Absorbent article package and method for manufacturing absorbent article package

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article package that is capable of suppressing adhesion of moisture and dirt adhering to the hands to an absorbent article before use, and allows the absorbent article to be used hygienically. An absorbent article package (100) comprises: an absorbent article (1) having a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other; and a covering sheet (40) covering a non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article. The covering sheet contains cellulose-based fibers. The covering sheet has: inward folds (F1, F2) that extend along the width direction and are folded so that inner surfaces of the covering sheet face each other; and an outward fold (F4) that extends along the width direction and is folded so that outer surfaces of the covering sheet face each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged with the covering sheet by folding the covering sheet at the inward folds. The outward fold is disposed in at least one of a front region located further to the front than the inward fold positioned on the frontmost side, and a rear region located further to the rear than the inward fold positioned on the rearmost side.

Description

Absorbent article packaging and method for manufacturing absorbent article packaging

[0001] The present invention relates to a package for an absorbent article in which an absorbent article is packaged with a cover sheet.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a package for absorbent articles in which an absorbent article is packaged with a cover sheet. The cover sheet in Patent Document 1 includes water-soluble paper having cellulose-based fibers. When using an absorbent article, dirt from body fluids absorbed in the used absorbent article may adhere to the hands, or moisture from previously washing the hands may adhere to the hands. The cover sheet forms the outer surface of the package in an individually packaged state, and when the individually packaged package is gripped, dirt and the like adhering to the gripping hand may be absorbed by the cellulose-based fibers of the cover sheet.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-47187

[0004] However, the absorbent article package of Patent Document 1 has the following problem: When using the absorbent article, the cover sheet is unfolded and the absorbent article is taken out. At this time, if the user grasps both the cover sheet and the absorbent article rather than grasping only the cover sheet and unfolds the absorbent article, or if the user inserts their fingers between the folded parts of the absorbent article to unfold it, dirt and the like on the user's fingers may adhere to the absorbent article, making it unhygienic to use.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and provides a packaging body for absorbent articles that prevents moisture and dirt on the hands from adhering to the absorbent article before use, allowing the absorbent article to be used hygienically.

[0006] A package for absorbent articles according to one embodiment includes an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other, and a cover sheet that covers the non-skin side of the absorbent article. The cover sheet contains cellulosic fibers. The cover sheet has an inner fold along the width direction, along which the inner surfaces of the cover sheet face each other, and an outer fold along the width direction, along which the outer surfaces of the cover sheet face each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged in the cover sheet by folding the cover sheet along the inner fold. The outer fold is located in at least one of a front region forward of the foremost inner fold and a rear region behind the rearmost inner fold.

[0007] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article package according to one aspect manufactures an absorbent article package in which absorbent articles having mutually orthogonal front-rear and width directions are individually packaged in a cover sheet that covers the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article. The manufacturing method includes a first folding step of folding the absorbent article and the cover sheet together, with the absorbent article placed on the cover sheet, around an inner fold along the width direction, and a second folding step of folding an outer end of the cover sheet in the front-rear direction toward the outer surface of the package, around an outer fold, to form a folded-back portion.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a package for absorbent articles in a packaged state. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of a package for absorbent articles in a partially unfolded state. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a package for absorbent articles in an unfolded state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for manufacturing the package.

[0009] (1) Overview of the Embodiments At least the following matters become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is a package for absorbent articles. The package for absorbent articles includes an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other, and a cover sheet that covers the non-skin side of the absorbent article. The cover sheet contains cellulosic fibers. The cover sheet has an inner fold along the width direction, along which the inner surfaces of the cover sheet face each other, and an outer fold along the width direction, along which the outer surfaces of the cover sheet face each other. The absorbent article is individually packaged by the cover sheet by folding the cover sheet along the inner fold. The outer fold is located in at least one of a front region forward of the foremost inner fold and a rear region behind the rearmost inner fold. When the wearer unfolds the package, the front and rear regions of the cover sheet are unfolded using the inner fold as a base point. An outer fold is formed in at least one of the front and rear regions of the covering sheet, and a folded portion is formed by folding the outer fold toward the outside of the packaging body from the outer fold. The wearer can grasp the folded portion of the covering sheet when unfolding it. The folded portion is folded toward the outer surface of the packaging body and is not located on the side of the absorbent article placed inside the packaging body. Therefore, when grasping the folded portion when unfolding it, the wearer can easily grasp only the folded portion without grasping the absorbent article. Because the covering sheet contains cellulose-based fibers, the covering sheet can absorb moisture and dirt that adheres to fingers, etc. that grasp the covering sheet when unfolding it. Furthermore, when a used absorbent article is wrapped in the covering sheet and discarded, the covering sheet can absorb dirt, etc. that adheres to the hands during the wrapping process. In other words, by absorbing dirt, etc. that adheres to the hands, the absorbent article can be grasped with hygienic hands and used hygienically.

[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 water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than the water absorbency of the outer surface of the covering sheet. The outer surface of the covering sheet constitutes the outer surface of the package, and the inner surface of the covering sheet abuts against the absorbent article. Because the outer surface of the covering sheet has high water absorbency, when the outer surface of the package is gripped, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the outer surface of the covering sheet. Furthermore, because the inner surface of the covering sheet has low water absorbency, dirt and the like absorbed by the covering sheet can be prevented from adhering to the absorbent article.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The covering sheet includes a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a second covering sheet positioned inside the first covering sheet and overlapping at least a portion of the first covering sheet. The first covering sheet contains the cellulose-based fibers and has the outer folds formed thereon. When the covering sheet is in a wet state, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction is higher than the breaking strength of the first covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction. According to this aspect, the cellulose-based fibers contained in the first covering sheet can absorb dirt adhering to the outer surface of the package. Furthermore, when the covering sheet is in a wet state, i.e., when it has absorbed moisture, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction is high, which can prevent the covering sheet from breaking when unfolding or discarding. Therefore, the covering sheet can absorb dirt while preventing breakage.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back toward the non-skin side of the worn article during use and that are folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent article before use. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet that forms the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a third covering sheet that covers the non-skin side of the wings that are folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent article. The first covering sheet contains the cellulosic fiber. The first covering sheet and the third covering sheet have outer folds. In an area outer than the outer folds in the front-to-back direction, the third covering sheet covers a portion of the first covering sheet. According to this aspect, in an area outer than the outer folds in the front-to-back direction, a portion of the first covering sheet is covered by the third covering sheet. The first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are arranged on the surface of the folded portion that faces the outside of the package. The first covering sheet forms both sides of the folded portion that is folded back from the outer fold. Therefore, when the folded portion is grasped with fingers, the first covering sheet can efficiently absorb dirt and the like that adheres to the fingers on both the upper and lower surfaces. Furthermore, by partially disposing the third covering sheet, the breaking strength of the folded portion is increased, and it is possible to prevent the folded portion from breaking when the folded portion is grasped and unfolded.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following feature in the invention according to Aspect 4. The outer widthwise edge of the third covering sheet is located more inward in the widthwise direction than the outer widthwise edge of the first covering sheet. According to this aspect, the widthwise length of the third covering sheet is shorter than the widthwise length of the first covering sheet, so that when the wearer visually recognizes the folded-back portion, the presence of the two covering sheets makes it easy for the wearer to recognize the folded-back portion when unfolding the garment and to grasp it.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. The outer portions of the first wrapping sheets in the width direction are stacked at the outer portions of the wrapping sheets and joined to each other at sheet joints. According to this aspect, the first wrapping sheets are joined at the sheet joints, making it easier for the wearer to maintain the folded-over state. This makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the folded-over portion and to unfold the package from the inner fold by pulling the folded-over portion.

