Methods for manufacturing clothing and clothing manufactured by such methods

Abstract

This invention improves the production efficiency of wearable articles by efficiently weakening elastic sheets. The method for manufacturing the wearable articles includes: a sheet preparation step (1-1) for preparing elastic sheets (6) for forming the front abdomen and back; and a sheet weakening step (1-2) for weakening the elasticity of the elastic sheets (6) in a front weakening region (FW) and a rear weakening region (RW), wherein the front weakening region is a front connecting region (FC) of the elastic sheet (6) connected to the front (4a) of the absorbent body (4) and is configured as the absorbent core (4d) of the absorbent body (4). The rear weakening region is a pre-defined region that is a rear connecting region (RC) connected to the rear part (4b) of the absorber (4) and is a pre-defined region that serves as the configuration region for the absorber core (4d); and the absorber connecting process (1-4) connects the front part (4a) of the absorber (4) to the front connecting region (FC) of the elastic sheet (6) and connects the rear part (4b) of the absorber (4) to the rear connecting region (RC) of the elastic sheet (6). The sheet weakening process (1-2) is performed simultaneously on the front weakening region (FW) and the rear weakening region (RW).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to wearable articles. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known garments that included: a front abdomen, positioned on the wearer's abdomen; a back, positioned on the wearer's buttocks; and an absorbent body having a front portion connected to the front abdomen, a rear portion connected to the back, and a middle portion extending from the front portion to the rear portion and positioned in the wearer's crotch area.

[0003] The front abdomen and the back are designed to improve the fit when worn, and are elastic in the width direction (left and right from the wearer's perspective).

[0004] For example, the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1 includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and an absorbent assembly. The front sheet and the rear sheet are elastic sheets with stretchability.

[0005] The elastic sheet has a stretchable first region and a non-stretchable second region. The front portion of the absorbent assembly engages with the second region of the front elastic sheet, and the rear portion of the absorbent assembly engages with the second region of the rear elastic sheet. Thus, although the front and rear sheets are stretchable, the stretching and contraction of the absorbent assembly in the width direction is restrained.

[0006] In addition, Patent Document 1 discloses that in order to form a second region in an elastic sheet, the elasticity of the second region is weakened by heating the elastic sheet.

[0007] However, Patent Document 1 does not consider a method for weakening elastic sheets aimed at improving the production efficiency of wearable items.

[0008] Patent Document 1: US Patent No. 7,604,624 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a garment and a garment manufactured by the method, which improves the production efficiency of the garment by efficiently weakening the elastic sheet.

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a garment comprising: a front abdomen disposed on the abdomen of a wearer; a back abdomen disposed on the buttocks of a wearer; and an absorbent body having a front portion connected to the front abdomen, a rear portion connected to the back abdomen, and a middle portion extending from the front portion to the rear portion and disposed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer. The manufacturing method includes: a sheet preparation step of preparing at least one elastic sheet for forming the front abdomen and the back abdomen; and a sheet weakening step of weakening the elasticity of the elastic sheet in the at least one elastic sheet in a weakened front region and a weakened rear region. The front weakening region is a front connection region that is connected to the front of the absorber and is a region pre-defined as the absorbent core configuration region of the absorber; the rear weakening region is a rear connection region that is connected to the rear of the absorber and is a region pre-defined as the absorbent core configuration region; and the absorber connection process connects the front of the absorber to the front connection region of the at least one elastic sheet and connects the rear of the absorber to the rear connection region of the at least one elastic sheet, wherein the sheet weakening process is performed simultaneously on the front weakening region and the rear weakening region.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a garment article manufactured by the aforementioned method for manufacturing garment articles.

[0012] According to the present invention, the production efficiency of clothing items can be improved by efficiently weakening the elastic sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It indicates that it is used for execution. Figure 1 A front view of the schematic structure of the weakening treatment device in the sheet weakening process.

[0015] Figure 3 It can be changed Figure 1 A top view of another garment made using a method shown in the illustration.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a process diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the wearable article according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 XX-line sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, these embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] <First Embodiment ( Figures 1 to 3 >

[0025] Figure 1 This is a process diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a garment (e.g., diapers, menstrual shorts) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] First, refer to Figure 1 The structure of the garment 1, which is the object of manufacture, is explained in processes (1-4) and (1-6).

[0027] First, referring to process (1-4) which indicates the unfolded state of the garment 1, the garment 1 has: an elastic sheet 6 that is elastic in the width direction W (refer to process (1-1)); and an absorbent body 4 disposed on the elastic sheet 6.

[0028] The elastic sheet 6 has: a front elastic portion 2 for forming an area on the front abdomen of the wearer; a rear elastic portion 3 for forming an area on the back of the wearer's buttocks; and a crotch portion 5 disposed between the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3. Leg openings 5a are formed on both sides of the absorbent body 4 of the crotch portion 5.

[0029] Furthermore, the elastic sheet 6 comprises: a sheet-like elastic component body (not shown) formed of an elastic thermoplastic resin; and a pair of nonwoven sheets (not shown) ultrasonically welded together with the elastic component body in a clamping state. The elastic thermoplastic resin is preferably elastic at room temperature; for example, it can be appropriately selected from thermoplastic elastomers classified as JISK 6418:2007 (ISO 18064:2003). For example, a thermoplastic elastomer with a hard segment glass transition temperature of approximately 100°C to 200°C and a soft segment glass transition temperature of -70°C to -10°C can be used. Furthermore, the elastic sheet 6 can be manufactured using, for example, the apparatus and method described in International Patent Publication No. 2019 / 155765.

[0030] The absorbent body 4 has a front portion 4a connected to the front elastic portion 2, a rear portion 4b connected to the rear elastic portion 3, and a middle portion 4c extending from the front portion 4a to the rear portion 4b and disposed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer. Hereinafter, the extending direction of the absorbent body will be referred to as the extending direction, and the width direction W is a direction orthogonal to the extending direction (equivalent to an orthogonal direction).

[0031] Specifically, the front part 4a of the absorber 4 and the front connecting region FC ( Figure 1 The diagonal area is connected to the front connecting area, which is located at the middle of the front elastic portion 2 of the elastic sheet 6 in the width direction W. The rear portion 4b of the absorber is connected to the rear connecting area RC. Figure 1 The rear connecting region is located at the midpoint of the rear elastic portion 3 of the elastic sheet 6 in the width direction W. The middle portion 4c of the absorber is connected to the intermediate connecting region CC (the area between connecting regions FC and RC), which is located at the midpoint of the crotch portion 5 of the elastic sheet 6 in the width direction W. These connections can be achieved by adhesive bonding, thermal welding, or ultrasonic welding.

[0032] Furthermore, the absorbent body 4 includes: an absorbent core 4d for absorbing urine and the like from the wearer; and a pair of cover sheets 4e connected to the absorbent core 4d in a state where it is sandwiched between the outer and inner surfaces. The pair of cover sheets 4e includes: a surface sheet (notation omitted) disposed on the outer side (the side facing the wearer's skin) of the absorbent core 4d and formed of a liquid-permeable material; and an inner sheet (notation omitted) disposed on the inner side (the side opposite the skin) of the absorbent core 4d and formed of a liquid-impermeable material.

[0033] The absorber 4 is connected to the elastic sheet 6 while suppressing the elastic force exerted by the elastic sheet 6 on the absorber core 4d. Specifically, a weakening treatment is performed on the region of the elastic sheet 6 where the absorber is connected and where the absorber core 4d is disposed to weaken the elasticity of the elastic sheet 6. In this embodiment, the weakening treatment is performed on the weakening region WR, which includes the entire connection region of the absorber core 4d in the elastic sheet 6 in the top view. That is, the weakening region WR includes the following regions: a front weakening region FW (the region with intersecting diagonal lines) that is a pre-defined front connecting region FC and a region for which the absorber core 4d is disposed; a rear weakening region RW (the region with intersecting diagonal lines) that is a pre-defined rear connecting region RC and a region for which the absorber core 4d is disposed; and an intermediate weakening region CC that is a pre-defined intermediate region (the region between the two regions FW and RW of the absorber core 4d) that is a pre-defined region for which the absorber core 4d is disposed in the middle connecting region CC. In this embodiment, the weakening region WR is set to be a region that is larger than the absorber core 4d in both the extension direction and the width direction W in the top view. Therefore, since the elasticity exerted by the elastic sheet 6 on the absorbent core 4d can be suppressed, urine and other substances can be reliably absorbed by suppressing the deformation of the absorbent core 4d during wear.

