Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article is provided in which the fastening force in the upward direction in the front-rear direction is strong and the fastening force in the downward direction in the front-rear direction is weak. The above problem is solved by a hook member (8) of a mechanical fastener which is attached to the front side region (F) and the back side region (B) of a back sheet (5) covering the other face of an absorbent body (6) with a top sheet (4) covering one face of the absorbent body (6). The hook member (8) is formed of a sheet-like base portion (10) and a plurality of hook portions (9) having a leg portion (11) extending from the base portion (10) to the opposite side of the back sheet (5) and a protrusion portion (12) at the tip of the leg portion (11), in which the length (12L) of the protrusion extending toward the tip side of the front side region (F) and the back side region (B) is longer than the length (12S) of the protrusion extending toward the crotch portion (C) side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to absorbent articles such as pad-type or flat-type articles. Background Technology

[0002] Absorbent items such as pad-type or flat-type (also known as urine absorbent pads) are worn by being placed against the wearer's crotch in a flat or near-flat state, unlike shorts-type absorbent items that have leg openings in the product state.

[0003] Typically, pad-type or flat absorbent items are attached to outer parts such as shorts-type diapers or underwear using adhesive tape or mechanical fasteners. It is required that the pad-type or flat absorbent item be securely fixed to prevent it from shifting or easily peeling off due to the wearer's movements.

[0004] As a solution to this problem, the method described in Patent Document 1 is one of the effective methods. Typically, mechanical fasteners have multiple hooks arranged on a sheet substrate. These hooks have symmetrically shaped oval caps at the ends of a vertical axis. Increasing the size of the caps or lengthening the axis facilitates winding around the toroidal part of the mechanical fastener, thus improving the locking force. In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the fixing component used in the installation of a disposable auxiliary pad (an absorbent article) into the diaper body utilizes the hooks of a mechanical fastener. The hooks are formed along the width direction of the pad, resulting in a strong locking force in the width direction and preventing easy displacement in that direction. On the other hand, since the hooks are not formed along the length direction of the pad, the locking force is weak, and it is easy to disengage in the length direction.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-000286 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, while the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1 has strong locking force in the width direction, its locking force in the length direction is weak. Therefore, when the wearer repeatedly puts on and takes off the diaper with the absorbent article attached, the pad may shift in the front-to-back direction of the diaper each time, or the corner of the pad may roll up and detach from the diaper. If the pad shifts each time, the wearer needs to readjust it each time, and if it is used without adjusting the shift, it will become a cause of leakage. In addition, since the end of the pad, which is further outward in the length direction than the hook of the mechanical fastener, does not have a hook, the end of the pad may float up from the diaper. When the diaper is pulled up, the end of the pad may roll into the side of the wearer's body and between the pad and the diaper, causing discomfort to the wearer, or the pad may roll up and detach from the diaper.

[0010] Furthermore, pads are typically quite rigid, so in most cases they are secured within the diaper by maintaining a V-shape created during packaging. This makes it difficult to achieve a seamless fit between the diaper and pad without directly touching the inner surface of the diaper that comes into contact with the skin. Moreover, if the pad is secured too tightly, gaps can form between the pad and diaper, easily leading to leaks. If the absorbent material doesn't fit snugly against the diaper, it will appear bulky, sometimes resulting in a poor appearance. Eliminating these gaps requires the wearer to directly touch the skin-contact surface of the pad to ensure a tight fit, which is both time-consuming and unhygienic.

[0011] Therefore, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a more preferred absorbent article having an mounting member that, in the direction of pulling up the pad as an absorbent article, has a strong clamping force to attach the pad to the diaper, so that the pad will not detach from or shift from the diaper; and in the direction of pulling down the pad, has a weak clamping force to attach the pad to the diaper, so that the pad can fit snugly against the diaper.

[0012] Methods for solving problems

[0013] The following absorbent materials have solved the above problems.

[0014] <Method 1>

[0015] An absorbent article, characterized in that it has a crotch portion, a front region further forward than the crotch portion, and a rear region further backward than the crotch portion; the absorbent article has a front panel facing the wearer's skin and a back panel located on the opposite side of the front panel; the front and rear regions of the back panel have mounting members that can be detachably mounted on the inner surface of an outer component located on the outer side; the mounting members are hooks of mechanical fasteners, the hooks being formed by a sheet-like base and a plurality of hook portions; each hook portion has a post extending from the base and a protrusion at the end of the post; in the plurality of hook portions located in the front region, the protrusion extends in a rear-forward direction and the length of the front side of the protrusion is longer than the length of the rear side, or the protrusion extends forward in a rear-forward direction; in the plurality of hook portions located in the rear region, the protrusion extends in a rear-forward direction and the length of the rear side of the protrusion is longer than the length of the front side, or the protrusion extends backward in a rear-forward direction.

