Shorts-type absorbent article

Abstract

A pair of side joints (SS) joining a belly side waistline portion (20) and a back side waistline portion (30), wherein the pair of side joints (SS) has a pattern (70) that is an index when the waistline portions (20, 30) are folded back to the skin side or the non-skin side, the pattern (70) is visually recognizable from the skin side or the non-skin side, the length of the pattern (70) in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction, and at least a part of the pattern (70) is disposed in a middle region (RC) in which, in a pattern existing region sandwiched by a virtual line passing through one end in the left-right direction of the pattern (70) and extending in the up-down direction and a virtual line passing through the other end in the left-right direction of the pattern (70) and extending in the up-down direction, a pattern identical to the pattern (70) is not provided in addition to the pattern (70).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to absorbent articles in the form of shorts. Background Technology

[0002] As a type of absorbent article, for example, there are known shorts-type diapers having a waistband and an absorbent body. The waistband has an abdominal waistband located on the wearer's abdomen and a dorsal waistband located on the wearer's back, and the absorbent body has an absorbent core. In shorts-type diapers for adults, in order to ensure a close fit during wear, the length of the waistband (the length in the vertical direction described later) becomes longer, making it difficult for the wearer's legs to pass through (the case where the legs pass from the waistband opening to the leg opening). Therefore, there is a known technique of providing a bending portion in the waistband as the starting point of a bend (for example, see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the bending portion is provided by making the rigidity of the bending portion different from the rigidity of other parts (for example, making the number of layers different).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-028607 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, the waistband of shorts-style diapers is usually soft, making it difficult to pinpoint the stress concentration point when external force is applied, even with folds, thus hindering proper folding. Furthermore, shorts-style diapers are typically made of a single sheet of the same color (e.g., white), making it difficult for wearers (e.g., the elderly) to identify the folds. Therefore, when folding the waistband, wearers may not know where to place their hands (fingers) or where to fold it back. Consequently, the inability to fold the waistband properly makes it difficult to pass the legs through, potentially making the diaper difficult to wear.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its object is to provide a shorts-type absorbent article that allows the waist to be folded back in the appropriate position, making it easy to put on and wear the legs.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective relates to a shorts-type absorbent article having mutually orthogonal vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions, and comprising an absorbent body and a waistband. The waistband includes an abdominal waistband and a back waistband, which are joined by a pair of side joints. The shorts-type absorbent article is characterized by having a pattern that serves as an indicator when the waistband is folded back towards the skin or non-skin side. The pattern is visually recognizable from either the skin or non-skin side, and the length of the pattern in the horizontal direction is longer than the length of the pattern in the vertical direction. When the waist portion is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, the uppermost region is designated as the upper region, the lowermost region as the lower region, and the region between the upper and lower regions is designated as the middle region, at least a portion of the pattern is disposed in the middle region. In the middle region, when the area sandwiched between a virtual line passing through one end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the vertical direction and a virtual line passing through the other end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the vertical direction is designated as the pattern existence area, in the pattern existence area, no pattern identical to the pattern is provided except for the pattern itself.

[0011] Other features of the invention will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a shorts-type absorbent article that allows the waist to be folded back in place, making it easy to put on and pass through the legs. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of shorts-type diaper 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the wearer's skin side.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A rough cross-sectional view at point AA.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10 at BB in the middle.

[0018] Figures 5A-5C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the action of folding back the waistline by 20 or 30.

[0019] Figures 6A-6CThis is an illustration of another example of the action of folding back the waistline by 20 or 30.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the shorts-type diaper 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a modified example of the second embodiment of the shorts-type diaper 1A'.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic perspective view of the shorts-type diaper 1B according to the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] From the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters become clear.

[0024] (Method 1)

[0025] A shorts-type absorbent article has mutually orthogonal vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions, and includes an absorbent body and a waistband. The waistband includes an abdominal waistband and a back waistband, which are joined by a pair of side joints. The shorts-type absorbent article is characterized by having a pattern that serves as an indicator when the waistband is folded back towards the skin or non-skin side. The pattern is visually recognizable from either the skin or non-skin side, and the horizontal length of the pattern is longer than its vertical length. When the waist portion is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, the uppermost area is designated as the upper region, the lowermost area is designated as the lower region, and the area between the upper and lower regions is designated as the middle region, at least a portion of the pattern is disposed in the middle region. In the middle region, when the area sandwiched between a virtual line passing through one end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the vertical direction and a virtual line passing through the other end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the vertical direction is designated as the pattern existence area, in the pattern existence area, no pattern identical to the pattern is provided except for the pattern itself.

[0026] According to Method 1, the absorbent shorts-type garment has a pattern in the middle area of ​​the waistband, and no identical pattern exists above or below it (in the patterned area). Therefore, when folding the waistband back, the wearer can easily identify the position where their fingers should rest. Furthermore, by folding the waistband back using the pattern as a reference, the vertical length of the waistband is shortened, reducing the distance the legs need to pass through when wearing the garment, thus making it easier to put on.

[0027] (Method 2)

[0028] According to the shorts-type absorbent article of method 1, wherein, The pattern can be visually identified from both the skin side and the non-skin side.

[0029] According to Method 2, the folded-back position of the short-sleeved absorbent item can be determined from either the skin side or the non-skin side.

[0030] (Method 3)

[0031] According to method 1 or 2, the shorts-type absorbent article, wherein, The pattern is entirely positioned in the central area.

[0032] According to the absorbent shorts-type item of method 3, since the pattern is arranged in the middle area, the waist can be folded back in the middle area.

[0033] (Method 4)

[0034] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 3, wherein, In the vertical direction, the pattern spans the central position of the side joint.

