Pull-on absorbent article and method for manufacturing pull-on absorbent article

Abstract

To improve operability when engaging an engaging member by tearing a perforation in a pants type absorbent article usable also as a tape type.SOLUTION: A pull-on absorbent article (1) including an absorbent main body (10), an around-torso member (20), and an engagement member (30) whose outer end portion in a left-right direction is inseparably fixed to the around-torso member (20) and whose inner end portion in the left-right direction is detachably engaged with a non-skin-side surface of the around-torso member (20), a front around-torso portion (20f) and a back around-torso portion (20b) being joined to each other by a pair of side joined portions 40, in the left-right direction, a perforation (25) along the up-down direction for separating the waist member (20) is provided inside the side joining portion (40) and outside the inner end of the engaging member (30), and an engaging member joining portion (60) for joining the engaging member (30) and the waist member (20) is provided between the side joining portion (40) and the perforation (25) in the left-right direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there are known absorbent articles such as disposable diapers that can be used as tape-type (unfolded type) absorbent articles by cutting off a part of a waistband member formed as a pants-type (shorts-type) disposable diaper. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a pants-type disposable diaper in which perforations extending from the edge of the waist opening to the edge of the leg openings are formed on both sides of the body (waistband member), and the body can be separated into front and rear halves by tearing along the perforations as needed, and after separation, the diaper can be put on in the same way as a tape-type disposable diaper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-29761 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In pants-type and tape-type (dual-use) disposable absorbent articles with perforations such as those described in Patent Document 1, when tearing the perforations, the waistband member is typically grasped with both hands on either side of the perforation and torn along the perforation. After tearing the perforation to separate the waistband member into front and rear halves, the engaging member is re-grabbed and re-engaged with the waistband member. In this case, it is difficult to perform the operation of tearing the waistband member along the perforation and the operation of engaging the engaging member after tearing as a series of consecutive operations, resulting in insufficient convenience and operability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve the operability when tearing the perforations and engaging the engaging members in a pants-type absorbent article that has perforations for separating the waistband member into front and back halves and can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a pants-type absorbent article having mutually intersecting vertical and horizontal directions, an absorbent main body, a waistline member arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, wherein the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of side joints, and wherein the pants-type absorbent article has perforations along the vertical direction for separating the waistline member, located inside the side joints and outside the inner ends of the engaging members in the horizontal direction, and has an engaging member joint between the side joints and the perforations in the horizontal direction, joining the engaging member and the waistline member. 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, in a pants-type absorbent article that has perforations for separating the waistband member into front and back parts and can also be used as a tape-type article, it is possible to improve the operability when tearing the perforations and engaging the engaging members. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a napkin 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the thickness direction. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along the line AA. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of separating the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1 into front and rear parts. [Figure 5] 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating a specific method of operation when wearing the napkin 2 of the comparative example. [Figure 6] 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating a specific operation method for wearing the napkin 1 of this embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the position of the engaging member joint 60 and the operability when breaking the perforation 25. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a partially enlarged view for explaining details of the engaging member 30 and the waistband member 20. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the high density portion 70. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the perforation 25. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the perforation 25. FIG. [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a third modified example of the perforation 25. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of each step carried out in the manufacture of napkin 1. [Figure 14] 14 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to each step of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a modified flow diagram of each step carried out in the manufacture of the napkin 1. [Figure 16] 16 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to each step of FIG. 15. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a plan view showing an example of a napkin 1 having an asymmetric shape with respect to a center position CC in the left-right direction. 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 mutually intersecting vertical and horizontal directions, comprising an absorbent main body, a waistline member arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, wherein the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of side joints, and wherein the pants-type absorbent article has perforations along the vertical direction for separating the waistline member, located inside the side joints and outside the inner ends of the engaging members in the horizontal direction, and has an engaging member joint between the side joints and the perforations in the horizontal direction, joining the engaging member and the waistline member.

[0011] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 1, when tearing the perforations, the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled outward, and the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforations. Therefore, the perforations can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforations and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the engaging member can be engaged with the waistband member without having to change the gripped portion. In other words, the process of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforations and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member.

[0012] (Aspect 2) A pants-type absorbent article as described in aspect 1, wherein when in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction between the perforation and the inner end of the engaging member joint is shorter than the length between the inner end of the engaging member joint and the side joint.

