Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article having improved wearing comfort.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes: a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to a front-back direction of a wearer; a length along a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction; a front body region located on a front side of the wearer in the front-back direction; a back body region located on a back side of the wearer; a crotch region that has a crotch-region central part at a position 379 mm from a back-side end of the back body region between the front body region and the back body region, and whose width is narrower than the front body region and the back body region; a top sheet covering skin surface sides of the front body region, the crotch region and the back body region; and an inner sheet that extends in a horizontal direction across a center line in the width direction on the side of the back body region in the skin surface side of the top sheet, that is directly or indirectly connected to the top sheet at width-directional ends, and that has a longitudinal inner end that is not joined to the top sheet, at a position 149 mm from the crotch-region central part, on the side of the back body region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

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

[0004] When worn, the absorbent article is placed under the wearer's crotch and connects from the wearer's abdomen to the back. When the wearer sits upright to eat, the sacrum may rub against the body, causing bedsores. It is also necessary to prevent back and abdominal leakage.

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

[0006] An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer, a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a front body region located in front of the wearer in the front-to-back direction, a back body region located behind the wearer, a crotch region between the front body region and the rear body region, the crotch region having a central part of a crotch region 379 mm from the rear end of the rear body region and having a width direction length narrower than that of the front body region and the rear body region, a top sheet covering the skin-facing side of the front body region, the crotch region, and the rear body region, and an inner sheet extending laterally across the widthwise centerline on the skin-facing side of the top sheet, on the rear body region side, the inner sheet being directly or indirectly connected to the top sheet at its widthwise end, and having a longitudinal inner end part unjoined from the top sheet, 149 mm from the central part of the crotch region on the rear body region side. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an absorbent article with improved wearing comfort can be provided. [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 an enlarged view of the inner end portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheet. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a sheet suitable for the inner sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to a modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] First 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 it is stretched and viewed from the skin 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 order to make the internal structure of the absorbent pad 1 easier to understand, each component is illustrated thicker than it actually is. However, in reality, the absorbent pad 1 is 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 in the longitudinal and width directions of the narrowest region of the absorbent core 6, 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 area 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.

[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 curved, and the front end of the front body region 1F has a widthwise center portion cut out in an arc toward the crotch region 1B, while the back end of the back body region 1R has a widthwise center portion protruding outward in an arc. Furthermore, both longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad 1 have widthwise outer ends cut out in an arc toward the crotch region 1B. The narrowed region in the crotch region 1B has a shape consisting of multiple connected arcs (e.g., three arcs in this embodiment) extending outward in the widthwise direction. This planar shape allows the absorbent pad 1 to easily fit the wearer's abdomen and buttocks when worn.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0028] The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B has a shape in which both widthwise outer ends at the longitudinal rear end extend toward the center of the crotch region 1B. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 has absorbent-core non-extending regions 11, where the absorbent core 6C does not extend, at both widthwise outer ends at the longitudinal rear end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. 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 base points for bending the absorbent pad 1 along the linear edge. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 prevents bending at corners where the angle changes suddenly, thereby preventing pressure against the wearer's skin and bedsores. Furthermore, when worn, the absorbent core non-extension region 11 corresponds to the position where the wearer's ilium protrudes, thereby suppressing pressure on the ilium by the absorbent core 6C and preventing bedsores.

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

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

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, in a plan view, the groove 6H has a rectangular shape with both front and rear ends formed into an arc. The front end of the groove 6H is located in the middle of the crotch region 1B, and the back end of the groove 6H is located in the front of the back body region 1R. The groove 6H has a constant width. Note that the groove 6H may be formed in a polygonal or elliptical shape instead of a rectangular shape in a plan view.

