Title of Invention

INTER-LABIUM PRODUCT AND SURFACE-SIDE SHEET CAPABLE OF DISINTEGRATION IN WATER FOR THE INTER-LABIUM PRODUCT

Abstract An inter-labium product capable of disintegration in water, fitted to the inter-labium part; and a surface-side sheet for inter-labium product that simultaneously realizes comfortability at wearing of the inter-labium product and capability of water disintegration such that the inter-labium product is disintegrated when thrown in flush water of water closet after use. The surface-side sheet for use in an inter-labium product fitted to the inter-labium part is comprised of hydrophilic fibers composed of single fibers and fibril fibers having fuzzes branched from the surface thereof, wherein at least some of the branched fuzzes link the single fibers and the fibril fibers to each other. Thus, not only can the wet tensile strength be increased but also inter-fibrous bonds are slowly decomposed in the presence of a large amount of water to thereby enable disposal of the inter-labium product in a flush toilet. Furthermore, since no resin is used, the inter-labium product is free from resin leaching to thereby avoid problems, such as itching and skin roughness, caused by the resin leaching.
Full Text SPECIFICATION
INTER-LABIUM PRODUCT AND SURFACE-SIDE SHEET CAPABLE OF
DISINTEGRATION IN WATER FOR THE INTER-LABIUM PRODUCT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an interlabial product that degrades with
water and that can be discarded as it is by throwing into the discharge water of
the flush lavatory, after having been worn between labia and absorbed body
fluid such as menstrual blood or others discharged from interlabia, and a water
degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial product.
RELATED ART
Conventionally, interlabial products to be worn between labia have been
known. As an interlabial product, a water degradable interlabial product to be
dissipated by a large amount of discharge water of the toilet and degraded into
small fragments to a degree not to hold the original shape, when thrown into the
toilet, has been developed. The water degradable interlabial pad can be
discarded by throwing into a so-called flush lavatory, because this will not fill the
piping of the toilet.
For instance, the interlabial pad disclosed in the JP-A-2000-501322 can
be cited as such a water degradable interlabial pad. That is, the interlabial pad
disclosed in the JP-A-2000-501322 has a liquid permeable surface side sheet
facing to the inner wall of the wearer's labia and a first fiber like assemble and a
wet highly resisting resin such as a glyoxalic polyacrylamide resin or others on
the liquid permeable surface side sheet. This wet highly resisting resin is water
degradable and dissipated in the water as the linkage between materials is
untied in a large amount of water or the water flow; however, the material
doesn't degrade in the moisture of a prescribed amount while worn. Therefore,
the material doesn't remain in the labia, and the growth of bacteria can be
prevented.
However, elusion components may elude from the wet highly resisting
resin that composes the interlabial pad, so that the body is chemically
stimulated by these elusion components and itchy and skin roughness might be
caused.
By the way, the surface side sheet of the interlabial product and the inner
wall of labia may come to rub each other when the interlabial product is worn,
and the wearer might have an unpleasant feeling. In order to solve this
inconvenience, an absorbent interlabial tool is disclosed, for instance, in the
JP-A-2000-512886. That is, the absorbent interlabial tool disclosed in the
JP-A-2000-512886 contains a polysiloxane type emollient composition at least
partially in the body contact face. As a result, the interlabial tool can reduce
unpleasantness, by decreasing the friction between the body and the absorbent
interlabial tool.
However, for such an interlabial pad, the inner wall of labia and the body
contact face of the interlabial product might become slippery. Therefore, the
interlabial product may cause dislocation while worn, and drop out from
interlabia. In addition, a viscous element of the polysiloxane type emollient
composition contained in the surface side sheet of the interlabial product may
remain on the inner wall of labia or the pudenda and cause an unpleasant
feeling. In addition, components may elude from the polysiloxane type emollient
composition as to stimulate the body chemically and cause itchy and skin
roughness.
Moreover, to achieve the dropout prevention from interlabia and the
decrease of the sense of discomfort while worn, the interlabial product is
designed in a compact size compared with the napkin and the liner. Hence,
because the size is compact, the surface side sheet, that is the body side of the
interlabial product, is easily covered with menstrual blood. Therefore, if the
interlabial product after use cannot be thrown into the toilet as it is, the
interlabial product after use shall be disposed by the hand. At this time, if the
interlabial product is folded with its surface side sheet face inside as in case of
napkin or liner, the menstrual blood turns up to adhere to the finger, and this is
not only insanitary, but also takes time very much. Moreover, they try to dispose
of it by using the individual wrapping body where the unused interlabial product
has been stored, without folding the surface side sheet face of the interlabial
product after use, an unused interlabial product shall be worn, after having
wrapped the used interlabial product will in the individual wrapping body.
Therefore, the unused interlabial product taken out from the individual wrapping
body after having it opened shall be put somewhere temporarily, and at this
time, an inconvenience that the unused interlabial product is polluted is caused,
if the place has not been cleaned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been made in view of the aforementioned
inconveniences and has an object to offer the interlabial product that have both
comfort while wearing and water degradability allowing it to degrade with water
rapidly when it is thrown in the flush lavatory after use, and the surface side
sheet for this interlabial product.
In order to solve the aforementioned inconveniences, the Inventors came
to find the following characteristics, and to complete the present invention to
solve the problem like the above-mentioned. That is, a fibril fiber having with a
lot of minute branch hairs from the surface of the fiber, was used at least for a
part of the fiber that composes the surface side sheet and adjacent fibers were
bridged mutually with branch hairs. As a result, fibers that compose the surface
side sheet are connected mutually one the other, to maintain without deforming
the original shape of the sheet, in a wet state where body fluid such as
menstrual blood has been absorbed. On the other hand, it will resolve to a
degree not to keep the original shape, uniting the mutual binding of fibers, when
it comes into contact with a large amount of water.
More concretely, the present invention offers the one like the following.
(1) A water degradable surface side sheet for an interlabial product to be
worn between labia, comprising a hydrophilic fiber having a filament and a fibril
fiber which has branch hairs branching from its surface, wherein at least a part
of the branch hairs make bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber.
Here, the filament mean fibers that any physical post-processing such as
fibrillation is not exerted. Moreover, the fibril fiber means a fiber having a lot of
branch hairs formed by beating.
According to the invention of (1), the water degradable surface side sheet
has a filament which is single fiber and a fibril fiber having branch hairs
branching from their surface. As a result, at least a part of branch hairs which
are contained in the fibril fiber bind the filament and the fibril fiber which is
disposed adjacent each other, so that bridge structures are formed. Hence, the
water degradable surface side sheet doesn't easily get untied and degraded,
even in a wet state where body fluid such as menstrual blood has been
absorbed. On the other hand, in a large amount of water such as the
discharge water of the toilet, the bridge structures are gradually resolved, so
that the water degradable surface side sheet comes to be degraded.
Therefore, the interlabial product can be thrown after used as it is into the
toilet. When the wearer disposes of the interlabial product, the wearer only
has to detach the interlabial product from between labia by hand, or by the
pressure of her urine. That is, the wearer needs not to dispose of the used
interlabial product separately, and the hand of the wearer is sanitary as the
hand does not get dirty.
Moreover, water degradability, which decomposes the mutual connection
of fibers with a large amount of water and increases the strength in the wet
state, is achieved by binding filament and fibril fiber through branch hairs of the
fibril fiber. Therefore, because the resin including the elusion component is not
used, neither itchy nor the skin roughness, etc. are caused. Moreover,
shagginess and so on are not caused easily, because the binding among fibers
is strong, even if the water degradable surface side sheet rubs against the inner
wall of labia.
(2) The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial product
wherein the fibril fiber is blended 3 to 30 weight % of the hydrophilic fiber.
According to the invention of (2), the water degradable surface side sheet
does not only lose flexibility but also get degraded easily even in the wet state
where body fluid such as menstrual blood has been absorbed. The elongation
degree can be improved, and moreover, the bridge structures of branch hairs
are gradually resolved, and the original shape as the sheet is not maintained,
against a large amount of water such as the discharge water of the toilet. Note
that the bridge structures are broken easily and durability decreases when the
fibril fiber is fewer than 3 weight % of the hydrophilic fiber, because the bridge
structures are too little, and the elongation degree in the wet state doesn't
improve. On the other hand, the water degradable surface side sheet may lose
flexibility as the bridge structures are too much, when the fibril fiber is more than
30 weight % of the hydrophilic fiber.
(3) The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial product,
wherein maximum elongation degree on most is higher than maximum
elongation degree on dry.
According to the invention of (3), as maximum elongation degree in the
wet state of the water degradable surface side sheet is made higher than
maximum elongation degree in the dry state, the water degradable sheet
becomes hard to break even if the tensile strength decreases in the wet state.
(4) The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial product,
wherein the degree of beating of the branch hairs of the fibril fiber is 100cc to
400cc.
According to the invention of (4), as the strength decrease due to the
fibrillation of the fiber fibril can be suppressed, the tensile strength and the
elongation degree in the wet state where body fluid has been absorbed can be
improved, together with the mutual binding of fibers by the bridge structures of
the fibril fiber and the filament. The branches of the fibers increase and strength
of the fibril fiber decrease because the level of beating is violent when the
degree of beating is less than 100cc. Moreover, when the degree of beating is
larger than 400cc, the number of branch hairs decreases, and the bridge
structure of the filament and the fibril fiber decreases, in case of forming a sheet
by laminating hydrophilic fibers, and it is likely to break when it becomes wet.
(5) The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial product,
wherein the fibril fiber is rayon.
The rayon is generated by the wet method or the dry method, and the
fiber length can be selected from the range of 1 to 38mm freely. Therefore,
according to the invention of (5), bridge structures having flexibility can be
obtained, while uniting the filament and the fibril fiber, because the length of the
branch hairs can be made longer, by making the rayon from the fibril fiber
thorough beating.
Natural fabrics are generally different in the fiber length and hard, so that
it is difficult to form a steady bridge structures, because the length of the branch
hair also becomes disparate, event when the natural fabric is fibrillated by
beating. On the other hand, the rayon allows selecting the fiber length freely,
and has less dispersive than the natural fabrics. In addition, as the rayon is
hydrophilic, consequently, and also excellent in compatibility with the body fluid
and fitness to the inner wall of labia, it is possible to use the rayon suitably as
fibril fiber.
(6) An interlabial product for being worn between labia, comprising a
water degradable surface side sheet for being in a face of the labia and a back
side sheet arranged on a opposite side of the water degradable surface side
sheet (garment side), wherein the water degradable surface side sheet
comprising a hydrophilic fiber having a filament and a fibril fiber which has
branch hairs branching from its surface, wherein at least a part of the branch
hairs make bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber.
According to the invention of (6), the water degradable surface side sheet
of the interlabial product comprises a hydrophilic fiber comprising a filament and
a fibril fiber with branch hairs branching from its surface. At least a part of
branch hairs has a bridge structure which forms a bridge between the filament
and the fibril fiber mutually. Hence, the water degradable surface side sheet
doesn't easily get untied and degraded, even in a wet state where body fluid
such as menstrual blood has been absorbed. Therefore, the interlabial product
dose not shift in the wearing position nor fallen off between labia. On the other
hand, the bridge structure of the branch hairs is gradually resolved, and the
water degradable surface side sheet comes to be degraded, for a large amount
of water such as the discharge water of the toilet, the interlabal product is
resolved into small fragments.
(7) The interlabial product, wherein a total size in a transverse direction of
the surface side sheet in a state, where the interlabial product is folded on a fold
line drawn along a longitudinal direction so that the water degradable surface
side sheet is exposed to outside, is longer than that of the surface side sheet in
a state, where the interlabial product is tabular.
According to the invention of (7), when the interlabial product is folded on
a fold line drawn along the longitudinal direction, so that the water degradable
surface side sheet is exposed to outside, the total size in the transverse
direction of the surface side sheet is longer than that before it is folded.
Consequently, the surface side sheet is not pressed by the absorbent body
provided inside the interlabial product, even when the interlabial product is
folded, and the force to restore the state of the interlabial product before folding,
namely the force to open both the end edges of the interlabial product can be
controlled. Therefore, this interlabial product doesn't drop out, because it does
not expand the end edge of the labia, even if the interlabial product is worn
between labia.
Here, the state where the interlabial product is tabular means a state
where the interlabial product is open, and the total size in the transverse
direction means the size from the one end edge to the other end edge, along
