Wearing article

Abstract

The present application aims to provide a wearing article which can change the shape between an initial spread shape and a brief shape and improve wearing comfort. The wearing article (1) includes a waist member (10) having a waist main body which can stretch and contract in the width direction and a male fastener (12), and an absorbent body (20) disposed at the back, crotch and front of a wearer. The absorbent body (20) has a core (25), a surface sheet (24), a back sheet (26) and a female fastener (22). The core (25) has a core-side first nonwoven fabric having a holding region for holding SAP and a first low-density region adjacent to both ends of the holding region in the orthogonal direction for holding low-density SAP. The male fastener (12) and the female fastener (22) are decoupled.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent documents 1 to 3 disclose a garment that can be unfolded from an initial underwear-type form into a specified unfolded form, and can be assembled from the unfolded form into the underwear-type form. These garments include: a band-shaped waistband portion disposed at the wearer's waist; and an absorbent body extending from the wearer's front abdomen, through the hips, and to the back. The waistband portion has elasticity that allows it to stretch along the width of the band. The absorbent body is engaged with the waistband portion and extends from the engagement portion in a manner orthogonal to the width direction of the waistband portion.

[0003] In its unused state, the two ends of the waist section are detachably connected to the distal end of the absorbent body. Therefore, it can be worn like pants.

[0004] When adjusting the wearing status of the garment during use, the garment can be unfolded by detaching the two ends of the waist section from the far end of the absorbent body.

[0005] Furthermore, by reconnecting the two ends of the waist section to the distal end of the absorbent body, the garment can be assembled from its unfolded state into an underwear-like shape.

[0006] However, according to Patent Documents 1 to 3, although the shape of the garment can be changed between an initial underwear-type shape and an unfolded shape, no method has been considered to improve wearing comfort by taking into account the tactile feel of the parts of the garment that directly contact the skin. Therefore, there is a demand for improvements to these parts that directly contact the skin to enhance wearing comfort.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-73216

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2003-527152

[0011] Patent Document 3: US Patent No. 8343127 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, in view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a garment that can change its shape between an initial unfolded shape and an underwear-type shape, and can improve wearing comfort.

[0013] Wearable articles for solving the above problems include: a waist member having: a waist body extending along a width direction and having elasticity that allows stretching along the width direction, and disposed at the waist of the wearer; a first connecting portion disposed on the surface of both ends of the waist body in the width direction facing the skin of the wearer; and an absorbent body joined to the waist member and disposed such that it extends from the connecting portion of the waist member along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the width direction from the back of the wearer, through the hips, to the front abdomen, wherein the absorbent body has: a core for absorbing bodily fluids; a surface sheet disposed on the side of the core facing the skin of the wearer; and a back sheet sandwiched between the back sheet and the surface sheet. The core is disposed on the outer surface of the core opposite to the skin side; the second connecting part is disposed on the outer surface of the back sheet opposite to the skin side and can be attached and detached relative to the first connecting part. The core has an absorbent polymer and a core-side first nonwoven fabric. The core-side first nonwoven fabric holds the absorbent polymer in a manner that forms a holding region and a first low-density region. The holding region holds the absorbent polymer. The first low-density region holds the absorbent polymer with a lower density than the holding region and is adjacent to both ends of the holding region in the orthogonal direction. The connection between the first connecting part and the second connecting part is released.

[0014] It can provide a garment that can change shape between an initial unfolded form and an underwear-type form, and can improve wearing comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the assembled appearance of an unfolded garment.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a rear view showing the assembled appearance of an unfolded garment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the unfolded form of a garment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is an exploded 3D diagram of a garment.

[0019] Figure 5A It is a top view showing the distribution of SAP in a continuous core along the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0020] Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A A sectional view of section line 5B-5B.

[0021] Figure 5C It is along Figure 5AA sectional view of section line 5C-5C.

[0022] Figure 6A This is a top view showing another distribution of SAP within the core.

[0023] Figure 6B It is along Figure 6A A sectional view of section line 6B-6B.

[0024] Figure 6C It is along Figure 6A The sectional view along section line 6B-6B shows the core bent into an inverted V-shape.

[0025] Figure 6D It is along Figure 6A The sectional view along section line 6B-6B shows the core bent into a V-shape.

[0026] Figure 7A This is a top view showing another distribution of SAP within the core.

[0027] Figure 7B This is a top view showing another distribution of SAP within the core.

[0028] Figure 7C This is a top view showing another distribution of SAP within the core.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a system diagram of the manufacturing process for unfolded wearable items.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a top view of the manufacturing status of process 1 to process 2.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a top view of the manufacturing status of processes 3 to 7.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a surface sheet manufacturing apparatus.

[0033] Figure 12A It is a schematic diagram of the formation process of the concave and convex shape of the surface sheet, showing the situation where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric on the surface side are wound around the outer peripheral surface of the first roller.

[0034] Figure 12B It is a schematic diagram of the process of forming the concave and convex shape of the surface sheet, showing the situation where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric on the surface side are pressed into the concave part of the first roller.

[0035] Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram of the process of forming the concave and convex shape of the surface sheet, showing the case where the concave and convex shape is formed only on the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the core manufacturing apparatus.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the process of manufacturing the core by layering the first nonwoven fabric on the core side and the second nonwoven fabric on the core side.

[0038] Figure 15A This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the first and second nonwoven fabrics on the core side before napping.

[0039] Figure 15B This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the first and second nonwoven fabrics on the core side after they have been napped.

[0040] Figure 15C This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the first and second nonwoven fabrics on the core side supporting the SAP.

[0041] Figure 15D This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the laminate formed by stacking the first nonwoven fabric on the core side and the second nonwoven fabric on the core side.

[0042] Figure 15E This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the paper being supplied to the laminate.

[0043] Figure 15F This is a cross-sectional view showing the manufacturing process of the core, illustrating the state of the laminated body covered with thin paper.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a top view of the manufacturing status of processes 8 to 13.

[0045] Figure 17A This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process in step 1, showing the situation of conveying the outer sheet.

[0046] Figure 17B This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 1, showing the case where the waist elastic member is arranged on the outer sheet.

[0047] Figure 17C This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 2, showing the case where the inner sheet is conveyed in a manner that covers the upper part of the outer sheet and the waist elastic member.

[0048] Figure 18A This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 3, showing the cutting of the flap sheet.

[0049] Figure 18BThis is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 3, showing the situation where the cut-off upright flaps are separated along the width direction at a specified interval.

[0050] Figure 18C This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 3, showing the situation where a three-dimensional corrugated elastic component is arranged on the erected flap.

[0051] Figure 18D This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 3, showing the situation where a three-dimensional wrinkle elastic component is joined in the inner bend of the raised flap to create a three-dimensional wrinkle.

[0052] Figure 18E This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 3, showing the situation of joining three-dimensional wrinkles on the surface sheet.

[0053] Figure 18F This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the manufacturing process of step 6, showing the formation of an absorbent semi-finished product that combines the surface sheet semi-finished product formed in step 3, the core formed in step 4, and the back sheet semi-finished product formed in step 5.

[0054] Figure 19A This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the manufacturing process of steps 8 and 9, showing the situation where the absorber, which has been rotated in the specified direction after step 7, is joined to the waist continuous body.

[0055] Figure 19B This is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the manufacturing process of step 10, showing the situation where the protrusion is folded back.

[0056] Figure 19C This is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the manufacturing process from steps 11 to 13, showing the garment being folded in half. Detailed Implementation

[0057] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are merely specific examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0058] <Structure of unfolded clothing>

[0059] (Overall structure)

[0060] The structure of unfolded clothing items will be explained below.

[0061] The unfoldable garment 1 according to this embodiment includes: a waist member 10 disposed at the waist of the wearer; and an absorbent body 20 disposed from the back of the wearer through the hips to the front abdomen.

[0062] Waist component 10 includes: waist body 16 ( Figure 4 The waist body 16 extends along the width direction, has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the width direction, and is disposed at the waist of the wearer; and the male hook and loop fastener (first connection part) 12 is disposed on the surface of the two ends 10c of the waist body 16 in the width direction facing the skin side of the wearer.

[0063] The following, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in the unfolded type of clothing item 1, the waist body 16 ( Figure 4 The direction extending in the waist member 10 is called the waist width direction (width direction), and the direction that is approximately orthogonal to the waist width direction is called the waist orthogonal direction (orthogonal direction).

[0064] The waist body 16 has an inner panel 14 ( Figure 4 ), outer sheet 15 ( Figure 4 ), and a waist elastic member 11 that engages with the inner plate 14 and the outer plate 15 while being held between the inner plate 14 and the outer plate 15. Figure 4 ).

[0065] The absorbent body 20 is a component primarily used to absorb bodily fluids such as urine and sweat. The absorbent body 20 is joined to the joint 10b of the waist component 10. Figure 3 , Figure 4 In this embodiment, the joint 10b is both the central portion of the waist member 10 in the waist width direction and the portion offset downward from the edge on the waist side. The absorbent body 20 extends from the joint 10b in the orthogonal direction of the waist, such that the absorbent body 20 is positioned from the wearer's back through the hips to the front abdomen. The absorbent body 20 has a clasp (second connection portion) 22 on the outer surface of its distal end in the orthogonal direction of the waist, opposite to the surface facing the skin.

[0066] In the final form (the first time the garment is used), the absorbent body 20 of this unfolded garment 1 is folded in half along the orthogonal direction of the waist, and the connection between the male and female hook-and-loop fasteners 12 is released. In this state, the two sides 10a are not folded but unfolded in the waist width direction.

[0067] Furthermore, for the embodiments described herein Figure 16 For the final step 13 of the process, the unfolded type of clothing item 1 is folded in the manner shown, for example, in Figure 3In the unfolded form of the garment, with the two sides 10a of the waist member 10 folded along the waist width direction toward the skin surface of the absorbent body 20, the absorbent body 20 is further folded along the orthogonal direction of the waist so that the distal end of the absorbent body 20 faces the outer surface of the two sides 10a of the waist member 10. That is, in this embodiment, the unfolded garment 1 is folded such that the two sides 10a of the waist member 10 are sandwiched between the joint 10b of the waist member 10 and the absorbent body 20. In this state, the connection between the male hook and female hook and female hook is released. Furthermore, with... Figure 16 Unlike the final step 13, in the unfolded garment 1, the two side portions 10a can also be folded along the waist width direction towards the outer surface of the waist member 10. Alternatively, the unfolded garment 1 can also be made without being folded. Figure 3 The unfolded form shown.

[0068] Compared to the unfolded type of garment 1, the refastenable type of garment, when in its final form (the stage when the garment is used for the first time), is folded with its male hook and female hook connected. Specifically, for the refastenable type of garment, in Figure 3 In the unfolded form of the garment, the absorbent body 20 is folded in the orthogonal direction of the waist, and the two sides 10a of the waist member 10, which are adjacent to the joint 10b in the waist width direction, are folded in the waist width direction, and the male hook and female hook and female hook are connected.

[0069] The wearer is assembled into a reusable, underwear-like garment by opening the waistband 10 with the male hook and female hook and 22 connected, and inserting their legs to put on the garment like pants. In this reusable garment, although the male hook and female hook and 22 are pre-connected, the garment can be unfolded by disengaging the two hooks 12 and 22. Figure 3 The form shown. Moreover, when fitting the garment to the wearer, or when changing garments, the two buckles 12 and 22 are repeatedly fastened and unfastened.

[0070] The following is a further explanation of each part of the unfolded clothing item 1.

[0071] (Waist component)

[0072] Waist component 10 includes: waist body 16 ( Figure 4The waist body 16 extends along the width of the waistband, has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the width of the waistband, and is positioned at the wearer's waist; and a male hook-and-eye clasp 12 is provided on the surface of both ends 10c of the waist body 16 in the width direction facing the wearer's skin. The waist body 16 has an inner sheet (described later) Figure 4 14. Lateral plate (etc.) Figure 4 (etc.) 15 and waist elastic component 11.

[0073] Here, the portion of the waist body 16 to which the absorber 20 is joined is the joint 10b. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the waist elastic member 11 is located above the waist orthogonal direction of the joint 10b.

[0074] Furthermore, the two side portions 10a of the waist body 16 are areas adjacent to the joining portion 10b in the waist width direction. The two side portions 10a include two end portions 10c, which are the two ends of the waist body 16 in the waist width direction. At least a portion of the two end portions 10c is a joining portion 15a2 for engaging the male hook and loop fastener 12. Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0075] The waist body 16 is generally elastic along the width direction of the waist. The joint 10b of the waist body 16 is a portion for arranging one end of the absorber 20. Furthermore, the joint 10b includes a core arranging portion 15a1 for arranging the core 25. Figure 2 The core 25 forms part of the absorbent body 20. Furthermore, the joint 15a2 of the waist body 16 is for mounting the male hook-and-loop fastener 12.

[0076] The core configuration portion 15a1 in the joint 10b has less elasticity in the waist-width direction than, or almost no elasticity, in areas other than the core configuration portion 15a1. That is, in the waist-body 16, the elasticity in the waist-width direction of areas other than the core configuration portion 15a1 is greater than the elasticity of the core configuration portion 15a1. Furthermore, in the joint 15a2, its elasticity in the waist-width direction is less than, or almost no elasticity, in areas other than the joint 15a2. That is, in the waist-body 16, the elasticity in the waist-width direction of areas other than the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint 15a2 is greater than the elasticity of the joint 15a2. Thus, based on the elasticity in the waist-width direction of areas other than the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint 15a2, the waist-body 16 as a whole has elasticity in the waist-width direction.

[0077] When the unfolded garment 1 is put on by the wearer, with the joint 10b of the waist body 16 abutting against the back, the absorbent body 20 is positioned in a range extending from the wearer's back, through the hips, to the front abdomen. In this state, the two side portions 10a adjacent to the joint 10b of the waist body 16 extend to the outer surface of the distal end of the absorbent body 20 located on the front abdomen. Then, the unfolded garment 1 is put on by connecting the male hook and loop fastener 12 provided on the waist body 16 and the female hook and loop fastener 22 provided on the absorbent body 20.

[0078] The planar shape of the waist body 16 will now be described: The upper edge of the waist body 16 in the orthogonal direction of the waist is approximately straight along the width direction of the waist. Meanwhile, the lower edge of the waist member 10 in the orthogonal direction of the waist, i.e., the lower edge on the leg root side, is provided with a leg-circumferential curved portion 15b that forms a leg opening, following the shape around the leg. Figure 3 , Figure 4 (etc.). The curved portion 15b around the legs has a curved shape that makes the waist body 16 longer from the side portions 10a to the joint portion 10b along the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0079] The specific structure of this waist-shaped main body 16 will be further explained. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the waist body 16 has: an inner sheet 14 extending along the waist width direction; an outer sheet 15 extending along the waist width direction and covering the outer surface of the inner sheet 14 opposite to the surface facing the skin; and a waist elastic member 11 having elasticity that can stretch and contract along the waist width direction.

