Absorbent article having an embossed shaped element

Abstract

An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad (1) or liner, as disclosed herein, has first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) and front and rear end edges (4, 5), and includes a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7) and an absorbent core (8) disposed between the topsheet (6) and the backsheet (7). The absorbent article (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a thickness direction, and has a longitudinal centerline (Lc). The absorbent core (8) is divided into a front half (9) and a rear half (10), and includes a first absorbent structure (11) and a second absorbent structure (13), the first absorbent structure (11) being disposed between the topsheet (6) and the second absorbent structure (13), and the second absorbent structure (13) being disposed between the first absorbent structure (11) and the backsheet (7). The second absorbent structure (13) includes a central embossed shape element (15) including an I-shaped portion (15b) extending along at least a part of the longitudinal centerline (Lc) of the absorbent core. The absorbent article also includes an outer embossed shape element (16) provided on at least one of the topsheet (6) or the first absorbent structure (11). The outer embossed shape element (16) includes a first outer embossed shape portion (16a) and a second outer embossed shape portion (16b) each extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and on respective sides of the central embossed shape element (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad or liner having an absorbent core with embossed shaped elements to promote good conformity and leakage safety.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles for female users such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads or liners to which the present disclosure relates are typically intended to absorb body fluids such as urine, menstruation and other body fluids. Such articles can be absorbent pads for heavier urine leakage, thinner liners for lighter urine leakage and other body excretions or sanitary napkins for menstruation.

[0003] Absorbent articles for female users generally comprise an absorbent core for receiving and holding body fluids. For incontinence pads intended for heavier urine leakage to function effectively, the absorbent core must quickly get the body fluid from the point of application into the structure and then distribute the body fluid throughout the absorbent core to provide maximum leakage safety. Such absorbent articles are comfortable, have good conformity, i.e., are sized and configured to fit into the limited space available in the crotch of underwear, while also desirably providing the wearer with a sense of security. Additionally, such articles are preferably unobtrusive, thin and not visible when the user wears form-fitting clothing that might otherwise conflict with the above objectives.

[0004] It is even more important that absorbent articles for female users give the user visual leakage safety and good conformity, so that the user can feel secure, thereby enhancing the user's health.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for an absorbent article for female users that does not leak, has good compatibility, and is unobtrusive when worn.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One or more of the above objects are achieved by the absorbent article for female users according to claim 1. Further advantages and advantageous features of the present invention are disclosed in the following description and the dependent claims.

[0007] An absorbent article for female users as disclosed herein has first and second longitudinal side edges and front and rear end edges. The absorbent article for female users includes a fluid-permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article extends in a longitudinal direction L, a transverse direction T, and a thickness direction, and has a longitudinal centerline Lc. The absorbent core is divided into a front half and a rear half. The absorbent article includes a first absorbent structure and a second absorbent structure. The first absorbent structure is disposed between the topsheet and the second absorbent structure, and the second absorbent structure is disposed between the first absorbent structure and the backsheet. The second absorbent structure includes a central embossed shape element. The central embossed shape element includes an I-shaped portion extending along at least a part of the longitudinal centerline Lc of the absorbent core. The absorbent article also includes outer embossed shape elements provided in the topsheet and / or the first absorbent structure. The outer embossed shape elements include a first outer embossed shape portion and a second outer embossed shape portion that extend in the longitudinal direction and on respective side surfaces of the central embossed shape element, respectively. The first outer embossed shape portion is provided on respective side surfaces of the central embossed shape element in the transverse direction. The outer embossed shape elements are provided in at least one of the topsheet or the first absorbent structure.

[0008] The central embossed shape element is provided within the second absorption structure, and the outer embossed shape element is provided within the topsheet or the first absorption structure, or alternatively, the outer embossed shape element can be provided within both the topsheet and the first absorption structure. The first absorption structure can include a fluid control layer and / or a first absorption layer. The outer embossed shape element can be provided within the topsheet, the fluid control layer, and / or the first absorption layer. The absorbent article includes an outer embossed shape element provided within at least one layer placed on top of the layers, and this structure also promotes good flexion and shape of the article which is also predictable. The first absorption structure can include a fluid control layer and a first absorption layer. The fluid control layer can be placed between the topsheet and the first absorption layer or alternatively between the first absorption layer and the second absorption structure. According to this embodiment, the outer embossed shape element is provided within the layer closest to the topsheet of either the topsheet and the fluid control layer or the first absorption layer.