[0035] According to the absorbent shorts-type garment of method 4, the waistband can be folded back at the center position in the vertical direction (the center position of the side joint). As a result, the vertical length of the waistband is reduced to approximately half, making it easier for the legs to pass through.

[0036] (Method 5)

[0037] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 4, wherein, The absorbent body has an absorbent core, and in the vertical direction, the pattern overlaps with the absorbent body but does not overlap with the absorbent core.

[0038] According to Method 5, the rigidity of the shorts-type absorbent article is increased by overlapping the pattern with the absorbent core, making it easy to determine the point of stress concentration (the folding position). This allows the waistband to be bent at the appropriate location. Furthermore, by ensuring the pattern does not overlap with the absorbent core, it prevents situations where bending is difficult due to the thickness of the absorbent core.

[0039] (Method 6)

[0040] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 5, wherein, In the left-right direction, when the rightmost region of the waist circumference is divided into three equal parts, the leftmost region is designated as the left region, and the region between the right and left regions is designated as the central region, the pattern exists in the right region, the central region, and the left region respectively.

[0041] According to Method 6, the absorbent shorts-type garment features patterns in various areas (right side, center, and left side) along the waistband, making it easier to identify the folded-back position. Furthermore, when folding the waistband back, the area that rests against the fingers widens, making it easier to touch the fingers.

[0042] (Method 7)

[0043] According to the shorts-type absorbent article of method 6, wherein, The pattern extends from the left region to the right region.

[0044] According to method 7, the absorbent shorts-type garment has a pattern that runs from the left side of the waistband to the right side, so it can be folded back in the same way no matter where you hold the waistband.

[0045] (Method 8)

[0046] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 5, wherein, In the left-right direction, the pattern spans the center of the waist section.

[0047] According to method 8, for shorts-type absorbent items, by holding the waistband in the middle of the left and right directions (with fingers resting on the pattern), the waistband can be folded back.

[0048] (Method 9)

[0049] According to the shorts-type absorbent article of method 8, wherein, The pattern is set on both the abdominal waist area and the back waist area.

[0050] According to Method 9, the shorts-type absorbent item allows the waistband to be folded back by grasping (holding) the abdominal and back waistbands. Furthermore, patterns on both the abdominal and back waistbands allow for identification of their respective folded positions. Moreover, when folding back, the positions of the fingers against the right hand and the fingers against the left hand can be associated with each position.

[0051] (Method 10)

[0052] According to the shorts-type absorbent article of method 9, wherein, In the vertical direction, the pattern on the abdominal waist overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern on the back waist.

[0053] According to the absorbent shorts-type garment of method 10, the abdominal waistband and back waistband can be folded back at the same position in the vertical direction. This allows the folded positions of the waistband to be aligned.

[0054] (Method 11)

[0055] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 5, wherein, In the left-right direction, when the rightmost region of the waist portion is divided into three equal parts, the leftmost region is designated as the right region, the region between the right and left regions is designated as the central region, the pattern is disposed in the right and left regions of at least one of the abdominal waist portion and the back waist portion.

[0056] According to the shorts-type absorbent item of method 11, the waistband can be folded back by holding the two sides (right and left areas) in the left and right directions. Moreover, the folding position can be identified on each side by the patterns on the two sides in the left and right directions. Furthermore, when folding back, the position of the fingers against the right hand and the position of the fingers against the left hand can be associated with each other.

[0057] (Method 12)

[0058] According to the shorts-type absorbent article of method 11, wherein, In the vertical direction, the pattern in the right region overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern in the left region.

[0059] According to method 12, the absorbent shorts-type garment allows the two sides of the waistband to be folded back at the same position in the vertical direction. This allows the folded-back positions of the waistband to be aligned.

[0060] (Method 13)

[0061] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 12, wherein, In the vertical direction, when the center of the pattern is set as the reference position, the force required to extend the vertical unit width of the area above the reference position of the waist portion by a unit length in the horizontal direction is greater than the force required to extend the vertical unit width of the area below the reference position of the waist portion by a unit length in the horizontal direction.

[0062] According to method 13, the absorbent shorts-type garment allows for easy folding of the waistband at the patterned area. Furthermore, when folding the waistband, it is easy to maintain the folded-back position.

[0063] (Method 14)

[0064] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 13, wherein, The waist section has multiple elastic members that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and can extend and retract in the left and right directions respectively, and the pattern overlaps with at least two of the elastic members.

[0065] According to method 14, the pattern of the shorts-type absorbent article overlaps with at least two elastic members, thereby preventing the pattern from being too fine to be visually discernible.

[0066] (Method 15)

[0067] The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 14, wherein, The waist section has: multiple elastic members arranged with gaps in the vertical direction and capable of stretching and extending in the horizontal direction respectively; and two sheets sandwiching the multiple elastic members, the pattern being formed on a sheet different from the two sheets.

[0068] According to method 15, the rigidity of the patterned area of ​​the absorbent shorts is increased, so the waist area can be easily bent.

[0069] ===First Implementation Method===

[0070] <<About the Structure of Shorts-Type Diapers 1>>

[0071] As an example of the shorts-type absorbent article processed in this embodiment, the basic structure of the shorts-type diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") will be described.

[0072] Figure 1 This is a rough 3D diagram of Diaper 1. Figure 2 This is a rough top view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the wearer's skin side. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A rough cross-sectional view at point AA. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10 at BB in the middle.