the transverse direction of the interlabial product.
Now, the meaning of the fact that the total size in the transverse direction
of the surface side sheet in the state where the interlabial product is folded is
larger than the size in the transverse direction of the surface side sheet before it
is folded shall be described. That is, when the interlabial product is folded in two
parts along the longitudinal direction, the size in the transverse direction of the
surface side sheet located most outside of the interlabial product is longer than
the size in the transverse direction in tabular state before it is fold, by the order
of the circumferential length of a half circle having the thickness of the interlabial
pad as radius.
Thus, the following methods may be enumerated as a method of
lengthening the total size in the transverse direction of the surface side sheet in
the two parts-folded state of the interlabial product more than the size in the
transverse direction in the tabular shape. For instance, there is a method
wherein the total size in the transverse direction of the surface side sheet is
enlarged more than the total size in the transverse direction of the back side
sheet, and it is joined with the surface side sheet in a state where the surface
side sheet is loosened in the transverse direction. Moreover, there is a method
of connecting the surface side sheet with this back side sheet, in a state where
the back side sheet and the absorbent body are folded in two parts. Moreover,
there is a method of making the surface side sheet elongate easily in the
transverse direction, and connecting the surface side sheet and the back side
sheet in the tabular shape state. At this time, besides the execution of ripple
processing along the transverse direction, or the slit processing, of the surface
side sheet, the maximum tensile elongation degree in the transverse direction
may be set to 100% or more, as the characteristic of the surface side sheet
itself. It should be remarked that it is preferable to form the surface side sheet
by wet forming spun lace and make the maximum tensile elongation degree in
the transverse direction 100% or more by the tendering processing, for
connecting with the back side sheet, considering the simplicity of the processing
process.
(8) The interlabial product, wherein the back side sheet comprises a
hydrophilic fiber including a fibril fiber.
According to the invention of (8), the back side sheet had the hydrophilic
fiber including a fibril fiber. As a result, when the interlabial product is thrown in
to the toilet from the back side sheet first, the hydrophilic fiber of the back side
sheet gets affinity to the water immediately. Therefore, it is possible to discard
the interlabial product more surely with the discharge water of the toilet, by
preventing it from coming up to the surface of the water.
Moreover, the back side sheet might rub mutually when the interlabial
product is worn, and the back side sheet of the interlabial product and the
napkin might rub when a napkin is used together with the interlabial product.
Even for this case, as the friction drag is decreased by the back side sheet, the
body fluid leakage can be prevented due to getting untied of the back side
sheet. In addition, the fibril fiber of the hydrophilic fiber can decrease the
breakage of the back side sheet further even if the body fluid adheres to the
back side sheet and makes it wet.
This back side sheet is the one where a hydrophilic fiber sheet such as
tissues is bonded or laminated on a film or the like having hydrolyzed
biodegradable resin as raw material, in consideration of the wettability to the
water when discarding it into the toilet. Here, the hydrophilic fiber sheet is the
one including the fibril fiber such as the rayon and so on. Moreover, polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) film, film wherein one face or/and both faces are made
water-repellent with silicon or the like, PVA film wherein silicon is blended,
starch film, polylactic acid or polybutylenesuccinate, etc. may be enumerated as
the film. Note that, leakage prevention function under wearing and wettability to
the discharge water of the toilet when discarding might also be afforded at the
same time, by adjusting the water-repellent degree through the execution of
water-repellent processing to the hydrophilic fiber by sizing agent and so on.
Moreover, as necessary, inorganic pigments may be blended in the back side
sheet within the range of 0.1 to 5% for coloring.
Moreover, those similar to the one explained as the surface side sheet,
previously, can be used as a hydrophilic fiber sheet including the fibril fiber.
That is, more particularly, the hydrophilic fiber sheet is a spun lace nonwoven
fabric adjusted to by a specific weight per unit within the range of 20 to 60g/m2
by blending a necessary amount of fiber in the range of 1 to 38mm in the fiber
length, more preferably in the range of 2 to 20mm and within the range of 1.1 to
3.3dtex in fineness. The fibril fiber 3 to 30 weight % and the filament 97 to 70
weight % are desirable as the mixture ratio of the fibril fiber and the filament.
Moreover, the specific weight per unit of the film of the back side sheet
adhered to the hydrophilic fiber sheet including the fibril fiber is 19 to 40g/m2, it
is joined by the embossing finish or an adhesive, and the joint rate is desirably
in the range of 1 to 30%. Moreover, when it is laminated with a hydrophilic fiber
sheet including the fibril fiber, the thickness of the resin to be laminated is
desirably in the range of 10 to 40pm.
(9) The interlabial product, comprising a mini sheet piece for inserting a
finger, wherein the mini sheet piece is provided on the back side sheet and
includes a fibril fiber.
According to the invention of (9), the mini sheet piece to insert a finger in
the garment side of the interlabial product is provided on the garment side of the
back side sheet. As a result, as the labia can be pushed open by the rigidity of
the finger when the interlabial product is worn between labia, it is possible to
install it up to the vestibule bed surely and, as a gap is not created between the
vestibule bed or the inner wall of labia and the body side of the interlabial
product, the body fluid can be prevented from leaking.
Moreover, as this mini sheet piece includes a fibril fiber, twining of the
fiber gets untied in a large amount of water or in the water flow of the toilet, and
it is resolved into small fragments. As this mini sheet piece including a fibril
fiber, those used for the surface side sheet and the back side sheet
above-mentioned can be used.
Note that it is desirable to set the nonwoven fabric side to the garment
side, considering wettability to the water when throwing into the toilet and the
friction drag of the mini sheet pieces each other, if a laminate sheet bonded with
a nonwoven fabric that has the fibril fiber is to be used.
(10) The interlabial product is for incontinence.
According to the invention of (10), the interlabial product can be used for
an incontinence absorb product. That is ostium vaginae where the blood is
discharged and a pee hole where urine is discharged locate between labia, and
the interlabial product of the present invention to be used between labia can
absorb urine also. Therefore, it can absorb urine around labia, especially
around the pee hole and is useful for incontinence, especially for a light
incontinence.
(11) The interlabial product for absorbing vaginal discharge.
According to the invention of (11), the interlabial product can be used for
absorbing the vaginal discharge. That is the interlabial product is used between
labia and can absorb the excretion (vaginal discharge) other than the blood
from ostium vaginae. Therefore, the interlabial product can absorb the vaginal
discharge in order to decrease the discomfort for the person, and is useful for
the user who is not menstruating.
(12) A wrapping having an interlabial product for being worn between
labia and a wrapping sheet for enveloping the interlabial product inside, wherein
said interlabial product comprises a water degradable surface side sheet for
being in a face of the labia and a back side sheet arranged on a opposite side
of the degradable surface side sheet (garment side), wherein said water
degradable surface side sheet comprising a hydrophilic fiber having a filament
and a fibril fiber having branch hairs branching from its surface, wherein at least
a part of branch hairs make bridges between said filament and the fibril fiber,
and said wrapping sheet includes a fibril fiber.
According to the invention of (12), the twine among fibers, of the sheet for
wrapping, gets untied in a large amount of water or in the discharge water of the
toilet, and is resolved into small fragments as the sheet for wrapping composing
the wrapping body includes a fibril fiber. Therefore, as the wrapping body after
unsealing can be thrown into the toilet, the wrapping body can easily be
discarded. Moreover, as it is unnecessary to discard the wrapping body after
unsealing into a sanitary box, the finger is not smeared dirty, and when a new
interlabial product is worn, the interlabial product, the inner wall of labia, and the
vulva, and so on are never smeared, and it is therefore sanitary.
In addition, as for the act to discard the interlabial product into the toilet
bowl by detaching from between labia with urine pressure of the wearer, the
interlabial product can be taken out from the between labia by gripping it via the
wrapping body and thrown in the toilet bowl as it is, in case where the wearer
has a sanitary aversion, or in case where she can not let the interlabial product
detach from between labia, due to the body type of the wearer, even if she
opens her inside of the thigh towards the toilet bowl.
The material used for the above-mentioned surface side sheet and the
back side sheet can be used for the sheet for wrapping. When a nonwoven
fabric composed only of the fiber is used for the sheet for wrapping to decrease
the load to the stream of the piping and the septic tank, the maximum
elongation degree in the wet state can be improved by including the fibril fiber in
the sheet for wrapping. As a result, the wrapping body is opened without
damaging the sheet for wrapping and the operativeness is never impaired, even
when the wearer washes her hands before wearing the interlabial product and
her hands are wet. Moreover, as the barrier function thereof is high, the
interlabial product can be treated sanitarily, even if it is wrapped with the sheet
for wrapping when discarded, because the density of the sheet for wrapping can
be improved. To improve the barrier function further, the water-repellent
treatment might be performed with silicon, sizing agent, etc.
(13) Fibril fiber for a water degradable product, comprising branch hairs
branching from its surface.
According to the invention of (13), the branch hair of the fibril fiber forms
the bridge structure to twine the fiber mutually, and connects mutually fibers that
compose the water degradable product. Therefore, the fibers don't easily get
untied and the water degradable fiber doesn't degrade while wearing it, even in
the wet state where body fluid such as menstrual blood has been absorbed. On
the other hand, the bridge structure of the branch hair is gradually resolved, and
the water degradable product degrades for a large amount of water such as the
discharge water of the toilet.
(14) A method for improving a stability of a hydrophilic fiber soaked in
small quantity of water, wherein the hydrophilic fiber comprises a filament and a
fibril fiber having branch hairs branching from its surface, comprising the step
of; making bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber with at least in a part
of the branch hairs.
According to the invention of (14), as the bridge structure is formed by
forming bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber each other, the uniting
power between fibers can be improved, and the original form can be maintained
as the hydrophilic fiber doesn't get untied in the wet state in contact with a small
quantity of water.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1A is a perspective view showing an interlabial product according to
an embodiment of the present invention
Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X of Fig. 1 A.
Fig. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing a variant of the
above-mentioned interlabial product.
Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing a variant of the
above-mentioned interlabial product.
Fig. 3A is a photomicrograph that shows the surface side sheet (fiber
blended with fibril fiber) composing the above-mentioned interlabial product.
Fig. 3B is a photomicrograph that shows the binding state of fibers not
blended with fibril fiber.
Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the
above-mentioned interlabial product is folded in two parts.
Fig. 5A is figure of the examination body, which is used to examine the
practicality and to examine the aqueous dispersibility of the above-mentioned
interlabial product, seen from the surface side sheet side.
Fig. 5B is figure of the examination body, that was used to examine the
practicality and to examine the aqueous dispersibility of the above-mentioned
interlabial product, seen from the back side sheet side, and.
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of the flush lavatory used to examine the
aqueous dispersibility of the above-mentioned interlabial product.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT.
Next, one embodiment of the interlabial product of the present invention
shall be described referring to figures; however the present invention is not
limited to this.
A basic composition of the interlabial product of this embodiment shall be
described. Fig. 1A is a perspective figure showing the interlabial product
according to this embodiment, and Fig. 1 B is a cross-sectional view of Fig. 1A
along the line X-X inside in the interlabial product according to this embodiment.
[General composition of the interlabial product]
An interlabial product 1 in this embodiment has an elongated thin shape,
and comprises a water permeable surface side sheet facing to an inner wall of
labia 2, a water permeable or non-permeable back side sheet 3 facing to the
garment, and an absorbent body 4 enveloped in these sheets 2, 3 for absorbing
body fluid, as shown in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B. A mini sheet piece 5 is attached on
the garment side of the back side sheet 3, across two side parts extending
along the longitudinal direction of the interlabial product 1.
Moreover, the interlabial product 1 is formed within the range of 50 to
130mm in the length size and 30 to 80mm in the lateral size, and the thickness
is desirably adjusted within the range of 2 to 20mm, for the fitness with the inner
wall of labia, dropout prevention from between the labia, and blocking
prevention of the piping of the toilet.
Note that though the interlabial product 1 in this embodiment is plane, it is
not especially limited in the present invention provided that the shape can be
maintained by placing it between labia, such as the rectangular type, bottle
gourd type, droplet type, etc. Moreover, though the cross-sectional view shape
of the interlabial product 1 in this embodiment is hog-backed shape, the section
shape is not especially limited, provided that the shape that can be maintained
by placing it between labia, such as the rectangular one as shown in Fig. 2A,
one folded approximately in V as shown in Fig. 2 B, and so on.
[Composition material of the interlabial product]

