Underpants type absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an underpants type absorbent article that can be used also as a tape type and has preferable attachment property for a wearer.SOLUTION: Provided is an underpants type absorbent article in which a front waist part and a back waist part are joined by a pair of joint part. In a state where an abdominal side contact part of the front waist part is separated from the back waist part along an inside end of the joint part of one side in the right and left direction and in a natural state, a length from an end of one side of the abdominal side contact part in the right and left direction to an inside end of the junction part of the other side is longer than a length from an end of one side of the back waist part in the right and left direction to an inside end of the junction part of the other side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known pants-type absorbent articles that can be used as tape-type (unfolded) absorbent articles by cutting off a part of the waistband member of the pants-type absorbent article. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pants-type diaper that can be opened like a double door by providing a pair of break guide lines on the ventral side of the exterior body and cutting the exterior body along the break guide lines. This pants-type diaper is a dual-use disposable diaper that can also be used as a tape-type diaper by using a fastening tape that is pulled out after opening. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-131197 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the above-mentioned pants-type absorbent article that can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article is applied to a shorts-type sanitary napkin or a diaper for light incontinence, or when the wearer is a person who requires light care, the wearer puts on and takes off the pants-type absorbent article himself. In this case, it is assumed that the wearer wraps the waist member separated by the break guide line around one thigh, pulls the separated part of the waist member to the front of the thigh, and engages the fastening tape (engagement member) on the thigh. In this way, the fastening tape can be stably engaged. However, in the disposable diaper of Patent Document 1, the breakage guide lines are formed on the inside of both widthwise edges of the lower belt member (absorbent body) having the absorbent core. Therefore, the wearer holds the lower belt member when engaging the fastening tape, but the lower belt member is difficult to hold because it continues long in the back length direction (vertical direction) of the diaper to the rear side. In addition, when engaging the fastening tape, the wearer needs to pull the lower belt member to the front side of the thighs, making it difficult to put on. Or, the fastening tape must be engaged with the unstable part of the lower belt member between the thighs. Thus, there is room for improvement in the ease of putting on a pants-type absorbent article that can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article when a wearer puts it on by himself.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that can also be used as a tape-type article and is easy for the wearer to wear. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction which intersect with each other, a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion arranged overlapping the absorbent main body in the front-to-back direction, a waistline member which stretches in the horizontal direction, and an engaging member which is provided on one side of the waistline member in the horizontal direction and which removably engages with the front waistline portion, wherein the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined at a pair of joints, and wherein, in a state in which a ventral abutment portion of the front waistline portion is separated from the rear waistline portion along an inner end of the joint on one side in the horizontal direction and in a natural state, the length from the end of the ventral abutment portion on one side in the horizontal direction to the inner end of the joint on the other side is longer than the length from the end of the rear waistline portion on one side in the horizontal direction to the inner end of the joint on the other side. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a pants-type absorbent article can be provided which can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article and has good fit for the wearer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a napkin 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a napkin 1 in an unfolded and extended state, as viewed from the skin side in the thickness direction. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of the napkin 1 as viewed from the waist-opening 1a side. [Diagram 5] 2 is a developed plan view of the napkin 1 with the front waistline portion 20f separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along a cut line 26. FIG. [Figure 6] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for a wearer to wear the napkin 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 7A to 7D are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for a wearer to wear the napkin 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pants-type napkin 1 as seen from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front view of the napkin 1 in which the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b on one side in the left-right direction. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing a part of the rear waistline portion 20b in a state in which the front waistline portion 20f is separated on one side in the left-right direction and the tab 30 is opened outward. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a front view of the napkin 1 in which the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b on both left and right sides. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. A pants-type absorbent article for adults having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction that intersect with each other, comprising a front waist section and a rear waist section arranged overlapping the absorbent main body in the front-to-back direction, a waist section member that stretches in the horizontal direction, and an engaging member that removably engages with the front waist section, wherein the front waist section and the rear waist section are joined at a pair of joints, wherein the engaging member is joined to the waist section at the joint on one side in the horizontal direction, the minimum vertical length of the portion of the front waist section that overlaps with the engaging member in the horizontal direction is 80 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and the vertical length of the joint on one side in the horizontal direction is 100 mm or more and 160 mm or less.

[0010] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, when worn in a tape-type manner, the vertical length of the abdominal contact portion is relatively short, making it easy for the wearer to hold the abdominal contact portion. Also, by making the vertical length range of the joint slightly longer than that of the abdominal contact portion, it becomes easier for the wearer to pull up the entire rear portion of the pants-type absorbent article when wrapping the waist member around the thighs.

[0011] A pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a top-bottom direction, a left-right direction, and a front-to-back direction that intersect with each other, comprising a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion arranged overlapping the absorbent main body in the front-to-back direction, a waistline member that stretches in the left-right direction, and an engaging member that is provided on one side of the waistline member in the left-right direction and removably engages with the front waistline portion, wherein the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined at a pair of joints, wherein in a state in which a ventral abutment portion of the front waistline portion is separated from the rear waistline portion along an inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction and in a natural state, the length from the end of the one side of the ventral abutment portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side in the left-right direction is longer than the length from the end of the one side of the rear waistline portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side in the left-right direction.

[0012] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, when worn in a tape-type manner, the lateral length of the abdominal contact portion tends to be long, and when the wearer wraps the waist member around the thighs, the abdominal contact portion tends to be pulled to the front of the thighs. On the other hand, the lateral length of the rear waist portion tends to be short, and when the waist member is wrapped around the thighs, the pants-type absorbent article is less likely to sag, and contact with the toilet bowl can be suppressed.

[0013] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the front waistline has a cut line at one end in the left-right direction, the cut line having a length in the up-down direction, and when the ventral contact portion of the front waistline is separated from the rear waistline along the cut line and in a natural state, the length from the one end of the ventral contact portion in the left-right direction to the inner end of the joint portion on the other side is longer than the length from the one end of the rear waistline to the inner end of the joint portion on the other side in the left-right direction.

[0014] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, when worn in a tape-type manner, the lateral length of the abdominal contact portion tends to be long, and when the wearer wraps the waist member around the thighs, the abdominal contact portion tends to be pulled to the front of the thighs. On the other hand, the lateral length of the rear waist portion tends to be short, and when the waist member is wrapped around the thighs, the pants-type absorbent article is less likely to sag, and contact with the toilet bowl can be suppressed.

[0015] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the absorbent main body comprises an absorbent core, the ventral contact portion of the front waistline is separated from the rear waistline along the cut line, and when the engaging member is spread out to one side in the left-right direction and in a natural state, the length from the one end of the front absorbent core in the left-right direction to the one end of the ventral contact portion is 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less, and the length from the one end of the rear absorbent core in the left-right direction to the one end of the engaging member is 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less.

[0016] With such a pants-type absorbent article, when worn in a tape-type manner, the ventral contact portion tends to be longer in the left-right direction, and when the wearer wraps the waistband member around the thighs, the ventral contact portion tends to be pulled to the front of the thighs. Meanwhile, the left-right lengths of the engagement members that open outward in the left-right direction and the rear waistband tend to be shorter, and when the waistband member is wrapped around the thighs, the engagement members that open outward in the left-right direction can be prevented from contacting the toilet bowl.

[0017] Such a pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that, in the separated and natural state, the lower end of the ventral contact portion is located on one side in the left-right direction rather than the upper end.

[0018] With such pants-type absorbent article, the inclination of the wearer's hand holding the abdominal contact portion from the waist opening side matches the inclination of the cut end of the abdominal contact portion, making it easier for the wearer to hold the abdominal contact portion.

[0019] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the front waistline has a cut line at one end in the left-right direction that has a length in the up-down direction, the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waistline, the ventral contact portion of the front waistline is separated from the rear waistline along the cut line, and when the engaging member is spread out to one side in the left-right direction and in its natural state, the portion of the front waistline that has been separated from the ventral contact portion is located more inward in the left-right direction than the engaging portion.

[0020] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the engaging portion is not covered by the front waistline portion remaining on the joint side, so that the engaging member can be engaged with the front waistline portion by the engaging portion. Also, the front waistline portion remaining on the joint side rubs against the front waistline portion, making it difficult for the front waistline portion to shift in position relative to the rear waistline portion and the engaging member.

