Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article for improving wearing comfort.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes: a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to a front-back direction of a wearer; a length along a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; a front body region located on a front side of the wearer in the front-back direction; a back body region located on a back side of the wearer in the front-back direction; a crotch region that has a crotch-region central part at a position 379 mm from a back-side end of the back body region between the front body region and the back body region, and whose width is narrower than the front body region and the back body region; an absorbent core for absorbing urine, disposed at least in the crotch region, and having such a shape that both sides of the back-side end in the width direction are cut out toward the crotch region side; and absorbent core non-extending regions to which the absorbent core does not extend, provided on both sides in the width direction, in the back body region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, absorbent pads, and sanitary products have been developed (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-140559 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When worn, the absorbent article is placed between the wearer's legs and extends from the abdomen to the back, which may cause pressure on the wearer's ilium and reduce comfort.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that improves wearing comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer; a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a front body region located in front of the wearer in the front-to-back direction, a back body region located behind the wearer, and a crotch region between the front body region and the back body region, the crotch region having a center portion at a position 379 mm from the back end of the back body region, and the length in the width direction is narrower than the front body region and the back body region; an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region, the absorbent core having a shape in which both widthwise sides of the rear end portion are cut out toward the crotch region, and the absorbent core absorbs urine; The rear body region has absorbent core non-extended regions on both sides in the width direction where the absorbent core does not extend. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of an absorbent pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a restricting portion that restricts displacement of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is one aspect of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0010] <Embodiment> In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of a disposable absorbent pad (an example of an "absorbent article" in this application) is the direction connecting the front body portion facing the wearer's abdomen and the back body portion facing the back. A crotch section, which is positioned between the front body portion (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portion (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (at the center in the longitudinal direction) and is located adjacent to the wearer's crotch area (facing the crotch area). When the absorbent pad is worn on a wearer (hereinafter referred to as the "worn state"), the side facing the wearer's skin (the inner side in the worn state) is the skin-facing side, and the side opposite the skin-facing side (the outer side in the worn state) is the non-skin-facing side. The thickness direction is the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side, and the width direction is the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and thickness directions. A view from the thickness direction is a planar view. The absorbent pad has a length along the longitudinal direction, which corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer, and a length along the width direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, terms relating to directions used in this application refer to directions that correspond to the front, back, left, and right of the wearer when the absorbent pad is worn on the wearer. For example, the front-to-back direction in this application means the direction that corresponds to the front and back of the wearer when the absorbent pad is worn on the wearer, and the left-to-right direction in this application means the direction that corresponds to the left and right of the wearer when the absorbent pad is worn on the wearer.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view of an absorbent pad 1 according to an embodiment. The absorbent pad 1 is used to absorb and retain liquids such as urine, and can be used alone by placing it on the skin-facing side of underwear, or can be used layered inside a disposable diaper. The absorbent pad 1 has a crotch region 1B corresponding to the crotch area that covers the wearer's genitals when worn, a front body region 1F located in front of the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the front side of the wearer, and a back body region 1R located behind the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the back side of the wearer.

[0012] The absorbent pad 1 has an absorbent body 6, which can absorb and retain liquid, arranged mainly around the crotch region 1B. The absorbent pad 1 also has three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R (an example of a "leak-proof wall" as referred to in this application) arranged mainly around the crotch region 1B of the wearer to prevent the formation of gaps between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid leakage path. The three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elastic force of the elastic members. Therefore, liquid excreted by the wearer is absorbed by the absorbent body 6 without leaking from the absorbent pad 1. The elastic members can be selected from thread-like or strip-like rubber, etc., as appropriate.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the embodiment in a stretched state, viewed from the skin-facing side. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the embodiment, taken along line AA in FIG. 3. In the cross-sectional views shown below, each component of the absorbent pad 1 is illustrated thicker than its actual size to facilitate understanding of the internal structure of the absorbent pad 1. However, the absorbent pad 1 is actually very thin. As shown in FIG. 3, the front body region 1F is a wide region at the front side of the absorbent pad 1, and the back body region 1R is a wide region at the rear side of the absorbent pad 1. The crotch region 1B is narrower than the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. The center of the crotch region 1B (an example of the "crotch region center" referred to herein) is located at the center of the narrowest region of the absorber 6 in the longitudinal and width directions, 379 mm forward from the rear end of the back body region 1R. If the distance from the center of the crotch region 1B to the rear end of the back body region 1R is 379 mm, when the absorbent pad 1 is worn with the wearer's crotch aligned with the crotch region 1B, the widthwise outer end of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 can be worn so that it is aligned with the wearer's ilium.

