Classifications

• • 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
  • A61F13/551—Packaging before or after use
  • A61F13/55105—Packaging before or after use packaging of diapers
  • A61F13/5512—Packaging before or after use packaging of diapers after use

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article having an attachment for disposal.
• disposable absorbent articles that include a first layer having a liquid absorbent core and a liquid impermeable second layer that covers the first layer have an attachment as a fixing means for maintaining the disposable absorbent article in a state for disposal after use.
• the attachment rolls up or folds the disposable absorbent article to a small size with the soiled part of the first layer that has received the feces of the wearer on the inside in a state for disposal after use (referred to as the "disposal state" in this application).
• Disposable absorbent articles having an attachment for disposal include, for example, diapers and sanitary napkins.
• Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article such as a diaper or the like having a fixing means for disposal.
• the present invention relates to an absorbent article (10) that includes an absorbent core ( 12) disposed between an inside cover sheet (14) and an outside cover sheet (16).
• This article further includes at least one fixing means (18) for disposal, and this fixing means (18) is either directly or indirectly bonded to the outside cover sheet ( 16).
• the fixing means (18) for disposal includes a fixing element (20) capable of fixing the article in a configuration that is convenient for disposal after use of the article.
• the fixing means (18) for disposal is covered by a material layer (22) having a planar region, and this material layer (22) extends beyond the fixing means (18) for disposal.
• the material layer (22) is attached to an essential portion of the outside cover sheet (16), or forms this essential portion, and conceals the fixing means (18) for disposal when not being used.
• the material layer (22) can be removed from the outside cover sheet (16), thereby exposing the fixing means (18) for disposal so that it can be used”.
• Patent Document 2 discloses a laminated tape tab used in a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper or the like.
• the disposable tape tab according to the present invention can be used in disposable articles, in particular, pants type or shorts type diapers for children or incontinence articles for adults, using adhesive applied on the tape tab element.
• the present invention provides an economical and practical solution for manufacturing the disposable tape tab, and at the same time, enables the soiled disposable article to be conveniently and reliably sealed.
• Patent Document 3 discloses a disposable diaper provided with a fixing tape for disposal on the outside of the body.
• a disposable diaper is provided in which even if a flexible (low breaking strength) external body is used, when the fixing tape is pulled during use, the external body does not easily tear at the connection with the fixing tape.
• One aspect of the present invention is a disposable absorbent article that includes a first layer having a liquid absorbent core; a liquid impermeable second layer that covers the first layer and that includes a first area and a second area that are adjacent to each other; an attachment provided in the first area of the second layer; and a separation mechanism that enables the first area of the second layer to partially separate from the second area as a result of an external force applied to the attachment.
• the first area can open out with respect to the second area so as to separate from the first layer, and in conjunction with the attachment, it is possible to maintain the disposable absorbent article in the disposal state.
• the first area that has partially separated from the second area of the second layer due to the separation mechanism can open out with respect to the second area so that the first area separates from the first layer, and in this state, the first area is capable of acting as a fastening belt together with the attachment which includes a fastening function.
• the joint action of the first area and the attachment it is possible to maintain the disposable absorbent article in the disposal state in which the soiled portion of the first layer that has received the feces of the wearer is wrapped on the inside, and it is possible to prevent leakage of the feces or their residues from the disposable absorbent article in the disposal state.
• the combination of the attachment and the first area can act as a fastening belt. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the material cost of the attachment, and reduce the manufacturing cost of the disposable absorbent article.
• the attachment can be provided exposed on the outside of the second layer of the disposable absorbent article, so it is convenient for the user to operate the attachment.
• FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of a disposable absorbent article according to an embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view partially sectioned of an example of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for describing a method of disposing of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for describing a method of disposing of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for describing a method of disposing of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 6 is a perspective view for describing a method of disposing of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 7 schematically illustrates various configurations of separation mechanism of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 8 schematically illustrates various configurations of separation mechanism of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 9 schematically illustrates various arrangements of an attachment of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a modified example of the attachment of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 1 1 illustrates another modified example of the attachment of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of a process of manufacturing the attachment of the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1
• FIG. 12A schematically illustrates an example of an attachment manufacturing apparatus
• FIG. 12B is an end surface view of a laminated tape from which the attachment is configured
• FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the laminated tape in roll form.
• FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a process of manufacturing the disposable absorbent article in FIG. 1 , schematically illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing the disposable absorbent article.
• dispenser article means an article constituted so that it absorbs and holds various feces released from the body of the wearer of the article, and thereafter it is disposed of without reuse.
• FIG. 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of a disposable absorbent article 10 (hereinafter, abbreviated to article 10) according to a first embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view partially sectioned of a pants-type diaper as an example of the article 10.
• the article 10 is not limited to the pants-type diaper illustrated in FIG. 2, but can include, for example, other pants-type diapers such as tape-fixing-type diapers and pad-type diapers, and sanitary articles such as napkins, and a napkin integrated with shorts.
• the article 10 includes a first layer 14 that has a liquid absorbent core 12, and a liquid impermeable second layer 16 that covers the first layer 14.
• the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 constitute the laminated structure of an article main body 18.
• the first layer 14 is disposed so that it is in contact with the skin of the wearer on the inside of the article main body 18, and the second layer 16 is disposed so that it is in contact with the clothing or the like of the wearer on the outside of the article main body 18.