[0013] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 2, the engaging member joints are provided at positions closer to the perforations than the side joints, so that the force pulling the engaging members is easily transmitted to the perforations via the engaging member joints. In other words, the force is easily concentrated on the perforations via the engaging member joints. This makes it easier to tear the perforations.

[0014] (Aspect 3) The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the engaging member has one engaging portion whose length in the up-down direction is longer than its length in the left-right direction.

[0015] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 3, since one engaging member does not have multiple engaging portions, the operation of engaging and releasing the engaging portion with respect to the waistband member can be easily performed with one hand. Furthermore, since the engaging portion is long in the vertical direction, it can be engaged with a wide range of the waistband member in the vertical direction. This tends to improve stability during engagement and also prevents the engaging member from being rolled up in the vertical direction and naturally peeling off. This makes it easier to engage and release the engaging member with the waistband member.

[0016] (Aspect 4) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the engaging portion is provided at a predetermined distance from an inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction.

[0017] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 4, the engaging member has a space on the distal end side of the engaging portion that serves as a gripping margin when grasping the engaging member, making it easier for the user to perform operations such as pulling the engaging member without directly touching the engaging portion (hook member, etc.), thereby making it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member with the waistband member.

[0018] (Aspect 5) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the vertical length of the engaging member at an intermediate position between the left-right inner end of the engaging member and the left-right inner end of the engaging portion is shorter than the vertical length of the engaging member at the left-right outer end.

[0019] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 5, the vertical width of the distal end of the engaging member is narrower than the vertical width of the proximal end, making it easier to grasp the distal end of the engaging member with one hand and pull the engaging member. Furthermore, when pulling the engaging member, the position where the hand grips and applies force is limited, making it difficult for the force to be dispersed and easier to concentrate the force on the perforations. Therefore, the operability of tearing the perforations to engage the engaging member can be further improved.

[0020] (Aspect 6) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the engaging member is inseparably fixed to the waistband member at the side joint, outside the engaging member joint in the left-right direction.

[0021] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 6, the engaging member is joined to the waist member at at least two locations, the side joint and the engaging member joint, which makes it easier to re-engage or peel the engaging member from the waist member after the perforation is torn. Furthermore, excessive shrinkage or large wrinkles in the waist member or the engaging member are suppressed in the region between the side joint and the engaging member joint. This further improves the operability when engaging the engaging member.

[0022] (Aspect 7) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the waistband member has a high-density portion that is a part with a higher density than the surrounding area, and the high-density portion is arranged across the perforations in the left-right direction.

[0023] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 7, the high-density portion increases the rigidity around the perforations, making areas other than the perforations less likely to tear, making it easier to tear the perforations cleanly. Furthermore, in the high-density portion, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are constrained by fused portions, etc., reducing the degree of freedom of the fibers. Therefore, when a force is applied to tear the perforations, the fibers are prevented from shifting position and the force is released, making the fibers more likely to be cut. Furthermore, the high-density portion helps maintain the waistband member in a flat shape, making it less likely to develop distortions or wrinkles. This makes it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member.

[0024] (Aspect 8) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the perforation has a plurality of groove portions and non-penetrating portions arranged alternately in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the plurality of non-penetrating portions overlaps with the engaging member joint portion in the vertical direction.

[0025] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 8, when the engaging members are grasped and pulled outward in the left-right direction to tear the perforations, a force is easily applied to the non-penetration portions of the perforations via the joining portions of the engaging members. This makes it easier to transmit the force pulling the engaging members to the non-penetration portions, making it easier to tear the non-penetration portions. This makes it easier to tear the perforations.

[0026] (Aspect 9) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the total length of the groove portions per unit length in the central region when the waistband member is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction is greater than the total length of the groove portions per unit length in the regions on both sides when the waistband member is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction.

[0027] In the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 9, the proportion of the portions (grooves) penetrating the waistband member in the thickness direction in the central region is greater than the proportion of the portions (grooves) penetrating the waistband member in the thickness direction in the both side regions. Therefore, when tearing the perforations, a starting point for tearing the perforations is more likely to be formed in the central region, making the perforations easier to tear. On the other hand, it is more difficult to form starting points for tearing the perforations in the both side regions, making it easier to prevent the perforations from tearing naturally from both vertical side portions when the pants-type absorbent article is worn.

[0028] (Aspect 10) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the perforation has a first groove portion and a second groove portion arranged adjacent to the outside of the first groove portion in the vertical direction, and the innermost end of the first groove portion is located more inward than the innermost end of the second groove portion in the left-right direction.