[0080] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the inner sheet 14 is, for example, a non-woven fabric sheet, and is a strip-shaped member extending along the waist width direction. One end of the absorbent 20 is joined to the portion of the inner sheet 14 corresponding to the joint 10b.

[0081] On the skin-facing surfaces of the two ends 10c of the inner sheet 14 in the waist-width direction, the male hook-and-loop fasteners 12 extend in the orthogonal direction of the waist. Specifically, the male hook-and-loop fasteners 12 are engaged with the inner sheet 14. The length of the male hook-and-loop fasteners 12 in the orthogonal direction of the waist is such that the connection between the male hook-and-loop fasteners 12 and the female hook-and-loop fasteners 22 is not easily detached. For example, if the length of the male hook-and-loop fasteners 12 in the orthogonal direction of the waist is approximately the same as the length of the inner sheet 14 in the orthogonal direction of the waist, the waist body 16 and the female hook-and-loop fasteners 22 of the absorbent body 20 can be reliably connected along the entire length of the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0082] The outer sheet 15 is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric and is a strip-shaped component that extends along the waist width direction, similar to the inner sheet 14. The outer sheet 15 is disposed on the outer surface of the inner sheet 14 opposite to the skin side, and is used to cover the outer surface of the inner sheet 14 opposite to the surface facing the skin side.

[0083] The planar shape of the inner sheet 14 is the same as the planar shape of the waist body 16 described above. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the upper edge of the inner sheet 14 in the orthogonal direction of the waist is formed as a straight line along the width direction of the waist. Furthermore, the lower edge of the inner sheet 14 on the leg root side in the orthogonal direction of the waist has a leg-circumferential curved portion 15b that curves around the leg. The two ends of the inner sheet 14 in the width direction of the waist are straight lines along the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0084] When viewed from above, the lower edge of the outer sheet 15, like the inner sheet 14, has a curved leg-circumferential curve 15b that runs along the leg root side. Furthermore, the outer sheet 15 has a protrusion 15c that extends upward in the orthogonal direction of the inner sheet 14 when it overlaps the inner sheet 14 to cover the waist elastic member 11.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, with the protrusion 15c folded back to cover the waist elastic member 11 and the end of the absorbent 20 in the waist-orthogonal direction that engages with the waist member 10, the protrusion 15c engages with the inner sheet 14 and the absorbent 20. This suppresses discomfort caused by the end of the absorbent 20 contacting the skin. Furthermore, the end of the absorbent 20 is not exposed, improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0086] With the waist elastic member 11 extending linearly along the waist width direction and sandwiched between the inner plate 14 and the outer plate 15, the waist elastic member 11 engages with at least one of the inner plate 14 and the outer plate 15. Furthermore, the waist elastic member 11 is disposed in the region excluding the protrusion 15c, extending from the upper edge of the inner plate 14 to the leg-circumferential curve 15b on the leg root side. The waist elastic member 11 undergoes weakening treatment in the weakened portions 15a1 and 15a2, described later.

[0087] The leg-circumference curved portion 15b forms part of a curved leg opening that follows the shape of the leg root. Furthermore, the waist elastic member 11 adjacent to the leg-circumference curved portion 15b improves wearing comfort by elastically fitting a portion of the periphery of the leg opening to the upper part of the leg root. Additionally, the waist elastic member 11 adjacent to the leg-circumference curved portion 15b can also be curved along the curve of the leg-circumference curved portion 15b.

[0088] The waist elastic member 11 is formed of materials such as polyurethane, natural rubber, or thermoplastic resin. Furthermore, the shape of the waist elastic member 11 can be linear, strip-shaped, or sheet-like. The elastic members constituting the leg folds 31, the three-dimensional fold elastic member 41, and the absorbent elastic member 21, which will be described later, also use the same materials and shapes.

[0089] For the joining of the waist elastic member 11 to the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 15, hot melt adhesive bonding or heat-sealing fusion can be used, but ultrasonic fusion is more ideal. When using ultrasonic fusion, compared with the use of adhesive, the softness of the inner sheet 14 and the outer sheet 15 can be maintained, with little hardness and less discomfort.

[0090] The waist elastic member 11 is elastic along the waist width direction. Accordingly, the waist elastic member 11 causes the waist body 16 of the waist member 10 to fit against the waist in an elastic contact manner. In this embodiment, the waist elastic member 11 is composed of a plurality of linear elastic members that extend along the waist width direction of the waist member 10 and are arranged at intervals along the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0091] In this embodiment, the waist elastic member 11 is weakened in the core arrangement portion 15a1 (also called the weakening portion 15a1) within the joint portion 10b of the waist member 10 for engaging the absorber 20 (see reference). Figure 2 In this embodiment, the area of ​​the joint 10b is larger than the area of ​​the core configuration portion 15a1.

[0092] Specifically, in the absorber 20, the core 25 is disposed at the center in the waist width direction and is sandwiched between the surface sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 with the leg folds 31 disposed along the two edges in the waist width direction. The back sheet 26 is joined to the joint 10b of the waist member 10. Furthermore, at least the core placement portion 15a1 for placing the core 25 in the joint 10b is weakened for the waist elastic member 11.

[0093] On the other hand, in the joint 10b, except for the core configuration portion 15a1 (for example, the two edges of the surface sheet 24 and the back sheet 26 of the portion that clamps the leg fold 31), the waist elastic member 11 is not weakened.

[0094] Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, a portion of the waist elastic member 11 is located above the joint 10b in the orthogonal direction of the waist. That is, a portion of the waist elastic member 11 is disposed between the upper edge of the waist body 16 in the orthogonal direction of the waist and the joint 10b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the waist elastic member 11 is not weakened in three directions of the joint 10b, namely, the two sides adjacent to the core configuration portion 15a1 in the waist width direction and the portion located above the core configuration portion 15a1 in the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0095] As in this embodiment, in the upper part of the joint 10b, which is further up in the orthogonal direction of the waistline than the core configuration portion 15a1, at least one of the waistline elastic members 11 is provided in an extended state. By joining the absorber 20 to this joint 10b, the distal end of the absorber 20 on the waistline member 10 side overlaps with the waistline elastic member 11 disposed in the upper part. Accordingly, just as the free end (the end opposite to the waistline member 10) of the absorber 20 in the orthogonal direction of the waistline can extend and retract based on the absorber elastic member 21 described later, the distal end of the absorber 20 on the waistline member 10 side can also extend and retract based on the waistline elastic member 11.

[0096] Furthermore, the waist elastic member 11 is weakened by the joint portion 15a2 (hereinafter also referred to as the weakened portion 15a2) used to engage the male hook and loop fastener 12 at both ends 10c in the waist width direction of the waist member 10.

[0097] Furthermore, based on the above method, although the area of ​​the joint portion 10b is larger than the area of ​​the core configuration portion 15a1, the area of ​​the joint portion 10b and the area of ​​the core configuration portion 15a1 can also be the same.

[0098] Furthermore, the engagement portion 15a2 for engaging the male hook and loop fastener 12 is at least a portion of the two ends 10c of the waist member 10. However, the regions of the two ends 10c and the region of the engagement portion 15a2 may coincide. In addition, in this embodiment, although the region of the engagement portion 15a2 and the region of the weakened portion coincide, the region of the weakened portion may be larger than the region of the engagement portion 15a2.

[0099] The weakening treatment is a process that reduces the elastic force of the elastic member on the waist body 16. Furthermore, the weakening treatment also includes processes that neutralize the elastic force of the elastic member. For example, the weakening treatment is performed by cutting off the portion of the waist elastic member 11 located within the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint portion 15a2. For example, the weakening treatment can be performed on the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint portion 15a2 by cutting off the waist elastic member 11, which is in a state where it is engaged with portions of the inner sheet 14 and outer sheet 15 other than the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint portion 15a2, but not engaged with the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint portion 15a2. For example, the cutting can be performed by using a cutting tool to cut the elastic member; or by heating the elastic member to perform melting cutting. By performing the weakening treatment, the elastic member is cut off, thereby weakening the elastic force of the core configuration portion 15a1 and the joint portion 15a2.

[0100] Furthermore, the weakening process includes not only the removal of elasticity by cutting off the elastic member as described above, but also a process that modifies the elastic member in a way that weakens its elasticity. Another weakening process involves intermittently joining the elastic member to the nonwoven fabric and then cutting off the elastic member between the joints. Accordingly, the elastic force of the elastic member is weakened within the range where the elastic member is cut.

[0101] Based on the aforementioned weakening treatment, the elastic force of the waist elastic member 11 on the waist body 16 is reduced in the weakened portion 15a1 for arranging the absorbent body 20 and the weakened portion 15a2 for arranging the male hook and loop fastener 12. That is, the elastic force of the waist elastic member 11 on the waist body 16 in the weakened portions 15a1 and 15a2 is weaker than the elastic force of the waist body 16 in the portion adjacent to the weakened portions 15a1 and 15a2 in the waist width direction.

[0102] In this way, the elastic force of the waist elastic member 11 on the waist body 16 is reduced in the weakened portion 15a1 used to configure the absorbent body 20. Accordingly, the contraction of the core 25 joined to the weakened portion 15a1 of the waist body 16 can be suppressed, so that the core 25 can reliably cover the back and the like.

[0103] Furthermore, in the weakened portion 15a2 where the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 is located, the elastic force of the waist elastic member 11 on the waist body 16 is reduced. Accordingly, the contraction of the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction of the connecting force between the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 and the female hook-and-loop fastener 22.

[0104] (Absorber)

[0105] The absorbent body 20 is a strip-shaped component that can absorb bodily fluids such as urine. It is joined to the joint 10b of the waist body 16 and extends from the joint 10b along the orthogonal direction of the waist. The absorbent body 20 is positioned from the wearer's back, through the hips, to the front abdomen.

[0106] The absorbent body 20 includes: a core 25 for absorbing bodily fluids; a surface sheet 24 disposed on the side of the core 25 facing the wearer's skin; a back sheet 26 disposed on the outer surface of the core 25 opposite to the skin-facing side, such that the core 25 is sandwiched between the back sheet 26 and the surface sheet 24; and a hook-and-loop fastener 22 disposed on the outer surface of the back sheet 26 opposite to the skin-facing side, and detachably connected to a hook-and-loop fastener 12. Furthermore, the absorbent body 20 also includes an absorbent body elastic member 21, leg folds 31, three-dimensional folds 40, and an indicator 50.

[0107] The surface sheet 24 is a strip-shaped sheet extending orthogonally along the waistline and is disposed on the side of the core 25 facing the wearer's skin. This is achieved by using approximately the same size, liquid-permeable first nonwoven fabric 24a and second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side (…). Figure 11 (Figure 12, etc.) These two nonwoven fabrics are stacked together, and the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side are joined together to form the surface sheet 24.

[0108] The first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side has a surface facing the wearer's skin when worn, and a plurality of irregular shapes 20a are provided on this skin-facing surface. Furthermore, the back side of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side has irregular shapes opposite to those on the surface. The shapes of the recessed and raised portions used to form the irregular shapes 20a are not particularly limited, but when viewed from above, they may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Moreover, the size of the recessed and raised portions is determined by providing comfort to the skin, such as inhibiting adhesion to the skin upon contact; for example, in the case of a circular shape, the size is approximately 3mm to 5mm when viewed from above.

[0109] Thus, the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the skin-facing side of the surface sheet 24 has a raised / lower shape 20a. Therefore, the raised portion of the raised / lower shape 20a contacts the elastic point of the wearer's skin, while air can pass through the recessed portion, resulting in good breathability. Therefore, based on this surface sheet 24, compared to a case where the surface sheet 24 is in direct contact with the skin, the skin feel is improved. Furthermore, even after the absorbent 20 absorbs bodily fluids such as urine and sweat, the raised portion of the surface sheet 24 remains in contact with the skin surface that has been moistened by urine, etc., and because the recessed portion is breathable, discomfort to the skin surface is reduced.

[0110] The second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is bonded to the outer surface of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, opposite to the surface facing the skin. The second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side has a shape with a gentler undulation than the uneven shape 20a of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. The surface of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side facing the skin is, for example, a flat surface. Thus, the undulation of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is smaller than that of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. Therefore, the ease of elongation of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is less than that of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. Accordingly, the elongation of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side is constrained by the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, thereby maintaining the uneven shape 20a of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. At this time, the recessed portion in the uneven shape 20a of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side engages with the flat surface of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, and the shape of the raised portion in the uneven shape 20a is maintained based on the engagement of the recessed portion. For example, even if the wearer presses the uneven shape 20a by contact, the raised portion is difficult to deform, and the good skin feel obtained by point contact with the raised portion can be maintained.

[0111] In addition, although the surface sheet 24 is formed by two pieces of nonwoven fabric (the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side), the number of nonwoven fabric sheets can also be three or more.

[0112] Furthermore, when the uneven shape 20a is provided on the surface sheet 24, it is sufficient that the uneven shape 20a is provided on the surface of at least one of the nonwoven fabrics facing the skin side. Therefore, the uneven shape 20a can also be provided on all the nonwoven fabrics used to constitute the surface sheet 24.

[0113] Alternatively, the surface sheet 24 can also be formed from a single piece of nonwoven fabric. In this case, a textured surface 20a is provided on the skin-facing side of the nonwoven fabric.

[0114] Furthermore, the bonding of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be achieved by hot melt adhesive bonding or heat-sealing fusion, but ultrasonic fusion is more ideal. When ultrasonic fusion is used for this bonding, the softness of the surface sheet 24 can be maintained compared to the use of adhesive, with little hardness and less discomfort.

[0115] Based on the above method, a plurality of irregular shapes 20a are provided on the skin-facing side of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. However, the technical solution for the surface sheet 24 also includes a solution where the skin-facing side of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side is a flat surface. In this case, the surface sheet 24 may also be formed from only one flat nonwoven fabric. That is, the surface sheet 24 may also be formed from only the flat surface first nonwoven fabric 24a, without removing the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side.

[0116] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed from above, the core 25 is a rectangular strip extending in the direction orthogonal to the waist. Additionally, a constriction portion may be formed at the center of both edges of the core 25 in the waist-width direction. To allow the core 25 to be positioned around the wearer's legs without gaps, the constriction portion is formed by recessing the two edges in the waist-width direction. The constriction portion has a curved shape designed to extend the curve of the aforementioned leg-circling curved portion 15b.

