Decorative sheet for absorbent product

Abstract

A decorative sheet (50) for an absorbent product, the decorative sheet (50) comprises: 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. The decorative layer (53) protrudes from the surface of the sheet (51) in the thickness direction of the sheet (51). When the decorative sheet (50) is stretched in the direction in which the extension strength is higher in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, the amount of extension (first extension amount) of the decorative sheet (50) when the adhesive layer (52) is broken is greater than the amount of extension (second extension amount) of an absorber (10) when the absorber (10) is broken when the absorber (10) is stretched in the width direction of an absorbent article (1).

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] In the decorative sheet of Patent Document 1, the display layer is formed by pressing a foil. In this case, since the display layer and the material sheet are integrated by pressing, external forces acting on the material sheet act directly on the display layer, making the display layer more likely to crack. If a decoration such as the display layer is damaged and the appearance is deteriorated, users may become anxious, wondering whether the quality of the absorbent article contained therein is also poor, just like the decoration.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent deterioration in the appearance quality of decorative sheets used in individual absorbent article packages or absorbent article packages.

[0006] The primary invention for achieving the above object is a decorative sheet for absorbent products, used for individual packaging of absorbent articles or packaging for absorbent articles, and decorated, comprising: a sheet having vertical and horizontal directions that are orthogonal to each other, an adhesive layer provided on the surface of the sheet, and a decorative layer provided on the adhesive layer and having a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, the decorative layer being provided in a location visible to a user and protruding from the surface of the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet, the absorbent article including an absorbent body, wherein when the decorative sheet is stretched in the vertical or horizontal direction, whichever has a higher elongation strength, an elongation amount of the decorative sheet at which the adhesive layer breaks is defined as a first elongation amount, and when the absorbent body is stretched in the width direction of the absorbent article, an elongation amount of the absorbent body at which the absorbent body breaks is defined as a second elongation amount, the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount. 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, it is possible to suppress deterioration in the appearance quality of a decorative sheet used in an individual package of an absorbent article or a package of an absorbent article.

[0008] 6A is a perspective view of a napkin package 40, and FIG. 6B is a view showing the state after the container 41 has been opened. FIG. 6B is a front view of the package 40. FIG. 6C is a rear view of the package 40. FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a decorative sheet 50. FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating the decorative sheet 50. FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating the decorative sheet 50. FIG. 6G is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the package 40. FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating the opening of an individual package 30. FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating the opening of an individual package 30.

[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 used for individual packaging of absorbent articles or packaging of absorbent articles and decorated, comprising: a sheet having longitudinal and lateral directions that are orthogonal to each other, an adhesive layer provided on the surface of the sheet, and a decorative layer provided on the adhesive layer and having 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, the absorbent article comprising an absorbent body, wherein when the decorative sheet is stretched in the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction whichever has a higher tensile strength, an elongation amount of the decorative sheet at which the adhesive layer breaks is defined as a first elongation amount, and when the elongation amount of the absorbent body at which the absorbent body breaks when stretched in the width direction of the absorbent article is defined as a second elongation amount, the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount.

[0010] According to Aspect 1, even a decorative layer with a thin maximum thickness 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 has also deformed three-dimensionally and fits well can be given. Furthermore, because the adhesive layer is less likely to break than an absorbent body that is manufactured to not break while the absorbent article is being worn, deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed. Therefore, users are more likely to get the impression that the absorbent article housed within the decorative sheet has high-quality performance.

[0011] (Aspect 2) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product as described in Aspect 1, wherein when the absorbent body is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and the amount of stretch of the absorbent body at which the absorbent body breaks is defined as a third amount of stretch, the first amount of stretch is greater than the third amount of stretch.

[0012] According to the second aspect, the adhesive layer is less likely to break than an absorbent body that is manufactured so as not to break while the absorbent article is being worn, and this makes it possible to prevent deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet.

[0013] (Aspect 3) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction of higher elongation strength, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet at which the decorative layer breaks is defined as a fourth elongation amount, and the fourth elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount.

[0014] According to aspect 3, the decorative layer is less likely to break than an absorbent body that is manufactured so as not to break while the absorbent article is being worn, thereby preventing deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet.The decorative layer provided on the adhesive layer has high visibility, which further prevents deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet.

[0015] (Aspect 4) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the container provided in the package of the absorbent article has a breakage area that breaks when the package is opened, and the maximum elongation strength when the breakage area breaks is smaller than the elongation strength when the adhesive layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

[0016] According to the fourth aspect, even if a force equivalent to the tensile force used to tear the tear-intended region acts on the decorative sheet, the adhesive layer is unlikely to tear, and deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed.

[0017] (Aspect 5) A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in Aspect 4, wherein the maximum elongation strength when the intended breakage region breaks is smaller than the elongation strength when the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

[0018] According to aspect 5, even if a force equivalent to the tensile force required to tear the intended tearing region acts on the decorative sheet, the decorative layer is unlikely to tear, and deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed.

[0019] (Aspect 6) A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in Aspect 5, wherein the packaging of the absorbent article used in the container has a sealing member that covers the intended tear area, and the intended tear area is torn by pulling the sealing member.

[0020] According to aspect 6, even if the tensile force of the sealing member acts on the decorative sheet when the package is opened, the decorative layer and adhesive layer can be prevented from breaking, thereby preventing deterioration in the appearance quality of the package.

[0021] (Aspect 7) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the individual packaging of the absorbent article has a packaging sheet and a fastening tape spanning the opening edge of the packaging sheet, and the maximum elongation strength when the fastening tape is peeled off from the packaging sheet is smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

[0022] According to aspect 7, even if a force equivalent to the tensile force applied to the decorative sheet when peeling the fastening tape from the packaging sheet acts on the decorative sheet, the decorative layer is unlikely to break, and deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed.

