US20040078017A1 - Disposable diaper - Google Patents

Disposable diaper Download PDF

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Publication number
US20040078017A1
US20040078017A1 US10/466,692 US46669203A US2004078017A1 US 20040078017 A1 US20040078017 A1 US 20040078017A1 US 46669203 A US46669203 A US 46669203A US 2004078017 A1 US2004078017 A1 US 2004078017A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
absorbent
portions
disposable diaper
absorbent member
embossed
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/466,692
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English (en)
Inventor
Takao Koyama
Hidekazu Ito
Hiroshi Inada
Takahiro Arimura
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kao Corp
Original Assignee
Kao Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2001289941A external-priority patent/JP2003093440A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2001346577A external-priority patent/JP3901494B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2001349620A external-priority patent/JP3901496B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2001369516A external-priority patent/JP4502557B2/ja
Priority claimed from JP2001380516A external-priority patent/JP3938305B2/ja
Application filed by Kao Corp filed Critical Kao Corp
Assigned to KAO CORPORATION reassignment KAO CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ARIMURA, TAKAHIRO, INADA, HIROSHI, ITO, HIDEKAZU, KOYAMA, TAKAO
Publication of US20040078017A1 publication Critical patent/US20040078017A1/en
Priority to US12/145,404 priority Critical patent/US7938814B2/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/505—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with separable parts, e.g. combination of disposable and reusable parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15203—Properties of the article, e.g. stiffness or absorbency
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F13/531—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad
    • A61F13/532—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having a homogeneous composition through the thickness of the pad inhomogeneous in the plane of the pad
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/53—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium
    • A61F2013/530481—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials
    • A61F2013/53051—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials being only in particular parts or specially arranged
    • A61F2013/53054—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the absorbing medium having superabsorbent materials, i.e. highly absorbent polymer gel materials being only in particular parts or specially arranged the maximum being along the side edges

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a disposable diaper which can be produced at a lower cost and has greatly improved performance in leakproofness and fit.
  • the present invention relates to a disposable diaper which is used in combination with an auxiliary absorbent article, more particularly a disposable diaper having greatly improved performance in preventing leakage from the crotch and holding the auxiliary absorbent article.
  • the present invention relates to a disposable diaper excellent in fit to the inner side of wearer's thighs and leakproofness.
  • the present invention relates to a disposable diaper which securely bends at an expected position irrespective of slight variations in wearer's size or a diaperer's manner of diapering and thereby secures a desired fit and/or leakproofness.
  • the present invention relates to a disposable diaper in which the surface in contact with a wearer's body or a member disposed thereabouts, particularly an absorbent member greatly influential on the skin, hardly wrinkles or bunches up and therefore hardly causes skin troubles such as a bedsore.
  • an auxiliary absorbent article When combined with a conventional disposable diaper, an auxiliary absorbent article can move while worn. If this occurs, the auxiliary absorbent article and/or the disposable diaper fail to efficiently exert their absorption capability, easily causing leakage from the crotch.
  • JP-B-5-33630 discloses a disposable diaper which has an absorbent member composed of a middle absorbent portion of a width fit to a human body and an outer absorbent portion disposed on each side of the middle absorbent portion and thereby provides an improved fit to the crotch and improved leakproofness.
  • the disclosed disposable diaper has a disadvantage that, when a large amount of urine is discharged in a short time, urine leaking from the middle absorbent portion can flow over the outer absorbent portions relatively easily and leak out from around the thighs.
  • Japanese Patent 3020989 discloses a hydrophilic fiber absorbent element having a hydrogelling absorbent substance distributed in high concentration along both longitudinal side edges.
  • the technique described in the patent resides in formation of a barrier by gel blocking so as to prevent liquid diffusion in the lateral direction. Its leakproofing mechanism is fundamentally different from that of the present invention.
  • a disposable diaper having a separate absorbent member disposed on both sides of an absorbent member in the crotch portion is known, in which the absorbent member on each side bends down while worn to conform to the inner side of a wearer's thigh.
  • a disposable diaper of this type is capable of absorbing excretion that leaks laterally over the wearer's groins in the side portions thereof.
  • an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, having grooves formed by embossing, etc. on the absorbent member thereof so that the absorbent member may bend along the grooves for the purpose of, for example, improving leakproof performance.
  • the absorbent member can often bend at a position other than the grooved positions, i.e., the positions where the absorbent member is expected to bend, because of variations of the wearer's size or the manner of diapering, and the like, resulting in a failure to provide a desired fit or leakproof performance.
  • a diaper has a wide absorbent member so that the longitudinal side portions of the absorbent member may come into contact with the wearer's thighs, the absorbent member is apt to bend at unexpected positions.
  • disposable diapers especially those for adults are liable to have their absorbent member wrinkled or bunched up in the portion disposed on the back side or the stomach side, particularly the back side, of a wearer.
  • Body pressure application onto such wrinkled or bunched portions can cause skin troubles such as a bedsore.
  • JP-A-U-59-190230 discloses a sanitary napkin having a distinguishable colored sheet disposed on both sides of an absorbent member.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 3,744,494 teaches a technique for preventing lateral liquid flow, in which parting lines are provided on an absorbent core to form barriers preventing a liquid flow.
  • a first object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper which can be produced at a lower cost and has greatly improved performance in leakproofness and fit.
  • a second object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper which has greatly improved performance in preventing leakage and holding an auxiliary absorbent article.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper which provides a good fit to the inner side of the thighs and has excellent leakproof performance.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper, the absorbent member of which securely bends at an expected position in spite of variations of a wearer's size or manner of diapering thereby secures a desired fit and/or leakproof performance.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper in which the surface in contact with a wearer's body or a member disposed thereabouts, particularly an absorbent member greatly influential on the skin hardly wrinkles or bunches up and hardly causes skin troubles such as a bedsore.
  • a disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member and having a substantially oblong shape consisting of a back portion, a crotch portion and a stomach portion, wherein the absorbent member in the crotch portion has a middle absorbent portion which occupies ⁇ fraction (3/7) ⁇ of the width of the absorbent member in the crotch portion and side absorbent portions which each occupy ⁇ fraction (1/7) ⁇ of the width of the absorbent member in the crotch portion, wherein
  • each of the side absorbent portions has a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion
  • one or two hydrophobic sheet(s) are disposed on the lateral outer edge of each of the side absorbent portions to cover from the upper to lower surfaces of the edge, and
  • an elastic member is disposed in the part having each of the side absorbent portions in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portions.
  • a disposable diaper adapted to be used in combination with an auxiliary absorbent article placed on the inner side of the diaper, which comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member and having a substantially oblong shape consisting of a back portion, a crotch portion, and a stomach portion, the absorbent member in the crotch portion having a middle absorbent portion which occupies 1 ⁇ 3 of the width of the absorbent member in the crotch portion and side absorbent portions which each occupy 1 ⁇ 3 of the width of the absorbent member in the crotch portion, wherein
  • each of the side absorbent portions has a higher maximum degree of swelling on absorption than the middle absorbent portion
  • At least part of the inner surface of the part having each of the side absorbent portions comes into contact with a wearer's thigh while worn.
  • a disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member and having a substantially oblong shape, wherein both side absorbent portions of the absorbent member in the crotch portion bend downward in conformity with the inner side of wearer's thighs while worn, and a plurality of compressed parts are formed on each of the side absorbent portions at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portions.
  • a disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member and having a substantially oblong shape, wherein the absorbent member has a middle embossed portion, side embossed portions disposed on both sides of the middle embossed portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the middle embossed portion and each of the side embossed portions, each of the middle and side embossed portions having the topsheet side thereof embossed and extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, and the absorbent member bends downward in the intermediate portion while worn.
  • the backsheet of a disposable diaper wrinkles by the friction with sheets, etc. when a wearer changes or is made to change his or her position, and the wrinkles of the backsheet influence the surface in contact with a wearer's skin or a member disposed thereabouts (e.g., the topsheet, the absorbent member) to cause the member to wrinkle or bunch.