[0117] The manufacturing method for core 25 will be described in detail later. Figure 5A As shown, the core 25 is manufactured by continuously joining them along the orthogonal direction of the waist. A cutting region Cut is provided between the continuous cores 25. The continuous cores 25 are cut along the cutting line N in the cutting region Cut, thereby dividing them into one core 25 with a specified length 25L. Furthermore, the distribution density of SAP in the cutting region Cut is lower than the distribution density of SAP in the holding region R2, which will be described later. Specifically, in this embodiment, the cutting regions Cut of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side hardly hold SAP. Alternatively, SAP may not be carried at all in the cutting region Cut.

[0118] The core 25 is formed from two nonwoven fabrics, a first nonwoven fabric S1 and a second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) carried by these first nonwoven fabrics S1 and second nonwoven fabrics S2. In the core 25, the two nonwoven fabrics, the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2, are... Figure 5B The layers are stacked as shown. SAP is a water-absorbing material, such as sodium polyacrylate.

[0119] More specifically, the core 25 also includes a core-side second nonwoven fabric S2, which is laminated onto the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 in a manner facing each other via SAP. On the respective facing surfaces of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2, a fiber layer that is napped to create gaps for carrying SAP is formed. By arranging SAP in the gaps of this fiber layer, the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 can carry a large amount of SAP. Examples of nonwoven fabrics having such fiber layers include air-laid nonwoven fabrics.

[0120] Furthermore, by having two layers of nonwoven fabric, the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, carry the SAP, compared to setting only one layer of the first nonwoven fabric on the core side, the SAP can be carried with a greater load, thus increasing the SAP's absorption of urine and other substances.

[0121] Moreover, such as Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side carries the SAP in a manner that forms a first low-density region R11 and a holding region R2. The first low-density region R11 is arranged adjacent to both ends of the holding region R2 in the waist-to-waist orthogonal direction. Furthermore, the first low-density region R11 is... Figure 5A The cut area is the region from the end of the retaining region R2 in the orthogonal direction to the cut line N. The SAP distribution density in the first low-density region R11 is lower than that in the retaining region R2. Furthermore, the first low-density region R11 may not support SAP. The retaining region R2 is the region that supports SAP to have a specified absorbency for urine, etc. Moreover, the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1, as a whole, exhibits the predetermined absorbency performance of the first low-density region R11 and the retaining region R2.

[0122] On the other hand, such as Figure 5B , Figure 5CAs shown, in a top view, the holding region R3 of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side is positioned to overlap with the holding region R2 of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. Furthermore, in a top view, the third low-density region R13 of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side is positioned to overlap with the first low-density region R11 of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. The SAP distribution density in the third low-density region R13 is lower than the SAP distribution density in the holding regions R2 and R3. Additionally, the third low-density region R13 may not support SAP. The SAP distribution density in the holding region R3 is set to have a specified absorbency for urine, etc. Moreover, the SAP distribution density throughout the third low-density region R13 and the holding region R3 of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side is set to achieve a predetermined absorbency.

[0123] Furthermore, the density of SAP in the retention region R3 can be approximately the same as, or different from, that in the retention region R2. Similarly, the density of SAP in the third low-density region R13 can be approximately the same as, or different from, that in the first low-density region R11.

[0124] Furthermore, the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side is disposed on the side of the garment 1 facing the wearer's skin, and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side is layered on the back side of the first nonwoven fabric S1.

[0125] The two nonwoven fabrics, the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, are stacked in such a way that the fiber layers that raise the fibers and carry the SAP face each other. This suppresses SAP shedding. Specifically, the high-density fibers intertwine on the outer, non-pilled outer portions of the outer surfaces of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side. Through these outer portions, the SAP is carried within the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side.

[0126] The first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side is formed in a manner that maintains SAP (Solid Absorption Strength). Because the absorbency per unit volume of SAP is higher than that of fluff pulp per unit volume, the amount of fluff pulp used can be reduced. Accordingly, the thickness of the core 25 can be reduced compared to a nonwoven fabric formed only from the amount of fluff pulp required for a specified absorbency. Because the thickness of the garment 1 having this first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side is also thinner, it is easier for the garment 1 to conform to the body shape of the wearer's waist, thereby improving the fit of the garment 1.

[0127] Furthermore, compared to nonwoven fabrics formed solely from the amount of fluff pulp required for specified absorbency, the thickness of the core 25 can be reduced. By thinning the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, the thickness of the garment 1 can also be reduced, making it easier for the garment 1 to conform to the body shape of the wearer's waist, thereby improving the fit of the garment 1.

[0128] Furthermore, the retaining region R2 lacks softness because the SAP distribution density is higher than that of the first low-density region R11. Conversely, the first low-density region R11 has higher softness than the retaining region R2 because the SAP distribution density is lower. Therefore, the core 25 with the first low-density region R11 is prone to shape deformation. Here, when the wearer puts on the garment 1, the two ends of the retaining region R2 in the waist-to-body orthogonal direction are positioned towards the wearer's front abdomen and back, respectively. The portion of the core 25 adjacent to the two ends of the retaining region R2 in the waist-to-body orthogonal direction is provided with the first low-density region R11, where the SAP distribution density is lower than that of the retaining region R2. Therefore, the portion of the core 25 with the first low-density region R11 flexibly deforms along the body shape of the front abdomen and back, and this portion provides a soft touch against the front abdomen and back, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the garment 1.

[0129] Moreover, they can also be combined. Figures 5A to 5C The shown core 25 and surface sheet 24 with an uneven shape 20a are used to manufacture the wearable article 1. In this case, the uneven shape 20a of the surface sheet 24 can improve breathability and skin feel. In addition, after absorbing body fluids, the uneven shape 20a of the surface sheet 24 can also maintain good breathability and skin feel.

[0130] Furthermore, the arrangement of the low-density regions in the core 25 is not limited to the above-described manner; for example, it can also be arranged in other ways. Figures 6A to 6D The layout shown.

[0131] like Figure 6A , Figure 6BIn the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side shown, the first low-density region R11 is arranged adjacent to the two ends of the retaining region R2 in the orthogonal direction of the waist, and the second low-density region R12 is arranged to be sandwiched in the retaining region R2 in the waist width direction. The retaining region R2 is the region that carries SAP to have a specified absorbency for urine and the like. The distribution density of SAP in the second low-density region R12 is lower than the distribution density of SAP in the retaining region R2. Alternatively, the second low-density region R12 may not carry SAP. The distribution density of SAP in the second low-density region R12 may be approximately the same as or different from the distribution density of SAP in the first low-density region R11. Moreover, the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, as a whole, with the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the retaining region R2, performs the predetermined absorbency.

[0132] The formation location of the second low-density region R12 in this embodiment will be further explained as follows: Figure 6A As shown, the second low-density region R12 is provided continuously along the orthogonal direction of the waist in the central part of the core 25 in the waist-width direction. The retaining region R2 is provided adjacent to both sides of the second low-density region R12 in the waist-width direction.

[0133] The amount of SAP retained in the second low-density region R12 is less than the amount retained in the retention region R2. Therefore, the core 25 in the second low-density region R12 is more flexible than the core 25 in the retention region R2. Accordingly, the core 25 is easier to deform along the body shape, and the stiffness of the core 25 can be suppressed, thereby improving the fit of the garment 1.

[0134] For example, in Figures 6A to 6D In this structure, the second low-density region R12 extends continuously along the orthogonal direction of the waist at the center of the core 25 in the waist-width direction. Accordingly, by bending the core 25 based on the second low-density region R12, which has less SAP and greater flexibility compared to the holding region R2, the core 25 can be deformed along the wearer's body shape within the formation range of the second low-density region R12 in the orthogonal direction of the waist, thereby improving the fit of the garment.

[0135] Specifically, since the second low-density region R12 is located in the central part in the waist-width direction, therefore, as Figure 6C As shown, with the second low-density region R12 in the central part as the center, the core 25 can be easily deformed into a roughly symmetrical inverted V-shaped form. Accordingly, as Figure 6CAs shown, when a wearer puts on the garment, the core 25, extending from the back, through the hips, and to the front abdomen, deforms to conform to the shape of the wearer's hips. Therefore, the wearing comfort of the garment 1 can be further improved. Furthermore, regarding the core 25, as... Figure 6D As shown, the core 25 can also be deformed into a roughly symmetrical V-shaped form centered on the second low-density region R12. In this case, the core 25 is less likely to thicken between the hips, thus improving the wearing comfort of the garment 1.

[0136] Furthermore, compared to the retaining region R2, the second low-density region R12 absorbs less urine, etc., thus allowing urine, etc., to diffuse along the second low-density region R12 in a direction perpendicular to the waist. Accordingly, the core 25 can effectively absorb urine, etc., by utilizing the retaining regions R2 adjacent to both sides of the second low-density region R12 in the waist-width direction.

[0137] To be more specific, based on Figure 6A The arrangement of the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2 shown is such that the second low-density region R12 is located in the central part of the core 25 in the waist-width direction, that is, in the groin area where the amount of urine or the like is relatively large. Therefore, it is highly likely that urine or the like will be guided to the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2 adjacent to it in the waist-width direction. Moreover, after urine or the like is guided to the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2, the second low-density region R12 and the surrounding holding region R2 can absorb urine or the like while the urine or the like diffuses along the second low-density region R12 which extends in the orthogonal direction of the waist. At this time, the urine or the like that diffuses along the second low-density region R12 is also absorbed by the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2 adjacent to it in the waist-width direction. Therefore, compared to the absence of the second low-density region R12 (when the density of SAP remains constant throughout the retention range), by allowing urine and other substances to diffuse, the retention region R2 can be used to rapidly absorb urine and other substances. Thus, the stickiness on the skin caused by urine and other substances can be quickly resolved, and discomfort can be alleviated.

[0138] Furthermore, because the second low-density region R12 can be used as a region for the expansion of SAP in the retaining region R2, it is possible to prevent the absorbent 20 from adhering excessively to the skin surface. Accordingly, the stickiness on the skin surface caused by urine, etc., can be quickly resolved, and discomfort can be alleviated.

[0139] Furthermore, by connecting the male hook and female hook 22, the aforementioned... Figures 6A to 6DThe garment 1 with the core 25 shown is worn around the waist. Furthermore, with the absorbent 20 in contact with the hips, before absorbing bodily fluids, the softness of the second low-density region R12 of the core 25 enhances the fit to the hips. Moreover, after absorbing bodily fluids, the second low-density region R12 of the core 25 ensures sufficient expansion space for the absorbent polymer (SAP), thereby preventing unnecessary excessive expansion of the core 25 towards the skin side and maintaining a pleasant skin feel.

[0140] Alternatively, combinations are also possible. Figures 6A to 6D The wearable article 1 is manufactured using the shown core 25 and surface sheet 24 with an uneven shape 20a. When the absorbent 20 is in contact with the crotch area, before absorbing bodily fluids, the wearable article 1 can improve the fit to the crotch area and enhance breathability and skin feel based on the uneven shape 20a of the surface sheet 24 and the second low-density region R12 of the core 25. Furthermore, after absorbing bodily fluids, the second low-density region R12 of the core 25 ensures expansion space for the absorbent polymer (SAP), thus preventing unnecessary excessive expansion of the core 25 towards the skin surface, and maintaining good breathability and skin feel through the uneven shape 20a of the surface sheet 24.

[0141] Furthermore, the second low-density region R12 and the retaining region R2 are not limited to being formed by adjusting the amount of SAP in the core-side nonwoven fabric. For example, the space formed by dividing the core-side nonwoven fabric in which the retaining region R2 is formed and separating the divided portions from each other in the width direction can also be used as the second low-density region R12. Alternatively, the portion of the core-side nonwoven fabric in the retaining region R2 that is pressed to flatten the fibers in the napped state, thereby reducing the gap for retaining SAP, can also be used as the second low-density region R12.

[0142] In the above method, the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side only has a third low-density region R13 as a low-density region. However, both the core-side nonwoven fabrics S1 and S2 can also have a first low-density region R11, a second low-density region R12, and a holding region R2. For example, the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side has a first low-density region R11 located at both ends of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and a second low-density region R12 located between the two first low-density regions R11. Similarly, the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side has a third low-density region R13 located at both ends of the second nonwoven fabric S2 and a second low-density region R12 located between the two third low-density regions R13. In this case, the second low-density region R12 of the first core-side nonwoven fabric S1 and the second low-density region R12 of the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 can be configured in different positions when viewed from above, or they can be configured in overlapping positions when viewed from above.

[0143] In addition, for Figures 6A to 6D The second low-density region R12, for example, can also be adopted Figures 7A to 7C As shown. Regarding Figures 7A to 7C The second low-density region R12, only its relationship with Figures 6A to 6D The differences will be explained in detail.

[0144] like Figure 7A In the example shown, the first low-density region R11 is arranged adjacent to both ends of the retaining region R2 in the waist-width orthogonal direction. Furthermore, a plurality of second low-density regions R12 are intermittently arranged along the waist-width orthogonal direction at the center of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. Accordingly, by using the retaining region R2 between the plurality of second low-density regions R12 as a dam, the diffusion range of urine, etc., in the core 25 and the absorption range of the retaining region R2 can be approximately divided into three parts.

[0145] Furthermore, in the central portion of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, in the waist-width direction, at both ends in the waist-orthogonal direction, the retaining region R2 is configured to be adjacent to the second low-density region R12 in the waist-orthogonal direction. That is, in the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, both ends of the second low-density region R12 in the waist-orthogonal direction are closed by the retaining region R2. Accordingly, the retaining region R2 can be used as a dam against the second low-density region R12. Therefore, based on Figure 7A The structure shown can prevent urine and other substances from being guided from the second low-density region R12 along the orthogonal direction of the waist to the outside of the core 25.

[0146] for Figure 7BIn the example shown, in the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, the first low-density region R11 is arranged adjacent to both ends of the retaining region R2 in the waist-width orthogonal direction, and, except for the region located at the center position in the waist-width direction, it is also arranged adjacent to the retaining region R2 in the waist-width orthogonal direction. Figure 6A In addition to the same second low-density region R12, two second low-density regions R12 are also provided on both sides of the waist-width direction of the second low-density region R12. The three second low-density regions R12 extend parallel to each other along the waist-width orthogonal direction. With the addition of two second low-density regions R12, urine and other substances dispersed on the surface of the core 25 can be easily diffused throughout the entire core 25, and the softness of the core 25 in the waist-width orthogonal direction is also improved.

[0147] for Figure 7C In the example shown, the first low-density region R11 is configured to be adjacent to both ends of the holding region R2 in the orthogonal direction of the waist, without any... Figure 7B The second low-density region R12 shown is located at the center position of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side in the waist-width direction. That is, a holding region R2 is provided at the center position of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side in the waist-width direction, and second low-density regions R12 are respectively provided on both sides of this center position in the waist-width direction. The two second low-density regions R12 extend parallel to each other along the orthogonal direction of the waist. Based on the two second low-density regions R12, and... Figure 6A Compared to the second low-density region R12 shown, it is easier for urine and other substances to diffuse throughout the core 25, and the flexibility of the core 25 in the orthogonal direction of the waist is also improved.