[0014] In the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R are wider than the crotch region 1B in a plan view, and the crotch region 1B has a narrowed shape. Both longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1 are formed in a curved shape, and the front end of the front body region 1F is The central portion has an arc-shaped cutout toward the crotch region 1B, and the rear end of the back body region 1R has a shape in which the widthwise center protrudes outward in an arc-shaped manner in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, at both longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1, the widthwise outer ends have an arc-shaped cutout toward the crotch region 1B. The narrowed region in the crotch region 1B has a shape in which multiple arcs (for example, three arcs in this embodiment) extending outward in the widthwise direction are connected. This planar shape allows the absorbent pad 1 to easily fit the wearer's abdomen and buttocks when worn.

[0015] The absorbent pad 1 includes a top sheet 8 (an example of the "water-permeable sheet" referred to in this application) that is disposed on the skin-facing side when the absorbent pad 1 is worn. The top sheet 8 is the portion that contacts the wearer's skin when the absorbent pad 1 is worn, and is a water-permeable sheet made of a liquid-permeable material that allows liquids such as urine to pass through. The top sheet 8 may be made of a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a porous film, or the like. The nonwoven fabric may be made of thermoplastic resin fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or nylon that have been hydrophilized, or may be an air-through nonwoven fabric, a point-bonded nonwoven fabric, a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric, or a melt-blown nonwoven fabric.

[0016] The absorbent pad 1 comprises an absorbent body 6, a back sheet 5, and a cover sheet 4, which are laminated in this order on the non-skin facing side of the top sheet 8.

[0017] The absorbent body 6 absorbs and retains liquids such as urine. The absorbent body 6 is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the top sheet 8, including the crotch region 1B, to absorb liquids excreted by the wearer. A hot melt adhesive HM is applied to the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 in multiple rows of stripes spaced apart in the width direction, and this hot melt adhesive HM bonds the absorbent body 6 to the top sheet 8. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 6 has an absorbent core 6C containing an absorbent material and a core wrap sheet 7 that wraps the top and bottom of the absorbent core 6C. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal directions of the absorbent core 6C and core wrap sheet 7 and the absorbent pad 1.

[0018] The absorbent core 6C has a structure in which granular absorbent resin (polymeric water-absorbing material) such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp, rayon, or cotton, or short fibers made from synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been hydrophilically treated. These short fibers and SAP are examples of absorbent materials.

[0019] In this embodiment, SAP particles refer to a resin composition containing SAP in a granular form. The term "SAP-containing resin composition" as used herein encompasses both compositions consisting solely of SAP and compositions containing SAP as the primary component, with other substances added to the extent that they do not adversely affect water absorption. Examples of "other substances" include additives such as surface modifiers added to hydrophobize the particle surface, and unreacted monomers remaining during the synthesis of SAP. SAP particles can absorb approximately 10 to 100 times their own weight in liquid. The SAP particles may be, for example, granular particles with a diameter of approximately 0.1 to 0.5 mm before absorbing liquid.

[0020] While SAP particles can gel and retain liquid, it takes a certain amount of time for them to absorb the liquid. In the absorbent pad 1, the short fibers slow down the discharged liquid while diffusing it within the absorbent core 6C until the SAP particles have absorbed the liquid, allowing a wide range of SAP particles to absorb the discharged liquid and preventing the liquid from flowing back.

[0021] The absorbent core 6C has an upper absorbent mat 6A arranged on the top sheet 8 side and a lower absorbent mat 6B arranged on the non-skin facing side. The absorbent mat 6A has a two-layer structure in which two absorbent mats, an upper absorbent mat 6A and a lower absorbent mat 6B, are stacked. The upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B are formed from the above-mentioned short fibers. In this embodiment, SAP is mixed into the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B.

