RU2434619C2 - Absorbing product - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to absorbing product, such as disposable diaper or sanitary napkin. Absorbing product 1 includes absorbing element 3 and external covering element 2. External covering element 2 has anterior section A, perineal section C and posterior section B and includes external sheet 21 and internal sheet 22 and elastic elements 23. External covering element 2 has located near belt gathers, formed from composite stretchable panel in its located below belt part D. Composite stretchable panel has external and internal sheets 21, 22, connected in connection places, located discretely in direction of its stretching and in direction, perpendicular to it. Elastic elements 23 pass in such a way that they do not pass through connection places, elastic elements 23 are not fixed to external and internal sheets in any place but their both ends. External and internal sheets 21, 22 form gathers, continuously spreading above multitude of elastic elements 23. Belt part F of external covering element 2 has smaller expressed in percent, relative elongation on its medial in lateral direction section, than on the other sections from both sides from medial section.

EFFECT: increase of product efficiency.

9 cl, 8 ex, 2 tbl, 52 dwg

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper or sanitary napkin.

State of the art

Known drawable disposable diapers having an absorbent member including an absorbent core and an outer cover member attached to the garment side of the absorbent member include a diaper having an outer cover member elasticized along waist parts and parts below the waist , both in the front zone and in the rear zone, to ensure a better fit to the body of the carrier, for example, such as disclosed in Patent Document 1. In accordance and with this invention, the outer covering element consists of an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a plurality of elastic elements located between two sheets. The lower belts and waist assemblies are formed by elastic elements intermittently attached to the outer and inner sheets in the waist part and the lower part of the belt.

A disposable diaper is also known which is intended to facilitate evaporation and sweat removal along the waist valve and through the waist valve (the term “waist valve” generally refers to a part located outside each longitudinal end of the absorbent member including the absorbent core) for preventing skin irritation from the diaper, for example, such as disclosed in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3. Each of the lap valves of disposable diapers, illustrated in FIG. 7 of Patent Document 2 and FIGS. 2 and 6 of Patent Document 3 , includes a hydrophobic sheet both on the skin side and the diaper side of the garment, a hydrophilic sheet and elastic elements, wherein the hydrophilic sheet and elastic elements are located between the hydrophobic sheets. That is, the waist valves of disposable diapers according to Patent Documents 2 and 3 have a four-layer structure consisting of a hydrophobic sheet, a hydrophilic sheet, a layer of an elastic element and a hydrophilic sheet.

Patent Document 1 US 7217261B2 Patent Document 2 JP 8-38548A Patent Document 3 JP 2003-235892A

The disposable pull-on diaper according to Patent Document 1 has reduced air permeability and reduced softness in its waist and lower parts, since these parts are elasticized by attaching elastic elements to the outer and inner sheets by means of hot-melt adhesive. Since it is difficult to tighten the elastic elements attached in this way, it is necessary to increase the number of elastic elements or use elastic elements with strong compressibility to ensure sufficient contractibility along the waist and lower parts of the belt. In other words, the full use of the constriction ability that the elastic element essentially possesses is not ensured. In addition, the elasticized waist and lower parts have poor cushioning properties.

It is desirable that the disposable diaper having an absorbent element and an outer covering element provides soft retention of its elasticated waist at the waist of the child (carrier), without leaving any recesses or marks on the body of the carrier. This also applies to other absorbent products, such as open-type diapers with fastening elements and panty-type sanitary napkins.

The present invention relates to an absorbent article having an elasticized waist portion and an elasticized portion located below the waistband, in which the elasticized waistband and lower portion of the waistband have good breathability and softness while ensuring full use of the elasticity of the elastic elements used for elasticity to be pulled together, have excellent cushioning properties and gently cover the child’s body, causing minor dents on the body.

In accordance with the present invention, an absorbent article is provided comprising an absorbent element comprising an absorbent core and an outer covering element attached to a side of the garment element facing the garment. The outer covering element is divided into a front section, a crotch section, and a rear section along its longitudinal direction.

The outer covering element includes an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a plurality of elastic elements located between the two sheets, and has a composite stretch panel having a direction of stretch. The composite stretch panel forms lower assembly belts and waist assemblies respectively in the lower and lower part belts on each of the front and rear sections.

The composite stretch panel consists of an outer sheet and an inner sheet joined to each other at the joints formed discretely in the direction of stretching and the direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching. The elastic elements are located at places other than the joints, and are not attached to the outer sheet and the inner sheet anywhere except at their opposite ends, so that each of the outer sheet and the inner sheet can form many folds continuously passing over the set of elastic elements.

The waist portion is characterized by a lesser percentage expressed in elongation at its laterally average portion of the outer covering member than in the outer portions on both sides of the laterally middle portion of the outer covering member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a disposable pull-on diaper as one embodiment of an absorbent article of the invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the pull-on disposable diaper of Figure 1 in its flat, unstretched condition.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pull-on disposable diaper of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a section taken along the line IV-IV in figure 2.

FIG. 5 (a), FIG. 5 (b), and FIG. 5 (c) illustrate an absorbent core used in the disposable diaper of FIG. 1, of which FIG. 5 (a) is a plan view, FIG. .5 (b) is a section taken along line BB in FIG. 5 (a), and FIG. 5 (c) is a section taken along line CC in FIG. 5 (a).

6 is a plan view of the outer covering member in its flat, unstretched state when viewed from the inside, with the inner sheet removed.

7 is a plan view of the outer sheet in its flat, unstretched state, illustrating areas for applying glue.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of the inner sheet in its flat, unstretched state, illustrating adhesive zones.

Fig.9 is an illustration of the ilium.

Figure 10 illustrates how to calculate the shear force around the waist of the wearer.

11 illustrates how to measure the length from the anterior center to the posterior center at the height of the anterior superior ilium.

12 is a plan view of a composite stretch panel in its stretched state.

13 schematically illustrates the density of a pleated, folded, composite stretch panel.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view illustrating a method for manufacturing the stretchable disposable diaper of Fig. 1.

Fig is a conceptual diagram specifically showing the operation of forming composite stretch panels, non-functional zones and cutting zones of elastic elements for the legs in the method illustrated in Fig. 14.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing an operation of manufacturing a composite stretch panel in the method illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 17 (a) and FIG. 17 (b) are each enlarged partial cross-sectional views of the composite stretch panel, of which FIG. 17 (a) shows a stretched state and FIG. 17 (b) is a folded tightened state.

Fig. 18 (a) and Fig. 18 (b) are each enlarged partial cross-sections of a composite stretch panel, of which Fig. 18 (a) shows a stretched state and Fig. 18 (b) is a stretched state with folds.

Fig. 19 is a plan view of another composite stretch panel in its stretched state (equivalent to Fig. 12).

FIG. 20 is a plan view of a pull-on disposable diaper as a second embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the invention in its flat, unstretched condition.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a pull-on disposable diaper according to the second embodiment.

Fig.22 is a section taken along the line V-V in Fig.20.

Fig is a perspective view of a composite stretch panel with a partial tear.

24 is a perspective view illustrating a method of manufacturing a stretchable disposable diaper according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing the operation of forming composite stretch panels, non-functional zones and cutting zones of elastic leg elements in the method illustrated in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a semi-finished stretchable disposable diaper according to the second embodiment, in which the holding sheet is ready to be folded back (in accordance with FIG. 22).

FIG. 27 (a) and FIG. 27 (b) are each enlarged partial cross-section of a composite stretch panel, of which FIG. 27 (a) shows a stretched state and FIG. 27 (b) is a stretched state with folds.

FIG. 28 is a conceptual diagram of the operation of forming composite stretch panels, non-functional zones and cutting zones of elastic elements for legs, wherein the operation is identical to the operation of FIG. 25, except for changing the location at which the continuous holding sheet is attached.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a longitudinal end portion of a disposable pull-on diaper including a third embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the invention (equivalent to FIG. 22).

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a semi-finished stretchable disposable diaper according to the third embodiment, in which the holding sheet is ready to be folded backward (equivalent to FIG. 26).

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a longitudinal end portion of a disposable pull-on diaper including a fourth embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the invention (equivalent to FIG. 22).

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the longitudinal end portion of a disposable pull-on diaper including a fifth embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with the invention (equivalent to FIG. 22).

Fig. 33 is a plan view of yet another composite stretch panel (equivalent to Fig. 12).

Fig. 34 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of the tensioned article of the invention when worn.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged partial perspective view of zone II in Fig. 34 with a partial tear.

Fig. 36 is an enlarged section taken along line AA in Fig. 35.

Fig. 37 is a schematic plan view of the diaper of Fig. 34 in its flat, unstretched condition with a partial tear.

Fig. 38 (a) and Fig. 38 (b) are each enlarged views of the parts for fastening (fixing) elastic elements around the leg hole of Fig. 37, of which Fig. 38 (a) is a schematic enlarged plan view and FIG. 38 (b) is a schematic enlarged perspective view with strained elastic members.

Fig. 39 (a) and Fig. 39 (b) are each enlarged views of another embodiment of parts for attaching elastic elements around the leg opening of Fig. 37, of which Fig. 39 (a) is a schematic enlarged plan view and Fig. 39 (b) is a schematic enlarged perspective view with strained elastic elements.

FIG. 40 is a schematic enlarged plan view of a zone VI of FIG. 37 with a partial tear.

Fig. 41 is a graph showing the stretch characteristics of the edge of the opening for the waist of the stretchable diaper illustrated in Fig. 34, in comparison with the characteristics of a conventional stretchable diaper.

Fig. 42 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of the operations involved in the manufacturing process of a stretchable article in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 43 is a schematic enlarged plan view of a zone IX in Fig. 42.

Fig. 44 (a) and Fig. 44 (b) are each further enlarged schematic plan view of zone X in Fig. 43, of which Fig. 44 (a) shows one cutting method for forming a hole in zone X and Fig. 44 (b) shows another cutting method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent article of the invention will be described with reference to several stretchable disposable diapers as preferred embodiments of the invention by way of the accompanying drawings. In the description below, the term "disposable diaper" or simply "diaper" is essentially equivalent to the term "absorbent article" as it is considered in the present invention.

Figures 1-4 illustrate a disposable pull-on diaper 1 in accordance with a first embodiment. As illustrated, the diaper 1 has an absorbent element 3 including an absorbent core 34, and an outer covering element 2 attached to the garment side of the absorbing element 3. The outer covering element 2 is divided into a front section A, a crotch section C and a rear section In along its longitudinal direction. Both side edges of the front section A and both side edges of the rear section B are joined together to form a pull-on disposable diaper having a pair of side welds 11, a hole 12 for the waist and two holes 13 for the legs.

The disposable pull-on diaper (absorbent article) according to the first embodiment has an elasticized, located below the belt, a part forming below the belt assembly, and an elasticized waist part forming the belt assembly, and is breathable and soft in the lower belt and waist parts. It provides the possibility of "manifestation" of the contractibility of the elastic elements, ensuring the collection located below the belt and waist parts in the assembly, enough that gives the located below the belt and waist parts good shock absorbing properties in the direction of their thickness. These assemblies gently adhere to the body of the child, almost leaving no dents on the body.

The outer covering element 2 has an outer sheet 21, an inner sheet 22 and elastic elements 23, 24, 25 and 26 located between the sheets 21 and 22. The outer covering element 2 has lower assemblies G1 and waist assemblies G2 formed from a composite stretch panel 4 (see FIG. 16), respectively, in its lower part portion D and waist part F of each of the front section A and rear section B.

In more detail, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment includes a substantially oblong absorbent element 3 and an outer covering element 2 attached to the absorbent element 3. The absorbent element includes a liquid permeable, a top sheet 32 that is impervious to liquids or a water-repellent back sheet 33 and a liquid retaining absorbent core 34 located between the sheets 32 and 33. The outer covering member 2 is attached to the sides the back sheet 33 (i.e., the side facing the garment side) of the absorbent element 3. The absorbent element 3 is positioned so that it "covers" the front section A and the rear section B of the outer covering element 2. The longitudinal ends of the absorbent element 3 are located in the longitudinal direction inside with respect to the longitudinal ends of the outer covering element 2. The absorbent element 3 is attached to the inner sheet 22 of the outer covering element 2 in the connection zone 15, formed, for example, by means of adhesive, heat sealing or ul razvukovoy welding.

The outer covering element 2 has a middle part in the longitudinal direction, narrowed so that it has the shape of an hourglass, and determines the contour of the diaper. The outer covering element 2 is divided into a front section A, intended to be laid on the side of the abdomen of the carrier, a rear section B, intended to be laid on the back side of the carrier, and a crotch section C, located between the front section A and the rear section B. The front section A and the rear section B corresponds to the longitudinally opposite parts of the outer covering element 2, and the crotch section C corresponds to the middle part in the longitudinal direction of the outer covering element 2.

The front section A and the rear section B of the outer covering element 2 are connected to each other along their both side edges to form two side welds 11. With this connection, the outer covering element 2 forms the shape of a pair of underpants with a hole 12 for the waist and two holes 13 for the legs . The connection of the side edges is provided, for example, by heat welding, high-frequency welding or ultrasonic welding.

The top sheet 32, the back sheet 33 and the absorbent core 34 are all rectangular and combined into an elongated absorbent element 3. The top sheet 32, the back sheet 33 and the absorbent core 34 are corresponding elements of the usual type, widely used in diapers of this type. For example, the absorbent core 34 may be a combination formed of particles of an absorbing polymer and fibrous material and wrapped in tissue paper (not shown).

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c), the absorbent core 34 used in this embodiment includes an hourglass-shaped central absorbent element 34A and two lateral absorbent elements 34B arranged symmetrically on both sides from the central absorbent element 34A. The central absorbent element 34A is separated from the lateral absorbent elements 34B, at least in its middle part in the longitudinal direction. One longitudinal end portion and another longitudinal end portion of each side absorbent member 34B are adjacent to one longitudinal end portion and the other longitudinal end portion of the central absorbent member 34A, respectively. Accordingly, a closed gap 34C is formed between the central absorption element 34A and each of the side absorption elements 34B.

One longitudinal end part, another longitudinal end part and a longitudinally middle part of the absorbent core 34 approximately correspond to one third of the length of the absorbent core 34.

The lateral edges of the absorbent core 34 easily rise due to the gaps 34C. When compressing the absorbent core 34 laterally inward, the total width of the absorbent core 34 decreases due to gaps 34C, as a result of which there is almost no obstacle to compressing the outer covering element 2 in the lateral direction.

The shape of the absorbent core 34 in a plan view is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (c). Although not shown, the side absorption elements 34B may be continuous with respect to only one longitudinal end portion of the central absorption element 34A, or the side absorption elements 34B and the central absorption element 34A may not be continuous (separate), or the absorption core 34 may not have any gaps 34C.

A lateral cuff 35 formed of liquid-resistant or water-repellent and breathable material is provided along both sides of the absorbent element 3, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The elastic element 36 of the cuff is placed in its extended state in the longitudinal direction next to the free edge of each side cuff 35. When the disposable diaper 1 is worn on the wearer, the elastic elements 36 of the cuffs are pulled together to lift the side cuffs 35, thereby obstructing the flow of bodily fluids media laterally.

The lateral cuff 35 is formed from the cuff-forming sheet 37. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cuff-forming sheet 37 extends laterally outward from the absorbent member 3 to a predetermined width to form a protruding portion 37A that, when assembled, surrounds the absorbent core 3 from below and fixed between the absorbent core 3 and the side of the back sheet 33 facing the skin.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the outer covering element 2 consists of an outer sheet 21, an inner sheet 22 and a plurality of elastic elements 23, 24, 25 and 26 located between the sheets 21 and 22. FIG. 6 is a view in the plan of the outer covering element 2 in its flat, unstretched condition, when viewed from the inside of the outer sheet 21, while the inner sheet 22 is imaginatively removed. Outer sheet 21 forms the outside of the diaper. The inner sheet 22 is located on the inner side of the outer sheet 21.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the outer sheet 21 extends longitudinally outward from those parts in which the waist elastic members 24 are held between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 to form protruding portions 21B protruding outward from the inner sheet 22. The protruding parts 21B are bent backward over the side of the absorbent element 3. The area of the outer sheet 21 other than the opposing protruding parts 21B will be called the main area 21A. The inner sheet 22 and the main area 21A of the outer sheet 21 have the same shape.

The curved protruding parts 21B of the outer sheet 21 cover the skin-facing side of the longitudinal end parts of the absorbent element 3. The portion of each folded protruding part 21B that overlaps the longitudinal end part of the absorbent element 3 is attached to this part of the absorbent element 3 along the entire width of this part with adhesive, so that the longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3 will be attached to the outer covering element 2.

Bent protruding parts 21B prevent the front and rear end parts of the absorbent element 3 from coming into direct contact with the skin of the carrier and prevent the particles of the absorbing polymer particles of the absorbent core 34 from “leaking” from the front and rear ends of the absorbing element 3.

The outer sheet 21 has an adhesive Q (such as hot melt adhesive) applied on its inner side (the side facing the inner sheet 22) with the application pattern shown in Fig. 7. As illustrated in Fig. 7, glue Q is applied over almost the entire area of the zones corresponding to the side welds 11, zones corresponding to the zones 51 (described below) which are not functional from the point of view of elasticity, located below the belt, elastic elements 23, and the zone corresponding to the zone 52 cutting elastic elements for the legs (described below).

Glue Q is not applied to almost the entire area of the zones corresponding to the composite stretch panels 4 (described in detail later), and to almost the entire area of the zone corresponding to the crotch section C.

The inner sheet 22 has an adhesive Q (such as hot melt adhesive) applied on its side facing the outer sheet 21 with the application pattern shown in Fig. 8. As illustrated in FIG. 8, glue Q is applied over almost the entire area of the zones other than the zones corresponding to the composite stretch panels 4.

Glue Q is not applied to almost the entire area of the zones corresponding to the composite stretch panels 4, which is similar to the inner side of the outer sheet 21.

It should be understood that the pattern of applying Q glue to the side of the inner sheet 22 facing the outer sheet includes the pattern of applying Q glue to the inner side of the outer sheet 21. Therefore, when connecting the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, the adhesive that was applied to the facing the outer sheet, the side of the inner sheet 22, adheres to the inner side of the outer sheet 21. This is equivalent to applying glue Q on the inner side of the outer sheet 21 with the same pattern as on the side facing the outer sheet Ista 22.

In the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are fastened together in the side welds 11 in the front section A and the rear section B by heat welding, high frequency welding, ultrasonic welding or similar tools.

The outer covering member 2 is folded in the waist portions F in the front section A and the rear section B to form corresponding waist assemblies G2. As used herein, the term “waist portion F” refers to a region from the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 12 to a location 30 mm below the circumferential peripheral edge. In the case where the location of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist hole 12 on the front side vertically and the corresponding location of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist hole 12 on the rear side are different (not shown), the portion of the waist portion that covers the edge of the other waist portion is ignored in determining the zones of the waist F.

If we consider the details of the waist part F, it can be noted that the waist part F in each of the front section A and the rear section B has elastic waist elements 24 located along the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 12. Outer sheet 21, inner sheet 22 and waist elastic elements 24 form a composite stretch panel 4 (details of which will be described later). The composite stretch panel 4 is folded between two side welds 11, i.e., waist assemblies G2 are formed over the entire circumference of the waist F.

The outer covering element 2 is also folded along two leg openings 13 to form corresponding leg assemblies G3. In more detail, leg elastic members 25 are provided along the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg opening 13, which is curved in the crotch section C. Elastic leg members 25 are secured in their extended state between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 by means of glue Q, whereby leg assemblies G3 are formed along each leg opening 13.

In this embodiment, in accordance with the manufacturing method described later, the leg elastic members 25 provided along the entire circumferential periphery of each leg opening 13 are comprised of leg elastic members 25 provided along the half circumferential peripheral edge of the leg opening 13 section A, and other elastic leg elements 25 provided along the other half of the peripheral peripheral edge of the leg hole 13 in the rear section B. However, depending on the manufacturing method there is the possibility of placing the elastic members 25 for the leg continuously along the entire circumference of each hole 13 for the foot.

The outer covering element 2 has a part D below the belt in each of the front section A and the rear section B. The part D below the belt has a composite stretch panel 4 (the details of which will be described later), which is folded to form the assemblies located below the belt G1 . As used herein, the term “lower portion” refers to a portion extending from the lower boundary of the waist portion F to the upper boundary of the leg openings 13. In more detail, the part D below the belt has a plurality of lower elastic elements 23 extending laterally to the outer covering element 2. The elastic elements 23 located below the belt extend between the area near the side edge of the absorbent element 3 and the side weld 11. Located below the belt, the elastic elements 23 are not located between places adjacent to the opposite side edges of the absorbent element 3.

Each of the composite stretch panels 4 mainly consists of an outer sheet 21, an inner sheet 22, and elastic elements 23 located below the belt. The composite stretch panel 4 is folded between each side weld 11 and the area adjacent to each side edge of the absorbent element 3 to form two laterally spaced, located below the belt assembly G1. The assemblies G1 located below the belt are not formed between zones adjacent to the opposite lateral edges of the absorbent element 3. The expression “near the lateral edge of the absorbent element 3” as used in this description is intended to indicate a zone extending 30 mm or less inward and 20 mm or less outward from each side edge of the absorbent member 3.