[0148] In addition, Figure 7A , Figure 7B In the example shown, it is also related to Figure 6A Similarly, in the example shown, with the central portion in the waist-width direction where the second low-density region R12 is located as the center, the core 25 can be easily deformed into a generally symmetrical V-shaped or inverted V-shaped form. Furthermore, in Figure 7C In the example shown, because two second low-density regions R12 are provided that are located away from the center in the waist width direction, the core 25 is easily deformed into a roughly symmetrical U-shaped or inverted U-shaped shape.

[0149] Furthermore, the extension direction of the second low-density region R12 is not limited to the orthogonal direction of the waist. For example, the second low-density region R12 may extend along the waist width direction in the core 25 and be sandwiched within the retaining region R2 in the waist width direction. For example, when the second low-density region R12 is positioned under the crotch along the waist width direction, urine and the like can diffuse along the second low-density region R12 in the waist width direction, and the retaining region R2 adjacent to the second low-density region R12 can also be absorbed. In addition, since the end of the second low-density region R12 in the waist width direction is adjacent to the retaining region R2, the retaining region R2 can be used as a dam. Accordingly, urine and the like can be prevented from being guided from the second low-density region R12 to the outer side of the core 25 in the waist width direction.

[0150] Furthermore, the second low-density region R12 may also have a portion extending in the orthogonal direction of the waist and a portion extending in the width direction of the waist. For example, the second low-density region R12 may also have a portion extending in the orthogonal direction of the waist at the center of the core 25 in the width direction of the waist, and a portion that branches off from the portion extending in the orthogonal direction of the waist in the width direction of the waist. Accordingly, along the second low-density region R12, urine and the like can diffuse in both the orthogonal direction of the waist and the width direction of the waist, allowing the holding region R2 to rapidly absorb urine and the like.

[0151] Furthermore, the regions with different SAP distribution densities are not limited to the low-density regions R11, R12, R13 and the holding regions R2, R3. For example, multiple regions with different distribution densities selected from the distribution regions between the SAP distribution density of 0 and the SAP distribution density of the holding region R2 can be set in the core 25, based on the holding region R2.

[0152] Furthermore, based on the above method, although both core-side nonwoven fabrics carry SAP, it is also possible for only one core-side nonwoven fabric to carry SAP, while the remaining core-side nonwoven fabrics do not carry SAP. Moreover, it may also include fluff pulp.

[0153] Additionally, for example, in Figures 5A to 5C In the core 25, a core-side nonwoven fabric including fluff pulp can also be disposed on the side of the core 25 facing the wearer's skin, while... Figures 5A to 5C The first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side shown is positioned on the side opposite to the skin side. In this case, the fluff pulp of the core-side nonwoven fabric facing the skin side absorbs body fluids earlier than the SAP, and the SAP of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side located on the opposite side further absorbs the body fluids absorbed by the fluff pulp. Figures 6A to 6D , Figures 7A to 7C The core 25, similarly as described above, can have a core-side nonwoven fabric, including fluff pulp, disposed on the upper layer, while... Figures 6A to 6D and Figures 7A to 7C The first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side is arranged in the lower layer.

[0154] Furthermore, the method of carrying SAP by the core-side nonwoven fabric is not limited to carrying SAP on the fiber layer of the core-side nonwoven fabric, which has been napped to form gaps for carrying SAP. For example, an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the core-side nonwoven fabric, and SAP may be dispersed onto the applied adhesive to arrange SAP on the surface of the core-side nonwoven fabric. In this case, the amount of adhesive per unit area applied to the low-density regions R11, R12, and R13 is less than the amount of adhesive per unit area applied to the holding regions R2 and R3. Alternatively, SAP may be dispersed onto the fiber layer of the napped core-side nonwoven fabric and attracted from the surface opposite to the surface where SAP is dispersed, thereby carrying SAP within the fiber layer of the core-side nonwoven fabric.

[0155] Furthermore, the number of sheets of core-side nonwoven fabric used to form the core 25 is not limited to two sheets, and can also be formed from one sheet of core-side nonwoven fabric.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, the back sheet 26 is a rectangular strip-shaped sheet extending orthogonally along the waist. Furthermore, the back sheet 26 is disposed on the outer surface of the core 25 opposite to the surface facing the skin, and the core 25 is sandwiched between the back sheet 26 and the surface sheet 24. The back sheet 26 has: a liquid-impermeable sheet 26a facing the core 25; and an outer sheet 26b for covering the outer surface of the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a opposite to the surface facing the core 25.

[0157] The liquid-impermeable sheet 26a is a strip-shaped sheet that is waterproof but prevents urine and other substances from passing through. The liquid-impermeable sheet 26a is formed using a nonwoven fabric, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Ideally, the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a is also breathable.

[0158] With the core 25 positioned within the width and orthogonal directions of the impermeable sheet 26a, the core 25 is attached to the impermeable sheet 26a. Thus, since the impermeable sheet 26a is located on the outer surface of the core 25 opposite to the surface facing the skin, even if the core 25 cannot completely absorb urine, leakage of urine or the like into the impermeable sheet 26a can be prevented.

[0159] Figure 4In the example shown, the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a is rectangular. However, when viewed from above, a leg-circumferential curve can also be formed on the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a at the center position of the two edges along the waist-width direction. To allow the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a to be positioned around the wearer's legs without gaps, the leg-circumferential curve is formed by recessing the two edges in the waist-width direction.

[0160] The leg folds 31 are elastic components corresponding to the leg roots when the wearer puts on the garment 1. The leg folds 31 are respectively provided along the two edges of the impermeable sheet 26a in the width direction, covering approximately the entire range of the impermeable sheet 26a in the orthogonal direction of the waist. The leg folds 31 are arranged in an elongated state between the impermeable sheet 26a and the surface sheet 24 along the orthogonal direction of the waist, and are engaged with at least one of the impermeable sheet 26a and the surface sheet 24. This engagement can be achieved using hot melt adhesive bonding or heat-sealing fusion, but ultrasonic welding is more ideal. By providing these leg folds 31, a softer tactile feel can be provided to the leg roots compared to when the two edges of the absorbent body 20 directly abut against them, further improving the wearing comfort of the garment 1.

[0161] Alternatively, the leg fold 31 can also be disposed between the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a and the outer sheet 26b, and engaged with at least one of them.

[0162] The absorbent elastic member 21 is provided at the free end (the end opposite to the waist member 10) in the orthogonal direction of the waist of the impermeable sheet 26a, and has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the waist width direction. Therefore, the distal end of the absorbent 20 with the impermeable sheet 26a, opposite to the side joined to the waist member 10, can stretch and contract along the waist width direction. Furthermore, as described above, the waist member 10 can also stretch and contract along the waist width direction based on the waist elastic member 11. Accordingly, the distal ends of both the waist member 10 and the absorbent 20 can stretch and contract in the waist width direction according to the wearer's waist length, thus allowing for greater freedom in selecting the connection position between the male hook-and-eye clasp 12 of the waist member 10 and the female hook-and-eye clasp 22 of the absorbent 20. This improves the fit of the garment 1.

[0163] Furthermore, the absorbent elastic member 21 is not a necessary component. Even if the absorbent elastic member 21 is omitted, the waist member 10 is elastic along the waist width direction, thus improving the fit of the garment 1.

[0164] The outer sheet 26b is a sheet formed of nonwoven fabric that extends orthogonally along the waistline. It is installed on the outer surface of the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a, opposite to the surface facing the skin, while covering the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a from the outer surface side. Therefore, the aesthetics of the outer side of the garment 1 and the feel against the skin of the garment 1 can be improved. Figure 4 In the example shown, the outer sheet 26b is rectangular. However, when viewed from above, a leg-circumferential curve can also be formed on the outer sheet 26b at the center of both edges along the waist-width direction. In this case, to ensure that the outer sheet 26b is positioned without gaps around the wearer's legs, the leg-circumferential curve is formed by recessing the two edges in the waist-width direction.

[0165] As described above, a leg-circumferential curved portion can be provided on both the impermeable sheet 26a and the outer sheet 26b. Furthermore, as described above, a leg-circumferential curved portion 15b is provided on the lower edge of the waist member 10 on the leg root side. In this case, as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, by connecting the male hook and loop fastener 12 of the waist member 10 and the female hook and loop fastener 22 of the absorbent body 20 to assemble the garment 1, a curved leg opening arranged around the entire circumference of the leg can be formed based on the leg-circumference curves of the impermeable sheets 26a and the outer sheet 26b, and the leg-circumference curves 15b of the waist member 10.

[0166] Furthermore, the periphery of the leg opening is elastically fitted to the entire circumference of the leg root by leg folds 31 and waist elastic members 11 located near the curve portion 15b around the leg. This improves wearing comfort.

[0167] The female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is disposed on the outer surface of the outer layer 26b at the distal end opposite to the waist member 10 in the orthogonal direction of the waist. The female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is disposed over approximately the entire width of the waist at the distal end of the outer layer 26b. The length of the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 in the orthogonal direction of the waist can be approximately the same as, or longer than, the length of the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 in the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0168] Thus, the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is positioned over approximately the entire width of the waistline at the distal end of the outer layer 26b. Therefore, by extending or retracting the waist member 10 along the waistline, the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 can be connected to any position along the waistline of the female hook-and-loop fastener 22, offering considerable freedom in choosing the connection position. Consequently, the connection position between the waist member 10 and the absorbent body 20 can be easily adjusted according to the waist length of each wearer, improving the fit.

[0169] The indicator 50 changes color according to the amount of urine or the like absorbed by the core 25, indicating that the wearer has urinated. The indicator 50 is located on the skin-facing side of the outer layer 26b, extending along the waist-width direction at the center of the outer layer 26b. For example, an adhesive that changes color according to the amount of urine or the like is used as the indicator 50.

[0170] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, a three-dimensional pleat 40 is provided on the surface of the surface piece 24 facing the skin. The three-dimensional pleat 40 has: a pair of upright flaps 42; and three-dimensional pleat elastic members 41 respectively provided on the upright flaps 42. The upright flaps 42 extend in the waist-width orthogonal direction and are respectively engaged with two edges of the surface piece 24 in the waist-width direction. Specifically, one edge of each upright flap 42 in the waist-width direction (e.g., the right edge) is engaged with one edge of the surface piece 24 in the waist-width direction (e.g., the right edge). Each three-dimensional pleat elastic member 41 is engaged with the other edge of the upright flap 42 in the waist-width direction (e.g., the left edge) in an extended state. When the absorbent body 20 is bent along the wearer's hip in the waist-width orthogonal direction, the other edge of each upright flap 42 in the waist-width direction (e.g., the left edge) contracts based on the force of the three-dimensional pleat elastic member 41, thereby making each upright flap 42 stand up relative to the surface piece 24. When worn, the flaps 42 are raised and elastically conform to the back, hips, and abdomen. This helps to prevent urine and other substances from leaking out of the garment 1.

[0171] Furthermore, to prevent the waist member 10 and absorbent body 20 from unfolding during wear, the length of the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 along the waist width direction and the orthogonal direction of the waist can be set to a length sufficient to provide a connection force that allows it to connect with the male hook-and-loop fastener 12. For example, the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 can be provided only at the center of the waist width direction on the distal end of the outer layer 26b, or it can be divided into two and provided on both sides of the waist width direction.

[0172] In addition, as long as the waist component 10 and the absorbent body 20 can be connected, a female hook-and-loop fastener 22 can be provided on the waist component 10 and a male hook-and-loop fastener 12 can be provided on the absorbent body 20.

[0173] In addition, the back sheet 26 may also be formed solely of an impermeable sheet 26a.

[0174] Alternatively, a transfer sheet (not shown in the figure) may be provided between the surface sheet 24 and the core 25. This transfer sheet is used to allow urine and the like to spread rapidly along the surface of the core 25 and to prevent urine and the like absorbed by the core 25 from leaking out of the surface sheet 24.

[0175] Since the connection between the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 and the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is released in the initial state of this unfoldable garment 1, it can be unfolded into a specified shape without releasing the connection. In the unfolded garment, the two side portions 10a of the waist member 10 protrude from the absorbent body 20 disposed on the joint portion 10b of the waist member 10. These two side portions 10a can be arranged along the wearer's waist towards the distal end of the absorbent body 20 and abut against the back panel 26 of the absorbent body 20 disposed along the wearer's hips. Then, by connecting the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 of the two ends 10c of the waist member 10 in the waist width direction to the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 of the back panel 26, the unfolded garment 1 is supported at the waist, the absorbent body 20 is pulled up, and the absorbent body 20 fits against the wearer's hips.

[0176] In this way, by connecting the male hook and female hook and female hook of the garment 1 in its unfolded form, the garment 1 can be made into an underwear-like form, which the wearer can put on like pants. Furthermore, when in the underwear-like form, by unconnecting the male hook and female hook and female hook and female hook, it can be unfolded back into a specified unfolded form.

[0177] Furthermore, the wearable item 1 becomes compact through folding, enabling multiple wearable items 1 to take on forms suitable for packaging, storage, etc.

[0178] <Manufacturing Method for Expandable Wearable Items>

[0179] The manufacturing method of the above-mentioned unfolded wearable item 1 will now be described.

[0180] In the following processes, MD (Machine Direction) A is the transport direction of the wafer, etc., and CD (Cross Direction) W is a direction that is approximately orthogonal to MD A.

[0181] (1) Process 1 to Process 2

[0182] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 As shown in Figure 17, processes 1 to 2 are... Figure 9 This is an example of a process for manufacturing a continuous waist-body structure consisting of multiple waist-body main bodies in a transverse flow state. Figure 9 In the lateral flow state shown, the MD direction A is consistent with the waist width direction, and the CD direction W is consistent with the waist orthogonal direction.

[0183] (Process 1)

[0184] In process 1, a continuous body of outer sheet 15, consisting of multiple outer sheet bodies 15 connected in series, is conveyed along the MD direction A (see reference). Figure 17AFurthermore, the waist elastic member 11 is arranged in a straight line along the MD direction A on the continuum of the outer sheet 15 (see reference). Figure 17B On the lower side, separated from the upper edge of the outer sheet 15, the waist elastic members 11 are arranged at intervals along the orthogonal direction of the waist.

[0185] Next, as Figure 9 and Figure 17C As shown, a continuous body of inner sheet 14, consisting of multiple inner sheet bodies 14 connected in series, is conveyed along the MD direction A, and the continuous body of inner sheet bodies 14 is arranged on the continuous body of outer sheet body 15 such that it covers the waist elastic member 11 from above. Figure 9 As shown, the inner sheet 14 is positioned such that the upper side of the outer sheet 15 is exposed, and covers and joins the outer sheet 15. Accordingly, the exposed portion of the outer sheet 15 forms the protrusion 15c.

