Decorative sheet for absorbent product

Abstract

A decorative sheet (50) for an absorbent product is decorated and used in any one of an absorbent article (1), individual packaging (30) for the absorbent article, and a package (40) for the absorbent article. The decorative sheet (50) includes: a sheet (51); an adhesive layer (52) provided on the front surface of the sheet (51); and a decorative layer (53) that is provided on the adhesive layer (52) and has a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less. The decorative layer (53) is provided at a portion visible to a user, and protrudes from the front surface of the sheet (51) in the thickness direction of the sheet (51).

Description

Decorative sheets for absorbent products

[0001] The present invention relates to a decorative sheet for an absorbent product.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for manufacturing a decorative sheet in which a display layer (characters, figures, etc.) made of foil containing a metal component is formed on a material sheet. Specifically, this manufacturing method involves transporting a transfer film containing foil and a material sheet, which are stacked between a pattern roll and an anvil roll, and pressing foil corresponding to the pattern on the outer peripheral surface of the pattern roll onto the material sheet, thereby forming the display layer.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-12041

[0004] Absorbent articles such as napkins and disposable diapers are expected to deform three-dimensionally along the wearer's body, fit the wearer's body, and prevent leakage. Meanwhile, in the decorative sheet of Patent Document 1, the display layer is formed by pressing a foil. As a result, the display layer has a concave shape relative to its surroundings and is smooth. Therefore, when the decorative sheet of Patent Document 1 is used for an absorbent article, an individual package of an absorbent article, or a package of an absorbent article, the user will visually recognize the display layer, which has a smooth, concave shape, before using the absorbent article. This may give the user the impression that the absorbent article, like the display layer, is a flat product, which may cause anxiety about whether the absorbent article will deform three-dimensionally to fit the body.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to give a user who visually checks the decorative layer of a decorative sheet used on an absorbent article, an individual package of the absorbent article, or a package of the absorbent article the impression that the absorbent article is a product that can be deformed three-dimensionally and fits easily.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a decorative sheet for absorbent products, which is used for any of absorbent articles, individual packages of absorbent articles, and packages of absorbent articles, and is decorated, comprising: a sheet; an adhesive layer provided on the surface of said sheet; and a decorative layer provided on said adhesive layer and having a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, said decorative layer being provided in a position visible to a user and protruding from said surface of said sheet in the thickness direction of said sheet. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, when a user visually inspects the decorative layer of the decorative sheet used on the absorbent article, the individual packaging of the absorbent article, or the package of the absorbent article, the user is given the impression that the absorbent article is a product that can be deformed three-dimensionally and fits easily.

[0008] FIG. 6A is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the napkin 1. FIG. 6C is a plan view of the individual napkin packaging body 30 in an unfolded state, as seen from the non-skin side. FIG. 6D is a plan view of the individual napkin packaging body 30 in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 6E is a plan view of the individual napkin packaging body 30. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the napkin package 40, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the state after the container 41 has been opened. FIG. 6F is a front view of the package 40. FIG. 6G is a rear view of the package 40. FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating the decorative sheet 50. FIG. 6I is a diagram illustrating the decorative sheet 50. FIG. 6IH ...

[0009] At least the following points become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings: Aspect 1 is a decorative sheet for absorbent products that is used for any of absorbent articles, individual packages of absorbent articles, and packages of absorbent articles, and that is decorated, comprising a sheet, an adhesive layer provided on the surface of the sheet, and a decorative layer that is provided on the adhesive layer and has a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, the decorative layer being provided in a position visible to a user and protruding from the surface of the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet.

[0010] According to Aspect 1, even if the decorative layer has a small maximum thickness, it can be made to protrude in the thickness direction of the sheet by overlapping with the adhesive layer. When a user sees the protruding, three-dimensional decorative layer, the impression that the absorbent article is also three-dimensionally deformed and fits well can be given to the user.

[0011] (Embodiment 2) In the decorative sheet for absorbent products according to embodiment 1, the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap has an area with a different thickness.

[0012] According to aspect 2, the decorative layer is more easily visually perceived three-dimensionally, and therefore the absorbent article can also be given the impression of being three-dimensionally deformed and fitting well to the user.

[0013] (Aspect 3) A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in Aspect 2, wherein in the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap, the thickness of the end in a predetermined direction is smaller than the thickness of the area adjacent to the end on the inside in the predetermined direction.

[0014] According to the third aspect, the decorative layer is more easily perceived three-dimensionally, as if it is protruding inward from the end portion, and therefore the absorbent article can also give the user the impression that it is deformed three-dimensionally and fits well.

[0015] (Aspect 4) In the decorative sheet for absorbent products according to Aspect 2 or 3, the central portion in a predetermined direction of the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap is recessed.

[0016] According to aspect 4, the surface of the decorative layer has an uneven shape, which makes the decorative layer more easily visible in three dimensions, and therefore the absorbent article can also be given the impression of being three-dimensionally deformed and fitting well to the user.

[0017] (Aspect 5) A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the adhesive layer has an extension portion extending to one side in a predetermined direction beyond the decorative layer, and the maximum thickness of the extension portion is smaller than the maximum thickness of the portion of the adhesive layer that overlaps with the decorative layer.

[0018] According to Aspect 5, the small thickness of the extension portion can prevent a decrease in the visibility of the decorative layer. Since the decorative layer is not located at the edge where stress is likely to be applied, cracking and peeling of the decorative layer can be prevented, and the quality of the decorative layer can be maintained. Therefore, the absorbent article can also give the user the impression of high quality.

[0019] (Aspect 6) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the adhesive layer has an extension portion extending to one side in a predetermined direction beyond the decorative layer, and the length of the extension portion in the predetermined direction is shorter than the length in the predetermined direction of the portion of the adhesive layer that overlaps with the decorative layer.

[0020] According to Aspect 6, the short length of the extension portion can prevent the aesthetics of the decorative layer from deteriorating. Since the decorative layer is not located at the end where stress is likely to be applied, cracking and peeling of the decorative layer can be prevented, and the quality of the decorative layer can be maintained. Therefore, the absorbent article can also give the user the impression of high quality.

[0021] (Embodiment 7) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the maximum thickness of the decorative layer.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, the decorative layer can be made to protrude further in the thickness direction of the sheet, and the decorative layer can be easily viewed three-dimensionally.

[0023] (Embodiment 8) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the decorative layer is a layer formed of any one of metal foil, hologram foil, and pigment foil.

[0024] According to Aspect 8, the aesthetic appeal of the three-dimensional decorative layer can be enhanced. A user who visually recognizes a decorative layer formed from metal foil or holographic foil can be given the impression that the absorbent article is a high-quality product. On the other hand, a decorative layer formed from pigment foil has a matte finish, giving the user the impression that the product is calm and secure.

[0025] (Aspect 9) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent article has a compressed portion compressed from the skin-facing side of the top sheet, and the minimum width of the decorative layer is smaller than the minimum width of the compressed portion.

[0026] According to Aspect 9, a user who visually observes the narrow decorative layer can get the impression that the absorbent article is a soft product that deforms delicately and flexibly. Furthermore, a user who visually observes the decorative layer is more likely to get the impression that the absorbent article is easily deformed starting from the firmly wide compressed portions.