[0016] (Effects)

[0017] When this absorbent article is attached to an outer garment such as a shorts-type diaper or a cloth diaper using a mounting component that functions as a mechanical fastener, the strength and direction of the locking force can be adjusted using the protrusions of the multiple hooks arranged on the hook. When this absorbent article is attached to an outer garment such as a shorts-type diaper using the mounting component, because the protrusions of the hooks of the mounting component are longer in the upward direction along the front-back direction and shorter in the downward direction along the front-back direction, or the protrusions only extend upward in the front-back direction, the locking force is stronger in the upward direction along the front-back direction and weaker in the downward direction along the front-back direction. When such hooks are provided, an upward force in the front-to-back direction is applied to the absorbent material when the wearer pulls up the diaper. Therefore, the protrusions extending upward in the front-to-back direction entangle with the non-woven fibers of the diaper or other outer parts, strengthening the upward clamping force of the absorbent material and minimizing shifting. When the body is placed on the diaper, a downward force in the front-to-back direction is applied to the absorbent material. Because the protrusions are shorter or absent in the downward direction, it is less likely to become strongly entangled with the non-woven fabric of the diaper, or at all. The absorbent material is more likely to slide downwards and adhere tightly to the diaper or other outer parts, eliminating the need to touch the front panel for adjustment during installation and reducing the likelihood of leakage between the diaper and the absorbent material. Furthermore, because the diaper adheres tightly to the absorbent material, it does not appear bulky, improving the appearance and reducing the likelihood of discomfort for the wearer.

[0018] <Method 2>

[0019] According to the first type of absorbent article, the characteristic is that the support of the hook tapers from the base toward the protrusion.

[0020] (Effects)

[0021] By forming the support of the hook portion of the hook of the mechanical fastener, which is the installation component of the first method, into a shape that tapers from the sheet-like base towards the protrusion, the support is tilted. As a result, the nonwoven fibers of the outer parts such as diapers that engage with the hook face of the mechanical fastener move along the tilt of the support towards the sheet-like base located at the root of the support. Compared with the first method, the downward sliding of this absorbent article in the front-back direction becomes easier to occur, and the diaper and this absorbent article become easier to fit together without adjustment.

[0022] <Third Method>

[0023] According to the first method of the absorbent article, the support of the hook located in the front region extends from the crotch side to the front side, starting from the base, and the support of the hook located in the rear region extends from the crotch side to the rear side, starting from the base.

[0024] (Effects)

[0025] When this absorbent article is installed on an external part such as a diaper, the hook of the mechanical fastener, which serves as the installation component, has a support extending upwards at an angle from the base of the sheet towards the protrusion in the front-back direction. This allows the support to be installed on the diaper while maintaining an angled position. The nonwoven fibers of the diaper that engage with the hook easily slide downwards along the angled support of the hook towards the base of the sheet in the front-back direction. Furthermore, the longer protrusion extending from the end of the support easily penetrates the nonwoven fabric upwards in the front-back direction. Therefore, compared to the second method, the engaged nonwoven fibers are less likely to detach from the hook. This absorbent article has a strong upward engagement force in the front-back direction and a weak downward engagement force in the front-back direction, making it a more preferable absorbent article that is less prone to shifting or peeling when the diaper is removed and can fit snugly against the diaper when it is put on.

[0026] <Method 4>

[0027] According to the first method of the absorbent article, the characteristic is that, with respect to the mechanical fastener installed in the front region, the length of the support of the hook on the front side is short, and the length of the support of the hook on the crotch side is long; with respect to the mechanical fastener located in the rear region, the length of the support of the hook on the rear side is short, and the length of the support of the hook on the crotch side is long.

[0028] (Effects)

[0029] In this design, the length of the support column of the hook portion shortens from the crotch area side toward the end portion side, which serves as the end of both the front and rear regions. Therefore, the protrusions at the ends of the support columns are not arranged adjacently in a longitudinal straight line in the front-back direction, but rather arranged at an angle relative to the front-back direction. When this absorbent article is installed on an external part such as a diaper, when an upward force is applied to the absorbent article in the front-back direction, the nonwoven fibers of the diaper wrapped around the protrusions deviate towards the protrusions or the root of the support column and stop, thus maintaining a high probability of engagement. On the other hand, when a downward force is applied to the absorbent article in the front-back direction, the nonwoven fibers wrapped around the hook portion deviate towards the end of the protrusion and detach from it. Since the lengths of the support columns of the hook portions differ, there are no adjacent protrusions at the ends where the nonwoven fibers detach, making it less likely that the detached nonwoven fibers will engage with other protrusions of the hook portions, thus maintaining a detached state. Therefore, this design results in a low probability of engagement in the downward front-back direction. That is, this absorbent material is a hook that is not easy to shift upward in the front-back direction and easy to slide downward in the front-back direction. When the wearer takes off the diaper with this absorbent material installed, the absorbent material is less likely to detach from or shift from the diaper. When the wearer puts on the diaper with this absorbent material installed, the absorbent material is close to the diaper, thus preventing leakage and not easily causing discomfort when wearing it.

[0030] <Fifth Method>

[0031] According to the first method of the absorbent article, the feature is that, in the front and rear regions of the back cover sheet, there are recesses in the front-to-back direction, the recesses in the front region being deeper than the crotch region side, and a protrusion that is higher in the thickness direction is formed at the front end of the recesses; in the rear region, the recesses in the rear region being deeper than the crotch region side, and a protrusion that is higher in the thickness direction is formed at the rear end of the recesses; a hook of equal length to the support of the hook is fixed in the recess, and the support of the hook is located on a line connecting the starting point of the recess on the crotch region side and the apex of the protrusion in the front-to-back direction.