[0023] (Aspect 8) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the individual packaging of the absorbent article has a packaging sheet, and at both ends of the packaging sheet in the direction along the opening edge, the folded packaging sheets are joined together by a welded section, and the maximum elongation strength when the welded section is opened is smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction with the higher elongation strength.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, even if a force equivalent to the pulling force when opening the welded portion of the packaging sheet acts on the decorative sheet, the decorative layer is unlikely to break, and deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed.

[0025] (Aspect 9) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, used in a container provided in a package of the absorbent article, the container having a planned tear area that will tear when opened, and in a planar view of the container, the adhesive layer and the decorative layer do not overlap the planned tear area.

[0026] According to Aspect 9, the adhesive layer and the decorative layer are not broken together with the decorative sheet in the breakable region, which prevents the adhesive layer and the decorative layer from falling off and suppresses deterioration of the appearance quality of the decorative sheet. Also, it is possible to prevent the adhesive layer from stretching in the breakable region, which would make the breakable region difficult to break.

[0027] (Aspect 10) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, used on a container provided in a package for the absorbent article, wherein the adhesive layer and the decorative layer are provided on one of multiple surfaces of the container, and are not provided on the surface opposite the one surface.

[0028] According to Aspect 10, the adhesive layer and decorative layer on one side can give the user the impression that the absorbent article is three-dimensionally deformed and fits snugly. By not providing more adhesive and decorative layers than necessary on the opposite side of the container, the risk of the adhesive and decorative layers falling off can be reduced, and deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet can be suppressed.

[0029] (Aspect 11) A decorative sheet for an absorbent product as described in any of Aspects 1 to 10, used in a container provided in a package of the absorbent article, the container having a planned tear area that will tear when opened, and the adhesive layer and the decorative layer provided on one of the multiple surfaces of the container that does not have the planned tear area.

[0030] According to Aspect 11, when opening the container, the user is less likely to touch the adhesive layer and the decorative layer, and the force of pulling the container is less likely to act on the adhesive layer and the decorative layer, thereby preventing breakage of the adhesive layer and the decorative layer and maintaining the appearance quality of the container (decorative sheet) even after opening.

[0031] (Aspect 12) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, having an information display section that displays information about the absorbent article, the information display section being formed by a printing layer that does not overlap the adhesive layer and the decorative layer.

[0032] According to the twelfth aspect, the printed layer has a lower probability of peeling off compared to the adhesive layer and the decorative layer, and the information display portion can be more reliably displayed to the user.

[0033] (Embodiment 13) A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the decorative layer is a layer formed of any one of metal foil, hologram foil, and pigment foil.

[0034] According to Aspect 13, 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] <<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."

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The absorbent body 10 is a component that absorbs and retains bodily waste. The absorbent body 10 in FIG. 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. The napkin 1 also has a compressed portion 20 in which the absorbent body 10 is compressed in the thickness direction from the skin side of the topsheet 2.

[0040] 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.

[0041] <<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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] <<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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] <<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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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, which is formed to protrude from 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." Examples of cross-sectional shapes of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 include the shapes shown in FIGS. 9 , 10A , and 10B . As shown in FIGS. 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] Even when the sheet 51 is decorated with a thin decorative layer 53 (metal foil, holographic foil, pigment foil, etc.) 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. A user who visually recognizes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 provided on the container 41 of the package 40 is likely to get the impression that the product is three-dimensional. Therefore, the user is likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 contained in the container 41 is a product that deforms three-dimensionally, fits the body, and is less likely to leak.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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. An example of a material for forming the adhesive layer 52 is a colorless, transparent, ultraviolet-curing adhesive. The ultraviolet-curing adhesive layer 52 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and the adhesive property of the partially cured adhesive layer 52 bonds the decorative layer 53 to the adhesive layer 52. However, this is not limited to this, and other photo-curing adhesives may also be used. It is preferable to adjust the viscosity of the adhesive layer 52 so that the adhesive layer 52 does not easily penetrate the sheet 51 and protrudes from 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Furthermore, the tensile strength of the decorative sheet 50 is higher than the tensile strength in the width direction of the absorbent body 10 of the napkin 1. The tensile strength of the decorative sheet 50 is the strength in the direction having the higher tensile strength out of the mutually perpendicular longitudinal and lateral directions of the sheet 51. Hereinafter, the direction having the higher tensile strength out of the longitudinal and lateral directions of the sheet 51 will also be referred to as the "high-strength direction."

[0059] 6A , the vertical and horizontal directions (or vertical and front-to-rear directions) of the container 41 correspond to the longitudinal and horizontal directions of the sheet 51. When the decorative sheet 50 is used for the packaging sheet 31 of the individual package 30, the longitudinal and width directions shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the longitudinal and horizontal directions of the decorative sheet 50.

[0060] When the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the direction of the higher strength of the sheet 51, the amount of stretch of the decorative sheet 50 at which the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 breaks is defined as the "first stretch amount" (unit: example: mm). When the absorbent body 10 is stretched in the width direction of the napkin 1, the amount of stretch of the absorbent body 10 at which the absorbent body 10 breaks is defined as the "second stretch amount" (unit: example: mm). In this case, the first stretch amount is greater than the second stretch amount, and the stretch strength of the decorative sheet 50 is greater than the stretch strength of the absorbent body 10 in the width direction.

[0061] The time when the adhesive layer 52 breaks refers to the time when damage such as cracks or tears begins to occur in the adhesive layer 52, or the time when the adhesive layer 52 begins to peel off from the sheet 51, whichever occurs first. The absorbent body 10 of this embodiment has an absorbent core 11 and a core wrap sheet 12 covering it. In this case, the time when either the absorbent core 11 or the core wrap sheet 12 breaks first is considered to be the time when the absorbent body 10 breaks. However, if the absorbent core 11 is a layer of liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, the absorbent core 11 does not stretch, so the time when the core wrap sheet 11 breaks (when damage such as cracks or tears begins to occur) is preferably considered to be the time when the absorbent body 10 breaks. Furthermore, if the absorbent body 10 does not have a core wrap sheet 12, the time when the absorbent body 10 breaks refers to the time when the absorbent core (e.g., an SAP sheet or an airlaid sheet) breaks (when damage such as cracks or tears begins to occur). The same applies to a third extension amount (described later) when the absorbent body 10 is extended in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 .

