Underpants type absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an underpants type absorbent article having a high fitting property around legs and also having a good appearance and absorbency when worn.SOLUTION: In an underpants-type absorbent article (1) having a pair of leg gather portions (LG) provided with three or more leg gather elastic members (17), if a region between an innermost leg gather elastic member (17a) and an outermost leg gather elastic member (17f) in a widthwise direction is defined as a leg gather elastic region (ER), the width of the leg gather elastic region (ER) is wider than or equal to 10 mm, an average effective length of the leg gather elastic member (17) in an inner leg gather elastic region (ERi) is shorter than an average effective length of the leg gather elastic member (17) in an outer leg gather elastic region (ERo) by 10% or more, and a leg gather intermittent portion (NP) is provided only on a front side with respect to a central position (CL).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pants-type absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in absorbent articles such as pants-type diapers that have stretchable leg gathers (LG) along the leg openings, a technique has been known in which the width of the leg gathers is widened to improve the fit of the leg openings and prevent side leakage of excrement such as urine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pants-type diaper that has a pair of extension portions (corresponding to leg gathers) that extend outward in the width direction from both side edges of the absorbent body, and that has a length in the width direction of the extension portions that is greater than the height of the leakage-preventing cuffs, thereby enabling the extension portions (leg gathers) to fit a wide range around the legs of the wearer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-12459 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In pants-type absorbent articles with such wide leg gathers, by making the elastic members (e.g., elastic threads) arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction (width direction) of the leg gathers stronger in stretch than on the outer side, it is possible to improve the fit of the wearer's legs and make it easier to prevent side leakage of urine, etc. However, if the elastic members of the leg gathers arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction are stronger, there is a risk that the absorbent body will be easily deformed by the action of the elastic force. In particular, in absorbent articles equipped with a thin absorbent body such as an SAP sheet, the absorbent body may deform and protrude forward, creating a gap between the excretory opening and the article, which may result in poor absorbency and a poor appearance when worn.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has a high fit around the leg openings and has good appearance and absorbency when worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a pants-type absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect one another in an unfolded state, and comprising an absorbent main body, a front waistline portion, and a rear waistline portion, and having a pair of leg gather portions on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent main body, wherein the leg gather portions are provided with three or more leg gather elastic members which stretch along the longitudinal direction, and in the width direction, a region between the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side and the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side is defined as a leg gather elastic region, and when the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is defined as an inner leg gather elastic region, and the region located on the outer side is defined as an outer leg gather elastic region, the length of the leg gather elastic region in the width direction is 1 1. A pant-type absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the average length of the portion of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the inner leg gather elastic region on which a stretching force is applied in the longitudinal direction is 10% or more shorter than the average length of the portion of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region on which a stretching force is applied in the longitudinal direction, and a leg gather intermittent portion where a portion of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region on which a stretching force is applied overlaps with a portion of at least a part of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the inner leg gather elastic region on which a stretching force is not applied is provided only on the front side of a center position of the pant-type absorbent article. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has a good fit in the leg openings, and has a good appearance when worn and good absorbency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of an absorbent main body 10 in an extended state. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent body 20. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of absorbent cores 21 to 23 superimposed on one another. [Figure 7] 7A is a plan view of the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 23. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of region E in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating a method for evaluating the relationship between the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 and the amount of protrusion of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) to the front (ventral side). [Figure 10] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring the stretching force (contraction force) of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the shape of the leg gathers LG. [Figure 12] 17 is a table showing the results of measuring the leg gather outer height L17o and leg gather inner height L17i for a plurality of types of diapers based on the measurement method described in FIG. [Figure 13]10 is a diagram showing a method for placing a weight W on the diaper 1 in a folded state. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of the folded portion F. [Figure 15] 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of the "torsion test." [Figure 16] 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the absorbent main body 10. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the non-skin side layer 23 of the absorbent body 20. FIG. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Aspect 1) A pants-type absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect one another in an unfolded state, comprising an absorbent main body, a front waistline portion, and a rear waistline portion, and having a pair of leg gather portions on both sides of the absorbent main body in the width direction, wherein the leg gather portions are provided with three or more leg gather elastic members which stretch along the longitudinal direction, and in the width direction, a region between the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side and the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side is defined as a leg gather elastic region, and when the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is defined as an inner leg gather elastic region, and the region located on the outer side is defined as an outer leg gather elastic region, the length of the leg gather elastic region in the width direction is 10 mm or more a leg gather intermittent portion where a portion where a stretchable force is applied of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region overlaps with a portion where a stretchable force is not applied of at least a part of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region, in the longitudinal direction, and the leg gather intermittent portion is provided only forward of a center position of the pant-type absorbent article.

[0011] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 1, the leg gather elastic region has a width of 10 mm or more, which allows the stretching force of the LG elastic members to act over a wide area of the leg gathers, making it easier for the leg gathers to fit snugly around the wearer's legs. Furthermore, by providing a portion in the inner leg gather elastic region where the average effective length of the LG elastic members is 10% or more shorter, the stretching force (contractile force) of the LG elastic members acting on the absorbent body can be weakened. This prevents excessive deformation of the absorbent body and reduces the risk of body leakage while maintaining a good fit of the leg gathers. Furthermore, by providing an intermittent leg gather portion with weaker stretching force on the front side of the leg gather elastic region in the longitudinal direction, the stretching force of the LG elastic members is less likely to act on the front side of the absorbent body. Furthermore, since the number of LG elastic members arranged in the intermittent leg gather portion is small, the rigidity is reduced. Therefore, as the LG elastic members contract, the leg gathers become tucked and easily deformed, and the stretching force of the LG elastic members is buffered, thereby suppressing deformation of the absorbent body.

[0012] (Aspect 2) The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 1, wherein the front waist portion and the rear waist portion are each provided with waist elastic members that stretch along the width direction, and at the front side in the longitudinal direction, the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region and the waist elastic members intersect, and there is a portion where the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region and the waist elastic members do not intersect.

[0013] According to the pants-type absorbent article of the second aspect, in the outer leg gathered elastic region, where the LG elastic members and the front waist elastic members intersect, the respective stretching forces are linked, making it easier for the absorbent main body and the front waist portion to fit the wearer's body. On the other hand, in the inner leg gathered elastic region, where the LG elastic members and the front waist elastic members do not intersect, the above-mentioned linking is less likely to occur, and the inner leg gathered elastic region tends to fold, thereby cushioning the stretching force acting on the absorbent body. This prevents the absorbent body from deforming and protruding forward.

[0014] (Aspect 3) A pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein, forward of the longitudinal center position, none of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region intersects with the waist elastic members.

[0015] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 3, the inner leg gathered elastic region is folded in the width direction by the stretching force of the front waist elastic members, which helps to cushion the stretching force acting on the absorbent body. Furthermore, the fewer the number of LG elastic members, the less rigid the inner leg gathered elastic region is, making it more susceptible to deformation, resulting in a higher cushioning effect. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body from protruding forward.

[0016] (Aspect 4) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region intersect with the waist elastic members behind the longitudinal center position.

[0017] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 4, the stretching force of the LG elastic members and the stretching force of the rear waist elastic members work together to improve the fit of the absorbent main body (absorbent body) around the wearer's buttocks. In addition, the inner leg gathered elastic regions are less likely to fold around the buttocks, which makes it easier to fit snugly over the wide buttocks, thereby preventing rear leakage of excrement.

[0018] (Aspect 5) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein when a leg gather overlapping portion is defined as a portion where, in the longitudinal direction, a portion where an elastic force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region acts and a portion where an elastic force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region acts, the force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state in the leg gather overlapping portion is greater than the force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region by a unit length in the longitudinal direction from its natural state.

[0019] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 5, by increasing the contractile force of the leg gather elastic region on the inner side in the width direction, the fit of the inner side of the leg gathers to the wearer's leg movements can be improved, making it easier to suppress side leakage of body exudates. Furthermore, even if the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region is increased in the overlapping part of the leg gathers, a force that deforms the absorbent body so that it protrudes forward is unlikely to act, and problems such as a decrease in absorbency or a poor appearance when worn are unlikely to occur.

[0020] (Aspect 6) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein in the leg gather intermittent portion, the force required to stretch the inner leg gather elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction is smaller than the force required to stretch the outer leg gather elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 6, by weakening the contractile force of the leg gather elastic region on the inner side in the width direction, the intermittent part of the leg gather elastic region in the inner leg gather elastic region folds, making it easier to cushion the stretching force of the LG elastic member, and therefore making it easier to suppress deformation of the absorbent body.

[0022] (Aspect 7) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the value obtained by dividing the stretchable force acting in the longitudinal direction of each of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region by the length of the leg gather elastic member is greater than the value obtained by dividing the stretchable force acting in the longitudinal direction of each of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region by the length of the leg gather elastic member.

[0023] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 7, when considering the leg gathered elastic region as a whole, the stretching force (contraction force) per unit length of the LG elastic member tends to be weaker in the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi than in the outer leg gathered elastic region ER0, which prevents the force acting on the absorbent body at the inner side in the width direction from becoming excessively large, and more easily suppresses deformation of the absorbent body (such as protruding forward).

[0024] (Aspect 8) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent main body comprises a liquid-absorbing absorbent body, a non-skin-side sheet provided on the non-skin-side side of the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and a leak-proof film provided between the absorbent body and the non-skin-side sheet in the thickness direction, and in the width direction, the outer edge of the leak-proof film is located outside the midpoint between the outer edge of the absorbent main body and the outer edge of the leg gathered portion.

[0025] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 8, the leakproof sheet is provided over at least half of the width of the leg gathers, which increases the rigidity of the leg gathers and helps them maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the absorbent article is worn, the wide leg gathers fit easily to the wearer's skin (leg openings), making it easier to prevent side leakage of body exudates.

[0026] (Aspect 9) In a pants-like state in which the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined at a pair of side joining portions at both ends in the width direction, the pants have a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with one another, and when an intersection point between the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side in the horizontal direction and the lower end edge of the front waistline member is taken as an upper end point and an intersection point between the leg gather elastic member and the lower end edge of the leg gather portion is taken as a lower end point, the longitudinal length between the upper end point and the lower end point is The pants-type absorbent article of any of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the distance in the longitudinal direction between the inner upper end point and the second lower end point is 80% or less of the distance in the longitudinal direction between the inner upper end point and the second lower end point when the upper end point is moved 20 mm inward in the left-right direction to obtain the inner upper end point, the lower end point is moved 20 mm inward in the left-right direction to obtain the inner lower end point, and the intersection of the extension of the straight line connecting the inner upper end point and the inner lower end point with the lower edge of the leg gathered portion is obtained as a second lower end point.

[0027] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 9, the difference between the vertical length (height) of the leg gathered portions at the outer widthwise side and the vertical length (height) of the leg gathered portions at the inner widthwise side is small, so the leg gathered portions tend to extend outward in the widthwise direction at an angle close to horizontal. This makes it easy for the user to recognize at a glance that the leg gathered portions are formed wide. This gives the user a sense of security that side leakage is unlikely to occur. In addition, the leg gathered portions tend to maintain a flat shape, making it easier for them to fit smoothly along the wearer's leg openings.

[0028] (Aspect 10) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, having a pair of leakage-proof wall portions on both sides of the absorbent main body in the width direction, and of the plurality of leg gather elastic members, the leg gather elastic member provided at the innermost position in the width direction is located at the same position as the rising point of the leakage-proof wall portion or outside the rising point in the width direction.

[0029] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 10, the rising starting points of the leakage barrier walls are offset from the leg gather elastic regions, so that when the leakage barrier walls rise toward the skin during wear, the expansion / contraction (shrinkage) of the leg gathers in the leg gather elastic regions is prevented from being affected by the leakage barrier walls, which makes it easier for the leg gathers to fit snugly against the wearer's skin.

[0030] (Aspect 11) The leak preventing wall portion has one or more leak preventing wall elastic members that expand and contract along the longitudinal direction, 11. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the elongation ratio of each of the leakage barrier elastic members is greater than the elongation ratio of each of the leg gather elastic members.

[0031] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 11, the contractile force of each of the leakage barrier elastic members is set stronger than the contractile force of each of the LG elastic members, which makes it easier for the leakage barrier walls to fit closely to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn. This makes it easier to prevent the upright leakage barrier walls from collapsing or from becoming misaligned and becoming pinched between the leg gathers and the wearer's skin. This makes it easier to maintain the fit of the leg gathers and to prevent side leakage of body exudates.

[0032] (Aspect 12) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein in a stretched state, the shortest distance in the width direction from the outer end of the leg gathered portion in the width direction to the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion is longer than the shortest distance from the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion to the tip of the leakage preventing wall portion.

[0033] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 12, even if the leakage barrier walls are folded outward in the width direction when worn, the tips of the leakage barrier walls are prevented from protruding outward beyond the outer edges of the leg gathered portions in the width direction, thereby preventing the fit of the leg gathered portions to the wearer's skin from being impaired.

[0034] (Aspect 13) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein, in a pants-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both widthwise ends by a pair of side joints, the pants-type absorbent article has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with each other, and when laid flat in a natural state, the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the horizontal direction and the lower edge of the front waistband is located inside in the horizontal direction of the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the horizontal direction and the lower edge of the rear waistband.

[0035] Aspect 13 According to this pants-type absorbent article, the width of the absorbent main body at the front side (ventral side) is narrower than the width of the absorbent main body at the rear side (dorsal side). Therefore, when worn, the absorbent main body does not become excessively wide at the front side (ventral side), and the external shape of the crotch area is neat and tidy, resulting in a good appearance. On the other hand, because the absorbent main body at the rear side (dorsal side) is wider than the front side, it is easier to cover the buttocks securely.

[0036] (Aspect 14) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein, when the average value of the lengths of the portions of the multiple leg gather elastic members to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction is defined as the average effective length, the number of leg gather elastic members whose lengths of the portions to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction are longer than the average effective length is greater than the number of leg gather elastic members whose lengths of the portions to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction are shorter than the average effective length.