[0032] (Effects)

[0033] At the location on the back panel of this absorbent article where the mounting component is to be installed, a recess is created by embossing or the like, deepening as it moves towards the end portions that are the ends of the front and rear regions. By providing an inclination that is shallower on the crotch side and deeper on the end portion side in the front-to-back direction, the hook of the mechanical fastener can be obliquely adhered to this absorbent article. Furthermore, by setting a higher protrusion in the thickness direction of the absorbent article at the end point of the deepest part of the recess on the end portion side, the hook of the mechanical fastener can be installed such that the support of the hook portion is located on a line connecting the apex of the protrusion and the starting point of the recess on the crotch side. Furthermore, by contacting the diaper, which serves as an outer component, with the protrusion that is higher in the thickness direction on the end side, the diaper is prevented from sticking tightly and is inclined along the indentation formed by the recess of this absorbent article. Even if the length of the hook of the mechanical fastener is the same, the hook can be installed obliquely on the non-woven fabric of the diaper, which serves as an outer component, in such a way that the actual length of the hook's hook and the non-woven fabric fibers wrapped around it is longer on the crotch side and shorter on the end side. Thus, even without preparing a hook like the hook of the mechanical fastener of the fourth type, where the length of the hook's hook and the hook's hook and the hook's hook and the hook's hook and the non-woven fabric fibers are varied one by one, by installing a hook with hooks and hooks of the same length on the indentation, the length of the hook and the non-woven fabric fibers wrapped around it is the longest on the crotch side and becomes shorter as it moves upward in the front-back direction towards the end side. Therefore, the same effect as the fourth type can be obtained.

[0034] Invention Effects

[0035] According to the present invention, since it is adept at coping with the force acting upward in the front-back direction on the absorbent material, the absorbent material is not easily peeled off or shifted when the wearer repeatedly removes the diaper or other external parts on which the absorbent material is installed. Since it is not adept at coping with the force acting downward in the front-back direction on the absorbent material, the absorbent material slides downward when the diaper on which the absorbent material is installed is put on, and an absorbent material that fits snugly against the diaper without adjustment can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 In the figures, (a) is a top view (inner surface side) of the absorbent article of the present invention, (b) is the outer surface side of (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view along line 1-1.

[0037] Figure 2 This is another top view (outer surface side) showing the mechanical fastener of the absorbent article of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 It is a sectional view along line 2-2.

[0039] Figure 4 This is another sectional view along line 2-2.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing the method of mounting the absorbent article of the present invention to the external component.

[0041] Figure 6 In the figures, (a) is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article of the prior art with its external components installed, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article of the present invention with its external components installed.

[0042] Figure 7 In the diagram, (a) is a perspective view of the mechanical fastener of the absorbent article of method 1, and (b) is a top view of (a).

[0043] Figure 8 In the diagram, (a) and (b) are top views of the hook in Method 1, (c) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the width direction, (d) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the front-back direction, and (e) is a sectional view of the mechanical fastener in the front-back direction.

[0044] Figure 9 In the diagram, (a) and (b) are another top view of the hook in Method 1, (c) is another front view of the hook when viewed from the width direction, (d) is another front view of the hook when viewed from the front-back direction, and (e) is another sectional view of the mechanical fastener in the front-back direction.

[0045] Figure 10 In the diagram, (a) and (b) are top views of the hook in Method 2, (c) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the width direction, (d) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the front-back direction, and (e) is a sectional view of the mechanical fastener in the front-back direction.

[0046] Figure 11 In the diagram, (a) and (b) are top views of the hook in method 3, (c) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the width direction, (d) is a front view of the hook when viewed from the front-back direction, and (e) is a sectional view of the mechanical fastener in the front-back direction.

[0047] Figure 12 In the diagram, (a) is a schematic diagram showing the engagement state of the hook and the nonwoven fiber in mode 4, (b) is a schematic diagram showing the hook being subjected to force in the longitudinal direction upward, and (c) is a schematic diagram showing the hook being subjected to force in the longitudinal direction downward.

[0048] Figure 13 In the diagram, (a) is a cross-sectional view near the mounting portion of the absorbent article in method 5, and (b) is a cross-sectional view near the mounting portion of the absorbent article and the outer component.

[0049] Figure 14 This is another cross-sectional view near the mounting section of the absorbent item in method 5.

[0050] Figure 15This is another cross-sectional view near the mounting section of the absorbent material and external component in method 5. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following is a detailed description of an example of an absorbent article with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 , Figure 2 Absorbent articles are shown. Although pad-type or flat-type absorbent articles are shown in these figures, the invention is not limited to the following embodiments. Figures 7-15 The diagram shows the state of the hook 8 and hook 9 of the mechanical fastener in the front region F. Although the hook 8 and hook 9 of the mechanical fastener in the rear region B are not shown, they can be represented by the same diagram and explained below.

[0053] (Example of the construction of an absorbent article)

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent article has a structure in which the absorbent body 6 is positioned between the top sheet 4 (as the front sheet) and the back sheet 5 (as the back sheet), and the absorbent body 6 absorbs and retains excrement that has permeated through the top sheet 4. Hooks 8 for mechanical fasteners are provided in the front region F and rear region B of the back sheet 5. These hooks 8 are mounting components that allow the absorbent article of the present invention to be detachably attached to external parts such as shorts-type diapers or clothing. The planar shape of the absorbent article is not particularly limited, but generally resembles... Figure 1 It can be roughly rectangular in shape, like that. Figure 1 (a), (b) and Figure 2 The four corners can be cut off as shown, or they can be left uncut.