[0021] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the front waist portion has a stretchable region that stretches in the left-right direction, a low-stretch region that is less stretchable than the stretchable region, and a cut line that has a length in the up-down direction, the low-stretch region being positioned on one side of the stretchable region in the left-right direction, and the cut line being positioned between both side ends of the low-stretch region in the left-right direction.

[0022] With such a pants-type absorbent article, the front waistline can be easily torn along the cut line. The low-elasticity region makes it difficult for the cut end of the ventral contact portion to curl, allowing the engaging member to stably engage with the front waistline. In addition, the low-elasticity region makes it difficult for the cut end of the ventral contact portion and the part of the front waistline remaining on the joint side to curl, reducing discomfort while wearing the article.

[0023] A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in an unfolded and stretched state, the length from the inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction to the cut line is longer than the length in the left-right direction from the inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction to the cut line.

[0024] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the length in the left-right direction of the end (low-elasticity area) of the abdominal contact part that is less likely to roll up is long, so that when the wearer wraps the waistline member around the thighs, the abdominal contact part can be easily pulled up to the front of the thighs. In addition, the end (low-elasticity area) of the abdominal contact part that is less likely to roll up can cover the part of the front waistline part that remains on the joint side, reducing discomfort while wearing the article.

[0025] The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging members are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the waistband member.

[0026] According to such pants-type absorbent articles, when worn in a tape-type manner, the waist member can be wrapped around both thighs of the wearer, so that the article can be easily put on and taken off without removing trousers, shoes, etc.

[0027] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that one engaging member is provided on each side of the waistband member in the left-right direction, and the engaging member has one engaging portion that engages with the front waistband portion.

[0028] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, the operation of engaging the engaging member with the front waist portion becomes easy.

[0029] Such a pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, the absorbent main body has an absorbent core, and in the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the vertical length from the upper end of the front waist portion to the front upper end of the absorbent core is longer than the vertical length of the engaging portion.

[0030] In such a pants-type absorbent article, when the engaging member is engaged with the front waist portion, the engaging member and the absorbent core are likely to be positioned with a vertical misalignment, so that the engaging member can be engaged with an area where the elasticity of the waist portion is not reduced by the absorbent core, thereby increasing the engagement strength of the engaging member.

[0031] A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in an unfolded and stretched state, the vertical length from the upper end of the rear waistband portion to the upper end of the rear side of the absorbent core is shorter than the vertical length of the engagement portion.

[0032] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the absorbent core increases the rigidity of the upper end of the rear waist portion, so that when the waist member is wrapped around the thighs, the rear waist portion is less likely to sag, thereby reducing contact with the toilet bowl.

[0033] Such a pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the non-skin side of the front waist portion, the color of the non-skin side of the front waist portion and the color of the non-skin side of the engaging member are similar colors, and the engaging member has a plurality of compressed portions in which the engaging member is compressed in the thickness direction in the area where the engaging portion is arranged.

[0034] Such a pants-type absorbent article has an improved appearance. Also, the position of the engaging portion is easily visible from the non-skin-facing side (outside) of the engaging member, making it easier to engage the engaging member with the front waist portion.

[0035] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that at least one of the upper and lower ends of the engaging member has an inclined portion that slopes toward the center of the engaging member in the up-down direction as it moves inward in the left-right direction.

[0036] In such pants-type absorbent articles, the free end of the engaging member has a tapered shape, making it easier for the wearer to hold the engaging member. Also, the engaging member is less likely to come into contact with the wearer when breathing or lifting the legs, etc., thereby reducing discomfort while wearing the article.

[0037] A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that when the pants-type absorbent article is in an unfolded and stretched state, the length from one end to the center of the pants-type absorbent article in the vertical direction is 200 mm or more and 350 mm or less.

[0038] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, since the length in the vertical direction is short, when the waist member is wrapped around the thighs, the pants-type absorbent article is less likely to droop, and contact with the toilet bowl can be suppressed.

[0039] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, and at the position of the inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction, the vertical length of the engaging member is longer than the vertical length of the front waist portion, and the minimum vertical length of the portion of the front waist portion that overlaps with the engaging portion in the left-right direction is longer than the maximum vertical length of the engaging portion.

[0040] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, when worn in a tape-type manner, the vertical length of the front waistline portion is short, making it easy for the wearer to hold the front waistline portion. Meanwhile, the vertical length of the engaging member is long, making it easy for the wearer to pull up the entire rear portion of the pants-type absorbent article from the back of the thighs when wrapping the waistline member around the thighs. Also, the entire vertical area of ​​the engaging member can be engaged with the front waistline portion.

[0041] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the waistband member has a continuous stretchable region that stretches in the left-right direction, at least in the region where the left-right position overlaps with the absorbent main body.

[0042] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, when a wearer wraps the waist member around their thighs, the wearer can easily pull the front waist portion toward the front of the thighs. When the waist member is wrapped around the thighs, the rear waist portion is less likely to sag, and contact with the toilet bowl can be suppressed.

[0043] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that in the unfolded and stretched state, the maximum length of the engaging member in the left-right direction is 20 mm or more and 120 mm or less.

[0044] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the length of the engaging member in the left-right direction is not too short, so that the wearer can easily hold the engaging member. Also, the length of the engaging member in the left-right direction is not too long, so that even if the engaging member spreads outward, it is unlikely to come into contact with the toilet bowl.

[0045] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the absorbent main body has an absorbent core, the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, and the engaging portion is located on one side of the absorbent core in the left-right direction.

[0046] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the engaging portion is easily engaged with an area that does not overlap with the absorbent core in the thickness direction and where the elasticity of the front waistband portion is not reduced, thereby increasing the engaging strength of the engaging member.

[0047] ===This embodiment=== As an example of a pants-type absorbent article according to this embodiment, a pants-type (shorts-type) napkin 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as napkin 1) will be described. Note that pants-type absorbent articles also include pants-type diapers and pants-type absorbent pads.

[0048] <<<Basic structure of Sanitary Napkin 1>>> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a napkin 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the napkin 1 in an open and extended state, as viewed from the skin side in the thickness direction. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the napkin 1 has a "vertical direction", a "lateral direction", and a "front-rear direction" that intersect (are perpendicular to) each other. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, it has a "thickness direction" in which each member is layered. In the vertical direction, the side that is the wearer's waist when the wearer wears the napkin 1 is referred to as the "upper side", and the side that is the wearer's crotch side is referred to as the "lower side". In the front-rear direction, the side that is the wearer's stomach when worn is referred to as the "front side", and the side that is the wearer's back is referred to as the "rear side". In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the wearer wears the napkin 1 is referred to as the "skin side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side".

[0050] The napkin 1 of this embodiment comprises an absorbent main body 10 that absorbs excretory liquids such as menstrual blood, a waistline member 20 arranged overlapping the absorbent main body 10 in the front-to-rear direction (arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 in this embodiment) and comprising a front waistline portion 20f and a rear waistline portion 20b, and a pair of tabs 30 provided on both sides of the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction.

[0051] The unfolded state of the napkin 1 shown in Fig. 2 is a state in which a pair of side joints 40 provided on both sides of the napkin 1 in the left-right direction are separated, and the napkin 1 is opened and unfolded in a plane. In other words, the napkin 1 is folded in half at the center position CL in the up-down direction from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, and both sides in the left-right direction of the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are joined at a pair of side joints 40 (joints) to form a pants-type napkin. Examples of the joining method at the side joints 40 include well-known joining methods such as heat welding and ultrasonic welding. In the pants-type napkin 1 (Fig. 1), the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are connected in a ring shape, and one waistline opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b are formed.

[0052] The stretched state of the napkin 1 refers to a state in which the elastic member of the napkin 1 is stretched to such an extent that wrinkles in the napkin 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, it refers to a state in which the dimensions of each member constituting the napkin 1 are stretched to the extent that they match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone (i.e., the dimensions in a state in which the elastic properties of the elastic member are not expressed). In this embodiment, when measuring and comparing the length and the like of the main body of the napkin 1, it is preferable to measure and compare in a state in which the tab 30 is disengaged (or in a state in which the tab 30 is separated) and in a state before the waistline member 20 is torn at the cut line 26. On the other hand, the length and the like of the tab 30 (engagement member) may be measured in a state in which the tab 30 is engaged with the waistline member 20, in a state in which the tab 30 is disengaged, or in a state in which the tab 30 is separated from the waistline member 20. However, this method of measurement and comparison is merely an example, and other methods may be used.