[0037] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 14, the greater the number of LG elastic members with long effective lengths, the wider the range (range with long effective lengths) in which the stretching force of the LG elastic members acts in the leg gather elastic region, making it easier to improve the fit of the leg gather portion as a whole.

[0038] (Aspect 15) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein all of the plurality of leg gather elastic members are arranged continuously across a central position of the pants-type absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

[0039] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 15, the LG elastic members are provided continuously along the longitudinal direction at a central position in the longitudinal direction that is located in the crotch area of the wearer when worn, and the application of an elastic force makes it possible to easily prevent the absorbent body from sagging, etc. This improves the fit of the absorbent main body and prevents the absorbent body from sagging downward, which can lead to a poor appearance when worn.

[0040] (Aspect 16) 16. The pant-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein, in a pant-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both widthwise ends by a pair of side join portions, the pant-type absorbent article has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with one another, and in a torsion test in which the vertical center portions of both left-to-right end portions are gripped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the horizontal direction, and the horizontal center portions of both up-to-down end portions are gripped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the vertical direction, the torque value of the pant-type absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN·m or less.

[0041] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 16 has a low stiffness and can easily deform freely to fit the contours of the wearer's body, improving the fit and preventing the absorbent body from popping out to the front.

[0042] (Aspect 17) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area, and has a portion in the longitudinal direction where the intermittent portion of the leg gathers and the low basis weight region overlap.

[0043] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 17, in the overlapping portion of the leg gathers and the low basis weight region in the longitudinal direction, the action of the leg gathers to suppress deformation of the absorbent body and the action of the low basis weight region to induce deformation of the absorbent body interact to easily prevent the widthwise center of the absorbent body from protruding forward, thereby improving the appearance and absorbency when worn.

[0044] (Aspect 18) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area, and the leg gather intermittent portion does not have an overlapping portion with the low basis weight region in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 18, the low basis weight region has the function of quickly drawing excretory liquid into the absorbent body. When the excretory liquid drawn in by the low basis weight region spreads to both sides in the width direction, if LG elastic members are arranged on both sides of the low basis weight region, the diffusion of the excretory liquid is blocked by the LG elastic members, thereby suppressing side leakage.

[0046] (Aspect 19) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the absorbent body has an absorbent core having a skin-side layer, an intermediate layer, and a non-skin-side layer laminated at least in the thickness direction, and the intermediate layer does not contain a nonwoven fabric.

[0047] In the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 19, the skin-side layer and the intermediate layer of the absorbent core are laminated adjacently in the thickness direction without a nonwoven fabric in between, which prevents the adhesive or the nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin-side layer to the intermediate layer, thereby increasing the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer.

[0048] (Aspect 20) 20. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein the layer of the absorbent core closest to the skin does not contain a water-absorbent resin powder.

[0049] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 20, since the layer closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP, it is less likely to give a granular, gritty feeling to the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the discomfort felt when worn.

[0050] (Aspect 21) 20. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein the superabsorbent polymer in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds.

[0051] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 21, by making the liquid permeation rate under load in the layer closest to the skin exceed 10 seconds, the water retention of the absorbent core is improved compared to the opposite case, and localized thickening of the absorbent core can be suppressed.

[0052] (Aspect 22) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the leakage preventing wall portion is constituted by a sheet member different from the sheet member constituting the leg gathered portion, the absorbent main body has a liquid-absorbing absorbent body and a top sheet provided on the skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent body, and the leakage preventing wall portion stands up on the skin side from the point where the sheet member constituting the leakage preventing wall portion is fixed to the skin side of the top sheet in the thickness direction.

[0053] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 22, the top sheet is interposed between the leakage barrier wall portions and the leg gathered portions in the thickness direction, and the top sheet increases the rigidity of the leg gathered portions, making it easier for the leg gathered portions to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the absorbent article is worn, the leg gathered portions tend to fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg openings).

[0054] (Aspect 23) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the leakage preventing wall portion is formed from a sheet material different from the sheet material forming the leg gather portion, and the leakage preventing wall portion stands up on the skin side from the point where the sheet material forming the leakage preventing wall portion is fixed to the skin side in the thickness direction of the sheet material forming the leg gather portion.

[0055] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 23, no other sheet member (e.g., a top sheet) is interposed between the leakage-proof wall portion and the leg gathered portion in the thickness direction, so the thickness of the absorbent body as a whole is thinner than when a top sheet or the like is interposed, and the external shape of the pants-type absorbent article is neater.

[0056] (Aspect 24) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 23, wherein, when the average value of the lengths of the portions of the multiple leg gather elastic members to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction is taken as the average effective length, the number of leg gather elastic members whose lengths of the portions to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction are longer than the average effective length is smaller than the number of leg gather elastic members whose lengths of the portions to which an elastic force is applied in the longitudinal direction are shorter than the average effective length.

[0057] According to the pants-type absorbent article of the twenty-fourth aspect, the leg gather elastic region has a wide area where the LG elastic members are not provided (the area where the effective length is short), which reduces the rigidity of the leg gather portion and makes it more susceptible to sagging deformation. This buffers the stretching force of the LG elastic members and weakens the force acting on the absorbent body. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body from being deformed in a way that causes it to protrude forward.

[0058] (Aspect 25) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 24, wherein, among the plurality of leg gather elastic members, of two of the leg gather elastic members arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, the length in the longitudinal direction of the portion to which the stretching force of the leg gather elastic member arranged on the inner side in the width direction acts is shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction of the portion to which the stretching force of the leg gather elastic member arranged on the outer side in the width direction acts.

[0059] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 25, the effective length of the LG elastic member gradually increases from the inside to the outside in the width direction, which makes it easier for the leg gathered portion to adhere to the skin in accordance with the shape of the wearer's groin, thereby further improving the fit. === Implementation form === As an example of a pants-type absorbent article according to this embodiment, a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "diaper 1") will be described. However, pants-type absorbent articles are not limited to disposable diapers, and can also be used as sanitary shorts or other pants-type absorbent articles.

[0060] <Configuration of pants-type disposable diaper 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 2.

[0061] In the pants-type state shown in Fig. 1, the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, which intersect with one another, and is provided with a waist-opening BH and a pair of leg-openings LH. In the vertical direction, the waist-opening BH side is the upper side, and the crotch side is the lower side. In the unfolded and stretched state shown in Fig. 2, the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction (directions passing through the paper in Fig. 2) which intersect with one another. The longitudinal direction in the unfolded state is the direction along the vertical direction in the pants-type state (Fig. 1), and the width direction in the unfolded state is the same as the left-to-right direction in the pants-type state (Fig. 1). One longitudinal side corresponds to the ventral side (front side), and the other longitudinal side corresponds to the dorsal side (rear side). As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1 are layered is referred to as the thickness direction, the side in the thickness direction that comes into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is referred to as the skin side, and the side that does not come into contact with the wearer's body (skin) is referred to as the non-skin side.

[0062] Furthermore, the "stretched state" of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the entire diaper 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each elastic member of the diaper 1 (for example, the LG elastic member 17 and waist elastic members 33, 43 described below, etc.), specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each member constituting the diaper 1 (for example, the absorbent body 10 and waist portions 30, 40 described below, etc.) are stretched until they match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0063] On the other hand, the state of the diaper 1 after it has been left for a predetermined period of time is referred to as the "natural state." For example, the diaper 1 is removed from the package in its finished state, and the waistbands 30, 40 are pulled outward in both the left and right directions to create a "stretched state." After this stretched state is maintained for 15 seconds, the diaper 1 is released and placed on a flat surface such as a desk. The state of the diaper 1 after being left flat for 5 minutes is referred to as the "natural state."

[0064] The diaper 1 has three components each having a rectangular shape in a plan view: an absorbent main body 10, a front waist portion 30, and a rear waist portion 40. When the diaper 1 is worn, the front waist portion 30 (ventral waist portion) is placed against the wearer's abdominal region, and the rear waist portion 40 (dorsal waist portion) is placed against the wearer's dorsal region.

[0065] In the diaper 1 in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, the front waistline section 30 and the rear waistline section 40 are arranged so that their longitudinal directions are aligned with the width direction (left-right direction) of the diaper 1. An end portion on one longitudinal side (front side) of the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the center portion of the front waistline section 30 in the width direction (left-right direction), and an end portion on the other longitudinal side (rear side) of the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the center portion of the rear waistline section 40 in the width direction (left-right direction).

[0066] In the diaper 1 in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, the absorbent main body 10 is folded in half at a predetermined longitudinal position CL, and the front waistline section 30 and the rear waistline section 40 are joined at their left and right ends by a joining method such as thermal welding or ultrasonic welding to form a pair of side joining sections 2, 2. This puts the diaper 1 into a pants-type state (see Fig. 1) having a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. The predetermined position CL is the bottom end in the vertical direction and the center in the front-to-back direction of the diaper 1 in the pants-type state.

[0067] (Absorbent body 10) Fig. 4 shows a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 10 in a stretched state. As shown in the cross-sectional views of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the absorbent main body 10 comprises an absorbent body 20, a top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 20, a leak-barrier film 13 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 20, an exterior sheet 14 arranged closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13 and forming an exterior of the absorbent main body 10, and a pair of side sheets 15, 15 provided on the skin side of the top sheet 12 at both widthwise ends of the absorbent main body 10. The exterior sheet 14 forms a pair of leg gathers LG, LG, and the side sheet 15 forms a pair of leak-barrier walls LSG, LSG. However, the leak-barrier walls LSG do not necessarily have to be provided in the diaper 1.

[0068] The absorbent body 20 has an absorbent core that absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine. The specific configuration of the absorbent body 20 will be described later.

[0069] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that covers the absorbent body 20 from the skin side, and is made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric. A second sheet (not shown) equivalent to the top sheet 12 may also be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent body 20.

[0070] The leak-proof film 13 is a breathable and liquid-impermeable sheet member that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 20, and can be, for example, a microporous breathable resin film that has multiple fine holes in a sheet made mainly of a resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0071] The exterior sheet 14 is a sheet member provided on the side of the absorbent body 10 closest to the skin and constituting the exterior of the absorbent body 10, and may be made of, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0072] The exterior sheet 14 extends outward in the width direction (left-right direction) beyond the outer ends 20es, 20es of the absorbent body 20, and this extending portion is folded back inward in the left-right direction and toward the skin in the thickness direction, with the outer ends 10es, 10es in the left-right direction of the absorbent main body 10 as folding positions, to form folded back portions 14f. Then, the unfolded portion of the exterior sheet 14 and the folded back portions 14f are joined together in a state where at least a part of the leakproof film 13 is sandwiched between them in the thickness direction, thereby forming a pair of leg gathered portions LG, LG.

[0073] Between the thickness direction of the outer sheet 14 and the folded-back portion 14f that form the leg gathered portion LG, a plurality of leg gathered elastic members 17, 17... (hereinafter also referred to as "LG elastic members 17") such as rubber thread are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left-right direction) while being stretched at a predetermined stretch ratio in the longitudinal direction. By arranging the plurality of LG elastic members 17 side by side in the left-right direction, the leg gathered portion LG has a wide planar shape that protrudes outward from both left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10 as shown in Figure 1. The LG elastic members 17 provide stretchability to the leg gathered portion LG in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction).

[0074] In FIG. 4, six LG elastic members 17 are provided in each of the leg gathers LG on both the left and right sides. Specifically, six LG elastic members 17 are provided, from the inside to the outside in the width direction, namely, the first leg gather elastic member 17a to the sixth leg gather elastic member 17f. Each of the LG elastic members 17a to 17f exhibits stretchability at least in the portion indicated by the solid line in the plan view of FIG. 4 (a range of a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). That is, the stretchability of the LG elastic member 17 is exerted in the portion indicated by the solid line. However, the arrangement and number of the LG elastic members 17 are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the LG elastic members 17 are mainly provided closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13, but the LG elastic members 17 may also be provided closer to the skin than the leak-barrier film 13.

[0075] The side sheet 15 is a substantially rectangular sheet member, and is made of, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric similar to the top sheet 12 and outer sheet 14. The side sheet 15 is folded back at its inner widthwise end 15ei and overlapped in the thickness direction, and joined with the leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 sandwiched between the two thicknesswise layers. The side sheet 15 is then attached to the skin-facing side of the leg gathered portion LG and the top sheet 12 via the leakage preventing wall joining portion 18. The inner widthwise end 15ei of the side sheet 15 is the tip of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG when it stands up.

[0076] The leak preventing wall elastic members 16 are made of, for example, rubber thread and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left-right direction) while being stretched in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined stretch ratio. This gives the leak preventing wall portion LSG stretchability in the longitudinal direction (up-down direction). In Figure 4, two leak preventing wall elastic members 16 are provided: a first leak preventing wall elastic member 16a arranged near the inner end 15ei in the width direction, and a second leak preventing wall elastic member 16b arranged at a predetermined interval outward in the width direction from the first leak preventing wall elastic member 16a. However, the arrangement and number of the leak preventing wall elastic members 16a are not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0077] Each of the leakage barrier elastic members 16a, 16b exhibits stretchability at least in the portion indicated by the solid lines in the plan view of Fig. 4 (within a predetermined length range in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the leakage barrier wall portions LSG rise up toward the wearer's skin due to the stretching force exerted by the leakage barrier elastic members 16. At this time, the position of the inner end 18ei in the width direction of the leakage barrier joint 18 becomes the rising base point of the leakage barrier wall portions LSG. Therefore, in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 4, the distance in the width direction from the inner end 18ei of the leakage barrier joint 18 to the inner end 15ei of the side sheet 15 becomes the rising height of the leakage barrier wall portions LSG.

[0078] If the diaper 1 does not have the leakage barrier wall portions LSG, the side sheets 15 and the leakage barrier elastic members 16 are not required. Also, if the leakage barrier wall portions LSG are formed by the exterior sheet 14 as described below, the side sheets 15 are not required.

