Absorbent article package, continuous body of package, and method for manufacturing package
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNI CHARM CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-21
Smart Images
Figure JP2025038233_21052026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Package of Absorbent Articles, Continuum of Packages, and Method for Manufacturing Package
[0004]
[0001] The present invention relates to a package of absorbent articles packaged with a packaging sheet.
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a package of absorbent articles packaged with a packaging sheet. The package of Patent Document 1 is a so-called pillow packaging. More specifically, the package has a first surface extending in a planar direction extending in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to each other, and a second surface facing the first surface. On the second surface, a first joint portion is formed where packaging sheets folded toward the second surface side with both end edges of the first surface in the first direction as a base point are joined to each other. At both ends of the package in the second direction, second joint portions where the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface are joined are formed. In the region between one second joint portion and the other second joint portion, the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface are not joined to each other and form an accommodation space for the absorbent article.
[0003] In the package configured as described above, the accommodation space is sealed by the first joint portion and the second joint portion. Therefore, there is no escape route for the air in the accommodation space, the volume of the package increases, and the convenience during carrying and transportation may not be improved. In view of such a background, in the package of Patent Document 1, a part of the second joint portion is non-joined, and a ventilation path communicating between the inside and outside of the accommodation space is provided in the second joint portion.
[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-122095
[0005] However, the above-described package of absorbent articles has the following problems. The ventilation path of Patent Document 1 is provided in the second joint portion of the package. The second joint portion is a portion where the packaging sheet on the first surface side and the packaging sheet on the second surface side are joined, and is a portion with relatively high rigidity. Due to the difficulty of deformation of the second joint portion, it may be difficult to vent air through the ventilation path. Further, in a form in which the ventilation path is formed only in one of the second joint portions arranged at both ends of the package in the second direction, there is one air flow path, and it may be difficult to ensure air permeability.
[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a packaging for absorbent articles in so-called pillow packaging that makes it easy to remove air from the containment space and improves convenience during carrying and transport.
[0007] A package for an absorbent article according to one embodiment comprises an absorbent article, a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first direction and a second direction which are mutually orthogonal, and a second surface facing the first surface. The second surface has a first joint formed by joining together the packaging sheets that have been folded toward the second surface, with the edges of the first surface in the first direction as the starting points. At both ends of the packaging in the second direction, a second joint is formed by joining the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface. In the central region between one second joint and the other second joint, the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface are not joined to each other, forming a storage space for the absorbent article. The packaging sheet in the central region has an opening cut portion that forms an opening for opening the storage space, and a ventilation passage that communicates with the inside and outside of the storage space, spaced apart in the planar direction.
[0008] A continuous body of packaging according to one embodiment is a continuous body of multiple packaging bodies of absorbent articles in the second direction, wherein the second joints of adjacent packaging bodies of absorbent articles in the second direction are connected.
[0009] A method for manufacturing a package according to one embodiment comprises an absorbent article and a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the packaging contains the absorbent article in a containment space sandwiched between a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first and second direction which are mutually orthogonal to each other, and a second surface facing the first surface. The method for manufacturing the package comprises a cutting step of forming an opening cut portion that forms an opening for opening the containment space and a ventilation passage that communicates with the inside and outside of the containment space in the packaging sheet; a folding step of folding the packaging sheet toward the second surface using both end edges of the first surface in the first direction as starting points; a joining step of forming a first joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the first direction and a second joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the second direction. In the cutting step, the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion are spaced apart in the planar direction.
[0010] This is a plan view of the packaging for the absorbent article according to the embodiment, as seen from the first side. This is a plan view of the packaging for the absorbent article according to the embodiment, as seen from the second side. This is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 2. This is a schematic enlarged view of portion B shown in Figure 3. This is a perspective view of the continuous body of the packaging for the absorbent article.
[0011] (1) Outline of Embodiments The following matters will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. The packaging for absorbent articles according to Embodiment 1 comprises an absorbent article, a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first direction and a second direction which are orthogonal to each other, and a second surface facing the first surface. The second surface has first joint portions formed by joining together the packaging sheets that have been folded toward the second surface, with the edges of both surfaces of the first surface in the first direction as the starting points. At both ends of the packaging in the second direction, second joint portions are formed by joining together the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface. In the central region between one second joint portion and the other second joint portion, the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface are not joined to each other and form a storage space for the absorbent article. The packaging sheet in the central region has an opening cut portion that forms an opening for opening the storage space, and a ventilation passage that communicates with the inside and outside of the storage space, which are spaced apart in the planar direction.
