JP7837765B2 - Breast pad packaging - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a breast pad packaging.

Conventionally, breast pads have been known to prevent breastfeeding mothers from wetting their clothes with leaked breast milk. These pads are worn inside bras or other underwear to enclose the breasts and absorb breast milk. Breast pads are usually individually packaged. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a breast pad packaging system consisting of a breast pad and an individual packaging bag, where the individual packaging bag is used to store used breast pads. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent sheet comprising an absorbent layer having liquid permeability and liquid retention properties, and a leak-proof sheet having liquid impermeability. The leak-proof sheet has a pattern printed across its entire surface, and the absorbent layer is configured to be recognizable from the skin-contacting side, allowing the pattern of the leak-proof sheet to show through.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-326622 Japanese Patent Publication No. 2006-26080

Incidentally, while breast pads are used during breastfeeding, consumers often have limited time and emotional space when attaching them, given the hectic nature of childcare. In such circumstances, changing breast pads, which happens several times a day, tends to become a monotonous task without any special emotion or sentiment. For example, in the breast pad packaging described in Patent Document 1, neither the breast pads nor the individual packaging bags feature any design elements such as patterns or designs visible to the user. Therefore, when changing them, users are unlikely to feel any emotional connection or appreciation for the pads, and are more likely to attach them without any sense of cuteness. Since breast pads are used frequently during breastfeeding, there is a need for breast pads with eye-catching designs that users find appealing, rather than simple, unmemorable pads, so that users can feel happy and comforted when they see them.

Furthermore, in situations where consumers lack emotional capacity, as described above, even if there are patterns on the individual packaging sheets that wrap breast pads, or on the film (sheet) that is removed from the breast pads before use, consumers often attach them without noticing the patterns. The absorbent sheet described in Patent Document 2 has a structure where the pattern is visible through the skin-contacting surface during use. However, because it is formed into an extremely thin sheet, allowing the pattern to show through the absorbent layer, it may be difficult to apply a similar structure to breast pads.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a breast pad packaging that makes it easy for the wearer to notice the design on the breast pad when attaching it to underwear or the like after unpacking, and that makes the wearer feel happy when they see the design.

The main invention for achieving the above objective is:
The breast pad body has the adhesive part on the side that is closest to the skin,
A breast pad packaging body having a packaging material for packaging the breast pad body,
The breast pad body is provided with a design such that it is easier to see when the packaging is removed and the adhesive part is exposed than when the breast pad body is still wrapped in the packaging material.
The breast pad body is,
A liquid-absorbing material,
The back sheet located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body
It has an intermediate backsheet located between the backsheet and the absorbent,
The breast pad body has vertical and horizontal directions relative to the user when the user attempts to wear it.
The design is a design that can evoke the up-and-down direction or the left-and-right direction, and is a design that can evoke the upward direction of the user in the up-and-down direction when the user intends to wear the garment.
The aforementioned design is provided on the intermediate back sheet.
The aforementioned back sheet does not have a design.
This is a breast pad packaging characterized by the following features.
Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a breast pad packaging that makes it easy for the wearer to notice the design on the breast pad when attaching it to underwear or the like after unpacking, and that can make the wearer feel happy when they see the design.

This is a perspective view of a breast pad packaging 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view of the unfolded breast pad body 10, seen from the non-skin side. This is a plan view of the breast pad body 10 in its unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along the center line CL. Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing the breast pad packaging 1 in its packaged state, Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in the process of unpacking the breast pad packaging 1, and Figure 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating the next state in the procedure for unpacking the breast pad packaging 1, following the state in Figure 5B. This diagram shows a camisole-type undergarment with a breast pad 10 attached. This is a plan view of the breast pad packaging 1 of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating how the design 30 appears when the breast pad packaging 1 shown in Figure 5C is released. This is a view of the breast pad body 10 immediately before attachment, as seen from the skin side of the breast pad body 10.

The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings:
A breast pad packaging comprising a breast pad body having an adhesive portion on the non-skin side, and a packaging material for packaging the breast pad body, characterized in that a pattern is provided on the breast pad body such that it is easier to see when the packaging material is removed and the adhesive portion is exposed than when the breast pad body is in the packaging state.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design on the breast pad itself makes it easier for the wearer to notice the design when unpacking and attaching the breast pad to underwear, etc. Seeing the design can bring the wearer a feeling of happiness or provide comfort.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the design is visible both in the packaged state and in the exposed state.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design is visible even while the pad is still in its packaging, which can increase the user's anticipation of the design before opening the package.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet in the packaging state.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the adhesive portion is covered by a release liner, making the design difficult to see while the pad is still in its packaging, thus improving visibility for the user when opening the package.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that, in the packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered by a release sheet, and a portion of the design is not covered by the release sheet.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design not covered by the release liner is more visible in the packaged state than the design located in the area covered by the release liner, making it easier for the user to notice the design even in the packaged state.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the light transmittance of the packaging material be higher than that of the release liner.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design in the area not covered by the release liner is only covered by the packaging material. This design is more easily visible than the design in the area covered by the release liner. Therefore, the user can notice the design through the packaging material even in its packaged state.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the area occupied by the release sheet be 50% or more of the area of the non-skin-facing surface of the breast pad body.