  • a member disposed thereabouts e.g., the topsheet, the absorbent member
  • the present inventors have considered this as the main cause of skin troubles and found that wrinkling or bunching of the absorbent member can be reduced to suppress development of skin troubles such as a bedsore by lowering the joint area ratio between the absorbent member and the backsheet in the back portion and/or the stomach portion than that in the crotch portion.
  • a disposable diaper comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member and having a substantially oblong shape consisting of a back portion, a crotch portion, and a stomach portion disposed in this order in the longitudinal direction, wherein the absorbent member and the backsheet are joined together, the area ratio of the joints between the absorbent member and the backsheet in each of the side portions having a prescribed width and extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper is smaller in the back portion and the stomach portion than in the crotch portion, and an elastic member is disposed in its stretched state in the crotch portion of each of the side portions along the longitudinal direction of the diaper.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-section of FIG. 1, taken along line X-X;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective of the disposable diaper of FIG. 1 and an auxiliary absorbent article which is being laid on the inner side of the diaper;
  • FIG. 4 is a plan of the crotch portion of another embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the first aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a side absorbent portion of the absorbent member used in a preferred embodiment of the first and second aspects of the invention
  • FIG. 6 is a plan of an embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the second aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-section of FIG. 6, taken along line X-X;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan of the crotch portion of another embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the second aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the action and effect of the second aspect of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a plan of another embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the invention with a part cut away;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-section of the disposable diaper of FIG. 10, taken along line X-X;
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-section of the crotch portion of the disposable diaper of FIG. 10 while worn;
  • FIGS. 13 ( a ) and 13 ( b ) are each a schematic partial longitudinal section of the disposable diaper of FIG. 10, taken along line Y-Y, in a flat-out state and in a state while worn, respectively;
  • FIG. 14 is a plan of still another embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the invention with a part cut away;
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-section of the disposable diaper of FIG. 14, taken along line X-X;
  • FIG. 16 is a partial perspective of the absorbent member in the disposable diaper of FIG. 14, viewed from the backsheet side;
  • FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-section of the crotch portion of the disposable diaper of FIG. 14 while worn;
  • FIG. 18 is a plan of yet another embodiment of the disposable diaper according to the invention, with a part cut away;
  • FIG. 19 is a schematic cross-section of the disposable diaper of FIG. 18, taken along line X-X;
  • FIG. 20 is a back view showing the backsheet side of the disposable diaper shown in FIG. 19;
  • FIG. 21 schematically illustrates the essential part of an embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 22 schematically illustrates the essential part of another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 23 ( a ) and 23 ( b ) provide illustrations for measurement of a joint surface area
  • FIG. 24 is a schematic cross-section of the crotch portion of the disposable diaper of FIG. 18 while worn.
  • FIGS. 1 through 3 show a disposable diaper 1 as an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention (hereinafter referred to as a first embodiment).
  • the disposable diaper 1 of the first embodiment is of a flat or unfolded type having a substantially oblong shape. It comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 2 , a liquid impermeable backsheet 3 , and a liquid retentive absorbent member 4 interposed between the sheets 2 and 3 . It has a back portion A which is to be disposed on the back side of a wearer, a stomach portion B which is to be disposed on the stomach side of a wearer, and a crotch portion C between the portions A and B.
  • Fastening tapes 5 are provided on both lateral sides of the back portion A as a fastening means, and a landing zone 51 adapted to receive the fastening tapes 5 is provided on the outer side of the stomach portion B.
  • the disposable diaper 1 of the first embodiment has both side edges in the crotch portion C curved inward to make a sandglass shape.
  • the absorbent member 4 is rectangular.
  • the topsheet 2 which is rectangular, is laid on the inner side (wearer's side) of the absorbent member 4
  • the backsheet 3 which is shaped to the outline of the diaper, is provided on the outer side (opposite to the wearer's side) of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the topsheet 2 slightly extends laterally outward from both sides of the absorbent member 4 .
  • a hydrophobic sheet 21 is laid bridging over the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 (the part of the backsheet 3 extending outward from the lateral edges of the absorbent member 4 ) and joined to each of them.
  • the border between the topsheet 2 and the hydrophobic sheet 21 is not shown in FIG. 1.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C has a middle absorbent portion 42 which occupies the middle ⁇ fraction (3/7) ⁇ of the width W (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion, side absorbent portions 43 which each occupy ⁇ fraction (1/7) ⁇ of the width W, and intermediate portions 44 which are positioned between the middle absorbent portion 42 and each side absorbent portion 43 and each occupy ⁇ fraction (1/7) ⁇ of the width W.
  • Each side absorbent portion 43 has a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion 42 .
  • the crotch portion C corresponds to the middle two quarters as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the width W of the absorbent member 4 is the width in a flat-out state.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C has a varied width along its length (such a case is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, in which both side edges of an absorbent member is curved inward so that the absorbent member is narrower in the middle part of the crotch portion than in the other parts nearer to the back portion B and the stomach portion A)
  • the shortest distance between both side edges of the absorbent member in the crotch portion C is taken as the width W.
  • the outer lateral side edge of the crosswise outermost section is taken as the side edge of the absorbent member.
  • the middle absorbent portion 42 is a portion that is necessarily wetted by single urination, an auxiliary absorbent article 10 is usually placed on the middle absorbent portion 42 .
  • the side absorbent portions 43 are portions for absorbing liquid diffused out of the middle absorbent portion 42 .
  • the side absorbent portions 43 are designed to have a larger unit absorption capacity than the middle absorbent portion 42 .
  • the absorbing capability of the absorbent member 4 is made efficient and full use of, which makes it possible to achieve improved leakproof performance even if the total absorption capacity of the absorbent member 4 is equal to or less than that of a conventional disposable diaper.
  • the middle absorbent portion 42 is made to play a role in diffusing liquid especially in the longitudinal direction, instead of, or in addition to, a role in absorbing liquid. That is, the liquid flow speed is reduced by this diffusing action. It follows that the side absorbent portions are allowed to take time to absorb liquid. Further, since liquid is longitudinally diffused in the middle absorbent portion, a broad area of the side absorbent portions can be made effective use of Thus further improvement on leakproof performance can be achieved while suppressing the production cost.
  • the ratio of the unit absorption capacity of the middle absorbent portion 42 to that of the side absorbent portion 43 on each side is preferably in a range of from 0 to 0.9, particularly from 0 to 0.5.
  • the difference of unit absorption capacity between them is preferably 0.1 to 0.8 g/cm 2 , particularly 0.1 to 0.4 g/cm 2 .
  • the unit absorption capacity of the side absorbent portions 43 preferably ranges from 0.1 to 0.8 g/cm 2 , particularly 0.1 to 0.4 g/cm 2 .
  • the middle absorbent portion 42 it is preferred for the middle absorbent portion 42 to have a unit absorption capacity of 0 to 0.7 g/cm 2 , particularly 0 to 0.2 g/cm 2 .
  • the unit absorption capacity of the intermediate portions 44 which are positioned between the middle absorbent portion 42 and each side absorbent portion 43 , is preferably equal to or less than that of the middle absorbent portion 42 . It is particularly preferred that the unit absorption capacity of the intermediate portions 44 be less than that of the middle absorbent portion 42 .
  • the liquid leaked from the auxiliary absorbent article is directly absorbed by the side absorbent portions 43 or, while longitudinally diffusing in the intermediate portions 44 , absorbed by portions not having absorbed liquid, particularly the portions in each side absorbent portion that have not absorbed liquid.
  • the side absorbent portions 43 are allowed to exhibit their absorptivity fully, thereby assuring highly efficient absorption.
  • the unit absorption capacity of the middle absorbent portion 42 , the side absorbent portions 43 , and the intermediate portions 44 is measured as follows.
  • the area of each of the middle absorbent portion 42 , the side absorbent portion 43 , and the intermediate portion 44 is measured in the flat-out state of a diaper. Then the crotch portion C is cut out of the diaper. After removing the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 , the crotch portion C is cut into the middle absorbent portion 42 , the side absorbent portions 43 , and the intermediate portions 44 .