[0073] It should be noted that the "unfolded state" of diaper 1 is achieved by... Figure 1The diaper 1 in a shorts-like configuration separates the abdominal waistband 20 (described later) from the back waistband 30 (described later) by untying the side joints SS (described later) on both sides in the left-right direction, and unfolds the diaper 1 into a flat state by opening it in the up-down direction. Moreover, the "stretched state" of the diaper 1 is a state in which the product (diaper 1) is stretched without wrinkles. Specifically, it refers to a state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., absorbent body 10, abdominal waistband 20, etc.) are stretched to a length that is the same as or close to the size of the individual component.

[0074] Diaper 1 Figure 1 In the shorts-style configuration shown, there are mutually orthogonal "vertical," "left-right," and "front-back" directions. In the vertical direction, the side that becomes the wearer's waist (the side forming the waist opening BH) is designated "upper side," and the side that becomes the wearer's crotch side is designated "lower side." Furthermore, in the front-back direction, the side that becomes the wearer's abdomen is designated "front side," and the side that becomes the back side is designated "back side." Additionally, in the left-right direction, the side positioned on the wearer's right side is designated "right side," and the side positioned on the wearer's left side is designated "left side."

[0075] In addition, Figure 2 In its unfolded and stretched state, diaper 1 has mutually orthogonal "length direction," "left-right direction," and "thickness direction." The length direction runs along the aforementioned up-down direction, with one side corresponding to the ventral side (front) and the other side corresponding to the dorsal side (back). The thickness direction is as follows... Figure 3 The direction in which materials (sheets, etc.) are stacked is shown. The side in the thickness direction that comes into contact with the wearer is designated as the "skin side", and the opposite side is designated as the "non-skin side".

[0076] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 and an outer packaging body 40.

[0077] (Absorbent subject 10)

[0078] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11, a top sheet 12, a back sheet 13, and a pair of side sheets 14.

[0079] The absorbent core 11 only needs to absorb and retain the excreted liquid, and can be shaped into a structure of a specified shape, for example, by forming liquid absorbent raw materials such as pulp fibers or highly absorbent polymers. Moreover, the absorbent core 11 is covered by a liquid-permeable core layer 15 such as thin paper or non-woven fabric.

[0080] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet component disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core 11 (and core sheath 15) and in contact with the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The top sheet 12 is formed of, for example, breathable nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, a secondary sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11.

[0081] The backing sheet 13 is a non-liquid-permeable and moisture-permeable sheet component disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (core cladding 15), for example, formed of a resin film. By providing the backing sheet 13, it is possible to prevent moisture such as urine absorbed by the absorbent body 10 from moving (soaking) towards the wearer's clothing.

[0082] Side sheet 14 is a sheet component arranged on both sides of the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction. For example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric such as SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0083] On both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction, a pair of leak-proof wall portions 3 are provided along the length direction of the absorbent body 10. The leak-proof wall portions 3 are formed by side plates 14. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the portions of the leak-proof wall 3 extending outwards from the non-skin-facing side of the back panel 13 of the side panel 14 in the left-right direction are bent at multiple points and are located on both sides of the top panel 12 in the left-right direction on the skin-facing side. A leak-proof wall elastic member 16 (e.g., a stretchable member such as rubber) is installed on the leak-proof wall 3 in a lengthwise extended state. Based on the stretchability of the leak-proof wall elastic member 16, the leak-proof wall 3 stands upright towards the wearer's skin.

[0084] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, in order to maintain the shape of the leak-proof wall portion 3, a joint portion 17 (adhesive, etc., see below) is provided at the central part (crotch portion) in the longitudinal direction of the leak-proof wall portion 3. This joint portion 17 extends along the longitudinal direction to join the leak-proof wall portions 3 that are folded in the left-right direction together. Figure 4 Therefore, the rigidity of the leak-proof wall 3 is increased in the crotch area. It should be noted that this is not the only limitation; for example, the rigidity can also be increased by joining the leak-proof wall 3 to the top plate 12.

[0085] (Outer packaging 40)

[0086] Outer packaging 40 Figure 2 The figure shown is an hourglass shape in its unfolded and elongated state, with the central portion in the length direction contracting inwards to the left and right. It has an abdominal waistband 20 located on the wearer's abdomen and a back waistband 30 located on the wearer's back. Furthermore, the outer packaging 40 is bonded to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 by an adhesive or the like.

[0087] Figure 2The outer packaging 40, in its unfolded state, is folded along its length together with the absorbent main body 10. The ventral waist portion 20 and the back waist portion 30 are joined by a pair of side joints SS at their two ends in the left and right directions. Thus, the ventral waist portion 20 and the back waist portion 30 are connected to form a ring, becoming... Figure 1 The diaper 1 shown is in the shape of shorts, with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. Examples of bonding methods based on the side joints SS include heat-sealing, ultrasonic bonding, and adhesive bonding methods.

[0088] It should be noted that in the unfolded and elongated state ( Figure 2 On the front side of the diaper 1, the portion of the outer packaging 40 that repeats the side joint portion SS in the vertical direction (the portion indicated by Lss in the figure) is set as the abdominal waistband 20. Furthermore, in the unfolded and stretched state ( Figure 2 On the back side of the diaper 1, the portion of the outer packaging body 40 that repeats the side joint portion SS in the vertical direction (the portion represented by the length Lss in the figure) is designated as the back waistband portion 30. That is, in this embodiment, the vertical length of the abdominal waistband portion 20 and the vertical length of the back waistband portion 30 are equal to the vertical length Lss of the side joint portion SS, respectively.

[0089] In the following description, the abdominal waist circumference 20 and the back waist circumference 30 will be referred to together as waist circumference 20 and 30 (or simply waist circumference). Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the waist portions 20 and 30 are provided with a pattern 70 that serves as an indicator when the waist portion is folded back. Details about the pattern 70 will be described later.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the outer packaging body 40 has an outer packaging top sheet 41, a ventral outer packaging back sheet 21, and a dorsal outer packaging back sheet 31.

