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; a crotch region that has a crotch-region central part 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; and an absorber having, at least in the crotch region, an upper-layer absorbent mat, and a lower-layer absorbent mat disposed on a non-skin surface side of the upper layer absorbent mat, extending in the longitudinal direction on an outer side in the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat, and having a recess on the non-skin surface side.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] In absorbent articles, the absorbent body that absorbs urine extends uniformly from the crotch area to the back of the wearer. Therefore, urine excreted by the wearer spreads along the absorbent body throughout the absorbent article and onto the back of the wearer. However, the area of the absorbent article that corresponds to the wearer's buttocks is crushed in the thickness direction by the wearer's buttocks, making it difficult for the absorbent body to retain urine. Therefore, there is a risk that urine will leak from the back of the absorbent article, reducing comfort when worn.

[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 central portion of a crotch region and having a length in the width direction narrower than the front body region and the back body region; The absorbent body is provided with an upper absorbent mat and a lower absorbent mat, which is arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the upper absorbent mat, extends longitudinally outward in the width direction of the upper absorbent mat, and has a concave recess on the non-skin-facing side, at least in the crotch region. [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 flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an absorbent pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a part of the manufacturing process of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of folding the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 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 that can absorb and retain liquid, and is located mainly near the crotch region 1B. The absorbent pad 1 also has three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, mainly near the wearer's crotch region 1B, to prevent the formation of gaps that could serve as a liquid outflow path between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer's skin. 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. Note that the elastic members can be selected appropriately from thread-like or strip-like rubber, etc.

[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 when stretched and 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 is illustrated thicker than it actually is 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 back 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" in this application) is located at the center of the narrowest region of the absorber 6 in the longitudinal and width directions, and is located 145 mm forward from the rear end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A (described later). The distance from the center of the crotch area 1B to the rear end of the upper absorbent mat 6A is 145m. m, when the absorbent pad 1 is worn with the crotch region 1B aligned with the wearer's crotch, the outer widthwise edge of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 can be worn along the wearer's ilium. The absorbent pad 1 also has a buttocks-corresponding region 1D in the back body region 1R, in an area 145 mm to 314 mm behind the center of the crotch region 1B, that corresponds to the wearer's buttocks.

[0014] In the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, the front and back body regions 1F and 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 curved. The front end of the front body region 1F has a notch 19 formed by cutting out an arc at its widthwise center toward the crotch region 1B, and the back end of the back body region 1R has a protrusion 18 formed by cutting out an arc at its widthwise center toward the longitudinal outward direction. Furthermore, both longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1 have an outer widthwise end cut out an arc toward the crotch region 1B. The narrowed region in the crotch region 1B has a shape formed by connecting multiple arcs (e.g., three arcs in this embodiment) extending outward in the widthwise direction. This planar shape allows the absorbent pad 1 to easily fit the wearer's abdomen and buttocks when worn.

[0015] The front end of the front body region 1F is approximately parallel to the front end of the absorbent core 6C (described later). By aligning the front end of the front body region 1F approximately parallel to the front end of the absorbent core 6C formed along the wearer's abdomen, no gap is formed between the front body region 1F and the skin, thereby preventing urine leakage.

[0016] The absorbent pad 1 includes a top sheet 8 that is placed on the skin-facing side when the absorbent pad 1 is worn. The top sheet 8 is the part that comes into contact with 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 woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, 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 hydrophilically treated, or may be an air-through nonwoven fabric, point-bonded nonwoven fabric, spun-bonded nonwoven fabric, melt-blown nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The SAP particles of this embodiment refer to a resin composition containing SAP in a granular form. The term "SAP-containing resin composition" as used herein refers to a composition consisting of SAP alone, a composition containing SAP as the main component, or a resin composition containing SAP as the main component. The concept encompasses both compositions containing other substances 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 SAP synthesis. 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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 of the upper absorbent mat 6A. The absorbent core 6C has a structure in which two mats, the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B, are stacked together. The upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B are made of the above-mentioned short fibers. In this embodiment, SAP is mixed into the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] In addition, the absorbent core 6C in the crotch region 1B has a widthwise extension length of the lower absorbent mat 6B that is longer than the widthwise extension length of the upper absorbent mat 6A, so that the absorbent body 6 has an upper absorbent mat non-extending region 6BO in the crotch region 1B where the upper absorbent mat 6A does not extend to the skin-facing side of the lower absorbent mat 6B.

[0026] 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, with its front end located 121 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B and its rear end not reaching the buttocks-corresponding region 1D. The front body region 1F side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is wider than the crotch region 1B and has a generally elliptical shape with its major axis extending in the width direction of the absorbent pad 1. The rear body region 1R side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is wider than the crotch region 1B and has a widthwise extending portion 6AR extending forward from the generally triangular rear end with the widthwise center of the rear end located rearward. The widthwise extending portion 6AR is located rearward of the upper-layer absorbent mat non-extending region 6BO.

[0027] When the upper absorbent mat 6A is worn, the width of the crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the crotch area of the wearer, is shorter than the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. By shortening the width of the crotch region 1B, which is sandwiched between the wearer's legs when worn, the upper absorbent mat 6A can be prevented from being compressed in the width direction by the wearer's legs.