[0055] The top sheet 4, which covers the front side (skin-contact side) of the absorbent 6, is preferably made of porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, porous plastic sheet, etc. The fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric can be olefin-based (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), polyester-based, polyamide-based, or other synthetic fibers, as well as regenerated fibers such as rayon or cuprammonium filament, and natural fibers such as cotton. Nonwoven fabrics can be obtained through appropriate processing methods such as spunlace, spunbond, thermal bonding, meltblown, and needle punching. Among these processing methods, spunlace is superior in terms of softness and drape, while thermal bonding is superior in terms of bulkiness and softness. With multiple pores formed on the top sheet 4, urine and other substances are rapidly absorbed.

[0056] The back sheet 5 covering the back side (non-skin-contact side) of the absorbent 6 can be either liquid-permeable like the top sheet 4 or liquid-impermeable. In the case of liquid impermeability, a liquid-impermeable plastic sheet such as polyethylene or polypropylene can be used, but in recent years, from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness, it is preferred to use a moisture-permeable material. For example, a microporous sheet can be preferably used as this water-blocking and moisture-permeable sheet. This microporous sheet is formed by melt-blending inorganic particles such as calcium carbonate in an olefin-based resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction.

[0057] Absorber 6 can be like Figure 1 (c) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, it is a single-layer structure, but it can also be a structure composed of multiple layers.

[0058] As absorbent 6, known absorbents can be used, such as absorbents obtained by mixing and fixing highly absorbent polymers based on pulp fiber filaments, cellulose acetate filaments, or nonwoven fabrics.

[0059] To maintain shape and polymer properties, the absorbent 6 can be packaged using packaging sheets with liquid permeability and liquid retention properties, such as crepe paper, as needed.

[0060] Absorber 6 in Figure 1 (a) is formed as an hourglass shape with a narrower portion in the crotch area C that is narrower than the width of the front and back sides, but it can also be a suitable shape such as a rectangle.

[0061] It can also be like Figure 1 (a), (c) and Figure 5 As shown, three-dimensional pleats BS are formed on both sides of the top piece 4, primarily conforming to the leg circumference. For example... Figure 1 As shown in (c), the three-dimensional pleated BS is formed by the following parts: side edges fixed to both sides of the top sheet 4 of the absorbent article; and free parts extending from the side edges inward in the width direction WD of the top sheet 4, which are not fixed and can move freely. The side edges extend toward the back of the back sheet 5 and are provided with elongated pleating elastic members 7. Elongated pleating elastic members 7 are also provided at the end of the free parts. In the three-dimensional pleated BS, the free parts protruding from the side edges of the top sheet 4 stand upright in the product state by means of the contraction of the pleating elastic members 7. As the three-dimensional pleated BS, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric is preferably used. The shape of the three-dimensional pleated BS, the presence or absence of the three-dimensional pleated BS, the shape of the side edges, the number and position of the pleating elastic members 7 are not limited to this method and can be appropriately determined.

[0062] The pleated elastic component 7 can be made of commonly used materials such as styrene-based rubber, olefin-based rubber, polyurethane-based rubber, ester-based rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrene-butadiene, silicone, and polyester. Furthermore, to avoid being easily observed from the outside, it is preferably configured with a thickness of 925 dtex or less, a tension of 150% to 350%, and a spacing of 7.0 mm or less. In addition to the linear shape shown in the illustration, a strip-shaped pleated elastic component with a certain width can also be used as the pleated elastic component 7.

[0063] The fibers used to construct the three-dimensional pleats BS described above are similar to those used for the top sheet 4. Besides synthetic fibers such as polyethylene or polypropylene (olefin-based), polyester-based, and polyamide-based fibers, regenerated fibers such as rayon or cuprammonium filament, and natural fibers such as cotton can also be used. Nonwoven fabrics obtained through appropriate processing methods such as spunbonding, thermal bonding, meltblowing, and needle punching can be used. However, in particular, to prevent stuffiness, nonwoven fabrics with low weight per unit area and excellent breathability are preferred. Furthermore, for the pleats, to prevent dermatitis while preventing the permeation of urine and other substances and improving skin feel (dryness), water-repellent nonwoven fabrics coated with silicone-based, paraffin-metal-based, or alkyl chromium chloride-based water-repellent agents are preferred.

[0064] (The structure of the hooks in absorbent materials)

[0065] When the absorbent material is cut along line 2-2 of LD in the front-to-back direction, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the backing sheet 5 has hooks 8 for mechanical fasteners in the front region F and rear region B. These hooks 8 are mounting components for securing the absorbent article to the outer component. Figure 1 (b) Figure 5 In the middle, hook 8 is a rectangle that is longer in the width direction WD, but as Figure 2 As shown, the number, shape, and installation position of the installed hooks can be appropriately determined within the range of the front region F and the rear region B. Specifically, the front region F can be defined as the range extending 0.10Y forward (where Y is the total length of the product) from the center of the product's longitudinal direction LD to the front end, and the rear region B can be defined as the range extending 0.10Y backward from the center to the rear end, with the crotch portion C encompassing the area between them. More preferably, the front region F is located within the range extending 0.30Y forward from the center of the product's longitudinal direction LD to the front end, and the rear region B is located within the range extending 0.30Y backward from the center of the product's longitudinal direction LD to the rear end.

