Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of maintaining a compact state while securing easiness to fit.SOLUTION: An absorbent article (1) includes a liquid permeable absorbent core (10) which has a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction orthogonal to one another in an unfolded state. The absorbent article is provided with a self-adhesive joining part (30), the joining parts (30) being provided on one side of a folding line and on the other side of the folding line in the direction orthogonal to the folding line when wrapped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses diaper pants including a chassis and an annular elastic belt as absorbent articles. Further, it is disclosed that the seam between the front waist region and the rear waist region (side surface) of the diaper pants is tucked into the chassis before packaging.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, by folding and packaging the sides of the waist region, it can be packaged compactly. However, in Patent Document 1, since only the sides of the waist region are tucked in, it is difficult to maintain that state. Therefore, for example, when disposing of the diaper pants, even if the user tucks the sides of the waist region into the chassis in the same way as during packaging, the fold of the waist region cannot be maintained and it opens, making it difficult to dispose of in a compact state. On the other hand, by providing, for example, an adhesive to the absorbent article, the fold can be maintained. However, simply providing an adhesive makes it difficult to attach the absorbent article to the appropriate position because the added adhesive adheres to the wearer's skin or clothing when wearing the absorbent article.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an absorbent article that can maintain a compact state while ensuring ease of wearing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in the unfolded state, comprising a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, having a self-adhesive joint, and the joint is provided on one side of the fold line and on the other side of the fold line in a direction orthogonal to the fold line at the time of packaging. The absorbent article is characterized by this. Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can maintain a compact state while ensuring ease of wearing.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Figure 6

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Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in the unfolded state, and having a liquid - absorbent absorbent core, having a self - adhering joint, and in a direction orthogonal to the fold line during packaging, the joint is provided on one side and the other side of the fold line.

[0010] According to Aspect 1, while bending the absorbent article in the orthogonal direction, the adhesive force is developed by bringing the joint on one side into contact with the joint on the other side, and a compact state in which the absorbent article is bent is maintained. Also, in the case of a self - adhering joint, when wearing the absorbent article, the joint does not adhere to the wearer or the clothing, etc., so it is easy to align the absorbent article with the wearer, and easy - to - wear property is ensured.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, On the center line of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, when the absorbent article is bent, the joint has a portion that overlaps in the thickness direction and becomes two layers.

[0012] According to Aspect 2, when the absorbent article is folded in half in the longitudinal direction, the joints on one side and the other side come into contact and the adhesive force is developed. Therefore, a state in which the absorbent article is folded in half and becomes compact in the longitudinal direction is maintained.

[0013] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 2, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line. When the absorbent article is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, the first joint portion is provided in the end region on one side, and the second joint portion is provided in the end region on the other side.

[0014] According to Aspect 3, the part of the absorbent article that opens outside in the longitudinal direction than the joint portion can be reduced, and it becomes easier to maintain the absorbent article in a compact state where it is folded.

[0015] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to Aspect 3, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line. When the absorbent article is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, the first joint portion is provided in the first central region adjacent to the end region on one side, and the second joint portion is provided in the second central region adjacent to the end region on the other side.

[0016] According to Aspect 4, the joint portion is located close to the folding position, making it easier for the user to align the positions of the joint portions on one side and the other side, and easier to bring the joint portions into contact with each other.

[0017] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, The joint portion is provided on the skin side surface of the absorbent article.

[0018] According to Aspect 5, since the state where the absorbent article is folded with the skin side surface that has received and absorbed excretory fluid facing inward is maintained, the absorbent article can be discarded hygienically. Also, excretory fluid and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article.

[0019] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, The length of the joint portion in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the joint portion in the width direction.

[0020] According to Aspect 6, the joints can be adhered to each other over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and it becomes easier to maintain the absorbent article in a compact state where it is folded.

[0021] (Aspect 7) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the joint is provided on a non-hydrophilic sheet.

[0022] According to Aspect 7, since the non-hydrophilic sheet hardly absorbs and retains excretory fluid, it is possible to suppress the joints from coming into contact with the excretory fluid and the adhesive force between the joints from decreasing.

[0023] (Aspect 8) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the joint is provided on a hydrophilic sheet.

[0024] According to Aspect 8, since it is difficult to form a liquid pool because the excretory fluid diffuses in the hydrophilic sheet, it is possible to suppress the adhesive force between the joints from decreasing due to the liquid pool.

[0025] (Aspect 9) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the joint exhibits an adhesive force with a material other than a hook-and-loop fastener and an adhesive.

[0026] According to Aspect 9, when wearing the absorbent article, since the joint does not adhere to the wearer or clothing, etc., it is easy to align the absorbent article with respect to the wearer, and ease of wearing is ensured.

[0027] (Aspect 10) The absorbent article according to Aspect 5, wherein the average deviation of the surface roughness of the joint surface is 20 or less.

[0028] According to Aspect 10, compared with the case where the average deviation of the surface roughness is greater than 20, the feel against the skin of the joint can be improved, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0029] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the average coefficient of friction of the joint surface of the joint is 0.2 or more.

[0030] According to Aspect 11, compared with the case where the average coefficient of friction is less than 0.2, the slipperiness of the joint is suppressed. Therefore, the absorbent article is less likely to be displaced from the wearer or the outer garment, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0031] (Aspect 12) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein when an adhesive force measurement test for measuring the adhesive force between the joints is performed after repeatedly joining and peeling the joints, the adhesive force between the joints is 0.2 N / 25 mm or more.

[0032] According to Aspect 12, compared with the case where the adhesive force is less than 0.2 N / 25 mm, the adhesive force is maintained even when the joining and peeling between the joints are repeated. Therefore, even if the user repeatedly joins and peels the joints until one joint and the other joint are properly abutted, the absorbent article is maintained in a folded and compact state.

[0033] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the joint has a first joint provided on one side of the fold line and a second joint provided on the other side of the fold line, and the area of the first joint is different from the area of the second joint

[0034] According to Aspect 13, it becomes easier for the user to align the joint with the smaller area with the joint with the larger area, and it becomes easier to abut the joints against each other.

[0035] (Aspect 14) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein it has an existing region where the absorbent core exists and a non-existing region where the absorbent core does not exist, and the joint is provided in the existing region.

