Absorbent article

Abstract

To simplify work of a user for maintaining a compact state of an absorbent article.SOLUTION: Provided is an absorbent article (1) including an absorbent core (10). The absorbent article (1) includes maintaining means (30) that maintains a bending state of the absorbent article (1). The maintaining means (30) exhibits a function of maintaining the bending state in conjunction with bending operation of the absorbent article (1) by a user and is means other than a fastening tape that connects an abdominal side waistline part and a back side waistline part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article (pants-type disposable diaper) provided with a disposal tape on the outer surface. The disposal tape can maintain the state of the absorbent article rolled up small. Therefore, the used absorbent article can be discarded in a compact state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the disposal tape of Patent Document 1 is fixed to the outer surface of the absorbent article in a triple-folded state. Therefore, when discarding the used absorbent article, the user first rolls up the absorbent article from the crotch toward the waist opening. Then, the user releases the triple-folded state of the disposal tape and stretches the disposal tape. And the user wraps the disposal tape around the outer periphery of the rolled-up absorbent article. When maintaining the compact state of the absorbent article using the disposal tape in this way, the user needs to perform a plurality of operations, which takes time and effort.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to simplify the user's operation for maintaining the compact state of the absorbent article.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is, having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in the unfolded state, an absorbent article comprising a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, having maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, the maintaining means, in conjunction with the folding operation of the absorbent article by the user, exhibits a function of maintaining the folded state, and is a means other than a fastening tape that connects the ventral body circumferential part and the dorsal body circumferential part. 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, the work of the user for maintaining the compact state of the absorbent article can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] From the description of this specification and the attached drawings, at least the following matters become clear. (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, the absorbent article having maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, the maintaining means expressing a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with a folding operation of the absorbent article by a user, and being means other than a fastening tape that connects the ventral body - surrounding part and the dorsal body - surrounding part.

[0010] According to Aspect 1, since a compact state in which the absorbent article is folded is maintained in conjunction with the folding operation, the work of the user (for example, disposal work) can be simplified.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, In the folded state, the skin - facing sides of the absorbent article face each other.

[0012] According to Aspect 2, since the absorbent article is maintained in a folded state with the skin side that has received and absorbed the excretory fluid facing inward, it is possible to confine the excretory fluid and its odor inside the folded absorbent article. Therefore, the absorbent article can be hygienically discarded.

[0013] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or 2, A folding guide portion is provided at the folding position of the absorbent article in the folded state.

[0014] According to Aspect 3, the absorbent article is more easily folded at the folding position, and the folding operation of the user becomes easier. Also, not only by the maintaining means, but also by the folding guide portion, the folded state of the absorbent article is more easily maintained.

[0015] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, The maintaining means is provided in the end region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to Aspect 4, the part of the absorbent article that opens outside the maintaining means can be reduced, and the folded state of the absorbent article is more easily maintained. Also, it becomes easier for the user to handle the folded absorbent article.

[0017] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, The absorbent article is characterized in that the maintaining means is provided in the central region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] According to Aspect 5, the user can make the maintaining means function while stably performing a folding operation while gripping the central region where the absorbent core exists and has high rigidity.

[0019] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article according to Aspect 2, When the area of the absorbent article in the unfolded state is defined as the total area and the area of the skin-facing side of the absorbent article that is exposed in the folded state is defined as the exposed area, the value obtained by dividing the exposed area by the total area is 50% or less.

[0020] According to Aspect 6, compared with the case where the ratio of the exposed area is higher than 50%, excreted liquid and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article. Therefore, the absorbent article can be discarded hygienically.

[0021] (Aspect 7) The absorbent article according to Aspect 2, In the folded state, the excretory opening contact position on the skin-facing side of the absorbent article is not exposed.

[0022] According to Aspect 7, more excreted liquid and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article. Therefore, the absorbent article can be discarded hygienically.

[0023] (Aspect 8) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, In at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the length from the end of the holding means to the end of the absorbent article is equal to or less than the length of the holding means.

[0024] According to Aspect 8, the holding means is provided at a position close to the end of the absorbent article. Therefore, the part of the absorbent article that opens outside the holding means can be reduced, and the folded state of the absorbent article is more easily maintained. Also, it becomes easier for the user to handle the folded absorbent article.

[0025] (Aspect 9) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, The length of the holding means in the longitudinal direction is 10% or more of the length from the center to the end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and the length of the holding means in the width direction is 10% or more of the length of the absorbent article in the width direction, at least one of them.

[0026] According to Aspect 9, a holding means is provided over a wide range of the peripheral portion of the absorbent article. Therefore, the folded state of the absorbent article is likely to be maintained. Further, the gap between the folded and overlapping absorbent articles can be reduced, and the thickness of the folded absorbent articles can be made compact.

[0027] (Aspect 10) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, The rigidity of the holding means is lower than the rigidity of the material in which the holding means is provided.

[0028] According to Aspect 10, the surface of the holding means is likely to be deformed according to the material in contact with the holding means. Therefore, the adhesion between the holding means and the material in contact therewith can be enhanced, and the thickness of the folded absorbent articles can be made compact.

[0029] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, The average deviation of the surface roughness of the holding means is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the holding means is provided.

[0030] According to Aspect 11, the unevenness on the surface of the holding means is suppressed, and the adhesion between the holding means and the material in contact therewith can be enhanced. Therefore, the thickness of the folded absorbent articles can be made compact.

[0031] (Aspect 12) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, The average deviation of the surface roughness of the holding means is equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the holding means is provided.

[0032] According to Aspect 12, the unevenness on the surface of the holding means is likely to catch on the material in contact with the holding means, making it difficult for the absorbent article to unfold, and making it easier to maintain the folded state.

[0033] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, The color of the holding means is different from the color of the material in which the holding means is provided.

[0034] According to Aspect 13, the maintenance means is prominent, making it easier for the user to recognize the maintenance means. Therefore, the user can fold the absorbent article while being aware of the maintenance means, and the function of the maintenance means is likely to be exhibited.

[0035] (Aspect 1413) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, The absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer, and the ratio of the value obtained by dividing the weight of the superabsorbent polymer by the weight of the absorbent core is 80% or more.

[0036] According to Aspect 14, compared with the case where the weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer is less than 80%, the absorbent core can reduce its thickness while ensuring the absorption amount. Therefore, the thickness of the folded absorbent article can be made compact.

[0037] (Aspect 15) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, The maintenance means is not folded when the absorbent article is worn, and exhibits the function of maintaining the folded state without deforming from the folded state to the unfolded state.

[0038] According to Aspect 15, the user's operation (for example, disposal operation) for maintaining the compact state of the absorbent article can be simplified.

[0039] ===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 short-type napkin, a tape-type disposable diaper, a pet diaper, an absorbent sheet for care or for pets, etc.

[0040] <<<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 the "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.

[0041] 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 symmetric configuration 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 end portion and the other end portion in the longitudinal direction being connected along the torso of the wearer.

[0042] 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 is 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.

[0043] 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 and toward the skin side surface of the skin side sheet 2.

[0044] As the absorbent core 10, for example, a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber 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 an SAP sheet in which an 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. Further, the absorbent core 10 may not be covered with the core wrap sheet 11.