The part D below the belt is divided into the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt and the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt. The upper subfragment D1 located below the belt is preferably located in that area of the diaper 1, which, when the diaper is worn by the wearer, will be superimposed on the part of the wearer's body between the left and right iliac crests and the left and right anterior superior iliac bones. This part of the wearer's body is sometimes called the iliac region. The anatomical terms "iliac crest" and "anterior superior iliac bone" refer to the places indicated by the corresponding reference numbers Q1 and Q2 in FIG. 9.

To prevent the stretched diaper from slipping down, especially when the child is wearing it, it was considered effective to increase the compressive pressure of the elastic elements located in the part corresponding to the waist opening, as a result of which the stretched diaper is brought into close contact with the wearer's body.

On the contrary, it has been found that while preventing the pull-on diaper from slipping down during use, it is more effective to increase the compressive pressure of the part corresponding to the iliac region of the carrier than to increase the compressive pressure of the part corresponding to the waist opening. The reason is this. Since the diaper carrier, especially the baby, has a protruding abdomen as a physical characteristic, the increased compressive pressure of the stretchable diaper belt applied around the periphery of the protruding abdomen, gradually tightens the diaper belt, thereby causing the diaper to slide down until it is adjacent to less than a protruding part of the body.

Figure 10 is an illustration of the abdomen of a child when the body of a child is likened to a round cone. 10, θ represents the angle between the normal to the tangent at point A on the belt and the horizontal line directed toward the center of the body; F is a compressive force acting on the side of the elastic member; P represents the frictional force due to the compressive force F; f1 is the shear force due to the compressive force F; and f2 is a normal force. f1 = Fsinθ and P = νN = νf2 = νFcosθ (where ν is the coefficient of friction). Accordingly, the downward shear force Z at point A is expressed by the following equation:

Z = f1-P = Fsinθ-νFcosθ = F (sinθ-νcosθ).

From the above equation, it can be understood that a large compressive force (F) creates a large shear force when the waist of the diaper is in a position to be ready to move down.

There is a certain distance between the iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac bone of the carrier, i.e. the width of the iliac region. The diaper 1 is effectively prevented from shifting downward by overlaying the upper diaper 1 subfragment D1 below the belt on a part of the body within a given width of the iliac region. From this point of view, the upper diaper 1 subfragment D1 located below the belt according to this embodiment preferably has a width measured in the diaper length direction of 12 to 35 mm. With a given width of 20 to 35 mm, more preferably 25 to 30 mm, the diaper 1 will be held in place more efficiently, and the appearance of the diaper 1 will be further improved when worn, and putting on the diaper 1 will be further simplified.

In order for the upper subfragment D1 located below the belt to be superimposed on the part of the carrier body between the iliac crest and the anterior superior iliac bone (i.e., the iliac region), the ratio between the size of the diaper 1 and the physical size of the carrier is important. If, for example, children are considered as carriers of the main target group, then the upper subfragment D1 located below the belt can be successfully superimposed on the iliac region of the carrier when the distance K1 (see Fig. 6) from the middle of the upper lower subfragment D1 is in the width direction (i.e., from the middle of the upper lower belt of the sub-fragment D1 along the diaper length direction) in the front section A to the transverse axial line CL of the diaper 1 is 180 to 230 mm when measuring it in the flat state of the diaper 1, as well as when the distance K2 (see FIG. 6) from the middle of the upper lower belt of the sub-fragment D1 in the width direction (that is, from the middle of the upper lower belt of the sub-fragment D1 along the diaper length direction) in the rear section B to the transverse center line CL diaper 1 is from 180 to 230 mm when measured in the flat state of diaper 1.

The given values of K1 and K2 were determined as a result of measurements of the bodies of about 350 babies, for whom the diapers of the stretched type are intended primarily. These values will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. 11. The midpoint between the left and right anterior superior iliac bones and at the height of the left and right anterior superior iliac bones in a child's front view is indicated by the “front center”. The midpoint, defined in a similar way, but in the rear view of the child, is indicated by the “back center”. The length, measured from the anterior center through the crotch to the posterior center, is called the “length from the anterior center to the posterior center”. The sum of the length from the front center to the rear center and the tolerance on the thickness of the materials of the diaper and the like are divided into two to obtain the above values K1 and K2. To superimpose the superior lower subfragment D1 below the ileal region of the carrier in a more successful manner, the distances K1 and K2 are more preferably 185 to 225 mm, even more preferably 195 to 215 mm. When designing adult diapers, the upper subfragment D1 below the belt will be superimposed on the ileal region of the adult carrier in a more successful manner by adjusting the K1 and K2 values so that they are preferably in the range from 300 to 350 mm, more preferably from 305 to 335 mm.

As used herein, the term “transverse centerline CL” of the diaper 1 refers to a transverse straight line passing through the midpoint in the length direction of the diaper 1 in a flat state when the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 12 is on the front side of the abdomen substantially “aligned” with respect to the position of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 12 on the rear side.

In contrast, when, although this case is not shown, the position of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist hole 12 on the front side is not “aligned” with the position of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist hole 12 on the rear side, that portion of the waist portion that covers the edge of the other the lap portion is ignored when determining the position of the transverse center line CL.

The diaper 1 in accordance with this embodiment is fixed relative to the body of the carrier due to the compressive force, which is mainly created due to the elastic elements 23 located below the belt located in the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt. In other words, the compressive force exerted by the elastic elements 24 located in the waist portion F is not the main means for fixing the diaper 1 relative to the wearer's body, unlike conventional pull-on diapers. On the contrary, the increased compressive force acting from the side of the waist part F contributes to the displacement of the diaper 1 down.

The lower subfragment D2 located below the belt is preferably superimposed on the part of the body located below the iliac region, namely the lower abdominal region of the carrier. The width (measured in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1) of the lower sub-fragment D2 below the belt is preferably 40 to 70 mm, more preferably 45 to 65 mm.

Next, the frontal crotch part E. The term "frontal crotch part E" as used in this description means the front of the quarters into which the crotch section C is divided in the longitudinal direction of the diaper. The frontal crotch portion E has a plurality of frontal crotch elastic elements 26 located therein over the entire width of the outer covering element 2. The frontal crotch elastic elements 26 are fixed in their stretched state between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 by means of glue Q, as a result of which the frontal crotch Part E is folded to form the front perineal assemblies G4.

The outer covering element 2 has zones that are not functional from the point of view of elasticization (hereinafter simply referred to as “non-functional zone (s)”) 51 within the zone in which it faces the absorbing element 3, while in these zones the elasticity is not contractible . In this embodiment, non-functional zones 51 are formed by providing a “loss” of contractibility to the lower belt, elastic element 23, and frontal crotch elastic elements 26. As will be described in more detail in connection with the manufacturing method, non-functional zones 51 are the result of ensuring that the lower belt of elastic elements 23S with continuous length and front crotch elastic elements 26S with continuous length over the entire width of the outer covering el ment 2 and "prison" part continuous elastic members 23S and 26S contractibility. Deprivation of continuous elastic elements of the ability to tighten can be achieved, for example, by using a number of cutting protrusions or blades that divide the elastic elements into sections, or a number of embossing rods that cause the curing of the elastic elements when heated.

By providing non-functional zones 51, the continuous elastic elements 23S located below the belt and the continuous frontal crotch elastic elements 26S provided over the entire width of the outer covering element 2 are folded intermittently to form laterally spaced two lower assemblies G1 and laterally spaced direction of the two front perineal assemblies G4.

The non-functional area 51 located between the laterally (transverse) direction of the two assemblies G1 located below the belt is the result of the "deprivation" of the continuous elastic elements 23S located below the belt attached between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, while they are contractible as a non-functional zone 51 located between laterally (transverse) frontal perineal assemblies G4, is the result of “deprivation” of continuous frontal perineal tnyh elastic members 26S, mounted between the outer sheet 21 and inner sheet 22, their contractibility. Thus, the absorption of the absorbent element 3 into lumps is prevented, and the absorbent element 3 has a good appearance and absorption characteristics.

The cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs is formed on the average in the lateral (transverse) direction of the crotch section C. As will be described in detail with reference to the manufacturing method, the cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs is the result of providing continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs, placed curvilinearly, over the entire width of the outer covering element 2 and cutting continuous elastic elements 25S in the middle of the width of the crotch section C. Area 52 cutting elastic elements The foot rest is formed, for example, by means of a number of cutting protrusions or blades (knives) that cut through the elastic elements.

By performing the cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs, the continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs, provided with their placement curvilinearly over the entire width of the outer covering element 2, form two lateral (transverse) directional elastic elements 25 for the legs in the crotch section C.

In this embodiment, the outer covering member 2 does not have a composite stretch panel 4 in the crotch section C. Thus, it is possible to smoothly move the released urine in the front of the absorbent member 3 backward, and the absorption characteristics of the diaper 1 are markedly improved.

The leg elastic members 25 and the front crotch elastic members 26 are preferably narrow strips or ribbons of stretch materials such as natural rubber, polyurethanes, polyurethanes, and hot melt stretch materials.

The composite stretch panel 4, which forms the lower assemblies G1 and the waist assemblies G2, will be described in detail. The composite stretch panel 4 has the following configuration characteristics (1) to (3), similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 16.

(1) The outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are fastened together at the joining points 41, which are discretely positioned both in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4 and in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction (Y direction).

(2) The elastic elements 42 are located in such places so that they do not pass through the connection points 41, and are not attached to the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, except for their opposite ends.

(3) Each of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 is assembled into fold assemblies 43, each of which extends continuously over a plurality of elastic members 42.

Each of the folds 43 of the belt assemblies G2 formed from the respective composite stretch panels 4 near the longitudinal ends of the absorbent element 3, and each of the folds 43 of the lower belt assemblies G1 formed from the respective composite stretch panels 4, is continuous over the entire width of the respective composite stretch panels panels 4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panels 4. In the presence of folds 43, continuous across the entire width of the respective composite stretch panels 4 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stretch of the composite stretch panels 4, the diaper 1 has excellent appearance, cushioning properties and breathability in its lateral side zones (i.e., the zones between the side edges of the absorbent element 3 and the side welds 11 except side welds themselves 11).

As described previously, in this embodiment, the composite stretch panel 4 forming the waist assemblies G2 next to each longitudinal edge of the absorbent member 3, and the composite stretch panel 4 forming below the waist belts of the assembly G1 are between the area near each side edge of the absorbent member 3 and side welds 11, but the composite stretch panel 4, forming below the assembly belt G1, is not between places adjacent to opposite side edges and an absorbent member 3. In other words, between zones located adjacent the side edges of the absorbent member 3 is missing below the belt assemblies G1, G2 but there belt assembly.

In this embodiment, the composite stretch panel 4, forming below the belt of the assembly G1, consists mainly of the outer sheet 21, the inner sheet 22 and the elastic elements 23 located below the belt, while the composite stretch panel 4, forming the waist assembly G2, consists mainly from the outer sheet 21, the inner sheet 22 and the waist elastic elements 24. Although the designation of the elastic elements differs in accordance with the designation of the assemblies, all elastic elements cients forming composite stretch panel 4 will now be referred to as "the elastic members 42".

Preferably, all of the elastic members 42 are positioned so that they do not pass through any of the connection points 41. However, a manufacturing error may result in a small number of elastic members 42 passing through a small number of joint points 41. Even if this is the case, the effects of the present invention are sufficiently achieved. In the case when the elastic elements 42 do not pass through 70% or more of the number of connection points 41, it is considered that the elastic elements 42 are located so that they do not pass through the connection places 41.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 16, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are fastened together at the joining points 41, which are discretely positioned both in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4 and in a direction perpendicular to that direction (direction Y). The junction 41 is preferably formed by heat fusion.

The plurality of elastic members 42 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the composite stretch panel 4. In an embodiment similar to this embodiment in which the elastic members 42 are parallel to each other, the stretch direction of the composite stretch panel 4 is the same as the stretch direction of the elastic members 42. In an embodiment in which the elastic members 42 are not parallel to each other, the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4 is pre nent a direction perpendicular to the pleats 43 (described hereinafter) extending through a plurality of elastic members 42.

12 illustrates a drawing of the location of the junction 41. The connection points 41 are arranged so that they are aligned both in the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel (X direction) and in the direction perpendicular to it (Y direction). Joints 41 aligned in a perpendicular direction are located between any adjacent elastic members 42. When the composite stretch panel 4 is in a relaxed (unstretched) state (in the absence of an external applied force), the elastic members 42 are pulled together, resulting in each of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 is assembled into assemblies with the formation of a plurality of folds (assemblies) 43 extending continuously across across the elastic elements 42. In this embodiment, the fold 4 3 is formed between two connection points 41 adjacent in the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4 (X direction).

In order to guarantee the formation of folds 43 continuously extending over the plurality of elastic elements 42, it is preferred that the connection points 41 are arranged with a pitch P2 (see FIG. 12) of 1 to 20 mm, more preferably 3 to 10 mm, the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretch panel 4 when the composite stretch panel 4 is in a stretched state; so that the individual connection points 41 have a length L2 (see FIG. 12) of 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in the same direction and in the same state; and that the ratio of the pitch P2 to the length L2 (P2 / L2) is in the range from 1.1 to 200, more preferably from 2 to 50.

Preferably, the pitch P3 (see FIG. 12) of the connection points 41 in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of extension of the composite stretch panel 4 is from 1 to 40 mm, more preferably from 2 to 15 mm; so that the length L3 (see FIG. 12) of the individual connection points 41 is from 0.5 to 20 mm, more preferably from 1 to 10 mm, in the Y direction; and that the ratio of the pitch P3 to the length L3 (P3 / L3) is in the range from 1.05 to 80, more preferably from 1.05 to 15.

Preferably, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are not connected to each other in any other places besides the places 41 of the connection. Each of the elastic elements 42 is located in the composite stretch panel 4 so that it does not pass through the junction 41 of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, and is not attached to either the outer sheet 21 or the inner sheet 22 in places different from both of them of the ends. The elastic elements 42 are firmly held only at their opposite ends between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22.

Each elastic member 42 is held between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 only by means of its ends fixed between two sheets 21 and 22 at respective end sections 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 (only one of the end sections 44 is shown in FIG. 12). The locations of the end sections 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 vary depending on the assemblies to be formed. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, end portions 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 forming below the assembly girdle G1 are adjacent to one of the side edges of the absorbent member 3 and one of the side welds 11. End portions 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 forming the waist assemblies G2 are located at opposite side welds 11. The two end portions 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 may be stretchable.

The folds 43 of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 protrude on the respective sides of the composite stretch panel 4. Each fold 43 has a curved surface, the cross section of which is arcuate at the top. The curved surface extends in a Y direction perpendicular to the direction of expansion of the composite stretch panel 4. In this embodiment, each crease 43 is formed between every two joints 41 that are adjacent in the direction of stretch (X direction) of the composition stretch panel 4. Each fold 43 is continuously passes in the direction Y, perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4, and the fold 43 is not interrupted in places de she crosses with elastic elements 42.

The composite stretch panel 4 of the first embodiment has a neat, attractive appearance, since a number of folds 43 formed by tightening the elastic members 42 are individually continuous in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the stretching direction of the composite stretch panel 4.

The structure of the composite stretch panel 4 of this embodiment does not cause an increase in stiffness and makes it possible to deform the folds 43 with greater freedom under the influence of an external force. These effects are the results of the following design characteristics. (1) Separate elastic elements 42 extend between the depressions of adjacent folds 43 formed from the outer sheet 21 and the depressions of adjacent folds 43 formed from the inner sheet 22 and are not attached to either the outer sheet 21 or the inner sheet 22 in these depressions, as well as in the rest of the sheets. (2) The outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are not connected continuously to each other either in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4, or in the perpendicular direction (Y direction).

In addition, the folds 43 having a curved surface in the upper part give the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 an increased volume in the thickness direction and feel very soft and pleasant to the touch.

Since the elastic elements 42 in the composite stretch panel 4 are not attached to either the outer sheet 21 or the inner sheet 22, the amount of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive to be used can be minimized or reduced to zero. In particular, when the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are joined together by fusion bonding, as in this embodiment, the effect of reducing the amount of glue is significant. With a reduced amount of hot-melt adhesive without glue, there will be no deterioration in air permeability and moisture permeability.

The materials forming the composite stretch panel 4 of the first embodiment are described below.

For wrinkling 43 pleasing to the eyes and to the touch, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are preferably formed from a single sheet or a multilayer sheet of non-woven material bonded by passing air jets through, non-woven material obtained using heated rolls, non-woven material obtained by hydro-entangling, non-woven spunbond production method and non-woven material obtained by the aerodynamic method from a melt, and the like. Non-woven material bonded by passing jets of air through is particularly preferred due to its softness to the touch.

The physical properties desired for the materials forming the outer sheet 21 will be described. Some of the properties also are desirable for the materials forming the inner sheet 22. The orientation direction of the fibers forming the outer sheet 21 preferably substantially coincides with the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4. In addition, it is preferable that the orientation direction of the fibers forming the inner sheet 22 substantially coincides with the direction of stretching (X direction) of the composite unravels panel 4. In other words, it is preferred that the orientation direction of the fibers of the outer sheet 21 and the direction of orientation of the fibers of the inner sheet 22 substantially coincide with each other.

The requirement that the fibers of the sheets should have essentially the same orientation direction as the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4 means that the canvas of the nonwoven fabric as sheet material must have fibers of the canvas oriented in the direction of movement of the canvas (direction MD of the canvas in the machine) during the manufacturing process of the canvas of the nonwoven material, and that the direction of movement of the canvas (the direction MD of the movement of the canvas in the machine) becomes the direction of stretching of the composition hydrochloric stretch panel 4. Tensile canvas (sheet) in the direction of fiber orientation (the direction of movement MD of the canvas in the machine) is much higher than in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fiber orientation (transverse direction CD of the canvas).

Since the direction of orientation of the fibers and the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4 essentially coincide with each other, the connection points 41 of the composite stretch panel 4 have a significant bond strength. Despite the fact that the connection points 41, through which the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are discretely attached to each other, are subjected to a greater force acting in the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4, the connection points 41 have significant bond strength due to the high strength of the sheets at stretching. Thus, there is less likelihood of rupture of the junction 41.

Due to the high strength of the joint at the joints 41, the folds 43 are easily formed and retain their shape when worn, thereby preserving the shock absorbing properties.

It is only necessary that the fibers of the outer sheet 21 or the inner sheet 22 are oriented so that the vector connecting the front end and the rear end of the individual fibers coincides with the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4. It is acceptable that some of the individual fibers are directed vertically ( in the thickness direction of the outer sheet 21 or the inner sheet 22) due to twisting or entanglement between the front and rear ends, provided that the constituent fibers are mainly orient ntirovany stretching the composite in the direction of stretch panel 4.

The degree of orientation of the fibers of the outer sheet 21 is preferably 1.2 or higher, more preferably 1.3 or higher. Although there is no specific upper limit on the degree of orientation, provided that the sheet has satisfactory strength properties, including tensile strength and tensile strength, the degree of orientation should preferably be 5 or less. This is because it is necessary to guarantee tensile strength of the sheet both in the MD direction of movement of the material in the machine (direction of fiber orientation) and in the transverse direction CD (direction perpendicular to the direction of fiber orientation) in order to ensure ease of use, i.e. in order to guarantee tear resistance during the diaper change and ease of tearing along the side welds 11 when the diaper is removed. The degree of orientation of the constituent fibers is measured using a molecular analyzer MOA-2001A orientation of the molecules, manufactured by Kanzaki Co., Ltd. Measurements are performed at three points of a rectangular sample with dimensions of 100 mm in the transverse direction and 100 mm in the longitudinal direction to obtain an average value. In the case where the sample is smaller, use two or more samples adjacent to each other without overlapping.

In the case where the fibers forming the outer sheet 21 have a high degree of orientation, the orientation direction of the fibers can easily be seen from the outside as a sheet pattern. Since the direction of orientation of the fibers of the composite stretch panel 4 is essentially the same as the direction of stretching of the elastic elements 42, the elastic elements 42 are thus included in the sheet pattern (“merge” with the sheet pattern) and become less visible or less visible through the outer sheet 21. In other words, the outer sheet 21 has improved masking properties (hiding power).

Take advantage of the different bending stiffnesses in the fiber orientation direction and in the direction perpendicular to it, while facilitating the bending of the protruding parts 21B of the outer sheet 21. That is, the sheet is used in the direction of orientation of its fibers (MD sheet direction) parallel to the stretching direction of the waist assemblies G2, in order to guarantee high bond strength of the composite stretch panel 4, as well as its transverse direction CD (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the direction leniyu fiber orientation) parallel to the direction that is perpendicular to the direction of stretching the belt assemblies G2. Due to this design, the sheet will have less bending stiffness in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fiber orientation, which facilitates the folding of the protruding parts 21B as in FIG.

Thus, the waist assemblies G2 near the edge of the waist opening 12 have vertices of their folds 43 that are aligned to form a clearly defined edge along the waist opening 12. The vertices of the folds 43 near the edge of the waist opening 12 not only provide an attractive appearance, but are soft to the touch and pleasant to be in direct contact with the wearer's body and do not cause any discomfort when wearing the diaper. In addition, a difference is easily created in the bending stiffness of the outer sheet 21 between the direction of extension of the composite stretch panel 4 (direction X) and the direction perpendicular to it (direction Y), as will be discussed later.