[0036] According to Aspect 14, by providing the joint in the high-rigidity existing region, the force applied by the user to bring the joints into contact with each other can be easily transmitted, and the joints can be stably and firmly adhered to each other.

[0037] (Aspect 15) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, having an existing region where the absorbent core exists and a non-existing region where the absorbent core does not exist, and the joint being provided in the non-existing region.

[0038] According to Aspect 15, a joint can be provided at the peripheral edge of the absorbent article, making it easier to maintain the folded state of the absorbent article. Also, the portion of the absorbent article that opens outside the joint can be reduced.

[0039] (Aspect 16) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, having an existing region where the absorbent core exists and a non-existing region where the absorbent core does not exist, and the joint being provided across the existing region and the non-existing region.

[0040] According to Aspect 16, while providing a joint at the peripheral edge of the absorbent article, the joints can be stably and firmly adhered to each other at the joint portion in the high-rigidity existing region.

[0041] (Aspect 17) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, the joint having a first joint provided on one side of the fold line and a second joint provided on the other side of the fold line, having an existing region where the absorbent core exists and a non-existing region where the absorbent core does not exist, and one of the first joint and the second joint being provided in the existing region and the other being provided in the non-existing region.

[0042] According to Aspect 17, while providing the other joint at the peripheral edge of the absorbent article, the other joint can be stably and firmly adhered to the one joint provided in the high-rigidity existing region.

[0043] (Aspect 18) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, the joining part is provided in the central region in the width direction when the absorbent article is divided into three in the width direction.

[0044] According to Aspect 18, the opening of the absorbent article on both sides in the width direction can be evenly suppressed compared to the joining part.

[0045] (Aspect 19) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, the joining part is provided in the end region in the width direction when the absorbent article is divided into three in the width direction.

[0046] According to Aspect 19, the user can bring the joining part on one side into contact with the joining part on the other side while aligning the ends of the absorbent article.

[0047] (Aspect 20) The absorbent article according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, the joining part has a plurality of sets of a first joining part provided on one side of the fold line and a second joining part provided on the other side of the fold line.

[0048] According to Aspect 20, it is possible to suppress the increase in the rigidity of the absorbent article due to the joining part while maintaining a compact state in which the absorbent article is bent by a plurality of sets of intermittently provided joining parts.

[0049] ===First Embodiment=== As the absorbent article according to the present invention, in the first embodiment, a urine pad will be described as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to a urine pad, and can also be applied, for example, as a sanitary napkin, a pants-type disposable diaper, a shorts-type napkin, a tape-type disposable diaper, a pet diaper, an absorbent sheet for nursing care or pets, etc.

[0050] <<<Basic Configuration of Urine Pad 1>>> FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the urine collection pad 1 in a deployed and extended state as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the urine collection pad 1. The urine collection pad 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "pad") can be used by being disposed inside a panty-type or tape-type disposable diaper, or can also be used alone as the pad 1 by being directly disposed inside the underwear (pants or shorts) of the wearer.

[0051] In the deployed state, the pad 1 has a substantially rectangular planar shape and has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction is along the front-back direction from the ventral side to the dorsal side of the wearer when the pad 1 is worn. Also, in the thickness direction, the side that contacts the skin of the wearer is defined as the skin side, and the opposite side is defined as the non-skin side. Since the pad 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration that is symmetric in the longitudinal direction, either side in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 may correspond to the ventral side of the wearer. Also, unlike tape-type or panty-type diapers, the pad 1 is worn without the one-side end and the other-side end in the longitudinal direction being connected along the torso of the wearer.

[0052] The deployed state of the pad 1 refers to a state in which the entire pad 1 is planar-ly deployed. The extended state of the pad 1 refers to a state in which the wrinkles that occurred in the pad 1 are substantially not visually recognizable, and the pad 1 is extended until the dimensions of each member (for example, the side sheet 4 described later) that constitutes the pad 1 become the same as or close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0053] The pad 1 has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core 10, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 2 (for example, a non-woven fabric) provided on the skin side of the absorbent core 10, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 (for example, a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 10, and a pair of side sheets 4 provided on both side portions in the width direction of the pad 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of side sheets 4 are folded back inward in the width direction from the side portions in the width direction of the non-skin side surface of the back sheet 3 so as to wrap the absorbent core 10 toward the skin side surface of the skin side sheet 2.

[0054] As the absorbent core 10, for example, liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers containing SAP (superabsorbent polymer) formed into a predetermined shape can be exemplified. The absorbent core 10 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11 (for example, tissue). However, without being limited to the above, the absorbent core 10 may be a SAP sheet in which a SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbent fibers are formed into a sheet shape by the airlaid method, etc., or may have a configuration laminated in two or more layers. Also, the absorbent core 10 may not be covered with the core wrap sheet 11.

[0055] Also, on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1, a fixing member 20 for joining the pad 1 to the inner surface of a panty-type diaper or underwear (outer) is provided. Fixing members 20 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is a rectangular member, and its long side is provided along the width direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is preferably a member that can be peeled off from the inner surface of the outer without damaging the outer and can be reattached. The fixing member 20 of the present embodiment is a tape having a hook material (for example, the male member of a hook-and-loop fastener). Other examples of the fixing member 20 include a tape coated with an adhesive.

[0056] Also, the pad 1 has a pair of leg-around elastic members 5 provided along the longitudinal direction at both side portions in the width direction. In FIG. 2, the leg-around elastic members 5 are fixed in an extended state in the longitudinal direction between the back sheet 3 and the side sheet 4. Thereby, both side portions in the width direction of the pad 1 are likely to closely adhere along the wearer's leg circumference.

[0057] Also, the pad 1 has a pair of leak-proof wall portions 6 that can stand up on the skin side at both side portions in the width direction. The leak-proof wall portion 6 is formed by the side sheet 4 and a leak-proof wall elastic member 7. The leak-proof wall elastic member 7 is fixed in an extended state along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 at the inner end portion in the width direction of the side sheet 4.

[0058] The basic configuration of the pad 1 has been described above. However, the configuration of the pad 1 described above is merely an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the planar shape of the pad 1 may be asymmetric in the longitudinal direction, or the fixing member 20 may not be provided on the pad 1.