A surface side sheet 2 according to the present invention comprises the
hydrophilic fiber composed of filament that is one single fiber and the fibril fiber
provided with a lot of branch hairs branching from the surface of the fiber, as
shown in Fig. 3A. At least a part of these branch hairs forms a bridge structure
for mutually bridging between the filament and the neighboring fibril fiber, and
the fibers are mutually connected. Here, the fiber with which the fibril fiber is not
blended is shown in Fig. 3B. It can be confirmed that divergent branch hairs are
intertwined with the fibers each other and the bridge structure is formed on the
surface side sheet 2, by the comparison of Fig. 3A with Fig. 3B.
The surface side sheet 2 is a spun lace nonwoven fabric adjusted to by a
specific weight per unit within the range of 20 to 60g/m2 by blending a
necessary amount of fiber in the range of 1 to 38mm in the fiber length, more
preferably in the range of 2 to 20mm and within the range of 1.1 to 3.3dtex in
fineness. More particularly, the surface side sheet 2 is formed into a fiber
laminated body by blending the fibril fiber within the range of 3 to 30 weight %
and the filament within the range of 70 to 97 weight %. Moreover, the surface
side sheet 2 is produced by intertwining these blended fiber laminated bodies
by the high pressure water-flow before drying, and by adjusting the density to
0.08 to 0.20g/cm3.
The fiber used for this surface side sheet 2 is the one to be biodegraded
to gases such as carbon dioxide or methane, water, and biomasses according
to the process of nature, in the presence of bacteria including the ray fungi and
other microbes, and under the anaerobic or aerobic condition. Concretely, the
selection is made as appropriate from biodegradable material that is
biodegradable under the same environment, water dispersible material where
the fibers are dispersed in fragments so as not to block the piping of the toilet in
a large amount of water or the water-flow, and never to pile up in the air
diffusion pipe in the septic tank, though the influence is small with the limited
amount of moisture in use, and water solubility material that dissolves in a large
amount of water or the water-flow, though the influence is small with the limited
amount of moisture under wearing. Here, poly lactic acid fiber,
polybutylenesuccinate fiber, starch film fiber, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber and
so on can be listed as biodegradable material, and these fibers are used alone
or two or more in combination.
In addition, those free from elution material, or, free from chemical
stimulation, even if elution material eludes, in the wet state under wearing is
preferable, in consideration of the chemical stimulation to the wearer.
As for the fiber used for this surface side sheet 2, concretely,
semi-synthetic fibers such as regenerated celluloses including rayon and
acetate rayon, synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane,
polyvinyl alcohol and so on may be enumerated, besides the natural fibers such
as wood pulps including softwood pulps, hardwood pulps and so on, hemp,
kenaves, linters pulps and so on. The one mainly composed of the rayon that is
hydrophilic and that can be freely selected within the range of 1 to 38mm in the
fiber length is much more desirable from the viewpoint of affinity with the
menstrual blood and the fitness with the inner wall of labia.
The following compositions are listed, as a concrete composition the of
surface side sheet 2. For instance, the hemp fiber is fibrillated within the range
of 1 to 38mm, preferably 2 to 20mm, and 100 to 400cc in the degree of beating,
preferably 200 to 300cc. This fibrillated hemp fiber within the range of 3 to 30
weight %, the rayon within the range of 70 to 97 weight %, 1 to 38mm in the
fiber length, preferably 2 to 20mm, and 1.1 to 3dtex in the fineness are
combined, and laminated at 30 to 45g/m2 by a specific weight per unit.
A polyvinyl alcohol fiber is fibrillated within the range of 1 to 38mm,
preferably 2 to 20mm, and 100 to 400cc in the degree of beating, preferably 200
to 300cc. This fibrillated polyvinyl alcohol fiber within the range of 3 to 30 weight
% and the rayon within the range of 70 to 97 weight %, 1 to 38mm in the fiber
length, preferably 2 to 20mm, and 1.1 to 3.3dtex in the fineness are combined,
and laminated at 30 to 45g/m2 by a specific weight per unit.
The rayon is fibrillated in the range of 1 to 38mm, preferably 2 to 20mm,
and 100 to 400cc in the degree of beating, preferably 200 to 300cc. This
fibrillated rayon within the range of 3 to 30 weight % and the softwood pulp
within the range of 70 to 97 weight %, 1 to 10mm in the fiber length,
substantially 2 to 5mm, are combined, and laminated at 30 to 45g/m2 by a
specific weight per unit.
Further, wood pulp, linter pulp fiber, or carboxymethyl cellulose fibrillated
in the range of 1 to 10mm, substantially 2 to 5mm, and 250 to 650cc in degree
of beating, and the rayon of 80 to 99 weight % in the range of 1 to 38mm in fiber
length, preferably 2 to 20mm, and 1.1 to 3dtex in the fineness are combined,
and laminated at 30 to 45g/m2 by a specific weight per unit.
Besides, this surface side sheet 2 is formed into melt blown, spun bond,
point bond, through air, needle punch, wet paper, wet forming spun lace and so
on, solely with the hydrophilic fiber where little hydrophilic surface active agent
is adhered or blending the necessary amount. For instance, by using the spun
lace method, various fibers alone or blended as necessary are intertwined by
the water-flow interlacing treatment, and then the spun lace nonwoven fabric is
produced. According to the spun lace method, this water-flow interlacing
treatment allows detaching substantially by the water-flow, the surface active
agent that adheres to the fiber to prevent the irregularity of specific weight per
unit by static electricity when the fiber is untied. Therefore, as the chemical
stimulation caused by the above-mentioned surface active agent is decreased,
so it is more preferable. Note that, it is more preferable, in this case, to adjust
+the specific weight per unit within the range of 20 to 60g/m2. The fiber density
rises too high when the specific weight per unit is more than 60g/m2 and the
fitness with the inner wall of labia is not attained. On the other hand, when the
specific weight per unit is fewer than 20g/m2, the required strength under
wearing can not be obtained.
The fibril fiber is attained by the formation of branch hairs like the
outgrowth of hair in a way to tear the surface of the fiber, by beating of the
aforementioned single fiber. This degree of beating is 600cc or less, more
preferably 100 to 400cc. Besides, it is blended with the fiber that composes the
surface side sheet at least at the rate of 2 weight %, and preferably within the
range of 3 to 30 weight %. When the fibril fiber is fewer than 2 weight %, it is
likely to degrade while wearing it, because the bridge structure is too little and
the elongation degree in the wet state doesn't improve. On the other hand, the
bridge structure increases too much, when the fibril fiber is more than 30 weight
% and a flexible texture of the surface side sheet might be damaged.
It should be noted that as the fibril fiber, the rayon that is hydrophilic and
excellent in the affinity with the menstrual blood and the fitness with the inner
wall of labia, and moreover, that can be selected freely among those with long
fiber length, is suitable. The rayon allows to attain the bridge structure having
flexibility while preventing the filament being separated mutually, because the
length of the branch hair can be lengthened, when it is fibrillated through
beating, as it can be produced by the wet method or the dry method, and the
fiber length can freely be selected within the range of 1 to 38mm.
Here, the rayon produced by the dry method is more preferable, because
the molecular arrangement of cellulose is more aligned in one direction than the
one produced by the wet method, and easy to split against the power of
beating.
The manufacturing method of the fibril fiber by the dry method, for
instance, dissolves the pulp to N-methylmorpholine oxide that is an organic
solvent, forms a fiber from a nozzle, and volatilizes the solvent. Afterwards, this
fiber is cut within the range of 1 to 38mm, and more preferably within the range
of 2 to 20mm, and further preferably within the range of 2 to 10mm, and the size
is adjusted within the range of 1.1 to 3.3dtex so that it will have biodegradability
and be dispersed in small fragments in a large amount of water or in the
discharged flow without maintaining its original shape,. Then, the fiber cut in the
prescribed length is put into the water and fibrillated by the beating at least by
600cc or less, and more preferably within the range of 100 to 400cc. As a result,
the fibril fiber will be 10mm or less in the length of the branch hair, and the
branch hair makes up 50 to 100% of the whole.

