Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article that can be easily fixed to a wearer.SOLUTION: An absorbent article has a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to a front-back direction of a wearer and a length along a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and comprises: a front body area located on a front side of a wearer in the front-back direction; a back body area located on a back side of the wearer; a crotch area located between the front body area and the back body area; an absorber; a permeable sheet disposed closer to a skin surface side of a wearer than the absorber; and a pair of rigidity changing parts provided on width-direction both sides in the front body area and extending from the outside in the width direction to a center side and in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, absorbent pads, sanitary napkins, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tape-type absorbent article that includes a fastening tape for fixing the absorbent article around the waist. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-201894 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a wearer puts an absorbent article on the wearer, if the front body region side of the absorbent article stands up while the absorbent article is placed on a horizontal surface, the wearer can easily put the absorbent article on the wearer. However, even if the front body region side of the absorbent article stands up, there is a risk that the front body region will bend downward due to its own weight, which may hinder the putting on operation.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can be easily put on by a wearer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer; A length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; In the front-to-rear direction, a front body region located in front of the wearer, a rear body region located behind the wearer, and a crotch region located between the front body region and the rear body region; An absorber; A water-permeable sheet disposed on the wearer's skin side relative to the absorbent body; The front body region is provided with a pair of variable rigidity portions provided on both sides in the width direction, extending from the outer sides in the width direction toward the center and in the longitudinal direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an absorbent article that can be easily put on by a wearer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the absorbent body and the front patch of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the dimensions of the tape and the front patch provided on the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the packaging of the diaper according to the embodiment has been opened. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing the state in which the diaper according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the diaper according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the diaper according to the embodiment is attached. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper according to the embodiment in an attached state. [Figure 13]FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark provided on a front patch of a diaper according to the first modification. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 1) showing an area where a hot melt adhesive is applied to a diaper according to the second modification. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 2) showing an area where a hot melt adhesive is applied to a diaper according to the second modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram (part 3) showing an area where a hot melt adhesive is applied to a diaper according to the second modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is one aspect of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0010] <Embodiment> In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of a tape-type disposable diaper (an example of an "absorbent article" in the present application, hereinafter simply referred to as a "diaper") is the direction connecting the front body facing the wearer's abdomen and the rear body facing the back. Between the front body (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the rear body (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (at the center in the longitudinal direction), a crotch portion that is disposed under the wearer's crotch (disposed opposite the crotch) is located in a connected manner. In addition, when the diaper is worn by a wearer (hereinafter abbreviated as "worn state"), the side facing the wearer's skin (the inner side when worn) is the skin-facing side, and the opposite side to the skin-facing side (the outer side when worn) is the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is the width direction. In addition, the view from the thickness direction is the plan view. The diaper has a length along the longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of the wearer, and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In addition, terms related to directions used in this application refer to directions that correspond to the front, back, left and right of the wearer when the garment is worn. For example, the left and right direction in this application refers to the direction that corresponds to the left and right of the wearer when the garment is worn.

[0011] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a diaper 1 according to an embodiment. The diaper 1 has a longitudinal length of 500 mm or more and 1100 mm or less. Such a diaper 1 is suitable for adults. The person who actually wears the diaper is the wearer, and the person who puts the diaper on the wearer is the wearer. As an example, the wearer is a person receiving care, and the wearer is a caregiver. The diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which is a region corresponding to the crotch covering the genitals of the wearer when worn, a front body region 1F, which is a region located in front of the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the waist of the wearer's abdomen, and a back body region 1R, which is a region located behind the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the waist of the wearer's back. The left and right edges of the rear body region 1R are provided with a mechanical fastener (an example of an "adhesive portion" in the present application) 16 on the wearer's skin side, a front patch (an example of an "adhered portion" in the present application) 2F provided in the front body region 1F and looped on the non-skin side, and tapes (an example of a "tape" in the present application) 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2 that can be attached with the mechanical fastener 16 are provided. When the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2 are attached to the front patch 2F with the front body region 1F positioned on the wearer's abdomen and the rear body region 1R positioned on the wearer's back, the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in a state surrounding the wearer's waist circumference and thighs. Since the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can freely change his or her body position while wearing the diaper 1. The non-skin facing sides of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are looped in the same manner as the non-skin facing side of the front patch 2F, so that the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 can be overlapped on the front patch 2F.

[0012] In order to prevent the formation of gaps between the diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid outflow path, the diaper 1 is provided with leg gathers 3AL, 3AR at locations along the wearer's leg circumference (thighs), three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are provided on the inside of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR in the width direction of the diaper 1, and a waist gather 3W is provided at a location along the wearer's abdominal circumference. The leg gathers 3AL, 3AR, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and the waist gathers 3W are brought into close contact with the wearer's skin by the elastic force of the elastic members. Thus, the liquid discharged from the wearer is absorbed into the absorbent body 6 without leaking out of the diaper 1. The elastic members may be selected from thread-like or strip-like rubber, etc., as appropriate.

[0013] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment. In a plan view, the diaper 1 according to the present embodiment has a narrow gourd shape in the crotch region 1B, which is wider toward the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R than the crotch region 1B. This planar shape allows the diaper 1 to easily fit the wearer's abdomen and buttocks when worn. The planar shape of the diaper 1 is not limited to a roughly gourd shape, and may be, for example, a roughly rectangular or roughly shuttlecock shape.

[0014] The diaper 1 includes a cover sheet 4 that forms an outer surface when worn. The cover sheet 4 is a sheet-like member having substantially the same planar shape (gourd shape) as the diaper 1 with constrictions 4KL, 4KR at the portions corresponding to the long sides, forming the exterior surface of the diaper 1, and having a rigidity that can withstand friction with clothing, etc., and is provided to reinforce the back sheet 5 described below and to improve the feel. The constrictions 4KL, 4KR are provided at the portions where the wearer's thighs are located. The cover sheet 4 is generally made of a nonwoven fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The cover sheet 4 is liquid impermeable and moisture permeable. The cover sheet 4 is not limited to a single-layer structure, and may be a multi-layer structure having an inner cover sheet and an outer cover sheet.

[0015] The diaper 1 comprises a back sheet 5, an absorbent body 6, and a top sheet 8, which are layered in this order on the wearer-facing surface of the cover sheet 4. The back sheet 5 and the top sheet 8 are all sheet-like members having a generally rectangular appearance, and the absorbent body 6 is a mat-like member having a generally gourd-shaped appearance. The back sheet 5, the absorbent body 6, and the top sheet 8 are all layered in this order on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the cover sheet 4.

[0016] The back sheet 5 has a generally rectangular appearance. The back sheet 5 is a sheet formed of a thermoplastic water-impermeable resin such as a polyethylene film in order to suppress leakage of discharged liquid that has flowed into the absorbent body 6. The back sheet 5 has water repellency to prevent urine and moisture from seeping out of the diaper 1 and breathability to prevent the diaper from becoming stuffy when worn. The back sheet 5 may have a large number of minute ventilation holes formed therein to provide breathability.

[0017] In addition, the back sheet 5 of the diaper 1 has a center mark CM (see Figure 1) that runs continuously in the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction, so that the wearer can align the center mark CM of the diaper 1 with the wearer's midline and wear the diaper in the correct position.

[0018] The diaper 1 comprises a top sheet 8 disposed on the skin-facing side when worn. The top sheet 8 is the portion that contacts the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn, and is a water-permeable sheet formed of a liquid-permeable material that allows liquids such as urine to pass through. The top sheet 8 may be made of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a porous film, or the like. The nonwoven fabric may be made of thermoplastic resin fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or nylon that have been hydrophilized. Air-through nonwoven fabric, point-bonded nonwoven fabric, spun-bonded nonwoven fabric, melt-bonded nonwoven fabric, or the like may also be used. A low-wax nonwoven fabric or the like may also be used.

[0019] An absorbent body 6 for absorbing liquid excreted by the wearer is disposed on the non-skin facing side of the top sheet 8. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0020] The back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 all extend from the front body region 1F to the rear body region 1R. Therefore, when the wearer's private parts are covered with the cover sheet 4 in which the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 are laminated, both ends in the longitudinal direction of the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 8 are located on the wearer's ventral side and back side. In other words, the wearer's private parts are covered by the absorbent body 6 from the wearer's ventral side to the back side. Therefore, whether the wearer is lying in a supine position or a prone position, the discharged liquid comes into contact with the absorbent body 6 via the top sheet 8.

[0021] The diaper 1 also includes a pair of water-impermeable side sheets (an example of the "leak-proof wall-constituting sheets" referred to in this application) 9L, 9R arranged on both skin-facing sides in the width direction of the diaper 1 and extending along the longitudinal direction. The side sheets 9L, 9R are arranged such that their longitudinal ends coincide with the longitudinal ends of the top sheet 8. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing regions 9LA, 9RA arranged on their outer sides in the width direction. The fixing regions 9LA, 9RA are bonded to the top sheet 8, absorbent body 6, and back sheet 5, which are members arranged on the non-skin-facing sides, with a hot melt adhesive.