• the liquid absorbent core 12 is a flexible core material included in the first layer 14 that immediately absorbs and retains the liquid component of the feces of the wearer, and has sufficient liquid absorption capability and liquid retention capability.
• the liquid absorbent core 12 can have appropriate extensibility and shape following capability so that it can be placed along the body of the wearer.
• the liquid absorbent core 12 can be
• liquid absorbent core 12 can be manufactured from a single material, or it can be manufactured from a plurality of materials.
• the first layer 14 can further include an inside sheet 20 laminated onto a first surface of the liquid absorbent core 12, and an outside sheet 22 laminated onto a second surface of the liquid absorbent core 12 on the side opposite the inside sheet 20.
• the inside sheet 20 is a flexible sheet that constitutes the surface that contacts the skin of the wearer, and allows the liquid component of the feces of the wearer to pass without hindrance and provides sufficient liquid permeability to the liquid absorbent core 12.
• the inside sheet 20 can be appropriately hydrophobic to separate the liquid retained in the liquid absorbent core 12 from the skin of the wearer.
• the inside sheet 20 can be manufactured from various materials such as porous foam, meshed foam, porous film, natural fibers (for example, wood fibers or cotton fibers), synthetic fibers (for example, polyester fiber or polypropylene fiber), and the like.
• the inside sheet 20 can have a single material single layer structure, or a multiple material laminated structure.
• the material of the inside sheet 20 can be, for example, polypropylene nonwoven fabric.
• the outside sheet 22 is a flexible sheet on the side that does not contact the skin of the wearer, and has sufficient liquid impermeability to prevent the liquid retained in the liquid absorbent core 12 from passing through it.
• the outside sheet 22 can have an appropriate amount of air permeability to permit vapor released from the liquid absorbent core 12 to pass through it.
• the outside sheet 22 can be manufactured from various materials such as porous plastic film, nonwoven fabric, and the like.
• the outside sheet 22 can have a single material single layer structure, or a multiple material laminated structure.
• the material of the outside sheet 22 can be, for example, polypropylene nonwoven fabric.
• the outside sheet 22 in conjunction with the inside sheet 20 can enclose the entire liquid absorbent core 12.
• the first layer 14 may have a configuration without the inside sheet 20 or the outside sheet 22.
• the second layer 16 is a flexible sheet having the same properties as the outside sheet 22, and can be manufactured from the same material as the outside sheet 22. Colors, patterns, pictures, characters, and the like that affect the appearance of the article main body 18 can be applied by printing or the like to a surface 16b of the second layer 16 on the side opposite a surface 16a that contacts the outside sheet 22.
• the article 10 is a pants-type diaper as illustrated in FIG. 2, polypropylene nonwoven fabric manufactured by the spun bonding method and having a basis weight of 25g/m 2 can be used as the outside sheet 22 and the second layer 16.
• the liquid absorbent core 12 and the inside sheet 20, the liquid absorbent core 12 and the outside sheet 22, and the outside sheet 22 and the second layer 16 can be bonded together over their whole surface or at least partially using commonly known bonding means such as adhesive such as pressure sensitive adhesive or hot melt adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, and the like.
• the outer edge portions of the inside sheet 20 and the outside sheet 22 that enclose the liquid absorbent core 12 can be bonded together using similar bonding means.
• the article main body 18 is manufactured into a pants form from the developed state in which the outline is formed in a predetermined hourglass shape, by folding in two at the center of the longitudinal direction with the first layer 14 on the inside, and partially bonding together the side edges that overlap.
• a portion of the second layer 16 and the outside sheet 22 are cut away, clearly illustrating the liquid absorbent core 12.
• the pants-type article main body 18 includes a single trunk aperture 24 through which the trunk of the wearer passes, and a pair of leg apertures 26 (only one illustrated on the drawing) through which the legs of the wearer pass.
• a joint 28 is formed in the article main body 18 between the trunk aperture 24 and each of the leg apertures 26. Gathers that include elastic are provided in the trunk aperture and each of the leg apertures 26.
• the second layer 16 includes a first area 30 and a second area 32 that are adjacent to each other.
• the first area 30 is a portion of the second layer 16, and the second area 32 is the portion of the second layer 16 other than the first area 30.
• the first area 30 and the second area 32 can have the same properties, and can be manufactured from the same materials.
• the first area 30 and the second area 32 can have different properties from each other, and can be manufactured from materials that are different from each other.
• the first area 30 includes a portion of both surfaces 16a, 16b of the second layer 16, and the second area 32 includes the remaining portion of both surfaces 16a, 16b of the second layer 16. Therefore, the first area 30 and the second area 32 each have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the second layer 16, and are adjacent to each other along the surfaces 16a, 16b.
• the boundary between the first area 30 and the second area 32 is not necessarily clearly prescribed, but the linear portion where the first area 30 and the second area 32 partially separate from each other in the method of disposing of the article 10 described later is the boundary between both areas 30, 32.
• the first area 30 can be configured having the surface 16b on the outside of the second layer 16 only.
• the first area 30 has a thickness less than the thickness of the second layer 16, and is adjacent to the second area 32 along both the surface 16b and the thickness directions.
• the boundary between the first area 30 and the second area 32 is a planar portion that extends substantially parallel to the surface 16b on the inside of the second layer 16.
• the article 10 further includes an attachment 34 disposed in the first area 30 of the second layer 16.