[0028] The widthwise extending portion 6AR preferably extends in the width direction of the upper absorbent mat 6A beyond the center of the crotch region 1B within a region 59 mm to 145 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B. When the width-direction extending portion 6AR extends widthwise within this region, it extends widthwise into the depression between the wearer's groin and buttocks. When worn, the depression between the wearer's groin and buttocks forms a space between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer. This space between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer provides space for the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A to absorb and expand urine. This allows the absorbent pad 1 to have sufficient absorption and retention capacity to absorb and retain excreted urine. Therefore, even when the absorbent body 6 is compressed in the thickness direction by the wearer's body pressure, the urine retained in the absorbent body 6 can be prevented from flowing back to the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1.

[0029] The widthwise extending portion 6AR extends the widthwise center of the rear end, where body pressure from the wearer's buttocks is less likely to be applied, further rearward than the widthwise outer rear end. This increases the amount of urine absorbed by the upper absorbent mat 6A and prevents a large amount of urine from migrating toward the back. Furthermore, since the upper absorbent mat 6A does not extend to either side of the widthwise center at the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR, the widthwise center has a height equal to the thickness of the upper absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, when worn, the widthwise center of the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR catches on the wearer's crotch area, preventing the widthwise extending portion 6AR from shifting. Furthermore, the widthwise extending portion 6AR restricts the position corresponding to the wearer's crotch area, allowing the absorbent pad 1 to be worn in the correct position. The correct wearing position is a position where the wearer's crotch area corresponds to the crotch region 1B and the wearer's midline corresponds to the center of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction.

[0030] It is preferable that the widthwise extending portions 6AR extend to the vicinity of the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, which is forward of the buttocks-corresponding region 1D. If the widthwise extending portions 6AR extend into the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, when worn, body pressure from the wearer's buttocks will be applied, compressing the absorbent pad 1 in the thickness direction and preventing it from expanding even when absorbing urine, thereby reducing the amount of urine it can retain. Therefore, it is preferable that the rear end of the widthwise extending portions 6AR does not reach the buttocks-corresponding region 1D. However, if the area of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is reduced, the amount of urine absorbed will decrease. Therefore, by extending the widthwise extending portions 6AR to the front side of and near the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, it is possible to ensure the amount of urine absorbed and retained.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferable that the widthwise extending portion 6AR does not extend more than 104 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B. Specifically, it is preferable that the widthwise center of the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR does not reach 104 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B. Normally, when worn, the wearer's anus corresponds to a position 74 mm to 104 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B. If the widthwise extending portion 6AR extends to a position corresponding to the wearer's anus, there is a possibility that feces excreted from the anus may be pressed against the wearer's skin by the widthwise extending portion 6AR. Positioning the widthwise extending portion 6AR in front of the region corresponding to the wearer's anus creates a space equivalent to the thickness of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A between the wearer's anus and the absorbent pad 1, thereby preventing feces from being pressed against the wearer's skin.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The lower absorbent mat 6B is disposed below (on the non-skin-facing side of) the upper absorbent mat 6A when viewed from the top sheet 8 side, and extends from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R, 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. The lower absorbent mat 6B is formed larger than the upper absorbent mat 6A. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 6 coincides with the longitudinal directions of the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B and the absorbent pad 1.

[0034] The lower absorbent mat 6B has both longitudinal ends with an arc-shaped notch 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 the above-mentioned approximately arc-shaped shape, it is shaped to fit the wearer's ilium when worn, and it is possible to prevent the absorbent core 6C from overlapping and compressing the ilium.

[0035] The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B has an arc-shaped longitudinal rear end with both widthwise outer ends cut out toward the center of the crotch region 1B. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 has an absorbent-core-non-extending region 11, where the absorbent core 6C does not extend, at both widthwise outer ends of the longitudinal rear end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The absorbent-core-non-extending region 11 extends from 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-layer absorbent mat 6B and is curved. Because the boundary between the absorbent-core-non-extending region 11 and the absorbent core 6C is curved, the absorbent pad 1 does not have corners where the angle changes suddenly, like a square wave. Corners where the angle changes suddenly tend to be the starting point for the absorbent pad 1 to bend along the straight edge. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 prevents bending of the absorbent pad 1 at corners where the angle changes suddenly, preventing pressure on 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.

[0036] The lower absorbent mat 6B has cutouts 12 at both longitudinal ends, with the widthwise center cut out toward the crotch region 1B. By providing the cutouts 12, the absorbent pad 1 can adjust any creases that occur during the putting-on process by moving the cutouts 12 in the width direction, and can be put on so that the rear end of the absorbent core 6C is aligned with the ilium.

[0037] In the front body region 1F, the cutout 12 extends within 50 mm from the widthwise center of the rear end of the cutout 12, the distance from the center of the crotch region 1B to the widthwise center of the cutout 12 is 125 mm to 136 mm, and the distance to the widthwise outer end of the cutout 12 is 110 mm. The distance from the center of the crotch region 1B to the front end of the lower absorbent mat 6B continuously increases from the cutout 12 to the widthwise outer side, and the distance to the front end located foremost in the lower absorbent mat 6B is 175 mm to 186 mm.