[0022] Alternatively, the SAP particles may be unevenly distributed in either the upper absorbent mat 6A or the lower absorbent mat 6B. For example, the SAP particles may be distributed only in the upper absorbent mat 6A, but not in the lower absorbent mat 6B. In this case, the lower absorbent mat 6B is made of short fibers only, and serves to retain and diffuse the discharged liquid and prevent it from flowing back in until it is absorbed by the SAP particles contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0023] The absorbent core 6C may also have an SAP layer (not shown) formed of a large number of SAP particles, which is disposed between the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B. The absorbent core 6C diffuses liquids such as urine through the lower absorbent mat 6B, and retains the liquid through the SAP layer and the SAP contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0024] When the absorbent pad 1 is viewed from above, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. The end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A on the front body region 1F side is wider than the crotch region 1B and has a generally elliptical shape with the major axis extending in the width direction of the absorbent pad 1. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6A on the rear body region 1R side is wider than the crotch region 1B and has a generally triangular shape with the widthwise center of the outer longitudinal end located on the rear side. Furthermore, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A does not reach the rear end of the absorbent core 6 and is formed short even within the absorbent core 6 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1.

[0025] Furthermore, when the absorbent pad 1 is viewed from above, the area of the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is preferably smaller than that of the non-skin-facing side, and the outer edge of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is preferably inclined from the non-skin-facing side toward the skin-facing side. This shape prevents acute angles from being formed on the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A, improving the feel against the skin when worn.

[0026] The lower absorbent mat 6B is disposed below (non-skin facing) the upper absorbent mat 6A when viewed from the top sheet 8 side, and has substantially the same planar shape as the absorbent pad 1. The upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B are stacked in the thickness direction so that their respective widthwise centers are substantially aligned. In addition, in plan view, the lower absorbent mat 6B is formed to be larger than the upper absorbent mat 6A. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal directions of the upper and lower absorbent mats 6A and 6B and the absorbent pad 1.

[0027] The lower absorbent mat 6B has both longitudinal ends with an arc-shaped cutout at the widthwise outer end toward the center of the crotch region 1B. The widthwise outer end of the longitudinal rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B is the position where the wearer's ilium protrudes when worn. Therefore, by cutting out the rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B in a roughly arc-shaped shape, it conforms to the wearer's ilium when worn, preventing the absorbent core 6C from overlapping and compressing the ilium.

[0028] At the longitudinal rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B, both widthwise outer ends have an arc shape cut out toward the center of the crotch region 1B. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 has absorbent core non-extending regions 11, where the absorbent core 6C does not extend, at both widthwise outer ends of the longitudinal rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B. The absorbent core non-extending regions 11 extend over an area 45 mm to 120 mm from the rear end of the absorbent pad 1. The boundary between the absorbent core non-extending region 11 and the absorbent core 6C is the rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B and is curved. In the absorbent pad 1, the boundary between the absorbent core non-extending region 11 and the absorbent core 6C is formed in a curved shape. Because the absorbent pad 1 has a rectangular wave shape, it does not have corners where the angle changes suddenly. Corners where the angle changes suddenly tend to become the base points for bending the absorbent pad 1 along the straight edge. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 prevents bending of the absorbent pad 1 at corners where the angle changes suddenly, and suppresses pressure against the wearer's skin and bedsores. Furthermore, when worn, the absorbent core non-extension region 11 corresponds to the position where the wearer's ilium protrudes. Therefore, pressure on the ilium by the absorbent core 6C is suppressed, and bedsores can be prevented.

[0029] The lower absorbent mat 6B has cutouts 12 (an example of the "cutout" in this application) cut out at the widthwise center toward the crotch region 1B at both longitudinal ends. By having the cutouts 12 in the absorbent pad 1, any creases that occur during the putting-on process can be adjusted by moving the cutouts 12 in the widthwise direction, and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C can be put on so that it is aligned with the ilium.