• the attachment 34 includes an attachment portion 36 installed fixed to the first area 30, and a fixing portion 38 that extends from the attachment portion 36 and that can be fixed to the second area 32 (or the first area 30 or the first layer 14) as necessary.
• the attachment 34 is provided in the first area 30 with the fixing portion 38 overlapping onto the attachment portion 36 so that a folded state is formed.
• the attachment 34 is maintained in the state of being folded in two when not being used.
• the attachment portion 36 has the configuration of adhesive tape that includes a base member 40 in strip form, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42 provided on a first surface of the base member 40.
• the fixing portion 38 has the configuration of adhesive tape that includes a base member 44 in strip form, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 provided on a first surface of the base member 44.
• the attachment 34 is manufactured by joining together in the longitudinal direction one strip of adhesive tape that constitutes the attachment portion 36 and another strip of adhesive tape that constitutes the fixing portion 38.
• the attachment portion 36 is fixed to the surface 16b of the first area 30 with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42.
• a portion 36a of predetermined length at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion 36 is bent toward the base member 40 without being fixed to the surface 16b of the first area 30.
• the fixing portion 38 is disposed with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 in opposition to the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36.
• the fixing portion 38 is joined to the portion 36a, of the attachment portion 36, bent toward the base member 40 side (hereinafter, referred to as the bent portion 36a) near a first end thereof in the longitudinal direction, by both pressure sensitive adhesive layers 46, 42.
• a gap is formed between the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36 and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 of the fixing portion 38, but this gap is for ease of understanding of the configuration of the attachment 34, and when the attachment 34 is not being used, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 of the fixing portion 38 may be superimposed on the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36.
• the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36 and the base member 44 of the fixing portion 38 can each be manufactured from various types of materials such as plastic film, nonwoven fabric, laminates thereof, and the like. It is desirable that the base members 40, 44 have sufficient strength (for example, tensile strength) so that they do not rupture when an external force is applied to the attachment 34 in the method of disposal of the article 10 described later.
• the materials of the base members 40, 44 can be, for example, a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene.
• the outside surfaces of the base members 40, 44 on the side opposite the pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42, 46 can be subjected to a peeling process such as silicone coating or the like.
• the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34 not being used can be superimposed on the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36 using the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46, and as described later, during the manufacturing process of the article 10, it is possible to supply the attachment 34 folded in two and wound around a roll continuously in a direction normal to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1.
• the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42 of the attachment portion 36 can be manufactured from various types of pressure sensitive adhesive, but preferably it is capable of obtaining an adhesive force that can permanently fix the attachment 34 to the first area 30 of the second layer 16.
• the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 of the fixing portion 38 is preferably capable of obtaining an adhesion force that is capable of maintaining fixity of the fixing portion 38 to the second area 32 of the second layer 16 (or to the first area 30 or the first layer 14) while resisting external forces, in the method of disposal of the article 10 as described later.
• the pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42, 46 can each be manufactured from the same pressure sensitive adhesive, or they can be manufactured from mutually different pressure sensitive adhesives.
• the material of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42, 46 can be, for example, synthetic rubber type adhesive.
• the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38 are entirely manufactured from a single adhesive tape.
• the attachment portion 36 can be permanently fixed to the first area 30 by another bonding means such as ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding or the like, or by another fixing means such as stitching or the like.
• the fixing portion 38 can be configured so that it is fixed to the second area 32 (or the first area 30 or the first layer 14) when disposing of the article 10 as described later, using another fixing means such as a hook and loop fastener.
• the article 10 further includes a separation mechanism 48 that enables the first area 30 of the second layer 16 to be partially separated from the second area 32 due to an external force applied to the attachment 34.
• the separation mechanism 48 allows the first area 30 to separate from the second area 32 when the external force applied to the attachment exceeds a predetermined value.
• the separation mechanism 48 does not allow the first area 30 to separate from the second area 32 when the external force to partially separate the first area 30 from the second area 32 is less than or equal to the predetermined value, so both areas 30, 32 are maintained in their initial state adjacent to each other.
• the separation mechanism 48 includes a material weakening portion 50 formed at the boundary between the first area 30 and the second area 32.
• the material weakening portion 50 can tear the second layer 16 due to an external force applied to the attachment 34.
• the material weakening portion 50 is constituted from a plurality of perforation holes arranged in a row in the form of a broken line (in other words perforations).
• the material weakening portion 50 can be constituted from a portion of the second layer 16 where the thickness is locally reduced.
• the separation mechanism 48 can have an adhesive force reduction portion 52 (FIG. 1) that reduces the adhesive force at the first area 30 of the adhesive means between the second layer 16 and the first layer 14 to less than that of the second area 32.
• the adhesive force reduction portion 52 can be provided by changing the type of adhesive means or the adhesion area, and the like with respect to the first layer 14 at the first area 30 and the second area 32. It is possible to not bond the first area 30 to the first layer 14.
• the material weakening portion 50 and the adhesive force reduction portion 52 can be used in combination as the separation mechanism 48.
• the attachment 34 can include a tab 54 at the end edge that is capable of bearing the tensile force as the external force for tearing the second layer 16 at the material weakening portion 50.
• the tab 54 can have a width (the dimension in the direction normal to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1 ) that is substantially equal to the width of the fixing portion 38, and a length (the dimension in the left to right direction in FIG. 1 ) that is sufficiently shorter than the length of the fixing portion 38, disposed so that it projects slightly in the length direction from the end edge of the fixing portion 38, and can be bonded to the fixing portion 38 by the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46.