With this type of breast pad packaging, a larger area covered by the release liner allows for greater concealment of the design while the pad is still in its packaging. The sudden appearance of the design upon opening (exposure) creates a gap for the consumer, making it easier to improve visibility upon opening.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that, in the packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered by a release sheet, and the entire design is covered by the release sheet.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the entire design is visible through the release liner while the pad is still in its packaging, making it difficult to see. A change in the breast pad's design, visible only when the package is opened (exposed), creates a visual impact on the user and improves the visibility of the design upon opening.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the area occupied by the release sheet be less than 50% of the area of the non-skin-facing surface of the breast pad body.

This type of breast pad packaging makes the design easily visible even in its packaging state, increasing consumers' expectations regarding the design before use.

In such breast pad packaging, it is preferable that the packaging material does not have any patterns or designs.

With this type of breast pad packaging, by keeping the packaging simple without adding any design elements, the difference in design between the packaged state and the exposed state becomes more pronounced, further improving visibility upon opening.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that, in the packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet, and that the release sheet does not have a design.

With this type of breast pad packaging, by keeping the release liner simple and without adding any design elements, the difference in design between the packaged state and the exposed state is enhanced, improving visibility upon opening.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself has a fold line, and in the packaging state, the breast pad is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the fold line. In the folded state, the breast pad has adhesive portions on both the one side and the other side of the fold line, and it is desirable that at least a portion of the design on the breast pad is visible when the packaging is removed and one of the adhesive portions in either the one side or the other side is exposed.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design is immediately visible before the pad is fully exposed, that is, during the unpacking process, making it easier for the wearer to notice the design.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself preferably has an up-and-down and left-and-right orientation when worn by the user, and the design is preferably one that evokes either the up-and-down or left-and-right orientation.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design allows users to easily recognize the orientation (up/down or left/right) by visually guiding them, making it easier for them to understand the correct way to attach the breast pad.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the direction in which the packaging is removed by peeling the packaging material away from the breast pad body from the packaging state is the same as the direction that the design evokes.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the release direction and the design direction are the same, allowing the breast pad to be attached to underwear or other clothing with the same hand holding it, without having to change your grip to release the packaging.

In such a breast pad packaging, it is desirable that the direction in which the packaging is removed by peeling the packaging material away from the breast pad body is perpendicular to the direction evoked by the design.

With this type of breast pad packaging, if the release direction and the direction of the design are perpendicular, when the wearer releases the packaging, the design will appear rotated 90 degrees relative to the release direction. This creates a sense of unease with the design's appearance, making the wearer more likely to pay attention to the orientation of the design.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself has a fold line, and in the packaging state, the breast pad is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the fold line. It is desirable that the direction suggested by the design is the vertical direction, and that the fold line extends in the horizontal direction.

With this type of breast pad packaging, when the pad is unfolded and attached to underwear, the portion below the fold line does not fully unfold, but remains slightly bent, like a receptacle. This lower portion makes it easier to catch breast milk dripping from the nipple during wear.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself has a fold line, and in the packaging state, the breast pad is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the fold line. In the exposed state, it is desirable that the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion is the same as the direction in which the fold line extends.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the adhesive and fold lines are aligned, making it easier to understand the correct orientation for wearing the pad, in addition to the design.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself has a fold line, and in the packaging state, the breast pad is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the fold line. It is desirable that, in the unfolded state of the breast pad, at least one of the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion or the direction in which the fold line extends is the same as the direction that the design evokes.

This type of breast pad packaging, in addition to the design, has features arranged in the same direction as the design, making it easier to understand the correct orientation when putting on the pads.

In such a breast pad packaging, the breast pad itself has a fold line, and in the packaging state, the breast pad is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the fold line. It is desirable that, in the unfolded state of the breast pad, the direction evoked by the design, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion, and the direction in which the fold line extends are all in the same direction.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the design, adhesive area, and fold lines are all aligned, making it easier to understand the correct way to put them on.

The breast pad packaging comprises a breast pad body having a liquid-absorbing absorbent, a top sheet located on the skin-facing side of the absorbent, and a back sheet located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent. The back sheet has both ends in the left-right direction folded back towards the skin-facing side, and elastic members are provided at both ends in the left-right direction, sandwiched between the folded portions of the back sheet and extending in the vertical direction. The direction that the design evokes is preferably the vertical direction.

With this type of breast pad packaging, the elastic material and the design are positioned in the same vertical direction, making it easier to understand the correct orientation when putting them on.

===Implementation===
<Basic composition of breast pad packaging>
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the breast pad packaging of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of breast pad packaging 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Breast pad packaging 1 comprises a breast pad body 10 and packaging material 5 for packaging the breast pad body 10. The packaging material 5 is a sheet of nonwoven fabric or the like, formed in a substantially rectangular shape. A portion of the packaging material 5 is folded back over the breast pad body 10 placed on the packaging material 5 (the folded portion 5a in Figure 1), and the breast pad body 10 is folded in half together with the packaging material 5 along the fold line FL so as to overlap the folded portion 5a from above. Furthermore, a release sheet 25, which will be described later, is provided on the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10, and a portion of the release sheet 25 is adhered to the packaging material 5 with an adhesive, thereby fixing the breast pad body 10 to the packaging material 5. After the breast pad body 10 is folded in half together with the packaging material 5, both ends 1ta and 1tb in the direction perpendicular to the fold line FL are bonded together, for example, by heat sealing, resulting in the state of the breast pad packaging 1 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the state in which the breast pad body 10 is packaged by the packaging material 5, as shown in Figure 1, is referred to as the packaged state. In this packaged state, as described above, the breast pad body 10 is housed in a state folded in half along the fold line FL.