[0091] The top piece 41 of the outer packaging is in the shape of the outer packaging body 40, and is positioned from the abdominal waist section 20 through the crotch to the back waist section 30. As mentioned above, it is hourglass-shaped when unfolded.

[0092] The ventral outer packaging back piece 21 is positioned closer to the non-skin side than the outer packaging top piece 41. Between the ventral outer packaging back piece 21 and the outer packaging top piece 41, multiple elastic members 23 (e.g., elastic rubber or other stretchable members) capable of extending and retracting in the left-right direction are arranged with a gap along the vertical direction. That is, on the ventral side, the ventral outer packaging back piece 21 and the outer packaging top piece 41 are equivalent to "two pieces" sandwiching multiple elastic members (here, elastic members 23). The outer end (upper end) of the ventral outer packaging back piece 21 in the longitudinal direction is folded back towards the skin side to form a folded portion 21r. This folded portion 21r covers the longitudinal end (front end) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side.

[0093] Similarly, the back cover 31 of the outer packaging is positioned on the non-skin side compared to the top cover 41. Multiple elastic members 33 (the same telescopic members as elastic members 23) capable of extending and retracting in the left-right direction are arranged between the back cover 31 and the top cover 41, with a vertical gap. That is, on the back side, the back cover 31 and the top cover 41 are equivalent to "two sheets" sandwiching multiple elastic members (here, elastic members 33). The outer end (upper end) of the ventral back cover 21 in the longitudinal direction is folded back towards the skin to form a folded portion 31r. This folded portion 31r covers the longitudinal end (rear end) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ventral outer packaging back panel 21 and the rear outer packaging back panel 31 each have an extension that extends downward beyond the ventral waist portion 20 and the rear waist portion 30 (i.e., the side joint portion SS). The rear outer packaging back panel 31 extends further towards the crotch side, and in its extension 30E, a rear leg support elastic member 34 (e.g., a rubber strip) is provided between the rear outer packaging back panel 31 and the outer packaging top panel 41. Figure 2 As shown, the rear leg elastic member 34 is arranged along the lower edge of the back side outer packaging back piece 31.

[0095] It should be noted that the structure of the outer packaging 40 is not limited to the structure described above. For example, it may also be an outer packaging body consisting of the abdominal waist portion 20, the back waist portion 30, and the crotch portion, which has a crotch portion (not shown) located between the abdominal waist portion 20 and the back waist portion 30 in the longitudinal direction.

[0096] <About Pattern 70>

[0097] The commonly known method for a wearer of diaper 1 to put on diaper 1 is to first hold both ends of diaper 1 with both hands, expand the waist opening BH to the left and right, then lift one leg and pass the leg through the waist opening BH towards the leg opening LH. Then, pass the opposite leg through, pulling the diaper 1 up to the waist to complete the wearing process. However, among diaper wearers, there are elderly people and others whose physical functions have declined, making it difficult to perform the above-mentioned wearing method. Especially in adult short-length diapers 1, to improve fit, the waist section 20, 30, and its vertical length Lss are made longer, making it easy for the legs to get caught and making the leg-passing action difficult.

[0098] If the waist sections 20 and 30 are folded back, their vertical length becomes shorter than Lss, making it easier to pass the legs through. However, as mentioned above, because the vertical length Lss of the waist sections 20 and 30 is long, it is difficult to know where to hold the hand (where to place the fingers) or where to fold back. Therefore, it is difficult to fold back at the appropriate position.

[0099] Therefore, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, a pattern 70 is provided to indicate when the waistband is folded back. By providing the pattern 70, as will be described later, it is easy to know the position to hold when folding back the waistband (e.g., the position against the fingers) and where to fold it back to.

[0100] Pattern 70 is positioned horizontally between the two side joints SS of waist sections 20 and 30, with the horizontal length of pattern 70 being longer than its vertical length. This horizontal length (shorter vertical length) of pattern 70 makes it easy for the wearer to identify the folded-back positions of waist sections 20 and 30.

[0101] In addition, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, when the area dividing the waist portions 20 and 30 into three equal parts along the vertical direction is sequentially designated as the upper region RU, the middle region RC, and the lower region RD from the top, the pattern 70 is disposed in the middle region RC. In this embodiment, the entire pattern 70 is disposed in the middle region RC, but it is not limited to this; at least a portion of the pattern 70 may be disposed in the middle region RC. However, by disposing the entire pattern 70 in the middle region RC as in this embodiment, the waist portions 20 and 30 can be reliably folded back in the middle region RC.

[0102] Furthermore, in the middle region RC, in the area enclosed by the virtual line passing through the left end of pattern 70 and along the vertical direction, and the virtual line passing through the right end of pattern 70 and along the vertical direction (equivalent to the pattern presence area), no identical patterns other than pattern 70 are provided. Thus, while pattern 70 is present in the middle region RC of the waist section, no identical patterns exist above or below it (the pattern presence area). Therefore, when the wearer folds the waist sections 20 and 30 back, they can easily recall the position where their fingers rest. Moreover, it makes it easier for the wearer to identify the appropriate position for folding the waist sections 20 and 30 back.

[0103] Additionally, in the vertical direction, the pattern 70 spans the center position FP of the waist section 20 and 30 (refer to...). Figure 2 , Figure 3 Therefore, the waist sections 20 and 30 can be folded back at their central position FP (the central position of the side joint SS) in the vertical direction. That is, the vertical length of the waist sections 20 and 30 can be reduced to approximately half, thus making it easier for the legs to pass through.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, pattern 70 is provided on both the abdominal waist section 20 and the back waist section 30. Because pattern 70 is present on both the abdominal waist section 20 and the back waist section 30, when the waist sections 20 and 30 are folded back, it is easy to know the positions of the wearer's right hand fingers and left hand fingers respectively.

