Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of suppressing leakage of excretion.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; and a direction guide part disposed on a back side in the longitudinal direction and having different texture from that of a surrounding area so as to guide a wearing direction by a tactile sense.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] The correct way to wear an absorbent article is to align its widthwise center with the wearer's midline. If the absorbent article is worn with the wearer's midline and the widthwise center of the absorbent article misaligned, there is a risk that excrement discharged by the wearer will leak out of the absorbent article.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can prevent leakage of exudates. [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 direction guide portion that is arranged on the rear side in the longitudinal direction and has a different tactile feel from the surrounding area to guide the wearing direction by tactile sensation; Equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, leakage of waste can be suppressed. [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 the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad according to the first modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to the second modification. 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 plan 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, and is 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") mainly around the crotch region 1B of the wearer to prevent gaps from forming between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer's skin, which 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 diaper 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 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 of the absorbent pad 1 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 is located at the center of the narrowest region of the absorbent core 6 in the longitudinal and width directions, and is located 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 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, located 145 mm to 314 mm behind the center of the crotch region 1B, corresponding to the wearer's buttocks.

[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 a notch 19 cut out in an arc shape toward the crotch region 1B, and the rear end of the back body region 1R has a protrusion 18 that protrudes in an arc shape toward the longitudinal outward at the widthwise central portion. 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 abdomen and buttocks of the wearer when worn.

[0015] The absorbent pad 1 includes a top sheet 8 (an example of the "skin-facing 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 (an example of the "non-skin facing sheet" in this application), and a cover sheet 4, which are layered in this order on the non-skin facing side of the top sheet 8.

[0017] The back sheet 5 is a water-impermeable sheet 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 made of a film made of a thermoplastic water-impermeable resin such as a polyethylene film to prevent leakage of excreted liquid that has flowed into the absorbent body 6. The back sheet 5 also has water-repellent properties to prevent urine and moisture from seeping out of the absorbent pad 1, and breathability to prevent the absorbent pad 1 from becoming stuffy when worn. The back sheet 5 may also have many minute ventilation holes formed therein to provide breathability.

[0018] The cover sheet 4 is a water-impermeable sheet arranged 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 portion 18 and the notched portion 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, because the back sheet 5 is impermeable to water, the absorbent pad 1 may be configured so that the cover sheet 4 is omitted and the back sheet 5 forms 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.

[0019] A fastening tape may be provided on a part 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, and prevents the absorbent pad 1 from slipping off when worn with a diaper, underwear, or the like. It is also possible to prevent slippage of the cover sheet 4 from the diaper or the like by forming the cover sheet 4 from a material with a high coefficient of friction without providing a fastening tape. Also, a hot melt adhesive may be applied to the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 to prevent slippage.

[0020] An absorbent body 6 is disposed between the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 5. 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 extending in the longitudinal direction and 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 rectangular core wrap sheets 7 sandwiching the absorbent core 6C from above and below. 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] The absorbent core 6C has an upper absorbent mat 6A arranged on the skin-facing side and a lower absorbent mat 6B arranged on the non-skin-facing side. The absorbent core 6C has a structure in which two mats, the upper absorbent mat 6A and the 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The absorbent core 6C may also have a 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 in the lower absorbent mat 6B, and disperses the liquids in the SAP layer and the upper absorbent mat 6A. The liquid is retained by the SAP.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is provided on the rear body region 1R side and is wider than the crotch region 1B. The widthwise center of the outer longitudinal end is located at the rear side, and the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A has a generally triangular widthwise extending portion 6AR with the rear side as its apex. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6A does not reach the rear end of the absorbent body 6 and is formed short within the absorbent body 6 when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. The widthwise extending portion 6AR is located behind the upper-layer absorbent mat non-extending region 6BO.

[0029] 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 crushed in the width direction by the wearer's legs.

[0030] The widthwise extending portion 6AR preferably extends in the width direction of the upper-layer 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. By extending widthwise within this region, the widthwise extending portion 6AR extends widthwise into the recess between the wearer's groin and buttocks. When worn, the recess 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 is prevented from flowing back to the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1.