  • Unit absorption capacity (g/cm 2 ) [(weight (g) after drying) ⁇ (weight (g) before immersion)]/area (cm 2 ) of each portion
  • the unit absorption capacity of the side absorbent portions 43 can be made higher than that of the middle absorbent portion 42 and/or the intermediate portions 44 by adjusting the respective basis weights, i.e., the weight of constituent materials, such as fibrous materials, e.g., pulp fiber and absorbent polymers, per unit area. It is preferred to adjust the respective basis weights by increasing the amount of an absorbent polymer in the side absorbent portions 43 over the other portions from the viewpoint of ease of obtaining desired effects and cost performance. It is preferred that the amount of an absorbent polymer be not so large as to cause gel blocking that can cause reduction of absorbing performance.
  • an advisable average content of an absorbent polymer in the side absorbent portions 43 is 20 to 150 g/m 2 , particularly 50 to 100 g/m 2 .
  • the average absorbent polymer content of each side absorbent portion 43 is obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent polymer present in the side absorbent portion 43 by the area of that portion.
  • each side absorbent portion 43 is covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 from one side (the upper side or the wearer's side) to the other side (the lower side or the outer side) via the edge face, and an elastic member 71 is provided in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 along the longitudinal direction of that portion.
  • the elastic member 71 is provided at the back of the absorbent member (between the backsheet 3 and the sheet forming the outer surface of the absorbent member 4 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2) in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 , whereby the inner side of this part is securely brought into contact with the inner side of each thigh of a wearer to increase the probability of contact between the side absorbent portions 43 and excretion such as urine. Further, liquid that flows in the absorbent member without being absorbed by the side absorbent portions is prevented from leaking from the edges because the edges are covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 and is in the meantime absorbed by the side absorbent portions 43 .
  • the term “fit” as referred to here is the fit of the side absorbent portions onto the inner side of the thighs in the crotch, thereby referring to a property of effectively preventing gaping that tends to occur between the side absorbent portions and the thighs when a diaper is put on a wearer or while a diaper is worn.
  • each of the side absorbent portions 43 of the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment or each of side absorbent portions 43 A of a diaper 1 ′ according to the second aspect of the invention hereinafter described to have two parts different in stiffness and almost parallel (at an angle of 0 to 45° C.) with the width direction of the side absorbent portions 43 (or 43 A) arrayed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the side absorbent portions 43 (or 43 A) as shown in FIG. 5 so that the side absorbent portions may smoothly be shirred or gathered in conformity to a wearer's body. Reduction of fit that may be caused by uneven gathering can thus be prevented.
  • the parts different in stiffness are formed by, for example, (1) making parts from which the absorbent member is missing or parts with a reduced basis weight, (2) embossing to form fine linear depressions, (3) slitting, or (4) fabricating less stiff parts with a less stiff material than the material making the surroundings.
  • the elastic members 71 may be provided at any position in the thickness direction of the parts having the side absorbent portions 43 (or 43 A), for example, between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 or in the back of the backsheet 3 , as long as the parts may be securely brought into contact with wearer's thighs.
  • the elastic members 71 are preferably disposed at the back of the absorbent member.
  • the diaper 1 of the first embodiment and the diaper 1 ′ described later have long and narrow polymer zones P 1 in the side absorbent portions 43 ( 43 A) along the longitudinal direction of the diaper and a rectangular polymer zone P 2 in the absorbent member in the back portion A.
  • these polymer zones P 1 and P 2 are made of an absorbent polymer 47 disposed between an upper fiber layer 45 and a lower fiber layer 46 each fabricated of fibrous materials such as pulp fiber.
  • the absorbent member of these embodiments contains no absorbent polymer in other areas than the polymer zones P 1 and P 2 .
  • each side absorbent portion 43 which is covered with the hydrophobic sheets 21 and 3 on the upper and the lower sides thereof has a smaller average absorbent polymer content than the average absorbent polymer content of the whole side absorbent portion 43 .
  • a liquid flowing laterally in the side absorbent portions 43 without being absorbed moves and diffuses longitudinally within the part 43 a covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 and is efficiently absorbed by the absorbent polymer in the part not having absorbed liquid.
  • the part 43 a covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 have an average absorbent polymer content of 0 to 120 g/m 2 , particularly 0 to 60 g/m 2 ; that the ratio of the average absorbent polymer content of the part 43 a to that of the whole side absorbent portion 43 be 0 to 0.6, particularly 0 to 0.4; and that the difference between the average absorbent polymer content of the part 43 a and that of the whole side absorbent portion 43 be 20 to 150 g/m 2 , particularly 30 to 100 g/m 2 .
  • the average absorbent polymer content of the part 43 a covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 is obtained by dividing the weight of the polymer in the part 43 a by the area of the part 43 a .
  • the average absorbent polymer content of the middle absorbent portion 42 which is obtained by dividing the polymer weight in the middle absorbent portion 42 by the area of the portion 42 , is preferably 0 to 100 g/m 2 , particularly 0 to 50 g/m 2 .
  • a preferred average absorbent polymer content of the side absorbent portion 43 is as stated above.
  • the width of the part 43 a covered with the hydrophobic sheets 3 and 21 is preferably 5 to 30 mm, still preferably 5 to 15 mm. With a 5 mm or larger width, leakage from the edge of the absorbent member can be prevented without fail. With a 30 mm or smaller width, a sufficient width of the hydrophilic area (absorbent member) is secured to exhibit sufficient leakproofness against liquid flowing on the surface.
  • the upper surface of each side edge of the absorbent member 4 is covered with the sheet 21 over the whole length of the absorbent member with the same width of the overlap.
  • the hydrophobic (liquid impermeable) sheets 3 (backsheet) and 21 are joined together liquid-tight in their extensions from each edge of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the thickness of the middle absorbent portion 42 is preferably 2 ⁇ 3 or smaller of that of each side absorbent portion 43 . With this thickness there is formed concavity in the middle of the diaper, which would help an auxiliary absorbent article, if placed, to be held in and to be prevented from moving. Where the middle absorbent portion 42 and each side absorbent portion 43 have equal densities, the smaller thickness of the middle absorbent portion will bring improved breathability. Particularly where the backsheet 3 is moisture permeable, overhydration and rashes will be greatly reduced as compared with the middle absorbent portion 42 having the same thickness as the side absorbent portions 43 .
  • the thickness of the middle absorbent portion 42 is still preferably a half of or smaller than that of the side absorbent portions 43 , particularly preferably zero.
  • the thickness of the middle absorbent portion 42 and each side absorbent portion 43 is measured as follows. An absorbent member 4 is taken out of an unused disposable diaper. The thickness of each of the middle absorbent portion 42 and the side absorbent portion 43 is measured at arbitrarily selected three points (preferably each selected from each of 5 cm squares continuous in the longitudinal direction in the crotch portion) under a load of 20 g/cm 2 , and the average of the three points is calculated. Where there is no absorbent member, the thickness is taken as 0.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion is preferably hollowed out in its crosswise middle part (e.g., the middle absorbent portion 42 ) to leave a frame.
  • the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 in the hollow part are preferably joined together either directly or indirectly to securely form concavity in which an auxiliary absorbent article is held and prevented from moving.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion be thinner in its crosswise middle part (e.g., the middle absorbent portion 42 ) than in the surroundings.
  • the middle absorbent portion 42 can be hollow by removing part of the absorbent member.
  • a low stiff part 48 is formed in each intermediate portion 44 of the first embodiment in the longitudinal direction for helping the intermediate portions 44 bend downward (toward the backsheet side) while worm. Even where a diaper is designed to have a fairly wide absorbent member 4 , the intermediate portions 44 are bent at the low stiff parts 48 to securely bring the side absorbent portions 43 into contact with wearer's thighs thereby preventing reduction of absorbing performance which may result from deformation of the diaper or an incorrect manner of diapering.
  • the low stiff parts are not restricted by the configuration or the method of formation as far as they help the intermediate portions bend easily.
  • the low stiff parts can be formed by (1) making parts from which an absorbent member is missing or parts with a reduced basis weight, (2) embossing to make fine linear depressions, (3) slitting, or (4) fabricating less stiff parts with a less stiff material than the surrounding material.