[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 outer edge in the front-to-rear direction of the covering sheet has an outer covering end that is located on the outer surface of the package when the absorbent article is packaged, and an inner covering end opposite the outer covering end. A fastening tape that fastens the outer edge of the covering sheet is attached. The inner covering end is folded along the outer fold. According to this aspect, when unfolding, the wearer can grasp the fastening tape of the outer covering end with one hand and the folded portion with the other hand to unfold the absorbent article. When opening the package, the wearer can unfold the absorbent article by grasping both ends in the front-to-rear direction of the covering sheet, respectively, without directly touching the absorbent article, allowing the absorbent article to be used hygienically.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 7. The outer edge of the absorbent article in the front-rear direction has an outer article end located on the outer covering end side. The distance in the front-rear direction between the outer article end and the outer covering end is longer than the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold and the inner covering end. According to this aspect, because the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer article end and the outer covering end is relatively long, when a wearer grasps the outer covering end of the covering sheet to which the fastening tape is attached, the wearer is unlikely to come into direct contact with the absorbent article, thereby preventing dirt and the like on the wearer's hands from adhering to the absorbent article. Furthermore, because the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold and the inner covering end is relatively short, when grasping and unfolding the folded-up portion, the distance between the outer fold, which serves as a base point, and the grasped portion is short, making it easier to unfold the folded-up portion.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may be the invention according to Aspect 7, which has the following features: The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the absorbent article has an outer article end located on the outer covering end side. The distance in the front-rear direction between the outer article end and the outer covering end is shorter than the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold and the inner covering end. According to this aspect, since the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer article end and the outer covering end is relatively short, the covering sheet is less likely to tear when a wearer grasps the outer covering end of the covering sheet to which the fastening tape is attached and applies force to the covering sheet. Furthermore, since the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold and the inner covering end is relatively long, the folded-back portion is easily noticeable and easy to grasp, and the folded-back portion can be easily grasped and unfolded during the unfolding operation.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9. The covering sheet includes a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a second covering sheet located inside the first covering sheet and overlapping at least a portion of the first covering sheet. A covering joint portion joining the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet is located within the area of ​​the front region and the rear region where the outer fold is provided. According to this aspect, when the folded portion is grasped and unfolded, the area of ​​the front region and the rear region where the outer fold is provided is unfolded. At this time, because the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are joined within this area, when the folded portion is pulled and unfolded, the covering sheets can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article without being separated too far from each other.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10. The non-bonded region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not bonded is provided continuously in the front-to-rear direction between the foremost inner fold and the rearmost inner fold. According to this aspect, since no covering bond is provided between the foremost inner fold and the rearmost inner fold, a region where no adhesive constituting the covering bond is applied or a region where no covering bond is provided and which is easily deformed flexibly is continuously provided. By providing the non-bonded region over a wide area, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the covering sheet over a wide area.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. The covering sheet has a folded portion folded along the outer fold. The length of the folded portion in the front-to-rear direction at an outer portion on one side of the folded portion in the width direction is different from the length of the folded portion in the front-to-rear direction at an outer portion on the other side of the folded portion in the width direction. According to this aspect, the length of the folded portion in the front-to-rear direction varies, and the front or rear edge of the folded portion is inclined with respect to the width direction. This makes the folded portion more noticeable. Furthermore, since the volume of the space sandwiched between the folded portion and the covering sheet overlapping the folded portion changes, it is easier to insert fingers into the space, making it easier to grasp the folded portion.

[0021] A thirteenth aspect of the invention is a method for manufacturing an absorbent article package. The method for manufacturing an absorbent article package produces an absorbent article package in which absorbent articles having a front-to-rear direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other are individually packaged in a cover sheet that covers the non-skin side of the absorbent article. The manufacturing method includes a first folding step of folding the absorbent article and the cover sheet together, with the absorbent article placed on the cover sheet, around an inner fold along the width direction, and a second folding step of folding an outer edge of the cover sheet in the front-to-rear direction toward the outer surface of the package, around the outer fold, to form a folded portion. This manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a package in which a folded portion is formed at the outer edge of the cover sheet in the front-to-rear direction.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may be the invention according to Aspect 13, which has the following features. The first folding step folds one of the outer ends of the covering sheet in the front-rear direction, the outer end being located on the outer fold side. The second folding step folds both the one outer end of the covering sheet folded in the first folding step and the other outer end of the outer ends of the covering sheet in the front-rear direction, so as to overlap the area folded in the first folding step. According to this aspect, the fold formed by folding the one end folded in the first folding step so as to overlap the area folded in the first folding step constitutes an outer fold. Therefore, a folded-back portion that is folded toward the outside of the package can be formed at one end of the covering sheet. Furthermore, the second folding step can simultaneously form an inner fold and an outer fold. Compared to a configuration in which folds are formed separately, the manufacturing process can be simplified, a crease formed by the fold can be made stronger, and the shape of the folded-back portion can be more easily maintained.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 15 may be the invention according to Aspect 13 or Aspect 14, and may have the following features. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back toward the non-skin side of the worn article during use and folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent article before use. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet that forms the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet that covers the non-skin side of the wings that are folded back toward the skin side of the absorbent article. The second folding step forms the folded portion by arranging the outer fold at a position that overlaps with a wing joint that joins the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet. According to this aspect, this configuration allows the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet to be folded back using the outer fold as a base point, and the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet to be positioned at the folded portion. This increases the breaking strength of the folded portion and prevents the folded portion from breaking when the folded portion is grasped and unfolded. Furthermore, since the outer fold is positioned at a position overlapping the wing joint, the positions of the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet do not shift when the outer fold is formed, so the position of the outer fold is stable and wrinkles can be prevented from forming at the folded portion.

[0024] (2) Schematic Configuration of the Absorbent Article Packaging Body According to the Embodiment Hereinafter, a description will be given of an absorbent article packaging body 100 according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as packaging body 100) with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, parts in the drawings may have different dimensional relationships and ratios. The absorbent article may be an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, incontinence pad, or fecal pad. The absorbent article may be an article attached to the inside of a worn article such as underwear. The absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment is a daytime sanitary napkin.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a plan view of the packaging body 100 in a packaged state. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the packaging body 100 in a partially unfolded state. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the packaging body 100 in an unfolded state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D shown in Fig. 5.

[0026] The package 100 may include an absorbent article 1 and a covering sheet 40. The absorbent article 1 has a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T, which are perpendicular to each other. In the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1, the side that contacts the wearer's lower abdomen is referred to as the "front side," and the side that contacts the wearer's buttocks is referred to as the "rear side." In the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is referred to as the "skin side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side." The absorbent article 1 has a crotch region S2, a front side region S1, and a rear side region S3. The crotch region S2 is a region that is positioned opposite the wearer's excretory opening, such as the vaginal opening. When the absorbent article 1 is worn on a worn article, the crotch region S2 is positioned below the crotch of the worn article and between the wearer's legs. The front side region S1 is located forward of the crotch region S2. The front edge of the front side region S1 defines the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The rear side region S3 is located rearward of the crotch region S2. The rear edge of the rear side region S3 defines the rear edge of the absorbent article 1.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 has at least an absorbent body 3, a topsheet 2, and a backsheet 4, and is elongated. The topsheet 2 is made of any sheet-like material with a liquid-permeable structure, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, or a mesh sheet. The backsheet 4 is a liquid-impermeable sheet. The backsheet 4 can be made of a breathable resin film, or a sheet in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as a spunbond or spunlace fabric. The absorbent core 31 contains an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. The absorbent body 3 has at least the absorbent core 31. The absorbent core 31 may be wrapped by a core wrap sheet 32 ​​(see Figure 7). The absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 31 can be formed, for example, from hydrophilic fibers, pulp, and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). The core wrap sheet 32 ​​can be formed, for example, from a nonwoven fabric or a tissue sheet. As a variant, the absorbent core 31 does not have to be covered by the core wrap sheet 32.

[0028] The absorbent article may have at least one of wings 7 and hip flaps (not shown). The wings 7 may be provided in the crotch region S2. The hip flaps may be provided in the rear region S3. The wings 7 and hip flaps extend outward in the width direction W beyond the absorbent core 31. A topsheet 2 and a backsheet 4 may be disposed on the wings 7. The front edges of the wings 7 are defined by the bases of the wings 7 and correspond to the front of two portions recessed inward in the width direction W. The front edges of the wings 7 may define the boundary between the crotch region S2 and the front region S1. The rear edges of the wings 7 are defined by the bases of the wings 7 and correspond to the rear of two portions recessed inward in the width direction W. The wings 7 are folded toward the topsheet 2 before use, using wing folds connecting the bases of the wings 7 as base points, and are folded back toward the non-skin side T2 of the wearing article during use. The rear edges of the wings 7 may define the boundaries between the crotch region S2 and the rear region S3. In an absorbent article 1 that does not have wings 7, the absorbent article 1 may be divided into three equal regions in the front-to-rear direction L at the longest position in the front-to-rear direction L, and each of the regions may define the front region S1, the crotch region S2, and the rear region S3. The absorbent article 1 of this embodiment has wings 7 but does not have hip flaps.

[0029] In the present invention, the outer portion 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. In the present invention, the inner portion 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. In addition, the front end and rear end refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-back direction L including edges in the front-to-back direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-back direction L. The outer end refers to the front end and rear end, and the outer edge refers to the front edge and rear edge. In addition, the inner side refers to a side that includes the inner edge and extends along the front-to-back direction L. The outer side refers to a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-back direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-back direction L" refers to a direction forming an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-back direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" refers to a direction forming an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 and other figures, the absorbent article 1 has an adhesive portion 60 for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article. The adhesive portion 60 is provided on the non-skin side T2 of the backsheet 4, and is a region provided with fastening means for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article. The adhesive portion 60 may have at least one of a main body adhesive portion 61 for fastening a region overlapping with the absorbent core 31 to the worn article, and wing adhesive portions 62 for fastening the wings 7 to the worn article. The adhesive portion may also have flap adhesive portions (not shown) for fastening hip flaps to the worn article. The main body adhesive portion 61 is provided in a region overlapping with the absorbent core 31 in the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1. In this embodiment, a plurality of main body adhesive portions 61 extend in the front-rear direction L and are provided at intervals in the width direction W. In a modified example, a plurality of main body adhesive portions 61 may extend in the width direction W and be provided at intervals in the front-rear direction L. The wing adhesive part 62 is attached to the surface of the non-skin side T2 of the wing 7, and is fastened to the surface of the non-skin side T2 of the wearing article when the wing 7 is folded back to the non-skin side T2 of the wearing article when worn.