[0045] 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. The fixing members 20 are provided at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, respectively. 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). In addition, examples of the fixing member 20 include a tape coated with an adhesive.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] <<<Maintaining means 30>>> FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the folding operation of the pad 1. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 and is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in a folded state. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of the configuration of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIGS. 8 to 13 are explanatory views of modified examples of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of modified examples of the maintaining means 60 to 62.

[0050] 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 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 in the width direction is also referred to as the "width center line C".

[0051] The pad 1 has a maintaining means 30 for maintaining the folded state of the pad 1. The maintaining means 30 exhibits a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with the folding operation of the pad 1 by the user and is a means other than the fastening tape that connects the ventral torso portion and the dorsal torso portion. In the pad 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side surface.

[0052] The self-adhesive maintaining means 30 has low tack (adhesiveness) by itself, but when the maintaining means 30 come into contact with each other under a relatively weak pressure, an adhesive force (adhesive strength) is developed, and it has the property that it is difficult to adhere even when a strong pressure is applied to parts other than the maintaining means 30. Specifically, the adhesive force between the maintaining means 30 and parts other than the maintaining means 30 is preferably 1 / 4 or less compared to the adhesive force between the maintaining means 30. Also, the maintaining means 30 can be peeled off without damaging the pad 1 and can be re-adhered. The maintaining means 30 is formed by a self-adhesive binder 32.

[0053] The self-adhesive binder 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe even when it comes into contact with the wearer's skin, 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.

[0054] In order to make the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 function, when the pad 1 is bent at a desired folding position, as shown in FIG. 3B, the maintaining means 30 has a portion where it overlaps in the thickness direction and becomes two layers. By doing so, an adhesive force is developed between the overlapping maintaining means 30, and the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained.

[0055] In the pad 1 of FIG. 4, the maintaining means 30 is arranged so that a bent state in which the pad 1 is bent with the longitudinal center line CL of the pad 1 as the folding position and the skin side surface facing inward is maintained. For this purpose, two maintaining means 30a and 30b are provided on one side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal center line CL, and two maintaining means 30c and 30d are provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the longitudinal center line CL. That is, the pad 1 has four maintaining means 30a to 30d, and the maintaining means 30 is provided on both sides in the width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the maintaining means 30 provided on one side with respect to the longitudinal center line CL is also referred to as "maintaining means on one side", and the maintaining means 30 on the other side with respect to the longitudinal center line CL is also referred to as "maintaining means on the other side".

[0056] In the bent state of the pad 1, at least a part of the holding means 30a and 30b on one side and the holding means 30c and 30d on the other side may overlap with each other, preferably completely overlap. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 4, the holding means 30 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal center line CL. Specifically, the holding means 30 is arranged at positions separated by a predetermined distance L1 from the longitudinal center line CL1 to one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction. Further, the holding means 30 is arranged at a position where the holding means 30a and 30b on one side and the holding means 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).

[0057] According to the above-mentioned pad 1, when the user (wearer, caregiver, etc.) performs an operation of bending the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal center line CL (FIG. 3A), the holding means 30a and 30b on one side and the holding means 30c and 30d on the other side come into contact with each other, and the holding means 30 exhibits an adhesive force. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the pad 1 to unfold, and the bent state of the pad 1 (FIG. 3B) is maintained. That is, the state where the planar size of the pad 1 becomes small and is halved as shown in FIG. 5 is maintained. Therefore, the user can carry or discard the pad 1 in a compact state.

[0058] Note that the holding means 30 on one side and the holding means 30 on the other side with respect to the longitudinal center line CL may be a pair of holding means 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. 9. In the case of FIG. 9, a part of the holding means 30 on one side and a part of the holding means 30 on the other side with respect to the longitudinal center line CL come into contact with each other and an adhesive force is exhibited. In the case of FIG. 9, since the holding means 30 exists over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, it becomes more difficult for the pad 1 to unfold, and a compact state is maintained. Particularly when the pad 1 is bent with the skin side facing inward, it becomes difficult for excreted liquid and its odor to be released to the outside. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 4, since the length of the holding means 30 is short, an increase in the rigidity of the pad 1 by the holding means 30 can be suppressed, materials can be reduced, and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0059] Further, in the pad 1 (absorbent article), the absorbent core 10 is the main constituent material, and the absorbent core 10 has a length so as to abut from the ventral side to the dorsal side of the wearer. Therefore, it is preferable that the maintaining means 30 exhibits a function of maintaining the bent state in conjunction with the bending operation of the absorbent core 10 by the user. By doing so, the pad 1 can be bent more compactly, and the compact bent state is maintained.

[0060] Also, as described above, the maintaining means 30 is a means different from the fastening tape. The fastening tape is, for example, a member extending in the width direction from the main body portion of a tape-type disposable diaper. Generally, the fastening tape has a male member of a hook-and-loop fastener and can be engaged with the skin side surface of the waist portion. In a tape-type disposable diaper, after the dorsal waist portion is laid under the dorsal side of the wearer, the diaper is folded in half, and the ventral waist portion and the dorsal waist portion are connected by the fastening tape. In addition, fastening tapes are also provided for diapers in which only one side in the left-right direction is in a tape form and the other side is in a pants form. Also, there are some pants-type diapers in which fastening tapes are provided on both sides in the left-right direction so that the user can cut the waist portion and wear it.

[0061] Suppose that the state in which the main body portion (absorbent core) of the above diaper is bent in half in the longitudinal direction (the up-down direction of the pants type) is to be maintained by the fastening tape. For this purpose, after bending the absorbent core, the user needs to bend the fastening tape inward in the width direction and engage the fastening tape with the main body portion of the diaper. Therefore, with the fastening tape, the bent state is not maintained in conjunction with the bending operation of the diaper (absorbent core).

[0062] In contrast, according to the pad 1 of the present embodiment, when the user simply bends the pad 1 (absorbent core 10) in half in the longitudinal direction, the self - adhering maintaining means 30 adhere to each other in conjunction with this operation, and the bent state is maintained. Therefore, the work of the user to maintain the pad 1 in a compact bent state can be simplified.

[0063] Also, in general disposable diapers of the pants type, there may be a disposal tape folded in three - folds or the like. In this case, after the user bends (rounds) the used diaper, the user unfolds the three - fold state of the disposal tape, stretches the disposal tape, and wraps the disposal tape around the outer periphery of the bent diaper. Therefore, the disposal tape cannot maintain its bent state in conjunction with the folding operation of the absorbent article.

[0064] In contrast, the maintaining means 30 of the present embodiment exhibits the function of maintaining the bent state of the pad 1 without being folded when the pad 1 is worn and without deforming from the folded state to the unfolded state. Therefore, according to the maintaining means 30 of the present embodiment, operations such as unfolding the disposal tape and wrapping the disposal tape around the absorbent article, which are required for the disposal tape, become unnecessary. Therefore, the work of the user to maintain the pad 1 in a compact state can be simplified.

[0065] Also, fastening tapes and disposal tapes are folded during the packaging of absorbent articles. For example, the fastening tape is folded inward in the width direction, and the disposal tape is folded in three - folds or the like. In contrast, the maintaining means 30 of the present embodiment exhibits the function of maintaining the bent state of the pad 1 while remaining in the state at the time of packaging of the pad 1 (while remaining in the state when it is housed in the storage bag of the package). Therefore, the user can use the maintaining means 30 without performing an extra operation, and the work of the user to maintain the pad 1 in a compact state can be simplified.