  • the diaper 1 of the first embodiment and the diaper 1 ′ described later has, near each crosswise edge of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C, an indicator 49 which is visually distinguishable when viewed from the inner side of the diaper.
  • color paper e.g., yellowish green paper
  • FIGS. 2 and 7 color paper covering the back side of the absorbent member 4 is folded back inward at both edges of the absorbent member 4 to serve as the indicators 49 .
  • the indicators 49 near the edges of the absorbent member 4 make the crosswise middle portion of the absorbent member 4 outstanding, helping a diaperer to easily recognize where to place an auxiliary absorbent article correctly in rediapering.
  • the effects of the present invention can be produced more securely and more efficiently.
  • the indicators can be of materials different from the materials disposed in the crosswise middle portion of the absorbent member (e.g., the topsheet 2 , liquid impermeable paper or nonwoven fabric 50 covering the inner side of the absorbent member 4 , etc.) in (1) color (e.g., non-white colored paper or nonwoven fabric), (2) pattern, (3) thickness, and the like.
  • color e.g., non-white colored paper or nonwoven fabric
  • the auxiliary absorbent article 10 shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 7 , 9 ( a ), and 9 ( b ) comprises a liquid permeable topsheet 11 , a liquid impermeable backsheet 12 , and a liquid retentive absorbent member 13 interposed between these sheets and has upstanding gathers 14 on both lateral sides. It is adapted to be superposed on a diaper with its longitudinal direction agreeing with the longitudinal direction of the diaper.
  • the disposable diaper 1 ′ which is one embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a second embodiment) is then described.
  • the diaper 1 ′ will be illustrated chiefly with reference to differences from the first embodiment.
  • the same elements as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as used in the first embodiment, with description therefor omitted.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C has a middle absorbent portion 42 A which occupies the middle 1 ⁇ 3 of the width W of the absorbent member in the crotch portion (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and side absorbent portions 43 A each occupying 1 ⁇ 3 of the width W (the portions adjoining both sides of the middle absorbent portion 42 A).
  • the maximum degree of swelling on absorption hereinafter simply referred to as a “maximum swelling degree” of each side absorbent portion 43 A is greater than that of the middle absorbent portion 42 A.
  • the absorbent member 4 is designed so that at least part of the inner surface of the part having each side absorbent portion 43 A in the thickness direction may come into contact with a wearer's thigh while worn.
  • the side absorbent portions 43 A show a higher maximum swelling degree than the middle absorbent portion 42 A, when liquid U flows over from the auxiliary absorbent article 10 and is absorbed by the side absorbent portions 43 A as shown in FIG. 9( a ), the side absorbent portions 43 A rise and gain in thickness as shown in FIG. 9( b ) to exert an increased pressure onto the thighs thereby effectively preventing leakage from the crotch.
  • rising of the side absorbent portions 43 A makes a depression in the area having the middle absorbent portion 42 A, in which the auxiliary absorbent article can be held more securely and prevented from moving while worn.
  • the disposable diaper 1 ′ While worn, the disposable diaper 1 ′ brings a crosswise part or the crosswise whole of the areas having the side absorbent portions 43 A into contact with wearer's thighs.
  • the part of the area having each side absorbent portion 43 A which comes into contact with a wearer's thigh is preferably at least 1 ⁇ 5, still preferably at least 1 ⁇ 3, of the width of each side absorbent portion 43 A, and this part should have an absorbent polymer disposed therein.
  • Each side absorbent portion 43 A preferably has a maximum swelling degree A higher than 1.1
  • the middle absorbent portion 42 A preferably has a maximum swelling degree B lower than 1.0. It is particularly preferred for obtaining the above effects more appreciably that the maximum swelling degree A be higher than 1.5 and that the maximum swelling degree B be lower than 0.9.
  • middle absorbent portion 42 A to have a maximum swelling degree B lower than 1.0 means that, when urine U flows over from the auxiliary absorbent article 10 and into the middle absorbent portion 42 A, the middle absorbent portion 42 A reduces its thickness to deepen the depression in which the auxiliary absorbent article 10 is retained. As a result, the auxiliary absorbent article 10 is held more firmly, and discomfort that may have been caused by the swollen auxiliary absorbent article's pressing the wearer's body is not or little felt.
  • the side absorbent portion 43 A which has a maximum swelling degree A higher than 1.1 rises on absorbing urine and comes into intimate contact with a wearer's thigh to effectively prevent a leak from the crotch.
  • a measure against liquid backflow for example, an auxiliary layer made of a backflow preventive material can be provided on the absorbent member
  • a skin protective measure for example, an antimicrobial material can be used.
  • the ratio of the maximum swelling degree A of the middle absorbent portion 42 A to the maximum swelling degree B of the side absorbent portions 43 A is preferably 0.2 to 0.9, still preferably 0.4 to 0.6, and the difference between them (B-A) is preferably 0.2 to 2.4, still preferably 0.6 to 1.1.
  • the maximum swelling degree of the middle absorbent portion 42 A and the side absorbent portions 43 A is measured as follows.
  • An absorbent member 4 is taken out of an unused disposable diaper.
  • the thickness of each of the middle absorbent portion 42 A and the side absorbent portion 43 A is measured at arbitrarily selected three points (preferably each selected from each of 5 cm squares continuous in the longitudinal direction in the crotch portion) under a load of 20 g/cm 2 .
  • the entire area of the absorbent member is uniformly sprinkled with 0.5 g/cm 2 of 0.9 wt % physiological saline.
  • the thickness of the absorbent member is again measured at the same measuring points under a load of 20 g/cm 2 .
  • the swelling degree at each measuring point for each absorbent portion is obtained by dividing the thickness after absorption by the thickness before absorption.
  • the maximum swelling degree of the side absorbent portions 43 A can be made higher than that of the middle absorbent portion 42 A by, for example, (1) increasing the weight of a constituent material(s) of the side absorbent portions 43 A (e.g., fibrous materials such as pulp fiber and/or an absorbent polymer) per unit area over that of the middle absorbent portion 42 A or (2) fabricating the side absorbent portions of materials (e.g., fibrous materials such as pulp fiber and/or an absorbent polymer) showing higher rates of volume increase on liquid absorption than the materials fabricating the middle absorbent portion.
  • a constituent material(s) of the side absorbent portions 43 A e.g., fibrous materials such as pulp fiber and/or an absorbent polymer
  • materials e.g., fibrous materials such as pulp fiber and/or an absorbent polymer
  • a method by increasing the highest absorbent polymer content of the side absorbent portions 43 A over that of the middle absorbent portion 42 A is preferred for improving leakproof performance and auxiliary absorbent article-holding performance and for ease of controlling the maximum swelling degrees.
  • the term “highest absorbent polymer content” as used herein refers to the highest of the absorbent polymer contents measured in a 10 mm wide and 50 mm long area of each absorbent portion with the width and length directions agreeing with the width and length directions of the absorbent member.
  • the highest absorbent polymer content of the middle absorbent portion 42 A is preferably 0 to 100 g/m 2 , still preferably 0 to 50 g/m 2 , and that of the side absorbent portions 43 A is preferably 50 to 200 g/m 2 , still preferably 100 to 150 g/m 2 .
  • the ratio of the highest polymer content of the middle absorbent portion 42 A to that of the side absorbent portions 43 A is preferably 0 to 0.8, still preferably 0 to 0.5.
  • An elastic member 71 is provided in the part having each side absorbent portion 43 A along the longitudinal direction of the portion 43 A.
  • the elastic member 71 is provided at the back of the absorbent member (between the backsheet 3 and the sheet forming the outer surface of the absorbent member 4 ).
  • the elastic members 71 may be provided at any position in the thickness direction of the parts having the side absorbent portions 43 A (for example, between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 ), it is preferably provided in the back of the absorbent member 4 as shown in FIG. 7 for facilitating bending of the side absorbent portions 43 A and alleviating irritation to the skin.
  • both lateral sides of the topsheet 2 are preferably covered with respective hydrophobic sheets 21 . It is more preferred that both lateral sides of the topsheet 2 and both lateral sides of the absorbent member 4 be covered with the hydrophobic sheets 21 .
  • the width of the overlap of the sheet 21 on each side of the absorbent member 4 is preferably 5 to 30 mm, still preferably 5 to 15 mm.