[0030] The absorbent pad 1 includes grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R in the absorbent core 6C that penetrate the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The groove 6H is located within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, and its front-to-rear ends are contained within the absorbent core 6C. The groove 6H is located in the widthwise center of the absorbent core 6C so as to extend longitudinally. In this embodiment, the groove 6H penetrates the absorbent core 6C, which is formed from the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, at a position corresponding to the wearer's midline when worn. Excreted liquid, such as urine, flows into the grooves 6H, moves longitudinally along the grooves 6H, and is rapidly absorbed over a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment includes the grooves 6H, allowing for rapid diffusion of excreted liquid. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the grooves 6H do not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the discharged liquid that has moved outward in the longitudinal direction does not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6, but remains inside the grooves 6H and is gradually absorbed. The grooves 6H may be formed so that the skin-facing side is concave by making the absorbent material, such as short fibers, that forms the absorbent core 6C less than in parts other than the grooves 6H, or may be formed by squeezing the absorbent material that forms the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, in a plan view, the groove 6H has a rectangular shape with both front and rear ends formed in an arc. The front end of the groove 6H is located midway through the crotch region 1B, and the rear end of the groove 6H is located at the front of the back body region 1R. The groove 6H has a certain width. For example, the width is 7 mm or more and 25 mm or less. The length of the groove 6H is 110 mm or more and 150 mm or less. An absorbent pad 1 having a groove 6H of this size is suitable for adults (for nursing care). The groove 6H may be formed in a polygonal or elliptical shape instead of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0032] The grooves 6H include grooves 6AH formed through the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A and grooves 6BH formed through the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The grooves 6AH and 6BH have the same shape. The grooves 6BH are formed longer in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1 than the grooves 6AH. By shortening the grooves 6AH, the amount of urine absorbed by the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the crotch region 1B can be increased. Furthermore, the grooves 6BH are formed so that their front ends are aligned in the longitudinal direction with the front ends of the regions of the grooves 6L and 6R that are formed longitudinally parallel to the grooves 6H. When the groove portion 6BH is formed as described above, when the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is lifted up to put on the wearer, the absorbent pad 1 is easily bent on the imaginary straight line connecting the front end of the groove portion 6BH and the front end of the linear area in the longitudinal direction of the groove portions 6L and 6R, making it easier to put on the absorbent pad by aligning the wearer's crotch area with the crotch region 1B.

[0033] The grooves 6L and 6R are provided within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, and are The absorbent core 6C is fitted with the grooves 6L and 6R. The grooves 6L and 6R are provided widthwise outside the groove 6H and penetrate the lower absorbent mat 6B. The front ends of the grooves 6L and 6R are located on the widthwise outer edges of the lower absorbent mat 6B, and the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R do not reach the widthwise outer edges of the lower absorbent mat 6B. The grooves 6L and 6R extend longitudinally parallel to the groove 6H in an area 143 mm in front and rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B. The grooves 6L and 6R extend obliquely forward from a position 12 mm forward from the center of the crotch region 1B to the front end, and the grooves 6L and 6R extend obliquely rearward from a position 33 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region to the rear end. The groove portions 6L, 6R may be formed so that the skin-facing side is concave by making the absorbent material such as short fibers that form the absorbent core 6C less than the portions other than the groove portions 6L, 6R, or may be formed by squeezing the absorbent material that forms the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, the absorbent body 6 has a core wrap sheet 7. The core wrap sheet 7 is a water-permeable sheet that sandwiches the absorbent core 6C from above and below and is approximately rectangular with its long sides extending in the longitudinal direction. The core wrap sheet 7 covers the skin-facing and non-skin-facing sides of the absorbent core 6C. When not in contact with exudate, the core wrap sheet 7 protects the shape of the absorbent core 6C, preventing it from losing its shape, and prevents the SAP particles contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A and the SAP particles contained in the SAP layer from escaping. Furthermore, SAP particles in an unabsorbed state are hard, sand-like particles, and if these escaping SAP particles come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, they may cause discomfort to the wearer. For this reason, the absorbent core 6C is sandwiched between the core wrap sheets 7 to prevent the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape and to prevent the SAP particles from escaping outside the absorbent body 6.

[0035] In this embodiment, the core wrap sheet 7 is formed of two sheets: an upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A disposed between the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A and the top sheet 8, and a lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The core wrap sheet 7 is made of a pulp fiber sheet, a thin nonwoven fabric, or the like. In this embodiment, a nonwoven fabric is used for the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A, and a tissue paper is used for the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B. Alternatively, tissue paper may be used for the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A, and a nonwoven fabric may be used for the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B. Alternatively, the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7B may be made of the same material, and nonwoven fabric or tissue paper may be used for both. Alternatively, the core wrap sheet 7 may be formed of a single sheet. Alternatively, the core wrap sheet 7 may completely encase the absorbent core 6C. In this case, the core wrap sheet may be formed of a single sheet or two sheets.