[0034] In addition to steps (1-4), referring to steps (1-6) indicating the completed state of the garment 1, with the elastic sheet 6 folded in such a way that the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 overlap, the two edges of the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 are connected to each other in the width direction by the side sealing portion S. The side sealing portion S can be formed by adhesive bonding, thermal welding, or ultrasonic welding. The garment 1, in which the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 are connected by the side sealing portion, is like underwear, allowing the legs to be worn through the leg openings.

[0035] The following is for reference Figure 1 The manufacturing method of clothing item 1 will be explained.

[0036] The manufacturing method of the garment 1 includes a sheet preparation process (1-1), a sheet weakening process (1-2), an absorbent body connection process (1-3), a notch forming process (1-4), a folding process (1-5), and a side sealing process (1-6).

[0037] In the sheet preparation step (1-1), an elastic sheet 6 is prepared for forming the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3. In the sheet preparation step (1-1) of this embodiment, one elastic sheet 6 is prepared, which has: a front elastic portion 2A for forming the front elastic portion 2, a rear elastic portion 3A for forming the rear elastic portion 3, and a crotch elastic portion 5A for forming the crotch portion 5.

[0038] Furthermore, the process following the sheet preparation process (1-1) is performed while the elastic sheet 6 is being transported to one side of the width direction W under tension.

[0039] In the sheet weakening process (1-2), as shown in process (1-4), the elasticity of the weakened area WR, which includes the front weakened area FW, the rear weakened area RW, and the middle weakened area, of the elastic sheet 6 is weakened. The sheet weakening process (1-2) is performed on one elastic sheet 6, and the front weakened area FW, the rear weakened area RW, and the middle weakened area are performed simultaneously.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the schematic structure of the weakening treatment apparatus 10 used to perform the weakening process.

[0041] Reference Figure 2 The weakening treatment apparatus 10 includes a support roller 11 supporting an elastic sheet 6 and a heating roller 12 for heating the elastic sheet 6 supported by the support roller 11. The support roller 11 is a roller that rotates in the D1 direction. The heating roller 12 has a roller body 12a and a stamping protrusion 12b. The roller body 12a rotates in the D2 direction, opposite to the D1 direction, and the stamping protrusion 12b protrudes radially outward at multiple different positions in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 12a. The stamping protrusion 12b has an outer peripheral surface heated by a heater (not shown), and this outer peripheral surface has an area equal to the area of ​​the weakening region WR. By rotating the two rollers 11 and 12 and supplying the elastic sheet 6 between the stamping protrusion 12b and the support roller 11, the portion of the elastic sheet 6 that is pressed between the support roller 11 and the stamping protrusion 12b and heated is deformed. Therefore, the elasticity of the weakened region WR of the elastic sheet 6 is either lower than that of the region outside the weakened region WR of the elastic sheet 6 or it fails.

[0042] In the absorber connection process (1-3), with the absorber core 4d positioned on the elastic sheet 6 such that it is incorporated into the weakened region WR, the absorber 4 is connected to the elastic sheet 6. Specifically, the front part 4a of the absorber 4 is connected to the front connection region FC, the rear part 4b of the absorber 4 is connected to the rear connection region RC, and the middle part 4c of the absorber 4 is connected to the middle connection region CC.

[0043] In addition, although the middle part 4c of the absorbent 4 is connected to the elastic sheet 6 in this embodiment, this connection can be omitted.

[0044] In the notch forming process (1-4), a notch 5a for the leg is formed along a pre-defined opening forming area for forming a leg opening through which the wearer's foot passes. As a result, the elastic sheet 6 is divided into a front elastic portion 2, a rear elastic portion 3, and a crotch portion 5.

[0045] In the folding process (1-5), the elastic sheet 6 is folded in such a way that the front elastic part 2 and the rear elastic part 3 overlap each other.

[0046] In the side sealing process (1-6), the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 of the folded elastic sheet 6 are connected at both ends in the width direction W. This completes the underwear-type garment 1 with a leg opening formed by a notch 5a at the leg.

[0047] Furthermore, although the described embodiment manufactures the underwear-type garment 1 by performing a side-sealing process (1-6), the process of attaching a face buckle T to the elastic sheet 6 can also be used instead of the side-sealing process (1-6), thereby manufacturing... Figure 3 The buckle-type garment 1 shown.

[0048] The fastener-type garment 1 has a face strap T that is detachably locked to the opposite surface of the skin-facing side of the front elastic portion 2. The face strap T can be formed, for example, from one of a male hook-and-loop fastener with a hook and a female hook-and-loop fastener with a loop. In this case, either the male or female hook-and-loop fastener that can lock the face strap T is mounted on the front elastic portion 2. The loop can also be replaced with non-woven fabric.

[0049] When manufacturing the buckle-type wearable item 1, in Figure 1 Between steps (1-1) and (1-5) shown, the process of attaching the face strap T and the component that fastens the face strap (e.g., one of the male or female hook and loop fasteners of a nylon fastener) to the elastic sheet 6 is performed.

[0050] Furthermore, although the method of manufacturing the garment article 1 using elastic sheets 6 cut to the width W of the garment article 1 has been described in the above embodiment, it is more ideal to manufacture the garment article 1 using a continuous body of multiple elastic sheets 6 that are continuous in the width W. In manufacturing such... Figure 1 When manufacturing underwear-type garments as shown, the continuous body can be cut into individual elastic sheets 6 after the side sealing process (1-6). Furthermore, in manufacturing such... Figure 3 When wearing a buckle-type garment 1 as shown, the continuous body can be cut into individual elastic sheets 6 before the process of attaching the buckle T.

[0051] As described above, the elasticity of the front connecting region FC and the rear connecting region RC in the elastic sheet 6 used to form the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 can be weakened simultaneously. Therefore, compared to weakening the elasticity of the front connecting region FC and the rear connecting region RC separately, the efficiency of the weakening process (1-2) can be improved. Consequently, the production efficiency of the wearable article 1 can be improved.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by performing a weakening process on one elastic sheet 6, the elasticity of both the front connecting region FC and the rear connecting region RC can be weakened simultaneously. Therefore, compared to performing the weakening process while adjusting the relative positions of the two elastic sheets 6, the production efficiency of the garment can be improved.

[0053] <Second Implementation Method ( Figure 4 >

[0054] Although the elastic sheet 6 of the first embodiment has a crotch portion 5, it can also be as follows: Figure 4 The crotch area 5 is omitted in the second embodiment shown. Furthermore, the garment 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment, and includes an elastic member 7 for the legs and a covering sheet 8 for covering the member.

[0055] The structure and manufacturing method of the garment article 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the parts in the second embodiment that are the same as those in the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0056] Reference Figure 4 In process (2-6), the garment 1 has: a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3 that are elastic in the width direction W; and an absorbent body 4 connected to the elastic portions 2 and 3 in a state in which it is configured to span the elastic portions 2 and 3.

[0057] The front elastic portion 2 is a portion used to form the front abdomen of the wearer. At both ends of the front elastic portion 2 in the width direction W, there are notches 5a for the legs, which are used to form leg openings.

[0058] The rear elastic portion 3 is a portion used to form the back of the wearer's hips. At each end of the rear elastic portion 3 in the width direction W, there is a notch 5a for the leg, which forms a leg opening.

[0059] The absorber 4 has a front part 4a connected to the front connecting region FC (diagonal region) of the front elastic part 2, a rear part 4b connected to the rear connecting region RC (diagonal region) of the rear elastic part 3, and an intermediate part 4c disposed between the front elastic part 2 and the rear elastic part 3.

[0060] The absorber 4 is connected to the two elastic portions 2 and 3 in a state that suppresses the elastic force from the two elastic portions 2 and 3 while connected to them. Specifically, a weakened region WR1 is formed on the front elastic portion 2, and a weakened region WR2 is formed on the rear elastic portion 3. The weakened region WR1 includes a front weakened region FW that is pre-defined for the front connecting region FC and serves as the configuration region of the absorber 4d. The weakened region WR2 includes a rear weakened region RW that is pre-defined for the rear connecting region RC and serves as the configuration region of the absorber 4d.