[0059] <<<Self-adhesive joint 30>>> FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of the pad 1 during packaging. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the pad 1 during packaging, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 during packaging. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the self-adhesive joint 30. FIGS. 5 to 8 are explanatory views of modified examples of the joint 30. FIGS. 4 to 8 are schematic plan views of the pad 1 as viewed from the skin side.

[0060] In the following description, the center line of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, that is, the center line along the width direction that bisects the pad 1 into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction, is also referred to as the "longitudinal center line CL". The center line of the pad 1 in the width direction, that is, the center line along the longitudinal direction that bisects the pad 1 into two equal parts in the width direction, is also referred to as the "width center line C".

[0061] The pad 1 is folded at the folding line FL1 during packaging and then compacted, and one or more pads are accommodated in the storage bag of the package and shipped. The pad 1 of the present embodiment is accommodated in the storage bag in a state of being folded in two (FIG. 3A) with the longitudinal center line CL as the folding line FL1 during packaging. Therefore, the pad 1 is compactly packaged in a state where the length in the longitudinal direction is shortened.

[0062] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a self-adhesive joint 30. The joint 30 is provided on one side of the folding line FL1 and on the other side of the folding line FL1 in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the folding line FL1 during packaging.

[0063] In the pad 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, a joint portion 30 is provided on the skin side surface. The joint portion 30 has two joint portions 30a and 30b (first joint portions) provided on one side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fold line FL1, and two joint portions 30c and 30d (second joint portions) provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fold line FL1. That is, the pad 1 has four joint portions 30a to 30d, and joint portions 30 are provided on both sides in the width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The shapes of the joint portions 30a to 30d are rectangular. In the following description, the joint portion 30 provided on one side with respect to the fold line FL1 is also referred to as the "joint portion on one side", and the joint portion 30 on the other side with respect to the fold line FL1 is also referred to as the "joint portion on the other side".

[0064] The self-adhesive joint portion 30 has low tackiness (adhesiveness) itself, but when the joint portions 30 come into contact with each other under a relatively weak pressure, an adhesive force (adhesive strength) is exhibited, and it is difficult to adhere to other parts of the pad 1 even when a strong pressure is applied. Specifically, the adhesive force between the joint portion 30 and other parts of the pad 1 is preferably 1 / 4 or less compared to the adhesive force between the joint portions 30. Also, the joint portions 30 can be peeled off and re-adhered without damaging the pad 1. The joint portion 30 is formed by a self-adhesive 32.

[0065] The self-adhesive 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe when it comes into contact with the skin of the wearer, and examples include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, silicone rubber, etc., and these are used alone or in combination of a plurality.

[0066] According to the above pad 1, a user (such as a wearer or a caregiver) can cause the adhesive force to be generated at the joint 30 by bending the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction and bringing the joints 30c and 30d on the other side into contact with the joints 30a and 30b on one side of the fold line FL1. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the fold of the pad 1 to open, and the state where the pad 1 is bent is maintained. In particular, the fold line FL1 during packaging is a fold line for reducing the planar size of the pad 1 as shown in FIG. 3A. Therefore, by providing the joint 30 on both sides of the fold line FL1, the user can fold the pad 1 compactly in the direction perpendicular to the fold line FL1 during packaging (here, the longitudinal direction). Therefore, the user can carry or discard the pad 1 while maintaining a compact state.

[0067] In addition, the joint 30 is self-adhesive. Therefore, when the pad 1 is worn, the joint 30 does not adhere to the wearer's skin, the surface of the pad 1 other than the joint 30, or the clothing. Therefore, it is easy to position the pad 1 with respect to the wearer, and the ease of wearing the pad 1 is ensured. Further, since the joint 30 on the skin side surface of the pad 1 does not adhere to the wearer's skin, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a feeling of discomfort due to the joint 30.

[0068] Note that the fold line during packaging is not limited to the fold line FL1 along the width direction, and may be, for example, a fold line along the longitudinal direction. In that case, it is preferable that the joints 30 are provided on one side and the other side of the fold line in the width direction perpendicular to the fold line. By doing so, the state where the pad 1 is folded compactly in the width direction is maintained.

[0069] In addition, the joint 30 on one side of the fold line FL1 and the joint 30 on the other side of the fold line FL1 may be a pair of joints 30 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 4, or may be continuous in the longitudinal direction as shown in the modification example of FIG. 6. In the case of FIG. 6, a part of the joint 30 on one side of the fold line FL1 and a part of the joint 30 on the other side come into contact with each other to generate an adhesive force. In the case of FIG. 6, since the joint 30 exists over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, it becomes more difficult for the fold of the pad 1 to open, and a compact state is maintained.

[0070] Figs. 9A and 9B are explanatory views of the configuration of the joint portion 30 and are schematic cross-sectional views of the pad 1. As shown in Fig. 9A, the joint portion 30 may be one in which an adhesive 32 with self-adhesiveness is applied to a sheet-like base material 31. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 9B, the self-adhesive 32 may be directly applied to the basic materials (such as the side sheet 4, the surface sheet 2, the back sheet 3, etc.) that constitute the outer surface of the pad 1.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 9A, when the joint portion 30 is formed separately from the basic material of the pad 1 and adhered to the basic material of the pad 1, the joint portion 30 is likely to be conspicuous. Therefore, the joint portion 30 is easily recognized by the user, and when the user bends the pad 1, the consciousness of bringing the joint portions 30 into contact with each other easily works. The base material 31 of the joint portion 30 that is separate is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible sheet-like member, and examples thereof include non-woven fabric, resin film, paper, fabric, knitted fabric, etc. If the base material 31 is a flexible sheet, the rigidity of the joint portion 30 can be suppressed, so even if the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the case of Fig. 9B, the rigidity of the skin side surface of the pad 1 can be reduced by the amount that the base material 31 does not exist, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be further suppressed, or the number of materials of the pad 1 can be reduced.

[0072] The thickness of the joint portion 30 is preferably 3 mm or less. By doing so, compared with the case where the thickness of the joint portion 30 is greater than 3 mm, the step in the joint portion 30 becomes smaller, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be suppressed. Note that the thickness can be measured, for example, in a non-contact manner using a laser displacement meter (manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION, high-precision 2D laser displacement meter LJ-G series (model: LJ-G030) or equivalent).

