HALTER

Abstract

A holder has a vertical direction (HD) and a circumferential direction (CD) and has a front web (F) and a rear web (R) joined by a pair of joined sections (S). At least one of the front web (F) and rear web (R) has the following: a main body (2) in which a layer material is continuously present between the pair of joined sections (S); and an extension (21) extending downward from the main body (2) in the vertical direction (HD) and having a missing region (23) in which there is no layer material between the pair of joined sections (S).If the front web (F) or the rear web (R) is divided along the circumferential direction (CD) into 3 equal areas in the width direction, which are to be segmented into a central area (C) and side areas (E) positioned on both sides of the central area (C), the missing area (23) extends from the central area (C) to the side area (E); and the missing area (23) has: an upper section (23a) in the central area (C); and an inclined edge section (23b) on each side of the upper section (23a), the length of the extension from the main body (2) along the inclined edge section to the joined section (S) gradually increasing.

Description

holder

[0001] The present invention relates to a holder for holding an absorbent pad on a wearer.

[0002] As one type of absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, a separate type is known which includes an absorbent pad that absorbs and retains body fluids such as urine, and a holder that is worn in a ring shape around the waist of a wearer and holds the absorbent pad placed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer, and the absorbent pad is configured to be detachable from the holder. In conventional separate type absorbent articles, as described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the holder is provided with a holder-side fastening structure that can fasten a fastening structure of the absorbent pad.

[0003] The holder described in Patent Document 1 has a central portion that is short in height in the circumferential direction, and intermediate portions located on both sides of the central portion and longer in height than the central portion. This document describes that the lower edge of the holder in the height direction in the central portion is located farther from the wearer's excrement than the lower edge of the intermediate portion, so that the central portion is less likely to be soiled with the wearer's excrement than the intermediate portion. Patent Documents 2 and 3 describe forming a notch or slit in the height direction lower side of the central region of each of the ventral and dorsal portions of the holder.

[0004] US2004186456A1 JP2010-82139A US2013012905A1

[0005] The present invention relates to an annular holder that is worn around the waist of a wearer and can hold an absorbent pad attached to the wearer. In one embodiment, the holder preferably has a height direction aligned with the wearer's height and a circumference direction aligned with the waist circumference. In one embodiment, the holder preferably has a ventral portion disposed on the ventral side and a dorsal portion disposed on the dorsal side joined at a pair of joints. In one embodiment, at least one of the ventral portion and the dorsal portion preferably has a main portion with a continuous sheet material between the pair of joints, and a missing portion where the sheet material is not present between the pair of joints, and an extension portion extending downward in the height direction from the main portion. In one embodiment, when the ventral portion or the dorsal portion is divided into three equal parts in the width direction along the circumferential direction into a central region and side regions located on both sides thereof, the missing portion preferably has an apex in the central region and is formed from the central region to the side regions, and has an inclined edge portion on each side of the apex that gradually increases in extension from the main portion toward the joint. Other features, effects, and embodiments of the present invention are described below.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a holder of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the abdominal side of the holder shown in FIG. 1 in a fully extended state. FIG. 3(a) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line II of FIG. 2 (a cross section along the height and thickness directions of the holder shown in FIG. 2), and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section taken along line II-II of FIG. 2 (a cross section along the height and thickness directions of the holder shown in FIG. 2). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of use of the holder shown in FIG. 1, and is a perspective view of a disposable diaper (absorbent article) including the holder and an absorbent pad attached thereto. FIG. 5 is an expanded plan view, partially cut away, schematically showing the skin-facing surface (inner surface) of the diaper shown in FIG. 4 in an unfolded and fully extended state. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main portion schematically showing a modified shape of the lower end of the holder of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a main portion schematically showing another modified shape of the lower end of the holder of the present invention. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a main part schematically showing yet another modified example of the shape of the lower end of the holder of the present invention. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part schematically showing yet another modified example of the shape of the lower end of the holder of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0007] In the holder of Patent Document 1, the lower portion of the intermediate portion in the height direction, particularly the portion located at the corner near the center, may curl toward the non-skin-facing surface or the skin-facing surface, resulting in a loss of fit. In particular, if the holder is stretchable in the circumferential direction, the lower portion of the intermediate portion may be more likely to curl. In the holders of Patent Documents 2 and 3, the lower ends of the portions located on both sides of the notch or slit in the circumferential direction of the holder may also curl, resulting in a loss of fit.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a holder that has an excellent fit and is resistant to dirt.

[0009] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are designated by the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are basically schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual ones.