[0032] The grooves 6H include grooves 6AH formed through the upper 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, 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 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the grooves 6H. By forming the grooves 6BH as described above, when the front end of the absorbent pad 1 is lifted to put on the wearer, the absorbent pad 1 is easily bent on an imaginary line connecting the front ends of the grooves 6BH and the front ends of the regions of the grooves 6L and 6R that are linear in the longitudinal direction, making it easier to put on the absorbent pad by aligning the wearer's crotch region with the crotch region 1B.

[0033] The grooves 6L and 6R are provided within the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 6C, with their front and rear ends contained within the absorbent core 6C. The grooves 6L and 6R may be formed with a concave skin-facing side by reducing the amount of absorbent material, such as staple fibers, that makes up the absorbent core 6C compared to the remaining portions of the absorbent core 6C, or may be formed by compressing the absorbent material that makes up the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C in the thickness direction. The grooves 6L and 6R are provided widthwise outside the grooves 6H and penetrate through the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B. The front ends of the grooves 6L and 6R are located on the widthwise outer edges of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B, and the rear ends of the grooves 6L and 6R do not reach the widthwise outer edges of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6B.

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

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

[0036] As described above, the absorbent core 6C has grooves 6L, 6H, and 6R. As shown in 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 together 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 core wrap sheet 7A and the lower core wrap sheet 7B are bonded together with a hot melt adhesive HM. may be non-adhesive. This prevents the volume of the grooves 6L, 6H, 6R from being reduced by the amount of the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7A, improving the urine diffusion properties of the grooves 6L, 6H, 6R. The core wrap sheet 7 is also configured so as not to sink into the grooves 6L, 6H, 6R. In this embodiment, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A is laminated on a portion of the skin-facing side of the grooves 6L, 6R. Alternatively, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A may be laminated on the entire skin-facing side of the grooves 6L, 6R.

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

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

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

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

[0041] The absorbent pad 1 further includes a pair of water-impermeable side sheets 9L, 9R (referred to as a "pair" in the present application) that are disposed on both skin-facing sides of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction and extend along the longitudinal direction. The side sheets 9L, 9R are arranged so that their longitudinal ends coincide with the longitudinal ends of the top sheet 8. The side sheets 9L, 9R have fixing regions 9LA, 9RA arranged on the outer sides in the width 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.

[0042] 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 ), which are the joints. The insides of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR form the 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 that are on the outer side in the extension direction of the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR. The fixing portions 33L, 33R fix the side sheets 9L, 9R to the top sheet 8, and serve as longitudinal starting points for the standing up of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The side sheets 9L, 9R are also bonded to the top sheet 8 on their widthwise outer sides, but on the longitudinal inner side of the fixing portions 33L, 33R, the part inward in the widthwise direction from the hot melt adhesive HM is not bonded, allowing the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to stand up toward the skin. When the rubber threads 3BL, 3BR contract, causing the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R on the inner side of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR to 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.

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

[0044] When the absorbent pad 1 is viewed from above, the regions extending widthwise outward of the standing lines 3LL, 3LR of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are the ears 10L, 10R. In this embodiment, the ears 10L, 10R are formed in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6B is positioned to include the widthwise outer sides of the free ends 9LB, 9RB. 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-layer absorbent mat 6B large. The ears 10L, 10R may be formed in either the front body region 1F or the back body region 1R.

[0045] Here, the absorbent pad 1 has a cover sheet 4, a back sheet 5, and a top sheet 8 formed to have the same size and shape. Therefore, the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, and the top sheet 8 form the outer shape of the absorbent pad 1. For example, the shapes of the cover sheet 4, the back sheet 5, and 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In addition, in the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, cutouts 12 are provided on both the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 6C. The front cutout 12 is also provided in the center in the width direction, and has a different feel from the surrounding area, so that it functions as a direction guide that guides the wearing direction by the sense of touch. The absorbent pad 1 can be more easily positioned by providing direction guide portions at the front and rear.

[0053] 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 50 mm or less, 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.