• the tab 54 may be disposed projecting to the outside of the attachment portion 36, or it may be disposed on the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36.
• the tab 54 can be manufactured from various types of materials such as plastic film, nonwoven fabric, laminates thereof, and the like. It is desirable that the tab 54 has sufficient tensile strength so that it does not rupture when a tensile force is applied to the attachment 34 in the method of disposal of the article 10 described later.
• the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48 extends in an approximately U-shape substantially around the attachment 34.
• the material weakening portion 50 is provided at least surrounding the position of the joint between the attachment portion 36 of the attachment 34 and the fixing portion 38 (therefore, the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36) (FIG. 1).
• the attachment 34 is disposed with the tab 54 facing toward the side near the trunk aperture 24, and the position of the joint between the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38 (the bent portion 36a) is disposed toward the side near the crotch area 56 between the pair of leg apertures 26.
• the material weakening portion 50 extends as a broken line in the
• the material weakening portion 50 is not formed on the trunk aperture 24 side.
• the first area 30 and the second area 32 maintain their state of being permanently connected together at the position where there is no material weakening portion 50.
• FIGS. 3 to 5 are cross-sectional views of the main part of the article 10, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pants-type diaper as an example of the article 10 during disposal.
• the disposal state in which the soiled portion of the first layer 14 that has received the feces released by the wearer is wrapped on the inside, is maintained by the attachment 34 of the article 10.
• the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34 is moved in a direction so that it is separated from the attachment portion 36.
• the user grips the tab 54, and applies a force F l to the fixing portion 38 so that the fixing portion fastened to the attachment portion 36 by the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 is gradually peeled from the attachment portion 36.
• the fixing portion 38 has been separated from the attachment portion 36 except for the position of the joint with the bent portion 36a (FIG. 3), the force F l is removed.
• the user applies a force F2 to the fixing portion 38 via the tab 54 so that the fixing portion is pulled in its longitudinal direction.
• the force F2 applied to the fixing portion 38 is concentrated at the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36, and is transmitted to the second layer 16 of the article main body 18 directly underneath the bent portion 36a, and is concentrated in the portion of the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48 that is closest to the bent portion 36a (for example, the portion corresponding to the bottom side of the U).
• the force F2 exceeds a specific value, the material weakening portion 50 starts to tear at the portion closest to the bent portion 36a, and by continuously pulling the fixing portion 38 in the longitudinal direction, the material weakening portion 50 progressively tears.
• the second layer 16 is torn along the material weakening portion 50 by tearing the whole material weakening portion 50, and the first area 30 is partially separated from the second area 32.
• the first area 30 is folded back and opened out with respect to the second area 32 so as to separate from the first layer 14, and can extend to the outside beyond the outer edge of the article main body 18 (the peripheral edge of the trunk aperture 24 of the pants-type diaper in FIG. 2).
• the whole attachment 34 fixed to the first area 30 is disposed to the outside of the outer edge of the article main body 18 (peripheral edge of the trunk aperture 24) as a result of opening out the first area 30 with respect to the second area 32.
• the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34 is disposed protecting further to the outside from the end edge of the first area 30 which is separated from the outer edge of the article main body 18
• the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34 is fixed by the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 onto an appropriate position of the second area 32 of the second layer 16 of the article main body 18 that has been appropriately rolled up or folded.
• the attachment 34 with the fixing portion 38 fixed to the second area 32 maintains the article main body 18 fastened in the rolled up or folded state resisting external forces with its own tensile strength and the adhesive force of the pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42, 46.
• the first area 30 in the opened out position together with the attachment 34 act as a fastening belt wound at least partially around the article main body 18. Therefore, the first area 30 together with the attachment 34 can maintain the article 10 in the disposal state in which it is wrapped up small.
• the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34 will extend beyond the second area 32, and be fixed to the exposed portion of the first layer 14 on the inside of the material weakening portion 50, or will also extend beyond the exposed portion and be fixed to the first area 30 in the opened out position.
• the fixing portion 38 may be continuously fixed to two or more mutually adjacent areas from among the second area 32, the exposed portion of the first layer 14, and the first area 30 in the opened out position.
• the first area 30 that has partially separated from the second area 32 of the second layer 16 as a result of the separation mechanism 48 is opened out with respect to the second area 32 so that the first area 30 separates from the first layer 14, and, in this state, the first area 30 can act together with the attachment 34, which has a fastening function, as a fastening belt for the appropriately rolled up or folded article main body 18.
• the article 10 as a result of the joint action of the first area 30 and the attachment 34, it is possible to maintain the article 10 in the disposal state in which the soiled portion of the first layer 14 that has received the feces of the wearer is wrapped on the inside, and it is possible to prevent leakage of the feces or their residues from the article 10 in the disposal state.
• the attachment 34 whose length is comparatively short in the fully exploded state, is used in the folded in two state, by opening out the first area 30 of the second layer 16 with respect to the second area 32, it is possible to supplement the length of the attachment 34, so that the combination of the attachment 34 and the first area 30 can act as a fastening belt. Therefore, according to the article 10, it is possible to reduce the material cost of the attachment 34, and therefore reduce the cost of manufacturing the article 10.
• the attachment 34 is possible to arrange the attachment 34 exposed on the outside of the second layer 16 of the article main body 18, so it is convenient for the user to operate the attachment 34.