[0009] According to one embodiment, it includes a first absorption structure, a fluid control layer, and a first absorption layer, and the outer embossed shape element is provided within the topsheet, the fluid control layer, and the first absorption layer.

[0010] The second absorption structure includes at least one absorption layer, namely a second absorption layer, but can also include two or more layers. The central embossed shape element is provided within at least one absorption layer within the second absorption structure within the second absorption structure.

[0011] The first absorption structure can have a larger size than the second absorption structure in the plane of the article. When the first absorption structure includes two or more layers, at least one layer within the first absorption structure can have a smaller size than the second absorption structure in the plane of the article, for example, it can be a fluid control layer having a smaller size than the second absorption structure. The fluid control layer can have a shorter length than the first absorption layer, for example. The first embossed shape portion and the second embossed shape portion of the outer embossed shape element each extend behind the trailing edge of the fluid control layer and can include a break in each of the lines of the first and second embossed shape portions that coincides with the trailing edge of the fluid control layer.

[0012] The first absorption structure may be larger than the second absorption structure, and may be, for example, the first absorption layer within the first absorption structure that is larger than the second absorption structure. However, the second absorption structure may alternatively be larger than the first absorption structure.

[0013] Each of the first and second outer embossed shape portions may be formed by a continuous embossed line or, alternatively, may be formed by two or more continuous embossed lines. Alternatively, the outer embossed shape element may be formed by a continuous or discontinuous embossed pattern extending in the longitudinal direction L and on each side surface of the central embossed shape element.

[0014] The outer embossed shape element may also include a printed pattern for further visualizing the outer embossed shape element.

[0015] The central embossed shape element may extend along at least a portion of the rear half of the absorption core and / or along at least a portion of the front half of the absorption core.

[0016] The first embossed element and the second embossed element of the outer embossed element may converge in a direction from the front edge of the absorbent article towards the rear edge of the absorbent article. The lateral distance between the first embossed shape portion and the second embossed shape portion closest to the front edge of the article may be between 30 and 60 mm, and the lateral distance between the first embossed shape portion and the second embossed shape portion of the outer embossed shape element closest to the rear edge of the article may be between 0.5 and 20 mm. The maximum distance between the first embossed shape portion and the second embossed shape portion of the outer embossed shape element in the front half promotes the absorption core to bend the front half of the absorbent article during use to take a bowl-like shape at the inlet zone of the front half of the absorption core.

[0017] The outer embossed shape element may extend to or through the rear end point of the central embossed shape element and / or may extend to or through the front end point of the central embossed shape element.

[0018] The outer embossed shape element may further include an arcuate embossed front portion disposed in front of the central embossed shape element. The arcuate embossed front portion, together with the central shape element, promotes improved predictable flexion and may take on a bowl-like shape around the entrance zone of the front half of the article.

[0019] The lateral distance between the first outer embossed shape portion and the second outer embossed shape portion in the rear half may vary by less than 12%, optionally less than 10% or less than 5%.

[0020] The lateral width of the absorbent core along the rear half may vary by less than 12%, optionally less than 10% or less than 5%.

[0021] The outer embossed shape element may optionally include a third outer embossed shape portion and a fourth outer embossed shape portion provided within the topsheet and the first absorbent structure. The third outer embossed shape portion is provided outwardly relative to the first outer embossed shape portion of the outer embossed shape element, and the fourth embossed shape portion is provided outwardly relative to the second outer embossed shape portion of the outer embossed shape element. The third outer embossed shape portion and the fourth outer embossed shape portion are disposed on respective sides of the I-shaped portion of the central embossed shape element. The third and fourth outer embossed lines may be disposed behind the entrance zone and on respective sides of the I-shaped portion. The third and fourth outer embossed lines may flatten the zones of the article disposed rearwardly within the user's crotch zone and relative to the entrance zone.

[0022] The second absorbent structure may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, optionally 35% by weight or more, or optionally 40% by weight or more, based on the entire second absorbent layer, for example, in the range of 30% by weight, 35% by weight or 40% to 80% by weight. Due to the higher content of superabsorbent polymer within such an absorbent core, the core structure may feel less flexible and less prone to conforming to the shape of the user's body. However, such absorbent articles may be difficult to shape in a predictable manner. The central embossed shape element and the outer embossed shape element, however, can improve the flexion and shape of such absorbent articles.