[0027] (Aspect 10) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the absorbent article has a compressed portion compressed from the skin-facing side of the top sheet, and the maximum thickness of the portion where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap is smaller than the minimum depth of the compressed portion.

[0028] According to Aspect 10, the thicknesses of the decorative layer and the adhesive layer are reduced, which makes it possible to prevent peeling due to snagging. Furthermore, a user who visually observes the decorative layer can get the impression that the absorbent article is easily deformed starting from the deep compressed portions.

[0029] (Embodiment 11) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, having a printed layer provided on the surface of the sheet, with the adhesive layer and the decorative layer provided on a portion of the printed layer.

[0030] According to Aspect 11, even if the adhesive layer or the decorative layer peels off, the printed layer remains visible, preventing deterioration in the quality of the decorative sheet, thereby ensuring a high-quality impression of the absorbent article to the user.

[0031] (Aspect 12) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product as described in any one of Aspects 1 to 11, which is used for individual packaging of the absorbent article or for packaging the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering the surface of the absorbent core, and the decorative sheet has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction that are perpendicular to each other, and when the decorative sheet is stretched in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, whichever has the higher elongation strength, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet at which the adhesive layer breaks is defined as a first elongation amount, and when the core wrap sheet is stretched in the width direction of the absorbent article, the amount of elongation of the core wrap sheet at which the core wrap sheet breaks is defined as a second elongation amount, the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount.

[0032] According to aspect 12, it is possible to prevent the adhesive layer from breaking and falling off due to elongation of the decorative sheet, and it is possible to prevent deterioration in the quality of the decorative sheet, thereby ensuring that the user's impression of the absorbent article is of high quality.

[0033] (Aspect 13) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the decorative sheet has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction that are perpendicular to each other, and has a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, and when the decorative sheet is stretched in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction, whichever has the higher tensile strength, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet when the first adhesive layer breaks is different from the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet when the second adhesive layer breaks.

[0034] According to Aspect 13, when an external force is applied to the decorative sheet, the difference in the way the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer stretch causes the decorative layer on the first adhesive layer and the decorative layer on the second adhesive layer to appear different in three dimensions, allowing the user to enjoy the differences between the multiple three-dimensional decorative layers.

[0035] (Aspect 14) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, which is used for individual packaging of the absorbent article or for packaging of the absorbent article, and has a welded portion that contains and seals the absorbent article inside, and the welded portion is also visible when the decorative layer is viewed in a plane.

[0036] According to Aspect 14, the recessed welded portion in a plan view accentuates the height of the decorative layer, making it easier to see the decorative layer in three dimensions. This gives the user the impression that the absorbent article is also three-dimensionally deformed and fitting well.

[0037] (Aspect 15) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the absorbent article has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, and the minimum width of the decorative layer is smaller than the average particle size of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0038] According to Aspect 15, a user who visually recognizes the narrow decorative layer can get the impression that the absorbent article is a soft product that deforms delicately and flexibly. Furthermore, a user who visually recognizes the decorative layer can easily recognize the presence of the superabsorbent polymer, and can easily get the impression that excrement is absorbed and retained by the superabsorbent polymer.

[0039] (Aspect 16) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, used for packaging the absorbent article, having a code display portion, the code display portion being formed by the adhesive layer and a printing layer that does not overlap the decorative layer.

[0040] According to the sixteenth aspect, the visibility of the code display portion is improved, and the reading device can correctly read the code display portion.

[0041] (Aspect 17) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, used in packaging the absorbent article, having an article display section representing the absorbent article, the article display section being formed by the adhesive layer and the decorative layer.

[0042] According to aspect 17, when a user visually recognizes the three-dimensional article display portion, the user is given the impression that the absorbent article is also three-dimensionally deformed and fits well.

[0043] Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of decorative sheets for absorbent products used in absorbent articles, individual absorbent article packages, or absorbent article packages will be described, taking a sanitary napkin as an example of an absorbent article. Absorbent articles are not limited to sanitary napkins, but also include pants-type or tape-type disposable diapers, panty liners, shorts-type napkins, light incontinence pads, urine-absorbing pads, breast pads, underarm sweat pads, disposable diapers for pets, and other absorbent articles.

[0044] <<Basic Structure of Napkin 1>> Fig. 1 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded state, as seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the napkin 1. The napkin 1 in an unfolded state has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, which are perpendicular to one another. In the longitudinal direction, the side that contacts the wearer's lower abdomen is called the "front side," and the side that contacts the wearer's buttocks is called the "rear side." In addition, in the thickness direction of the napkin 1, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is called the "skin side," and the opposite side is called the "non-skin side."

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the napkin 1 has a topsheet 2, an intermediate sheet 3, an absorbent body 10, a backsheet 4, wing sheets 5, and side sheets 6. Adjacent materials in the thickness direction are bonded and fixed using an adhesive (not shown) such as a hot melt adhesive. The topsheet 2 and the intermediate sheet 3 are liquid-permeable sheet members, such as nonwoven fabrics. The backsheet 4 is a liquid-impermeable sheet member, such as a resin film. The side sheets 6 are folded inward in the width direction from the widthwise end of the non-skin-contacting side of the absorbent body 10 to be positioned at the widthwise end of the skin-contacting side of the topsheet 2. The backsheet 4 and the wing sheets 5 extend outward in the width direction beyond the side sheets 6, forming wing portions 1w in the longitudinal center of the napkin 1.

[0046] Furthermore, the topsheet 2 that comes into contact with the wearer's skin may be a sheet made of natural fiber cotton (for example, a sheet member made of 100% cotton or a mixed sheet of cotton and air-through nonwoven fabric). This reduces irritation to the wearer's skin. In this case, as shown in the drawings described below, a pattern representing cotton can be provided on the napkin 1, individual package 30, or package 40 to indicate to the user that cotton is used. However, the topsheet 2 does not have to be a cotton sheet.

[0047] The absorbent body 10 is a member that absorbs and retains bodily waste. The absorbent body 10 in Figure 2 has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrap sheet 12 that covers the absorbent core 11. The absorbent core 11 is a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber or cellulosic absorbent fiber formed into a predetermined shape. The core wrap sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member, such as tissue. However, the configuration of the absorbent body 10 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, or an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbent fibers are formed into a sheet by an airlaid method.

[0048] Although the basic structure of the napkin 1 has been described above, the structure of the napkin is not limited to the above. For example, the napkin may not have wings 1w.

[0049] <<Individual napkin packaging 30>> Fig. 3 is a plan view of the unfolded individual napkin packaging 30 as seen from the non-skin side. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the unfolded individual napkin packaging 30 as seen from the skin side. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the individual napkin packaging 30.