[0022] The side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 with a hot melt adhesive, and the inner ends of the hot melt adhesive in the width direction form the rising lines 3LL, 3RR (see FIG. 3), and the inner sides of the rising lines 3LL, 3RR rise to form the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, which are leakage barriers that prevent discharged liquid from leaking in the width direction. The inner ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R in the width direction are free regions 9LB, 9RB, which are the tips of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and two rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, which are thread-like elastic members, are fixed in the vicinity of the free regions 9LB, 9RB by the hot melt adhesive in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 side also near the longitudinal end portions, but the central side in the width direction is not bonded to the hot melt adhesive at the central side in the longitudinal direction, and can rise up toward the skin side. When the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR contract, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R on the central side of the standing lines 3LL, 3RR rise up toward the skin side, and the free regions 9LB, 9RB become the tips on the skin side. The standing three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R inhibit the movement of liquids and loose stools to the outside in the width direction of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and suppress side leakage. The elastic threads 3BL, 3BR are not provided symmetrically in the longitudinal direction, but are unevenly distributed from the crotch region 1B to the front body region 1F, and the distance between the longitudinal ends of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR and the fixed parts 33L, 33R is shorter on the ventral side than on the dorsal side.

[0023] The entire longitudinal ends of the standing lines 3LL, 3RR of the side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 by a hot melt adhesive to form the fixed parts 33L, 33R. The fixed areas 9LA, 9RA extend to the longitudinal ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R, so that the side sheets 9L, 9R are joined to the top sheet 8 over the entire longitudinal ends. The absorbent body 6 is thick because it is made of a plurality of laminated absorbent mats, and if the fixed parts 33L, 33R are provided at the locations where the absorbent body 6 overlaps, the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR is less likely to be transmitted to the fixed parts 33L, 33R. If the fixed parts 33L, 33R are provided at the locations where the absorbent body 6 does not extend, the fixed parts 33L, 33R can more easily follow the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR.

[0024] The length of the standing lines 3LL, 3RR and the free regions 9LB, 9RB of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to which the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR facing the standing lines are attached is determined by the length of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R rise at the same height in the front body region 1F, the crotch region 1B and the back body region 1R and fit along the skin surface of the wearer.

[0025] The free regions 9LB, 9RB located longitudinally outboard of the regions where the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are arranged can be left unattached to the top sheet 8 even in the fixed portions 33L, 33R. By not adhering the free regions 9LB, 9RB to the top sheet 8, the biasing force of the free regions 9LB, 9RB is gently transmitted over the entire region of the fixed portions 33L, 33R, and it is possible to prevent the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR from concentrating on the longitudinal inward side of the fixed portions 33L, 33R.

[0026] Rubber threads 4LB, 4RB, which are thread-like elastic members, are fixed between the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 on the non-skin facing side of the upright lines 3LL, 3RR with a hot melt adhesive in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, two for each width direction. The rubber threads 4LB, 4RB are elastic members for forming the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR shown in Fig. 1. The number of rubber threads 4LB, 4RB is not limited to two, and an appropriate number of rubber threads 4LB, 4RB may be provided depending on the elastic force (contractile force) required in the design of the diaper 1. By arranging the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB in a stretched state, the contraction of the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB allows the diaper 1 to fit around the legs of the wearer.

[0027] The elastic threads 4LB, 4RB that bias the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR have a smaller elongation rate and contraction force per unit length than the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR that bias the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The leg gathers 3AL, 3AR make the diaper 1 conform to the wearer's legs. Therefore, the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR improve the wearing comfort without excessively constricting the wearer's legs. On the other hand, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are strongly biased by the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR so that they stand up reliably when worn to prevent side leakage of discharged liquid.

[0028] The cover sheet 4 has rubber threads 4CL and 4CR that prevent a gap from being formed between the diaper 1 and the wearer's abdominal circumference and are provided along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, closer to the widthwise center of the diaper 1 than the rubber threads 4LB and 4RB. The rubber threads 4CL and 4CR are provided according to the elastic force (contractile force) required in the design of the diaper 1. In this embodiment, three rubber threads 4CL and three rubber threads 4CR are provided.

[0029] Moreover, the regions extending outward in the width direction of the standing lines 3LL, 3RR of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R in a plan view are the ears 10L, 10R. In this embodiment, the ears 10L, 10R are formed in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. The upper absorbent mat 6A is disposed to include the outer sides in the width direction of the free regions 9LB, 9RB. The diaper 1 can increase the amount of liquid absorption by forming the upper absorbent mat 6A large while improving the cushioning properties in the ears 10L, 10R. The ears 10L, 10R may be formed in either the front body region 1F or the back body region 1R.

[0030] At both widthwise ends of the rear body region 1R, a pair of tapes 2L1, 2L2 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 and a pair of tapes 2R1, 2R2 are arranged in the longitudinal direction at the outer ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R, extending in the widthwise direction. The skin-facing sides of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2 have mechanical fasteners 16. The mechanical fasteners 16 can be attached onto the front patch 2F provided on the front body region 1F. By attaching the mechanical fasteners 16 onto the front patch 2F provided on the front body region 1F, the diaper 1 can be fixed to the wearer's body in a state in which it surrounds the wearer's waist and thighs.

[0031] In addition, at a position on the back side of the end of the absorbent body 6, the back sheet 5 and the top sheet An elastic thread 9ER is provided between the back sheet 5 and the top sheet 8 to form a waist gather 3W. The elastic thread 9ER is provided between the back sheet 5 and the top sheet 8 with its longitudinal direction, which is the direction of expansion and contraction, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, when the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 provided on both the left and right sides of the elastic thread 9ER are attached to the front patch 2F on the abdominal side of the wearer, the elastic thread 9ER exerts a contractile force to bring the diaper 1 into close contact with the wearer and prevent the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's abdominal circumference.

[0032] Next, the structure of the absorbent body 6 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment taken along line AA in Figure 3. In Figure 4, in order to make the internal structure of the diaper 1 easier to understand, each component is illustrated thicker than it actually is, but in reality the diaper 1 is very thin.

[0033] The diaper 1 includes an absorbent body 6 that absorbs and retains liquids such as urine. The absorbent body 6 is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the top sheet 8, including the crotch region 1B, in order to absorb liquids discharged by the wearer. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 6 includes an absorbent core 6C containing an absorbent material, and a core wrap sheet 7 that covers the entire absorbent core 6C. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 6C, the longitudinal direction of the core wrap sheet 7, and the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0034] The absorbent core 6C has an upper absorbent mat 6A arranged on the top sheet 8 side and a lower absorbent mat 6B arranged on the non-skin-facing side. In plan view, the upper absorbent mat 6A is wider in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R side than in the crotch region 1B, the crotch region 1B is narrowed, and the end on the front body region side has a gourd shape with a convex center in the width direction of the diaper 1 and a gentle curve toward the outside in the width direction. The lower absorbent mat 6B is arranged below (non-skin-facing side) the upper absorbent mat 6A when viewed from the top sheet 8 side, and has a rectangular shape (rectangular shape) whose long side is the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 when viewed from the top sheet 8 side. The upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B are laminated in the thickness direction so that their respective centers in the width direction are approximately aligned. In plan view, the upper absorbent mat 6A is formed larger than the lower absorbent mat 6B. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal directions of the upper and lower absorbent mats 6A, 6B and the diaper 1.

[0035] The crotch region 1B is sandwiched between the wearer's legs, so that a compressive pressure is applied toward the widthwise center. On the other hand, in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, the weight of the wearer is applied, so that the absorbent core 6C is pressured in the thickness direction. To cope with these pressures, the crotch region 1B of the absorbent core 6C is provided with a constriction. Furthermore, the upper layer absorbent mat 6A and the lower layer absorbent mat 6B are laminated to give the absorbent core 6C in the crotch region 1B a high basis weight. This prevents the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape toward the widthwise center in the crotch region 1B. Also, in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, the width of the absorbent core 6C is widened to increase the area on which the weight is applied, thereby preventing the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape in the thickness direction. For this reason, it is preferable to make the absorbent core 6C approximately gourd-shaped.

[0036] The absorbent core 6C has a structure in which granular absorbent resin (polymeric water absorbent material) such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or short fibers made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been hydrophilically treated. These short fibers and SAP are examples of absorbent materials.

[0037] The SAP particles of the present embodiment refer to a resin composition containing SAP in a granular form. The term "SAP-containing resin composition" used herein refers to a composition consisting of SAP alone, a composition containing SAP as the main component, or a resin composition containing SAP as the main component. The concept of "SAP" encompasses both compositions that contain other substances to the extent that they do not adversely affect the water absorption. Examples of "other substances" include additives such as surface modifiers added to hydrophobize the particle surface, and unreacted monomers remaining during the synthesis of SAP. SAP particles can absorb about 10 to 100 times their own weight in liquid. The SAP particles may be, for example, granular particles having a diameter of about 0.1 to 0.5 mm before absorbing liquid.

[0038] While SAP particles can gel and retain liquid, it takes a certain amount of time for the liquid to be absorbed. In the diaper 1, the short fibers slow down the discharged liquid while diffusing it inside the absorbent core 6C until the SAP particles absorb the liquid, and the discharged liquid is absorbed by a wide range of SAP particles, preventing the liquid from flowing back.