[0038] Furthermore, the cutout portion 12 provided in the back body region 1R is positioned closer to the crotch region 1B than the protrusion 18.

[0039] The absorbent pad 1 is provided with grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R that are provided in the absorbent core 6C and penetrate the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The groove 6H is provided 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 provided in the widthwise center of the absorbent core 6C so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 6C. In this embodiment, the groove 6H is formed by penetrating the absorbent core 6C 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 quickly absorbed over a wide longitudinal range of the absorber 6. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment can quickly diffuse excreted liquid by providing the grooves 6H. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, As shown, the grooves 6H do not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the discharged liquid that has migrated longitudinally outward 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 staple fibers, that forms the absorbent core 6C less than in the portions 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The grooves 6L and 6R (an example of the "recesses" referred to herein) are provided within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, and their front-to-rear ends are contained within the absorbent core 6C. In this embodiment, the grooves 6L and 6R are provided widthwise outside the grooves 6H and penetrate the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The front ends of the grooves 6L and 6R are located on the widthwise outer ends of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, and the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R do not reach the widthwise outer ends of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The rear longitudinal ends of the grooves 6L and 6R are located on the non-skin-facing side of the widthwise extending portions 6AR, and extend from the widthwise extending portions 6AR to the front non-extending region 6BO of the upper-layer absorbent mat. The grooves 6L and 6R extend longitudinally parallel to the grooves 6H in an area 143 mm in the front-to-back direction from the center of the crotch region 1B. The region from 12 mm forward from the center of the crotch region 1B to the front end extends at an incline in the diagonal forward direction, and the region from 33 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region to the rear end extends at an incline in the diagonal backward direction. The grooves 6L, 6R may be formed so that the skin-facing side is concave by reducing the amount of absorbent material such as staple fibers forming the absorbent core 6C compared to the portions other than the grooves 6L, 6R, or may be formed by squeezing the absorbent material forming the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, the rear ends of the grooves 6L, 6R are laminated with widthwise extending portions 6AR on the skin-facing side. When the widthwise extending portions 6AR are laminated with the rear ends of the grooves 6L, 6R, urine that reaches the widthwise extending portions 6AR moves through the grooves 6L, 6R to the front side of the absorbent core 6C, where it can be absorbed and retained.

[0044] The rear end portions of the grooves 6L and 6R in the longitudinal direction extend obliquely toward the widthwise center from the front to the rear. Because the rear end portions of the grooves 6L and 6R extend obliquely toward the widthwise center, urine flowing through the grooves 6L and 6R is absorbed by the absorbent core 6C. During this time, urine is held at the widthwise center of the lower absorbent mat 6B. This makes it difficult for urine to leak outward in the widthwise direction of the absorbent pad 1, thereby suppressing side leakage. Furthermore, the extending area of the absorbent core 6C is wider at the widthwise center than at the widthwise outer sides, and urine that has flowed through the grooves 6L, 6R is more easily absorbed and held at the widthwise center.

[0045] Furthermore, since the widthwise center of the rear end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A extends further rearward than the widthwise outer sides of the rear end, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A extends widely toward the skin-facing side of the rear ends of the grooves 6L, 6R. As a result, urine that flows through the grooves 6L, 6R is easily absorbed and retained by the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A, thereby reducing the amount of urine absorbed and retained in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The absorbent pad 1 includes a non-permeable back sheet 5 disposed 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. Reference numeral 5 denotes a sheet made of a thermoplastic, water-impermeable resin such as polyethylene film to prevent leakage of excreted fluid 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.

[0050] 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 protruding portions 18 and the notched portions 19. 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.

[0051] 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 HM may be applied to the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 to prevent slippage.

[0052] The absorbent pad 1 also includes a pair of water-impermeable side sheets 9L, 9R 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 that are arranged on the outer sides in the widthwise direction. 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.

[0053] The side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 with a hot melt adhesive HM. The widthwise inner ends of this hot melt adhesive HM form standing lines 3LL, 3LR (see FIG. 3), and the insides of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR form upstanding three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The widthwise inner sides of the side sheets 9L, 9R from the standing lines 3LL, 3LR are the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and the widthwise inner ends of the side sheets 9L, 9R are free ends 9LB, 9RB, which are the tips of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Two rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, which are thread-like elastic members, are provided widthwise near the free ends 9LB, 9RB of the side sheets 9L, 9R. Note that one rubber thread 3BL, 3BR may also be provided. The rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are fixed to the side sheets 9L, 9R with the hot melt adhesive HM in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. Side seats 9L and 9R are long The fixing portions 33L, 33R are located near the hand-side ends. The fixing portions 33L, 33R fix the side sheets 9L, 9R to the top sheet 8, and serve as the 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 side. When the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR contract, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R inside the standing lines 3LL, 3LR stand up toward the skin side, and the free ends 9LB, 9RB become the tips on the skin 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] The fixing portions 33L, 33R are provided in the front body region 1F at positions overlapping the front end of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. More specifically, the fixing portions 33L, 33R are provided in the front body region 1F at positions overlapping the thickness direction of the lower absorbent mat 6B having the cutout 12. By providing the fixing portions 33L, 33R so as to overlap the lower absorbent mat 6B, the front end of the lower absorbent mat 6B is pulled rearward by the contraction force of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR during putting on the diaper, forming a cup shape with a space starting from the cutout 12.