[0050] The individual package 30 for the napkin 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the "individual package 30") is formed by individually packaging the napkin 1 in a packaging sheet 31, and includes the napkin 1, the packaging sheet 31, a fastening tape 32, and release sheets 33 and 34. The packaging sheet 31 is a rectangular sheet member, and examples thereof include a resin film, a nonwoven fabric, paper, and a sheet formed by laminating these together. The longitudinal direction of the packaging sheet 31 corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1, and the width direction, which is the short side direction of the packaging sheet 31, corresponds to the width direction of the napkin 1. The fastening tape 32 is provided at the end of the packaging sheet 31 in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, the non-skin side of the napkin 1 (i.e., the non-skin side of the backsheet 4) is provided with a plurality of adhesive portions 8, 9, for example, by applying an adhesive. The main body of the napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of rectangular adhesive portions 8 extending in the longitudinal direction and aligned in the width direction. These adhesive portions 8 on the main body are used to secure the main body of the napkin 1 to the inner surface of the wearer's underwear. The wing portions 1w are also provided with a plurality of rectangular adhesive portions 9 extending in the longitudinal direction and aligned in the width direction. When the napkin 1 is worn, the wing portions 1w are folded and secured to the outer surface of the underwear by the adhesive portions 9. The shape, number, and arrangement of the adhesive portions 8, 9 are not limited to those exemplified in Figure 3.

[0052] In the individual package 30, the non-skin side of the napkin 1 is fixed to the packaging sheet 31 via a release sheet 33. The release sheet 33 covers the adhesive portion 8 of the main body of the napkin 1, allowing the napkin 1 to be easily peeled off when the individual package 30 is opened. As shown in Fig. 4, the wing portions 1w are folded inward in the width direction onto the skin side of the napkin 1. The adhesive portions 9 of the wing portions 1w are covered with a release sheet 34. The napkin 1 may also be directly and releasably fixed to the packaging sheet 31 without the release sheet 33.

[0053] The packaging sheet 31 and napkin 1 are folded from the state shown in Fig. 4 at two widthwise folds F1 and F2. Both widthwise ends of the packaging sheet 31 folded together with the napkin 1 are joined to form a joint 35 as shown in Fig. 5. Examples of the joining method at the joint 35 include well-known joining methods such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, adhesive, and combinations of these. In addition, a fastening tape 32 is provided across the opening end of the packaging sheet 31. The user grasps the fastening tape 32 and unfolds the folds F1 and F2 to open the individual package 30.

[0054] The individual napkin wrappers 30 have been described above, but the configuration of the individual wrappers 30 is not limited to the above. For example, the number of folds F1, F2 of the wrapper sheet 31 is not limited to two, and may be one, three, or more. Furthermore, the wrapper sheet 31 and napkins 1 may be folded not only at the folds F1, F2 along the width direction, but also at folds along the length direction. Furthermore, the wrapper sheet 31 and napkins 1 may be folded separately. In other words, the wrapper sheet 31 may be folded while enclosing a napkin 1 that has already been folded.

[0055] <<Napkin Package 40>> Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the napkin package 40, and Fig. 6B is a view showing the state after the container 41 has been opened. The napkin package 40 (hereinafter also referred to as "package 40") has a plurality of individual napkin packages 30 and a container 41 that contains them. Note that the container is not limited to containing individually packaged absorbent articles, and may also directly contain one or more absorbent articles that are not individually packaged, such as disposable diapers, for example.

[0056] The container 41 illustrated in Fig. 6A has a rectangular parallelepiped main body 42 and a sealing member 43, and is oriented in the up-down, left-right, and front-to-back directions. The sealing member 43 is provided on the back surface 41B of the package 40 (container 41). Specifically, the sealing member 43 is provided on the upper rear portion of the container 41. A tab 431 is provided in the center of the left-right direction of the sealing member 43. A tear line 44 (e.g., a perforation) is formed in the portion of the main body 42 covered by the sealing member 43. When a user pinches the tab 431 and pulls the sealing member 43, as shown in Fig. 6B, a portion of the main body 42 adheres to the sealing member 43 and opens along the tear line 44, forming an opening 45 through which the napkin 1 can be removed.

[0057] 6A is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, the container 41 may be a rectangular parallelepiped container that does not have a sealing member 43, a standing pouch, a flat bag, or the like.

[0058] <<Decorative Sheet 50 for Absorbent Products>> Figure 7 is a front view of the package 40. Figure 8 is a rear view of the package 40. Figures 9, 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the decorative sheet 50.

[0059] In this embodiment, a decorated decorative sheet 50 for absorbent products is used in the container 41 (specifically, the main body 42) of the napkin package 40. As shown in Fig. 9, the decorative sheet 50 has a sheet 51, an adhesive layer 52 provided on the surface of the sheet 51, and a decorative layer 53 provided on the adhesive layer 52 and having a maximum thickness of 10 µm or less. Examples of the decorative layer 53 include metal foil, holographic foil, and pigment foil (details will be described later).

[0060] The decorative layer 53 is provided in a portion visible to the user and protrudes from the surface of the sheet 51 in the thickness direction of the sheet 51. In other words, the adhesive layer 52 formed to protrude on the surface of the sheet 51 causes the decorative layer 53 to protrude above the surrounding surface of the sheet 51. Therefore, the decoration expressed by the decorative layer 53 is visually recognized by the user as a three-dimensional decoration. In the following description, the portion where the decorative layer 53 and the adhesive layer 52 overlap is also referred to as the "three-dimensional decorative portion 54." As shown in Figures 9 and 10A, the portion of the adhesive layer 52 that does not overlap with the decorative layer 53 (52E) is not included in the three-dimensional decorative portion 54.

[0061] In this embodiment, a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (adhesive layer 52 + decorative layer 53) is provided on the outer surface of the container 41 of the package 40, and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 protrudes outward from the container 41. The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 expresses a pattern d1 of multiple curves (FIG. 7), a flower outline or petal pattern d2 (FIG. 7), or a design d3 of the napkin 1 (FIG. 7).

[0062] Even when the sheet 51 is decorated with a thin decorative layer 53 (metal foil or holographic foil) having a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, a three-dimensional decoration (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) can be formed by providing the decorative layer 53 on the adhesive layer 52. Users who visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 provided on the container 41 of the package 40 are more likely to get the impression that the product is three-dimensional. Therefore, users are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 contained in the container 41 is a product that deforms three-dimensionally, fits snugly to the body, and is less likely to leak. The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is visible to users in stores where the packages 40 are displayed, restrooms where the packages 40 are stored, and the like. Users who visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 before using the napkin 1 can use the napkin 1 with confidence.

[0063] The type of decoration expressed by the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is not particularly limited, and examples include letters, numbers, symbols (e.g., musical notes and signs), figures (e.g., circles, polygons, hearts, stars), designs (e.g., shapes of objects or pictures representing animals, plants, or characters), geometric patterns, colors (areas that have a predetermined color difference from the color of the sheet 51), or combinations of these. The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 shown in Figure 7 is one example, and the shape, number, size, and arrangement of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 are not particularly limited.

[0064] The adhesive layer 52 maintains a raised state on the surface of the sheet 51 and is formed from a material with adhesive properties that allow the sheet 51 and the decorative layer 53 to adhere to each other. A colorless, transparent, ultraviolet-curing adhesive is exemplified as a material for forming the adhesive layer 52. However, the material is not limited to this, and other light-curing adhesives may also be used. It is advisable to adjust the viscosity of the adhesive layer 52 so that the adhesive layer 52 does not easily penetrate the sheet 51 and remains raised on the sheet 51. Examples of the sheet 51 that constitutes the decorative sheet 50 include resin films, nonwoven fabrics, paper, and sheets made by laminating these together.