[0079] (Front waistband 30) The front waistband portion 30 includes a non-skin-side waistband sheet 31, a skin-side waistband sheet 32, and multiple front waistband elastic members 33. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 are each rectangular in plan view and are laminated and bonded together in the thickness direction. Examples of materials that can be used for the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 include SMS nonwoven fabrics (spunbond, meltblown, and spunbond nonwoven fabrics), spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics. A plurality of front waistband elastic members 33, such as rubber thread, are provided between the non-skin-side waistband sheet 31 and the skin-side waistband sheet 32 in the thickness direction, stretched in the width direction (left-right direction) at a predetermined stretch ratio, and spaced apart in the vertical direction. The elasticity of the front waistband elastic members 33 provides the front waistband portion 30 with elasticity in the left-right direction. In addition, some of the front waist elastic members 33 are cut in the center in the width direction (left-right direction) (see Figure 2), and in the parts of the front waist portion 30 where the front waist elastic members 33 are cut, stretching force along the width direction (left-right direction) is less likely to act.

[0080] 3, the non-skin-side waist sheet 31 is folded back at the upper end 30et in the vertical direction of the front waist portion 30, and the folded back portion is joined to the skin-side surface of the skin-side waist sheet 32. This prevents the end edges (upper end edges) of the waist sheets 31, 32 from being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the end edges from digging into the wearer's skin or causing discomfort when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0081] The front waist portion 30 may also have a skin-contact sheet 35. As shown in FIG. 3, the skin-contact sheet 35 is a sheet member arranged to cover the upper end of the absorbent main body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the upper end edge of the absorbent main body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The skin-contact sheet 35 is formed from a sheet member such as a nonwoven fabric similar to the waist sheets 31 and 32. However, the skin-contact sheet 35 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0082] (Rear waistband 40) The rear waistline portion 40 has substantially the same configuration as the front waistline portion 30. Specifically, the rear waistline portion 40 includes a non-skin-side waistline sheet 41, a skin-side waistline sheet 42, and multiple rear waistline elastic members 43. A plurality of rear waistline elastic members 43, 43, such as rubber thread, are provided between the non-skin-side waistline sheet 41 and the skin-side waistline sheet 42 in the thickness direction, stretched in the width direction (left-right direction) at a predetermined stretch ratio, and spaced apart in the vertical direction. Some of the multiple rear waistline elastic members 43 are cut at their widthwise (left-right) centers, reducing the amount of stretching force in the width direction (left-right direction) at the cut portions of the rear waistline portion 40. The rear waistline portion 40 may also include a skin-contact sheet 45 substantially similar to the skin-contact sheet 35.

[0083] <Configuration of absorbent body 20> Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent cores 21 to 23 superimposed on each other. Fig. 7A is a plan view of the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, and Fig. 7B is a plan view of the non-skin side layer 23.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent body 20 has absorbent cores 21-23 between a core wrap sheet 25 on the skin side and a core wrap sheet 26 on the non-skin side. The absorbent cores 21-23 are components that absorb and retain excretory fluids such as urine, and include a liquid-absorbent fiber 201 and a super absorbent polymer. The liquid-absorbent fiber 201 and the super absorbent polymer (hereinafter also referred to as SAP) are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as the absorbent core of an absorbent article. For example, the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 can be wood pulp fiber, non-wood pulp fiber such as bagasse, kenaf, bamboo, hemp, or cotton, regenerated cellulose fiber such as rayon fiber, or semi-synthetic fiber such as acetate fiber. Examples of SAP include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based polymer absorbents. The core wrap sheets 25 and 26 are liquid-permeable sheets, and examples thereof include tissue and nonwoven fabric.

[0085] The absorbent cores 21-23 each include a skin-side layer 21, an intermediate layer 22, and a non-skin-side layer 23. The intermediate layer 22 is located closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 21 in the thickness direction, and the non-skin-side layer 23 is located closer to the skin than the intermediate layer 22 in the thickness direction. The skin-side layer 21 has a first thickness t1, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAPs is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201. The intermediate layer 22 has a second thickness t2, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is larger than the volume occupied by the SAPs. The non-skin-side layer 23 has a third thickness t3, and is a layer in which the volume occupied by SAPs is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201.

[0086] The absorbent body 20 of this embodiment may further include a skin-side upper layer 24, which has a fourth thickness t4 thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21, and is located closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the skin-side layer 21. The skin-side upper layer 24 is a layer in which the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is greater than the volume occupied by the SAP. Specifically, the skin-side upper layer 24 of this embodiment is composed only of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201. That is, the skin-side upper layer 24, which is the layer closest to the skin among the multiple layers constituting the absorbent core, does not contain water-absorbent resin powder such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The absence of water-absorbent resin powder such as SAP in the layer closest to the skin makes it less likely to give a granular, gritty feel to the wearer's skin, reducing discomfort during wear. However, the skin-side upper layer 24 is not necessarily provided in the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment.

[0087] 5, in this embodiment, the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 are integrally formed, and therefore the volume occupancy of SAP decreases and the volume occupancy of liquid-absorbent fiber 201 increases from the skin side layer 21 toward the intermediate layer 22. Such an absorbent core can be manufactured, for example, by adjusting the order, amounts, timing, etc. of feeding the SAP and liquid-absorbent fiber 201 into a forming mold (recess) that corresponds to the shape of the absorbent core and is provided on the outer circumferential surface of a rotating drum.

[0088] In this embodiment, the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 are laminated integrally, i.e., adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, without any adhesive or nonwoven fabric in between. This prevents the adhesive or nonwoven fabric from interfering with the transfer of excreted fluid from the skin side layer 21 to the intermediate layer 22, and increases the rate of absorption by the intermediate layer 22.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-skin side layer 23 is not formed integrally with the intermediate layer 22, but is laminated adjacent to the intermediate layer 22 in the thickness direction via the non-woven fabric 27. The presence of the non-woven fabric 27 allows the excreted liquid to diffuse in the planar direction on the non-woven fabric 27 before transferring from the intermediate layer 22 to the non-skin side layer 23. Therefore, the excreted liquid diffused in the planar direction can transfer to the non-skin side layer 23, and the absorbent cores 21-23 can be effectively utilized in the planar direction.

[0090] The method for comparing the volumes occupied by the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 and SAP in the skin side layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, and the non-skin side layer 23 will be described later.

[0091] In the case of an absorbent core containing SAP, as in this embodiment, if the ratio of liquid-absorbent fibers in the absorbent core is reduced and the SAP ratio is increased in order to further improve absorbency, the SAP may feel gritty when touching the diaper, and the SAP layer may be more likely to break down due to reduced entanglement with the liquid-absorbent fibers. However, on the other hand, if the SAP ratio is reduced to suppress the gritty feel of the SAP, it becomes difficult to ensure absorbency. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure absorbency while reducing the uncomfortable gritty feel of the SAP.

[0092] The absorbent body 20 of this embodiment has an absorbent core comprising a skin-side layer 21, an intermediate layer 22, a non-skin-side layer 23, and an upper skin-side layer 24. However, the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21 is different from the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23. Specifically, the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23 is greater than the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21. The skin-side layer 21, which has a lower total water retention capacity, can prevent SAP from swelling and inhibiting liquid absorption, allowing excreted liquid to diffuse easily. The excreted liquid that is quickly absorbed and diffused in the skin-side layer 21 quickly penetrates into the intermediate layer 22. Furthermore, since the intermediate layer 22 has a high volume occupancy rate of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201, the excreted liquid is temporarily stored in the intermediate layer 22 and then transferred to the layer with a higher total water retention capacity, i.e., the non-skin-side layer 23, which is the layer that ultimately retains water. Furthermore, since the skin-side layer 21 has a small total water retention capacity, the total volume of SAP after absorbing water is small, and therefore the wearer is less likely to feel uncomfortable with the gritty feel of SAP. Therefore, the non-skin-side layer 23, which has a large total water retention capacity, ensures absorbency, while reducing the uncomfortable feel even after the absorbent cores 21-24 have absorbed excrement.

[0093] Furthermore, although the skin-side layer 21 has a smaller total water retention capacity than the non-skin-side layer 23, it has a high volume occupancy rate of SAP and therefore has adequate water retention. Therefore, when excreted fluid from the intermediate layer 22 or the non-skin-side layer 23 attempts to return to the skin side, the SAP of the skin-side layer 21 absorbs and retains the excreted fluid, preventing the excreted fluid from rewetting.

[0094] The total water retention capacity of SAP present in the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23 can be measured by the following measurement method. First, 0.9% saline solution (enough to fully immerse the sample) is prepared in a water bath. Next, a test piece is prepared. To prepare the test pieces, one absorbent body 20 having a width of 120 mm is cut into 50 mm pieces in the longitudinal direction. When the absorbent body 20 is cut into 50 mm pieces, the length of the last test piece in the longitudinal direction does not have to be less than 50 mm. First, in order to measure the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin side layer 21, each test piece is separated as follows. (Layer separation method 1) 1) Peel off the core wrap sheet 26 from the non-skin side. 2) Peel off the non-skin side layer 23 3) Peel off the nonwoven fabric 27 4) Peel off the layer of liquid absorbent fiber 201 (corresponding to the intermediate layer 22) of the remaining sheet. 5) The sum of 1) to 4) above is X1. 6) The part other than X1 is designated as X2 (X2 essentially includes the skin side layer 21, the skin side upper layer 24, and the core wrap sheet 25). As the next test piece, an absorbent body 20 having a width of 120 mm, which is different from the one absorbent body described above, is prepared and similarly cut into 50 mm pieces in the longitudinal direction. To measure the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin side layer 23, each cut test piece is separated as follows. (Layer separation method 2) 1) Peel off the core wrap sheet 25 from the skin side. 2) Of the remaining sheet, the layer of liquid absorbent fiber 201 (corresponding to the middle layer 22) is not peeled off (this results in peeling off the skin-side upper layer 24, the skin-side layer 21, and the middle layer 22). 3) Peel off the nonwoven fabric 27 4) The above 1) to 3) are X4 5) The portion other than X4 is designated as X3 (X3 essentially includes the non-skin side layer 23 and the core wrap sheet 26).

[0095] Next, samples X1 to X4 are each placed in a mesh plastic bag, sealed, and their weight (A) before water absorption is measured. After measurement, each sample X1 to X4 is immersed in saline for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, each sample is removed from the water bath, and with the core wrap sheet side of each sample facing downwards, an acrylic plate (320 x 545 mm, 3 to 5 mm thick, weighing 400 to 600 g) and a 5 kg weight are placed on top, and left for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the weight and acrylic plate are removed, and the weight (B) of each sample is measured. Weight (B) - Weight (A) is the amount of water absorbed.

[0096] After weight measurement, each sample was dehydrated using a centrifuge at 75G for 90 seconds. After dehydration, the weight (C) of each removed sample was measured. Weight (C) minus weight (A) is the water retention capacity. Note that dehydration using a centrifuge removes water adhering to the liquid absorbent fiber 201, core wrap sheet, and nonwoven fabric, and only the amount of water chemically retained by the SAP is determined. Therefore, the water retention capacity calculated by "weight (C) minus weight (A)" is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in each sample. Therefore, the water retention capacity of sample X2 is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skin-side layer 21, and the water retention capacity of sample X3 is the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23. In this embodiment, in order to compare the "total water retention capacity" of SAP present in the skin-side layer 21 with the "total water retention capacity" of SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23, measurements were carried out on each test piece cut into 50 mm pieces as described above, and the sum of the water retention capacity of X2 of each test piece is the "total water retention capacity of SAP present in the skin-side layer 21," and the sum of the water retention capacity of X3 of each test piece is the "total water retention capacity of SAP present in the non-skin-side layer 23."

[0097] As an example, the water retention capacity of the above-mentioned X2 (one sample) was 25.4 g, and the water retention capacity of the above-mentioned X3 (one sample) was 41.1 g. In other words, when comparing the water retention capacities of test pieces with a longitudinal length of 50 mm, the water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skinside layer 23 was clearly greater. Therefore, it can be seen that in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the non-skinside layer 23 is greater than the total water retention capacity of the SAP present in the skinside layer 21.

[0098] Furthermore, the comparison of the volumes occupied by the liquid absorbent fiber 201 and SAP in each of the skin side layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, the non-skin side layer 23, and the skin side upper layer 24 can be confirmed by the following method. For example, with the diaper 1 in a natural, dry state without any external force acting on it, the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) is cut widthwise at any position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20, specifically at a position where the four layers 21 to 24 are stacked and away from the product folding position. Next, the cut surface is magnified (e.g., 30 to 100 times) and photographed using an optical microscope (e.g., Keyence Digital Microscope VHX-7000 or equivalent). In the photographed cross-sectional image, the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and SAP are identified. Then, in the cross-sectional image, it is confirmed that the following are layered in order from the skin side in the thickness direction: a skin-side upper layer 24 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is larger than that of the SAP; a skin-side layer 21 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than that of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201; an intermediate layer 22 in which the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is larger than that of the SAP; and a non-skin-side layer 23 in which the area occupied by the SAP is larger than that of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201. If the above is confirmed, the four layers 21 to 24 of this embodiment are identified. Cross-sectional images are prepared at multiple locations (e.g., 10 locations) along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20 in which such four layers 21 to 24 can be confirmed, and if the area occupied by the SAP is larger than the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 in all of the cross-sectional images, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by the SAP is larger than the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers," and if the area occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is larger than the area occupied by the SAP in all of the cross-sectional images, then that layer is a layer in which "the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers is larger than the volume occupied by the SAP."

[0099] Furthermore, the volumes occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and the SAP in each layer can be compared by visualizing the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 and the SAP using X-ray microtomography (X-ray CT), for example, by the method described below: Science Direct, Carbohydrate Polymers 254, Mathias A. Hobisch et al., February 15, 2021, "How cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose microparticles impact paper strength—A visualization approach", Section "3.6. X-ray microtomography", https: / / www.sciencedirect.com / science / article / pii / S0144861720315794.