[0031] The covering sheet 40 covers the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article. The covering sheet 40 may be composed of multiple sheets or a single sheet. In the unfolded state, the covering sheet 40 needs to cover at least a portion of the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1, or may cover the entire non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1. At least one covering sheet individually packages the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the covering sheet 40 has at least a packaging sheet 41. The covering sheet 40 of the present invention may be composed of only the packaging sheet 41, or may be composed of the packaging sheet 41 and a main body release sheet 42, or may be composed of the packaging sheet 41 and a wing release sheet 43, or may be composed of the packaging sheet 41, the main body release sheet 42, and the wing release sheet 43. The packaging sheet 41 forms the outer surface of the covering sheet 40 and constitutes the "first covering sheet" of the present invention. The main body release sheet 42 is located inside the first covering sheet and overlaps at least a portion of the first covering sheet, constituting the "second covering sheet" of the present invention. The wing release sheet 43 covers the non-skin side T2 of the wing 7 folded over the skin side T1 of the absorbent article, constituting the "third covering sheet" of the present invention. Here, the "outer surface" refers to the surface located on the outside of the package in the packaged state, that is, the surface located on the outside in the thickness direction. The "inner surface" refers to the surface located on the inside of the package in the packaged state, that is, the surface located on the inside in the thickness direction.

[0032] The packaging sheet 41 is a sheet-like packaging member that individually packages the absorbent article 1 and is removed when the absorbent article 1 is used. The outer edge of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L has an outer packaging end 55 that is located on the outer surface of the packaging body 100 in the packaged state, and an inner packaging end 56 that is located on the inner side of the packaging body 100 in the packaged state. The outer packaging end 55 is along the width direction W and is the part that unfolds first when the packaging body 100 is changed from the packaged state to the unpacked state. The outer packaging end 55 is one of the outer edges of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction that is located on the outer surface of the packaging body in the packaged state, and constitutes the "outer covering end" of the present invention. The inner packaging end 56 is one of the outer edges of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction that is located opposite the outer covering end, and constitutes the "inner covering end" of the present invention. The length of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-to-rear direction L may be longer than the length of the main release sheet 42 in the front-to-rear direction L, and the outer edge of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-to-rear direction L may be located outward in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the main release sheet 42 in the front-to-rear direction L. The packaging sheet 41 may have an extension region RE (see FIG. 6 ) that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction L from the outer edge of the main release sheet 42 in the front-to-rear direction L. Furthermore, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may be longer than the length of the main release sheet 42 in the width direction W, and the outer edge of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may be located outward in the width direction W from the outer edge of the main release sheet 42 in the width direction W.

[0033] A fastening tape 70 may be attached to the outer packaging end 55. The fastening tape 70 is provided to maintain the packaged state of the package 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , the fastening tape 70 has a peelable end 72 that is peeled off from the packaging sheet 41 when opening, and a fixed end 71 that remains attached to the packaging sheet even after opening. When opening, the wearer first grasps the peelable end 72 side of the fastening tape 70 and pulls the fastening tape 70 to unfold the packaging sheet 41. The fastening tape 70 may be arranged across the center of the width direction W of the package 100, and preferably may be arranged overlapping the wrap laminate portion 33 described below. Note that the fastening tape 70 is not necessarily provided. For example, the wearer may grasp the outer packaging end 55 to open the package without providing the fastening tape 70.

[0034] The main body release sheet 42 covers the main body adhesive portion 61 before use and is peeled off from the main body adhesive portion 61 when in use. The main body release sheet 42 is disposed between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article 1. The main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 are joined at a covering joint 90. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 5 etc., the main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 are disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1 in areas other than the wings 7 of the absorbent article 1. The packaging sheet 41 forms the outer surface of the covering sheet 40, and the main body release sheet 42 forms the inner surface of the covering sheet 40. In a modified example, the packaging body 100 may not include the main body release sheet 42, and the main body adhesive portion 61 may detachably cover the packaging sheet 41. In this modified example, the packaging sheet 41 forms both the outer surface and the inner surface of the covering sheet.

[0035] The wing release sheet 43 covers the folded-back wing adhesive portion 62 before use and is peeled off from the wing adhesive portion 62 when in use. The wing release sheet 43 is disposed between the packaging sheet and the absorbent article, at least in the packaged state. In the packaged state shown in FIG. 1 etc., the wing release sheet 43 and packaging sheet 41 are disposed on the skin side T1 of the wing 7 in the area where the wing 7 is disposed. The packaging sheet 41 forms the outer surface of the covering sheet, and the wing release sheet 43 forms the inner surface of the covering sheet. One end of the wing release sheet 43 in the front-to-rear direction L is fixed to the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41 via a wing joint 97. The main body release sheet 42 and the wing release sheet 43 are detachably in contact with the adhesive portion 60. A release-treated sheet can be used as the release sheet, and its material can be paper, plastic film, nylon film, etc.

[0036] The covering sheet 40 has an inner fold along the width direction W, along which the covering sheet 40 is folded so that the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 face each other. The inner fold is a fold that folds the covering sheet 40 toward the inside of the packaging body. The absorbent article 1 is individually packaged in the covering sheet by folding the covering sheet along the inner fold. The inner fold may be a fold that folds only the covering sheet 40, or may be configured so that a separately folded absorbent article is contained in the covering sheet folded along the inner fold. Alternatively, the inner fold may be a fold that folds both the covering sheet 40 and the absorbent article 1, as in the present embodiment. In detail, after the absorbent article 1 is placed on the covering sheet 40 in an unfolded state, the covering sheet 40 and the absorbent article 1 may be folded together using the inner fold as a base point, and the absorbent article may be individually packaged in the covering sheet. A plurality of inner folds may be arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. This embodiment has a first inner fold F1 and a second inner fold F2. The first inner fold F1 constitutes the "foremost inner fold" of the present invention, and the second inner fold F2 constitutes the "rearmost inner fold" of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the area in front of the first inner fold F1 in the unfolded state constitutes the "front region RF" of the present invention, and the area behind the second inner fold F2 in the unfolded state constitutes the "rear region RR" of the present invention.

[0037] The covering sheet is folded around the inner folds to form a "packaged state" in which the absorbent articles 1 are individually packaged by the packaging sheet 41. In contrast, the "unfolded state" of the packaging body 100 is a state in which no inner folds are folded around any of the inner folds, as shown in FIG. 5 . In the unfolded state, the covering sheet 40 may be folded around a fold other than the inner folds (e.g., wing folds or outer folds, described below). FIGS. 1 and 2 show the packaging body in a packaged state, while FIGS. 3 and 4 show the packaging body in a partially unfolded state, unfolded from the packaging state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 around the first inner fold F1. In the partially unfolded state, the covering sheet 40 is not folded around the first inner fold F1, but is folded around the second inner fold F2. FIGS. 5 to 7 show the packaging body in an unfolded state, unfolded from the partially unfolded state shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 around the second inner fold F2. The unfolded package is not folded along the first inner fold F1 or the second inner fold F2. For ease of explanation, FIG. 5 shows a state in which the covering sheet is not folded along the outer fold F4, while FIG. 6 shows a state in which the covering sheet is not folded along the outer fold F4 with a solid line and a state in which the covering sheet is folded along the outer fold F4 with a dotted line. In the packaged state, the outer portions of the covering sheets 40 may be joined via sheet joints 48. The sheet joints 48 are provided on both sides of the width direction of the packaging and join the stacked covering sheets together. The sheet joints 48 may join the sheets together by pressing the covering sheets together and engaging them. The fibers constituting the sheets at the sheet joints 48 are not fused at the sheet joints 48 in covering sheets made of 100% cellulose, but may be fused in covering sheets other than 100% cellulose.