[0036] As described above, the absorbent core 6C has grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. As shown in FIG. 4 , the upper core wrap sheet 7A is recessed toward the lower core wrap sheet 7B in the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R, and the upper and lower core wrap sheets 7A and 7B are bonded to each other on the lower core wrap sheet 7B with a hot melt adhesive HM. This prevents SAP particles from spilling into the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. Note that the upper core wrap sheet 7A does not have to be recessed toward the lower core wrap sheet 7B in the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. In this case, the upper and lower core wrap sheets 7A and 7B may not be bonded to each other. This prevents the volume of the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R from being reduced by the volume of the upper core wrap sheet 7A, improving the urine diffusion properties of the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. The core wrap sheet 7 is also configured so as not to fall into the grooves 6L, 6H, 6R. In this embodiment, an upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is laminated on a portion of the skin-facing side of the grooves 6L, 6R. Alternatively, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A may be laminated on the entire skin-facing side of the grooves 6L, 6R.

[0037] The absorbent pad 1 includes a water-impermeable back sheet 5 (an example of the "water-impermeable sheet" referred to in this application) arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. The back sheet 5 has substantially the same planar shape as the absorbent pad 1. The back sheet 5 is a sheet made of a thermoplastic water-impermeable resin such as polyethylene film to prevent leakage of excreted liquid that has flowed into the absorbent body 6. The back sheet 5 has water-repellent properties to prevent urine and moisture from seeping out of the absorbent pad 1 and breathability to prevent the absorbent pad from becoming stuffy when worn. The back sheet 5 may be breathable by having many tiny ventilation holes formed therein.

[0038] The absorbent pad 1 includes a cover sheet 4 disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 has substantially the same planar shape as the absorbent pad 1. The cover sheet 4 forms the exterior surface of the absorbent pad 1 and has enough rigidity to withstand friction with diapers, underwear, etc. used in combination, thereby preventing damage to the back sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 is generally made of a nonwoven fabric composed of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. The cover sheet 4 is liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable. In the absorbent pad 1, the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 are formed to be the same size and shape. Furthermore, the side sheets 9L and 9R are formed to be the same shape as the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 at their widthwise ends. Furthermore, the top sheet 8 is formed to be the same shape as the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 at the widthwise center of the longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1. Therefore, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, the side sheets 9L and 9R, and a portion of the top sheet 8 form the peripheral shape (outline) of the absorbent pad 1. For example, the shapes of the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, the side sheets 9L, 9R, and a portion of the top sheet 8 form the arc-shaped cutouts in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R and the shape of the widthwise end of the crotch region 1B. Note that, since the back sheet 5 of the absorbent pad 1 is impermeable, the cover sheet 4 may be omitted and the back sheet 5 may form the exterior surface. As described above, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, and a portion of the top sheet 8 are formed in the back body region 1R with a cutout shape corresponding to the wearer's ilium, so that the widthwise outer edge of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 can be worn along the wearer's ilium.

[0039] A fastening tape may be provided on a portion of the exterior surface of the absorbent pad 1. In the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, the cover sheet 4 forms the exterior surface. The fastening tape is an adhesive tape that prevents the absorbent pad 1 from slipping relative to the diaper, underwear, etc. that is used in combination. Alternatively, the cover sheet 4 may be formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction without providing the fastening tape, thereby suppressing slippage relative to the diaper, etc. Also, a hot melt adhesive may be applied to the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 to prevent slippage.

[0040] In the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, the rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B, where the wearer's ilium protrudes, has a generally arc-shaped notch at the front when worn. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 can be worn so that the rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B fits along the ilium, reducing pressure on the wearer's ilium and skin and improving comfort.

[0041] The absorbent pad 1 also includes a pair of water-impermeable side sheets 9L, 9R (an example of the "leak-barrier-forming sheets" referred to in this application) that are arranged on the skin-facing sides of both widthwise sides of the absorbent pad 1 and extend along the longitudinal direction. The side sheets 9L, 9R are arranged so that their longitudinal ends coincide with the longitudinal ends of the top sheet 8. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing regions 9LA, 9RA arranged on their outer widthwise sides. The fixing regions 9LA, 9RA are bonded to the top sheet 8, which is the component arranged on the non-skin-facing side, with a hot melt adhesive HM.