[0066] In addition, the folding position of the pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions is not limited to the folding position along the width direction (here, the longitudinal center line CL), and may be, for example, a folding position along the longitudinal direction. In that case, the maintaining means 30 may be provided on one side and the other side in the width direction with respect to the folding position along the longitudinal direction. By doing so, the state in which the pad 1 is folded compactly in the width direction is maintained.

[0067] Further, the maintaining means 30 is self-adhesive. Therefore, when the pad 1 is worn, the maintaining means 30 does not adhere to the wearer's skin, the surface of the pad 1 other than the maintaining means 30, or the clothing. Thus, it is easy to position the pad 1 with respect to the wearer, and the ease of wearing the pad 1 is ensured. In addition, since the maintaining means 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 maintaining means 30.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6A, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 is preferably a sheet-like base material 31 coated with a self-adhesive bonding agent 32. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6B, the maintaining means 30 may be one in which the self-adhesive bonding agent 32 is directly applied to the basic material (such as the side sheet 4, the surface sheet 2, the back sheet 3, etc.) constituting the outer surface of the pad 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6A, when the maintaining means 30 is formed separately from the basic material of the pad 1 and adhered to the basic material of the pad 1, the maintaining means 30 is likely to be conspicuous. Therefore, the maintaining means 30 is easily recognized by the user, and when the user folds the pad 1, the awareness of bringing the maintaining means 30 into contact with each other easily works. The base material 31 of the maintaining means 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, and the like. If the base material 31 is a flexible sheet, the rigidity of the maintaining means 30 can be suppressed, so even if the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the feeling of discomfort can be suppressed. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 6B, the rigidity of the skin side surface of the pad 1 can be reduced by the amount corresponding to the absence of the base material 31, and the feeling of discomfort can be further suppressed or the number of materials of the pad 1 can be reduced.

[0070] The thickness of the holding means 30 is preferably 3 mm or less. By doing so, compared with the case where the thickness of the holding means 30 is greater than 3 mm, the step in the holding means 30 becomes smaller, and the sense of discomfort when worn can be suppressed. The thickness can be measured, for example, in a non-contact manner using a laser displacement meter (high-precision 2D laser displacement meter LJ-G series (model: LJ-G030) manufactured by KEYENCE CORPORATION or equivalent).

[0071] In the holding means 30, the self-adhesive adhesive 32 may be applied (so-called solid coating) over the entire area, or the self-adhesive adhesive 32 may be applied in a predetermined pattern. Examples of the predetermined pattern include the dot pattern shown in FIG. 7A, the wavy pattern shown in FIG. 7B, as well as the Ω pattern, the spiral pattern, the stripe pattern, the lattice pattern, etc. The shape of the pattern is not particularly limited. In this case, among the group of self-adhesive adhesives 32 applied in a predetermined pattern, the virtual line extending in the longitudinal direction passing through the ends of the self-adhesive adhesives 32 on the outermost one side and the outermost other side in the width direction, and the virtual line extending in the width direction passing through the ends of the self-adhesive adhesives 32 on the outermost one side and the outermost other side in the longitudinal direction, define the holding means 30.

[0072] Also, although the holding means 30 is illustrated as rectangular in FIG. 4, the shape of the holding means 30 is not particularly limited. However, according to the holding means 30 having a shape that is long in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 as in the holding means 30 of FIG. 4, a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 can be adhered, and the bent state of the pad 1 is likely to be maintained. Also, the longitudinal portion of the pad 1 that is not adhered by the holding means 30 and opens or separates can be made smaller. Especially when the pad 1 is bent with the skin side facing inward, it becomes difficult for excretory fluid and its odor to be released to the outside.

[0073] The self - adhesion maintaining means 30 (self - adhesion adhesive 32 such as rubber) is preferably not in contact with moisture. Therefore, the maintaining means 30 is preferably provided on a non - hydrophilic sheet (water - repellent sheet, hydrophobic sheet) such as the side sheet 4. A non - hydrophilic sheet is less likely to absorb and hold excreted fluid compared to a hydrophilic sheet. Therefore, the maintaining means 30 provided on the non - hydrophilic sheet is less likely to come into contact with the excreted fluid, and can suppress a decrease in the adhesive strength when the maintaining means 30 face each other. Examples of the non - hydrophilic sheet include non - woven 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.

[0074] Conversely, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 10, the maintaining means 30 may be provided on a hydrophilic sheet such as the surface sheet 2. A hydrophilic sheet absorbs excreted fluid, but in a hydrophilic sheet, the excreted fluid easily diffuses in the planar direction and it is difficult for a pool of excreted fluid to form. Therefore, by providing the maintaining means 30 on the hydrophilic sheet, the risk of the maintaining means 30 coming into contact with a pool of fluid can be avoided, and a decrease in the adhesive strength when the maintaining means 30 face each other can be suppressed. Examples of the hydrophilic sheet include non - woven fabrics formed of hydrophilic fibers such as regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., rayon), natural fibers (e.g., cotton and pulp), and sheets obtained by subjecting non - hydrophilic non - woven fabrics to hydrophilic treatment.

[0075] The identification of the non-hydrophilic sheet and the hydrophilic sheet can be visually determined by checking whether the sheet is the one 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 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 (MCA-J contact angle meter manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., or an equivalent one). The measurement is performed at multiple locations (for example, 5 or more locations) on the surface of the sheet, and the average value thereof is taken as the contact angle. The measurement environmental temperature shall be 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.

[0076] In addition, in the bent state of the pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions, it is preferable that the skin-side surfaces of the pad 1 face each other. That is, the maintaining means 30 may exhibit its function in conjunction with the bending operation with the skin-side surface of the pad 1 on the inside.

[0077] By doing so, the state where the pad 1 is bent with the skin-side surface for receiving and absorbing excretory fluid on the inside is maintained. Therefore, the excretory fluid and its odor can be confined 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 contact the excretory surface, and it can be hygienically discarded. Regarding the pad 1 before use, since the state where it is bent with the skin-side surface on the inside is maintained, it can be hygienically stored and carried. Also, in the case of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30, even if the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin-side surface, it does not adhere to the skin of the wearer, so it is difficult to cause a feeling of discomfort during wearing.

[0078] However, not limited to the above, there may be a maintaining means 30 that exhibits a function of maintaining the bent state in conjunction with the bending operation with the non-skin side of the pad 1 facing inward. For this purpose, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 may be provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1. Even in this case, a compact state in which the pad 1 is bent with the non-skin side of the pad 1 facing inward is maintained. Also, since the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 does not adhere to the outer (underwear or diaper), it is possible to prevent the followability of the pad 1 with respect to the wearer's movement from being overly restricted by the outer.

[0079] Also, the pad 1 in FIG. 4 is folded in half with the longitudinal center line CL as the folding line FL1 during packaging and is accommodated in the storage bag of the package. The pad 1 has a crease at the folding line FL1 during packaging and is easily bent along the folding line FL1. That is, the folding line FL1 during packaging functions as a folding guiding portion that guides the folding of the pad 1.