[0054] 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 50 mm or less, 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Furthermore, since the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 is provided with the protruding portion 18, the shape of the central portion in the width direction at the rear end is different from the shape of the outer portions in the width direction from the central portion. This configuration allows the user to feel the widthwise center of the rear end of the absorbent pad 1 with a different tactile sensation than the outer edges by touching the rear end. Furthermore, providing the protrusion 18 at the rear end makes it easier to pinch the protrusion 18 with the fingers, allowing the user's hand to fit comfortably in that area, and pinching the protrusion 18 allows the user to more closely identify the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1. Furthermore, by setting the width of the protrusion 18 to 70-150 mm and the length of the protrusion 18 to 10-30 mm, the size can be easily grasped by the user's hand, making it easier to identify the widthwise center of the absorbent pad 1. The lower limit of the width of the protrusion 18, 70 mm, takes into account the width of the hand from the index finger to the little finger, which is the support needed for the gripping action, and the maximum width of 150 mm was set based on the results of interviews with users regarding the visibility of the protrusion 18. The lower limit of the length of the protrusion 18 is set to 10 mm because protrusions 18 are difficult to perceive if they are less than 10 mm, and the upper limit 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 perceivable by touch, guiding the user in the correct wearing direction.

[0059] 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 the 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 to 150 mm and the depth (length) of the cutout to 10 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.

[0060] An inner sheet 13 is disposed on the rear body region 1R side of the absorbent pad 1. The inner sheet 13 extends laterally across the widthwise centerline of the absorbent pad 1. The inner longitudinal edge of the inner sheet is located 149 mm rearward from the center of the crotch region 1B. This position is slightly rearward of the position facing the wearer's anus. The inner longitudinal edge of the inner sheet 13 is disposed between the top sheet 8 and the skin surface and is not joined to the top sheet 8. Most of the widthwise edge of the inner sheet 13 is joined to the top sheet 8 or the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, and is connected directly or indirectly to the top sheet 8.

[0061] The inner end of the inner sheet 13 in the longitudinal direction is not joined to the top sheet 8 and is a free end. Further inward in the longitudinal direction from the free end, the top sheet 8 abuts the wearer's anus. When feces flows toward the back body region 1R, the inner sheet 13 allows the space formed between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8 to function as a feces pocket. The inner sheet 13 prevents feces from coming into contact with the wearer's buttocks when feces are excreted, maintaining a comfortable fit. It also reduces the burden of caregiving. Furthermore, the space formed between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8 also functions as a urine pocket that prevents urine flowing toward the back body region 1R from coming into contact with the skin.

[0062] Furthermore, the portion of the inner sheet 13 that is not joined to the top sheet 8 slides freely between the top sheet 8 and the skin surface in conjunction with the skin surface. When a wearer repeatedly maintains a sitting position, for example, to eat, strong stress is applied between the skin surface and the diaper, which can lead to bedsores in the sacrum. In the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment, the inner sheet 13 slides in conjunction with the skin surface, preventing strong pressure from being continuously applied to a single point on the skin surface. This allows the absorbent pad 1 to prevent bedsores.

[0063] The position of the longitudinal outer edge of the inner sheet 13 on the rear body region 1R side is the same as the longitudinal outer edge of the absorbent pad 1 on the rear body region 1R side, and it may be joined to the top sheet 8 and, on the widthwise outer side, to the side sheets 9L, 9R with a hot melt adhesive or the like. Alternatively, it may be joined only to the side sheets 9L, 9R on the widthwise outer side, and not to the top sheet 8. Furthermore, the longitudinal outer edge of the inner sheet 13 on the rear body region 1R side may not be joined to any sheet. Since feces are solid or semi-solid, it is unlikely that they will flow to the longitudinal edge. Even with this configuration, the inner sheet 13 can still perform its function.