• the user can accurately apply the external force F2 to the attachment 34 that is required for the separation mechanism 48 to partially separate the first area 30 from the second area 32.
• the article 10 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6.
• the article 10 can have various configurations of material weakening portion 50 (separation mechanism 48).
• FIG. 7A illustrates the material weakening portion 50 that extends as a broken line in the approximately U shape illustrated in FIG. 2.
• the material weakening portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 7B extends as a broken line in the approximately V shape converging near the joint position of the attachment 34 (bent portion 36a) and spreading out on both sides of the attachment 34.
• the material weakening portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 7C extends as a broken line in the large approximately U shape along the outline of the article main body 18.
• the material weakening portion 50 illustrated in FIG. 7D extends as a broken line in an hourglass shape along the outline of the article main body 18.
• the shapes can be formed by mixing appropriate curves, in addition to a combination of straight lines as illustrated on the drawing.
• the material weakening portion 50 does not completely surround the first area 30, but a portion remains where the material weakening portion 50 is not formed between the first area 30 and the second area 32.
• the first area 30 and the second area 32 opened out remain permanently connected together at the portion where there is no material weakening portion 50.
• the attachment 34 provided in the first area 30 is disposed so that the joint position (bent portion 36a) is closest to a portion of the material weakening portion 50 located on the side opposite the portion where there is no material weakening portion 50.
• the force F2 (FIG. 4) applied to the attachment 34 via the tab 54 is transmitted to the second layer 16 of the article main body 18 from the bent portion 36a, and is concentrated in the portion of the material weakening portion 50 closest to the bent portion 36a, so it is possible to promptly and reliably produce a tear in the material weakening portion 50.
• the portion of the material weakening portion 50 that is closest to the bent portion 36a of the attachment 34 can be appropriately selected.
• the article main body 18, which includes the first layer 14 and the second layer 16 includes the crotch area 56, a stomach area 58 that extends from the crotch area 56, and a back area 60 on the side opposite the stomach area 58 and that extends from the crotch area 56 (FIG. 2).
• the first area 30 is provided in the back area 60
• the second area 32 is the crotch area 56 and the stomach area 58 and the back area 60 apart from the first area 30.
• the article main body 18 illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7C is for the case that the article main body 18 is a pants type diaper as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the first area 30 and the attachment 34 can be provided in at least one of the stomach area 58 and the back area 60.
• the article main body 18 illustrated in FIG. 7D is for a case where the article main body 18 of the pants-type diaper of FIG. 2 is cut and separated at the joint 28 (FIG. 2), and the first area 30 is provided continuous with the stomach area 58, the back area 60, and the crotch area 56, and the portion of the stomach area 58, the back area 60, and the crotch area 56 apart from the first area 30 is the second area 32.
• FIG. 8A illustrates a perforation 50A in which perforations in which the dimension of perforated holes that are arranged in a row in the form of a broken line in the direction of each row (in other words, the length LI , as illustrated in FIG. 8B), and the dimension between adjacent perforated holes in the direction of the row (in other words, the length L2, as illustrated in FIG. 8B) are substantially equal.
• FIG. 8B illustrates a perforation 50B in which the length LI of each perforated hole of the row in the form of a broken line is approximately from 1 to 10 times the length L2 between adjacent perforation holes.
• FIG. 8A illustrates a perforation 50A in which perforations in which the dimension of perforated holes that are arranged in a row in the form of a broken line in the direction of each row (in other words, the length LI , as illustrated in FIG. 8B), and the dimension between adjacent perforated holes in the direction of the row (in other words, the length L2, as illustrated in
• 8C illustrates a perforation 50C in which the length L I of each perforated hole of the row in the form of a broken line is approximately from 1 to 10 times the length L2 between adjacent perforation holes, and the lengths LI of the adjacent perforated holes are different from each other.
• These perforations 50A to 50C can be selected as appropriate taking into consideration the material of the second layer 16, and the force required to tear the second layer 16 along the material weakening portion 50.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 of the article 10 can be arranged in various positions and various orientations on the second layer 16.
• FIG. 9A illustrates the first area 30 and the attachment 34 arranged at approximately center in the article main body 18.
• the first areas 30 and the attachments 34 illustrated in FIG. 9B are arranged so that the tabs 54 of the attachments 34 are oriented to the side facing each other, with one each arranged on the left and right sides of the drawing of the article main body 18.
• each set of the first area 30 and the attachment 34 is arranged on the side near the trunk aperture 24.
• the first areas 30 and the attachments 34 illustrated in FIG. 9C are arranged with the tabs 54 of the attachments 34 oriented to the side in opposite directions, with one set each arranged on the left and right sides of the drawing of the article main body 18.
• each set of the first area 30 and the attachment 34 is arranged on the side near the leg apertures 26.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 illustrated in FIG. 9D are arranged at approximately center in the article main body 18 with the tab 54 of the attachment 34 oriented sideways.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 illustrated in FIG. 9E are arranged at the bottom end of the article main body 18 with the tab 54 of the attachment 34 oriented downwards.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 illustrated in FIG. 9F are arranged at the bottom end of the article main body 18 with the tab 54 of the attachment 34 oriented sideways.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 illustrated in FIG. 9G are arranged at the bottom end of the article main body 18 with the tab 54 of the attachment 34 oriented upwards.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 illustrated in FIG. 9H are arranged at the top side end of the article main body 18 with the tab 54 of the attachment 34 oriented upwards.
