Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article which can suppress leakage of excrement.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes: an absorbent core arranged at least in a crotch region corresponding to a crotch of a wearer; a skin surface side sheet arranged on a part closer to a skin surface side of the wearer than the absorbent core; a pair of right and left leakage prevention wall forming sheets which are arranged on both sides in a width direction on the skin surface side of the skin surface side sheet, have a joining part to the skin surface side sheet, and form a leakage prevention wall as an inner side in the width direction with respect to the joining part rises on the skin surface side; a pair of first right and left rigidity change parts which are provided on both sides in the width direction in the crotch region of the absorbent core, and where rigidity of the absorbent core changes; and a contraction member which is joined to the leakage prevention wall forming sheet, arranged on an inner side in the width direction with respect to an outer edge in the width direction of the first rigidity change part, and has contraction force in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, absorbent articles having upright gathers for suppressing side leakage of exudates such as urine are known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-162910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The three-dimensional gathers rise toward the wearer's skin as designed, making contact with the wearer's skin and preventing leakage of excrement. However, it is expected that the three-dimensional gathers of absorbent articles may not rise as designed due to twisting when worn, etc. In absorbent articles, if the three-dimensional gathers do not rise as designed, there is a risk of excrement leakage.

[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; an absorbent core disposed at least in a crotch region corresponding to the wearer's crotch; a skin-facing sheet disposed closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent core; a pair of left and right leak-proof wall-forming sheets that are arranged on both sides of the skin-face side of the skin-face side sheet in the width direction, have joints with the skin-face side sheet, and form leak-proof walls by rising up on the skin-face side on the inner side of the joints in the width direction; a pair of left and right first rigidity varying portions provided on both sides in the width direction of the crotch region of the absorbent core, the rigidity of the absorbent core varying; a contraction member that is joined to the leak-barrier-forming sheet, that is positioned inward in the width direction relative to an outer edge of the first rigidity change portion in the width direction, and that has a contraction force in the longitudinal direction; 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 cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment in a worn state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad according to the first modification. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 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, arranged mainly around the crotch region 1B. The absorbent pad 1 also has three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R (an example of a "leak-proof wall" as referred to in this application) arranged mainly around the crotch region 1B of the wearer to prevent the formation of gaps between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid leakage path. The three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elastic force of the elastic members. Therefore, liquid excreted by the wearer is absorbed by the absorbent body 6 without leaking from the diaper 1. The elastic members may 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 (an example of a "longitudinal center") is located at the longitudinal and widthwise center of the narrowest region of the absorbent core 6, 379 mm forward from the rear end of the back body region 1R. Hereinafter, the longitudinal center of the absorbent pad 1 is referred to as the center of the crotch region 1B. 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 crotch of the wearer aligned with the crotch region 1B, the outer periphery of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction will be The side edges can be attached to the wearer's ilium. The absorbent pad 1 also has a buttocks-corresponding region 1D in the rear body region 1R, located 145 mm to 314 mm behind the center of the crotch region 1B, which 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 cut out in an arc shape toward the crotch region 1B at its widthwise center, and the back end of the back body region 1R has a protrusion 18 protruding in an arc shape toward the longitudinal outward at its widthwise center. Furthermore, both longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1 have an outer widthwise end cut out in an arc shape toward the crotch region 1B. The narrowed region in the crotch region 1B has a shape consisting of 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 conform to the wearer's abdomen and buttocks 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 a "non-skin facing sheet"), 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 part 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 to water, the cover sheet 4 may be omitted and the back sheet 5 may form the exterior surface. The cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5 and a part of the top sheet 8 form the arc-shaped cutouts in the back body region 1F and the back body region 1R. As described above, the portion corresponding to the wearer's ilium is formed with a cutout shape, so that the outer widthwise end 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 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. Instead of providing the fastening tape, the cover sheet 4 may be formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction to prevent slippage relative to the diaper, etc. Also, a hot melt adhesive may be applied to the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 to prevent slippage.

[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 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 only short fibers, The upper absorbent mat 6A functions to retain and diffuse the discharged liquid and prevent it from flowing back until the discharged liquid is absorbed by the SAP particles contained in the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0026] 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.

[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 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. This prevents the absorbent pad 1 from expanding even when absorbing urine, resulting in a reduced urine retention capacity. Therefore, it is preferable that the rear end of the widthwise extending portions 6AR does not reach the buttocks-corresponding region 1D. However, reducing the area of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A will reduce the amount of urine absorption. Therefore, by extending the widthwise extending portions 6AR to the front side and vicinity of 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 sufficient urine absorption and retention capacity.

