AU2015293070A1

AU2015293070A1 - Disposable diaper

Info

Publication number: AU2015293070A1
Application number: AU2015293070A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Tomomi Isogai; Maki MIYAKE
Original assignee: Unicharm Corp
Current assignee: Unicharm Corp
Priority date: 2014-07-25
Filing date: 2015-07-24
Publication date: 2017-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-24
Also published as: KR20170036006A; WO2016013662A1; PH12017500092B1; AU2015293070B2; KR102214369B1; JP6400971B2; CN106572931A; MY181978A; JP2016029974A; PH12017500092A1; CN106572931B

Abstract

This disposable diaper is provided with: a side flap which, aligned in the vertical direction, comprises a first waist part, a crotch part and a second waist part and which comprises a first sheet member and a second sheet member which are placed over one another; a fastening tape which is bonded to the second waist part-side of the side flap; and a cut line which is provided on the second waist part-side of the side flap and along which multiple holes are aligned which pass through the first sheet member and the second sheet member. The first sheet member comprises a first hole edge portion along the outer peripheral portion of a first hole, and a second hole edge portion along the outer peripheral portion of a second hole adjacent to the first hole, and the first hole edge portion and the second hole edge portion overlap with the bonding area where the first sheet member and second sheet member placed over one another are bonded.

Description

1 [ DESCRIPTION] [ Title] DISPOSABLE DIAPER [ Technical Field] [ 0001]

The present invention relates to a disposable diaper.

[ Background Art] [ 0002]

Open-type disposable diapers have been widely used. In such an open-type disposable diaper, a fastening tape is provided to a side flap, and a target tape with which the fastening tape is to be engaged is provided in a front portion (also referred to as an abdominal part or a front waist portion). Since it is possible to easily put the open-type disposable diaper on a wearer even in a state where the wearer is laid down, such diapers are widely used in particular for newborns and infants.

[ Citation List] [ Patent Literature] [ 0003] [ PTL 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2013-212212 [ PTL 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2013-138702 [ PTL 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2013-230256 [ PTL 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-open Publication No. 2013-158573 [PTL 5] International Publication No. 2013/077360 [ Summary] [ Technical Problem] [ 0004] 2

The open-type disposable diaper may include tear-off lines for tearing the exterior portion to remove the diaper without disengaging the fastening tape when removing the used diaper from a wearer's body. Each tear-off line is configured with a perforation or the like in which a plurality of holes are disposed. By tearing the diaper along the perforation, the diaper can be easily removed without leaking excreta and the like discharged inside the diaper.

[ 0005]

When the diaper is smaller, formed perforation is also smaller, resulting in being less noticeable. Thus, it becomes difficult to grasp the location of the tear-off line when removing the diaper. In particular, when the wearer is a low-weight baby weighing equal to or less than 3000 grams, it may be required to put the diaper on the wearer or remove it therefrom in a dimly lit incubator. In such a dimly lit environment, grasping the location of the tear-off line becomes more difficult.

[ 0006]

The present invention has been provided in view of the above, and an aspect thereof is to configure a tear-off line that is provided in a disposable diaper to be easily noticeable.

[ Solution to Problem] [ 0007]

In order to achieve an object described above, an aspect of the invention is a disposable diaper including a first waist portion, a crotch portion, and a second waist portion that are arranged in a lengthwise direction, the disposable diaper comprising: a side flap configured such that a first sheet member and a second sheet member overlap each other; a fastening tape joined to the side flap on a second waist portion side; a tear-off 3 line provided in the side flap on the second waist portion side, the tear-off line being configured such that a plurality of holes running through the first and the second sheet members are disposed; and hole-edge portions, the hole-edge portions including first and second hole-edge portions, the first sheet member including the first hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a first hole and the second hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a second hole next to the first hole, the first and the second hole-edge portions overlapping with a joining portion that joins the first and the second sheet members overlapping each other.

Other features of the present invention will be made clear through the present specification with reference to the accompanying drawings .

[ Advantageous Effects] [ 0008]

According to the present invention, in a disposable diaper including a tear-off line, tear-off line can be configured to be easily noticeable.

[ Brief Description of Drawings] [ 0009] [ Fig. 1]

Fig. 1 is a development plan view illustrating a diaper 1.

[ Fig. 2]

Figs . 2A to 2C are exploded explanatory diagrams illustrating portions of a diaper 1. Fig. 2A is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a front portion 3 . Fig. 2B is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a crotch portion 5. Fig. 2C is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a rear portion 7.

[ Fig. 3] 4

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a diaper 1 is worn by a low-weight infant.

[ Fig. 4]

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a diaper 1 is being removed from a wearer' s body.

[ Fig. 5]

Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams each illustrating a configuration of a tear-off line 17 of a diaper 1.

[ Fig. 6]

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a region of a rear portion 7b of Fig. 5A.

[ Fig. 7]

Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 6.

[ Fig. 8]

Figs. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of other patterns of a joining portion 50.

[ Fig. 9]

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a hole 17h when a force in a lateral direction is acting in Fig. 7 .

[ Fig. 10]

Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example when a joining portion 50 is formed in an omega pattern (or a spiral pattern) in a joining target region H.

[ Fig. 11]

Figs. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example when hole-edge portions 17he and a joining portion 50 do not overlap between a first sheet member and a third sheet member.

[ Description of Embodiments] 5 [ 0010]

At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. A disposable diaper including a first waist portion, a crotch portion, and a second waist portion that are arranged in a lengthwise direction, the disposable diaper comprising: a side flap configured such that a first sheet member and a second sheet member overlap each other; a fastening tape joined to the side flap on a second waist portion side; a tear-off line provided in the side flap on the second waist portion side, the tear-off line being configured such that a plurality of holes running through the first and the second sheet members are disposed; and hole-edge portions, the hole-edge portions including first and second hole-edge portions, the first sheet member including the first hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a first hole and the second hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a second hole next to the first hole, the first and the second hole-edge portions overlapping with a joining portion that joins the first and the second sheet members overlapping each other.

[ 0011]

According to such a disposable diaper, two or more holes adjacent to each other in the plurality of holes configuring the tear-off line are expanded, to become easily visually recognized. Accordingly, the tear-off line formed in the diaper can be easily noticeable .