[0029] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 10, when the engaging member is pulled from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction in the operation of tearing the perforation, the force for tearing the perforation tends to propagate diagonally from the center to both sides in the up-down direction (tearing tends to occur from the first groove portion to the second groove portion), making it easier to tear the perforation smoothly.

[0030] (Aspect 11) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein in the left-right direction, in the area between the perforation of the waistband member and the joining portion of the engaging member, no elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction is provided, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

[0031] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 11, the waist member is not stretchable in the region between the perforation and the joining portion of the engaging member, which prevents the waist member from shrinking laterally or curling in that region after the perforation is torn. This prevents the waist member from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, this does not interfere with the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waist member.

[0032] (Aspect 12) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein in the left-right direction, in the region between the engaging member joint and the side joint of the waistband member, no elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction is provided, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

[0033] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 12, after the perforations are torn, the waistband member is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or from curling in the region between the engaging member joint and the side joint. This prevents the waistband member from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, because the engaging members are less susceptible to shrinkage near their base ends, the operability of engaging the engaging members is less likely to deteriorate.

[0034] (Aspect 13) 13. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the engaging members have a one-side engaging member provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the side joints have a one-side side joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side side joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging member is fixed to the waist member at the one-side side joint, and the other-side engaging member is fixed to the waist member at the other-side side joint, and in an extended state, the length from the other end of the one-side engaging member to the other end of the one-side side joint in the left-right direction is different from the length from one end of the other-side engaging member to one end of the other-side side joint.

[0035] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 13, when putting on the article, the wearer can easily recognize and be aware that it is preferable to put on one side of the pants-type absorbent article using different procedures than the other side.

[0036] (Aspect 14) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the front waistband portion has a front stretchable region that is stretchable in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region is different from the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region.

[0037] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 14, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, which makes it easier for the wearer or the like to recognize and be aware that, when putting on the pants-type absorbent article, it is preferable to put on one side and the other side of the pants-type absorbent article in different steps.

[0038] (Aspect 15) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the engagement portion has a one-side engagement portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engagement portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in an extended state, the length from the center of the one-side engagement portion in the left-right direction to the other end of the one-side side joint is different from the length from the center of the other-side engagement portion in the left-right direction to the one end of the other-side side joint.

[0039] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 15 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0040] (Aspect 16) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any of aspects 1 to 15, wherein the engaging member joint has a one-side engaging member joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in an extended state, the length in the left-right direction from the one-side end of the front stretchable region to the other-side end of the one-side engaging member joint is different from the length in the left-right direction from the other-side end of the front stretchable region to the one-side end of the other-side engaging member joint.

[0041] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 16 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0042] (Aspect 17) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the perforations include a one-side perforation provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side perforation provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the length from the one-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the one-side perforation is different from the length from the other-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the other-side perforation.

[0043] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 17 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0044] (Aspect 18) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein in a stretched state, the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on one side is different from the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on the other side.

[0045] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 18 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0046] (Aspect 19) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction from one end of the front waistband to one end of the one side joint is different from the length from the other end of the front waistband to the other end of the other side joint.

[0047] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 19 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0048] (Aspect 20) 20. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 19, wherein, in a stretched state, the area of ​​the one engaging member and the area of ​​the other engaging member are different.

[0049] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 20, by visually checking the different sized engaging members on one side and the other side, the wearer can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer can easily recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0050] (Aspect 21) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 20, wherein, in a stretched state, the shape of the one engaging member and the shape of the other engaging member are different.

[0051] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 21, by visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-side engaging member and the other-side engaging member, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0052] (Aspect 22) A pants-type absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 1 to 21, wherein the engagement portion has a one-side engagement portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engagement portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engagement portion having a side end along the up-down direction, and in a stretched state, the side end has an inclination with respect to the up-down direction.

[0053] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 22, the side edge of the one-side engagement part is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, which makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when it is parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, it makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to put on the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0054] (Aspect 23) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 22, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the lower end of the one-side engaging portion and the lower end of the other-side engaging portion are provided at different positions in the up-down direction.

[0055] The pants-type absorbent article of aspect 23 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that, when wearing the pants-type absorbent article, it is preferable to wear it in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction. (Aspect 24) A manufacturing method for a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, a waistline member having a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attachment step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein, before the engaging member attachment step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out, in which an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member is formed by applying adhesive to the engaging member or the waistline member.