The back side sheet 3 is the one in which a filmy sheet that can prevent
the menstrual blood kept in the absorbent body 4 from leaking outside the
interlabial product 1 and the hydrophilic fiber sheet including the fibril fiber is
bonded. Concretely, a hydrophilic fiber sheet such as tissues is stuck, or
laminated on the filmy sheet, in consideration of the wettability to the water
when it is discarded in the toilet. Here, this hydrophilic fiber sheet is the one
including the fibril fiber such as the fibrilrayon, and so on. As the filmy sheet, the
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, the film where the repellent treatment with silicon or
the like is executed on one side or/and both sides of the PVA film blended with
silicone, the starch film, and the films derived from hydrolyzed biodegradable
resins such as polylactic acid or polybutylenesuccinate and so on can be listed.
Note that, leakage prevention function under wearing and wettability to the
discharge water of the toilet when discarding might also be afforded at the same
time, by adjusting the water-repellent degree through the execution of
water-repellent processing to the hydrophilic fiber by sizing agent and so on.
Moreover, as necessary, inorganic pigments may be blended in the back side
sheet 3 within the range of 0.1 to 5% for coloring.
Moreover, those similar to the one explained in the above-mentioned
surface side sheet 2 can be used as the hydrophilic fiber sheet including the
fibril fiber. That is, more particularly, the hydrophilic fiber sheet is a spun lace
nonwoven fabric adjusted to by a specific weight per unit within the range of 20
to 60g/m2 by blending a necessary amount of fiber in the range of 1 to 38mm in
the fiber length, more preferably in the range of 2 to 20mm and within the range
of 1.1 to 3.3dtex in fineness. The fibril fiber within the range of 3 to 30 weight
% and filament within the range of 70 to 97 weight % is preferable as the
blending ratio of the fibril fiber and the filament. The specific weight per unit of
the film of back side sheet 3 stuck to the hydrophilic fiber sheet including the
fibril fiber is 19 to 40g/m2, it is bonded with the embossing finish or the
adhesive, and the bonding rate is preferably within the range of 1 to 30%.
Moreover, in case of the laminate processing with a hydrophilic fiber sheet
including the fibril fiber, the thickness of the resin that is laminated is preferably
within the range of 10 to 40um.
The laminate processing is, concretely, executed according to the
following procedure. First of all, the wet forming spun lace is produced by
blending the fibrilrayon whose fiber length is 1 to 38um and fiber diameter is 1.1
to 3.3dtex within the range of 3 to 30 weight %, and the rayon within the range
of 70 to 97 weight %, in water where the sizing agent was blended with the fiber
weight ratio of 0.05 to 1.0% to the fiber weight, and adjusting the specific weight
per unit to 20 to 40g/m2. The PVA resin whose thickness is adjusted to 10 to
30um is laminated on this nonwoven fabric, to attain a laminate sheet.