[0073] Figures 10A and 10B are plan views of the joint portion 30. In the joint portion 30, the self-adhesive joint agent 32 may be applied over the entire area (so-called solid coating), or the self-adhesive joint agent 32 may be applied in a predetermined pattern. Examples of the predetermined pattern include the dot pattern shown in Fig. 10A, the wavy pattern shown in Fig. 10B, as well as the Ω pattern, the spiral pattern, the stripe pattern, the lattice pattern, and the like. The shape of the pattern is not particularly limited. In this case, among the group of the self-adhesive joint agents 32 applied in a predetermined pattern, a virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction passing through the ends of the self-adhesive joint agents 32 on the outermost one side and the outermost other side in the width direction, and a virtual line extending in the width direction passing through the ends of the self-adhesive joint agents 32 on the outermost one side and the outermost other side in the longitudinal direction define the joint portion 30. Although the joint portion 30 is illustrated as having a rectangular shape in Fig. 4, the shape of the joint portion 30 is not particularly limited.

[0074] As described above, the joint portion 30 of the present embodiment exhibits the adhesive force 30 by the self-adhesive joint agent 32 such as rubber. That is, the joint portion 30 exhibits the adhesive force with materials other than the hook-and-loop fastener and the adhesive. Examples of the hook-and-loop fastener include those composed of a male member provided with a plurality of hook-shaped protrusions and a female member provided with a plurality of loops for the protrusions of the male member to catch, and those of a single male member. That is, the joint portion 30 is different from the fixing member 20 (male member of the hook-and-loop fastener) provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1 for joining to the outer.

[0075] Even at the joint formed by a hook-and-loop fastener or an adhesive, the bent shape of the pad 1 is maintained. However, the male fastener exhibits adhesive force not only when it comes into contact with the female fastener but also when it comes into contact with other materials such as non-woven fabric, and the hook-and-loop fastener is different from a self-adhesive material. Similarly, the adhesive also exhibits adhesive force when it comes into contact with materials other than the adhesive, and is different from a self-adhesive material. In this case, the joint adheres to the wearer's skin, the surface of the pad 1 other than the joint, or the clothing, reducing the ease of wearing and causing a sense of discomfort. In particular, the hook-and-loop fastener is a highly rigid material, and when provided on the skin side, it deteriorates the skin contact of the wearer. Therefore, by using a material other than the hook-and-loop fastener and the adhesive for the joint 30, the ease of wearing can be ensured and the sense of discomfort can be suppressed.

[0076] Also, the joint 30 is preferably provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1. By doing so, when the pad 1 is bent with the skin side surface that receives and absorbs excretory fluid facing inward, the joints 30 come into contact with each other, maintaining the bent state of the pad 1. Therefore, excretory fluid and its odor can be contained inside the bent pad 1. In addition, the exposure of the skin side surface, which is the excretory surface, is suppressed, making it difficult for the user's hand to come into contact with the excretory surface, and enabling hygienic disposal. Regarding the pad 1 before use, since the state of being bent with the skin side surface facing inward is maintained, it can be stored and carried hygienically. Also, the joint 30 is self-adhesive and does not adhere to the wearer's skin, so even if the joint 30 is provided on the skin side surface, it is difficult to cause a sense of discomfort.

[0077] However, not limited to the above, the joint 30 may be provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1. Even in that case, a compact state where the pad 1 is bent with the non-skin side surface facing inward is maintained. Also, since the self-adhesive joint 30 does not adhere to the outer (underwear or diaper), it is possible to prevent the followability of the pad 1 to the wearer's movement from being overly restricted by the outer.

[0078] Also, on the longitudinal center line CL, when the pad 1 is bent, as shown in FIG. 3B, the joint portion 30 may have a portion that overlaps in the thickness direction to form two layers. In the present embodiment, a pair of joint portions (the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side and the joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side) of the joint portion 30 overlap to form two layers. In the case of the modification example in FIG. 6, a part of the joint portion 30 overlaps to form two layers.

[0079] By doing so, when the pad 1 is folded in half in the longitudinal direction, the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side and the joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side come into contact with each other to develop an adhesive force, and the pad 1 is maintained in a compact state folded in half. When the pad 1 is folded in half, at least a part of the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side may overlap the joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side, and in this way, the joint portions 30 can be adhered to each other.

[0080] Preferably, when the pad 11 is folded in half, the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side and the corresponding joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side may completely overlap. For this purpose, the joint portion 30 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center line CL. Specifically, the joint portion 30 is arranged at positions separated by a predetermined distance L1 from one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction from the longitudinal center line CL1. Also, the joint portion 30 is arranged at a position where the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side and the joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side overlap in the width direction (in the case of FIG. 4, at a position separated by a predetermined distance W1 from the width center line C).

[0081] Figures 11A to 11C are explanatory views of the three-fold type pad 1. So far, the case of packaging the two-fold pad 1 with the longitudinal center line CL as the folding line FL1 during packaging has been exemplified, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 11A, the pad 1 folded three times with two folding lines FL2 and FL3 along the width direction may be packaged. Also in this case, the joint 30 may be arranged in the same manner as the pad 1 in Fig. 4 described above. That is, the joints 30 may overlap each other when the pad 1 is folded in two at the longitudinal center line CL instead of the folding lines FL2 and FL3 during packaging. By doing so, the user can maintain the two-fold state of the pad 1 and can discard the pad 1 compactly. Also, since the number of folds during disposal is one, the disposal work of the user can be simplified.

[0082] Not limited to the above, the pad 1 may be provided with the joint 30 so that the state in which the pad 1 is bent by the two folding lines FL2 and FL3 during packaging is maintained. By doing so, the pad 1 can be discarded more compactly. In that case, for example, as shown in Fig. 11B, in the longitudinal direction orthogonal to the folding line FL2, the joints 30e and 30f may be provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1 on one side and the other side, respectively. Then, the joint 30g may be provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1 on one side in the longitudinal direction from the folding line FL3, and the joint 30h may be provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1 on the other side in the longitudinal direction from the folding line FL3 and folded by the folding line FL2. By doing so, the state in which the pad 1 is bent is maintained as in the case of packaging.