[0038] (3) First Feature of the Package Next, the first feature of the package will be described in detail. The package according to the first feature is configured to prevent moisture and dirt on the hands from adhering to the absorbent article 1 before use, allowing the absorbent article 1 to be used hygienically. Next, the configuration for preventing dirt and the like from adhering to the absorbent article before use and allowing the absorbent article to be used hygienically will be described in detail. The covering sheet 40 contains cellulose-based fibers. Cellulosic fibers are fibers whose main component (e.g., 50% or more) is cellulose, and examples of such fibers include plant fibers such as cotton and hemp, regenerated fibers such as rayon, cupra, and lyocell, and synthetic fibers such as acetate. The covering sheet 40 may be formed from a paper sheet. Cellulosic fibers have high water absorption and hygroscopicity, and by including such cellulose-based fibers in the covering sheet 40, moisture and dirt adhering to fingers, etc., can be absorbed by the covering sheet 40 during the process of unfolding the package 100. Note that in a configuration having multiple covering sheets, at least one covering sheet must contain cellulose-based fibers. In this embodiment, the packaging sheet 41, the main body release sheet 42, and the wing release sheet 43 all contain cellulosic fibers. The water absorption and moisture absorption properties of the cellulose fibers in the main body release sheet 42 and the wing release sheet 43 are lower than those of the cellulose fibers in the packaging sheet 41. The cover sheets that come into contact with the adhesive portion 60 (in this embodiment, the main body release sheet 42 and the wing release sheet 43) are silicone coated, while the cover sheet that does not come into contact with the adhesive portion 60 (in this embodiment, the packaging sheet 41) does not need to be silicone coated.

[0039] The covering sheet 40 has an outer fold F4 along the width direction W, where the covering sheet 40 is folded so that the outer surfaces of the covering sheet 40 face each other. The outer fold F4 is a fold that folds toward the outside of the packaging body 100. The outer fold F4 is located in at least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR. When the wearer unfolds the packaging body 100, the front region RF and the rear region RR of the covering sheet 40 are unfolded using the inner fold as a base point. At least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR of the covering sheet 40 has the outer fold F4 formed therein, and a folded portion 45 that is folded back toward the outside of the packaging body 100 using the outer fold F4 as a base point. The folded portion 45 is a portion folded back outward by the outer fold F4 and is the region between the outer fold F4 and the outer edge of the covering sheet. The wearer can unfold the covering sheet 40 by grasping the folded portion 45 of the covering sheet 40 when unfolding it. The folded-back portion 45 is folded toward the outer surface of the package 100 and is not positioned on the absorbent article 1 side. Therefore, when gripping the covering sheet 40 during unfolding, the wearer can easily grasp only the folded-back portion 45 without grasping the absorbent article 1. The covering sheet 40 contains cellulosic fibers, and can absorb moisture and dirt that adheres to fingers, etc., during unfolding. Furthermore, when wrapping the absorbent article 1 after use in the covering sheet 40 and discarding it, the covering sheet can absorb dirt that adheres to the hands during the wrapping process. Absorbing dirt and other debris on the hands allows the absorbent article to be grasped with hygienic hands and used hygienically. The outer fold F4 may be provided in at least one of the front region RF and the rear region RR. Alternatively, as in the present embodiment, the outer fold F4 may not be provided in one region (the front region RF of this embodiment) and the outer fold F4 may be provided in the other region (the rear region of this embodiment). However, in a modified example, the outer fold may be provided in both the front region RF and the rear region RR.

[0040] The water absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet 40 may be lower than the water absorbency of the outer surface of the covering sheet 40. The outer surface of the covering sheet 40 constitutes the outer surface of the packaging body 100, and the inner surface of the covering sheet 40 abuts the absorbent article 1. Because the outer surface of the covering sheet has high water absorbency, when the outer surface of the packaging body 100 is gripped, the outer surface of the covering sheet can absorb dirt and the like. Furthermore, because the inner surface of the covering sheet has low water absorbency, it is possible to prevent dirt and the like absorbed by the covering sheet 40 from adhering to the absorbent article 1. The inner and outer surfaces of the covering sheet may be formed by the same covering sheet, or, in a configuration in which multiple covering sheets are stacked as in the present embodiment, the inner and outer surfaces of the covering sheet may be formed by different covering sheets. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the covering sheet is formed by a paper packaging sheet containing cellulose-based fibers, and the inner surface of the covering sheet is formed by a main body release sheet 42 that has been laminated (release treated). In this embodiment, the covering sheet is made up of two sheets of different materials, and the absorbency of the inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than that of the outer surface of the covering sheet. Even if the packaging sheet is unable to absorb all the moisture, the main body peel-off sheet 42 suppresses moisture penetration, making it difficult for moisture to reach the absorbent article 1.

[0041] Here, "water absorbency" can be measured by the following method. When the material constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet is different from the material constituting the inner surface of the covering sheet, each of the materials constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet and the material constituting the inner surface of the covering sheet is cut into 50 mm x 50 mm pieces. 0.1 ml of water is dripped onto the surface to be measured of each material, and the test is allowed to continue for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, 10 sheets of filter paper are placed on the surface to be measured of the material, a 525 g weight is placed on the filter paper, and the test is allowed to continue for 10 seconds. The weight of the filter paper that has absorbed the water is measured, and the heavier it is determined that the higher the weight, the higher the water absorbency. Furthermore, when the material constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet is the same as the material constituting the inner surface of the covering sheet, i.e., when both the outer surface and the inner surface of the covering sheet are formed by the packaging sheet 41, two pieces of packaging sheet cut into 50 mm x 50 mm pieces are prepared. One drop of water (0.1 ml each) is dropped onto the outer surface of the packaging sheet and one drop of water (0.1 ml each) onto the inner surface of the packaging sheet, and the total amount of water until the water flows down the surface to be measured is compared. The greater the total amount of water, the higher the water absorbency is determined to be.

[0042] The packaging sheet 41 serving as the first covering sheet may contain cellulose-based fibers. The cellulose-based fibers contained in the first covering sheet can absorb dirt adhering to the outer surface of the package. Therefore, even if the unopened package is gripped with hands that are wet and dirty, the moisture and other impurities can be absorbed by the first covering sheet. The first covering sheet may have an outer fold F4. Cellulose-based fibers can be arranged in a fold-back portion 45 that is folded around the outer fold F4, allowing the first covering sheet to absorb moisture and other impurities adhering to fingers or the like gripping the fold-back portion 45.

[0043] In a wet state where the covering sheet is wet, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L may be higher than the breaking strength of the first covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L. In a wet state, i.e., when the covering sheet has absorbed moisture, the breaking strength of the second covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L is high, which can prevent the covering sheet from breaking when unfolded or disposed of. Even if the breaking strength of the first covering sheet containing cellulose-based fibers is relatively low, the presence of the second covering sheet can prevent the covering sheet from breaking while achieving the effect of absorbing dirt. Furthermore, in a wet state, the breaking strength of the third covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L may be higher than the breaking strength of the first covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L. In a wet state, the breaking strength of the third covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction L is high, which can prevent the covering sheet from breaking when unfolded or disposed of. Even if the breaking strength of the first covering sheet containing cellulose-based fibers is relatively low, the presence of the third covering sheet can prevent the covering sheet from breaking while achieving the effect of absorbing dirt.

[0044] Here, the "wet longitudinal breaking strength" can be measured by the following method. First, the material to be measured is cut into 125 mm x 25 mm pieces, 0.5 ml of water is dripped onto each piece, and the material is left to stand for 5 seconds. This state is called the wet state. Next, a tensile tester (Instron, a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf) Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580-1KN) is used to grip both ends of the wet material in the longitudinal direction with the two chucks of the tensile tester. The distance between the chucks is 100 mm. The load applied to the two chucks is measured while the tensile tester pulls the two chucks at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min) so that the distance between them increases. The load at which the material breaks is called the breaking strength. However, the average value of the breaking strengths of the six materials is calculated as the final breaking strength (N / 25 mm).

[0045] An outer fold F4 may be formed on the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet. In the region outward from the outer fold F4 in the front-rear direction, the third covering sheet may cover a portion of the first covering sheet. The region outward from the outer fold F4 in the front-rear direction is the region outward from the outer fold F4 when the packaging body is not folded along the outer fold, and is the region that becomes the folded portion 45. In this embodiment, it is the region from the outer fold F4 to the outer packaging end 55. In the region outward from the outer fold F4 in the front-rear direction L, a portion of the first covering sheet is covered by the third covering sheet. In the folded portion 45, the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are arranged on the surface that faces the outside of the packaging body. In this embodiment, the outer fold F4 is formed in the packaging sheet 41 as the first covering sheet and the wing release sheet 43 as the third covering sheet. The first covering sheet constitutes both sides of the folded portion 45 that is folded around the outer fold F4. Therefore, when the folded portion 45 is grasped with the fingers, the first covering sheet can efficiently absorb dirt and other debris from the fingers on both the upper and lower surfaces. Furthermore, by partially disposing the third covering sheet, the breaking strength of the folded portion is increased even when the first covering sheet containing cellulosic fibers has a relatively low breaking strength, and the folded portion 45 can be prevented from breaking when grasped and unfolded. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet have outer folds F4, the wing joint 97 may be disposed across the outer folds F4. This increases the rigidity of the portion where the outer folds F4 are formed, stabilizes the position of the outer folds F4, and prevents wrinkles from forming in the folded portion 45.