[0080] Therefore, it is preferable that the maintaining means 30 exhibits its function in conjunction with the operation of the user to bend the pad 1 along the folding guiding portion. In other words, it is preferable that the folding guiding portion is provided at the folding position of the bent pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions. For this purpose, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, when the pad 1 is bent at the folding line FL1 during packaging, the maintaining means 30a, 30b on one side and the maintaining means 30c, 30d on the other side come into contact with each other.

[0081] By doing so, when the pad 1 is discarded or the like, it becomes easier for the user to bend the pad 1, and the work for maintaining the compact state of the pad 1 becomes simpler. Also, not only the maintaining means 30 but also the folding guiding portion makes it easier to maintain the bent state of the pad 1.

[0082] The folding guide portion may be not only the folding line FL1 during packaging, but also a portion where the rigidity of the pad 1 changes. Examples of the rigidity change portion include a portion (slit) where the basis weight of the material constituting the absorbent core 10 becomes zero, a portion (low basis weight portion) where the basis weight of the material constituting the absorbent core 10 is lower than that of the surroundings, and at least a squeezing groove formed by squeezing the absorbent core 10 by embossing or the like. These may be used as the folding guide portion. In that case, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 8, a folding guide portion 101 (rigidity change portion) may be provided at a folding position (here, on the longitudinal center line CL) where the folded state of the pad 1 is maintained. The pad 1 is more likely to be bent in the longitudinal direction by the folding guide portion 101 extending in the width direction.

[0083] Further, it is preferable that an elastic member that expands and contracts in a direction orthogonal to the folding position of the pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions (here, the longitudinal center line CL) is provided so as to straddle the folding position. As shown in FIG. 1, the pad 1 of the present embodiment has a leg-around elastic member 5 and a leak-proof wall elastic member 7 that straddle the longitudinal center line CL. In this case, due to the contraction force of the elastic member, the pad 1 is more likely to be bent, so that the work of the user becomes easier. Also, the folded state of the pad 1 is more likely to be maintained.

[0084] The folding position of the pad 1 where the function of the maintaining means 30 is exhibited is not limited to the position of the folding line FL1 during packaging. For example, the three-fold type pad 1 shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C has two folding lines FL2 and FL3 along the width direction. Also in this case, as shown in FIG. 12A, the maintaining means 30 may be arranged in the same manner as the pad 1 of FIG. 4. That is, instead of the folding lines FL2 and FL3 during packaging, the maintaining means 30 may be overlapped and function when the pad 1 is folded twice at the longitudinal center line CL. Also in this case, the double-folded state of the pad 1 is maintained, and the pad 1 can be discarded compactly. Also, since the number of folds at the time of discarding becomes one, the discarding work of the user can be simplified.

[0085] Not limited to the above, maintaining means 30 may be provided on the pad 1 so that the state in which the pad 1 is bent by the two fold 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. 12B, maintaining means 30e and 30f may be provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1 on one side and the other side, respectively, in the longitudinal direction orthogonal to the fold line FL2. Then, maintaining means 30g is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1 on one side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fold line FL3, and maintaining means 30h is provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1 on the other side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fold line FL3 and bent by the fold line FL2. By doing so, the state in which the pad 1 is bent is maintained as in the case of packaging. In this way, maintaining means 30 for maintaining each bent state may be provided on the pad 1 in conjunction with a plurality of (here, two) bending operations by the user.

[0086] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, maintaining means 30 may be provided in the end regions R1 and R4 when the pad 1 is evenly divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction. The self-adhesive maintaining means 30 exhibits an adhesive force when the maintaining means 30 come into contact with each other. Therefore, maintaining means 30a and 30b may be provided in the end region R1 on one side in the longitudinal direction, and maintaining means 30c and 30d may also be provided in the end region R4 on the other side.

[0087] By doing so, the outer part of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction is adhered by the maintaining means 30. Therefore, the part of the pad 1 outside the maintaining means 30 in the longitudinal direction becomes smaller, and the part of the pad 1 that opens outside the maintaining means 30 becomes smaller. Therefore, it is easier for the user to handle and discard the bent pad 1.

[0088] However, not limited to the above, as in the modification example of FIG. 8, maintaining means 30 may be provided in the central regions R2 and R3 when the pad 1 is evenly divided into four parts in the longitudinal direction. In the case of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30, maintaining means 30a and 30b may be provided in the central region R2 immediately on one side of the longitudinal center line CL, and maintaining means 30c and 30d may be provided in the central region R3 immediately on the other side of the longitudinal center line CL.

[0089] In this case, while gripping the highly rigid central regions R2 and R3 where the absorbent core 10 is present, the user can stably perform the folding operation of the pad 1 while making the maintaining means 30 function. Particularly in the case of the self - adhering maintaining means 30, since the maintaining means 30 is provided near the longitudinal center line CL for folding the pad 1 in half, it becomes easier for the user to align the maintaining means 30a and 30b on one side with the maintaining means 30c and 30d on the other side.

[0090] Note that, not limited to the self - adhering maintaining means 30, the maintaining means 60 - 62 provided only on one side in the longitudinal direction as in the modification shown in FIG. 14 may also be used. In that case, the maintaining means 60 - 62 may be provided in one of the two end regions R1 and R4 when the pad 1 is divided into four parts, or in one of the two central regions R2 and R3.

[0091] Also, in the case of an absorbent article having an elastic member like the pad 1, in a state where the absorbent article is unfolded and stretched, it is preferable to specify the regions R1 - R4 obtained by dividing the absorbent article into four parts in the longitudinal direction. The same applies when specifying or comparing the area, length, or position hereinafter.

[0092] Also, like the pad 1 in FIG. 4, the maintaining means 30 is preferably provided in the width - direction end regions Ra1 and Ra3 when the pad 1 is divided into three parts in the width direction. By doing so, while aligning and folding the ends of the pad 1, the user can bring the maintaining means 30 on one side into contact with the maintaining means 30 on the other side, making it easier to bring the maintaining means 30 into contact with each other. In this case, not only the end region Ra1 on one side in the width direction but also the end region Ra3 on the other side in the width direction are preferably provided with the maintaining means 30. By doing so, the four corners of the pad 1 are adhered, making it more difficult for the pad 1 to open and easier to maintain a compact state.

[0093] Not limited to the above, like the pad 1 in FIG. 10, the holding means 30 may be provided in the central region Ra2 in the width direction when the pad is divided into three in the width direction. In this case, while reducing the number of the holding means 30, the openings on both sides in the width direction of the pad 1 can be suppressed evenly. By reducing the number of pairs of the holding means 30 that abut against each other, the mental burden on the user, such as having to abut a plurality of pairs of the holding means 30, can also be reduced.

[0094] Also, when the holding means 30 maintains the pad 1 in a bent state with the skin side face of the pad 1 on the inner side, the following is preferable. First, let the area of the pad 1 in the unfolded and extended state (for example, the planar area of the pad 1 in FIG. 4) be the total area A1. Let the area of the skin side face of the pad 1 that is exposed in the bent state in which the holding means 30 functions be the exposed area A2. At this time, the value obtained by dividing the exposed area A2 by the total area A1 (= A2 / A1×100) is preferably 50% or less.