[0053] (Absorbent body 10) As shown in Fig. 2, the absorbent main body 10 is a member having a rectangular shape in a plan view, the longitudinal direction of which is aligned with the up-down direction of the napkin 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the absorbent main body 10 has an absorbent core 11, a top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, and a back sheet 13 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent main body 10 may have sheet members other than these. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction.

[0054] The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquids such as menstrual blood, and is formed of liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet member (core wrap sheet) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0055] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that can come into contact with the wearer's skin when worn, and is formed, for example, from a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0056] The back sheet 13 is formed in a two-layer structure including a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a for preventing liquid such as menstrual blood absorbed in the absorbent core 11 from leaking out to the outside, and a hydrophobic sheet 13b arranged on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. For example, a resin film is used as the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, and for example, a flexible nonwoven fabric is used as the hydrophobic sheet 13b. However, the hydrophobic sheet 13b is not necessarily provided, and the back sheet 13 may be composed of only the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a.

[0057] The absorbent main body 10 also has leakage prevention walls 14 that can stand up on the skin side on both left and right sides. For example, both left and right sides of the hydrophobic sheet 13b are folded inward in the left and right direction so as to be positioned on the skin side of the top sheet 12, and a leakage prevention wall elastic member 141 (e.g., rubber thread) that stretches in the longitudinal direction is provided at the folded-back portions, thereby forming the leakage prevention walls 14. The leakage prevention walls 14 can suppress lateral leakage of excreted liquid. However, the leakage prevention walls 14 do not necessarily have to be provided in the absorbent main body 10.

[0058] The absorbent body 10 is provided with a plurality of absorbent elastic members 15 that stretch along the longitudinal direction. The absorbent elastic members 15 are made of, for example, rubber thread, and are arranged in a longitudinally stretched state on the non-skin side of the liquid impermeable sheet 13a located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (between the liquid impermeable sheet 13a and the hydrophobic sheet 13b in FIG. 3). In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, five absorber elastic members 15 are provided at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction (see FIG. 2). The stretch ratio of the absorber elastic members 15 is preferably about 1.4 to 3.3 times. The stretch ratio is expressed by dividing the length of the elastic member in the stretched state by the length of the elastic member in the natural state. It is preferable to set the stretch ratio of the absorber elastic members 15 to a relatively high ratio. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 8 described later, the absorber main body 10 is lifted up toward the wearer's skin, and the absorber main body 10 is easily brought into close contact with the wearer's crotch part (vaginal opening), thereby suppressing leakage of excretory fluid.

[0059] (Waist member 20) The waistline member 20 is an exterior body composed of multiple sheet members, and includes at least a non-skin side sheet 21 and skin side sheets 22, 23 (see FIG. 3). In the following description, when the unfolded napkin 1 (FIG. 2) is divided into two at the vertical center position CL, the portion of the front waistline member 20 that vertically overlaps with the side joint portion 40 is referred to as the "front waistline portion 20f," and the portion below that (on the crotch side) is referred to as the "front extension portion 20fe." Similarly, the portion of the waistline member 20 rearward of the central position CL that overlaps with the side joint 40 in the vertical direction is referred to as the "rear waistline portion 20b," and the portion below that is referred to as the "rear extension portion 20be."

[0060] The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-elastic sheet member arranged on the closest side to the skin of the napkin 1, and is made of, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. As shown in Fig. 2, the non-skin side sheet 21 of this embodiment has a shape that is narrowed toward the inside in the left-right direction at the longitudinal center.

[0061] The skin side sheets 22, 23 are stretchable sheet members laminated on the skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21 at the front and rear sides of the waistline member 20. The skin side sheets 22, 23 are stretchable at least in the left-right direction of the napkin 1. Examples of stretchable sheet members include stretchable nonwoven fabrics and stretchable films, and the skin side sheets 22, 23 in this embodiment are stretchable nonwoven fabrics.

[0062] The term "elastic nonwoven fabric" refers to an elastic nonwoven fabric that contains elastic fibers having elasticity and extensible fibers having lower shrinkage than the elastic fibers, and that has been subjected to an appropriate stretching process such as gear stretching. As the elastic fibers, fibers of polyurethane-based elastomer, which is a type of thermoplastic elastomer having elasticity, can be used, and as the extensible fibers, fibers of polypropylene (PP), which is a type of thermoplastic resin having inelasticity, can be used.

[0063] The non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheets 22, 23 are intermittently joined by dotted joints (not shown) (joints formed by heat welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.). Therefore, the parts of the waistband member 20 where the skin side sheets 22, 23 are arranged are given stretchability in the left-right direction. Furthermore, when the waistband member 20 contracts, the non-skin side sheet 21 bends (becomes convex) between the joints, improving the feel of the waistband member 20 and giving a visually soft impression.

[0064] In addition, sheet members other than the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheets 22, 23 may be provided as sheet members constituting the waistline member 20. For example, the waistline member 20 may have a three-layer structure in which a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric is disposed on the skin side of the stretchable skin side sheets 22, 23, and the stretchable nonwoven fabric is sandwiched between the non-stretchable nonwoven fabrics. The non-skin side sheet 21 may be separated between the front side and the rear side. In this case, the non-skin side of the back sheet 13 may be exposed between the front side non-skin side sheet 21 and the rear side non-skin side sheet 21, or a separate non-skin side sheet connecting the front side non-skin side sheet 21 and the rear side non-skin side sheet 21 may be provided in the crotch portion.

[0065] (Tab 30) The napkin 1 has a pair of tabs 30 (engagement members) that removably engage with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f on both left and right sides of the waistline member 20. Note that FIG. 2 shows the tabs 30 engaged with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f in the napkin 1 viewed from the skin side. The tabs 30 have a base sheet 31 and an engagement portion 32. The base sheet 31 is a sheet member made of nonwoven fabric or the like. The outer ends in the left and right directions of the base sheet 31 are joined to the waistline member 20 by the side joints 40. That is, the front waistline portion 20f, the rear waistline portion 20b, and the tabs 30 are joined together by the side joints 40. However, the tabs 30 may be joined to the waistline member 20 at a location other than the side joints 40.

[0066] The engaging portion 32 is provided at an end of the base sheet 31 opposite the side joined by the side joint portion 40 in the left-right direction. The engaging portion 32 is provided on the skin side of the base sheet 31, faces the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f, and is a member that removably engages with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f. An example of the engaging portion 32 is a male member of a hook-and-loop fastener having a protrusion (hook member) that hooks onto the fibers that make up the non-skin side sheet 21. Note that a member (for example, a female member of a hook-and-loop fastener) that easily engages with the engaging portion 32 may be provided on the non-skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21.

[0067] <<<About the fit of Sanitary Napkin 1>>> Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are schematic cross-sectional views of the napkin 1 as viewed from the waist opening 1a side. Fig. 4A is a view of the napkin 1 used in a pants-type configuration, and Fig. 4B is a view of the napkin 1 used in a tape-type configuration. Fig. 5 is a developed plan view of the napkin 1 in a state in which the front waist portion 20f has been separated from the rear waist portion 20b along the cut line 26.

[0068] In the initial state when the napkin 1 is taken out of the package, the napkin 1 is in a pants-type configuration (FIG. 4A) in which the front waistband 20f and the rear waistband 20b are connected in a circular shape, so that the wearer can put on and take off the napkin 1 while it is still in the pants-type configuration.

[0069] Furthermore, the front waistline portion 20f of the napkin 1 has tear lines 26 at both left and right end portions, each having a length in the up-down direction. Therefore, the front waistline portion 20f can be torn in the up-down direction along the tear lines 26, and a part of the front waistline portion 20f can be separated from the rear waistline portion 20b. After separation, the napkin 1 becomes a tape-shaped napkin with a pair of tabs 30 extending outward in the left-right direction from the rear waistline portion 20b, as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, the wearer can put on and take off the napkin 1 in the tape-shaped form.