[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 absorbent mat 6B has an arc shape at its 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 absorbent mat 6B. The absorbent core non-extending region 11 extends over an area 45 mm to 120 mm from the rear end of the absorbent pad 1. The boundary between the absorbent core non-extending region 11 and the absorbent core 6C is the rear end of the lower absorbent mat 6B, and is curved. 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 become base points for the absorbent pad 1 to bend along the straight edge. Therefore, the absorbent The 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. This prevents pressure on the ilium by the absorbent core 6C and prevents bedsores.

[0038] 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 in the absorbent pad 1, any creases that occur during the putting-on process can be adjusted by moving the cutouts 12 in the width direction, and the rear end of the absorbent core 6C can be put on so that it 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, and 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-layer absorbent mat 6B continuously increases from the cutout 12 to the widthwise outer side, and the distance to the front end located at the forefront of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B is 175 mm to 186 mm. In the back body region 1R, the cutout 12 is located closer to the crotch region 1B than the protrusion 18.

[0040] The absorbent pad 1 also includes grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R in the absorbent core 6C that penetrate the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The groove 6H is located within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, and its front-to-rear ends are contained within the absorbent core 6C. The groove 6H is located in the widthwise center of the absorbent core 6C so as to extend longitudinally. In this embodiment, the groove 6H penetrates the absorbent core 6C, which is formed from the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, at a position corresponding to the wearer's midline when worn. Excreted liquid, such as urine, flows into the grooves 6H, moves longitudinally along the grooves 6H, and is rapidly absorbed over a wide longitudinal range of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment includes the grooves 6H, allowing for rapid diffusion of excreted liquid. As shown in FIG. 3, the grooves 6H do not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6. Therefore, the discharged liquid that has moved outward in the longitudinal direction does not reach the longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 6, but remains inside the grooves 6H and is gradually absorbed. The grooves 6H may be formed so that the skin-facing side is concave by making the absorbent material, such as short fibers, that forms the absorbent core 6C less than in parts other than the grooves 6H, or may be formed by squeezing the absorbent material that forms the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction.

[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 absorbent mat 6A and grooves 6BH formed through the lower 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, it is possible to increase the amount of urine absorbed by the upper absorbent mat 6A in the crotch region 1B. The grooves 6BH are formed so that their front ends are in the same longitudinal position as the front ends of the regions of the grooves 6L and 6R that are formed longitudinally parallel to the grooves 6H. When the grooves 6BH are formed as described above, the operation of putting on the absorbent pad 1 is simplified. When the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is lifted up to put on the wearer during use, the absorbent pad 1 easily bends on the imaginary straight line connecting the front end of the groove portion 6BH and the front end of the area that is linear 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. It has a roughly rectangular shape with its long sides extending longitudinally, and its four corners are shaped to fit the edges of the absorbent pad 1. 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.

[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 mentioned above, the absorbent core 6C has grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. As shown in Figure 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 core wrap sheet 7A and the lower core wrap sheet 7B are bonded 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, and in this case, the upper core wrap sheet 7A and the lower core wrap sheet 7B may not be bonded together. This allows the volume of the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R to be greater than that of the upper core wrap sheet. The core wrap sheet 7 is not reduced in size by the amount of the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R, and the urine diffusion by the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R can be improved. The core wrap sheet 7 is also configured not to fall into the grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. In this embodiment, the upper absorbent mat 6A is laminated on a portion of the skin-facing side of the grooves 6L and 6R. Alternatively, the upper absorbent mat 6A may be laminated on the entire skin-facing side of the grooves 6L and 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 the "leak-barrier-forming sheet" referred to herein) arranged on the skin-facing sides of both widthwise sides of the absorbent pad 1, extending 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 (an example of the "bonding portion" referred to herein) arranged on their widthwise outer sides. The fixing regions 9LA, 9RA are bonded to the top sheet 8, which is a component arranged on the non-skin-facing side, with a hot melt adhesive HM. The fixing regions 9LA, 9RA are bonding portions joined to the top sheet 8.