[0046] The outer edge of the third covering sheet in the width direction W may be located more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the first covering sheet in the width direction W. According to this aspect, the width direction length of the third covering sheet is shorter than the width direction length of the first covering sheet, so that when the wearer visually recognizes the folded portion 45, the presence of the two covering sheets makes it easy for the wearer to recognize the folded portion 45 when unfolding the covering sheet, making it easier for the wearer to grasp the folded portion.

[0047] The outer portion of the first covering sheet in the width direction W may be laminated on the outer portion of the covering sheet 40 and joined to each other by a sheet joint 48. According to this aspect, because the first covering sheet is joined at the sheet joint 48, the first covering sheet is easily maintained in a folded state. This makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the folded portion 45 and to unfold the package from the inner fold by pulling the folded portion 45. Note that in a configuration in which the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet have a folded portion 45, the sheet joint 48 may be positioned outward in the width direction W from the outer edge of the third covering sheet. Similarly, in a configuration in which the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet have a folded portion 45, the sheet joint 48 may be positioned outward in the width direction W from the outer edge of the second covering sheet.

[0048] In a modified example, the third covering sheet may be disposed on the outer edge of the covering sheet together with the outer edge of the first covering sheet. Furthermore, in another modified example, the outer fold F4 may be formed only on the first covering sheet, and not on the third covering sheet. That is, the folded-back portion 45 may be formed only on the first covering sheet. Furthermore, the outer fold F4 may be formed only on the first covering sheet, and not on the second covering sheet, or may be formed on both the first and second covering sheets.

[0049] The outer edge of the covering sheet 40 in the front-to-rear direction L has an outer covering end that is located on the outer surface of the package 100 when the absorbent article 1 is packaged, and an inner covering end opposite the outer covering end. In this embodiment, the outer covering end is constituted by the outer packaging end 55, and the inner covering end is constituted by the inner packaging end 56. A fastening tape 70 that fastens the outer edge of the covering sheet 40 may be attached to the outer covering end. The inner covering end may be folded along an outer fold F4. With this configuration, when unfolding, the wearer can grasp the fastening tape 70 at the outer covering end with one hand and the folded portion 45 with the other hand to unfold the absorbent article 1. When opening the package, the wearer can grasp both ends of the covering sheet 40 in the front-to-rear direction L and unfold the absorbent article 1 without directly touching it, allowing for hygienic use.

[0050] In a modified example, the outer covering edge may be folded along an outer fold F4. That is, a folded-back portion 45 may be formed on the outer surface of the package. According to this modified example, even if the fastening tape 70 is not provided, the wearer can unfold the package 100 by grasping the vicinity of the outer covering edge without directly grasping the absorbent article 1.

[0051] The absorbent article 1 has an outer edge 11 in the front-to-rear direction, located on the outer edge side of the covering edge. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the article is defined by the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The distance L11 in the front-to-rear direction between the outer edge 11 and the outer edge of the covering edge may be longer than the distance L12 in the front-to-rear direction between the outer fold F4 and the inner edge of the covering edge. According to this embodiment, the relatively long distance L11 between the outer edge 11 and the outer edge of the covering edge makes it difficult for a wearer to directly touch the absorbent article 1 when grasping the outer edge of the covering sheet 40 to which the fastening tape 70 is attached, thereby preventing dirt and other contaminants from adhering to the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the relatively short distance L12 in the front-to-rear direction L between the outer fold F4 and the inner edge of the covering edge makes it easier to unfold the folded portion 45.

[0052] In a modified example, the distance L11 in the front-to-rear direction L between the outer end 11 of the article and the outer end of the covering may be shorter than the distance L12 in the front-to-rear direction L between the outer fold F4 and the inner end of the covering. According to this embodiment, the distance L11 in the front-to-rear direction L between the outer end 11 of the article and the outer end of the covering is relatively short, making it difficult for the covering sheet 40 to tear when the wearer grasps the outer end of the covering and applies force to the covering sheet. Furthermore, the distance L12 in the front-to-rear direction L between the outer fold F4 and the inner end of the covering is relatively long, making the folded-back portion 45 more noticeable and easier to grasp, and allowing the wearer to easily grasp and unfold the folded-back portion 45 during unfolding.

[0053] The length of the folded portion 45 in the front-to-rear direction may be shorter than the length of the packaging body 100 in the front-to-rear direction L in the packaged state, but is preferably 50% or less, and more preferably 30% or less, of the length of the packaging body 100 in the front-to-rear direction L in the packaged state. This makes it easier for the folded portion 45 to float up from the outer fold F4 as a base point. Furthermore, the length of the folded portion 45 in the front-to-rear direction L may be 5% or more, and preferably 10% or more, of the length of the packaging body 100 in the front-to-rear direction L in the packaged state. This provides a gripping margin for the folded portion 45, making it easier for the wearer to grip and unfold the folded portion 45.

[0054] The covering joint 90 joining the first and second covering sheets may be located within the region of the front region RF and the rear region RR where the outer fold F4 is provided. When the folded portion 45 is grasped and unfolded, the region of the front region RF and the rear region RR where the outer fold F4 is provided is unfolded. Because the first and second covering sheets are joined within this region, when the folded portion 45 is pulled and unfolded, the covering sheets can be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article 1 without being separated too far from each other. The covering joint 90 of this embodiment includes a first covering joint 91 located between the first inner fold F1 and the outer packaging edge 55, and a second covering joint 92 located between the second inner fold F2 and the outer fold F4. The outer fold F4 is located in the rear region RR, and the second covering joint 92 is located in the rear region RR. Therefore, when the folded portion 45 is grasped and the absorbent article 1 is unfolded around the second inner fold F2, the first and second wrapping sheets are less likely to shift in the rear region RR where force is applied to move the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the first and second wrapping sheets can be moved by applying force to them. This allows the wrapping sheets to be smoothly peeled off from the absorbent article 1.

[0055] The non-bonded region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not bonded may be provided continuously in the front-to-rear direction L between the first inner fold F1 and the second inner fold F2. According to this aspect, since the covering bond portion 90 is not provided between the first inner fold F1 and the second inner fold F2, a region where the adhesive constituting the covering bond portion 90 is not applied or a region where the covering bond portion 90 is not provided and which is easily deformed flexibly is continuously provided. By providing the non-bonded region over a wide range, dirt and the like can be absorbed by the covering sheet over a wide range.

[0056] The length of the folded portion 45 in the front-to-rear direction at one outer side of the folded portion 45 in the width direction W may be different from the length of the folded portion 45 in the front-to-rear direction at the other outer side of the folded portion 45 in the width direction W. The outer side of the folded portion 45 in the width direction W and the outer side of the folded portion 45 in the width direction W are outer sides located on both sides of the center of the package in the width direction W. According to this aspect, the length of the folded portion 45 in the front-to-rear direction L varies, and the front or rear edge of the folded portion 45 is inclined with respect to the width direction. This makes the folded portion 45 more noticeable. Furthermore, because the volume of the space sandwiched between the folded portion 45 and the covering sheet on which the folded portion 45 overlaps changes, it is easier to insert a finger into the space, making it easier to grasp the folded portion 45.

[0057] Next, a method for manufacturing the package 100 configured as described above will be described. Note that the following description of the manufacturing method is one example, and well-known processes can be appropriately adopted for other steps not described below. Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing method of the package. MD in Figure 8 is the conveying direction. CD is the orthogonal direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0058] The manufacturing method according to the first characteristic includes at least a first folding step S31 and a second folding step S32. The conveying direction MD in the first folding step S31 and the second folding step S32 is a second conveying direction MD2. The second conveying direction MD2 is a direction along the width direction of the package. In the first folding step S31, with the absorbent articles 1 arranged on the covering sheet 40, the absorbent articles 1 and the covering sheet 40 are folded together around an inner fold F2 along the width direction W. In this embodiment, with the absorbent articles 1 arranged at intervals in the second conveying direction MD2 on a continuous packaging body 41C in which the packaging sheet 41 serving as the first covering sheet is continuous in the conveying direction MD, the continuous packaging body 41C and the absorbent articles 1 are folded together around the second inner fold F2. In the second folding step S32, the outer end portion of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction L is folded back toward the outer surface of the package 100, starting from the outer fold F4, to form a folded-back portion 45. In the second folding step S32 of this embodiment, the outer end portion 41C1 of the end portion of the continuous package 41C in the cross direction CD, which was folded back in the first folding step S31, is folded back from the outer fold F4. This manufacturing method makes it possible to manufacture a package in which the folded-back portion 45 is formed at the outer end portion of the covering sheet 40 in the front-rear direction L.

[0059] Preferably, the first folding step S31 folds one of the outer ends of the covering sheet 40 in the front-to-rear direction L that is located on the outer fold F4 side, and the second folding step S32 folds both the one outer end of the covering sheet 40 folded in the first folding step S31 and the other outer end of the covering sheet in the front-to-rear direction so as to overlap the area folded in the first folding step. Note that the one outer end of the outer ends of the covering sheet 40 in the front-to-rear direction L that is located on the outer fold F4 side is the outer part that is close to the outer fold F4 when the covering sheet 40 is in a packaged state, in other words, the outer part that forms the folded-back part.