[0070] In the following description, the portion of the front waistline portion 20f where at least one of the left and right sides is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b is also referred to as the "ventral contact portion 20fA." The portion of the front waistline portion 20f that is not separated from the rear waistline portion 20b and remains on the side joint portion 40 side is also referred to as the "non-separated portion 20fB."

[0071] 6A to 6C and 7A to 7D are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for a wearer to put on and take off the napkin 1. The person to be worn by the napkin 1 generally puts on and takes off the napkin 1 by himself / herself. Also, the wearer puts on and takes off the napkin 1 while sitting on a toilet bowl or the like (not shown) as shown in Fig. 6C etc., or while standing (in a half-squatting position).

[0072] Next, an example of a method for wearing the napkin 1 in a tape-type manner will be described. First, as shown in Fig. 6A, the wearer opens the tab 30 on one side of the left-right direction of the pants-type napkin 1 outward (to one side) in the left-right direction to expose the cut line 26. Next, as shown in Fig. 6B, the wearer tears the end of one side of the left-right direction of the front waistline portion 20f in the vertical direction along the cut line 26 to separate the abdominal contact portion 20fA, which is a part of the front waistline portion 20f, from the rear waistline portion 20b. Next, as shown in Fig. 6C, the wearer pulls the detached portion of the waist member 20 to the front of the thigh and wraps the waist member 20 around one thigh. Then, as shown in Fig. 7A, the wearer engages the tab 30 (engagement portion 32) with the non-skin side of the front waist portion 20f (abdominal contact portion 20fA) on the thigh. Fig. 7B is a diagram showing the inside of the thigh around which the napkin 1 is wrapped as in Fig. 7A.

[0073] 7A and 7B, the side joint parts 40 are positioned on the thighs, and the absorbent body 10 (the absorbent core 11) hangs down between the thighs. Therefore, the wearer rotates the napkin 1 along the circumferential direction of the thighs. Then, as shown in FIG. 7C, the side joint parts 40 are positioned at the wearer's sides, and the absorbent body 10 is pulled up between the thighs.

[0074] Next, the wearer opens the tab 30 on the opposite side outward in the left-right direction, and separates the front waistline portion 20f from the rear waistline portion 20b on the opposite side as well. At the same time, the wearer aligns the absorbent body 10 between the thighs (the center in the width direction of the wearer) while correcting the inclination of the absorbent body 10, which is inclined toward the thighs where the napkin 1 is wrapped, so that it is aligned along the direction in which the thighs extend. Then, as shown in Fig. 7D, the wearer pulls the separated portion of the waistline member 20 to the front side of the thighs, wraps the waistline member 20 around the opposite thigh as well, and engages the tab 30 with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f on the thigh.

[0075] 4B, the abdominal contact portion 20fA of the front waist portion 20f separated at the cut line 26 is again connected in a circular shape to the rear waist portion 20b by the pair of tabs 30. In addition, both thighs of the wearer pass through the pair of leg openings 1b of the napkin 1. Finally, the wearer pulls up the napkin 1, completing the putting on of the napkin 1.

[0076] Thus, the napkin 1 of this embodiment has the tab 30 that removably engages with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f. Therefore, when the wearer uses the napkin 1 in a tape-type form, the wearer can engage the tab 30 with the front waistline portion 20f while visually checking the tab 30 on the wearer's front side. This provides good wearability when the wearer puts on the napkin 1 by himself. Also, when removing the napkin 1, the wearer can remove the tab 30 from the front waistline portion 20f while visually checking the tab 30 on the wearer's front side.

[0077] In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the tab 30 is provided on the non-skin side (outside) of the waistline member 20, and the engagement portion 32 provided on the skin side of the tab 30 engages with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f. However, this is not limited to the above, and the tab 30 may be provided on the skin side (inside) of the waistline member 20, and after the waistline member 20 is separated, the engagement portion 32 provided on the non-skin side of the tab 30 may engage with the skin side of the front waistline portion 20f.

[0078] Furthermore, when the napkin 1 is worn in the pants-type form, it is possible to take it off while it is still in the pants-type form, but it is also possible to remove the napkin 1 by tearing the front waist portion 20f at the tear line 26. Conversely, when the napkin 1 is worn in the tape-type form, it is also possible to take it off without removing the tab 30.

[0079] Fig. 8 is a front view of a pants-type napkin 1 as viewed from the front side. Fig. 9 is a front view of the napkin 1 in which the front waistline portion 20f has been separated from the rear waistline portion 20b on one side in the left-right direction. In Fig. 9, the tab 30 on the separated side is closed on the inside in the left-right direction and is located between the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a part of the rear waistline portion 20b in a state in which the front waistline portion 20f has been separated on one side in the left-right direction (cut line 26) and the tab 30 has been opened on the outside. Fig. 11 is a front view of the napkin 1 in which the front waistline portion 20f has been separated from the rear waistline portion 20b on both sides in the left-right direction.

[0080] The napkin 1 is a pants-type absorbent article for adults (including elementary and junior high school students who have just started menstruating), but the vertical lengths L1, L2 of the front waistband 20f and the side joint portion 40 are relatively short. For example, the vertical length of the front waistband 20f is shorter than that of pants-type disposable diapers intended for care recipients who are fitted with pants-type absorbent articles by a caregiver.

[0081] Specifically, in the napkin 1 in its natural state, in which the tab 30 joined to the side joint 40 is engaged with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f while being closed inward in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 8, the vertical lengths L1, L2 of the front waistline portion 20f and the side joint 40 are set as follows: First, the minimum vertical length L1 of the portion 20fC of the front waistline portion 20f that overlaps with the tab 30 in the left-right direction is set to 80 mm or more and 150 mm or less. In addition, the vertical length L2 of the side joint 40 to which the tab 30 is joined is set to 100 mm or more and 160 mm or less.

[0082] If the initial state of the napkin 1 when it is taken out of the package is as shown in Fig. 8, the measurement is performed on the napkin 1 in its initial and natural state. If the initial state is not as shown in Fig. 8 (for example, when the tab 30 is folded), the measurement is performed on the napkin 1 in its natural state (the waistline member 20 in its natural state) with the tab 30 spread out from the side joint portion 40 toward the inside in the left-right direction and engaged with the front waistline portion 20f.

[0083] The portion 20fC of the front waistline portion 20f overlapping with the tab 30 is a portion that is easily gripped by a wearer who opens the tab 30 and tears the front waistline portion 20f, as shown in FIG. 6C. Therefore, by making the vertical length L1 of the portion 20fC relatively short, the wearer can easily grip the portion 20fC and pull the front waistline portion 20f to the front of the thighs. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7D, when the front waistline portion 20f above the thighs is held down by the hand from above, a wide range in the vertical direction of the front waistline portion 20f can be held down by the hand, and the tab 30 can be engaged with the front waistline portion 20f in a stable position.

[0084] According to the results of a survey of Japanese hand measurements conducted by the Artificial Intelligence Research Center, the average length from the base of the thumb and index finger to the tip of the index finger was 100.6 mm for women, 109.7 mm for men, and 107 mm for both sexes (men and women). Therefore, by setting the above-mentioned dimension L1 of the front waistband portion 20f to 150 mm or less, the wearer can grasp or hold more than half the length of the front waistband portion 20f in the vertical direction. Therefore, the tab 30 can be stably engaged, improving the fit of the napkin 1.

[0085] On the other hand, the waistband member 20 is a member that stretches in the left-right direction and fits the waist of the wearer. Therefore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned dimension L1 of the front waistband portion 20f is 80 mm or more and is not made too short. This prevents the napkin 1 from slipping off, allowing the wearer to use the napkin 1 with peace of mind.

[0086] In addition, by shortening the vertical length L2 of the side joint 40 in the same manner as the front waistline 20f, the vertical length of the tab 30 joined to the side joint 40 is also shortened. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the wearer can easily grip the tab 30. However, it is preferable that the vertical length L2 of the side joint 40 is slightly longer than the vertical length L1 of the front waistline 20f, and is in the range of 100 mm to 160 mm. By doing so, when the wearer holds the tab 30 and pulls up the napkin 1 from under the thigh as shown in FIG. 6C, the vertically long side joint 40 makes it easier to transmit the pulling force to a wide range in the vertical direction of the rear part of the napkin 1. Therefore, it becomes easier to pull up the rear part of the napkin 1 from under the thigh. However, this is not limited to this, and the vertical lengths L1 and L2 of the front waistline 20f and the side joint 40 may be equal.