[0056] In the front body region 1F, the rear ends of the fixing portions 33L, 33R are located further rearward than the rear ends of the cutout portions 12. Therefore, the contraction force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR contracting is easily transmitted to the cutout portions 12, and a cup shape is easily formed.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The restricting portion 13 (an example of the "first restricting portion" referred to in this application) is arranged at the rear end of the upper absorbent mat 6A, and restricts the absorbent pad 1 from shifting in the longitudinal direction when the absorbent core 6C is in the worn state. 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 in front of the region that comes into contact with the wearer's buttocks in the worn state. Therefore, in the worn state, the restricting portion 13 prevents the lower absorbent mat 6A from shifting in the longitudinal direction when the absorbent core 6C is in the worn state. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is layered on the top sheet 6B, and 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 buttocks by the restricting portion 13, preventing it from shifting toward the wearer's buttocks. Furthermore, since the position of the buttocks on the absorbent core 6C is restricted, it is easy to wear the absorbent pad 1 in the correct position, and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C is prevented from overlapping and applying pressure to 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.

[0060] Furthermore, the restricting portion 13 prevents the absorbent pad 1 from shifting position, and prevents the upper absorbent mat 6A from overlapping the buttocks of the wearer.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In the worn state, the restricting portion 14 is formed so that both widthwise ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A are aligned with the wearer's groin, continuously expanding diagonally outward in the widthwise direction toward the front. Therefore, in the absorbent pad 1, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is fitted along the wearer's groin, no gap is formed between the groin and the absorbent pad 1, and abdominal leakage, in which urine flows out of the absorbent pad 1 along the groin, can be suppressed. Furthermore, the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B extends more widely in the widthwise direction than the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, the gap formed between the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, where the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is not layered, and the wearer's skin on the front side of the crotch region 1B temporarily retains urine that has flowed toward the abdominal area. Furthermore, when worn, the lower absorbent mat 6B, which is located widthwise outside the upper absorbent mat 6A in the area that comes into contact with the wearer's groin and to which the upper absorbent mat 6A is not laminated, bends so that the skin-facing side is convex at the wearer's groin, and the skin-facing side fits closely to the inside of the wearer's leg, thereby preventing lateral leakage of urine from the widthwise outside of the absorbent pad 1.

[0063] The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B extends forward of the region that contacts the wearer's groin. When the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B extends forward of the region that contacts the wearer's groin, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is worn along the wearer's groin, preventing urine from leaking out of the absorbent pad 1 along the groin. In addition, because the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B is worn along the wearer's abdomen, it is possible to minimize leakage of urine from the front body region 1F.

[0064] 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 so as to follow the wearer's crotch when worn, restricting the absorbent pad 1 from shifting forward. In this embodiment, the restricting portion 15 corresponds to the front end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR arranged on the rear side of the wearer's crotch. Therefore, when worn, the upper absorbent mat 6A is stacked on the lower absorbent mat 6B at the rear of the wearer's thighs (rear side of the crotch), and has a height equal to the thickness of the upper absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, when worn, In this configuration, the absorbent core 6C catches on the wearer's thighs, preventing the absorbent core 6C from shifting forward. Furthermore, since the position of the absorbent core 6C corresponding to the wearer's crotch area 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 applying pressure to the wearer's ilium. Note that the restricting portion 15 only needs to be formed to fit the wearer's crotch area, and may be formed by squeezing the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A or by a slit formed through the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A.

[0065] The restricting portions 16 (an example of the "fourth restricting portions" referred to herein) are formed on both widthwise sides of the crotch region 1B so as to conform to the wearer's legs and restrict misalignment of the absorbent pad 1. In this embodiment, the restricting portions 16 have a shape formed by connecting three arcs extending outward in the widthwise direction. The restricting portions 16 are attached so as to conform to the wearer's legs along the fold-back lines 16B located closer to the center in the widthwise direction than the restricting portions 16. Therefore, when the absorbent pad 1 is worn, the restricting portions 16 abut against the wearer's legs and restrict misalignment of the absorbent pad 1. Furthermore, since the position of the absorbent core 6C corresponding to the wearer's crotch is restricted, the absorbent pad 1 can be easily attached in the correct position and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C can be prevented from overlapping and compressing the wearer's ilium. The shape and size of the restricting portions 16 can be selected as appropriate. For example, the size of the restricting portions 16 on both widthwise sides may be different, the number of arcs may be increased or decreased, or the three connected arcs may be different sizes.