[0039] The absorbent core 6C may have a SAP layer (not shown) formed of a large number of SAP particles, and is disposed between the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B. The absorbent core 6C diffuses liquids such as urine through the lower absorbent mat 6B, and retains the liquid through the SAP layer and the SAP contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0040] The core wrap sheet 7 is a water-permeable sheet that wraps the entire absorbent core 6C, and more specifically, covers the skin-facing side, non-skin-facing side, and side of the absorbent core 6C. The core wrap sheet 7 maintains the shape of the absorbent core 6C when not in contact with discharged liquid, prevents it from losing its shape, and prevents the SAP particles contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A and the SAP particles contained in the SAP layer from escaping. In addition, SAP particles that have not absorbed moisture are hard sand-like, and if the SAP particles that have not absorbed moisture escape from the absorbent body 6 and come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, they may cause the wearer to feel uncomfortable. For this reason, the absorbent core 6C is wrapped in the core wrap sheet 7 to prevent the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape and to prevent the SAP particles from escaping outside the absorbent body 6.

[0041] In this embodiment, the core wrap sheet 7 is made of a pulp fiber sheet or a thin nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, tissue paper is used for the core wrap sheet 7. The core wrap sheet 7 may be formed of two sheets: an upper core wrap sheet (not shown) disposed between the upper absorbent mat 6A and the top sheet 8, and a lower core wrap sheet (not shown) disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the lower absorbent mat 6B, covering the side of the absorbent core 6C, and further covering the outer side in the width direction of the upper core wrap sheet. When the core wrap sheet 7 is formed of two sheets, the upper core wrap sheet and the lower core wrap sheet may be formed of different materials. As an example, the upper core wrap sheet may be a pulp fiber sheet, and the lower core wrap sheet may be a resin nonwoven fabric. The core wrap sheet 7 may be formed of a single sheet.

[0042] The diaper 1 includes two grooves 6H provided in the absorbent body 6 and formed by squeezing the absorbent body 6 in the thickness direction. The grooves 6H are provided within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, and the front-rear ends are contained within the absorbent core 6C. The grooves 6H may be formed in a concave shape on the skin side by making the absorbent core 6C have less absorbent material such as short fibers than the other parts, or may be formed by penetrating the absorbent material forming the skin side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The grooves 6H in this embodiment are formed in two lines approximately parallel to each other in the width direction around the crotch region 1B so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 6C, and are formed by squeezing the absorbent core 6C formed of the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B. The discharged liquid such as urine flows into the grooves 6H, moves longitudinally along the grooves 6H, and is quickly absorbed over a wide longitudinal range of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the diaper 1 according to the present embodiment can quickly diffuse the discharged liquid by providing the grooves 6H. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the grooves 6H do not reach the ends of the absorbent body 6 in the longitudinal direction. The discharged liquid that has moved outward in the longitudinal direction does not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6, but remains inside the grooves 6H and is gradually absorbed.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, in plan view, the two grooves 6H have a rectangular shape and are formed approximately parallel to each other with the crotch region 1B at the center. The width of the grooves 6H is 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The length of the grooves 6H is 150 mm or more and 250 mm or less. A diaper 1 having grooves 6H of this size is suitable for adults (nursing care). The grooves 6H may be formed in a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or a rectangular shape with both front and rear ends formed in an arc shape instead of a rectangular shape in plan view.

[0044] The two grooves 6H form valley folds when the diaper 1 is viewed from the side, and when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent 6 is folded in a W-shape in the crotch region 1B when viewed from the skin-facing side. As a result, the widthwise central portion of the absorbent 6 sandwiched between the two grooves 6H rises convexly toward the skin-facing side and comes into contact with the wearer's skin. This makes it easier for the absorbent 6 to come into contact with the urethral opening of the wearer at the raised portion, and the absorbent 6 can effectively absorb and retain urine discharged from the urethral opening.

[0045] In addition, the location of the wearer's excretion hole is limited, and excreted liquid tends to be discharged in the same place, but there is a limit to the amount of excreted liquid that the absorbent body 6 can hold in the same place. The grooves 6H have the function of diffusing the excreted liquid discharged from the wearer in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6, and the excreted liquid diffused by the grooves 6H is absorbed in the parts of the absorbent body 6 that have excess retention capacity. Providing the grooves 6H allows urine to be absorbed by the entire diaper 1, which reduces the frequency with which the diaper 1 needs to be changed.

[0046] In addition, since the absorbent body 6 is compressed in the thickness direction near the grooves 6H, the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 in and near the grooves 6H is high. In other words, the grooves 6H can be said to be high rigidity areas. Since the grooves 6H extend from the crotch region 1B to the back body region 1R, the absorbent body 6 is reinforced, and the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 is high in the crotch region 1B and the back body region 1R.

[0047] In this embodiment, the lower absorbent mat 6B is provided around the crotch region 1B and is biased toward the rear body region 1R. In addition, in the vicinity of the rear body region 1R, the width of the upper absorbent mat 6A is wider than that of the front body region 1F, and the area of ​​the upper absorbent mat 6A is larger in the rear body region 1R than in the front body region 1F. Therefore, the volume of the absorbent body 6 is larger in the rear body region 1R than in the front body region 1F. Therefore, the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 is high in the rear body region 1R. Note that the basis weight of each absorbent mat may be increased on the rear body region 1R side. A high rigidity portion can also be formed by stacking multiple absorbent mats or increasing the basis weight.

[0048] In this way, in the vicinity of the rear body region 1R, the absorbent body 6 is synergistically reinforced by the extending groove portion 6H, the multi-layer structure of the absorbent body 6, and the large basis weight. In other words, the absorbent body 6 has a high-rigidity portion that spans the crotch region 1B and the rear body region 1R. Therefore, even if some urging force is applied, the diaper 1 does not easily bend in the vicinity of the rear body region 1R. Since the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 is high in the vicinity of the rear body region 1R where the wearer's buttocks rest during putting on, the absorbent body 6 is less likely to twist, and the wearer can put the diaper 1 on the wearer in an appropriate shape. Note that these high-rigidity portions do not extend to the front body region 1F side, or if they do, the extension area is narrower than that of the rear body region 1R side. For this reason, the front body region 1F is more likely to stand up than the rear body region 1R.

[0049] In addition, the absorbent body 6 has an absorbent core 6C in which an upper absorbent mat 6A and a lower absorbent mat 6B are laminated in the thickness direction. The rigidity of the region where the absorbent body 6 is arranged is higher than that of the region where the absorbent body 6 is arranged. Therefore, the rigidity of the diaper 1 changes at the end of the absorbent body 6. The front end of the absorbent body 6 is located in the front body region 1F in a plan view, but does not reach the end of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1. Therefore, the diaper 1 has a pair of left and right rigidity change parts 6L, 6R that extend obliquely backward from the center of the width of the diaper 1 toward the outside in the width direction at the front end of the absorbent body 6. The rigidity change parts 6L, 6R are curves that are line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line in the front-rear direction at the center of the width of the absorbent body 6, and the rigidity of the diaper 1 changes at the boundary of the rigidity change parts 6L, 6R. The rigidity of the rear side of the rigidity change parts 6L, 6R is high due to the absorbent body 6, and the rigidity of the front side of the rigidity change parts 6L, 6R is low compared to the rear side of the rigidity change parts 6L, 6R. Therefore, the diaper 1 is easily bent along the rigidity change parts 6L, 6R.

[0050] When the rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R extend obliquely backward from the widthwise center of the diaper 1 toward the widthwise outer sides, the direction of bending along the rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R tends to be opposite to the direction of bending along the rigidity changing portions 2FL, 2FR of the front patch 2F described below, thereby suppressing bending along the rigidity changing portions 2FL, 2FR. Note that the rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R may be curved lines extending obliquely forward from the widthwise center toward the widthwise outer sides.

[0051] In addition, the rigidity change portions 6L, 6R are formed in a curved shape. By making the rigidity change portions 6L, 6R curved, bending along the rigidity change portions 2FL, 2FR can be more effectively suppressed compared to when they are formed in a straight line.

[0052] The rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R overlap with the fixed portions 33L, 33R in the thickness direction. The rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R are overlapped with the fixed portions 33L, 33R in the thickness direction in front of the fixed portions 33L, 33R, increasing the rigidity and suppressing bending.

[0053] The diaper 1 includes a front patch 2F. The front end of the front patch 2F, which is the longitudinal front side of the diaper 1, has a central cutout 2FK recessed in a U-shape toward the widthwise center of the diaper 1.

[0054] The front patch 2F has a certain strength because it must be able to withstand multiple application of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 and not break even when it receives the weight of the wearer that may be applied depending on the wearer's body position. To achieve this strength, the front patch 2F has a certain thickness. The basis weight of the front patch 2F is specifically 30 g / m 2 More than 60g / m 2 As described above, since the front patch 2F has a high basis weight, the front patch 2F also functions as a reinforcing portion in the front body region 1F, and the rigidity of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1 becomes high in the region to which the front patch 2F extends.

[0055] In a plan view, the front end of the front patch 2F does not reach the end of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1. Therefore, the diaper 1 has a pair of left and right stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR extending diagonally forward from the widthwise center of the diaper 1 toward the widthwise outer side at the front end of the front patch 2F. The stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR are curves that are line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line in the front-to-rear direction at the widthwise center, and the stiffness of the diaper 1 changes across the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR. The stiffness of the rear side of the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR is high due to the front patch 2F, and the stiffness of the front side of the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR is low compared to the rear side of the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR.