Furthermore, to begin opening the breast pad packaging 1, pinch the end 5be of the overlapping portion 5b of the packaging 5, which is overlapped from above with the folded portion 5a of the packaging material 5, along the longitudinal direction of the breast pad packaging 1. Details on how to remove the breast pad itself 10 will be described later.

<Basic configuration of the breast pad body 10>
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the unfolded breast pad body 10 as seen from the non-skin side, and Figure 3 is a plan view of the unfolded breast pad body 10 as seen from the skin side. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the breast pad body 10 along the center line CL in Figure 3. Here, the unfolded state of the breast pad body 10 refers to the state in which the folded state in the packaging shown in Figure 1 is opened and the breast pad body 10 is unfolded on a plane.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the breast pad body 10, in its unfolded state, has an up-down direction and a left-right direction when worn by the user, and these up-down and left-right directions are perpendicular to each other. Here, "when worn" refers to the normal, proper wearing position, i.e., the state in which the breast pad body 10 is correctly worn, and does not include the state in which the breast pad body 10 is shifted from the wearing position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the breast pad body 10 has a thickness direction perpendicular to the up-down and left-right directions. The "thickness direction" refers to the direction of the thickness of the breast pad body 10 product, and this thickness direction has a "skin side" which is the side that comes into contact with the user's skin when the breast pad body 10 is used, and a "non-skin side" which is the opposite side.

The breast pad body 10 has an overall outer shape that is roughly circular, with both ends in the left-right direction cut by straight lines extending in the up-down direction. However, in this invention, the outer shape of the breast pad body 10 is not limited to this configuration; any outer shape (for example, circular, oval, or a square with rounded corners) can be adopted as long as it can enclose and cover the wearer's breast.

As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the breast pad body 10 according to this embodiment comprises a liquid-absorbing absorbent body 11, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 located on the skin-facing side (skin side) of the absorbent body 11 in the thickness direction, and a back sheet 13 located on the non-skin-facing side (non-skin side) of the absorbent body 11. The absorbent body 11, top sheet 12, and back sheet 13 are integrated by known bonding means such as adhesives. Furthermore, the breast pad body 10 has an intermediate back sheet 15 located between the back sheet 13 and the absorbent body 11.

The top sheet 12 is made of a liquid-permeable sheet-like material. As shown in Figure 3, in a plan view, it extends vertically and horizontally in the direction of the breast pad body 10 and has an outer shape that is roughly circular, similar to the overall outer shape of the breast pad body 10, with both ends in the left and right directions cut by straight lines extending vertically. Furthermore, the top sheet 12 is positioned in the thickness direction of the breast pad body 10 on the skin-facing side, where it can come into contact with the wearer's skin (i.e., the skin of the wearer's breast), and functions to quickly transfer breast milk discharged from the wearer towards the absorbent material 11 located on the non-skin side. Note that the outer shape of the top sheet 12 is not limited to the shape described above; any outer shape that can enclose and cover the wearer's breast, such as a circle or oval, can be adopted.

The liquid-permeable sheet-like member that can be used as the top sheet 12 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined liquid permeability. For example, nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, SMS nonwoven fabrics (i.e., laminated nonwoven fabrics of spunbond/meltblown/spunbond), woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, and other sheet-like fibrous structures, as well as perforated films made by providing multiple openings in a resin film, can be suitably used.

As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent body 11, in a plan view, extends vertically and horizontally from the breast pad body 10 and has an external shape that is approximately circular, similar to the overall external shape of the breast pad body 10, with both ends in the left and right directions cut by straight lines extending vertically. Furthermore, the absorbent body 11 has an external dimension slightly smaller than the external dimensions of the breast pad body 10 and is positioned between the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 13 in the thickness direction of the breast pad body 10. It is composed of an absorbent material that functions to absorb and retain breast milk that has permeated through the top sheet 12. In this invention, the external shape of the absorbent body 11 is not limited to the shape described above; any external shape (e.g., circular, oval, etc.) that can sufficiently absorb and retain breast milk discharged from the wearer can be adopted.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent body 11 includes an absorbent core 11a made of an absorbent material consisting of an absorbent material made of a mixture of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp and superabsorbent polymer particles (SAP), a skin-side core wrap sheet 11b disposed to cover the skin-side surface of the absorbent core 11a, and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet 11c disposed to cover the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent core 11a and to wrap the absorbent core 11a and the core wrap sheet 11b from the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11a. The core wrap sheets 11b and 11c are formed from tissue paper or a nonwoven fabric with liquid-diffusive properties. In addition, the absorbent core 11a and the core wrap sheet 11b, and the absorbent core 11a and the core wrap sheet 11c are joined to each other via a hot-melt adhesive (not shown) applied to one of their opposing surfaces. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 11a was covered with two core wrap sheets (11b and 11c), but the invention is not limited to this configuration; the absorbent core 11a may also be wrapped in a single sheet.