[0186] Based on the above method, the waist elastic member 11 is arranged in a straight line along the MD direction A on the continuum of the outer sheet 15. However, the waist elastic member 11 disposed at the lower edge of the inner sheet 14 can also be arranged in a curved shape along the curve of the leg perimeter curve 15b formed in step 8 described later. For example, the waist elastic member 11 disposed at the lower edge of the inner sheet 14 can also be disposed on the outer sheet 15 along a generally sinusoidal trajectory that meanders relative to the MD direction A.

[0187] Then, the waist elastic member 11 is sandwiched in an extended state between the continuous body of the outer sheet 15 and the continuous body of the inner sheet 14, and is joined to at least one of the continuous bodies of the outer sheet 15 and the inner sheet 14. Furthermore, the joining method can be hot melt adhesive bonding or heat-sealing based welding, but ultrasonic welding is more ideal.

[0188] (Process 2)

[0189] In step 2, the waist elastic member 11 on the weakened portion 15a1 for arranging the absorber 20 and the weakened portion 15a2 for arranging the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 in the continuous body of the outer sheet 15 and the continuous body of the inner sheet 14 is weakened. As described later, the weakening process is a process in which the elastic member at a specified location is weakened compared to the adjacent portion, or the elasticity of the specified location is rendered ineffective, by cutting the elastic member at a specified location using a tool or by melting it with heat. Specifically, through the weakening process, the elastic force of the weakened portions 15a1 and 15a2 becomes weaker than that along the waist width direction ( Figure 9 The elastic force of the portion adjacent to the weakened portions 15a1 and 15a2 in the MD direction A) is weaker.

[0190] As a weakening treatment, for example, the waist elastic member 11 can be melted by using an embossing roller (heat embossing) (see Japanese Invention Publication No. 2002-113042), or by using a gathering cutter 60 (see...). Figure 8 The method of cutting the waist elastic component 11.

[0191] In addition, the weakening process only needs to be performed during the period before step 8, which is described later, for installing the absorber 20.

[0192] (2) Processes 3 to 7

[0193] Processes 3 to 7 are in Figure 10 This is an example of a process for manufacturing absorber 20 under longitudinal flow conditions. Figure 10 In the longitudinal flow state shown, the MD direction A is aligned with the orthogonal direction of the waist, and the CD direction W is aligned with the width direction of the waist.

[0194] (Process 3)

[0195] In step 3, a surface sheet semi-finished product is formed by combining a continuous body of surface sheets 24 formed by multiple continuous surface sheets 24 with a continuous body of three-dimensional wrinkles 40 formed by multiple continuous three-dimensional wrinkles 40.

[0196] exist Figure 8 , Figure 10 In Figure 18, a nonwoven sheet for forming a continuous body of multiple standing flaps 42 is continuously conveyed along the MD direction A, and the nonwoven sheet is cut along the MD direction A by a slitter 62 (see Figure 18). Figure 18A The two strip-shaped upright flaps 42, after being cut, separate along the CD direction W at a specified interval W2 (see reference). Figure 18B Next, the three-dimensional pleated elastic member 41 is arranged in an elongated state along the MD direction A on the inner edge of each of the continuous bodies of the pair of upright flaps 42 (the continuous body of one upright flap 42 approaches the edge of the continuous body of the other upright flap 42 along the CD direction W) (see reference). Figure 18C ).

[0197] like Figure 18DAs shown, the inner edge of the three-dimensional corrugated elastic member 41 disposed in the continuous body of the upright flap 42 is folded back by the sailor 63 so that the three-dimensional corrugated elastic member 41 is clamped inside the upright flap 42. This forms an inner bend 40a. At this time, with the three-dimensional corrugated elastic member 41 in an elongated state clamped in the inner bend 40a along the MD direction A, it is joined to the continuous body of the upright flap 42 by means of hot melt adhesive bonding, heat-sealing welding, or ultrasonic welding. Thus, a continuous body with three-dimensional corrugations 40 is manufactured.

[0198] Subsequently, the outer edge 40b of the continuous body of the three-dimensional pleats 40 (the edge of the continuous body of one upright flap 42 moving away from the continuous body of another upright flap 42 along the CD direction W) is joined to the two outer edges of the continuous body of the surface sheet 24 continuously conveyed along the MD direction A along the CD direction W by means of hot melt adhesive bonding, heat-sealing based welding, and ultrasonic welding, thereby manufacturing a surface sheet semi-finished product (see reference). Figure 18E ).

[0199] The manufacturing method of the continuous surface sheet 24 will now be described. First, the structure of the manufacturing apparatus 85 for the continuous surface sheet 24 will be described.

[0200] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of manufacturing apparatus 85. (For example...) Figure 11 As shown, the manufacturing apparatus 85 includes: first and second rollers 92 and 94 arranged adjacent to each other; and a coupling device 100 arranged adjacent to the first roller 92.

[0201] The first roller 92 has a plurality of recesses 92a on its cylindrical outer peripheral surface 92s, which are recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surface 92s and engage with a plurality of protrusions 94a described later. The second roller 94 has a plurality of protrusions 94a on its cylindrical outer peripheral surface 94s, which protrude radially outward from the outer peripheral surface 94s. The shape of the protrusions 94a is, for example, a hemispherical shape with a hemispherical tip; alternatively, it can be, for example, a cuboid shape, a cylindrical shape, a frustum shape, etc. As indicated by arrows 92r and 94r, the first and second rollers 92 and 94 rotate in opposite directions. The recesses 92a of the first roller 92 and the protrusions 94a of the second roller 94 engage with each other in the engagement region 93. More specifically, the first and second rollers 92 and 94 rotate in such a way that the recess 92a and the protrusion 94a are engaged in a state in which a gap is formed between them in the engagement region 93, that is, in a state in which they are not in contact with each other.

[0202] The joining device 100 is an ultrasonic sealing device used to join two continuous sheets—a continuous sheet of surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a formed by multiple continuous sheets of surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a and a continuous sheet of surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b formed by multiple continuous sheets of surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b—to create a continuous surface sheet 24. For the joining method, hot melt adhesive bonding or heat-sealing based welding can be used, but ultrasonic welding is more ideal. Compared with using adhesives or heat sealing, ultrasonic welding can suppress hardening of the surface sheet 24, making it more desirable.

[0203] By using the manufacturing apparatus 85, the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be overlapped to form a concave-convex shape 20a. Furthermore, by using the manufacturing apparatus 85, while maintaining the concave-convex shape 20a of the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, the undulations of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side are made gentler than the concave-convex shape 20a of the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. Therefore, the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be joined together while tension is applied to the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side. The manufacturing method of this continuous body of the surface sheet 24 will be further described below.

[0204] like Figure 11 , Figure 12A As shown, the continuous form of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side is wound around the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first roller 92 earlier than the continuous form of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side. Since the recess 92a of the first roller 92 is connected to the negative pressure source, the continuous form of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side is adsorbed and held along the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first roller 92. Next, the continuous form of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is wound around the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side at a position in or slightly upstream of the engagement region 93. That is, the continuous form of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side overlaps with the outer side of the continuous form of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side at a position in or slightly upstream of the engagement region 93. In order to wind the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side around the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first roller 92 as described above, the first roller 92 is wound along arrows B and C. Figure 11 The direction shown guides the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side.

[0205] In the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, portions 24a1 and 24b1 covering the recess 92a are pressed into the recess 92a in an overlapping state through the protrusion 94a in the engagement region 93. Thus, portions 24a2 and 24b2 pressed into the recess 92a are formed on the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side (see reference). Figure 12A , Figure 12B That is, on the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, which overlap each other, a concave-convex shape 20a is formed by forming multiple parts 24a2, 24b2.

[0206] As described above, the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side overlap in the meshing region 93, and are located further downstream than the meshing region 93. Figures 12A to 12C (The middle section is on the right) are joined together by the joining device 100. In this way, based on the frictional resistance generated between the two continuous bodies due to the overlap of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, the relative movement of the two continuous bodies is suppressed. Furthermore, through the aforementioned joining, the relative movement of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is restricted. On the other hand, as... Figure 11 As shown, on the upstream side of the meshing region 93 ( Figures 12A to 12C (Left side in the middle) The continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side are conveyed in a non-contact and non-engaged state. Therefore, relative movement of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is permitted on the upstream side of the engagement region 93. Therefore, relative movement of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is more likely to occur on the upstream side than on the downstream side of the engagement region 93.

[0207] like Figure 12B As shown, the protrusion 94a, which engages with the recess 92a, gradually disengages from the recess 92a as the first roller 92 rotates. As described above, air is drawn into the recess 92a. Therefore, by inserting the protrusion 94a into the recess 92a, multiple portions 24a2 of the continuous first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side remain in the recess 92a and are formed. On the other hand, as... Figure 12CAs shown, as the convex portion 94a gradually disengages from the concave portion 92a, based on the tension applied to the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side, the portion 24b2 on the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side is pulled, and thus is drawn out from the concave portion 92a. Accordingly, the undulations formed on the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side are gentler than the concavo-convex shape formed on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side.

[0208] After the convex portion 94a is completely disengaged from the concave portion 92a, the portion 24b2 of the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side that was pressed into the concave portion 92a is completely drawn out from the concave portion 92a based on the tension applied to the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side. Accordingly, the undulations formed on the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side are gentler than the concavo-convex shape 20a formed on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side. On the other hand, as described above, the portion 24a2 of the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side that was pressed into the concave portion 92a remains in the concave portion 92a. Therefore, only the concavo-convex shape 20a is formed on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side.

[0209] In order to form only the concavo-convex shape 20a on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side as described above, the tension T2 applied to the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side is set to be greater than the tension T1 applied to the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side (T1 < T2). Accordingly, corresponding to the disengagement of the convex portion 94a from the concave portion 92a, the portion 24b2 on the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side is drawn out from the concave portion 92a while relatively moving with respect to the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side. Therefore, the concavo-convex shape 20a is formed on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side, and undulations gentler than the concavo-convex shape 20a on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side are formed on the continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b on the surface side (in this embodiment, a continuum of the second non-woven fabric 24b with a substantially flat surface is formed).

[0210] In addition, as Figure 11 shown, the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side is conveyed in a state of contacting the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first roller 92 at a position upstream of the engagement region 93 and being sucked into the concave portion 92a. Accordingly, a frictional force is generated between the portion of the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side from the upstream side portion of the engagement region 93 to the joining device 100 and the first roller 92. Therefore, even when the convex portion 94a disengages from the concave portion 92a, the portion 24a2 of the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side that was pressed into the concave portion 92a easily remains in the concave portion 92a based on the frictional force. Therefore, the concavo-convex shape 20a can be effectively formed on the continuum of the first non-woven fabric 24a on the surface side.

[0211] On the other hand, as described above, the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is wound around the outer peripheral surface 92s of the first roller 92 via the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side at a position slightly upstream of the engagement region 93. That is, at a position upstream of the engagement region 93, the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is conveyed in a non-contact state with the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, the first roller 92, and the second roller 94. Therefore, the portion of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side located upstream of the engagement region 93 does not generate frictional force relative to the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, the first roller 92, and the second roller 94. Therefore, the portion of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side located upstream of the engagement region 93 can be easily moved relative to the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the first roller 92. Therefore, in order to extract part 24b2 of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side from the recess 92a, the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be moved upstream of the engagement region 93 based on the tension T2.

[0212] In addition, such as Figure 12B As shown, since a second nonwoven fabric 24b exists between the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the protrusion 94a, the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side does not contact the protrusion 94a. Accordingly, no frictional force is generated between the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the protrusion 94a, thereby preventing the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a from following the protrusion 94a when the protrusion 94a disengages from the recess 92a. Therefore, even if the tension T1 applied to the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side is set to be extremely small, the portion 24a2 of the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side that is pressed into the recess 92a can remain within the recess 92a. On the other hand, the portion 24b2 of the continuous second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, which is pressed into the recess 92a, contacts the protrusion 94a. Therefore, when the protrusion 94a is dislodged from the recess 92a, the continuous second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side easily follows the protrusion 94a. Accordingly, combined with tension T2, the portion 24b2 on the continuous second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be effectively pulled out from the recess 92a.

[0213] As described above, with the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side sandwiched between the first and second rollers 92 and 94, the first and second rollers 92 and 94 rotate. Accompanying this rotation, a plurality of protrusions 94a and a plurality of recesses 92a engage sequentially, thereby intermittently forming a plurality of raised portions 24a2 on the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. Accordingly, an uneven shape 20a is formed on the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. On the other hand, as described above, the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side is pulled out from the recesses 92a based on tension T2, thereby forming a generally flat surface.

[0214] Next, a continuous surface-side nonwoven fabric 24a having a generally flat surface is joined to the outer surface of the continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a having the concave-convex shape 20a, opposite to the surface facing the skin. Specifically, the concave portion on the continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a and the continuous surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b are joined together. The continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a and the continuous surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b are joined together by passing the continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a and the continuous surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b between the first roller 92 and the ultrasonic welding head of the joining device 100. Thus, a continuous surface sheet 24 is formed. As shown by arrow D ( Figure 11 As shown, the continuous surface sheet 24 is separated from the first roller 92 and conveyed to the subsequent process.

[0215] According to the manufacturing method described above, while the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, which are joined together, are overlapped, a raised / lower shape 20a is simultaneously formed on both nonwoven fabrics. Then, to smooth the undulations of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, while applying tension to the second nonwoven fabric 24b, the raised / lower shape 20a on the surface side 24a is maintained, and the second nonwoven fabric 24b is joined to the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side 24a. Accordingly, compared to performing the steps of forming the raised / lower shape 20a on the first nonwoven fabric 24a and forming the smoothed surface side 24b separately, and then further performing the step of overlapping the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the second nonwoven fabric 24b that have undergone these steps, the process and manufacturing apparatus can be simplified and made easier. That is, according to the manufacturing method described above, for example, different undulating shapes can be formed on the surface side first nonwoven fabric 24a and surface side second nonwoven fabric 24b on the same production line. Compared with the case where production lines for manufacturing the surface side first nonwoven fabric 24a and production lines for manufacturing the surface side second nonwoven fabric 24b are set separately, the number of production lines can be reduced and the structure for merging different production lines can be omitted.

[0216] Based on the above method, a continuous body with a surface sheet 24 having an uneven shape 20a only on the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side can be formed. In contrast, a continuous body with an uneven shape 24 on both the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric 24a and the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be formed through the following manufacturing process. Specifically, the tension of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side can be adjusted so that, after passing through the engagement region 93, part or all of the portion 24b2 of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side pressed into the recess 92a remains in the recess 92a. Accordingly, part or all of the portion 24b2 of the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side pressed into the recess 92a can remain in the recess 92a. In this way, a continuous surface sheet 24 can be formed in which both the continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a and the continuous surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b are formed and have an uneven shape. At this time, in addition to the roller for forming the continuous surface-side first nonwoven fabric 24a, it is not necessary to prepare a roller for forming the continuous surface-side second nonwoven fabric 24b.