[0049] The side sheets 9L, 9R are bonded to the top sheet 8 with a hot melt adhesive HM. The widthwise inner edges of this hot melt adhesive HM form standing lines 3LL, 3LR (see FIG. 3), and the inside of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR form the upstanding three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The widthwise inner edges of the side sheets 9L, 9R from the standing lines 3LL, 3LR are the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, and the widthwise inner edges of the side sheets 9L, 9R are free ends 9LB, 9RB, which are the tips of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Near the free ends 9LB, 9RB of the side sheets 9L, 9R, two rubber threads 3BL, 3BR (an example of the "contractile member" referred to herein) that are thread-like elastic members are provided side by side in the widthwise direction. Note that one rubber thread 3BL, 3BR may also be provided. The rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are fixed to the side sheets 9L, 9R with 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 the longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1. 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 gathers 3L, 3R. The side sheets 9L, 9R are also bonded to the top sheet 8 on their widthwise inner sides, but the inside of the fixing portions 33L, 33R in the longitudinal direction is not bonded to the inside of the widthwise direction with the hot melt adhesive HM, allowing them to stand up toward the skin. When the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR contract and the standing gathers 3L, 3R inside the standing lines 3LL, 3LR stand up toward the skin, the free ends 9LB, 9RB become the tips on the skin-facing side. The standing upright gathers 3L, 3R inhibit the movement of liquids and loose stools outward in the width direction of the gathers 3L, 3R, thereby suppressing side leakage of these.

[0050] In addition, the back body region 1R is provided with the cutouts 12 and protrusions 18, which act as beams to resist the contracting force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR, making the cutouts 12 prone to bulging out toward the non-skin side, making it easier to wear the absorbent pad 1 along the ilium.

[0051] The fixing parts 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 parts 33L, 33R are provided in the front body region 1F at positions overlapping the lower absorbent mat 6B having the cutout 12 in the thickness direction. By providing the fixing parts 33L, 33R so as to overlap the lower absorbent mat 6B, During fitting, the front end of the lower absorbent mat 6B is pulled rearward by the contraction force of the rubber threads 3BL and 3BR, forming a cup shape with a space starting from the notch 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 ears 10L, 10R are formed in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. The lower absorbent mat 6B is positioned so as to include the outer sides of the free ends 9LB, 9RB in the width direction. The absorbent pad 1 can increase the amount of liquid absorption by increasing the cushioning properties of the ears 10L, 10R and by forming the lower absorbent mat 6B large. The ears 10L, 10R may be formed in either the front body region 1F or the back body region 1R.

[0058] The absorbent core 6C also has a pair of left and right grooves 6L, 6R (an example of the "first rigidity varying portion" in this application) provided on both sides of the width direction of the crotch region 1B. The grooves 6L, 6R are areas of the absorbent core 6C where short fibers are not present, and have a relatively lower rigidity than the surrounding area. Therefore, the grooves 6L, 6R function as rigidity varying portions that vary the rigidity of the absorbent core 6C.

[0059] The rubber threads 3BL, 3BR are arranged widthwise inward of the outer edges of the grooves 6L, 6R in the absorbent pad 1. The contraction of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR, which have a contractile force in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1, causes the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to stand up toward the skin side. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1 cut widthwise in the worn state. Note that while Figure 5 shows a simplified illustration of the absorbent core 6C, the absorbent core 6C has a two-layer structure consisting of an upper absorbent mat 6A and a lower absorbent mat 6B, as shown in Figure 4.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, when the crotch region 1B is held between the wearer's legs, a force acts to crush the crotch region 1B in the width direction, bending it at the grooves 6L and 6R, which have low rigidity, and causing the absorbent core 6C to rise up inside the grooves 6L and 6R. This causes the absorbent core 6C's outermost portions of the grooves 6L and 6R in the width direction to rise inward. Of the two rubber threads 3BL and 3BR that form the three-dimensional gathers 3L and 3R, the outermost rubber threads 3BL and 3BR in the width direction are positioned inside the outer edges of the grooves 6L and 6R, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the worn state, the outermost rubber threads 3BL and 3BR are positioned inside the absorbent core 6C outside the grooves 6L and 6R, ensuring that the three-dimensional gathers 3L and 3R rise inward. This allows the three-dimensional gathers 3L and 3R of the absorbent pad 1 to abut against the wearer's skin, thereby preventing leakage of waste. Furthermore, as the absorbent core 6C outside the grooves 6L, 6R rises, the portions of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R below the free ends 9LB, 9RB are pushed outward in the width direction, resulting in the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R being stretched inward. This makes it difficult for the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R in the absorbent pad 1 to wrinkle or twist, allowing the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to be properly abutted against the wearer's skin.