As shown in Figure 4, the backsheet 13 has a larger left-right dimension than the intermediate backsheet 15, and both ends in the left-right direction are folded back towards the skin, covering the left-right ends of the intermediate backsheet 15 from the non-skin side. The backsheet 13 and the intermediate backsheet 15 are joined in the thickness direction via an arbitrary adhesive layer (not shown), such as a hot-melt adhesive, on the non-skin surface of the intermediate backsheet 15. Furthermore, a pair of elastic members 18 are attached so as to be expandable and contractible, sandwiched between the folded portions of the backsheet 13 and extending in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, one pair (a total of four) of elastic members 18 are arranged on each of the folded portions of one end and the other end in the left-right direction. The breast pad body 10 also has adhesive portions 20 consisting of four pairs of adhesive, etc., located on the non-skin surface of the backsheet 13, i.e., the most non-skin side of the breast pad body 10 and extending in the vertical direction.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the backsheet 13 extends vertically and horizontally from the breast pad body 10 and has an external shape similar to the overall external shape of the breast pad body 10, with both ends in the left and right directions being cut by straight lines extending vertically. The backsheet 13 is composed of a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet-like material that functions to define the external shape of the breast pad body 10 while preventing leakage of breast milk discharged from the wearer. The liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet-like material that can be used as the backsheet 13 is not particularly limited as long as it does not hinder the effects of the present invention. For example, any sheet-like material can be used, such as a nonwoven fabric similar to the intermediate backsheet 15 described later, or a perforated film having multiple openings made by molding a synthetic resin material. The backsheet 13 may be composed of one sheet-like material or two or more sheet-like materials.

Furthermore, in this invention, the external shape of the backsheet 13 is not limited to the specific external shape described above. Any external shape, such as a circle or oval, can be adopted as long as it can define the external shape of the breast pad while preventing breast milk leakage.

In this embodiment, the intermediate backsheet 15 extends in the vertical and horizontal directions of the breast pad body 10 in a plan view (not shown), and has a predetermined external shape and dimensions that can cover most of the non-skin surface of the absorbent material 11. The intermediate backsheet 15 is positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material 11 in the thickness direction of the breast pad body 10, and is made of a liquid-impermeable and breathable nonwoven fabric that functions to prevent the permeation of breast milk discharged from the wearer, preventing the breast milk from leaking onto the wearer's underwear, etc., while also preventing an increase in humidity inside the breast pad body 10 or between the breast pad body 10 and the wearer's skin. In the present invention, the liquid-impermeable and breathable nonwoven fabric that can be used as the intermediate backsheet 15 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined breathability and can function to prevent the permeation of breast milk. For example, any nonwoven fabric such as SMS nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, point-bond nonwoven fabric, or meltblown nonwoven fabric made of waterproof or hydrophobic synthetic resin fibers can be used. In this embodiment, the breast pad body 10 has a pattern visible from the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10. Specifically, this pattern is provided on the non-skin surface of the intermediate back sheet 15. Therefore, the pattern shown in Figure 2 represents a pattern visible through the back sheet 13. Details of the pattern will be described later.

The elastic member 18 can be any elastic material, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber. The contraction force of this elastic member 18 makes it easier for the breast pad body 10 to deform into a dome-shaped curved form, with the central part of the breast pad body 10 convex toward the underwear side. This makes it easier for the breast pad body 10 of this embodiment to maintain a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the wearer's breast, even when the wearer moves. Furthermore, the dimensions, shape, and arrangement of the elastic member are not particularly limited, and any dimensions, shape, and arrangement can be adopted depending on the ease with which the breast pad deforms.

In this embodiment, the adhesive portion 20 located on the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10 is arranged in a stripe pattern, as shown in Figure 2, extending vertically and spaced apart in the left-right direction. In this embodiment, four pairs of adhesive portions 20 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction, with each pair of adhesive portions extending vertically forming one set. However, the arrangement of the adhesive portions 20 is not limited to this. In addition to the stripe pattern described above, the adhesive portions 20 can be arranged in any shape, such as one or more spirals, intermittent patterns, or dot patterns. These adhesive portions 20 have an appropriate adhesive strength to detachably fix the non-skin side surface of the breast pad body 10 to the inner surface of underwear such as a bra when the wearer applies the breast pad body 10 to the breast. In this invention, the adhesive portion 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can detachably fix the breast pad body 10 to the inner surface of the wearer's underwear. For example, any fastening means such as an adhesive made of styrene polymer or a hook-and-loop fastener can be used. In the packaging state of the breast pad packaging 1, the adhesive portion 20 is covered by a rectangular release sheet 25 (see Figure 1 and Figure 5A described later).