[0100] In this embodiment, the average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21 is different from the average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the non-skin-side layer 23. Specifically, the average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the non-skin-side layer 23 is greater than the average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21. A layer with a small average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area is less likely to feel gritty when touched. By using such a layer as the skin-side layer 21, the wearer is less likely to feel an uncomfortable sensation from the SAPs. Furthermore, a skin-side layer 21 with a small average total area occupied by SAPs per unit area can prevent SAPs from swelling and inhibiting absorption, thereby improving the diffusibility of excretory fluids. A layer with a large average value of the total area occupied by SAP per unit area has improved absorbency, and such a layer, the non-skin side layer 23, can absorb and retain a larger amount of excreted liquid even in the case of repeated excretion, thereby suppressing rewetting.

[0101] Furthermore, a skin-side upper layer 24 is provided closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 21 in the thickness direction. The skin-side upper layer 24 has a fourth thickness t4 that is thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21 and the volume occupied by the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 is larger than the volume occupied by the SAP. Since the skin-side upper layer 24, which has a high volume occupancy rate of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201, is located closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 21, the wearer's perception of the unevenness of the SAP can be further reduced. Furthermore, because the skin-side upper layer 24 is a layer with a high content of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201, it improves the ability to draw excreted liquid from sheets (such as a top sheet) placed closer to the skin. Furthermore, the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 contained in the skin-side upper layer 24 make it difficult for the SAP of the skin-side layer 21 to roll within the layer, preventing a deterioration in the tactile feel. The skin-side upper layer 24 is positioned closer to the skin than the skin-side layer 21, but is thinner than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21, so it can absorb excreted liquid without excessively retaining the excreted liquid, thereby reducing rewetting.

[0102] The "average value of the total area occupied by SAPs per unit area in a cross section taken along the thickness direction of the skin-side layer 21 (non-skin-side layer 23)" can be determined, for example, using the volume comparison method described above, as follows: The absorbent body 20 is cut at 10 locations along the width direction at any position in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20, specifically, at a location where the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23 are laminated and away from the product folding position. The cut surfaces are photographed under magnification using the optical microscope, and the "total area occupied by SAPs per unit area" of the skin-side layer 21 and the "total area occupied by SAPs per unit area" of the non-skin-side layer 23 are determined for each of the cut surfaces, and their average value is defined as the "average value of the total area occupied by SAPs per unit area."

[0103] As described above, the skin-side layer 21 has a first thickness t1, the intermediate layer 22 has a second thickness t2, and the non-skin-side layer 23 has a third thickness t3 (see FIG. 4 ). The first thickness t1 to the third thickness t3 refer to average thicknesses. In this embodiment, the third thickness t3 of the non-skin-side layer 23 is thicker than the first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21. Specifically, the third thickness t3 of the non-skin-side layer 23 is preferably 0.38 mm to 0.58 mm for the S-size diaper 1 and preferably 0.58 mm to 0.69 mm for the XXL-size diaper 1. The first thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21 is preferably 0.3 mm to 0.48 mm for the S-size diaper 1 and preferably 0.45 mm to 0.65 mm for the XXL-size diaper 1. The skin-side layer 21, which is thinner than the non-skin-side layer 23, also becomes thinner after moisture retention. That is, even after water retention, SAP swelling is unlikely to cause absorption inhibition, and the feel (gritty feeling) of the skin side of the diaper 1 is unlikely to deteriorate. The average thickness of the absorbent body 20 is preferably 2.0 to 2.5 mm.

[0104] The average thickness t2 of the intermediate layer 22 is preferably 0.5 mm or more. More preferably, it is 0.9 mm to 1.1 mm for an S-size diaper 1 and 1.28 mm to 1.61 mm for an XXL-size diaper 1. This allows for more excreted liquid to be absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 of the intermediate layer 22 than when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 22 is less than 0.5 mm, for example, compared to when the intermediate layer 22 is a nonwoven fabric (sheet member) formed of pulp fibers or the like. Therefore, the excreted liquid can be quickly and temporarily absorbed in the intermediate layer 22, and after diffusing in the intermediate layer 22, the excreted liquid is quickly transferred to the non-skin-side layer 23, ensuring absorbency. However, if the intermediate layer 22 is too thick, it may feel bulky, so the average thickness (second thickness t2) of the intermediate layer 22 is preferably 2.5 mm or less.

[0105] The thicknesses (t1 to t3) of the layers 21 to 23 can be measured using known methods. For example, with the diaper 1 in a natural, dry state without external force, the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) is cut widthwise at any longitudinal position of the absorbent body 20, specifically, at a location where the three layers 21 to 23 are stacked and away from the product folding position. Next, using an optical microscope (e.g., Keyence VHX-7000 Digital Microscope or equivalent), the cut surface is held upright against the microscope, the sample is lightly clamped between two weights, and the cut surface is magnified (e.g., 30 to 100 times) and photographed. At this time, the focus is on the liquid-absorbent fiber 201.

[0106] In the captured cross-sectional image, the layer in which the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is visible is determined to be the intermediate layer 22, and the portions of the absorbent core closer to the skin or closer to the skin are determined to be the skin-side layer 21 and the non-skin-side layer 23, respectively. Furthermore, measurement positions (e.g., five positions) are determined in the width direction of the cross-sectional image, and the thickness of each of the layers 21 to 23 at each measurement position is obtained. Preferably, cross-sectional images are captured at multiple positions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 20 to obtain the thickness of each of the layers 21 to 23. The average value of the obtained thicknesses is calculated for each of the layers 21 to 23, and this is defined as the average thickness t1 of the skin-side layer 21 (first thickness t1), the average thickness t2 of the intermediate layer 22 (second thickness t2), and the average thickness t3 of the non-skin-side layer 23 (third thickness t3). When measuring the thickness, portions other than the low basis weight regions 211, 221, and 231 are measured.

[0107] Using the above-mentioned method, five samples were prepared by cutting the longitudinal end of the absorbent body 20 and then cutting the absorbent body 20 so that the longitudinal length was 10 mm from that point.The average thicknesses when measured were as follows: for size S, the first thickness t1 was 0.41 mm, the second thickness t2 was 0.99 mm, and the third thickness t3 was 0.47 mm; and for size XXL, the first thickness t1 was 0.56 mm, the second thickness t2 was 1.47 mm, and the third thickness t3 was 0.63 mm.

[0108] In this embodiment, the average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is higher than the average basis weight of the skinside layer 21. A suitable average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is 50 g / m 2 ~350g / m 2 Specifically, when the diaper 1 is a size S, the average basis weight of the non-skinside layer 23 is 173 g / m 2 The average basis weight of the skin side layer 21 is preferably about 82 g / m 2 When the diaper 1 is an XXL size, the average basis weight of the non-skin side layer 23 is about 300 g / m 2 The average basis weight of the skin side layer 21 is preferably about 171 g / m 2 The skin side layer 21 with a low average basis weight is less likely to swell after retaining water, and therefore the skin side layer 21 is less likely to suffer from absorption inhibition due to swelling of SAP. As a result, the feel of the skin side (gritty feeling of SAP) is less likely to deteriorate.

[0109] In addition, at least one of the skin side layer 21, the intermediate layer 22, and the non-skin side layer 23 has a basis weight of the absorbent core (i.e., the total basis weight of the liquid absorbent fiber 201 and the SAP: g / m) that is smaller than that of the surrounding area. 2 4, in the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment, the skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 have low basis weight regions 211, 221, and similarly, the non-skin side layer 23 also has a low basis weight region 231.

[0110] Therefore, when the wearer excretes in the diaper 1 and the absorbent body 20 receives the excreted liquid, the excreted liquid is quickly drawn from the low basis weight region 211 into the interior of the absorbent body 20 (intermediate layer 22). The liquid-absorbent fiber 201 has a faster liquid absorption rate than SAP. Since the volume occupancy of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 is high in the intermediate layer 22, the excreted liquid that migrates from the low basis weight region 211 to the intermediate layer 22 is quickly and temporarily absorbed by the intermediate layer 22. Thereafter, the excreted liquid absorbed between the fibers of the liquid-absorbent fiber 201 in the intermediate layer 22 gradually migrates due to gravity to the non-skinside layer 23. Furthermore, since the intermediate layer 22 also has a low basis weight region 221, excreted liquid is more likely to migrate from the low basis weight region 221 to the non-skinside layer 23, and more likely to migrate from the low basis weight region 231 of the non-skinside layer 23 to a deeper portion of the non-skinside layer 23. Therefore, excreted liquid is easily drawn deep into the absorbent core, improving absorbency. In addition, since the volume occupancy of SAP in the non-skin side layer 23 is high, excreted liquid is firmly absorbed and retained by SAP in the non-skin side layer 23.

[0111] Furthermore, the low basis weight region 211 of the skin side layer 21 is preferably a slit penetrating the skin side layer 21 in the thickness direction. In this case, excreted liquid falls into the low basis weight region 211, and therefore the migration speed of excreted liquid from the skin side layer 21 to the intermediate layer 22 increases.

[0112] However, this is not limited to the above. Although not shown, the liquid-absorbent fibers 201 or SAP may be present in the low basis weight region 211 of the skin side layer 21. Alternatively, the low basis weight region 211 may be a region of the skin side layer 21 that is recessed in the thickness direction.

[0113] Similarly, the low basis weight region 231 of the non-skin side layer 23 may be a slit penetrating in the thickness direction, or the low basis weight region 231 may contain liquid absorbent fibers 201 or SAP, or the low basis weight region 231 may be partially recessed in thickness.

[0114] 6A are integrally formed and have the same planar shape. The skin side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 have narrowed portions 212, 222 narrowed inward in the width direction at the longitudinal center (FIG. 5). When the skin side layer and the intermediate layer 22 are divided into thirds at their maximum longitudinal length, the central region is defined as the longitudinal center, and at least a part of the narrowed portions 212, 222 may be located there.

[0115] 6B has three rectangular divided regions 23a-23c that are long in the longitudinal direction. The three divided regions 23a-23c are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction. Two regions between the three divided regions 23a-23c become low basis weight regions 231 (slits) of the non-skin side layer 23. The two low basis weight regions 231 are arranged symmetrically in the width direction across the center line CL2 of the non-skin side layer 23 in the width direction.

[0116] When the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 have the constricted portions 212, 222 as described above, the non-skin-side layer 23 has a portion in the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 whose widthwise length L1 is longer than the widthwise lengths of the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, as shown in Fig. 5 . The widthwise length L1 of the non-skin-side layer 23 here refers to the length from one widthwise end 23ae of the divided region 23a of the non-skin-side layer 23 to the other widthwise end 23ce of the divided region 23c. Having a portion of the non-skin-side layer 23 that is longer than the widthwise lengths of the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22 allows the non-skin-side layer 23 to absorb excrement that is not fully absorbed by the skin-side layer 21 and the intermediate layer 22, thereby preventing leakage. Furthermore, the number of layers decreases in the longer widthwise portions of the non-skin-side layer 23, thereby reducing rigidity. Here, by providing a region with reduced rigidity within the range where the constricted portions 212, 222 exist, the fit of the crotch area is improved when worn.

[0117] Furthermore, when the absorbent body 20 of this embodiment does not include the above-described skin-side upper layer 24, i.e., when the skin-side layer 21 is the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core, it is preferable that the liquid permeation rate under load of the SAP included in this layer closest to the skin exceeds 10 seconds. If the liquid permeation rate of the excreted liquid is excessively fast when the skin-side layer 21 receives excreted liquid, the excreted liquid will migrate to the intermediate layer 22 without sufficiently diffusing in the width or length directions of the skin-side layer 21, which may result in a deterioration in the water retention performance of the absorbent core as a whole. Furthermore, if the SAP swells only in the portion that receives the excreted liquid, the absorbent core may become locally thick. In contrast, by setting the liquid permeation rate under load in the skin-side layer to exceed 10 seconds, the water retention of the absorbent core is improved and local thickening of the absorbent core can be suppressed compared to the opposite case.

[0118] The liquid permeation rate under load of SAP in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core can be measured, for example, by the method described in JP 2019-41876 A. Specifically, 0.32±0.005 g of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) was immersed in 100 mL of physiological saline (0.9% by mass sodium chloride solution) in a 100 mL glass beaker and left for 60 minutes. A separate cylindrical filtration tube was prepared at the bottom of the opening of a vertically standing cylinder (inner diameter 25.4 mm) equipped with a wire mesh (150 μm mesh, Sansho Hanbai Biocolumn Sintered Stainless Steel Filter 30SUS) and a capillary tube (inner diameter 4 mm, length 8 cm) with a stopcock (inner diameter 2 mm). With the stopcock closed, the entire contents of the beaker, including the swollen test sample, were poured into the cylindrical tube. Next, a 2 mm diameter cylindrical rod with a 25 mm diameter wire mesh at its tip, with 150 μm mesh openings, is inserted into the cylindrical filter tube so that the wire mesh contacts the test sample. A weight is then placed on the test sample to apply a 2.0 kPa load. After leaving the tube in this state for 1 minute, the stopcock is opened to allow the liquid to flow. The time T1 (seconds) until the liquid level in the cylindrical filter tube reaches the 40 mL mark from the 60 mL mark (i.e., 20 mL of liquid passes through) is measured. The measured time T1 (seconds) is used to calculate the liquid passage rate under load at 2.0 kPa using the formula: Liquid passage rate under load (seconds) = T1 - T0. Note that T0 (seconds) is the time required for 20 mL of saline to pass through the wire mesh without the test sample in the cylindrical filter tube. Measurements are carried out at a temperature of 23±2°C and a relative humidity of 50±5%, and the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is kept in the same environment for at least 24 hours before measurement.

[0119] <About the fit of the leg gathers (LG)> Next, we will explain the fit of the leg gathers LG when the diaper 1 is worn. Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of area E in Fig. 4. As described above, a plurality of LG elastic members 17 are arranged in the leg gathers LG of the diaper 1. The elastic forces acting along the longitudinal direction of these LG elastic members 17 allow the leg gathers LG to fit the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0120] Hereinafter, the region in the width direction of the leg gather portion LG where the LG elastic members 17 are arranged will be referred to as the "leg gather elastic region ER." In Fig. 8, the region between the first LG elastic member 17a, which is located on the innermost side in the width direction, and the sixth LG elastic member 17f, which is located on the outermost side in the width direction, will be the leg gather elastic region ER. Furthermore, when the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side will be referred to as the "inner leg gather elastic region ERi," and the region located on the outer side when the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts in the width direction will be referred to as the "outer leg gather elastic region ER0."