Any absorbent body 4 can be used provided that it can absorb and keep
the liquid (the body fluid), however, those which are bulky, hard to deform and
less chemically stimulant are desirable. Moreover, as absorbent body 4, pulp,
chemical pulp, rayon, acetate rayon, natural cotton, the polymer absorbent
body, the fiber polymer absorbent body, and synthetic fiber can used alone or
by blending thereof. Additionally, foam material and cellulose foam material to
which the hydrophilic treatment is applied can be used.
The absorbent body 4 is produced by making as air laid blended with
polymer absorbent body, melt blown nonwoven fabric to which the hydrophilic
treatment is applied, spun lace nonwoven fabric mainly composed of hydrophilic
fiber, tissue, continuous foam to which the hydrophilic treatment is applied,
cellulose foam, etc. At this time, the volume is adjusted properly by overlapping,
and folding as necessary. Moreover, absorbent body 4 is not limited to the
sheet shape, it may be used after crushing, and the form is not limited.
The absorbent body 4 is a fiber which chosen, for instance, within the
range of 1 to 38mm in the fiber length and, 1.1 to 3.3dtex in fiber diameters, and
concretely, it is produced by the following method. First, 3 to 30 weight % of
branched rayon, and 70 to 97 weight % of the rayon are blended at this rate,
and the specific weight by unit is adjusted to 20 to 40g/m2. This wet forming
spun lace nonwoven fabric is adjusted to the dimension of 2 to 10mm within the
range of 100 to 500g/m2 in the overlapping specific weight per unit.

It is preferable to use the one having the extensibility or the retractility at
least for the transverse direction, though the material similar to the surface side
sheet 2 and the back side sheet 3 mentioned above can be used as the mini
sheet piece 5.
As the mini sheet piece expands at least in the width direction in
proportion to the size of the finger, even if the size of the fingertip of the wearer
is larger than the set finger insertion opening, by using such a material for the
mini sheet piece 5, the interlabial product according to the present invention can
surely be used, regardless of the size of the fingertip of the wearer.
Moreover, there are concretely films that are derived from the
biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid, polybutylne succinate, the spun
bond nonwoven fabric, the melt blown nonwoven fabric, etc. as a material used
for the mini sheet piece 5. There are films, nonwoven fabrics, or the like that are
derived from the water-soluble materials such as PVA and CMC, too. In
addition, there are the water dissipating tissue, the spun lace nonwoven fabric,
etc. mainly composed of the cellulose fiber, the regenerated cellulose fiber, and
so on, too.
A material suitable for the mini sheet piece 5, is a spun lace nonwoven
fabric blended with a necessary amount of fiber within the range of 1 to 38mm
in the fiber length, and preferably within the range of 2 to 20mm, and within the
range of 1.1 to 3.3dtex in the fineness, and adjusted within the range of quantity
of specific weight per unit 20 to 60g/m2, and as for the blending ratio of the fibril
fiber and filament, it is 3 to 30 weight % of the fibril fiber, and 70 to 97 weight %
of the filament.
A laminate sheet where the nonwoven fabric including the fibril fiber is
stuck may be used for the spun bond nonwoven fabric and the melt blown
nonwoven fabric mainly composed of biodegradable material. At this time, it is
preferable to set the nonwoven fabric including the fibril fiber to the garment
face side, in view of the wettability to the discharged water of the toilet, the
mutual rubbing of mini sheet pieces, and so on.

As the adhesive used for bonding the surface side sheet 2, the
absorbent body 4, the back side sheet 3, and the mini sheet piece 5 at the time
of forming the interlabial product, the pressure-sensitive adhesive mainly
composed of synthetic rubbers such as styrene-ethylene butadiene-styrene
block copolymer (SEBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer (SBS),
styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymers (SIS), the thermo-sensitive
adhesive mainly composed of synthetic rubbers such as ethyl vinyl alcohol
(EVA), and polyvinyl alcohol that has the water solubility or water bloating
characteristic may be listed. And, these adhesives are spread in linear, spiral,
atomized, Q, and others form. In addition, the embossing finish may be used for
bonding in the combination with the above-mentioned adhesive, to make the
shape as the product easy to be maintained, even in the wet state during the
use. The emboss pattern for this may be dot, lattice, flat, and so on, without
limiting to them.
[Composition of the interlabial product folded in two parts]
The interlabial product 1, for instance, is folded in two parts and worn
between labia and, at this time, the surface side sheet 2 on the body face side
that is the outermost side stretches by the thickness of the absorbent body 4
even if the total size L in the transverse direction of the surface side sheet 2 in
the folded state is same as the size L1 or slightly longer than the size L1 in the
transverse direction of the surface side sheet 2 in the not-folded state. As a
result, the point of the labia opens, and the interlabial product 1 might drop out,
because a power to open the both sides edge of the folded interlabial product 1
works, even if it is made to wear between labia in the two-folded state.
Then, the interlabial product 1 is folded in two parts, so that the back
side sheet 3 come into contact each other along the centerline in the
longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 4. Here, the total size L in the transverse
direction of the surface side sheet 2 in the folded state is, at least, the sum of
the apparent size L1 (Refer to Fig. 1 B) in the transverse direction in the tabular
state before folding it in two parts and the length L2 (the elongation length) that
corresponded to the circumferential length of a semicircle taking the thickness
of the interlabial product 1 in the state opened like the plane. As a result, the
power for returning to the state before folding the interlabial product 1, namely,
the power with which the both sides edge start opening can be controlled, by
preventing the absorbent body 4 from pressing the surface side sheet 2.
Therefore, there is no possibility of dropping out of the interlabial product 1,
even if the interlabial product 1 is folded in two parts for wearing.
As a method for lengthening the total size in the transverse direction of
the surface side sheet 2 than the size in the transverse direction in the tabular
shape, the following method may be listed. For instance, there is a method for
making the total size in the transverse direction of the surface side sheet larger
than the total size in the transverse direction of the back side sheet, and
bonding to the back side sheet 3 with the surface side sheet 2 loosened in the
transverse direction. Moreover, there is also a method of bonding the surface
side sheet 2 to the back side sheet 3 in the state where this back side sheet 3
and the absorbent body 4 are folded in two parts. There is also a method of
making the surface side sheet 2 be easily extended in the transverse direction,
and bonding the surface side sheet 2 and the back side sheet 3 in the tabular
state. At this time, the ripple treatment may be applied to the surface side sheet
2 along the transverse direction, and the slit may be exerted, and moreover, the
maximum elongation degree in the transverse direction may be made as 100%
or more, as the characteristic of the surface side sheet itself.
Though the interlabial product 1 of this embodiment has the mini sheet
piece 5 attached across two sides extending along the longitudinal direction of
the interlabial product 1, on the garment face side of the back side sheet 3, it is
not limited to this shape, for instance, you can wear the interlabial product by
installing a projection on the face side (the garment face side) opposite to the
body side, in place of the mini sheet piece 5, and picking this projection by two
fingers. Furthermore, it may be the one that the mini sheet and the projection
part are not installed at all.
[Sheet for wrapping used for the wrapping body of the interlabial product]
It is possible to discard the wrapping body to the flush toilet with the
water-degradable interlabial product, by making the wrapping body that wraps
the interlabial product water-degradable so that it will degrade in water, and
consequently, the burden of wearing thereof can be removed. Therefore, it is
preferable to make the sheet for wrapping the individual wrapping body to be
water-degradable. The one used in the surface side sheet and the back side
sheet mentioned above can be used as a material of such a sheet for wrapping.
Concretely, natural fibers such as wood pulps including softwood pulps,
hardwood pulps and so on, hemp, kenaves, linters pulps and so on may be
enumerated. Regenerated celluloses such as rayon and acetate rayon, and
synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl
alcohol and so on may be enumerated. Moreover, biodegradability material
contains the poly lactic acid fiber, the polybutylesuccinate fiber, the starch fiber,
the carboxymethyl cellulose fiber, and so on. Among them, the one that is
hydrophilic, and mainly composed of the rayon that can freely be selected within
the range of 1 to 38mm in the fiber length is preferable from the viewpoint of the
affinity with the menstrual blood and the fitness with the inner wall of labia. As a
result, a bridge structure having flexibility while preventing the filament being
separated mutually, because the length of the branch hair can be lengthened as
the fibril fiber, can be attained.
Besides, the sheet for wrapping is formed into melt blown, spun bond,
point bond, through air, needle punch, wet paper, wet forming spun lace and so
on, by blending the hydrophilic fiber where little hydrophilic surface active agent
is deposited alone or the necessary amount.
The fibril fiber is attained by the formation of branch hairs like the
outgrowth of hair in a way to tear the surface of the fiber, by beating of the
aforementioned single fiber. This degree of beating is 600cc or less, more
preferably in the range of 100 to 400cc. Besides, the fibril fiber is blended with
the fiber that composes the sheet for wrapping at least at the rate of 2 weight %,
and preferably within the range of 3 to 30 weight %. When the fibril fiber is fewer
than 2 weight %, it is likely to degrade while wearing it, because the bridge
structure is too little and the elongation degree in the wet state doesn't improve.
On the other hand, the bridge structure increases too much, when the fibril fiber
is more than 30 weight % and a flexible texture of the sheet for wrapping might
be damaged.
It should be noted that as the fibril fiber, the rayon that is hydrophilic and
excellent in the affinity with the menstrual blood and the fitness with the inner
wall of labia, and moreover, that can be selected freely among those with long
fiber length, is suitable. The rayon allows to attain the bridge structure having
flexibility while preventing the filament being separated mutually, because the
length of the branch hair can be lengthened, when it is fibrillated through
beating, as it can be produced by the wet method or the dry method, and the
fiber length can freely be selected within the range of 1 to 38mm.
[Example]
The examples of the surface side sheet blended the fibril fiber shall be
described in comparison with the comparative examples, as for the property
(the tensile strength) and the water dispersibility of the surface side sheet itself,
and the practicability (the state on the surface under wearing) of the interlabial
product that uses this surface side sheet.