[0066] Next, a manufacturing method of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment. First, in a widthwise contour forming step, while conveying a continuous body of absorbent pads 1 according to this embodiment, both widthwise sides of the crotch region 1B are cut so that they are narrower than the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, and the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are notched toward the crotch region 1B, thereby forming the widthwise ends of the absorbent pad 1 (step S101). Next, in a folding step, the absorbent pad 1 is folded along folding lines extending in the longitudinal direction on the region cut in step S101 (step S102). Then, in a cutting step, the continuous body of absorbent pads 1 is cut so that a protrusion 18 is formed in the widthwise center of the front end of the front body region 1F (step S103).

[0067] Next, the manufacturing process of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a part of the manufacturing process of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7(A) is a diagram showing the transport state in the manufacturing process. Fig. 7(B) is a diagram showing the absorbent pad 1 in a folded state by the folding step in the manufacturing process. For the sake of explanation, some components are not shown.

[0068] In the manufacturing process, the absorbent pad 1 is transported in a continuous form as shown in FIG. 7(A). Typically, the absorbent pad 1 is cut into a curved shape on both sides of the crotch region 1B in the width direction, and then folded back from the non-skin-facing side toward the skin-facing side along folding lines 20L and 20R that pass through the absorbent pad 1 on the outer sides of the width direction of the absorbent pad 1, forming a C-folded shape. The absorbent pad 1 thus formed can be folded longitudinally into two or three equal parts, thereby protecting the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1 while reducing its bulk during distribution. Furthermore, by forming the C-folded shape while still in a continuous form, the folding that forms the C-folded shape of the absorbent pad 1 transported earlier is transmitted to the absorbent pad 1 transported later, facilitating the formation of the C-folded shape. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 forms a C-folded shape while being transported in a continuous form. The transported continuous form is then cut to produce individual absorbent pads 1. However, in this embodiment, the outer longitudinal end portions of the absorbent pad 1 are cut in a curved shape because the protrusions 18 or notches 19 are formed in the widthwise center portion. In this case, if the absorbent pad 1 has a C-folded shape, the outer width end portions overlap the widthwise center portion in the thickness direction, and therefore the outer width end portions also overlap the widthwise center portion in the thickness direction. It is formed into the shape of

[0069] On the other hand, the manufacturing method of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment includes a widthwise contour forming step (step S101) in which both widthwise sides of the crotch region 1B are cut in a curved shape and the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are cut out in an arc shape on the crotch region 1B side. Therefore, the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 do not overlap with the widthwise center portions of both longitudinal end portions. Therefore, in the cutting step (step S103) in which the continuous body is cut into individual absorbent pads 1, even if the widthwise center portions of the rear end portions of the absorbent pad 1 are cut out so as to protrude outward in the longitudinal direction, the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are cut out in an arc shape on the crotch region 1B side.

[0070] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7(A), the absorbent pad 1 transported in a continuous body is cut into curved lines on both sides of the width of the crotch region 1B, and a widthwise outer shape forming process (step S101) is performed in which the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are cut into arc-shaped notches on the crotch region 1B side, thereby forming a shape that is widthwise outside the folding lines 20L and 20R.

[0071] Next, as shown in Figure 7 (B), a folding process (step S102) is performed in which both widthwise sides of the absorbent pad 1 are folded from the non-skin side toward the skin side in a C-shape along folding lines 20L and 20R that pass through the absorbent pad 1, forming a C-fold shape.

[0072] Thereafter, a cutting process (step S103) is carried out in which the central portion in the width direction at the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is cut so as to have a shape that protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming individual absorbent pads 1 from the continuous body. The front end of the absorbent pad 1 is cut out in an arc shape along the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 toward the crotch region 1B, forming a cutout portion 19.

[0073] Figure 8 shows an example of how the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment is folded in a state in which it is distributed. Figure 8(A) shows one absorbent pad 1 after cutting in the cutting step (step S103). Figure 8(B) shows the absorbent pad 1 folded in half. For the sake of explanation, some components are not shown.

[0074] After the cutting step (step S103), the absorbent pad 1 is folded into a C-shaped state as shown in Fig. 8(A). The worn state of the absorbent pad 1 is the form shown in Fig. 1, but the absorbent pad 1 is folded when shipped and distributed. By folding the absorbent pad 1 when unused, it is possible to handle it in a compressed and reduced bulk state while protecting the skin side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and must maintain a delicate feel.

[0075] More specifically, the absorbent pad 1 in its distribution state is folded in half so as to divide the absorbent pad 1 into approximately two equal parts in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 8(B). After being folded as shown in Fig. 8(B), the absorbent pad 1 is packed by storing a plurality of sheets in a package. Note that the absorbent pad 1 in its distribution state is not limited to being folded in half, but may also be folded in thirds so that the front body region 1F faces outward.

[0076] In the folded state, the entire outer surface of the absorbent pad 1 is covered by the cover sheet 4. The cover sheet 4 is a strong member that is expected to rub against underwear or a diaper when worn. Therefore, the folded absorbent pad 1 can maintain its functionality even when subjected to pressure during distribution.