[0105] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, the pattern 70 of the abdominal waist portion 20 overlaps with the pattern 70 of the back waist portion 30. This allows the abdominal waist portion 20 and the back waist portion 30 to be folded back to the same position in the vertical direction. This allows the folded positions of the waist portions to be aligned. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pattern 70 of the abdominal waist portion 20 and the pattern 70 of the back waist portion 30 completely overlap in the vertical direction, but this is not a limitation; at least a partial overlap is sufficient.

[0106] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a ventral pattern sheet 70A with pattern 70 is attached to the non-skin side of the ventral outer packaging back sheet 21, and a back pattern sheet 70B with pattern 70 is attached to the non-skin side of the back outer packaging back sheet 31. The ventral pattern sheet 70A and the back pattern sheet 70B are elongated sheets (e.g., non-woven fabric) colored differently from the waist portions 20 and 30. The ventral pattern sheet 70A (back pattern sheet 70B) is attached to the non-skin side of the ventral outer packaging back sheet 21 (back outer packaging back sheet 31) in a left-right direction along its length to form a strip-shaped pattern 70.

[0107] Thus, pattern 70 is formed on two different pieces (ventral pattern piece 70A and back pattern piece 70B) of the waist portions 20 and 30, which are different from the two pieces sandwiching the elastic members 23 and 33. Therefore, at the pattern 70 location, due to the increased number of pieces, the rigidity increases, making it easier to bend the waist portions 20 and 30. However, the method of forming pattern 70 is not limited to this. For example, pattern 70 can also be formed by printing, dyeing, or other methods on parts of the ventral outer packaging back piece 21 and the back outer packaging back piece 31. Furthermore, the pattern can also be applied by embossing. In this case, the fiber density of the material increases at the embossed areas, thus creating a color difference from the surrounding area.

[0108] Furthermore, pattern 70 is not limited to the illustrated case; it can be any pattern whose length in the left-right direction is longer than its length in the top-bottom direction. For example, it can be a drawing, pattern, arrow, dotted line, or the aforementioned embossing. Moreover, for example, it can also be multiple (vertically elongated) shapes whose length in the left-right direction is shorter than their length in the top-bottom direction, arranged in the left-right direction to form a horizontally elongated pattern. It should be noted that when multiple shapes are arranged as described above, they can also be considered as a single pattern. In this case, the separation distance between adjacent shapes is preferably less than 2 / 3 of the length in the left-right direction of the pattern, more preferably less than 1 / 2 of the length in the left-right direction of the pattern. Even more preferably, the separation distance between the shapes is less than the length in the left-right direction of the shapes.

[0109] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, the ventral pattern piece 70A overlaps with two or more elastic members 23, and the dorsal pattern piece 70B overlaps with two or more elastic members 33. In other words, the pattern 70 overlaps with two or more elastic members. Thus, the pattern 70 preferably overlaps with at least two elastic members. This prevents the pattern 70 from being too fine to be visually discernible.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the pattern 70 overlaps with the absorbent body 10 in the vertical direction. Thus, by the overlap of the pattern 70 and the absorbent body 10, for example, when bending the overlapping portion (refer to...) Figures 6A-6C The high rigidity of section 70 makes it easy to identify points of stress concentration (foldback locations). This allows for the bending of waist sections 20 and 30 at appropriate locations.

[0111] Furthermore, assuming that the pattern 70 overlaps with the absorbent core 11 in the vertical direction, it would be difficult to bend at the position of the pattern 70 due to the thickness of the absorbent core 11. In this embodiment, since the pattern 70 and the absorbent core 11 do not overlap in the vertical direction, the situation where it is difficult to bend due to the thickness of the absorbent core 11 can be prevented.

[0112] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the waist portions 20 and 30 are divided into three equal parts along the left and right directions, designated as right region RX, central region RY, and left region RZ respectively, a pattern 70 is provided in each of these areas. Therefore, the presence of pattern 70 in each area (right region RX, central region RY, and left region RZ) of the waist portions 20 and 30 in the left and right directions makes it easier to identify the folded-back position. Furthermore, when the waist portion is folded back, the area that rests against the fingers widens, making it easier to press against the fingers.

[0113] Furthermore, pattern 70 continues from the left area RZ to the right area RX. Therefore, regardless of the position of the waist sections 20 and 30, they can be folded back in the same way.

[0114] Additionally, in the left-right direction, pattern 70 spans the center of waist sections 20 and 30 ( Figure 2 (The position indicated by A in the middle). Therefore, by holding the center of the waist sections 20 and 30 in the left-right direction (with fingers resting on pattern 70), the waist sections 20 and 30 can be folded back (see...). Figures 6A-6C ).

[0115] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, pattern 70 is formed on the non-skin side of the waistbands 20 and 30. That is, pattern 70 can be visually identified from the non-skin side of the diaper 1. Therefore, the folding position can be known without observing the inside of the diaper 1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, pattern 70 can also be visually identified from the skin side (inside) of the waistbands 20 and 30 via the waistbands 20 and 30. Thus, the folding position can be known from both the skin side and the non-skin side. Moreover, by also being able to visually identify pattern 70 from the skin side, for example, when folding the waistbands 20 and 30 back towards the non-skin side, it is possible to confirm whether the fold has reached the target position (see reference). Figure 5C , Figure 6C ).