[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 Enlarged image and Figures 7-15As shown, the hook 8 of the mechanical fastener is formed by a sheet-like base 10 and a plurality of hook portions 9 extending from the base 10 in the opposite direction to the back piece 5. The hook portions 9 have a support post 11 extending from the base 10 in the opposite direction to the back piece 5 and a protrusion 12 located at the end of the support post 11. The protrusion 12 can be formed as a separate component from the support post 11 and combined with or bonded to it, or it can be formed as an integral part of the support post 11.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 12 has the following shape: the protrusion extends along the front-to-back direction LD, and the length 12S of the protrusion on the crotch C side is shorter than the length 12L of the protrusions on the end sides of the front region F and the rear region B (12L > 12S), or as shown... Figure 9 As shown, the protrusion 12 has a shape that extends only to the ends of the front region F and the rear region B. Furthermore, in order to exert a locking force in the width direction and prevent the absorbent article from shifting in the width direction, the protrusion 12 is preferably shaped as follows: Figure 8 The length 12W in the width direction shown in (a) is greater than Figure 8 (d) and Figure 9 The length 12L of the protrusion at the end of the front region F and the rear region B shown in (d) is shorter than the length 12S of the protrusion at the crotch region C (12L > 12W > 12S). Figure 8 The total length 12T of the protrusion 12 in the front-rear direction LD shown in (b) is 100 μm to 500 μm, preferably 150 μm to 300 μm, and the total length 12W in the width direction WD is 90% or less, preferably 70% or less, of the total length 12T of the front-rear direction LD. The length 12L of the end portion side of the front side region F and the rear side region B of the protrusion 12 is 5% to 20%, preferably 10% to 20%, of the total length 12T of the front-rear direction LD, and the length 12S of the crotch portion C side is 15% or less, preferably 5% or less, of the total length 12T of the front-rear direction LD. Figure 8 The diameter 11D of the support column 11 shown in (b) is 100 μm to 300 μm, preferably 150 μm to 250 μm. Figure 8 The length 11L of the support column 11 shown in (c) is 100μm to 500μm, preferably 250μm to 450μm. However, the total length 12T of the protrusion 12 in the front-rear direction LD, the total length 12W of the protrusion 12 in the width direction WD, the lengths 12L and 12S of the protrusion extending in the front-rear direction LD, and the diameter 11D and length 11L of the support column 11 can be appropriately determined according to the shape of the hook 9, and are not limited to the lengths mentioned above. Figure 3 The hook 9 is L-shaped, but its shape is not limited to L-shape; it can also be J-shaped, T-shaped, or any other shape.

[0068] like Figure 5 As shown, this absorbent article 100 is used by attaching it to the inner surface of an outer part 200 such as a shorts-type diaper or clothing. Regarding commonly used... Figure 6 The protrusion of the hook of a typical mechanical fastener, as shown in (a), extends approximately equal length to the end of the front region F and the rear region B (i.e., upward along the front-rear direction LD) and to the crotch area C (i.e., downward along the front-rear direction LD). Therefore, the nonwoven fibers of the diaper 200 are wrapped around the protrusion of the absorbent article 100, engaging both upwards and downwards in the front-rear direction LD. When engaged in the front-rear direction LD, the absorbent article 100 is fixedly installed on the diaper 200. However, due to the inherent rigidity of the absorbent article, simply installing it on the diaper... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the absorbent article is installed with the crease 17 as it was in its packaging, maintaining a V-shape. Therefore, sometimes a gap 13 is created between the diaper 200 and the absorbent article 100, rather than along the diaper 200. In this case, leakage may occur from the gap 13 between the diaper 200 and the absorbent article 100, or the absorbent article may shift when worn.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, the hook 8 of the mechanical fastener of this absorbent article 100 has the following shape: on the crotch portion C side in the front-rear direction LD, the protrusion 12 of the hook portion 9 is short, or as shown in the figure. Figure 6 (b) and Figure 9 As shown, there is no protrusion of the hook portion 12 on the crotch portion C side in the front-rear direction LD, but the length of the protrusion 12 of the hook portion 9 is long in the end direction of the front region F and the rear region B. That is, the hook 8 of this absorbent article 100 is a hook 8 composed of a plurality of hook portions 9, which have a strong engaging force in the end direction of the front region F and the rear region B (i.e., upward in the front-rear direction LD) and a weak engaging force on the crotch portion C side (i.e., downward in the front-rear direction LD). Therefore, when putting on or taking off diapers, if an upward force (LD) is applied to the absorbent article 100 in the front-to-back direction, the absorbent article 100 and the diaper 200 are unlikely to shift. However, if a downward force (LD) is applied to the absorbent article 100 in the front-to-back direction due to wearing the diaper 200, the absorbent article 100 slides downward in the front-to-back direction (LD) along the body, following the shape of the diaper 200. Therefore, even a rigid absorbent article 100 will change from a V-shaped state at the time of installation to a state along the diaper 200 during wearing, thus creating... Figure 6 The likelihood of a gap 13 between the diaper 200 and the absorbent material 100, as shown in (a), is reduced, and the likelihood of leakage or shifting or peeling during wear is reduced.