[0065] The thickness of the decorative layer 53 is the length in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the decorative layer 53 (e.g., 53t in Figure 9), and its maximum thickness (10 μm or less) can be confirmed using well-known methods. For example, the area where the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is formed on the decorative sheet 50 (here, the container 41) is identified, and that area is cut at multiple arbitrary locations to form multiple samples. Then, using an optical microscope (e.g., a VHX-900F manufactured by KEYENCE), the cut surface of each sample is enlarged and photographed. The maximum thickness of the decorative layer 53 is measured for each image of the cut surface. The maximum value of the maximum thickness of each sample is taken as the maximum thickness of the decorative layer 53, and it is confirmed that it is 10 μm or less.

[0066] The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may be provided at any position on the outer surface of the container 41 of the package 40. Preferably, it may be provided on the front surface 41F of the container 41 of the package 40, as shown in Fig. 7. This makes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more visible to users in stores, etc. The front surface of the container 41 may be the largest surface among the multiple surfaces of the container 41, or the surface on which the sales name (brand name), the number of containers, etc. are printed in large letters.

[0067] Furthermore, in the case of a package 40 having a sealing member 43, it is preferable that the sealing member 43 is provided on the back surface 41B of the container 41 of the package 40, and that the back surface 41B of the container 41 is not provided with a three-dimensional decorative portion 54. When opening the sealing member 43, the user may grip the back surface 41B of the container 41, or the pulling force of the sealing member 43 may act on the back surface 41B of the container 41. Therefore, by not providing the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 on the back surface 41B (opening surface) of the container 41, it is possible to prevent the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from falling off and adhering to the user or the napkin 1 when the package is opened.

[0068] Furthermore, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may be provided on the napkin 1 or the individual napkin wrapper 30 instead of the package 40, or the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may be provided on the napkin 1 or the individual napkin wrapper 30 in addition to the package 40. In other words, the decorative sheet 50 may be used on at least one of the napkin 1, the individual napkin wrapper 30, and the napkin package 40.

[0069] In the case of the individual package 30, the decorative sheet 50 can be used for the package sheet 31, the release sheets 33, 34, etc. Specifically, the pattern d4 on the outer surface of the package sheet 31 shown in Fig. 5 or the pattern d5 on the release sheet 34 shown in Fig. 4 can be used as the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. This allows the user to visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 when removing the individual package 30 from the package 40 or when opening the individual package 30.

[0070] In the case of the napkin 1, the decorative sheet 50 can be used for the back sheet 4, wing sheets 5, etc. Specifically, the pattern d6 on the non-skin side of the back sheet 4 shown in Figure 3 can be made into the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. This allows the user to visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 when removing the napkin from the individual package 30 and putting it on their underwear.

[0071] Even in the above case, the user can visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 before using the napkin 1. Therefore, the user can easily get the impression that the napkin 1 has been three-dimensionally deformed to fit, and can use it with confidence.

[0072] Furthermore, the decorative layer 53 is preferably formed from metal foil, holographic foil, or pigment foil. This enhances the aesthetic appeal of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. Specifically, a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 formed from metal foil or holographic foil is rendered in a metallic luster, such as gold or silver, making it highly noticeable. Therefore, a user visually inspecting the container 41 of the package 40 is likely to focus on the sparkling three-dimensional decorative portion 54, giving the impression that the napkin 1 is being three-dimensionally transformed. Furthermore, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 with its metallic luster also gives the user the impression that the product is high-quality. Therefore, the user is likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 contained in the container 41 is a high-quality product (e.g., leak-resistant, comfortable, etc.), allowing them to use the napkin 1 with confidence. On the other hand, a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 formed from pigment foil has a matte finish, giving the user the impression that the product is calm and reassuring. Furthermore, since there is no metallic luster, the user can easily feel at ease that no foreign matter such as metal is mixed in the napkin 1 stored therein.

[0073] Examples of metal foils include metal foils that have been hammered into a thin, flat sheet, a thin, flat sheet containing metal (a coated film of a metal powder pigment, a metal vapor deposition film), or a sheet in which a synthetic resin layer is laminated on one of these. Examples of metals contained in metal foils include gold, silver, copper, tin, brass, aluminum, etc.

[0074] Holographic foil is a thin, flat sheet that uses the prism effect to reflect incident light in rainbow colors. By creating a finely textured pattern on the surface, viewers can see a specific pattern in the reflected light.

[0075] An example of the pigment foil is a sheet in which a pigment coating film is laminated on a synthetic resin layer. The color of the pigment can be red, blue, yellow, black, white, etc., but is not particularly limited. The decorative layer 53 may also be a foil material other than metal foil, hologram foil, or pigment foil.

[0076] Furthermore, it is preferable that the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer 52 be greater than the maximum thickness of the decorative layer 53. For example, the thickness of the adhesive layer 52 is preferably in the range of approximately 10 to 80 μm, and the thickness of the decorative layer 53 is preferably in the range of approximately 4 to 6 μm. This allows the thin decorative layer 53 to protrude further from the surface of the surrounding sheet 51. This makes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more three-dimensional, making it easier for the user to recognize that a three-dimensional decoration has been provided. Note that, as mentioned above, the thickness of the decorative layer 53 (e.g., 53t in FIG. 9 ) is the length in the direction perpendicular to the surface of the decorative layer 53. The thickness of the adhesive layer 52 (e.g., thickness t2 in FIG. 9 ) is the length in the thickness direction of the sheet 51.

[0077] In addition, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the adhesive layer 52, which is an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, and the decorative layer 53 is adhered to the adhesive layer 52 due to the adhesiveness of the partially cured adhesive layer 52. Examples of cross-sectional shapes of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 include those shown in Figures 9, 10A, and 10B. The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 shown in the figures has a length in a predetermined direction. As shown, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (the portion where the decorative layer 53 and the adhesive layer 52 overlap) preferably has portions with different thicknesses. For example, in the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 of Figure 9, the central portion in a predetermined direction is recessed and thinner. In the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 of Figure 10A, the thickness of the end portion in a predetermined direction is thinner than the thickness of the adjacent portions.

[0078] By varying the height of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 in this way, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is more easily perceived three-dimensionally. Therefore, when a user views the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is also deforming three-dimensionally to fit better. In addition, the appearance of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 changes depending on the angle. Therefore, the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is deforming along with the body and following the movement of the body rather than deforming uniformly.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9, 10A, and 10B, it is preferable that the thickness of the end 54E in a predetermined direction of the three-dimensional decorative part 54 is smaller than the thickness of the inner portion 54I in the predetermined direction adjacent to the end 54E.

[0080] By doing so, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 appears to protrude from the end portion 54E toward the inner portion 54I in a predetermined direction, making the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily visible. Therefore, when a user sees the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 has also deformed three-dimensionally to fit better.