[ 0012]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that the first sheet member includes the hole-edge portions respectively formed 6 along outer circumferences of the plurality of holes, and all the hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members.

[ 0013]

According to such a disposable diaper, all the holes configuring the tear-off line are expanded to become easily visually recognized. Thus, the tear-off line formed in the diaper can be more noticeable.

[ 0014]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that a third sheet member is included which overlaps with the first sheet member on a surface, of the first sheet member, opposite to the second sheet member, wherein the first and the second hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members and a joining portion joining the first and the third sheet members.

[ 0015]

According to such a disposable diaper, in the tear-off line formed in a portion in which three sheet members are layered, when a force acts to pull such sheet members in the lateral direction, the expansion of the holes configuring the tear-off line can be easily visually recognized. Thus, the tear-off line can be easily noticeable.

[ 0016]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that a third sheet member is included which overlaps with the first sheet member on a surface, of the first sheet member, opposite to the second sheet member, wherein the first and the second hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members, and do not overlap with a joining portion joining 7 the first and the third sheet members.

[ 0017]

According to such a disposable diaper, in the tear-off line formed in a portion in which three sheet members are layered, when a force acts to pull such sheet members in the lateral direction, the expansion of the holes configuring the tear-off line can be easily visually recognized when seen from the second sheet member side, the expansion of the holes is less easily visually recognized when seen from the third sheet member side. Thus, it is possible to form the tear-off line that is less noticeable from one surface of the diaper (from the outside) while is easily noticeable from the other surface (from the inside).

[ 0018]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that the first sheet member is formed using a film sheet.

[ 0019]

According to such a disposable diaper, since the holes are formed in a film sheet whose surface is smooth, outer edges (edges) of the holes become easily noticeable. Thus, the tear-off line can be easily noticeable.

[ 0020]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that the joining portion is formed such that a hot-melt adhesive is applied in a spiral manner to at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member.

[ 0021]

According to such a disposable diaper, the amount of a hot-melt adhesive for joining sheet members can be reduced, thereby being able to reduce costs. Further, the weight per unit area of a hot-melt adhesive applied to the sheet member(s) can 8 be reduced. Thus, the sheet member is restrained from becoming hard due to the hot-melt adhesive, so that the feel of the diaper can be kept soft.

[ 0022]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that a rate of the holes per unit length in a direction in which the tear-off line extends, in a region corresponding to a region in which the fastening tape is disposed in the lengthwise direction, is smaller than a rate of the holes per unit length in a direction in which the tear-off line extends, in a region corresponding to a region in which the fastening tape is not disposed in the lengthwise direction.

[ 0023]

According to such a disposable diaper, even in a case where the fastening tapes are pulled in lateral direction when putting the diaper on a wearer, the side flaps are restrained from erroneously being torn off. Further, when removing the diaper, the side flaps can easily been torn off along the tear-off lines.

[ 0024]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that the fastening tape is engaged with the first waist portion, to form a single waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and the plurality of holes included in the tear-off line is arranged on a route extending from a portion configuring the waist opening to a portion configuring each of the leg openings.

[ 0025]

According to such a disposable diaper, even in a case where a wearer of the diaper is lying on his/her stomach (in a positioning posture) , a portion connected with the fastening tape can be torn off along the tear-off line, thereby being able to remove the 9 diaper with the wearer' body being moved as little as possible.

[ 0026]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that the tear-off line includes a straight-line part extending in the lengthwise direction from the portion configuring the waist opening, and a curved-line part that is curved, outward in the lateral direction, at a lengthwise inner position with respect to the straight-line part.

[ 0027]

According to such a disposable diaper, a portion corresponding to the fastening tape can easily be torn off, even in a state where a wearer is taking a positioning posture with his/her legs being bent in an M-shape.

[ 0028]

In such a disposable diaper, it is desirable that a tear line is included which is provided, in the side flap on the first waist portion side, at the same position in the lateral direction as a position of the tear-off line, the tear line being configured such that a plurality of holes running through the first and the second sheet members are disposed.

[ 0029]

According to such a disposable diaper, the abdominal side of the diaper can be torn along the tear-line while the diaper is worn. Then, by folding back such a torn portion, a wearer's abdominal part can be exposed while the wearer is wearing the diaper. In particular, in a case where the wearer is a low-weight baby and required to be subjected to light treatment or the like, it becomes possible to apply light in a wider range of such an exposed abdominal part, while keeping the body of the low-weight baby from contact as much as possible. 10 [ 0030] ===Embodiment=== <Basic configuration of disposable diaper 1> A disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the diaper 1) according to a present embodiment is intended to be worn mainly by a newborn or an infant, and the diaper is suitable for low weight infants weighing equal to or less than 3000 grams, particularly, low birth weight infants weighing less than 2500 grams. It should be noted that the low weight infants include not only low birth weight infants (weighing less than 2500 grams) but also very low birth weight infants (weighing less than 1500 grams) and extremely low birth weight infants (weighing less than 1000 grams).

[ 0031]

Fig. 1 is a development plan view illustrating the diaper 1. Figs. 2A to 2C are exploded explanatory diagrams illustrating portions of the diaper 1. Fig. 2A is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a front portion 3. Fig. 2B is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a crotch portion 5. Fig. 2C is an exploded explanatory diagram illustrating a rear portion 7.

[ 0032]

The diaper 1 according to a present embodiment is a so-called open-type disposable diaper, and includes, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a first waist portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and a second waist portion 7. The first waist portion 3 is to be positioned at a front portion (abdominal side, front waist) of a wearer. The second waist portion 7 is to be positioned at a rear portion (back side, rear waist) of a wearer. However, the diaper 1 can be worn such that the first waist portion 3 is positioned on a wearer' s back side, and the second waist portion 7 is positioned on the 11 wearer's abdominal side. In the following description, the "first waist portion 3" may also be referred to as the "front portion 3", and the "second waist portion 7" may be referred to as the "rear portion 7" for convenience' sake.

[ 0033]

Further, as illustrated in Fig. 1, directions will be defined. That is, a direction from the front portion 3 toward the rear portion 7 is defined as a "lengthwise direction", a direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction is defined as a "lateral direction". It should be noted that the lengthwise direction is along a product longitudinal direction, while the lateral direction is along a product width direction. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 2, a direction orthogonal to the lengthwise direction and the lateral direction is defined as a "thickness direction", wherein a wearer' s skin side is defined as a "skin side", and its opposite side is defined as a "non-skin side".