[0064] The inner sheet 13 is preferably water-permeable or liquid-permeable. Excrement that flows between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8 is absorbed by the absorbent core 6C, which is located on the non-skin-facing side of the top sheet 8. Therefore, even if excrement flows into the space between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8, urine will not remain in that space. On the other hand, since no absorbent element is located between the inner sheet 13 and the wearer's skin surface, if the inner sheet 13 were not water-permeable, moisture would remain between the skin surface and the inner sheet 13, which could cause discomfort to the wearer. If the inner sheet 13 were water-permeable, moisture generated between the skin surface would pass through the inner sheet 13 and enter the pocket-like space, and then be absorbed by the absorbent core 6C via the top sheet 8, improving wearing comfort.

[0065] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the inner longitudinal end of the inner sheet. Figure 5 shows a more preferred arrangement example of the inner sheet 13. As an example, the inner sheet 13 is bonded at both widthwise ends to the leak-proof side sheets 9L, 9R with an adhesive HM such as a hot melt adhesive. That is, the inner sheet 13 is bonded to the top sheet 8 via the side sheets 9L, 9R. By bonding the widthwise ends of the inner sheet 13 to the side sheets 9L, 9R, exuded liquid that has entered the pocket region is prevented from leaking outward in the widthwise direction.

[0066] Furthermore, the inner sheet 13 is joined to the middle part of the leak-barrier wall, not to the joints of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Specifically, if the height of the leak-barrier wall is 4 cm, the inner sheet 13 is joined to the 2 cm part. When the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R stand up due to the biasing force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR, the inner sheet 13 also stands up against the top sheet 8, forming a pocket-like space. This pocket-like space functions as a feces receiving area.

[0067] As described above, the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R have fixing portions 33L, 33R disposed at their longitudinal ends and are joined to the top sheet 8. The elastic threads 3BL, 3BR are disposed between them, and when the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR cause the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R to rise toward the skin side due to the biasing force of the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR, thereby forming a leak-proof wall. That is, the sections of the side sheets 9L, 9R that are not fixed by the fixing portions 33L, 33R and where the elastic threads 3BL, 3BR are disposed rise toward the skin side when the diaper 1 is worn, and are therefore capable of functioning as three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R.

[0068] The longitudinal inner end of the inner sheet 13 is the center of the section where the side sheets 9L, 9R can function as the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, i.e., the skin-facing end of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The vertical gathers 3L and 3R are arranged in the central region when the region where the free ends are formed is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, they are arranged to be located in the central 5% area around the center of the standing range of the vertical gathers 3L and 3R. In the central region, the vertical gathers 3L and 3R rise most easily toward the skin side. Furthermore, the inner sheet 13, which is joined to the middle part of the vertical gathers 3L and 3R, also rises easily toward the skin side, making it possible to form a wider feces storage pocket.

[0069] As shown in the figure, an approximately 10 mm edge region 13E is disposed at the longitudinally inner edge of the inner sheet 13. No adhesive is applied to the edge of the edge region 13E, and the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R are not joined, forming an unjoined portion. The edge region 13E functions as a guide path for excreted liquid. That is, when the wearer excretes in the lateral position and the excreted liquid reaches the pocket formed by the inner sheet 13, even if some of the excreted liquid reaches the skin-facing side of the edge region 13E, the edge region 13E bends under the weight of the excreted liquid, thereby guiding the excreted liquid into the pocket-like space.

[0070] It is also possible to bond all of the widthwise edges of the inner sheet 13 to the side sheets 9L, 9R without providing edge regions that are not bonded to other sheets. However, in this case, there is a risk that the hot melt adhesive HM will seep out, making it difficult for the inner sheet 13 to open, and that the inner sheet 13 will not be able to fully function as a feces pocket. By providing edge regions 13E that are not bonded as in this configuration, the longitudinal inner edge of the inner sheet 13 can be kept open at all times. Furthermore, by providing edge regions 13E that are not bonded to the widthwise edges, feces that enter the edge regions 13E are expected to push open the other bonded areas, thereby forming a larger feces pocket.