[0081] 9 and 10B, it is preferable that the center of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 in a predetermined direction is recessed (toward the sheet 51 in the thickness direction). This gives the surface of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 an uneven shape, making the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily visible in three dimensions. Therefore, when a user views the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, they are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is also deforming three-dimensionally to fit them. Furthermore, the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is deforming along the body rather than deforming uniformly, following the movement of the body.

[0082] However, this is not limited to the above, and the thickness of the parts other than the ends in a specified direction of the three-dimensional decorative part 54 may be constant, as shown in Figure 10A, or the central part in a specified direction of the three-dimensional decorative part 54 may bulge convexly and have a large thickness.

[0083] 9 and 10A, the adhesive layer 52 may have an extension 52E extending beyond the decorative layer 53 on one side in a predetermined direction. The adhesive layer 52 may extend to both sides in the predetermined direction as shown, or may extend to only one side in the predetermined direction. The maximum thickness t1 of the extension 52E of the adhesive layer 52 is preferably smaller than the maximum thickness t2 of the portion of the adhesive layer 52 that overlaps the decorative layer 53 (t1<t2).

[0084] The small thickness of the extension portion 52E, which is a single adhesive layer 52, prevents the extension portion 52E from impairing the visibility of the decorative layer 53. Furthermore, when external force acts on the decorative sheet 50 (here, the container 41), the force is likely to be applied to the extension portion 52E, which is the end of the adhesive layer 52. However, because the adhesive layer 52 is made of a tacky material and has elasticity, it easily deforms to conform to the sheet 51. This prevents the adhesive layer 52 from peeling from the sheet 51. In particular, a small thickness of the extension portion 52E makes it easier for the extension portion 52 to deform to conform to the sheet 51. Furthermore, by not positioning the decorative layer 53 at the end where force is likely to be applied, peeling between the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 and cracking of the decorative layer 53 can be prevented. Users who visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, which maintains its quality, are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is a high-quality product.

[0085] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length L1 in the predetermined direction of the extension portion 52E is shorter than the length L2 in the predetermined direction of the portion of the adhesive layer 52 that overlaps with the decorative layer 53 (L1<L2).

[0086] As described above, the provision of the extension 52E can suppress peeling between the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 and cracks in the decorative layer 53. However, by not making the extension 52E unnecessarily long, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal (metallic luster, etc.) of the decorative layer 53 from being reduced.

[0087] 10B, the adhesive layer 52 does not have to have the extension 52E. In other words, the entire surface of the adhesive layer 52 may be covered with the decorative layer 53.

[0088] The relationship between the thickness and length of each part has been explained so far, but these comparisons can be made by well-known methods. For example, the target parts can be compared by visually observing them, or by comparing them based on images of the target parts magnified and photographed using an optical microscope. Comparisons can also be made based on cross-sectional images of the target parts cut. The comparisons of thickness and length of each part described below can also be made by similar methods.

[0089] 1 and 2, the napkin 1 has a compressed section 20 that is compressed in the thickness direction from the skin-facing side of the topsheet 2. Therefore, a user looking at the skin-facing side of the napkin 1 can visually recognize the compressed section 20. In the compressed section 20, the napkin 1 is thinner than the surrounding areas, and the density of the materials (fibers) that make up the napkin 1 is higher. In the compressed section 20 illustrated in Fig. 2, the topsheet 2, intermediate sheet 3, and absorbent body 10 (partially or entirely) are compressed in the thickness direction. However, it is sufficient that the compressed section 20 compresses the napkin 1 in the thickness direction from the skin-facing side of the topsheet 2, and it does not have to reach, for example, the absorbent body 10.

[0090] The napkin 1 shown in Figure 1 has a compressed line 21, which is a line of compressed dots, and a plurality of discretely arranged compressed dots 22. However, there are no particular limitations on the number, shape or arrangement of the compressed dots 20. Alternatively, the compressed line may be a continuous groove-like compressed portion.

[0091] The minimum width of the decorative layer 53 of the decorative sheet 50 (here, the container 41) (i.e., the minimum width of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54) is preferably smaller than the minimum width W20 (FIG. 2) of the compressed portion 20. When users see the narrow decorative layer 53, they are likely to get the impression that the product is delicate (sophisticated). Therefore, users are likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is a product that is flexible and soft against the skin, allowing them to use it with confidence.

[0092] Furthermore, users who focus on the three-dimensionally protruding decorative layer 53 are more likely to recognize the three-dimensionally recessed compressed portions 20 when looking at the skin-side surface of the napkin 1. Users who view the narrow decorative layer 53 are particularly likely to recognize the wide compressed portions 20. Because the napkin 1 is thinner at the compressed portions 20, users are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is deforming three-dimensionally to fit the body, starting from the compressed portions 20.

[0093] The width W53 of the decorative layer 53 refers to the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the decorative layer 53 extends, for example, when the decorative layer 53 (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) extends linearly, such as in the curved pattern d1 shown in FIG. 7 , or when the decorative layer 53 forms the outline of a pattern (e.g., a napkin). Furthermore, when the pattern represented by the decorative layer 53 has linear portions (e.g., cotton stalks), the width direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the linear portions extend. Furthermore, when the pattern represented by the decorative layer 53 (e.g., a heart) does not have linear portions, the width direction refers to the short side of the rectangular shape circumscribed by the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 in a planar view. The width refers to the length of the decorative layer 53 in the width direction. Furthermore, when the decorative layer 53 (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) is a letter or number, the width of the decorative layer 53 refers to the thickness of the lines forming the letter or number. Furthermore, the "predetermined direction" in this specification may be the width direction along the width of the decorative layer 53, or a direction intersecting the width direction. The width W20 of the compression portion 20 is defined as the length in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the linear compression portion 21 extends, and as the length in the short direction of the rectangular shape circumscribed by the point compression portion 22 in a planar view.

[0094] 2 has an absorbent core 11 containing superabsorbent polymer 111. That is, the absorbent core 11 is made by adding superabsorbent polymer 111 to liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, and molding the mixture into a predetermined shape. In this case, the minimum width (W53) of the decorative layer 53 is preferably smaller than the average particle size of the superabsorbent polymer 111 before absorbing liquid.

[0095] A user who sees the narrow decorative layer 53 is likely to get the impression that the product is delicate, and that it flexibly deforms relative to the napkin 1 and feels soft against the skin. On the other hand, a user who holds the napkin 1 can sense the presence and size of the superabsorbent polymer 111 through the topsheet 2 and backsheet 4. This gives the user the impression that the superabsorbent polymer 111 firmly absorbs excretory fluid and is less likely to leak.