[0042] The side sheets 9L and 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 by a hot melt adhesive HM. The inside widthwise ends of the hot melt adhesive HM form the standing lines 3LL, 3LR (see FIG. 3), and the inside of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR form the upstanding three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The inside widthwise ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R from the standing lines 3LL, 3LR are the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and the inside widthwise ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R are the free ends 9LB, 9RB, which are the tips of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Near the free ends 9LB, 9RB of the side sheets 9L, 9R, two rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, which are thread-like elastic members, are provided side by side in the widthwise direction. Note that one rubber thread 3BL, 3BR may also be provided. The rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are fixed to the side sheets 9L, 9R by the hot melt adhesive HM in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing portions 33L, 33R near their longitudinal ends. The fixing portions 33L, 33R fix the side sheets 9L, 9R to the top sheet 8, and serve as longitudinal starting points for the standing up of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The side sheets 9L, 9R are also bonded to the top sheet 8 on their widthwise outer sides, but on the longitudinal inner side of the fixing portions 33L, 33R, the part inward in the widthwise direction from the hot melt adhesive HM is not bonded, allowing them to stand up toward the skin. When the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR contract, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R inside the standing lines 3LL, 3LR stand up toward the skin, and the free ends 9LB, 9RB become the tips on the skin-facing side. The standing three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R inhibit the movement of liquids and loose stools toward the widthwise outer sides of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, thereby preventing side leakage.

[0043] The fixing portions 33L, 33R are located outside the widthwise center of the rear end of the absorbent core 6C. Because the fixing portions 33L, 33R are located outside the widthwise center of the rear end of the absorbent core 6C, when the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR contract, the contraction force is transmitted widthwise outward. In addition, the back body region 1R is provided with a cutout portion 12 and an arc-shaped protruding region. The arc-shaped protruding region acts as a beam to counter the contraction force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, and the cutout portion 12 tends to bulge toward the non-skin side. This makes it easier to wear the absorbent pad 1 along the ilium.

[0044] When the absorbent pad 1 is viewed from above, the regions extending widthwise outward of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are the ear portions 10L, 10R. The ear portions 10L, 10R are composed of the side sheets 9L, 9R, the top sheet 8, the back sheet 5, and the cover sheet 4. In this embodiment, the ear portions 10L, 10R are formed in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B is positioned to include the widthwise outer sides of the free end portions 9LB, 9RB. The absorbent pad 1 can increase the amount of liquid absorption by increasing the cushioning properties of the ear portions 10L, 10R and by forming the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B large. The ear portions 10L, 10R may be formed in either the front body region 1F or the back body region 1R.

[0045] The absorbent pad 1 includes restriction portions 13, 14, 15, and 16 that prevent the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position relative to the wearer when the absorbent pad 1 is worn. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the restriction portions 13, 14, 15, and 16 that prevent the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position. For the sake of explanation, rubber threads 3BL and 3BR are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0046] The restricting portion 13 (an example of the "first restricting portion" in this application) is disposed at the rear end of the upper absorbent mat 6A, and restricts the absorbent pad 1 from shifting in the longitudinal direction when worn. The restricting portion 13 located at the rear end of the upper absorbent mat 6A is located behind the center of the crotch region 1B, and is located forward of the region that comes into contact with the wearer's buttocks when worn. Therefore, in the worn state, the upper absorbent mat 6A is stacked on the lower absorbent mat 6B in front of the wearer's buttocks, and has a height equal to the thickness of the upper absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, in the worn state, the absorbent core 6C is caught by the wearer's buttocks by the restricting portion 13, and is prevented from shifting towards the wearer's buttocks. In addition, the position of the buttocks in the absorbent core 6C is restricted. This makes it easier to wear the absorbent pad 1 in the correct position, and prevents the rear end of the absorbent core 6C from overlapping and pressing against the wearer's ilium. Note that the restricting portion 13 does not need to be restricted by the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A, and the coefficient of friction of the top sheet 8 may be changed to prevent the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position.

[0047] The restricting portion 14 (an example of the "second restricting portion" referred to herein) is located 41 mm forward from the center of the crotch region 1B and is formed to fit along the wearer's groin when worn, preventing the absorbent pad 1 from shifting backward. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 14 corresponds to the front end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the crotch region 1B and is curved to fit along the wearer's groin. Therefore, in the worn state, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is stacked on the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in front of the wearer's groin, and the restricting portion 14 has a height equivalent to the thickness of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, in the worn state, the absorbent core 6C is caught by the restricting portion 14 in the wearer's groin, preventing the absorbent core 6C from shifting backward. Furthermore, because the position of the absorbent core 6C in the groin is restricted, the absorbent pad 1 can be easily worn in the correct position and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C is prevented from overlapping and compressing the wearer's ilium. The restricting portion 14 only needs to be formed along the groin area, and may be formed by compressing the upper absorbent mat 6A, or may be formed by a slit formed through the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0048] In the worn state, the restricting portion 14 is formed so that both widthwise ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A extend diagonally outward in the widthwise direction toward the front, so that they fit along the wearer's groin. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B also extends more widely in the widthwise direction than the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, in the worn state, both widthwise ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A fit closely to the wearer's left and right legs along the groin. This prevents a gap from forming between the absorbent pad 1 and the groin, preventing urine from leaking out of the absorbent pad 1 along the groin. Furthermore, a gap formed between the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, where the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is not laminated, and the wearer's skin in the front of the crotch region 1B temporarily retains urine that has flowed toward the abdominal area. When the restricting portion 14 is formed by a compressed groove or slit, the compressed groove or slit is attached along the groin. In this case, a gap may be formed between the restricting portion 14 and the wearer, causing urine to leak along the groin area to the outside of the absorbent pad 1. Therefore, it is preferable that the restricting portion 14 be formed by the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A.