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the fibrilrayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of 5
weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 35 weight % are blended. Next,
these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of 40.5g/m2 and
fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total hydraulic
pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cm-min total water-flow
quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm*min) from two lines of nozzles (nozzle
diameter 92pm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to make a sheet.
Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass through the dry
process of two parallel lines for drying (the sheet is sent along a roll set to the
temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted at
160°C) to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose density is
adjusted to 0.134g/cm3 (corresponding value; 134kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the rayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
10 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 30 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
39.5g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cm-min total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm • min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92|jm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160°C) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.138g/cm3 (corresponding value; 138kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 17dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the rayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
15 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 25 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
41.3g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cnvmin total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm • min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92pm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160oC) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.140g/cm3 (corresponding value; 140kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the rayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
20 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 20 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
40.1g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cm-min total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92pm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160t;) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.142g/cm3 (corresponding value; 142kg/m3).
[Comparative example]
A surface side sheet where the fibril fiber produced by beating rayon with
600cc was blended, and a surface side sheet where the fibril fiber was not
blended were used as the comparative example.

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the fibrilrayon (the one that is 600cc in
beating) with 1 Jdtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
15 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 25 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
41.6g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value;15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cm-min total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm ¦ min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92pm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160°C) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.136g/cm3 (corresponding value; 136kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, the fibrilrayon (the one that is 600cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
30 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 10 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
40.8g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cm ¦ min total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm ¦ min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92um and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160°C) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.138g/cm3 (corresponding value; 138kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 60 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 40
weight % are blended. Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific
weight per unit of 39.4g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow
of 160kg/cm2 total hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2),
1680cc/cm-min total water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.681/cm-min)
from two lines of nozzles (nozzle diameter 92um and nozzle pitch 0.5mm)
disposed in parallel to make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed
into a sheet pass through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent
along a roll set to the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air
of 25m/sec is jetted at 160°C) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace
nonwoven fabric whose the density is adjusted to 0.147g/cm3 (corresponding
value; 147kg/m3).

The surface side sheet was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, rayon with 2.2dtex in the fineness and 51mm in the fiber
length is laminated by a specific weight per unit of 40.5g/m2 and intertwined
mutually by a water-flow of 140kg/cm2 total hydraulic pressure (corresponding
value; 13.72MN/m2), 2000cc/cm ¦ min total water-flow quantity (corresponding
value;2.000l/cnvmin) from 3 lines of nozzles (nozzle diameter 92um and nozzle
pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to make a sheet, while transferring this fiber
laminated body by 70m/min. Following this, this fiber transformed into a sheet is
dried by sending an air flow set to the temperature of 110°C, 2m/sec by a rate of
70m/min, to produce a dry forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose the
density is adjusted to 0.081g/cm3 (corresponding value; 81kg/m3).

The tensile strength was measured for the examples 1 to 4 of the
surface side sheet that comprises the filament and the fibril fiber with branch
hairs formed by the degree of beating of 300cc, the surface side sheet made of
the fiber blended with the fibril fiber having branch hairs formed by a degree of
beating of 600cc and the comparative examples 1 to 3 of the fiber surface side
sheet not blended with the fibril fiber. Concretely, the test piece, was cut out
vertically or horizontally by the width of 25mm and measured by a Tensilon
tensile test machine (RTA-100, made by Orientec Co., Ltd.) with chuck distance
of 50 mm and at the speed of 100mm/min (corresponding value; 6m/h).
Note that, in wet, the tensile strength was measured by the following
procedures. First of all, the test piece was weighed in advance, and the artificial
menstrual blood described below was jetted in mist by spreading all over the
test piece until attaining 500% of its weight. Afterwards, this test piece was
coated with a liquid impermeability material, and left for one minute under the
environment of 20^ and 60% in humidity, and then it was examined. Table 1
shows the results thereof.
As the result, it was observed that the elongation degree after fracture
increases in wet of 500% than in dry, for the examples 1 to 4 of blending the
fibril fiber beaten with 300cc. Moreover, it was also observed that, when the
ratio of the fibril fiber increases, the elongation degree after fracture in wet of
500% increases. On the other hand, an increase in the elongation degree after
fracture in wet of 500% was not observed in the comparative examples 1, 2 of
the blending the fibril fiber beaten with 600cc and the comparative example 3 of •
not blending the fibril fiber. Moreover, the elongation degree after fracture in wet
of 500% was low as 10% or less and easy to break.
Thus, for the examples 1 to 4, in the wet state after having the absorbed
body fluid such as the menstrual blood and so on, the elongation degree
increases more than in the dry state, and moreover, the tensile strength also
increases compared with the case not blended with the fibril fiber, allowing to
confirm the stability of the wet state.
It should be noted that the artificial menstrual blood in the present
invention means a liquid adjusted according to the following procedures.
Sodium carboxylmethylcellulose (NaCMC) of 8g are added little by little while
stirring into glycerin of 80g, for prepare a solution 1. Next, the solution 1
prepared previously is added little by little while stirring by an agitator to one liter
of ion exchange water. After the solution 1 is added, sodium chloride (NaCI) of
10g and sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) are added little by little, stirred
and dispersed (stirred for three hours at the max rotation by the agitator
LABO-STIRRER L-35 made by Yamato Co., Ltd.). For all of the aforementioned
reagents, Wako 1st class reagents shall be used. Next, food dyes (made by
KOYO Produc Co., Ltd.): the red No.102 of 8g, the red No.2 of 2g, the yellow
No.5 of 2g are added for one liter of ion exchange water and stirred (stirred for
one hour at the max rotation by the agitator LABO-STIRRER L-35 made by
Yamato Co., Ltd.), and the viscosity measured by a viscosity finder
(VISMETRON) made by Sibaura System Co., Ltd.) is assumed to be 22 to
26mPa-s.