[0031] 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 of the 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, because the upper absorbent mat 6A does not extend to either side of the widthwise center of the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR, the widthwise center of the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR is higher than the left and right sides of the center. 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.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferable that the widthwise extending portion 6AR extends to the vicinity of the buttocks corresponding region 1D, which is further forward than the buttocks corresponding region 1D. If the widthwise extending portion 6AR extends into the buttocks corresponding region 1D, when worn, body pressure is applied by the buttocks of the wearer, and the absorbent pad 1 is compressed in the thickness direction, and it cannot expand even when absorbing urine, resulting in a decrease in the amount of urine it can hold. For this reason, it is preferable that the rear end of the widthwise extending portion 6AR does not reach the buttocks corresponding region 1D. However, narrowing the area of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A reduces the amount of urine absorbed. Therefore, by extending the widthwise extending portion 6AR to the front side of and close to the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A can ensure a sufficient area while avoiding the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, thereby ensuring the amount of urine absorbed and retained.

[0033] 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 of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. By positioning the widthwise extending portion 6AR forward of the region corresponding to the wearer's anus, a space equivalent to the thickness of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is formed between the wearer's anus and the absorbent pad 1, thereby preventing feces from being pressed against the wearer's skin.

[0034] In addition, it is preferable that the area of the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is smaller than that of the non-skin-facing side in a plan view, and that the outer edge is 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The lower absorbent mat 6B has a cutout at the center in the width direction toward the crotch region 1B at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent pad 1 has a cutout portion 12 (an example of the "cutout portion" as used herein). By having the cutout portion 12, any kinks that occur during the wearing process can be adjusted by moving the cutout portion 12 in the width direction, and the absorbent pad 1 can be worn so that the rear end portion of the absorbent core 6C is aligned with the ilium.

[0039] In the front body region 1F, the cutout 12 extends within 50 mm from the widthwise center of the back 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 edge of the cutout 12 is 110 mm. The distance from the center of the crotch region 1B to the front edge of the lower absorbent mat 6B continuously increases from the cutout 12 to the widthwise outer edge, and the distance to the front-most front edge of the lower absorbent mat 6B is 175 mm to 186 mm. In the back body region 1R, the cutout 12 is positioned closer to the crotch region 1B than the protrusion 18.

[0040] The absorbent pad 1 also includes grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R provided in the absorbent core 6C and penetrating the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The groove 6H (an example of a "recess" in this application) is provided within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, with its front-to-rear ends 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 penetrating 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 groove 6H, moves longitudinally along the groove 6H, and is rapidly absorbed over a wide longitudinal range of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment includes the groove 6H, enabling rapid diffusion of excreted liquid. As shown in FIG. 3, the groove 6H does 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The grooves 6L and 6R are located within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, with their front-to-rear ends contained within the absorbent core 6C. The grooves 6L and 6R are located 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, while 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 over a region of 143 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B. The region extending from 12 mm forward of the center of the crotch region 1B to the front end is inclined diagonally forward, and the region extending from 33 mm rearward of the center of the crotch region to the rear end is inclined diagonally rearward. 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.

[0044] 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. The core wrap sheet 7 protects the shape of the absorbent core 6C when not in contact with exudate, 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.

[0045] In this embodiment, the core wrap sheet 7 is formed from 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 from 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 from a single sheet or two sheets.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The absorbent pad 1 also includes a pair of water-impermeable side sheets 9L, 9R (an example of a "leak-barrier-forming sheet") 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.

[0049] 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. 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 widthwise outer sides of the side sheets 9L, 9R are also bonded to the top sheet 8, but the inside of the lengthwise sides of the fixing portions 33L, 33R, the inside of the widthwise direction of the hot melt adhesive HM, is not bonded, allowing the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R 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.

[0050] 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. Furthermore, because the back body region 1R is provided with the cutout portion 12 and the 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 outward toward the non-skin facing side. This makes it easier to wear the absorbent pad 1 along the ilium.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the front body region 1F, the rear ends of the fixed portions 33L, 33R are located further rearward than the rear ends of the cutout portions 12. The contractile force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR contracting is easily transmitted to the cutout portions 12, making it easy to form a cup shape.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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. In this embodiment, the grooves 6H, 6L, and 6R provided in the absorbent core 6C function as the folding portions. By locating the region where rigidity changes or the folding portion behind the cutout portion 12, the region where rigidity changes becomes a base point for folding the absorbent pad 1, forming the rear end of the cup shape. Therefore, by not locating the region where rigidity changes or the folding portion, the cup shape is formed over a wide area, which prevents the crotch region 1B from being separated from the wearer's urethral opening and hindering urine absorption by the absorber 6.