[0121] In Figure 8, the first to third LG elastic members 17a to 17c are arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi, and the fourth to sixth LG elastic members 17d to 17f are arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo. That is, three LG elastic members 17 are arranged in each of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi and the outer leg gather elastic region ERo. However, as mentioned above, the arrangement and number of LG elastic members 17 are not limited to this. However, if an LG elastic member 17 is arranged on the boundary between the inner leg gather elastic region ERi and the outer leg gather elastic region ERo (i.e., at the center in the width direction of the leg gather elastic region ER), that LG elastic member 17 is considered to be arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo.

[0122] Furthermore, among the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17..., some of the LG elastic members 17 have a shorter length of the stretchable portion in the longitudinal direction (hereinafter also referred to as the "effective length" of the LG elastic members 17) than the other LG elastic members 17. In Fig. 8, the first LG elastic member 17a and the second LG elastic member 17b provided on the inner side in the width direction have a shorter length (effective length) of the stretchable portion in the longitudinal direction compared to the other LG elastic members 17c to 17f.

[0123] Hereinafter, the longitudinal overlapping portion between the stretchable portion of all LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 and the stretchable portion of all LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi will be referred to as the "leg gather overlapping portion OP." Meanwhile, the longitudinal overlapping portion between the stretchable portion of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 and the non-stretchable portion of at least some of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi will be referred to as the "leg gather discontinuous portion NP." It is assumed that the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17... arranged in the leg gather portion LG of the diaper 1 are all made of rubber thread of the same material and thickness.

[0124] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the width of the leg gather elastic region ER is 10 mm or more, and the average length of the longitudinally stretchable portion (average effective length) of the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is adjusted to be 10% or more shorter than the average length of the longitudinally stretchable portion (average effective length) of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER. Furthermore, the leg gather discontinuity portions NP are provided only forward of the longitudinal center position CL of the diaper 1.

[0125] Here, "leg gathers having an intermittent portion NP only at the front" refers to a state in which the LG elastic members 17 are positioned so that a portion of the diaper 1 in front of the center position CL has a shorter effective length. Specifically, when the front end of the LG elastic member 17 is designated 17FE (not shown) in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, the leg gathers have an intermittent portion NP at the front in the front-to-back direction if the average position of the front end 17FE of each of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f in FIG. 8) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 is shorter than the average position of the front end 17FE in the longitudinal direction of each of the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c in FIG. 8) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by 10% or more. In other words, the leg gathers have an intermittent portion NP at the front (abdominal side) of the diaper 1 where the displacement of the LG elastic members 17 at the front longitudinal direction is 10% or more.

[0126] On the other hand, when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, if the rear end of the LG elastic member 17 is designated as 17RE (not shown) in the longitudinal direction, the average position of the rear ends of the LG elastic members 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 and the average position of the rear ends 17FE of the LG elastic members 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi are basically aligned (see FIG. 8, etc.), and no intermittent leg gather portions NP are provided on the rear longitudinal side (back side). In the diaper 1, portions of the LG elastic members 17 on the rear longitudinal side (back side) where the amount of deviation of the LG elastic members 17 is less than 10% are not considered to be intermittent leg gather portions NP.

[0127] Because the leg gather elastic region ER has a width of 10 mm or more, the stretching force of the LG elastic member 17 is easily exerted over a wide range of the wide leg gather portion LG, making it easier for the leg gather portion LG to fit snugly around the wearer's legs. By providing a portion in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi where the average effective length of the LG elastic member 17 is 10% or more shorter than that of the outer leg gather elastic region ER0, the stretching force (contractile force) in the longitudinal direction of the LG elastic member 17 acting on the absorber 20 adjacent to the inner side of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi in the width direction can be weakened. This maintains a good fit of the leg gather portion LG while suppressing excessive deformation of the absorber 20 and reducing the likelihood of excretion leakage.

[0128] Furthermore, since the diaper 1 has intermittent leg gather portions NP on the front longitudinal side (ventral side), the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 acting on the absorber 20 is weakened on the front longitudinal side. If the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 were large on the front longitudinal side (ventral side), the force tending to deform the front (ventral side) portion of the absorber 20 would be large. In this case, when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorber 20 may deform so as to protrude toward the front (ventral side) of the wearer. This may create a gap between the absorber 20 protruding toward the front and the wearer's skin, making it difficult to absorb excrement such as urine. Furthermore, protruding the absorber 20 toward the front in the crotch area may deteriorate the appearance of the diaper when worn. In particular, since the absorber 20 of this embodiment is thin and easily deformed as described above, protruding toward the front would have a significant impact.

[0129] In contrast, in the diaper 1, the leg gather intermittent portions NP, which have weak stretching (contractile) force, are provided at the longitudinal front side of the leg gather elastic regions ER, thereby preventing excessive stretching (contractile) force from the LG elastic members 17 acting on the front side of the absorber 20. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8 , fewer LG elastic members 17 are arranged at the leg gather intermittent portions NP than at the leg gather overlapping portions OP, and therefore the rigidity of the LG elastic members 17 themselves is reduced, thereby reducing the rigidity of the leg gather portions LG. Therefore, the leg gather portions LG are more likely to deform as the LG elastic members 17 contract, and the deformation of the leg gather portions LG buffers the stretching force, thereby helping to suppress deformation of the absorber 20. This results in an improved fit around the legs provided by the wide leg gather portions LG, as well as improved appearance and absorbency when worn.

[0130] The influence of the difference between the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi and the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 was evaluated as follows: Figures 9A to 9C are diagrams illustrating a method for evaluating the relationship between the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 and the amount of protrusion of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 20) to the front (ventral side).

[0131] First, four types of samples A to D were prepared, each varying the average effective length of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi of the diaper 1. Specifically, when the average effective length difference (%) is defined as {(ALo-ALi) / ALo}×100, which is the difference between the average effective length (ALo) of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo and the average effective length (ALi) of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi divided by the average effective length (ALo) of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ERo, the four types of samples (diapers) were prepared with the following average effective length difference: Sample A: average effective length difference = 0%, Sample B: average effective length difference = 5%, Sample C: average effective length difference = 10%, and Sample D: average effective length difference = 15%.

[0132] Each of these samples A to D was placed on a doll. Samples A to D were placed in approximately the same position on the doll. For example, as a guide, as shown in Figure 9A, each sample was placed on the doll so that point Q, which is the upper end and center in the left-right direction of the front waist of the sample, was located 35 mm below reference point P, which is the upper end and center in the left-right direction of the front waist of the doll (the same applies to the back). The doll was then placed on its back on a horizontal surface such as a desk and left for 5 minutes. The doll used was a silicone doll with a standard small-size body type (waist circumference at the navel: 39.5 cm, circumference around the groin: 5.0 cm, waist circumference passing through the top of the buttocks: 37.5 cm).

[0133] Next, as shown in Figure 9B, the doll is placed on its back on a horizontal surface while wearing the sample diaper, and the distance H from the horizontal surface to the front end of the sample (the highest point in the vertical direction in Figure 9B) is measured. After measuring the distance H, the sample is removed from the doll. Then, the sample is put back on the doll and the distance H is measured. This operation is repeated multiple times (for example, three times), and the average value of the measured distances H is calculated.

[0134] FIG. 9C shows the results of measuring the distance H (average value) for each of Samples A to D. In Sample A, where the average effective length difference was 0% (i.e., the average effective lengths of the LG elastic members 17 were equal in the inner leg gathered elastic region ERi and the outer leg gathered elastic region ER0), the distance H was 11.5 cm. In Sample B, where the average effective length difference was 5%, the distance H was 11.4 cm, a difference of approximately 0.1 cm from Sample A. On the other hand, in Sample C, where the average effective length difference was 10%, the distance H was 10.5 cm, which was approximately 1.0 cm smaller than Samples A and B. In other words, the amount of protrusion of the absorbent body 20 to the front when the sample was worn was reduced by approximately 1 cm. Similarly, in Sample C, where the average effective length difference was 15%, the distance H was 10.3 cm, further reducing the amount of protrusion of the absorbent body 20 to the front. From these findings, it became clear that if the average effective length difference is at least 10% or more, the forward protrusion (deformation) of the absorber can be reduced.

[0135] 2, the third LG elastic member 17c to the sixth LG elastic member 17f of the diaper 1 have portions that intersect with the front waistline elastic members 33 when viewed in the thickness direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 2) forward of the center position CL in the front-to-rear direction of the diaper 1. On the other hand, the first LG elastic member 17a and the second LG elastic member 17b do not intersect with the front waistline elastic members 33 when viewed in the thickness direction. In other words, the LG elastic members 17 (17d to 17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 intersect with the front waistline elastic members 33, while at least a portion of the LG elastic members 17 (17a to 17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi do not intersect with the front waistline elastic members 33.

[0136] At the portions where the LG elastic members 17 and the front waistline elastic members 33 intersect, the stretching force in the longitudinal direction of the LG elastic members 17 and the stretching force in the left-right direction of the front waistline elastic members 33 work together to pull the elastic members against each other, thereby making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 and the front waistline section 30 to fit the wearer's body. On the other hand, at the portions in the inner leg gather elastic region where the LG elastic members 17 and the front waistline elastic members 33 do not intersect, the above-mentioned interlocking is less likely to occur, and as the front waistline elastic members 33 contract in the left-right direction, curling in the left-right direction is more likely to occur, making it easier to buffer the stretching force acting on the absorbent body 20. This makes it possible to improve the fit of the front waistline section 30 and the absorbent main body 10 while effectively preventing the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.

[0137] In FIG. 2, among the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi, the third LG elastic member 17c intersects with the front waistline elastic member 33. However, it is also possible to configure the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi so that none of them intersect with the front waistline elastic members 33. This configuration makes the inner leg gather elastic region ERi more likely to curl in the left-right direction (width direction), thereby more easily cushioning the stretching force acting on the absorbent body 20. Furthermore, if the number of LG elastic members 17 arranged in the front end portion (leg gather discontinuous portion NP) of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is reduced, the rigidity of that region is correspondingly reduced, making it more likely to curl. Therefore, it is possible to more easily prevent the absorbent body 20 from protruding forward.

[0138] Furthermore, behind the center position CL in the front-to-rear direction of the diaper 1, all of the LG elastic members 17 intersect with the rear waist elastic members 43 when viewed in the thickness direction. That is, all of the LG elastic members 17 arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ERi intersect with the rear waist elastic members 43. In this case, the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 in the longitudinal direction and the stretching force of the rear waist elastic members 43 in the left-to-right direction work closely together, improving the fit of the absorbent main body 10 (absorber 20) around the wearer's buttocks. Furthermore, since the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is less likely to fold around the buttocks, the diaper 1 can more easily fit snugly over the wide buttocks, thereby making it easier to prevent rear leakage of body exudates.

[0139] In addition, in the leg gather overlapping portion OP of the diaper 1, the force required to longitudinally stretch the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by a unit length from its natural state is preferably greater than the force required to longitudinally stretch the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length from its natural state. In other words, in the leg gather overlapping portion OP, the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is preferably stronger than the contractile force of the outer leg gather elastic region ER0. By increasing the longitudinal contractile force on the inner side in the width direction (left-right direction), the fit of the inner side of the leg gather portion LG to the wearer's leg openings is improved, making it easier to prevent side leakage of body exudates. Furthermore, in the diaper 1, the leg gather overlapping portion OP is located near the crotch area of the wearer, and even if the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is increased at the leg gather overlapping portion OP, it is unlikely that a force will act to deform the absorbent body 20 so that it protrudes forward, and problems such as a deterioration in absorbency or a poor appearance when worn are unlikely to occur.

[0140] The force required to longitudinally stretch the inner leg gather elastic region ERi (outer leg gather elastic region ER0) by a unit length from its natural state can be measured, for example, as follows. FIGS. 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring the stretching force (contractile force) of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi. First, a test piece TP is prepared by cutting out a portion of the diaper 1 to be measured, including the LG elastic member 17. Specifically, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as shown in FIG. 10A is cut in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10) at the lower end 30eb of the front waistband 30 (corresponding to the lower end of the side joint 2 in the diaper 1) and the lower end 40eb of the rear waistband 40 (the lower end of the side joint 2). Next, the leg gather elastic region ER is separated from the cut absorbent main body 10. For example, the region between a position 3 mm inward in the width direction from the first LG elastic member 17a and a position 3 mm outward in the width direction from the sixth LG elastic member 17f (or the outer end 10es of the absorbent main body 10) is cut and separated.

[0141] Next, as shown in Fig. 10B, the leg gather elastic region ER is divided into two equal parts at the midpoint in the width direction to separate it into an inner leg gather elastic region ERi and an outer leg gather elastic region ER0, and the leg gather overlapping portion OP is cut in the longitudinal direction to obtain a test specimen TP. Note that Fig. 10B shows the case where the inner leg gather elastic region ERi shown by diagonal lines is used as the test specimen TP.

[0142] Next, as shown in FIG. 10C , both longitudinal ends of the test piece TP in its natural state are clamped between the chucks of a known tensile testing machine (e.g., an Instron universal testing machine), and the distance Lc between the chucks is adjusted to 100 mm. From this state, the distance Lc is gradually increased at a predetermined rate (100 mm / min) until the test piece TP is elongated by a predetermined length. For example, the test piece TP is elongated to a length 0.9 times its maximum elongation length. In other words, the test piece TP is elongated until its length in the longitudinal direction is 0.9 times its maximum elongation length. Next, the test piece TP is contracted to its original length. This cycle is repeated twice, and in the second cycle, the force (N) at the time of elongation is measured when the test piece TP is elongated to a length 0.8 times its maximum elongation length. This measurement is repeated a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) to determine the stretching force (contraction force) of the test piece TP.