[0095] The pad 1 in FIG. 4 has a planar shape symmetric about the longitudinal center line. Therefore, when the pad 1 is folded in two at the longitudinal center line CL, as shown in FIG. 5, the part of the pad 1 on one side of the longitudinal center line CL and the part of the pad 1 on the other side completely overlap, the exposed area A2 becomes zero, and the area ratio becomes 50% or less.

[0096] Not limited to the above, for example, like the pad 1 in FIG. 13A, the holding means 30c, 30d on the other side in the longitudinal direction may be displaced toward the central side in the longitudinal direction compared to the pad 1 in FIG. 4. In this case, the user can fold the pad 1 while stably gripping the part of the pad 1 where the holding means 30, 30d displaced toward the central side in the longitudinal direction is located. However, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the pad 1 is folded at the folding position F where the holding means 30 functions, a part of the skin side face of the pad 1 is exposed.

[0097] Even in that case, it is preferable that the area ratio of the exposed area A2 on the skin side surface is 50% or less. By doing so, compared to the case where the area ratio of the exposed area A2 on the skin side surface is higher than 50%, the excreted liquid and its odor can be contained inside the folded pad 1. Also, it becomes difficult for the user's hand to touch the excretion surface, and the pad 1 can be discarded hygienically. Further, since the excreted liquid is discharged from the ventral side rather than the dorsal side in the longitudinal direction, it is desirable to provide the maintaining means 30 so that the part of the pad 1 on the ventral side in the longitudinal direction is not exposed.

[0098] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the urine collection pad 1 has an excretion port contact position p0 where the excretion port (urethral orifice) of the wearer is assumed to contact during wear. The excretion port contact position p0 is the central region Ra2 when the absorbent core 10 is divided into three in the width direction, and is set to any position in the ventral end region Rb1 or the central region Rb2 when the absorbent core 10 is divided into three in the longitudinal direction. In the case of the pad 1 specialized for men, the excretion port contact position p0 may be shifted to the ventral side compared to the pad 1 specialized for women.

[0099] And when the maintaining means 30 maintains the folded state with the skin side surface of the pad 1 on the inside, in the folded state (FIG. 5), it is preferable that the excretion port contact position p0 on the skin side surface of the pad 1 is not exposed.

[0100] By doing so, the part (excretion port contact position p0) of the skin side surface of the pad 1 that has absorbed more excreted liquid is covered by the part of the pad 1 on the opposite side of the folding position (CL). Therefore, more excreted liquid and its odor can be contained inside the folded pad 1, and the deodorizing effect is enhanced. Also, it becomes difficult for the user's hand to touch the excretion surface, and the pad 1 can be discarded hygienically.

[0101] Also, the pad 1 preferably contains a deodorant. By doing so, the odor prevention effect of the used pad 1 can be further enhanced. As the deodorant, known materials can be used, such as activated carbon, zeolite, silica gel, alumina, porous glass, etc. In addition, known deodorants or antibacterial agents may be provided on the pad 1, and in that case as well, the odor prevention effect can be enhanced.

[0102] Also, the backsheet 3 of the pad 1 is preferably a gas-barrier film. By doing so, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, it becomes difficult for the odor of the excreted liquid to pass through the backsheet 3, and the odor prevention effect can be further enhanced. Examples of the gas-barrier film include ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), aluminum vapor deposition, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyamide (PA), polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate films, etc. The backsheet 3 may be a non-breathable film (for example, a film with a breathability of 300 g / m 2 ·24 h or less) or a low-breathability film (for example, a film with a breathability of 1000 g / m 2 ·24 h or less), and in that case as well, the odor prevention effect can be enhanced.

[0103] In the pad 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, the shapes and areas of the four holding means 30a to 30d of the holding means 30 are the same. Not limited to this, as shown in the modification example of FIG. 11, the area of the holding means 30k on one side of the longitudinal center line CL may be different from the area of the holding means 30l on the other side. For example, the area of the larger holding means 30l is preferably 110% or more of the area of the smaller holding means 30k.

[0104] By doing so, it becomes easier for the user to align the smaller-area maintaining means 30k with the larger-area maintaining means 30l while bending the pad 1, and it becomes easier to bring the maintaining means 30 into contact with each other. Also, when the areas and shapes of the maintaining means 30 on one side and the maintaining means 30 on the other side are the same, there is a risk that the user will feel a mental burden that the maintaining means 30 must be brought into contact without misalignment. However, the above can eliminate that risk. However, when the areas and shapes of the maintaining means 30 on one side and the maintaining means 30 on the other side are the same as shown in FIG. 4, the adhesive force increases when the maintaining means 30 are in contact with less misalignment, and the maintaining means 30 can be effectively utilized.

[0105] Also, in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the length from the end of the maintaining means 30 to the end of the pad 1 is preferably equal to or less than the length of the maintaining means 30. For example, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, the longitudinal length of the maintaining means 30a on one side in the longitudinal direction is L30. The longitudinal length from one end in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 to one end in the longitudinal direction of the maintaining means 30a is L2. At this time, the length L2 is preferably equal to or less than the length L30 (L2≦L30). Also, the widthwise length of the maintaining means 30a on the left side in the width direction is W30. The length from the left end in the width direction of the pad 1 to the left end in the width direction of the maintaining means 30a is W2. At this time, the length W2 is preferably equal to or less than the length W30 (W2≦W30).

[0106] According to the above, the maintaining means 30 is provided at a position close to the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction or the width direction (within the range not exceeding the length of the maintaining means 30). Therefore, the bent state of the pad 1 is likely to be maintained. Also, the portion of the pad 1 that opens outside in the longitudinal direction or the width direction beyond the maintaining means 30 can be reduced. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to handle the bent pad 1. In particular, when the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, it becomes difficult for the maintaining means 30 to cover the absorption surface of the pad 1 (the portion where the absorbent core 10 is disposed), and the area of the absorption surface that receives and absorbs excreted liquid is ensured.

[0107] In addition, the length of the holding means 30 in the longitudinal direction is preferably at least 10% of the length L3 from the center of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal center line CL) to the end of the pad 1, and the length of the holding means 30 in the width direction is preferably at least 10% of the length of the pad 1 in the width direction (the maximum length of the entire pad 1) W2.

[0108] By doing so, compared with the case where the length of the holding means 30 is less than 10% compared to the length (L3, W2) of the pad 1, the holding means 30 is provided over a wide range of the peripheral portion (longitudinal direction or width direction) of the pad 1. Therefore, the bent state of the pad 1 is more likely to be maintained. Also, the gap between the pads 1 that are bent and overlapped can be reduced, and the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 can be made compact. Especially when the pad 1 is bent with the skin side facing inward, it becomes difficult for excreted fluid and its odor to be released to the outside.

[0109] Specifically, it is compared with the length of the holding means 30 located on one side or the other side of the folding position of the pad 1 where the holding means 30 functions (here, the longitudinal center line CL). When the sizes of the holding means 30 are different on one side and the other side of the folding position as in the pad 1 of FIG. 11, it is compared with the length of the smaller holding means 30 (here, the holding means 30k).