[0055] 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 widthwise center. 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] When the absorbent pad 1 is viewed from above, the regions extending outward in the width direction 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 arranged to include the outer sides in the width direction of the free ends 9LB, 9RB. The absorbent pad 1 increases the cushioning properties of the ear portions 10L, 10R while increasing the amount of liquid absorption 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 according to this embodiment has a symmetrical shape, and the correct way to wear it is to align its widthwise center with the wearer's midline. Generally, absorbent pads are generally white, making it difficult to accurately determine the widthwise center when wearing the pad. Therefore, the absorbent pad according to this embodiment has a cutout 12 on the rear side in the longitudinal direction, which has a different feel from the surrounding area and functions as a tactile guide that guides the wearer in the proper direction. The rear cutout 12 is an example of a tactile guide.

[0059] The rear cutout 12 is located in the widthwise center, where the lower absorbent mat 6B is cut out. Therefore, when the cutout 12 is touched from the top sheet 8 side, it is recessed from the surrounding area, allowing the center of the widthwise direction to be identified by touch. Whether a caregiver is putting the absorbent pad 1 on the wearer or the wearer is putting the absorbent pad 1 on themselves, the position of the cutout 12 can be recognized by touch, making it easy to align the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 with the wearer's midline. The absorbent pad 1 of this embodiment can be put on so that the wearer's midline and the widthwise center are aligned, thereby preventing leakage of excrement. Furthermore, when putting on the absorbent pad 1, the absorbent pad 1 is easily aligned by simply aligning the cutout 12 on the rear side with the wearer's spine.

[0060] It is also conceivable to provide a printed line extending across the widthwise center of the exterior surface of the absorbent pad for alignment, but this printed line is poorly visible from the skin side. The absorbent pad according to this embodiment has a notch 12 that can be recognized by touch from the skin side, making alignment easier than when such a printed line is provided. Furthermore, although this printed line becomes more difficult to see in the dark, the position of the notch 12 can be identified by touch, so the absorbent pad 1 can be easily aligned even in the dark.

[0061] It is also conceivable to provide a printed line extending across the widthwise center on the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad for alignment, but because the top sheet placed on the skin-facing side may come into contact with the wearer's skin or urine excreted by the wearer may flow across the printed line, providing this printed line on the skin-facing side would limit the printing position compared to providing it on the exterior surface, and it is also conceivable that the printed line may not be provided across the widthwise center. However, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment can use a cutout 12, separate from the printed line, as a mark for alignment.

[0062] In the absorbent pad 1 according to the present embodiment, the cutout portion 12 is provided as the direction guide portion, but this is not limited to this. For example, the direction guide portion may be anything that can be perceived by touch, such as an embossed portion on the top sheet 8, or a portion that has been intentionally made harder by applying a larger amount of hot melt adhesive. Furthermore, when providing a direction guide portion on the top sheet 8 or the cover sheet 4 that has a different tactile sensation from the surrounding area, it is preferable to provide the direction guide portion in a position that does not overlap with the absorbent core 6C. This makes it easier to perceive the direction guide portion by touch.

[0063] It is preferable to use the cutout 12 of the absorbent core 6C as the direction guide portion because, after the user (caregiver or wearer) recognizes that the cutout 12 is the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad 1, when the user pinches the cutout 12 to unfold the folded absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-back direction, the absorbent core 6C can be prevented from being crushed by pinching, and the absorbent core 6C can be prevented from losing its shape or from feeling bad against the skin.

[0064] In addition, in the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, notches are provided on both the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 6C. The front cutout 12 is also provided in the center of the width direction, and because it has a different feel from the surrounding area, it can function as a direction guide that guides the wearing direction by touch. By providing direction guides on the front and back of the absorbent pad 1, it is possible to make alignment easier.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the rear cutout 12 is located within a range of 40 mm from the rear end of the absorbent pad 1. By providing at least a portion of the cutout 12 within this range, when the user pinches the skin-facing side of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 with their thumb, the thumb can touch the cutout 12, making it easier for the user to perceive the position of the cutout 12. Note that if the distance between the rear end of the absorbent core 6C and the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is within 50 mm, and the depth (length) of the cutout 12 in the longitudinal direction is 10 mm or more, preferably 10 to 30 mm, and the length in the width direction is 20 to 30 mm, the thumb will fit into the cutout 12, making it easier to perceive the cutout 12. By making the cutout 12 easier to perceive, the absorbent pad 1 also facilitates positioning.