• the material weakening portion 50 does not completely surround the first area 30, but a portion where the material weakening portion 50 is not formed is provided between the first area 30 and the second area 32.
• the attachment 34 is disposed so that the joint position (bent portion 36a) is closest to a portion of the material weakening portion 50 located on the side opposite the portion where there is no material weakening portion 50.
• one or more first areas 30 and one attachment 34 provided in each of these first areas 30 can be provided in the article 10.
• one or more first areas 30 and two or more attachments 34 provided in each of these first areas 30 can be provided in the article 10.
• the first area 30 and the attachment 34 can be provided in the second layer 16 at a position corresponding to a portion of the first layer 14 where the liquid absorbent core 12 is not provided, or a portion of the first layer 14 where the inside sheet 20 or the outside sheet 22 is not provided.
• the position and number of the first areas 30 and the attachments 34 can be selected as appropriate taking into consideration the time of the user to carry out the method of disposing of the article 10 as described previously, or the reliability of wrapping the soiled portion of the first layer 14 in accordance with the method of disposal.
• the article 10 can be provided with an attachment whose configuration is different from the attachment 34.
• An attachment 62 illustrated in FIG. 10 includes the attachment portion 36 installed fixed to the first area 30 of the second layer 16, a fixing portion 64 that extends from the attachment portion 36 and if necessary can be fixed to the second area 32 of the second layer 16, and the tab 54 fixed to the tip of the fixing portion 64.
• the attachment 62 is disposed on the first area 30 while the fixing portion 64 overlaps onto the attachment portion 36 so that a folded state is formed, and the attachment 62 is maintained in the state of being folded in two when not in use.
• the attachment portion 36 of the attachment 62 has the same configuration as the attachment portion 36 of the attachment 34 as described above.
• the fixing portion 64 of the attachment 62 has the substantially the same configuration as the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34, apart from the following points.
• the fixing portion 64 is further extended to the opposite side from the tab 54 from the joint position with the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36.
• An extension portion 64a of the fixing portion 64 is fixed to the surface 16b of the first area 30 by its pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46, near the bent portion 36a.
• the extension portion 64a is fixed to the surface 16b at a portion between the bent portion 36a and the part of the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48 closest to the bent portion 36a.
• the user partially separates the first area 30 from the second area 32 by applying the tensile force F2 (FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction of the fixing portion 64 via the tab 54, to displace it in the direction of the arrow a (FIG. 10).
• the force F2 applied to the fixing portion 38 is concentrated and dispersed between both the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36 and the extension portion 64a of the fixing portion 64 fixed on the surface 16b of the first area 30, so the force F2 is transmitted more reliably to the second layer 16, without causing unintentional peeling of the bent portion 36a from the second layer 16.
• the force F2 is reliably concentrated at the portion of the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48 closest to the bent portion 36a and the extension portion 64a, so the material weakening portion 50 is easily and reliably torn.
• An attachment 66 illustrated in FIG. 1 1 includes the attachment portion 36 installed fixed to the first area 30 of the second layer 16, an intermediate portion 68 that extends from the attachment portion 36, the fixing portion 38 that extends from the intermediate portion 68 and if necessary can be fixed to the second area 32 of the second layer 16, and the tab 54 fixed to the tip of the fixing portion 38.
• the attachment 66 is provided in the first area 30, folded in three with the intermediate portion 68 overlapped onto the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38 overlapped onto the intermediate portion 68, and, when not in use, is maintained in the state folded in three.
• the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 66 have the same configuration as the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38 of the attachment 34, respectively as described above.
• the intermediate portion 68 has the configuration of adhesive tape that includes a base member 70 in strip form, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 72 provided on a first surface of the base member 70.
• the attachment 66 is manufactured by joining together successively in the longitudinal direction one strip of adhesive tape that constitutes the attachment portion 36, one strip of adhesive tape that constitutes the intermediate portion 68, and another strip of adhesive tape that constitutes the fixing portion 38.
• the intermediate portion 68 is disposed with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 72 in opposition to the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36.
• the intermediate portion 68 is joined to the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36 near a first end thereof in the longitudinal direction, by both sensitive adhesive layers 72, 42.
• the fixing portion 38 is disposed with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 in opposition to the base member 70 of the intermediate portion 68.
• the fixing portion 38 is joined near the first end thereof in the longitudinal direction to the portion 68a (hereinafter, referred to as the bent portion 68a) bent towards the base member 70 side of the intermediate portion 68, by both pressure sensitive adhesive layers 46, 72.
• the intermediate portion 68 is manufactured from the same material as the attachment portion 36 and the fixing portion 38.
• gaps are formed between the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36 and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 72 of the intermediate portion 68, and between the base member 70 of the intermediate portion 68 and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 of the fixing portion 38, but these gaps are for ease of understanding of the configuration of the attachment 66, and, when the attachment 66 is not being used, the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 72 of the intermediate portion 68 may be superimposed on the base member 40 of the attachment portion 36, and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 of the fixing portion 38 may be superimposed on the base member 70 of the intermediate portion 68.
• the tab 54 may be disposed on the base member 70 of the intermediate portion 68, or it may be disposed projecting to the outside of the intermediate portion 68.
• the attachment 66 is disposed in the first area 30 of the second layer 16, with the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36 on the side that is distant from the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48.
• the bent portion 68a of the intermediate portion 68 is disposed on the side opposite the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36, and the tab 54 is positioned on the same side as the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36, in other words, is positioned on the side distant from the material weakening portion 50.