[0056] According to the pants-type absorbent article manufactured by the pants-type absorbent article manufacturing method of aspect 24, when tearing the perforations, by grasping the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and pulling it outward, the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforations. Therefore, the perforations can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforations and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the engaging member can be engaged with the waistband member without changing the gripped part. In other words, the step of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforations and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member. (Aspect 25) A manufacturing method for a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, a waistline member that is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and has a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attachment step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein after the engaging member attachment step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out in which an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member is formed using a welding means.

[0057] According to the pants-type absorbent article manufactured by the pants-type absorbent article manufacturing method of aspect 25, when tearing the perforation, by grasping the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and pulling it outward, the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforation. Therefore, the perforation can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforation and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the operator can proceed to the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member without changing the gripped part. In other words, the step of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforation and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member. Furthermore, since the joining portion of the engaging member and the waistband member are welded, the joining strength of the joining portion of the engaging member can be increased.

[0058] === Implementation form === As an example of a pants-type (shorts-type) absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pants-type napkin 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "napkin 1") will be described. Note that pants-type absorbent articles also include pants-type diapers, pants-type absorbent pads, etc.

[0059] <Basic structure of napkin 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a napkin 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded and extended state, as viewed from the thickness direction. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 2.

[0060] The "stretched state" of the napkin 1 refers to the state in which the entire napkin 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each elastic member of the napkin 1 (for example, the absorbent elastic member 50 and the waist elastic member 26 described below), specifically, the state in which the dimensions of each member constituting the napkin 1 (for example, the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheets 22, 23 described below) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the napkin 1 has a "vertical direction," a "lateral direction," and a "front-to-back direction," which are perpendicular to one another. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, it has a "thickness direction," which is the direction in which each component is layered. In the vertical direction, the side that faces the wearer's waist when the napkin 1 is worn by a wearer is referred to as the "upper side," and the side that faces the wearer's crotch is referred to as the "lower side." In the front-to-back direction, the side that faces the wearer's stomach when worn is referred to as the "front side," and the side that faces the wearer's back is referred to as the "rear side." In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the napkin 1 is worn by a wearer is referred to as the "skin side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side."

[0062] Furthermore, the napkin 1 has a "longitudinal direction" and a "lateral direction" that are perpendicular to each other when in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2. The "longitudinal direction" is the direction along the up-down direction of the pants-type garment, and the "lateral direction" is the direction along the left-right direction of the pants-type garment.

[0063] The napkin 1 of this embodiment comprises a liquid-absorbent main body 10 that absorbs excretory fluids such as menstrual blood, a waistband member 20 that is placed on top of the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 and is placed around the wearer's waist when the napkin 1 is worn, and engaging members 30 that are provided on both the left and right sides of the waistband member 20.

[0064] (Absorbent body 10) As shown in Fig. 2, the absorbent main body 10 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, with the vertical direction (corresponding to the "longitudinal direction" of the absorbent main body 10 in a stretched state) aligned with the top-to-bottom direction of the napkin 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the absorbent main body 10 has an absorbent core 11 aligned along the vertical direction (top-to-bottom direction), a top sheet 12 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, and a back sheet 13 arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent main body 10 may also include sheet members other than those mentioned above. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. In addition, an absorbent elastic member 50, which will be described later, is provided between the absorbent core 11 and the back sheet 13.

[0065] The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquids such as menstrual blood, and is formed from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer periphery of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet member (core wrap sheet) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0066] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that can come into contact with the wearer's skin when worn, and is made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0067] The backsheet 13 has a two-layer structure including a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a for preventing leakage of liquids such as menstrual blood absorbed in the absorbent core 11 to the outside, and a hydrophobic sheet 13b arranged on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. The liquid-impermeable sheet 13a may be made of, for example, a resin film, and the hydrophobic sheet 13b may be made of, for example, a flexible nonwoven fabric. However, the hydrophobic sheet 13b is not necessarily provided, and the backsheet 13 may be made of only the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a.

[0068] Furthermore, leakage preventing walls (not shown) may be provided on both the left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10. The leakage preventing walls are portions that correspond to so-called three-dimensional gathers, and when the napkin 1 is worn, the leakage preventing walls stand up from both the left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10 toward the wearer's skin, thereby preventing excrement such as menstrual blood from leaking out of the absorbent main body 10.