[ 0034]

The diaper 1 includes a central band-like region 12, side flaps 14, and leg side-gathers 16. The side flaps 14 in a pair are respectively attached with fastening tapes 30. These fastening tapes are engaged with the first waist portion such that a single waist opening and a pair of leg openings are formed.

[ 0035]

The central band-like region 12 is a band-like region that is configured with the front portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and the rear portion 7, and is positioned in the central portion in the lateral direction (see Fig. 1) . The central band-like region 12 is a part configured to absorb and retain urine and the like excreted by a wearer. The central band-like region 12 has an oblong shape including a liquid-retaining absorbent body 21 (shape 12 along the lengthwise direction) . The central band-like region 12 mainly includes the absorbent body 21, a top sheet 22, a leak-proof sheet 23, and a back sheet 24 (see Figs. 2A to 2C).

[ 0036]

The absorbent body 21 is a member that is formed such that liquid absorbent materials capable of absorbing exudates such as urine and the like are stacked, and that is disposed in the front portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and the rear portion 7 . A hatched region in Fig. 1 represents a region corresponding to the absorbent body 21. The absorbent body 21 has such an hourglass shape having a narrower width in a lengthwise central portion thereof. However, the absorbent body 21 is not limited to the shape illustrated in Fig. 1, but may be a simple rectangular shape. Further, the absorbent body 21 may be provided at least in the crotch portion 5. The absorbent body 21 is disposed to be sandwiched between the top sheet 22 and the leak-proof sheet 23 . As a liquid absorbent material configuring the absorbent body 21, liquid absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, and/or liquid-absorbent particles such as superabsorbent polymers can be used. Further, a liquid absorbent material other than liquid absorbent fibers and liquid-absorbent particles may be included.

[ 0037] CL illustrated in Fig. 1 is a line representing the center of the diaper 1 in the lengthwise direction. In the diaper 1, the crotch portion 5 is positioned such that the central portion of the crotch of a wearer coincides with the central portion of the crotch portion 5. The central portion of the crotch of the wearer means the central portion of the root of legs (groin) , and is positioned to be deviated, to the front portion side, from the lengthwise central position CL of the diaper 1 (see Fig. 1) . Since 13 the central portion of the crotch portion 5 is positioned on the front portion side with respect to the central position CL of the diaper 1, a wearer can easily move his/her legs toward the front (to the abdominal side) . Further, since the area of the rear portion 7 in the diaper 1 is made relatively larger, buttocks of a wearer can sufficiently be covered.

[ 0038]

The top sheet 22 is a liquid permeable member disposed on the skin side of the absorbent body 21, and is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The leak-proof sheet 23 is a liquid-impermeable member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 21, and is formed using (made of) , for example, a film sheet (film/sheet) . The back sheet 24 is disposed on the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet 23 (see Figs. 2A to 2C) . The back sheet 24 is a member configuring the exterior of the diaper 1 on the non-skin side (exterior sheet) , and is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric.

[ 0039]

The side flaps 14 are parts positioned on both sides, in the lateral direction, of the central band-like region 12. The side flaps 14 are formed across the front portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and the rear portion 7 (see Fig. 1) . The length (width) in the lateral direction of the side flaps 14 in the crotch portion 5 is smaller than the lengths (widths) in the lateral direction of the side flaps 14 in the front portion 3 and the rear portion 7. Further, the length (width) in the lateral direction of the side flaps 14 in the rear portion 7 is longer than the length (width) in the lateral direction of the side flaps 14 in the front portion 3 (see Fig. 1) . Leg gathers 15 (leg circumference stretchable portions), which are stretchable along the lengthwise direction, 14 are formed on both end portions in the lateral direction of the side flaps 14 in a pair.

[ 0040]

Each of the side flaps 14 is principally configured with a skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 (see Figs. 2A to 2C). The skin-side sheet 26 is a member on the skin side formed across the front portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and the rear portion 7 and is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The skin-side sheet 26 is also a member configuring the leg side-gathers 16 (standing gathers), and the outer portion of the skin-side sheet 26 (portion on the outer side with respect to joining portion 26A shown by broken line in Fig. 1) configures the side flap 14. The skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 are joined to each other with a hot-melt adhesive (hereinafter, also referred to as "ΗΜΆ") . Further, in a part of the side flap 14, the leak-proof sheet 23 is disposed in such a manner as to be sandwiched between the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 (see Figs. 2A to 2C).

[ 0041]

An elastic member 27 is disposed between the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 in the side flap 14. The elastic member 27 is a string-like member that is stretchable along the lengthwise direction, and provides stretchability (elasticity) to each of the leg openings when the diaper 1 is worn. That is, the elastic member 27 is a leg circumference elastic member configured to fit each leg circumference part into wearer's each leg. The elastic member 27 provides stretchability to the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 in the crotch portion 5, such that the leg gathers 15 are formed. In Fig. 1, two elastic members 27 are provided along the lengthwise direction to each of the side flaps 14 in a pair. However, the number and arrangement of the elastic members 15 27 are not limited thereto but are adjustable as necessary. The elastic members 27 are made of, for example, rubber threads or the like.

[ 0042]

The leg side-gathers 16 are standing gathers to preclude leaking from a space of each of the leg circumference parts. The leg side-gathers 16 in a pair are formed along the lengthwise direction in the front portion 3, the crotch portion 5, and the rear portion 7 (see Fig. 1) . The leg side-gathers 16 are formed such that both edges of the central band-like region 12 are covered with the side flaps 14 on the inner side.

[ 0043]

The leg side-gathers 16 are principally configured with the inner portions of skin-side sheet 26 (see Fig. 2) . The inner edges of the skin-side sheet 26 in the crotch portion 5 have stretchability by virtue of a rubber thread or the like. The skin-side sheet 26 is joined along the lengthwise direction at the joining portion 26A between the central band-like region 12 and each of the side flaps 14 (broken line in Fig. 1). A region on the inner side with respect to the joining portion 26A of the skin-side sheet 26 configures the leg side-gathers 16 (standing gathers), with the joining portion 26A serving as a support.