[0061] If the grooves 6L, 6R are shaped so that their widths narrow toward the non-skin facing side, the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR may be arranged on the inside of the outer edge on the non-skin facing side, which is the narrowest. The outer edge on the non-skin facing side serves as the starting point for folding, so the absorbent pad 1 can be folded as shown in Figure 5.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first rigidity varying portions are the slit-shaped grooves 6L, 6R provided in the absorbent core 6C, but the first rigidity varying portions may instead be compressed grooves provided in the absorbent core 6C or the top sheet 8. For example, as described above, the grooves 6L, 6R may be compressed grooves, in which case the compressed grooves may be provided in the top sheet 8 and the absorbent core 6C. The grooves 6L, 6R are portions whose rigidity differs from that of the surrounding areas and may serve as starting points for folding. Furthermore, the first rigidity varying portions may serve as starting points for folding the absorbent pad 1, as shown in FIG. 5, and their extension direction is preferably the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1, but they may also extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable that the absorbent pad 1 be folded so that the center in the width direction is convex toward the skin-facing side. Bending the absorbent pad 1 in this manner also facilitates folding of the outsides of the groove portions 6L and 6R. In this embodiment, the groove portion 6H functions as a second rigidity change portion that changes the rigidity of the absorbent core 6C. The second rigidity change portion is a slit-shaped groove portion 6H, similar to the first rigidity change portion. However, the second rigidity change portion may be a compressed groove provided in the absorbent core 6C or a compressed groove provided in the top sheet 8. For example, as described above, the groove portion 6H may be a compressed groove. In this case, the compressed groove may be provided in the top sheet 8 and the absorbent core 6C. The groove portion 6H may be a portion whose rigidity differs from that of the surrounding area and may serve as a starting point for folding. Furthermore, the second rigidity change portion may be a starting point for folding the absorbent pad 1, as shown in FIG. 5. It is preferable that the extension direction of the second rigidity change portion is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1, but it may also extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal direction.

[0064] 3, one end of the grooves 6L, 6R in the front-rear direction extends to the end of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. In this embodiment, the front ends of the grooves 6L, 6R extend to the end of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. In other words, the front ends of the grooves 6L, 6R communicate with the outside of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. This configuration makes it easier for the outside of the grooves 6L, 6R of the absorbent core 6C to deform along the shape of the wearer's crotch, and therefore the outside of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction to deform into the state shown in FIG. 5.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, the other ends of the grooves 6L and 6R in the front-to-rear direction extend to the inside of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. In this embodiment, the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R extend to the inside of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. In other words, the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R do not extend to the ends of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction. If the outer sides of the grooves of the absorbent core were completely independent of the inner sides of the grooves, the left and right pieces independent from the center would be misaligned, and the absorbent pad would not bend into the shape shown in FIG. 5. To prevent this, it is preferable that the absorbent core 6C has a configuration in which the outer and inner sides of the grooves 6L and 6R are connected. Because the outer and inner sides of the grooves 6L and 6R of the absorbent core 6C are connected, urine received on the inside can be absorbed and retained on the outside.

[0066] The absorbent core 6C also contains SAP particles that are positioned widthwise outside the grooves 6L, 6R. These SAP particles are mixed with the short fibers of the absorbent core 6C. When the absorbent core 6C absorbs urine widthwise outside the grooves 6L, 6R, the SAP particles expand, pushing the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R outward in the width direction, making it easier for the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to stand up. This allows the absorbent pad 1 to suppress leakage of excrement through the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, even after the second urination.

[0067] 5, the end of the absorbent core 6C in contact with the widthwise center of the grooves 6L, 6R is convex toward the non-skin side, and the end of the absorbent core 6C (lower-layer absorbent mat 6B) in contact with the widthwise outer sides of the grooves 6L, 6R is convex toward the skin side, so that the absorbent core 6C overlaps to form two layers in the thickness direction. Therefore, even when the wearer is wearing the absorbent core 6 with both legs closed, the absorbent core 6C on the widthwise outer sides of the grooves 6L, 6R is compressed, and a decrease in the absorption capacity of the absorber 6 can be prevented.

[0068] It is also preferable that the ends of the grooves 6L, 6R on the side not communicating with the outer widthwise ends of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B overlap with the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A in the thickness direction. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6A facilitates the movement of urine to both widthwise ends of the grooves 6L, 6R, making it easier for the entire absorbent core 6C to absorb and retain urine, thereby increasing the amount of urine that can be absorbed by the absorbent core 6C.