[0056] Furthermore, the rigidity changing portions 2FL, 2FR overlap with the fixing portions 33L, 33R in the thickness direction. The fixing portions 33L, 33R increase the rigidity of the portions in front of the rigidity changing portions 2FL, 2FR, making it possible to suppress bending.

[0057] In addition, the rigidity change portions 2FL, 2FR are formed in a curved shape. By forming the rigidity change portions 2FL, 2FR in a curved shape, bending along the rigidity change portions 2FL, 2FR can be more effectively suppressed compared to when the rigidity change portions 2FL, 2FR are formed in a straight line.

[0058] The front patch 2F is a loop surface formed on the surface of a base material such as a smooth plastic film. Therefore, such a front patch 2F is a relatively hard material in the diaper 1 which is generally soft, and the stiffness change of the stiffness changing parts 2FL, 2FR formed by the front patch 2F is large. The front patch 2F has a loop part on the non-skin side and a film part on the skin side. The front patch 2F has a high basis weight and is stiff. Therefore, the front patch 2F functions as a reinforcing member in the front body region 1F. The front patch 2F is arranged in the front and rear regions including the fixing parts 33L, 33R in the front body region 1F. Therefore, the front body region 1F does not bend significantly midway in the extension region of the front patch 2F.

[0059] The front patch 2F is provided in the front and rear regions including the fixed parts 33L, 33R in the front body region 1F. Therefore, when the fixed parts 33L, 33R receive a biasing force due to contraction of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR in the front body region 1F, the biasing force can be distributed throughout the front body region 1F. When viewed from the thickness direction, the longitudinal ends of the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR overlap a part of the rear side of the extension region of the front patch 2F.

[0060] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the absorbent body 6 and the front patch 2F. Fig. 5(A) is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the absorbent body 6 and the front patch 2F. The end of the absorbent core 6C on the front patch 2F side in the longitudinal direction is covered by the front patch 2F when viewed from the exterior surface side of the diaper 1. Therefore, the bending force along the rigidity changing portions 2FL, 2FR is transmitted to the rigidity changing portions 6L, 6R.

[0061] The distance L between the front end of the front patch 2F and the front end of the absorbent body 6 is gradually increased from the widthwise center of the absorbent body 6 toward both the left and right ends. The front patch 2F also forms regions that do not correspond to the absorbent body 6 (absorbent body non-corresponding regions) at least on both the left and right sides in the widthwise direction of the front patch 2F.

[0062] FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of the absorbent-unacceptable region R2. In the front patch 2F, the part covering the absorbent 6 when viewed from the exterior surface side is the absorbent-unacceptable region R1, and the part not covering the absorbent 6 is the absorbent-unacceptable region R2. In FIG. 5(B), the absorbent-unacceptable region R1 is shown by hatching slanting downward to the right, and the absorbent-unacceptable region R2 is shown by hatching slanting downward to the left. As described above, the front end of the absorbent 6 has a shape that is closer to the crotch region 1B as it moves from the center of the width of the absorbent 6 toward both the left and right ends, and the front end of the front patch 2F has a central cutout portion 2FK that is recessed toward the center of the width, so that the front patch 2F forms the absorbent-unacceptable region R2 that does not correspond to the absorbent 6 at least on both the left and right sides of the width of the front patch 2F. Also, as can be seen from FIG. 5(B), the absorbent-unacceptable region R2 is formed both in the center of the width and between the front end of the front patch 2F and the front end of the absorbent 6. The front end of the front patch 2F is located within a distance of several mm from the front end of the absorbent body 6.

[0063] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the dimensions of the tapes 2L1, 2L2 and the front patch 2F of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. The tapes 2L1, 2L2 and the tapes 2R1, 2R2 have the same dimensions, so the following description focuses on the tapes 2L1, 2L2. As shown in Fig. 5, the length of the front patch 2F in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is designated as LF. Also, the length of the tape 2L1 The length along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 connecting the mechanical fasteners 16 arranged on the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 is defined as L1. The mechanical fasteners 16 of the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 have the same length along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, LT (the width of the mechanical fasteners 16). The length obtained by subtracting the length LT of the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L1 from the length L1 is defined as L2. The length between the mechanical fasteners 16 of the tape 2L1 and the mechanical fasteners 16 of the tape 2L2 is defined as L3. The edge of the front patch 2F on the crotch side in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (the lower edge in FIG. 5) and the edge of the front patch 2F on the abdominal side opposite to the crotch side in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (the upper edge in FIG. 5) are parallel to each other. Therefore, the length LF of the front patch 2F is constant at any position in the left-right direction of the diaper 1.

[0064] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the front patch 2F is formed, or the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 are arranged in the rear body region 1R, so that the length LF is shorter than the length L1. More specifically, the length LF may be the length L1 minus the width LT of the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L1. Thus, the length LF is approximately equal to the length L2. When the length LF is approximately equal to the length L2, the mechanical fasteners 16 of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 can be attached to each other close to each other on the front patch 2F when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0065] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the front patch 2F is formed, or the tapes 2L1, 2L2 are arranged in the rear body region 1R, so that the length LF is longer than the length L3. Since the length LF is longer than the length L3, even if a wearer who is unfamiliar with overlapping application in which one tape is overlapped and applied to the application portion 2R provided on the non-skin-facing side of one tape, or cross application in which tapes are overlapped and applied in a cross shape, applies the tapes 2L1, 2L2 to the front patch 2F so as to be parallel to each other in the extending direction so as not to apply excessive force to the diaper 1, a part of each mechanical fastener 16 will be attached to the front patch 2F.

[0066] In addition, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the length L3 is 30 mm or more. By arranging the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 apart from each other, the tape 2L1 can be attached to the front patch 2F so that the direction in which the tape 2L1 is pulled crosses the direction in which the tape 2L2 is pulled, and the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 can be attached to the front patch 2F so as to sandwich the wearer's ilium from above and below. In addition, when the length L3 is 30 mm or less, the range of motion of the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 is narrow. Therefore, the tape 2L1 may not be attached so as to follow the upper side of the ilium, and the tape 2L2 may have difficulty in pulling up the leg gathers 3AL and 3AR, and may not be able to be in close contact with the wearer's skin.

[0067] When a wearer puts a diaper on a wearer, the wearer usually stands on the wearer's back and puts the diaper on. The diaper is put on by first placing the crotch region of the diaper under the wearer's crotch. If the diaper is flat, the wearer must lift the front body region of the diaper, which is a burden to the wearer. When the diaper is provided with a high-rigidity section spanning the rear body region and the crotch region and a thread-like elastic member, the front body region side end in the longitudinal direction of the diaper stands up when the diaper is placed on a horizontal surface, making it easy to put the diaper on the wearer. However, when the front body region of the diaper is upright, the skin-facing side of the front body region may bend so as to overlap the skin-facing side of the crotch region or the non-skin-facing side of the front body region to overlap the horizontal surface, which may hinder the putting on operation. Furthermore, when the front body region of the diaper stands up, both widthwise outer ends of the front body region of the diaper may bend toward the widthwise center, and the diaper may be worn on the wearer in a state where the widthwise outer ends of the front body region of the diaper are bent toward the widthwise center.

[0068] On the other hand, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment includes a pair of left and right stiffness changing portions 2FL, 2FR, 6L, and 6R. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is spread out on a horizontal plane and the front body region 1F is raised, In this case, the diaper 1 is subjected to bending forces toward the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side by the stiffness-changing portions 6L, 6R and the stiffness-changing portions 2FL, 2FR, but these bending forces cancel each other out. This makes it possible to prevent the front body region 1F from bending so that the skin-facing side overlaps the skin-facing side of the crotch region 1B or the non-skin-facing side overlaps a horizontal surface. In addition, the front body region 1F is provided with a front patch 2F, the widthwise center of the diaper 1 having an outline recessed toward the crotch region 1B. This allows the front patch 2F to extend to the widthwise outer end of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1, making it possible to prevent the diaper 1 from bending toward the widthwise center. This makes it possible to put the diaper 1 on the wearer in an appropriate wearing state.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state where the packaging 40 of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment has been opened. In a distributed state, the diaper 1 is folded in three in the longitudinal direction and is distributed in a plurality of pieces enclosed in the packaging 40. Thus, in an opened state, the diaper 1 has two fold lines extending in the width direction. When putting on the diaper 1 after opening the packaging 40, the wearer spreads out the diaper 1, places the wearer on the rear body region 1R, lifts the front body region 1F, pulls out the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 from the rear body region 1R, and attaches them to the front patch 2F, and puts the diaper 1 on the wearer. In the distributed state of the diaper 1, the tips of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 may be folded inward in the width direction.