[0116] Furthermore, when the center of the vertical direction of pattern 70 (which is the same as the center position FP of the vertical direction of waist portions 20 and 30) is set as the reference position, the arrangement interval of the elastic members (elastic members 23 and 33) is shorter and the number of elastic members is greater in the area above the reference position compared to the area below the reference position. Therefore, the force (stretch force) required to extend the vertical unit width of the waist portions 20 and 30 by a unit length in the left and right directions in the area above the reference position (FP) is greater than the force (stretch force) required to extend the vertical unit width of the waist portions 20 and 30 by a unit length in the left and right directions in the area below the reference position (FP). As a result, it is easier to fold the waist portions 20 and 30 back at the position of pattern 70. Moreover, when folding the waist portions 20 and 30 back, it is easier to maintain the folded state.

[0117] It should be noted that the elastic force can be adjusted not only by the arrangement of elastic members as described above, but also by, for example, the thickness of the elastic members and the elongation ratio (the value obtained by dividing the length of diaper 1 in the elongated state by the length in the unloaded state).

[0118] The comparison of elasticity can be performed using well-known methods. For example, the absorbent body 10 can be separated from the diaper 1, and symmetrical areas (the areas above and below the standard position) of the annular waistbands 20 and 30 can be cut out as samples. Then, a tensile testing machine can be used to obtain the load (load per unit width (mm) in the vertical direction (N / mm)) that causes each sample to stretch by a specified length in the left-right direction, and the results can be compared.

[0119] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the pattern 70 is continuous at both ends (between a pair of side joints SS) in the left-right direction of the waist portions 20 and 30, but it may also be discontinuous. For example, it may become discontinuous at the junction of the right side region RX, the central region RY, and the left side region RZ. Moreover, the pattern 70 may also be discontinuous up to the pair of side joints SS (the pattern 70 may not exist near the side joints SS).

[0120] <Regarding the folding motion of diaper 1 performed by the wearer>

[0121] Figures 5A-5C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of folding back the waist portions 20 and 30 when wearing diaper 1. Here, it is shown that the wearer holds the two sides of the waist portions 20 and 30 of diaper 1 in the left and right directions (including the part with a pair of side joints SS) and folds them back to the non-skin side.

[0122] First, such as Figure 5AAs shown, the diaper 1 is held on both sides of the waistband 20 and 30 using the right and left hands, respectively. At this time, the wearer places their thumbs inside the waistband 20 and 30, and rests any finger (fingertip) other than the thumb against the pattern on the waistband 20 and 30 to hold the diaper 1. Due to the presence of this pattern 70, the position of the resting fingers is easily identifiable.

[0123] Next, as Figure 5B As shown, while holding the diaper 1, the waist area 20 and 30 are expanded to the left and right.

[0124] Then, in Figure 5B In this state, starting with the fingertips resting against pattern 70, fold (fold back) the waist sections 20 and 30 towards the non-skin side (outer side). Thus, as... Figure 5C As shown, the waist sections 20 and 30 are folded in half. At this point, by visually recognizing pattern 70 from the skin side, it can be confirmed that... Figure 5C That's the case where the pattern folds back at position 70.

[0125] In the natural state ( Figure 5A In diaper 1, the upper ends 20a and 30a of the waistbands 20 and 30 are the upper ends of the waistband opening BH, but in the folded state ( Figure 5C In diaper 1, the central position FP becomes the upper end of the waist opening BH. That is, the vertical length of the waist portions 20 and 30 becomes Lss / 2, and the distance from the waist opening BH to the leg opening LH becomes shorter. As a result, it becomes easier for the legs to pass through and for the diaper to be put on.

[0126] It should be noted that, from Figure 5A When the waistline 20 and 30 are folded back, it is possible to fold back the waistline 20 and 30 without expanding to the left or right (this is optional). Figure 5B (state).

[0127] Figures 6A-6C This is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the action of folding back the waistbands 20 and 30 when putting on diaper 1. It shows the diaper 1 being held by the right and left hands respectively on the ventral waistband 20 and the back waistband 30, and folded back towards the non-skin side.

[0128] First, such as Figure 6AAs shown, the central portion (central area RY) of the abdominal waistband 20 and the central portion (central area RY) of the back waistband 30 of the diaper 1 are held by the right and left hands, respectively. At this time, the wearer places their thumbs inside the waistbands 20 and 30, and places any finger (fingertip) other than the thumb against the pattern 70 on the waistbands 20 and 30. Due to the presence of the pattern 70, the position of the fingers is easily identifiable.

[0129] Next, as Figure 6B As shown, hold the diaper 1 with both hands and expand the waist circumference 20 and 30 in the front and back direction.

[0130] Then, in Figure 6B In this state, starting with the fingertips resting against pattern 70, fold (fold back) the waist sections 20 and 30 towards the non-skin side (outer side). Thus, as... Figure 6C As shown, the waist sections 20 and 30 are folded in half. In this case, pattern 70 can also be visually identified from the skin side, thus confirming that... Figure 6C That's the case where the pattern folds back at position 70.

[0131] In addition, in this example ( Figures 6A-6C In this case, the fingers are pressed against the portion (highly rigid part) of the waist section 20, 30 that overlaps with the absorbent main body 10 and then folded back. Therefore, with Figures 5A-5C Compared to the previous situation, folding the waistline back at 20 or 30 is easier to do.

[0132] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, although the waist portions 20 and 30 are folded back once at the position of pattern 70, it is not limited to this. They can also be folded back multiple times (or rolled up) to the position of pattern 70.