[0061] Leg elastic members 7 are disposed at the connection positions of elastic members, which are pre-defined on both sides of the area where the absorbent core 4d is disposed in the width direction W. Specifically, the leg elastic members 7 are thread or rope-like elastic members that are connected in an elongated state to the surfaces of the two elastic parts 2 and 3 facing the wearer's skin along the extension direction (along the leg notch 5a). In this embodiment, two leg elastic members 7 are respectively provided on both sides of the absorbent core 4d of the front elastic part 2, and two leg elastic members 7 are respectively provided on both sides of the absorbent core 4d of the rear elastic part 3. Multiple leg elastic members 7 are provided near each leg notch 5a. Figure 4 (There are 2 examples).

[0062] The covering sheet 8 is disposed on the surfaces of the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 facing the wearer's skin, respectively, to cover the leg elastic member 7. That is, when the leg elastic member 7 is sandwiched between the front elastic portion 2 and the covering sheet 8, the front elastic portion 2 and the covering sheet 8 are connected to each other, and at least one of the front elastic portion 2 and the covering sheet 8 is connected to the leg elastic member 7. Similarly, when the leg elastic member 7 is sandwiched between the rear elastic portion 3 and the covering sheet 8, the rear elastic portion 3 and the covering sheet 8 are connected to each other, and at least one of the rear elastic portion 3 and the covering sheet 8 is connected to the leg elastic member 7. These connections can be achieved by adhesive bonding, thermal welding, or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the covering sheet 8 is a sheet formed of non-woven fabric.

[0063] The following is for reference Figure 4 The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 will be described. Furthermore, the steps that are the same as those in the manufacturing method of the garment article 1 in the first embodiment will be omitted from the description.

[0064] The manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 includes a sheet preparation process (illustration omitted), a sheet weakening process (2-1), a cutting and separating process (2-2), an elastic component supply process (2-3), a sheet joining process (2-4), an absorbent body joining process (2-5), and a notch forming process (2-6). Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned processes, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 may also include the folding process (1-5), the side sealing process (1-6), or the process described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0065] In the sheet preparation process, as shown in the sheet weakening process (2-1), an elastic sheet 6 with a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3 is prepared.

[0066] Furthermore, the process following the sheet preparation process is performed while the elastic sheet 6 is being transported to one side of the width direction W under tension.

[0067] In the sheet weakening process (2-1), the elasticity of the weakened region WR, which includes the weakened region WR1 and the weakened region WR2, of the elastic sheet 6 is weakened. The sheet weakening process (2-1) is performed on one elastic sheet 6, and the weakened regions WR1 and WR2 are performed simultaneously.

[0068] In the cutting and separating process (2-2), after the sheet weakening process (2-1), one elastic sheet 6 is cut along the pre-set cutting line C into a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3. Thus, the weakened region WR is divided into a weakened region WR1 and a weakened region WR2. Furthermore, in the cutting and separating process (2-2), the cut front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3 are separated from each other in the extending direction.

[0069] In the elastic component supply process (2-3), the leg elastic component 7 is respectively positioned at the elastic component connection position (the position shown by the dotted line in process (2-4)). This position is preset on both sides of the absorption core 4d arrangement area in the width direction W. The leg elastic component 7 is supplied to the front elastic part 2 and the rear elastic part 3 in a state where the leg elastic component 7 is extended along the extension direction.

[0070] Specifically, in the elastic component supply process (2-3), the leg elastic component 7 is supplied along a path that bends relative to the transport direction (one side of the width direction W) of the elastic sheet 6 (the illustrated example is a path along a sine wave). That is, in the elastic component supply process (2-3), the leg elastic component 7 is connected to the front elastic component 2 and the rear elastic component 3 respectively in a manner that forms a first part 7a, a second part 7b, and a connecting part 7c. The first part 7a is connected to the elastic component connection position located on the left side of the absorption core 4d arrangement area in an extended state along the extension direction. The second part 7b is connected to the elastic component connection position located on the right side of the absorption core 4d arrangement area in an extended state along the extension direction. The connecting part 7c is disposed on the outside of the front elastic component 2 and the rear elastic component 3, and connects the first part 7a and the second part 7b.

[0071] Next, in the sheet joining process (2-4), a covering sheet 8 is disposed on the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 respectively, covering the first portion 7a and the second portion 7b of the elastic member 7 for the leg, and the covering sheet 8 is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3. Furthermore, in the sheet joining process (2-4), in this embodiment, the covering sheet 8 is disposed on the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 respectively, covering the weakened areas WR1 and WR2.

[0072] Specifically, in the sheet joining process (2-4), adhesive is supplied to the cover sheet 8, and with the cover sheet 8 coated with adhesive overlapping the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 respectively, the cover sheet 8 and the front elastic portion 2, as well as the cover sheet 8 and the rear elastic portion 3, are clamped and pressed together by a pressure roller (not shown). This causes the cover sheet 8 to bond to both the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by clamping with pressure rollers (not shown) in the sheet joining process (2-4), the first part 7a and the second part 7b of the leg elastic member 7 are extended in the extending direction, and the leg elastic member 7 is bonded to the front elastic part 2 and the rear elastic part 3 respectively by adhesive. That is, the elastic member supply process (2-3) and the sheet joining process (2-4) in this embodiment are equivalent to the elastic member joining process. In addition, the adhesive can be supplied before or after the supply of the leg elastic member 7 in the elastic member supply process (2-3), or it can be supplied to the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic part 2 and rear elastic part 3) instead of the covering sheet 8.

[0074] Furthermore, although the connection of the leg elastic component 7 using adhesive has been described as an example, thermal welding or ultrasonic welding can also be used instead of or supplemented with adhesive to connect the front elastic component 2 and the rear elastic component 3 to the cover sheet 8, and to connect the front elastic component 2 and the rear elastic component 3 to the leg elastic component 7. In this case, the leg elastic component 7 can also be ultrasonically welded to the front elastic component 2 and the rear elastic component 3 during the elastic component supply process (2-3).

[0075] Furthermore, as described above, after the leg elastic member 7 is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, the portion of the leg elastic member 7 located outside the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, namely the connecting portion 7c, is disconnected and removed from the first portion 7a and the second portion 7b (elastic member weakening process). As a result, the elasticity of the area in the connecting portion 7c that is the arrangement area of ​​the absorbent core 4d is weakened (in this embodiment, the elasticity is rendered ineffective).

[0076] In the absorber connection process (2-5), the front part 4a of the absorber 4 is connected to the front connection area FC (the oblique part of process (2-6)), and the rear part 4b of the absorber 4 is connected to the rear connection area RC (the oblique part of process (2-6)).

[0077] In the notch forming process (2-6), a notch 5a for the leg is formed along the opening forming area pre-defined in the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3.

[0078] According to the second embodiment, by connecting the absorbent body 4 to the two elastic sheets (the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3) across the two separate elastic sheets, the area between the two elastic portions 2 and 3, i.e., the area divided by the absorbent body 4, can be used as a leg opening. Therefore, the elastic sheet covering the crotch area of ​​the wearer can be omitted, and the amount of elastic sheet 6 used can be reduced.

[0079] Furthermore, by connecting the leg elastic member 7 to the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3) in an extended state along the extension direction, elasticity in the extension direction can be applied to the elastic sheet 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the elastic sheet 6 in multiple directions (width direction W and extension direction) in order to apply the elasticity of the elastic sheet 6 itself in the extension direction, making the handling of the elastic sheet 6 easier.

[0080] Furthermore, by clamping the leg elastic member 7 between the cover sheet 8 and the elastic sheet 6, sufficient retaining force can be ensured to hold the leg elastic member 7 on the elastic sheet 6. Thus, the leg elastic member 7 can be reliably connected to the elastic sheet 6.

[0081] Furthermore, as described above, after the leg elastic member 7 is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, the elasticity of the area where the absorbent core 4d is disposed at the connecting portion 7c of the leg elastic member 7 is weakened (failed). As a result, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion 7c from applying elasticity to the absorbent core.

[0082] Furthermore, when the elastic sheet 6, as in the first embodiment, has a portion covering the area under the wearer's crotch, the elastic component supply process (2-3) of the second embodiment can also be applied. In this case, by weakening the elasticity of the area in the connecting portion 7c where the absorbent core 4d is disposed, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Moreover, the sheet connecting process (2-4) can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0083] Furthermore, although in the second embodiment, the process (2-1) to (2-6) is described using a single elastic sheet 6, it is more ideal to perform the process (2-1) to (2-6) while multiple elastic sheets 6 are transported in a continuous body in the width direction W.