[0070] In the portion corresponding to the folding line at the time of packaging, the lower absorbent mat 6B extends in addition to the upper absorbent mat 6A, and the absorbent core 6C is multi-layered. That is, the basis weight of the absorbent body 6 at the portion where the folding lines are located on the front body region 1F side and the rear body region 1R side is higher than the basis weight of the absorbent body 6 at the end of the front body region 1F side and the end of the rear body region 1R side. The diaper 1 has high rigidity at the portion where the folding lines are located due to the high rigidity of the absorbent body 6, and when the diaper 1 is taken out of the package 40 and spread out, it becomes almost flat except for the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R that stand on the skin-facing side. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment is biased by the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR so that it can follow the wearer's body surface when worn. If the diaper 1 is in a state where it can be easily bent along the folding lines, there is a risk that the spread-out diaper 1 will be folded again by the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR. Therefore, by increasing the rigidity in the vicinity of the folding lines, the unfolded diaper 1 is prevented from bending along the folding lines.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state in which the tape 2R1 is attached to the front patch 2F during the putting on operation. When putting on the diaper 1 on a wearer, the wearer holds both longitudinal ends of the diaper 1 and pulls it in the longitudinal direction, then places the crotch region 1B of the diaper 1 under the wearer's crotch, places the front body region 1F of the diaper 1 on the wearer's ventral side, and places the rear body region 1R of the diaper 1 on the wearer's back. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(A), the tape 2L1 is routed around the wearer's left waist from the back side to the ventral side so as to follow the upper side of the wearer's ilium, and the tape 2L2 is routed around the wearer's lower side of the ilium from the back side to the ventral side. Also, the tape 2R1 is routed around the wearer's right waist from the back side to the ventral side so as to follow the upper side of the wearer's ilium, and the tape 2R2 is routed around the wearer's lower side of the ilium from the back side to the ventral side. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(B), the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are pulled toward the center of the front patch 2F so that the diaper 1 fits appropriately around the wearer's crotch and waist. Then, as shown in Fig. 8(C), the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are attached to the front patch 2F. When the tapes 2L1, 2L2 and the tapes 2R1, 2R2 are attached to the front patch 2F so as to sandwich the upper and lower parts of the ilium, the diaper 1 is stably worn by the wearer and is prevented from slipping off.

[0072] Fig. 9 is a side view of the diaper 1 during putting on. Fig. 9(A) is a diagram showing the diaper 1 in a state where it is spread out on a horizontal plane. Fig. 9(B) is a diagram showing the state where the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1 is raised up. The wearer holds both longitudinal ends of the diaper 1 and pulls it in the longitudinal direction. In the front body region 1F where the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR extend or where the contractile force is unevenly distributed, the fixing portions 33L, 33R are pulled together by the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, causing the longitudinal end sides of the front body region 1F to stand up.

[0073] On the other hand, in the rear body region 1R, the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR do not extend to the vicinity of the fixing parts 33L, 33R, or the contractile force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR is lower than that in the vicinity of the front body region 1F. Also, since the absorbent body 6 has high rigidity, it hardly stands up even with the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR. In other words, when the end of the diaper 1 on the front body region 1F side stands up, the distance from the horizontal plane to the longitudinal end is longer on the ventral side than on the dorsal side.

[0074] Specifically, the diaper 1 is stretched in the longitudinal direction at 5N for 5 seconds while being spread out on a horizontal plane. Then, the front body region 1F side gradually rises due to the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL and 3BR, and after 10 seconds, it comes to rest in the form shown in FIG. 9(B). As described above, when putting on the diaper 1, the diaper 1 is spread out, the wearer sits on the rear body region 1R, the front body region 1F is lifted, and the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are pulled out from the rear body region 1R and attached to the front patch 2F. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, if a stretching force of 5N is applied in the longitudinal direction for 5 seconds when spreading out the diaper 1, the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1 gradually rises due to the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL and 3BR, and fits the lower abdomen of the wearer. In addition, in the rear body region 1R against which the wearer's buttocks come into contact, the urging force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR is weak and the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 is high, so that the rear body region 1R hardly stands up.

[0075] More specifically, when the diaper 1 is measured at rest in the form shown in Fig. 9(B), the height of the end portion on the side of the raised front body region 1F from the horizontal plane is 10 cm or more. In the same state, the height of the end portion on the side of the non-raised rear body region 1R from the horizontal plane is 5 cm or less. That is, in the front body region 1F side, the longitudinal ends of the diaper 1 rise largely due to the urging force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, but in the rear body region 1R side, the ends hardly rise at all because the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR extend toward the front body region 1F side, the rigidity of the absorbent body 6 is high in the rear body region 1R side, and part of the fixing parts 33L, 33R overlap with the absorbent body 6 in the rear body region 1R.

[0076] Since the front body region 1F of the diaper 1 stands up before being put on, the wearer can easily put the diaper 1 on the wearer by pulling out the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2 from the rear body region 1R of the diaper 1 and attaching them to the front patch 2F of the standing front body region 1F. Since the wearer does not need to hold up the front body region 1F of the diaper 1 while pulling out the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2 and attaching them to the front patch 2F, the difficulty of putting on the diaper is significantly reduced.

[0077] The rising positions of the diaper 1 are two imaginary lines extending in the width direction and dividing the diaper 1 into approximately three equal parts in the longitudinal direction. The imaginary lines are boundary lines that separate the front region having a longitudinal length of 10% to 40%, for example, 15% to 30%, for example, 17% to 27%, the rear region having a longitudinal length of 10% to 40%, for example, 15% to 30%, for example, 17% to 27%, and the central region between the front region and the rear region. When the diaper 1 is spread out on a horizontal plane and subjected to a stretching force in the longitudinal direction, the diaper 1 rises at a rising angle of 30 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less between a horizontal defining line intersecting with the imaginary line extending the central region in the longitudinal direction and a rising line connecting the end of the raised front region side and the imaginary line. More preferably, the rising angle is 70 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0078] Here, the diaper 1 includes the front patch 2F having the variable stiffness portions 2FL and 2FR, and the absorbent core 6C having the variable stiffness portions 6L and 6R. The diaper 1 bends along the change portions 2FL, 2FR, 6L, and 6R. However, since the change portions 2FL, 2FR are provided on the non-skin facing side of the diaper 1, and the change portions 6L, 6R are provided on the skin facing side of the change portions 2FL, 2FR, the bending along the change portions 2FL, 2FR can be suppressed by the bending along the change portions 6L, 6R. Therefore, the front body region 1F in the upright state can be suppressed from bending onto the skin facing side of the crotch region 1B and onto the horizontal plane, making it easier to put on the diaper 1.

[0079] The front patch 2F has a loop portion on the non-skin side and a film portion on the skin side, so that the front patch 2F has a high basis weight and is rigid. Therefore, the front patch 2F functions as a reinforcing member in the front body region 1F. The front patch 2F is disposed in the front and rear regions including the fixing portions 33L and 33R in the front body region 1F. Therefore, the front body region 1F stands up in the region to which the front patch 2F extends without bending significantly midway. In addition, the widthwise outer end of the standing front body region 1F is less likely to bend toward the widthwise center due to the extension of the front patch 2F, making it easier to put on the diaper 1.

[0080] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the diaper 1 according to the present embodiment in an attached state. Fig. 10(A) shows an attached state in which the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 cross each other. Fig. 10(B) shows an attached state in which the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 cross each other slightly. Fig. 10(C) shows an attached state in which the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 are parallel to each other.

[0081] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, since the length LF is substantially the same as the length L2, when the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 are attached to the front patch 2F while being pulled toward the center of the front patch 2F so that the diaper 1 fits appropriately around the crotch and waist of the wearer, the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 are attached in a manner such that the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 cross each other. This is because if the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 are attached to the front patch 2F in a state in which the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 are parallel, the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L1 or the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L2 will be located in a portion other than the front patch 2F.

[0082] When the diaper 1 of this embodiment is applied to the front patch 2F with the pulling directions of the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 parallel to each other, the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L1 or the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L2 protrudes from the front patch 2F as shown in Fig. 10(C). Therefore, when putting on the diaper 1, an application method is adopted in which the pulling directions of the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 cross each other. As described above, since the length LF is longer than the length L3 and is the length L1 minus the width LT of the mechanical fastener 16 of the tape 2L1, even when the tapes are attached in the state shown in Fig. 10(C), that is, when the pulling directions of the tapes 2L1 and 2L2 are parallel to each other, at least the area of ​​the mechanical fastener 16 of either the tape 2L1 or the tape 2L2 can be attached to the front patch 2F. Therefore, even when the tapes are attached in the state shown in Fig. 10(C), the diaper 1 can ensure the minimum adhesion strength required for the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 to keep the diaper 1 worn.

[0083] As described above, according to the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the direction in which tape 2L1 is pulled and the direction in which tape 2L2 is pulled can be unintentionally crossed when the tapes are applied to the front patch 2F, making it possible to apply the tapes by overlapping them together or by cross-applying the tapes by overlapping them together in a cross-like manner, thereby improving fit.

[0084] This effect is not limited to the case where the length LF is substantially the same as the length L2. It can be achieved as long as the length LF is shorter than the length L1. Therefore, the length LF of the diaper 1 may be shorter than the length L1, and may be longer or shorter than the length L2, for example. The length LF of the diaper 1 may be, for example, the length L1 minus a length equal to or less than two widths LT.