[0071] The edge region 13E and the folding line of the absorbent pad 1 may overlap. That is, the edge region 13E may overlap the fold in the sealed state. The absorbent pad 1 is sealed in a package in a folded state with the skin-facing side before use. When the wearer or caregiver wears the absorbent pad 1, they unfold the folded absorbent pad 1 toward the non-skin-facing side, unfold it, and stretch it in the longitudinal direction. However, the fold marks from the sealed state remain in the edge region 13E, and a portion of the edge region 13E is bent toward the skin. By bending a portion of the edge region 13E toward the skin, feces can easily flow between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8, allowing the inner sheet 13 to more easily function as a feces pocket.

[0072] 4, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6A forming the absorbent core 6C has a smaller surface area on its skin-facing side than on its non-skin-facing side in a plan view, and the outer edge portion is inclined from the non-skin-facing side toward the skin-facing side. If a step exists on the outer side of the absorbent core 6C in the width direction on the non-skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13, this step will easily form an opening in the edge region 13E. When an opening is formed, feces can easily flow between the inner sheet 13 and the top sheet 8, allowing the inner sheet 13 to more easily function as a feces pocket.

[0073] Furthermore, the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment has cutouts 12 at its longitudinal ends. The cutouts 12 have lower rigidity than other parts of the absorbent pad 1, and are therefore more likely to shrink during wear. As the cutouts 12 shrink, the expansion and contraction direction of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R near the longitudinal ends becomes diagonal toward the widthwise center, i.e., the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R approach each other. As a result, in the extending region of the inner sheet 13, the contractile force of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R is generated not only toward the skin-facing side but also toward the widthwise center. Since the widthwise ends of the inner sheet 13 are joined to the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, the inner sheet 13 bends toward the skin-facing side in response to the bending of the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The inner sheet 13 bends toward the skin-facing side, and the end regions 13E bend toward the skin-facing side in response to this bending, and the inner sheet 13 and the top This makes it easier to form an opening between the inner sheet 13 and the inner sheet 8, making it easier for the inner sheet 13 to function as a feces pocket.

[0074] FIG. 6 illustrates a sheet configuration suitable for the inner sheet. The inner sheet 13 is a film-like member having a plurality of holes 13H that penetrate the thickness direction. More specifically, the inner sheet 13 is a 12 gsm PE film, and the holes 13H have an opening diameter of approximately 100-400 μm and are arranged over the entire surface of the inner sheet 13. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening diameter of the holes 13H is larger on the skin-facing side and smaller on the non-skin-facing side. By making the opening diameter of the holes 13H larger on the skin-facing side, moisture generated on the skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13 is more likely to fall into the pocket formed by the inner sheet 13. Furthermore, because the opening diameter of the holes 13H on the non-skin-facing side is smaller, moisture present in the pocket is less likely to penetrate to the skin-facing side. This configuration makes it easier for the skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13, which comes into contact with the wearer's skin, to remain dry, thereby improving wearing comfort.

[0075] <Second embodiment> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the second embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0076] The inner sheet 13 according to the second embodiment, like the inner sheet 13 according to the first embodiment, is a film-like member having a plurality of holes 13H penetrating through the thickness direction, and the size of the holes 13H is also the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the second embodiment, the opening diameter of the holes 13H is larger on the non-skin-facing side and smaller on the skin-facing side. With this configuration, moisture that penetrates from the skin-facing side through the holes 13H to the non-skin-facing side spreads along the wide film wall on the non-skin-facing side, thereby increasing permeability. That is, with the configuration according to the second embodiment, moisture is more likely to spread beyond the locations of the holes on the non-skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13 than when the holes 13H are cylindrical. Moisture that flows through the holes 13H to the non-skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13 is retained over a wide area of the non-skin-facing surface of the inner sheet 13, making it less likely to flow back to the skin-facing side even under strong pressure. This configuration allows the absorbent pad 1 according to the second embodiment to maintain a comfortable pocket structure.