[0087] In this way, shortening the lengths L1, L2 of the front waistband 20f and the side joints 40 improves the ease of wearing when the wearer puts on the napkin 1 by himself. Furthermore, in the case of pants-type absorbent articles for adults intended for wearers who put them on by themselves (for example, the napkin 1 of this embodiment and diapers for light incontinence, etc.), the absorbent core 11 is smaller and the absorbent core 11 after excretion is also lighter than pants-type absorbent articles for nursing care. Therefore, even if the lengths L1, L2 of the front waistband 20f and the side joints 40 are shortened, there is little risk of the pants-type absorbent article slipping down.

[0088] Furthermore, by shortening the lengths L1, L2 of the front waist portion 20f and the side joint portion 40, the napkin 1 (particularly the absorbent body 10) is less likely to droop when wrapped around the thighs as shown in Fig. 7B. This makes it less likely for the napkin 1 to come into contact with the toilet bowl, making it hygienic to use. In addition, the appearance of the napkin 1 is improved because it has a shape closer to underwear.

[0089] In addition, when the napkin 1 is in a state in which the abdominal contact portion 20fA, which is a part of the front waistline portion 20f, is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the inner end 40a (see FIG. 8) of the side joint portion 40 on one side in the left-right direction as shown in FIG. 9, and in a natural state, it is preferable that: First, the length W1 from the end P1 on one side of the abdominal contact portion 20fA to the inner end 40a of the side joint portion 40 on the other side in the left-right direction is longer than the length W2 from the end P2 on one side of the rear waistline portion 20b to the inner end 40a of the side joint portion 40 on the other side in the left-right direction. In other words, it is preferable that the end P1 on one side of the abdominal contact portion 20fA in the left-right direction is located on one side (outside) of the end P2 on one side of the rear waistline portion 20b in the left-right direction.

[0090] By doing so, when the wearer tears one of the left-right end portions of the waistline member 20 in order to put on the napkin 1, the left-right length W1 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA becomes longer and the left-right length W2 of the rear waistline portion 20b tends to become shorter. When the wearer tears the front waistline portion 20f at the side joint portion 40, the above-mentioned length relationship is satisfied.

[0091] If the lateral length W1 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA is long, the wearer can easily pull the abdominal contact portion 20fA to the front of the thigh when wrapping the waist member 20 around the thigh. This allows the wearer to stably engage the tab 30 with the abdominal contact portion 20fA on the thigh, improving the ease of wearing the napkin 1. On the other hand, if the lateral length W2 of the rear waist portion 20b is short, the napkin 1 (absorbent main body 10) is less likely to droop when wrapped around the thigh, and the napkin 1 can be prevented from coming into contact with the toilet bowl.

[0092] In addition, when the front waistline portion 20f has a cut line 26, it is preferable that the following is true when the ventral contact portion 20fA, which is a part of the front waistline portion 20f, is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the cut line 26 and the napkin 1 is in its natural state. Although the state of separation at the cut line 26 is not shown, in the napkin 1 of FIG. 9, a part of the front waistline portion 20f on one side in the left-right direction from the cut line 26 is separated (not visible). In the above state, it is preferable that the length W3 from the end P3 on one side of the ventral contact portion 20fA in the left-right direction to the inner end 40a of the side joint portion 40 on the other side is longer than the length W2 from the end P2 on one side of the rear waistline portion 20b in the left-right direction to the inner end 40a of the side joint portion 40 on the other side.

[0093] By doing so, if the wearer tears the front waist portion 20f at the cut line 26, the left-right length W3 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA becomes longer, and the wearer can easily pull the abdominal contact portion 20fA to the front of the thigh when wrapping the waist member 20 around the thigh. On the other hand, the left-right length W2 of the rear waist portion 20b becomes shorter, and the napkin 1 is less likely to droop when wrapped around the thigh, thereby preventing the napkin 1 from contacting the toilet bowl.

[0094] In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, in the unfolded and stretched state, the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b have the same length in the left-right direction. However, the left-right length of the waistline elastic member 24 is shorter in the front waistline portion 20f than in the rear waistline portion 20b. In addition, the front waistline portion 20f is provided with low-elasticity regions 20NA (described in detail later) at both left-right ends, which are less elastic than the elasticity region 20EA in the left-right center. Therefore, the front waistline portion 20f has a weaker contractile force in the left-right direction than the rear waistline portion 20b, and the lengths W1 and W3 (shrinkage dimensions) in the natural state are shorter.

[0095] Furthermore, it is preferable that the specific length of the napkin 1 in its natural state when the ventral abutment portion 20fA of the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the cut line 26 on one side in the left-right direction and the tab 30 is spread outward (to one side) in the left-right direction from the rear waistline portion 20b as shown in FIG. 10 is as follows:

[0096] First, as shown in Fig. 9, it is preferable that the length W4 from one end 11a of the front absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction to one end P1 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA is set to 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less. By making the front length W4 relatively long, 50 mm or more, the wearer can easily pull the abdominal contact portion 20fA to the front of the thigh when wrapping the waist member 20 around the thigh. However, by making the front length W4 200 mm or less and not making it too long, the waist member 20 can fit around the waist of the wearer, and the napkin 1 can be prevented from slipping off.

[0097] 10, it is preferable that the length W5 from one end 11a of the rear absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction to one end of the outwardly opened tab 30 be 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less. By making the rear length W5 relatively short, 300 mm or less, the outwardly opened tab 30 can be prevented from contacting the toilet bowl when the napkin 1 is wrapped around the thighs. However, by making the rear length W5 100 mm or more and not making it too short, it is possible to prevent the waist member 20 from tightening the wearer's body.

[0098] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the pants-type absorbent article in the unfolded and stretched state, the maximum length W6 of the tab 30 in the left-right direction is preferably 20 mm or more and 120 mm or less. By making the left-right length W6 of the tab 30 20 mm or more, the wearer can easily hold the tab 30 when engaging the tab 30 with the front waistline portion 20f. On the other hand, by making the left-right length W6 of the tab 30 120 mm or less, the tab 30 that opens outward can be prevented from contacting the toilet bowl when the napkin 1 is wrapped around the thighs. In addition, by not making the left-right length W6 of the tab 30 too long, the wearer does not need to reposition the tab 30 to a position closer to the engaging portion 32 so as to easily engage the engaging portion 32 with the front waistline portion 20f after opening the tab 30 and tearing the front waistline portion 20f.

[0099] In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, in the natural state of the napkin 1 in which the tab 30 joined to the side joint 40 is engaged with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f while being closed inward in the left-right direction, it is preferable that: First, the vertical length L3 of the tab 30 at the position of the inner end 40a of the side joint 40 on the side where the tab 30 is provided is preferably longer than the vertical length L1 of the front waistline portion 20f at the position of the inner end 40a of the same side joint 40. By doing so, the vertical length of the front waistline portion 20f can be shortened so that the wearer can easily grasp it. On the other hand, when the wearer holds the tab 30 and pulls up the napkin 1 from under the thigh, the vertically long tab 30 transmits the pulling force to a wide range in the vertical direction of the rear part of the napkin 1, making it easier to pull up.

[0100] However, it is preferable that the minimum vertical length L4 of the portion of the front waistband portion 20f that overlaps with the engaging portion 32 in the left-right direction is longer than the maximum vertical length L5 of the engaging portion 32. This allows the entire area of ​​the engaging portion 32 in the up-down direction to be engaged with the front waistline portion 20f, and allows the tab 30 to be securely engaged with the front waistline portion 20f.

[0101] In addition, like the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the front waistline portion 20f preferably has tear lines 26 (e.g., perforations) that have a length in the up-down direction at the left-right ends, so that the wearer can easily tear the front waistline portion 20f.

[0102] In this embodiment, the cut line 26 is provided over the entire area of ​​the front waistline portion 20f in the vertical direction, but the cut line 26 may be provided over only a portion of the front waistline portion 20f in the vertical direction. The cut line 26 is not limited to a straight line extending in the vertical direction as shown in the stretched napkin 1 (FIG. 2), but may be a straight line or a curved line inclined relative to the vertical direction. The cut line 26 may be any line that allows the front waistline portion 20f to be easily torn in the vertical direction, and may be a notch provided at the upper end or lower end of the front waistline portion 20f.