[0070] (Example of a hook for an absorbent article)

[0071] exist Figure 8 In the first example shown, the protrusion 12 is formed by a plurality of hook parts 9, which are long on the end side of the front region F and the rear region B and short on the crotch side, and are concentrated to form a hook 8.

[0072] Because the length 12L of the end portion of the front region F and the rear region B is longer than the length 12S of the crotch portion C (12L > 12S), a hook 8 is formed where the engaging force is strong at the end portion and weak at the crotch portion C. This prevents the absorbent material from easily shifting upwards in the front-back direction LD and makes it easier to move downwards in the same direction. Therefore, when removing diapers or other outer parts with absorbent materials, even if an upward force in the front-back direction LD is applied to the absorbent material, the possibility of it shifting or peeling is very small. When wearing diapers with absorbent materials, even if a downward force in the front-back direction LD is applied, the absorbent material slides along the diaper with body movement. This ensures the absorbent material adheres tightly to the outer parts, reducing the likelihood of leakage between the absorbent material and the diaper, improving comfort, and reducing stiffness. Since the absorbent material adheres tightly to the diaper with body movement, it is not necessary to directly touch the top piece 4 during installation, which is also hygienic.

[0073] exist Figure 9 The diagram shows an alternative to the first example, where the protrusion 12 extends only to the ends of the front region F and the rear region B, without any protrusion on the crotch region C side. In this shape, the crotch region C side, extending downwards in the front-rear direction LD, is very unlikely to become entangled with the nonwoven fibers of the diaper or other outer parts. Therefore, it lacks the engaging force that extends downwards in the front-rear direction LD, making it easier for the absorbent article to slide downwards in the front-rear direction LD compared to the first example. This allows the absorbent article to adhere more closely to the diaper.

[0074] exist Figure 10 The second example is shown, in which the support 11 of the hook 9 has a shape that tapers from the base 10 toward the protrusion 12. By varying the thickness of the support 11, an inclination can be formed on the support 11. Therefore, when the hook 8 is attached to an external part such as a diaper, the nonwoven fibers wrap around the protrusion 12 of the hook 9, and the wrapped fibers may easily slide along the inclination of the support 11 toward the base 10. Therefore, compared to the first example, it is easier for the absorbent material to move toward the crotch C side (i.e., downwards in the front-back direction LD), and the possibility of the absorbent material adhering more smoothly to the diaper as the body moves is increased.

[0075] about Figure 10The thickness of the support column shown in (b) is such that the diameter 11T of the thickest part of the support column 11, i.e., the base 10, is 200 μm to 500 μm, more preferably 300 μm to 400 μm, and the diameter 11S of the thinnest part, i.e., the protrusion 12, is 50% to 90% of the diameter 11T of the thickest part, i.e., the base 10, more preferably 60% to 75%. The lengths 11T and 11S of these diameters can be appropriately determined and are not limited thereto.

[0076] exist Figure 11 In the third example shown, the support 11 of the hook 9 has a shape that extends upward in the front-rear direction LD from the base 10 toward the protrusion 12. Since the hook 9 engages by inserting the protrusion 12 into an external part such as a diaper, the engaging force is strong in the direction of the ends of the front region F and the rear region B (i.e., upward in the front-rear direction LD). Because the support 11 extends obliquely, the nonwoven fibers wrapped around the hook 9 easily slide along the oblique support 11 toward the base 10 of the hook 9. Compared to the first and second examples, the third example has a stronger engaging force upward in the front-rear direction LD and is more prone to sliding downward in the front-rear direction LD, which is preferable.

[0077] Figure 11 The angle α between the front side of the sheet-like base 10 in the front-rear direction LD and the support column 11 shown in (d) is 60 degrees to 88 degrees, preferably 70 degrees to 85 degrees, but the angle can be appropriately determined and is not limited to this.

[0078] Figure 12 The fourth example shown is a hook 8 of a mechanical fastener for an absorbent article, which has the following shape: the length 11L of the support 11 of the hook 9 is longer on the crotch C side and shorter on the end sides of the front region F and the rear region B. Figure 12 (a) is a diagram showing the engagement of hook 9 with the nonwoven fibers of the diaper or other external parts, as shown. Figure 12 As shown in (b), when an upward force along the front-rear direction LD is applied to the hook 8, the nonwoven fibers of the diaper that are engaged move from the protrusion 12 of the hook 9 toward the support 11, and the hook 9 is firmly engaged with the nonwoven fibers of the diaper. On the other hand, as Figure 12As shown in (c), when a downward force along the front-rear direction LD is applied to the hook 8, the engaged nonwoven fibers detach from the protrusions 12 of the hook 9. Since the length 11L of the support 11 of the adjacent hook 9 along the front-rear direction LD is shorter than the length 11L of the support 11 of the originally engaged hook 9, there are no adjacent protrusions 12 nearby. Therefore, the nonwoven fibers detached from the protrusions 12 are less likely to wrap around the protrusions 12 of the adjacent hook 9, and the possibility of the absorbent article sliding downward along the front-rear direction LD increases. Thus, since the length 11L of the support 11 is longer on the crotch C side and shorter on the end side of the front region F and the rear region B, the positions of the protrusions 12 of the hook 9 arranged along the front-rear direction LD do not overlap with the longitudinal line of the front-rear direction LD, but are arranged obliquely relative to the front-rear direction LD, moving from the crotch C side toward the end side of the front region F and the rear region B. Therefore, the protrusion 12 and the nonwoven fibers are less likely to engage downwards in the front-to-back direction LD, increasing the likelihood of sliding downwards in the front-to-back direction LD. This shape is less prone to upward displacement in the front-to-back direction LD and more prone to downward sliding in the front-to-back direction LD.