[0110] Also, when a plurality of holding means 30 are provided on one side of the folding position (CL), the following shall apply. When the longitudinal positions of the plurality of holding means 30 completely overlap as in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, the longitudinal length of one of the holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the longitudinal direction". When the longitudinal positions of the plurality of holding means 30 are completely shifted, the total value of the longitudinal lengths of the plurality of holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the longitudinal direction". When the longitudinal positions of the plurality of holding means 30 partially overlap, the value obtained by subtracting the overlapping length from the total value of the longitudinal lengths of the plurality of holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the longitudinal direction". For example, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, it is preferable that the longitudinal length L30 of each of the two holding means 30a and 30b is 10% or more of the half length L3 of the pad 1 (L30 ≧ L3 × 0.1).

[0111] Similarly, when the widthwise positions of the plurality of holding means 30 completely overlap, the widthwise length of one of the holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the widthwise direction". When the widthwise positions of the plurality of holding means 30 are completely shifted as in FIG. 4, the total value of the widthwise lengths of the plurality of holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the widthwise direction". When the widthwise positions of the plurality of holding means 30 partially overlap, the value obtained by subtracting the overlapping length from the total value of the widthwise lengths of the plurality of holding means 30 shall be defined as the "length of the holding means 30 in the widthwise direction". For example, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, it is preferable that the total value of the widthwise lengths W30 of each of the two holding means 30a and 30b is 10% or more of the maximum width W2 of the pad 1 (W30 × 2 ≧ W2 × 0.1).

[0112] Also, the planar shape of the absorbent core 10 is smaller than that 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. In this case, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 11, the maintaining means 30 may be provided in the existing region RE of the absorbent core 10. By positioning the maintaining means 30 on the highly rigid absorbent core 10, the force applied by the user to bend the pad 1 and bring the maintaining means 30 into contact with each other is easily transmitted. Also, the user can stably bring the maintaining means 30 into contact with each other while gripping the highly rigid portion where the absorbent core 10 exists, and the maintaining means 30 are likely to adhere firmly to each other.

[0113] Not limited to the above, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 10, the maintaining means 30 may be provided in the non-existing region RN of the absorbent core 10. In that case, the maintaining means 30 can be provided at the peripheral edge of the pad 1. Thus, the bent state of the pad 1 is more likely to be maintained. Also, the portion of the pad 1 that opens outside in the longitudinal direction or the width direction beyond the maintaining means 30 can be reduced. Particularly when the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the area of the absorption surface (the portion where the absorbent core 10 is disposed) of the pad 1 is not covered by the maintaining means 30, ensuring the area of the absorption surface for receiving and absorbing excreted fluid.

[0114] Alternatively, as in the pad 1 of FIGS. 4 and 8, the maintaining means 30 may be provided across the existing region RE and the non-existing region RN. By doing so, while the maintaining means 30 is provided at the peripheral edge of the pad 1, the maintaining means 30 can be stably brought into contact with each other in the highly rigid existing region RE, and the maintaining means 30 can be firmly adhered to each other. Also, when the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the area of the absorption surface is ensured as compared to the case where the entire area of the maintaining means 30 is located in the existing region RE.

[0115] Also, it is desirable that the rigidity of the maintaining means 30 is lower than the rigidity of the material in which the maintaining means 30 is provided. The material in which the maintaining means 30 is provided is the side sheet 4 in the case of FIG. 4 and the surface sheet 2 in the case of FIG. 10.

[0116] By doing so, it is possible to suppress the increase in rigidity due to providing the maintaining means 30 on the pad 1, and the discomfort during wearing can be reduced. Further, in the bent state of the pad 1, the maintaining means 30 becomes more likely to deform according to the material it contacts, and the adhesion with the contacting material is enhanced. In the case of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30, the adhesion between the maintaining means 30 is enhanced. Therefore, the gap between the pads 1 that are bent and overlapped can be reduced, and the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 can be made compact. Especially when the pad 1 is bent with the skin side facing inward, it becomes difficult for excreted liquid and its odor to be released to the outside.

[0117] Regarding rigidity, for example, it can be measured using a KES-FB2-L large bending measurement tester manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. or an equivalent one. First, separate the pad 1 from the maintaining means 30 (for example, the base material 31 coated with the self-adhesive binder 32) and the material (for example, the side sheet 4 or the surface sheet 2) on which the maintaining means 30 is provided by using a cold spray or the like, and create respective sample pieces. The longitudinal direction or the width direction of the diaper 1 is set as the measurement direction (bending direction). Next, sandwich and fix both ends of the sample piece in the measurement direction (bending direction) to the chuck of the measurement tester, and bend the sample piece in the measurement direction. At this time, at a deformation speed of 0.1 cm -1 / second, bend it to the front side up to a maximum curvature of +0.5 cm -1 and then bend it to the back side up to a maximum curvature of -0.5 cm -1 and then return it to the original state. The bending rigidity B (gf·cm 2 / cm) is calculated from the average value of the slope of the bending moment M with respect to the curvature K = 0.1 to 0.3 for the front side bending (the slope of the M-K curve) and the slope of the bending moment M with respect to the curvature K = -0.1 to -0.3 for the back side bending (the slope of the M-K curve).

[0118] Also, it is desirable that the average deviation of the surface roughness of the holding means 30 is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material on which the holding means 30 is provided. The material on which the holding means 39 is provided is the side sheet 4 in the case of FIG. 4 and the surface sheet 2 in the case of FIG. 10. When the holding means 30 is provided on the skin side surface of the pad 1, the surface roughness of the skin side surface of the holding means 30 and the material is used, and when the holding means 30 is provided on the non-skin side surface of the pad 1, the surface roughness of the non-skin side surface of the holding means 30 and the material is used.

[0119] By doing so, the roughness and unevenness of the surface of the holding means 30 can be suppressed. Therefore, in the bent state of the pad 1, the adhesion between the holding means 30 and the material in contact therewith is enhanced. In the case of the self-adhesive holding means 30, the adhesion between the holding means 30 is enhanced. Thus, the gap between the pads 1 that are folded and overlapped can be reduced, and the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 can be made compact. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side surface on the inside, it becomes difficult for excreted liquid and its odor to be released to the outside. Also, even when the skin of the wearer comes into contact with the holding means 30, the burden on the skin can be reduced and the feeling of discomfort during wearing can be reduced.

[0120] Conversely, the average deviation of the surface roughness of the holding means 30 may be equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material (side sheet 4 or surface sheet 2) on which the holding means 30 is provided.

[0121] In this case, the unevenness of the surface of the holding means 30 becomes relatively large, and the unevenness of the holding means 30 is likely to catch on the material in contact with the holding means 30. In the case of the self-adhesive holding means 30, the unevenness between the holding means 30 fits together, and the adhesive force between the holding means 30 is enhanced. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the fold of the pad 1 to open due to the holding means 30, and the folded state of the pad 1 is likely to be maintained.

[0122] The average deviation of surface roughness (SMD) can be measured by the following method. First, using cold spray or the like, separate the pad 1 from the holding means 30 and the material (such as the side sheet 4 or the surface sheet 2) on which the holding means 30 is provided to create respective sample pieces. When the self - adhesive 32 is directly provided on the material as shown in Fig. 6B, the self - adhesive 32 and the material on which it is provided are also made into a sample piece. Next, using an automated surface tester KES - FB4 - AUTO - A manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., set the sample piece on a smooth metal - plane test bench. By sliding a terminal with a 25 gf weight added thereon at a speed of 1.0 mm / second on the surface of the sample piece (the bonding surface of the holding means 30), the average deviation of surface roughness (SMD) is measured. The terminal has a size of 10 mm×10 mm and a 0.5 mm - diameter piano wire wound thereon. Also, it is desirable to create a plurality of sample pieces and use the average value of the measured values of each sample piece as the average deviation of surface roughness (SMD).