[0085] In this embodiment, the front patch 2F has an absorbent non-corresponding region R2. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the state of attachment of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2. Fig. 11 shows an ideal attachment state in which the direction of pulling the tape 2L1 and the direction of pulling the tape 2L2 cross each other. By attaching the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 to the front patch 2F in this manner, the mechanical fasteners 16 of each tape are attached to the front patch 2F without protruding from the front patch 2F. This attachment state therefore ensures the minimum adhesion strength required to keep the diaper 1 in a worn state.

[0086] 11 shows a state in which tape 2L1 and tape 2R1 are attached to the non-absorbent region R2, not to the absorbent region R1. Tape 2L1 and tape 2R1 may be attached to the absorbent region R1, but by attaching them to the non-absorbent region R2 as shown in FIG. 11, the following effects are achieved.

[0087] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines AA and BB in FIG. 11. In FIG. 12, the two cross-sectional views are arranged side by side for easy comparison. Each cross-sectional view in FIG. 12 shows the state of the diaper 1 when the diaper 1 is worn by a wearer B. The absorbent body 6 is a thick member. Therefore, when the tape 2L1 is attached to the non-absorbent body corresponding region R2, the non-absorbent body corresponding region R2 of the front patch 2F is pulled toward the back of the wearer B by the tension of the tape 2L1, as shown in the cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 12. As a result, the end of the absorbent body 6 in the portion of the front patch 2F pulled by the tape 2L1 is compressed toward the wearer B. On the other hand, the end of the front patch 2F in the portion of the front patch 2F other than the portion of the front patch 2F pulled by the tape 2L1 is in a state in which a gap S is provided between the front patch 2F and the wearer B, as shown in the cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 12.

[0088] As described above, the front patch 2F is formed by forming a loop surface on the surface of a base material such as a smooth plastic film. Therefore, such a front patch 2F is made of a relatively hard material in the diaper 1 which is generally soft, and depending on the posture of the wearer B, the end of the front patch 2F may press against the wearer B. However, as described above, the front patch 2F has the absorbent body non-compatible region R2, and when the tape 2L1 or the tape 2R1 is attached to the absorbent body non-compatible region R2, the end of the front patch 2F is separated from the wearer B. As a result, the pressure on the wearer B by the edge of the front patch 2F is alleviated at the ilium of the wearer B near the tape 2L1 or the tape 2R1.

[0089] In addition, the front end of the front patch 2F, which overlaps the abdomen of the wearer B, is U-shaped at the central cutout 2FK so as to fit along the abdomen of the wearer B, so that the pressure on the abdomen of the wearer B caused by the front end is alleviated. As described above, the front patch 2F also forms an absorbent-unaccepting region R2 between the front end and the front end of the absorbent 6 at the center in the width direction, but the front end of the front patch 2F is formed within a distance of several mm from the upper side of the front end of the absorbent 6. Therefore, the front end of the front patch 2F is kept apart from the skin surface of the wearer B by at least the thickness of the absorbent 6. As a result, the pressure on the abdomen of the wearer B caused by the front end of the front patch 2F is further alleviated.

[0090] In this manner, the diaper 1 according to the present embodiment is provided in the front body region 1F with a pair of left and right stiffness change portions 6L, 6R at the front end of the absorbent core 6C and a pair of left and right stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR at the front end of the front patch 2F. Therefore, when putting on the diaper 1, in a state in which the front body region 1F is in an upright state, the front body region 1F bends along the stiffness change portions 6L, 6R and also bends along the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR. At this time, the force of bending the front body region 1F along the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR provided on the non-skin-facing side interferes with the force of bending along the stiffness change portions 6L, 6R provided on the skin-facing side of the stiffness change portions 2FL, 2FR. Therefore, the skin-facing side of the front body region 1F is prevented from bending so as to overlap the skin-facing side of the crotch region 1B, or the non-skin-facing side of the front body region 1F is prevented from bending so as to overlap a horizontal plane, and the upright state can be maintained. In addition, since the variable stiffness portions 2FL, 2FR extend to the widthwise outer ends of the front body region 1F, the widthwise outer ends are prevented from bending toward the center, and the front body region 1F can maintain a flat, standing state, which makes it easier to put on the diaper 1.

[0091] <Variation 1> Next, a diaper according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark provided on the front patch 2F of the diaper according to the first modified example. The diaper 1 according to this modified example adopts a bonding method in which the direction in which the tape 2L1 is pulled and the direction in which the tape 2L2 is pulled cross each other by forming the front patch 2F so that the length LF is shorter than the length L1. In this modified example, in order to more reliably adopt such a bonding method, a mark is provided on the front patch 2F as a bonding target for visually crossing the direction in which the tape 2L1 is pulled and the direction in which the tape 2L2 is pulled. Examples of such a mark for the bonding target include the following.

[0092] FIG. 13(A) illustrates an example of a diagonal grid line composed of a plurality of parallel straight lines inclined to the right side as viewed from the front of the front patch 2F, and a plurality of parallel straight lines inclined to the left side as viewed from the front of the front patch 2F. If a straight line inclined to the left side as viewed from the front of the front patch 2F is printed on the front patch 2F, the wearer will try to pull the tape 2L1 along this straight line when wearing the front patch 2F. Also, if a straight line inclined to the right side as viewed from the front of the front patch 2F is printed on the front patch 2F, the wearer will try to pull the tape 2L2 along this straight line when wearing the front patch 2F. The same is true for the tapes on the right side of the wearer, i.e., the tapes 2R1 and 2R2. Therefore, if such a display of the application target is provided on the front patch 2F, the wearer will try to cross the direction of pulling the tape 2L1 and the direction of pulling the tape 2L2 by visual effect when wearing the front patch 2F. As a result, compared to the above embodiment, it is possible to more reliably adopt a sticking method in which the directions in which the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 are pulled cross each other.

[0093] In addition, in Fig. 13(A), in consideration of aesthetics, grid lines with an inclination angle of 45 degrees are illustrated. However, the grid lines displayed as the pasting target are not limited to those with an inclination angle of 45 degrees. The grid lines displayed as the pasting target may have an inclination angle of about 30 to 60 degrees, about 20 to 70 degrees, or about 10 to 80 degrees, for example.

[0094] Next, Fig. 13(B) shows an example in which the intersections of the diagonal grid lines are highlighted. If such highlighted intersections are further provided on the grid lines, the person performing the attachment operation can visually more clearly recognize the grid lines of the attachment target displayed on the front patch 2F. As a result, compared to the above embodiment, it is possible to more reliably adopt an attachment method in which the pulling direction of the tape 2L1 and the pulling direction of the tape 2L2 cross each other.

[0095] In FIG. 13B, circled numbers are shown as intersections, but the intersections are not limited to this form. Instead of the intersections, for example, black circles, characters such as symbols, animated characters, and various other designs may be provided.

[0096] The circled numbers at the intersections in FIG. 13(B) are printed symmetrically on the front patch 2F. Among the multiple intersections, the circled numbers printed on the center side of the front patch 2F have small numbers, and the circled numbers printed on both the left and right sides of the front patch 2F have large numbers. For example, the circled numbers printed on the center side of the width direction of the front patch 2F have the number "1" printed on them. The circled numbers printed on the center side of the width direction next to the circled numbers "1" have the number "2" printed on them. The circled numbers printed on the center side of the width direction next to the circled numbers "2" have the number "3" printed on them. The circled numbers printed with "3" are located on the furthest left and right ends of the intersections in the front patch 2F, so there are no circled numbers greater than "4".

[0097] In this modification, the circled numbers printed on the front patch 2F correspond to the shape of the front end of the front patch 2F. That is, the circled numbers printed on the front patch 2F are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the center of the front patch 2F, and it can be said that the area from the center in the width direction of the front patch 2F to both ends on the outside is divided into four by three numbers. In addition, the front end of the front patch 2F extends to a position where both ends in the width direction of the front patch 2F are closest to the front end of the diaper 1F. As described above, the front end of the front patch 2F forms a central cutout portion 2FK that is recessed from the outer end in the width direction of the front patch 2F toward the center in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 13(B), the inclination angle of the cutout of the outer side TS of the front patch 2F with respect to the width direction is relatively small, the inclination angle is relatively large near the inflection point TH, and the inclination angle of the cutout of the central portion TC corresponding to the center side in the width direction from the inflection point TH is relatively small. Therefore, it can be said that the inflection point TH protrudes forward from the front patch 2F. Also, it can be said that the front end of the front patch 2F has an S-shaped curve from the center in the width direction toward either the left or right end. The inflection point TH corresponds to the portion between the circled numbers "2" and "3" printed on the front patch 2F, the circled numbers "1" and "2" printed on the front patch 2F correspond to the central portion TC, and the circled number "3" printed on the front patch 2F corresponds to the outer portion TS.

[0098] The front end of the front patch 2F maintains a concave shape at the center TC in the width direction that does not compress the abdomen, and has a shape that continues from the center TC to the outer TS via the inflection point TH so that the outer end of the front patch 2F is not positioned too far forward in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, the outer TS does not protrude significantly toward the longitudinal front side of the diaper 1, compared to a case where the inflection point TH is not provided between the center TC and the outer TS and the outer TS has a steep incline toward the outer side in the width direction of the front patch 2F. In addition, the area of ​​the region of the front patch 2F that does not overlap the absorbent body 6 can be secured relatively wide. This reduces the possibility that the wearer's abdomen will be compressed by the front patch 2F. The diaper 1 can improve the wearing comfort of the wearer B by providing such an inflection point TH at the front end of the front patch 2F.