[0217] Alternatively, based on the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, a component that undergoes plastic deformation when the protrusion 94a and the concave portion 92a engage can be used instead of the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side. In this way, the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side, or the component that undergoes plastic deformation, undergoes plastic deformation when passing through the engagement region 93, and the plastically deformed portion can be used to keep the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side within the concave portion 92a. Accordingly, both the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side are formed, and concave and convex shapes can be formed on the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side and the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric 24b on the surface side.

[0218] Alternatively, in the above-described process, a temperature lower than the melting point of the continuous first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side can be used to heat at least the interior of the recess 92a of the first roller 92. This allows for more reliable forming of the continuous first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side. For example, by providing a heater inside the first roller 92, the area around the recess 92a can be heated. Based on heating the first roller 92, the second roller 94 (particularly the area around the protrusion 94a) can be heated using a temperature lower than the melting point of the continuous first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, or the second roller 94 (particularly the area around the protrusion 94a) can be heated using a temperature lower than the melting point of the continuous first nonwoven fabric 24a on the surface side, instead of heating the first roller 92.

[0219] Unlike the above, the flat surface side of the first nonwoven fabric 24a can also be used as a continuum of the surface sheet 24.

[0220] (Step 4)

[0221] In step 4, a continuous body of cores 25 is formed by continuously forming multiple cores 25, and the cores 25 are manufactured using this continuous body of cores 25. Figures 13 to 1 5. The continuous structure of the core 25 and the manufacturing method of the core 25 are described.

[0222] In the aforementioned garment 1, the core 25 is formed by layering two continuous sheets: a continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 formed by multiple continuous core-side first nonwoven fabrics S1 and a continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 formed by multiple continuous core-side second nonwoven fabrics S2. Furthermore, as... Figures 5A to 5CIn the example, the SAP is held in such a way that a holding region R2 for holding the SAP and a first low-density region R11 for holding the SAP with a lower density than the holding region R2 are formed, thereby creating a continuity of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. And as... Figures 6A to 7C In the example, SAP is maintained in a manner that forms a holding region R2, a first low-density region R11, and a second low-density region R12, thereby creating a continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1. The method for manufacturing such a continuous core 25 will now be described. As described above, the continuous core 25 can also be formed from a single continuous core-side nonwoven fabric.

[0223] like Figure 13 As shown, the apparatus for manufacturing the continuous core 25 includes first and second units U1 and U2, a stacking roller R, a control device C, a stacking conveyor C3, a third coater 96, a fourth coater 97, a folding machine 98, and a pair of pressing rollers 99. The first and second units U1 and U2 have the same structure and are arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to the surface including the central axis of the stacking roller R.

[0224] Unit 1 U1 includes a first conveyor C1, a raising roller 90, a first coater 91, a first distributing device 71, and a negative pressure box 79 disposed on the first conveyor C1. Unit 2 U2 includes a second conveyor C2, a raising roller 90, a first coater 91, a second coater 95, a second distributing device 72, and a negative pressure box 79 disposed on the second conveyor C2. The control device C drives and controls the first and second units U1 and U2 to stack the continuous bodies of two core-side nonwoven fabrics S1 and S2, thereby creating a continuous body of core 25. Alternatively, when the continuous body of core 25 is formed from a continuous body of one core-side nonwoven fabric, the control device C only needs to control the drive of either unit U1 or U2.

[0225] In this embodiment, the core 25 has a continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and a continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2. The continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 include: a diffusion layer 81 serving as a substrate; and a short fiber layer 82 (see reference) laminated on the diffusion layer 81. Figure 14 (Figure 15). The short fiber layer 82 is a layer of nonwoven fabric formed from short fibers, such as a layer of nonwoven fabric that has undergone an air-through process. This nonwoven layer can be formed by arranging the short fibers and spraying hot air onto them; it is also known as an air-laid nonwoven fabric. On the other hand, the diffusion layer 81 has a smaller thickness and a higher fiber density than the short fiber layer 82. The diffusion layer 81 has high diffusion performance in the surface direction, allowing liquid to penetrate over a wide area.

[0226] The continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side are fed to the raising roller 90. The raising roller 90 is a roller with an outer surface having a large number of teeth, and rotates at a circumferential speed slower than the conveying speed of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side. Thus, by setting a speed difference between the conveying speed and the circumferential speed, such as... Figure 15B As shown, the raising roller 90 can... Figure 15A The short fiber layer 82 of the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 is napped. The speed difference between the conveying speed and the circumferential speed is not limited to a speed difference in the same direction, but also includes a speed difference when the conveying direction and the rotation direction are opposite. Through the above napping, the short fiber layer 82 of the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 is napped from... Figure 15A The collapsed state shown becomes as follows Figure 15B The shown image shows a napped state. As a result, the bulk density of the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 decreases, while the thickness of the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 increases. That is, through the aforementioned napping, gaps for supporting the SAP80 are formed on the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2.

[0227] like Figure 13 As shown, a first applicator 91 for applying adhesive is provided between the napping roller 90 along the conveying direction and the first and second conveyors C1 and C2, described later. This adhesive is used to carry SAP80 on the continuous body of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous body of the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2. The adhesive is applied to the surface of the napped short fiber layer 82 of the continuous body of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous body of the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 through the first applicator 91.

[0228] After the adhesive is applied, the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 is conveyed along the flat first inclined surface F1 of the first conveyor C1 while being drawn in by the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure box 79. Meanwhile, the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 is conveyed along the flat second inclined surface F2 of the second conveyor C2, which is inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined surface F1, while being drawn in by the negative pressure provided by the negative pressure box 79.

[0229] Figure 13 The first and second dispensing devices 71 and 72 respectively dispense SAP80 (refer to) onto the upper surfaces of the core-side continuous first nonwoven fabric S1 conveyed along the first inclined surface F1 and the core-side continuous second nonwoven fabric S2 conveyed along the second inclined surface F2. Figure 14SAP80 is an absorbent powder. During this dispersion, because the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side are attracted by the negative pressure box 79, therefore, as... Figure 14 and Figure 15C As shown, the dispersed SAP80 enters the gaps in the short fiber layer 82 formed by napping. Furthermore, the SAP80 is bonded to the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side and the continuity of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side by an adhesive applied by the first applicator 91.

[0230] The first absorbent layer L1 is formed by a short fiber layer 82 carrying SAP80 in the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, and the second absorbent layer L2 is formed by a short fiber layer 82 carrying SAP80 in the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side.

[0231] Further explanation of the dispensing devices 71 and 72: Each dispensing device 71 and 72 includes a hopper 73 for storing SAP80, a metering unit 74, a guide 75, and a dispensing box 76. The metering unit 74 is used to adjust the amount of SAP80 dispensed from the hopper 73. The guide 75 guides the SAP80 delivered by the metering unit 74 to the dispensing box 76. The dispensing box 76 dispenses the SAP80 provided by the guide 75 to designated areas on the surfaces of the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2, and prevents splashing into areas outside the designated areas. Specifically, the dispensing box 76 includes: a box body with a dispensing opening (not shown) formed for allowing the SAP80 guided by the guide 75 to fall, and the box body prevents the SAP80 falling from the dispensing opening from splashing around; and a gate (not shown), housed within the box body, for intermittently opening and closing the opening. SAP80 is dispersed through the dispersing box 76 into designated areas of the short fiber layer 82 of the continuous first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side and the continuous second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side. Figures 5A to 7C ).

[0232] Further Figures 5A to 7C The method for forming the first and second low-density regions R11 and R12 and the holding region R2 in the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side shown will be explained.

[0233] First, a first method for forming the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2 will be described. In this first method, the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2 of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 continuity are formed in the following manner: The first applicator 91 is adjusted to apply the second low-density region R12 (R12) to the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 continuity. Figures 6A to 7CThe adhesive applied to the second low-density region (R12) is less per unit area than the adhesive applied to the region corresponding to the holding region (R2). Therefore, the amount of SAP80 distributed to the region corresponding to the second low-density region (R12) is less than the amount of SAP80 distributed to the region corresponding to the holding region (R2) carried by the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. For example, the application area of ​​the first applicator 91 can be set such that adhesive is applied to the region corresponding to the holding region (R2) of the continuity of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, but not to the region corresponding to the second low-density region (R12).

[0234] On the other hand, it can be done according to the principle of keeping region R3 ( Figure 5B The amount of SAP carried is used to adjust the amount of adhesive applied by the first applicator 91 to the continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side.

[0235] In method 1, the cutting area is stopped or nearly stopped (see reference). Figure 5A SAP80 is provided to the cut region to form a first low-density region R11 of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 continuity. This cut region Cut is the area between adjacent cores 25 in the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 continuity. Specifically, the supply of SAP80 to the cut region Cut is stopped or suppressed by closing or nearly closing the dispensing opening by the gate of the dispensing box 76. Accordingly, the first low-density region R11 is formed in the cut region Cut of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1. In the cut region Cut, the application of adhesive by the first applicator 91 is stopped or suppressed.

[0236] Similarly, by stopping or inhibiting the supply of SAP80 and adhesive to the area corresponding to the Cut area, a third low-density area R13 is formed in the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side. The Cut area is the area between adjacent cores 25 in the continuum of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side.

[0237] Furthermore, as a second method for forming the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2, the following approach can be adopted: the adjusting unit 74 adjusts the supply amount of SAP80 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the continuous first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side, thereby forming a region as shown in the figure. Figures 5A to 7CThe diagram shows the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2. Specifically, the adjustment unit 74 adjusts the amount of SAP80 supplied per unit area in the first low-density region R11 and the second low-density region R12 to be less than the amount of SAP80 supplied per unit area in the holding region R2. The distribution box 76 distributes the amount of SAP80 adjusted by the adjustment unit 74 onto the continuous first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. Accordingly, it is possible to make the amount of SAP80 carried by the first low-density region R11 and the second low-density region R12 less than the amount of SAP80 carried by the holding region R2.

[0238] Alternatively, in the second method, the gate in the first method can be used to close or almost close the dispersing opening, thereby forming the first low-density region R11 of the continuum of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side.

[0239] Furthermore, as a third method for forming the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2, a transfer body can also be used to form such... Figures 5A to 7C The transfer body, comprising the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2, is capable of holding SAP80 in a specified pattern and transferring SAP80 onto the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1. Specifically, the transfer body has: a region corresponding to the holding region R2, which holds SAP80 at a specified distribution density; and regions corresponding to the first low-density regions R11 and R12, which hold SAP80 at a lower density than the region corresponding to the holding region R2. The transfer body is disposed on the outer surface of the transfer roller. The continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 is sandwiched between a conveying roller and a transfer roller on which the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 is wound. Accordingly, SAP80 held by the transfer body of the transfer roller is transferred onto the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1, thereby forming the first low-density region R11, the second low-density region R12, and the holding region R2.

[0240] On the other hand, a continuous core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 with a retention region R3 is formed by using a transfer body having a region corresponding to the retention region R3, which retains SAP80 at a specified distribution density.

[0241] As another method, by using the continuous core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 after spreading SAP80 to form a low-density region R1 ( Figures 5A to 5C In the example, it is the first low-density region R11. Figures 6A to 7CIn the example, the object portion of the first low-density region R11 and the second low-density region R12 is removed, thereby forming a retaining region R2 (the unremoved region) and a low-density region R1 (the removed region).

[0242] Furthermore, as another method, a low-density region R1 is formed in the continuum of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side. Figures 5A to 5C In the example, it is the first low-density region R11. Figures 6A to 7C In the example, after the entire object region of the first low-density region R11 and the second low-density region R12 and the holding region R2 is spread with SAP80, SAP80 is only added to the object region used to form the holding region R2, so that the low-density region R1 and the holding region R2 can also be formed.

[0243] The conveying of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2, and the dispersal of them by SAP80, have been disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. WO2017 / 131014, and all of its contents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0244] Below, as Figure 13 As shown, after spreading SAP80, the second applicator 95 applies an adhesive to the surface of the core-side continuous second nonwoven fabric S2. Accordingly, an adhesive is formed on the core-side continuous second nonwoven fabric S2. Figure 15D The adhesive layer 83 is shown. The continuous body of the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, to which the adhesive layer 83 is formed, is conveyed to the stacking roller R by the second conveyor C2, while the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side is conveyed to the stacking roller R by the first conveyor C1.

[0245] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the first conveyor C1, the second conveyor C2, and the stacking roller R are configured such that the continuous bodies of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 are arranged in a V-shape when viewed from the side. With the continuous bodies of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 and the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 stacked together, they are sandwiched between the stacking roller R and the conveyor C3. At this time, the first absorbent layer L1 of the continuous body of the core-side first nonwoven fabric S1 conveyed by the first conveyor C1 and the second absorbent layer L2 of the continuous body of the core-side second nonwoven fabric S2 conveyed by the second conveyor C2 face each other. Accordingly, as... Figure 14 , Figure 15DAs shown, with the first absorbent layer L1 and the second absorbent layer L2 facing each other, the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side are stacked and bonded together via the adhesive layer 83. This forms a relatively thick laminate S. In the laminate S, the first absorbent layer L1 and the second absorbent layer L2 face each other via the adhesive layer 83, and the two layers L1 and L2 are sandwiched between the diffusion layers 81 and 81 of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side.

[0246] As described above, since the first absorbent layer L1 and the second absorbent layer L2 of the two nonwoven fabrics, the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, face each other and are stacked, SAP80 can be prevented from falling off the first absorbent layer L1 and the second absorbent layer L2. Furthermore, when a core 25 formed by stacking the first absorbent layer L1 and the second absorbent layer L2 facing each other is used in a subsequent process, SAP80 can be prevented from falling off the core 25.

[0247] like Figure 13 As shown, tissue paper (paper towel) T is fed to the laminating conveyor C3. A third applicator 96 is located upstream of the laminating conveyor C3. Figure 13 Apply adhesive to the upper surface of the thin paper T.

[0248] Then, as Figure 13 , Figure 14 As shown, the laminating conveyor C3 provides the adhesive-coated tissue paper T to the underside of the laminate S, and the laminate S is held between the laminating conveyor C3 and the laminating roller R. Accordingly, as Figure 15E As shown, a laminate S is bonded to the surface of a thin paper T. Further, a lamination conveyor C3 transports the laminate S and the bonded thin paper T downstream.