[0084] Furthermore, although an example was given of the absorber joining process (2-5) being performed before the notch forming process (2-6), the order of these two processes can also be interchanged.

[0085] <Third Implementation Method ( Figure 5 >

[0086] In the second embodiment, an example of directly connecting the leg elastic member 7 to the elastic sheet 6 was described. Alternatively, it could be like... Figure 5 The third embodiment shown connects the elastic component 14 to the elastic sheet 6. This elastic component includes a leg elastic member 7 and a pair of clamping sheets (an example of retaining sheets) 9 that hold the leg elastic member 7. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, by arranging the elastic component 14 across the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, the leg elastic member 7 can also be provided in the area located in the crotch region of the wearer.

[0087] The structure and manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 according to the third embodiment will be described below. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as those in the second embodiment in the third embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] Reference Figure 5In process (3-7), the garment 1 has: a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3 that are elastic in the width direction W; an elastic component 14 connected to the elastic portions 2 and 3 in a state in which it is configured to cross the elastic portions 2 and 3; and an absorbent 4 connected to the elastic component 14 and the elastic portions 2 and 3 in a state in which it is configured to overlap with the elastic component 14 and cross the elastic portions 2 and 3.

[0089] The elastic component 14 is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 by adhesive bonding, thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. In addition, the elastic component 14 includes: leg elastic components 7 disposed at elastic component connection positions on both sides of the elastic component arrangement area of ​​the absorber core 4d in the width direction W; and a pair of clamping sheets 9 for clamping the leg elastic components 7.

[0090] The clamping sheet 9 has a front portion that overlaps with the front elastic portion 2, a rear portion that overlaps with the rear elastic portion 3, and a middle portion between the front and rear portions, and is formed of nonwoven fabric. A leg notch 9a for forming a leg opening is formed in the middle portion of the clamping sheet 9.

[0091] The leg elastic member 7 is provided in the clamping sheet 9 at the elastic member connection positions on both sides of the width direction W of the absorption core 4d configuration area. Specifically, the leg elastic member 7 extends through the area from the front to the rear of the clamping sheet 9 and is connected in a state that extends along the extension direction in a manner that avoids the leg notch 9a.

[0092] The following is for reference Figure 5 The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 will be described. Furthermore, the steps that are the same as those in the manufacturing method of the garment article 1 in the second embodiment will be omitted from the description.

[0093] The manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 includes an elastic component preparation step (3-1), a posture change step (3-2), a sheet preparation step (3-3), a sheet weakening step (illustration omitted), a cutting and separating step (3-4), an elastic component connection step (3-5), an absorbent body connection step (3-6), and a notch forming step (3-7). Furthermore, in addition to the above steps, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 may also include the folding step (1-5) and the side sealing step (1-6) as described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0094] In the elastic component preparation step (3-1), the clamping sheet 9 on one side (hereinafter referred to as the first clamping sheet 9) is transported in the width direction W, and a pair of leg elastic members 7d and 7e (in this embodiment, two leg elastic members 7d and two leg elastic members 7e) are supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 in a state of elongation in the width direction W and separation from each other in the extension direction. Specifically, the leg elastic members 7d and 7e are supplied along a path that bends relative to the transport direction (width direction W) of the first clamping sheet 9 (in the illustrated example, a path along a sine wave). Here, the path for supplying the leg elastic members 7d and 7e is set to avoid the formation position of the leg notch 9a located at the center position in the width direction W of the first clamping sheet 9.

[0095] Furthermore, in the elastic component preparation step (3-1), adhesive is applied to the clamping sheet 9 on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the second clamping sheet 9), and the second clamping sheet 9 is supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 in a manner that clamps the adhesive material. The two clamping sheets 9 are clamped together by a pressure roller (not shown in the figure) while they are overlapping. This connects the leg portion to the clamping sheet 9 using elastic members 7d and 7e, and causes the two clamping sheets 9 to engage with each other. Additionally, the connection is not limited to adhesive bonding; it can also be achieved through thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, one of the two clamping sheets 9 can be omitted, and the leg portion can be connected (held) to one clamping sheet 9 using elastic members 7d and 7e.

[0096] Furthermore, in the elastic component preparation step (3-1), after connecting the leg elastic components 7d and 7e, the outer portion of the clamping sheet 9 of the leg elastic components 7d and 7e is cut off. Thus, the elastic component 14 can be prepared.

[0097] Furthermore, although the elastic component preparation process (3-1) for manufacturing the elastic component 14 using a single clamping sheet 9 has been described, the elastic component preparation process (3-1) is not limited to this. For example, ideally, the leg elastic members 7d and 7e are clamped between a plurality of first clamping sheets 9 continuous in the width direction W and a plurality of second clamping sheets 9 continuous in the width direction W, and the two continuous bodies and the leg elastic members 7 are connected in this state before being cut into a single elastic component 14. At this time, since the leg elastic members 7d and 7e can be clamped entirely in the continuous body of the clamping sheet 9, the process of cutting off the leg elastic members 7d and 7e disposed on the outside of the clamping sheet 9 as described above can be omitted (when cutting the continuous body into a single elastic component 14, the leg elastic members 7d and 7e can also be cut into a single length).

[0098] Next, in the posture change process (3-2), the posture of the elastic component 14 is changed so that the leg elastic components 7d and 7e in the elastic component connection process (3-5) described later are in a predetermined posture relative to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, that is, the posture in which the leg elastic components 7d and 7e extend along the extension direction. Specifically, in this embodiment, the elastic component 14 is rotated by 90°.

[0099] In the sheet preparation process (3-3), one elastic sheet 6 with a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3 is prepared.

[0100] Although the illustration is omitted, the elasticity of the weakened region WR is still weakened in the sheet weakening process. This weakened region includes the weakened regions WR1 and WR2 of the elastic sheet 6 prepared in the sheet preparation process (3-3).

[0101] In the cutting and separating process (3-4), after the sheet weakening process, the elastic sheet 6 is cut into a front elastic portion 2 and a rear elastic portion 3 along a pre-set cutting line C. Furthermore, in the cutting and separating process (3-4), the cut front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3 are separated from each other in the extension direction.

[0102] In the elastic component connection process (3-5), the elastic component 14, which was configured through the posture change process (3-2), is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, which were separated in the cutting and separating process (3-4). Specifically, in the elastic component connection process (3-5), the leg elastic components 7d and 7e are respectively positioned at the elastic component connection positions on both sides of the pre-set area where the absorbent core 4d is positioned in the width direction W, and the elastic component 14 is connected to the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3 in a state where the leg elastic component 7 is extended in the extension direction.

[0103] In the absorber connection process (3-6), the front part 4a of the absorber 4 is connected to the front connection area FC (the oblique area in process (3-7)), and the rear part 4b of the absorber 4 is connected to the rear connection area RC (the oblique area in process (3-7)). Specifically, the front part 4a and the rear part 4b of the absorber 4 are connected to the elastic component 14, the front elastic part 2, and the rear elastic part 3.

[0104] In the notch forming process (3-7), a notch 9a for the leg is formed along the pre-defined opening forming area in the elastic component 14.

[0105] According to the third embodiment, by connecting the absorbent 4 to the two elastic sheets (the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3) across the two separate elastic sheets, the elastic sheet covering the crotch area of ​​the wearer can be omitted. This reduces the amount of elastic sheet 6 used.

[0106] Furthermore, by connecting the leg elastic member 7 to the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3) while it is extended in the extension direction, elasticity in the extension direction can be applied to the elastic sheet 6. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the elastic sheet 6 in multiple directions, making the handling of the elastic sheet 6 easier.

[0107] Furthermore, although in the third embodiment, the process (3-3) to (3-7) is described using a single elastic sheet 6, it is more ideal to perform the process (3-3) to (3-7) while multiple elastic sheets 6 are transported in a continuous body in the width direction W.

[0108] Furthermore, processes (3-1) and (3-2) only need to be performed before process (3-5), and the execution time of processes (3-1) and (3-2) relative to processes (3-3) and (3-4) is not restricted.