[0010] FIGS. 1 to 3 show a holder 1, which is one embodiment of the holder of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a disposable diaper 10 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 10") including the holder 1 and an absorbent pad 11 attached thereto, as an example of use of the holder of the present invention. The diaper 10 is an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, i.e., an absorbent article including the holder of the present invention and an absorbent pad attachable to the holder. As shown in FIG. 4 , the diaper 10 includes the holder 1 and the absorbent pad 11 connected via a holder-side fastening structure 6 and a pad-side fastening structure 16. The diaper 10 has a waist opening WH of the holder 1 and a pair of leg openings LH, LH defined by the lower end of the holder 1 in the height direction HD and both side edges of the absorbent pad 11 along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction X, described below). The absorbent pad 11 is not a component of the holder 1.

[0011] The diaper 10, which is a separate-type absorbent article, has a reduced environmental impact compared to conventional non-separate-type absorbent articles because the holder 1 and the absorbent pad 11 can be freely connected and separated via the fastening structures 6, 16. That is, when conventional non-separate-type absorbent articles in which the portion corresponding to the wearer's waist (the holder portion) and the portion corresponding to the wearer's crotch (the absorbent pad portion) are inseparably integrated, the holder portion, even if it is not soiled, must be discarded together with the absorbent pad portion, which is soiled with excrement. However, with the diaper 10, the holder 1 remains intact and only the absorbent pad 11 needs to be replaced with a new one, which reduces waste disposal and carbon dioxide emissions compared to non-separate-type absorbent articles, thereby contributing to a reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, since the absorbent pad 11 is detachably fixed to the holder 1 while the diaper 10 is being worn, the absorbent pad 11 can be easily replaced with a new one, and the burden of replacing the diaper 10 is significantly reduced compared to conventional non-separate type absorbent articles.

[0012] The holder 1 is attached in a ring shape around the waist of the wearer and can hold the absorbent pad 11 attached to the wearer, i.e., in a worn state, and has a height direction HD along the height direction of the wearer and a circumferential direction CD along the waist direction. The holder 1 is provided with a holder-side fastening structure 6 to which the pad-side fastening structure 16 of the absorbent pad 11 can be detachably fastened.

[0013] 4 and 5, the absorbent pad 11 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 positioned relatively close to the wearer's skin, a liquid-impermeable, poorly liquid-permeable, or water-repellent back sheet 13 positioned relatively far from the wearer's skin, and an absorbent body 14 interposed between the two sheets 12, 13. These components constituting the absorbent pad 11 are joined together by a known joining means such as an adhesive. The absorbent pad 11 has a shape that is elongated in one direction in a plan view, and when the absorbent pad 11 is in use, its longitudinal direction is aligned with the height direction HD of the holder 1 when the absorbent pad 11 is previously attached to the wearer. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 11 corresponds to the longitudinal direction X, which corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer of the diaper 10, and the lateral direction Y of the absorbent pad 11, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, corresponds to the circumferential direction CD of the holder 1. A pair of leakage-preventing cuffs 15, 15 are arranged on both sides of the absorbent pad 11 along the longitudinal direction X, and stand up against the wearer's skin when the diaper 10 is worn. Each leakage-preventing cuff 15 includes a leakage-preventing cuff-forming sheet 150 that forms the main body of the leakage-preventing cuff 15, and an elastic member 151 fixed to the sheet 150 in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction X. A pad-side fastening structure 16 is arranged on the skin-facing surface of each of both ends of the absorbent pad 11 in the longitudinal direction X, and the absorbent pad 11 can be detachably fastened to the holder 1 by fastening the pad-side fastening structure 16 to the holder-side fastening structure 6 of the holder 1. Note that the absorbent pad 11 is merely one embodiment of an absorbent pad to which the holder of the present invention can be applied, and any absorbent pad to which the holder of the present invention can be applied is not limited to the absorbent pad 11, as long as it has a pad-side fastening structure that can be fastened to the holder-side fastening structure of the holder.

[0014] In this specification, the term "skin-facing surface" refers to the surface of a worn article such as an absorbent article, holder, or absorbent pad, or a component thereof (e.g., a holder-side fastening structure of a holder), which faces the skin of the wearer when the worn article is being worn, and the term "non-skin-facing surface" refers to the surface of the worn article or a component thereof, which faces the opposite side from the skin when the worn article is being worn.

[0015] The holder 1 will be described in detail below. The holder 1 has a ventral portion F arranged on the ventral side (front side) of the wearer and a dorsal portion R arranged on the dorsal side (rear side) of the wearer. The ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R are joined at a pair of joining portions S, S at both ends in the width direction along the circumferential direction CD. The ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R can be joined by known joining means such as adhesives or fusion bonding. The holder 1 is annular as shown in FIG. 1 and has a waist opening WH into which the wearer's torso is inserted when worn. The joining portion S corresponds to the side seal portion in a typical non-separate pants-type disposable diaper.