[0066] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion of the front cutout 12 is located within a range of 40 mm from the front end of the absorbent pad 1. By providing at least a portion of the cutout 12 within this range, when the user pinches the skin-facing side of the front end of the absorbent pad 1 with their thumb, the thumb can touch the cutout 12, making it easier for the user to perceive the position of the cutout 12. Note that if the distance between the front end of the absorbent core 6C and the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is within 50 mm, and the length of the cutout 12 in the longitudinal direction is 10 mm or more, preferably 10 to 30 mm, and the length in the width direction is 20 to 30 mm, the thumb will fit into the cutout 12, making it easier to perceive the cutout 12. By making the cutout 12 easier to perceive, the absorbent pad 1 also facilitates positioning.

[0067] Furthermore, by pinching the front and rear cutouts 12 with both thumbs to expand the absorbent pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, it becomes easier to align the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 with the wearer's midline.

[0068] The rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is located within a range of 245 mm to 300 mm from the longitudinal center, and the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is located within a range of 200 mm to 350 mm from the longitudinal center. The rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is located within a range of 340 mm to 379 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B, and the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is located within a range of 210 mm to 221 mm from the center of the crotch region 1B. An absorbent pad 1 having such dimensions is suitable for an adult. The absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment can be worn with its longitudinal direction aligned with the wearer's midline by aligning the center of its width with the hollow of the wearer's back, the protrusion of the spine, or the navel using the cutout portion 12.

[0069] Furthermore, the groove 6H provided in the absorbent core 6C functions as a folding portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1 at the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad 1. Therefore, the groove 6H is an example of a folding portion in the present application. The rigidity of the groove 6H is lower than that of its surroundings, so the absorbent pad 1 can be folded along the groove 6H. For example, by pinching the front and rear cutouts 12 and stretching the absorbent pad 1, the absorbent pad 1 is folded along the groove 6H as viewed from the skin side, so that the absorbent pad 1 can be worn with the center of the width direction of the absorbent pad 1 abutting the wearer's urethral opening. Note that the folding portion is not limited to the groove 6H. The folding portion may also be a compressed groove provided in the top sheet 8 or the cover sheet 4. The folding portion may be any portion that has a different rigidity from the surroundings and serves as a starting point for folding.

[0070] Furthermore, because the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is provided with a protrusion 18, the shape of the widthwise central portion of the rear end is different from the shape of the widthwise outer portions of the central portion. With this configuration, by touching the rear end of the absorbent pad 1, the widthwise central portion of the rear end can be perceived as having a different tactile sensation than the outer portions. Furthermore, by providing the protrusion 18 at the rear end, the protrusion 18 can be easily pinched with the fingers, and the hand fits comfortably in this area. By pinching the protrusion 18, the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 can be more closely identified. Furthermore, by setting the width of the protrusion 18 to 70 mm to 150 mm and the length of the protrusion 18 to 10 mm to 30 mm, the size can be made easy for the user to pinch, making it easier to identify the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1. The minimum width limit of 70 mm for the protrusion 18 takes into account the hand width from the index finger to the little finger, which is the width needed for gripping. The maximum width limit of 150 mm was determined based on the results of interviews regarding the visibility of the protrusion 18. The minimum length limit of 10 mm for the protrusion 18 is set to 10 mm because protrusions 18 are difficult to recognize if they are less than 10 mm. The maximum length limit of 30 mm is set to 30 mm because protrusions 18 greater than 30 mm tend to fall toward the skin and touch the skin, potentially causing skin irritation. Furthermore, protrusions 18 longer than 30 mm are too long and unsightly. Furthermore, by pinching the protrusion 18, the thumb naturally rests on the cutout 12 of the absorbent core 6C, making it easier to perceive the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1. In this way, the absorbent pad 1 makes the widthwise center easily recognizable by tactile sensation, guiding the user in the correct wearing direction.