[0062] As described above, even when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched to a length (second elongation amount) at which the absorbent body 10 begins to break, the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not break. Generally, the absorbent body 10, which is the material constituting the napkin 1, is formed with a strength sufficient to withstand breakage while the napkin 1 is being worn. The adhesive layer 52 has a higher elongation strength than the absorbent body 10 and is therefore less likely to break. Therefore, 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 user handling, the adhesive layer 52 is less likely to break. Furthermore, detachment of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (adhesive layer 52) from the sheet 51 due to breakage of the adhesive layer 52 can be prevented. Therefore, the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment can prevent deterioration in appearance compared to when the first elongation amount is equal to or less than the second elongation amount.

[0063] Unlike the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment, a flat decoration can be formed on the sheet by pressing a foil material, such as a metal foil, onto the sheet. In this case, the foil material and the sheet are integrated by pressing, so the tensile force applied to the sheet is likely to act directly on the foil material. In contrast, in the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment, the decorative layer 53 (foil material) is provided on the adhesive layer 52, making it difficult for the tensile force of the sheet 51 to act directly on the decorative layer 53. Furthermore, the adhesive layer 52 is formed of a sticky material and has elasticity. Therefore, the elasticity of the adhesive layer 52 reduces the tensile force applied to the decorative layer 53. Therefore, the decorative layer 53 (foil material) is less likely to break with the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment than with a foil material pressed onto the sheet.

[0064] In fact, a sample of a foil material pressed onto a sheet and a sample of the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment were prepared, and a test was conducted to stretch each sample using a tensile tester (the test method was the same as the method for measuring the first elongation amount described below). As a result, the sample of the decorative sheet 50 of this embodiment showed a longer elongation amount at which the foil material began to break than the sample of the foil material pressed onto a sheet, and the foil material (decorative layer 53) was found to be less likely to break.

[0065] That is, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, in which the decorative layer 53 is overlaid on the adhesive layer 52, not only forms a three-dimensional decoration but also prevents breakage of the decorative layer 53. By preventing breakage of the decorative layer 53, which is provided on the adhesive layer 52 and has higher visibility than the adhesive layer 52, the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50 is further maintained.

[0066] Therefore, when a user sees the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, which maintains its appearance quality, in a store where the package 40 is displayed or in a restroom where the package 40 is stored, the user is more likely to get the impression that the product is of high quality. As a result, the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 contained in the package 40 also has high-quality performance (such as leak resistance, comfort, and durability). This allows the user to use the napkin 1 with peace of mind.

[0067] Furthermore, the decorative sheet 50 may be used for the individual wrapping body 30 of the napkin 1, rather than the package 40. For example, in the case of the individual wrapping body 30, the decorative sheet 50 can be used for the wrapping sheet 31, the release sheets 33, 34, etc. Specifically, the pattern d4 on the outer surface of the wrapping sheet 31 shown in Fig. 5 or the pattern d5 on the release sheet 34 shown in Fig. 4 may be used as the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. In this way, when the user removes the individual wrapping body 30 from the package 40 or opens the individual wrapping body 30, the user can visually recognize the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, which maintains its appearance quality.

[0068] In addition, the decorative sheet 50 may be used on only one of the package 40 and the individual packaging body 30, or the individual packaging body 30 formed from the decorative sheet 50 may be contained within the package 40 formed from the decorative sheet 50.

[0069] Furthermore, the decorative sheet 50 may have only one three-dimensional decorative portion 54 or multiple three-dimensional decorative portions 54. The adhesive layers 52 of the multiple three-dimensional decorative portions 54 may have the same or different elongation amounts (first elongation amounts) at break. For example, the decorative sheet 50 forming the package 40 in FIG. 7 has an adhesive layer 52 forming the curved pattern d1 and an adhesive layer 52 forming the napkin design d3, and the widths of the two adhesive layers 52 are different. In such cases, the elongation amounts (first elongation amounts) at break are likely to differ. Additionally, the elongation amounts (first elongation amounts) at break are likely to differ by varying the amount and number of times the adhesive layer 52 is dispensed onto the sheet 51, thereby varying the thickness of the adhesive layer 52, or by varying the planar shape of the adhesive layer 52 (e.g., whether it has curved or straight portions).

[0070] When the adhesive layers 52 of the decorative sheet 50 have different elongation amounts at break, it is sufficient that the elongation amount at break of at least one adhesive layer 52 (first elongation amount) is greater than the elongation amount at break of the absorbent body 10 (second elongation amount). Preferably, the elongation amount at break of each of the adhesive layers 52 (first elongation amount) is greater than the second elongation amount, and more preferably, the elongation amount at break of each of all adhesive layers 52 of the decorative sheet 50 (first elongation amount) is greater than the second elongation amount. This makes it possible to prevent breakage of more adhesive layers 52 and to prevent deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50.

[0071] Furthermore, the amount of extension of the absorbent body 10 at which it breaks when stretched in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 is defined as a third extension amount (unit: mm, for example). In this case, the first extension amount at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high strength direction is preferably greater than the third extension amount.

[0072] The napkin 1 is often manufactured while its constituent materials are conveyed continuously in the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1. Therefore, the absorbent body 10 is often configured so that its longitudinal tensile strength is higher than its transverse tensile strength. Therefore, as described above, the first elongation amount is greater than the third elongation amount, and the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 is higher than the longitudinal tensile strength of the absorbent body 10, making the adhesive layer 52 less likely to break. This also prevents the adhesive layer 52 from falling off the sheet 51 due to breakage. This prevents deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50, and maintains the impression of high-quality performance for the napkin 1 contained therein.