[0249] like Figure 13 As shown, a fourth coater 97, a folding machine 98, and a pair of pressing rollers 99 are located downstream of the stacking conveyor C3. A negative pressure box 78 for attracting the tissue paper T is provided in the stacking conveyor C3.

[0250] The fourth applicator 97 applies adhesive to at least one edge of the upper surface of the tissue paper T along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. Furthermore, in this example, the width of the tissue paper T along the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is greater than twice the width of the laminate S.

[0251] Folding machine 35 folds back the sides of the thin paper T that extend from the laminate S in the width direction to both sides, forming a shape as shown in the figure. Figure 15FAs shown, the laminate S is covered with thin paper T. A pressing roller 99 presses the laminate S and the thin paper T together along the thickness direction, thereby bonding the thin paper T to the laminate S. This produces a continuous core 25. The continuous core 25 is then cut into individual cores 25 by a cutter (not shown).

[0252] Furthermore, the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side may not have a diffusion layer 81. In this case, the process of laminating the diffusion layer 81 can be omitted. Additionally, the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side may not be covered by the thin paper T. In this case, the process of laminating the thin paper T and covering the laminate S can be omitted. Moreover, the core 25 may not be formed from the laminate S of the continuous bodies of the first nonwoven fabric S1 and the second nonwoven fabric S2 on the core side, but may be manufactured only from the continuous body of the first nonwoven fabric S1 on the core side.

[0253] (Step 5)

[0254] In process 5, such as Figure 10 As shown, a semi-finished back sheet is formed by joining the continuous body of the back sheet 26 and the continuous body of the leg folds 31. Specifically, a continuous body of the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a and a continuous body of the outer sheet 26b are conveyed along the MD direction A. With at least one of these sheets coated with an adhesive and the continuous bodies of the two sheets 26a and 26b overlapping, the back sheet is... Figure 8 A pair of nip rolls (not shown) clamp the two sheets 26a and 26b together, thereby joining them by means of hot melt adhesive bonding, heat-sealing welding, or ultrasonic welding. This forms the continuous back sheet 26.

[0255] Furthermore, by employing hot melt adhesive bonding, heat-sealing based welding, and ultrasonic welding, the continuous leg fold 31, which serves as an elastic member, is joined in an elongated state along the MD direction A to both sides of the impermeable sheet 26a along the CD direction W, which is orthogonal to the MD direction A. Accordingly, the continuous leg fold 31 is provided on the continuous back sheet 26 to manufacture a back sheet semi-finished product.

[0256] (Step 6)

[0257] In step 6, an absorber semi-finished product is formed by combining the surface sheet semi-finished product formed in step 3, the core 25 formed in step 4, and the back sheet semi-finished product formed in step 5.

[0258] At the clamping roller (not shown in the figure) located at the confluence of processes 4 and 5, the core 25 manufactured in process 4 is placed on the liquid-impermeable sheet 26a of the back sheet semi-finished product manufactured in process 5 and joined together. Furthermore, at the rotating drum P located downstream of the clamping roller... Figure 8 Multiple absorber elastic members 21 of a specified length are maintained on the drum surface (outer surface). Corresponding to the rotation of the rotating drum P, the absorber elastic members 21 are joined in an elongated state between adjacent cores 25 on the back sheet semi-finished product in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction.

[0259] The surface sheet semi-finished product is supplied to the back sheet semi-finished product in a manner that sandwiches the core 25, leg folds 31, and absorbent elastic member 21, thereby bonding the surface sheet semi-finished product to the back sheet semi-finished product (see reference). Figure 18F ).

[0260] Furthermore, on the outer surface opposite to the core 25 at the end of the absorbent elastic member 21 in the back sheet semi-finished product, a hook-and-loop fastener 22 is provided throughout the entire width direction (corresponding to the waist width direction). Figure 1 , Figure 2 ).

[0261] Furthermore, an indicator 50 is provided on the surface of the back sheet semi-finished product, on the side facing the skin, where the core 25 is located. Figure 1 , Figure 2 The indicator 50 extends along the transport direction (MD direction A) of the back sheet semi-finished product at the center of the outer sheet 26b in the CD direction W. This produces a semi-finished product (absorber semi-finished product) of an absorber 20 continuous along the MD direction A.

[0262] Furthermore, the process for setting the female hook and loop fastener 22 only needs to be performed between processes 5 and 12. Additionally, the process for setting the indicator 50 only needs to be performed between processes 5 and 13.

[0263] (Step 7)

[0264] In step 7, the absorbent semi-finished product formed in step 6 is cut into individual absorbents 20. Specifically, using the built-in cutter 64, the absorbent semi-finished product, consisting of the absorbent 20 and the three-dimensional pleats 40 extending along the MD direction A, is cut according to a predetermined length along the MD direction A, thereby manufacturing individual absorbents 20. Then, the direction of the absorbents 20 is reversed by 90 degrees using the built-in drum 65, thereby arranging the absorbents 20 in a posture suitable for the subsequent assembly process in a transverse flow state. At this time, the absorbent elastic member 21 is positioned along the MD direction A at the distal end of the absorbent 20 on the side opposite to the waist body 16 (see reference). Figure 3 ).

[0265] (3) Processes 8 to 13

[0266] Processes 8 to 13 are used in Figure 16 The process of assembling the unfolded wearable item 1 in a lateral flow state is shown. In these processes, firstly, the absorbent body 20 manufactured in process 7 is joined to the waistline continuous body manufactured in processes 1 and 2. Next, the waistline continuous body is cut into individual waistline components 10, and then, along the waistline width direction (… Figure 16 The MD direction A) is located on both sides of the joint 10b along the waist width direction. Figure 16 Fold along the MD direction (A), and fold the absorber 20 along the orthogonal direction of the waist ( Figure 16 Fold it in half (W) in the CD direction. In this state, the connection between the male hook and female hook is released.

[0267] exist Figure 16 In the lateral flow state shown, the MD direction A is consistent with the waist width direction, and the CD direction W is consistent with the waist orthogonal direction.

[0268] (Step 8)

[0269] In process 8, at Figure 8 , Figure 16 In Figure 19, one end of the absorbent body 20, which is reversed by 90 degrees (the end opposite to the hook-and-loop fastener 22), is positioned on the joint 10b of each waist body 16 of the waist body continuous body manufactured in step 2 (see reference). Figure 19A The absorbent 20 is attached to the joint 10b on the skin-facing side of the inner sheet 14 of each waist body 16. Furthermore, the attachment method is not limited to hot melt adhesive bonding; heat-sealing fusion or ultrasonic fusion can also be used.

[0270] In this embodiment, in steps 1 and 2, multiple waist body parts 16 of the wearable items 1 are manufactured along the waist width direction ( Figure 9 and Figure 16 The waistline continuous body is formed by connecting multiple waistline bodies 16 of the garment 1 along the width direction of the waist, with the two ends 10c of the waistline bodies 16 connected to each other. Furthermore, at the joints 10b corresponding to the portions of each waistline body 16 in the waistline continuous body, the joints are formed along the orthogonal direction of the waist (MD direction A). Figure 9 and Figure 16 Absorber 20 of each wearable item 1 extending in the CD direction (W).

[0271] (Step 9)

[0272] In process 9, an elliptical die cutter 66 is used to cut the continuous waist body (a continuous body of multiple waist bodies 16), thereby setting... Figure 16 The leg opening SP is formed. This creates the curved section 15b around the leg.

[0273] Furthermore, steps 8 and 9 can be interchanged. That is, firstly, the portion between the joints 10b of the waist body continuous is cut using a die-cutting machine 66 to create leg holes SP. Then, one end of the absorber 20, which has been reversed 90 degrees, is disposed on the joint 10b of each waist body 16 in the waist body continuous.

[0274] (Process 10)

[0275] In step 10, the protruding portion 15c of the waistline continuous body is folded back to cover a portion of the waistline elastic member 11, and the male fastener 12 is engaged (see reference). Figure 19B Specifically, the protrusion 15c is joined to each absorber 20 in a state where it covers the end of each absorber 20 that engages with the waist continuous body. Furthermore, the joining method is not limited to hot melt adhesive bonding; heat-sealing fusion or ultrasonic fusion can also be used.

[0276] Furthermore, the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 is engaged with a weakened portion 15a2 on the skin-side surface of the waist continuous body. The weakened portion 15a2 is provided within the range from the folded-back portion of the protrusion 15c to its lower side position. Additionally, the bonding method is not limited to hot melt adhesive bonding; heat-sealing fusion or ultrasonic fusion can also be used. In the waist continuous body, the weakened portion 15a2 is located at the midpoint between adjacent absorbers 20 along the MD direction A. The male hook-and-loop fastener 12 is engaged at this midpoint.

[0277] (Process 11)

[0278] In step 11, at the midpoint between adjacent absorbent bodies 20 and at the midpoint of the male fastener 12 along the MD direction A, the waist body continuous is cut along the CD direction W by a cutter 67. This separates the waist body continuous and the plurality of absorbent bodies 20 into individual waist body main bodies 16 and individual absorbent bodies 20 joined thereto. Furthermore, between adjacent absorbent bodies 20, the male fastener 12 is divided into two along the CD direction W and in the MD direction A, remaining on the two ends 10c of each adjacent waist body main body 16. In this state, each waist body main body 16 is extended along the MD direction A, and the absorbent body 20 is extended along the CD direction W.

[0279] (Process 12)

[0280] In step 12, the two sides 10a of the waist member 10 are folded back along the MD direction A towards the joint 10b of the waist member 10 using the end folding device 68, so that the two male fasteners 12 at both ends 10c face the skin side of the absorbent body 20. In step 12, the two ends of each waist body 16 cut from the waist body continuous body in step 11 are folded back directly.

[0281] (Process 13)

[0282] In step 13, the direction of the absorbent 20 is reversed by 90 degrees by a rotating drum (not shown in the figure), and the absorbent 20 is folded along the MD direction A. Specifically, with the waist width direction of the absorbent 20 along the MD direction A, the absorbent 20 is conveyed along the MD direction A while being folded along the MD direction A by the folding device 69 in a manner that covers both sides 10a (see reference). Figure 19C At this time, the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 of the waist member 10 and the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 of the absorbent body 20 are not connected. Specifically, in step 12, the two sides 10a are folded along the MD direction A so that the two ends 10c of the waist member 10 face the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 20. Here, since the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 is provided on the skin-facing side of the two ends 10c of the waist member 10, by folding the two ends 10c back as described above, the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 faces the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 20. In step 13, the absorbent body 20 is folded along the MD direction A to cover the two sides 10a. The female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is disposed on the outer surface of the back sheet 26 of the absorbent body 20, that is, the surface of the absorbent body 20 opposite to the surface facing the two sides 10a. Therefore, the garment 1 can be folded with the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 and the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 released.

[0283] The folding device 69 includes a pair of conveyors facing each other with a gap, and a chopper that can be inserted between the two conveyors. The folding device 69 presses the middle portion of the absorbent body 20 of the garment article 1, whose sides 10a have been folded and reversed 90 degrees, into the space between the two conveyors. Accordingly, using the middle portion in the MD direction A as a reference, the absorbent body 20 is folded along the MD direction A such that the joint 10b of the waist member 10 overlaps with the absorbent body 20. The folded garment article 1 is then conveyed along the two conveyors to a packaging device (not shown).

[0284] Furthermore, it is not limited to using the folding device 69 to fold the absorbent body 20 along the MD direction A. For example, the absorbent body 20 can be folded along the MD direction A by pressing the waist member 10 with the pressing device and folding the free end of the absorbent body 20 toward the waist member 10.

[0285] Alternatively, step 12 can be omitted, and after cutting the waist continuum in step 11, the absorber 20 can be folded along the MD direction A in step 13.

[0286] The method for manufacturing the unfolded garment 1 is a method for manufacturing a garment having the following components: a waist member 10 disposed at the waist of the wearer; and an absorbent 20 joined to a joint 10b in the waist width direction of the waist member 10, and extending from the joint 10b along a waist orthogonal direction orthogonal to the waist width direction, such that the absorbent 20 is disposed from the back of the wearer through the hips to the front abdomen. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: manufacturing the waist member 10; manufacturing the absorbent 20; joining the absorbent 20 to the joint 10b of the waist body 16; and folding the absorbent 20 along the waist orthogonal direction.

[0287] (Process for manufacturing waist component 10)

[0288] The aforementioned process for manufacturing the waist body component 10 includes: process 1 to 2 for manufacturing the waist body continuous body; process 1 (part of process 10) for attaching the male hook and loop fastener 12 to each waist body body 16 constituting the waist body continuous body; and process 12 for cutting the waist body continuous body.

[0289] (Process for manufacturing absorber 20)

[0290] The above-mentioned process of manufacturing absorber 20 includes: process 3 of manufacturing surface sheet semi-finished product; process 4 of manufacturing core 25; process 5 of manufacturing back sheet semi-finished product; process 6 of manufacturing absorber semi-finished product; and process 7 of cutting absorber semi-finished product into individual absorbers 20.

[0291] (The process of attaching the absorber 20 to the joint 10b of the waist body 16)

[0292] Step 8 corresponds to the step of joining the absorber 20 to the joint 10b of the waist body 16.

[0293] (The process of folding the absorbent body 20 along the orthogonal direction of the waist)

[0294] Step 13 corresponds to the step of folding the absorber 20 along the orthogonal direction.

[0295] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments; for example, the following technical solutions may also be adopted.

[0296] In the aforementioned unfolded garment 1, the joint 10b of the waist member 10 is positioned on the back. Furthermore, the absorbent body 20 extends from the joint 10b positioned on the back, through the hips, towards the front abdomen, with its distal end positioned on the front abdomen. Additionally, the two side portions 10a of the waist member 10 extend from the back towards the front abdomen and connect to the distal ends of the absorbent body 20. However, the joint 10b of the waist member 10 may also be positioned on the front abdomen. Furthermore, the absorbent body 20 may also extend from the joint 10b positioned on the front abdomen, through the hips, towards the back, with its distal end positioned on the back. And the two side portions 10a of the waist member 10 extend from the front abdomen towards the back and connect to the distal ends of the absorbent body 20.

[0297] In the aforementioned unfolded garment 1, the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 is disposed on the outer surface of the back panel 26 of the absorbent body 20. However, the female hook-and-loop fastener 22 may be omitted, and the outer surface of the back panel 26 may be connected to the male hook-and-loop fastener 12. Alternatively, the back panel 26 may be designed to connect to the male hook-and-loop fastener 12. Furthermore, a structure may be adopted in which the male hook-and-loop fastener 12 is provided on the outer surface of the back panel 26 of the absorbent body 20, and the skin-side surface of the waist member 10 may be connected to the male hook-and-loop fastener 12.

[0298] The specific embodiments described above mainly include inventions having the following structures.