[0023] The second absorption structure may have a higher density than the first absorption structure. The second absorption structure may have a higher density than the fluid control layer, and the second absorption may additionally or alternatively have a higher density than the first absorption layer. The second absorption layer may have a density at least 50%, such as 75% or 100% higher than each of the fluid control layer and the first absorption layer. The first absorption layer may have a higher density than the fluid control layer. The first absorption layer may have a density at least 25% higher than the fluid control layer.

[0024] The second absorption structure may include a first lateral cut along the first longitudinal side edge and a second lateral cut along the second longitudinal side edge. The first lateral cut and the second lateral cut may be disposed within the front half of the absorbent core. The width W of the narrowest part of the second absorption structure at the first lateral cut and the second lateral cut 13 The ratio to the width W1 of the absorbent article at the same location may be from 0.5:1 to 0.8:1. It has been found that this improves in cooperation with the central embossing shape element in a desired predictable manner to provide the pad.

[0025] The first and second embossed portions of the outer embossing shape element may extend on respective sides of the longitudinal center line of the pad at the third rear portion of the absorbent core, and the distance between the first embossed portion and the second embossed portion may be within the range of 0.5 to 20 mm, optionally within the range of 0.5 to 12 mm or optionally within the range of 5 to 12 mm. This promotes the improvement of the bending of the pad along the I-shaped portion of the central embossing shape element. It has been found that this cooperates with the central embossing shape element to improve the prediction of the shape at the rear portion of the article. Since the absorbent article may be a multi-layer pad provided with a fluid control layer disposed between the topsheet and the first absorption layer, the predictability of the shape of the pad at the rear portion may be improved when the first and second embossed lines of the outer embossing forming element extend on respective sides of the I-shaped portion and on respective sides of the longitudinal center line Lc.

[0026] The absorbent core has a front portion, a rear portion, and an intermediate portion disposed between the front and rear portions, and the widest lateral width of the absorbent core can be at the front portion. The width (W8) of the transition portion between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core may be narrower than the lateral width of the remaining portion of the absorbent core. The second absorbent structure may have a lateral width W between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core that is narrower than the lateral width W8 of the absorbent core. 13 The lateral width W of the second absorbent structure 13 may be narrower than the lateral width of the first absorbent layer between the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The front portion, rear portion, and intermediate portion of the absorbent core may be of substantially equal length. The central embossed shape element may extend into the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The outer embossed shape element may extend into the front portion and the intermediate portion of the absorbent core. The outer embossed shape element may also extend to a part of the rear portion of the absorbent core, and according to this embodiment, it has an outer embossed shape element that extends longitudinally and is larger in the second half than the central embossed shape element. The outer embossed shape element may extend longitudinally and be larger towards the front end and the front portion than the central embossed shape element.

[0027] The central embossed shape element and / or the outer embossed shape element may include continuous or discontinuous embossed portions.

[0028] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings using non-limiting examples.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to exemplary implementations. However, the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described in the drawings and their description.

[0031] Figures 1 to 3 show an incontinence pad 1 according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 schematically shows the pad 1 as seen from the side intended to face the wearer's body when the incontinence pad 1 is being worn.

[0032] The incontinence pad 1 has first and second longitudinal side edges 2, 3 and front and rear end edges 4, 5. The pad 1 includes a fluid-permeable top sheet 6, a back sheet 7, and an absorbent core 8 disposed between the top sheet 6 and the back sheet 7.

[0033] The incontinence pad 1 extends in a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, and the absorbent core 8 is divided into a front half 9 and a rear half 10 and has an inlet zone within the front half 9.

[0034] The absorbent core 8 includes a first absorbent structure 11 having a first absorbent layer 12 and a fluid control layer 14 and a second absorbent structure 13. The first absorbent layer 12 is disposed between the fluid control layer 14 and the second absorbent structure 13, and the fluid control layer 14 is disposed between the top sheet 6 and the first absorbent layer 12.