[0071] Because a cutout portion 19 is provided at the front end of the absorbent pad 1, the shape of the widthwise center portion of the front end is different from the shape of the widthwise outer portion of the center portion. With this configuration, by touching the front end of the absorbent pad 1, the user can perceive the widthwise center portion of the rear end as having a different tactile sensation than the outer portion. Furthermore, by providing the cutout portion 19 at the front end, the cutout portion 19 can be easily pinched with fingers, allowing the user's hand to fit comfortably in this area, and by pinching the cutout portion 19, the center of the absorbent pad 1 can be more closely identified. Furthermore, by setting the width of the cutout portion 19 to 70 mm to 150 mm and the depth (length) of the cutout to 10 mm to 30 mm, the size can be made to fit comfortably in the user's hand, making it easier to pinch the front end of the absorbent pad 1 and identify the center of the absorbent pad 1 in the widthwise direction. Furthermore, by pinching the cutout portion 19, the thumb can be naturally positioned in the cutout portion 12 of the absorbent core 6C, which makes it easier to perceive the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1. In this way, the absorbent pad 1 makes it easy to perceive the widthwise center by touch, and can guide the user in the direction of wearing the absorbent pad.

[0072] Next, the restriction portions 13, 14, and 15 for preventing the absorbent pad 1 from shifting position relative to the wearer will be described. The absorbent pad 1 is provided with restriction portions 13, 14, 15, and 16 that prevent the absorbent pad 1 from shifting 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 position. For the sake of explanation, rubber threads 3BL and 3BR are not shown in Fig. 5.

[0073] The restricting portion 13 (an example of a "first restricting portion") is disposed at the rear end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A and restricts the absorbent pad 1 from shifting outward in the longitudinal direction when worn. The restricting portion 13, located at the rear end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A, is located behind the center of the crotch region 1B and in front of the area that comes into contact with the wearer's buttocks when worn. 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 buttocks, and has a height equivalent to the thickness of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A. Therefore, in the worn state, the restricting portion 13 catches the wearer's buttocks and restricts shifting toward the wearer's buttocks. Furthermore, because the position of the buttocks on the absorbent core 6C 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 13 is secured by the upper absorbent mat 6A. It is not necessary to restrict the position of the absorbent pad 1 by the friction coefficient of the top sheet 8, and the positional displacement of the absorbent pad 1 may be suppressed by changing the friction coefficient of the top sheet 8.

[0074] The restricting portion 14 (an example of a "second restricting portion") 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 formed in a curved shape 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 on the wearer's groin by the restricting portion 14, preventing the absorbent core 6C from shifting forward toward the groin. 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.

[0075] When worn, both widthwise ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A are formed to continuously expand diagonally outward in the widthwise direction toward the front, so as to 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, when worn, 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 gaps from forming between the absorbent pad 1 and the groin, preventing urine from leaking out of the absorbent pad 1 along the groin. Furthermore, the gaps 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 retain urine that has flowed toward the abdominal area. When the restricting portion 14 is formed by compressed grooves or slits, the compressed grooves or slits are fitted 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.

[0076] The restricting portion 15 (an example of a "third restricting portion") is located 59 mm forward 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.

[0077] The restricting portions 16 (an example of a "fourth restricting portion") are formed on both widthwise sides of the crotch region 1B so as to fit along the wearer's legs, and restrict the absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position. In this embodiment, they have a shape consisting of three connected arcs extending outward in the widthwise direction. The restricting portions 16 are attached so as to fit along the wearer's legs along the fold-back line 16B located closer to the widthwise center than the restricting portions 16. Therefore, when the absorbent pad 1 is attached, the restricting portions 16 come into contact with the wearer's legs, and restrict 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 attached 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. Furthermore, the shape and size of the restricting portions For example, the size of the restricting portion 16 may be different on both sides in the width direction, the number of arcs may be increased or decreased, or three consecutive arcs may be of different sizes.

[0078] The absorbent pad 1 can be easily worn by aligning its widthwise center with the wearer's midline. Furthermore, by providing the aforementioned restricting portion, the absorbent pad 1 can be maintained in the appropriate position. This allows the absorbent pad 1 to be maintained in a state where its widthwise center is aligned with the wearer's midline, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement.