[0099] Furthermore, when a diaper 1 of an appropriate size is worn by a wearer, the widthwise length of the front patch 2F corresponds to the size of the ilium. Therefore, for example, if the front patch 2F is sized to extend over a range approximately equal to the left and right ilium of the wearer, the front end of the absorbent body 6 has a shape that moves closer to the crotch as it moves from the center of the absorbent body 6 toward the outer end, and this cooperates with the shape of the front end of the front patch 2F that is approximately U-shaped, so that the front end of the front patch 2F on both the left and right sides does not need to be disposed excessively forward in order to separate the front end of the absorbent body 6 from the front end of the absorbent body 6. This makes it possible to prevent the front end portions on both the left and right sides of the front patch 2F from pressing against the left and right ilium of the wearer.

[0100] The diaper 1 is folded when it is packed in the package 40 or the like. When folding the diaper 1 by folding the diaper 1 along a line along the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that the folding line is located at the circled number "2" printed on the front patch 2F. When the diaper 1 is folded, the absorbent body 6 and the front patch 2F tend to become hard at the folding line. This is because the fibers constituting the absorbent body 6 are compressed in such a way that they come into close contact with each other, and creases are formed in the front patch 2F. Therefore, the folding line formed by folding the diaper 1 along a line along the longitudinal direction functions as a support structure that reduces the flexibility of the diaper 1. Therefore, if such a folding line is formed in a region corresponding to the ilium (near both left and right ends), etc., the front end of the front patch 2F may compress the ilium at the folding line. In this regard, if the fold line is located at the circled number "2" printed on the front patch 2F, no fold line will be formed in the portion of the diaper 1 corresponding to the ilium, thereby minimizing the possibility of the front end portion of the front patch 2F, etc., compressing the ilium.

[0101] The fold line does not have to be located at the circled number "2" printed on the front patch 2F as long as it is not located near the front end of either the left or right side of the front patch 2F. The fold line may be located, for example, at a position that divides the distance from the center of the front patch 2F to at least one of the left and right ends into two equal parts. If the diaper 1 is folded so that the fold line is located in such a position, it is possible to minimize the possibility that the front patch 2F will press against the ilium at the fold line.

[0102] Next, FIG. 13(C) illustrates an example of a sticking direction display composed of an arrow inclined to the right when viewed from the front of the front patch 2F and an arrow inclined to the left when viewed from the front of the front patch 2F. If an arrow inclined to the left when viewed from the front of the front patch 2F is printed on the front patch 2F, a person who puts on the front patch 2F may try to pull the tape 2L1 along the arrow. Also, if an arrow inclined to the right when viewed from the front of the front patch 2F is printed on the front patch 2F, a person who puts on the front patch 2F may try to pull the tape 2L2 along the arrow. The same is true for the tape on the right side of the wearer, that is, the tapes 2R1 and 2R2. Therefore, if such a display is provided on the front patch 2F as a sticking target, a person who puts on the front patch 2F may visually cross the direction of pulling the tape 2L1 and the direction of pulling the tape 2L2. As a result, compared to the above embodiment, it is possible to more reliably adopt a sticking method in which the directions in which the tape 2L1 and the tape 2L2 are pulled cross each other.

[0103] In addition, the same markings as the above-mentioned grid lines and the markings of the application direction may be provided on the non-application surfaces of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2. For example, when the non-application surfaces of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are applied to the front patch 2F by an application method in which the direction of pulling the tape 2L1 and the direction of pulling the tape 2L2 cross each other, the markings on the non-application surfaces of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are arranged so that they match in design without any sense of incongruity with the markings on the front patch 2F. If such markings are provided on the non-application surfaces of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2, the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are applied during the installation work so that the markings match in design. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably adopt an application method in which the direction of pulling the tape 2L1 and the direction of pulling the tape 2L2 cross each other.

[0104] <Variation 2> Next, a diaper according to Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment is provided with the stiffness changing portions 2FL, 2FR, 6L, and 6R, so that the widthwise outer side of the front body region 1F is The end portion is prevented from being folded toward the center. In this modification, the hot melt adhesive is applied to the front body region 1F to more reliably suppress folding. Examples of the region to which the hot melt adhesive is applied include the following.

[0105] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area where the hot melt adhesive HM is applied on the skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 of the diaper according to the second modification. The hot melt adhesive HM is indicated by hatching slanting downward to the right in Fig. 14. The hot melt adhesive HM is applied to a substantially rectangular area extending in the longitudinal direction from the front end to the rear end of the diaper 1. The hot melt adhesive HM is applied to substantially the entire area between the constrictions 4KL and 4KR, with the hot melt adhesive HM spaced apart from each other, to form three areas in the width direction. Since the hot melt adhesive HM is applied in the longitudinal direction to substantially the entire width direction area of ​​the diaper 1, it is possible to prevent the outer ends in the width direction from bending toward the center in the width direction.

[0106] Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area where hot melt adhesive HM is applied on the skin-facing side of the back sheet 5 of the diaper according to the second modification. The hot melt adhesive HM is indicated by hatching slanting downward to the right in Fig. 15. The hot melt adhesive HM is applied to a substantially rectangular area extending in the longitudinal direction from the front end to the rear end of the diaper 1. The hot melt adhesive HM is applied to substantially the entire width of the diaper 1 at intervals to form a plurality of areas in the width direction. Since the hot melt adhesive HM is applied in the longitudinal direction to substantially the entire width of the diaper 1, bending of the outer ends in the width direction towards the center in the width direction can be suppressed.

[0107] Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an area where hot melt adhesive HM is applied between the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 5 of the diaper according to the second modification. The hot melt adhesive HM is applied to a substantially rectangular area having a long side in the width direction at the width direction center at the front end and rear end of the diaper 1. Since the area where the hot melt adhesive HM is applied is provided at the width direction center of the front end, the rigidity can be increased even in the area in front of the front patch 2F where the front patch 2F is not arranged. Therefore, bending can be suppressed even in the recessed area of ​​the U-shaped front patch 2F, and the flat upright state can be maintained.

[0108] <Modification 3> Next, a diaper according to a third modified example of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are arranged on the side where the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are raised, or the contraction force is biased toward the side where the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR are raised. However, the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR may be arranged on the side where the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR are not raised, or the contraction force of the side where the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR are raised may be weakened. Since the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR bias the non-skin-facing side of the diaper 1, if the biasing force of the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR is stronger than that of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR which bias the skin-facing side, the diaper 1 is likely to warp. Therefore, by balancing the biasing forces of the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR and the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR on the side where the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR are not raised, the diaper 1 spreads out like a flat plate, making it easier for the wearer to sit on the diaper 1. On the other hand, if the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR is sufficiently stronger than that of the rubber threads 4CL, 4CR, the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR acts strongly, and the diaper 1 is likely to rise. Therefore, by adjusting the biasing forces of the elastic threads 4CL and 4CR, the diaper 1 can be made to stand up easily in a specific direction.

[0109] Furthermore, the contractile force of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR can also be biased towards the front body region 1F. As described above, the elastic threads 4LB, 4RB constituting the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR have a smaller elongation rate and contractile force per unit length than the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR constituting the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, so the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1 stands up mainly due to the urging force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR. However, by combining the urging force of the elastic threads 4LB, 4RB with that of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR, the synergistic effect makes it possible to more effectively stand up the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1. When the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1 is raised up, the elastic threads 4LB, 4RB are also biased towards the front body region 1F side, just like the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR. The leg gathers 3AL, 3AR may be provided so that they do not extend to the back body region 1R side, or so that they extend only to the vicinity of the end of the back body region 1R on the crotch region 1B side. The leg gathers 3AL, 3AR may be provided evenly in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, and the contractile force of the elastic threads 4LB, 4RB may be adjusted to contract more strongly on the abdominal side. By adjusting the contractile force of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR, it is possible to suppress the rear body region 1R side from rising up, and also to suppress twisting of the absorbent body 6 that occurs when the rear body region 1R rises up.

[0110] In addition, the contractile force of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR in the rear body region 1R can be reduced by overlapping a part or all of the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB with the absorbent body 6 in the rear body region 1R. Specifically, the rear body region 1R side of the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB constituting the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR can be overlapped with the widened portion of the absorbent body 6. When the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB are composed of a plurality of elastic members, only a part of the rubber threads 4LB, 4RB may overlap with the widened portion of the absorbent body 6. The rigidity of the absorbent body 6 further reduces the biasing force of the leg gathers 3AL, 3AR on the rear body region 1R side. As a result, the rising of the rear body region 1R side is suppressed.

[0111] In addition, in order to obtain an appropriate rise angle in consideration of the size of the diaper 1, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the fixing parts 33L, 33R and the absorbent body 6 are overlapped when viewed from the thickness direction in each part of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. As an example, the fixing parts 33L, 33R in the front body region 1F may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the absorbent body 6 when viewed in a plan view. The absorbent body 6 has a thickness and high rigidity, and rising is inhibited in the extending region of the absorbent body 6. In order to obtain the above-mentioned rising angle, the fixing parts 33L, 33R on the front body region 1F side are placed outside the extending region of the absorbent body 6. In this case, on the side where the rising is not to be caused, specifically the back body region 1R side, the fixing parts 33L, 33R are overlapped with the absorbent body 6, so that rising is inhibited by the rigidity of the absorbent body 6.