[0079] In the 4th case, Figure 12 The longest 11N of the support column 11 shown in (b) is 300 μm to 500 μm, preferably 350 μm to 450 μm, and the shortest 11M of the support column 11 is 50% to 95% of the longest 11N, preferably 65% ​​to 80%. The lengths 11N and 11M of the support column 11 can be appropriately determined and are not limited thereto. Alternatively, it may be a hook 8 of a mechanical fastener for an absorbent article having a hook portion 9 in which the length 11L of the support column 11 of the hook portion 9 is longer at the end of the front region F and the rear region B, and shorter at the crotch region C.

[0080] (The concave shape)

[0081] like Figures 13-15 As shown, in the fifth example, the front region F and rear region B of the back panel 5 of the absorbent article 100 are provided with recesses 14 for mounting hooks 8 for mechanical fasteners. The absorbent article 100 has an inclination formed by the recesses 14, thereby allowing the hooks 8 to be mounted at an angle. The recesses 14 are shallow on the crotch portion C side and deepen as they advance towards the ends of the front region F and rear region B. At the end of the deepest part of the recesses 14, a higher protrusion 15 in the thickness direction of the absorbent article 100 is provided. Figure 14 As in (a), the recess 14 only needs to be the size of at least a portion of the hook 8 that can be installed at an angle; the size is not particularly limited. The recess 14 can be formed by embossing or by cutting the absorbent article 100; the method of formation is not limited. Figure 13The angle β between the recess 14 and the protrusion 15 shown in (a) is 60 degrees to 88 degrees, preferably 70 degrees to 85 degrees, but the angle can be appropriately determined and is not limited to this. The number of recesses is not limited, and can also be as follows: Figure 14 As in (b), there are multiple recesses 14 in the front region F and the rear region B. Alternatively, the recesses 14 may be shallower at the ends of the front region F and the rear region B, and become deeper as they move toward the crotch region C, with a higher protrusion 15 in the thickness direction provided at the end of the deepest part of the recess 14.

[0082] In case 5, such as Figure 13 As shown in (a), when the hook 8 of the mechanical fastener is installed in the recess 14, the support 11 is positioned on the auxiliary line 16 such that it crosses the auxiliary line 16 connecting the starting point of the recess 14 and the apex of the protrusion 15, and the protrusions 12 at the ends of the support 11 are arranged obliquely relative to the front-rear direction LD. In this state, when the absorbent article 100 is installed on an external part 200 such as a diaper, as Figure 13 As in (b), the diaper 200 is installed at an angle relative to the support 11 of the hook 8 of the absorbent article 100. Even without preparing a hook 8 that changes the length of the support 11 of the hook 9 as in example 4, by installing a hook 8 with a constant length of the support 11 in the recess 14, it will... Figure 12 Similarly, in the fourth example shown, the length of the support 11 that engages with the diaper 200 is longer on the crotch C side and shorter on the end sides of the front region F and the rear region B. Therefore, the positions of the protrusions 12 of the hooks 9 arranged in the front-rear direction LD do not overlap with the longitudinal line of the front-rear direction LD, but are arranged obliquely relative to the front-rear direction LD, as they move from the crotch C side toward the end sides of the front region F and the rear region B. As a result, an absorbent article 100 with strong engagement force in the front-rear direction LD, which is not easily deviated, and which is easy to slide downward in the front-rear direction LD can be obtained in the same way as in the fourth example. That is, when the diaper 200 with the absorbent article 100 installed is removed, when the force of the absorbent article 100 is applied upward in the front-back direction LD, the non-woven fabric fibers wrapped around the hook 9 move towards the root of the protrusion 12. According to the installation angle of the hook 8, the support column 11, which is inclined relative to the diaper 200, moves towards the base 10, maintaining the engagement between the non-woven fabric fibers and the hook 9. Therefore, the possibility of the absorbent article 100 peeling off or shifting from the diaper 200 is low.

[0083] On the other hand, when the diaper 200 with the absorbent material 100 installed is put on, when a force is applied downward along the front-rear direction LD to the absorbent material 100, the non-woven fabric fibers wrapped around the hook 9 detach from the protrusion 12 of the hook 9. Since the hook 8 is installed obliquely on the diaper 200, the protrusion 12 adjacent to the protrusion 12 where the non-woven fabric fibers have detached is not arranged in a straight line along the longitudinal direction LD, but is arranged obliquely relative to the front-rear direction LD. Therefore, the non-woven fabric fibers detached from the hook 9 will not engage with the adjacent protrusion 12. The absorbent material 100 slides downward along the front-rear direction LD as the body moves, and there is a high possibility that it will stick tightly to the diaper 200.