[ 0044]

The fastening tapes 30 are respectively attached to the side flaps 14 of the rear portion 7 (see Fig. 1). The fastening tape 30 is joined such that a part of such fastening tape 30 is sandwiched between the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 which configure the side flap 14 (see Fig. 2C).

[ 0045] A target tape 29 is provided in the front portion 3 of the 16 diaper 1 (see Fig. 1). The target tape 29 is disposed on the non-skin side of the front portion 3 (see Fig. 2A). The target tape 29 is a member capable of being engaged with the fastening tapes 30, and is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric. The target tape 2 9 configures a target region with which the fastening tapes 30 are to be engaged. It should be noted that a target region may be formed in nonwoven fabric of an outermost layer of the back sheet 24, instead of disposing the target tape 29 on the non-skin side of the back sheet 24. With the fastening tapes 30 being engaged with the target tape 29, the diaper 1 is worn.

[ 0046]

Further, tear-off lines 17 shown by thick dotted line in Fig. 1 are respectively provided in the side flaps 14 in the rear portion 7, in other words, are respectively provided in the side flaps 14 on the side on which the fastening tapes 30 are joined. The tear-off lines 17 will be described later in detail.

[ 0047]

The product length in the lengthwise direction of the diaper 1 for low-weight infants according to a present embodiment (size in such a state that a product is stretched without wrinkles in longitudinal direction) is in a range between 210 mm and 330 mm. For example, the product length of the diaper 1 for low birth weight infants weighing less than 2500 grams is 310 mm, the product length of the diaper 1 for very low birth weight infants weighing less than 1500 grams is 270 mm, and the product length of the diaper 1 for extremely low birth weight infants weighing less than 1000 grams is 230 mm.

[ 0048]

Further, the waist size of the diaper 1 for low-weight infants according to a present embodiment is in a range between 17 160 mm to 295 mm. It should be noted that the waist size is a size in such a state that the end part of one of the fastening tapes 30 is aligned with the end part on the side flap 14 side in the hook sheet region C of the other of the fastening tapes 30 and that the product is stretched out without wrinkles. In other words, the waist size is the size in such a state that the product is stretched out in the width direction. For example, the waist size of the diaper 1 for low birth weight infants is 273.5 mm, and the waist size of the diaper 1 for very low birth weight infants weighing less than 1500 grams is 220 mm.

[ 0049] <Wearing/removing of diaper 1>

Next, a method of wearing/removing the diaper 1 will be described. When putting the diaper 1 on a wearer, the diaper 1 in a development state as illustrated in Fig. 1 is disposed such that the rear portion 7 in the central band-like region 12 is along the wearer' s back side and the rear portion 3 is along the wearer' s abdominal side. Then, the fastening tapes 30 are engaged with the target tape 29 provided in the front portion 3, such that the side flaps 14 in the rear portion 7 are rolled around the wearer in the waist circumference direction from the wearer's back side to the abdominal side.

[ 0050]

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the diaper 1 is worn by a low-weight infant. As has been described, the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment is mainly intended to be worn by a low-weight infant. When a wearer is a low-weight infant, particularly, a very low birth weight infant (weighing less than 1500 grams) or a extremely low birth weight infant (weighing less than 1000 grams), "minimum handling" may be required to avoid 18 touching his/her body as much as possible, thereby keeping the infant away from stress. Accordingly, after the diaper 1 has been worn by such a low-weight infant, it is desirable that the wearer is laid to be kept in such a rest state that his/her back is curved round in a C-shape with his/her legs being bent in an M-shape, as illustrated in Fig. 3. This posture illustrated in Fig. 3 is close to a fetal position in a mother' s body (fetal bending posture) , and is a posture causing the wearer to be easily rested, which is referred to as a "positioning posture" as well.

[ 0051]

When the diaper 1 is removed from the wearer' s body, the fastening tapes 30 that are engaged with the target tape 29 are disengaged, such that the diaper 1 is developed in a procedure opposite to that of wearing. However, when the wearer is in such a positioning posture as in Fig. 3, the fastening tapes 30 are hidden by the wearer on the abdominal side. Thus, in order to disengage the fastening tapes 30, the wearer' s body is required to be once laid on his/her back such that the wearer's abdominal side can be seen. However, it is undesirable to move the wearer' s body only to remove the diaper 1, considering the "minimum handling". Accordingly, in the diaper 1, the tear-off lines 17 are respectively provided in the side flaps 14 so that the diaper 1 can be removed without moving a wearer's body.

[ 0052]

Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the diaper 1 is being removed from a wearer's body. When the diaper 1 is removed, the side flaps 14 are torn along the tear-off lines 17 from the waist opening to each of the leg openings. Accordingly, the diaper 1 can be removed from the wearer' s body, while the fastening tapes 30 are being engaged with the target tape 29 on 19 the abdominal side. That is, as illustrated in Fig. 4, portions connected with the fastening tapes 30 are respectively cut from the side flaps 14 in both end parts in the lateral direction of the diaper 1, such that the diaper 1 will be brought in a development state. Accordingly, it is possible to easily remove the diaper 1 without changing the posture of the wearer (low-weight infant).

[ 0053] <Configuration of tear-off line>

The detailed configuration of the tear-off lines 17 provided in the diaper 1 will be described.

[ 0054]

Figs. 5A and 5B are diagrams each illustrating a configuration of the tear-off line 17 of the diaper 1. Such tear-off lines 17 according to a present embodiment are respectively provided in the side flaps 14 on the rear portion 7 side in the lengthwise direction, that is, are provided in the side flaps 14 on the side with which the fastening tapes 30 are connected. The tear-off lines are formed in a perforated manner such that a plurality of holes 17h is lined up on a route extending from the waist opening to each of the leg openings. Such holes 17h run through, in the thickness direction, the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24 configuring each of the side flaps 14, and also run though the leak-proof sheet 23 in a part of such a region. Fig. 5A illustrates an example of circular holes 17h, and Fig. 5B illustrates an example of oval holes 17h. It should be noted that the holes 17h may be formed in shapes other than the above and, for example, may be formed into rectangular slits or the like. Further, the size of the holes 17h (diameter of each opening) is determined according to the size of the diaper 1 and/or the quality of the materials configuring the skin-side sheet 26 20 and the like.