[0049] The restricting portion 15 (an example of the "third restricting portion" referred to in the present application) is located 59 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B and is formed to fit along the wearer's crotch when worn, thereby restricting the absorbent pad 1 from shifting forward. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 15 corresponds to the rear end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the crotch region 1B. Therefore, when worn, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is stacked on the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B at the rear of the wearer's thighs (the rear of the crotch), and the restricting portion 15 has a height equivalent to the thickness of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, when worn, the absorbent core 6C is caught on the wearer's thighs, preventing the absorbent core 6C from shifting forward. Furthermore, because the position of the absorbent core 6C corresponding to the wearer's crotch is restricted, the absorbent pad 1 can be easily worn in the correct position and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C is prevented from overlapping and compressing the wearer's ilium. The restricting portion 15 may be formed by squeezing the upper absorbent mat 6A, or may be formed by a slit formed through the upper absorbent mat 6A, as long as it is formed to fit along the crotch area of the wearer.

[0050] The restricting portions 16 (an example of the "fourth restricting portion" in the present application) are formed on both sides of the crotch region 1B in the width direction so as to follow the legs of the wearer, and restrict the positional deviation of the absorbent pad 1. In this embodiment, the restricting portions 16 are shaped as three arcs extending outward in the width direction. The restricting portions 16 are formed along the fold lines 16B located closer to the center in the width direction than the restricting portions 16, and follow the legs of the wearer. The absorbent pad 1 is worn in this manner. Therefore, when worn, the restricting portions 16 come into contact with both legs of the wearer, preventing the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position. Furthermore, since the position of the absorbent core 6C corresponding to the wearer's crotch is restricted, the absorbent pad 1 can be easily worn in the correct position, and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C can be prevented from overlapping and compressing the wearer's ilium. Furthermore, the shape and size of the restricting portions 16 can be selected as appropriate. For example, the size of the restricting portions 16 may be different on both sides in the width direction, the number of arcs may be increased or decreased, or each of the three connected arcs may be of a different size.

[0051] <Modification> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a modified example of this embodiment will be described. In this modified example, the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are formed in a generally arc-shaped configuration with notches cut out toward the center of the crotch region 1B. However, these four corners do not have to be generally arc-shaped. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the modified example. In plan view, the absorbent pad 1 according to this modified example has corners formed by connecting the linear outer edges of the absorbent pad 1 at the widthwise outer edges of both longitudinal ends. In the absorbent pad 1, the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 are formed to be the same size and shape. Furthermore, the side sheets 9L and 9R are formed to be the same shape as the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 at their widthwise ends. Furthermore, at the widthwise center of the longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1, the top sheet 8 is formed to be the same shape as the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5. Therefore, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, the side sheets 9L and 9R, and a portion of the top sheet 8 form the outer peripheral shape (outer shape) of the absorbent pad 1. In addition, since the back sheet 5 of the absorbent pad 1 is water-impermeable, the cover sheet 4 may be omitted and the back sheet 5 may form the exterior surface.

[0052] The corners formed by the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, and the top sheet 8 correspond to the absorbent core non-extending regions 11 where the absorbent body 6 does not extend, and are formed by laminating the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 5 on the cover sheet 4. The absorbent core non-extending regions 11 abut against the wearer's ilium when worn. When worn, the wearer's ilium protrudes outward, easily forming a gap between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer. This can cause urine to leak through the gap and soil the underwear or diaper worn on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1. With the absorbent pad 1 of this modification, the absorbent core non-extending regions 11 of the absorbent pad 1 extend to a position that abuts the ilium, thereby preventing soiling of the underwear or diaper worn on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1.