[0012] The packaging has an opening cut section and a ventilation channel spaced apart in the planar direction. Because the air outlets are located at two separate points, it facilitates the outflow of air to the containment space and ensures good ventilation. Furthermore, the opening cut section and ventilation channel are located in the central region. The packaging sheet in the central region has lower rigidity compared to the packaging sheet at the first and second joints. Therefore, the ventilation channel formed in the packaging sheet 10 deforms flexibly, making it easier to remove air through the ventilation channel. Thus, in so-called pillow packaging for absorbent articles, it is possible to easily remove air from the containment space, improving convenience during carrying and transportation. Also, by removing air from the packaging and compressing it, the volume of the packaging decreases, allowing for a smaller size of cardboard box used for transport and storage. As a result, cardboard costs are reduced, and logistics costs per volume during transport are also reduced, thus improving cost efficiency while providing an environmentally friendly packaging for absorbent articles.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 1: The opening cut portion and the ventilation passage extend along the second direction and are spaced apart in the first direction. The spacing between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage in the first direction is 50% or more of the total length of the packaging in that direction. According to this embodiment, since the spacing between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is more than half of the total length of the packaging in the first direction, the air outlets can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the packaging, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 2. The packaging body has first side regions located at both ends of the region obtained by dividing the packaging body into four equal parts in the first direction. The opening cut portion is provided in one of the first side regions. The ventilation passage is provided in the other first side region. According to this embodiment, the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage can be arranged further apart in the first direction, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging body. Furthermore, in a form in which the length of the absorbent article in the first direction is shorter than the length of the containment space in the first direction, when the absorbent article is arranged biased to one side in the first direction, at least one of the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion will not be covered by the absorbent article. Therefore, air permeability can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 4 may have the following features in the invention according to Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 3: The length of the absorbent article in the second direction is shorter than the length of the containment space in the second direction and shorter than the length of the ventilation passage in the second direction. According to this embodiment, since the length of the absorbent article in the second direction < the length of the containment space in the second direction and the length of the absorbent article in the second direction < the length of the ventilation passage in the second direction are satisfied, when the absorbent article is arranged unevenly in the second direction, at least a portion of the area of the ventilation passage in the second direction is not covered by the absorbent article, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Embodiment 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any of Embodiments 2 to 4: The length of the absorbent article in the second direction is shorter than the length of the containment space in the second direction and shorter than the length of the opening / cutting portion in the second direction. According to this embodiment, since the length of the absorbent article in the second direction < the length of the containment space in the second direction and the length of the absorbent article in the second direction < the length of the opening / cutting portion in the second direction are satisfied, when the absorbent article is unevenly arranged in the second direction, at least a portion of the area of the opening / cutting portion in the second direction is not covered by the absorbent article, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 1: The opening cut portion and the ventilation passage extend in the first direction and are spaced apart in the second direction. The distance between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage in the second direction is 50% or more of the length of the packaging in the two directions. According to this embodiment, since the distance between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is more than half of the total length of the packaging in the second direction, the air outlets can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the packaging, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 6: The packaging body is positioned between the first surface and the second surface and has a side surface that extends in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. At least one of the opening cut section and the ventilation passage is provided on the side surface. Generally, during distribution, packaging bodies for absorbent articles are packed by stacking them on the first surface or the second surface. In this case, the side surface is often not in close contact with the packaging body of the adjacent absorbent article. In this packaging configuration, since the ventilation passage or opening cut section is not blocked, air can be released through the ventilation passage or opening cut section.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 6: One of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is provided on the first surface. The other of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is provided on the second surface. According to this embodiment, by providing the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage on opposing surfaces, regardless of which surface is facing downwards, either the opening cut portion or the ventilation passage can be opened, and air can be released through the ventilation passage or the opening cut portion.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 8. The opening cut portion has cutting lines that penetrate the packaging sheet, spaced apart in the direction in which the opening cut portion extends. The ventilation passage has cutting lines that penetrate the packaging sheet, spaced apart in the direction in which the ventilation passage extends. In the direction in which the opening cut portion extends, the length of the cutting lines in the opening cut portion is longer than the spacing between the cutting lines in the opening cut portion. In the direction in which the ventilation passage extends, the length of the cutting lines in the ventilation passage is shorter than the spacing between the cutting lines in the ventilation passage. According to this embodiment, air can be released through multiple cutting lines in both the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion. In addition, the opening cut portion has a length that is cut longer than the length that is not cut, making it easy to form an opening. On the other hand, in the ventilation passage, since the length that is cut is shorter than the length that is not cut, it is possible to prevent unintentional opening while ensuring ventilation, and the risk of foreign matter entering can be suppressed.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 9. The ventilation passage includes a first ventilation passage and a second ventilation passage arranged at a distance from the first ventilation passage in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first ventilation passage extends. According to this embodiment, ventilation can be further improved by providing the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 11 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 10: The distance between the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage in the orthogonal direction may be 50% or more of the length of the packaging body in the orthogonal direction. According to this embodiment, since the distance between the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage is more than half of the total length of the packaging body in the orthogonal direction, the ventilation passages can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the packaging body, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging body.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 11: The ventilation passage has a cutting line that penetrates the packaging sheet. In a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ventilation passage extends, the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the cutting line protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body. According to this embodiment, since the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the cutting line of the ventilation passage protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body, it is easier to guide the air in the containment space out of the containment space and to remove the air from the containment space more easily.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 13 may have the following features in the invention according to any of embodiments 1 to 12: The opening cut portion has a cutting line that penetrates the packaging sheet. In a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the opening cut portion extends, the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the opening cut portion protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body. According to this embodiment, since the edge of the packaging sheet protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body along the cutting line of the opening cut portion, when the outer surface of the packaging body is touched, the position of the opening cut portion can be grasped by touch by touching the protruding portion with the hand, thereby improving convenience when opening.