[ 0055]

In Figs. 5A and 5B, the rear portion 7 in the lengthwise direction of the diaper 1 is divided into three regions, which are a rear portion 7a, a rear portion 7b, and a rear portion 7c. The rear portion 7b is provided at a location substantially corresponding to the location of the fastening tape 30 in the lengthwise direction. The rear portion 7a is a region on the rear side in the lengthwise direction (on the outer side in the lengthwise direction) with respect to the rear portion 7b. The rear portion 7c is a region on the front side in the lengthwise direction (on the inner side in the lengthwise direction) with respect to the rear portion 7b. The plurality of holes 17h of the tear-off line 17 forms a straight part in which the holes are lined up straight in the lengthwise direction along the joining portion 2 6A between the central band-like region 12 and the side flap 14 in the rear portions 7a and 7b. Further, the plurality of holes 17h forms a curved part in which the holes are lined up in such a manner as to be curved toward each of the leg openings located on the outer end part in the lateral direction of the diaper 1 in the rear portion 7c. Accordingly, since the tear-off line 17 each includes the straight part and the curved part, the side flaps 14 can easily be cut off even in a state where the diaper 1 is worn. For example, when a wearer wearing the diaper 1 is taking the positioning posture as illustrated in Fig. 3, the legs of the wearer are bent in an M-shape to be positioned on the front side of the body, and thus the leg openings of the diaper 1 results in being positioned on the front side. In such a state, when tearing the side flaps 14 from the waist opening to each of the leg openings, it is required to tear obliquely along a direction 21 in which each of the legs is bent. Accordingly, in the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment, the tear-off lines 17 are curved toward the leg openings, respectively. Thus, by tearing the side flaps 14 along such tear-off lines 17, portions corresponding to the fastening tapes 30 can easily be cut off even when the wearer is taking the positioning posture.

[ 0056]

Further, spacing (pitch) between the holes 17h that are next to each other on each of the tear-off lines 17 varies with regions. In specific, a pitch Lhb between the outer circumferential edge of one hole 17h and the outer circumferential edge of the next hole 17h immediately adjacent thereto in the rear portion 7b is greater than a pitch Lha between the outer circumferential edge of one hole 17h and the outer circumferential edge of the next hole 17h immediately adjacent thereto in the rear portions 7a and 7c (Lhb>Lha) . In other words, the rate of the holes 17h per unit length on the tear-off line 17 in the rear portion 7b is smaller than the rate of the holes 17h per unit length on the tear-off line 17 in the rear portions 7a and 7c. That is to say, the rate of the holes running through the skin-side sheet 2 6 and the back sheet 24 is smaller in the rear portion 7b, and thus the side flaps 14 are less easily cut off, as compared with the cases in the rear portions 7a and 7c. This is to restrain the side flaps 14 from being torn by a force toward the outside in the lateral direction acting on the rear portion 7b, when the fastening tapes 30 are pulled to both the sides in the lateral direction while the diaper 1 is being worn. In contrast, a configuration is such that the side flaps 14 are more easily torn, when removing the diaper 1, in the rear portion 7a, in which the side flaps 14 start being torn, and in the rear portion 7c, in which the tear-off lines 17 22 are curved, as compared with the rear portion 7b. Accordingly, the side flaps 14 are restrained from being torn accidentally when the diaper 1 is being worn, whereas, when the diaper 1 is being removed, the side flaps 14 can easily be torn along the tear-off lines 17.

[ 0057] <External appearance of tear-off line>

The tear-off lines 17 are disposed at a wearer' s sides when the diaper 1 is worn. However, since the plurality of holes 17h configuring the tear-off lines 17 is very small in size in many cases, the tear-off lines 17 are less easily visually recognized in appearance. Since the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment is intended to be worn by a low-weight infant, the size of the diaper itself is small. Accordingly, each of the holes 17h is more likely to be formed small. Thus, when removing the diaper 1, the location of the tear-off lines 17 may be less easily visually recognized. Further, at a hospital and the like, a low-weight infant is likely to be kept in an incubator, however, such an incubator, which recreates the inside of the uterus, may have no lighting. When conducting removing/wearing work of the diaper 1 in such a dim environment with no lighting, it is more difficult to recognize the location of the tear-off lines 17.

[ 0058]

With respect to these problems, in the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment, the holes 17h of the tear-off line 17 are configured to be easily noticeable (easily visually recognized), so that the location of the tear-off lines 17 is easily visually recognized when putting the diaper 1 on and removing it.

[ 0059] 23

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view illustrating a region of the rear portion 7b of Fig. 5A. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Fig. 6. It should be noted that Fig. 6 illustrates ten of the holes 17h, i.e., a hole 17hl to a hole 17hl0, along the tear-off line 17. Each of the holes 17h is illustrated as a circular shape having a diameter Dl, but the holes may be of a shape other than the circular shape.

[ 0060]

In Figs. 6 and 7, hole-edge portions 17he are respectively set in regions, each having a predetermined width, along the outer circumferences (outer edge parts) of the holes 17h, which are formed in the skin-side sheet 26, the leak-proof sheet 23, and the back sheet 24. The hole-edge portions 17he are provided to correspond to the plurality of holes 17h configuring the tear-off line 17. A distance w from the outer circumferential part of each of the holes 17h to the outer circumferential part of each of the hole-edge portions 17he is, for example, about from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. Further, in the following explanation, the leak-proof sheet 23 is referred to as a first sheet member, the skin-side sheet 26 is referred to as a second sheet member, and the back sheet 24 is referred to as a third sheet member.

[ 0061]

Between the first sheet member and the second sheet member, a joining target region H is provided to join the two sheets. The joining target region H is a region represented by a shaded area of Figs. 6 and 7. In a present embodiment, the band-like joining target region H is provided along the lengthwise direction in such a manner as to include the tear-off line 17. That is to say, the joining target region H is provided in such a manner as to surround the holes 17h. That is, an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive 24 (HMA) is applied in a predetermined range in the joining target region H between the two sheet members overlapping in the thickness direction, to form a joining portion 50 for joining the two sheet members each other. Similarly, the joining target region H is provided also between the first sheet member and the third sheet member to join the two sheets, such that the joining portion 50 is formed in the joining target region H.