[0016] In this embodiment, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R of the holder 1 each have a rectangular shape in which one long side is partially recessed toward the other long side when viewed in a plan view in the fully extended state as shown in Figures 2 and 5. Specifically, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R of the holder 1 each have an upper edge 1a located above the wearer's height and a lower edge 1b located below the wearer's height when worn, with the lower edge 1b recessed toward the upper edge 1a. In this embodiment, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R have the same shape and dimensions when viewed in a plan view, and their contours match when the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R are overlapped while the joint S is maintained intact. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R can be divided into three equal parts in the width direction along the circumferential direction CD, thereby forming a central region C and side regions E, E located on both sides of the central region C. The division into thirds is performed by dividing the total widthwise length L of each of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R in the maximum stretched state into thirds. The total widthwise length L of the ventral portion F means the distance between the inner ends of a pair of joints S, S in the widthwise direction. The same applies to the total widthwise length of the dorsal portion R.

[0017] In this specification, the term "maximum stretched state" refers to a state in which the elastic members of each part of a wearing article, such as an absorbent article, holder, or absorbent pad, are stretched to their maximum extent and expanded to the same dimensions as the design dimensions, i.e., the dimensions when the article is spread out flat without any influence of the elastic members. Furthermore, the term "unfolded and maximum stretched state" refers to a state in which the wearing article is spread out flat to an unfolded state and then in the maximum stretched state. In the case of an absorbent article having side seals, such as the joint S of the holder 1 described above, the unfolded state is achieved by separating the absorbent article at the side seals and spreading it out flat.

[0018] In this embodiment, the holder 1 includes an outer layer sheet 3 that forms the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the holder 1, and an inner layer sheet 4 that forms the skin-facing surface (inner surface) of the holder 1. The inner layer sheet 4 can come into contact with the wearer's skin when the holder 1 is worn.

[0019] 3(a) and 3(b), the upper end of the outer layer sheet 3 in the height direction HD is folded back toward the skin-facing surface, the upper end 1a of the holder 1 is located at the fold of the folded back outer layer sheet 3, and the vicinity of the upper end 1a of the holder 1 (upper end) includes a laminated structure of the outer layer sheet 3 and its folded back portion 30. The folded back portion 30 and the outer layer sheet 3 facing it are joined to each other by a known joining means such as adhesive or fusion.

[0020] In this embodiment, the holder 1 includes elastic members 5 arranged to be stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (circumferential direction CD). More specifically, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b), multiple elastic members 5 are arranged between the outer sheet 3 and the inner sheet 4, and between the outer sheet 3 and its folded-back portion 30, to be stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (circumferential direction CD). As shown in Figure 1, the multiple elastic members 5 extend over the entire length of each of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R in the direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (circumferential direction CD), and are arranged intermittently in the height direction HD. Each elastic member 5 is fixed to other surrounding members with an adhesive. The number and positions of the elastic members 5 are not particularly limited and can be determined appropriately taking into account factors such as the fit of the holder 1 to the wearer's body.

[0021] Both sheets 3 and 4 can be made of nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, resin films, etc., produced by various manufacturing methods. Specific examples of nonwoven fabrics that can be used for each of sheets 3 and 4 include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. They may have a single-layer structure or a laminate structure in which one or more types of nonwoven fabrics are laminated. Both sheets 3 and 4 can be the same or different. "The same type" here means that the manufacturing process, type of constituent fibers, diameter and length of the constituent fibers, thickness and basis weight of the fiber sheet are all the same between the compared sheets. If even one of these is different, the compared sheets are considered "different" from each other.

[0022] Because the holder 1 does not include an absorbent that absorbs and retains moisture, if washable materials are used for the constituent members, including the sheets 3 and 4, the holder 1 can be washed and reused. The fact that the holder 1 is washable leads to a reduction in the amount of waste and carbon dioxide emissions, and contributes to a reduction in the burden on the environment. From the viewpoint of making the holder 1 washable, woven fabrics are preferred for the sheet-like constituent members, including the sheets 3 and 4.

[0023] One or both of the sheets 3, 4 may be stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD (circumferential direction CD). The holder of the present invention also includes a configuration that does not include the above-mentioned elastic member 5, and in such a configuration, it is preferable that one or both of the sheets 3, 4 are made of a stretchable nonwoven fabric that is stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD. The present invention also includes, for example, a configuration in which the outer layer sheet 3 is stretchable in a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD and the inner layer sheet 4 is not stretchable.

[0024] An example of a stretchable nonwoven fabric that can be used as both sheets 3 and 4 is a nonwoven fabric containing elastic filaments (hereinafter also referred to as a "specific stretchable nonwoven fabric"). The term "elastic" as used herein refers to the ability to stretch and to return to a length of 125% or less of the original length when the force is released from a state stretched 100% of the original length (200% of the original length). In the specific stretchable nonwoven fabric, it is preferable that the elastic filaments are bonded to the nonwoven fabric in a substantially unstretched state. It is preferable that the nonwoven fabric contains inelastic fibers.