[0025] In the continuous packaging according to embodiment 14, a plurality of absorbent article packaging bodies are connected in the second direction, and the second joints of adjacent absorbent article packaging bodies in the second direction are connected. In the continuous body, adjacent absorbent article packaging bodies are separated by the second joints, and the overall volume of the continuous body increases as the storage spaces of each packaging body are stacked, which may make it inconvenient to carry and transport. However, since each packaging body is provided with an opening cut section and a ventilation passage, the overall volume of the continuous body can be reduced by removing the air from each storage space, thereby improving convenience during carrying and transport.
[0026] A method for manufacturing a package according to embodiment 15 is a method for manufacturing a package for an absorbent article, comprising an absorbent article and a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the package contains the absorbent article in a containment space sandwiched between a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first and second direction which are mutually orthogonal to each other, and a second surface facing the first surface. The method for manufacturing a package includes a cutting step of forming an opening cut portion that forms an opening for opening the containment space and a ventilation passage that communicates with the inside and outside of the containment space in the packaging sheet; a folding step of folding the packaging sheet toward the second surface using both end edges of the first surface in the first direction as starting points; a joining step of forming a first joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the first direction and a second joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the second direction. In the cutting step, the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion are spaced apart in the planar direction. According to this manufacturing method, the packaging can be provided with an opening / cutting section and a ventilation channel spaced apart in the planar direction. Since there are two air outlets spaced apart, it is possible to promote the outflow of air to the outside of the containment space and ensure ventilation.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 16 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 15: After the joining step, a pressing step is provided in which a pressing member is applied to one of the first surface and the second surface to press the packaging in the thickness direction. In the pressing step, the pressing member is brought into contact with an area that does not overlap with at least one of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage. According to this embodiment, the pressing step removes air from the containment space and reduces the volume of the packaging during manufacturing. Furthermore, by applying the pressing member to an area that does not overlap with at least one of the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion, air from the containment space can be removed by the pressing step without the pressing member blocking at least one of the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 17 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 15 or embodiment 16. The cutting step involves applying a cutter from the inner side to the outer side of the packaging to cut the packaging sheet. According to this embodiment, the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the cutting line that constitutes at least one of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage can be formed to protrude toward the outer side of the packaging, making it easier to guide the air in the containment space out of the containment space and to remove the air from the containment space more easily.
[0029] (2) Packaging for absorbent article according to the embodiment Hereinafter, the packaging for the absorbent article according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "packaging") 100 will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of each dimension etc. may differ from those of reality. Therefore, specific dimensions etc. should be determined by referring to the following explanation. In addition, there may be parts where the relationships and ratios of dimensions differ between drawings. The absorbent article may be an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, a sanitary napkin used attached to a wearable article, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, a fecal pad, or a shorts-type sanitary napkin. The absorbent article 1 of the embodiment is a disposable diaper.
[0030] Figure 1 is a plan view of the packaging 100 as seen from the first surface 101. Figure 2 is a plan view of the packaging 100 as seen from the second surface 102. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part B shown in Figure 3. The packaging 100 may contain several (one to three) absorbent articles. The packaging 100 may be distributed with multiple items contained within the package and carried as individual packaging when in use, or it may be distributed as individual packaging and carried as individual packaging when in use. The packaging 100 distributed as individual packaging may be displayed in stores as individual packaging, displayed in stores as a continuous body 200 as described later, or provided by vending machines as individual packaging. The packaging 100 of this embodiment contains one absorbent article, is distributed in a continuous form, and is sold as individual packaging 100s. The continuous form will be described in detail later.
[0031] The absorbent article 1 comprises at least an absorbent core (not shown), a surface sheet, and a back sheet. The surface sheet is made of any sheet-like material having a structure that allows liquid to pass through. The back sheet is a liquid-impermeable sheet. The absorbent core has an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. The absorbent article 1 may be contained in the packaging sheet 10 in a folded state, or in an unfolded state. The absorbent article 1 may be placed in the packaging body 100 without being fixed to the packaging sheet 10.
[0032] The packaging sheet 10 is a sheet for packaging the absorbent article 1. The packaging sheet 10 may be a resin film, preferably a thermoplastic resin film, and its thickness may be 40 μm to 70 μm. In this embodiment, the packaging sheet 10 is a polypropylene resin film, and its thickness is 40 μm.