In order for the folds 43 to have a curved, pleasant-looking cross-section, as desired, bending stiffness in particular of the outer sheet 21 is important. For the formation of less flattened and neat folds 43 with a good balance with the ability of the elastic elements 42 to stretch, the sheet must have a bending stiffness in a certain range. Despite the fact that the flexibility of the sheet as a whole and bending stiffness are conflicting requirements, they are achieved relatively easily when the sheet has at least some degree of orientation. When the sheet has a certain bending stiffness in the direction of orientation of its fibers, the composite stretch panel 4 easily forms a fold 43.

Folds 43 with a rounded apex gently come into contact with the skin, and high folds 43 have excellent cushioning properties. The folds 43, having facing each other, the side walls protruding at an obtuse angle from the connection points 41, have a large area of contact with the skin and good elastic shock-absorbing properties. Folds 43 with a rounded apex and elasticity provide excellent touch and shock absorbing properties. Since the creased portions come into contact with the skin at the top of the folds, the area of contact with the skin decreases, the load on the skin decreases, and skin irritation due to friction is reduced.

One of the features of the disposable diaper according to the invention is its good breathability. The elastic elements and the supporting outer and inner sheets 21 and 22 are not integrated by glue and form neat folds 43. The folds 43 are stretched and pulled in accordance with the contour of the carrier body. The larger the circumferential size of the carrier, the lower the creases 43. The smaller the circumferential size of the carrier, the higher the creases 43. Since the elastic elements 42 have no connection points with the outer and inner sheets 21 and 22, the creases 43 freely change their shape and dimensions.

This means that the folds 43 vary in shape and size in accordance with the stretching and pulling of the stretchable disposable diaper when worn by the wearer. It is known that the circumference of a baby’s waist and abdomen changes by approximately 5 cm according to whether the wearer is sitting or standing. The folds 43 are stretched and contracted in accordance with the changing size of the circle. This creates the effect of corrugations (bellows), which causes air flow and acceleration of ventilation of the inner side of the diaper, which is an essential feature of the invention. The shape of the folds 43 is important to increase the effect of the bellows. It is desirable that the folds 43 have as large a volume as possible to allow significant changes when changing the circumference. Changing the folds 43 creates the effect of a bellows (air flow, the effect of regulating the humidity inside the diaper). When the folds 43 are rounded and retain a large cross-sectional area, they have a large volume over their entire length. As a result, it is possible to find a large amount of air, in particular moist air, in the folds 43, so as to eliminate moisture to a greater extent due to the effect of the bellows.

The outer sheet 21 preferably has a bending stiffness of 0.008 to 0.020 cN · cm ² / cm, more preferably 0.009 to 0.015 cN · cm ² / cm, in the stretch direction (X direction) of the composite stretch panel 4.

Bending stiffness (B value) was measured using an automatic pure bending testing device (KES FB-AUTO-A from Kato Tech Co., Ltd) in accordance with the method described by Sueo Kawabata HUAI HYOUKANO HYOUJYUNKATO KAISEKI , 2- e edition, published by The Textile Machinery Society of Japan (July 10, 1980).

In more detail, bending stiffness is measured as follows.

The method of measuring stiffness in bending

A sample is prepared with dimensions of 20 cm by 20 cm. The sample is placed on a support and clamped in the holder at a distance of 1 cm, and bent with an arc with a radius (K) of curvature in the range from -2.5 to +2.5 cm ^-1 with a constant rate of bending deformation of 0.50 cm ^-1 / s to determine the hysteresis during deformation in one cycle. In accordance with the description in the above-mentioned work of HUAI HYOUKANO HYOUJYUNKATO KAISEKI, the value of B is calculated from the slope of the curve of bending moment between points K = 0.5 and K = 1.5 and from the slope of the curve of bending moment between points K = -0.5 and K = -1.5. However, twisting (looping) can occur with given ranges of radius of curvature when evaluating nonwoven materials, which makes the results inaccurate. In this case, the bending stiffness is calculated from slopes from 0 to the value of the maximum bending moment and from 0 to the value of the minimum bending moment. Measurements are performed in the MD and CD directions to obtain bending stiffness in the respective directions.

If the stiffness in bending the outer sheet 21 in the X direction is too small, the folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 will tend to have sharp peaks, the individual folds 43 tend not to remain straight in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, and the folds 43 are flattened when the composite stretch panel 4 is stretched in its stretching direction (X direction).

If the bending stiffness in the X direction is too high, the folds 43 also tend to form sharp and hard peaks, resulting in reduced softness to the touch.

The outer sheet 21 preferably has a bending stiffness of 0.001 to 0.010 cN · cm ² / cm, more preferably 0.0025 to 0.005 cN · cm ² / cm, in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4 (direction Y). The bending stiffness of the outer sheet 21 in the Y direction is preferably less than its bending stiffness in the X direction by at least 0.003 cN · cm ² / cm, more preferably by at least 0.005 cN · cm ² / cm, even more preferably at least 0.007 cN · cm ² / cm.

If the stiffness of the outer sheet 21 when bending in the Y direction is too low, the outer sheet 21 has insufficient rigidity to perform the folding operation of the protruding parts 21B in a stable manner, and the bent edges (longitudinal ends of the outer covering element 2) will have an unstable shape.

On the other hand, if the stiffness of the outer sheet 21 when bending in the Y direction is too high, it is difficult to bend the protruding parts 21B in a neat manner and the bent edges will be hard.

The outer sheet 21, whose bending stiffness in the Y direction is in the above preferred interval, easily forms a fold line extending in the X direction, which helps to bend the protruding parts 21B. With moderate stiffness, the curved protruding parts 21B are resistant to wrinkles.

The thickness of the outer sheet 21 is preferably 0.25 to 0.7 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.6 mm. Outer sheet 21 with too little thickness tends to form pointed folds 43 and not form folds 43 with a rounded shape. If the outer sheet 21 is too thick, the folds 43 tend to have a pointed apex without showing a clear curve.

Outer sheet 21 preferably has a density of 0.07 g / cm ³ or less, more preferably 0.06 g / cm ³ or less, even more preferably 0.02 to 0.06 g / cm ³ . Outer sheet 21 with too high a density forms folds 43 with reduced softness and suppleness (flexibility).

Preferably, the outer sheet 21 is not subjected to significant extrusion of the relief (embossing). The term "extrusion of relief (embossing)" as used in this description is intended to exclude the process of forming the joints 41 of the composite stretch panel 4. If the outer sheet 21 is an embossed sheet, the folds 43 of the resulting composite stretch panel 4 are likely to be heterogeneous, the outer sheet 21 will have reduced compliance, and it will be difficult to provide a difference in bending stiffness between the Y direction and the X direction.

The composite stretch panel 4 forms folds 43 as a result of deformation of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 when the elastic elements 42 are pulled together. That is, the stiffness of the outer sheet 21 and the stiffness of the inner sheet 22 are one of the factors that determine the creasing properties and the damping properties of the composite stretch panel 4. The stiffness of each sheet can be characterized by its resistance to longitudinal bending. Preferably, the sheets used to form the composite stretch panel 4 have a longitudinal bending resistance of 100 cN or less, more preferably 70 cN or less. The bending resistance of the sheets was measured using a Tensilon universal tensile tester from Orientec Co., Ltd. in compression mode as follows.

Test Method for Determining Bending Strength (CD)

Test samples with dimensions of 150 mm in the direction (MD) of the movement of the material in the machine and 30 mm in the direction (CD) transverse to the direction of movement of the material in the machine were cut out of the sample, and each of them was rolled into a cylinder with a diameter of 45 mm. The overlapping ends were stapled together in their upper and lower parts to obtain samples. The measurement was carried out using a Tensilon universal device for tensile testing in compression mode under the following measurement conditions: the compression speed was 10 mm / min and the distance during measurement was 20 mm under the following environmental conditions when measuring the temperature was 20 ° C and relative humidity 65%. The maximum resistance of the sample compressed by 20 mm was read for each sample to obtain the average value, which is taken as the resistance to longitudinal bending of the sample.

As indicated above, the non-woven material is preferably used as the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22. The non-woven material preferably has a surface density (mass 1 m ² ) of 5 to 50 g / m ² , more preferably 18 to 30 g / m ² . A nonwoven fabric having a surface density in this range preferably has a longitudinal bending resistance of 50 cN or less, more preferably 30 cN or lower in the CD direction and 70 cN or lower, more preferably 50 cN or lower, in the direction MD.

The material forming the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 (for example, nonwoven fabric fibers) preferably contains a hot-melt polymer such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The fibers forming the nonwoven materials may be bicomponent fibers with a core and a sheath, having a hot-melt polymer as a sheath.

The outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet may be made of the same material or different materials.

Although the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 have different shapes in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, they can have the same shape. In this case, it is preferable to use the holding sheets separate from the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, instead of the protruding parts 21B of the outer sheet 21 used in this embodiment. The retaining sheet is applied so that it covers the skin side of each longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3. The portion of the retaining sheet that overlaps the longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3 is preferably attached by adhesive applied across the entire width of the absorbent element 3, thereby attaching the longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3 to the outer covering element 2.

Despite the fact that in this embodiment, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are separate sheets, one sheet can be folded to form two facing each other panels, one of which serves as the outer sheet 21, and the other as inner sheet 22.

Any known elastic materials of various kinds that have been used in absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, can be used without any specific restrictions as the material of the elastic elements 42 of the composite stretch panel 4. Examples include synthetic rubbers, such as styrene butadiene, butadiene, isoprene and neoprene, natural rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, stretch polyolefins and polyurethane . The forms of elastic elements 42 include a thread with a rectangular, square, round or polygonal cross section, a tape or a multifilament thread.

Other factors determining the ability of the composite stretch panel 4 to form folds are elongation (tensile strength) and tensile strength of the elastic member 42. The elastic member 42 is required to have a predetermined tensile strength and tensile strength to form folds with a protruding cross section. The degree of stretching is calculated by the formula: the degree of stretching (%) = (B / A) × 100, where A (mm) is the length before stretching, and B (mm) is the length after stretching.

The elastic elements 42 are located between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 in a stretched state, preferably with a degree of stretching from 120 to 1100%, more preferably from 150 to 500%. When the elastic elements 42 are pulled together, the excess part of the non-contracting outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 protrudes in corresponding directions opposite to their sides facing each other, with the formation of folds 43.

The height of the folds 43, which is an important factor associated with the ability to form folds and cushioning properties, can be set freely by choosing the layout and pitch of the connection points 41, the materials of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 and the material of the elastic elements. The height of the folds 43 is preferably from about 1 to 15 mm on one side. High folds 43 are formed when the elastic elements 42 are pulled together with the offset of adjacent joining points 41 very close to each other to form protruding folds 43, thereby obtaining a composite stretch panel 4 that creates a feeling of softness and bulkiness. For the formation of folds 43 with a height h on one side, the distance between adjacent connection points 41 should be at least 2h. When the distance is exactly 2h, the elastic elements 42 should be pulled together so that the adjacent joints 41 almost come into contact with each other.

Among the preferred materials of the elastic elements 42, natural (or synthetic) rubber may be mentioned. The elastic element 42 of natural (or synthetic) rubber may be an elastic element with a low modulus of elasticity, having a thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm and a width of 0.2 to 5 mm. A monofilament of such a material preferably has a load of 1 to 70 gf at a relative elongation of 200%, more preferably 1 to 40 gf, even more preferably 1 to 30 gf. A composite stretch panel 4, which gently stretches and contracts to form neat and pleasing folds 43, can be obtained by arranging a plurality of monofilaments of the above-described elastic element with a low modulus of elasticity at a high degree of stretching, preferably of 200% or higher, more preferably 300 % or higher.

Preferred elastic elements also include Spandex fiber (elastic polyurethane fiber). Monofilament Spandex fiber is used having a thickness preferably of 10 to 3360 denier, more preferably 70 to 1120 denier. Denier is a unit of measure for thread thickness. A thread weighing one gram per 9000 meters has a characteristic of one denier. Many of these Spandex fibers are used with a stretch ratio of preferably 130 to 600%.

Next, the percent elongation of the waist portion F. The waist portion F of the outer covering member 2 will have a smaller percent elongation in the lateral average portion 2A of the outer covering member 2 than in the laterally outer portion 2B of the outer covering element 2. A similar difference in percent elongation is achieved easily by forming belt assemblies G2 from the composite stretch panel 4.

The laterally middle portion 2A (see FIG. 13) of the outer covering member 2 is a portion facing the absorbent member 3 in a planar state. In the case where the longitudinal ends of the absorbent element 3 are inside with respect to the longitudinal ends of the outer covering element 2, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a portion limited to the lateral middle portion 2A of the outer covering element 2 will also be included each longitudinal end of the absorbent element 3, each longitudinal end of the outer covering element 2 and two straight lines extending from two angles at each longitudinal end of the absorbing element 3 to the longitudinal ca outer covering member 2. The outer laterally outer portion 2B of the covering member 2 - is a part, located on each of two sides of the middle portion laterally 2A, as illustrated in Figure 13.

Expressed as a percentage, the elongation of the waist portion F is determined as follows.

The method for determining the percentage elongation of the waist part F:

(1) The waist portion F in the lateral middle portion 2A of the diaper 1 in an unstretched state is marked with a line having a length of 20 mm in the lateral direction.

(2) The lateral middle portion 2A was held at the ends of the notch and stretched laterally until the folds 43 of the pleated composite stretch panel 4 became flat (see FIGS. 17 (a) and 18 (a) )

(3) The length L4 of the marked line in the stretched state (distance between the ends of the mark) was measured.

(4) A value of (L4 / 20) × 100% was taken as the percentage elongation of the waist portion F in the lateral average portion 2A.

(5) Expressed as a percentage, the elongation of the waist portion F in the laterally outer portion 2B can be determined in the same manner as described above, except for marking in the laterally outer portion 2B.

Expressed as a percentage, the elongation of the waist portion F in the lateral middle portion 2A is preferably from 130 to 500%, more preferably from 150 to 400%. Expressed as a percentage, the elongation of the waist portion F in the laterally outer parts 2B is preferably from 150 to 600%, more preferably from 200 to 500%. The difference in percent, relative elongation of the waist portion F between the laterally outer portions 2B and the lateral middle portion 2A is preferably from 30 to 200%, more preferably from 50 to 150%.

Next, the tension force of the waist portion F. will be described. It is preferable that when the annular waist portion F is stretched to a circumference of 300 mm, it has a load (tension force) of at least 20 gf, more preferably at least 25 gf. The reason that the total circumference of the annular waist part F, at which the force is measured, is specially set to 300 mm, is because the diapers for babies have a circumference of about 300 mm in the annular waist part F in their unstretched condition or state when they are not worn. A diaper having a load of less than 20 g, when stretched to a circumference of 300 mm, in its annular waist part F, has a poor appearance when worn, since the tightening of the annular waist part F will not be sufficient to ensure good contact with the body.

Preferably, when stretching the annular waist portion F to a circumference of 500 mm, it has a load of 200 gf or less, more preferably 180 gf or less. The reason that the circumference of the annular waist part F, at which the load is measured, is specially set to 500 mm, is because the waist circumference of the larger babies, that is, the largest circumference in the annular waist part F of the diaper when worn, is about 500 mm. An annular waist portion F having a load of more than 200 gs when stretched to a circumference of 500 mm causes dents to remain in the skin of the wearer and also causes the diaper to slip down when worn.

The tension force of the annular waist portion F is controlled by adjusting the material, thickness and percentage, elongation of the elastic elements 42 to be used, the pitch and number of elastic elements to be placed and the like.

The tension force of the annular waist part F is measured as follows.

The method for determining the tension force of the annular waist part F:

(1) The annular waist portion F is cut from the diaper to prepare the annular element with intact side welds 11. The annular element is placed on a horizontal surface in a state of relaxation (unstretched state), and the distance between the opposite side welds 11 is measured as the initial length.

(2) An annular member is clamped on its side welds between the clamps of a Tensilon tensile testing apparatus (RTC-1150A from Orientec Co., Ltd.). The load (force) at this stage is defined as zero.

(3) The ring element is stretched in opposite directions (the same direction as the lateral direction of the diaper) at a speed of 300 mm / min until the circumference of the waist ring element reaches 300 mm and 500 mm. The load read at a circumference of 300 mm and 500 mm is respectively taken as “a load in a state where the annular waist portion F is stretched to a circumference of 300 mm or 500 mm”. As used in this description, the term "circumference" refers to the circumference, in particular the length of the inner circumference of the annular element with intact side welds 11.

If we compare the tension force of the waist part F, the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt and the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt, it is preferable that the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt has the maximum tension, the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt has the second largest tension and the belt part F had the smallest tensile force. The tension forces of the upper sub-fragment D1 below the belt and the lower sub-fragment D2 below the belt are controlled by adjusting the material, thickness and percentage, elongation of the elastic elements to be used, the pitch and the number of elastic elements to be placed, and the like. When comparing the tension forces of different parts, the samples are cut from the corresponding parts with the same width (preferably 30 mm) in the longitudinal direction of the diaper.

By providing such a difference in the tension between the different parts, the diaper 1 is effectively prevented from slipping down when worn, and the diaper 1 is snug against the wearer's body to effectively prevent leakage without causing discomfort. The tensile forces of the upper subfragment D1 below the belt and the lower subfragment D2 below the belt are measured in the same way as the tension of the waist part F.

The diaper will now be described with respect to the physical properties that it has when stretched between the opposite side welds 11 in the form of an integral diaper. Being laterally stretched between the side welds 11 under a tensile load of up to 2400 gf, the diaper preferably has a circumference of at least 660 mm, more preferably at least 680 mm, at the edge of its opening the waist. As used in this description, the expression "circumference at the edge of the waist hole, stretched between the side welds 11 in the lateral direction to a tensile load of 2400 gf" is the length of the inner circle of the edge of the waist hole, measured at the moment the tensile the load reaches 2400 gf when stretching the entire diaper held at its opposite side welds 11, gradually in the lateral direction.

The reason why the load for measuring the circumference is set to 2400 gf is because 2400 gf is the maximum load that ordinary mothers can apply when they expand the diaper laterally. The circumference of the waist opening under the action of a load of 2400 gs is due to the ease of expansion (stretching) of the diaper for the mother.

Preferably, the energy required to stretch the edge of the opening for the waist of the tensioned absorbent article is at most 4 Nm, more preferably 3.5 Nm or less. When the energy required to stretch the waist opening 12 exceeds 4 Nm, it is difficult for the mother to expand the diaper laterally (the mother does not feel light when expanding). The lower the energy, the easier it is to expand the diaper laterally.

The energy required to stretch the diaper between the opposite side welds 11 in the lateral direction until the circumference of the waist opening 12 is increased to 600 mm is preferably 2 Nm or less, more preferably 1.8 Nm or less. The circumference is set to 600 mm, as the diaper is expanded to a circumference of approximately 600 mm when the mother replaces the diapers on the baby. Therefore, the energy required to increase the circumference of the waist opening 12 to 600 mm will be a measure for expressing the ease of putting the diaper on the baby. An energy of 2 Nm or less provides the mother with a substantial sense of lightness when donning a diaper.

The energy required to stretch the opening for the waist of a stretched absorbent article is measured as follows.

A method of measuring the energy required to stretch a hole for the waist of a stretched absorbent article:

(1) A one-piece diaper is itself used as a sample. The sample is placed on a horizontal surface in its relaxation state [unstretched state], and the length between the opposite side welds 11 is measured as the initial length.

(2) A specimen is clamped at its side welds between the clamps of a Tensilon tensile testing apparatus (RTC-1150A). The load at this stage is defined as zero.

(3) The specimen is stretched in opposite directions (the same direction as the lateral direction of the diaper) at a speed of 300 mm / min until the load reaches 2400 gf or the circumference reaches 600 mm to obtain an SS curve (strain curve from stress).

(4) The energy required to stretch the waist opening 12 is obtained from the area of the stress-strain curve.

According to the design of the disposable diaper according to this embodiment, the lower assemblies G1 and the waist assemblies G2 are formed from the respective composite stretch panels 4. Since these assemblies provide extensibility essentially without the use of hot-melt adhesive, the diaper therefore has good breathability as in the front section A and in the rear section B. It is possible that the outer sheet 21 and the inner l Article 22 of the outer covering element 2 "showed" its basic texture and a soft feel or slackness.

In the composite stretch panel 4, the full use of the contractibility of the elastic elements 42 is ensured, while creating slight interference with their constriction or not creating any interference. If the tensile characteristics, for example, of the part D located below the belt, are represented graphically by plotting the circumference along the abscissa and the tensile load [tensile strength] along the ordinate, the characteristic curve will have a smooth slope, indicating high elongation. The characteristic curve in stretching mode and the characteristic curve in pulling mode show a slight difference in load, which indicates that the change in load with a change in circumference is insignificant. This means that the diaper will act with the same pressure when worn on an infant with a smaller waist circumference and an infant with a larger waist circumference. As a result, the tendency of the diaper to slide / slide downward on the comparatively small infant and to leave dents on the comparatively large infant is eliminated, and a diaper is created that is suitable for carriers with a wider range of sizes.

Thus, the diaper of this embodiment gently adheres to the wearer and hardly slides down during use due to its high contractibility. The diaper demonstrates its full contractibility as a whole, which provides the advantage of compactness. In addition, the number of elastic elements 42 can be reduced, which is preferable from an economic point of view.

The composite stretch panel 4 is assembled into assemblies with the formation of folds 43 on its inner side, which should come into contact with the body of the carrier to ensure good cushioning properties and a smooth fit with little skin damage during use. Folds 43 are also formed on the outside of the outer covering element 2 (the outer side during use) to make the diaper pleasant to the touch.