[0096] The average particle size of the superabsorbent polymer 111 can be measured by a known method. Preferably, the following measurement is performed on multiple napkins 1, and the average particle sizes obtained from each of the multiple measurements (e.g., N = 5) are calculated and compared. (1) A Keyence digital microscope (product name: VHX-1000, zoom lens: ×20 to ×200, or equivalent) and accompanying software are prepared in a temperature and humidity chamber at a temperature of 20±5°C and a humidity of 65±5% RH. (2) Multiple superabsorbent polymers 111 removed from the target napkin 1 are left in the temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours. (3) The superabsorbent polymers 111 are photographed using the digital microscope. (4) The particle size of each superabsorbent polymer 111 refers to the circle-equivalent diameter calculated from the projected area of ​​the projected image of each superabsorbent polymer 111. Specifically, the projected area A of each superabsorbent polymer 111 is measured using the attached software, and the circle-equivalent diameter CD (diameter) of each superabsorbent polymer 111 is calculated (CD=2×(A / π) １ / ２ (5) The average particle size of the superabsorbent polymer 111 means the median diameter in the particle size distribution (number basis). Specifically, the particle size distribution (number basis) of the circle-equivalent diameter CD of 1,000 superabsorbent polymer particles is created using the accompanying software, and the median diameter is determined from the particle size distribution (number basis) to be the average particle size.

[0097] However, since the amount of excrement discharged by the wearer of the napkin 1 is smaller than that of a disposable diaper or a urine-absorbing pad, the absorbent core 11 does not necessarily need to contain the superabsorbent polymer 111 .

[0098] Furthermore, when the napkin 1 has a compressed portion 20, it is preferable that the maximum thickness t3 (Figure 9) of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, which is the area where the decorative layer 53 and the adhesive layer 52 overlap, is smaller than the minimum depth d (Figure 2) of the compressed portion 20 (t3<d).

[0099] By keeping the maximum thickness t3 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 to a moderate level, it is possible to prevent the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from getting caught on something. This prevents the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from peeling off the sheet 51. When a user visually recognizes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, which maintains its quality, they are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is a high-quality product. On the other hand, the user is more likely to recognize the deep, firm compressed portion 20. This makes it easier for the user to get the impression that the napkin 1 is deforming three-dimensionally to fit the body, starting from the compressed portion 20. By actually compressing the highly rigid absorbent body 10, the napkin 1 is more likely to bend starting from the compressed portion 20, making it easier to deform three-dimensionally.

[0100] Furthermore, the decorative sheet 50 may have not only the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 but also a flat printed layer 60, i.e., a normal printed layer 60 printed with ink, provided on the surface of the sheet 51. In this case, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (adhesive layer 52 and decorative layer 53) may be provided on a portion of the printed layer 60. For example, in Figure 7, a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 with a curved pattern d1 is provided on top of a printed layer 60 with a plurality of curved patterns p1. Furthermore, a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 with a petal pattern d2 is provided on top of a printed layer 60 with a flower color p2.

[0101] By doing so, a portion of the decoration expressed by the printing layer 60 appears raised and visible, allowing the user to enjoy the decoration even more. Furthermore, when the decoration is only partially made up of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is more noticeable than when the entire decoration is made up of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. Therefore, the user is more likely to notice the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, and is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is being three-dimensionally deformed. Furthermore, since the printing layer 60 is covered with the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, the printing layer 60 is less likely to peel off. Conversely, even if the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 peels off from the sheet 51, the printing layer 60 will remain visible. This prevents deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50, and ensures that the user's impression of the napkin 1 is high quality.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2, the napkin 1 has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrap sheet 12 that covers the surface of the absorbent core 11. In this case, it is preferable that the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 that overlaps the decorative layer 53 is higher than the tensile strength of the core wrap sheet 12 in the width direction of the napkin 1.

[0103] When the decorative sheet 50 is used in the container 41 of the package 40, the up-down and left-right directions (or the up-down and front-rear directions) of the container 41 shown in Fig. 6 correspond to the mutually orthogonal longitudinal and lateral directions of the decorative sheet 50. When the decorative sheet 50 is used in the packaging sheet 31 of the individual packaging body 30, the longitudinal and width directions shown in Fig. 3 correspond to the longitudinal and lateral directions of the decorative sheet 50. The decorative sheet 50 has a direction of higher tensile strength out of the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0104] When the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the longitudinal or transverse direction, whichever has the greater elongation strength, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 50 at which the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 breaks is defined as the first elongation amount (mm), and when the core wrap sheet 12 is stretched in the width direction of the napkin 1, the amount of elongation of the core wrap sheet 12 at which the core wrap sheet 12 breaks is defined as the second elongation amount (mm). In this case, it is preferable that the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount. The time at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks refers to the earlier of when cracks begin to occur in the adhesive layer 52 or when peeling of the adhesive layer 52 from the decorative sheet 50 begins. Similarly, the time at which the core wrap sheet 12 breaks refers to the time at which cracks or tears begin to occur in the core wrap sheet 12.

[0105] The core wrap sheet 12, which is a material constituting the napkin 1, is formed with a strength that will not break while the napkin 1 is being worn. Preferably, the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 has greater strength against elongation forces and is less likely to break than the core wrap sheet 12. This prevents the adhesive layer 52 from breaking and falling off the sheet 51 even if the decorative sheet 50 (here, the container 41 of the package 40) is stretched at various times, such as during manufacturing, distribution, or handling by the user. Maintaining the appearance quality of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 makes it easier for users to get the impression that it is a high-quality product, and also gives the impression that the napkin 1 has high-quality performance (such as leak resistance and comfortable wear).

[0106] The comparison of the elongation amounts at break can be performed by a well-known method using a tensile tester (e.g., Instron Model 5965 or equivalent). First, the direction with the higher elongation strength, either the longitudinal or transverse direction of the decorative sheet 50, is determined. To do this, samples are formed by cutting the decorative sheet 50 to a predetermined size. Two samples are prepared: one with the longitudinal direction of the decorative sheet 50 (e.g., the vertical direction of the package 40) as the measurement direction, and the other with the transverse direction of the decorative sheet 50 (e.g., the left-right direction of the package 40) as the measurement direction. The samples are rectangular (e.g., 100 mm long x 25 mm wide in the measurement direction) with the elongation measurement direction as the longitudinal direction. Then, both ends of the sample are clamped between the chucks of the tensile tester (chuck distance 50 mm), and the samples are elongated to a predetermined length at a pulling rate of 100 mm / min, and the tensile strengths (N) are compared. The direction in which the sample with the higher tensile strength was elongated is the direction with the higher elongation strength.

[0107] Next, the decorative sheet 50 is cut to a predetermined size to form a sample including the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. The sample size is a rectangle (e.g., 100 mm long x 25 mm wide in the measurement direction) with the longitudinal direction (measurement direction) being the direction with the higher tensile strength between the vertical and horizontal directions of the decorative sheet 50. Furthermore, the various materials are separated from the napkin 1 using a cold spray or the like, and the core wrap sheet 12 is removed. The core wrap sheet 12 is also cut to a predetermined size (a rectangle with the longitudinal direction being the measurement direction of elongation (the width direction of the napkin 1), 100 mm long x 25 mm wide) to form a sample. Then, both ends of each sample are clamped between the chucks of a tensile tester (chuck distance 50 mm), and the sample is stretched while being observed at a tensile speed of 100 mm / min. Then, the amount of elongation of the sample when the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative part 54 breaks (first elongation amount) and the amount of elongation of the sample when the core wrap sheet 12 breaks (second elongation amount) are calculated and compared.