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the absorbent body 11 of the breast pad body 10 in this embodiment has a plurality of compression sections 19 in the thickness direction at both ends of the absorbent body 11 in the vertical direction when viewed from above. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the plurality of compression sections 19 are arranged so as to extend along the vertical direction of the breast pad body 10 in a plan view and extend from each end edge of the absorbent body 11 in the vertical direction to a predetermined portion on the inward side in the vertical direction, while no compression sections 19 are arranged in the central region of the breast pad body 10. With the compression sections 19 arranged in this way in the absorbent body 11, the region where the compression sections 19 are provided has high rigidity, while the central region of the breast pad body 10 can easily deform and adapt to the shape of the wearer's breast. As a result, it is less likely for the breast pad body 10 to bend or wrinkle unintentionally when putting it on or taking it off, and it is easier to maintain a curved shape that conforms to the shape of the wearer's breast. Furthermore, in this invention, the means for forming the compressed portion 19 on the absorbent body 11 are not particularly limited, and any compression method such as embossing can be employed.

In this embodiment, the breast pad body 10 has a pattern, and as shown in Figure 2, the pattern is configured to be visible from the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10. The pattern only needs to represent a predetermined design; it may include color as in this embodiment, or it may represent text, or be composed of outlines made of lines and dots.

Furthermore, it is generally difficult for users to instantly understand the correct way to attach breast pads. To avoid a decrease in fit due to incorrect attachment, it is desirable that the correct way to attach breast pads be easily visible. In the breast pad body 10 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the attachment direction of the breast pad body 10 can be understood from the design, for example, which orientation the elastic member 18 should be facing. In this regard, in this embodiment, among the designs on the breast pad body 10, design 30 (a picture of a mother holding a baby) is provided as a design that can be recalled as the up-and-down direction of the breast pad body 10. Design 30 makes it easier for the user to recognize the direction in which to attach the breast pad body 10. Note that while design 30 is a design that can be recalled as the up-and-down direction, it is not limited to this, and may also be a design that can be recalled as the left-and-right direction of the breast pad body 10. This would similarly make it easier for the user to recognize the direction in which to attach the breast pad body 10. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pattern is provided on the non-skin side surface of the intermediate backsheet 15, but this is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided on the non-skin side surface of the backsheet 13, or on the non-skin side surface of the portion of the core wrap sheet 11c that is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11a. In other words, the pattern only needs to be visible from the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10 when the release sheet 25 has been peeled off from the breast pad body 10.

Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing the breast pad packaging 1 in its packaged state, Figure 5B is a schematic diagram illustrating the state during the process of unpacking the breast pad packaging 1, and Figure 5C is a schematic diagram illustrating the next state in the procedure for unpacking the breast pad packaging 1, following the state in Figure 5B. Note that, for the sake of clarity, detailed components of the breast pad packaging 1 (e.g., pattern 30) are omitted in Figures 5A to 5C.

When a user opens and uses the breast pad packaging 1, first, as shown in Figure 5A, the user pinches the end 5be (indicated by the arrow in Figure 5A) along the longitudinal direction of the breast pad packaging 1 in the packaging state described in Figure 1 with their fingers and applies force in the opening direction P (hereinafter also referred to as the release direction P), thereby unfolding the breast pad packaging 1 so as to peel away the adhesive state at both ends 1ta and 1tb, resulting in the state shown in Figure 5B. In the state shown in Figure 5B, the folded state of the breast pad body 10 is unfolded, and the top sheet 12 of the breast pad body 10 is exposed. From the state shown in Figure 5B, the user holds the packaging material 5 near the end 5be with one hand, and with the other hand, pinches the breast pad body 10 near the end 10be, which is located closest to the end 5be of the packaging material 5. The user then applies force with the fingers pinching the end 5be toward the opening direction P, and with the fingers pinching the end 10be toward the opposite direction P, thereby peeling the release sheet 25 from the breast pad body 10. Since a portion of the release sheet 25 is fixed to the packaging material 5, the release sheet 25 is also peeled off when the packaging material 5 is opened in the opening direction P as described above. Figure 5C shows the state from the state shown in Figure 5B, where approximately half of the release sheet 25 has been peeled from the breast pad body 10, and a portion of the adhesive part 20 is exposed. In this embodiment, the state in which the packaging by the packaging material 5 is released and at least a portion of the adhesive part 20 is exposed is called the exposed state. From the state shown in Figure 5C, by applying force to the fingers gripping the packaging material 5 (and release sheet 25) in the opening direction P, and to the fingers gripping the breast pad body 10 in the opposite direction to the opening direction P, the packaging material 5 is completely released, and the breast pad body 10 can be removed.

Figure 6 shows the breast pad body 10 attached to a camisole-type undergarment. For the sake of clarity, the design 30 and detailed components of the breast pad body 10 shown in Figure 6 have been omitted. The breast pad body 10 is detachably fixed to the inner surface (i.e., the surface facing the skin) of the wearer's undergarment (e.g., a bra) by the adhesive portion 20 located on the non-skin side of the back sheet 13. The skin-side surface of the top sheet 12 is used in contact with the surface of the wearer's breast. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the correct attachment is achieved by ensuring that the fold line FL, which served as the folding guide in the packaging, is aligned horizontally when the breast pad body 10 is unfolded, and that the elastic member 18 is aligned vertically.