[0109] Furthermore, when the elastic sheet 6 has a portion that covers the area under the crotch of the wearer, as in the first embodiment, the elastic component connection process (3-5) of the third embodiment can also be applied.

[0110] <4th implementation method ( Figure 6 >

[0111] In the third embodiment, although after preparing the elastic component 14, the posture of the elastic component 14 is changed in the posture change step (3-2) and the elastic component connection step (3-5) is performed, the posture change step (3-2) can be replaced by the weakening step (4-2) that weakens the local elasticity of the elastic component 7 for the leg.

[0112] The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described below. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used for the parts in the fourth embodiment that are the same as those in the third embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0113] Specifically, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 includes an elastic component preparation step (4-1), an elastic component weakening step (4-2), a sheet preparation step (4-3), a sheet weakening step (illustration omitted), a cutting and separating step (4-4), an elastic component connecting step (4-5), an absorbent body connecting step (4-6), and a notch forming step (4-7). In addition to the above steps, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 may also include the folding step (1-5), the side sealing step (1-6), or the steps described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0114] In the elastic component preparation process (4-1), the first clamping sheet (holding sheet) 9 is first transported in the width direction W, and leg elastic members 7 are supplied to the first clamping sheet 9. Specifically, the leg elastic members 7 are supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 in such a way that they form a first portion 7f arranged on the first clamping sheet 9 in an extended state along the extension direction; a second portion 7g arranged on the first clamping sheet 9 in an extended state and separated from the first portion 7f in the width direction W; and a connecting portion 7h connecting the first portion 7f and the second portion 7g. Specifically, the leg elastic members are supplied along a path that bends relative to the transport direction (width direction W) of the first clamping sheet 9. Two leg elastic members 7 are supplied on one side along mutually parallel paths, with the central position of the first clamping sheet 9 as the boundary, and two leg elastic members 7 are supplied on the other side along mutually parallel paths. The two elastic members 7 for the legs on one side and the two elastic members 7 for the legs on the other side are configured to be closest to each other at the center position in the width direction W of the first clamping sheet 9, and the further away from the center position in the width direction W, the further away they are from each other.

[0115] Furthermore, in the elastic component preparation step (4-1), adhesive is applied to the second clamping sheet 9, and the second clamping sheet 9 is supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 in a clamping adhesive manner. The two clamping sheets 9 are clamped together by a pressure roller (not shown in the figure) while they are overlapping. This connects the leg portion to the clamping sheet 9 using the elastic member 7, and causes the two clamping sheets 9 to engage with each other. Additionally, the connection is not limited to adhesive bonding; it can also be achieved through thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. Similar to the third embodiment, one of the two clamping sheets 9 can be omitted.

[0116] Furthermore, in the elastic component preparation step (4-1), after connecting the leg elastic member 7, the outer portion of the clamping sheet 9 of the leg elastic member 7 is cut off. This allows the elastic component 14 to be prepared.

[0117] Furthermore, although the elastic component preparation process (4-1) for manufacturing the elastic component 14 using a single clamping sheet 9 has been described, the elastic component preparation process (4-1) is not limited to this. For example, it is more ideal to clamp the leg elastic member 7 between a plurality of first clamping sheets 9 continuous in the width direction W and a plurality of second clamping sheets 9 continuous in the width direction W, connect the two continuous bodies and the leg elastic member 7 in this state, and then cut it into a single elastic component 14. At this time, since the entire leg elastic member 7 can be clamped in the continuous body of the clamping sheet 9, the process of cutting off the leg elastic member 7 disposed on the outside of the clamping sheet 9 as described above can be omitted.

[0118] In the elastic component weakening process (4-2), the elasticity of the area pre-defined as the configuration area of ​​the absorbent core 4d at the connecting portion 7h of the leg elastic component 7 is weakened. Specifically, the elasticity can be weakened by using a cutter having multiple blades arranged at small intervals in the width direction W to cut the relevant portion of the connecting portion 7h. Alternatively, the elasticity can be weakened by intermittently bonding the connecting portion 7h to the clamping sheet 9 and cutting the connecting portion 7h between the bonding points. The cutting of the connecting portion 7h is not limited to cutting with a cutter; it can also be done, for example, by heat or ultrasound.

[0119] The sheet preparation process (4-3), the sheet weakening process, and the cutting and separating process (4-4) are the same as those in the third embodiment, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0120] In the elastic component connection process (4-5), with the second part 7g positioned at the elastic component connection position set on the right side of the absorption core 4d configuration area and the first part 7f positioned at the elastic component connection position set on the left side of the absorption core 4d configuration area, the elastic component 14 is connected to the front elastic part 2 and the rear elastic part 3.

[0121] The absorber connection process (4-6) and the notch forming process (4-7) are the same as those in the third embodiment, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0122] According to the fourth embodiment, in the elastic member weakening process (4-2), by weakening the elasticity of a pre-defined area where the absorbent core 4d is positioned as the connecting portion 7h, the elasticity applied to the absorbent core 4d by the connecting portion 7h of the elastic member 7 at the leg can be suppressed after the absorbent body 4 is connected to the elastic sheet 6. Therefore, since the orthogonal contraction of the absorbent body 4 in the crotch area of ​​the wearer can be suppressed when the garment 1 is worn, a decrease in excrement absorption performance can be prevented.

[0123] Furthermore, the elastic assembly 14, in which the leg elastic member 7 is arranged in a predetermined positional relationship, can be prepared in parallel with the processes (4-3) and (4-4) of applying various processing to the elastic sheet 6. Therefore, unlike when the leg elastic member 7 is directly attached to the elastic sheet 6, the production efficiency of the garment 1 can be improved.

[0124] Furthermore, although in the fourth embodiment, the process (4-3) to (4-7) is described using a single elastic sheet 6, it is more ideal to perform the process (4-3) to (4-7) while multiple elastic sheets 6 are transported in a continuous body in the width direction W.

[0125] Furthermore, the flexible component preparation process (4-1) only needs to be performed before the execution process (3-5) (should be: process (4-5)), and the execution time of the flexible component preparation process (4-1) is not limited relative to the execution time of processes (4-3) and (4-4).

[0126] Furthermore, although an example of performing the elastic component weakening process (4-2) before the elastic component connecting process (4-5) has been described, the elastic component weakening process (4-2) can also be performed after the elastic component connecting process (4-5).

[0127] Furthermore, when the elastic sheet 6 has a portion that covers the area under the crotch of the wearer, as in the first embodiment, the elastic component connection process (4-5) of the fourth embodiment can also be applied.

[0128] <Fifth Implementation Method ( Figure 7 >

[0129] In the example described in the fourth embodiment, the paths of the leg elastic members 7 disposed on one side of the extension direction and the paths of the leg elastic members 7 disposed on the other side are separated in the extension direction, with the central position of the first clamping sheet 9 as the boundary. However, it is also possible to... Figure 7 The fifth embodiment shown in the diagram arranges for the two paths to intersect.

[0130] Specifically, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 includes an elastic component preparation step (5-1), an elastic component weakening step (5-2), a sheet preparation step (5-3), a sheet weakening step (illustration omitted), a cutting and separating step (5-4), an elastic component connecting step (5-5), an absorbent body connecting step (5-6), and a notch forming step (5-7). In addition to the above steps, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 may also include the folding step (1-5), the side sealing step (1-6), or the steps described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0131] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the garment article 1 in the fifth embodiment differs from that in the manufacturing method of the garment article 1 in the fourth embodiment only in the elastic component preparation step (5-1). Therefore, the part of the elastic component preparation step (5-1) that differs from the elastic component preparation step (4-1) will be described, and the description of other steps will be omitted.

[0132] In the elastic component preparation step (5-1), unlike the elastic component preparation step (4-1), the leg elastic member 7 is supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 along a path that intersects each other at the central position in the width direction W and bends relative to the width direction W. Thus, the leg elastic member 7 is supplied to the first clamping sheet 9 in such a way that it forms: a first portion 7f disposed on the first clamping sheet 9 in an elongated state in the extension direction; a second portion 7g disposed on the first clamping sheet 9 in an elongated state in the extension direction and separated from the first portion 7f in the width direction W; and a connecting portion 7h connecting the first portion 7a (should be: 7f) and the second portion 7g.