[0083] Also, even in the case of the pad 1 folded in two at the longitudinal center line CL during packaging, the joints 30 may be made to abut when folded at a position different from the longitudinal center line CL. Also in this case, the pad 1 can be discarded compactly. However, in the case of the pad 1 in Fig. 4, the parts of the pad 1 on one side and the other side from the folding position completely overlap. Therefore, the inner surface (the skin side surface which is the excretion surface in the case of Fig. 4) when the pad 1 is folded is not exposed, and it can be discarded more hygienically.

[0084] Further, as shown in FIG. 4, when the pad 1 is evenly divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, joint portions 30a and 30b (first joint portions) may be provided in one end region R1, and joint portions 30c and 30d (second joint portions) may be provided in the other end region R4.

[0085] By doing so, the outer part of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction is joined at the joint portion 30. Therefore, the part of the pad 1 outside the joint portion 30 in the longitudinal direction becomes smaller, and the part of the pad 1 that opens outside the joint portion 30 becomes smaller. As a result, it is easier for the user to handle the folded pad 1 and easier to discard it.

[0086] However, not limited to the above, as in the modification example of FIG. 5, when the pad 1 is evenly divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, joint portions 30a and 30b (first joint portions) may be provided in the first central region R2 adjacent to one end region R1 (in the region immediately on one side of the longitudinal center line CL), and joint portions 30c and 30d (second joint portions) may be provided in the second central region R3 adjacent to the other end region R4 (the region immediately on the other side of the longitudinal center line CL).

[0087] In this case, since the joint portion 30 is provided near the longitudinal center line CL where the pad 1 is folded in half, it becomes easier for the user to align the joint portions 30a and 30b on one side with the joint portions 30c and 30d on the other side. Also, the user can stably align the joint portions 30 while gripping the highly rigid absorbent core 10. Therefore, the joint portions 30 are surely brought into contact with each other, and it becomes easier to maintain the folding of the pad 1.

[0088] In the case of an absorbent article having an elastic member like the pad 1, it is preferable to specify the regions R1 to R4 obtained by dividing the absorbent article into four parts in the longitudinal direction in a state where the absorbent article is deployed and stretched. The same applies when specifying, comparing, the area, length, or position hereinafter.

[0089] Further, the length of the joint portion 30 in the longitudinal direction (L30 in FIG. 4) is preferably longer than the length of the joint portion 30 in the width direction (W30). When the joint portion 30 is composed of a plurality of joint portions 30a to 30d as shown in FIG. 4, the lengths are compared for each of the joint portions 30a to 30d. It is preferable that the above length relationship holds for all of the plurality of joint portions 30a to 30d.

[0090] By doing so, a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 can be adhered by the joint portion 30 that is long in the longitudinal direction, and the bent state of the pad 1 is likely to be maintained. In addition, the longitudinal portion of the pad 1 that opens or separates without being adhered at the joint portion 30 can be reduced. Particularly when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin side surface, excreted liquid and its odor can be confined inside the bent pad 1, and the pad 1 can be discarded more hygienically.

[0091] Also, the ratio obtained by dividing the planar area of the joint portion 30 by the planar area of the pad 1 in the unfolded and stretched state (FIG. 4) is preferably 0.15% or more and less than 50%. When the joint portion 30 is composed of a plurality of joint portions 30a to 30d, the total area thereof is taken as the planar area of the joint portion 30.

[0092] By doing so, compared to the case where the area ratio of the joint portion 30 is less than 0.15%, it is easier to bring the joint portions 30 into contact with each other, and the adhesive strength is increased. Therefore, the compact state in which the pad 1 is bent is likely to be maintained. In addition, compared to the case where the area ratio of the joint portion 30 is 50% or more, the increase in the rigidity of the pad 1 due to the joint portion 30 can be suppressed, and the flexibility of the pad 1 is ensured. Particularly when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin side surface, it is possible to prevent the absorption surface of the pad 1 (the portion where the absorbent core 10 is disposed) from being covered by the joint portion 30 and the absorption surface from becoming small.

[0093] Also, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, a joint portion 30 is provided on the side sheet 4. Examples of the side sheet 4 include a water-repellent treated nonwoven fabric. This can suppress the seepage of the excreted liquid blocked by the leak prevention wall 6. The joint portion 30 is preferably provided on a non-hydrophilic sheet (water-repellent sheet, hydrophobic sheet) such as the side sheet 4.

[0094] The joint portion 30 (self-adhesive binder 32 such as rubber) preferably does not come into contact with moisture. A non-hydrophilic sheet is less likely to absorb and retain excreted liquid compared to a hydrophilic sheet. Therefore, the joint portion 30 provided on the non-hydrophilic sheet is less likely to come into contact with the excreted liquid, and can suppress a decrease in the adhesive strength when the joint portions 30 face each other.

[0095] More preferably, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the longitudinal center line CL, the joint portion 30 preferably does not face the hydrophilic sheet. That is, when the joint portion 30 on one side of the fold line FL1 faces a portion other than the joint portion 30 on the other side, it preferably faces a non-hydrophilic sheet such as the side sheet 4. By doing so, the joint portion 30 on one side is less likely to come into contact with the excreted liquid, and can suppress a decrease in the adhesive strength when the joint portions 30 face each other.

[0096] Examples of the non-hydrophilic sheet include nonwoven fabrics formed of non-hydrophilic fibers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), resin films, and sheets obtained by subjecting hydrophilic sheets to water-repellent treatment.

[0097] Conversely, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 7, the joint portion 30 may be provided on a hydrophilic sheet such as the surface sheet 2. The hydrophilic sheet absorbs excreted liquid, but in a hydrophilic sheet, the excreted liquid easily diffuses in the plane direction and liquid pooling of the excreted liquid is less likely to occur. Therefore, by providing the joint portion 30 on the hydrophilic sheet, the risk of the joint portion 30 coming into contact with the liquid pool can be avoided, and a decrease in the joint strength when the joint portions 30 face each other can be suppressed.

[0098] Examples of the hydrophilic sheet include a nonwoven fabric formed of hydrophilic fibers such as regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., rayon) and natural fibers (e.g., cotton and pulp), and a sheet obtained by subjecting a non-hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to a hydrophilic treatment.