[0084] The hooks of the same length support 11 are 8 times that of the same length. Figure 12 As in the fourth example, the hook 8 formed by the hook portion 9 of the support 11 with different lengths is easier to make or prepare. Figure 13 As shown in (b), when a hook 8 with multiple hook portions 9 of the same length 11L having a support 11 is installed in the recess 14, it is possible to achieve an effect in which the hook 8 engages with the diaper 200 at an angle. Therefore, even if a hook 8 consists of multiple hook portions 9 all of the same shape, it is possible to use a hook 8 with multiple hook portions 9 of the same length 11L having a support 11 but different shapes of protrusions 12. The shape of the protrusions 12 can be different or the same, without limitation.

[0085] You can also Figure 12 The hook 8, formed by hook portions 9 of support pillars 11 of different lengths, is installed in the recess 14. In this case, the protrusion 12 of the hook portion 9 engages with the diaper 200 at a steeper angle relative to the front-rear direction LD, which sometimes achieves a further effect than when the hook 8 of support pillars 11 of the same length is installed.

[0086] It can be Figure 14 As shown in (a), a portion of the hook 8 crosses the guide line and a portion leaves the shape of the recess 14, but since the portion that engages obliquely with the diaper 200 is effective, the portion leaving the recess 14 is preferably less. Furthermore, when the hook 8, which is smaller than the recess 14, is installed at the deeper portion at the end of the recess 14, resulting in a shape where the support 11 does not cross the guide line 16, the absorbent article 100 and the diaper 200 will not engage at all, which is therefore undesirable. While it is not necessary for all the supports 11 of the hook 8 to cross the guide line 16, it is preferable that at least 50% or more of the supports 11 of the hook portion 9 on the hook 8 cross the guide line 16, more preferably 75% or more. The shape of the hook portion 9 can be different or the same, without limitation.

[0087] In case 5, such as Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, a protrusion 15 that is higher in the thickness direction of the absorbent article 100 is provided at the end of the recess 14, but even Figure 15 Even without the protrusion 15, the absorbent article 100 shown can still accommodate the diaper 200. However, without the protrusion 15, as... Figure 15 As shown, the absorbent article 100 is only monotonically thinner from the recess 14 toward the end. The diaper 200 is likely to be installed along the absorbent article 100 and the support 11 is likely to be installed parallel to the diaper 200, making it less likely to achieve the effect that would be possible when the diaper 200 is installed at an angle relative to the support 11. The protrusion 15 of the absorbent article 100 reduces the likelihood that the hook 8 and the diaper 200 are installed parallel along the recess 14, making it easier to install the diaper 200 at an angle relative to the support 11. Therefore, it is preferable that the protrusion 15, which is higher in the thickness direction, is located at the end of the recess 14 of the absorbent article 100.

[0088] Industrial availability

[0089] This invention can be applied to all absorbent articles of the pad or flat type as described above.

[0090] Label Explanation

[0091] 4: Top piece; 5: Back piece; 6: Absorbent body; 7: Pleated elastic component; 8: (Mechanical fastener) Hook; 9: Hook; 10: Base; 11: Support; 12: Protrusion; 13: Gap; 14: Recess; 15: Protrusion; 16: Auxiliary line; 17: Crease; 100: Absorbent material; 200: Diaper and other external parts; WD: Width direction; LD: Front and back direction; BS: Three-dimensional pleats; C: Crotch area; F: Abdominal area; B: Rear area.

Claims

1. An absorbent article characterized by comprising: a crotch portion, a front region on a front side of the crotch portion, and a back region on a back side of the crotch portion, the absorbent article has a front sheet facing a wearer's skin and a back sheet on an opposite side of the front sheet, the back sheet has mounting members in the front region and the back region, the mounting members being detachably mountable on an inner surface of an outer member located on an outer side, the mounting members are hook members of mechanical fasteners, the hook members are formed of a base portion in a sheet shape and a plurality of hook portions, the hook portions have a stem extending from the base portion and a protrusion portion at a distal end of the stem above the base portion, in the hook portions in the front region, the protrusion portions extend in a front-rear direction and a length of a front side of the protrusion portions is longer than a length of a back side of the protrusion portions, or the protrusion portions extend in a front-rear direction to a front side, in the hook portions in the back region, the protrusion portions extend in a front-rear direction and a length of a back side of the protrusion portions is longer than a length of a front side of the protrusion portions, or the protrusion portions extend in a front-rear direction to a back side.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: the stem of the hook portion is tapered from the base portion toward the protrusion portion.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: the stem of the hook portion in the front region extends from the base portion to a front side from a crotch portion side, the stem of the hook portion in the back region extends from the base portion to a back side from a crotch portion side.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: with respect to the mechanical fastener mounted in the front region, a length of the stem of the hook portion on a front side is short, and a length of the stem of the hook portion on a crotch portion side is long, with respect to the mechanical fastener in the back region, a length of the stem of the hook portion on a back side is short, and a length of the stem of the hook portion on a crotch portion side is long.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: in the front region and the back region of the back sheet, recesses are provided in a front-rear direction, with respect to the recess in the front region, a front side is deeper than a crotch portion side, and a convex portion that is high in a thickness direction is formed at a front side end of the recess, with respect to the recess in the back region, a back side is deeper than a crotch portion side, and a convex portion that is high in a thickness direction is formed at a back side end of the recess, the hook members in which lengths of the stems of the hook portions are equal are fixed in the recesses, the stems of the hook members are present on a line connecting a starting point of the crotch portion side of the recess and an apex of the convex portion in the front-rear direction.

Images