[0033] The packaging 100 has a first surface 101 extending in a planar direction including a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 which are mutually orthogonal, and a second surface 102 facing the first surface 101. The packaging 100 may have a side surface 103 between the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 that extends in the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1. The side surface 103 may be a surface located in a region extending in a planar direction from the absorbent article when the first surface 101 or the second surface 102 of the packaging 100 is placed on a flat surface. The second surface 102 has a first joint portion 110 formed where two packaging sheets 10 folded towards the second surface 102 are joined together, with both end edges of the first direction D1 of the first surface 101 as the starting points. The first joint portion 110 may be formed continuously over the entire area of the second direction D2 of the packaging 100.
[0034] At both ends of the second direction D2 of the packaging body 100, second joints 120 are formed where the packaging sheet 10 of the first surface 101 and the packaging sheet 10 of the second surface 102 are joined. The second joints 120 are formed by joining the overlapping packaging sheets 10 at both ends of the second direction D2 of the packaging body 100, with the packaging sheets 10 folded towards the second surface 102 side, using both end edges of the first direction D1 of the first surface 101 as the starting point. In this type of packaging, the sheets folded along both side edges of the packaging body 100 are joined together, and then the sheets at the ends in a direction perpendicular to the side edges are joined together to contain the contents inside; this is so-called pillow packaging. The first joints 110 and the second joints 120 can be formed by joining the packaging sheets 10 together, for example, by welding such as heat welding.
[0035] The second joints 120 are spaced apart in the second direction D2. In the central region RC between one second joint 120 and the other second joint 120, the packaging sheet 10 on the first surface 101 and the packaging sheet 10 on the second surface 102 are not joined to each other, forming a storage space S for the absorbent article. The absorbent article 1 is housed within the storage space S.
[0036] The packaging body 100 has first side regions RS located at both ends of the first direction D1, among the regions obtained by dividing the packaging body 100 into four equal parts in the first direction D1. The first side regions RS include a region extending inward from one outer edge of the packaging body 100 in the first direction D1, and a region extending inward from the other outer edge of the packaging body 100 in the first direction D1.
[0037] The packaging 100 of this embodiment is configured to facilitate the removal of air from the containment space S, thereby improving convenience during carrying and transport. Next, the configuration for facilitating the removal of air from the containment space S and improving convenience during carrying and transport will be described in detail. The packaging sheet 10 of the central region RC is provided with an opening cut section 20 and a ventilation passage 30 spaced apart in the planar direction. The opening cut section 20 is a cut section that forms an opening for opening the containment space S. The opening cut section 20 is a cut section that penetrates the packaging sheet 10 in the thickness direction, and is composed of, for example, perforations. The opening cut section 20 is not cut before use (during distribution), and is cut by the user at the time of use to form an opening for putting in and taking out absorbent articles. The ventilation passage 30 is configured to connect to the inside and outside of the containment space S, and is a cut section that penetrates the packaging sheet 10 in the thickness direction T, and is composed of, for example, holes or perforations.
[0038] The packaging body 100 is provided with an opening cut section 20 that forms an opening and a ventilation passage 30, which are spaced apart in the planar direction. The configuration in which the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 are spaced apart in the planar direction is sufficient if they are spaced apart when the packaging sheet 10 is unfolded (when it is not folded with the outer edge in the first direction of the packaging body as the base point), and also includes a configuration in which they are arranged overlapping when formed into the packaging body 100.
[0039] According to this embodiment, since the packaging body 100 has two air outlets (opening cut section 20 and ventilation passage 30) located apart from each other, it is easy to promote the outflow of air to the outside of the containment space S and ensure ventilation. Furthermore, the opening cut section 20 and ventilation passage 30 are located in the central region RC. The packaging sheet 10 in the central region RC has lower rigidity compared to the packaging sheet 10 at the first joint section 110 and the second joint section 120. Therefore, the ventilation passage 30 formed in the packaging sheet 10 deforms flexibly, making it easier to remove air through the ventilation passage 30. Thus, it is possible to make it easier to remove air from the containment space S in the so-called pillow packaging body 100, improving convenience during carrying and transportation. In addition, by removing the air from inside the packaging body 100 and compressing it, the volume of the packaging body 100 is reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the corrugated cardboard box used for transportation and storage. As a result, cardboard costs are reduced, and logistics costs per unit volume during transportation are also lowered, thus improving cost efficiency while providing an environmentally friendly packaging material 100.
[0040] The following describes preferred configurations. The opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 extend along the second direction D2 and are spaced apart in the first direction D1. Both the opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 extend along the second direction D2. In this embodiment, the configuration extending along a predetermined direction includes not only configurations parallel to the predetermined direction but also configurations inclined at an angle of 5 degrees or less with respect to the predetermined direction. The opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 are spaced apart in the first direction D1, and this spacing may be 50% or more of the total length of the packaging body 100 in the first direction D1. The spacing between the opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 may vary or may be constant. In the configuration where the spacing between the opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 varies, the maximum spacing should be 50% or more of the length. According to this embodiment, since the distance between the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 is more than half of the total length of the package 100 in the first direction D1, the air outlets can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the package 100, and the air permeability can be improved throughout the entire planar direction of the package 100.