[0143] It is also possible to measure the stress of each leg gather elastic member 17 arranged in the leg gather elastic region ER using a method substantially similar to the measurement method described in Fig. 10. In this case, each of the multiple LG elastic members 17 is cut at positions 2.5 mm on both the left and right sides of the LG elastic member 17 to obtain a 5 mm wide test piece TP centered on the LG elastic member 17. Then, a tensile test is performed on the test piece TP as shown in Fig. 10C.

[0144] In addition to the above-described method, the tensile test may also be performed by measuring the force exerted when the test piece TP is stretched in the longitudinal direction and then retracted. For example, the test piece TP is gripped at both ends with chucks and then stretched to a length 0.9 times its maximum extension. The test piece TP is then retracted to a length 0.7 times its maximum extension. This cycle is repeated twice, and the magnitude of the force (N) exerted when the test piece TP is retracted in the second cycle until its length in the longitudinal direction (the distance Lc between the chucks) is 0.7 times its maximum extension is measured. By repeating this measurement a predetermined number of times (e.g., three times) and averaging the measured values to determine the contractile force of the test piece TP (LG elastic member 17) being measured, it becomes possible to compare the contractile forces of each test piece TP (LG elastic member 17).

[0145] Furthermore, in the intermittent leg gather portion NP of the diaper 1, the force required to longitudinally stretch the inner leg gather elastic region ERi by a unit length from its natural state is preferably smaller than the force required to longitudinally stretch the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length from its natural state. In other words, in the intermittent leg gather portion NP, the contractile force of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi is preferably weaker than the contractile force of the outer leg gather elastic region ER0. Weakening the longitudinal contractile force on the inner side in the width direction (left-right direction) makes the intermittent leg gather portion NP of the inner leg gather elastic region ERi more likely to curl, thereby buffering the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 and more effectively preventing the absorber 20 from deforming in a manner that would cause it to protrude forward. The stretching force (contractile force) of the intermittent leg gather portion NP can be measured in a manner substantially similar to that described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C.

[0146] Furthermore, it is preferable that the force required to longitudinally stretch each LG elastic member 17 (17d-17f) arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length divided by the length of the LG elastic member 17 be greater than the force required to longitudinally stretch each LG elastic member 17 (17a-17c) arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region ER0 by a unit length divided by the length of the LG elastic member 17. With this configuration, when considering the leg gather elastic region ER as a whole, the stretching force (contraction force) per unit length of the LG elastic members 17 in the inner leg gather elastic region ER0 is likely to be weaker than that in the outer leg gather elastic region ER0. Therefore, the force acting on the absorber 20 at the inner side in the width direction (left-right direction) is unlikely to be excessively large, and deformation of the absorber 20 (such as protruding forward) is more likely to be suppressed.

[0147] As described above, the leak-barrier film 13 is provided between the absorber 20 and the outer sheet 14 in the thickness direction. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the outer end 13es of the leak-barrier film 13 is located outward in the width direction from the midpoint between the outer end 20es of the absorber 20 and the outer end 10es of the absorbent main body 10 (the outer end of the leg gathers LG). In other words, the leak-barrier film 13 is provided over more than half of the width direction of the leg gathers LG. The provision of the leak-barrier film 13 increases the rigidity of the leg gathers LG compared to when the leak-barrier film 13 is not provided, making it easier to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the wide leg gathers LG fit more closely to the wearer's skin (leg openings), making it easier to prevent side leakage of body waste.

[0148] In the diaper 1, it is preferable that the leg gathers LG extend outward in the left-right direction (width direction) at an angle as close to horizontal as possible. Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating the shape of the leg gathers LG. Fig. 11 shows the pants-type diaper 1 in its natural state, laid flat.

[0149] 11, of the multiple LG elastic members 17 provided in the leg gather portion LG, attention is focused on the sixth LG elastic member 17f, which is located outermost in the left-right direction (width direction). The intersection point of the sixth LG elastic member 17f with the lower end of the front waistline portion 30 is defined as the upper end point G1, and the intersection point of the sixth LG elastic member 17f with the lower edge of the leg gather portion LG is defined as the lower end point G2. The vertical distance between the upper end point G1 and the lower end point G2 is defined as the leg gather outer height L170. Next, the points obtained by moving the upper end point G1 and the lower end point G2 inward in the left-right direction (width direction), respectively, are defined as the inner upper end point H1 and the inner lower end point H2. When the intersection of the extension of the straight line connecting the inner upper end point H1 and the inner lower end point H2 with the lower edge of the leg gathered portion LG is defined as the second lower end point J, the vertical distance between the inner upper end point H1 and the second lower end point J is defined as the leg gathered inner height L17i.

[0150] Fig. 12 is a table showing the results of measurements of the leg gather outer height L17o and leg gather inner height L17i for several types of diapers, based on the measurement method described in Fig. 11. In Fig. 12, the leg gather heights were measured for the diaper 1 of the present embodiment and four types of pull-on diapers, Samples A to D, as comparative examples. All of Samples A to D are commercially available pull-on diapers of the same size as the diaper 1. Specifically, four types of pull-on diapers were selected as comparative examples, each having a vertical length (product length) from the upper end of the waistband to the lower end of the crotch region of approximately 450 to 480 mm at the midpoint in the left-right direction when the pull-on diaper was stretched, and a vertical length (crotch length) from the lower end of the waistband to the lower end of the crotch region of approximately 210 to 240 mm. Then, for each of diaper 1 and samples A to D, when laid flat in a natural state, the heights (L17i, L17o) of the leg gathers LG on both the left and right sides were measured and the average values were recorded.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 12, in the diaper 1, in the natural state, the leg gather outer height L17o is 80% (= L17o / L17i × 100) of the leg gather inner height L17i. That is, the leg gather portion LG is configured so that the difference between the leg gather outer height L17o and the leg gather inner height L17i is as small as possible. On the other hand, in Sample A, the leg gather outer height L17o is 60% of the leg gather inner height L17i, which is a larger difference than in Diaper 1. Similarly, in Sample B, it is 72%, in Sample C, 74%, and in Sample D, it is 67%, which means that the leg gather outer height L17o is approximately 30% to 40% shorter than the leg gather inner height L17i.

[0152] When the difference between the leg gather outer height L17о and the leg gather inner height is large (when L17о / L17i is less than 72%), as in Samples A to D, the lower edge of the leg gather portion LG is likely to be visually perceived as being obliquely inclined relative to the horizontal. In other words, the leg gather portion LG does not appear to extend significantly outward in the left-right direction, making it difficult for the user (wearer of diaper 1) to recognize that the leg gather portion LG is wide. In contrast, when the leg gather outer height L17о is 80% or more of the leg gather inner height L17i, as in diaper 1, the lower edge of the leg gather portion LG is likely to extend outward in the left-right direction (width direction) at an angle close to horizontal, as shown in Figure 1, making it easier for the user to recognize at a glance that the leg gather portion LG is wide. This provides the user with a sense of security that side leakage is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, since the leg gathers LG extend outward at an angle close to horizontal, the leg gathers LG tend to maintain a flat shape when the diaper 1 is worn, making it easier for the diaper to fit smoothly along the wearer's leg contours.

[0153] Furthermore, among the multiple LG elastic members 17 provided in the leg gather portion LG, the first LG elastic member 17a, which is located innermost in the width direction (left-right direction), is located at the same position as the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG or outward of the rising point in the width direction (left-right direction). In other words, the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG and the leg gather elastic region ER are located at positions offset in the width direction. In FIG. 4, the first LG elastic member 17a is located outward in the width direction of the inner end 18ei of the leakage preventing wall joint 18, which is the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG. In other words, when the leakage preventing wall portion LSG rises toward the skin while the diaper 1 is being worn, the position of the rising point of the leakage preventing wall portion LSG does not overlap with the leg gather elastic region ER in the width direction. This prevents the expansion (contraction) of the leg gather portion LG in the leg gather elastic region ER from being affected by the rising leakage preventing wall portion LSG. Therefore, the leg gathered portion LG can easily fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg opening).

[0154] In the diaper 1, the side sheets 15 constituting the leakage barrier walls LSG are different sheet members from the outer sheet 14 constituting the leg gathers LG, and the side sheets 15 are joined to the skin-facing surfaces of the outer sheet 14 and the top sheet 12 via side sheet joints 18. In FIG. 4, the inner ends 18ei of the leakage barrier joints 18 are located more inward than the outer ends of the top sheet 12 in the width direction. The leakage barrier walls LSG rise toward the skin from the points where the side sheets 15 are fixed to the top sheet 12 (the inner ends 18ei of the leakage barrier joints 18). In this case, the top sheet 12 is interposed between the leakage barrier walls LSG (side sheets 15) and the leg gathers LG (outer sheet 14) in the thickness direction. With this configuration, the top sheet 12 increases the rigidity of the leg gathers LG, making it easier for the leg gathers LG to maintain a flat shape. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the leg gathers LG can easily fit snugly against the wearer's skin (leg openings).

[0155] Alternatively, the side sheet 15 constituting the leakage barrier wall portions LSG may be joined only to the outer sheet 14 constituting the leg gather portions LG, and not to the top sheet 12. That is, the inner end 18ei of the leakage barrier joint 18 may be positioned outward of the outer end of the top sheet 12 in the width direction (not shown). In this case, the leakage barrier wall portions LSG rise toward the skin, starting from the point where the side sheet 15 is fixed to the outer sheet 14 (the inner end 18ei of the leakage barrier joint 18). That is, no other sheet member (such as the top sheet 12) is interposed between the leakage barrier wall portions LSG (side sheet 15) and the leg gather portions LG (outer sheet 14) in the thickness direction. With this configuration, the overall thickness of the absorbent main body 10 is thinner than when a top sheet 12 or the like is interposed, resulting in a neater appearance of the diaper 1.

[0156] Furthermore, the elongation ratio of each of the leakage barrier elastic members 16a, 16b provided in the leakage barrier wall portion LSG is greater than the elongation ratio of each of the LG elastic members 17a-17f provided in the leg gather portion LG. Here, "elongation ratio" refers to the value of "length at maximum elongation / length in natural state." Specifically, it refers to the value (LX / LY) indicating how many times the total length LX of each elastic member in the elongated state is compared with the total length LY in the natural, unloaded state (i.e., how many times the total length is stretched when the elastic member is fixed to the material). Setting the elongation ratio of the leakage barrier elastic members 16 to be greater than the elongation ratio of the LG elastic members 17 allows the leakage barrier wall portion LSG to adhere more closely to the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. This helps to prevent the upright leakage barrier wall portion LSG from collapsing or becoming misaligned and becoming pinched between the leg gather portion LG and the wearer's skin (leg openings).

[0157] The relationship between the elongation ratios of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 16 and the leg gather elastic members 17 means that the force required to elongate each leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 by a unit length along the longitudinal direction from its natural state is greater than the force required to elongate each leg gather elastic member 17 by a unit length along the longitudinal direction from its natural state.

[0158] Furthermore, in the stretched state shown in Fig. 4, the shortest distance in the width direction from the outer end (outer end 10es of the absorbent main body 10) of the leg gathers LG to the rising point of the leakage barrier wall LSG (inner end 18ei of the leakage barrier joint 18) is longer than the shortest distance from the rising point (inner end 18ei) of the leakage barrier wall LSG to the tip (15ei) of the leakage barrier wall LSG. With this configuration, even if the leakage barrier wall LSG collapses outward in the width direction (left-right direction) when the diaper 1 is worn, the tip (15ei) of the leakage barrier wall LSG is prevented from protruding outward beyond the outer end (10es) of the leg gathers LG in the width direction. This prevents the fit of the leg gathers LG to the wearer's skin from being impaired.

[0159] In addition, in the pants-type diaper 1 laid flat as shown in Fig. 11, the intersection point f1 between the outer edge in the width direction (left-right direction) of the absorbent main body 10 and the lower edge of the front waistline section 30 is located inside in the width direction (left-right direction) of the intersection point b1 between the outer edge in the width direction (left-right direction) of the absorbent main body 10 and the lower edge of the rear waistline section 40. In other words, at the lower end positions of the waistline sections 30, 40, the width of the absorbent main body 10 at the front side (ventral side) is narrower than the width of the absorbent main body 10 at the rear side (dorsal side). With this configuration, when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent main body 10 is not excessively wide at the front side (ventral side), resulting in a neat and tidy appearance in the crotch area. On the other hand, the absorbent main body 10 is wider at the rear side (dorsal side) than at the front side, making it easier to cover the buttocks.

[0160] Furthermore, the average length Lav of the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17... provided in the leg gathered portion LG is the average length of the portions on which a stretching force acts in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the number of LG elastic members 17, 17... whose portions on which a stretching force acts (effective length) are longer than the average effective length Lav is greater than the number of LG elastic members 17 whose portions on which a stretching force acts (effective length) are shorter than the average effective length Lav.

[0161] For example, in FIG. 8, of the six LG elastic members 17, the effective lengths of the first LG elastic member 17a and the second LG elastic member 17b are shorter than the average effective length Lav. That is, there are two LG elastic members 17 that are shorter than the average effective length Lav. On the other hand, the effective lengths of the third LG elastic member 17c to the sixth LG elastic member 17f are longer than the average effective length Lav. That is, there are four LG elastic members 17 that are longer than the average effective length Lav. The greater the number of LG elastic members 17 with longer effective lengths, the wider the range (range of longer effective lengths) over which the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 acts in the leg gather elastic region ER, which makes it easier to improve the fit of the leg gather portion LG as a whole.

[0162] Conversely, the number of LG elastic members 17, 17... whose lengths (effective lengths) of the portions where the stretching force is applied are longer than the average effective length Lav may be smaller than the number of LG elastic members 17 whose lengths (effective lengths) of the portions where the stretching force is applied are shorter than the average effective length Lav. In this case, the range in the leg gather elastic region ER where the LG elastic members 17 are not provided (the range with a short effective length) becomes wider, reducing the rigidity of the leg gather portion LG and making it more susceptible to flexural deformation. This buffers the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 and weakens the force acting on the absorbent body 20. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a way that causes it to protrude forward.