[0077] <Third embodiment> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 illustrates the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the inner sheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a film-like skin-facing structure with holes 13H formed therein and a non-skin-facing structure made of an air-through nonwoven fabric 13F. The film is, for example, a 12 gsm PE film, and the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F is, for example, a 15 gsm PE / PET, i.e., a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 2.2 dtex, whose core is made of PET resin and whose sheath is made of PE resin. Because both the film and the sheath of the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F are made of PE, they can be easily heat-sealed without the use of adhesives such as hot-melt adhesives. Furthermore, because no adhesive is used to form the layered structure, a layered structure that feels comfortable against the skin can be achieved.

[0078] If an inner sheet 13 made only of a film is used when solid matter such as feces has already entered the pocket, the solid matter from the feces contained inside the pocket may block the holes 13H in the film. By disposing a layer made of an air-through nonwoven fabric between the film and the inside of the pocket, it is possible to prevent the solid matter from blocking the holes 13H and maintain good liquid permeability.

[0079] In this embodiment, the opening diameter of the holes 13H is larger on the skin-facing side and smaller on the non-skin-facing side. This configuration allows moisture generated on the skin-facing side to easily permeate the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the permeated moisture is quickly diffused by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, preventing the holes 13H from becoming clogged, maintaining a comfortable wearing condition. The backflow of liquids or solids that have entered the pocket to the skin-facing side is suppressed by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F and also by the smaller opening diameter of the holes 13H on the non-skin-facing side.

[0080] <Fourth embodiment> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 illustrates the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment in that it has a two-layer structure consisting of a skin-facing structure with holes 13H and a non-skin-facing structure made of an air-through nonwoven fabric 13F. However, the holes 13H have a larger opening diameter on the non-skin-facing side and a smaller opening diameter on the skin-facing side. By configuring the inner sheet 13 as shown in FIG. 9, moisture generated between the inner sheet 13 and the wearer's skin surface can be more easily dispersed along the film to the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, since absorbed moisture is quickly diffused by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, the holes 13H are not blocked, maintaining a comfortable wearing condition. Note that backflow of liquids or solids that have entered the pockets toward the skin-facing side is suppressed by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F and also by the smaller opening diameter of the holes 13H on the skin-facing side.

[0081] <Fifth embodiment> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 illustrates the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the fifth embodiment. Similar to the third and fourth embodiments, the fifth embodiment also has a two-layer structure consisting of a skin-facing structure with holes 13H and a non-skin-facing structure made of air-through nonwoven fabric 13F. However, the holes 13H are cylindrical and have the same diameter on both the non-skin-facing and skin-facing sides. Because the holes 13H are cylindrical, they eliminate bottlenecks and allow moisture generated on the wearer's skin-facing side to easily pass through to the non-skin-facing side. They are also less likely to clog even if they come into contact with solids. Furthermore, the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F distributes the moisture within the pocket, preventing the holes 13H from becoming clogged with moisture. This allows the wearer to maintain a comfortable wearing experience. Furthermore, the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F prevents liquids or solids from entering the pocket from flowing back to the skin-facing side.

[0082] Sixth Embodiment Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 illustrates the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the inner sheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a skin-facing structure made of an air-through nonwoven fabric 13F and a film-like non-skin-facing structure. The air-through nonwoven fabric 13F is, for example, a 15 gsm PE / PET hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 2.2 dtex, with a core made of PET resin and a sheath made of PE resin. The film is, for example, a 12 gsm PE film. Because both the film and the sheath of the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F are made of PE, they can be easily heat-sealed without the use of adhesives such as hot-melt adhesives. Furthermore, because no adhesive is used to form the layered structure, a layered structure that feels comfortable against the skin can be achieved. In this embodiment, the skin surface of the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F comes into contact with the skin, further improving the skin feel of the inner sheet 13.