[0299] Wearable articles for solving the above problems include: a waist member having: a waist body extending along a width direction and having elasticity that allows stretching along the width direction, and disposed at the waist of the wearer; a first connecting portion disposed on the surface of both ends of the waist body in the width direction facing the skin of the wearer; and an absorbent body joined to the waist member and disposed such that it extends from the connecting portion of the waist member along an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the width direction from the back of the wearer, through the hips, to the front abdomen, wherein the absorbent body has: a core for absorbing bodily fluids; a surface sheet disposed on the side of the core facing the skin of the wearer; and a back sheet sandwiched between the back sheet and the surface sheet. The core is disposed on the outer surface of the core opposite to the skin side; the second connecting part is disposed on the outer surface of the back sheet opposite to the skin side and can be attached and detached relative to the first connecting part. The core has an absorbent polymer and a core-side first nonwoven fabric. The core-side first nonwoven fabric holds the absorbent polymer in a manner that forms a holding region and a first low-density region. The holding region holds the absorbent polymer. The first low-density region holds the absorbent polymer with a lower density than the holding region and is adjacent to both ends of the holding region in the orthogonal direction. The connection between the first connecting part and the second connecting part is released.

[0300] In the garment with the above structure, the first nonwoven fabric on the core side retains the absorbent polymer. Because the absorbency per unit volume of the absorbent polymer is higher than that of the fluff pulp per unit volume, the amount of fluff pulp used can be reduced. Accordingly, the thickness of the core can be reduced compared to a nonwoven fabric formed only from the amount of fluff pulp required for a specified absorbency. Because the garment with this first nonwoven fabric on the core side is also thinner, it is easier for the garment to conform to the shape of the wearer's waist, thus improving the fit of the garment.

[0301] Furthermore, the retaining area lacks softness because the density of the absorbent polymer is higher than that of the first low-density area. Conversely, the first low-density area has higher softness because the density of the absorbent polymer is lower than that of the retaining area. Therefore, the core with the first low-density area is prone to deformation. Here, when the wearer puts on the garment, the two ends of the retaining area in the orthogonal direction are positioned towards the wearer's front abdomen and back, respectively. The portion adjacent to the two ends of the retaining area in the orthogonal direction is a first low-density area, where the density of the absorbent polymer is lower than that of the retaining area. Therefore, the portion of the core with the first low-density area deforms flexibly along the body shape of the front abdomen and back, and this portion provides a soft touch against the front abdomen and back, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the garment.

[0302] Since the connection between the first and second connecting parts of the aforementioned garment is released in its initial state, it can be unfolded into a specified form without needing to release the connection. In the unfolded form, the two sides of the waist member protrude from the absorbent body disposed on the joint of the waist member. These two sides can be positioned along the wearer's waist towards the distal end of the absorbent body and abut against the back panel of the absorbent body disposed along the wearer's hips. Then, by connecting the first connecting parts at both ends of the waist member in the width direction to the second connecting parts of the back panel of the absorbent body, the garment is supported at the waist, causing the absorbent body to be pulled up and fit against the wearer's hips. In this way, by connecting the first and second connecting parts of the unfolded garment to each other, the garment can be made into an underwear-type form, which the wearer can wear like pants. Furthermore, when in the underwear-type form, by releasing the connection between the first and second connecting parts, it can be unfolded back into the specified unfolded form.

[0303] In the aforementioned garment, it is ideal that the connection between the first connecting part and the second connecting part is released when the absorbent body is folded in an orthogonal direction.

[0304] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that a second low-density region is formed on the first nonwoven fabric on the core side, the second low-density region holding the absorbent polymer with a lower density than the retaining region, and being sandwiched in the retaining region in the width direction.

[0305] According to the above-described structure, the absorbent core has a second low-density region where the distribution density of the absorbent polymer is lower than that of the retaining region. The retaining region lacks softness due to its high absorbent polymer density, while the second low-density region, due to its low absorbent polymer density, possesses greater softness than the retaining region. Therefore, the core with the second low-density region is easily deformable. Specifically, the second low-density region is formed to be sandwiched within the retaining region in the width direction. Therefore, by bending the core based on the second low-density region, the absorbent core can easily deform along the body shape, improving fit.

[0306] Furthermore, along the second low-density region, which absorbs less urine, urine can diffuse in an orthogonal direction, and the retaining region effectively absorbs urine. Moreover, because the second low-density region can be used to allow the absorbent polymer in the retaining region to swell, excessive adhesion of the absorbent to the skin surface can be prevented. Therefore, the stickiness of urine on the skin surface can be quickly resolved, and discomfort can be alleviated.

[0307] With the first and second connecting parts connected to support the garment at the waist and the absorbent core conforming to the hips, the second low-density area of ​​the core can enhance the fit to the hips before absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, after absorbing bodily fluids, the second low-density area of ​​the core ensures sufficient space for the expansion of the absorbent polymer, thereby preventing unnecessary excessive expansion of the core towards the skin and maintaining a pleasant skin feel.

[0308] Ideally, in the aforementioned clothing items, the second low-density region extends along the orthogonal direction.

[0309] According to the above-described structure, by bending the core with reference to the second low-density region extending in the orthogonal direction, the absorbent can be deformed along the wearer's body shape within the formation range of the second low-density region in the orthogonal direction, thereby further improving the fit of the garment.

[0310] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the surface sheet has: a first nonwoven fabric on the surface side having an uneven shape; and a second nonwoven fabric on the surface side joined to the outer surface of the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side opposite to the surface facing the skin side in a manner that maintains the uneven shape.

[0311] According to the above-described structure, the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side of the surface sheet has a textured surface. Therefore, the raised portions of the textured surface make elastic contact with the wearer's skin, while air can pass through the recessed portions, resulting in good breathability. Thus, compared to a case where the surface sheet and skin are in direct contact, the skin feel is improved. Furthermore, the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side with the textured surface is bonded to the second nonwoven fabric on the surface side in a manner that maintains its textured surface. Therefore, for example, even if the wearer presses the textured surface with contact, the raised portions are difficult to deform, maintaining the good skin feel derived from point contact with the raised portions.

[0312] With the first and second connecting parts connected to support the garment at the waist and the absorbent material fitting snugly against the hips, the surface sheet's textured surface ensures good breathability and a comfortable feel against the skin before absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, even after absorbing bodily fluids, the textured surface sheet maintains good breathability and a comfortable feel against the skin.

[0313] Furthermore, when the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side of the surface sheet has a textured shape, and the second low-density region in the core is sandwiched in the holding region in the width direction, the following effects are achieved: That is, when the first and second connecting parts are connected to support the garment at the waist, and the absorbent core fits snugly against the hips, before absorbing bodily fluids, the textured shape of the surface sheet and the second low-density region of the core can improve both the fit to the hips and the breathability and skin feel. Moreover, after absorbing bodily fluids, the second low-density region of the core ensures sufficient space for the expansion of the absorbent polymer, thus preventing unnecessary excessive expansion of the core towards the skin side, and maintaining good breathability and skin feel through the textured shape of the surface sheet.

[0314] In the aforementioned garments, it is ideal that the second nonwoven fabric on the surface side has a shape with a gentler undulation than the uneven shape.

[0315] According to the above-described structure, the uneven shape of the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side can be maintained by bonding a second nonwoven fabric on the surface side with a shape that has a gentler undulation than the uneven shape. Therefore, the uneven shape of the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side can be maintained even when in contact with the wearer, further maintaining and improving a pleasant feel against the skin.

[0316] In the aforementioned garments, it is preferable that the first nonwoven fabric on the core side has a fiber layer that is napped to form gaps for carrying the absorbent polymer.

[0317] According to the above-described structure, by allowing the gaps in the napped fiber layers to carry the absorbent polymer, the first nonwoven fabric on the core side can carry a large amount of absorbent polymer.

[0318] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the core also has a core-side second nonwoven fabric, which is laminated on the core-side first nonwoven fabric in such a manner that the absorbent polymer faces the core-side first nonwoven fabric; on the respective facing surfaces of the core-side first nonwoven fabric and the core-side second nonwoven fabric, a fiber layer is formed that is napped to create gaps for carrying the absorbent polymer.

[0319] In the wearable article with the above structure, by making the fiber layers of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric on the core side face each other and stack them, it is possible to suppress the shedding of the absorbent polymer from the fiber layer.

[0320] Ideally, in the aforementioned garment, the absorbent body has an absorbent elastic member disposed at the distal end of the absorbent body in the orthogonal direction opposite to the end of the waist member, and has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the width direction.

[0321] According to the above-described structure, the distal end of the absorbent, opposite to the end joined to the waist member, can stretch and contract in the width direction via the absorbent elastic member. Furthermore, the waist member can also stretch and contract in the width direction. Therefore, both the waist member and the absorbent can stretch and contract in the width direction according to the wearer's waist length, thus providing greater freedom in selecting the connection position between the first connecting part of the waist member and the second connecting part of the absorbent. This improves the fit of the garment.

[0322] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the second connecting portion is disposed on the outer surface of the distal end of the back panel on the side opposite to the waist member in the orthogonal direction, covering approximately the entire width direction of the distal end of the back panel.

[0323] In the garment with the above structure, a second connecting portion is provided along the width direction on the outer surface of the distal end of the back panel. Therefore, by extending and retracting the waist member along the width direction, the first connecting portion can be connected to any position in the width direction of the second connecting portion, allowing for a high degree of freedom in selecting the connection position. Consequently, the connection position between the waist member and the absorbent body can be easily adjusted according to the waist length of each wearer, improving the fit.

[0324] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the waist body of the waist member has: an inner sheet extending along the width direction; an outer sheet extending along the width direction and covering the outer surface of the inner sheet opposite to the surface facing the skin; and a waist elastic member having elasticity that can stretch and contract along the width direction, and, when clamped between the inner sheet and the outer sheet, engaging with at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet in such a way that the elastic force of the core configuration portion in the joint of the waist body to which the absorbent is engaged is weaker than the elastic force of the portion adjacent to the core configuration portion in the width direction.

[0325] According to the above-described structure, the waist member has the following elasticity: the elastic force of the core portion in the waist member used to house the absorbent is weak, while the portion adjacent to the core portion can stretch and contract. Because the elastic force of the core portion in the waist member is weak, the contraction of the core attached to the core portion of the waist member can be suppressed. Accordingly, the core can reliably cover the back and the like. Furthermore, by allowing the portion adjacent to the core portion to stretch and contract, the waist member can be connected to the distal end of the absorbent positioned along the wearer's hips.

[0326] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the outer panel has a protrusion that covers the end of the absorbent body that engages with the waist member in the orthogonal direction.

[0327] In garments with the above-described structure, since the end of the absorbent that joins with the waistband is covered by the protrusion of the outer panel, discomfort caused by the end of the absorbent contacting the skin can be suppressed. Furthermore, the end of the absorbent is not exposed, improving the aesthetic appearance.

[0328] In the aforementioned garment, it is preferable that the waist elastic member, when held between the inner and outer panels, engages with at least one of the inner and outer panels in such a manner that the elastic force of the portion of the waist body in which the first connecting portion is disposed is weaker than the elastic force of the portion adjacent to that portion in the width direction.

[0329] According to the above-described structure, since the elastic force of the waist member in the part where the first connecting part is located is weak, the contraction of the first connecting part can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the reduction of the connecting force between the first connecting part and the second connecting part.

Claims

1. A garment, characterized in that, include: The waist member has: a waist body extending along the width direction and having elasticity that can stretch and contract along the width direction, and disposed at the waist of the wearer; and a first connecting part disposed on the surface of the waist body at both ends in the width direction facing the skin side of the wearer. as well as, An absorbent body, joined to the waist member, is configured to extend from the wearer's back, through the hips, to the front abdomen, in a direction orthogonal to the width direction from the junction with the waist member, wherein... The absorbent body includes: a core for absorbing bodily fluids; a surface sheet disposed on the side of the core facing the wearer's skin; a back sheet disposed on the outer surface of the core opposite to the skin-facing side, sandwiching the core between it and the surface sheet; and a second connecting portion disposed on the outer surface of the back sheet opposite to the skin-facing side, and detachable relative to the first connecting portion. The core has an absorbent polymer and a first nonwoven fabric on the core side. The first nonwoven fabric on the core side holds the absorbent polymer in a manner that forms a holding region and a first low-density region. The holding region holds the absorbent polymer, and the first low-density region holds the absorbent polymer at a lower density than the holding region and is adjacent to both ends of the holding region in the orthogonal direction. The connection between the first connecting part and the second connecting part is released; The waist body of the waist component has: The inner sheet extends along the width direction; An outer sheet extends along the width direction and covers the outer surface of the inner sheet opposite to the surface facing the skin side; and, The waist elastic member has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the width direction, and, when clamped between the inner sheet and the outer sheet, engages with at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet in such a way that the elastic force of the core configuration portion in the joint of the waist body to which the absorbent is engaged is weaker than the elastic force of the portion adjacent to the core configuration portion in the width direction.

2. The wearable article according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second low-density region is formed on the first nonwoven fabric on the core side. This second low-density region holds the absorbent polymer with a lower density than the holding region and is sandwiched in the holding region in the width direction.

3. The wearable article according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second low-density region extends along the orthogonal direction.

4. The garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The surface sheet has: a first nonwoven fabric on the surface side having an uneven shape; and a second nonwoven fabric on the surface side, which is attached to the outer surface of the first nonwoven fabric on the surface side opposite to the surface facing the skin side in a manner that maintains the uneven shape.

5. The wearable article according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second nonwoven fabric on the surface side has a shape with a gentler undulation than the uneven shape.

6. The garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first nonwoven fabric on the core side has a fiber layer that is napped to form gaps for carrying the absorbent polymer.

7. The garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The core also includes a second nonwoven fabric on the core side, which is laminated onto the first nonwoven fabric on the core side in a manner that faces the first nonwoven fabric on the core side via the absorbent polymer. On the opposing surfaces of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric on the core side, a fiber layer is formed that is napped to create gaps for carrying the absorbent polymer.

8. The garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The absorbent has an absorbent elastic member disposed at the distal end of the absorbent in the orthogonal direction opposite to the end of the waist member, and has elasticity that allows it to stretch and contract along the width direction.

9. The garment article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: On the outer surface of the distal end of the back panel opposite to the waist member in the orthogonal direction, the second connecting portion is provided over approximately the entire width direction of the distal end of the back panel.

10. The wearable article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer sheet has a protrusion that covers the end of the absorbent that engages with the waist member in the orthogonal direction.

11. The wearable article according to claim 1 or 10, characterized in that: The waist elastic member, when clamped between the inner sheet and the outer sheet, engages with at least one of the inner sheet and the outer sheet in such a way that the elastic force of the portion of the waist body in which the first connecting portion is disposed is weaker than the elastic force of the portion adjacent to that portion in the width direction.

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