[0060] In this embodiment, in the first folding step S31, one outer end 41C1 of the continuous packing 41C is folded around the second inner fold F2. Then, in the second folding step, one outer end 41C1 of the continuous packing 41C and the other outer end 41C2 of the continuous packing 41C are folded so that they overlap the area folded in the first folding step. In this second folding step S32, the fold along which the one outer end 41C1 of the continuous packing 41C is folded is such that the outer surfaces of the continuous packing 41C face each other, forming an outer fold F4. Furthermore, the fold along which the other outer end 41C2 of the continuous packing 41C is folded is such that the inner surfaces of the continuous packing 41C face each other, forming a first inner fold F1. This allows a fold-back portion 45, folded toward the outside of the packing, to be formed at one end of the covering sheet. In addition, in the second folding step, the inner fold F1 and the outer fold F4 can be formed simultaneously. By forming the inner fold F1 and the outer fold F4 simultaneously, the manufacturing process can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the folds are formed separately, and the folds can be formed to have a stronger crease, making it easier to maintain the shape of the folded-back portion. In a modified example, the inner fold F1 and the outer fold F4 may not be formed simultaneously, but may be formed in separate steps.

[0061] Preferably, the second folding step S32 may fold the third covering sheet together with the first covering sheet. In this embodiment, the continuous package 41C and the wing release sheet 43 may both be folded around the outer fold F4. This configuration allows the first and third covering sheets to be folded around the outer fold F4 and positioned at the folded portion 45. This increases the breaking strength of the folded portion 45 and prevents the folded portion 45 from breaking when the folded portion 45 is grasped and unfolded. Note that the wing release sheet 43 may not be folded in the first folding step S31, but may be folded only in the second folding step S32.

[0062] Preferably, the second folding step S32 may form the folded-back portion 45 by arranging the outer fold F4 at a position overlapping the wing joint 97 that joins the first and third covering sheets. With this configuration, the wing joint 97 is arranged across the outer fold F4 in the front-to-rear direction L. This increases the rigidity of the area where the outer fold F4 is formed, and also prevents the first and third covering sheets from shifting positions when the outer fold F4 is formed, stabilizing the position of the outer fold F4 and preventing wrinkles from forming in the folded-back portion 45.

[0063] (4) Second Feature of the Packaging Body Next, the second feature of the packaging body will be described in detail. The packaging body according to the second feature is configured to prevent the paper packaging sheet from breaking when disposed of, allowing for hygienic disposal of used absorbent articles. Next, the configuration for preventing the paper packaging sheet from breaking when disposed of, allowing for hygienic disposal of used absorbent articles, will be described in detail. The packaging body 100 according to the second feature includes an absorbent article 1 and a packaging sheet 41 that individually packages the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 includes an absorbent core 31 and a core wrap sheet 32. The packaging sheet 41 and the core wrap sheet 32 ​​are made of paper sheets containing cellulose-based fibers. The packaging body 100 according to the second feature includes the packaging sheet 41 and the core wrap sheet 32 ​​made of paper, and can provide an environmentally friendly package for absorbent articles. The paper sheet is manufactured by agglutinating fibers containing cellulose-based fibers, and may be Japanese paper, Western paper, or tissue.

[0064] The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. Absorbent articles using a paper sheet (tissue) as the core wrap sheet 32 ​​have been provided in the past. The core wrap sheet 32 ​​maintains its shape without breaking during normal use. The wearer is aware that the core wrap sheet 32 ​​will not break during normal use. Because the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 is higher than the breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet 32, the wearer is convinced that the packaging sheet 41 is unlikely to break, and can safely discard the paper packaging sheet 41.

[0065] Generally, the length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction L is longer than the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W, and the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L is also longer than the length of the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41. Furthermore, when disposing of the absorbent article 1, the wearer often rolls up the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction L and wraps the rolled-up absorbent article 1 in the packaging sheet 41. Therefore, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L is sufficiently long for the absorbent article 1 in its rolled-up state. However, because the absorbent article 1 is not rolled up in the width direction W when disposed of, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W is not sufficiently long for the absorbent article 1 in its rolled-up state. Therefore, when wrapping the absorbent article 1 for disposal, the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may not be sufficient. In such cases, the packaging sheet 41 is easily pulled in the width direction W. In this case, because the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W is configured to be relatively high, tearing of the packaging sheet 41 when disposed of is suppressed, and the used absorbent article 1 can be disposed of hygienically.

[0066] The "breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet" can be measured by the following method. A tensile tester (Instron - a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf) Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580-1KN) is used. The absorbent article to be tested is frozen with liquid nitrogen, and a cross section along the width direction W is cut with a sharp cutter. The length of the core wrap sheet in the width direction W before it is individually removed from the absorbent article is measured. Next, the adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive) attached to the core wrap sheet is removed with toluene or the like, and the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the air-dried core wrap sheet is measured. The "breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet" is calculated using Equation 1. (Equation 1) Breaking elongation of the core wrap sheet = length stretched in the width direction of the core wrap sheet when breaking elongation is measured / width direction length of the core wrap sheet before it is individually removed from the absorbent article

[0067] The "breaking elongation of packaging sheets" can be measured by the following method. A tensile tester (Instron - a division of ITW Limited, product name: Static Load Cell: 1 kN (100 kgf, 225 lbf) Tension / Compression Mechanical interface, model number: 2580-1KN) is used. The width of the packaging sheet in its packaged state is measured. Next, a sample is prepared in a location where there is little change in the physical properties of the material due to adhesives, embossing, etc., and the breaking elongation is measured. The "breaking elongation of packaging sheets" is calculated using Equation 2. (Equation 2) Breaking elongation of packaging sheets = length stretched in the width direction of the packaging sheet when breaking elongation is measured / width direction length of the packaging sheet in its packaged state

[0068] The breaking elongation was measured by replacing the width direction of the above measurement method with the front-rear direction, and the breaking strength was measured using the breaking strength measurement method for the packaging body of the first feature. The following Table 1 shows the results of a test in which rolled absorbent articles were wrapped using the packaging sheets of Examples 1 to 4 and the packaging sheets of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and whether or not tearing occurred when wrapped. The evaluation test was conducted by five testers. Each tester used the packaging sheet three times for evaluation. In other words, the evaluation test was conducted 15 times for one packaging sheet. If the packaging sheet broke two or fewer times, it was marked with "◎", if it broke five or fewer times, it was marked with "○", and if it broke six or more times, it was marked with "×".

[0069] The breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may be 19% or more and less than 100%. When the packaging sheet 41 is pulled in the width direction W, the packaging sheet 41 can stretch by 19% or more, so that the packaging sheet 41 can wrap an absorbent article while preventing the packaging sheet 41 from breaking when pulled. Furthermore, because the breaking elongation of the packaging sheet 41 is less than 100%, the packaging sheet 41 can apply a wrapping force to the absorbent article without stretching too much, allowing the absorbent article to be wrapped smoothly.

[0070] The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking elongation in the front-rear direction L of the packaging sheet 41. The width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 is shorter than the length of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L, and the packaging sheet 41 is more easily stretched in the width direction W than in the front-rear direction L. In this case, because the packaging sheet 41 is easily stretched in the width direction W, it is possible to prevent the packaging sheet 41 from breaking when wrapping an absorbent article 1 at the time of disposal. Furthermore, because the packaging sheet 41 does not stretch too much in the front-rear direction L, a wrapping force can be applied to the absorbent article 1 without the packaging sheet 41 stretching too much, allowing the absorbent article 1 to be wrapped smoothly.

[0071] The breaking strength of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W may be higher than the breaking strength of the packaging sheet 41 in the front-rear direction L. When discarded, the packaging sheet 41 is more likely to be stretched in the width direction W than in the front-rear direction L. In this case, the packaging sheet 41 is less likely to break in the width direction W, and therefore, breaking of the packaging sheet 41 when wrapping an absorbent article at the time of disposal can be suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, the breaking elongation in the front-to-rear direction L of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​may be higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. The breaking strength in the front-to-rear direction L of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​may be higher than the breaking strength in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. After the absorbent article 1 is attached to a wearing article, when the wearer moves their feet, such as by walking, the absorbent article may stretch and contract in the front-to-rear direction L. In this case, the core wrap sheet 32 ​​has both the elongation and strength to follow this movement, thereby ensuring the basic function of the absorbent article 1.