  • a low stiff part 48 is formed in each side absorbent portion 43 A in the longitudinal direction for helping the side absorbent portions 43 A bend downward (toward the backsheet side) while worn.
  • the side absorbent portions 43 A bend at the low stiff parts 48 to securely bring the inner side of the absorbent portions 43 A into contact with wearer's thighs thereby preventing reduction of absorbing performance that might be caused by deformation of the diaper or an incorrect manner of diapering.
  • the number of the low stiff parts 48 per side absorbent portion offers as many bending axes around which the side absorbent portion easily bends in conformity to a wearer's body. It is preferred to make 2 to 5 low stiff parts per side absorbent portion.
  • the low stiff parts are not restricted by the configuration or the method of formation as far as they make the side absorbent portions bend easily.
  • the low stiff parts can be formed by (1) making parts from which an absorbent member is missing or parts with a reduced basis weight, (2) embossing to make fine linear depressions, (3) slitting, or (4) fabricating the parts with a less stiff material than the surrounding material.
  • the areas having the side absorbent portion 43 A or in the vicinities of the areas have no elastic member above the topsheet 2 .
  • an elastic member as has been often used in disposable diapers e.g., natural rubber, synthetic rubbers, e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, and neoprene rubber, EVA, extensible polyolefin, and polyurethane
  • the elastic members would exert a contracting force to cause the side absorbent portions 43 A facing the thighs to form concavity thereby separating from the thighs and reducing the contacting force.
  • Such a disadvantage can be eliminated by not using elastic members in the above-described position.
  • Disposable diapers 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C according to other embodiments of the present invention will then be described.
  • One or more elements possessed by the disposable diapers 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C are applicable to the above-described diaper 1 or 1 ′.
  • the disposable diaper 1 A shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is designed so that side portions 143 of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C may bend downward in conformity with the inner side of wearer M's thighs while worn as illustrated in FIG. 12.
  • the side absorbent portions 143 which bend in conformity with the wearer's thighs correspond to the right and the left side absorbent portions each occupying about 1 ⁇ 4 of the width W (see FIGS. 10 and 11) of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C.
  • a plurality of compressed parts 6 are formed in each side portion 143 at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the side portions.
  • the compressed parts 6 formed in the side portions 143 not only prevent the side portions 143 from getting wavy in parts but help the side portions 143 curve smoothly along the contour of a wearer's body.
  • the side portions are liable to sag or wave in parts.
  • the areas having the side portions 143 (hereinafter also referred to as side absorbent portions) provide a snug fit to the inner side of wearer's thighs under a uniform contact pressure thereby giving a wearer comfort. Further, with no gap formed between the side absorbent portions and the thighs, urine, etc. flowing over the groins is absorbed by the side absorbent parts without failing to exhibit excellent leakproof performance.
  • the compressed parts 6 each have a narrow, oblong elliptical shape whose longitudinal direction almost coincides with the width direction of the side portions 143 .
  • the angle ⁇ formed between the longitudinal direction of each compressed part 6 (indicated by centerline CL) and the width direction of the diaper 1 A (indicated by line WL) is preferably 0 to 45°, still preferably 0 to 30°, from the standpoint of an improved fit.
  • the width Wp of each compressed part 6 is preferably 0.5 to 15 mm, still preferably 1 to 5 mm
  • the pitch P (see FIG. 13( a )) is preferably 3 to 35 mm, still preferably 5 to 20 mm.
  • the centerline CL of the compressed part 6 is slanted, it is preferred for a good fit to thighs that the compressed part 6 is slanted upward (toward the back portion A) to the crosswise middle of the diaper.
  • An elastic member 71 is provided in its stretched state in the part having each side portion 143 (side absorbent portion) across a plurality of the compressed parts 6 .
  • the elastic members 71 across the compressed parts 6 contract to bring the side absorbent portions into intimate contact with the inner side of the thighs of a wearer and also regulate gathering of the side absorbent portions on contraction to prevent irregular sagging or waving of the side portions 143 .
  • the side absorbent portions contain an absorbent polymer as described later, the contact pressure of the side absorbent portions toward the thighs is increased by swelling of the absorbent polymer with urine to further improve leakproof performance.
  • the compressed parts 6 are formed by pressing the absorbent member 4 by embossing from its topsheet 2 side (wearer's side). That is, the compressed parts 6 are formed by pressing the absorbent member from the topsheet 2 side of the absorbent member 4 , which is the inner side of each side absorbent portion curved along the curve of a thigh while worn, to form depressions on that side.
  • the depressions on the inner side of the curve further improve the fit of the side absorbent portions to the thighs. While the diaper is worn, the depressions on the topsheet 2 side are closed as shown in FIG. 13( b ), which further levels the contact pressure to the thighs to provide a further improved fit and leakproofness.
  • each side portion 143 has a laminate structure composed of a plurality of absorbent layers including an upper fiber layer 45 and a lower fiber layer 46 .
  • An absorbent polymer 47 is provided in each side portion 143 between the upper fiber layer 45 and the lower fiber layer 46 to form a long and narrow polymer zone P 1 , which extends over the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction of the diaper.
  • At least one of, preferably more than one of, the compressed parts 6 are formed in each area where the polymer zone P 1 lies. Further, at least one compressed part 6 a ( 6 b is formed out of each longitudinal end of each polymer zone P 1 .
  • the upper and lower fiber layers 45 and 46 are made of fibrous materials, such as pulp fiber and hydrophilic synthetic fibers, and the absorbent polymer 47 is held therebetween.
  • both compressed parts 6 in the area where the polymer zone P 1 exists
  • compressed parts 6 a , 6 b in the area out of each longitudinal end of each polymer zone P 1
  • the longitudinal ends of the absorbent member are to be disposed on the back and the stomach of a wearer. If these parts are hard, they will strongly irritate the skin of a wearer, especially an aged person confined to a bed, to cause scratches or bleeding. Therefore, it is unfavorable to fix the polymer with an adhesive. According to this structure, the absorbent polymer 47 is prevented from leaking.
  • partially compressing the polymer zone P 1 imparts moderate hardness to the side portions 143 , which is effective to prevent the side portions 143 from bunching up.
  • the compressed parts 6 are preferably formed across the polymer zone P 1 .
  • the crosswise middle portion 142 of the absorbent member 4 which is positioned between the side portions 143 also has a compressed part 61 formed by embossing in a lattice pattern which is different from the embossing pattern on the side portions 143 .
  • the middle portion 142 looks different from the side portions 143 . This helps a diaperer recognize where to place an auxiliary absorbent article, if used in combination, while minimizing an increase of cost.
  • the middle portion 142 also contains an absorbent polymer 47 a in its crosswise middle to form a rectangular polymer zone P 2 .
  • the absorbent member 4 has a laminate structure composed of an upper fiber layer 45 and a lower fiber layer 46 , each having a rectangular shape in their plan view, and the absorbent polymer layers 47 and 47 a sandwiched in these fiber layers.
  • the laminate structure is wrapped in between two liquid permeable sheets 49 and 50 . In FIG. 11, the illustration of the compressed part 61 is omitted.
  • the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1 A preferably has a bending axis 48 on the boundary between each side portion 143 and the middle portion 142 .
  • the bending axis 48 facilitates the absorbent member's bending downward so as to securely bring the inner side of the areas having each side portion 143 (side absorbent portion) into contact with the inner side of the wearer's thighs.
  • the bending axis 48 is not restricted by the configuration or method of formation as far as it facilitates the absorbent member 4 's bending downward.
  • the bending axis can be formed by (1) making a part from which an absorbent member is missing or a part with a reduced basis weight in the longitudinal direction, (2) embossing to make a fine linear depression in the longitudinal direction, (3) slitting in the longitudinal direction, or (4) fabricating a part of the absorbent member with a less stiff material than the surrounding material.
  • the disposable diaper 1 A has two fine linear depressions 48 formed by embossing as two bending axes on each boundary between each side portion 143 and the middle portion 142 .
  • the diaper 1 A also has a second elastic member 72 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper within the crotch portion C at a position out of each lateral edge of the absorbent member 4 so that the parts having the elastic member 72 may come into close contact with the wearer's thighs.