[0069] In this embodiment, the rear end portions of the grooves 6L and 6R have widthwise extending portions 6AR laminated on the skin-facing side. When the widthwise extending portions 6AR are laminated on the rear end portions of the grooves 6L and 6R, Urine that reaches the widthwise extending portion 6AR moves to the front side of the absorbent core 6C via the grooves 6L, 6R, where it can be absorbed and retained. Therefore, it is difficult for the urine to move to the lower absorbent mat 6B in the buttocks-corresponding region 1D where body pressure is applied by the wearer's buttocks, and therefore backflow of urine due to body pressure can be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, the rear end portions of the grooves 6L, 6R are not easily compressed even when the diaper is worn because the widthwise extending portions 6AR are laminated thereon, so urine that has flowed into the grooves 6L, 6R can easily move to the upper absorbent mat 6A.

[0071] It is also preferable to provide a folding portion (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction at the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 for folding the absorbent pad 1. By providing a folding portion, the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 can be easily bent along the folding portion so that it becomes convex toward the skin side, and the absorbent core 6C can be easily deformed as shown in Figure 9. Even if a folding portion is not provided, the notches 12 provided at the front and rear end portions and widthwise center of the absorbent core and the groove 6H at the widthwise center act as folding guide portions, so that the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1 can be easily bent so that it becomes convex toward the skin side, and the absorbent core 6C can be easily deformed as shown in Figure 9.

[0072] The absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment is provided with an absorbent body 6 having a widthwise extending portion 6AR that is positioned closer to the back body region 1R than the crotch region 1B and in front of the buttocks-corresponding region 1D and that extends widely in the width direction. When worn, the widthwise extending portion 6AR absorbs urine in front of the region corresponding to the wearer's buttocks, preventing urine from spreading to the buttocks-corresponding region 1D. This prevents urine from flowing back from the skin-facing side of the absorbent pad 1, improving comfort when worn.

[0073] <Variation 1> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 1, cut at the center in the longitudinal direction. In this modification, the portions of the side sheets 9L, 8R that will become the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are folded outward at the inner ends. As a result, the free ends 9LB, 9RB are positioned outside the inner ends. Even with the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R configured in this manner, the outer rubber threads 3BL, 3BR of the two rubber threads 3BL, 3BR that form the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R in the width direction are positioned inside the outer edges of the grooves 6L, 6R, as shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, when the absorbent core 6C outside the grooves 6L, 6R rises, the portions of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R below the free ends 9LB, 9RB are pushed outward in the width direction. As a result, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are stretched outward. This makes it easier for the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R of the absorbent pad 1 to stand up, and the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are less likely to wrinkle or twist, so that the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R can be properly abutted against the wearer's skin surface.

[0074] <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-shaped configuration with notches cut out toward the center of the crotch region 1B. However, these four corners do not have to be generally arc-shaped. FIG. 7 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 edges 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 shapes of the cover sheet 4 and the back sheet 5 form the arc-shaped notches in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R and the shape of the widthwise ends 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 be formed to be the same size and shape. The port 5 may be configured to form an exterior surface.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] <Other embodiments> The present invention is applicable not only to absorbent pads but also to pants-type diapers and tape-type diapers.

[0078] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 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

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; an absorbent core disposed at least in a crotch region corresponding to the wearer's crotch; a skin-facing sheet disposed closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent core; a pair of left and right leak-proof wall-forming sheets that are arranged on both sides of the skin-face side of the skin-face side sheet in the width direction, have joints with the skin-face side sheet, and form leak-proof walls by rising up on the skin-face side on the inner side of the joints in the width direction; a pair of left and right first rigidity varying portions provided on both sides in the width direction of the crotch region of the absorbent core, the rigidity of the absorbent core varying; a contraction member that is joined to the leak-barrier-forming sheet, that is positioned inward in the width direction relative to an outer edge of the first rigidity change portion in the width direction, and that has a contraction force in the longitudinal direction; An absorbent article comprising:

2. The first rigidity changing portion is a groove portion provided in the absorbent core. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. a second rigidity varying portion provided in the central portion of the absorbent core in the width direction, whereby the rigidity of the absorbent core varies; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. One end of the first rigidity variation portion in the front-rear direction extends to an end of the absorbent core in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the other end of the first rigidity variation portion in the front-rear direction extends further inward than the end of the absorbent core in the width direction; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer disposed on the outer side of the first rigidity variation section in the width direction; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

Images