[0041] The opening cut section 20 may be provided in one first side region RS, and the ventilation passage 30 may be provided in the other first side region RS. According to this embodiment, the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 can be arranged further apart in the first direction D1, improving air permeability over the entire planar direction of the packaging 100. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 is shorter than the length of the containment space in the first direction D1, when the absorbent article is biased to one side in the first direction D1, at least one of the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20 will not be covered by the absorbent article. Therefore, air permeability can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article.
[0042] The length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 may be shorter than the length of the containment space S in the second direction D2, and may also be shorter than the length of the ventilation passage 30 in the second direction D2. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 is the maximum length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 when contained within the packaging 100. The length of the containment space S in the second direction D2 is the distance between the inner edges of the second joints 120 located at both ends of the second direction D2, and is the length of the central region RC in the second direction D2. In order to satisfy the conditions that the length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 < the length of the containment space in the second direction D2, and the length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 < the length of the ventilation passage 30 in the second direction D2, when the absorbent article is unevenly arranged in the second direction D2, at least a portion of the ventilation passage 30 in the second direction D2 will not be covered by the absorbent article, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the ventilation passage 30 may be formed over the entire area of the packaging 100 in the second direction.
[0043] The length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 may be shorter than the length of the containment space S in the second direction D2, and may also be shorter than the length of the opening / cutting section 20 in the second direction D2. In order to satisfy the conditions that the length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 < the length of the containment space S in the second direction D2, and the length of the absorbent article 1 in the second direction D2 < the length of the opening / cutting section 20 in the second direction D2, when the absorbent article 1 is unevenly positioned in the second direction D2, at least a portion of the area of the opening / cutting section 20 in the second direction D2 will not be covered by the absorbent article 1, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the opening / cutting section 20 may be formed over the entire area of the packaging body 100 in the second direction.
[0044] At least one of the unsealing cut portion 20 and the ventilation path 30 may be provided on the side surface 103. Generally, during distribution, the package 100 is laminated and packed on the first surface 101 or the second surface 102. At this time, the side surface 103 is often not in close contact with the adjacent package 100. Since the ventilation path 30 or the unsealing cut portion 20 is not blocked in this packing form, air can be exhausted through the ventilation path 30 or the unsealing cut portion 20. Also, in the manufacturing process of the package 100, the package 100 may be pressed in the thickness direction to exhaust the air inside the package 100. This air exhausting process is generally performed by pressing the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 closer to each other by a pressing member. At this time, since it is difficult for the pressing member to contact the side surface 103, air can be exhausted through the ventilation path 30 or the unsealing cut portion 20.
[0045] In another form, one of the unsealing cut portion 20 and the ventilation path 30 may be provided on the first surface 101, and the other of the unsealing cut portion 20 and the ventilation path 30 may be provided on the second surface 102. According to this aspect, by providing the unsealing cut portion 20 and the ventilation path 30 on the opposing surfaces respectively, either the unsealing cut portion 20 or the ventilation path 30 can be opened regardless of which surface is placed downward, and air can be exhausted through the ventilation path 30 or the unsealing cut portion 20. In yet another form, both the unsealing cut portion 20 and the ventilation path 30 may be provided on one of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102.
[0046] The ventilation passage 30 has a cutting line 30C that penetrates the packaging sheet 10. The cutting line 30C may be a single continuous line, or a plurality of them may be arranged at intervals. In a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet 10 along the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends, the edge of the packaging sheet 10 surrounding the cutting line 30C may protrude toward the outer surface side of the package 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. 3 and is a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet 10 along the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends. As shown in FIG. 4, the edges of the packaging sheet 10 on both sides sandwiching the cutting line 30C protrude toward the outside of the package 100. According to this aspect, since the edge of the packaging sheet 10 surrounding the cutting line 30C of the ventilation passage 30 protrudes toward the outer surface side of the package 100, it is easy to guide the air in the accommodation space S to the outside of the accommodation space S, and it becomes easier to extract the air in the accommodation space S.
[0047] The opening cut portion 20 may have a cutting line 20C that penetrates the packaging sheet 10. In a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet 10 along the orthogonal direction orthogonal to the direction in which the opening cut portion 20 extends, the edge of the packaging sheet 10 surrounding the opening cut portion 20 may protrude toward the outer surface side of the package 100. According to this aspect, since the edge of the packaging sheet 10 of the cutting line 20C of the opening cut portion 20 protrudes toward the outer surface side of the package 100, when touching the outer surface of the package 100, by touching the protruding portion with the hand, the position of the opening cut portion 20 can be grasped by the sense of touch, and the convenience at the time of opening can be improved.