As for the water dispersibility of the surface side sheet of the examples
1 to 4, the time for the surface side sheet to be dispersed in water like
fragments and not to maintain the original shape any more was tested by the
water degradation test described below, comparing with the surface sheet of the
comparative example 4. Table 2 shows the result thereof.
In the examples 1 to 4, the surface side sheet was dispersed within about
40 seconds and the original shape of the sheet was not maintained, thus
allowing to confirm such a water degradability that it can be discarded into the
toilet.
Besides, the water degradability was examined according to the following
procedures. The test piece is made by preparing the surface side sheet to
100mm x100mm and the test piece formed like the parachute is introduced into
water from the sharp tip thereof, while stirring 300ml of water in a cylindrical
container by the speed of rotation 600 rpm by a magnetic stirrer (Torcon stirrer
MM-ST with speed meter made by Mitamura Manufacturing Co., Ltd.). Then,
the time until a wad of the fiber disappears is measured. The chip that is used
for stirring is a disk of 35mm in diameter, and 12mm in height.
state on the surface under wearing )>
For the examples 1 to 4 of the surface side sheet that comprises the
filament and the fibril fiber with branch hairs formed by the degree of beating of
300cc, the surface side sheet made of the fiber blended with the fibril fiber
having branch hairs formed by a degree of beating of 600cc and the
comparative examples 1 to 3 of the fiber surface side sheet not blended with the
fibril fiber, the menstrual blood absorption quantity in the interlabial product and
the state on the surface after it has been worn were confirmed, as following that
the interlabial product was formed using respective surface sheets, to be worn
for about two hours by ten women on the second day of the menstruation. In
wearing it, it was worn together with a napkin made by Uni-Charm Corporation,
the brand name "Sofy Sara fin (the registered trademark)". Table 3 shows the
results of the examination.
It was confirmed that there was no evil in use, though little fuzz was
observed in the example 1. In the examples 2 to 4, it was confirmed the original
shape has been conserved almost completely without damage. On the other
hand, for the comparative examples 1, 2, it was torn, and the fiber from the
surface side sheet remained inside the body. Moreover, it was confirmed that it
was torn, though the fiber did not remain inside the body, for the comparative
example 3.
As for the interlabial product used for the above-mentioned examination,
it concerns the one having the rectangle shape of 46mm in width * 86mm in
length as shown in Fig. 5 composed of a surface side sheet, an absorbent body,
a back side sheet, and a mini sheet piece overlaid in this order and a flap part
composed of a surface side sheet, a back side sheet, and a mini sheet piece is
formed with the width of 3mm outside the edge part thereof.
The above-mentioned interlabial product is, concretely, the one produced
according to the following procedures. The absorbent body has a size of 40 mm
wide * 80 mm long, pulp flocculated by a pulp crusher and laminated by a
specific weight per unit of 250g/m2 and pressed to the thickness of 6 mm. The
back side sheet is a nonwoven fabric of water-soluble paper of 18g/m2 in a
specific weight per unit, laminated to the thickness of 20um with
polybutylenesuccinate resin. The mini sheet piece is a film of 20pm in the
thickness that is formed with polybutylenesuccinate resin. First, the
thermo-sensitive type pot melt of which the principal ingredient is SEBS is
applied in spiral by the weight of 3g/m2 in a specific weight per unit over an area
of 5mm in width, 40mm in length on the body side of the back side sheet, and
the absorbent body is overlapped. Next, the surface side sheet is placed on the
body side of the absorbent body, and the surrounding of the absorbent body is
heat-sealed by the embossing finish of 2mm in width, the surface side sheet
and the back side sheet are bonded mutually, to seal thereby the absorbent
body. Following this, the mini sheet piece is arranged over the length of 60mm
from the edge of the interlabial product on the garment face side of the back
side sheet, and a breadth that allows inserting the finger between the mini sheet
piece and the back side sheets, is formed. Next, the both side parts of the mini
sheet piece and the back side sheet are bonded with the hot melt of which the
principal ingredient is SEBS, so that the width of this breadth may become
25mm.
The water dispersibility in throwing into the toilet was examined by
discarding the interlabial product using each surface side sheet to the flush
toilet shown in Fig. 6, and confirming the degraded situation of the interlabial
product thereafter by watching with eyes, for the examples 1 to 4 and the
comparative example 4 of the surface side sheet. Note that the composition of
the interlabial product using each surface side sheet was assumed to be the
same as those explained in the above-mentioned interlabial product that uses the surface side sheet >
As a result, the interlabial product that uses the surface side sheet of
examples 1 to 4 and the comparative example 4 flowed without being blocked in
the distributing pipe by a single flush, and reached the septic tank. Afterwards,
the interlabial product that uses the surface side sheet of the examples 1 to 4
began to untie the mutual twining of fibers that compose the surface side sheet
from about the third day in contact with a large amount of water, and the surface
side sheet was dispersed in fragments on the fourth day, secede the absorbent
body arranged on the back side of the surface side sheet, and the original
shape of the interlabial product was completely lost. On the other hand, the
interlabial product that uses the surface side sheet of the comparative example
4 did not untie the mutual twining of fibers that composes the surface side sheet
even in contact with a large amount of water, and the original shape of the
interlabial product was kept.
Thus, as the interlabial product that uses the surface side sheet of the
examples 1 to 4 degrades gradually from the surface side sheet after it was
discarded to the septic tank, disperses, and loses the original shape of the
interlabial product, it was confirmed that even the check trader of the septic tank
was not able to recognize the product after use, and it was excellent for the
public health.
The flush toilet used for the examination is composed of a European style
toilet 6 of the semi-siphon type that has a trap part 6a, a septic tank 7, and
piping 8 that connects these European style toilet 6 and the septic tank 7, as
shown in Fig. 6. In this flush toilet, the displacement of a single flush is eight
liters. The diameter of the trap part 6a of the European style toilet 6 is 53mm.
Piping 8 is 100mm in diameter, 1/100 in gradient, and 10m in length. Septic
tank 7 is a single processing septic tank filled only with tap water.
For this examination, the toilet paper was cut out by 2m, when the
interlabial product was thrown into the toilet; this cut out toilet paper was divided
into substantially equal three pieces, and each of these three pieces were
rounded moderately, and thrown into the discharge hole. Afterwards, the
interlabial product was thrown into the discharge hole, the discharged water
was poured, and it was drained out. Toilet paper was used by overlapping two
water soluble tissues of114mm in width and 18g/m2 in a specific weight per unit.
The reason to discard the interlabial product with toilet paper is that it is a
common practice for women wearing the interlabial product to wipe off the
menstrual blood attached to the labia by using toilet paper, after the interlabial
product has been used, besides the time when they do their needs. Moreover,
the length of toilet paper was assumed to be 2m, because the average amount
of use of toilet paper per time by women is about 2m.
Next, the example that uses the fiber sheet including the fibril fiber for the
wrapping body that wraps the water degradable interlabial product shall be
described as for the property of the sheet for wrapping itself (the tensile
strength) and the water dispersibility, in comparison with the comparative
example using the fiber sheet not including the fibril fiber.

The sheet for wrapping was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 40 weight %, the fibrilrayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
15 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 45 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
30.3g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cnvmin total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.681/cm ¦ min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92pm and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines (the sheet is sent along a roll set to
the temperature of 120°C and an air set to the volume of air of 25m/sec is jetted
at 160°C) for drying, to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose
the density is adjusted to 0.140g/cm3 (corresponding value; 140kg/m3).

The sheet for wrapping was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, the rayon with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the
fiber length at the rate of 50 weight %, the fibrilrayon (the one that is 300cc in
beating) with 1.7dtex in the fineness and 5mm in the fiber length at the rate of
20 weight %, and the softwood pulp at the rate of 30 weight % are blended.
Next, these blended fibers are laminated by a specific weight per unit of
31.5g/m2 and fibers are intertwined mutually by a water-flow of 160kg/cm2 total
hydraulic pressure (corresponding value; 15.68MN/m2), 1680cc/cnvmin total
water-flow quantity (corresponding value; 1.68l/cm ¦ min) from two lines of
nozzles (nozzle diameter 92um and nozzle pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to
make a sheet. Following this, these fibers transformed into a sheet pass
through the dry process of two parallel lines for drying (the sheet is sent along a
roll set to the temperature of 120^ and an air set to the volume of air of
25m/sec is jetted at 160^) to produce a wet forming spun lace nonwoven fabric
whose the density is adjusted to 0.142g/cm3 (corresponding value; 142kg/m3).