The folds 43 of the belt assemblies G2 formed from the composite stretch panel 4, which are adjacent to each longitudinal end of the absorbent element 3, and the folds of the lower assemblies G1, formed from the composite stretch panels 4, continuously extend in the direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the data of the composite stretch panels 4, and the direction of stretching (X direction) of the composite stretching panels 4 and the direction of orientation of the fibers forming the outer sheet 21, along uschestvu coincide with each other. As a result, the outer covering element 2 has a good appearance and also has good covering properties in order to make the elastic elements (including waist elastic elements 24 and elastic elements 23 located below the waistband) less visible especially from the outer sheet 21.

The waist portion F of the outer covering member 2 has a lesser percent elongation in its lateral average portion 2A than in both of the lateral outer portions 2B. As a result, the G2 belt assemblies gently adhere to the baby’s waist, with less chance of dents on the skin.

Due to the above-described difference in percent elongation within the waist portion F, the waist assemblies G2 have folds with a lower density (fold density = number of folds per unit length in the lateral direction of the outer covering member 2) in the lateral average portion 2A than in areas laterally external 2B. Typically, the size of the laterally middle portion 2A and the size of the laterally outer portions 2B in the lateral direction of the outer covering member 2 do not have such strong differences. Therefore, the number of folds formed in the laterally middle portion 2A is usually less than the number of folds formed in the lateral outer portions 2B. This is preferable due to the fact that it is easier to print on the laterally middle portion 2A.

Since the load measured when the annular waist portion F is stretched to a circumference of 300 mm is 20 gf or more, the diaper has a pleasant appearance. Since the load measured when the annular waist portion F is stretched to a circumference of 500 mm is 200 gf or less, the annular waist portion F gently covers the wearer's stomach, the circumference of which varies significantly, and prevents marks on the skin. Thus, improved appearance and reduced load.

Since the circumference of the annular waist portion F, stretched between two side welds 11 under a load of up to 2400 gf, is 660 mm or more, the mother can easily stretch the diaper 1 laterally and put the diaper 1 on the carrier.

The continuous manufacturing method of the disposable pull-on diaper of FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing this method. Fig. 15 is a view specifically showing the operation of forming composite stretch panels, non-functional zones and cutting zones of elastic elements for legs in this method. 16 is a conceptual processing diagram specifically showing the operation of forming a composite stretch panel in this method.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14-16, this method uses the same roller 62 to perform the joining operation of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 at the joining points 41 to form composite stretch panels 4 and the operation of “depriving” the elastic elements 23 and 26 contractility for the formation of non-functional zones 51.

This method is a method of manufacturing a disposable pull-on diaper, including the steps of connecting a continuous outer sheet 21S (continuous canvas of the outer sheet 21) and a continuous inner sheet 22S (continuous canvas of the inner sheet 22) while placing continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S (respectively, elastic elements 23, 24, 25 and 26 of continuous length) between them to form a continuous outer covering element 2S (outer covering element continuous length 2), attaching each of the absorbent elements 3 to the side of the continuous inner sheet 22S of the continuous outer covering element 2S via the connection zone 15 (see FIG. 4) to form a continuous diaper 1S (continuous diaper 1) and cut the continuous diaper 1S on individual diapers 1.

This method will be described in detail. A continuous outer sheet 21S is used as the material of the outer sheet 21, and a continuous inner sheet 22S is used as the material of the inner sheet 22.

Continuous elastic members 23S, 24S, 25S, and 26S (continuous length elastic members 23, 24, 25, and 26) are introduced into the zone between the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S in their expanded state.

The continuous outer sheet 21S has fibers oriented in its longitudinal direction. The continuous inner sheet 22S likewise has fibers oriented in its longitudinal direction. This method uses what the inventors call a lateral feed system for manufacturing diapers 1. Accordingly, in the outer covering member 2 of the resulting diaper (product), the stretching direction (lateral (transverse) direction of the composite stretching panels 4 and the orientation direction of the outer fibers sheet 21 and inner sheet 22 are essentially the same.

Continuous frontal crotch elastic elements 26S (frontal crotch elastic elements 26 of continuous length) are excluded from FIG. Prior to joining the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S, hot melt adhesive Q is applied to their facing sides in the form of respective predetermined patterns illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, by means of an applicator 64 (see FIG. 15 ) Continuous elastic leg elements 25S are introduced into the area between the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S while rolling them through the moving sheets by means of swinging guides 65 (see FIG. 15).

Two continuous sheets 21S and 22S with continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S located between them are pressed between two pressure rollers 61. Thus, a continuous outer covering element 2S is obtained having two continuous sheets 21S and 22S and continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S located between them. The elastic elements 23 located below the belt are not glued by hot-melt non-solvent adhesive Q in parts between the zones adjacent to each side edge of the absorbing element 3 and each side weld 11. Similarly, the elastic waist elements 24 are not glued by hot-melt adhesive Q in parts located between opposite side welds 11.

At this stage, neither the composite stretch panels 4 nor the non-functional zones 51 nor the cutting area 52 of the elastic foot elements are formed in the continuous outer covering element 25.

The continuous outer covering element 2S, in which composite stretch panels 4 have not yet been formed, is then introduced into the area between the roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels and the support roller 63. The roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels has parts 62A on its peripheral surface for forming composite stretch panels, which serve to form composite stretch panels 4, part 62B for the formation of non-functional zones, which serve to image non-functional zones 51, and part 62C for forming a cutting zone of elastic elements for the legs, which serves to form a zone 52 of cutting elastic elements for the legs.

The support roller 63 is a roller with a smooth surface and serves as a support for the roller 62, intended for the formation of composite stretch panels.

The composite stretch panel forming portions 62A provided on the roller 62 for forming the composite stretch panels have a number of embossing rods 62D (see FIG. 16) corresponding to the connection points 41 of the composite stretch panels 4. On the continuous outer covering element 2S, in which composite stretch panels 4 have not yet been formed, form the connection points 41 in zones intended to become composite stretch panels 4 by Astahe 62A to form composite stretch panels. Embossing rods 62D may be heat embossing rods or ultrasonic embossing rods. It should be noted that FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing only selected elements related to the formation of the composite stretch panel 4. Therefore, the roller 62 for forming the composite stretch panels is shown as having only a portion 62A intended to form the composite stretch panels on its peripheral and continuous outer covering element 2S is shown as having only a composite stretch panel 4.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17 (a), 17 (b), 18 (a) and 18 (b), thus, in the predetermined areas of the continuous outer covering element 2S, composite stretch panels 4 are formed, the elastic elements of which 42 (which are in this the method corresponds to the elastic elements 23 located below the belt and the waist elastic elements 24) must be pulled together to form assemblies G1 and belt assemblies G2 located below the belt with folds 43. In the area in which there is a protruding part 21B of the outer sheet 21, the protruding part 21B is also collected Sat orcs to form folds, as illustrated in FIG. 18 (b).

Each of FIGS. 17 (a) and 17 (b) is a section of that part of the composite stretch panel 4 in which there is no protruding part 21B, and each of FIGS. 18 (a) and 18 (b) is a section of that part of the composite stretch panel 4, in which there is a protruding portion 21B.

Each of the parts 62B intended for the formation of non-functional zones and provided on the roller 62 to form composite stretch panels represents a part that "deprives" the elastic constricting elements to form non-functional zones 51 in the continuous outer covering element 2S. Parts 62B for the formation of non-functional zones consist, for example, of a number of protrusions or knives that divide the elastic elements into parts, or a number of heating embossing rods that provide fusion and curing of the elastic elements.

The portion 62C for forming a cutting zone of the elastic elements for the legs and provided on the roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels is a part by which the continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs are cut in the laterally middle portion of the crotch section C to form the cutting zone 52 elastic elements for the legs. Part 62C for forming a cutting zone of the elastic elements for the legs consists of a number of protrusions or knives. The continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs are cut through the part 62C, intended to form a cutting zone for the elastic elements for the legs, to obtain elastic elements 25 for the legs located at a distance from each other in the lateral (transverse) direction of the diaper in the middle in the lateral direction section of the crotch section FROM.

The introduction of a continuous outer covering element 2S having no composite stretch panels 4, non-functional zones 51 and cutting zones 52 of elastic elements for the legs into the area between the roller 62 to form composite stretch panels having the above configuration and the support roller 63 leads to the formation of a continuous outer cover element 2S having formed in its predetermined parts, composite stretch panels 4, non-functional zones 51 and zones 52 of cutting elastic elements in for the legs.

The disposable pull-on diaper 1 according to the first embodiment is manufactured in a manner conventional for the manufacture of the pull-out disposable diapers in a transverse feed system, except for the use of a continuous outer cover member 2S having composite stretch panels 4 formed therein, non-functional zones 51 and cutting zones 52 elastic elements for the legs.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the continuous absorption element 3S is cut into individual absorption elements 3, which are rotated 90 ° with respect to the direction of travel and fixed at a distance from each other on the continuous outer covering element 2S via the connection zone 15 (see FIG. .four). Each absorbent member 3 is attached to the continuous outer cover member 2S while holding the continuous outer cover member 2S in a stretched state. In other words, the absorbent element 3 is attached while holding the continuous outer covering element 2S so that it does not contract due to the compressibility of the composite stretch sections 4, etc.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, both ends of the continuous outer cover member 25 are folded over the end parts of the absorbent member 3 and attached to the end parts of the absorbent member 3, and then the continuous outer cover member 2S is doubled together with the absorbent member 3. Prior to this, the adhesive is applied to both edges of the continuous outer covering element 2S, which correspond to the protruding parts 21B, those parts of the continuous inner sheet 22S, which should be facing the protruding parts 21B, and specified h STI absorbing element 3.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, an unnecessary portion 13S corresponding to the leg openings is cut from the continuous outer covering element 2S by means of a rotary cutting device, a laser cutting device, etc. for the formation of a continuous diaper 1S.

The continuous diaper 1S is folded in the longitudinal direction (along the lateral (transverse) direction of the disposable diaper 1) by half. The folded continuous diaper 1S is welded at predetermined intervals to form the side welds 11 by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, high frequency welding or the like, and the continuous diaper 1S is cut into individual pull-on disposable diapers 1 according to the first embodiment after formation or simultaneously with the formation of side welds 11.

The rotation of the individual absorbent elements 3 by ninety degrees and the fastening of the absorbing elements 3 at a certain distance from each other to the continuous outer covering element 2S is performed, for example, by the method described in JP 4-166150A. A connection zone 15 (see FIG. 4) for attaching the absorbent member 3 to the continuous outer covering member 2S is provided on either or both of the absorbent member 3 and the continuous outer covering member 2S. Removing the unnecessary leg hole portion 13S may be performed before attaching the absorbent member 3 to the continuous outer covering member 2S.

According to this method, disposable pull-on diapers having composite stretch panels 4 and non-functional zones 51 can be made efficiently since the joining operation of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 at the joining points 41 to form the composite stretch panels 4 and the operation of imparting elastic elements 23 and 26 dysfunctionality for the formation of dysfunctional zones 51 is performed by using the same roller 62.

The absorbent article of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to a second embodiment. The description will generally be limited by differences from the first embodiment. The common parts and elements are denoted by the same reference numbers as in the previously described embodiment, and will not be unnecessarily described. The configuration of the first embodiment is suitable for the second embodiment, unless otherwise indicated.

The disposable pull-on diaper 1A in accordance with the second embodiment has an absorbent member 3 including an absorbent core 34 and a waist flap F, that is, a portion located outside each longitudinal end of the absorbent member 3. A perspective view of the diaper 1A of the second embodiment the same as the perspective view of the diaper 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the cross-section of the diaper 1A taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 20 is the same as the cross-section of FIG.

Each of the waist section valve F of the front section and the waist valve F of the rear section has a sheet 27 forming a skin contact surface that forms a skin contact surface of the waist valve F, and a sheet 21 forming a surface facing the garment, while sheet 21 forms the waist belt surface F facing the garment, both sheets being hydrophobic sheets. In addition, each waist flap F has a hydrophilic sheet 29 between the sheet 27 forming a skin contact surface and the sheet 21 forming a surface facing the garment, and the elastic elements 24 between the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the sheet 21 forming a surface facing a piece of clothing.

In addition to the absorbent element 3, the disposable pull-on diaper 1A according to the second embodiment further has an outer covering element 2 attached to the garment side of the absorbent element 3 and holding sheets 27, each of which covers the skin-facing side of each longitudinal end part of the absorbent element 3.

The outer covering element 2 includes an outer sheet 21, an inner sheet 22, and a plurality of elastic elements 23 (including 23A and 23B), 24, 25, and 26. The outer sheet 21 forms the outer side of the diaper. The inner sheet 22 is located on the inner side of the outer sheet 21. That is, the aforementioned waist belt sheet F, forming a surface facing the garment, is part of the outer sheet 21.

The retaining sheet 27 is integral with the outer sheet 21. That is, the outer sheet 21 is folded onto the skin side of the absorbent member 3 to form the retaining sheet 27. That is, the aforementioned lap flap sheet F forming the skin facing surface is part of the holding sheet 27.

In the second embodiment, both the sheet forming the skin contacting surface and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment are hydrophobic sheets. Due to the fact that the sheet forming the surface in contact with the skin and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment are a part of the holding sheet 27 and the outer sheet 21, respectively, and the holding sheet 27 and the outer sheet 27 are integral with each other, constituting one the whole sheet is a hydrophobic sheet. The inner sheet 22 is also a hydrophobic sheet.

The term "hydrophobic sheet" as used in this description refers to a sheet having a water pressure resistance of 1 to 10 gf / cm ² , preferably 1 to 5 gf / cm ² , measured in accordance with the following method. The hydrophobic sheet preferably has a surface density of from 5 to 50 g / m ² , more preferably from 7 to 30 g / m ² .

Method for measuring resistance to water pressure

The sample sheet is held between vertically connected two cylindrical tubes having a diameter of 35 mm. Saline solution is poured into the upper tube at a speed of 4 g / min. The time required for physiological saline to pass through the sheet sample and begin to flow into the lower tube is recorded. The amount (mass) of saline injected is calculated based on the flow rate and time recorded in this way. The quotient obtained by dividing the calculated amount of solution (gf) by the cross-sectional area (cm ² ) of the tube is taken as the resistance (gf / cm ² ) to the water pressure.

In order for the composite stretch panels 4 to form folds 43 (details of which will be given later) that have an attractive appearance, are pleasant to the touch and are flexible, each of the hydrophobic sheet forming the holding sheet 27 (including the sheet forming the skin contact surface) , the hydrophobic sheet forming the outer sheet 21 (including the sheet forming the surface facing the garment), and the hydrophobic sheet forming the inner sheet 22, preferably is a single minutes or multilayer sheet of the nonwoven fabric bonded by passing air through the jets, a nonwoven fabric obtained by using heated rolls, a nonwoven fabric hydroentangled, nonwoven fabric and spunbond nonwoven fabric meltblown and so on.

The hydrophilic sheet 29 differs from both the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, and is located on the garment side of each longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3. In more detail, the hydrophilic sheet 29 in the waist flap F is located between the holding sheet 27 and the inner sheet 22, and a hydrophilic sheet 29 in the part D below the belt (described hereinafter) is located between the side of the absorbent element 3 facing the garment and the inner sheet 22.

The holding sheet 27 and the hydrophilic sheet 29 are facing directly to each other without any other sheet located between them. The retaining sheet 27 and the hydrophilic sheet 29 are attached to each other, for example by means of a hot-melt solvent-free adhesive (not shown in FIG. 22, but shown in FIG. 26).

The hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22 face directly to each other without any other sheet located between them. The hydrophilic sheet 29 with its side facing the garment side is attached to the inner sheet 22. Means for connecting the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22 include hot-melt adhesive, heat sealing and ultrasonic welding, although possible means are not limited thereto. The hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22 can be connected to each other by using the connection points 41 of the composite stretch panel 4, as will be described in detail in connection with the manufacturing method.

The disposable diaper 1A of the second embodiment will be described further.

The disposable diaper 1A of the second embodiment includes an absorbent element 3 and an outer covering element 2 attached to a side of the back sheet (side facing the garment side) of the absorbent element 3.

The outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, which form the outer covering element 2 of the diaper 1A, have the same shape. The waist elastic members 24 are firmly held between the longitudinal end parts of the outer sheet 21 and the longitudinal end parts of the inner sheet 22, as illustrated in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22. The outer sheet 21 is integral with the holding sheet 27. The holding sheet 27 is a protruding part extending from each longitudinal end of the outer sheet 21 and bent to the side of the absorbent element 3 facing the skin.

The retaining sheet 27 (the folded portion of the sheet forming a whole) covers almost the entire area of the skin side of the lower part of the belt D (the details of which will be described later), including the longitudinal end portion of the absorbing element 3. The retaining sheet 27 is attached to the longitudinal end portion of the absorbing element 3 over the entire width of the absorbent element 3 with glue (not shown), as a result of which each of the longitudinal end parts of the absorbent element 3 will be attached to the outer covering element 2.

Closing the skin-facing side of the longitudinal end portions of the absorbent element 3 with the respective holding sheets 27 prevents the front and rear end portions of the absorbent element 3 from coming into direct contact with the skin of the wearer and prevents the absorbent polymer from “leaking” of the absorbent core 34 from the front and rear ends of the absorbent element 3.

The outer sheet 21 has an adhesive (such as hot melt adhesive) applied on its inner side (the side facing the inner sheet 22) with a predetermined pattern. Adhesive is applied to almost all zones corresponding to the side welds 11, zones corresponding to the non-functional zones 51 (described below) of the elastic elements 23 located below the belt, and the zone corresponding to the cutting zone 52 of the elastic elements for the legs (described below).

No glue was applied to almost the entire area corresponding to the composite stretch panels 4 (described in detail later) and almost the entire area corresponding to the crotch section C.

The inner sheet 22 has an adhesive (such as hot melt adhesive) applied on its side facing the outer sheet 21 with a predetermined pattern. The adhesive is applied over almost the entire area of the zones other than the zones corresponding to the composite stretch panels 4.

It should be understood that the glue application pattern on the side of the inner sheet 22 facing the outer sheet includes an adhesive pattern on the inner side of the outer sheet 21. Therefore, when connecting the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, the adhesive that was applied to the outer sheet side of the inner sheet 22, adheres to the inner side of the outer sheet 21. This is equivalent to applying glue to the inner side of the outer sheet 21 with the same pattern as on the side of the inner sheet facing the outer sheet a 22.

As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the hydrophilic sheet 29 is positioned so that its upper edge (the edge closer to the edge of the waist hole) is aligned with the longitudinal end edge of the inner sheet 22 and its lower edge (edge further from the edge of the hole for the waist) is located on the surface of the absorbent element 3 facing the garment. In more detail, the position of the lower edge of the hydrophilic sheet 29 is such that the hydrophilic sheet 29 covers the area in which the elastic elements located below the belt you 23A disposed below the upper forming belt subfragment D1 (details of which will be described later).

The hydrophilic sheet 29 may be formed of essentially hydrophilic fibers or fibers that are substantially non-hydrophilic but which have been rendered hydrophilic by hydrophilizing treatment. The latter fibers are preferred.

Examples of substantially hydrophilic fibers include cellulosic fibers, such as viscose (hydrated cellulose) fibers, cellulose acetate fibers and cotton fibers.

The hydrophilization of substantially non-hydrophilic fibers is provided, for example, by treating the surface of the fibers with a hydrophilizing agent or incorporating a hydrophilizing agent into the fibers. Non-hydrophilic fibers include single-component fibers made from a polyolefin resin, such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), or a polyester resin, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and two-component fibers, made from a variety of these resins, for example with a core configuration and shell or with the arrangement of components side by side. Of the bicomponent fibers with a core and a sheath, those having a sheath representing a low melting point component and a core representing a high melting point component, in particular those that have polyethylene as a low melting point component and polypropylene, are preferred. or polyethylene terephthalate as a component with a high melting point.

Preferably, the hydrophilic sheet 29 has a greater ability to absorb fluids and a low ability to hold fluids. In particular, the ability of the hydrophilic sheet 29 to absorb fluids is preferably such that the area of spreading of the fluid, measured as described below, is at least 2 cm ² , more preferably 5 cm ² or more. The larger the spread area of the fluid on the hydrophilic sheet 29, the better the properties allowing sweat to evaporate from the waist flap F. An example of a hydrophilic sheet 29 having the above preferred spread area of the fluid is SMMS non-woven fabric (non-woven fabric obtained from layers of nonwoven fabric of a spunbond production method — nonwoven fabric obtained aerodynamically from a melt — nonwoven fabric produced aerodynamically from asplava, - the nonwoven spunbond material) made of hydrophilized polypropylene fibers or hydroentangled resulting nonwoven fabric made of rayon and polyethylene terephthalate.

The method of measuring the area of the spreading fluid

A cut out piece of a hydrophilic sheet having a shape of a square with a side of 10 cm is placed on a polyacrylate plate, and 0.05 ml of colored water is supplied in drops of 30 mm above the cut piece. After ten minutes, the spreading area of the colored water in the cut piece is measured by using an image analysis apparatus.