The breast pad body 10 described above is an example of a so-called breast pad product that has traditionally been used by attaching it between underwear and the breast during breastfeeding. However, consumers (users) during breastfeeding often have little time or mental space to attach the breast pad. In such circumstances, even if the individual packaging sheet or the film removed before attachment has a design, it is likely that users will often remove the individual packaging sheet or film without noticing the design, or without having enough time to recognize it, and then attach the breast pad.

In this regard, the breast pad packaging 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration. Figure 7 is a plan view of the breast pad packaging 1 of this embodiment, and Figure 8 is a plan view illustrating how the pattern 30 appears when the breast pad packaging 1 shown in Figure 5C is released.

The breast pad packaging 1 shown in Figure 7 is a packaged state in which the breast pad body 10 is wrapped in packaging material 5. Even in this packaged state, the design 30 and other designs can be seen through the packaging material 5, or through the packaging material 5 and the release sheet 25. However, specifically, because it is a so-called translucent state through the packaging material 5, or both the packaging material 5 and the release sheet 25, there are parts where the design 30 and other designs are difficult to clearly see, and the colors of the colored parts of the design tend to appear faint (in the following, designs other than design 30 will also be referred to as decorative designs).

The breast pad packaging 1 shown in Figure 8 has been partially unwrapped by the packaging material 5, exposing a portion of the adhesive portion 20 of the breast pad body 10. More specifically, in the packaging state shown in Figures 1 and 7, the breast pad body 10 is folded in half along the fold line FL. In this folded state, the breast pad body 10 has adhesive portions 20 on both sides of the fold line FL: one side (the visible area in Figure 8) and the other side (the area not visible in Figure 8). Figure 8 shows the state where the packaging material 5 has been unwrapped, exposing the adhesive portion 20 of the one-side region. In this exposed state, the user can see at least a portion of the design 30 and other decorative designs. Even before the adhesive portion 20 is completely exposed, that is, during the process of unwrapping the packaging material 5, the user can immediately see the design 30 and other decorative designs, making it easier for the user to notice them.

Thus, in this embodiment, the breast pad body 10 is provided with a pattern (pattern 30 and decorative pattern) so that it is easier to see when the packaging material 5 is removed and the adhesive part 20 is exposed (Figure 8) than when the breast pad body 10 is in the packaged state (Figure 7) with the packaging material 5 still on it. Because the breast pad body 10 is provided with a pattern (pattern 30 and decorative pattern), the wearer is more likely to notice the pattern when the packaging is removed and the breast pad body 10 is attached to underwear, etc., and seeing the pattern can make the wearer feel happy or soothed.

In this embodiment, as described above, the design is visible when the adhesive portion 20 of one side (the area visible in Figure 8) is exposed when the breast pad body 10 is folded in half. However, the packaging state of the breast pad body 10 by the packaging material 5 may differ from the arrangement of the breast pad body 10 in the manufacturing process. Therefore, when the packaging is removed, it is sufficient that at least a part of the design on the breast pad body 10 is visible when either the adhesive portion 20 of one side of the fold line FL is exposed when the breast pad body 10 is folded in half.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the breast pad packaging 1 allows the design (design 30 and decorative design) to be visible in both the packaged state (Figures 1 and 7) and the exposed state (Figures 2 and 8). While some parts of the design visible in the packaged state, such as the outline and details, may be difficult to see, the presence of the design itself can be confirmed, creating anticipation about what design will appear upon opening. In other words, the visibility of the design even in the packaged state enhances the user's anticipation of the design even before opening the breast pad packaging 1.

Furthermore, in the breast pad packaging 1, the adhesive portion 20 is covered by a release sheet 25, making the design on the portion covered by the release sheet 25 difficult to see. Therefore, when the user opens the breast pad packaging 1, specifically when transitioning from the packaging state shown in Figure 7 to the exposed state shown in Figure 8 where at least a portion of the adhesive portion 20 is exposed, a visual impact can be created for the user, improving visibility.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the packaged state, a portion of the design on the breast pad body 10 is not covered by the release sheet 25. The design not covered by the release sheet 25 in the packaged state is more visible than the design located in the area covered by the release sheet 25, making it easier for the user to notice the design even in the packaged state.

Furthermore, in the packaging material 5 and release sheet 25 of the breast pad packaging body 1 of this embodiment, the light transmittance of the packaging material 5 is higher than that of the release sheet 25. In the packaged state of the breast pad packaging body 1 (Figure 7), the pattern portion not covered by the release sheet 25 is covered only by the packaging material 5. The pattern in such uncovered areas is more easily visible than the pattern in the areas covered by the release sheet 25. Therefore, even in the packaged state, the user can notice the presence of the pattern through the packaging material 5.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the area covered by the release sheet 25 is 50% or more of the area of the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10 (the so-called non-skin side of the back sheet 13). The larger the area covered by the release sheet 25, the more the design can be concealed in the packaged state. When the design appears after transitioning from the packaged state to the exposed state, it creates a gap for the user, making it easier to see the design upon opening.

Furthermore, it is desirable that the packaging material 5 of the breast pad packaging 1 does not have any designs. By keeping the packaging material 5 simple and without design elements, the difference in design that becomes visible when the breast pad packaging 1 transitions from its packaged state to its exposed state is increased, thereby improving visibility upon opening (exposure).