[0112] In addition, when the diaper 1 has a side where the fibers are not raised, it is desirable to make the basis weight of the fibers such as pulp of the absorbent body 6 on the side where the fibers are raised smaller than that on the side where the fibers are not raised. Specifically, the extension area of ​​the lower absorbent mat 6B may be made smaller on the front body region 1F side of the absorbent body 6, and the upper absorbent mat 6A may be made one layer near the fixing parts 33L, 33R. Also, the basis weight of the absorbent core 6C itself may be made lower or narrower than the side where the fibers are not raised. By making the volume of the absorbent body 6 near the fixing parts 33L, 33R smaller, the biasing force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR is easily transmitted to the longitudinal ends, and the longitudinal ends are easily raised. Even in this case, on the side where the fibers are not raised, for example, on the rear body region 1R, the absorbent core 6C may have a two-layer structure up to the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6. In this way, the absorbent body 6 can prevent the ends from rising on the side where the fibers are not raised.

[0113] The difference between the length of the end of the fixed parts 33L, 33R at the longitudinal end of the diaper 1 on the side of the crotch region 1B from the horizontal plane and the length of the top sheet 8 in the crotch region 1B from the horizontal plane is longer than the length between the rising lines 3LL, 3RR and the free ends of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. In other words, the height of the fixed parts 33L, 33R is equal to or greater than the width of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. With this configuration, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R rise almost vertically from the horizontal plane at least in the area in contact with the horizontal plane. This makes it easier for the diaper 1 to achieve the above-mentioned rise angle.

[0114] <Other embodiments> The SAP particles may be biased to be located in either the upper absorbent mat 6A or the lower absorbent mat 6B of the absorbent core 6C. For example, the SAP particles are located only in the upper absorbent mat 6A, but not in the lower absorbent mat 6B. In this case, the SAP particles are located in the lower absorbent mat 6B. consists of short fibers only, and plays a role in retaining and diffusing the discharged liquid and suppressing backflow until the discharged liquid flows in and is absorbed by the SAP particles contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0115] In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the front patch 2F of this embodiment has an outer shape in which the edge on the crotch side in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (the lower edge in FIG. 5) and the edge on the abdominal side opposite to the crotch side in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (the upper edge in FIG. 5) are each U-shaped and concave toward the crotch side. The reason why the edge on the abdominal side is U-shaped is that it is in accordance with the general shape of the abdomen, which is relatively protruding forward around the waist. However, the front patch 2F is not limited to this shape. The front patch 2F may have parallel edges at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and may have, for example, straight parallel edges, V-shaped parallel edges, or wavy parallel edges at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the diaper.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the mechanical fasteners 16 of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 are trapezoidal. However, the attached portion may have other shapes. In the above embodiment, the dimension of the portion of such non-rectangular mechanical fasteners 16 at the narrowest position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is defined as the length LT, and the positional relationship between the mechanical fasteners 16 of the tapes 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, and 2R2 and the front patch 2F is described. However, in the above embodiment, these positional relationships are intended to unavoidably adopt an attachment method in which the direction in which the tape 2L1 is pulled and the direction in which the tape 2L2 is pulled cross each other, so the length LT may be defined as the dimension of the portion of the mechanical fastener 16 at the widest position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Alternatively, the above length LT may be defined as the dimension of the free end side of the tape of the mechanical fastener 16 along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0117] In this embodiment, the adherend portion 2R is provided on the non-skin facing side of the mechanical fastener 16, but it is not necessary to provide the adherend portion 2R.

[0118] In this embodiment, the rigidity varying portions 6L, 6R are line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line in the front-rear direction at the widthwise center of the absorbent core 6C, and the rigidity varying portions 2FL, 2FR are line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line in the front-rear direction at the widthwise center of the front patch 2F, but they may be asymmetrical with respect to the front. Even if they are asymmetrical, they can support the front body region 1F, and therefore bending of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1 can be suppressed.

[0119] In this embodiment, the rigidity change portions 6L, 6R, 2FL, and 2FR are formed in a curved shape, but are not limited to a curved shape, and may be formed in a straight line.

[0120] The fold lines extending in the width direction of the diaper 1 formed during packaging of the diaper 1 are formed by applying pressure with rollers, and therefore have high rigidity, and bend the skin-facing side of the front body region 1F toward the crotch region 1B in the unpacked state. Thus, the fold lines can be considered as variable-rigidity portions whose rigidity changes at and around the fold lines. Therefore, the bending force of the fold lines extending in the width direction of the diaper 1 and the bending force of the variable-rigidity portions 6L, 6R, 2FL, and 2FR may be used to maintain the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1 in a flat shape in the upright state.

[0121] In addition, although the present embodiment has been described with a tape-type diaper as an example, the contents of the present disclosure can also be applied to an inner pad, which is an absorbent article that is used by being inserted inside an undergarment or a diaper. In the case of an inner pad, if the front body region 1F does not bend and the longitudinal end portion stands up, it becomes very easy to put on.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the front body region 1F stands up during the putting on operation, but it is not necessary for it to stand up. Even if the front body region 1F does not stand up, the provision of the stiffness varying portions 2FL, 2FR, 6L, and 6R can suppress bending of the front body region 1F and facilitate the putting on operation of the diaper 1.

[0123] The embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] B. Wearer S Gap 1. Diapers 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back body area 2F: Front patch 2FL, 2FR: Stiffness change section 2R･･Area to be pasted 2FK··Central cutout 2L1, 2L2, 2R1, 2R2... Tape 3W: Gathered waist 3AL, 3AR Leg Gathers 3L, 3R: 3D gathers 3LL,3RR·Rise line 33L,33R・Fixed part 4. Cover sheet 4KL, 4KR... Constriction 4CL, 4CR, 3BL, 3BR, 4RB, 4LB, 9ER... Rubber thread 5. Back sheet 6. Absorber 6C··Absorbent core 6A··Upper layer absorbent mat 6B··Lower layer absorbent mat 6L, 6R: Rigidity change area 6H·Groove 7. Core wrap sheet 8. Top sheet 9L, 9R: Side seats 9LA,9RA·Fixed area 9LB,9RB・Free area 10L,10R・Ear part 16 Mechanical fasteners R1: Absorber region R2: Absorber-unsupported region TC・Central part TS··External TH · Inflection point

Claims

1. A length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer; A length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; In the front-to-rear direction, a front body region located in front of the wearer, a rear body region located behind the wearer, and a crotch region located between the front body region and the rear body region; An absorber; A water-permeable sheet disposed on the wearer's skin side relative to the absorbent body; A pair of stiffness change portions are provided on both sides in the width direction in the front body region, and extend from the outer sides in the width direction to the center side and in the longitudinal direction. Absorbent articles.

2. When the absorbent article is spread out on a horizontal plane, the front end of the front body region is higher than the horizontal plane. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. At the front end of the absorbent body, the widthwise center is located on the front side relative to the widthwise outer side. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A tape extending outward in the width direction on both sides of the rear body region in the width direction and having an adhesive portion disposed on the wearer's skin side; The garment further includes an attachment portion provided on an exterior surface of the front body region and to which the attachment portion can be attached, The adhered portion overlaps the front end portion of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The adherend portion has a film portion. The absorbent article of claim 4.

6. the front end of the adhered portion is located forward of the front end of the absorbent body, and the widthwise center is located rearward of the widthwise outer side. The absorbent article of claim 4.

7. a distance between the front end of the attachment portion and the front end of the absorbent body increases from the center in the width direction toward the outside; The absorbent article of claim 4.

8. The adherend portion is an absorbent body corresponding region corresponding to the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body; an absorbent non-corresponding region between the front end of the attached portion and the front end of the absorbent corresponding region; Forming The absorbent article of claim 4.

9. The non-absorbent body corresponding region is formed at least on the outer side in the width direction of the attached portion by extending the front end portion of the absorbent body from the center in the width direction to the outer side in the width direction obliquely with respect to the width direction. The absorbent article of claim 8.

10. The non-absorbent body corresponding region is formed at least on the outer side in the width direction of the adhered portion by having a central cutout portion in which the front end portion of the adhered portion is recessed toward the center side in the width direction of the adhered portion. The absorbent article of claim 8.

11. The central cutout portion has a planar shape in which a center in the width direction is recessed toward the rear side. The absorbent article of claim 10.

12. The rigidity change portion extends in a curved shape. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

13. The absorbent article includes a pair of leak-proof wall-constituting sheets arranged on the outer side in the width direction from the center in the width direction, The pair of leak-proof wall constituent sheets are: The water-permeable sheet is further joined to the skin side to form a leak-proof wall whose inner side in the width direction rises to the skin side with respect to the rising line extending in the longitudinal direction, an elastic member bonded to the side of a free region, which is an end portion of the skin side of the leak preventing wall, from the upright line so as to extend in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; A fixing region in which substantially the entire area of ​​both ends in the longitudinal direction is adhered to the water-permeable sheet, The fixing region is provided on the skin surface side of the rigidity changing portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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