[0103] However, the napkin 1 does not have to have the tear line 26. Even in this case, the side joint portion 40 is formed by welding or the like, and has higher rigidity than other regions of the waistline member 20. Therefore, the wearer can tear the front waistline portion 20f along the inner edge 40a of the side joint portion 40 in the left-right direction.

[0104] Also, like the napkin 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that a pair of tabs 30 are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the waistband member 20. In this way, as shown in Fig. 6C and Fig. 7D, the waistband member 20 can be wrapped around both thighs to put on the napkin 1. When removing the napkin 1, the pair of tabs 30 can be removed from the front waistband portion 20f and the napkin 1 can be pulled out from between the thighs. Therefore, unlike when putting on and taking off the napkin 1 while it is in the pants type, it is not necessary to put on and take off the napkin 1 by passing the toes through the leg openings 1b of the napkin 1. Therefore, the wearer can put on and take off the napkin 1 without taking off pants, shoes, stockings, etc., and the napkin 1 can be easily replaced even when out and about.

[0105] In addition, when the napkin 1 has the tabs 30 on both sides in the left-right direction, as shown in Fig. 11, when the abdominal contact portion 20fA of the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the inner ends 40a of the side joint portions 40 on both sides in the left-right direction and in a natural state, it is preferable that: The length W7 from one end P1 to the other end P5 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA in the left-right direction is longer than the length W8 from one end P2 to the other end P6 of the rear waistline portion 20b in the left-right direction. In other words, it is preferable that both ends P1 and P5 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA in the left-right direction are located outside the left-right ends P2 and P6 of the rear waistline portion 20b in the left-right direction.

[0106] This makes it easier to pull the abdominal contact portion 20fA toward the front of the thigh when wrapping the waist member 20 around not only one thigh but also the opposite thigh. On the other hand, when the napkin 1 is wrapped around each thigh, the napkin 1 is less likely to droop, and the napkin 1 can be prevented from contacting the toilet bowl.

[0107] Also, like the napkin 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the tab 30 having one engaging portion 32 is provided on each of the left and right sides of the napkin 1. By doing so, the wearer only needs to engage the tab 30 (the engaging portion 32) once on each of the left and right sides, so that the wearer can easily wear the napkin 1, and the wearability is improved. The appearance of the napkin 1 is also improved. Also, in the case of a pants-type absorbent article intended for a wearer who wears the napkin by himself, like the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the absorbent core 11 is smaller than that of a nursing care article, and the absorbent core 11 after excretion is also lighter. Therefore, in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, even if the tabs are not firmly fixed to the front waist portion 20f, for example, a tab with two engaging portions lined up in the vertical direction, or two tabs with one engaging portion lined up in the vertical direction and two tabs (two pairs) are provided on each of the left and right sides, is less likely to slip off the napkin 1. However, the present invention is not limited to a configuration in which one tab 30 having one engagement portion 32 is provided on each of the left and right sides.

[0108] The napkin 1 may also be one in which the tab 30 is provided only on one side in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20. In other words, the napkin 1 of this embodiment may be a pants-type absorbent article in which at least one side in the left-right direction can be used as a tape type. In this case, too, the wearer can put on and take off the napkin 1 by passing only the toes of one leg through the leg opening 1b and wrapping the waistline member 20 around the thigh of the other leg, or by removing the waistline member 20 from the thigh of one side and removing only the toes of the other leg from the leg opening 1b. In this case, too, the wearability of wrapping the waistline member 20 around one thigh of the wearer can be improved by shortening the vertical length L1 of the front waistline portion 20f on the side where the tab 30 is provided or shortening the horizontal length W1 of the abdominal contact portion 20fA.

[0109] 2, in the unfolded and stretched napkin 1, the length L6 from one end of the napkin 1 to the center CL in the up-down direction (the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction and along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) is preferably 200 mm or more and 350 mm or less. By making the length L6 200 mm or more, it is possible to match the size of the adult wearer of the napkin 1. On the other hand, by making the length L6 350 mm or less, the napkin 1 is less likely to droop when wrapped around the thighs, and the napkin 1 can be prevented from contacting the toilet bowl.

[0110] Furthermore, when the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the inner end 40a of the side joint portion 40 on one side in the left-right direction or along the cut line 26, and when the napkin 1 is in its natural state, it is preferable that the lower end portion (P1) of the abdominal contact portion 20fA is located closer to one side in the left-right direction (outside) than the upper end portion (P4) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0111] By doing so, the ends (P1 to P4) of the abdominal contact portion 20fA are inclined outward in the left-right direction from the waist side toward the crotch side. Therefore, when the wearer puts on the napkin 1 by himself, the inclination direction of the hand holding the abdominal contact portion 20fA from the waist opening 1a side coincides with the inclination direction of the end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA as shown in Fig. 6C. This makes it easier for the wearer to hold the abdominal contact portion 20fA, improving the ease of putting it on.

[0112] In the napkin 1 of this embodiment (see FIG. 5), in addition to the stretchable skin-side sheet 22, a waistline elastic member 24 is provided at the upper end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA. Therefore, the upper end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA has a higher contractile force than the lower end, and is located on the inside in the left-right direction when the napkin 1 is in its natural state. Increasing the stretchability of the upper end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA in this way improves the fit of the napkin 1 around the waist of the wearer, and prevents the napkin 1 from slipping down.

[0113] The front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b each have skin side sheets 22, 23 that stretch in the left-right direction and waistline elastic members 24, and are stretchable in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b preferably have continuous stretchable regions 20EA that stretch in the left-right direction at least in the region where they overlap with the absorbent main body 20 in the left-right direction.

[0114] This allows the napkin 1 to fit the waist of the wearer. In particular, when the napkin 1 is used as a tape type (FIG. 4B), the abdominal contact portion 20fA of the front waist portion 20f is separated from the rear waist portion 20b, but the abdominal contact portion 20fA is pulled outward in both left and right directions between the pair of tabs 30, and fits the waist of the wearer. Also, when the wearer wraps the waist member 20 around the thighs, the abdominal contact portion 20fA is easily pulled to the front of the thighs, and the front portion of the napkin 1 is less likely to sag. Similarly, the rear waist portion 20b can also fit the waist of the wearer, and the rear portion of the napkin 1 is less likely to sag when the wearer wraps the waist member 20 around the thighs.

[0115] However, in the region of the stretchable region 20EA that overlaps with the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, the stretchable force may be reduced to ensure the flatness of the absorbent core 11. For example, in the region that overlaps with the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, the area ratio of the joint (welded part) between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheets 22, 23 may be increased compared to other regions to suppress the elastic properties of the skin side sheets 22, 23. This ensures the absorption area of ​​the absorbent core 11 and prevents gaps from occurring between the absorbent core 11 and the wearer.

[0116] The front waistline portion 20f may have a low-stretch area 20NA, which has lower stretchability than the stretch area 20EA, on the outer side in the left-right direction (the side where the tab 30 is provided) of the stretch area 20EA. By providing the low-stretch area 20NA, when the wearer pulls the front waistline portion 20f in the left-right direction to tear it, the force is efficiently transmitted to the tearing portion, and it can be torn with a small force.

[0117] 2, when the napkin 1 has a cut line 26, it is preferable that the cut line 26 is disposed between both side ends of the low-elasticity region 20NA in the left-right direction. In this way, the outer sides of the cut line 26 are less likely to stretch, so that the wearer can easily tear the front waistline portion 20f along the cut line 26.

[0118] In addition, because the front waistline portion 20f is torn at the low-elasticity region 20NA, the shape retention of the cut end of the front waistline portion 20f is ensured and it is difficult to curl up. In other words, since the end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA, which is the side to be separated, is difficult to curl up, the wearer can easily grasp the abdominal contact portion 20fA and can stably engage the tab 30 with the abdominal contact portion 20fA. In addition, since the end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA and the non-separated portion 20fB remaining on the side joint portion 40 side are difficult to curl up, the wearer is unlikely to feel the cut end of the front waistline portion 20f as a foreign object while wearing the napkin 1, improving comfort.