[0083] The film layer is provided with funnel-shaped holes 13H, the opening diameter of which is larger on the skin-facing side and smaller on the non-skin-facing side. Liquid that occurs between the wearer's skin surface and the inner sheet 13 and comes into contact with the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F spreads over the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, but does not penetrate the skin of the film layer. The larger opening diameter of the holes 13H on the skin-facing side allows the liquid to easily flow through the wider opening diameter of the holes 13H to the non-skin-facing side. The skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13 may come into contact with liquids containing solids, such as watery stools or cloudy urine. However, the solids contained in these liquids are filtered between the fibers of the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, making them less likely to reach the holes 13H, reducing the likelihood of clogging of the holes 13H. Moisture that reaches the non-skin-facing side of the inner sheet 13 is absorbed into the absorbent core 6C via the top sheet 8. Furthermore, because the opening diameter of the holes 13H on the non-skin-facing side is smaller, if there is unabsorbed liquid or solid inside the pocket portion, it is possible to prevent these from flowing back to the skin-facing side. Even if these liquids flow back through the film layer, the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F is located on the skin-facing side. The air-through nonwoven fabric 13F prevents the backflowed liquid from directly contacting the skin surface and diffuses it. This maintains comfort when worn.

[0084] Seventh Embodiment Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a seventh embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the seventh embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the inner sheet 13 has a two-layer structure, similar to the sixth embodiment, having a skin-facing structure made of an air-through nonwoven fabric 13F and a film-like non-skin-facing structure. The film layer is provided with conical holes 13H, with a smaller opening diameter on the skin-facing side and a larger opening diameter on the non-skin-facing side.

[0085] Liquid that forms between the wearer's skin surface and the inner sheet 13 and comes into contact with the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F spreads over the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, passes through the wide range of holes 13H, and flows into the pocket area. Therefore, the inner sheet 13 according to this embodiment can increase the moisture permeation rate.

[0086] Furthermore, by making the holes 13H conical and narrowing the skin-facing side, moisture that enters from the skin-facing side flows down the conical wall to the non-skin-facing side, improving permeability. Furthermore, moisture is more likely to spread to areas other than the holes 13H, making it easier for the film layer to retain moisture even in pocket areas where holes 13H are not drilled. Furthermore, solids contained in liquids containing solids, such as watery stools or cloudy urine, are filtered by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F arranged on the skin-facing side, making them less likely to reach the holes 13H. Even with narrow holes 13H on the skin-facing side, the inner sheet 13 according to this embodiment is able to prevent clogging of the holes 13H and maintain moisture permeability.

[0087] Eighth Embodiment Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to an eighth embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 illustrates the configuration of the inner sheet of the absorbent pad according to the eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment is similar to the sixth and seventh embodiments in that it has a two-layer structure consisting of a non-skin-facing structure with holes 13H and a skin-facing structure made of an air-through nonwoven fabric 13F. However, the holes 13H are cylindrical and have the same diameter on both the non-skin-facing and skin-facing sides. The cylindrical holes 13H allow moisture generated on the wearer's skin-facing side to pass unimpeded to the non-skin-facing side. Because the holes 13H have no bottlenecks, even if solid matter enters the holes 13H, they are unlikely to clog. Solid matter generated on the skin-facing side is filtered by the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F, making it difficult for the holes 13H to reach the holes 13H. Even if solid matter does reach the holes 13H, the holes 13H are unlikely to clog with solid matter, allowing the inner sheet 13 to maintain its functionality for a long period of time. The inner sheet 13 can maintain its function for a long period of time, improving the comfort of the wearer.

[0088] <Modification> Next, an absorbent pad 1 according to a modification of each embodiment will be described. In this modification, an indication portion for positioning is provided on the exterior surface. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to this modification, as seen from the non-skin-facing side (cover sheet 4 side). On the non-skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4, The absorbent pad 1 has a display section 30 that runs through the center of the absorbent pad 1 in the width direction. The display section 30 extends along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. The display section 30 is a printed line that is provided on the cover sheet 4 by printing in a color other than white (for example, blue or green). The display section 30 extends and overlaps with a groove section 6H provided in the absorbent core 6C.