[0025] In the specific stretch nonwoven fabric, the elastic filaments are typically substantially continuous over the entire length of the specific stretch nonwoven fabric in the direction in which the elastic filaments extend. The elastic filaments contain an elastic resin. In the specific stretch nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric is stretchable in the same direction as the elastic filaments extend. Here, "stretchable" includes (i) cases in which the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric themselves stretch, and (ii) cases in which the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric themselves do not stretch, but the nonwoven fabric as a whole stretches due to fibers bonded at intersections separating, structural changes in the three-dimensional structure formed by multiple fibers due to fiber-to-fiber bonding, tearing of constituent fibers, or stretching of slack fibers. In the specific stretch nonwoven fabric, the nonwoven fabric may already be stretchable in its raw roll form before being bonded to the elastic filaments. Alternatively, the nonwoven fabric may not be stretchable in its raw roll form before being bonded to the elastic filaments, but may be processed to become stretchable after being bonded to the elastic filaments. Specific methods for making nonwoven fabrics extensible include heat treatment, stretching between rolls, meshing stretching using grooves or gears, and tensile stretching using a tenter.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the specific stretch nonwoven fabric is one in which multiple elastic filaments are arranged between two opposing nonwoven fabrics. In this preferred embodiment, the multiple elastic filaments are arranged to extend in one direction (e.g., a direction perpendicular to the height direction HD) without crossing each other, and may also be arranged intermittently in a direction perpendicular to the one direction. In this case, the one direction can be the stretch direction of the specific stretch nonwoven fabric. The two nonwoven fabrics may be the same or different. "The same type" here refers to the two nonwoven fabrics being compared being the same in terms of manufacturing process, type of constituent fibers, fiber diameter and fiber length of the constituent fibers, thickness, and basis weight. If at least one of these elements is different between the two nonwoven fabrics, the two nonwoven fabrics are considered to be different from each other.

[0027] As the stretchable nonwoven fabric that can be used for both sheets 3 and 4, various known fabrics can be used. For example, the stretchable sheet described in JP 2008-179128 A, the stretchable sheet described in JP 2007-22066 A, the stretchable nonwoven fabric produced by the stretchable nonwoven fabric production method described in the same publication, the laminated sheet described in JP 10-29259 A, etc. can also be used.

[0028] Regarding the holder-side fastening structure 6, which is one of the characteristic parts of the holder 1, in this embodiment, the holder-side fastening structure 6 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the holder 1, as shown in Figure 1 etc., and more specifically, is fixed to the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer sheet 3.

[0029] The holder-side fastening structure 6 may be any known detachable fastening structure as long as it can detachably fasten the pad-side fastening structure 16 (see FIG. 5 ) of the absorbent pad 11. For example, one or both of the holder-side fastening structure 6 and the pad-side fastening structure 16 may have an adhesive portion formed by applying an adhesive, and the pad-side fastening structure 16 may be detachably fastened to the holder-side fastening structure 6 via the adhesive portion.

[0030] In this embodiment, a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener is used as the fastening structure including the holder-side fastening structure 6 and the pad-side fastening structure 16. The term "mechanical hook-and-loop fastener" as used herein refers to a fastener consisting of a surface member (male member) with hook-shaped protrusions (engaging members) arranged on one surface and a surface member (female member) with pile-shaped protrusions (loop members) arranged on one surface. A specific example of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener is Magic Tape (registered trademark). Specifically, in this embodiment, the holder-side fastening structure 6 is the female member of the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, and includes a base material and a fastening region provided on the non-skin-facing surface (outer surface) of the base material, to which the pad-side fastening structure 16 can be fastened. The base material of the holder-side fastening structure 6 is directly fixed to the main body 2 via known joining means 60 (see FIGS. 3( a ) and 3 ( b )), such as adhesive or fusion bonding. The pad-side fastening structure 16 is a male component of a mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, and typically has a configuration in which a large number of the hook materials are arranged on the surface of a base material made of a resin film, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0031] In the holder of the present invention, at least one of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R has a main body portion 2 in which the sheet materials 3, 4 are continuously present between a pair of joints S, S, and an extension portion 21 extending downward in the height direction HD from the main body portion 2. In this embodiment, both the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R have the main body portion 2 and the extension portion 21. The holder-side fastening structure 6 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the main body portion 2.

[0032] The extension portion 21 has a missing portion 23 where the sheet materials 3, 4 are not present between a pair of joints S, S. The missing portion 23 has an apex 23a in a central region C and is formed from the central region C to a side region E. The missing portion 23 also has inclined edges 23b on both sides of the apex 23a of the missing portion 23, the extension length from the main body portion 2 gradually increasing as it approaches the joint S. The inclined edges 23b are inclined with respect to the width direction along the CD. The apex 23a of the missing portion 23 may be parallel to the width direction along the circumferential direction CD, or may be inclined with respect to the width direction.