[0119] The low-elasticity region 20NA may or may not have elasticity as long as it has lower elasticity in the left-right direction than the elasticity region 20EA. In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, elastic skin-side sheets 22, 23 are also arranged in the low-elasticity region 20NA. Therefore, in the low-elasticity region 20NA, the area ratio of the joint (welded part) between the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheets 22, 23 is increased compared to the elasticity region 20EA, thereby suppressing the elasticity of the skin-side sheets 22, 23. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the elastic part of the waist elastic member 24 does not extend outward in the left-right direction to the low-elasticity region 20NA, which also reduces the elasticity of the low-elasticity region 20NA.

[0120] The elasticity (elasticity stress) of the low elasticity region 20NA and the elasticity region 20EA may be compared by pulling each region manually or by using a tensile tester (e.g., an autograph type tensile tester AG-1KN1 manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). For example, the low elasticity region 20NA and the elasticity region 20EA are cut out from the front waistband portion 20f, and a sample of the low elasticity region (20NA) and a sample of the elasticity region (20EA) having the same length in the left-right direction and the vertical direction of the napkin 1 are prepared. Then, both ends of the sample corresponding to the left-right direction (stretching direction) of the napkin 1 are clamped with a chuck, and the sample is stretched by increasing the chuck distance until the sample breaks. It can be confirmed that the sample of the elasticity region has a higher elasticity than the sample of the low elasticity region because the chuck distance at the time when the sample breaks is longer.

[0121] 10, when the abdominal contact portion 20fA of the front waistline portion 20f is separated from the rear waistline portion 20b along the cut line 26 and the tab 30 is spread outward (to one side) in the left-right direction, and when the napkin 1 is in its natural state, it is preferable that the non-separated portion 20fB of the front waistline portion 20f remaining on the side joint portion 40 side (i.e., the portion of the front waistline portion 20f separated from the abdominal contact portion 20fA) is located more inward in the left-right direction than the engaging portion 32.

[0122] This prevents the non-separable portion 20fB of the front waistline portion 20f from covering the engaging portion 32, and allows the tab 30 to be securely engaged with the abdominal abutment portion 20fA of the front waistline portion 20f by the engaging portion 32. When the tab 30 is engaged with the abdominal abutment portion 20fA, the unevenness of the cut end of the non-separable portion 20fB rubs against the non-skin side of the abdominal abutment portion 20fA, suppressing misalignment of the abdominal abutment portion 20fA with respect to the tab 30 and the rear waistline portion 20b. As a result, the tab 30 can be easily engaged with the abdominal abutment portion 20fA, and misalignment during wear can be suppressed.

[0123] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, in the napkin 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, it is preferable that the length W10 from the inner end of the side joint 40 on the side where the tab 30 is joined (one side in the left-right direction) to the cut line 26 is longer than the length W9 from the inner end of the side joint 40 to the cut line 26 on the left-right direction.

[0124] By doing so, when the front waistline portion 20f is torn at the cut line 26, the left-right length W10' of the low-elasticity region 20NA in the abdominal contact portion 20fA is longer than the left-right length W9' (FIG. 10) of the non-separable portion 20fB of the front waistline portion 20f remaining on the side joint portion 40 side. Therefore, when the tab 30 is engaged with the abdominal contact portion 20fA, the non-separable portion 20fB remaining on the side joint portion 40 can be covered with the end (low-elasticity region 20NA) of the abdominal contact portion 20fA that is difficult to curl. Therefore, the non-separable portion 20fB is unlikely to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and discomfort during wearing can be reduced. In addition, by making W10 longer, the length of the end of the abdominal contact portion 20fA that is difficult to curl is increased, making it easier for the wearer to hold the abdominal contact portion 20fA and also making it easier to stably engage the tab 30 with the abdominal contact portion 20fA.

[0125] Furthermore, although the waistline member 20 has elasticity in the left-right direction, the elasticity is reduced in the portion of the waistline member 20 that overlaps in the thickness direction with the highly rigid absorbent core 11. As described above, the elasticity of the portion of the waistline member 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 11 may be intentionally suppressed. However, when the engaging portion 32 of the tab 30 is engaged with the portion of the waistline member 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 11 and has reduced elasticity, the degree to which the engaging portion 32 is entangled with the fibers of the waistline member 20 is reduced.

[0126] Therefore, when the napkin 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, it is preferable that the vertical length L6 (see FIG. 5) from the upper end of the front waistband portion 20f to the front upper end of the absorbent core 11 is longer than the vertical length L8 of the engagement portion 32.

[0127] By doing so, when the tab 30 is engaged with the front waistline portion 20f, the engaging portion 32 and the absorbent core 11 are likely to be displaced in the up-down direction and are unlikely to overlap in the thickness direction. In other words, the engaging portion 32 is likely to engage with a portion of the front waistline portion 20f that does not overlap with the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction and has no reduced elasticity. Therefore, the hook material of the engaging portion 32 is likely to be entangled with the fibers of the waistline member 20, and the engagement strength of the tab 30 can be increased.

[0128] On the other hand, when the napkin 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, it is preferable that the vertical length L7 (see FIG. 5) from the upper end of the rear waistband portion 20b to the upper rear end of the absorbent core 11 is shorter than the vertical length L8 of the engagement portion 32.

[0129] The rear absorbent core 11 extends far upward, which increases the rigidity of the upper end of the rear waistband portion 20b. Therefore, when the wearer wraps the waistband member 20 around their thighs, the rear waistband portion 20b is less likely to sag, which prevents the napkin 1 from coming into contact with the toilet bowl. It also prevents excrement from leaking backward. Furthermore, because the tab 30 (engagement portion 32) is not engaged with the rear waistband portion 20b, even if the rear absorbent core 11 extends far upward, there is no problem of the engagement strength of the engagement portion 32 becoming weak.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, in the napkin 1 in its natural state in which the tab 30 joined to the side joint portion 40 spreads outward in the left-right direction and engages with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f, it is preferable that the engagement portion 32 is positioned outside (on one side) the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction.

[0131] This allows the engaging portion 32 to easily engage with a portion of the front waistband portion 20f that does not overlap the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction and has no reduced elasticity. Therefore, the hook material of the engaging portion 32 can easily be entangled with the fibers of the waistband member 20, thereby increasing the engagement strength of the tab 30.

[0132] In addition, in a state where the tab 30 is closed inward in the left-right direction (see FIG. 8), it is preferable that at least one of the upper and lower ends of the tab 30 (both the upper and lower ends in this embodiment) has a shape having an inclined portion 30A that is inclined toward the center in the up-down direction of the tab 30 as it approaches the inside in the left-right direction. In other words, it is preferable that the free end portion of the tab 30 opposite the side joined by the side joint portion 40 has a tapered shape.

[0133] This makes it easier for the wearer to hold the free end of the tab 30 (the end opposite to the side joined to the side joint 40). Also, the upper end of the tab 30 is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's abdomen when breathing, and the lower end of the tab 30 is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's legs when lifting their legs. Therefore, the wearer is less likely to feel the tab 30 as a foreign object while wearing the napkin 1, improving comfort.

[0134] Furthermore, in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the color of the non-skin side of the front waist portion 20f (entire) and the color of the non-skin side of the tab 30 (entire) are similar colors. For example, in nursing diapers different from the napkin 1 of this embodiment, a white tab is provided with a blue or green engagement part, and the color of the engagement part is visible through the outside of the diaper, and the colors of the non-skin side of the front waist portion and the tab are often different. Therefore, by making the colors of the non-skin side of the front waist portion and the tab similar colors, as in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the diaper looks less like a diaper and the appearance of the napkin 1 is improved.

[0135] In the above case, however, it is difficult for the wearer to grasp the position of the engagement portion 32 from the non-skin side of the napkin 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the tab 30 has a plurality of compressed portions 33 in which the tab 30 is compressed in the thickness direction in the region where the engagement portions 32 are arranged. This makes it easier to grasp the position of the engagement portions 32 from the non-skin side of the tab 30, makes it easier to engage the tab 30 with the front waistline portion 20f, and improves the fit of the napkin 1. The compressed portions 33 may be compressed from the skin side or the non-skin side of the tab 30, and in either case, the compressed portions 33 are visible from the outside (non-skin side) of the tab 30.