[0133] According to the fifth embodiment, the same effect as the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

[0134] <Sixth Implementation Method ( Figure 8 >

[0135] In the sheet joining process (2-4) of the second embodiment, the covering sheet 8 and the elastic sheet 6 are joined in such a way that they overlap only a portion of the opening forming area used to form the leg opening, specifically the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3. However, in Figure 8 The sheet joining process (6-4) of the sixth embodiment shown connects the covering sheet 8 to the elastic sheet 6 in a manner that covers the entire opening forming area HF.

[0136] The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described below.

[0137] The manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 includes a sheet preparation process (illustration omitted), a sheet weakening process (6-1), a cutting and separating process (6-2), an elastic component supply process (6-3), a sheet joining process (6-4), a notch forming process (6-5), and an absorbent body joining process (6-6). Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned processes, the manufacturing method of the wearable article 1 may also include the folding process (1-5), the side sealing process (1-6), or the process described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0138] The sheet preparation process, sheet weakening process (6-1), cutting and separating process (6-2), and elastic component supply process (6-3) are the same as those in the second embodiment, so their descriptions are omitted.

[0139] In the sheet joining process (6-4), unlike the sheet joining process (2-4) of the second embodiment, the covering sheet 8 is joined to the elastic sheet 6 in the following state: it covers the entire opening forming area HF, which is a pre-defined area for forming a leg opening through which the wearer's foot passes, and the leg is clamped between it and the elastic sheet 6 by the elastic member 7. Specifically, in the sheet joining process (6-4), the covering sheet 8 is arranged to span the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, the front part of the covering sheet 8 is joined to the front elastic portion 2, and the rear part of the covering sheet 8 is joined to the rear elastic portion 3.

[0140] In the notch forming process (6-5), after the sheet joining process (6-4), a notch 8a for the leg opening is formed along the opening forming region HF. Alternatively, in the sixth embodiment, although the opening forming region HF is only located between the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3, the opening forming region HF may also be set to overlap with at least one of the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3. In this case, the notch for the leg opening is formed through the sheet covering the sheet 8, the front elastic portion 2, and the rear elastic portion 3.

[0141] In the absorber connection process (6-6), the front part 4a of the absorber 4 is connected to the front connection area FC (diagonal part), and the rear part 4b of the absorber 4 is connected to the rear connection area RC (diagonal part).

[0142] According to the sixth embodiment, since the covering sheet 8 can be arranged around the edge of the entire leg opening of the garment 1, a uniform skin feel can be provided to the wearer around the entire leg opening. This improves the wearing experience.

[0143] Furthermore, since the wearing experience can be improved by utilizing the covering sheet 8 of the elastic member 7 covering the legs as described above, the production efficiency of the garment 1 can be improved compared to when other sheets are connected to the elastic sheet 6.

[0144] In addition, although an example was given of the notch forming process (6-5) being performed before the absorber joining process (6-6), these two processes can also be interchanged.

[0145] Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, it is preferable to perform steps (6-1) to (6-6) using a continuous body of multiple elastic sheets 6 in the width direction W. In addition, in the sheet joining step (6-4), a continuous body of multiple covering sheets 8 in the width direction W can be joined to the elastic sheets 6 (the continuous body of the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3).

[0146] <Seventh Implementation Method ( Figure 9 and Figure 10 >

[0147] In the second and sixth embodiments, the leg elastic member 7 and the covering sheet 8 are connected to the inner surface of the elastic sheet 6 facing the wearer's skin. However, it can also be done as follows: Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the seventh embodiment shown, the leg elastic member 7 and the covering sheet 8 are connected to the outer surface of the elastic sheet 6 that is opposite to the wearer's skin.

[0148] Furthermore, in the sheet joining processes (2-4) and (6-4) of the second and sixth embodiments, the covering sheet 8 is joined in the area between the edges on the wearer's waist side in the extending direction of the elastic sheet 6. However, as shown in the sheet joining process (7-4) of the seventh embodiment, the covering sheet 8 can also be joined to the elastic sheet 6 by forming an extension 8b extending in a direction away from the absorbent body 4 at the edge on the wearer's waist side beyond the extending direction of the elastic sheet 6.

[0149] The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 according to the seventh embodiment will be described below.

[0150] The manufacturing method of the garment article 1 includes a sheet preparation process (illustration omitted), a sheet weakening process (7-1), a cutting and separating process (7-2), an elastic component supply process (7-3), a sheet joining process (7-4), a notch forming process (7-5), an absorbent body joining process (7-6), and an extension joining process (7-7). Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned processes, the manufacturing method of the garment article 1 may also include the folding process (1-5), the side sealing process (1-6), or the process described in the first embodiment. Figure 3 The attached buckle T is shown in the diagram. Through the above process, an underwear-type garment 1 can be manufactured (see reference). Figure 1 ) or buckle-type clothing item 1 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0151] The sheet preparation process, sheet weakening process (7-1), and cutting and separating process (7-2) are the same as the sheet preparation process, sheet weakening process (2-1), cutting and separating process (2-2), and elastic component supply process (2-3) of the second embodiment (this process (2-3) should be deleted), so their descriptions are omitted.

[0152] In the elastic component supply process (7-3), such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, unlike the elastic component supply process (2-3) of the second embodiment, the leg elastic component 7 is supplied to the opposite side surface of the skin side of the elastic sheet 6 (the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3).

[0153] In the sheet joining process (7-4), the edge on the wearer's waist side extends beyond the extension direction of the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3). Figure 9 The covering sheet 8 and the elastic sheet 6 are connected in such a way that an extension 8b extending in a direction away from the absorbent body 4 is formed at the lower edge of the front elastic portion 2 and the upper edge of the rear elastic portion 3. At this time, the covering sheet 8 is connected to the outer surface of the elastic sheet 6 on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface in a way that covers the leg elastic member 7.

[0154] Next, in the notch forming process (7-5), a notch 8a is formed to form the leg opening, and in the absorbent connecting process (7-6), the absorbent 4 is connected to the elastic sheet 6 and the cover sheet 8.

[0155] Furthermore, in the extension connection process (7-7), the extension 8b is folded over by clamping the waist-side edge of the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3) and the end of the absorbent body 4, and the extension 8b is connected to the elastic sheet 6 (front elastic portion 2 and rear elastic portion 3). Additionally, in the extension connection process (7-7), the extension 8b may also be connected to the absorbent body 4 in addition to the elastic sheet 6.

[0156] According to the seventh embodiment, since the covering sheet 8 can be positioned between the edge of the elastic sheet 6 and the end (end face) of the absorbent body 4 and the wearer's skin surface, a good skin feel can be provided to the wearer. This improves the wearing experience.

[0157] In addition, the order of the notch forming process (7-5), the absorber connecting process (7-6), and the extension connecting process (7-7) is conditional on the extension connecting process being after the absorber connecting process, but is not subject to this restriction.

[0158] Furthermore, similar to the sixth embodiment, it is preferable to perform steps (7-1) to (7-7) using a continuous body of multiple elastic sheets 6 in the width direction W. In this case, in the sheet joining step (7-4), a continuous body of multiple covering sheets 8 in the width direction W can be joined to the elastic sheets 6 (the continuous body of the front elastic portion 2 and the rear elastic portion 3).

[0159] Furthermore, the steps in embodiments 1 to 7 can be appropriately interchanged or combined with those in other embodiments.

[0160] Furthermore, although the sheet preparation process in embodiments 1 to 7 involves preparing one elastic sheet 6 and performing a sheet weakening process on that elastic sheet 6, the sheet preparation process is not limited to this and two elastic sheets 6 can also be prepared. Specifically, in the sheet preparation process, one elastic sheet 6 having a front elastic portion 2 and one elastic sheet having a rear elastic portion 3 can be prepared separately. In this case, the sheet weakening process is performed on both elastic sheets 6 simultaneously.

[0161] In addition, the above-described specific embodiments mainly include inventions having the following structures.