[0033] The extension portion 21 also has linear flat edge portions 25b near each of the pair of joints S, S, each having a constant extension length from the main body portion 2. In this embodiment, the lower end portion 25b of the extension portion 21 is the flat edge portion 25b. The constant extension length H1 from the main body portion 2 preferably means that the lower end portion 25b of the extension portion 21 is linear and parallel to the circumferential direction CD, as in this embodiment. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the lower end portion 25b of the extension portion 21 may have fine irregularities when viewed microscopically, but may also be linear and extend in the circumferential direction CD when viewed macroscopically. For example, if the lower end portion 25b has fine irregularities, but the distance in the height direction HD between the apex of the protrusion and the bottom of the recess is 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less, the lower end portion 25b corresponds to the flat edge portion 25b.

[0034] In this embodiment, the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 in the height direction HD is composed of the top 23a of the notched portion 23, a pair of inclined edge portions 23b, 23b, and a pair of flat edge portions 25b, 25b. The extension portion 21 has an extension portion main body 25, which is a portion surrounded by the inclined edge portion 23b, the flat edge portion 25b, and the joint portion S, on each side of the notched portion 23.

[0035] The holder 1 has a notch 23 extending from the central region C to the side region E. Therefore, when the holder 1 is worn, the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 is positioned away from the wearer's excretory area. This reduces the likelihood of the lower edge 1b coming into contact with the wearer's excrement, preventing the holder 1 from becoming soiled. Furthermore, because the notch 23 has inclined edges 23b, the areas near the lower edge 1b on both sides of the notch 23 fit securely against the wearer's skin, preventing the holder 1 from curling toward the non-skin-facing side or the skin-facing side. Therefore, the holder 1 also has excellent fit. Thus, the holder 1 of this embodiment has excellent fit and is also stain-resistant. In contrast, the notches and slits in the holders of Patent Documents 1 to 3 have corners on both sides of the notch or slit that are prone to curling, causing discomfort. The notches and slits in Patent Documents 2 and 3 have a short circumferential width, making the holder susceptible to soiling.

[0036] The widthwise length L1 of the notched portion 23 is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more of the total widthwise length L of the ventral portion F or the dorsal portion R, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing the holder 1 from being soiled. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient area for the extension portion 21, it is preferably 98% or less, more preferably 97% or less, and even more preferably 96% or less. From the viewpoint of achieving both of these, it is preferably 70% or more and 98% or less, more preferably 80% or more and 97% or less, and even more preferably 90% or more and 96% or less. The length L1 of the notched portion 23 is the linear length obtained by subtracting the length of the flat edge portion 25b from the total width L. The widthwise length L2 of the top portion 23a of the notched portion 23 is preferably 30% or less, more preferably 20% or less, and even more preferably 10% or less of the total width L, from the viewpoint of preventing the extension portion 21 from turning over. The widthwise length L3 of the inclined edge portion 23b is preferably 15% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and even more preferably 25% or more of the total length L, in order to prevent the extension portion 21 from turning over.

[0037] The ratio H1 / H of the extension length H1 of the extension portion 21 from the main body portion 2 to the total length H in the height direction HD of the holder 1 is preferably 0.03 or more, more preferably 0.05 or more, and even more preferably 0.10 or more, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing the holder 1 from getting dirty; from the viewpoint of maintaining the stress to prevent the holder 1 from slipping off, it is preferably 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.40 or less, and even more preferably 0.30 or less; and from the viewpoint of achieving both of these, it is preferably 0.03 or more and 0.50 or less, more preferably 0.05 or more and 0.40 or less, and even more preferably 0.10 or more and 0.30 or less.

[0038] In the holder of the present invention, the extension 21 with the missing portion 23 may be provided on only one of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R, but it is preferable that the extension 21 be provided on both the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R, as in the holder 1 of this embodiment. By doing so, the lower end edges 1b of the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R can be positioned away from the wearer's excretory parts such as the penis and anus, and therefore the holder 1 can be more effectively prevented from becoming soiled.

[0039] The extension portion 21 preferably has a stretchable portion that stretches in the width direction CD of the ventral portion F or the dorsal portion R on each side of the notched portion 23. By doing so, when the holder 1 is worn, the extension portion 21, and in particular the extension portion main body 25, fits around the wearer's waist, thereby further improving the fit of the holder 1. The stretchable portion can be formed, for example, by arranging an elastic member that is stretchable in the width direction CD in the extension portion 21. Alternatively, the extension portion 21 can be formed by forming all or part of it from a stretchable sheet that is stretchable in the width direction CD.