The ability of the hydrophilic sheet 29 to hold fluids is preferably such that the amount of retained fluid, measured as follows, is 30 g / m ² or less, more preferably 5 g / m ² or less. The smaller the amount of fluid held by the hydrophilic sheet 29, the better the sweat evaporation properties when the sweat is continuously absorbed by the hydrophilic sheet 29. As an example of a hydrophilic sheet 29 having the above preferred fluid holding ability, an SMMS non-woven fabric ( non-woven material obtained from layers of non-woven material spunbond production method - non-woven material obtained by the aerodynamic method from a melt - non-woven material and the obtained meltblown - nonwoven spunbond) made of hydrophilized polypropylene fibers.

The method of measuring the amount of fluid held

A cut out sample of a hydrophilic sheet, which has a square shape with a side of 10 cm, and whose mass was measured, is placed in a beaker containing 500 ml of distilled water and left in this position for 1 minute. The sample is removed from the water and left hanging on a clothesline for 10 minutes. The sample was centrifuged at 800 rpm for 10 minutes and then weighed. The amount of retained fluid is calculated by the formula:

The amount of retained fluid (g / m ² ) = {mass (g) of the sample after centrifugation - the initial mass (g) of the sample} / area (m ² ) of the original sample.

The outer covering element 2 has belt assemblies G2 and lower assembly belts G1, respectively, in the waist flap F and in the lower part D on each of the front section A and the rear section B, each assembly being formed from a composite stretch panel 4 (details of which will be described below). In relation to a configuration having an outer covering member 2 attached to the garment side of the absorbent member 3, as in the second embodiment, the term “waist flap F” is intended to mean not only a portion of the outer covering member 2 that is longitudinally outside from each longitudinal edge of the absorbent element 3, but also parts of the outer covering element 2 located on both sides of this part.

Referring to the details of the waist assemblies G2, it can be noted that the waist flap F in each of the front section A and the rear section B has elastic waist elements 24 located along the peripheral peripheral edge of the waist opening 12. The holding sheet 27, the hydrophilic sheet 29, the inner sheet 22, the waist elastic members 24 and the outer sheet 21 form a composite stretch panel 4 (details of which will be described later). The composite stretch panel 4 is folded between two side welds 11, that is, on the entire circumferential periphery of the annular waist valve F, to form waist assemblies G2.

The outer covering element 2 is also folded along two leg openings 13 to form corresponding leg assemblies G3. In more detail, leg elastic members 25 are provided along the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg opening 13, which is curved in the crotch section C. Elastic leg members 25 are fixed in their extended state between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, resulting in an assembly G3s for legs are formed along each hole 13 for the legs.

In this embodiment, in accordance with the manufacturing method described later, the leg elastic members 25 provided along the entire circumferential periphery of each leg opening 13 are comprised of leg elastic members 25 provided along the half circumferential peripheral edge of the leg opening 13 section A, and other elastic leg elements 25 provided along the other half of the peripheral peripheral edge of the leg hole 13 in the rear section B. However, depending on the manufacturing method There is the possibility of placing the elastic members for legs continuously along the entire circumference of each hole 13 feet.

Referring to the details of the assemblies G1 located below the belt, it can be noted that the outer covering element 2 has a part D located below the belt in each of the front section A and the rear section B. The part D located below the belt has composite stretch panels 4 (the details of which will be described later), each of which is folded to form assemblies G1 located below the belt. As used herein, the term “below the waist portion” refers to a portion extending from the lower boundary of the waist flap F to the upper boundary of the leg openings 13. In more detail, the part D located below the belt has a plurality of elastic elements 23 located below the belt, located in the lateral direction of the diaper. The elastic elements 23 located below the belt extend between the area near the lateral edge of the absorbent element 3 and the side weld 11. The elastic elements 23 located below the belt are not located between places adjacent to the opposite side edges of the absorbent element 3.

Each of the composite stretch panels 4 consists mainly of a retaining sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29 (which may not be present in the portion of the composite stretch panel, as will be described below), an inner sheet 22 located below the waistband of the elastic elements 23 and the outer sheet 21. Composite stretch the panel 4 is folded between each side weld 11 and the area near each side edge of the absorbent element 3 to form two laterally spaced, located below the assembly belt G1. The assemblies G1 located below the belt are not formed between zones adjacent to the opposite lateral edges of the absorbent element 3. The expression “near the lateral edge of the absorbent element 3” as used in this description is intended to indicate a zone extending 30 mm or less inward and 20 mm or less outward from each side edge of the absorbent member 3.

The part D below the belt is divided into the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt and the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt. The upper subfragment D1 located below the belt is preferably located in that area of the diaper 1, which, when the diaper is worn by the wearer, will be superimposed on the part of the wearer's body between the left and right iliac crests and the left and right anterior superior iliac bones. This part of the wearer's body is sometimes called the iliac region.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the entire hydrophilic sheet 29 or most of the hydrophilic sheet 29 is located (a) in the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt. The hydrophilic sheet 29 is absent or substantially absent in the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt. In other words, part D below the belt includes a first sub-fragment formed from a laminate of four sheets: a holding sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22 and an outer sheet 21, and a second sub-fragment formed from a laminate of three sheets: a holding sheet 27, the inner sheet 22 and the outer sheet 21. The first sub-fragment approximately corresponds to the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt, and the second sub-fragment approximately corresponds to the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt .

Similarly to the diaper 1 in the first embodiment, the diaper 1A in accordance with the second embodiment is fixed relative to the wearer's body due to the compressive force, which is mainly created due to the elastic elements 23A located below the belt located in the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt. In other words, the compressive force exerted by the elastic members 24 located in the waist flap F is not the main means for fixing the diaper 1A relative to the wearer's body in contrast to conventional pull-on diapers. On the contrary, the increased compressive force acting on the side of the waist valve F contributes to the displacement of the diaper 1A down.

However, it should be noted that it is preferable that the waist valve F has at least a certain compressive force. Since the skin-contacting surface of the waist flap F is formed of a hydrophobic sheet, sweat adhering to the skin-contacting side of the waist flap F will not be absorbed through the hydrophobic sheet into the hydrophilic sheet unless the waist flap F has a compressive force of a certain size. The compressive force exerted by the waist flap F is preferably at least 0.2 kPa, more preferably at least 0.5 kPa.

The lower subfragment D2 located below the belt is preferably superimposed on the part of the body located below the iliac region, namely the lower abdominal region of the carrier. The width (measured in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1A) of the lower sub-fragment D2 below the belt is preferably from 40 to 70 mm, more preferably from 45 to 65 mm. The lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt has a plurality of elastic elements 23B located therein located below the belt.

If we compare the tension force of the waist valve F of the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt and the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt, it is preferable that the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt has the maximum tension, the lower sub-fragment D2 located below the belt has the second largest tension force and the waist valve F had the least tension. By providing such a difference in the tension between the different parts, the diaper 1A is effectively prevented from slipping down when worn, and the diaper 1A is snug against the wearer's body to effectively prevent leakage without causing discomfort.

Next, the frontal crotch part E. The term "frontal crotch part E" as used in this description means the front of the quarters into which the crotch section C is divided in the longitudinal direction of the diaper. The frontal crotch part E has a plurality of frontal crotch elastic elements 26 located therein over the entire width of the outer covering element 2. The front crotch elastic elements 26 are fixed in their stretched state between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, as a result of which the frontal crotch part E is assembled folds to form the front perineal assemblies G4.

The outer covering element 2 has non-functional zones 51 within the zone in which it faces the absorbing element 3, while in these zones the elasticity is not contractible. In this embodiment, the non-functional zones 51 are formed by providing a “loss” of contractibility to the elastic element 23 located below the belt and the front crotch elastic elements 26. As will be described in more detail in connection with the manufacturing method, the non-functional zones 51 are the result of ensuring that the lower zones are present elastic elements 23S with continuous length and frontal crotch elastic elements 26S with continuous length over the entire width of the outer covering ele ment 2 and "deprivation" of a part of the continuous elastic elements 23S and 26S of contractibility. Deprivation of continuous elastic elements of the ability to tighten can be achieved, for example, by a number of cutting protrusions or blades that divide the elastic elements into sections, or a number of embossing rods that cause the curing of the elastic elements when heated.

By providing non-functional zones 51, the continuous elastic elements 23S located below the belt and the continuous frontal crotch elastic elements 26S provided over the entire width of the outer covering element 2 are folded intermittently to form laterally spaced two lower assemblies G1 and laterally spaced direction of the two front perineal assemblies G4.

The non-functional area 51 located between the laterally (transverse) direction of the two assemblies G1 located below the belt is the result of the "deprivation" of the continuous elastic elements 23S located below the belt attached between the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22, while they are contractible as a non-functional zone 51 located between laterally (transverse) frontal perineal assemblies G4, is the result of “deprivation” of continuous frontal perineal tnyh elastic members 26S, mounted between the outer sheet 21 and inner sheet 22, their contractibility. Thus, the absorption of the absorbent element 3 into lumps is prevented, and the absorbent element 3 has a good appearance and absorption characteristics.

The cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs is formed on the average in the lateral (transverse) direction of the crotch section C. As will be described in detail with reference to the manufacturing method, the cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs is the result of providing continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs, placed curvilinearly, over the entire width of the outer covering element 2 and cutting continuous elastic elements 25S in the middle of the width of the crotch section C. Area 52 cutting elastic elements The foot rest is formed, for example, by means of a number of cutting protrusions or blades (knives) that cut through the elastic elements.

By performing the cutting area 52 of the elastic elements for the legs, the continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs, provided with their placement curvilinearly over the entire width of the outer covering element 2, form two lateral (transverse) directional elastic elements 25 for the legs in the crotch section C.

In this embodiment, the outer covering element 2 does not have a composite stretch panel 4 in the crotch section C. Thus, it is possible to smoothly move the released urine in the front of the absorbent element 3 backward, and the absorption characteristics of the diaper 1A are noticeably improved.

The leg elastic members 25 and the front crotch elastic members 26 are preferably narrow strips or ribbons of stretch materials such as natural rubber, polyurethanes, polyurethanes, and hot melt stretch materials.

The composite stretch panel 4 forming the lower assembly belts G1 and the waist assemblies G2 will be described in detail. The composite stretch panel 4 has the following configuration characteristics (1) to (3), similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 12.

(1) The sheets 21 and 22 forming the composite stretch panel that are facing each other are bonded together at the joining points 41, which are discrete in the stretch direction (X direction) of the composite stretch panel 4 and in a direction perpendicular to the stretch direction (direction Y).

(2) The elastic elements forming the composite stretch panel 42 are located in such places that they do not pass through the connection points 41, and are not attached to the sheets 21 and 22 forming the composite stretch panel, except for their opposite ends.

(3) Each of the facing each other, forming a composite stretch panel of sheets 21 and 22 is assembled into assemblies for the formation of folds 43, each of which extends continuously over many elastic elements 42.

Each part of the composite stretch panel 4 forming the belt assemblies G2 is a four-sheet laminate consisting of a retaining sheet 27, which is a sheet forming a skin contact surface, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22, and an outer sheet 21, which represents a sheet forming a surface facing the garment. On the other hand, the composite stretch panel 4, forming below the belt assembly G1, includes a first part formed of a four-sheet laminate consisting of a retaining sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22 and an outer sheet 21, and a second part formed of a three-sheet laminate consisting of a holding sheet 27, an inner sheet 22 and an outer sheet 21. The first part approximately corresponds to the upper sub-fragment D1 located below the belt, and the second part approximately corresponds There is a lower sub-fragment D2 below the belt in this embodiment. The composite stretch panel 4 forming the belt assemblies G2 will be described hereinafter with particular reference to the first part formed from a four-sheet laminate. Although a description of a second part formed of a three-sheet laminate is omitted, a description of the first part is applicable to the second part.

23 and 12, the holding sheet 27, the hydrophilic sheet 29, and the inner sheet 22 are shown as being integral with each other.

In this embodiment, the sheets facing each other forming a composite stretch panel are the outer sheet 21 (the sheet forming the surface facing the garment) and the inner sheet 22, which is a separate sheet located between the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the outer sheet 21. The term "separate sheet" as used in this description means a sheet that does not form one with any of the sheet forming a skin contact surface (i.e., a holding sheet 27), a sheet, forming a surface facing the garment (i.e., outer sheet 21), and a hydrophilic sheet 29, or independent of any sheet forming a skin contact surface (i.e., holding sheet 27), a sheet forming a surface facing the garment ( that is, the outer sheet 21), and the hydrophilic sheet 29.

In this embodiment, the composite stretch panel 4 forming the waist assemblies G2 mainly consists of a retaining sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22, an outer sheet 21, and waist elastic members 24.

The composite stretch panel 4, forming below the belt of the assembly G1, has a first part, consisting mainly of a retaining sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22, an outer sheet 21 and elastic layers 23 located below the belt (approximately corresponding to the upper lower belt subfragment D1), and the second part, which does not have a hydrophilic sheet 29, if we compare it with the first part (essentially corresponding to the lower subfragment D2 located below the belt).

Although the designation of the elastic elements varies according to the designation of the assemblies, all the elastic elements forming the composite stretch panels 4 will be referred to below as “elastic elements 42”.

Preferably, all of the elastic members 42 are positioned so that they do not pass through any of the connection points 41. However, a manufacturing error may result in a small number of elastic members 42 passing through a small number of joint points 41. Even if this is the case, the effects of the present invention are sufficiently achieved. In the case when the elastic elements 42 do not pass through 70% or more of the number of connection points 41, it is considered that the elastic elements 42 are located so that they do not pass through the connection places 41.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 12, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 are fastened together at the connection points 41, which are discretely located both in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4 and in a direction perpendicular to this direction (direction Y). The junction 41 is preferably formed by heat fusion.

The plurality of elastic members 42 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the composite stretch panel 4. In an embodiment similar to this embodiment in which the elastic members 42 are parallel to each other, the stretch direction of the composite stretch panel 4 is the same as the stretch direction of the elastic members 42. In an embodiment in which the elastic members 42 are not parallel to each other, the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4 Representing a direction perpendicular to the pleats 43 (described hereinafter) extending transversely to the plurality of elastic members 42.

12 illustrates a layout of connection points 41.

The design and configuration of the composite stretch panels 4 used in the second embodiment, including the dimensions and pitch of the joint points 41, are the same as those of the composite stretch panels of the first embodiment.

The outer sheet 21, the inner sheet 22, and the elastic elements 42 that form the composite stretch panels 4 in the second embodiment may be elements of the same type as those used in the first embodiment.

The disposable pull-on diaper according to the second embodiment has excellent characteristics when using its lap valve F. For example, the lap valve F promotes evaporation and removal of sweat and has good breathability, softness and leakage resistance.

More specifically, sweat absorbed by the retaining sheet 27, that is, the waist valve sheet F, which forms the surface facing the skin, moves to the adjacent hydrophilic sheet 29 and dissipates therein. Since the folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 form gaps, it is possible to quickly evaporate sweat moving into the hydrophilic sheet 29. Thus, the waist flap F has better characteristics in terms of allowing evaporation and sweat removal.

Despite the fact that the holding sheet 27 as a sheet forming a skin contacting surface and being hydrophobic does not have such a high absorption capacity, the waist flap sheet F forming a skin contacting surface is pressed against the hydrophilic sheet 29 due to the compressive force acting from the side of the belt assemblies G2 when worn. This allows sweat adhering to the skin contact surface of the waist flap F to move into the hydrophilic sheet 29.

If each of the sheet forming the surface facing the garment and the sheet forming the skin contact surface is formed of a hydrophilic sheet, both the surface contacting the skin and the surface of the garment flap F facing the garment will become sticky from sweat absorbed by the hydrophilic sheets. On the contrary, the surfaces are kept dry without stickiness, since both the surface in contact with the skin and the surface of the waist flap F facing the garment are formed by a hydrophobic holding sheet 27 and a hydrophobic outer sheet 21, respectively.

The folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 are moved during perspiration to provide improved quick drying ability. When the wearer sweats, after stretching the folds 43 in contact with the sweaty part of the wearer's skin to a flat state, they will have less ability to contract due to increased friction. As a result, the fold-in place is “moved” to the dry part of the skin, and the diaper, in particular the waist flap F, is held in close contact with the wet part of the skin, as a result of which the sweat is effectively absorbed by the composite stretch panel 4. Sweat absorbed into the composite stretch panel 4 is dispersed in the hydrophilic sheet 29, then evaporates and dries quickly.

The assemblies G1 and the waist assemblies G2 located below are formed from composite stretch panels 4. Since these assemblies provide extensibility essentially without the use of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive, the diaper has good air permeability both in the front section A and in the rear section B. so that the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 of the outer covering element 2 "demonstrate" their basic texture and create a feeling of softness or non-rigidity.

The waist flap F used in the second embodiment has four sheet components: a holding sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29, an inner sheet 22, and an outer sheet 21. It has one additional sheet when compared with a waist flap F having three sheet components: a holding sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29 (or a hydrophilic inner sheet 22) and an outer sheet 21, similar to those used in the third to fifth embodiments described below, and tend to be less breathable and less soft. Therefore, it is preferable that the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22 (and the outer sheet 21) are joined together via the connection points 41. By joining the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22 without the use of hot-melt adhesive, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the breathability and softness of the waist flap F, which could otherwise be caused by an increased amount of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive.

Despite the fact that the hydrophilic sheet 29 is provided on the rear side of the absorbent element 3, it is protected from contact with urine absorbed by the absorbent element 3 due to the presence of a back sheet 33 provided on the rear side of the absorbent element 3.

In the composite stretch panel 4, the full use of the contractibility of the elastic elements 42 is ensured, while creating slight interference with their constriction or not creating any interference. If the tensile characteristics, for example, of the part D below the belt, are represented graphically by plotting the circumference along the abscissa and the tensile load along the ordinate, the characteristic curve will have a smooth slope, indicating high elongation. The characteristic curve in stretching mode and the characteristic curve in pulling mode show a slight difference in load, which indicates that the change in load with a change in circumference is insignificant. This means that the diaper will act with the same pressure when worn on an infant with a smaller waist circumference and an infant with a larger waist circumference. As a result, the tendency of the diaper to slide / slide downward on the comparatively small infant and to leave dents on the comparatively large infant is eliminated, and a diaper is created that is suitable for carriers with a wider range of sizes.

Thus, the diaper of this embodiment gently adheres to the wearer and hardly slides down during use due to its high contractibility. The diaper demonstrates its full contractibility as a whole, which provides the advantage of compactness. In addition, the number of elastic elements 42 can be reduced, which is preferable from an economic point of view.

The composite stretch panel 4 is assembled into assemblies with the formation of folds 43 on its inner side, which should come into contact with the body of the carrier to ensure good cushioning properties and a smooth fit with little skin damage during use. Folds 43 are also formed on the outside of the outer covering element 2 (the outer side during use) to make the diaper pleasant to the touch.

According to the disposable diapers disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 above, the hydrophobic sheet and the hydrophilic sheet are glued together. Patent Document 2 does not say anything about the glue application pattern. In patent document 3 it is mentioned that the adhesive is applied discretely, but no further details regarding the application are disclosed.

Obviously, the lap flaps of the disposable diapers disclosed in Patent Documents 2 and 3 form folds due to the tightening of the elastic elements. However, it is believed that the four-layer structure (hydrophobic sheet, hydrophilic sheet, elastic elements and hydrophobic sheet) is assembled into assemblies with the formation of folds while at the same time forming a small gap between each hydrophobic sheet and hydrophilic sheet. This trend seems particularly noticeable in the case of the disposable diaper of Patent Document 3, given the tape shape of the elastic element used in the waist flap.

Therefore, it is possible that disposable diapers according to patent documents 2 and 3 cannot be considered as providing a sufficient degree of evaporation and removal of sweat through the waist valve. In this regard, further improvements were expected. The problem is also peculiar to other absorbent products with a waist flap other than disposable diapers.

The continuous manufacturing method of the disposable pull-on diaper according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 24 is a perspective view showing this method as a whole. 25 is a view specifically showing the operation of forming composite stretch panels, non-functional zones and cutting zones of elastic elements for legs in this method.

As illustrated in Figs. 24, 25 and 16, in this method, the operation of connecting the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 by means of the connection points 41 to form composite stretch panels 4, and the operation of "depriving" the elastic elements 23 and 26 of contractibility to form non-functional zones are performed. 51 by using the same roller 62.

This method is a method of manufacturing a disposable pull-on diaper comprising the steps of (1) joining a continuous outer sheet 21S (continuous canvas of the outer sheet 21) and a continuous inner sheet 22S (continuous canvas of the inner sheet 22) while placing continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S (respectively, of elastic elements 23, 24, 25 and 26 of continuous length) between them to form a continuous outer covering element 2S (outer covering el element 2 of continuous length), (2) attaching continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S (two continuous canvases of hydrophilic sheets 29) to the side of the continuous inner sheet 22S of the continuous outer covering element 2S to obtain a continuous outer covering element 2S having a pair of continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S (hereinafter referred to as a continuous set of 2S 'canvases), (3) attaching each of the absorbing elements 3 to the side of the continuous inner sheet 22S of a continuous set of 2S' canvases by zone 15 s unity (see. 4) and folding both ends of the continuous outer sheet 21S onto the absorbent elements 3 to form continuous holding sheets 27S (two continuous canvases of holding sheets 27) to form a continuous diaper 1S (continuous-looking diaper 1), and (4) cutting the continuous diaper 1S on individual diapers 1A.