[0035] The top sheet 6 can include or consist of a spunbond, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled, wet-laid fibrous nonwoven layer. Suitable nonwoven materials can be composed of natural fibers such as wool pulp or cotton fibers, synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and mixtures and combinations thereof, or mixtures of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. The top sheet 6 can consist of non-absorbent fibers such as thermoplastic fibers. Materials suitable for the top sheet material should be soft and not irritate the skin and should easily permeate body fluids such as menstrual fluid and urine.

[0036] The backsheet 7 can comprise or consist of a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film resistant to liquid penetration, a nonwoven material covered with a liquid-impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven. Laminates of plastic films and nonwoven materials can also be used. The backsheet material can be breathable in order to allow water vapor to escape from the absorbent structure while still preventing liquid from passing through the backsheet material.

[0037] The absorbent core 8 constitutes an absorption structure of an article that obtains, distributes, and stores body fluids, and includes a fluid control layer, a first absorbent layer, and a second absorbent layer. The first and second absorbent layers can be of any conventional type. Examples of absorbent materials that generally come to mind are cellulose fluff pulp, tissue, high-absorbency polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like. Generally, cellulose fluff pulp is combined with a superabsorbent polymer within the absorbent core. The superabsorbent polymer is a water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic material that can absorb at least about 20 times its own weight of an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride. Organic materials suitable for use as superabsorbent materials can include natural materials such as polysaccharides, polypeptides, and the like, as well as synthetic materials such as synthetic hydrogen polymers. Such hydrogen polymers can include, for example, alkali metal salts of polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylate, polyacrylamide, polyvinyl pyridine, and the like. Other suitable polymers include hydrolyzed acrylonitrile graft starch, acrylic acid graft starch, and isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymers, and mixtures thereof. The hydrogel polymer is preferably lightly crosslinked to render the material substantially water-insoluble. Preferred superabsorbent materials are further surface-crosslinked such that the superabsorbent particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, or other outer surfaces or shells have a higher crosslink density than the interior of the superabsorbent. The superabsorbent material can be in any form suitable for use within an absorbent composite that includes particles, fibers, flakes, spheres, and the like. High absorption capacity is provided by using a large amount of superabsorbent material. Generally, for example, thin absorbent cores in sanitary napkins, baby diapers, and incontinence guards often include a structure in which cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymer are compressed, mixed, or layered. The size and absorption capacity of the absorbent core can vary to suit different product types, such as smaller incontinence pads for daytime use and longer incontinence pads for nighttime use.

[0038] The first absorbent layer 12 can more specifically be an airlaid nonwoven layer or a modified absorbent layer.

[0039] The second absorption structure 13 may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 40% by weight or more, for example 50% by weight or more, and optionally in the range of 40% to 70% by weight. The superabsorbent polymer may be mixed with, for example, cellulose fluff pulp. The second absorption structure 13 is optionally wrapped within a core wrap.

[0040] The fluid control layer 14 disposed between the topsheet 6 and the first absorption layer 12 is adapted to quickly receive and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the first absorption layer 12 and the second absorption structure 13. The fluid control layer 14 may be a fiber layer containing or consisting of synthetic fibers, and may be, for example, an airlaid nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, or a high loft nonwoven fabric.

[0041] The length of the fluid control layer 14 is within the range of 30% to 70% of the length L of the second absorption structure 13, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and the fluid control layer 14 extends to 75% or less of the first absorption layer 12. 13 The second absorption layer 13 includes a central emboss-shaped element 15 in the form of an I-shaped element 15b provided on at least a part of the front half 9 of the absorption core and a part of the rear half 10. The I-shaped portion 15b may be a continuous or discontinuous I-shaped portion. The central emboss-shaped element 15 may be composed of continuous embosses forming the central emboss-shaped element 15 or discontinuous elements such as dots.

[0042] The incontinence pad 1 includes an outer emboss-shaped element 16 provided in the topsheet 6, the fluid control layer 14, and the first absorption layer 12. The outer emboss-shaped element 16 includes a first emboss line 16a and a second emboss line 16b, each of which extends in the longitudinal direction L and on each side surface of the central emboss-shaped element 15. The first and second emboss lines 16a, 16b of the outer emboss-shaped element 16 converge toward the rear edge portion 5 of the pad 1.