[ 0062]

In Figs. 6 and 7, HMA is applied to all the range in the joining target region H in at least one sheet member out of the first and second sheet members. That is to say, the joining portion 50 is formed in a substantially rectangular band-like shape along the lengthwise direction in a range equivalent to the joining target region H. Accordingly, a plurality of holes 17h configuring the tear-off line 17 is in such a state that each of the holes is surrounded by HMA. In the present specification, such an HMA application pattern is referred to as a "coater pattern". In the coater pattern, it is possible to securely join two sheet members, and it is suitable when securing of joining strength is desired. However, the pattern of the joining portion 50 is not limited to the coater pattern, but the joining portion 50 can be formed in various patterns other than the coater pattern by changing the HMA application pattern within a range in the joining target region H.

[ 0063]

Figs. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating examples of other patterns of the j oining portion 50 . Fig. 8A illustrates an example when HMA is applied in a spiral manner within a range of the joining target region H. In the present specification, such an application pattern is referred to as a "spiral pattern". In the 25 joining portion 50 formed in the spiral pattern, the amount of HMA usage can be reduced as compared with that in the coater pattern . Further, since the weight per unit area of HMA in the joining target region H is reduced, the sheet is restrained from becoming hard due to the HMA. Thus, the feel of the joining target region H in the diaper 1 can be maintained to be soft. Fig. 8B illustrates an example when HMA is applied in a meandering manner along the lengthwise direction within a range of the joining target region H. In the present specification, such an application pattern is referred to as an "omega pattern". In the joining portion 50 formed in the omega pattern, the amount of HMA usage can be reduced similarly to the case of the spiral pattern, and thus the feel of the joining target region H can be maintained to be soft.

[ 0064]

As illustrated in Fig. 7, in the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment, the joining portions 50 and the hole-edge portions 17he are formed at a location at which they overlap each other in the lateral direction. In other words, the hole-edge portions 17he are in such a state as to be joined to each other, between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the second sheet member (skin-side sheet 26), and between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the third sheet member (back sheet 24) . Accordingly, when wearing/removing the diaper 1 and the side flaps 14 are pulled in the lateral direction to apply a force in the lateral direction to the portion corresponding to the holes 17h, the holes 17h can be easily noticeable.

[ 0065]

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state of a hole 17h when a force in the lateral direction acts in Fig. 7. When the force of pulling the side flaps 14 in the lateral direction 26 acts, deviation in a shearing direction occurs in the first to third sheet members, as illustrated in Fig. 9. Concurrently, the force acts on the hole 17h formed in each of the sheet members, in the direction of increasing the diameter of its opening, thereby increasing the diameter of the hole 17h, represented by D1 in Fig. 7, to D2 in Fig. 9 (D2>D1).

[ 0066]

Here, the hole-edge portion 17he provided around the hole 17h of the first sheet member and the hole-edge portion 17he provided around the hole 17h in the second sheet member are joined to each other, and thus deviation in position in the lateral direction of the hole 17h is not likely to occur between the two sheet members. Similarly, deviation in position in the lateral direction of the hole 17h is not likely to occur also between the first sheet member and the third sheet member. As a result, in the hole 17h, the diameter of a region running therethrough the first to third sheet members in the thickness direction appears to have been increased from D1 to D2 (D2>D1), thereby being able to be easily visually recognized. It should be noted that Fig. 10 illustrates a case where the force uniform in the lateral direction is exerted on the first to third sheet members. In practical, when the side flaps 14 are pulled in the lateral direction, the force acting on the sheet members is often uneven. However, even in the case where the direction of the force acting is uneven, if the hole-edge portion 17he and the joining portion 50 overlap each other between two sheet members, deviation in position in the lateral direction of the hole-edge portion 17h is not likely to occur. As described above, since the opening of the hole 17h appear to have been expanded, the tear-off line 17 can easily be recognized. 27 [ 0067]

It should be noted that, in order for the tear-off line 17 to be easily visually recognized, it is desirable that two or more of the holes 17h adjacent to each other, in the plurality of holes 17h lined up along the tear-off line 17, appear to be expanded. That is, assuming that two holes 17h immediately next to each other are a first hole and a second hole, respectively, it is desirable to configure such that a first hole-edge portion along the outer circumference of the first hole and a second hole-edge portion along the outer circumference of the second hole overlap with the joining portion 50 joining two sheet members. This is because, for example, in Fig. 6, assuming that the hole 17hl is a first hole and the hole 17h2 next to the hole 17hl is a second hole, such a case that the first and second holes are expanded in a row is more noticeable than such a case that only the first hole is expanded alone. Accordingly, with the joining target region H being set along the tear-off line 17 as well as the joining portion 50 being formed in the coater pattern, all the holes 17h included in the joining target region H will appear to be expanded, and thus the tear-off line 17 as a whole becomes noticeable. In the case of Fig. 6, the ten holes 17h from 17hl to 17hl0 lined up in a row is easily visually recognized, which causes the tear-off line 17 to be easily noticeable.

[ 0068]

Further, in each of the side flaps 14 having the tear-off line 17 formed therein in the diaper 1 according to a present embodiment, the leak-proof sheet 23 configured with a film sheet is disposed between the skin-side sheet 26 and the back sheet 24. With the holes 17h being formed in this film sheet, it becomes possible to easily recognize the external forms of the holes 17h. 28

This is because the film sheet has a smooth surface, and thus when the holes 17h are formed in such a smooth surface, outer edges (edges) of the holes 17h become noticeable. Accordingly, with the holes 17h being formed in each the side flaps 14 at a location where the leak-proof sheet 23 is disposed, the tear-off line 17 can be more noticeable.

[ 0069]

Further, in Fig. 6, the joining portion 50 is formed in the coater pattern in the joining target region H, however, even if the joining portion 50 is formed in the omega pattern or the spiral pattern, such an effect as described above can be achieved. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example when the joining portion 50 is formed in the omega pattern (or may be formed in the spiral pattern) in the joining target region H. In this case, the joining portion 50 and the hole-edge portions 17he overlap each other with respect to the holes 17hl and 17h2 and the holes 17h4 and 17h5, each pair next to each other, among the five holes 17hl to 17h5 illustrated in Fig. 10. Thus, when the side flaps 14 are pulled in the lateral direction, the diameters of the openings of at least the holes 17hl and 17h2 and the holes 17h4 and 17h5 appear to have been increased, as described in Fig. 9, which can cause the tear-off line 17 to be easily noticeable.