This method will be described in detail. The continuous outer sheet 21S is used as the roll material of the outer sheet 21, the continuous inner sheet 22S is used as the roll material of the inner sheet 22, and the continuous hydrophilic sheet 29S is used as the roll material of the hydrophilic sheet 29. Two canvases of the continuous hydrophilic sheet 29S are used, one for the front waist valve F and the other for the rear waist valve F. Both edge parts of the continuous outer sheet 21S are bent over the side of the continuous inner sheet 22S, h Oba, each of them was continuously holding sheet 27S (the details of which will be described below).

Continuous elastic members 23S, 24S, 25S, and 26S (continuous length elastic members 23, 24, 25, and 26) are introduced into the zone between the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S in their expanded state. Continuous frontal crotch elastic elements 26S (frontal crotch elastic elements 26 of continuous length) are excluded from Fig. 25. Before joining the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S, hot melt adhesive is applied to their facing sides in the form of respective predetermined patterns by, for example, an applicator 64 (see FIG. 25). Continuous elastic leg elements 25S are introduced into the area between the continuous outer sheet 21S and the continuous inner sheet 22S while rolling them through the moving sheets by means of the swinging guides 65 (see FIG. 25).

Two continuous sheets 21S and 22S with continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S located between them are pressed between two pressure rollers 61. Thus, a continuous outer covering element 2S is obtained having two continuous sheets 21S and 22S and continuous elastic elements 23S, 24S, 25S and 26S located between them. Elastic elements 23 located below the belt are not glued with hot-melt adhesive without adhesive in parts between zones adjacent to each side edge of the absorbent element 3 and each side weld 11. In a similar way, waist elastic elements 24 are not glued with hot-melt adhesive without adhesive in parts between opposite side welds 11.

At this stage, neither the composite stretch panels 4 nor the non-functional zones 51 nor the cutting area 52 of the elastic foot elements are formed in the continuous outer covering element 25.

The continuous outer covering element 2S, in which composite stretch panels 4 have not yet been formed, is then introduced into the area between the roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels and the support roller 63. The roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels has parts 62A on its peripheral surface for forming composite stretch panels, which serve to form composite stretch panels 4, part 62B for the formation of non-functional zones, which serve to image non-functional from the point of view of elasticization zones 51, and part 62C to form a cutting zone of elastic elements for the legs, which serves to form a zone 52 of cutting elastic elements for the legs.

The support roller 63 is a roller with a smooth surface and serves as a support for the roller 62, intended for the formation of composite stretch panels.

The portion 62C for forming a cutting zone of the elastic elements for the legs and provided on the roller 62 for forming composite stretch panels is a part by which the continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs are cut in the laterally middle portion of the crotch section C to form the cutting zone 52 elastic elements for the legs. Part 62C for forming a cutting zone of the elastic elements for the legs consists of a number of protrusions or knives. The continuous elastic elements 25S for the legs are cut through the part 62C, intended to form a cutting zone for the elastic elements for the legs, to obtain elastic elements 25 for the legs located at a distance from each other in the lateral (transverse) direction of the diaper in the middle in the lateral direction section of the crotch section FROM.

The introduction of a continuous outer covering element 2S having no composite stretch panels 4, non-functional zones 51 and cutting areas 52 of elastic elements for legs into the area between the roller 62 to form composite stretch panels having the above-mentioned configuration, and the support roller 63 leads to the formation of a continuous outer cover element 2S having formed in its predetermined parts, composite stretch panels 4, non-functional zones 51 and zones 52 of cutting elastic elements d I have legs.

Subsequently, the continuous outer covering element 2S having composite stretch panels 4 formed therein and each of the continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S having hot melt adhesive Q (see FIG. 26) applied to one side thereof are connected so that the continuous the inner sheet 22S and the hot-melt non-solvent adhesive Q will be facing each other, and introduced between the two pinch rollers 66 to form a continuous set of 2S 'canvases. The continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S and the continuous outer covering member 2S can be heat sealed.

The stretchable disposable diaper 1A according to the second embodiment is manufactured in a manner conventional for the production of stretchable disposable diapers in a transverse feed system, except for using a continuous set of 2S 'canvases having composite stretch panels 4, non-functional zones 51 and cutting zones 52 of elastic elements for legs.

According to this method, disposable pull-on diapers having composite stretch panels 4 and non-functional zones 51 can be made efficiently since the joining operation of the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 at the joining points 41 to form the composite stretch panels 4 and the operation of imparting elastic elements 23 and 26 dysfunctionality for the formation of dysfunctional zones 51 is performed by using the same roller 62.

Despite the fact that in the method illustrated in FIG. 25, the joining of the continuous outer covering member 2S and the continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S is preceded by the formation of composite stretch panels 4 to form a continuous set of canvases 2S ', the “position” of the joining operation is not limited to this. As illustrated in FIG. 28, the formation of composite stretch panels 4 may be preceded by the attachment of continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S to the continuous outer covering element 2S to form a canvas set 2S ′. In this case, the continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S, the continuous inner sheet 22S and the continuous outer sheet 21S can all be joined together immediately by forming joining points 41 to form composite stretch panels 41, instead of applying hot-melt adhesive without adhesive between the continuous hydrophilic sheets 29S and the continuous inner sheet 22S . Said bonding method is preferred because the amount of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive to be used is reduced.

The present invention will now be described with reference to other embodiments. The description will generally be limited by differences from the second embodiment. The common parts and elements are denoted by the same reference numbers as in the second embodiment, and will not be described in an excessive manner. The configuration of the second embodiment is applicable to the remaining embodiments, unless otherwise indicated. Absorbent articles according to other embodiments provide the same effects as the absorbent article according to the second embodiment.

The disposable pull-on diaper according to the third embodiment of the invention differs from the diaper of the second embodiment by the placement of the hydrophilic sheets 29, as illustrated in FIG.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 29, the hydrophilic sheet 29 is disposed on the skin side of each longitudinal end portion of the absorbent member 3, that is, between the retaining sheet 27 (the sheet forming the skin contact surface) and the longitudinal end side facing the skin parts of the absorbent element 3. Other characteristics of the hydrophilic sheet 29, including size, shape and location in plan view, may be the same as in the second embodiment.

The hydrophilic sheet 29 and the holding sheet 27 can be bonded by means of a hot-melt solvent-free adhesive. They can be bonded by heat welding or ultrasonic welding, while in this case the total amount of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive to be used is reduced. The hydrophilic sheet 29, the absorbent element 3, and the inner sheet 22 can be bonded, for example, by means of a hot-melt solvent-free adhesive.

In other respects, the third embodiment is structurally and functionally the same as the second embodiment.

The longitudinal end parts of the disposable pull-on diaper according to the third embodiment are made, for example, as follows. As illustrated in FIG. 30, the hydrophilic sheet 29 is attached to the inner side of the retaining sheet 27 before folding the latter, and the hot-melt adhesive Q is then applied to the hydrophilic sheet 29 on its side, which should face the absorbent member 3. Thereafter, the holding sheet 27 and the hydrophilic sheet 29 is folded integrally onto the skin side of the absorbent element 3.

The third embodiment has the same effects as the second embodiment, and further provides the following effect due to the difference in location of the hydrophilic sheet 29. Since the hydrophilic sheet 29 is placed on the skin side of each longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3, it has a large area on which he is able to absorb sweat. Consequently, sweat absorbed by that part of the hydrophilic sheet 29 in which the absorbent element 3 is present in the thickness direction is easily distributed in the hydrophilic sheet 29 and moves to the lap valve F. As a result, the sweat is vaporized and removed through the lap valve F and along the lap valve F, which leads to the improvement of the absorbent product as a whole with respect to allowing evaporation and sweat removal.

In the third embodiment, the hydrophilic sheet 29 may be positioned so that it does not overlap the absorbent element 3, that is, it can only be located in the waist flap F, although this is not shown. In such a modification, the sweat absorbed by the absorbent element 3 is retained mainly in the absorbent core 34.

The third embodiment may allow the spread of urine absorbed by the absorbent element 3 through hydrophilic sheets 29 covering the skin-facing side of the longitudinal end parts of the absorbent element 3, which creates a higher likelihood of urine leakage from the lap valve F. However, in reality, urine rarely reaches the longitudinal end portion of the absorbent element 3. Furthermore, since the hydrophilic sheet 29 is covered by a retaining sheet 27 and an outer sheet 21, which are both formed of a hydrophobic Of course, it is unlikely that urine will indeed leak from the skin-contacting side of the garment or the side of the waist flap F.

As indicated previously, it is possible to attach the hydrophilic sheet 29 to the inside of the holding sheet 27 by ultrasonic welding. In this case, the amount of hot-melt solvent-free adhesive to be used is reduced, the air permeability and softness of the waist valve F are increased, and there is a small chance that the hot-melt adhesive without glue penetrates through the skin contact surface of the waist valve F.

A disposable pull-on diaper according to a fourth embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 31, the fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment mainly in that the inner sheet 22 is absent in the waist flap F and near the longitudinal end of the absorbent member 3.

In a more precise description, it should be pointed out that while the hydrophilic sheet 29 in the fourth embodiment is the same as the hydrophilic sheet in the second embodiment, with respect to size, shape, location in plan view and the like, the inner sheet 22 is essentially is absent in the waist flap F and near the longitudinal end of the absorbent element 3. The lower edge part (the edge part remote from the edge of the waist hole) of the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the longitudinal end part of the inner sheet 22 overlap slightly flax degree and are attached to each other in the overlap zone.

The waist valve F does not have any inner sheet 22 and consists of three sheets: a holding sheet 27, a hydrophilic sheet 29 and an outer sheet 21. In contrast to the first and third embodiments, the sheets forming the composite stretch panel in the fourth embodiment are the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the outer sheet 21 (a sheet forming a surface facing the garment).

In other respects, the fourth embodiment is structurally the same as the second embodiment.

In a modification of the fourth embodiment, the inner sheet 22 can be excluded from the crotch section C, that is, the crotch section C of the outer covering element 2 can be formed from one layer of the outer sheet 21 (not shown).

The fourth embodiment has the same effects as the second embodiment, and further creates the effect below.

Unlike the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment does not have an inner sheet 22, which is usually formed of a hydrophobic sheet, between the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the outer sheet 21. There is no need for a hot-melt solvent-free adhesive used to bond the hydrophilic sheet 29 and the inner sheet 22, leading to improved properties of the waist valve F in terms of allowing evaporation and sweat removal.

In addition, since the number of sheets forming the lap flap F is less by one compared to the second embodiment, the amount of hot-melt solvent-free glue to be used is therefore reduced, thereby increasing the breathability and softness of the flap flap F.

A fifth embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 32, the disposable diaper according to the fifth embodiment differs from the diaper in the second embodiment mainly in that the inner sheet is formed of a hydrophilic sheet 29. Accordingly, the fifth embodiment does not have an inner sheet 22 independent of the hydrophilic sheet 29, in contrast to the second to fourth embodiments. The sheets forming the composite stretch panel are a hydrophilic sheet 29 serving as an inner sheet and an outer sheet 21 serving as a sheet forming a surface facing the garment.

The disposable pull-on diaper of the fifth embodiment has the same effects as in the fourth embodiment.

Despite the fact that the diaper according to the fifth embodiment has sufficient leakage resistance in its part D located below the belt, there is the possibility of weak urine leakage in the crotch section C. However, in practice there is very little chance that the urine will come in contact with a hydrophilic sheet 29 serving as an inner sheet, since leakage from the crotch section C is actually prevented by side cuffs 35 protruding upward along the absorbent member 3.

In a modification of the fifth embodiment, the aforementioned leakage problem associated with the crotch section C of the fifth embodiment can be solved by forming an inner sheet 22 of hydrophobic material and hydrophilizing only that part of the inner sheet that corresponds to the waist valve F and the part D below the belt ( that is, the part corresponding to the front section A and the rear section B), while the rest (i.e., the part corresponding to the crotch section C) remains hydrophobic.

Fig. 34 is a schematic perspective view of a stretchable diaper 110 as an embodiment of the stretchable article of the present invention in a state of being worn by a baby. The diaper of this embodiment has a waist opening 101 and two leg openings 104. The diaper 110 has a corrugated panel having almost round openings open in the direction of at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 101 or at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg opening. As used herein, the term “corrugated panel” refers to a structure consisting of two sheets 103a and 103b joined together and elasticized by elastic elements to form folds, designated 102a and 102b, respectively, whereby between folds 102a and folds 102b are formed tubular spaces that are open at one or both longitudinal ends of the individual “tubes”. As will be described later, the folds 102a and the folds 102b enable the creation of empty spaces between them and the wearer's skin, respectively, and between them and the garment. The folds 102a and 102b are able to move freely and change their shape without being constrained by elastic elements, which allows air to enter and exit as if they were “breathing”.

The configuration of the composite stretch panel 4 is not limited to that illustrated in FIGS. 12, 16 and 23. For example, the junction 41 can be staggered, as in FIG. 19, in which the junction 41 in adjacent rows extending in the direction stretching (X direction), shifted by half a step (P1 / 2).

More precisely, the connection points 41 are arranged aligning them both in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretch panel and in the direction perpendicular to it (Y direction), with the formation of bond lines. The junction 41 alternates with two adjacent elastic elements on the bond line in the perpendicular direction (Y direction). In the composite stretch panel 4, there is a zone having no connection points 41 between any line of connection points 41 in the stretching direction (S direction) and an adjacent line of connection points 41. The zone extends continuously between the two end portions 44 of the composite stretch panel 4. An elastic member 42 is placed along this zone without fixing it. As a result, two folds 43 are formed between the connection points 41 adjacent to the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4.

In order to guarantee the formation of folds 43 continuously extending over the plurality of elastic elements 42, it is preferred that the connection points 41 are arranged with a pitch P1 (see FIG. 19) of 1 to 30 mm, more preferably 6 to 20 mm, the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretch panel 4, wherein the composite stretch panel 4 is in a stretched state (as in FIG. 19); so that the individual connection points 41 have a length L1 (see FIG. 19) of 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm, in the same direction and in the same state; and that the ratio of the pitch P1 to the length L1 (P1 / L1) is in the range from 1.1 to 300, more preferably from 4 to 100.

Composite stretch panel 4 may have other configurations. For example, it may have a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 33, in which the sheets 21 and 22 facing each other forming a composite stretch panel are fastened together by connection points 41 that are discontinuous in the stretching direction (X direction) of the panel 4 and continuous in a direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching (Y direction), and each of the sheets 21 and 22 forms folds 43 extending continuously over the plurality of elastic elements 42.

The description relating to the joining points 41 discretely in the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4, including the step in the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel, is applicable as relevant to the continuous joining places 41.

In the case where the composite stretch panel 4 has continuous joints 41, the elastic members 42 will be fixed relative to the sheets 21 and 22 forming the composite stretch panel at each joint 41. This provides the advantage that folds 43 are formed more easily than when the connection points 41 are discrete in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4, even if the pitch, length, etc. . connection points 41 are not defined in a precisely defined manner.

Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a pull-on disposable diaper 110 as a preferred embodiment. The diaper 110 illustrated in FIG. 34 is a pull-on type diaper having an outer covering member 102 defining a waist opening and two leg openings. The outer covering element 102 has corrugated panels, each of which is formed by two sheets 103a and 103b connected together in discreet joints 121, and a plurality of elastic elements 109 located in non-bonded areas between the two sheets so that they stretch and contract independently sheets. Sheets 103a and 103b, elasticized by elastic elements 109, form folds 102a and folds 102b, respectively. The individual folds 102a and the individual folds 102b face each other to form pairs of folds, and each pair of folds forms a tubular gap between the folds in a pair, thereby forming a corrugated structure. Along at least one end of the corrugated panel, the basal (main) parts of the folds formed from one of the sheets, and the basal parts of the folds formed from the other sheet, are connected to each other in pairs to form an ordered collection of almost round holes. Such an ordered collection of holes forms at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist hole or at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg hole.

Fig. 34 is a schematic perspective view of a stretchable diaper as one embodiment of a stretch absorbent article in accordance with the present invention in a state of being worn by a baby.

The diaper of this embodiment has a waist opening 101 and two leg openings 104. The diaper 110 has a corrugated panel having almost round openings open in the direction of at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of the waist opening 101 or at least a portion of the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg opening. As used herein, the term “corrugated panel” refers to a structure consisting of two sheets 103a and 103b joined together and elasticized by elastic elements to form folds, designated 102a and 102b, respectively, whereby between folds 102a and folds 102b are formed tubular spaces that are open at one or both longitudinal ends of the individual “tubes”. As will be described later, the folds 102a and the folds 102b enable the creation of empty spaces between them and the wearer's skin, respectively, and between them and the garment. The folds 102a and 102b are able to move freely and change their shape without being constrained by elastic elements, which allows air to enter and exit as if they were “breathing”.

The stretchable diaper (stretchable article) of this embodiment has a corrugated panel in such a configuration that the open ends of the corrugated panel are open on at least a portion of the edge of the waist opening or at least a portion of the edge of the leg opening. Preferably, the corrugated panel is positioned so that its open ends are open along all edges of both the waist and leg openings. Preferably, the corrugated panels are arranged so that the entire circumferential periphery of the edge of the waist opening is formed by ordered sets of corrugated panel openings, as in the case of the diaper 110 shown in FIG. 34. In this embodiment, the corrugated panel forming the front main body of the diaper 110 has folds 102a and 102b ending along the boundary line 107. The diaper 110 has an absorbent element 131 located inside the outer covering element 102 in a portion 111 below the boundary line 107. Preferably so that the inner sheet 103a and the outer sheet 103b in the part 111, that is, in the area where the absorbing element 131 is located, are not attached to each other anywhere except the periphery of the part 111. It is preferable that the the belt elastic members are secured along both side edges of portion 111 and a portion of the elastic elements located within that area where the absorbent element was formed by substantially non-functional, in particular by cutting or dividing into sections. In the presence of elastic elements that are made non-functional in part 111, wrinkling of the absorbing element 131 is prevented, and it is possible for the absorbing element 131 to exhibit its absorbing characteristics.

As in this embodiment, the corrugated panel is preferably located near each portion of the ilium, with such a length that the folds 102 extend from the edge of the waist opening 101 to the edge of the leg hole portion 104a, and with such a width that the pleat array reaches the boundary line 108 adjacent to the part 111 in which the absorbing element is located. Despite the fact that Fig. 34 illustrates the front main body of the diaper 133, the relative position of the corrugated panel and the part 111 in which the absorbent element is fixed in the front main body 133 is also used for the rear main body 134 of the diaper.

As described, the diaper of this embodiment has a corrugated panel arranged with such a configuration as to provide a comprehensive improvement in the functions of the diaper. More precisely, the corrugated panel is not located in the area in which the excretion of fluids secreted by the body is concentrated, so as not to create obstacles to the absorption capacity of the absorbing element, but is located in other areas where touch sensations and external appearance are important, that is, in the part located below the waist and in the part corresponding to the ilium in order to form soft folds on these parts extending in the longitudinal direction. In addition to this configuration, the elastic elements are placed in an original way to improve the elongation of the product as a whole, thereby providing increased comfort while wearing. In other words, the corrugated panel is positioned to improve the functions of the individual components, taking into account the three-dimensional structure of the product of the pull type. The aforementioned effects created by the corrugated panel while improving the various characteristics or functions required of the stretch type products cannot be achieved using conventional breathable composite stretch panels simply located in parts of the products.

Fig. 35 is an enlarged perspective view of a part indicated by the Roman numeral II in Fig. 34, with a partial tear. The corrugated panel will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 35. The corrugated panel used in the diaper of this embodiment has elastic elements 109 arranged so that they extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the folds 102, between the inner sheet 103a and the outer sheet 103b, with the inner and outer sheets connected in places 121 connections that are made discretely in such places so that they do not cause fixation of any elastic element 109. Each of the sheets 103a and 103b is a nonwoven material. Discreetly bonded joint sites 121 in which sheets 103a and 103b are bonded are hot stamped so that they do not overlap any elastic member 109. The inner folds 102a and the outer folds 102b are opposite each other to form a corrugated structure similar to that illustrated. The joints (embossing zones) 121 are aligned vertically to form rows of lines 123, with each line 123 extending in the depression between adjacent folds 102 across the elastic elements 109. For example, the embossing zones form a line on separate lines 123. The lines of the embossing zones ( lines 123) form depressions between the folds, thereby creating a clearly corrugated structure. In the present invention, the line of embossing zones (junctions) that forms a depression between adjacent folds will be called a bonding line. While the bond line can be any line formed from at least two connection points, provided that a corrugated structure is obtained, it is preferred that each bond line extends perpendicular to the elastic elements so that the folds can continuously extend perpendicularly direction of stretching of the elastic elements. Separate junctions forming each bond line can be formed between adjacent elastic elements, as illustrated in FIG. 35, or for every two or more elastic elements. The bond line can be straight, curved, or piecewise straight.

Preferably, the corrugated panel forms almost round neat holes on one or both of its edges, open on the edge of the diaper, such as the edge of the waist opening. As used herein, the term “almost round” is intended to encompass not only a regular circle and oval, but also other rounded closed contours, such as a rectangle with rounded corners and a rhombus with rounded corners. In order for the corrugated panel to have an edge with similar neat openings, the main (basal) parts of the folds (102a or 102b) formed from one of the sheets and the main parts of the folds (102b or 102a) formed from the other sheet must be attached to each other to each other in pairs at junctions 121a along the edge of the corrugated panel to thereby form openings 124 similar to those illustrated. Edge processing to form an ordered collection of such neat holes 124 along the edge of the sheet will be described later with reference to FIG.