[0048] The cutting line 20C of the opening cut portion 20 may be provided at intervals in the direction in which the opening cut portion 20 extends. The cutting line 30C of the ventilation passage 30 may be provided at intervals in the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends. According to this aspect, in both the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut portion 20, air can be extracted through a plurality of cutting lines. The direction in which the opening cut portion 20 of the present embodiment extends and the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends are both the second direction D2, and the cutting line 20C of the opening cut portion 20 and the cutting line 30C of the ventilation passage 30 are both arranged at intervals in the second direction D2.
[0049] In the direction in which the opening cut section 20 extends, the length of the cutting line 20C of the opening cut section 20 may be longer than the spacing between the cutting lines 20C of the opening cut section 20. Also, in the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends, the length of the cutting line 30C of the ventilation passage 30 may be shorter than the spacing between the cutting lines 30C of the ventilation passage 30. The opening cut section 20 has a longer cut length than the uncut length, making it easier to form an opening. On the other hand, the ventilation passage 30 has a shorter cut length than the uncut length, which ensures ventilation while preventing unintentional opening and suppressing the risk of foreign matter entering.
[0050] (3) Modified Packaging Next, a modified packaging will be described. In describing the modified packaging, the same reference numerals will be used to indicate components similar to those of the packaging 100 of the above-described embodiment, and their description will be omitted. Furthermore, the packaging according to the present invention is not limited to the configurations of each embodiment and modified example, and the configurations of each packaging can be combined.
[0051] The packaging according to Modification 1 differs from the embodiment described above in the direction in which the opening cut section 20 extends and the direction in which the ventilation passage 30 extends. The opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 in Modification 1 extend in a first direction D1 and are spaced apart in a second direction D2. The distance between the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 in the second direction D2 may be 50% or more of the length of the packaging in the second direction D2. With this configuration, since the distance between the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 is more than half of the total length of the packaging in the second direction D2, the air outlets can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the packaging, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging.
[0052] In the modified form 1 of the packaging, the opening cut section 20 is provided in one of the second side regions located at both ends of the second direction D2, out of the region obtained by dividing the packaging into four equal parts in the second direction D2, and the ventilation passage 30 may be provided in the other second side region. According to this embodiment, the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 can be arranged further apart in the second direction D2, and the air permeability can be improved over the entire planar direction of the packaging.
[0053] In Modification 1, the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 may be shorter than the length of the containment space in the first direction D1 and shorter than the length of the ventilation passage 30 in the first direction D1. According to this embodiment, since the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 < the length of the containment space in the first direction D1 and the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 < the length of the ventilation passage 30 in the first direction D1 are satisfied, when the absorbent article is unevenly arranged in the first direction D1, at least a portion of the area of the ventilation passage 30 in the first direction D1 will not be covered by the absorbent article, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the ventilation passage 30 may be formed over the entire area of the packaging body 100 in the first direction.
[0054] In Modification 1, the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 may be shorter than the length of the containment space in the first direction D1 and shorter than the length of the opening / cutting section 20 in the first direction D1. Since the conditions that the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 < the length of the containment space in the first direction D1 and the length of the absorbent article in the first direction D1 < the length of the opening / cutting section 20 in the first direction D1 are met, when the absorbent article is unevenly distributed in the first direction D1, at least a portion of the area of the opening / cutting section 20 in the first direction D1 will not be covered by the absorbent article, and ventilation can be ensured regardless of the arrangement of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the opening / cutting section 20 may be formed over the entire area of the packaging body 100 in the first direction.
[0055] The packaging according to Modification 2 has a plurality of ventilation passages 30. More specifically, the ventilation passages 30 include a first ventilation passage and a second ventilation passage that is spaced apart from the first ventilation passage in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first ventilation passage extends. According to this embodiment, ventilation can be further improved by providing the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage. Both the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage may be spaced apart from the opening cut section 20.
[0056] In Modification 2, the orthogonal distance between the first and second ventilation passages may be 50% or more of the orthogonal length of the packaging. According to this embodiment, since the distance between the first and second ventilation passages is more than half of the total length of the packaging in the orthogonal direction, the ventilation passages can be arranged without bias in the planar direction of the packaging, and air permeability can be improved throughout the entire planar direction of the packaging.
[0057] (4) Continuous Packaging Body According to the Embodiment Next, with reference to Figure 5, a continuous packaging body (hereinafter referred to as "continuous body") 200 according to the embodiment will be described. In Figure 5, the continuous body 200 consists of multiple packaging bodies 100 connected in a second direction D2. The number of packaging bodies 100 is not limited and may be two or more. Cutting lines 210 are formed between the packaging bodies 100 of the continuous body 200. The continuous body 200 is displayed in stores and is configured so that a predetermined number of packaging bodies 100 can be cut off via the cutting lines 210 to provide a predetermined number of packaging bodies 100.