[0162] To address the aforementioned issues, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a garment comprising: a front abdomen disposed on the abdomen of a wearer; a back abdomen disposed on the buttocks of a wearer; and an absorbent body having a front portion connected to the front abdomen, a rear portion connected to the back abdomen, and a middle portion extending from the front portion to the rear portion and disposed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer. The manufacturing method includes: a sheet preparation step of preparing at least one elastic sheet for forming the front abdomen and the back abdomen; and a sheet weakening step of weakening the elasticity of the elastic sheet in the front and rear weakened regions of the at least one elastic sheet. The front weakening region is a pre-defined region that is connected to the front of the absorber and serves as the absorbent core configuration region of the absorber; the rear weakening region is a pre-defined region that is connected to the rear of the absorber and serves as the absorbent core configuration region; and the absorber connecting process connects the front of the absorber to the front connecting region of the at least one elastic sheet and connects the rear of the absorber to the rear connecting region of the at least one elastic sheet, wherein the sheet weakening process is performed simultaneously on the front weakening region and the rear weakening region.

[0163] According to the present invention, the elasticity of the front connecting region and the rear connecting region of at least one elastic sheet used to form the front abdomen and the back can be weakened simultaneously. Therefore, the efficiency of the weakening process can be improved compared to weakening the elasticity of the front connecting region and the rear connecting region separately. Consequently, the production efficiency of wearable articles can be improved.

[0164] In the sheet preparation process, two elastic sheets are prepared: one for forming the front abdomen and one for forming the back. During the sheet weakening process, the elasticity of both sheets is simultaneously weakened. However, to perform the sheet weakening process on both sheets simultaneously, their relative positions must be adjusted.

[0165] Therefore, the ideal method for manufacturing the garment is that, in the sheet preparation step, a single elastic sheet is prepared having a front elastic portion for forming the front abdomen and a rear elastic portion for forming the back, and the sheet weakening step is performed on the single elastic sheet.

[0166] In this way, the elasticity of both the front and rear connecting areas can be weakened simultaneously by performing a weakening process on a single elastic sheet. Therefore, compared to performing the weakening process while adjusting the relative positions of two elastic sheets, the production efficiency of wearable items can be improved.

[0167] In the method of manufacturing the garment, by forming a notch relative to a single elastic sheet to create a leg opening for the wearer's feet to pass through, the wearer's abdomen, buttocks, and groin area can be covered by a single elastic sheet. However, since there is absorbent material in the wearer's groin area, the elastic sheet can be omitted in the area covering the wearer's groin area.

[0168] Specifically, the manufacturing method of the wearable item ideally includes: a slitting process, after the sheet weakening process, slitting the one elastic sheet into the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion; and a separation process, allowing the slitting front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion to separate from each other in the extension direction of the absorbent.

[0169] In this way, by connecting the absorbent body across two separate elastic sheets (the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion), the area between the two elastic sheets, defined by the absorbent body, can be used as a leg opening. Therefore, the elastic sheet covering the wearer's crotch area can be omitted, reducing the amount of elastic sheet used.

[0170] The elasticity of the elastic sheet can also be used to apply elasticity in the direction of the absorbent extension to the wearable article. However, in this case, the wearable article must be manufactured with the elastic sheet stretched in two directions: the direction of the elastic sheet's extension toward the absorbent and the direction in which the elastic sheet is originally required to be elastic (the direction orthogonal to the direction of the absorbent's extension), which makes the handling of the elastic sheet more difficult.

[0171] Therefore, the manufacturing method of the wearable item ideally includes an elastic component connection process, in which the leg elastic component is positioned at the elastic component connection positions on both sides of the absorbent core configuration area in an orthogonal direction to the extension direction of the absorbent body, and the leg elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet while the leg elastic component is extended along the extension direction.

[0172] In this way, by connecting the leg portion to the elastic sheet in an extended state along the extension direction of the absorbent, elasticity in the extension direction can be applied to the elastic sheet. Therefore, it is not necessary to extend the elastic sheet in multiple directions in order to apply the elasticity of the elastic sheet itself in the extension direction, making the handling of the elastic sheet easier.

[0173] Although the elastic leg member can be connected to the elastic sheet in an exposed state, it is difficult to ensure that there is sufficient holding force to keep the elastic leg member on the elastic sheet.

[0174] Therefore, the manufacturing method of the wearable item ideally includes a sheet joining process, which involves configuring a covering sheet on the at least one elastic sheet in a manner that covers the elastic component for the legs, and joining the covering sheet to the at least one elastic sheet.

[0175] In this way, by clamping the leg elastic member between the cover sheet and the elastic sheet, sufficient retaining force can be ensured to hold the leg elastic member on the elastic sheet. Thus, the leg elastic member can be reliably connected to the elastic sheet.

[0176] In the method of manufacturing the wearable article, in the sheet joining process, the covering sheet is joined to the at least one elastic sheet in such a way that it covers the entire opening forming area, which is a pre-defined area for forming a leg opening through which the wearer's foot passes. The method of manufacturing the wearable article preferably also includes a notch forming process, which forms a notch along the opening forming area after the sheet joining process.

[0177] In this way, since the covering material can be arranged around the edge of the entire leg opening of the garment, it can provide the wearer with a uniform skin feel throughout the entire leg opening. This improves the wearing experience.

[0178] Furthermore, since the wearing experience can be improved by using a covering sheet that covers the elastic components of the legs as described above, the production efficiency of the garment can be increased compared to when other sheets and elastic sheets are connected.

[0179] In the method of manufacturing the wearable article, in the sheet joining process, an extension portion extending in a direction away from the elastic sheet is formed at the edge of the at least one elastic sheet on the wearer's waist side, beyond the extending direction of the elastic sheet. The covering sheet is connected to the outer surface of the at least one elastic sheet on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface. Ideally, the method of manufacturing the wearable article also includes an extension joining process, in which the extension portion is folded over by clamping the edge of the at least one elastic sheet and the end of the absorbent body, and the extension portion is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

[0180] In this way, since the covering sheet can exist between the edge of the elastic sheet and the end (end face) of the absorbent and the wearer's skin surface, it can provide the wearer with a good skin feel, thereby improving the wearing experience.

[0181] Furthermore, since the wearing experience can be improved by using a covering sheet that covers the elastic components of the legs as described above, the production efficiency of the garment can be increased compared to when other sheets and elastic sheets are connected.

[0182] In the manufacturing method of the wearable article, during the elastic component connection step, the leg elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet in such a way that: a first part is connected to the elastic component connection position located on one side of the absorbent core configuration area in an elongated state along the extension direction; a second part is connected to the elastic component connection position located on the other side of the absorbent core configuration area in an elongated state along the extension direction; and a connecting portion is formed connecting the first part and the second part. Ideally, the manufacturing method of the wearable article also includes an elastic component weakening step, which, after the elastic component connection step, is used to weaken the elasticity of a pre-defined area that is the configuration area of ​​the absorbent core in the connecting portion.

[0183] For example, by supplying a leg elastic member along a path that bends relative to a direction orthogonal to the elastic sheet, and connecting the leg elastic member to the elastic sheet in an extended state, a portion of the leg elastic member can be connected to the elastic sheet in a state configured at the elastic member connection position. That is, by joining the elastic sheet and the leg elastic member as described above, the leg elastic member can be connected to the elastic sheet with a first portion configured on one side of the absorbent core and a second portion configured on the other side of the absorbent core.

[0184] However, since Part 1 and Part 2 are connected by a connecting portion, this connecting portion applies elasticity to the absorbent core. Therefore, as described above, by weakening the elasticity of the absorbent core's configuration area within the connecting portion, the application of elasticity to the absorbent core by the connecting portion can be prevented. Consequently, since the absorbent body can be prevented from contracting in the orthogonal direction in the wearer's crotch area when the garment is worn, a decrease in excrement absorption performance can be prevented.

[0185] Ideally, the manufacturing method of the wearable article further includes: an elastic component preparation step, preparing an elastic component having a retaining sheet and a pair of leg elastic members, the pair of leg elastic members being connected to the retaining sheet in a state of elongation along the orthogonal direction and separation from each other in the extension direction; and a posture changing step, changing the posture of the elastic component so that the leg elastic members are in a posture of extension along the extension direction; and in the elastic component connection step, with each leg elastic member disposed at an elastic component connection position and the leg elastic members elongated along the extension direction, the elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

[0186] For example, the elastic component for the leg can be supplied along a path that bends relative to the direction orthogonal to the retaining sheet and is separated from each other in the extension direction, and the elastic component for the leg can be connected to the retaining sheet in the extended state, thus preparing the elastic assembly.