[0040] As described above, the holder 1 of this embodiment includes the elastic member 5 arranged to be stretchable in the circumferential direction CD, and the main body portion 2 has stretchability in the circumferential direction CD. The main body portion 2 and the extension portion 21 may have the same or different stretching stresses. When the stretching stresses of the main body portion 2 and the extension portion 21 are different, it is preferable that the stretching stress S2 of the stretchable portion of the extension portion 21 is smaller than the stretching stress S1 of the region of the main body portion 2 adjacent to the extension portion 21. If the stretching stress S1 of the region of the main body portion 2 adjacent to the extension portion 21 and the stretching stress S2 of the stretchable portion of the extension portion 21 have the relationship described above, the fit of the holder 1 can be improved and the extension portion 21 can be prevented from turning up. From the viewpoint of making this effect more pronounced, the ratio S2 / S1 of the stretching stress S2 to the stretching stress S1 is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.10 or more, even more preferably 0.20 or more, and is preferably 0.95 or less, more preferably 0.90 or less, even more preferably 0.80 or less, and is preferably 0.05 or more and 0.95 or less, more preferably 0.10 or more and 0.90 or less, even more preferably 0.20 or more and 0.80 or less. The stretching stress can be measured by the following method.

[0041] <Method for Measuring Elastic Stress> Sample pieces measuring 50 mm in the circumferential direction CD and 10 mm in the height direction HD were cut out from each of the extension portion 21 of the holder 1 and the region of the main body portion 2 adjacent to the extension portion 21. The cut-out sample pieces were then clamped between a pair of chucks of a Tensilon tensile tester ("RTC-1210A" manufactured by ORIENTEC) in an unstretched and unslacked state. The distance between the chucks was 25 mm. The sample pieces were then stretched at a rate of 300 mm / min until the distance between the chucks reached 50 mm, and the tensile load (cN / 10 mm) was measured when the distance between the chucks was returned to 37.5 mm (a length corresponding to 1.5 times stretching). This measurement was performed on five sample pieces, and the average value (the average tensile load when the distance between the chucks was returned to 37.5 mm) was taken as the elastic stress (cN / 10 mm).

[0042] To effectively prevent the areas near the lower edge 1b of the portions located on both sides of the cutout 23 from turning over toward the non-skin-facing side or the skin-facing side, the angle α between the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b when the holder 1 is fully extended is preferably 120° or more, more preferably 135° or more, and even more preferably 150° or more. The upper limit of the angle α can be set to, for example, 175°.

[0043] In this embodiment, the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 is composed of only straight lines, but the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 may also be composed of straight lines and curved lines, as shown in Fig. 6. In the modified example shown in Fig. 6, the apex 23a of the notched portion 23 and the flat edge 25b are composed of straight lines and curved lines, and the inclined edge 23b is composed of curved lines. As in the modified example shown in Fig. 6, when the vicinity of the intersection of the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b, or the vicinity of the intersection of the inclined edge 23b and the apex 23a of the notched portion 23, can be approximated by a curve using a polynomial approximation formula, the angle α between the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b can be measured as follows.

[0044] First, the area near the intersection of the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b is approximated to a curve using a polynomial approximation formula, and an imaginary circle R1 is considered that has the same curvature as the curve and is tangent to the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b. Next, the area near the intersection of the inclined edge 23b and the apex 23a of the missing portion 23 is approximated to a curve using a polynomial approximation formula, and an imaginary circle R2 is considered that has the same curvature as the curve and is tangent to the inclined edge 23b and the apex 23a of the missing portion 23. Then, an imaginary tangent Q1 is drawn that is tangent to both the imaginary circle R1 and the imaginary circle R2. The angle between the imaginary tangent Q1 and the flat edge 25b can be defined as the angle α between the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b.

[0045] Furthermore, the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 may have a shape with repeated concaves and convexes, as shown in Fig. 7. In the modified example shown in Fig. 7, the lower edge 1b of the holder 1 is jagged. When it is difficult to approximate the vicinity of the intersection of the inclined edge portion 23b and the lower end portion 25b of the extension portion 21, or the vicinity of the intersection of the inclined edge portion 23b and the apex 23a of the notched portion 23, using a polynomial approximation formula, as in the modified example shown in Fig. 7, the angle α between the inclined edge portion 23b and the flat edge portion 25b can be measured as follows.

[0046] First, consider an imaginary circle R3 passing through point P1 at the lower end 25b of the extension 21, which is closest to the inclined edge 23b and located at the uppermost position in the height direction HD, and point P2 at the inclined edge 23b, which is closest to the flat edge 25b and located at the uppermost position in the height direction HD. Next, consider an imaginary circle R4 passing through point P3 at the inclined edge 23b, which is closest to the apex 23a of the notched portion 23 and located at the lowermost position in the height direction HD, and point P4 at the apex 23a of the notched portion 23, which is closest to the inclined edge 23b and located at the lowermost position in the height direction HD. Next, draw an imaginary tangent Q2 that is tangent to both imaginary circles R3 and R4. The angle between imaginary tangent Q2 and the lower end 25b of the extension 21 can be defined as the angle α between the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b. If the lower end 25b of the extension portion 21 is not a straight line parallel to the circumferential direction CD, the flat edge portion 25b can be approximated by the least squares method to a straight line T parallel to the circumferential direction CD, and the angle between the approximated straight line T and the virtual tangent Q2 can be set as the angle α between the inclined edge portion 23b and the flat edge portion 25b.