When a diaper is worn, for example, by a child, and when it is deformed while the wearer is moving (for example, when changing posture or breathing), the corrugated panel changes in shape to allow air to enter and exit from the “tube” openings 124 in the direction shown by arrow 126, or in the opposite direction, as if she was “breathing” with the movement of the wearer. The result is good ventilation. It is desirable that the “tubes” of the corrugated panel are also open at its other end so that air flowing in the direction of arrow 126 is allowed to escape from another hole to provide better ventilation. Similar ventilation is also provided through tubular spaces defined by the internal folds of the corrugated panel and the body of the carrier. For example, air is allowed to pass through openings 128 in the direction shown by arrow 127, or in the opposite direction, as a result of which overhydration (overmoistening) inside the diaper is prevented, which protects the baby's skin from diaper rash.

Fig. 36 is an enlarged section taken along line AA in Fig. 35. As can be understood from FIG. 36, the corrugated panel used in the tensionable product of the present invention forms tubular empty spaces 201 between the inner and outer sheets 103a and 103b, tubular empty spaces 203 between the inner sheet 103a and the carrier body and, in addition, tubular empty spaces 203 between the outer sheet 103b and the garment 129 worn over the diaper. Therefore, the tensionable article of the invention has the advantage of providing various ventilation ducts to achieve satisfactory breathability.

In this embodiment, the folds 102 formed by the sheet 103a and the folds formed by the sheet 103b protrude outward in opposite directions. Each fold 102 is bounded by a curved surface and has an arcuate cross section. A curved surface continuously extends in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of extension (X direction). As shown in FIG. 35, in this embodiment, one fold is formed between adjacent bonding lines 123, and the fold 102 extends continuously across the elastic elements 109 without obstruction from the elastic elements 109. A number of such folds 102 are arranged in a specific order to form corrugated structure with a neat appearance of the "air" element as a whole.

As shown in FIG. 35, the elastic members 109 extend between the troughs of the folds of the sheet 103a and the troughs of the folds of the sheet 103b and are not attached to either the sheet 103a or the sheet 103b in any places, including the spaces between the troughs mentioned above, and the sheets 103a and 103b discretely connected at 121 junctions (they are not continuously connected). Therefore, compared to a conventional composite stretch panel having sheet material and elastic elements attached to each other and assembled as a unit, the corrugated panel has reduced stiffness and increased freedom of deformation of its folds under the action of external force. In addition, the corrugated panel creates a sense of bulkiness and softness to the touch in the direction of its thickness and is soft and pleasant to the touch.

Since the sheets 103a and 103b are connected discretely, the amount of glue to be used is reduced. In particular, when the sheets 103a and 103b are joined by heat fusion, as in this embodiment, a more noticeable effect is achieved by reducing the amount of glue used in the diaper. Thus, the amount of materials required for the formation of the corrugated panel is reduced, which leads to a decrease in the number of technological operations provided, which allows to achieve increased production efficiency. The resulting product has better breathability and higher moisture permeability by reducing areas having hot-melt adhesive without adhesive.

In the diaper 110 of the present invention, elastic members are attached to the inner sheet 103a and the outer sheet 103b on a portion of the peripheral peripheral edge of the leg hole 104 illustrated in FIG. 34. The part in which the elastic element is attached in this way will also be called the fixing part of the leg opening. The elastic elements can be fixed in a different place than the aforementioned part of the leg opening, provided that the excellent effects provided by the corrugated structure are not impaired. For example, the elastic elements in this embodiment are fastened adjacent to the boundary line 108 and in portions 105 corresponding to the iliac bones (in the side welds) illustrated in FIG. 34. Elastic elements adjacent to the waist opening 101 (elastic elements 109 located in the region between the boundary line 107 and the edge of the waist opening 101) have no attachment points anywhere except for the side welds 105. In the present invention, it is preferred that the elastic the elements were not fixed by means of two or more embossing zones (junctions) located close to each other. By minimizing the number of attachment points of the elastic elements, the effective use of the tensile properties that the elastic elements in the diaper essentially have is ensured to ensure good comfort, as will be discussed later.

Fig. 37 is a schematic plan view of the inside of the pull-on diaper of Fig. 34 in its flat, unstretched condition with a partial tear that shows where the elastic elements are attached. The elastic elements are in their stretched state to reproduce a two-dimensional view.

In an uncomplicated and unstressed state, like the one illustrated, the diaper according to this embodiment corresponds to an intermediate set of sheet-like form, which is subject to further processing until the finished diaper is obtained. In the manufacture of a diaper, such an intermediate set of sheet-like form after its preparation is gently folded along the line of the “trough” fold 132 with elastic elements 109 in their stretched state so that the front main part 133 and the rear main part 134 can face each other. The side edges 135 and 136 facing each other and the side edges 137 and 138 facing each other, respectively, are joined together to make a pull-on diaper, illustrated in FIG. 35. Other elements may be added where necessary, but it is preferable not to form leg assemblies or flap around the edge of the leg opening or the edge of the waist hole.

The plan view of FIG. 37 is partially cut away to show elastic elements 109 located between the inner sheet and the outer sheet. The absorbent element 131 is placed on the inner sheet. The end of each elastic member located in the fixing portions 104b of the leg opening is attached to the inner and outer sheets. For some elastic elements, the end is fixed in the fixing part 139a next to the boundary line 108, as described above. For some elastic elements, the end is fixed in the fixing part 139b near the side edges 135, 136, 137 or 138.

The fixed state of the elastic members 109 in the fixing portion 104b of the leg opening will be described in more detail.

Fig. 38 (a) schematically illustrates a preferred fixation option 1 in the fixing portion of the leg opening. This is an enlarged local plan view of the fixing portion 104b of the leg opening in the plan view shown in FIG. In the fixing variant, the leg hole has a stepped edge 141, and the end of each elastic element 109 is fixed in the fixing part 142 provided on each “riser”. The fixation is preferably carried out by compressing with heating predetermined places on the elastic elements between the inner and outer sheets, although the fixing methods are not limited to the above. As described previously, the elastic elements 109 are arranged so that they do not pass through discreet embossing zones (junctions 121 of the joint).

Fig. 38 (b) is a schematic perspective view of the part shown in Fig. 38 (a) (in a flat, unstretched state), which is in a contracted and therefore corrugated state while wearing. Thus, it should be understood that the elastic elements fixed in the fixing option 1 are pulled together to allow the inner sheet 103a and the outer sheet 103b to be assembled into almost round holes 124.

Fig. 39 (a) is an enlarged plan view that schematically illustrates another preferred fixation option 2 in the fixing portion of the leg opening. This is an enlarged illustration of the leg portion fixing portion 104b shown in FIG. According to this fixing option 2, the edge 141 of the fixing portion of the leg opening is machined so that it forms a smooth curve. The elastic elements 109 are fixed in the fixing parts 142. The method of fixing the elastic elements 109 and the relative positions of the elastic elements 109 and the embossed joints 121 are the same as in the case of fixing option 1.

Fig. 39 (b) is a schematic perspective view of the part shown in Fig. 39 (a) with the elastic elements 109 tightened. In the case of the fixing option 2, a good corrugated structure is formed having almost round holes 124 arranged obliquely in a certain order along the smooth curve of the edge of the leg opening.

Preferably, each locking part 142 in the locking options 1 and 2 is located on the line 123 of the joint 121, so as to form openings of the corrugated panel along the edge of the leg opening.

The preferred structure of the corrugated panel will be discussed in detail.

Fig. 40 is an enlarged plan view of the diaper zone VI shown in Fig. 37. In this embodiment, the inner sheet 103a and the outer sheet 103b are discretely connected to each other at the joining points 121 formed by fusion and arranged in a certain order both in the longitudinal direction of the elastic elements 109 (X direction) and in the direction (Y direction) perpendicular to him. The elastic elements 109 are parallel to each other. In the case where the plurality of elastic elements are arranged parallel to each other, as in this embodiment, the elastic elements in this area are stretched in the circumferential direction of the body (X direction), and the fastening lines 123 extend in the longitudinal direction of the body (Y direction). The layout of the connection points 121 is not limited to the aforementioned arrangement, that is, a rectangular lattice pattern, and may be a diamond lattice pattern, a checkerboard pattern and the like.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that the pitch P3 of the junctions 121 of the joint in the Y direction is from 1 to 40 mm, more preferably from 2 to 15 mm; so that the length L3 of the individual joints 121 of the joint is from 0.5 to 20 mm, more preferably from 1 to 10 mm, in the Y direction; and that the ratio of the pitch P3 to the length L3 (P3 / L3) is in the range from 1.05 to 80, more preferably from 1.05 to 15.

In order to guarantee the formation of folds continuously extending over the plurality of elastic elements, it is preferable that the joints are located with a pitch P2 of 1 to 30 mm, more preferably 2 to 15 mm; so that the individual joints have a length L2 from 0.1 to 5 mm, more preferably from 0.2 to 1.5 mm; and that the ratio of the pitch P2 to the length L2 (P2 / L2) is in the range from 1.1 to 300, more preferably from 4 to 100.

Preferably, the fastening lines 123 that form the folds 102 (see FIG. 34) of the corrugated panel are continuous over the length at which they intersect with at least three elastic elements 109. The number of folds formed in the diaper is selected as appropriate to the size and application of the diaper, taking into account the steps P2 and P3 and the lengths L2 and L3 of the joints and the pitch-to-length ratios P2 / L2 and P3 / L3. The number of elastic elements 9 used in the diaper is selected accordingly according to the size of the diaper (body weight and the average number of body excretions, such as urine, in carriers of the target group), the length of the side weld and the shape of the leg openings. The location of the junction 121 can be changed accordingly. The individual junctions 121 of the connection may have a corresponding shape, such as a rectangle, oval, circle or rhombus.

In this embodiment, the waist opening 161 (see FIG. 40) is obtained by cutting along a line through the joint 121a. Due to such an edge treatment, each open end 161a of the folds of the corrugated panel will have both sides fixed at the joint 121a so as to form a neat, almost circular hole 124 (see FIGS. 34 and 35) while wearing the diaper.

The above non-woven materials forming the top sheet and the bottom sheet, and the elastic elements 41, can also be used in this embodiment without any particular restrictions.

In order for the corrugated panel of the stretchable product according to this embodiment to form protruding folds with a satisfactory cross section, it is preferable to use elastic elements having a predetermined tensile strength and tensile stress. The elastic elements are preferably attached to the sheet materials in a state when they are stretched by 20-1000%, more preferably in a state when they are stretched by 50-400%. When the elastic elements fixed in this way are tightened, the non-woven materials are assembled and protrude (in opposite directions relative to their facing each other, fused together) with the formation of folds.

The height of the folds is variable depending on the ability to form folds and shock absorbing properties and can be set freely by choosing the layout and pitch of the joints and materials of sheets and elastic elements. The height of the folds is preferably from about 1 to 15 mm on one side. High folds are formed due to the location of the joints at a sufficient distance from each other and the use of elastic elements having a degree of stretching sufficient to tighten so as to bring together adjacent joints with the formation of folds of a given height. In this way, a corrugated panel is obtained that creates a feeling of softness and bulkiness. To form folds with a height h on one side, the distance between adjacent junctions should be at least 2h. When the distance is exactly 2h, that is, the minimum for wrinkling with a height of 2h, the elastic elements must be pulled together so that the adjacent joints can almost come into contact with each other.

Among the preferred materials for elastic elements, natural (or synthetic) rubber may be mentioned. An elastic element made of natural (or synthetic) rubber may have a thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm and a width of 0.2 to 5 mm and preferably has a low modulus of elasticity. A preferred modulus of elasticity, depending on the cross-sectional area, is such that a monofilament with a thickness of 0.35 mm and a width of 0.91 mm has a strain at 100% elongation of about 1 to 70 gs, more preferably from about 1 to 40 gf, even more preferably from about 1 to 30 gf.

Preferred elastic elements also include Spandex fiber (elastic polyurethane fiber). Monofilament Spandex fiber is used having fineness, preferably 10 to 3360 denier, more preferably 70 to 1120 denier. Denier is a unit of measure for thread thickness. A thread weighing one gram per 9000 meters has a characteristic of one denier. Many of these Spandex fibers are used in a stretched state at a stretch ratio of preferably 130 to 500%.

A corrugated panel that gently stretches and contracts to form neat and pleasing folds can be obtained by placing a plurality of monofilaments of the above-described elastic element with a low modulus of elasticity at a high degree of stretching, preferably 100% or higher, more preferably 200% or higher .

The stretchable product of this embodiment has excellent tensile properties due to the efficient use of the corrugated panel. Fig. 41 is a graph showing the relationship between the waist circumference (mm) and the tension force (gf) of the diaper shown in Fig. 34. This diaper has a waist circumference (circumference at the edge of the waist opening) of 300 mm in a state of relaxation (a state before tensile force is applied). When a tensile force is applied, a solid curve 192 is drawn from the inner side of the edge of the waist opening in the direction of expansion of the circle. The solid curve 191 shows the dependence with decreasing tensile force. On the other hand, when the same test is carried out for a conventional diaper (commercially available and commercially available, elasticized but not corrugated diaper from Company A), dashed curves 193 and 194 are obtained. If you look at the area, for example, between circumference of 440 mm and 540 mm (the area between the dash-dotted lines), which is the range specified for diapers of size L, it can be seen that the diaper according to this embodiment has good tensile characteristics and demonstrates a moderate change in the tensile force. That is, the rise in the stress-strain curve for the diaper of this embodiment is not as steep as that of a conventional diaper. In view of preventing slipping down while wearing and preventing marks being left, it is preferable that the solid curve 191 has a smaller slope indicating a lesser change in the tension force.

The stretchable product of this embodiment has good extensibility and breathability, is soft to the touch, provides comfort for the wearer, and has an attractive decorative appearance. Such a more perfect stretchable product, as in this embodiment, can be manufactured in an efficiently continuous manner without the inclusion of complex technological operations in accordance with the method described below.

A method of manufacturing a stretchable product includes the operation of feeding the canvas of the inner sheet and the canvas of the outer sheet while placing a plurality of elastic elements between them in a state in which the elastic elements are stretched in the longitudinal direction of the canvas, discrete connection of the canvas together in places other than where stretch elastic elements to form a composite canvas from sheets and cut the central part of a composite canvas from sheets along a closed cutting line for hole formation. The hole forming operation is performed as follows. Each of the elastic elements intersecting with the cutting line is attached to the inner sheet and / or outer sheet at attachment points that are located outside the closed cutting line, near the intersection of the elastic element and the cutting line, and along the bond lines formed from the joints. Then, the composite sheet is cut along the cutting line passing inside each attachment point. The composite sheet having the resulting hole is cut so that the hole is divided into leg openings. Then, the composite sheet is converted into an article having a corrugated panel.

A method of manufacturing a stretchable article 110 will be described in more detail.

According to the method of this embodiment, a stretchable article having the above-described corrugated panel is manufactured efficiently and economically by a continuous series of operations.

The method according to the invention will be described in detail based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing. Fig. 42 is a perspective view schematically illustrating part of the operations of a method in accordance with the invention. As illustrated in FIG. 42, a plurality of elastic elements 173 are placed parallel to each other in their extended state on a moving sheet canvas 172, and another sheet canvas 171 is laid on the side of the canvas 172 with elastic elements. Two sheet canvases are preferably passed between two rollers 703 and 704 to overlap them.

The resulting stack of canvases is discretely joined together at locations other than those where the elastic materials 173 are located, preferably by fusion bonding, for example by hot stamping or ultrasonic stamping, to form a composite canvas 170 from sheets. Hot stamping or ultrasonic stamping is carried out, for example, by passing a stack between the embossing roller 701 having protrusions on its peripheral surface with a layout diagram corresponding to the arrangement of the joints obtained by fusion and to be formed, and a support roller 702. Despite this, that a discrete bonding of the canvases can be achieved by means of glue, a fusion bonding similar to that described is preferred.

In this case, the elastic elements 173 are attached to the sheet canvases 171 and 172 only in the necessary places of the composite canvas 170 of the sheets (in the operation of fixing the elastic elements). The operation of fixing (fixing) the elastic elements can be performed by hot stamping or ultrasonic stamping. The operation of fixing the elastic elements can also be performed by applying glue to either two sheets or to the elastic elements 173 and squeezing the parts with the adhesive applied. Adhesive is preferably applied, for example, to the sheet 172 before placing the elastic elements 173 and to another sheet 171 before applying it to the sheet 172, or to the elastic elements 173 before placing or after placing them on the sheet 172.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 42, elastic members are attached at attachment points 176. After additional necessary operations (including cutting operations to form holes 177 and attaching the absorbing element 178), the composite canvas sheet is cut along the cutting lines 174 inside with respect to the corresponding attachment points 176 to obtain an intermediate kit 175, which, if the tension is removed, will be collected into assemblies with the formation of folds in predetermined zones for the formation of corrugated panels. The intermediate set 175 in its flat, unstretched state corresponds to the flat, unstressed state of the diaper shown in Fig. 37. As described previously, the intermediate set 175 is gently folded along the “trough” fold 132 (see FIG. 37) and welded along the side edges 135, 136, 137 and 138 (see FIG. 37) to complete the manufacture of the diaper according to the embodiment shown in Fig.34.

The formation of the hole 177 will be described.

Hole 177 should be divided into half crescent-shaped halves 179 when the composite canvas of sheets is cut into separate intermediate sets 175. Each half 179 of the hole 177 becomes one of the two leg openings 104 (see FIG. 34) of the finished diaper 177a. A hole 177 is formed by cutting the composite sheet along the cutting line 177a. The cutting method will be described in detail by FIG. 43, which shows an enlarged plan view of zone IX in FIG. 42, including the part that must be cut to form an opening 177. To provide an easier understanding, FIG. 43 shows a small number (nine ) elastic elements located at the same distance from each other and parallel to each other. However, in reality, it is preferable that a greater number (for example, from 20 to 50) of the elastic elements be located in other parts than the middle part of the canvas, to obtain a diaper according to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 34.

Before cutting, the elastic elements 173 crossing the hole 177 are attached to both sheets 171 and 172 at the attachment points 185, any of which is outside the hole 177, on the bond line 184 and near the intersection 183 between the cutting line 177a and the respective elastic elements 173. Each of elastic elements 173 crossing the hole 177, is fixed continuously between opposite two intersection points with the cutting line 177a, that is, between two attachment points 185 that are on the corresponding bond line. That is, elastic elements extending across the hole 177 are fixed continuously at the attachment points 188. Preferably, the attachment points 188 having a certain length in the material movement direction 187 in the machine facilitate the attachment points on a continuous production line.

The method for attaching elastic elements is not particularly limited and may be adhesive or thermal fusion.

The absorption element 178 is attached to the inner sheet (sheet 171 in FIG. 42) by using glue.

The composite sheet is then perforated along the cutting line 177a to form a hole 177. The edge of the hole is described in more detail by means of FIG. 44 (a). Fig. 44 (a) is a further enlarged plan view of zone X in Fig. 43. In this embodiment, the cutting line 177a cutting is a moderately bending line. Cutting along a similar curved line results in the formation of a smoothly curving edge of the leg opening, as shown in FIG. 39 (a). Each elastic member 173 in FIG. 44 is fixed to the bond line 184. In the manufacture of the diaper from the kit, the hole 177 resulting from cutting becomes a hole for the leg, and the attachment points 185 become the attachment (fixing) points 142 (see Fig. 39). By placing these fixing parts exactly on the bonding lines, the composite sheet, when converted to a diaper during manufacture, will be a corrugated panel forming satisfactory open ends between the bonding lines, as illustrated in FIG. 39 (b).

In the case where the cutting line is stepped, as in FIG. 44 (b), the edge of the hole will be a stepped edge having mounting points 185 located along it to form a corrugated panel with a stepped edge shown in FIG. 38 ( a) and 38 (b).

In the above-described method for manufacturing diapers, the edges 801 and 802 (see FIG. 43) of the composite sheet are preferably machined to be a “chain” of embossed bonding points 181. By such an edge treatment, a corrugated panel is obtained having an upper sheet 171 and a lower sheet 172 fastened by embossed joints along their edge 801 (which forms the waist opening 101 in FIG. 34) and the edges 802, thereby forming clear holes 124 (see Fig. 34) along these edges in the manufacture of the diaper. A similar treatment of edges 801 and 802 can be achieved either by making embossed joints at edges 801 and 802 when a stack of sheet canvases is embossed by using an embossing roller 701 (see FIG. 42), or by trimming each edge along the line connecting the joints obtained by embossing.

Therefore, the manufacturing method of the diapers of the invention makes it possible to manufacture a diaper having satisfactory corrugated panels in an efficient and continuous manner through a sequence of operations. After manufacturing the intermediate kit 175, there is no need to add any complex operation.

Although the present invention has been described by means of several preferred embodiments, the invention is not considered to be limited by them.

For example, the composite stretch panel 4 can be used to form other assemblies other than the lower assemblies G1 and the waist assemblies G2.

Composite stretch panel 4, forming located below the belt assembly G1, can only be used in areas located in the lateral direction outside from the absorbing element 3.

The composite stretch panel 4 can be used to form assemblies in the crotch section C, for example leg assemblies G3 or front crotch assemblies G4. In the case where the assemblies in the crotch section C are formed from the composite stretch panel 4, it is preferable that there is continuity between the folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 used for the crotch section and the folds of the composite stretch panel 4 in the lower assembly G1 in the longitudinal direction of the outer covering element 2. More preferably, the continuous folds 43 extend to the leg openings 13.