[ 0070]

Accordingly, in a present embodiment, the joining portion 50 that joins overlapping sheet members and the hole-edge portions 17he of two or more holes 17h immediately adjacent to each other in the plurality of holes 17h are caused to overlap each other. In other words, the first hole-edge portion along the outer circumference of the first hole and the second hole-edge portion along the outer circumference of the second hole next to the first 29 hole are caused to overlap with the joining portion 50 joining the first sheet member and the second sheet member. Accordingly, the holes 17h running thorough the sheet members can be easily visually recognized, thereby causing the tear-off line 17 to be noticeable .

[ 0071] <Modified Example>

In an embodiment described above, such an example that the hole-edge portion 17he and the joining portion 50 overlap each other in each between the first to third sheet members is described. However, as long as the hole-edge portions 17he and the joining portion 50 overlap in two overlapping sheet members out of three sheet members, the tear-off line 17 can be easily noticeable with respect to this portion.

[ 0072]

Figs. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of a case where the hole-edge portions 17he and the joining portion 50 do not overlap between the first sheet member and the third sheet member. In Fig. 11A, the hole-edge portions 17he and the joining portion 50 overlap each other between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the second sheet member (skin-side sheet 26) , whereas the hole-edge portion 17he and the joining portion 50 do not overlap between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the third sheet member (back sheet 24) . Fig. 11B illustrates a case where the force in the lateral direction acts on the sheet member in a state of Fig. 11A. Deviation in position in the lateral direction of the hole 17h is not likely to occur between the first sheet member and the second sheet member as explained referring to Fig. 9. Further, since the size of the opening is expanded from D1 to D2, the hole 17h 30 is easily visually recognized. On the other hand, since the hole-edge portions 17he are not joined with the joining portion 50 between the first sheet member and the third sheet member, deviation in the shearing direction between sheet members becomes greater, and as a result, deviation in position in the lateral direction of the hole 17h is likely to become greater. In such a state, when the hole 17h is seen from the non-skin side in the thickness direction, a region that can practically be seen as a region running therethrough is a range represented by D3 of Fig. 11B, and the size of the hole 17h appears to be smaller than that of D2 (D2>D3). That is to say, when the diaper 1 is seen from the skin side (from the skin-side sheet 26 side), the tear-off line 17 is noticeable, whereas when the diaper 1 is seen from the non-skin side (from the back sheet 24 side), the tear-off line 17 is less noticeable.

[ 0073]

In the modified example, it is possible to configure the diaper 1 in which the tear-off line 17 is less easily visually recognized from the outside (from the non-skin side), but the tear-off line 17 is easily visually recognized from the inside (from the skin side). With such a configuration, when removing the diaper 1, the location of the tear-off line 17 is easily grasped by lifting up the side flap 14 to check the inside. On the other hand, the holes 17h of the tear-off line 17 are less noticeable from the outside of the diaper 1. This can restrain a user from feeling insecure considering such that exudates might leaks out from the holes 17h to the outside of the diaper 1 or the diaper 17 might be torn when being worn.

[ 0074]

Such a configuration is also possible that the hole-edge 31 portions 17he and the j oining portion 50 overlap each other between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the third sheet member (back sheet 24), and the hole-edge portions 17he and the joining portion 50 do not overlap each other between the first sheet member (leak-proof sheet 23) and the second sheet member (skin-side sheet 26).

[ 0075]

Further, in an embodiment described above, the tear-off line (s) 17 running through three sheet members have been described. However, even if the tear-off line 17 runs through only two sheet members, similar effects can be achieved. For example, in the rear portion 7c of Figs. 5A and 5B, a part of the tear-off line 17 runs through a portion in which two sheet members of the skin-side sheet 26 (referred to as the first sheet member) and the back sheet 24 (referred to as the second sheet member) overlap each other. That is, the holes 17h are formed at a portion in which the leak-proof sheet 23 does not exist. In this case, a configuration is made similarly such that the first hole-edge portion 17he and the second hole-edge portion 17he which are next to each other in the hole-edge portions 17he that are respectively formed along the outer circumferences of the plurality of holes 17h, overlap with the joining portion 50 joining the first sheet member and the second sheet member, thereby being able to easily visually recognize the expansion of the holes 17h in this portion, which can cause the tear-off line 17 to be easily noticeable.

[ 0076] ===Other===

Such an embodiment as described above is to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and is not in any way to be construed as limiting the invention. It is needless to say 32 that the invention may variously be changed or altered without departing from its spirit, and encompass equivalents thereof.

[ 0077]

In an embodiment described above, the tear-off lines 17 are formed on the rear portion 7 side of the diaper 1, but the tear-off line(s) may be formed in other part. In Fig. 1, tear lines 19, which are of one type of the tear-off lines, are formed along the lengthwise direction from the lengthwise end part on the front portion 3 side in the side flaps 14, respectively. Each of the tear lines 19 is configured with a plurality of holes 19h running through the sheet member (s) such as the skin-side sheet 26, similarly to the tear-off lines 17. Further, hole-edge portions 19he (not shown in Fig. 1) are formed around the outer circumferences of the holes 19h. Then, a configuration is made such that the joining portion 50 joining two overlapping sheet members and two or more of the hole-edge portions 19he that are adjacent to one another overlap each other, thereby being able to cause the tear lines 19 to be easily noticeable, similarly to the case of the tear-off lines 17.

Since such tear lines 19 are formed in the front portion 3 of the diaper 1, i.e., on the abdominal side of the waist portion (first waist portion 3), the diaper 1 on the abdominal side can easily be torn along the tear lines 19 while it is being worn. Then, by folding back such a tear portion, the abdominal part of a wearer can be exposed while the diaper 1 is being worn. In cases where a wearer of the diaper 1 is a low-weight infant, it is desirable that, when light treatment or the like is performed, light is applied in a wider range of his/her body. In such a case, by tearing the diaper 1 on the abdominal side along the tear lines 19 to be folded back, it is possible to apply light in a wider 33 range of the abdominal part while keeping the body of the low-weight infant from contact as much as possible. Further, since the tear lines 19 are provided at locations illustrated in Fig. 1, the first waist portion 3 of the diaper 1 can easily be folded along the roundness of the wearer based on the tear lines 19, and thus fittingness of the diaper 1 can be improved.