Similarly, it is desirable that the release liner 25 of the breast pad packaging 1 does not have any design. By keeping the release liner 25 simple and without design elements, the difference in design visibility when transitioning from the packaged state to the exposed state becomes greater, improving the user's visibility when exposed.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 8, the design 30 on the breast pad body 10 evokes an up-and-down direction; that is, the mother's head side of the design 30 evokes the upper side of the up-and-down direction, and the torso side evokes the lower side of the up-and-down direction. In this embodiment, if the direction in which the packaging is removed from the breast pad body 10 by peeling the packaging material 5 from the packaging state shown in Figure 7, as shown in Figure 8, is defined as the release direction P, then this release direction P and the direction evoked by the design 30 (in this case, the up-and-down direction) are the same direction. In the procedure for opening the breast pad packaging 1, when the breast pad packaging 1 reaches the exposed state shown in Figure 5C, that is, the exposed state shown in Figure 8, one of the user's hands is holding the top of the mother's head in the design 30. Since the release direction P and the direction suggested by the pattern 30 are the same, when the packaging of the breast pad body 10 is completely released from the state shown in Figure 5C (Figure 8), the user will already be holding the upper part in the vertical direction as it would be when worn, allowing it to be attached to underwear, etc., without changing hands. Furthermore, because the pattern 30 on the breast pad body 10 suggests the vertical direction, the user can instantly understand the correct direction for attaching the breast pad body 10 by visually checking the pattern 30.

Furthermore, the direction P for unwrapping the packaging material 5 from the packaging state shown in Figure 7 and the direction evoked by the design 30 are not necessarily the same direction. For example, the unwrapping direction P and the direction evoked by the design 30 may be perpendicular. That is, for example, the design 30 may evoke a left-right direction rather than an up-down direction. If the unwrapping direction P and the direction of the design 30 are perpendicular, the wearer will see the design 30 rotated 90 degrees relative to the unwrapping direction P when unwrapping. This creates a sense of incongruity with the design 30's appearance, making it easier to pay attention to the design's orientation (the correct direction of wear). In other words, if the design 30 evokes a left-right direction, it can serve as a trigger to encourage the user to align the left-right direction of the design 30 with the left-right direction of wear.

Returning to Figure 2, in the unfolded state of the breast pad body 10, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20 (i.e., the vertical direction of the breast pad body 10) is the same as the direction suggested by the pattern 30 (in this case, the vertical direction). Having components arranged in the same direction as the pattern, in addition to the pattern on the breast pad body 10, makes it easier to understand the orientation when wearing the pad. Note that the components arranged in the same direction as the pattern are not limited to the adhesive portion 20; for example, the direction in which the fold line FL of the breast pad body 10 extends may also be the direction in which it extends. That is, if at least one of the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20 or the direction in which the fold line FL extends is the same as the direction suggested by the pattern 30, the same effect can be achieved.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic members 18 of the breast pad body 10 are provided to extend in the vertical direction (see Figure 3, etc.), and the direction evoked by the pattern 30 of the breast pad body 10 is also vertical. When attaching the breast pad body 10 to underwear, the correct attachment direction is to position it so that the elastic members expand and contract vertically. Having the elastic members 18 and the pattern 30 positioned in the same vertical direction makes the orientation of attachment easier to understand.

Figure 9 shows the breast pad body 10 as viewed from the skin side of the breast pad body 10 just before wearing, after the packaging, which had been completely removed, has been folded in half along the fold line FL, has been opened. In this embodiment, the direction suggested by the pattern 30 is the vertical direction (Figure 2, etc.), and the fold line FL extends in the left-right direction of the breast pad body 10. When the breast pad body 10 is opened from its folded state and attached to underwear, the portion 10dw below the fold line FL tends to remain slightly bent like a receptacle due to the crease from the fold, rather than fully unfolding. When the user brings the breast pad body 10 close to the breast with the lower portion 10dw slightly bent in this state, the lower portion 10dw makes it easier to catch breast milk dripping from the nipple when worn. During breastfeeding, milk production can be high, and milk may unintentionally drip from the nipple, wetting underwear or other clothing when changing the breast pad 10. However, the lower part 10dw of the breast pad 10 makes it easier to catch such dripping milk, allowing for a more comfortable change.

===Other===
The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that equivalents thereof are included.

In the above embodiment, a portion of the design on the breast pad packaging 1 was not covered by the release sheet 25. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the entire design may be covered by the release sheet 25. In such a configuration, the design in the packaged state is only visible through the release sheet 25 (specifically, through the packaging material 5 and the release sheet 25). In other words, there is no design visible only through the packaging material 5, making it difficult for the user to see the details of the design. The change in the design of the breast pad body 10 that becomes visible when transitioning from such a packaged state to an opened state (exposed state) provides a visual impact to the user and can further enhance the visibility of the design upon opening.

In the above-described embodiment, the area occupied by the release sheet 25 was 50% or more of the area of the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10 (the so-called non-skin side of the back sheet 13). However, it is not limited to this, and the area occupied by the release sheet 25 may be less than 50% of the area of the non-skin side of the breast pad body 10. This makes it easier for the user to see the design even in the packaged state, and can increase the user's expectations regarding the design before use.