[0043]

[0044] ​In FIGS. 1 to 3, the first and second embossed lines 16a, 16b extend to the trailing edge portion 14b of the fluid control layer 14, at a distance within the range of 2 to 10 mm from the trailing edge portion 14b of the fluid control layer 14. In the region corresponding to the trailing edge portion 14b, as can be seen from the above, there are breaks in the respective lines, that is, regions where there are no embosses within the first and second embossed lines 16a, 16b. The first and second embossed lines 16a, 16b extend behind the trailing edge portion 14b of the fluid control layer 14, and the first and second embossed lines 16a, 16b are provided only within the top sheet layer 6 behind the trailing edge portion 14b of the fluid control layer 14. The first and second embossed lines 16a, 16b have a distance d from each other at the rear part of the absorption core 8 when measured in the transverse direction T, which can be within the range of 0.5 to 20 mm, optionally within the range of 0.5 to 12 mm or optionally within the range of 5 to 12 mm. This promotes the improvement of the bending of the pad along the I-shaped portion 15b of the central emboss shape element 15.

[0045] The outer emboss shape element 16 further includes a third outer embossed line 16d and a fourth outer embossed line 16e provided within the top sheet 6, the fluid control layer 14, and the first absorption layer 12. The third outer embossed line 16d is provided outwardly with respect to the first embossed line 16a of the outer emboss element 16, and the fourth outer embossed line 16e is provided outwardly with respect to the second outer embossed line 16b of the outer emboss element 16. The third and fourth outer embossed lines 16d, 16e are disposed behind the front portion 20 of the absorption core 8 and on respective side surfaces of the I-shaped portion 15b.

[0046] The second absorption layer 13 may contain a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more, optionally 40% to 80% by weight. The second absorption structure 13 in the incontinence pad 1 is one absorption layer, that is, the second absorption layer 13, but the second absorption structure may also include two or more absorption layers. The second absorption structure 13 includes a first lateral cut portion 19 along the first longitudinal side edge portion 2 and a second lateral cut portion 18 along the second longitudinal side edge portion 3.

[0047] The width W of the narrowest part of the second absorption structure 13 at the first and second lateral cut portions 18, 1913 The ratio to the width W1 of the incontinence pad 1 at the same location is 0.5:1 to 0.8:1.

[0048] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the width of the second absorption structure 13 is relatively constant except for the first and second side cut portions 18, 19. In FIGS. 1-2, the second absorption structure 13 is larger than the fluid control layer 14 and the first absorption layer 12. However, the first absorption structure may be larger than the second absorption structure. For example, the first layer within the first absorption structure may be larger than the second absorption structure 13.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates the incontinence pad 1 from FIGS. 1 and 2 when bent and shaped during use. The disclosed configuration of the incontinence pad 1 combining the central embossed shape element 15 within the second absorption structure 13 under the first absorption structure with the outer embossed shape element enables an improved predictable shape of the incontinence pad 1 during use. During use, the incontinence pad 1 closely follows the female anatomy, with the front half of the article conforming to and matching the flat front portion of the female genitalia to form a front bowl shape for acquiring body fluids, while the rear half of the article aligns with and comfortably conforms to the wrinkled area of the buttocks and perineum.

[0050] Thickness measurement To determine the density of the first and second absorption structures, the thickness is determined using a measuring foot loaded with 0.5 kPa. The foot is lowered onto the absorption structure at a speed of 13 mm / s. The thickness is read with a digital thickness gauge / test device 5 seconds after the measuring foot contacts the surface of the absorption structure.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0051] 1 Incontinence pad 2 First longitudinal side edge 3 Second longitudinal side edge 4 Front edge 5 Rear edge 6 Fluid-permeable topsheet 7 Backsheet 8 Absorbent core 9 Front half 10 Rear half 11 First absorption structure 12 First absorption layer 14 Fluid control layer 14b Rear edge part 15 Central embossed shape element 15b I-shaped element, I-shaped part 16 Outer embossed shape element 16a First embossed line 16b Second embossed line 18, 19 Side cut parts 20 Front part L Longitudinal direction Lc Longitudinal center line T Transverse direction W1 Width W8 Width W 13 Width L 13 Length d Distance