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, although the waist portions 20 and 30 are folded back towards the non-skin side (outer side), it is not limited to this and can also be folded back towards the skin side (inner side). Since the pattern 70 is formed on the non-skin side of the waist portions 20 and 30 and exists in each region in the left and right direction (right region RX, central region RY, left region RZ), the waist portions 20 and 30 can be folded back towards the skin side at the position of the pattern 70 (appropriate position).

[0134] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, although the pattern 70 is provided on both the abdominal waistband 20 and the back waistband 30, the pattern 70 can also be provided on either the abdominal waistband 20 or the back waistband 30. However, if the pattern 70 is provided on both sides, then... Figures 6A-6CWhen the waist sections 20 and 30 are folded back, the folding positions of the abdominal waist section 20 and the back waist section 30 can be identified. Moreover, when folding back, one can associate the positions of the fingers against the right hand and the fingers against the left hand respectively.

[0135] ===Second Implementation Method===

[0136] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of the shorts-type diaper 1A (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1A") according to the second embodiment. Parts with the same structure as in the first embodiment are labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions are omitted.

[0137] In the diaper 1A of the second embodiment, a pattern 71 is provided on the waistband portions 20 and 30. For example, the pattern 71 is provided by attaching a colored rectangular piece to the non-skin side of the waistband portions 20 and 30.

[0138] Pattern 71 is located at both ends of the waistband 20 and 30 of diaper 1A in the left and right directions. Figure 2 A pair of patterns are provided (the right end of the right region RX and the left end of the left region RZ). In other words, pattern 71 is not provided in the central region RY of the waist portions 20 and 30 (it does not cross the center of the waist portions 20 and 30 in the left-right direction). As a result, pattern 71 is shorter in the left-right direction than pattern 70 in the first embodiment. However, pattern 71 is also a horizontally elongated shape in which the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction.

[0139] In the vertical direction, a pair of patterns 71 are respectively arranged in the middle region RC. Moreover, in the middle region RC, no pattern identical to pattern 71 is provided between the virtual line passing through the right end of each pattern 71 and along the vertical direction and the virtual line passing through the left end and along the vertical direction. As a result, when the waist section 20, 30 is folded back, the folding position can be identified. Furthermore, the position of the fingers against the right hand and the position of the fingers against the left hand can be associated with each other.

[0140] Furthermore, a pair of patterns 71 are positioned across the central position FP of the waist portions 20 and 30 in the vertical direction. That is, at least a portion of the pair of patterns 71 overlaps in the vertical direction. As a result, the two sides of the waist portions 20 and 30 can be folded back at the same position, and the folded positions of the waist portions 20 and 30 can be aligned.

[0141] It should be noted that a pair of patterns 71 need to be provided on at least one of the abdominal waist portion 20 and the back waist portion 30. Moreover, as mentioned above, although a pair of patterns 71 are provided at both ends of the waist portions 20 and 30 in the left and right directions (the right end of the right side region RX and the left end of the left side region RZ), it is not limited to this. Patterns 71 can be provided in the right side region RX and the left side region RZ respectively (they do not need to be at the ends).

[0142] Apart from this, the configuration and structure are the same as in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted. It should be noted that in the second embodiment, it is also preferable that the pattern 71 can be visually recognized from the skin side (visually recognized from both the skin side and the non-skin side).

[0143] When folding back the waistline at 20 or 30, with Figures 5A-5C Similarly, by holding both sides in the left and right directions, and placing the fingers of the right hand against one of the two patterns 71, and the fingers of the left hand against the other, the waist section 20 and 30 can be folded back (folded in half).

[0144] In the second embodiment, by setting the pattern 71, when the wearer folds the waist section 20 and 30 back, it is easy to associate it with the position of the fingers, and the folded position can be easily identified.

[0145] It should be noted that the method of forming pattern 71 is not limited to the above-described situation. For example, only the portion of pattern 71 may be colored on the pattern sheet (ventral pattern sheet 70A, back pattern sheet 70B) of the first embodiment. Moreover, for example, pattern 71 may be formed by printing, dyeing, or other means on the sheets constituting the waist portion 20, 30 (ventral outer packaging back sheet 21, back outer packaging back sheet 31, etc.).

[0146] <Variation Example>

[0147] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a modified version of the second embodiment of the shorts-type diaper 1A'. In this modified version, a pattern 71' is provided.

[0148] In the second embodiment, pattern 71 is rectangular, while in this modified example, pattern 71' is triangular. Furthermore, in each pair of patterns 71', the length in the left-right direction is longer than the length in the up-down direction (maximum length), and the length in the up-down direction decreases as the left-right direction moves from the outer edge to the inner edge (the apex of the triangle is located at the innermost edge). This makes it easier to identify the foldback position.

[0149] ===Third Implementation Method===

[0150] Figure 9This is a schematic perspective view of the shorts-type diaper 1B (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1B") according to the third embodiment. Parts with the same structure as those in the aforementioned embodiments are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0151] In the diaper 1B of the third embodiment, a pattern 72 is provided on the waist portion 20, 30.

[0152] Pattern 72 has the same shape as pattern 71 in the second embodiment (a horizontally elongated rectangular shape). Although not shown in the figure, a pair of patterns 72 are provided on the ventral waistband 20 and the back waistband 30 of the diaper 1A. A pair of patterns 72 are respectively disposed in the central area RY of the waistbands 20 and 30 (see reference). Figure 2 The pattern 72 is located at the center of the waist portions 20 and 30 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, in the vertical direction, a pair of patterns 72 are respectively positioned at the center position FP of the middle region RC, in the vertical direction of the waist portions 20 and 30. That is, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the pair of patterns 72 overlaps.