In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 2, the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the adhesive portion 20 and the direction in which the fold line FL extends (horizontal direction) were perpendicular to each other when the breast pad body 10 was exposed. However, this is not limited to this configuration. For example, when the breast pad body 10 was exposed, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20 may be the same as the direction in which the fold line FL extends. Having the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20 and the direction in which the fold line FL extends be the same makes it easier to understand the orientation when wearing the pad, in addition to the design.

In the above-described embodiment, the direction suggested by the pattern 30 on the breast pad body 10 and the direction in which the fold line FL extends were not the same direction, nor were the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20 and the direction in which the fold line FL extends the same direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and in the unfolded state of the breast pad body 10, the direction suggested by the pattern 30, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20, and the direction in which the fold line FL extends may all be the same direction. When the direction suggested by the pattern 30, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion 20, and the direction in which the fold line FL extends are all the same direction, the user can more easily recognize the orientation when wearing the pad.

1 Breast pad packaging 1ta End 1tb End 5 Packaging material 5a Folded part 5b Overlapping part 5be End 10 Breast pad body 10be End 11 Absorbent body 11a Absorbent core 11b Core wrap sheet 11c Core wrap sheet 12 Top sheet 13 Back sheet 15 Intermediate back sheet 18 Elastic member 19 Compression part 20 Adhesive part 25 Release sheet 30 Pattern

Claims (18)

The breast pad body has the adhesive part on the side that is closest to the skin,
A breast pad packaging body having a packaging material for packaging the breast pad body,
The breast pad body is provided with a design such that it is easier to see when the packaging is removed and the adhesive part is exposed than when the breast pad body is still wrapped in the packaging material.
The breast pad body is,
A liquid-absorbing material,
The back sheet located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body
It has an intermediate backsheet located between the backsheet and the absorbent,
The breast pad body has vertical and horizontal directions relative to the user when the user attempts to wear it.
The design is a design that can evoke the up-and-down direction or the left-and-right direction, and is a design that can evoke the upward direction of the user in the up-and-down direction when the user intends to wear the garment.
The aforementioned design is provided on the intermediate back sheet.
The aforementioned back sheet does not have a design.
A breastfeeding pad packaging characterized by the following features. A breast pad packaging according to claim 1,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that the design is visible in both the packaged state and the exposed state. A breast pad packaging according to claim 1 or 2,
The breast pad packaging is characterized in that, in the aforementioned packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet.
A breastfeeding pad packaging characterized in that a portion of the design is not covered by the release sheet. A breast pad packaging according to claim 4,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that the light transmittance of the packaging material is higher than that of the release sheet. A breast pad packaging according to claim 4 or 5,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that the area occupied by the release sheet is 50% or more of the area of the non-skin side surface of the breast pad body. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet.
A breastfeeding pad packaging characterized in that the entire design is covered by the release sheet. A breast pad packaging according to claim 4 or 5,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that the area occupied by the release sheet is less than 50% of the area of the non-skin side surface of the breast pad body. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The aforementioned packaging material is characterized in that it does not have a design on it. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the adhesive portion is covered with a release sheet.
The breast pad packaging is characterized in that the release sheet does not have a design on it. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The breast pad body has a fold line,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the breast pad body is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the aforementioned fold line.
In the folded state described above, the breast pad body has the adhesive portion on both the region on one side and the region on the other side of the fold line.
A breast pad packaging body characterized in that when the packaging material is removed and one of the adhesive portions in either the one side region or the other side region is exposed, at least a portion of the design on the breast pad body is visible. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that, from the aforementioned packaging state, the direction in which the packaging is removed by peeling the packaging material away from the breast pad body is the same as the direction that the design evokes. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 11 ,
A breast pad packaging characterized in that, from the aforementioned packaging state, the direction in which the packaging is removed by peeling the packaging material away from the breast pad body is perpendicular to the direction that the design evokes. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
The breast pad body has a fold line,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the breast pad body is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the aforementioned fold line.
A breast pad packaging characterized in that the aforementioned fold line extends in the left-right direction. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ,
The breast pad body has a fold line,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the breast pad body is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the aforementioned fold line.
A breastfeeding pad packaging characterized in that, in the exposed state, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion is the same as the direction in which the fold line extends. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
The breast pad body has a fold line,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the breast pad body is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the aforementioned fold line.
A breast milk pad packaging characterized in that, in the unfolded state of the breast milk pad body, at least one of the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion or the direction in which the fold line extends is the same as the direction that the design evokes. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
The breast pad body has a fold line,
In the aforementioned packaging state, the breast pad body is contained in a state where it is folded in half along the aforementioned fold line.
A breast pad packaging characterized in that, in the unfolded state of the breast pad body, the direction evoked by the design, the longitudinal direction of the adhesive portion, and the direction in which the fold line extends are all in the same direction. A breast pad packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 17 ,
The breast pad body is,
The absorbent has a top sheet located on the skin-facing side,
The back sheet has both ends in the left-right direction folded back toward the skin-facing surface,
Elastic members are provided at both ends in the left-right direction, sandwiched between the folded portion of the back sheet and extending in the vertical direction.
A breastfeeding pad packaging characterized by the following features .