[0079] Furthermore, when body pressure is applied by the wearer's buttocks to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D is compressed in the thickness direction. This prevents urine from migrating from the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D, and the urine is absorbed and retained by the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A or the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B corresponding to the region above the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the thickness direction. Therefore, the amount of urine absorbed and retained by the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D is small. Therefore, the lower-layer 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-layer absorbent mat 6B from flowing back toward the skin, thereby preventing urine from leaking out of the absorbent pad 1.

[0080] <Variation 1> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a first modified example of this embodiment will be described. In this modified example, an indicator for alignment is provided on the exterior surface. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to this modified example, viewed from the non-skin-facing side (the cover sheet 4 side). An indicator 30 is provided on the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4, passing through the center of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction. The indicator 30 extends along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. The indicator 30 is a printed line provided by printing on the cover sheet 4 in a color other than white (for example, blue or green). The indicator 30 extends so as to overlap with a groove 6H provided in the absorbent core 6C.

[0081] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad 1 according to a modified example taken along line BB in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, the top sheet 8 is bonded to the back sheet 5 at the groove portion 6H. Specifically, the top sheet 8 is bonded to the back sheet 5 via the core wrap sheet 7. A hot melt adhesive is used for this bonding. By bonding the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 5 at the groove portion 6H, the absorbent pad 1 improves the visibility of the display portion 30 from the skin-facing side through the top sheet 8, and the absorbent pad 1 can guide the wearing direction by the display portion 30. This makes it easier to align the absorbent pad 1 with the wearer.

[0082] It is sufficient that the top sheet 8 is bonded to the back sheet 5 at least in part of the width direction of the groove 6H, which can improve the visibility of the display unit 30 from the skin side.

[0083] <Variation 2> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a second modification of this embodiment will be described. In this modification, the four corners of the absorbent pad 1 are formed in a generally arc-like shape with notches cut out toward the center of the crotch region 1B, but these four corners do not have to be formed in a generally arc-like shape. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to this modification. In plan view, the absorbent pad 1 according to this modification has corners formed by connecting the linear outer edges of the absorbent pad 1 at the widthwise outer ends of both longitudinal ends. Here, the absorbent pad 1 has a cover sheet 4 and a back sheet 5 formed to be the same size and shape. Therefore, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5 and the side sheets 9L, 9R form the outer shape of the absorbent pad 1. For example, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5 and the side sheets 9L, 9R form the outer shape of the absorbent pad 1. The shapes of the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 form the arcuate 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 to water, the cover sheet 4 may be omitted and the back sheet 5 may form the exterior surface.

[0084] 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. 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] <Other embodiments> The present invention is applicable not only to absorbent pads but also to pants-type diapers and tape-type diapers.

[0087] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 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 direction guide portion that is arranged on the rear side in the longitudinal direction and has a different tactile feel from the surrounding area to guide the wearing direction by tactile sensation; An absorbent article comprising:

2. An absorbent core for absorbing fluids discharged by the wearer, the absorbent core is provided at the rear side in the longitudinal direction and at the center in the width direction, and has a notched portion cut out at the front side; The direction guide portion is the notch portion. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. The direction guide portions are respectively arranged on the rear side and the front side in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least a portion of the direction guiding portion is disposed within a range of 40 mm from the rear end portion in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the rear end in the longitudinal direction is located within a range of 245 mm to 300 mm from the center in the longitudinal direction, The front end in the longitudinal direction is located within a range of 200 mm to 350 mm from the center in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. a folded portion extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the width direction; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. At the rear end portion in the longitudinal direction, the shape of the central portion in the width direction is different from the shape of the outer portion in the width direction relative to the central portion, At the front end portion in the longitudinal direction, the shape of the central portion in the width direction is different from the shape of the outer portion in the width direction relative to the central portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

8. an absorbent core for absorbing fluids discharged by the wearer; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core; a non-skin-facing sheet disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core; Equipped with the absorbent core extends along the longitudinal direction and has a recess recessed on the non-skin facing side, the skin-facing side sheet and the non-skin-facing side sheet are bonded to each other at the recesses, the non-skin-facing side sheet has an indicator portion extending to overlap the recess portion and indicating the wearing direction; The absorbent article of claim 1.

9. the absorbent core is provided at the front side in the longitudinal direction and at the center in the width direction, and has a notched portion cut out at the rear side; The direction guide portions are disposed on the rear side and the front side in the longitudinal direction, The direction guide portion is the notch portion. The absorbent article of claim 2.

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