  • An elastic member may be provided at the parts where the bending axes 48 exist to press the parts onto the wearer's groins while taking case not to cause the crosswise middle portion to bunch up and reduce ease of diapering.
  • the shape and arrangement of the compressed parts 6 in the diaper 1 A are subject to variation.
  • the elastic members 71 may be provided at any position in the thickness direction of the parts having the side portions 143 , for example, between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 or on the back surface of the backsheet 3 as far as the parts having the side portions 143 are securely brought into contact with wearer's thighs.
  • the inner surface (the surface coming into contact with a wearer) of the disposable diaper may be formed solely of the topsheet 2 .
  • An indicator which is visually distinguishable when viewed from the inner side of the diaper may be provided near each lateral edge of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C.
  • color paper e.g., yellowish green paper
  • This manipulation may be adopted in place of, or in addition to, the above-mentioned embossing in different patterns between the middle portion and each side portions.
  • the width of the side portions 143 is not limited to 1 ⁇ 4 of the total width of the absorbent member 4 and is subject to alteration according to the wearer's size, the situation of diapering, and the like.
  • the absorbent member 4 of the disposable diaper 1 B shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 has a middle embossed portion 42 ′ and side embossed portions 43 ′ which are disposed on both sides of the middle embossed portion 42 ′ with a space therebetween, each of these embossed portions extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 B.
  • the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′ have embossed patterns on their topsheet 2 side.
  • the embossed patterns of the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′ are made up of a combination of slant linear depressions 61 ′ and 62 ′ and slant linear depressions 63 ′, respectively, each slant linear depression crossing the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 B.
  • the embossed pattern of the middle embossed portion 42 ′ is made up of a plurality of parallel linear depressions 61 ′ slanting downward to the right and a plurality of parallel linear depressions 62 ′ slanting downward to the left.
  • each of the linear depressions 61 ′ and 62 ′ while depicted as solid lines in FIG. 14, is made up of a chain of evenly spaced depressions, and the chains making the linear depressions 61 ′ and the chains making the linear depressions 62 ′ are crossing each other at their spacing. In other words, any two depressions do not cross each other.
  • each side embossed portion 43 ′ has an embossed pattern of a plurality of parallel linear depressions 63 ′ slanting downward to the right or to the left.
  • the angle formed between the longitudinal direction of each linear depressions 61 ′, 62 ′ or 63 ′ and the width direction of the diaper 1 B is preferably 0 to 45°, still preferably 0 to 30°, and the width W3 (see the enlarged view in FIG. 14) of each depression is preferably 0.5 to 15 mm, still preferably 1 to 5 mm.
  • the pitch of the linear depressions 63 ′ in each side embossed portion 43 ′ arranged along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 B is preferably 3 to 35 mm, still preferably 5 to 20 mm, and the pitch of the linear depressions 61 ′ or 62 ′ in the middle embossed portion 42 ′ along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 B is preferably 20 to 70 mm, still preferably 30 to 50 mm.
  • the ratio of the depth d1 of the depressions making the linear depressions 61 ′, 62 ′, and 63 ′ to the thickness t of the surrounding non-embossed part of the absorbent member 4 (d1/t) be 0.1 to 0.7, particularly 0.3 to 0.5.
  • the intermediate portion 44 ′ is not embossed on the topsheet 2 side thereof.
  • the width W1 (see FIG. 14) of the intermediate portion 44 ′ in the crotch portion C is preferably 5 to 100 mm, still preferably 10 to 50 mm, and the ratio of the width W1 to the total width W of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C, W1/W, is preferably 0.01 to 0.25, still preferably 0.03 to 0.15.
  • Each of the intermediate portions 44 ′ is embossed on the backsheet 3 side thereof to have a narrow linear depression 48 extending in the longitudinal direction of the portion 44 ′ as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • the diaper according to this particular embodiment has two crosswise spaced, substantially parallel linear depressions 48 on each intermediate portion 44 ′ extending over the whole length of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the linear depressions 48 formed on the intermediate portions 44 ′ make the absorbent member 4 bend surely to an expected direction.
  • two or more crosswise spaced linear depressions 48 are formed on each intermediate portion 44 ′, the angle of bending along each linear depression is reduced to improve bending capabilities, and the absorbent member 4 is capable of bending stably to an expected direction even though the size of a wearer or the manner of diapering somewhat varies.
  • the width of the linear depression 48 be 0.5 to 10 mm, particularly 0.8 to 3 mm; the pitch of the linear depressions 48 , if there are two or more, be 3 to 20 mm, particularly 5 to 10 mm; and the linear depression 48 on each intermediate portion 44 ′ be apart from the boundaries with the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and with the side embossed portions 43 ′.
  • the ratio of the depth d2 of the linear depression 48 to the thickness t of the surrounding non-embossed part of the absorbent member 4 is preferably 0.1 to 0.7, particularly 0.3 to 0.5.
  • the diaper 1 B is used just in the same way of diapering as with ordinary disposable diapers. Put on a wearer, the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion bends downward (toward the backsheet 3 side) to bring the side embossed portions 43 ′ into contact with the inner side of wearer M's thighs as illustrated in FIG. 17.
  • the absorbent member 4 has the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′ and is designed to bend in the non-embossed intermediate portion 44 ′ of prescribed width between these embossed portions. Unlike an absorbent member having no embossed pattern but the linear depression 48 on the backsheet 3 side as a bending axis, for instance, the absorbent member 4 of this embodiment securely bends in the intermediate portion 44 ′ even where the size of a wearer or the manner of diapering somewhat changes.
  • the inner side of the side embossed portions 43 ′ is securely brought into contact with the inner side of wearer's thighs to provide a snug fit and excellent leakproof performance.
  • the diaper 1 B has a plurality of parallel elastic members 71 provided in the part having each side embossed portion 43 ′ along the longitudinal direction of that part.
  • the elastic members 71 bring the side embossed portions 43 ′ into intimate contact with the inner side of the thighs of a wearer to provide a snug fit and securely prevent leakage from the crotch portion C.
  • the diaper 1 B also has a second elastic member 72 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper within the crotch portion C at a position out of each lateral edge of the absorbent member 4 so that the parts having the elastic member 72 may come into close contact with wearer's thighs.
  • the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1 B shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is composed of an upper fiber layer 45 and a lower fiber layer 46 , and an absorbent polymer 47 disposed therebetween, the upper and lower fiber layers 45 and 46 being wrapped in between two liquid permeable sheets 49 and 50 .
  • the absorbent polymer 47 is disposed in each of the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′ in the crotch portion C to form a rectangular polymer layer extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 B.
  • the angle or configuration of the linear depressions in the embossed portions of the diaper 1 B is subject to variation.
  • the linear depressions 63 ′ of the side embossed portions 43 ′ shown in FIG. 14 are slanted downward to the crosswise middle of the absorbent member 4 , they may be slanted upward to the crosswise middle of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the linear depressions 61 ′ 62 ′, 63 ′, and 48 formed by embossing may be either straight or not (e.g., wavy or zig-zaged) and may be either continuous or discontinuous.
  • the absorbent member 4 does not always need to be embossed over the whole length thereof as long as at least the crotch portion C is embossed to form the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′.
  • the bending capability of the intermediate portion 44 ′ formed between the middle embossed portion 42 ′ and the side embossed portions 43 ′ may be limited to only a part of the length of the absorbent member 4 . It is preferable that the bending capability be formed at least the crotch portion C.
  • the elastic members 71 are disposed at any position in the thickness direction of the areas having the side embossed portions 43 ′, for example, between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 or in the back of the backsheet 3 .
  • the area ratio of the joints between the absorbent member 4 and the backsheet 3 is varied in places. That is, the joint area ratio in two portions 43 B which each occupy a prescribed width in crosswise side areas of the absorbent member 4 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 C is smaller in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B than in the crotch portion C and an elastic member 71 is disposed in its stretched state in the crotch portion of each portion 43 B along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 C.
  • the term “joint area ratio” refers to the joint area ratio in the portions 43 B.