• a configuration in which the attachment 66 is manufactured by joining together three strips of adhesive tape
• a configuration in which the attachment portion 36, the intermediate portion 68, and the fixing portion 38 are manufactured entirely from a single adhesive tape can be adopted.
• the force F2 is transmitted to the attachment portion 36 via the intermediate portion 68, and transmitted to the second layer 16 via the attachment portion 36.
• the force F2 is concentrated at the portion of the material weakening portion 50 of the separation mechanism 48 closest to the attachment portion 36, so the material weakening portion 50 is progressively torn starting from this portion.
• the first area 30 is partially separated from the second area 32, and displaced in the direction of the arrow symbol a (FIG. 1 1).
• the first area 30 is folded back with respect to the second area 32 so that it separates from the first layer 14, the same as illustrated in FIG. 5, and can be extended beyond the outer edge of the article main body 18.
• the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36 is disposed on the side that is distant from the material weakening portion 50, as described above. Therefore, unlike the configurations illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 10, the force F2 applied to the fixing portion 38 is not necessarily concentrated at the portion corresponding to the bottom side of the U-shape of the material weakening portion 50, via the intermediate portion 68 and the attachment portion 36, so in some cases, the material weakening portion 50 may start to tear from another portion. In these cases also, by continuously applying the force F2 to the fixing portion 38, it is possible to tear the entire material weakening portion 50.
• the intermediate portion 68 of the attachment 66 can have an extension portion (not illustrated on the drawings) that further extends to the opposite side of the bent portion 68a from the joint position with the bent portion 36a of the attachment portion 36, the same as the fixing portion 64 of the attachment 62 as described above.
• the extension portion of the intermediate portion 68 is fixed to the surface 16b of the first area 30 by its pressure sensitive adhesive layer 72, near the bent portion 36a. According to this configuration, the same as when the attachment 62 was used, in the disposal method of the article 10 as described above, the material weakening portion 50 is easily and reliably torn.
• FIG. 12A illustrates an example of a manufacturing device for the attachment 34.
• FIG. 12B illustrates an end surface of the laminated tape from which the attachment 34 is configured.
• FIG. 12C illustrates the laminated tape that constitutes the attachment 34 wound into a roll.
• FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the manufacturing device of the article 10.
• a manufacturing device of the attachment 34 includes a tape feed unit 80, a laminating unit 82, and a tape winding unit 84.
• the tape feed unit 80 includes a roll of long adhesive tape 36T to constitute the attachment portion 36 (FIG. 1), a roll of long adhesive tape 38T to constitute the fixing portion 38 (FIG. 1 ), and a roll of long tape 54T to constitute the tab 54 (FIG. 1).
• the adhesive tape 36T includes a long base member 40T and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42T to constitute the base member 40 (FIG. 1 ) and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42 (FIG. 1 ) of the attachment portion 36.
• the adhesive tape 38T includes a long base member 44T and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46T to constitute the base member 44 (FIG. 1) and the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46 (FIG. 1 ) of the fixing portion 38.
• a peeling process is carried out in advance on the outer surfaces of the base members 40T and 44T on the side opposite the pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42T and 46T.
• the adhesive tape 36T, the adhesive tape 38T, and the tape 54T fed from the respective rolls of the tape feed unit 80 are laminated together in the form illustrated in FIG. 12B in the laminating unit 82.
• the tape 54T is continuously bonded to the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46T along a side edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 38T.
• a bent portion 36aT to constitute the bent portion 36a (FIG. 1 ) of the attachment portion 36 is formed along one side edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the adhesive tape 36T.
• the adhesive tape 38T to which the tape 54T has been bonded is continuously bonded along the bent portion 36aT of the adhesive tape 36T by both pressure sensitive adhesive layers 42T and 46T.
• a long laminated tape 34T to constitute the attachment 34 is manufactured (FIG. 12B).
• the laminated tape 34T is manufactured so that the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 46T of the adhesive tape 38T is bonded to the base member 40T of the adhesive tape 36T.
• the laminated tape 34T manufactured in the laminating unit 82 is fed continuously to the winding unit 84 laminated as it is.
• the laminated tape 34T is wound onto a roll, with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42T of the adhesive tape 36T facing the inside.
• the laminated tape 34T is formed in the web form illustrated in FIG. 12C.
• the laminated tape 34T is stored, transported, and the like, wound in web form.
• the thickness of the base member 40T, 44T is
• a manufacturing device for the article 10 includes a laminated tape feed unit 86, a laminated tape cutting unit 88, and an attachment fixing unit 90.
• the laminated tape 34T in web form installed in the laminated tape feed unit 86 is continuously fed from the state of being wound up in web form, with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42T of the adhesive tape 36T facing upwards.
• the laminated tape 34T that is fed out is cut in the laminated tape cutting unit 88 at a position CP of a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction from the tip in the direction of feeding. In this way, the attachment 34 is manufactured.
• An attachment roller 94 having a temporary retention surface 92 using vacuum suction or the like on the external peripheral surface thereof is installed in the attachment fixing unit 90 which is provided on the downstream side in the tape feed direction of the laminated tape cutting unit 88.
• the attachment 34 cut from the laminated tape 34T is temporarily retained on the temporary retention surface 92 of the attachment roller 94 in the attitude with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42T facing upwards.