[0099] The identification of the non-hydrophilic sheet and the hydrophilic sheet can be visually determined by checking whether the sheet is one of those listed above. Alternatively, it can be identified by measuring the contact angle between the sheet and ion-exchanged water when the ion-exchanged water is brought into contact with the surface of the sheet (the surface where the joint portion 30 is provided). Specifically, after dropping ion-exchanged water (about 20 picoliters) onto the surface of the sheet to be measured, the contact angle is immediately measured using a contact angle meter (Contact Angle Meter MCA-J manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., or an equivalent). The measurement is performed at a plurality of locations (e.g., five or more locations) on the surface of the sheet, and the average value thereof is taken as the contact angle. The measurement environmental temperature is set to 22°C. When the contact angle is less than 90 degrees, it is a hydrophilic sheet, and when the contact angle is 90 degrees or more, it is a hydrophobic sheet.

[0100] Further, when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the average deviation (SMD) of the surface roughness of the joint surface (skin side surface) of the joint portion 30 is preferably 20 or less. By doing so, compared with the case where the average deviation (SMD) of the surface roughness is greater than 20, the roughness and unevenness of the surface of the joint portion 30 can be suppressed, and the skin feel of the joint portion 30 can be improved. Generally, the SMD of the male member of the hook-and-loop fastener is greater than 20. Therefore, according to the self-adhesive joint portion 30 described above, the burden on the skin of the wearer can be reduced and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced compared with the male member of the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0101] Also, the average coefficient of friction (MIU) of the joint surface of the joint portion 30 is preferably 0.2 or more. By doing so, the slipperiness of the joint portion 30 can be suppressed as compared with the case where the average coefficient of friction (MIU) is less than 0.2. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the displacement between the joint portion 30 provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1 and the wearer, or the displacement between the joint portion 30 provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1 and the outer (panty-type diaper or underwear). Thus, the sense of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0102] The average deviation of surface roughness (SMD) and the average coefficient of friction (MIU) can be measured by the following method. First, the joint portion 30 is cut out from the pad 1 to be measured to create a specimen piece. Next, using an automated surface tester KES-FB4-AUTO-A manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., the specimen piece is set on a smooth metal plane test bench. The average deviation of surface roughness (SMD) and the average coefficient of friction (MIU) are measured by sliding a terminal with a 25 gf weight added thereon at a speed of 1.0 mm / second on the surface of the test piece (the joint surface of the joint portion 30). The terminal has a size of 10 mm × 10 mm and is wound with a piano wire having a diameter of 0.5 mm. Also, it is desirable to create a plurality of test pieces and use the average value of the measured values of each test piece as the average deviation of surface roughness (SMD) and the average coefficient of friction (MIU).

[0103] Also, when performing an "adhesive force measurement test" for measuring the adhesive force between the joint portions 30 after repeatedly joining (adhering) and peeling the joint portions 30, the adhesive force between the joint portions 30 is preferably 0.2 N / 25 mm or more.

[0104] By doing so, even when the joining and peeling of the joint portions 30 are repeated a plurality of times (three times), the adhesive force when the joint portions 30 come into contact with each other is ensured as compared with the case where the adhesive force after the test is less than 0.2 N / 25 mm. Therefore, even when the user bends the used pad 1 and repeatedly joins and peels the joint portion 30 on one side and the joint portion 30 on the other side until they properly come into contact with each other for alignment, the adhesive force is ensured. Thus, the pad 1 is maintained in a folded and compact state and discarded.

[0105] The adhesive force measurement test can be performed using a tensile testing machine (e.g., Instron 5965 Model or equivalent). First, from the pad 1 to be measured, the joint 30 on one side and the joint 30 on the other side of the fold line FL1 are cut out to create a test piece. The test piece is rectangular with the peeling direction (tensile direction) as the longitudinal direction, and the "length in the peeling direction × width" is, for example, "40 mm × 25 mm". However, since the entire area of the test piece is the joint 30, the size of the test piece is adjusted according to the size of the joint 30. Next, the joining and peeling of the test piece of the joint 30 on one side and the test piece of the joint 30 on the other side are repeated 3 times. Then, with the test pieces of the joint 30 on one side and the joint 30 on the other side joined, the ends in the peeling direction of both test pieces are clamped with the chuck of the tensile testing machine (chuck distance: e.g., 20 mm). Then, at a tensile speed of 100 mm / min, the distance between the chucks is increased until the test pieces of the joint 30 on one side and the joint 30 on the other side are peeled off. The maximum value of the measured value (tensile load) during this period is taken as the adhesive force (N / 25 mm) between the joints 30.

[0106] In the pad 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, the shapes and areas of the four joints 30a to 30d of the joint 30 are the same. Not limited to this, as shown in the modification example of FIG. 8, the area of the joint 30k (first joint) provided on one side of the fold line FL1 may be different from the area of the joint 30l (second joint) provided on the other side of the fold line FL1. For example, it is preferable that the area of the larger joint 30 is 110% or more of the area of the smaller joint 30.

[0107] By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to align the joint with a small area (here, joint 30k) with the joint with a large area (here, joint 30l), and it becomes easier to bring the joints 30 into contact with each other. Also, when the areas and shapes of the joints 30 on one side and the joints 30 on the other side are the same, there is a risk that the user may feel a mental burden that the joints 30 must be brought into contact without misalignment. However, the above can eliminate that risk. However, when the areas and shapes of the joints 30 on one side and the joints 30 on the other side are the same as shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive force increases when the joints 30 are in contact with less misalignment, and the joints 30 can be effectively utilized.

[0108] Further, the planar shape of the absorbent core 10 is smaller than the planar shape of the pad 1. Therefore, the pad 1 has an existing region RE where the absorbent core 10 exists and a non-existing region RN where the absorbent core 10 does not exist.

[0109] In that case, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 8, the joint 30 may be provided in the existing region RE of the absorbent core 10. Since the joint 30 is located on the highly rigid absorbent core 10, the force applied by the user to bring the joints 30 into contact with each other is easily transmitted. Also, the user can stably bring the joints 30 into contact with each other while gripping the highly rigid portion where the absorbent core 11 exists. Therefore, the adhesive force is surely developed on the contact surface of the joint 30, and it can be firmly adhered, so that the compact state of the pad 1 is easily maintained.