[0077] When the absorbent pad 1 is used, it is unfolded into a flat plate state and worn by the wearer. When the absorbent pad 1 is folded in half, the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 does not overlap with the absorbent pad 1 in the thickness direction in the extending region of the protruding portion 18. Therefore, the protruding portion 18 is not on the non-skin side. A space is formed on the front side. Fingers can be inserted into the space formed, making it easy to pinch the absorbent pad 1 and making the unfolding process easier. Even when the absorbent pad 1 is folded in three, by folding it so that the back body region 1R is on the outer side, a space can be formed in the thickness direction of the protruding portion 18. Therefore, even when the absorbent pad 1 is folded in three, it is possible to make the unfolding process easier.

[0078] The absorbent pad 1 has a cutout 19 at the front end of the front body region 1F. Therefore, when folded in half, the cutout 19 forms a wider space on the non-skin-facing side of the protrusion 18 where the absorbent pad 1 does not overlap than when the cutout 19 is not formed, making it easier to insert fingers into the space and grip the absorbent pad.

[0079] The absorbent pad 1 has a cutout 12 in the rear body region 1R. The protruding portion 18 is provided rearward (outer in the longitudinal direction) than the cutout 12 provided in the rear body region 1R of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, and therefore the absorbent core 6C does not extend to the protruding portion 18. Therefore, a large space is formed on the non-skin-facing side of the protruding portion 18 by the thickness of the absorbent core 6C, making it easy to insert fingers and grip.

[0080] A tab portion 17 is formed by a cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F. The cutout 12 is a region where an absorbent core 6C is not disposed, and is less rigid than a region where an absorbent core 6C is disposed. Therefore, the widthwise outer side of the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F easily moves toward the widthwise center. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 is mountain-folded from the widthwise center of the rear end of the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F as a base point, and moves away from the back body region 1R from the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F as a base point. Therefore, the widthwise center of the front body region 1F rises from the back body region 1R using the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F as a base point, forming a mountain-folded tab portion 17 from the widthwise center of the rear end of the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F as a base point.

[0081] The absorbent pad 1 is formed with a gripping portion 17, which, when worn, can be easily unfolded by pinching the gripping portion 17 formed in the widthwise center of the front body region 1F with the fingers. The gripping portion 17 also forms a gap between the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Therefore, when worn, it is possible to pinch the front end of the front body region 1F in the thickness direction by inserting the fingers into the gap formed in the widthwise center of the front body region 1F, making it easier to unfold the absorbent pad 1.

[0082] In particular, when the absorbent pad 1 is folded in half, the rear body region 1R having the protruding portion 18 and the front body region 1F having the cutout portion 12 overlap in the thickness direction. This creates a larger space between the grip portion 17 formed by the cutout portion 12 provided in the front body region 1F and the protruding portion 18, making it easier to grip.

[0083] Furthermore, when unfolding the folded absorbent pad 1, it is possible to easily unfold it with one hand by pinching the grip portion 17 with the fingers and shaking the absorbent pad 1 up and down.

[0084] Furthermore, since the grip portion 17 is formed in the widthwise center of the front body region 1F, the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 can be confirmed during the putting operation without checking the center line or the like marked on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 can be put on the wearer in the correct position.

[0085] When the absorbent pad 1 is worn, if a gap is formed between the wearer and the absorbent pad 1, urine may leak through the gap. , the absorbent pad 1 becomes uncomfortable to the touch, and a gap is formed between the absorbent pad 1 and the underwear or diaper placed on the non-skin-facing side, which may cause the absorbent pad 1 to become misaligned when worn. On the other hand, when the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment is worn by a wearer, the tabs 17 and the gap formed by the tabs 17 expand in the width direction of the absorbent pad 1, forming a cup shape that conforms to the wearer's abdomen. Therefore, the front body region 1F is worn along the curve of the wearer's abdomen, preventing the absorbent pad 1 from penetrating outside the absorbent pad 1. This makes it possible to prevent urine leakage from the abdomen and the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1 from being worn on the wearer with an uneven shape.

[0086] The cup shape is formed by a cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F. The cutout 12 is a region where the absorbent core 6C is not arranged and is less rigid than the region where the absorbent core 6C is arranged. Therefore, the widthwise outer side of the cutout 12 easily moves toward the widthwise center. As a result, the absorbent pad 1 is folded toward the skin side from the widthwise center of the rear end of the cutout 12 as a base point, and moves away from the wearer's skin surface from the cutout 12 as a base point. Therefore, the front body region 1F has a cup shape with a rounded space formed from the cutout 12 as a base point. Therefore, in the front body region 1F, the front end of the absorbent core 6C forms a cup shape that follows the curve of the wearer's abdomen. When worn, the front body region 1F is worn along the wearer's abdomen, preventing the absorbent pad 1 from penetrating outside the absorbent pad 1. This prevents urine leakage from the abdomen.

[0087] Additionally, a region where rigidity changes or a folding portion that serves as a base point for folding the absorbent pad 1 is provided behind the cutout portion 12 provided in the front body region 1F. By arranging the region where rigidity changes or the folding portion behind the cutout portion 12, the region becomes a base point for folding the absorbent pad 1, forming the rear end of the cup shape. Therefore, by not arranging the region where rigidity changes or the folding portion, the cup shape is formed over a wide area, and the crotch region 1B is separated from the wearer's urethral opening, preventing the absorber 6 from absorbing urine.