[0123] Also, the color of the holding means 30 is preferably different from the color of the material on which the holding means 30 is provided. When the holding means 30 is composed of the base material 31 and the self - adhesive 32 (Fig. 6A), it is sufficient if the color of at least one of the base material 31 and the self - adhesive 32 is different from the color of the material.

[0124] According to the above, the holding means 30 is prominent, making it easier for the user to recognize the holding means 30. Therefore, the user can bend the pad 1 while being conscious of the holding means 30, and the function of the holding means 30 is more likely to be exhibited. In the case of the self - adhesive holding means 30, the awareness of abutting the holding means 30 on one side and the other side works, and the holding means 30 are more likely to be firmly adhered to each other.

[0125] The color of the maintaining means 30 and the color of the material (for example, the side sheet 4 and the surface sheet 2) may be different colors, or may be colors of the same color system but with different densities, as long as there is a color difference that can be visually distinguished. That is, even when the two target colors are adjacent, the color difference should be large enough to be distinguishable. Specifically, based on the tolerance grades generally used in JIS standards or various industrial associations, for example, based on CIE1976, L * a * b * The color difference (ΔE76) calculated by the color difference formula in the color space should be 0.8 or more, preferably 1.6 or more, more preferably 3.2 or more, still more preferably 6.5 or more, still more preferably 13.0 or more, and even more preferably 25.0 or more. The color difference can be measured using a general-purpose color difference meter (for example, the Colorimeter CR-400 manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Inc., or an equivalent one), and the measurement can be carried out in a constant temperature room of 20 degrees.

[0126] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent core 10 contains a superabsorbent polymer 102. In that case, the ratio of the value obtained by dividing the weight of the superabsorbent polymer 102 by the weight of the absorbent core 10 (the total weight of the absorbent core 10) is preferably 80% or more.

[0127] According to the above, compared with the case where the weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer 102 is less than 80%, the absorbent core 10 can reduce the thickness while ensuring the absorption amount. Therefore, the thickness of the folded pad 1 can be made compact. Also, since the superabsorbent polymer 102 firmly holds the absorbed excreted liquid, both the excreted liquid and leakage can be suppressed, and the pad 1 can be discarded hygienically.

[0128] The weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer 102 can be measured by a well-known method. As an example, after measuring the total weight of the absorbent core 10 taken out from the pad 1 to be measured, the superabsorbent polymer 102 is taken out by physically shaking the absorbent core 10 or the like, and its weight is measured.

[0129] So far, as the maintaining means for maintaining the bent state of the pad 1, the self - adhering maintaining means 30 has been exemplified, but it is not limited thereto. The maintaining means may be a pair of maintaining means in which the maintaining means come into contact with each other to develop an adhesive force (function of maintaining the bent shape of the pad 1), similar to the self - adhering maintaining means 30. Or, the maintaining means may be a single maintaining means in which the adhesive force (function of maintaining the bent shape of the pad 1) is developed when the maintaining means comes into contact with the material of the pad 1. In the case of a pair of maintaining means, it is preferably provided on one side and the other side with respect to the desired folding position. In the case of a single maintaining means, it may be provided on at least one side of the desired folding position.

[0130] Examples of the pair of maintaining means include the male and female members of a hook - and - loop fastener, suction cups, suction cups and smooth members (e.g., film), magnets, magnets and metal members, protrusions and recesses (e.g., buttons), strong friction members (e.g., rubber members or gel - like members) and film, protrusions and members deformed by the protrusions, members that chemically react (e.g., cure) upon contact, etc. However, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of maintaining the bent shape of the pad 1.

[0131] Examples of the single maintaining means include the male member of a hook - and - loop fastener, adhesive members (e.g., adhesives or gel - like members), members that are easily charged with static electricity, etc. However, it is not particularly limited as long as it is a means capable of maintaining the bent shape of the pad 1. Also, even if it is a single maintaining means, it may be arranged on both sides of the folding position so that the single maintaining means come into contact with each other in the bent state of the pad 1.

[0132] Also, as shown in FIG. 14A, the maintaining means 60 may be a pocket into which a part of the pad 1 (e.g., an end on one side in the longitudinal direction) can be inserted. In this case as well, the user can insert a part of the pad 1 into the pocket - shaped maintaining means 60 while bending the pad 1 (in conjunction with the bending operation). Thereby, since the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained, the work of the user to make the pad 1 compact can be simplified.

[0133] Also, as shown in FIG. 14B, the holding means 61 may be a slit (through-hole) through which a part of the pad 1 (for example, an end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction) can be inserted. Also in this case, the user can insert a part of the pad 1 into the holding means 61 which is a slit while bending the pad 1 (in conjunction with the bending operation). Thereby, since the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained, the work of the user to make the pad 1 compact can be simplified.

[0134] Also, as shown in FIG. 14C, the holding means 62 may be a pressing member that can press from above through a part of the pad 1 (for example, an end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction). As the pressing member, rubber, a shape memory type wire (for example, a resin wire or a wire), a string, etc. can be used. The user can pass a part of the pad 1 (for example, an end portion on one side in the longitudinal direction) between the holding means 62 which is a pressing member and the surface of the pad 1 while bending the pad 1 (in conjunction with the bending operation). Thereby, since the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained, the work of the user to make the pad 1 compact can be simplified.

[0135] Also, as long as it is a position where the adhesion of the pad 1 to the wearer is not inhibited, a shape memory type wire may be arranged along the direction in which the pad 1 is bent (for example, the longitudinal direction). Also in this case, the shape memory type wire bends in the same manner as the pad 1, and the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained.

[0136] ===Second Embodiment=== In the second embodiment, as the absorbent article, a panty-type diaper 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the diaper 40) will be described as an example. FIGS. 15 to 17 are explanatory views of the self-adhesive holding means 50 included in the diaper 40.

[0137] The diaper 40 has an absorbent body 41 and an outer member 42. The absorbent body 41 includes an absorbent core 411. The diaper 40 in the pant form has a vertical direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to each other, and the diaper 40 in the unfolded state (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 diaper 40 in the pant form and is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 41. Among the outer members 42, a ventral body surrounding portion 44 that abuts against the ventral side portion of the wearer and a dorsal body surrounding portion 45 that abuts against the dorsal side portion of the wearer are joined and connected to each other by a side joint portion 43 on both side portions in the width direction. As a result, a torso opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH are formed to form a pant shape.

[0138] The diaper 40 may also exhibit a function of maintaining its folded state in conjunction with the folding operation of the diaper 40 by the user and include a maintaining means 50 that is a means other than the fastening tape. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the self-adhesive maintaining means 50 is exemplified as the maintaining means 50.

[0139] As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the outer member 42 extends outward in the width direction from the absorbent body 41 for the diaper 40 (especially for adult diapers 40 with a large size). Therefore, self-adhesive maintaining means 50a to 50c may be provided on the non-skin side surfaces of the diaper 40 (outer member 42) on one side and the other side of the folding positions FL4 and FL5 along the side edges in the width direction of the absorbent body 41.