[0073] Furthermore, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet 50 at which the decorative layer 53 breaks (when damage such as cracks or tears or peeling from the adhesive layer 52 begins to occur) when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high strength direction is defined as a fourth elongation amount (unit: mm). The fourth elongation amount is preferably greater than the second elongation amount at which the absorbent body 10 breaks when stretched in the width direction.

[0074] By doing so, even if the decorative sheet 50 is stretched to a length (second stretch amount) at which the absorbent body 10 begins to break, the decorative layer 53 will not break. By preventing breakage of the decorative layer 53, which is more visible than the adhesive layer 52, the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50 is further maintained. This allows the user to be given the impression that the napkin 1 contained therein has high-quality performance. Furthermore, since the decorative layer 53 is difficult to break, it is possible to prevent the impression given to the user by the decorative layer 53 from being diminished. For example, a decorative layer 53 with a metallic luster can prevent the impression that the product is a high-quality product from being diminished.

[0075] 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 high-strength direction, which is the direction of the decorative sheet 50 (sheet 51) with the higher elongation strength, is determined. To do this, the decorative sheet 50 is cut to a predetermined size to form samples. Two samples are prepared: one whose measurement direction is the vertical direction of the decorative sheet 50 (e.g., the vertical direction of the package 40) and the other whose measurement direction is the horizontal direction of the decorative sheet 50 (e.g., the horizontal direction of the package 40). The samples are rectangular (e.g., 100 mm long x 25 mm wide in the measurement direction), with the longitudinal direction being the measurement direction of the elongation. Then, both ends of the sample are clamped between the chucks of the tensile tester (chuck distance 50 mm), and the tensile strengths (N) are compared when the sample is elongated to a predetermined length at a pulling rate of 100 mm / min. The direction in which the sample with the higher tensile strength is elongated is the "direction with the higher elongation strength (high-strength direction)."

[0076] Next, the decorative sheet 50 is cut to a predetermined size to form a sample containing any three-dimensional decorative portion 54. The sample size is a rectangle (e.g., 100 mm long x 25 mm wide) with the longitudinal direction (measurement direction) being the direction of the decorative sheet 50's length or width, whichever direction has the higher tensile strength. Materials are then separated from the napkin 1 using a cold spray or similar method, and the absorbent body 10 or the material to be measured within the absorbent body 10 (the absorbent core 11 or core wrap sheet 12) is extracted. The absorbent body 10 or the material to be measured within the absorbent body 10 is also cut to a predetermined size (a rectangle with the longitudinal direction or longitudinal direction of the napkin 1, which is the measurement direction, being 100 mm long x 25 mm wide) to form a sample. Note that the above sample size is merely an example. For example, if the width of the absorbent body 10 is less than 100 mm, it is recommended that both the decorative sheet 50 sample and the absorbent body 10 sample be made equally small (i.e., samples with a length in the measurement direction less than 100 mm). Both ends of each sample were then clamped between the chucks of a tensile tester (chuck distance 50 mm), and the sample was stretched while being observed at a tensile speed of 100 mm / min. The amount of elongation of the sample when rupture began to occur in the adhesive layer 52 or the decorative layer 53 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (first elongation amount or fourth elongation amount) and the amount of elongation of the sample when rupture began to occur in the absorbent body 10 by stretching the absorbent body 10 in the width direction or length direction (second elongation amount or third elongation amount) were determined and compared.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferable that the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 is higher than that of the decorative layer 53, and that the first elongation amount (the elongation amount at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks) is greater than the fourth elongation amount (the elongation amount at which the decorative layer 53 breaks). To achieve this, the material and thickness of the adhesive layer 52 can be adjusted. As described above, the adhesive layer 52 is more easily elongated than the decorative layer 53. The adhesive layer 52 is disposed on the sheet 51 and is susceptible to external forces from the sheet 51. However, by making the adhesive layer 52 more elongated as described above, it can more easily follow the deformation of the sheet 51. Therefore, breakage of the adhesive layer 52 can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the adhesive layer 52 is more resistant to breakage than the decorative layer 53, breakage of the decorative layer 53 due to breakage of the adhesive layer 52 can be prevented. Furthermore, if the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 falls off the sheet 51 due to breakage of the adhesive layer 52, the user is more likely to notice a deterioration in the quality of the decorative sheet 50 than if cracks were simply generated in the adhesive layer 52 or the decorative layer 53. Therefore, it is advisable to increase the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 to prevent the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from falling off.

[0082] Furthermore, the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 is preferably higher than the widthwise tensile strength of at least one of the top sheet 2 and side sheet 6 of the napkin 1. In other words, the first elongation amount at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction is preferably greater than the elongation amount at which the top sheet 2 or side sheet 6 breaks when stretched widthwise. The top sheet 2 and side sheet 6 exposed to the outside of the napkin 1 are formed to be resistant to breakage. Therefore, in the above case, the adhesive layer 52 is more resistant to breakage, thereby preventing deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50. However, without being limited to the above, the tensile strength of the adhesive layer 52 may be lower than the tensile strength of the top sheet 2 or side sheet 6. The elongation amount at which the top sheet 2 and side sheet 6 break can be measured using the same method as for measuring the first elongation amount.

[0083] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the package 40. The container 41 included in the package 40 has a tear region Rc that is torn when the package 40 is opened. For example, in the case of the container 41 shown in FIG. 6A , the tear region Rc is the area where a cut line 44 is formed in the main body 42 covered with a seal member 43. In the container 41 shown in FIG. 11A that does not have a seal member 43, the cut line 44, such as a perforation, is exposed. The area where this cut line 44 is formed is the tear region Rc. In the standing pouch-type container 41 shown in FIG. 11B , a pair of cutouts 47 are provided above a resealable sealing portion 46 (e.g., a resin zipper) arranged along the left-right direction. The cutouts 47 are small cutouts formed inward in the left-right direction at both left-right end portions of the container 41. In this case, the portion extending in the left-right direction from one notch 47 to the other notch 47 (the portion shown imaginarily by a dotted line in FIG. 11B) becomes the planned fracture region Rc.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable that the maximum elongation strength when the intended break region Rc breaks is smaller than the elongation strength when the adhesive layer 52 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction.