[0088] In this embodiment, the upper absorbent mat 6A is layered on the skin-facing side of the lower absorbent mat 6B, 145 mm behind the center of the crotch region 1B, and the absorbent core 6C has a raised shape toward the skin-facing side. Therefore, the front end of the upper absorbent mat 6A forms the rear end of the cup shape, so that the area around the wearer's urethral opening abuts against the upper absorbent mat 6A, and the front body region 1F conforms to the wearer's abdomen. In this state, the area in front of the upper absorbent mat 6A forms a cup shape, and the absorbent pad 1 is spaced from the wearer's skin, reducing pressure on the wearer's skin. By layering the upper absorbent mat 6A behind the position 145 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B, the cup shape can be formed in a position that conforms to the shape of the wearer's abdomen, and the upper absorbent mat 6A can abut against the wearer's urethral opening. The cutout 12 extends within 50 mm of the rear end of the cutout 12 from the center in the width direction. If the cutout portion 12 extends to this region, a cup shape can be formed that conforms to the shape of the wearer's abdomen.

[0089] When worn, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the front body region 1F is wider than the crotch region 1B and has a shape that fits the front side of the wearer's urethral opening, so it abuts the wearer's urethral opening and fits closely to the lower abdomen, preventing urine leakage from the front body region 1F. Also, the cup shape formed in the front side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A separates the absorbent pad 1 from the wearer's abdomen, reducing the feeling of pressure on the skin and absorbing the movement of the wearer's abdomen due to breathing, etc., preventing relative displacement.

[0090] The distance from the center of the crotch region 1B to the front end of the lower absorbent mat 6B increases continuously from the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F to the widthwise center of the cutout 12 provided in the front body region 1F. The distance to the outer widthwise edge of the cutout 12 in the front body region 1F is 125 mm to 140 mm, the distance to the outer widthwise edge of the cutout 12 in the front body region 1F is 110 mm, and the distance to the front edge of the lower absorbent mat 6B located at the forefront is 175 mm to 190 mm. The cutout 12 having the above-mentioned shape makes it easy to insert a finger into the gap formed by the tab 17. Furthermore, since the front edge of the lower absorbent mat 6B gradually becomes longer from the cutout 12 in the front body region 1F toward the outer widthwise edge, it can be worn to follow the curve of the wearer's abdomen and prevent the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position. Note that it is preferable to increase the forward extension distance from the cutout 12 toward the outer widthwise edge. Increasing the forward extension distance toward the outer widthwise edge allows the mat 6B to more easily conform to the wearer's lower abdomen and more effectively prevent shifting out of position.

[0091] When worn, urine excreted by the wearer is absorbed and retained by the absorbent core 6C. The urine is absorbed by the upper absorbent mat 6A, which is located on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C, and then moves to the lower absorbent mat 6B. Here, urine moves faster within the upper absorbent mat 6A than from the upper absorbent mat 6A to the lower absorbent mat 6B. Therefore, urine is dispersed in the upper absorbent mat 6A faster than it is absorbed by the lower absorbent mat 6B.

[0092] When body pressure is applied to the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D by the wearer's buttocks, the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D is compressed in the thickness direction. This prevents urine from migrating from the upper absorbent mat 6A to the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, and the urine is absorbed and retained by the upper absorbent mat 6A or the lower absorbent mat 6B corresponding to the region where the upper absorbent mat 6A is stacked on the skin-facing side. Therefore, the amount of urine absorbed and retained by the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D is small. Therefore, the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D is compressed in the thickness direction due to the wearer's body pressure, preventing the urine absorbed and retained by the lower absorbent mat 6B from flowing back toward the skin-facing side, thereby preventing urine from leaking out of the absorbent pad 1.

[0093] Furthermore, when the widthwise extending portion 6AR is laminated on the rear end portions of the groove portions 6L, 6R, urine that has flowed into the rear end portions of the groove portions 6L, 6R can be prevented from overflowing from the absorbent core 6C or the top sheet 8 and leaking out from the widthwise lateral sides of the absorbent pad 1.

[0094] When the legs are not closed in the worn state, the grooves 6L and 6R are not compressed and function as grooves that spread urine throughout the entire absorbent core 6C. Even when the legs are closed in the worn state, the absorbent pad 1 is compressed in the width direction, and the grooves 6L and 6R bend so that they convex toward the non-skin facing side, functioning as grooves that spread urine throughout the entire absorbent core 6C.

[0095] In this embodiment, the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R are laminated with widthwise extending portions 6AR on the skin-facing side. With the widthwise extending portions 6AR laminated on the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R, urine that reaches the widthwise extending portions 6AR moves through the grooves 6L and 6R to the front side of the absorbent core 6C, where it can be absorbed and retained. Therefore, urine is less likely to move to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D where body pressure is applied by the wearer's buttocks, preventing urine from flowing back due to body pressure. Furthermore, because the widthwise extending portions 6AR are laminated on the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R, they are less likely to be compressed when worn. Therefore, urine that flows down the grooves 6L and 6R can move through the widthwise extending portions 6AR at the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R to the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A.