  • the joint area ratio is smaller in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B than in the crotch portion C, wrinkles generated on the backsheet 3 are inhibited from being reflected on the surface in contact with the wearer's skin or members disposed thereabouts, particularly the absorbent member 4 , thereby reducing bunching of the absorbent member 4 , etc. in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B.
  • development of skin troubles such as a bedsore can be reduced.
  • the higher joint area ratio of the portions 43 B in the crotch portion C assures firm fixing of the absorbent member 4 in these portions to have the diaper exhibit stable absorbing performance.
  • the joint area ratio in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B is preferably 1 to 50%, still preferably 5 to 30%, and that in the crotch portion is preferably 15 to 85%, still preferably 30 to 60%. From the same point of view, the ratio of the joint area ratio in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B to that in the crotch portion C, A/C and/or B/C, is preferably 0.01 to 0.8, still preferably 0.1 to 0.5.
  • Bunching of the absorbent member tends to occur when a wearer changes or is made to change from a supine position to a lateral position, and tends to occur particularly in the back portion Therefore, it is preferred for at least the back portion A to have a smaller joint area ratio than in the crotch portion C.
  • the portions 43 B having a prescribed width as referred to here are oblong portions each extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent member 4 and occupying a left-hand or right-hand side quarter of the width of the area having the absorbent member 4 (the same as the width W of the absorbent member 4 ) as shown in FIGS. 18 and 20.
  • “a” indicates a quarter of the width W.
  • the back portion A, the stomach portion B, and the crotch portion C as referred to with respect to this embodiment each occupy 1 ⁇ 3 of the total length of the disposable diaper 1 C.
  • the crotch portion C is the longitudinal middle between the back portion A and the stomach portion B.
  • the absorbent member 4 has a varied width along its length, for example, where both side edges 41 of the absorbent member 4 is curved inward in the crotch portion C as shown in FIG. 21, the shortest distance between both side edges of the absorbent member 4 in the crotch portion C is taken as the width W.
  • five parallel lines (two lines L 1 , two lines L 2 , and one line L 3 ) are drawn to vertically divide the width W into equal quarters as illustrated in FIG. 21, and the portions between the outermost lines L 1 and the respective adjacent lines L 2 are taken as the portions 43 B.
  • the absorbent member 4 is crosswise divided into separate sections as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the shortest distance between the outer lateral edges 41 of the outermost sections is taken as the width W of the absorbent member 4 .
  • a plurality of elastic members are provided in each of the portions 43 B shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 similarly to the diaper 1 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
  • the crosswise innermost one of the plurality of elastic members is disposed in each of non-absorbent portions 44 C where no absorbent member exists, between two adjacent separate absorbent sections.
  • the joint area ratio in each of the back portion A, the stomach portion B, and the crotch portion C is measured as follows.
  • the total area of the parts of the portion 43 B in the back portion A where the absorbent member 4 and the backsheet 3 exist is taken as an area R.
  • the part of the area R where the absorbent member 4 and the backsheet 3 are joined together with a joining means, such as an adhesive (e.g., a hot-melt adhesive), heat seal or ultrasonic seal, is taken as a joint area S.
  • the joint area ratio is obtained from equation:
  • Joint area ratio (%) (joint area S /area R ) ⁇ 100
  • the joint area is obtained by multiplying the average width W4 of the lines 82 by the total length of the lines existing in a portion.
  • the absorbent member 4 and the backsheet 3 are joined by helical joining means 81 as shown in FIG. 23( b )
  • the joint area is obtained by multiplying the average width W5 of the helical pattern measured in the width direction of the diaper by the total length of the pattern existing in a portion.
  • the length of the helical pattern is indicated by symbol L.
  • the part of the length L that is within the crotch portion is used for calculating the joint area S of the crotch portion.
  • the non-joint area between dots is included in the joint area.
  • the absorbent member 4 is crosswise divided into separate sections, and a side portion 43 B contains a part of the non-absorbent portion 44 C where no absorbent member exists
  • the area of this part of the non-absorbent portion 44 C is assumed to be a part of the area R as far as the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 in this part of the portion 44 C are joined together either directly or indirectly.
  • the joint area in this part of the portion 44 C is included in the joint area S, seeing that wrinkling or bunching of the backsheet 3 will be led to wrinkling or bunching of the topsheet 2 .
  • the absorbent member 4 and the backsheet 3 in the portions 43 B are joined with an adhesive (as a joining means) applied in two different patterns (a first adhesive 81 and a second adhesive 82 ).
  • the first adhesive 81 is applied in a wider pattern (with the width W5, see FIG. 23( b )) than the second adhesive 82 (with the width W4, see FIG. 23( a )).
  • the application length of the first adhesive 81 is shorter than that of the second adhesive 82 so as not to reach the longitudinal ends 4 A and 4 B of the absorbent member 4 in the back portion A and the stomach portion B, respectively.
  • the first adhesive 81 is applied in a helical pattern
  • the second adhesive 82 is applied in a linear pattern.
  • the first adhesive 81 is applied not only over the total length of the crotch portion C but to a slight length on the back portion A and the stomach portion B.
  • the second adhesive 82 is applied over the whole length of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the joining means is preferably an adhesive as used in this particular embodiment from the standpoint of joining performance, productivity, and the like.
  • Other joining means such as heat seal and ultrasonic seal, are also employable.
  • the first and the second adhesives (joining means) may be the same or different in physical properties, the amount applied, and the like, except for the application (joint) pattern.
  • the adhesive (joining means) 81 applied in the crotch portion with a wider pattern width firmly fixes the absorbent member 4 in place.
  • the adhesive (joining means) 82 applied in the back portion A and/or the stomach portion B with a narrower pattern width, particularly in a linear pattern (including wavy lines and broken lines) effectively attenuates the crosswise wrinkling force of the backsheet thereby reducing bunching of the absorbent member.
  • the portions 43 B in the crotch portion each have a plurality of elastic members 71 disposed in their stretched state in the longitudinal direction.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the portions 43 B in the crotch portion are gathered by contraction of the elastic members 71 and brought into close contact with the wearer's skin with a snug fit and are thereby prevented from bunching up. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the amount of the adhesive to be applied for fixing the absorbent member 4 in the back portion A and the stomach portion B and to further reduce bunching of the absorbent member 4 .
  • the topsheet 2 side (wearer's side) of the absorbent member 4 in the portions 43 B of the diaper 1 C is embossed to form linear depressions 6 as shown in FIG. 18.
  • the linear depressions 6 each have a narrow, oblong elliptical shape whose longitudinal direction almost coincides with the width direction of the portions 43 B.
  • the linear depressions 6 exert resistance in the width direction of the absorbent member 4 thereby preventing the absorbent member from bunching up.
  • embossing is markedly manifested particularly when combining the helically applied adhesive 82 .
  • the angle ⁇ (see FIG. 18) formed between the longitudinal direction of each linear depression 6 (indicated by centerline CL) and the width direction of the diaper 1 C (indicated by line WL) is preferably 0 to 45°, still preferably 0 to 30°.
  • the embossed pattern may be a pattern of straight lines (inclusive of dotted lines) as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, curved lines or a combination thereof. A straight line pattern is preferred for prevention of bunching and strength improvement.
  • the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1 C has a rectangular (in its plan view) laminate structure composed of an upper fiber layer 45 and a lower fiber layer 46 .
  • An absorbent polymer 47 is disposed between the upper fiber layer 45 and the lower fiber layer 46 in the areas having the linear depressions 6 to form a long and narrow polymer zone P 1 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the diaper. It is preferred that the absorbent polymer 47 under the linear depressions 6 is crushed by embossing so that the embossed area may become harder to further ensure the resistance of the absorbent member 4 against bunching up.
  • the disposable diaper 1 C is designed so that the portions 43 B in the crotch portion C may bend downward in conformity with the inner side of wearer M's thighs as illustrated in FIG. 24.
  • the absorbent member 4 in the crosswise middle portion 42 B (between the portions 43 B) of the diaper 1 C is embossed in a pattern (lattice pattern) different from the embossing pattern of the portions 431 B (the lattice pattern is not shown in FIG. 19).