[0153] It should be noted that the pattern 72 in the third embodiment is provided on the skin side of the waist portions 20 and 30 (visible from the skin side). For example, a sheet (not shown) with the pattern 72 formed is attached to the folded portion 21r of the abdominal outer packaging back piece 21 (see reference). Figure 3 The skin side of the back cover 31 is attached to the back of the outer packaging back piece 31. Furthermore, a sheet (not shown) with pattern 72 is attached to the skin side of the folded portion 31r. However, this is not a limitation; for example, the pattern 72 can also be formed by printing or dyeing a portion of the folded portions 21r and 31r.

[0154] Furthermore, in the vertical direction, pattern 72 overlaps with the absorbent body 10 but not with the absorbent core 11. Because pattern 72 overlaps with the absorbent body 10, rigidity is increased at the position of pattern 72. This makes it easier to determine the bending positions of the waist portions 20 and 30. Moreover, because pattern 72 does not overlap with the absorbent core 11, it prevents situations where bending is difficult due to the thickness of the absorbent core 11.

[0155] In the case of this third embodiment, compared with the first embodiment... Figures 6A-6C Similarly, the waist sections 20 and 30 can be folded back. For example, the wearer can place their right thumb on one pattern 72 and their left thumb on the other pattern 72 to fold the waist sections 20 and 30 back. By setting the patterns 72, the wearer can easily associate the folded waist sections 20 and 30 with the position of their fingers, making it easy to identify the folding position.

[0156] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0157] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments are provided for ease of understanding and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are naturally included.

[0158] In the aforementioned embodiment, a post-treatment strip is not provided on the waist portions 20 and 30, but it may be provided (not shown). It should be noted that the post-treatment strip is a roughly rectangular strip-shaped member (strip member) that is folded and positioned on the non-skin side of the back waist portion 30 when the used diaper 1 is discarded, used to wrap and hold the rolled-up diaper 1. However, it is preferable that the post-treatment strip does not overlap with the pattern that serves as an indicator when the waist portions 20 and 30 are folded back.

[0159] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0160] 1. 1A, 1B Shorts-type diapers (shorts-type absorbent items). 3. Leak-proof wall section, 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent core 12 Top film, 13 Back film 14 side layers, 15 core cladding layers. 16. Leak-proof wall elastic component; 17. Joint; 20 Abdominal waist area, 20a upper part, 21. Abdominal side outer packaging back piece, 21r. Fold-back section. 23. Elastic components, 30 Back side waist area, 30a upper part, 31 Back side outer packaging back piece, 31r Fold-back section, 33. Elastic components, 34. Elastic components for the rear leg circumference. 40 Outer packaging body, 41 Outer packaging top piece, Patterns 70, 71, 71', and 72 70A ventral patterned patch, 70B Back and side patterned plate, BH waist opening, LH leg opening. SS side joint, RU upper region, RC middle region, RD lower region RX is the right side area, RY is the central area, and RZ is the left side area.

Claims

1. A shorts-type absorbent article having mutually orthogonal vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions, and comprising an absorbent body and a waistband, wherein the waistband includes an abdominal waistband and a back waistband. The abdominal waist section and the back waist section are joined by a pair of side joints. The shorts-type absorbent item is characterized in that... The shorts-type absorbent article has a pattern that serves as an indicator when the waistband is folded back towards the skin side or the non-skin side. The pattern can be visually recognized from either the skin side or the non-skin side. The length of the pattern in the left-right direction is longer than the length of the pattern in the up-down direction. When the waist circumference is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, the uppermost region is designated as the upper region, the lowermost region as the lower region, and the region between the upper and lower regions is designated as the middle region. At least a portion of the pattern is disposed in the central region. In the intermediate region, when the area enclosed by a virtual line passing through one end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, and a virtual line passing through the other end of the pattern in the left-right direction and along the up-down direction, is defined as the pattern existence area, In the area where the pattern exists, no other pattern identical to the pattern is provided.

2. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern can be visually identified from both the skin side and the non-skin side.

3. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pattern is entirely positioned in the central area.

4. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the pattern spans the central position of the waist section.

5. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absorbent body has an absorbent core. In the vertical direction, the pattern overlaps with the absorbent body but not with the absorbent core.

6. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, when the waist portion is divided into three equal parts, the rightmost region is designated as the right region, the leftmost region is designated as the left region, and the region between the right region and the left region is designated as the central region, the pattern exists in the right region, the central region, and the left region respectively.

7. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pattern extends from the left region to the right region.

8. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, the pattern spans the center of the waist section.

9. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pattern is set on both the abdominal waist area and the back waist area.

10. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the pattern on the abdominal waist overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern on the back waist.

11. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the left-right direction, when the waist circumference is divided into three equal parts, the rightmost region is designated as the right region, the leftmost region as the left region, and the region between the right and left regions is designated as the central region. The pattern is disposed on the right and left regions of at least one of the abdominal waist and the back waist.

12. The shorts-type absorbent article according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, the pattern in the right region overlaps with at least a portion of the pattern in the left region.

13. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, In the vertical direction, when the center of the pattern is set as the reference position, The force required to extend the vertical unit width of the area above the reference position of the waist section by a unit length in the left-right direction is greater than the force required to extend the vertical unit width of the area below the reference position of the waist section by a unit length in the left-right direction.

14. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The waist section has multiple elastic members that are spaced apart in the vertical direction and can extend and retract in the left and right directions respectively. The pattern overlaps with at least two of the elastic members.

15. The shorts-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The waist portion has: Multiple elastic members, spaced apart in the vertical direction and capable of extending and retracting in the left-right direction respectively; and Two sheets sandwiching the multiple elastic members, The pattern is formed on a different sheet than the two sheets.

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