality of locations spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, and the temporary joints are provided in both the areas between the fastening portions in the front-to-rear direction and the areas overlapping with the fastening portions.

17. An outer casing for an absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article in the folded state is configured to move to the removal side along the front-to-rear direction relative to the outer sheet and separate from the outer sheet, the absorbent article has an inspection member for inspecting the health condition of a wearer, and the temporary joint is positioned on the removal side further than the tip of the removal side of the inspection member.

18. A method for manufacturing an outer body of an absorbent article having an absorbent article having a top sheet that contacts the wearer's skin and a back sheet equipped with a fastening part for fastening to a worn article, and an outer sheet that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent article and to which the fastening part is attached, the method comprising: an adhesive application step of applying adhesive to the non-skin side of the top sheet; a folding step of folding the absorbent article after the adhesive application step so that the top sheets face each other; and a temporary joining step of pressing the absorbent article folded in the folding step and temporarily joining the top sheets to each other with the adhesive that has passed through the top sheet.

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