[0047] 1, the length of extension of the inclined edge 23b from the main body 2 changes continuously, but the length of extension of the inclined edge 23b from the main body 2 may change stepwise as shown in Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 8, the angle formed by the imaginary line Q3 passing through both ends of the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b may also be the angle α formed by the inclined edge 23b and the flat edge 25b.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the holder of the present invention may be a holder that is worn in a ring shape around the wearer's waist when in use, and may not be ring-shaped when not in use. For example, the holder 1 may be a long, belt-like shape that is elongated in one direction, with one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the holder 1 detachably connectable, so that the holder 1 is belt-shaped when not in use and is ring-shaped when in use (when worn) by connecting the one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the holder 1. Alternatively, the holder 1 may be divided into multiple members in the circumferential direction CD (e.g., a member corresponding to the ventral side portion F and a member corresponding to the dorsal side portion R), and these multiple members may be detachably connectable in one direction, so that the multiple members are connected to form the ring-shaped holder 1 when in use (when worn).

[0049] In the above embodiment, the ventral portion F and the dorsal portion R of the holder 1 have the same shape and size in a plan view, but in the present invention, they may have different shapes and / or sizes. Specifically, for example, the lower edge 1b of the dorsal portion R may be located lower than the lower edge 1b of the ventral portion F (farther from the holder-side fastening structure 6).

[0050] In the above embodiment, both the outer layer sheet 3 and the inner layer sheet 4 have a single-layer structure, but in the present invention, one or both of the sheets 3, 4 may have a laminated structure. For example, the outer layer sheet 3 may have a laminated structure of two or more sheets including a sheet that is stretchable in the lateral direction Y, and the inner layer sheet 4 may have a single-layer structure made of a non-stretchable sheet. In the above embodiment, the outer layer sheet 3 is folded to form the folded portion 30, but in the present invention, the outer layer sheet 3 does not have to be folded.

[0051] In the above embodiment, the holder 1 includes the outer layer sheet 3 and the inner layer sheet 4 as sheet-like members constituting the holder 1, but in the present invention, the holder 1 may include sheet-like members other than the two sheets 3, 4. Specifically, for example, in addition to the two sheets 3, 4, the holder 1 may further include a functional sheet that is arranged in a region corresponding to the waist of the wearer on the skin-facing surface (inner surface) of the holder 1 (for example, the region where the folded portion 30 is arranged and its vicinity). The functional sheet has at least one of various functions, such as sweat absorption, moisture absorption, antibacterial properties, deodorizing properties, and skin care properties.

[0052] In the above embodiment, the holder side fastening structure 6 is a female member of the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, and the pad side fastening structure 16 is a male member of the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, but in the present invention, the holder side fastening structure 6 may be a male member of the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener, and the pad side fastening structure 16 may be a female member of the mechanical hook-and-loop fastener.

[0053] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed with respect to the above-described embodiment of the present invention: <1> An annular holder that is fitted around the waist of a wearer and can hold an absorbent pad fitted to the wearer, having a height direction along the wearer's height and a circumferential direction along the waist circumference, a ventral section disposed on the ventral side and a dorsal section disposed on the back side joined together at a pair of joints, at least one of the ventral section and the dorsal section having a main section with a continuous sheet material between the pair of joints and a missing section where the sheet material is not present between the pair of joints, and an extension section extending downward in the height direction from the main section, when the ventral section or the dorsal section is divided into thirds in the width direction along the circumferential direction into a central region and side regions on both sides thereof, the missing section has an apex in the central region and is formed from the central region to the side regions, and has inclined edges on both sides of the apex that gradually increase in extension length from the main section as they approach the joints.

[0054] <2> The holder according to <1>, wherein the length of the missing portion in the width direction is 70% or more, preferably 70% or more and 98% or less, more preferably 80% or more and 97% or less, and even more preferably 90% or more and 96% of the entire width direction length of the ventral side portion or the dorsal side portion. <3> The holder according to <1> or <2>, wherein the missing portion has the apex located in the central region and parallel to the width direction, and a pair of inclined edges located on both sides of the apex and inclined with respect to the width direction. <4> The holder according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the lower edge of the holder is composed of the apex located in the central region and parallel to the width direction, a pair of inclined edges located on both sides of the apex and inclined with respect to the width direction, and a linear flat edge located at the lower end of the extension portion and having a constant extension length from the main body portion. <5> The holder according to <3> or <4>, wherein the widthwise length of the apex of the missing portion is 30% or less, preferably 20% or less, and more preferably 10% or less, of the entire widthwise length of the ventral portion or the dorsal portion. <6> The holder according to any one of <3> to <5>, wherein the widthwise length of the inclined edge portion is preferably 15% or more, more preferably 20% or more, and even more preferably 25% or more of the entire widthwise length of the ventral portion or the dorsal portion. <7> The holder according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the ratio of the extension length in the height direction of the extending portion to the entire heightwise length of the holder is 0.03 to 0.50, preferably 0.05 to 0.40, and more preferably 0.10 to 0.30.