[0140] By doing so, in conjunction with the user's operation of bending both side portions in the width direction of the exterior member 42 inward in the width direction at the folding positions FL4 and FL5, the holding means (50a and 50b, and 50a and 50c) on one side and the other side of the folding positions FL4 and FL5 come into contact, and an adhesive force is generated. Therefore, the state in which the exterior member 42 is bent in the width direction is maintained, and the user can carry or discard the diaper 40 in a compact state in the width direction. Note that the holding means 50 on one side of the folding position FL4 and the holding means 50 on the other side of the folding position FL5 may be a continuous common holding means as shown in FIG. 15A, or may be two separated holding means.

[0141] Also, as shown in FIG. 16B, self-adhesive holding means 50d and 50e may be provided on one side and the other side of a folding position FL6 along the width direction that divides the diaper 40 into two in the vertical direction. By doing so, as shown in FIG. 16C, in conjunction with the user's operation of bending the diaper 40 in the vertical direction at the folding position FL6, the holding means (50d and 50e) on one side and the other side of the folding position FL6 come into contact, and an adhesive force is generated. Therefore, the state in which the diaper 40 is folded into two in the vertical direction is maintained, and the user can carry or discard the diaper 40 in a compact state in the vertical direction. However, the above-described holding means 50 is an example and is not limited thereto. For example, the diaper 40 may have both the holding means 50a to 50c of FIG. 15A and the holding means 50d and 50e of FIG. 16B.

[0142] Further, 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. 15A, one of the holding means 50a on one side and the holding means 50b on the other side (holding means 50a) with respect to the folding position FL4 is provided in the existing area, and the other (holding means 50b) is provided in the non-existing area. Similarly, one of the holding means 50c on one side and the holding means 50a on the other side (holding means 50a) with respect to the folding position FL5 is provided in the existing area, and the other (holding means 50c) is provided in the non-existing area. In this case, the holding means 50b and 50c located on the outer member 42 which has low rigidity and is easy to bend without the absorbent core 411 can be brought closer to the holding means 50a provided at a position with high rigidity, and can be stably abutted. Therefore, the holding means 50 can be firmly adhered to each other.

[0143] Also, when wearing the pant-type diaper 40, the wearer performs a leg-through operation of inserting the legs through the waist opening BH and taking the legs out through the leg opening LH, and then pulls up the entire diaper 40 to the waist and wears it. When performing the leg-through operation, the legs may get caught on the waist part (44, 45). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17A, self-adhesive holding means 50f and 50g may be provided on one side (upper side) and the other side (lower side) with respect to the folding position FL7 along the width direction in which the waist part (44, 45) is folded in two in the vertical direction.

[0144] By doing so, as shown in FIG. 17B, in conjunction with the user's operation of bending the waist part (44, 45) in the non-skin side in the vertical direction at the folding position FL7, the holding means (50f and 50g) on one side and the other side with respect to the folding position FL7 abut, and the adhesive force is generated. Therefore, the state in which the waist parts 44 and 45 are folded in two in the vertical direction is maintained.

[0145] Then, compared with the diaper 40 that is not folded in half (Fig. 17A), the length of the torso circumference part (44, 45) becomes half (from the length Lss to the length Lss / 2). Therefore, the length from the torso circumference opening BH to the leg circumference opening LH becomes shorter, and in the leg threading operation, the length for passing the legs into the diaper 1 becomes shorter, making it easier to smoothly pass the legs through.

[0146] Also, it is assumed that a wearer with deteriorated physical functions such as an elderly person sits on a chair or the like, grabs the upper end of the side joint part 43 of the diaper 40 with their hand, and holds the diaper 40 suspended to perform the leg threading operation. By suspending the diaper 40, the position of the leg circumference opening LH can be lowered, making it easier for a wearer who cannot raise their legs high to perform the leg threading operation. Also in that case, as shown in Fig. 17B, by folding the torso circumference part (44, 45) in half in the vertical direction to shorten its length, the visibility from the inside of the torso circumference opening BH to the leg circumference opening LH is enhanced. That is, it becomes easier to visually recognize the space outside the diaper 1 through the torso circumference opening BH and the leg circumference opening LH. Thereby, the wearer can recognize the target position for passing the legs through, making it easier to perform the leg threading operation.

[0147] Also, in Fig. 17A, the maintaining means 50 is provided on the non-skin side surface of the torso circumference part (44, 45), and the torso circumference parts 44, 45 are bent outward (so that the non-skin side surfaces face each other). By doing so, the number of materials inside the diaper 40 becomes smaller compared to the case where the torso circumference part (44, 45) is bent inward, making it easier to perform the leg threading operation. Also, since the maintaining means 50 on the non-skin side surface does not contact the wearer's skin, the sense of discomfort during wearing can be reduced. However, it is not limited to the above, and the maintaining means 50 may be provided on the skin side surface of the torso circumference part (44, 45). Also, in Fig. 17A, the case where the maintaining means 50 is provided on the ventral torso circumference part 44 is illustrated, but the maintaining means 50 may be provided on the dorsal torso circumference part 45, or the maintaining means 50 may be provided on both the ventral and dorsal sides.

[0148] ===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

[0149] 1 Urine collection pad (absorbent article) 2 Top 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 Maintaining means, 40 Pant-type diaper (absorbent article), 41 Absorbent main body, 411 Absorbent core, 42 Exterior member, 43 Side joining portion, 50 Maintaining means, 60 - 62 Maintaining means,

Claims

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 comprising a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, the absorbent article having a maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, wherein the maintaining means exhibits a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with a folding operation of the absorbent article by a user, and is a means other than a fastening tape that connects a ventral body circumferential portion and a dorsal body circumferential portion. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the folded state, the absorbent article is characterized in that the skin-side surfaces face each other.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a folding guiding portion is provided at a folding position of the absorbent article in the folded state. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintaining means is provided in an end region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintaining means is provided in a central-side region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 2, taking the area of the absorbent article in the unfolded state as the total area, when taking the area of the skin-side surface of the absorbent article that is exposed in the folded state as the exposed area, the absorbent article is characterized in that the value obtained by dividing the exposed area by the total area is 50% or less.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein in the folded state, the absorbent article is characterized in that the position where the excretion port abuts on the skin-side surface is not exposed.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the length from the end of the maintaining means to the end of the absorbent article is less than or equal to the length of the maintaining means. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, the length of the maintaining means in the longitudinal direction is 10% or more of the length from the center to the end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and The length of the maintaining means in the width direction is at least any one of being 10% or more of the length of the absorbent article in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by this.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the rigidity of the maintaining means is lower than the rigidity of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the average deviation of the surface roughness of the maintaining means is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the average deviation of the surface roughness of the maintaining means is equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the color of the maintaining means is different from the color of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer, The absorbent article is characterized in that the ratio of the value obtained by dividing the weight of the superabsorbent polymer by the weight of the absorbent core is 80% or more.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The maintaining means is not folded when the absorbent article is worn, and exhibits the function of maintaining the bent state without being deformed from the folded state to the unfolded state. An absorbent article characterized by this.

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