[0058] In the second direction D2, the second joints 120 of adjacent packaging bodies 100 are connected. Each packaging body 100 is provided with an opening / cutting section 20 and a ventilation passage 30. Adjacent packaging bodies 100 are separated by the second joints 120, and the stacking of the storage spaces S of each packaging body 100 increases the overall volume of the continuous body 200, which may make it inconvenient to carry and transport. However, since each packaging body 100 is provided with an opening / cutting section 20 and a ventilation passage 30, the overall volume of the continuous body 200 can be reduced by removing the air from each storage space S, thereby improving convenience during carrying and transport.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the opening and cutting portions 20 of adjacent packaging bodies 100 in the second direction D2 may be connected. According to this embodiment, air can be removed across adjacent packaging bodies 100, and the overall volume of the continuous body can be reduced. Also in a preferred embodiment, the ventilation passages 30 of adjacent packaging bodies 100 in the second direction D2 may be connected. According to this embodiment, air can be removed across adjacent packaging bodies 100, and the overall volume of the continuous body 200 can be reduced.
[0060] (5) Method for Manufacturing a Packaging According to an Embodiment Next, a method for manufacturing a packaging according to an embodiment will be described. In the following description, the steps that are characteristic of the manufacturing method of this embodiment will be described, and other steps can be those of well-known manufacturing methods. The method for manufacturing a packaging comprises at least a cutting step, a folding step, and a joining step. The cutting step forms an opening cut section 20 that forms an opening for opening the containment space S, and a ventilation passage 30 that communicates with the inside and outside of the containment space S, on the packaging sheet 10. The cutting step may be provided upstream of the folding step in the transport direction. The cutting step uses a cutter to form a cutting line or hole that penetrates the packaging sheet 10. The cutting step may form the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 simultaneously or separately. The cutting step may form the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 along the transport direction while transporting the packaging sheet 10 in the transport direction.
[0061] The folding process involves folding the packaging sheet 10 towards the second surface 102, using both ends of the first surface 101 in the first direction D1 as the starting points. The folding process may involve folding the packaging sheet 10 in which the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 are formed. The folding process involves folding the packaging sheet 10 so that the folded packaging sheets 10 overlap each other.
[0062] The joining process forms a first joint 110 formed by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet 10 in a first direction D1, and a second joint 120 formed by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet 10 in a second direction D2. The joining process may form the first joint by welding means such as heat welding, or by adhesive means such as adhesive, and the second joint 120 may be formed by welding means. The joining process may form the second joint 120 after forming the first joint 110.
[0063] The cutting process involves providing the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20 spaced apart in the planar direction. The cutting process is performed before the folding process, so that the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20 are spaced apart in the planar direction. Therefore, in the folded state after the folding process, the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20 may overlap in the thickness direction (they may not be spaced apart in the planar direction). According to this manufacturing method, the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 can be provided in the packaging 100 spaced apart in the planar direction. Since there are two air outlets spaced apart, it is possible to promote the outflow of air to the outside of the containment space S and ensure ventilation.
[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the manufacturing method may include a pressing step after the joining step, in which a pressing member is applied to one of the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 to press the packaging body 100 in the thickness direction. The pressing step may involve applying the pressing member to an area that does not overlap with at least one of the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30. By providing a pressing member, air can be removed from the containment space, reducing the volume of the packaging body 100 during manufacturing. Furthermore, by applying the pressing member to an area that does not overlap with at least one of the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20, air can be removed from the containment space by the pressing step without the pressing member blocking at least one of the ventilation passage 30 and the opening cut section 20.
[0065] More preferably, the pressing step may involve contacting the pressing member with an area that does not overlap with both the opening / cutting section 20 and the ventilation passage 30. Generally, air tends to accumulate more easily in the containment space S in the downstream area of the packaging 100 in the transport direction compared to the upstream area of the packaging 100 in the transport direction. Therefore, the pressing step may involve applying the pressing member so as to contact at least the downstream area of the packaging 100 in the transport direction. Furthermore, by arranging at least one of the ventilation passage 30 and the opening / cutting section 20 along the transport direction, an air vent can be provided in the downstream area of the packaging 100 in the transport direction, allowing air to be removed from the downstream area of the packaging 100 in the transport direction, where air tends to accumulate relatively easily. Note that the pressing step may be configured to press individual packaging to remove air, or to press multiple packaging stacked together to remove air.
[0066] Preferably, the cutting process may involve applying a cutter to the packaging sheet 10 from the inner side to the outer side of the packaging body 100 to cut the packaging sheet 10. The cutting line formed by applying the cutter from the inner side to the outer side of the packaging body 100 may be at least one of the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30, but preferably it may be both the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30. According to this embodiment, the edge of the packaging sheet 10 surrounding the cutting line that constitutes at least one of the opening cut section 20 and the ventilation passage 30 can be formed to protrude toward the outer side of the packaging body 100, making it easier to guide the air in the containment space out of the containment space S and to remove the air from the containment space S more easily.
[0067] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the embodiments described above, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description herein is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be restrictive in any way to the present invention.