Claims

**Claim 1** An absorbent article for female users in the form of a sanitary napkin, incontinence pad (1) or liner, having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3) and front and rear edges (4, 5), and comprising a fluid-permeable topsheet (6), a backsheet (7) and an absorbent core (8) disposed between said topsheet (6) and said backsheet (7), extending in a longitudinal direction (L), a transverse direction (T) and a thickness direction, and having a longitudinal centerline (Lc), said absorbent core (8) being divided into a front half (9) and a rear half (10) and comprising a first absorbent structure (11) and a second absorbent structure (13), said first absorbent structure (11) being disposed between said topsheet (6) and said second absorbent structure (13), and said second absorbent structure (13) being disposed between said first absorbent structure (11) and said backsheet (7). In the absorbent article, said second absorbent structure (13) comprises a central embossed shape element (15), said central embossed shape element (15) comprising an I-shaped portion (15b) extending along at least a part of said longitudinal centerline (Lc) of said absorbent core, said absorbent article also comprising outer embossed shape elements (16) provided within said topsheet (6) and / or said first absorbent structure (11), said outer embossed shape elements (16) each comprising a first outer embossed shape portion (16a) and a second outer embossed shape portion (16b) extending in said longitudinal direction (L) and on respective sides of said central embossed shape element (15). Absorbent article, characterized in that. **Claim 2** The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein said first absorbent structure (11) comprises a fluid control layer (14) and a first absorbent layer (12). **Claim 3** The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein said outer embossed shape element (16) is provided within said topsheet (6), said fluid control layer (14) and said first absorbent layer (12). **Claim 4** The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein said fluid control layer (14) has a length shorter than that of said first absorbent layer (12), and said first embossed portion (16a) and said second embossed portion (16b) of said outer embossed shape element (16) each extend behind a rear edge (14b) of said fluid control layer (14) and include a break in each line of said first and second embossed portions (16a, 16b) that coincides with said rear edge (14b) of said fluid control layer. **Claim 5** The central embossed shape element (15) extends along at least a part of the rear half body (10) of the absorption core (8) and along at least a part of the front half body (9) of the absorption core (8). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first outer embossed shape part (16a) and the second outer embossed shape part (16b) of the outer embossed shape element (16) converge in a direction from the front edge part (4) of the absorbent article toward the rear edge part (5) of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The lateral distance between the first outer embossed shape part (16a) and the second outer embossed shape part (16b) closest to the front edge part of the absorbent article is 30 to 60 mm, and the lateral distance between the first embossed shape part (16a) and the second embossed shape part (16b) closest to the rear edge part (5) of the article is 0.5 to 20 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6.

8. The outer embossed shape element (16) extends to or passes through the rear end point of the central embossed shape element (15), and / or extends to or passes through the front end point of the central embossed shape element. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The lateral distance between the first outer embossed shape part (16a) and the second outer embossed shape part (16b) in the rear half body (10) changes by less than 12%, optionally less than 10% or less than 5%. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The lateral width of the absorption core (8) along the rear half body (10) changes by less than 12%, optionally less than 10% or less than 5%. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The outer embossed shape element (16) includes a third outer embossed portion (16d) and a fourth outer embossed portion (16e) provided in the top sheet (6) and the first absorption structure (11). The third outer embossed portion (16d) is provided outwardly with respect to the first outer embossed portion (16a) of the outer embossed shape element (16), and the fourth lateral embossed portion (16e) is provided outwardly with respect to the second outer embossed portion (16b) of the outer embossed shape element (16). The third outer embossed portion (16d) and the fourth outer embossed portion (16e) are disposed on respective side surfaces of the I-shaped portion (15b) of the central embossed shape element (15). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second absorption structure (13) contains a superabsorbent polymer in an amount of 30% by weight or more. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The second absorption structure (13) includes a first lateral cut portion (19) along the first longitudinal side edge portion (2) and a second lateral cut portion (18) along the second longitudinal side edge portion (3). The first lateral cut portion (19) and the second lateral cut portion (18) are disposed in the first half body of the absorbent core (8). The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The width (W １３ ) of the narrowest part of the second absorbent layer (13) in the first side cutting part (19) and the second side cutting part (18), and the width (W １ ) of the absorbent article at the same location, the ratio of which is 0.5:1 to 0.8:

1. The absorbent article according to claim 13.

15. The central embossed shape element and / or the outer embossed shape element includes continuous or discontinuous embossed portions. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images