[0110] Not limited to the above, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 7, the joint 30 may be provided in the non-existing region RN of the absorbent core 10. The non - existent region RN is located at the peripheral portion of the pad 1. Therefore, in the above - mentioned case, the joint portion 30 can be provided at the peripheral portion of the pad 1. Thus, it becomes easier to maintain the bent state of the pad 1. Also, the portion of the pad 1 that would otherwise open outside in the longitudinal direction or the width direction beyond the joint portion 30 can be reduced. Particularly when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin - side surface of the pad 1, since the absorption surface of the pad 1 (the portion where the absorbent core 10 is disposed) is not covered by the joint portion 30, the area of the absorption surface for receiving and absorbing excreted fluid is ensured.

[0111] Alternatively, as in the pad 1 of FIGS. 4 and 5, the joint portion 30 may be provided across the existent region RE and the non - existent region RN. By doing so, while providing the joint portion 30 at the peripheral portion of the pad 1, the joint portions 30 can be stably abutted against each other in the highly rigid existent region RE, and the joint portions 30 can be firmly adhered to each other. Also, when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin - side surface of the pad 1, the area of the absorption surface is ensured as compared with the case where the entire joint portion 30 is located in the existent region RE.

[0112] Also, although not shown, one of the joint portions 30 (the first joint portion) on one side and the joint portion 30 (the second joint portion) on the other side of the fold line FL1 may be provided in the existent region RE and the other may be provided in the non - existent region RN. By doing so, one joint portion 30 is provided at the periphery, and the opening of the pad 1 outside the joint portion 30 can be suppressed. Also, the one joint portion 30 can be stably abutted against the other joint portion 30 located in the highly rigid existent region RE, and the joint portions 30 can be firmly adhered to each other. Also, when the joint portion 30 is provided on the skin - side surface of the pad 1, the area of the absorption surface is ensured as compared with the case where both the joint portions 30 on one side and the other side are located in the existent region RE.

[0113] Further, it is preferable that the joint portion 30 has a plurality of sets of a joint portion 30 (first joint portion) provided on one side of the fold line FL1 and a joint portion (second joint portion) provided on the other side of the fold line FL1. For example, the pad 1 in FIG. 4 has two sets, namely, a set of a joint portion 30a on one side and a corresponding joint portion 30c on the other side, and a set of a joint portion 30b on one side and a corresponding joint portion 30d on the other side. That is, the joint portions 30 are provided intermittently in the width direction. Although not shown, the joint portions 30 may be provided intermittently in the longitudinal direction on each of one side and the other side of the fold line FL1 to form a plurality of sets of the joint portion 30 on one side and the joint portion 30 on the other side.

[0114] By providing a plurality of sets of the joint portions 30 that come into contact when the pad 1 is bent in this way, it becomes difficult for the pad 1 to open, and it becomes easier to maintain the compact state of the pad 1. Further, by providing the joint portions 30 intermittently, compared to the case where the joint portions 30 are provided continuously in the longitudinal direction or the width direction, the rigidity of the pad 1 can be suppressed, the materials can be reduced, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0115] Further, like the pad 1 in FIG. 4, the joint portion 30 is preferably provided in the widthwise end regions Ra1 and Ra3 when the pad 1 is evenly divided into three parts in the width direction. By doing so, the user can bring the joint portion 30 on one side into contact with the joint portion 30 on the other side while aligning and bending the ends of the pad 1, making it easier to bring the joint portions 30 into contact with each other.

[0116] In this case, like the pad 1 in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the joint portion 30 is provided not only in the end region Ra1 on one side in the width direction but also in the end region Ra3 on the other side in the width direction. That is, two sets of the joint portion 30 on one side and the joint portion 30 on the other side of the fold line FL1 are provided, and the two sets of the joint portions 30 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the pad 1. By doing so, the four corners of the pad 1 are joined, making it more difficult for the pad 1 to open and easier to maintain the compact state.

[0117] Not limited to the above, the joint portion 30 may be provided in the central region Ra2 in the width direction when the pad is evenly divided into three in the width direction, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 7. In this case, while reducing the number of joint portions 30, the openings on both sides in the width direction of the pad 1 can be averaged and suppressed. By reducing the set of joint portions 30 on one side and the other side from the fold line FL1, the mental burden on the user, such as having to abut sets of a plurality of joint portions 30, can also be reduced.

[0118] ===Second Embodiment=== In the second embodiment, the pants-type diaper 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the diaper 40) will be described as an example of the absorbent article. FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory views of the self-adhesive joint portion 50 of the diaper 40.

[0119] The diaper 40 has an absorbent main body 41 and an outer member 42. The absorbent main body 41 includes an absorbent core 411. The pants-type diaper 40 has a vertical direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to each other, and the unfolded diaper 40 (not shown) has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction of the diaper 40 corresponds to the vertical direction of the pants-type diaper 40 and is the direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 41. Among the outer members 42, the ventral body circumference portion that abuts against the ventral side of the wearer and the dorsal body circumference portion that abuts against the dorsal side of the wearer are joined and connected to each other by side joint portions 43 on both sides in the width direction. As a result, a body circumference opening and a pair of leg circumference openings are formed to form a pants type.

[0120] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, in the diaper 40 (especially the large-sized adult diaper 40), the portion of the outer member 42 that extends outward in the width direction from the absorbent main body 41 may be packaged in a state of being bent at the fold lines FL4 and FL5. Further, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the diaper 40 may also be packaged in a state of being bent in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) at the fold line FL6.

[0121] The diaper 40 may also have a self - adhering joint portion 50, like the pad 1 of the first embodiment. And in the direction orthogonal to the fold lines FL4 to FL6 during packaging, the joint portion 50 may be provided on one side and the other side of the fold lines FL4 to FL6. By doing so, when the user bends the diaper 40 and brings the joint portion 50 on one side into contact with the joint portion 50 on the other side, the diaper 40 is maintained in a folded and compact state. Also, since the joint portion 50 is self - adhering, it does not adhere to clothing or the like when the diaper 40 is worn, so ease of wearing is ensured.