[0068] Furthermore, the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-197919, filed on November 13, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.
[0069] This provides a packaging material for absorbent articles that allows for easy removal of air from the storage space, improving convenience during transport and handling.
[0070] 1: Absorbent article 10: Packaging sheet 20: Opening cut section 30: Ventilation channel 100: Packaging for absorbent article 101: First surface 102: Second surface 103: Side surface 110: First joint 120: Second joint 200: Continuum of the packaging RC: Central region RS: First side region S: Containment space D1: First direction D2: Second direction T: Thickness direction
Claims
1. A package for an absorbent article comprising: an absorbent article; a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article; a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first direction and a second direction that are mutually orthogonal to each other; and a second surface facing the first surface, wherein the second surface has first joint portions formed by joining together the packaging sheets that have been folded toward the second surface, with the edges of both surfaces of the first surface in the first direction as the starting point; second joint portions formed at both ends of the package in the second direction by joining together the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface; in a central region between one second joint portion and the other second joint portion, the packaging sheet of the first surface and the packaging sheet of the second surface are not joined to each other, forming a storage space for the absorbent article; and in the packaging sheet of the central region, an opening cut portion forming an opening for opening the storage space and a ventilation passage communicating to the inside and outside of the storage space are provided spaced apart in the planar direction.
2. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage extend along the second direction and are spaced apart in the first direction, and the distance between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage in the first direction is 50% or more of the total length of the packaging in the first direction.
3. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the packaging has first side regions located at both ends in the first direction of a region obtained by dividing the packaging into four equal parts in the first direction, the opening cut portion is provided in one of the first side regions, and the ventilation passage is provided in the other first side region.
4. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the length of the absorbent article in the second direction is shorter than the length of the containment space in the second direction and shorter than the length of the ventilation passage in the second direction.
5. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the length of the absorbent article in the second direction is shorter than the length of the containment space in the second direction and shorter than the length of the opening cut portion in the second direction.
6. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage extend in the first direction and are spaced apart in the second direction, and the distance between the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage in the second direction is 50% or more of the length of the packaging in the two directions.
7. The packaging body for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the packaging body has a side surface positioned between the first surface and the second surface and extending in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, and at least one of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is provided on the side surface.
8. The packaging for absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is provided on the first surface, and the other of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage is provided on the second surface.
9. The packaging for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening cut portion has cutting lines that penetrate the packaging sheet, spaced apart in the direction in which the opening cut portion extends, the ventilation passage has cutting lines that penetrate the packaging sheet, spaced apart in the direction in which the ventilation passage extends, the length of the cutting lines in the opening cut portion is longer than the spacing of the cutting lines in the opening cut portion, and the length of the cutting lines in the ventilation passage is shorter than the spacing of the cutting lines in the ventilation passage in the direction in which the ventilation passage extends.
10. The packaging for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation passage comprises a first ventilation passage and a second ventilation passage arranged at a distance from the first ventilation passage in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first ventilation passage extends.
11. The packaging for an absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein the distance between the first ventilation passage and the second ventilation passage in the orthogonal direction is 50% or more of the length of the packaging in the orthogonal direction.
12. The packaging for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ventilation passage has a cutting line that penetrates the packaging sheet, and in a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the ventilation passage extends, the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the cutting line protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body.
13. The packaging for an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening cut portion has a cutting line that penetrates the packaging sheet, and in a cross-sectional view of the packaging sheet along a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the opening cut portion extends, the edge of the packaging sheet surrounding the opening cut portion protrudes toward the outer surface of the packaging body.
14. The packaging for absorbent articles according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is a continuum of a plurality of continuous packaging bodies in the second direction, wherein the second joints of adjacent packaging bodies for absorbent articles in the second direction are connected.
15. A method for manufacturing a packaging for an absorbent article, comprising an absorbent article and a packaging sheet for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the packaging contains the absorbent article in a containment space sandwiched between a first surface extending in a planar direction including a first and second direction which are mutually orthogonal to each other, and a second surface facing the first surface, the method comprising: a cutting step of forming an opening cut portion that forms an opening for opening the containment space and a ventilation passage that communicates with the inside and outside of the containment space in the packaging sheet; a folding step of folding the packaging sheet toward the second surface using both end edges of the first surface in the first direction as starting points; and a joining step of forming a first joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the first direction and a second joining portion by joining both ends of the folded packaging sheet in the second direction, wherein the cutting step provides the ventilation passage and the opening cut portion spaced apart in the planar direction.
16. The method for manufacturing a package according to claim 15, further comprising a pressing step after the joining step, in which a pressing member is applied to one of the first surface and the second surface to press the package in the thickness direction, wherein the pressing step involves bringing the pressing member into contact with an area that does not overlap with at least one of the opening cut portion and the ventilation passage.
17. The method for manufacturing a package according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the cutting step involves applying a cutter from the inner surface to the outer surface of the package to cut the package sheet.