[0085] The maximum elongation strength when the break region Rc is broken is the maximum value of the tensile force acting on the container 41 when the container 41 is opened in the break region Rc. Therefore, according to the above, even if a tensile force of the same magnitude as that when the container 41 is opened acts on the decorative sheet 50 used in the package 40 or the individual wrapper 30, the adhesive layer 52 is unlikely to break. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50, and maintains the impression of high-quality performance for the napkins 1 contained therein.

[0086] Furthermore, the maximum elongation strength when the intended rupture region Rc is ruptured is preferably smaller than the elongation strength when the decorative layer 53 of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 ruptures when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction. This makes it difficult for the decorative layer 53 to rupture even when the decorative sheet 50 used in the package 40 or the individual wrapper 30 is subjected to a tensile force similar to that applied when the container 41 is opened. By making the highly visible decorative layer 53 rupture-resistant, deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50 can be further suppressed, and the impression of high-quality performance can be maintained for the napkin 1.

[0087] Furthermore, the decorative sheet 50 is preferably used in the container 41 of the package 40. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A , the container 41 of the package 40 includes a seal member 43 covering the tear region Rc, and as shown in FIG. 6B , the container 41 is preferably used in the container 41 of the package 40, which tears along the tear region Rc by pulling the seal member 43. When opening the container 41, the user holds the container 41 (main body 42) with one hand and pulls the seal member 43 with the other, exerting a tensile force on the decorative sheet 50. However, as described above, the maximum elongation strength required to tear along the tear region Rc is smaller than the elongation strength required to tear the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53, making it difficult for the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 to tear. Therefore, the appearance quality of the container 41 is maintained even after the container 41 is opened.

[0088] 6A , the vertical direction, which is the direction in which the sealing member 43 is turned over and pulled, is preferably the direction of high strength of the sheet 51. This more reliably prevents the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 from breaking even if the maximum elongation strength required to break the breakage region Rc acts on the container 41 (decorative sheet 50).

[0089] The "maximum elongation strength when breaking the planned break region Rc" can be measured using a tensile tester. (1) In the case of a package 40 with the specifications shown in FIG. 6A, the end (lower end) of the container 41 opposite the side where the seal member 43 is provided is opened with scissors or the like, and the individual package 30 is removed. Then, one of the zippers of the tensile tester is used to clamp the tab 431 (gp) of the seal member 43, and the other zipper is used to clamp the portion of the container 41 below the seal member 43. Specifically, a tab is made in the center (gp) in the left-right direction, 5 mm below the adhesive surface of the seal member 43, and the container 41 is clamped with the zipper. Then, the distance between the pair of zippers (e.g., 10 mm) is increased at a constant speed (e.g., 200 mm / min), and the load (elongation strength) applied to the planned break region Rc from an unopened state to a completely opened state is determined. The maximum value (N) among these is obtained and used as the maximum elongation strength. (2) In the case of a package 40 having the specifications shown in FIG. 11A , the package 40 is opened with scissors or the like, leaving the portion where the perforation line 44 (perforation) is provided, and the individual package 30 is removed. When two perforations 44 are provided on both vertical sides of the side surface 41s of the container 41 as shown in FIG. 11A , two samples are formed by cutting the container 41 at the vertical center. Then, the horizontal center portions (gp) of the container 41 on one side and the other side in the direction intersecting the perforation line 44 (vertical direction) are clamped between a pair of chucks of a tensile tester. The sample is clamped between the chucks so that the angle between the pair of chucks across the perforation line 44 is 45 degrees (each chuck is inclined 22.5 degrees relative to the perforation line 44). The pair of chucks are then separated vertically so that the perforation line 44 is cut. The distance between the pair of chucks (e.g., 20 mm) is increased at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min) and the measurement is performed. The tensile strength of the cut line 44 is measured at a point where the change in strength has stabilized. Specifically, the load (extension strength) applied during the period from the fifth to the tenth perforation is determined. The maximum value (N) among these is obtained and used as the maximum extension strength. (3) In the case of a package 40 with the specifications shown in FIG. 11B , the end (bottom end) opposite the cutout 47 is opened with scissors or the like, and the individual package 30 is removed. The pair of chucks of the tensile tester are used to clamp the areas (gp) on both sides of the cutout 47.Then, the distance between the pair of chucks (e.g., 20 mm) is increased at a constant rate (e.g., 100 mm / min) and measurements are taken. The load (elongation strength) applied to the fracture-predicted region Rc from the unopened state to the complete opening is calculated. The maximum value (N) among these is taken as the maximum elongation strength.

[0090] The tensile strength at which the adhesive layer 52 or the decorative layer 53 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction can be measured using the same method as used to determine the first elongation amount, etc. In other words, the load applied to a sample of the decorative sheet 50 when it is stretched between the chucks of the tensile tester by the first elongation amount is defined as the tensile strength (N) at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks. Also, the load applied to a sample of the decorative sheet 50 when it is stretched between the chucks of the tensile tester by the fourth elongation amount is defined as the tensile strength (N) at which the decorative layer 53 breaks.

[0091] 12A and 12B are explanatory diagrams illustrating the opening of the individual package 30. To avoid cluttering the drawings, the designs of the individual package 30 (the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 and the printed layer 60) are omitted from FIGS. 12A and 12B. As shown in FIG. 5 above, the individual package 30 includes a packaging sheet 31 and a fastening tape 32 that straddles the opening end 31O of the packaging sheet 31. As shown in FIG. 12A , the fastening tape 32 has a non-adhesive tab 321 and an adhesive portion 322 that protrudes downward below the opening end 31O of the packaging sheet 31. When opening the individual package 30, the user grips the tab 321 of the fastening tape 32 and peels the adhesive portion 322 of the fastening tape 32 from the packaging sheet 31.