[0089] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent pad 1 according to a modified example taken along line BB in Figure 14. As shown in Figure 15, the top sheet 8 is bonded to the back sheet 5 at the grooves 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 grooves 6H, the absorbent pad 1 improves the visibility of the display unit 30 from the skin-facing side through the top sheet 8, and the absorbent pad 1 can guide the wearing direction by the display unit 30. This makes it easier to align the absorbent pad 1 with the wearer.

[0090] 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.

[0091] Although the above describes each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the inner sheet 13 may be formed by sandwiching a film layer between two layers of air-through nonwoven fabric 13F. The air-through nonwoven fabric 13F feels good against the skin and improves the wearer's comfort. It also diffuses moisture on both the skin-facing and non-skin-facing sides of the inner sheet 13, making it easier for moisture to reach the pocket area through the wide-ranging holes 13H. Furthermore, the air-through nonwoven fabric 13F prevents solids contained in watery stools or cloudy urine from clogging the holes 13H on both the skin-facing and non-skin-facing sides of the inner sheet 13. The inner sheet 13 can maintain its function for a long period of time, maintaining the wearer's comfort.

[0092] The features included in each of the embodiments and modifications thereof disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 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. Inner seat 13E··End area 13F: Air-through nonwoven fabric 13H...hole

Claims

1. a length along a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer; a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; a front body region located in front of the wearer in the front-to-back direction, a back body region located behind the wearer, and a crotch region between the front body region and the back body region, the crotch region having a center portion at a position 379 mm from a rear end of the back body region, and a length in the width direction narrower than the front body region and the back body region; a top sheet covering the skin-facing side of the front body region, the crotch region, and the back body region; an inner sheet that extends laterally across the widthwise centerline on the skin-facing side of the top sheet on the side of the back body region, that is directly or indirectly connected to the top sheet at its widthwise end portions, and that has a longitudinally inner end portion that is not joined to the top sheet at a position 149 mm from the center of the crotch region on the side of the back body region; Prepare Absorbent articles.

2. The inner sheet is liquid permeable. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. the inner sheet is a film having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the sheets are superposed, The through-hole has a wide opening diameter on the skin-facing side and a narrow opening diameter on the non-skin-facing side. The absorbent article of claim 1.

4. the inner sheet is a film having a plurality of through holes penetrating in the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the sheets are superposed, The through-hole has a wide opening diameter on the non-skin side and a narrow opening diameter on the skin side. The absorbent article of claim 1.

5. An air-through nonwoven fabric is heat-welded to the skin side of the film. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4.

6. An air-through nonwoven fabric is heat-welded to the non-skin-facing side of the film. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4.

7. A pair of leak-proof wall-forming sheets are provided that are arranged outside the center in the width direction, The pair of leak-proof wall-forming sheets are a joining portion at which the outer side in the width direction is joined to the top sheet; a leak-proof wall that stands up on the skin surface side on the inner side of the joint in the width direction; an elastic member bonded to a free end of the leak-barrier wall, which is an end of the skin side, so as to extend in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction; The inner sheet is joined between the joint and the free end of the leak-proof wall, and is indirectly connected to the top sheet. The absorbent article of claim 1.

8. The pair of leak-proof wall-forming sheets are a fixing portion joined to the top sheet on the outer side in the extension direction of the elastic member, The inner end portion of the inner sheet in the longitudinal direction is such that the free ends of the pair of leak-barrier-forming sheets are The region in which the film is formed is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, and the film is disposed in a central region. The absorbent article of claim 7.

9. a non-joined portion that is not joined to the pair of leak-barrier-forming sheets is provided at the longitudinal inner end portion of the inner sheet; The absorbent article according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The absorbent article is bent and enclosed in a package before use, The non-bonded portion overlaps with the fold in the enclosed state. The absorbent article of claim 9.

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