• a sheet member 18M with laminated structure that constitutes the article main body 18 (FIG. 1 ) is continuously supplied to the attachment fixing unit 90 on the opposite side of the attachment roller 94 to the side that is in opposition to the laminated tape cutting unit 88, in an attitude in which a surface 16bM that constitutes the outer surface 16b (FIG. 1 ) of the second layer 16 is in face-to-face contact with the temporary retention surface 92 of the attachment roller 94.
• the attachment roller 94 is driven to rotate at a specific angular velocity, and the sheet member 18M is fed to the tangential direction of the attachment roller 94 at a speed corresponding to the tangential velocity of the attachment roller 94.
• the attachment 34 that is temporarily retained on the temporary retention surface 92 of the attachment roller 94 progressively contacts the surface 16bM of the sheet member 18M as the attachment roller 94 rotates. If the temporary retention surface 92 of the attachment roller 94 has a vacuum suction function, the vacuum suction function is released when the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42 of the attachment 34 starts to contact the surface 16bM of the sheet member 18M. As a result, the attachment 34 is transferred to the surface 16bM of the sheet member 18M and fixed in the predetermined location. At this time, a predetermined pressure to fix the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 42 of the attachment 34 to the surface 16bM can be applied between the temporary retention surface 92 of the attachment roller 94 and the surface 16bM of the sheet member 18M.
• the sheet member 18M with the attachment 34 fixed to the surface 16bM is fed to post processes such as cutting, forming, sealing, and the like. In this way, the article 10 that includes the attachment 34 and the separation mechanism 48 is manufactured.
• the overall thickness of the attachment 34 folded in two is less than that of the attachment 66 folded in three, so the external diameter of the roll when the laminated tape 34T is wound in web form can be smaller than the external diameter of the roll when the laminated tape (not illustrated on the drawings) that is folded in three of the same length is wound in web form.
• the external diameter of the roll is the same, it is possible to wind a longer laminated tape 34T in web form than laminated tape folded in three. Therefore, when subject to restriction on the maximum diameter of roll that can be installed in the laminated tape feed unit 86, a roll of laminated tape 34T that is longer than laminated tape that is folded in three can be installed in the laminated tape feed unit 86.
• the process of partially separating the first area 30 from the second area 32 described above was carried out on four types of article 10 having the material weakening portion 50 as illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7D, and the maximum value of the force F2 (FIG. 4) was measured.
• pants-type diapers FIG. 2 having the same structure were used as the four types of article 10, and attachments 34 each of the same structure were fitted to the stomach area 58 or the back area 60 of the article main body 18.
• the shortest distance dmin (FIG. 7A) between the material weakening portion 50 and the bent portion 36a of the attachment 34 was the same in each case (approximately 5 mm).
• the material weakening portion 50 was constituted from the perforation 50B (FIG. 8B) in each case.
• articles 10 having the material weakening portion 50 illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7C were prepared in which the proportion of the area of the first area 30 relative to the area in plan view of the article main body 18 illustrated on the drawing (in other words, the area ratio) was varied, and for each, the maximum value of the force F2 was measured by the same method as described above.
• the measurement results are shown in Table 2.
• the maximum distance between the attachment 34 fixed to the first area 30 and the material weakening portion 50 for each area ratio is indicated as dmax (FIG. 7A).
• dmax the area ratio and the maximum distance dmax of the first area 30 in the article 10 illustrated in FIG. 7B are shown.
• the magnitude of the force F2 required to tear the material weakening portion 50 constituted from the perforation 50B and partially separate the first area 30 from the second area 32 did not depend on the configuration of the material weakening portion 50, for example it was possible with a force of not less than approximately 0.5 N and not more than approximately 5 N, and, for example with a force of not less than approximately 1 N and not more than approximately 4 N. If the force F2 exceeds approximately 5 N, in some cases, the operation to partially separate the first area 30 from the second area 32 along the material weakening portion 50 can be difficult. If the force F2 was less than approximately 0.5 N, in some cases, the material weakening portion 50 unintentionally tore during normal usage and not during disposal of the article 10.
• the area ratio of the first area 30 can be, for example, not less than approximately 5% and not more than approximately 90%, regardless of the configuration of the material weakening portion 50, also, it can be, for example, not less than approximately 5% and not more than approximately 70%.
• the area ratio of the first area 30 is increased, the maximum distance dmax between the attachment 34 and the material weakening portion 50 is increased, but dmax can be, for example, not less than approximately 5 mm and not more than approximately 100 mm, or, for example, not less than approximately 5 mm and not more than approximately 30 mm.
• the smaller the area ratio of the first area 30, the smaller the force F2 that is required, and as the area ratio of the first area 30 is increased, the force F2 that is required increases.
• the gap L2 of the perforated holes can be, for example, not less than approximately 0.5 mm and less than approximately 2 mm, and, for example, not less than approximately 0.5 mm and less than approximately 1.5 mm. If the gap L2 is not less than approximately 2 mm, it becomes difficult to tear the perforation 50B and partially separate the first area 30 from the second area 32, even if the length of the perforated holes L I is increased. The smaller the gap L2 between the perforated holes, the smaller the force F2 that is required, and as the gap L2 between the perforated holes increases, the force F2 that is required increases.

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• 2012
  • 2012-12-20 JP JP2012278550A patent/JP6105274B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
• 2013
  • 2013-12-18 WO PCT/US2013/076139 patent/WO2014100187A1/en active Application Filing

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