[0092] The maximum elongation strength when peeling the fastening tape 32 from this packaging sheet 31 should be smaller than the elongation strength at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction, and preferably smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer 53 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction.

[0093] By doing so, even if a tensile force of the same magnitude as that applied when peeling off the fastening tape 32 acts on the decorative sheet 50 used in the package 40 or the individual wrapper 30, the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 are unlikely to break. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50, and maintain the impression of high-quality performance for the napkin 1. In particular, when the decorative sheet 50 is used in the packaging sheet 31, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 from breaking when peeling off the fastening tape 32.

[0094] 5, in the individual package 30, the folded packaging sheets 31 are joined together at both ends in the direction along the opening edge (width direction) of the packaging sheets 31 by a plurality of welds 36. The maximum elongation strength when these welds 36 are opened should be smaller than the elongation strength at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction, and preferably smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer 53 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction.

[0095] By doing so, the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 are less likely to break when the decorative sheet 50 used in the package 40 or the individual wrapper 30 is subjected to a pulling force of the same magnitude as that applied when peeling off the multiple welded portions 36 and unfolding the packaging sheet 31. This prevents deterioration in the appearance quality of the decorative sheet 50, and maintains the impression of high-quality performance for the napkin 1. In particular, when the decorative sheet 50 is used in the packaging sheet 31, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 from breaking when peeling off the multiple welded portions 36.

[0096] 3, when the non-skin side of the napkin 1 is fixed to the packaging sheet 31 via the release sheet 33, the release sheet 33 is fixed to the packaging sheet 31 with an adhesive (not shown). Therefore, the maximum elongation strength when the release sheet 33 is separated from the packaging sheet 31 should be smaller than the elongation strength at which the adhesive layer 52 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction, and preferably smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer 53 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high-strength direction.

[0097] By doing so, even if a tensile force of the same magnitude as that applied when separating the release sheet 33 from the packaging sheet 31 acts on the decorative sheet 50 used in the package 40 or the individual packaging body 30, the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 are less likely to break. In particular, when the decorative sheet 50 is used in the packaging sheet 31, even if a user accidentally grasps the release sheet 33 when removing the napkin 1 from the packaging sheet 31 and stretches the packaging sheet 31, the decorative layer 53 and the adhesive layer 52 can be prevented from breaking. This prevents a deterioration in the appearance quality of the packaging sheet 31.

[0098] The measurement method is as follows. As shown in Fig. 12A, one chuck of the tensile tester clamps the tab portion 321 (gp) of the fastening tape 32, and the other chuck clamps the center portion (gp) in the left-right direction of the lower end of the individual package 30. Then, the distance between the chucks (e.g., 30 mm) is increased at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min), and the maximum value of the load during the period from when the adhesive portion 322 of the fastening tape 32 is bonded to the packaging sheet 31 until it is peeled off is determined. This maximum value is the maximum elongation strength (N) during the period in which the fastening tape 32 is peeled off from the packaging sheet 31.

[0099] To measure the maximum elongation strength (N) when the welded portion 36 is opened, first, a region S shown in FIG. 12B is cut out from the individual package 30. Region S includes the entire width of the welded portion 36 on one side of the width of the individual package 30, and is a region 25 mm wide up and down from the opening edge 31O. A sample is formed by cutting out a portion of the packaging sheet 31 within region S from each side of the width of the individual package 30. The inner portion (gp) of the cut-out sample in the width direction is clamped between the chucks of a tensile tester. In the case of an individual package 30 folded in three, three packaging sheets 31 are stacked in the sample. The first packaging sheet 31 from the top (the side where the opening edge 31O is located) is clamped with one chuck, and the second and subsequent packaging sheets 31 from the top (the second and third sheets) are clamped with the other chuck. Then, the distance between the zippers (e.g., 30 mm) is increased at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min), and the sample is pulled in the width direction of the individual package 30. The load (extension strength) applied until all of the welded portions 36 of the sample are peeled off is determined, and the maximum value (N) among these is obtained. The average of the maximum values ​​(N) of each sample on both sides in the width direction is defined as the maximum extension strength (N) when the welded portions 36 are opened.

[0100] 3, the napkin 1 is removed from the individual package 30, and the longitudinal end of the packaging sheet 31 is clamped by one chuck of a tensile tester, and the longitudinal end of the release sheet 33 is clamped by the other chuck. The chucks are separated at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min) over a distance (e.g., 20 mm) to determine the maximum load applied during the period until the packaging sheet 31 and the release sheet 33 are completely separated. This maximum load is defined as the maximum elongation strength (N) when the release sheet 33 is separated from the packaging sheet 31.

[0101] The method for measuring the tensile strength at which the adhesive layer 52 or the decorative layer 53 breaks when the decorative sheet 50 is stretched in the high strength direction is as described above.

[0102] Furthermore, when the decorative sheet 50 is used in the container 41 included in the package 40, it is preferable that the following be true: In a plan view of the container 41, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (adhesive layer 52 and decorative layer 53) preferably does not overlap the planned tear region Rc that will tear when opened. A plan view of the container 41 means viewing the container 41 with the side on which the planned tear region Rc is provided facing up. Furthermore, when the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided on the side on which the planned tear region Rc is provided, it is preferable that the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not overlap the planned tear region Rc. In other words, it is preferable that the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not straddle the planned tear region Rc, and that the edge of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not reach the planned tear region Rc.

[0103] For example, in the container 41 of Figures 7 and 8, the planned breaking region Rc is provided on the back surface 41B, and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is not present on the back surface 41B. Therefore, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not overlap with the planned breaking region Rc. In the container 41 of Figure 11A, the planned breaking region Rc is provided on the side surface 41s, and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is not present on the side surface 41s. Therefore, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not overlap with the planned breaking region Rc. In the container 41 of Figure 11B, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided below the planned breaking region Rc, and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not overlap with the planned breaking region Rc.