[0163] Furthermore, in the diaper 1, each of the multiple LG elastic members 17, 17... is continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction so as to straddle the central position CL of the diaper 1 (see FIG. 8 ). In other words, the intermittent leg gather portions NP do not straddle the central position CL in the longitudinal direction. The central position CL in the longitudinal direction is located in the crotch area of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, the LG elastic members 17 are continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction in the crotch area, and the stretching force acts thereon, which makes it easier to prevent the absorber 20 from sagging. For example, even if the absorber 20 absorbs excrement and its weight increases, the stretching force (contraction force) of the LG elastic members 17 makes it easier to pull the absorber 20 upward against the weight increase. This improves the fit of the absorbent main body 10 and also prevents the absorber 20 from sagging, which can cause the absorber 20 to look unattractive when worn.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 4, the leg gather intermittent portions NP overlap with the low basis weight regions 211 (221) of the absorbent body 20 in the longitudinal direction. In the leg gather intermittent portions NP, the leg gather elastic regions ER are flexible, and the stretching force of the LG elastic members 17 is buffered, thereby preventing the absorbent body 20 from deforming in a manner that causes it to protrude forward. Meanwhile, the absorbent body 20 is induced to deform with the low basis weight regions 211 (221) as the bending starting point. For example, when the absorbent body 20 deforms in a manner that causes it to protrude forward, the absorbent body 20 bends at the low basis weight regions 211, 211 on both sides in the width direction, and deforms into a generally trapezoidal cross section. In other words, the absorbent body 20 is less likely to protrude forward significantly between the pair of low basis weight regions 211, 211 in the width direction. Therefore, in the area where the leg gather intermittent portions NP and the low basis weight regions 211 (221) overlap in the longitudinal direction, the action of the leg gather intermittent portions NP to suppress deformation of the absorbent body 20 and the action of the low basis weight regions 211 (221) to induce deformation of the absorbent body 20 interact to more easily prevent the widthwise center of the absorbent body 20 from popping out to the front. This can improve the appearance and absorbency when worn.

[0165] Conversely to the above configuration, the leg gather intermittent portions NP may have no overlapping portions in the longitudinal direction with the low basis weight regions 211 (221) of the absorbent body 20. The low basis weight regions 211 (221) also have the function of quickly drawing excrement such as urine into the absorbent body 20. When the excrement drawn by the low basis weight regions 211 (221) spreads to both sides in the width direction, if LG elastic members 17 are arranged on both sides of the low basis weight regions 211 (221) (if leg gather overlapping regions OP are provided), the diffusion of the excrement can be blocked by the LG elastic members 17, thereby preventing side leakage.

[0166] (About the thickness of diaper 1) Generally, absorbent articles such as diapers 1 are stored under a certain pressure in the form of a package in which they are distributed and stored as a commodity. The effect of the pressure applied to the diaper 1 varies depending on the state of storage, and the thickness of the center of the width direction of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 changes depending on the pressure applied to the diaper. Therefore, after removing the diaper 1 from the package, a weight W (with a base area of 150 cm) is placed on the folded diaper 1. 2 By placing a weight of 5 kg on the diaper for 24 hours, the pressure applied to the diaper 1 is equalized.

[0167] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a method for placing a weight W on a folded diaper 1. As shown in FIG. 13, the folded (pants-type) diaper 1 is placed on a flat surface with either the front waistline portion 30 or the rear waistline portion 40 facing downward. Then, the weight W is placed on the diaper 1 so that the widthwise center of the absorbent main body 10 (the center of the diaper 1) is aligned with the widthwise center of the weight W and the widthwise center of the absorbent main body 10. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 is placed on a flat surface with the front waistline portion 30 facing downward and the rear waistline portion 40 facing upward, and the weight W is placed on the rear waistline portion 40 side. In FIG. 13, the weight W may be placed on one diaper 1 or on a stack of diapers 1. Because absorbent articles such as diapers 1 are lightweight, even when multiple diapers 1 are stacked, the difference in pressure applied to each diaper 1 is within the margin of error and is virtually negligible. However, when multiple absorbent articles are stacked, the number of stacked articles must be such that the stacked state of the absorbent articles can be maintained and the stacked number does not cause the absorbent articles to collapse. In this embodiment, five diapers 1 were stacked in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and a weight W was placed on top of them, and the stack was left to stand for 24 hours, and the thickness of all diapers 1 was measured using the method described below.

[0168] The weight W has a base area of 150 cm2 and a weight of 5 kg. In this embodiment, a rectangular weight W is used, with a longitudinal (vertical) length Lw1 of 15 cm and a widthwise length Lw2 of 10 cm (Lw1 x Lw2 = 150 cm2). Since the weight W is 5 kg, a pressure of 3267 Pa is applied to the diaper 1 on which the weight W is placed. The weight W can be made of any material, and can be made of metal such as stainless steel or iron.

[0169] The thickness of the widthwise center of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 (corresponding to the longitudinal center position CL) after the weight W has been placed for 24 hours, and the thickness of the widthwise center of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 in the pre-use state (i.e., immediately after being taken out of the package and before absorbing excrement, etc.) can be measured in a similar manner, using a well-known method, such as an Ozaki Seisakusho Dial Thickness Gauge, Large Type JB with spring, or an equivalent.

[0170] Specifically, using an Ozaki Seisakusho Dial Thickness Gauge Large Type JB with spring, the measurement point (the center of the width of the folded part F) is clamped between a pair of measuring terminals st, and a value of 9.0-12.0 gf / cm 2 In this embodiment, a pressure of 10.5 gf / cm is applied. 2 The measurement is performed by applying pressure to the folded portion F. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the measurement of the folded portion F. As shown in Figure 14, the pair of measurement terminals st are circular plates each 50 mm in diameter, and are arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction (thickness direction of the diaper 1). The pair of measurement terminals st sandwich the folded portion F of the diaper 1 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), and the maximum value at the point where both measurement terminals st abut against the diaper 1 is measured as the "thickness." At this time, the measurement is performed with the center CC of the folded portion F of the diaper 1 in the width direction and the lower end of the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) aligned with the center of the measurement terminals st.

[0171] The thickness measurement confirmed that the thickness of the diaper 1 before absorbing excrement was 6.4 mm or less. Therefore, it was revealed that the diaper 1 is thinner than conventional pants-type diapers, and has a structure that makes it difficult for the absorbent body 20 to protrude significantly forward when worn.

[0172] (Torque value of diaper 1) Furthermore, the torque values of the diaper 1 of this embodiment when twisted in the vertical and horizontal directions are kept below a predetermined value, so that the diaper 1 can easily deform to fit the wearer's body.

[0173] 15A and 15B are explanatory diagrams of the "torsion test." FIG. 15A shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1 is twisted around a virtual axis Va1 along the left-right direction (width direction) of the diaper 1. FIG. 15B shows a measurement method in which the diaper 1 is twisted around a virtual axis Va2 along the up-down direction (longitudinal direction) of the diaper 1. Note that in the drawings, the absorbent cores 21-24 are shown to have a rectangular shape for simplicity. The torque value of the diaper 1 in the torsion test can be measured using an Imada torque tester (model number: EX-0762) or an equivalent device. The test environment is a room temperature of 20±2°C and a humidity of 60±5%.

[0174] First, prepare the diaper 1 to be measured (the diaper 1 immediately after being taken out of the package and before absorption), and identify the position to be clamped by the chuck 60 of the torque tester. As shown in the left diagrams of Figures 15A and 15B, the maximum width of the absorbent cores 21-24 is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, and a line C1 extending along the vertical direction is drawn on the diaper 1. Also, the length from the top of the absorbent cores 21-24 to the bottom of the diaper 1 (the folded position) is divided into two equal parts, and a line C2 extending along the width direction is drawn on the diaper 1. The intersection of the two lines C1 and C2 is designated as the reference point o.

[0175] In the torque tester, a pair of chucks 60 are arranged at a distance in the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction of the torque tester is the horizontal direction. The width W60 of the chucks 60 in the horizontal direction is approximately 25 mm. When the diaper 1 is set between the pair of chucks 60, the tension applied to the diaper 1 is 1 N. The load cell is set to 50 N of tension / compression, and the torque is set to 1 N.

[0176] When twisting the diaper 1 around the imaginary axis Va1 along the width direction as shown in FIG. 15A, the gripping positions of the zippers 60 are set at positions p1 and p2, which are 30 mm to the right and left of the reference point o in the width direction, respectively. In other words, the zipper spacing is set to 60 mm. Specifically, the lower end of the upper zipper 60 is aligned with position p2 of the diaper 1, and the upper end of the lower zipper is aligned with position p1 of the diaper 1, so that the waist side of the diaper 1 is positioned on the right side in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the center of the zipper 60 in the horizontal direction is aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va1 along the width direction of the diaper 1 by gripping the vertical centers of both widthwise ends of the diaper 1 (more specifically, the vertical centers of the absorbent cores 21-24).

[0177] With the diaper 1 set as described above, rotate the upper zipper 60 clockwise to twist the diaper 1 (twist the diaper 1 so that the waist portion of the diaper 1 in the right drawing of FIG. 15A is at the front side of the page). When twisting around an imaginary axis Va1 along the width direction, the rotation speed is 50 rpm, the rotation angle is 65°, and the measurement angle is 60°. Calculate the torque value (mN m) at a measurement angle of 60°.

[0178] When twisting the diaper 1 around the imaginary axis Va2 in the up-down direction as shown in FIG. 15B, the gripping positions of the zippers 60 are set at positions p3 and p4, which are 50 mm above and below the reference point o in the up-down direction, respectively. In other words, the zipper spacing is set to 100 mm. Specifically, the lower end of the upper zipper 60 is aligned with position p3 of the diaper 1, and the upper end of the lower zipper 60 is aligned with position p4 of the diaper 1. The center of the zippers 60 in the horizontal direction is also aligned with the reference point o of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to be twisted around the imaginary axis Va2 in the up-down direction by gripping the widthwise center of both vertical end portions of the diaper 1.

[0179] With the diaper 1 set as described above, rotate the upper zipper 60 clockwise to twist the diaper 1 (twist the diaper 1 so that the right-hand portion of the diaper 1 in the width direction in the right drawing of Figure 15B is at the front side of the page). When twisting around the imaginary axis Va2 along the vertical direction, the rotation speed is 50 rpm, the rotation angle is 75°, and the measurement angle is 70°. Calculate the torque value (mN m) at the measurement angle of 70°.

[0180] The torque value when twisting around the virtual axis Va1 (FIG. 15A) and the torque value when twisting around the virtual axis Va2 (FIG. 15B) are measured multiple times (e.g., n = 3 times) for each measurement. Regardless of the measurement direction, multiple measurements are not taken on the same diaper 1; a different diaper 1 is prepared for each torque measurement. The average value of all the multiple (e.g., three) torque values around the virtual axis Va1 and the multiple (e.g., three) torque values around the virtual axis Va2 is then calculated (rounded to one decimal place). This average value is the torque value of the diaper 1 (pants-type absorbent article) before absorption.

[0181] The results of thickness measurements and torsion tests were compared between Diaper 1 and Products A and B, as follows: Products A and B are both commonly available pants-type disposable diapers for infants. Diaper 1 has an absorbent core with a waisted portion and liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Product A's diaper has an absorbent core with an upper layer that contains liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and has a waisted portion, and a rectangular lower layer that contains only superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Product B's diaper has an absorbent core with a waisted portion and liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The "thickness" referred to here refers to the thickness at the center of the width of the folded portion of each diaper when a weight is placed on each diaper folded in half using the method described above for 24 hours and then the weight is removed.

[0182] After 24 hours, Diaper 1 had a thickness of 6.4 mm and a torque value of 23.4 mN·m, while Product A had a thickness of 6.6 mm and a torque value of 29.3 mN·m, and Product B had a thickness of 8.2 mm and a torque value of 31.5 mN·m. This shows that before wearing, Diaper 1 is thinner and softer than Products A and B. Diaper 1 with such a torque value (23.4 mN·m or less) has a low bending resistance and can easily deform to fit the contours of the wearer's body, improving the fit and preventing the absorber 20 from protruding forward.

[0183] <Modification> In the diaper 1, the absorbent main body 10 may be modified as follows. FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a modified example of the absorbent main body 10. In the modified example shown in FIG. 16, the arrangement of the LG elastic members 17 is different from that of the absorbent main body 10 described in FIG. 4. Specifically, in this modified example, of two LG elastic members 17 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction, the LG elastic members 17 arranged on the inner side are arranged so that the longitudinal length (effective length) of the portion on which the stretching force acts of the LG elastic member 17 arranged on the inner side is shorter than the longitudinal length (effective length) of the portion on which the stretching force acts of the LG elastic member 17 arranged on the outer side. In FIG. 16, the LG elastic members 17 are arranged so that the effective length of the LG elastic members 17 gradually increases from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction. That is, the LG elastic members 17 are arranged in a stepped manner. The gradual increase in the effective length of the LG elastic members 17 from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction allows the leg gathers LG to more easily fit closely to the skin in accordance with the shape of the wearer's groin, thereby further improving fit.

[0184] Furthermore, the absorbent core (skin side layer 21 and non-skin side layer 23) of the absorbent body 20 may be modified as follows. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a modified non-skin side layer 23 of the absorbent body 20. As shown in FIG. 17, the modified non-skin side layer 23 has a high basis weight region 233 in which the basis weight of the SAP is higher than that of the surrounding areas. In the high basis weight region 233, points S of maximum thickness in the thickness direction are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions. As a result, the high basis weight regions 233 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions. Furthermore, between adjacent points S of maximum thickness (i.e., around the high basis weight region 233), low basis weight regions 234 in which the basis weight of the SAP is lower than that of the high basis weight region 233 are formed. However, as long as the points S of maximum thickness are located intermittently in the longitudinal and width directions, part of the space between adjacent points S of maximum thickness may be formed by the high basis weight region 233. In other words, the high basis weight region 233 may connect a part of the adjacent maximum thickness points S between them.

[0185] The low basis weight region 234 has a low basis weight laminated region 234E where SAP is laminated, and a non-laminated region 234N where no SAP is present. Here, "no SAP" not only means that no SAP particles are present, but also includes a situation where there are only a small number of laminated SAP particles and there are essentially no SAP particles present.