[0108] Furthermore, it is preferable that the decorative sheet 50 has a plurality of three-dimensional decorative portions 54 that have different amounts of elongation when the adhesive layer 52 breaks. In other words, when the decorative sheet 50 has a first adhesive layer 52 and a second adhesive layer 52, it is preferable that the following applies: When the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the direction having the higher elongation strength out of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction of the decorative sheet 50, it is preferable that the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 50 when the first adhesive layer 52 breaks is different from the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 50 when the second adhesive layer 52 breaks.

[0109] For example, the decorative sheet 50 forming the package 40 in Figure 7 has an adhesive layer 52 (first adhesive layer) forming the curved pattern d1 and an adhesive layer 52 (second adhesive layer) forming the napkin design. The width of the adhesive layer 52 for the curved pattern d1 is different from the width of the adhesive layer 52 for the napkin design. This allows the adhesive layer 52 for the curved pattern d1 and the adhesive layer 52 for the napkin design to have different amounts of elongation (stretchability) at break. Furthermore, although not shown, the adhesive layer 52 for one three-dimensional decorative portion 54 can be made to have different thicknesses or different planar shapes (e.g., the presence or absence of curved and straight portions) of the adhesive layer 52, thereby allowing the adhesive layer 52 for another three-dimensional decorative portion 54 to have different amounts of elongation (stretchability) at break.

[0110] The adhesive layer 52 that has a large elongation amount at break is a portion that is easy to stretch and unlikely to break. Conversely, the portion that has a small elongation amount at break is a portion where the adhesive layer 52 is difficult to stretch. In this way, by having portions of the adhesive layer 52 that are easy to stretch and portions that are difficult to stretch, when an external force is applied to the decorative sheet 50, the appearance changes depending on the difference in elongation of the multiple three-dimensional decorative portions 54. This makes it easier for the user to focus on the three-dimensional decorative portions 54.

[0111] The method for measuring the amount of elongation at break of the first adhesive layer 52 and the second adhesive layer 52 can be performed in the same manner as the method using the tensile tester described above. Briefly, a sample including the first adhesive layer 52 (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) and a sample including the second adhesive layer 52 (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) are prepared, and each sample is stretched to determine the amount of elongation of the sample when breakage occurs in the adhesive layer 52, and then the amounts of elongation are compared.

[0112] 6A , the package 40 (container 41) is often provided with a code display section 61 (such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark)) that can be read by an optical reader. When the decorative sheet 50 is used for the package 40 and has the code display section 61, it is preferable that the code display section 61 be formed by a printed layer 60 that does not overlap the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53.

[0113] The outline of the decoration formed by the ink printing layer 60 is clearer than that of the three-dimensional decoration portion 54. Therefore, by forming the code display portion 61 by the flat printing layer 60 rather than the three-dimensional decoration portion 54, visibility is improved and the code display portion 61 can be correctly read by a reading device.

[0114] 6A, the package 40 may have information about the napkins 1 contained therein written on a surface or the like. This information display group 63 (e.g., information such as the brand name, constituent materials, usage instructions, and manufacturer) is displayed in relatively small characters. For this reason, the information display group 63 is also formed by a flat ink print layer 60 rather than by the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, making the information display group 63 easier for the user to read.

[0115] 7, the package 40 (container 41) is often provided with an item display section 62 that displays the contained napkins 1. When the decorative sheet 50 is used in the package 40 and has the item display section 62, it is preferable that the item display section 62 be formed by the three-dimensional decorative section 54 (the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53).

[0116] In this way, the user sees the product display section 62 displayed three-dimensionally, and is more likely to get the impression that the actual napkins 1 contained therein have been three-dimensionally deformed to fit. When multiple product display sections 62 are included, as in the package 40 illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, it is sufficient that at least one of the multiple product display sections 62 is formed by the three-dimensional decorative section 54. By forming the product display section 62 on the back surface 41B of the container 41 provided with the seal member 53 by the printing layer 60, it is possible to prevent the three-dimensional decorative section 54 from falling off when the package is opened.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 8 , the package 40 may also be provided with a napkin group display section 64 for napkins sold under the same brand name. The napkin group display section 64 displays the shapes of other napkins with different sizes and performance (e.g., whether they have wings 1w or not, whether they are for daytime or nighttime use, etc.) along with the napkins 1 contained therein. In FIG. 8 , the napkin group display section 64 is provided on the back surface 41B (opening surface) of the container 41, and is therefore formed by the printed layer 60. However, this napkin group display section 64 may also be formed by the three-dimensional decorative section 54. Forming the napkin group display section 64 by the three-dimensional decorative section 54 is particularly effective when the napkin group display section 64 is provided on a surface other than the opening surface of the package 40. This gives the user the impression that not only the napkins 1 contained therein, but also the other napkins, are three-dimensionally deformed.

[0118] However, the present invention is not limited to the above. Each of the marks (61 to 64) provided on the package 40 may be formed by the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, or may be formed by a flat print layer 60 made of ink.

[0119] Fig. 11 is a front view of a portion of an individual package 30. In Fig. 11, a decorative sheet 50 is used for the packaging sheet 31 of the individual napkin package 30. A three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided on the outer surface of the packaging sheet 31. Furthermore, joints 35 are formed at both widthwise ends of the individual package 30 illustrated in Fig. 11. At the joints 35, opposing packaging sheets 31 are joined by welded portions 36. When the packaging sheet 31 has welded portions 36 that house and seal the napkin 1 therein, it is preferable that the welded portions 36 are also visible when the decorative layer 53 of the packaging sheet 31 is viewed from above. A plan view refers to viewing the individual package 30 in the thickness direction of the packaging sheet 31, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0120] The thickness of the packaging sheet 31 is thinner at the welded portion 36, and the welded portion 36 is recessed in the thickness direction of the individual package 30 compared to the surrounding area. Therefore, the user can visually recognize the welded portion 36 recessed in the thickness direction as well as the decorative layer 53 (three-dimensional decorative portion 54) protruding in the thickness direction. This makes the height of the decorative layer 53 more prominent, making the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily visible. This makes it easier for the user to get the impression that the napkin 1 contained in the individual package 30 is deformed three-dimensionally to fit.

[0121] Furthermore, although not shown, the napkin package 40 (container 41) may also be provided with a welded portion that seals the container 41. Therefore, when the decorative sheet 50 is used for the container 41, it is preferable that the welded portion and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 are simultaneously visible in a plan view of the container 41 (when the container 41 is viewed in the thickness direction of the decorative sheet 50).

[0122] ===Method of Manufacturing Decorative Sheet 50=== Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the decorative sheet 50. The decorative sheet 50 described above can be manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus 70 illustrated in Fig. 12. The manufacturing apparatus 70 has a conveying mechanism 71, an ink ejection device 72, an adhesive ejection device 73, a first irradiation device 74, a decorative layer conveying mechanism 75, and a second irradiation device 76.

[0123] The transport mechanism 71 is a mechanism for transporting the continuous body 51c of the sheet 51 in the transport direction. Examples of the transport mechanism 71 include a transport roller shown in FIG. 12 and a belt conveyor (not shown). The ink ejection device 72 ejects ink onto the continuous body 51c of the sheet 51 transported in the transport direction by the transport mechanism 71, thereby forming a flat, normal printing layer 60.