[0104] In this way, even if the decorative sheet 50 is cut along the tear region Rc when the container 41 is opened, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is not cut. Therefore, the shape and appearance quality of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 are maintained even after opening. Furthermore, if the tear region Rc and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 overlap, there is a risk that the adhesive layer 52 will stretch or the three-dimensional decorative portion 43 will fall off the sheet 51 when the container 41 is opened. Therefore, by ensuring that the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 does not overlap the tear region Rc, the above risks can be avoided, the tear region Rc can be easily torn, and the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 can be prevented from falling off the sheet 51.

[0105] 11B, the portion above the breakable region Rc is likely to be discarded after opening. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 below the breakable region Rc (toward the sealing portion 46). This allows the user to enjoy the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 even after opening the container 41.

[0106] Furthermore, when the decorative sheet 50 is used in the container 41 of the package 40, it is preferable that the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (adhesive layer 52 and decorative layer 53) is provided on one of the multiple surfaces of the container 41, and not on the surface opposite the one surface. For example, in the container 41 of Fig. 6A, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided only on the front surface 41F (Fig. 7) of the container 41, and not on the opposite back surface 41B (Fig. 8).

[0107] If a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided on one surface of the container 41, a user who sees the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 can be given the impression that the napkin 1 is also easily deformed three-dimensionally, like the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. On the other hand, the opposite surface of the container 41 is less visible to users in stores, etc. Therefore, it is preferable not to provide a three-dimensional decorative portion 54 on the opposite surface of the container 41, and not to provide more three-dimensional decorative portions 54 on the container 41 than necessary. This reduces the risk of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 breaking or falling off. This prevents deterioration in the appearance quality of the container 41, and maintains the impression that the napkin 1 has high-quality performance.

[0108] Furthermore, as in the case of the container 41 in FIG. 6A , the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may be provided on only one of the multiple surfaces of the container 41, with no three-dimensional decorative portion 54 provided on the other surfaces. In this case, the risk of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 breaking or falling off can be further reduced. In this case, it is also preferable to provide the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 on the front surface 41F of the container 41. This makes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily visible to users in stores, etc. Examples of the front surface 41F of the container 41 include the largest surface of the multiple surfaces of the container 41, or a surface on which the sales name (brand name), storage capacity, etc. are written in large letters.

[0109] However, without being limited to the above, the three-dimensional decorative part 54 may be provided on multiple surfaces of the container 41, on a surface other than the front surface 41F, or on both a certain surface and its opposite surface.

[0110] The three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may also be arranged across a certain surface (e.g., the front surface 41f) of the container 41 and an adjacent surface (e.g., any of the top surface 41u, bottom surface 41l, or side surface 41s). For example, in the container 41 of FIG. 11A, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 (pattern d6) is arranged across the front surface 41f and top surface 41u of the container 41. This creates a sense of depth in the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 when the container 41 is viewed from a certain surface (the front surface 41f), making the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 appear more three-dimensional.

[0111] Furthermore, when the decorative sheet 50 is used for the container 41 of the package 40, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is preferably provided on one of the surfaces of the container 41 that does not have the planned tear region Rc. For example, in the container 41 of Fig. 6A, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided on the front surface 41f of the container 41, but is not provided on the back surface 41B or top surface of the container 41 where the planned tear region Rc is located. In the container 41 of Fig. 11A, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is provided on the front surface 41f of the container 41, but is not provided on the side surface of the container 41 where the planned tear region Rc is located.

[0112] When opening the container 41, the user can easily grasp the surface of the container 41 where the planned rupture region Rc is located, but the above configuration makes it difficult for the user to touch the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. Furthermore, the above configuration makes it difficult for the force with which the user pulls the container 41 (for example, the force with which the seal member 43 is pulled) to act on the three-dimensional decorative portion 54. This prevents the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from breaking, maintaining the appearance quality of the package 40. It also prevents the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 from falling off and sticking to the user or the napkin 1.

[0113] Furthermore, when the decorative sheet 50 has an information display section 65 that displays information about the napkins 1 contained therein, the information display section 65 is preferably formed by an ink-printed layer 60 that does not overlap the three-dimensional decorative section 54 (adhesive layer 52 and decorative layer 53). Examples of the information display section 65 include a display of the type of product (such as "Winged Napkins," "Daytime Use," and size in FIG. 7) provided on the container 41 of the package 40, and a display of the number of individual packages 30 contained in the container 41 (such as "10" in FIG. 7). Another example, although not shown, is a display of the type of product (such as "Winged Napkins," "Daytime Use") provided on the packaging sheet 31 of the individual packages 30.

[0114] The information display section 65, which is a flat print layer 60, is less likely to peel off than the three-dimensional decorative section 54. Therefore, the product display section 65, which is information that the user wants to know when purchasing or using the product, can be more reliably presented to the user.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] 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.

[0118] 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).

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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.

[0125] Furthermore, 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 Fig. 9, the central portion in a predetermined direction is recessed and thin. In the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 of Fig. 10A, the thickness of the end portion in a predetermined direction is thinner than the thickness of the adjacent portions. This makes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily perceived three-dimensionally, and the user is more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is also deformed three-dimensionally and fitting well.

[0126] 9, 10A, and 10B, it is preferable that the thickness of the end portion 54E in a predetermined direction of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 is smaller than the thickness of the inner portion 54I in the predetermined direction adjacent to the end portion 54E. In this way, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 appears to protrude from the end portion 54E toward the inner portion 54I in the predetermined direction, making the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 more easily visible in three dimensions.