[0186] In the absorbent body 20 of this modified example, the low basis weight regions 234 (low basis weight laminated regions 234E and non-laminated regions 234N) serve as folding start points, allowing the absorbent body 20 to easily deform along the contours of the wearer's body, improving fit. Furthermore, the low basis weight regions 234 that serve as folding start points include low basis weight laminated regions 234E that can absorb and retain excrement, and non-laminated regions 234N that are more easily bent due to the absence of SAP. As a result, even in the low basis weight regions 234 where the basis weight of the SAP is lower than that of the high basis weight regions 233, it is possible to achieve both ease of deformation along the contours of the wearer's body and the ability to absorb and retain excrement.

[0187] Furthermore, in the modified example shown in FIG. 17 , when the length in the thickness direction from the core wrap sheet 26 to the point S where the maximum thickness is reached is defined as the maximum thickness T, it is preferable that the maximum thickness T is within 3 mm, and the distance D between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached is within 5 times the maximum thickness T. By including such a non-skin-side layer 23, it is possible to arrange a large number of high-basis weight regions and low-basis weight regions while maintaining the overall thinness of the absorbent body 20. Therefore, the absorbent body 20 containing a superabsorbent polymer can improve its fit when worn while maintaining its thinness. It is even more preferable that the maximum thickness T is within 2 mm, and the distance between adjacent points S where the maximum thickness is reached is within 4 times the maximum thickness T. This allows the absorbent body 20 containing a superabsorbent polymer to improve its fit when worn while maintaining its thinness.

[0188] ===Other embodiments=== Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0189] In the above-described embodiment, elasticity in the left-right direction is imparted to the waistline portion 20 (30) by waistline elastic members 23 (33) such as rubber thread, but elasticity may be imparted by other elastic members. For example, elasticity may be imparted by providing a stretchable sheet (not shown) that stretches in the left-right direction so as to cover the upper end of the front waistline portion 30.

[0190] In the above-described embodiment, the absorbent body 20 is configured with a plurality of layers (absorbent cores 21-24) as shown in Fig. 5, but the absorbent body 20 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 5. For example, the absorbent body 20 may be configured such that the nonwoven fabric 27 is not provided between the non-skin side layer 23 and the intermediate layer 22, or such that the absorbent core has only the non-skin side layer 23. Furthermore, the absorbent body 20 may be configured such that the skin side in the thickness direction of Fig. 5 is the non-skin side and the non-skin side is the skin side (i.e., the skin side layer 21 is provided on the non-skin side and the non-skin side layer 23 is provided on the skin side).

[0191] In the above-described embodiment, the sheet member (outer sheet 14) constituting the leg gather portion LG and the sheet member (side sheet 15) constituting the leakage prevention wall portion LSG were separate sheet members, but the leg gather portion LG and the leakage prevention wall portion LSG may also be formed from the same sheet member.

[0192] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the leakage preventing wall portions LSG. In the modified example of Fig. 18, the side sheets 15 are not provided, and the leg gathers LG and the leakage preventing wall portions LSG are formed by the outer sheet 14. Specifically, a part of the folded-back portion 14f of the outer sheet 14 forms a standing portion 14s that stands up toward the skin at a predetermined position outside the absorbent body 20 in the left-right direction. Then, the standing portion 14s is folded back at an inner end 14ei in the width direction to the outside in the width direction, and a leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 is attached between the folded-back portions in the thickness direction, thereby forming the leakage preventing wall portions LSG (see Fig. 18).

[0193] In the modified example of FIG. 18, a welding portion 70 is provided to join the outer sheet 14 constituting the leg gathered portion LG and a folded portion 14f formed by folding back the outer edge 10es of the outer sheet 14 in the thickness direction. The welding portion 70 is formed by a number of welding patterns 71, 71... regularly arranged along the longitudinal direction. Each of the welding patterns 71, 71... is formed using known thermal welding or ultrasonic welding. Note that the shape and arrangement of each welding pattern 71 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 18.

[0194] 18, the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (standing portion 14s) is configured to stand up from the inner end 70ei in the width direction of the welded portion 70. The provision of such welded portion 70 increases the bonding strength between the sheet members stacked in the thickness direction of the leg gathered portion LG, making the leg gathered portion LG more stable. In other words, the sheet members stacked in the thickness direction in the leg gathered portion LG are joined together by the welded portion 70, thereby increasing the rigidity of the leg gathered portion LG. This makes it easier for the sheet members constituting the leg gathered portion LG to be maintained flat, making the leg gathered portion LG less likely to curl up.

[0195] Alternatively, the outer sheet 14 (unfolded portion) and the folded portion 14f may be joined in the thickness direction by a joint (not shown) made of a hot melt adhesive or the like, and the leakage preventing wall portion LSG (standing portion 14s) may stand up using the joint as a base point. That is, a joint (not shown) may be provided instead of the welded portion 70, thereby enabling the leakage preventing wall portion LSG to stand up. In this case, the welded portion 70 may not necessarily be provided. Also, as described above, the leakage preventing wall portion LSG itself may not be provided in the diaper 1.

[0196] Furthermore, when the leg gather portion LG of the diaper 1 is viewed in the thickness direction in the stretched and unfolded state, a pattern display portion (not shown) may be provided that at least partially overlaps with the leg gather elastic region ER and the leg gather discontinuous portion NP. The pattern display portion is, for example, a rectangular region extending in the longitudinal direction, and includes figures such as patterns and pictures, letters, symbols, colored areas, etc., or a combination thereof. The pattern can be either achromatic or chromatic. There are no restrictions on the brightness, saturation, or hue used for the pattern. Furthermore, the pattern display portion may be formed continuously or intermittently. The pattern display portion is formed at least at the inner end of the leg gather elastic region ER and is visible from the non-skin side of the leg gather portion LG.

[0197] The provision of such a pattern display makes the area corresponding to the leg gather elastic region ER more noticeable, allowing the user to easily detect any abnormal condition in which the leg gather elastic region ER is tucked or meandering inside the diaper 1. It also makes it easier to notice deterioration in fit due to excessive deformation of the absorbent core 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] 1 Diapers (pants-type absorbent articles), 2 side joints, 10 absorbent body, 10es outer edge (left and right direction, width direction), 12 top sheet, 13 leak-proof film, 14 exterior sheet, 14f folded part, 14s standing part, 15 Side sheet, 15ei Inner end (tip of leak-proof wall), 16 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 16a: first leak-preventing wall elastic member; 16b: second leak-preventing wall elastic member; 17 LG elastic member (leg gather elastic member), 17a first LG elastic member, 17b second LG elastic member, 17c 3LG elastic member, 17d 4LG elastic member, 17e 5LG elastic member, 17f 6LG elastic member, 18 Leakage prevention wall joint, 18ei inner end (leakage prevention wall starting point), 20 absorber, 21 skin side layer (absorbent core), 211 low basis weight region, 212 constricted portion, 22 intermediate layer (absorbent core), 221 low basis weight region, 222 constricted portion, 23 non-skin side layer (absorbent core), 23a to 23c divided regions, 231 low basis weight region, 233 High basis weight area, 234 Low basis weight area, 234E Low basis weight laminated area, 234N Non-laminated area, 24 Upper layer facing the skin (absorbent core), 25 Core wrap sheet (skin side), 26 Core wrap sheet (non-skin side), 27 nonwoven fabrics, 201 Liquid absorbent fibers, 30 Front waistband, 31 non-skin side waist sheet, 32 skin side waist sheet, 33 front waist elastic member, 35 skin-facing sheet, 40 rear waistband, 41 non-skin side waist sheet, 42 skin side waist sheet, 43 rear waist elastic member, 45 skin-facing sheet, 60 chuck, 70 welding part, 71 welding pattern, BH waist opening, LH leg opening, LG leg gathers, LSG leakage prevention wall, ER leg gathered elastic area, ERi inner leg gathered elastic area, ERо outer leg gathered elastic area, OP leg gather overlapping part, NP Leg Gather Intermittent Part

Claims

1. In the unfolded state, the sheet has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect with each other, The absorbent body has a front waistband and a rear waistband, A pants-type absorbent article having a pair of leg gathered portions on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent main body, The leg gather portion is provided with three or more leg gather elastic members that are stretchable along the longitudinal direction, In the width direction, a region between the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side and the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side is defined as a leg gather elastic region, When the leg gather elastic region is divided into two equal parts in the width direction, the region located on the inner side is an inner leg gather elastic region, and the region located on the outer side is an outer leg gather elastic region, The length of the leg gather elastic region in the width direction is 10 mm or more, The average length of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the inner leg gather elastic region, to which an elastic force acts in the longitudinal direction, is the length of the leg gather elastic member disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region is 10% or more shorter than the average length of the portion to which the stretching force acts in the longitudinal direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, a leg gather intermittent portion where a portion where the stretching force of the leg gather elastic member arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region is acting and a portion where the stretching force of at least some of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region is not acting are overlapped is provided only forward of the center position of the pants-type absorbent article.

2. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1, The front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are each provided with waistline elastic members that stretch along the width direction, On the front side in the longitudinal direction, The leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic regions intersect with the waist elastic members, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that there is a portion where the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region do not intersect with the waist elastic members.

3. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 2, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in front of the central position in the longitudinal direction, none of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region intersects with the waist elastic members.

4. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 3, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region intersect with the waist elastic members behind the central position in the longitudinal direction.

5. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When a leg gather overlapping portion is defined as a portion where a stretching force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the outer leg gather elastic region acts and a portion where a stretching force of all of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region acts in the longitudinal direction, a force required to stretch the inner leg gathered elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction in the leg gather overlapping portion is greater than a force required to stretch the outer leg gathered elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.

6. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a force required to stretch the inner leg gathered elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction in the leg gather intermittent portion is smaller than a force required to stretch the outer leg gathered elastic region from its natural state by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.

7. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, For each of the leg gather elastic members disposed in the outer leg gather elastic region, a value obtained by dividing the stretching force acting in the longitudinal direction by the length of the leg gather elastic member is: A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that for each of the leg gather elastic members arranged in the inner leg gather elastic region, the stretching force acting in the longitudinal direction is greater than a value obtained by dividing the length of the leg gather elastic member.

8. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent body includes a liquid-absorbing absorbent body, a non-skin-side sheet provided on the non-skin-side side of the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and a leak-proof film provided between the absorbent body and the non-skin-side sheet in the thickness direction. A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the width direction, the outer edge of the leak-proof film is located outside the midpoint between the outer edge of the absorbent main body and the outer edge of the leg gathered portion.

9. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In a pants-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both ends in the width direction by a pair of side joining portions, having an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction which intersect with one another, When the intersection point of the leg gather elastic member provided on the outermost side in the left-right direction and the lower end edge of the front waistline member is defined as the upper end point, and the intersection point of the leg gather elastic member and the lower end edge of the leg gather portion is defined as the lower end point, the distance in the longitudinal direction between the upper end point and the lower end point is: a pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, when the upper end point is moved 20 mm inward in the left-right direction to obtain an inner upper end point, the lower end point is moved 20 mm inward in the left-right direction to obtain an inner lower end point, and the intersection of the extension of a straight line connecting the inner upper end point and the inner lower end point with the lower edge of the leg gathered portion is obtained as a second lower end point, the length is 80% or less of the distance in the longitudinal direction between the inner upper end point and the second lower end point.

10. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent main body has a pair of leakage prevention wall portions on both sides in the width direction, Among the plurality of leg gather elastic members, the leg gather elastic member provided on the innermost side in the width direction is A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the width direction, the openings are located at the same position as the rising points of the leakage preventing wall portions or outside the rising points.

11. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 10, The leakage preventing wall portion has one or more leakage preventing wall elastic members that expand and contract along the longitudinal direction, The elongation ratio of each of the leakage preventing wall elastic members is The stretching ratio of each of the leg gather elastic members is larger than that of each of the leg gather elastic members.

12. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 10, In the elongated state, The shortest distance in the width direction from the outer end of the leg gathered portion in the width direction to the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion is A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the distance is longer than the shortest distance from the rising starting point of the leakage preventing wall portion to the tip of the leakage preventing wall portion.

13. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 10, In a pants-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both ends in the width direction by a pair of side joining portions, having an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction which intersect with one another, When placed flat in its natural state, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction and the lower edge of the front waistline portion is located more inward in the left-right direction than the intersection of the outer edge of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction and the lower edge of the rear waistline portion.

14. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the average value of the lengths of the portions of the plurality of leg gather elastic members to which the stretching force acts in the longitudinal direction is defined as the average effective length, The number of the leg gather elastic members in which the length of the portion to which the stretching force is applied in the longitudinal direction is longer than the average effective length is A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the length of the portion to which a stretching force is applied in the longitudinal direction is greater than the number of the leg gather elastic members that are shorter than the average effective length.

15. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that all of the plurality of leg gather elastic members are arranged continuously across a central position of the pants-type absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

16. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In a pants-type state in which the front waistband and the rear waistband are joined at both ends in the width direction by a pair of side joining portions, having an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction which intersect with one another, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that in a torsion test in which the center portions of both left-right end portions in the vertical direction are grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the left-right direction, and the center portions of both left-right end portions in the vertical direction are grasped and twisted around an imaginary axis along the up-down direction, the torque value of the pants-type absorbent article before absorption is 23.4 mN·m or less.

17. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer; The absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that there is a portion in the longitudinal direction where the intermittent leg gather portion and the low basis weight region overlap.

18. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent body has an absorbent core containing liquid-absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer; The absorbent core has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that there is no overlapping portion between the leg gather discontinuous portion and the low basis weight region in the longitudinal direction.

19. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent body has an absorbent core including a skin side layer, an intermediate layer, and a non-skin side layer laminated at least in the thickness direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the intermediate layer does not contain a nonwoven fabric.

20. 20. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 19, A pants-type absorbent article, wherein the layer of the absorbent core closest to the skin does not contain water-absorbent resin powder.

21. 20. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 19, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the superabsorbent polymer contained in the layer closest to the skin of the absorbent core has a liquid permeation rate under load of more than 10 seconds.

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