[0124] Downstream of this, an adhesive dispensing device 73 dispenses adhesive to form the adhesive layer 52 directly onto the continuous body 51c of the sheet 51 or onto the printing layer 60. In this embodiment, a colorless, transparent, ultraviolet-curing adhesive is dispensed. Then, a first irradiation device 74 irradiates the adhesive layer 52 with light (ultraviolet light in this case) to harden the adhesive layer 52. However, the first irradiation device 74 irradiates ultraviolet light to an extent that the adhesive layer 52 does not completely harden. In this way, the shape of the adhesive layer 52 is fixed while ensuring adhesion. To achieve this, the intensity and irradiation time of the ultraviolet light are adjusted.

[0125] In this embodiment, an inkjet device is exemplified as the ink ejection device 72 and the adhesive ejection device 73. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the printing layer 60 and the adhesive layer 52 may be formed using various printing methods (liquid application methods) such as gravure printing and offset printing.

[0126] Thereafter, the decorative layer conveying mechanism 75 supplies the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 onto the adhesive layer 52. An example of the decorative layer conveying mechanism 75 is a device having a payout roller (not shown) that pays out the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53, a conveying roller 751, and a take-up roller (not shown) that takes up the remainder of the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53.

[0127] In the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, the length of the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 is set to be equal to or greater than the length of the region where the adhesive layer 52 is formed. In other words, the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 covers all of the one or more adhesive layers 52 formed on the continuum 51c of the sheet 51. The continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 is supplied so as to contact the surface of the adhesive layer 52. Because the adhesive layer 52 is sticky, the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 is attached to the adhesive layer 52. During this time, the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 and the adhesive layer 52 are conveyed, and the decorative layer 53 attached to the adhesive layer 52 is separated from the decorative layer 53 that did not come into contact with the adhesive layer 52. The remaining portion of the continuum 53c of the decorative layer 53 that was not attached to the adhesive layer 52 is wound around a take-up roller and collected.

[0128] Finally, the second irradiation device 76 irradiates the adhesive layer 52 with light (ultraviolet light in this case) to completely cure the adhesive layer 52 through the decorative layer 53. This causes the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 to bond strongly together and become one, forming the three-dimensional decorative portion 54.

[0129] According to the above manufacturing method, a decorative layer 53 is provided on the adhesive layer 52, and the decorative layer 53 can form a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 that protrudes from the surface of the sheet 51 in the thickness direction of the sheet 51. By using the decorative sheet 50 with the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 formed thereon for any of the napkins 1, the individual napkin wrappers 30, and the napkin packages 40, the impression of a three-dimensional product can be given to the user. However, the above manufacturing method is one example, and the manufacturing method of the decorative sheet 50 is not particularly limited.

[0130] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0131] LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Napkin (absorbent article), 2 Top sheet, 3 Intermediate sheet, 4 Back sheet, 5 Wing sheet, 6 Side sheet, 8 Adhesive portion, 9 Adhesive portion, 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent core, 12 Core wrap sheet, 20 Compressed portion, 30 Individually wrapped napkin body, 31 Wrapping sheet, 32 Fastening tape, 33 Release sheet, 34 Release sheet, 35 Joint portion, 36 Welded portion, 40 Napkin package, 41 Container, 42 Main body portion, 43 Sealing member, 50 Decorative sheet, 51 Sheet, 52 Adhesive layer, 52E Extension portion, 53 Decorative layer, 54 Three-dimensional decorative portion, 60 Printed layer, 61 Code display portion, 62 Article display portion, 63 Information display group, 64 Napkin group display portion 70 Manufacturing device, 71 Conveying mechanism, 72 Ink ejecting device, 73 Adhesive ejecting device, 74 First irradiation device, 75 Decoration layer conveying mechanism, 76 Second irradiation device,

Claims

1. A decorative sheet for absorbent products which is used for absorbent articles, individual packaging of absorbent articles, or packages of absorbent articles and which is decorated, comprising: a sheet; an adhesive layer provided on the surface of said sheet; and a decorative layer provided on said adhesive layer and having a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, said decorative layer being provided in a position visible to a user and protruding from said surface of said sheet in the thickness direction of said sheet.

2. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to claim 1, characterized in that the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap has an area with a different thickness.

3. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 2, characterized in that in the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap, the thickness of the end in a specified direction is smaller than the thickness of the area adjacent to said end on the inside in said specified direction.

4. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the central portion in a predetermined direction is recessed in the area where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap.

5. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adhesive layer has an extension portion extending beyond the decorative layer to one side in a predetermined direction, and the maximum thickness of the extension portion is smaller than the maximum thickness of the portion of the adhesive layer that overlaps with the decorative layer.

6. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the adhesive layer has an extension portion extending to one side in a predetermined direction beyond the decorative layer, and the length of the extension portion in the predetermined direction is shorter than the length in the predetermined direction of the portion of the adhesive layer that overlaps with the decorative layer.

7. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the maximum thickness of the adhesive layer is greater than the maximum thickness of the decorative layer.

8. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the decorative layer is a layer formed from any one of metal foil, holographic foil, and pigment foil.

9. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the absorbent article has a compressed portion compressed from the skin-facing side of the top sheet, and the minimum width of the decorative layer is smaller than the minimum width of the compressed portion.

10. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article has a compressed portion compressed from the skin-facing side of the top sheet, and the maximum thickness of the portion where the decorative layer and the adhesive layer overlap is smaller than the minimum depth of the compressed portion.

11. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said sheet has a printed layer provided on the surface thereof, and said adhesive layer and said decorative layer are provided on a portion of said printed layer.

12. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for an individual package of an absorbent article or a package of the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent article has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering the surface of the absorbent core, and the decorative sheet has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction which are perpendicular to each other, and when the decorative sheet is stretched in one of the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction which has a higher elongation strength, an elongation amount of the decorative sheet at the time when the adhesive layer breaks is defined as a first elongation amount, and when the core wrap sheet is stretched in the width direction of the absorbent article, an elongation amount of the core wrap sheet at the time when the core wrap sheet breaks is defined as a second elongation amount, the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount.

13. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, said decorative sheet having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to each other, having a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, characterized in that when said decorative sheet is stretched in the longitudinal direction or the transverse direction whichever has the higher tensile strength, the amount of stretch of said decorative sheet when said first adhesive layer breaks is different from the amount of stretch of said decorative sheet when said second adhesive layer breaks.

14. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, used for individual packaging of the absorbent article or for a package of the absorbent article, having a welded part that contains and seals the absorbent article, and characterized in that the welded part is also visible when the decorative layer is viewed in a plan view.

15. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the absorbent article has an absorbent core containing a highly absorbent polymer, and the minimum width of the decorative layer is smaller than the average particle size of the highly absorbent polymer.

16. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for packaging of the absorbent article and has a code display part, the code display part being formed by a printed layer that does not overlap the adhesive layer and the decorative layer.

17. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said decorative sheet for absorbent products being used in packaging for said absorbent products and having an article display part representing said absorbent products, said article display part being formed by said adhesive layer and said decorative layer.