[0127] 9 and 10B, the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may have a recessed central portion in a predetermined direction (toward the sheet 51 in the thickness direction). This provides an uneven surface for the three-dimensional decorative portion 54, making it easier to see the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 in a three-dimensional manner. However, this is not limited to the above. The thickness of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 may be constant except for the ends in the predetermined direction, as shown in FIG. 10A, or the central portion of the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 in the predetermined direction may be convex and thick.

[0128] 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 only to one side in the predetermined direction. When an external force acts on the decorative sheet 50 (here, the container 41), the force is likely to be applied to the extension 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 in accordance with the sheet 51. This prevents the adhesive layer 52 from peeling from the sheet 51. In particular, the maximum thickness t1 of the extension 52E of the adhesive layer 52 is smaller than the maximum thickness t2 of the portion of the adhesive layer 52 overlapping the decorative layer 53 (t1<t2), which allows the extension 52 to more easily deform in accordance with the sheet 51. Furthermore, since the decorative layer 53 is not located at the end portion where force is likely to be applied, it is possible to prevent peeling between the adhesive layer 52 and the decorative layer 53 and cracking of the decorative layer 53. When a user visually recognizes the three-dimensional decorative portion 54 whose quality is maintained, they are more likely to get the impression that the napkin 1 is also a high-quality product.

[0129] Furthermore, it is preferable that the length L1 of the extension 52E in a predetermined direction be shorter than the length L2 of the portion of the adhesive layer 52 that overlaps with the decorative layer 53 in the predetermined direction (L1<L2). By not making the extension 52E unnecessarily long, it is possible to prevent the aesthetic appeal (such as metallic luster) of the decorative layer 53 from being diminished. However, this is not limited to the above, and as shown in FIG. 10B , the adhesive layer 52 does not necessarily have the extension 52E. In other words, the entire surface of the adhesive layer 52 may be covered with the decorative layer 53.

[0130] 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. Also, the target parts can be compared based on cross-sectional images obtained by cutting them.

[0131] ===Method of Manufacturing Decorative Sheet 50=== Fig. 13 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. 13. The manufacturing apparatus 70 has a conveying mechanism 71, an ink discharge device 72, an adhesive discharge device 73, a first irradiation device 74, a decorative layer conveying mechanism 75, and a second irradiation device 76.

[0132] 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. 13 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] Thereafter, the decorative layer conveying mechanism 75 supplies the continuous body 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 continuous body 53c of the decorative layer 53, a conveying roller 751, and a take-up roller (not shown) that takes up the remainder of the continuous body 53c of the decorative layer 53.

[0136] 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 winding roller and collected.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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 at least one of the individual napkin wrappers 30 and the napkin package 40, the user can be given the impression that the product is three-dimensional. However, the above manufacturing method is one example, and the manufacturing method of the decorative sheet 50 is not particularly limited.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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 65 Information display unit, 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 used for individual packaging of absorbent articles or packages of absorbent articles and decorated, comprising: a sheet having vertical and horizontal directions perpendicular to each other; an adhesive layer provided on the surface of the sheet; and a decorative layer provided on the adhesive layer and having a maximum thickness of 10 μm or less, wherein the decorative layer is provided in a position visible to a user and protrudes from the surface of the sheet in the thickness direction of the sheet, the absorbent article comprises an absorbent body, wherein when the decorative sheet is stretched in one of the vertical and horizontal directions which has a higher elongation strength, an elongation amount of the decorative sheet at the time the adhesive layer breaks is defined as a first elongation amount, and when the elongation amount of the absorbent body at the time the absorbent body breaks when stretched in the width direction of the absorbent article is defined as a second elongation amount, the first elongation amount is greater than the second elongation amount.

2. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 1, characterized in that, when the absorbent body is stretched in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the amount of stretch of the absorbent body at the time of breakage is defined as a third amount of stretch, and the first amount of stretch is greater than the third amount of stretch.

3. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher, the amount of elongation of the decorative sheet at the time when the decorative layer breaks is defined as a fourth amount of elongation, said fourth amount of elongation is greater than said second amount of elongation.

4. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the container of the package for the absorbent article has a break area that is to break when the package is opened, and the maximum elongation strength when the break area is to break is smaller than the elongation strength when the adhesive layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

5. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 4, characterized in that the maximum elongation strength when the intended breakage area breaks is smaller than the elongation strength when the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

6. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 5, which is used with the container, and the package for the absorbent article is provided with a sealing member that covers the intended tear area, and the intended tear area is torn by pulling the sealing member.

7. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the individual package of the absorbent article has a packaging sheet and a fastening tape spanning the opening end of the packaging sheet, and the maximum elongation strength when the fastening tape is peeled off from the packaging sheet is smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

8. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the individual packaging of the absorbent article has a packaging sheet, and at both ends in a direction along the opening edge of the packaging sheet, the folded packaging sheets are joined together by a welding portion, and the maximum elongation strength when the welding portion is opened is smaller than the elongation strength at which the decorative layer breaks when the decorative sheet is stretched in the direction in which the elongation strength is higher.

9. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 1 or 2, which is used in a container provided in a package of an absorbent article, the container has a planned tear area that will tear when opened, and in a plan view of the container, the adhesive layer and the decorative layer do not overlap the planned tear area.

10. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which is used on a container provided in a package for an absorbent article, and which is characterized in that the adhesive layer and the decorative layer are provided on one of multiple surfaces of the container, and are not provided on the surface opposite to the one surface.

11. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as described in claim 1 or 2, which is used for a container provided in a package of an absorbent article, the container has a planned breaking area that will break when opened, and the adhesive layer and the decorative layer are provided on one of multiple surfaces of the container that does not have the planned breaking area.

12. A decorative sheet for absorbent products as claimed in claim 1 or 2, comprising an information display section showing information relating to the absorbent article, the information display section being formed by a printing layer that does not overlap the adhesive layer and the decorative layer.

13. A decorative sheet for absorbent products according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the decorative layer is a layer formed from any one of metal foil, holographic foil, and pigment foil.

Images