It should be noted that the tear-off lines 17 and the tear lines 19 are respectively formed substantially at the same positions in the lateral direction in the diaper 1 in its development state (see Fig. 1) . When the diapers 1 are manufactured, a plurality of sheet members in a state of Fig. 1 are transported in a continuous and connected manner in the lengthwise direction. That is, the diapers 1 in its development state are transported along the lengthwise direction, with the front-side lengthwise-end part of a diaper 1 being connected to a rear-side lengthwise-end part of another diaper 1. Then, in a transport process, the diapers 1 are perforated with a plurality of holes along the lengthwise direction in such a manner across the connected parts, such that the tear lines 19 and the tear-off lines 17 are respectively formed in a continuous manner. That is, it is possible to form the tear lines 19 in a process of forming the tear-off lines 17, concurrently, and thus a problem of increasing the manufacturing costs or the like does not occur.

[ 0078]

Further, the diaper 1 may have aspects as follows. (Aspect 1) A disposable diaper characterized in that a leg circumference elastic member configured to contract a portion corresponding to each leg opening is provided along the lengthwise direction at each position on both sides in the lateral direction, 34 and when a curved-line part of each tear-off line is virtually divided into two which are a waist-opening-side part and a leg-opening-side part, as well as when the leg circumference elastic member is seen from the thickness direction of the diaper, the leg circumference elastic member intersects with a part on the waist-opening side of the curved-line part. (Aspect 2) A disposable diaper characterized by comprising a plurality of sheet members layered in the thickness direction, wherein the number of the layered sheet members in at least a part of the curved-line part of each tear-off line is smaller than the number of the layered sheet members in a straight-line part of each tear-off line. (Aspect 3) A disposable diaper characterized by comprising a resin film (leak-proof sheet) whose stretching direction at the time of manufacturing is along the lengthwise direction, and the straight-line part of each tear-off line 17 is formed in the resin film. (Aspect 4) A disposable diaper characterized in that a sheet-like standing gather (leg side-gather) forming part is provided along the lengthwise direction at each position on both sides in the lateral direction; the standing-gather forming part includes a base end part incapable of standing in the thickness direction and a standing part capable of standing on the skin side in the thickness direction with the base end part serving as a support, the base end part and the standing part being arranged in the lateral direction; the standing part is configured to contract 35 in the lengthwise direction based on a lengthwise contractile force acting on the standing part such that the standing part stands on the skin side in the thickness direction; the tear-off line is formed on the outer side in the lateral direction with respect to the base end part and the standing part. (Aspect 5) A disposable diaper characterized by comprising an absorbent core (absorbent body) in the center in the lateral direction, the absorbent core being formed such that a liquid absorbent material that absorbs liquid is stacked in the thickness direction, wherein the tear-off line is formed on the outer side in the lateral direction with respect to the absorbent core.

[ Reference Signs List] [ 0079] 1 disposable diaper (diaper), 3 front portion (first waist portion), 5 crotch portion, 7 rear portion (second waist portion), 12 central band-like region, 14 side flap, 15 leg gathers, 16 leg side-gathers, 17 tear-off line, 17h hole, 17hl-17h5 hole, 17he hole-edge portion, 19 tear line, 19h hole, 19he hole-edge portion, 21 absorbent body, 22 top sheet, 23 leak-proof sheet, 24 back sheet (exterior sheet), 26 skin-side sheet, 27 elastic member 36 29 target tape, 30 fastening tape, 50 joining portion, H joining target region, 5 HMA hot-melt adhesive

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1] A disposable diaper including a first waist portion, a crotch portion, and a second waist portion that are arranged in a lengthwise direction, the disposable diaper comprising: a side flap configured such that a first sheet member and a second sheet member overlap each other; a fastening tape joined to the side flap on a second waist portion side; a tear-off line provided in the side flap on the second waist portion side, the tear-off line being configured such that a plurality of holes running through the first and the second sheet members are disposed; and hole-edge portions, the hole-edge portions including first and second hole-edge portions, the first sheet member including the first hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a first hole and the second hole-edge portion that is along an outer circumference of a second hole next to the first hole, the first and the second hole-edge portions overlapping with a joining portion that joins the first and the second sheet members overlapping each other. [Claim
2] A disposable diaper according to claim 1, wherein the first sheet member includes the hole-edge portions respectively formed along outer circumferences of the plurality of holes, and all the hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members. [Claim
3] A disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a third sheet member overlapping with the first sheet member on a surface, of the first sheet member, opposite to the second sheet member, wherein the first and the second hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members and a joining portion joining the first and the third sheet members . [Claim
4] A disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a third sheet member overlapping with the first sheet member on a surface, of the first sheet member, opposite to the second sheet member, wherein the first and the second hole-edge portions overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the second sheet members, and do not overlap with a joining portion joining the first and the third sheet members. [Claim
5] A disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first sheet member is formed using a film sheet. [Claim
6] A disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the joining portion is formed such that a hot-melt adhesive is applied in a spiral manner to at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member. [Claim
7] A disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a rate of the holes per unit length in a direction in which the tear-off line extends, in a region corresponding to a region in which the fastening tape is disposed in the lengthwise direction, is smaller than a rate of the holes per unit length in a direction in which the tear-off line extends, in a region corresponding to a region in which the fastening tape is not disposed in the lengthwise direction . [Claim
8] A disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fastening tape is engaged with the first waist portion, to form a single waist opening and a pair of leg openings, and the plurality of holes included in the tear-off line is arranged on a route extending from a portion configuring the waist opening to a portion configuring each of the leg openings. [Claim
9] A disposable diaper according to claim 8, wherein the tear-off line includes a straight-line part extending in the lengthwise direction from the portion configuring the waist opening, and a curved-line part that is curved, outward in the lateral direction, at a lengthwise inner position with respect to the straight-line part. [Claim
10] A disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: a tear line provided, in the side flap on the first waist portion side, at the same position in the lateral direction as a position of the tear-off line, the tear line being configured such that a plurality of holes running through the first and the second sheet members are disposed.