[0187] In this elastic assembly, a pair of leg elastic members are arranged with a gap between them. Therefore, by changing the posture of the elastic assembly in the posture changing process so that the gap overlaps with the arrangement area of ​​the absorbent core, each leg elastic member can be arranged at the elastic member connection position in the subsequent elastic member connection process.

[0188] Furthermore, an elastic assembly with a pair of leg elastic components positioned in a predetermined relationship can be prepared in parallel with various processing steps applied to the elastic sheet. Therefore, unlike directly attaching the leg elastic components to the elastic sheet, the production efficiency of wearable items can be improved.

[0189] Ideally, the manufacturing method of the wearable article further includes: an elastic component preparation step, preparing an elastic component having a retaining sheet and the elastic member for the leg, the elastic member for the leg having a first portion connected to the retaining sheet in a state of elongation along the extension direction, a second portion connected to the retaining sheet in a state of elongation along the extension direction and in a state of separation from the first portion in the orthogonal direction, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; and an elastic component weakening step, weakening the elasticity of a region predetermined as a configuration area of ​​the absorbent core in the connecting portion, wherein, in the elastic component connection step, before or after the elastic component weakening step, with the first portion configured at an elastic component connection position set on one side of the absorbent core configuration area and the second portion configured at an elastic component connection position set on the other side of the absorbent core configuration area, the elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

[0190] For example, the leg elastic member can be supplied along a path that bends relative to a direction orthogonal to the retaining sheet, and the leg elastic member is connected to the retaining sheet in an extended state, thus preparing an elastic assembly in which the leg elastic member is positioned at a predetermined location. Specifically, in this elastic assembly, a first portion of the leg elastic member is connected to the retaining sheet in an extended state along the extension direction. A second portion of the leg elastic member is connected to the retaining sheet in an extended state along the extension direction and in a state separated from the first portion in an orthogonal direction. Then, the first and second portions are connected to each other by a connecting member of the leg elastic member.

[0191] However, when the first part is positioned at the elastic member connection position on one side of the absorbent core configuration area and the second part is positioned at the elastic member connection position on the other side of the absorbent core configuration area, the connecting part overlaps with the absorbent core, and the connecting part applies elasticity to the absorbent core.

[0192] Therefore, in the elasticity weakening process, by weakening the elasticity of a pre-defined area that serves as the absorbent core placement area in the connecting part, the elasticity applied to the absorbent core by the connecting part of the elastic component in the leg area can be suppressed after the absorbent body is connected to the elastic sheet. As a result, since the absorbent body can be prevented from contracting in the orthogonal direction in the crotch area when the garment is worn, the decrease in excrement absorption performance can be prevented.

[0193] Furthermore, the elastic components for the legs, arranged in a predetermined positional relationship, can be prepared in parallel with various processing steps applied to the elastic sheet. Therefore, unlike directly attaching the leg elastic components to the elastic sheet, the production efficiency of wearable items can be improved.

[0194] In addition, the present invention provides a garment article manufactured according to the manufacturing method of the garment article.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a garment comprising: a front abdomen disposed on the abdomen of a wearer; a back disposed on the buttocks of a wearer; and an absorbent body having a front portion connected to the front abdomen, a rear portion connected to the back, and a middle portion extending from the front portion to the rear portion and disposed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer, the method being characterized in that it includes: The sheet preparation process involves preparing at least one elastic sheet for forming the front abdomen and the back. The sheet weakening process weakens the elasticity of the elastic sheet in a front weakening region and a rear weakening region of the at least one elastic sheet. The front weakening region is a front connecting region connected to the front of the absorber and is a region pre-defined as an absorbent core configuration region of the absorber. The rear weakening region is a rear connecting region connected to the rear of the absorber and is a region pre-defined as an absorbent core configuration region. In the absorbent body connection process, the front portion of the absorbent body is connected to the front connection area of ​​the at least one elastic sheet, and the rear portion of the absorbent body is connected to the rear connection area of ​​the at least one elastic sheet, wherein... The sheet weakening process is performed simultaneously on both the front weakening area and the rear weakening area. In the sheet preparation process, an elastic sheet is prepared having a front elastic portion for forming the front abdomen and a rear elastic portion for forming the back. The elastic sheet has: a sheet-shaped elastic component body formed of an elastic thermoplastic resin; and a pair of nonwoven sheets ultrasonically welded to the elastic component body in a clamping state. The sheet weakening process is performed on the elastic sheet by clamping it between a heated stamping protrusion with an outer peripheral surface and a support roller. The outer peripheral surface has an area equal to the area of ​​the weakened region, which includes the front weakened region and the rear weakened region. In the absorbent connection process, the absorbent is connected to the elastic sheet while the absorbent core is positioned on the elastic sheet in such a way that the absorbent core is included in the weakened area.

2. The method for manufacturing the wearable article according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: The slitting process, after the sheet weakening process, divides the one elastic sheet into the front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion; and, The separation process allows the cut front elastic portion and the rear elastic portion to separate from each other in the extension direction of the absorber.

3. The method for manufacturing the wearable article according to claim 1, characterized in that... Also includes: In the elastic component connection process, the leg elastic component is positioned at the elastic component connection positions on both sides of the absorbent core configuration area in an orthogonal direction to the extension direction of the absorbent body, and the leg elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet while the leg elastic component is extended along the extension direction.

4. The method for manufacturing the wearable article according to claim 3, characterized in that... Also includes: The sheet joining process involves configuring a cover sheet on the at least one elastic sheet in a manner that covers the elastic member of the leg, and joining the cover sheet to the at least one elastic sheet.

5. The method for manufacturing a wearable article according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the sheet joining process, the covering sheet is joined to the at least one elastic sheet in such a way that it covers the entire opening-forming area pre-defined as the area for forming a leg opening through which the wearer's foot passes. The method of manufacturing the wearable article further includes a notch forming process, which forms a notch along the opening forming area after the sheet joining process.

6. The method for manufacturing a wearable article according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: In the sheet joining process, the covering sheet is joined to the outer surface of the at least one elastic sheet on the side opposite to the wearer's skin by forming an extension portion extending in a direction away from the elastic sheet at the edge portion of the wearer's waist side, beyond the extending direction of the at least one elastic sheet. The method of manufacturing the wearable article further includes an extension connection process, wherein the extension is folded by clamping the edge of the at least one elastic sheet and the end of the absorbent body, and the extension is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

7. The method for manufacturing a garment according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that: In the elastic component connection process, the leg elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet in the following manner: a first portion is connected to the elastic component connection position located on one side of the absorbent core configuration area in an elongated state along the extension direction; a second portion is connected to the elastic component connection position located on the other side of the absorbent core configuration area in an elongated state along the extension direction; and a connecting portion connects the first portion and the second portion. The method for manufacturing the wearable article further includes an elastic component weakening step, which, after the elastic component connecting step, is used to weaken the elasticity of a pre-defined area that serves as the configuration area of ​​the absorbent core in the connecting portion.

8. The method for manufacturing a wearable article according to claim 3, characterized in that... Also includes: The elastic component preparation process involves preparing an elastic component having a retaining sheet and a pair of said leg elastic members, wherein the pair of said leg elastic members are connected to the retaining sheet in a state of elongation along the orthogonal direction and in a state of separation from each other in the elongation direction; and, The posture changing process involves changing the posture of the elastic component so that the leg is in a posture extending along the extension direction. In the elastic component connection process, with each leg elastic component positioned at the elastic component connection position and the leg elastic component extended along the extension direction, the elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

9. The method for manufacturing a wearable article according to claim 3, characterized in that... Also includes: The elastic component preparation process involves preparing an elastic component comprising a retaining sheet and the aforementioned leg elastic member. The leg elastic member has a first portion connected to the retaining sheet in an elongated state along the extending direction, a second portion connected to the retaining sheet in an elongated state along the extending direction and in a state separated from the first portion in the orthogonal direction, and a connecting portion connecting the first portion and the second portion; and, The elasticity weakening process weakens the elasticity of a pre-defined area that serves as the configuration area of ​​the absorbent core in the connecting portion, wherein... In the elastic component connection process, before or after the elastic component weakening process, with the first part configured at the elastic component connection position on one side of the absorbent core configuration area and the second part configured at the elastic component connection position on the other side of the absorbent core configuration area, the elastic component is connected to the at least one elastic sheet.

10. A garment, characterized in that: Manufactured by the method of manufacturing the garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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