  • An absorbent polymer 47 a is disposed in the absorbent member 4 of the middle portion 42 B to form a vertically oblong rectangular polymer zone P 2 .
  • the absorbent member 4 has a laminate structure composed of the upper fiber layer 45 and the lower fiber layer 46 , and the absorbent polymers 47 and 47 a disposed therebetween.
  • the laminate structure is wrapped in between two liquid permeable sheets 49 and 50 .
  • the diaper 1 C also has a second elastic member 72 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper within the crotch portion C at a position out of each lateral edge 41 of the absorbent member 4 so that the parts having the elastic member 72 may come into close contact with wearer's thighs.
  • the diaper 1 C it is allowable for the diaper 1 C to have no absorbent member 4 in its stomach portion B. In this case, the joint area ratio of the stomach portion is 0%.
  • the elastic members 71 are disposed at any position in the thickness direction of the portions 43 B, for example, between the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 or in the back of the backsheet 3 . While the disposable diaper according to the present invention is capable of conforming to a wearer's body when worn, the cross-sectional view of the bent absorbent member 4 is not limited to the M shape or inverted U shape as depicted in FIG. 24. For example, the absorbent member can bend into a U shape.
  • the aforementioned disposable diapers 1 , 1 ′, 1 A, 1 B, and 1 C representing the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to the materials making up their constituent members.
  • the topsheet 2 , the backsheet 3 , the fastening tapes 5 , the landing zone 51 , and the adhesives 81 and 82 can be of any materials conventionally employed in disposable diapers.
  • the backsheet 3 includes a laminate sheet composed of a liquid impermeable sheet and other sheeting.
  • the absorbent member 4 can be of any materials conventionally used in disposable diapers or like absorbent articles, including aggregates of fibers, such as pulp fiber, rayon, cellulose fiber, polyethylene fiber, and polypropylene fiber, aggregates of these fibers having an absorbent polymer distributed locally or uniformly, and fiber aggregates described above which are wrapped in paper, liquid permeable nonwoven fabric, etc.
  • the absorbent polymer includes any kinds conventionally used in disposable diapers and like absorbent articles. A superabsorbent polymer capable of absorbing and retaining 20 times or more as much liquid as its own weight and capable of gelling is preferred.
  • Such a superabsorbent polymer includes starch, crosslinked carboxymethylated cellulose, and homo- or copolymers of acrylic acid or an alkali metal salt thereof, such as polyacrylic acid or a salt thereof and a polyacrylate graft copolymer.
  • the elastic members 71 and 72 can be of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and spundex (polyurethane fiber).
  • the form of the elastic members includes a string, a tape, and a film.
  • the elastic member 71 is preferably a rubber string or a rubber tape from the standpoint of contractibility, processability and cost.
  • the hydrophobic sheets (backsheet 3 and the sheet 21 ) can be of any kind that has conventionally been used as a backsheet.
  • each side absorbent portion 43 in terms of unit absorption capacity, etc., which is the characteristic of the crotch portion C of the disposable diaper according to the first aspect of the invention, is applicable to the whole length of the absorbent member.
  • the lateral edge of each side absorbent portions 43 may be covered with two hydrophobic sheets (i.e., the backsheet 3 and the other sheet 21 ) as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 or with a single hydrophobic sheet.
  • the present invention provides a disposable diaper which can be produced at a lower cost and is excellent in leakproofness and fit.
  • the present invention provides a disposable diaper which is excellent in preventing leakage and holding an auxiliary absorbent article.
  • the present invention provides a disposable diaper which has a good fit to the inner side of wearer's thighs and excellent leakproof performance.
  • the present invention provides a disposable diaper, the absorbent member of which securely bends at an expected position in spite of slight variations of a wearer's size or manner of diapering thereby secures a desired fit and/or leakproof performance.
  • This effect is particularly marked where the disposable diaper is of the type in which at least a part of the inner surface of both lateral side portions of the absorbent member is brought into planar contact with the wearer's thighs while worn.
  • the present invention provides a disposable diaper in which the surface in contact with a wearer's body or a member disposed thereabouts, particularly the absorbent member greatly influential on the skin, hardly bunches up and therefore hardly causes skin troubles such as a bedsore.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
US10/466,692 2001-09-21 2002-09-12 Disposable diaper Abandoned US20040078017A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/145,404 US7938814B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2008-06-24 Disposable diaper

Applications Claiming Priority (11)

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JP2001-289941 2001-09-21
JP2001289941A JP2003093440A (ja) 2001-09-21 2001-09-21 使い捨ておむつ
JP2001346577A JP3901494B2 (ja) 2001-11-12 2001-11-12 使い捨ておむつ
JP2001-346577 2001-11-12
JP2001349620A JP3901496B2 (ja) 2001-11-15 2001-11-15 使い捨ておむつ
JP2001-349620 2001-11-15
JP2001-369516 2001-12-04
JP2001369516A JP4502557B2 (ja) 2001-12-04 2001-12-04 使い捨ておむつ
JP2001-380516 2001-12-13
JP2001380516A JP3938305B2 (ja) 2001-12-13 2001-12-13 吸収性物品
PCT/JP2002/009367 WO2003026545A2 (en) 2001-09-21 2002-09-12 Disposable diaper

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US12/145,404 Division US7938814B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2008-06-24 Disposable diaper

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US10/466,692 Abandoned US20040078017A1 (en) 2001-09-21 2002-09-12 Disposable diaper
US12/145,404 Expired - Fee Related US7938814B2 (en) 2001-09-21 2008-06-24 Disposable diaper

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EP (1) EP1429705B1 (de)
KR (1) KR100889720B1 (de)
CN (1) CN1232237C (de)
AU (1) AU2002328060A1 (de)
DE (1) DE60223697T2 (de)
TW (1) TW576737B (de)
WO (1) WO2003026545A2 (de)

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US20060224138A1 (en) * 2005-04-04 2006-10-05 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable garment
US8568380B2 (en) * 2006-08-02 2013-10-29 James Roy Brownlee Diapering system using re-usable diaper shell with replaceable absorbent insert and method of manufacture of same
US20100241098A1 (en) * 2006-08-02 2010-09-23 James Roy Brownlee Diapering system using re-usable diaper shell with replaceable absorbent insert and method of manufacture of same
US20100179497A1 (en) * 2007-02-07 2010-07-15 James Roy Brownlee Compostable diapering system and method of using same
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EP2621437A4 (de) * 2010-09-30 2014-08-20 Unicharm Corp Hosenähnliche windel
EP2621437A1 (de) * 2010-09-30 2013-08-07 Unicharm Corporation Hosenähnliche windel
US20130226121A1 (en) * 2010-11-02 2013-08-29 Kao Corporation Disposable diaper
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US9408760B2 (en) * 2012-03-30 2016-08-09 Unicharm Corporation Disposable diaper
CN109451724A (zh) * 2016-05-02 2019-03-08 詹姆斯·罗伊·布朗利 用作倍增器与单次用可丢弃型尿片或与可重复使用、可回收利用的外壳一起使用的可更换吸收性尿片通道
EP3484428A4 (de) * 2016-05-02 2020-04-15 James Roy Brownlee Austauschbarer absorbierender windelkanal zur verwendung als multiplikator mit einweg-wegwerfwindeln oder wiederverwendbarer recycelbarer aussenhülle
US11337869B2 (en) 2016-05-02 2022-05-24 James Roy Brownlee Replaceable absorbent channel diaper for use as a multiplier with single-use disposable diapers or re-usable recyclable outer shell

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EP1429705A2 (de) 2004-06-23
DE60223697T2 (de) 2008-10-30
DE60223697D1 (de) 2008-01-03
WO2003026545A2 (en) 2003-04-03
EP1429705B1 (de) 2007-11-21
KR100889720B1 (ko) 2009-03-23
WO2003026545A3 (en) 2003-08-14
US20080312626A1 (en) 2008-12-18
CN1494406A (zh) 2004-05-05
KR20040034596A (ko) 2004-04-28
CN1232237C (zh) 2005-12-21
TW576737B (en) 2004-02-21
AU2002328060A1 (en) 2003-04-07
US7938814B2 (en) 2011-05-10

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