The sheet for wrapping was produced according to the following
procedures. First of all, rayon with 2.2dtex in the fineness and 38mm in the fiber
length is laminated by a specific weight per unit of 29.4g/m2 and intertwined
mutually by a water-flow of 140kg/cm2 total hydraulic pressure (corresponding
value; 13.72MN/m2), 2000cc/cm ¦ min total water-flow quantity (corresponding
value;2.000l/cm-min) from 3 lines of nozzles (nozzle diameter 92um and nozzle
pitch 0.5mm) disposed in parallel to make a sheet, while transferring this fiber
laminated body by 70m/min. Following this, this fiber transformed into a sheet is
dried by sending an air flow set to the temperature of 110t:, 2m/sec by a rate of
70m/min, to produce a dry forming spun lace nonwoven fabric whose the
density is adjusted to 0.100g/cm3 (corresponding value; 100kg/m3).
sheet for wrapping>
The examination was performed by a method similar to the examination
of the aforementioned and dispersibility of the surface sheet> for the examples 5, 6 of the sheet for
wrapping that comprises the filament and the fibril fiber where branch hairs are
formed and the comparative example 5 of the sheet for wrapping comprising the
fiber not blended with the fibril fiber. Table 4 shows the results thereof.
As a result, it was recognized that, when it was wet, the elongation
degree after fracture increased more than when it was dry, and the elongation
degree after fracture in the wet state increased when the ratio of the fibril fiber
increased, in the examples 5, 6 that used the sheet for wrapping blended the
fibril fiber. On the other hand, an increase in the elongation degree after fracture
when it was wet was not observed in the comparative example 5 without a fibril
fiber. Moreover, the sheet for wrapping disperses in water within about 30
seconds, and loses its original shape, and it was able to be confirmed to have
the water degradability suitable for discarding in the toilet in the examples 5, 6.
Thus, for the examples 5, 6 also, similarly to the surface side sheet, in the
wet state after having absorbed the menstrual blood or other body fluids, the
elongation degree increases more than in the dry state, and moreover, the
elongation strength also increases compared with the case not blended the fibril
fiber, and the stability in the wet state was able to be confirmed. Moreover, it
was also confirmed to have the water degradability suitable for discarding in the
toilet.
Note that, though the rayon, the fibrilrayon, and the softwood pulp were
combined and used as the fiber that composes the surface side sheet and the
sheet for wrapping in this example, the combination is not limited to this, but
arbitrary ones among the aforementioned hydrophilic fibers may be combined,
and used, or you may also use one of these hydrophilic fibers.
According to the present invention, the surface side sheet used for the
interlabial product is made of hydrophilic fiber composed of filament and the
fibril fiber provided with branch hairs branching from the surface, and at least a
part of the branch hairs is made in a bridge structure where the filament and the
fibril fiber bridge mutually. As a result, it doesn't become a problem in wearing,
because the fiber doesn't easily get untied mutually, in the wet state with the
absorbed body fluid such as the menstrual blood, as the uniting power between
fibers can be improved, and it doesn't break while wearing it. On the other hand,
it is possible to throw it into the flush toilet as it is, and the burden of the waste
disposal and so on after use can be removed, because this bridge structure
decomposes gradually, and degrades to a degree to lose the original shape as
the sheet, against a large amount of water, such as the running water of the
toilet and so on.
Moreover, the hand does not get dirty, because it becomes unnecessary
to handle with hands the interlabial product that has absorbed the body fluid
such as the menstrual blood after use, as it can be thrown into the toilet as it is.
Therefore, when a new interlabial product is to be worn, it is sanitary because
the interlabial product will not be soiled.
Moreover, it degrades gradually from the surface side sheet, disperses in
the water, and loses the original shape of the interlabial product, even if it is
thrown into the flush toilet as it is after the interlabial product is used, and
consequently, even the check trader of the septic tank cannot recognize the
product after use visually, and moreover, it is also excellent for the public
health.
Even if the interlabial product is thrown from the back side sheet to the
toilet, the hydrophilic sheet installed on the garment face side of the back side
sheet has the affinity immediately, by arranging the hydrophilic fiber sheet
including the fibril fiber on the clothes side of the back side sheet which is liquid
impermeable. Therefore, it is possible to discard it surely with the discharged
water, by preventing the interlabial product from coming to the surface of the
water. Moreover, the back side sheets might rub mutually when the interlabial
product is worn, and the back side sheet of the interlabial product and the
sanitary napkin might rub when the napkin is used together with the interlabial
product. Even for such a case, as the friction is decreased by the back side
sheet, the leak of the menstrual blood can be prevented from being caused as
the back side sheet is untied. In addition, even if the back side sheet is soaked
with the menstrual blood and it is wet, as the hydrophilic fiber sheet contains the
fibril fiber, the bridge structure of this fibril fiber can decrease the breakage of
the back side sheet further.
Moreover, as the surface side sheet according to the present invention
and the interlabial product that uses this surface side sheet are not those
achieving the water degradability by the composition of the resin, itchy, rough
skin or other symptoms are not caused by the component eluded from the resin.
Besides, as the individuafwrapping body wrapping the interlabial product,
is composed by containing the fibril fiber similarly to the surface side sheet, the
individual wrapping body becomes water degradable and, consequently, it is
possible to discard it into the flush toilet as it is, and the burden of separate
disposal of the wrapping body after opening the seal can be removed.
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A water degradable surface side sheet for an interlabial product
to be worn between labia, comprising
a hydrophilic fiber having a filament and a fibril fiber which has branch
hairs branching from its surface, wherein at least a part of the branch hairs
make bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber.
2. The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial
product of claim 1, wherein the fibril fiber is blended 3 to 30 weight % of the
hydrophilic fiber.
3. The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial
product of claim 1 or 2, wherein maximum elongation degree on moist is higher
than maximum elongation degree on dry.
4. The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial
product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a degree of beating of the branch
hairs of the fibril fiber is 100cc to 400cc.
5. The water degradable surface side sheet for the interlabial
product of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fibril fiber is rayon.
6. An interlabial product for being worn between labia, comprising
a water degradable surface side sheet for being in a face of the labia and a
back side sheet arranged on a opposite side of the water degradable surface
side sheet (garment side), wherein
the water degradable surface side sheet comprising a hydrophilic fiber
comprising a filament and a fibril fiber which has branch hairs branching from its
surface, wherein at least a part of the branch hairs make bridges between the
filament and the fibril fiber.
7. The interlabial product of claim 6, wherein a total size in a
transverse direction of the surface side sheet in a state, where the interlabial
product is folded on a fold line drawn along a longitudinal direction so that the
water degradable surface side sheet is exposed to outside, is longer than that of
the surface side sheet in a state, where the interlabial product is tabular.
8. The interlabial product of claim 6 or 7, wherein the back side
sheet comprises a hydrophilic fiber including a fibril fiber.
9. The interlabial product of any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a
mini sheet piece for inserting a finger, wherein the mini sheet piece is provided
on the back side sheet and includes a fibril fiber.
10. The interlabial product of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the
interlabial product is for incontinence.
11. The interlabial product of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the
interlabial product is for absorbing vaginal discharge.
12. A wrapping body having an interlabial product for being worn
between labia and a wrapping sheet for enveloping the interlabial product
inside, wherein
said interlabial product comprises a water degradable surface side sheet
for being in a face of the labia and a back side sheet arranged on a opposite
side of the degradable surface side sheet (garment side), wherein
said water degradable surface side sheet comprises a hydrophilic fiber
having a filament and a fibril fiber having branch hairs branching from its
surface, wherein at least a part of branch hairs make bridges between the
filament and the fibril fiber, and
said wrapping sheet includes a fibril fiber.
13. Fibril fiber for a water degradable product, comprising
branch hairs branching from its surface.
14. A method for improving a stability of a hydrophilic fiber soaked
in small quantity of water, wherein the hydrophilic fiber comprises a filament and
a fibril fiber having branch hairs branching from its surface, comprising the step
of;
making bridges between the filament and the fibril fiber with at least in a
part of the branch hairs.

An inter-labium product capable of disintegration in water, fitted to the
inter-labium part; and a surface-side sheet for inter-labium product that
simultaneously realizes comfortability at wearing of the inter-labium product and
capability of water disintegration such that the inter-labium product is
disintegrated when thrown in flush water of water closet after use. The
surface-side sheet for use in an inter-labium product fitted to the inter-labium
part is comprised of hydrophilic fibers composed of single fibers and fibril fibers
having fuzzes branched from the surface thereof, wherein at least some of the
branched fuzzes link the single fibers and the fibril fibers to each other. Thus,
not only can the wet tensile strength be increased but also inter-fibrous bonds
are slowly decomposed in the presence of a large amount of water to thereby
enable disposal of the inter-labium product in a flush toilet. Furthermore, since
no resin is used, the inter-labium product is free from resin leaching to thereby
avoid problems, such as itching and skin roughness, caused by the resin
leaching.

Documents:

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-ABSTRACT.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-DRAWINGS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-FORM-1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-FORM-13.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-FORM-2.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-FORM-3.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-(07-06-2012)-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-assignment.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-ASSIGNMENT1.1.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-correspondence.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-description (complete).pdf

430-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-EXAMINATION REPORT-1.1.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-examination report.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 13-1.1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 13.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 18-1.1.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-form 18.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 2.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 3-1.1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 3-1.2.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-FORM 5-1.2.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GPA-1.1.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-gpa.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-LETTER PATENT.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS-1.1.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

430-kolnp-2005-specification.pdf

430-KOLNP-2005-TRANSLATED COPY OF PRIORITY DOCUMENT.pdf


Patent Number 253860
Indian Patent Application Number 430/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 35/2012
Publication Date 31-Aug-2012
Grant Date 29-Aug-2012
Date of Filing 15-Mar-2005
Name of Patentee UNI-CHARM CORPORATION
Applicant Address 182 SHIMOBUN, KINSEI-CHO, KAWANOE-SHI, EHIME 799-011 JAPAN
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 NODA YUKI C/O TECHNICAL CENTER, UNI-CHARM CORPORATION, 1531-7, TAKASUKA, WADAHAMA, TOYOHAMA-CHO, MITOYO-GUN, KAGAWA 769-1602
2 TOKUMOTO MEGUMI C/O TECHNICAL CENTER, UNI-CHARM CORPORATION, 1531-7, TAKASUKA, WADAHAMA, TOYOHAMA-CHO, MITOYO-GUN, KAGAWA 769-1602
3 MIZUTANI SATOSHI C/O TECHNICAL CENTER, UNI-CHARM CORPORATION, 1531-7, TAKASUKA, WADAHAMA, TOYOHAMA-CHO, MITOYO-GUN, KAGAWA 769-1602
4 YAMAKI KOICHI C/O TECHNICAL CENTER, UNI-CHARM CORPORATION, 1531-7, TAKASUKA, WADAHAMA, TOYOHAMA-CHO, MITOYO-GUN, KAGAWA 769-1602
5 OKADA KAZUYA C/O TECHNICAL CENTER, UNI-CHARM CORPORATION, 1531-7, TAKASUKA, WADAHAMA, TOYOHAMA-CHO, MITOYO-GUN, KAGAWA 769-1602
PCT International Classification Number A61F13/15
PCT International Application Number PCT/JP2003/010566
PCT International Filing date 2003-08-21
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2002-270684 2002-09-17 Japan