[0136] Furthermore, the engaging portion 32 is often bonded to the base sheet 31 constituting the tab 30 with an adhesive, but the compressed portion 33 further increases the bonding strength between the tab 30 and the engaging portion 32. Therefore, the engaging portion 32 does not peel off from the tab 30, and the tab 30 can be reattached. Moreover, the tab 30 can be prevented from coming off while the napkin 1 is being worn.

[0137] However, it is preferable that the average pitch (average pitch in at least one of the vertical and horizontal directions) of the multiple compressed portions 33 provided in the tab 30 is larger than that of the multiple joints (e.g., unillustrated welding portions) provided in the side joint portion 40. By increasing the average pitch of the compressed portions 33 and suppressing the area ratio of the compressed portions 33, it is possible to prevent the hook material of the engagement portion 32 from being crushed by the compressed portions 33. On the other hand, by reducing the average pitch of the joints constituting the side joint portion 40, the joint strength of the side joint portion 40 is increased. Therefore, even if the wearer pulls on the tab 30 when wearing the napkin 1, it is possible to prevent the tab 30 from coming off the rear waistline portion 20b.

[0138] Note that similar colors refer to colors that are different in hue less than 5, value less than 1, or saturation less than 1 in the Munsell color system (100 hues), and this includes cases where the colors are the same. Preferably, the color difference ΔE is less than 1. The color difference is measured as follows. (1) Prepare an X-Rite eXact Standard (measurement diameter: 1.5 mm) manufactured by X-Rite. (2) CIE L of the part of the sample to be measured (the non-skin side of the front waist part 20f) * a * b * Measure the coordinates at 10 or more points at different positions and calculate the average value (L1 * ,a1 * ,b1 * ) is calculated. (3) CIE L of the part of the sample to be compared (non-skin side of Tab 30) * a * b * Measure the coordinates at 10 or more points at different positions and calculate the average value (L2 * ,a2 * ,b2 * ) is calculated. (4) Calculate the color difference ΔE from the above results (ΔE = [(L1 * -L2 * ) 2 +(a1 * -a2 * ) 2 +(b1 * -b2 * ) 2 〕 1 / 2

[0139] ===Other embodiments=== The above-mentioned embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0140] For example, in the above-described embodiment, elastic skin side sheets 22, 23 are arranged on waistline member 20, thereby imparting elasticity in the left-right direction to waistline member 20. Instead of elastic sheets, elasticity may be imparted to waistline member 20 by arranging a plurality of thread-like elastic members (e.g., rubber threads) that stretch in the left-right direction at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0141] In addition, the minimum vertical length L1 of the front waist portion 20f overlapping with the tab 30 is 80 mm or more and 150 mm or less, the vertical length L2 of the side joint 40 is 100 mm or more and 160 mm or less, and when the front waist portion 20f is torn at the side joint 40, the ventral abutment portion 20fA of the front waist portion 20f has a longer left-right length than the rear waist portion 20b (W1>W2), but it is sufficient that the pants-type absorbent article satisfies at least one of these requirements. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Napkins (pants-type absorbent articles), 1a waist opening, 1b leg opening, 10 absorbent body, 11 absorbent core, 12 top sheet, 13 back sheet, 13a liquid impermeable sheet, 13b hydrophobic sheet, 20 waist member, 20f front waist area, 20fA abdominal contact area 20b rear waistband, 20EA stretch area, 20NA low stretch area, 21 non-skin side sheet, 22 skin side sheet, 23 skin side sheet, 24 waist elastic member, 25 leg elastic member, 26 Cut lines, 30 Tab (engagement member), 31 base sheet, 32 locking portion, 33 welding portion, 40 Side joint (joint), 50 absorbent elastic member,

Claims

1. The vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction intersect with each other, An absorbent body; A waistband member having a front waistband portion and a rear waistband portion overlapping the absorbent body in the front-rear direction and stretching in the left-right direction; an engaging member provided on one side of the waistband member in the left-right direction and removably engaging with the front waistband portion; A pants-type absorbent article in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at a pair of joining portions, In a state in which the ventral contact portion of the front waistline portion is separated from the rear waistline portion along an inner end of the joint portion on one side in the left-right direction and in a natural state, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the length in the left-right direction from the end of one side of the ventral contact portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side is longer than the length in the left-right direction from the end of one side of the rear waist portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side.

2. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1, The front waistline portion has a cut line having a length in the up-down direction at one end portion in the left-right direction, In a state in which the ventral contact portion of the front waistline portion is separated from the rear waistline portion along the cut line and in a natural state, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the length in the left-right direction from the end of one side of the ventral contact portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side is longer than the length in the left-right direction from the end of one side of the rear waist portion to the inner end of the joint on the other side.

3. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 2, The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core, When the abdominal contact portion of the front waistline portion is separated from the rear waistline portion along the cut line and the engaging member is spread to one side in the left-right direction and in a natural state, the length from the one end of the absorbent core on the front side in the left-right direction to the one end of the abdominal contact portion is 50 mm or more and 200 mm or less, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the length from the end of said one side of said absorbent core on the rear side in the left-right direction to the end of said one side of said engaging member is 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less.

4. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the isolated and natural state, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that a lower end of the abdominal contact portion is located on the one side in the left-right direction relative to an upper end of the abdominal contact portion.

5. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The front waistline portion has a cut line having a length in the up-down direction at one end portion in the left-right direction, The engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that when the ventral contact portion of the front waist portion is separated from the rear waist portion along the cut line and the engaging member is spread out to one side in the left-right direction and in a natural state, the portion of the front waist portion that has been separated from the ventral contact portion is located more inward in the left-right direction than the engaging portion.

6. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The front waist portion has a stretchable region that stretches in the left-right direction, a low-stretch region that is less stretchable than the stretchable region, and a cut line that has a length in the up-down direction, the low-elasticity region is disposed on the one side of the elasticity region in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the cutting line is disposed between both side ends of the low-elasticity region in the left-right direction.

7. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 6, A pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, characterized in that the length from the inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction to the cut line is longer than the length in the left-right direction from the inner end of the joint on one side in the left-right direction to the cut line.

8. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging members are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the waistband member.

9. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 8, The engaging member is provided on each side of the waistband member in the left-right direction, The pants-type absorbent article, wherein the engaging member has one engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion.

10. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, The absorbent body has an absorbent core, A pants-type absorbent article, in which, in an unfolded and stretched state, the vertical length from the upper end of the front waistband portion to the front upper end of the absorbent core is longer than the vertical length of the engagement portion.

11. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 10, A pants-type absorbent article, in which, in an unfolded and stretched state, the vertical length from the upper end of the rear waistband portion to the upper end of the rear side of the absorbent core is shorter than the vertical length of the engagement portion.

12. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with a non-skin side surface of the front waist portion, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the color of the non-skin side of the front waist portion and the color of the non-skin side of the engaging member are similar colors, and the engaging member has a plurality of compressed portions in which the engaging member is compressed in the thickness direction in the area where the engaging portions are arranged.

13. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that at least one of the upper and lower ends of the engaging member has an inclined portion that is inclined toward the center of the engaging member in the up-down direction as it moves inward in the left-right direction.

14. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A pants-type absorbent article, in an unfolded and stretched state, characterized in that the length from one end to the center of the pants-type absorbent article in the vertical direction is 200 mm or more and 350 mm or less.

15. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, At a position of an inner end of the joint portion on the one side in the left-right direction, the length of the engagement member in the up-down direction is longer than the length of the front waistband portion in the up-down direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the minimum vertical length of the portion of the front waistband portion whose left-right position overlaps with the engagement portion is longer than the maximum vertical length of the engagement portion.

16. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The waistband member has a continuous stretchable region that stretches in the left-right direction at least in a region where the waistband member overlaps with the absorbent main body in the left-right direction.

17. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 16, A pants-type absorbent article, wherein in the unfolded and stretched state, the maximum length of said engaging member in the left-right direction is 20 mm or more and 120 mm or less.

18. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 17, The absorbent body has an absorbent core, The engaging member has an engaging portion that engages with the front waist portion, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the engagement portion is located on the one side of the absorbent core in the left-right direction.

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