[0122] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12A, in the width direction orthogonal to the fold line FL4 during packaging, the joint portion 50a may be provided on the right side (one side) of the fold line FL4 and the joint portion 50b may be provided on the left side (the other side). Also, in the width direction, the joint portion 50b may be provided on the right side (one side) of the fold line FL5 and the joint portion 50a may be provided on the left side (the other side). By doing so, as shown in FIG. 12B, when the user bends both side portions in the width direction of the outer member 42 inward in the width direction and brings the central joint portion 50a into contact with the side joint portions 50b, 50c, the adhesive force is developed at the joint portion 50. Thus, the user can carry or discard the diaper 40 while maintaining a compact state in the width direction.

[0123] Note that the joint portion 50 on one side of the fold line FL4 and the joint portion 50 on the other side of the fold line FL5 may be a continuous common joint portion as shown in FIG. 12A, or may be two separated joint portions.

[0124] Also, as shown in FIG. 13B, in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction) orthogonal to the fold line FL6 during packaging, the joint portion 50d may be provided on the upper side (one side) of the fold line FL6 and the joint portion 50e may be provided on the lower side (the other side). By doing so, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the user bends the diaper 40 in the vertical direction and brings the joint portion 50d into contact with the joint portion 50e, the adhesive force is developed at the joint portion 50. Thus, the user can carry or discard the diaper 40 while maintaining a compact state in the vertical direction.

[0125] The folding lines FL4 to FL6 and the joint 50 during packaging described above are just examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the diaper 40 may have only the folding line FL6 along the width direction, or may have both the joints 50a to 50c in FIG. 12A and the joints 50d and 50e in FIG. 13B.

[0126] Also, the diaper 40 has an existing area where the absorbent core 411 exists and a non-existing area where the absorbent core 411 does not exist. In the diaper 40 of FIG. 12A, one of the joints 50a on one side and the joint 50b on the other side of the folding line FL4 (the joint 50a) is provided in the existing area, and the other (the joint 50b) is provided in the non-existing area. Similarly, one of the joints 50c on one side and the joint 50a on the other side of the folding line FL5 (the joint 50a) is provided in the existing area, and the other (the joint 50c) is provided in the non-existing area.

[0127] In this case, the joints 50b and 50c located in the outer member 42 with low rigidity and easy to bend without the absorbent core 411 can be brought close to the joint 50a with high rigidity and stably abutted. Therefore, the joints 50 can be firmly adhered to each other.

[0128] ===Others=== The above embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. It goes without saying that the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0129] 1 Urine collection pad (absorbent article) 2 Surface sheet, 3 Back sheet, 4 Side sheet, 5 Elastic member around legs, 6 Leakage prevention wall portion, 7 Leakage prevention wall elastic member, 10 Absorbent core, 11 Core wrap sheet, 20 Fixing member, 30 Joint 30a joint (first joint), 30b joint (first joint), 30c joint (second joint), 30d joint (second joint), 40 pants-type diaper (absorbent article), 41 absorbent body, 411 absorbent core, 42 outer member, 43 side joint, 50 joint,

Claims

1. In the unfolded state, the bag has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to each other, An absorbent article comprising a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, It has self-adhesive joints, The joint portion is provided on one side of the fold line and on the other side of the fold line in a direction perpendicular to the fold line during packaging, The absorbent article is folded in half along the fold line along the width direction and is contained in a packaging bag.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article characterized in that, when the absorbent article is folded, the joint has a portion that overlaps in the thickness direction to form two layers at the center line of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on the one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line, An absorbent article characterized in that, when the absorbent article is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, the first joint portion is provided in the end region on one side and the second joint portion is provided in the end region on the other side.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on the one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line, An absorbent article characterized in that, when the absorbent article is divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction, the first joint is provided in a first central region adjacent to the end region on one side, and the second joint is provided in a second central region adjacent to the end region on the other side.

5. In an unfolded state, the device has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to each other, An absorbent article comprising a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, It has self-adhesive joints, The joint portion is provided on one side of the fold line and on the other side of the fold line in a direction perpendicular to the fold line during packaging, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is provided on the skin side of the absorbent article and is not provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article, characterized in that the length of the joint in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the joint in the width direction.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article, wherein the joining portion is provided on a non-hydrophilic sheet.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article, wherein the joining portion is provided on a hydrophilic sheet.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joining portion exhibits adhesive strength using a material other than a hook-and-loop fastener or an adhesive.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 5, An absorbent article characterized in that the average deviation of the surface roughness of the joining surface of the joining portion is 20 or less.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article characterized in that the average coefficient of friction of the joining surfaces of the joining portions is 0.2 or more.

12. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article characterized in that when an adhesive strength measurement test is conducted to measure the adhesive strength between the bonded portions after repeated joining and peeling of the bonded portions, the adhesive strength between the bonded portions is 0.2 N / 25 mm or more.

13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on the one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line, An absorbent article, characterized in that the area of the first joint portion is different from the area of the second joint portion.

14. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent core is present in a region where the absorbent core is present, and the absorbent core is not present in a region where the absorbent core is absent. An absorbent article characterized in that the joint portion is provided in the presence region.

15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent core is present in a region where the absorbent core is present, and the absorbent core is not present in a region where the absorbent core is absent. The absorbent article is characterized in that the joints are provided in the non-existent regions.

16. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent core is present in a region where the absorbent core is present, and the absorbent core is not present in a region where the absorbent core is absent. The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is provided across the presence region and the absence region.

17. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The joint portion has a first joint portion provided on the one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line, The absorbent core is present in a region where the absorbent core is present, and the absorbent core is not present in a region where the absorbent core is absent. An absorbent article, characterized in that one of the first joint portion and the second joint portion is provided in the presence region, and the other is provided in the absence region.

18. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is provided in a central region in the width direction when the absorbent article is divided into three parts in the width direction.

19. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joints are provided in widthwise end regions when the absorbent article is divided into three parts in the width direction.

20. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion has multiple pairs of a first joint portion provided on one side of the fold line and a second joint portion provided on the other side of the fold line.

21. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The area of the absorbent article when the absorbent article is folded in half along the fold line along the width direction and contained in a packaging bag and viewed along the thickness direction is defined as B, When the area of the absorbent article in the expanded and stretched state is viewed along the thickness direction, A is: An absorbent article characterized in that B is 25% or more of A.

22. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article, wherein the joint portion is capable of coming into contact with the skin when the absorbent article is in use.

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