[0053] The configuration of the absorbent body 6 is substantially the same as in the embodiment, but the arc-shaped widthwise outer edges of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B at both longitudinal ends extending toward the center of the crotch region 1B are formed as arcs originating from the four corners of the top sheet 8. The widthwise outer edges of the longitudinal rear end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B are positioned where the wearer's ilium overhangs when worn. Therefore, the substantially arc-shaped edges of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B conform to the wearer's ilium when worn, preventing the absorbent core 6C from overlapping and compressing the ilium. Furthermore, by wearing the absorbent pad 1 so that the absorbent core 6C conforms to the ilium and buttocks, the position of the absorbent core 6C is stabilized, preventing the top sheet 8 from moving out of its position where it abuts the ilium.

[0054] <Other embodiments> The present invention is applicable not only to absorbent pads but also to pants-type diapers and tape-type diapers.

[0055] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Absorbent pad 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back area 3BL, 3BR... Elastic thread 3LL,3LR･･･Rise line 3L, 3R: 3D gathers 33L,33R・Fixed part 4. Cover sheet 5. Back seat 6. Absorber 6C··Absorbent Core 6A··Upper layer absorbent mat 6B Lower layer absorbent mat 6H, 6AH, 6BH, 6L, 6R Groove 6S...SAP layer 7. Core wrap sheet 7A··Upper layer core wrap sheet 7B··Lower layer core wrap sheet 8. Top sheet 9L, 9R side seats 9LA,9RA·Fixed area 9LB,9RB··Free end 10L,10R・Ear part 11. Absorbent core non-extending region 12. Notch 13, 14, 15, 16 Regulatory Department 16B··Folded line

Claims

1. a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer; a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a front body region located in front of the wearer in the front-to-back direction, a back body region located behind the wearer, and a crotch region between the front body region and the back body region, the crotch region having a center portion at a position 379 mm from a rear end of the back body region, and a length in the width direction narrower than the front body region and the back body region; an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region, the absorbent core having a shape in which both widthwise sides of the rear end portion are cut out toward the crotch region, and the absorbent core absorbs urine; and an absorbent core non-extended region in the rear body region, on both sides in the width direction, where the absorbent core does not extend. Absorbent articles.

2. The absorbent core non-extension region is a region extending from 45 mm to 120 mm from the rear side in the front-rear direction. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. The boundary between the absorbent core non-extended region and the absorbent core is formed in a curved shape. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The absorbent article includes a water-permeable sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core; a non-water-permeable sheet disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core, a rear end portion of the absorbent core located forward of the rear end portion of the water-permeable sheet and having a generally arcuate cutout on the central portion side of the crotch region; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A pair of leak-proof wall-forming sheets are provided that are arranged outside the center in the width direction, The pair of leak-proof wall-forming sheets are The outer side in the width direction is joined to the water-permeable sheet, The inner side in the width direction forms a leak-proof wall that stands on the skin surface side, an elastic member bonded to a free end portion of the leak-barrier wall, which is an end portion of the skin-facing side, so as to extend in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; a fixing portion connected to the water-permeable sheet on the outer side in the extension direction of the elastic member, The fixing portion is provided on the longitudinal end portion of the absorbent core, outside the widthwise center thereof. The absorbent article of claim 4.

6. the absorbent article is an absorbent pad, In the rear body region, the water-permeable sheet and the water-impermeable sheet are laminated at both left and right end portions of the rear side. The absorbent article of claim 4.

7. The rear end of the absorbent core has a substantially arc shape starting from the rear end of the water-permeable sheet. The absorbent article of claim 6.

8. The absorbent core is provided at the center in the width direction at the rear end portion, and has a notch extending toward the front. The cutout portion is provided. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The absorbent core has a first restriction portion formed along the buttocks of the wearer on the rear side of the central portion of the crotch region, and restricts positional deviation when the absorbent core is worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The absorbent core has a second restriction portion formed along the groin of the wearer on the front side of the central portion of the crotch region, and restricts displacement of the absorbent core when the absorbent core is worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The absorbent core has a third restriction portion formed along the crotch of the wearer on the rear side of the central portion of the crotch region, and restricts positional deviation when the absorbent core is worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The absorbent article has a fourth restriction portion in the crotch region that extends in an arc shape outward in the width direction and restricts positional deviation when worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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