[0073] The crepe rate in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the crepe rate in the width direction W of the core wrap sheet 32. According to this configuration, since the crepe rate in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 is high, there is room for extensibility when the packaging sheet 41 is pulled in the width direction W, and breakage when pulled in the width direction W can be further suppressed. Here, the crepe rate is a value indicating how much the packaging sheet 41 shortens during creping, with a higher value indicating more shortening during processing. The crepe rate can be measured, for example, by the underwater elongation method. The material to be measured (core wrap sheet and packaging sheet) is cut into 50 mm x 50 mm pieces to prepare a measurement sample. The measurement sample is immersed in water for 10 seconds and then pulled out, and the crepe rate is calculated from the change in dimension using Equation 3. Measurements are performed three times (n = 3), and the average value is taken as the measured value. (Equation 3) Crepe rate (%) = {(dimension after immersion in water) / (dimension before immersion in water) - 1} x 100

[0074] The absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​may be higher than that of the packaging sheet 41. According to this configuration, the relatively high absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​allows bodily fluids to be retained within the absorbent article 1, making it less likely for the fluid to seep out of the absorbent article 1 when disposed of. On the other hand, the low absorbency of the packaging sheet 41 prevents the packaging sheet 41 from retaining too much moisture, preventing the packaging sheet 41 wrapping the absorbent article from becoming sticky when disposed of, allowing for hygienic disposal. The absorbency of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​and the absorbency of the packaging sheet 41 can be measured using the method for measuring the absorbency of a package according to the first feature.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 1 , the packaging sheet 41 may be folded along the width direction W at inner folds F1 and F2, which are formed so that the inner surfaces of the packaging sheet 41 face each other, to individually package the absorbent articles 1. When the absorbent articles 1 are packaged, an outer packaging end 55 of the packaging sheet 41 is disposed on the outer surface of the package 100, and a fastening tape 70 may be attached to the outer packaging end 55. When the package 100 is opened, the fastening tape 70 is grasped and pulled along the front-to-rear direction L to unfold the packaging sheet 41. At this time, the force pulling the packaging sheet 41 via the fastening tape 70 is transmitted via the fixed end 71. When pulled via the fastening tape 70, the packaging sheet 41 does not tear, providing a sense that the packaging sheet 41 is not easily torn, and the paper packaging sheet 41 can be safely disposed of.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, the core wrap sheet 32 ​​may be folded inward in the width direction W from both side edges of the absorbent core 31 as base points, forming a wrap laminated portion 33 where the folded core wrap sheets 32 overlap each other. The length W11 of the wrap laminated portion 33 in the width direction W may be longer than the length W12 of the fixed end 71 in the width direction W. Because the length W of the wrap laminated portion 33 where the core wrap sheets 32 overlap each other is longer than the length W of the fixed end 71 in the width direction W, the wearer feels that the core wrap sheet 32 ​​is less likely to break because it is wider than the fixed end 71, and can use the absorbent article 1 safely without worrying about the core wrap sheet 32 ​​breaking.

[0077] A main body release sheet 42 joined to the packaging sheet 41 via a covering joint 90 may be disposed between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article 1. The packaging sheet 41 and the main body release sheet 42 can wrap the absorbent article 1 at the time of disposal, thereby increasing the rigidity of the wrapping member and preventing the packaging sheet 41 from breaking during disposal. The breaking elongation in the width direction W of the packaging sheet 41 may be higher than the breaking elongation in the width direction W of the main body release sheet 42. As shown in Fig. 6 , the packaging sheet 41, in its unfolded state, may have an extension region RE that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction L beyond the outer edge of the main body release sheet 42 in the front-to-rear direction L. The fixed end 71 may overlap the extension region RE. Since the packaging sheet 41 has a high breaking elongation and the fixed end 71 of the fastening tape 70 is disposed in the extension region RE of the packaging sheet 41, the packaging sheet 41 easily stretches in the extension region when the packaging sheet 41 is pulled via the fastening tape, thereby preventing breakage of the packaging sheet 41 at the time of disposal. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the fixed end 71 overlaps the extension region RE, but preferably the entire fixed end 71 overlaps the extension region RE.

[0078] The covering joints 90 may be provided in the front region RF, which is forward of the foremost inner fold F1, and in the rear region RR, which is rear of the rearmost inner fold F2. In this embodiment, the first covering joint 91 is provided in the front region RF, and the second covering joint 92 is provided in the rear region RR. According to this aspect, the covering joints 90 are each located outward in the front-to-rear direction L from the outermost inner folds in the front-to-rear direction L, so that the main body release sheet 42 and the packaging sheet 41 can be positioned across the inner folds that are outermost in the front-to-rear direction L. When an absorbent article to be discarded is placed between the inner folds that are outermost in the front-to-rear direction L, the absorbent article can be wrapped by the packaging sheet 41 and the main body release sheet.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the packaging sheet 41 has a central region RC located at the center of the width direction W among three equal regions obtained by dividing the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W, and side regions RS located on either side of the three equal regions in the width direction W. The breaking strength of the central region RC in the front-to-back direction L may be higher than the breaking strength of the side regions RS in the front-to-back direction L. Generally, a wearer grips the center of the packaging sheet 41 in the width direction W and pulls the packaging sheet 41 to wrap the absorbent article. The fastening tape 70 is also disposed in the central region RC, and the wearer may grip the fastening tape 70 and pull the packaging sheet 41 to wrap the absorbent article 1. In this case, because the breaking strength of the central region in the front-to-back direction L is high, the absorbent article 1 can be wrapped while preventing the packaging sheet 41 from breaking. Preferably, the packaging sheet 41 is joined by sheet joint portions 48 in the side regions RS, but is not joined by the sheet joint portion 48 in the central region RC. The crepe is fully stretched at the sheet joint portion 48, but the central region RC where the sheet joint portion 48 is not formed still has some stretch, so that the used absorbent article can be neatly rolled up.

[0080] The color difference ΔE between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article may be 3.0 or more. This allows the wearer to easily distinguish between the packaging sheet 41 and the absorbent article, and allows the absorbent article to be disposed of in an appropriate position (e.g., the center) of the packaging sheet 41. When disposed of, the absorbent article is rolled up with the skin-facing side facing inward, and the absorbent article is placed on the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41. Therefore, the color difference ΔE between the non-skin side of the absorbent article and the inner surface of the packaging sheet 41 may be 3.0 or more. The color difference ΔE can be determined by measuring the color of two points (two regions) to be measured using a commercially available colorimeter and comparing the values ​​quantified based on the CIE 1976 (L*a*b*) color space specified in JIS Z 8729. Specifically, when the difference in L* value between the two measurement points is ΔL*, the difference in a* is Δa*, and the difference in b* value is Δb*, the color difference ΔE = [(ΔL*) 2 +(Δa*) 2 +(Δb*) 2 ] 1 / 2 is calculated by

[0081] Next, a method for manufacturing the thus configured package 100 will be described. Note that the following description of the manufacturing method is one example, and for other steps not described below, well-known steps and the steps of the first feature can be adopted as appropriate. The manufacturing method for the package of the second feature is a manufacturing method for a package in which absorbent articles 1 having a core wrap sheet 32 ​​whose breaking elongation in the front-to-rear direction L is higher than that in the width direction W are individually packaged with a packaging sheet 41 whose breaking elongation in the width direction W is higher than that in the front-to-rear direction L. The manufacturing method includes at least a first conveying step S10, a transfer step S20, and a second conveying step S30.

[0082] In the first conveying step S10, the absorbent article 1 having the core wrap sheet 32 ​​is conveyed in a first conveying direction MD1 along the front-to-back direction L. In the first conveying step S10, when the absorbent article 1 is conveyed alone, the absorbent article 1 is conveyed in the first conveying direction MD1 along the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent article 1. In the first conveying step S10, the core wrap sheet 32 ​​is conveyed along the front-to-back direction in which it is easy to stretch, which can prevent defects such as the core wrap sheet 32 ​​becoming wrinkled or breaking.

[0083] In the transfer step S20, a continuous package 41C in which the package sheet 41 is continuous in the width direction W is transported in a second transport direction MD2 along the width direction W, and the absorbent articles 1 transported in the first transport step S10 are turned 90 degrees and transferred onto the continuous package 41C. In this embodiment, the absorbent articles 1 are arranged on the continuous package 41C with intervals in the transport direction MD. The second transport direction MD2 is along the width direction W, and is a direction in which the package sheet 41 is easy to stretch and the core wrap sheet 32 ​​is difficult to stretch.

[0084] In the second conveying step S30, after the transferring step S20, the absorbent articles 1 and the continuous packaging body 41C are conveyed in a second conveying direction MD2 along the width direction W of the absorbent articles 1 and the width direction W of the continuous packaging body 41C. The second conveying step S30 includes a folding step and a cutting step S35. The folding step may be composed of the first folding step S31 and the second folding step S32 in the manufacturing method of the first feature. The folding step results in the absorbent articles 1 being enclosed within the continuous packaging body 41C. In the folding step of the second conveying step S30, the continuous packaging body 41C and the absorbent articles 1 are folded inward in the front-rear direction L, starting from an inner fold along the width direction W. When folded, the core wrap sheet 32 ​​has portions that are locally pulled in the front-rear direction L due to the thickness of the absorbent core 31. At this time, since the core wrap sheet 32 ​​is easily stretched in the front-to-rear direction L, breakage of the core wrap sheet 32 ​​during the folding process can be suppressed.