[0055] <8> The holder according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein the extension portion having the missing portion is provided on both the ventral portion and the dorsal portion. <9> The holder according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the extension portion has an elastic portion on each side of the missing portion that expands and contracts in the circumferential direction of the ventral portion or the dorsal portion. <10> The holder according to <9>, wherein the main body portion is elastic in the circumferential direction, and the elastic stress of the elastic portion of the extension portion is smaller than the elastic stress of a region of the main body portion adjacent to the extension portion. <11> The holder according to <10>, wherein the ratio of the elastic stress of the elastic portion of the extension portion to the elastic stress of the region adjacent to the extension portion is 0.05 to 0.95, preferably 0.10 to 0.90, and more preferably 0.20 to 0.80. <12> The holder according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the extension portion has a linear flat edge portion near each of the pair of joints and the extension length from the main body portion is constant, and the angle between the inclined edge portion and the flat edge portion on each side of the top when the holder is fully extended is 120 degrees or more, more preferably 135 degrees or more, and even more preferably 150 degrees or more and 175 degrees or less. <13> The holder according to any one of <1> to <12>, wherein the lower edge of the holder has a shape with repeated concaves and convexes. <14> An absorbent article comprising: the holder according to any one of <1> to <13>, and an absorbent pad attachable to the holder.

[0056] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a holder that has an excellent fit and is resistant to dirt.

Claims

1. An annular holder that is fitted around the waist of a wearer and can hold an absorbent pad fitted to the wearer, having a height direction along the direction of the wearer's height and a circumference direction along the waist circumference, a ventral section arranged on the ventral side and a dorsal section arranged on the dorsal side joined together at a pair of joints, at least one of the ventral section and the dorsal section having a main section with a continuous sheet material between the pair of joints and a missing section where no sheet material is present between the pair of joints, and an extension section extending from the main section downward in the height direction, when the ventral section or the dorsal section is divided into thirds in the width direction along the circumferential direction into a central region and side regions on both sides thereof, the missing section has an apex in the central region and is formed from the central region to the side regions, and has inclined edges on each side of the apex that gradually increase in extension length from the main section as they approach the joints.

2. A holder according to claim 1, wherein the length of the notched portion in the width direction is 70% or more of the total length of the ventral side portion or the dorsal side portion in the width direction.

3. A holder as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the notch has a top portion located in the central region and parallel to the width direction, and a pair of inclined edges located on both sides of the top portion and inclined relative to the width direction.

4. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lower edge of the holder is composed of the top portion located in the central region and parallel to the width direction, a pair of inclined edges located on both sides of the top portion and inclined relative to the width direction, and a straight flat edge portion located at the lower end of the extension portion and having a constant extension length from the main body portion.

5. A holder according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the widthwise length of the top of the notched portion is 30% or less of the total widthwise length of the ventral portion or the dorsal portion.

6. A holder according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the length of the inclined edge portion in the width direction is 15% or more of the total length of the ventral side portion or the dorsal side portion in the width direction.

7. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the ratio of the extension length in the height direction of the extension portion to the total length of the holder in the height direction is 0.03 or more and 0.50 or less.

8. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extension portion having the notched portion is provided on both the ventral side portion and the dorsal side portion.

9. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the extension portion has an elastic portion on each side of the missing portion that elastically stretches in the circumferential direction of the ventral portion or the dorsal portion.

10. A holder as described in claim 9, wherein the main body portion has elasticity in the circumferential direction, and the elastic stress of the elastic portion of the extension portion is smaller than the elastic stress of the region of the main body portion adjacent to the extension portion.

11. The holder according to claim 10, wherein the ratio of the stretching stress of the stretchable portion of the extension to the stretching stress of the region adjacent to the extension is 0.05 or more and 0.95 or less.

12. A holder as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the extension portion has a straight flat edge portion near each of the pair of joints and extends from the main body portion by a constant length, and the angle formed between the inclined edge portion and the flat edge portion on each side of the top when the holder is at its maximum extension is 120 degrees or more.

13. A holder according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lower edge of the holder has a shape with repeated concave and convex portions.

14. An absorbent article comprising: a holder according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and an absorbent pad attachable to the holder.

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