The outer covering element 2 may be a laminate of the outer sheet 21 with the same contour as that of the outer covering element, and two inner sheets 22 located at a distance from each other, namely one in the front section A and the other in the rear section B. In this modification, the crotch section C of the outer covering member 2 is formed only of the outer sheet 21.

The outer sheet 21 may consist of three separate sheets, namely, one sheet forming the front section A, one sheet forming the crotch section C, and one sheet forming the rear section B connected in the longitudinal direction of the outer sheet 21. The same may be applicable to the inner sheet 22.

The present invention can be applied not only to pull-on disposable diapers, but also open-type disposable diapers with fastening elements. The invention is also applicable to stretchable sanitary napkins (such as panties) and the like.

Despite the fact that the folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 in the diaper 1 or 1A are continuous between two elastic elements 42 located along opposite edges in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4, the elastic elements 42 located next to each other with opposite edges in the Y direction, can be attached to the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22. However, in this case, it is desirable that the folds 43 are continuous the stitch on which they intersect with at least three, preferably at least half, more preferably 70% or more of the total number of elastic elements 42. The end (ends) of the elastic element 42 attached to the sheets 21 and 22 may (may) be located (s) inside from the end (s) of the portion (s) 44 of the composite stretch panel 4 in the direction of stretch (X direction).

The number of elastic members 42 used in the composite stretch panel 4 is appropriately selected according to the size and application of the composite stretch panel 4, and this number can be, for example, from 5 to 30. Joints 41 can be formed not only by fusion bonding , but also by ultrasonic welding or by applying glue such as hot-melt adhesive without glue.

The layout of the connection points 41 may be changed accordingly. The individual connection points 41 may have a corresponding shape, such as a rectangle, oval, circle or rhombus.

Despite the fact that in the second to fifth embodiments, the holding sheet 27 is integral with the outer sheet 21, they can be formed from separate sheets. In the latter case, the holding sheet 27 is preferably positioned so that its upper edge (the edge remote from the crotch section C) is aligned with the longitudinal end edge of the outer sheet 21. In the case where the holding sheet 27 is a separate sheet, part of the holding sheet, which overlaps the longitudinal end part of the absorbing element 3, is actually attached to this part of the absorbing element 3 along the entire width of this part with glue so that the longitudinal end part of the absorbing element 3 is m is attached to the outer cover 2.

Outer sheet 21 and inner sheet 22 need not be separate sheets. One sheet can be folded to form two facing each other panels, one of which serves as the outer sheet 21 and the other as the inner sheet 22.

The outer covering element 2 may be a laminate of the outer sheet 21 with the same contour as that of the outer covering element 2, and two inner sheets 22 located at a distance from each other, one in the front section A and the other in the rear section B In this modification, the crotch section C of the outer covering member 2 is formed only of the outer sheet 21.

The outer sheet 21 may consist of three separate sheets, namely, one sheet forming the front section A, one sheet forming the crotch section C, and one sheet forming the rear section B connected in the longitudinal direction of the outer sheet 21. The same can be applied for the inner sheet 22.

In the second to fifth embodiments, a skin-forming surface, a hydrophobic sheet, a hydrophilic sheet and a garment-facing surface, a hydrophobic sheet are provided in the waist flap F of each of the front section and the rear section, and the composite stretch panel 4 is folded to form belt assemblies G2 in each of the front section and the rear section. A similar structure can only be found in the waist section valve F of the rear section.

The absorbent article according to the invention may not have an outer covering element 2 attached to the side of the absorbent element 3 facing the garment. For example, the top sheet and the back sheet covering the upper side and the rear side of the absorbent core, respectively, can extend longitudinally outward absorbent core for the formation of waist flaps.

In the description above, details of a particular embodiment that have been omitted to avoid redundancy may be appropriately supplemented by a corresponding description of other embodiments. The details described as the hallmarks of a particular embodiment may be applied to other embodiments accordingly. The details of each embodiment are accordingly interchangeable between the embodiments.

Examples

The invention will now be illustrated in more detail, but it should be understood that the invention is not considered to be limited by this.

Example 1

A sample was prepared according to example 1, including a second embodiment of the invention. A hydrophobic non-woven material connected by passing air through, formed from two-component fibers of a polyethylene sheath and a core of polyethylene terephthalate and having a surface density of 20 g / m ² was used as the outer sheet 21 and the holding sheet 27. Hydrophobic non-woven spunbond material a production method formed from bicomponent fibers from a polyethylene sheath and a core of polyethylene terephthalate and having a surface density of 16 g / m ² was used as an inner sheet 22. Hydrophilized nonwoven fabric SMMS (nonwoven fabric obtained from layers of nonwoven fabric of spunbond production method — nonwoven fabric obtained by aerodynamic method from melt, non-woven fabric obtained by aerodynamic method from melt, nonwoven fabric of spunbond production method) formed from polypropylene fibers and having a basis weight is 10 g / m ^2, it was used as the hydrophilic sheet 29 without depending it from the inner sheet 22.

In Example 1, the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 were joined together by connection points 41, which were discretely positioned both in the stretching direction of the composite stretching panel 4 and in a direction perpendicular to it. The hydrophilic sheet 29 was located on the side of the absorbent element facing the inner sheet 22 in the zones corresponding to the upper subfragments D1 located below the belt and the waist parts F. The hydrophilic sheet 29 was attached over its entire area to the inner sheet 22 by means of hot-melt adhesive. The hydrophilic sheet 29 and the holding sheet 27 were bonded over their entire area, where they are facing each other, by means of hot-melt adhesive without glue.

Example 2

A sample was prepared as in Example 2, including a fifth embodiment of the invention. The same nonwoven material as the material of the outer sheet 21 of Example 1 was used as the outer sheet 21 and the retaining sheet 27. In contrast to Example 1, the hydrophilic sheet 29 was not provided in the form of a sheet independent of the inner sheet 22. That is, the inner sheet 22 was completely formed from the hydrophilic sheet 29. The same non-woven material as the material of the hydrophilic sheet 29 of Example 1 was used as the hydrophilic sheet 29 of Example 2. In other respects, Example 2 was the same as example 1.

Example 3

A variation was added to Example 1 to prepare Example 3. Example 3 is the same as Example 1, except for using non-woven fabric made by hydro-entangling formed from 70 weight percent cellulose hydrate and 30 weight percent polyethylene terephthalate and having a surface density of 40 g / m ² as a hydrophilic sheet 29.

Reference example 1

A modification was added to example 2 to prepare reference example 1. Reference example 1 is the same as example 2, except that the same hydrophobic sheet as used as the inner sheet 22 in example 1 was used as the inner sheet 22 The composite stretch panel of Reference Example 1 was formed of two hydrophobic sheets (outer sheet 21 and inner sheet 22) facing each other.

Reference example 2

A modification was added to example 2 to prepare reference example 2. Reference example 2 is the same as example 2, except that the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 were attached to each other everywhere. Reference example 2 is a comparative example in which the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 could not form a composite stretch panel 4 due to their adhesive adhesion over their entire area.

Reference example 3

A modification was added to reference example 2 to prepare reference example 3. Reference example 3 is the same as reference example 2, except that the nonwoven fabric used as the inner sheet 22 in reference example 1 was used as the inner sheet 22 Reference example 3 is intended to be compared with a situation in which the outer sheet 21 and the inner sheet 22 could not form a composite stretch panel 4 due to their adhesive adhesion over their entire area, and a hydrophilic fox t was not provided.

The examples and reference examples prepared above were evaluated to determine (1) the ability to absorb fluids, (2) the ability to hold fluids, (3) the ability to quickly dry a single discharge, and (4) the ability to quickly dry multiple releases according to according to the previously described method for determining the area of the spreading of the fluid, the previously described method for determining the ability to hold fluids, the method for determining the drying time (single selection) described below, and method bu determine drying time (repeated selections) described below. The ability to absorb fluids and the ability to retain fluids have been determined for one hydrophilic sheet.

The method of determining the drying time (one selection)

A sample cut from the waist portion F is attached from the side of its holding sheet to the heated plate in its extended state. Water (0.1 ml) is injected into the area between the holding sheet 27 and the heated plate, and the sample is pressed down with a force of 1.0 kPa for about 5 seconds. The time required to dry the sample (drying time) is determined. As a heated plate, a BT plate type KES-F7 Thermo Labo II from Kato Tech Co., Ltd. was used. (10 × 10 cm ² ; 33 ° C). The measurement environment had the following characteristics: 23 ° C, relative humidity 50% and wind speed 1.0 m / s.

Drying time is obtained based on the amount of heat dissipation from the VT plate. After water supply, the amount of heat dissipation increases. After evaporation of all water, that is, drying of the sample, the amount of heat dissipation decreases to the value that was before the water supply. Accordingly, the time measured from the moment of water supply to the return to heat generation to the water supply is taken as the drying time (single allocation).

The method of determining the drying time (repeated discharge)

The sample is attached from the side of its retaining sheet to the heated plate in its extended state in the same way as when determining the drying time (single release). Water (0.1 ml) is injected into the zone between the sample holding sheet 27 and the heated plate, and the sample is pressed down with a force of 1.0 kPa for about 5 seconds. After five minutes, 0.1 ml of water is again injected. After that, water is repeatedly supplied every 5 minutes to supply only 0.5 ml of water. The time required to dry the sample is determined (drying time of repeated precipitates).

The area of the spreading of the fluid, the ability to retain fluids, the drying time (one selection) and the drying time (repeated allocations) for each of the examples and reference examples, respectively determined by the method of determining the area of the spreading of the fluid, the method of determining the ability to hold fluids, a method for determining the drying time (one allocation) and a method for determining the drying time (repeated emissions) are shown below in table 1.

From the results shown in table 1, we can draw the following conclusions. The results for Examples 1-3 and Reference Example 2 show that a waist portion having a hydrophilic sheet located between the sheet forming the skin contact surface (i.e., the holding sheet 27) and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment (i.e. the outer sheet 21), provides unimpeded evaporation of the sweat, namely, has the properties of quick drying. The results for examples 1-3 show that the use of a hydrophilic sheet having a higher ability to absorb fluids and a lower ability to hold fluids provides a longer lasting effect of quick drying, even when the lap portion is exposed to perspiration repeatedly. It can also be seen from the results for Examples 1 and 2 in comparison with Reference Example 2 that providing a composite stretch panel having discrete connection points in the waist portion leads to improved perspiration evaporation ability. Mainly from the results for reference examples 1 and 3, it is also seen that the waist part having no hydrophilic sheet, that is, consisting only of hydrophobic nonwoven materials, does not have the effect of quick drying, regardless of whether a composite stretch panel is used or not.

Example 4

Obtained by passing air through, a non-woven material was prepared through a process of passing air through using bicomponent fibers having a polyethylene sheath and a core of polyethylene terephthalate. The resulting nonwoven material was used as the outer sheet 21 in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. This non-woven fabric has not been embossed. When forming the kit in the form of a composite stretch panel 4, the outer sheet 21 was used with the direction of orientation of its fibers coinciding with the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel 4. Surface density, thickness, density, bending stiffness (in the direction corresponding to the direction of stretching (X direction) composite stretch panel 4, and in the direction perpendicular to it (Y direction)) and the degree of orientation of the fibers of the outer sheet 21 were as shown in 2 blitz.

Reference example 4

SMS nonwoven fabric (with structure: nonwoven fabric spunbond production method — meltblown nonwoven fabric — spunbond nonwoven fabric) made of polypropylene in a conventional manner was used as outer sheet 21. SMS nonwoven fabric had a three-layer structure , consisting of the upper and lower layers of the spunbond method of production from continuous polypropylene fibers and the intermediate layer obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt. Three layers were formed as follows.

Bottom layer: the resin was melted, for example, in an extruder and stretched through a spinning spinneret into continuous elementary fibers to obtain a layer of spunbond production method.

Intermediate layer: the molten polypropylene was extruded through a multi-channel die, and the resulting elementary fibers were converted by means of a high-velocity, high-velocity gas blast into ultrathin elementary fibers that were collected on a collector into a canvas that was superimposed on the lower layer.

Top layer: The molten resin was drawn into continuous elementary fibers in the same manner as described above to form a spunbond production web on the intermediate layer.

The thus obtained three-layer nonwoven material with the SMS structure (nonwoven fabric of the spunbond production method — nonwoven fabric obtained by the aerodynamic method from the melt, nonwoven fabric of the spunbond production method) was then subjected to fusion bonding by means of a hot stamping roller to provide increased sheet strength. Embossing at the same time ensured the entanglement (combination / smoothing) of the three layers. After embossing, the resulting non-woven material had guaranteed strength, integrity and smoothness of the sheet and was thin and excellent to the touch (for example, was pliable).

The surface density, thickness and density of the outer sheet 21, the bending stiffness of the outer sheet 21 in the direction corresponding to the direction of stretching (X direction) of the composite stretch panel 4 in which it should be included, and in the direction perpendicular to it (Y direction), and the degree of orientation of the constituent fibers in the outer sheet 21 was as shown in table 2.

Reference example 5

The nonwoven spunbond material made from polypropylene was used as the outer sheet 21. The nonwoven spunbond material was made in the usual way by melting the polymer, for example, in an extruder and extruding the molten polymer (resin) through a spinning spinneret into continuous elementary fibers. It is known that a laminate of two layers of non-woven spunbond production method, thus obtained, will have an increased thickness and increased softness to the touch. To maintain the strength of the sheet, the resulting non-woven material was fused by means of a hot stamping roller. Hot stamping at the same time provided entanglement (combining / smoothing). After embossing, the resulting non-woven material had guaranteed strength, integrity and smoothness of the sheet and was thin and excellent to the touch (for example, was pliable).

The surface density, thickness, density and bending stiffness (in the direction corresponding to the stretching direction (X direction) of the composite stretching panel 4, and in the direction perpendicular to it (Y direction)) of the outer sheet 21 and the degree of orientation of the constituent fibers in the outer sheet 21 were as shown in table 2.

Subject of evaluation

One-use pull-on diapers were made using Example 4 and Reference Examples 4 and 5 and were evaluated as follows.

(1) The cross-sectional shape of the folds 43 of the composite stretch panel 4 was rated as “good” when the shape was clearly curved, or “bad” when the shape was with corners.

(2) The shape in terms of folds 43 formed from the composite stretch panel 4 was rated as “good” when they stretched in a straight line, or “bad” when they were intermittent.

(3) Folds 43 were evaluated for their sense of touch (softness to touch) in terms of softness, bulkiness and smoothness and were evaluated in accordance with the following standards.

(3-1) Softness

Good: folds created a feeling of softness or did not create any discomfort when worn.

Bad: whole folds were felt to be hard to the touch, causing discomfort when worn.

(3-2) Volumetric

Good: whole folds had springiness and bulkiness (shock-absorbing properties) and restored their original shape when crushed.

Bad: the folds did not have bulk and did not restore their original shape when crushed.

(3-3) Smoothness

Good: folds were smooth and not rough.

Bad: folds were rough and uneven.

(4) Comprehensive assessment

Excellent: the folds had a curved cross-sectional shape, extended continuously in a straight line and were rated as good from the point of view of each touch characteristic.

Good: the folds were mainly curved in cross section, extended straight and were rated as good to the touch.

Pretty good: the cross-sectional shape of the folds was partly with corners. The folds had little continuity. Not all touch characteristics were rated as good.

Bad: no clear creases were formed. Folds were rated as bad by each touch characteristic.

Example 4 and reference examples 4 and 5 show the following.

The folds of Example 4 had a clearly curved cross-sectional shape and extended continuously in the longitudinal direction of the diaper due to the high stiffness when bending the outer sheet in the X direction. The composite stretch panel of Example 4 forms a satisfactory waist part due to the difference in bending stiffness between the X and Y directions. The folds of example 4 provide a high level of touch characteristics, that is, softness, bulkiness and smoothness. Thus, the disposable diaper according to Example 4 was excellent both in appearance and in perception by touch.

Reference Example 4 uses a nonwoven fabric with an SMS structure (nonwoven fabric of a spunbond production method — nonwoven fabric obtained by melt aerodynamically — a nonwoven fabric of spunbond production method) having good touch characteristics as an outer sheet. However, the folds have an apex with an acute angle and are discontinuous in plan view in the longitudinal direction of the diaper due to the low stiffness when the outer sheet bends in the X direction. Despite the fact that the folds feel like soft, they remain flattened when compressed by hand. The folds do not have bulkiness (elasticity) and smoothness. The folds do not reach the specified levels of appearance and volume.

Reference Example 5 uses a nonwoven spunbond production method with high strength as an outer sheet. The folds have an apex with an acute angle and are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction of the diaper in a plan view due to the low stiffness when the outer sheet is bent in the X direction. When evaluating the touch characteristics, the folds are generally perceived as solid and, therefore, are considered to create discomfort for the wearer.

Industrial applicability

The absorbent product according to the invention has assemblies located below the waistband and waist assemblies respectively in its lower portion and waist portion and is excellent in terms of breathability and softness in the lower waistband and waist portion. The absorbent article of the invention is intended to make full use of the compressibility of the elastic elements used to form lower-waist assemblies and waist assemblies. The absorbent article of the invention has excellent cushioning properties in the thickness direction in the lower belt and waist regions. Belt assemblies of the product gently and comfortably cover the waist of the carrier-infant, leaving minor dents on the skin of the carrier.

Claims (9)

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent element comprising an absorbent core and an outer covering element attached to the side of the absorbent element facing the garment, the outer covering element having a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and a front section, a crotch section and a rear section in it a longitudinal direction, each of the front section and the rear section having a waist part and a part located below the belt, in which the outer covering element comprises an outer l ist, the inner sheet and the plurality of elastic elements between the outer and inner sheets and has a composite stretch panel having a direction of stretching in each of the front section and the rear section, while the composite stretch panel forms waist assemblies and assemblies located below the waist belt respectively in the waist part and located below the belt part in each of the front and rear sections, while the composite stretch panel has an outer sheet and an inner sheet attached to each other in m There are joints that are made discretely in the direction of stretching and the direction perpendicular to the direction of stretching, and has elastic elements located in places other than the joints, and not attached to either the outer sheet or the inner sheet anywhere except their opposite ends, so that each of the outer sheet and the inner sheet forms a plurality of folds extending continuously over the plurality of elastic elements, while the waist portion has a smaller percentage, relative to Linen at its middle portion transversely outer covering member than in the outer portions on both sides of the middle portion in the transverse direction of the outer cover member. 2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, which is a stretchable article having two side welds, a waist hole and two leg openings, both transverse side edges of the front section of the outer covering element and both transverse side edges of the rear section of the outer covering element connected together. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the composite stretch panel comprises a corrugated panel, wherein the corrugated panel is formed of an outer sheet and an inner sheet elasticized by elastic elements to form pairs of folds having main parts and facing each other, each a pair of folds forms a tubular gap between them, while the main parts of the folds formed from one of the sheets, and the main parts of the folds formed from another sheet, are attached to each other frames along at least one end edge of the corrugated panel to form an ordered collection of almost round holes, wherein the ordered collection of holes forms at least a portion of the peripheral peripheral edge of the waist hole or at least a portion of the peripheral peripheral edge of each hole legs. 4. The absorbent product according to claim 3, in which each of the elastic elements ending at the circumferential peripheral edge of each leg opening is fixed at a point of intersection between the circumferential peripheral edge of the leg opening and a bond line formed from the joints, so that an ordered set the holes forms part of the circumferential peripheral edge of the leg hole. 5. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the outer sheet is a sheet of fibers, and the direction of orientation of the fibers essentially coincides with the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel. 6. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the inner sheet is a sheet of fibers, and the direction of orientation of the fibers essentially coincides with the direction of stretching of the composite stretch panel. 7. The absorbent product according to claim 1, having a waist valve extending in the longitudinal direction outside of each longitudinal end of the absorbent element in each of the front section and the rear section, the waist valve in at least the rear section containing a hydrophobic forming contact with skin, a sheet surface forming a waist flap surface in contact with the skin, hydrophobic forming a surface of the waist flap facing the garment, hydrophilic the th sheet between the sheet forming the surface in contact with the skin and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment, and the elastic elements between the hydrophilic sheet and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment, the waist flap at least in the rear section having waist assemblies formed from a composite stretch panel, and wherein the composite stretch panel is formed of two sheets forming a composite stretch panel and facing each other, while the sheet The s forming the composite stretch panel are a separate sheet between the hydrophilic sheet and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment, and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment, or are the hydrophilic sheet and the sheet forming the surface facing the garment. 8. The absorbent product according to claim 7, in which the waist flap in the front section contains a sheet forming a surface in contact with the skin, a sheet forming a surface facing the garment, a hydrophilic sheet and elastic elements, and the waist flap in the front section has waist assemblies, formed from a composite stretch panel. 9. The absorbent article according to claim 7, comprising an outer covering element and a holding sheet covering the side of the longitudinal end portion of the absorbing element facing the skin, the outer covering element comprising an outer sheet, an inner sheet and a plurality of elastic elements between the outer and inner sheets, this sheet forming a surface in contact with the skin is formed from a holding sheet, while the sheet forming the surface facing the garment is formed from the outer sheet, and the hydrophilic sheet o is formed from a sheet separate from either the outer sheet or the inner sheet, or formed from the inner sheet.

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