[0096] Urine that flows into the grooves 6L and 6R and is absorbed by the widthwise extending portion 6AR is dispersed from the widthwise extending portion 6AR and is absorbed and retained by the upper absorbent mat 6A and the lower absorbent mat 6B. Therefore, a large amount of urine is retained in areas such as the buttocks corresponding region 1D where the wearer's body pressure is likely to be applied. This reduces the risk of urine backflow when body pressure is applied.

[0097] As described above, the widthwise extending portions 6AR are positioned on the skin-facing side of the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R, allowing for a greater amount of urine absorption and retention in the rear portion of the crotch region 1B than in the central portion. When worn, the grooves 6L and 6R move urine excreted by the wearer toward the rear of the central portion of the crotch region 1B, where the wearer's urethral opening abuts. This reduces the amount of urine retained in the central portion of the crotch region 1B, thereby preventing backflow of urine onto the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1 when the wearer's body pressure is applied. Furthermore, urine leakage, where urine overflows from the absorbent pad 1 and leaks out of the absorbent pad 1, is prevented during urination at the central portion of the crotch region 1B.

[0098] As described above, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment includes an absorbent body 6 having grooves 6L, 6R in the upper-layer absorbent mat non-extending region 6BO where the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A does not extend. The rear ends of the grooves 6L, 6R extend toward the center in the width direction, with the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A positioned on the skin-facing side. Urine that passes through the grooves 6L, 6R and moves to the rear ends is absorbed and retained in the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A, preventing the urine from diffusing into the buttocks-corresponding region 1D and leaking out of the absorbent pad 1, improving the wearing comfort.

[0099] <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 manner 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. 9 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the modified example. In a 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, the top sheet 8 is formed to be the same shape as the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 at the protrusions 18 and the notches 19. 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] The configuration of the absorbent body 6 is substantially the same as in the embodiment, but at both longitudinal ends of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, the widthwise outer ends extend in an arc shape toward the center of the crotch region 1B, originating from the four corners of the top sheet 8. The widthwise outer ends at the longitudinal rear end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B are at the position where the wearer's ilium protrudes when worn. Therefore, by having the end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B have a substantially arc shape, when worn, the shape conforms to the wearer's ilium, preventing the absorbent core 6C from overlapping and compressing the ilium. In addition, by wearing the absorbent pad 1 so that the absorbent core 6C conforms to the ilium and buttocks, This stabilizes the position of the absorbent core 6C and prevents the top sheet 8 from coming off from the position where it abuts against the ilium.

[0102] <Other embodiments> In this embodiment, the absorbent core 6C has a notch 12 in the widthwise center of the front end portion thereof, but this is not limited to the notch 12. For example, the rigidity may be reduced by reducing the number of laminated members compared to the adjacent absorbent cores 6C, or the absorbent core 6C may be made compressible by providing folds or elastic members.

[0103] In this embodiment, the upper absorbent mat 6A is layered on the skin-facing side of the rear ends of the grooves 6L, 6R, but the upper absorbent mat 6A does not have to be layered. Even if the upper absorbent mat 6A is not layered, the air is absorbed and diffused by the lower absorbent mat 6B that contacts the grooves 6L, 6R.

[0104] In this embodiment, the protrusion 18 is provided at the rear end of the back body region 1R and the cutout 19 is provided at the front end of the front body region 1F, but the protrusion 18 may be provided in the front body region 1F and the cutout 19 may be provided in the back body region 1R. When the protrusion 18 is provided in the front body region 1F, the absorbent pad 1 can be easily put on by folding it so that the front body region 1F is on the outer side during distribution.

[0105] In this embodiment, the gripping portion 17 is formed in the front body region 1F. However, the gripping portion 17 may be formed in the back body region 1R by using a cutout portion 12 provided in the rear end portion of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. By forming the gripping portion 17 in the back body region 1R, when the absorbent pad 1 is folded, the protruding portion 18 rises from the absorbent pad 1, making it easy to grip the protruding portion 18 and facilitating the unfolding operation.

[0106] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Absorbent pad 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back body area 1D hip 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 6BO··Upper layer absorbent mat non-extending area 6H, 6AH, 6BH, 6L, 6R Groove 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 17··Knob part 18...Protrusion 19. Notch 20L, 20R... bending lines

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 central portion of a crotch region and having a length in the width direction narrower than the front body region and the back body region; an absorbent body including, at least in the crotch region, an upper-layer absorbent mat; and a lower-layer absorbent mat arranged on the side of the upper-layer absorbent mat that faces away from the wearer's skin, extending in the longitudinal direction outside the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat, and having a concave recess on the side that faces away from the wearer's skin, Absorbent articles.

2. The upper-layer absorbent mat is laminated on the rear end of the recess in the longitudinal direction on the skin-facing side of the wearer. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. The longitudinal rear end of the recess extends toward the center in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The absorber has a first restriction portion formed along the buttocks of the wearer on a rear side of the central portion of the crotch region and restricting displacement when worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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

6. The absorber 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 worn. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. 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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