[0085] In the cutting step S35, after the folding step, the continuous packaging body 41C is cut along cutting lines CL along the front-rear direction L. In the cutting step S35, the continuous packaging body 41C is cut using a cutting device such as a cutter. Individual packaging bodies 100 can be obtained by the cutting step S35. In the cutting step S35, the continuous packaging body (packaging sheet) is cut in the width direction W along the cutting lines CL along the front-rear direction L, and therefore is easily pulled in the width direction W. At this time, because the packaging sheet 41 is easily stretched in the width direction W, the packaging bodies 100 can be manufactured while suppressing breakage of the packaging sheet 41 during cutting.

[0086] Preferably, the first folding step S31 folds one outer end portion of the continuous packing body 41C in the front-to-rear direction L, and the second folding step S32 folds both the one outer end portion of the continuous packing body 41C folded in the first folding step S31 and the other outer end portion of the continuous packing body 41C in the front-to-rear direction L so as to overlap the area folded in the first folding step. In this embodiment, in the first folding step S31, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous packing body 41C is folded around the second inner fold F2. Then, in the second folding step, one outer end portion 41C1 of the continuous packing body 41C and the other outer end portion 41C2 of the continuous packing body 41C are folded so as to overlap the area folded in the first folding step. In this second folding step S32, the crease along which one outer end 41C1 of the continuous packaging body 41C is folded is such that the outer surfaces of the continuous packaging body 41C face each other, forming an outer crease F4. The crease along which the other outer end 41C2 of the continuous packaging body 41C is folded is such that the inner surfaces of the continuous packaging body 41C face each other, forming a first inner crease F1. This allows one end of the packaging sheet 41 to form a folded portion 45 that is folded toward the outside of the packaging body 100. By forming the folded portion 45, one outer end of the packaging sheet 41 is laminated in multiple layers, increasing its rigidity. This makes the packaging sheet 41 less likely to stretch during the folding step, thereby preventing unintended wrinkles from forming in the packaging sheet 41.

[0087] 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 embodied in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the present invention in any way. The first and second features described above can be combined as appropriate. For example, a package may have both the first and second features.

[0088] The folds along which the covering sheet (packaging sheet) and the absorbent article are folded together may include only inner folds along the width direction W, where the inner surfaces of the covering sheets face each other, and may not include front-to-back folds along the front-to-back direction L, where the inner surfaces of the covering sheets face each other. In a configuration with front-to-back folds, when the packaging body is unfolded, it is necessary to unfold the entire area of ​​the covering sheet in the front-to-back direction L, starting from the front-to-back folds. In this case, if hands with moisture or the like are used to unfold the covering sheet from the front-to-back folds, it is not possible to apply force to unfold the covering sheet to the end in the front-to-back direction L, which may result in the covering sheet breaking. The inner folds along the width direction W have a shorter length when unfolded than the front-to-back folds, and force can be applied across the entire fold to unfold the covering sheet while preventing breakage.

[0089] There may be multiple inner folds, and other inner folds may be formed between the first inner fold F1 and the second inner fold F2. However, preferably, the absorbent article may be configured with only the first inner fold and the second inner fold, and no other inner folds may be present. By unfolding the absorbent article using the two inner folds as base points, the cover sheet can be easily removed, and problems such as tearing of the cover sheet during the multiple unfolding process or dirt on the hands transferring to areas other than the cover sheet during the multiple unfolding process can be prevented.

[0090] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-222777, filed on December 28, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] It is possible to provide a package for absorbent articles that prevents moisture and dirt on the hands from adhering to the absorbent article before use, allowing the absorbent article to be used hygienically.

[0092] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100: Package 1: Absorbent article 3: Absorbent body 31: Absorbent core 32: Core wrap sheet 7: Wing 11: Outer end of article 40: Covering sheet 41: Package sheet (first covering sheet) 42: Main body release sheet (second covering sheet) 43: Wing release sheet (third covering sheet) 45: Folded-back portion 48: Sheet joint portion 55: Outer end of packaging (outer covering end) 56: Inner end of packaging (inner covering end) 70: Fastening tape 90: Covering joint portion 97: Wing joint portion 100: Package F1: First inner fold (inner fold) F2: Second inner fold (inner fold) F4: Outer fold RF: Front region RR: Rear region RC: Central region RR: Side region S10 : First conveying step S20: Transferring step S30: Second conveying step S31: First folding step (folding step) S32: Second folding step (folding step) S35: Cutting step L: Front-rear direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. A package for an absorbent article, comprising an absorbent article having front-back and width directions orthogonal to each other, and a covering sheet covering a non-skin side surface of the absorbent article, wherein the covering sheet contains cellulosic fibers, the covering sheet has an inner fold line folded along the width direction and with inner surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, and an outer fold line folded along the width direction and with outer surfaces of the covering sheet facing each other, the absorbent article is individually packaged by the covering sheet when the covering sheet is folded by the inner fold line, and the outer fold line is disposed in at least one of a front region in front of the frontmost inner fold line and a rear region behind the rearmost inner fold line.

2. The package for an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein water absorbency of an inner surface of the covering sheet is lower than water absorbency of an outer surface of the covering sheet.

3. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a second covering sheet located inside the first covering sheet and disposed so as to overlap at least a part of the first covering sheet, the first covering sheet contains the cellulosic fibers and has the outer fold line formed thereon, and in a wet state where the covering sheet is wet, a breaking strength in the front-back direction of the second covering sheet is higher than a breaking strength in the front-back direction of the first covering sheet.

4. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of a wearing article during use and folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use, the covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet, and a third covering sheet covering a non-skin side of the wing folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article, the first covering sheet contains the cellulosic fibers, the outer fold line is formed on the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet, and in a region outside the outer fold line in the front-back direction, the third covering sheet covers a part of the first covering sheet.

5. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein an outer edge in the width direction of the third covering sheet is located on the inner side in the width direction than an outer edge in the width direction of the first covering sheet.

6. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein an outer portion in the width direction of the first covering sheet is laminated at an outer portion of the covering sheet and joined to each other by a sheet joining portion.

7. The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet has a covering outer end located on an outer surface of the packaging body in a state where the absorbent article is packaged and a covering inner end on the side opposite to the covering outer end. A fastening tape for fastening an outer edge of the covering sheet is attached to the covering outer end, and the covering inner end is folded by the outer fold line. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the absorbent article has an article outer end located on the covering outer end side. The distance in the front-rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is longer than the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to claim 7.

9. The outer edge in the front-rear direction of the absorbent article has an article outer end located on the covering outer end side. The distance in the front-rear direction between the article outer end and the covering outer end is shorter than the distance in the front-rear direction between the outer fold line and the covering inner end. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to claim 7.

10. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting an outer surface of the covering sheet and a second covering sheet located inside the first covering sheet and arranged so as to overlap at least a part of the first covering sheet. The covering joint portion for joining the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet is arranged in a region where the outer fold line is provided among the front region and the rear region. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The non-joint region where the first covering sheet and the second covering sheet are not joined is continuously provided in the front-rear direction between the innermost fold line located at the most front side and the innermost fold line located at the most rear side. The packaging body of the absorbent article according to claim 10.

12. The covering sheet has a folded-back portion folded by the outer fold line, and the length of the folded-back portion in the front-rear direction at the outer portion on one side in the width direction of the folded-back portion is different from the length of the folded-back portion in the front-rear direction at the outer portion on the other side in the width direction of the folded-back portion. The package of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. A method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article, which individually packages an absorbent article having a front-rear direction and a width direction orthogonal to each other with a covering sheet covering the non-skin side surface of the absorbent article. The method includes: a first folding step of folding the absorbent article and the covering sheet together with an inner fold line along the width direction as a reference point with the absorbent article disposed on the covering sheet; and a second folding step of folding the outer end portions in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet with an outer fold line as a reference point toward the outer surface of the package to form a folded-back portion.

14. In the first folding step, one outer end portion located on the outer fold line side among the outer end portions in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet is folded. In the second folding step, one outer end portion of the covering sheet folded in the first folding step and the other outer end portion in the front-rear direction of the covering sheet are folded together so as to overlap the region folded in the first folding step. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article according to claim 13.

15. The absorbent article has wings that are folded back to the non-skin side of the wearing article during use and are folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article before use. The covering sheet has a first covering sheet constituting the outer surface of the covering sheet and a third covering sheet covering the non-skin side of the wings folded back to the skin side of the absorbent article. In the second folding step, the outer fold line is disposed at a position overlapping a wing joining portion where the first covering sheet and the third covering sheet are joined to form the folded-back portion. The method for manufacturing a package of an absorbent article according to claim 13.

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