[0069] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the absorbent main body 10 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of absorbent body elastic members 50 that stretch in the vertical direction (up-down direction). The absorbent body elastic members 50 are made of, for example, rubber thread and are arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (between the back sheet 13 and the absorbent core 11 in Fig. 3) in a state of stretching in the vertical direction (up-down direction). In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, five absorbent body elastic members 50 are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction (see Fig. 2). The stretch ratio of the absorbent body elastic members 50 is preferably about 1.4 to 3.3 times. The stretch ratio is expressed as the value obtained by dividing the length of the elastic member in a stretched state by the length of the elastic member in a natural state. By setting the stretch ratio of the absorbent body elastic members 50 to a relatively high ratio, the relatively rigid absorbent main body 10 can be contracted from the non-skin side in the thickness direction, making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to fit the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn. In other words, the elasticity exhibited by the absorbent elastic member 50 causes the absorbent main body 10 to be lifted toward the wearer's skin, making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to adhere to the wearer's crotch area, and making it less likely for excretory fluids such as menstrual blood to leak.

[0070] (Waist member 20) The waistline member 20 is an outer covering body made up of multiple sheet members, and includes at least a non-skin side sheet 21, skin side sheets 22, 23, and multiple waistline elastic members 26, 26... (see FIG. 3). In the following description, the portion of the waistline member 20 that is forward (ventral side) of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the front waistline portion 20f, and the portion that is rear (dorsal side) of the central position CL will be referred to as the rear waistline portion 20b. The front waistline portion 20f is the portion that touches the ventral side of the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn, and corresponds to the "front body part" of the napkin 1. The rear waistline portion 20b is the portion that touches the dorsal side of the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn, and corresponds to the "back body part" of the napkin 1.

[0071] The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-stretchable sheet member arranged on the closest non-skin side of the napkin 1, and is made of, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric or an SMS nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a shape that is narrowed inward in the left-right direction at the longitudinal center (a portion including the center position CL), as shown in the plan view of Fig. 2.

[0072] The skin side sheet 22 and the skin side sheet 23 are sheet members laminated on the skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21 on the front side (ventral side) in the longitudinal direction, and are made of the same nonwoven fabric as the non-skin side sheet 21.

[0073] Hereinafter, one of the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) may be referred to as the "first sheet," and the other sheet may be referred to as the "second sheet." Furthermore, a sheet member (third sheet) other than the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) may be provided as a sheet member constituting the waistband member 20. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the non-skin side sheet 21 may be folded back at the top and bottom ends, so that the waistband member 20 partially has a three-layer or more structure.

[0074] The waist elastic members 26 are formed of, for example, rubber thread, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23), and are attached in a stretched state in the left-right direction. The stretchability in the left-right direction exhibited by these waist elastic members 26 allows the waist member 20 to fit the waist of the wearer.

[0075] The waist elastic members 26 can be attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, the waist elastic members 26 can be attached by applying a hot melt adhesive to the waist elastic members 26, stretching them at a predetermined stretch ratio, and sandwiching them between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23). That is, the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) are joined by the adhesive via the waist elastic members 26. Note that the waist elastic members 26 may be attached by applying an adhesive to the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) rather than to the waist elastic members 26.

[0076] The napkin 1 is folded in half in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, with the longitudinal center position CL (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2) as the folding position, so that the skin-side surface of the front waistline section 20f (front body section) faces the skin-side surface of the rear waistline section 20b (back body section). In this folded state, both lateral (left-right) end portions 40f, 40f of the front waistline section 20f, which overlap in the front-to-back direction, and both lateral (left-right) end portions 40b, 40b of the rear waistline section 20b are joined using a known joining method such as seal welding, thereby forming side joint portions 40. As a result, the folded waistline member 20 (20f and 20b) is connected in an annular shape at the front side (ventral side) and the rear side (back side), forming one waistline opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b as shown in Fig. 1, thereby forming a pants-type napkin 1.

[0077] (Engagement member 30) A pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both left and right sides of the napkin 1. The engaging members 30 each have a base sheet 31 and an engaging portion 32.

[0078] The base sheet 31 is a sheet member made of nonwoven fabric or the like, and one side in the left-right direction (the outer side in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ) is inseparably fixed to the waistline member 20. Hereinafter, the portion that inseparably fixes the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) to the waistline member 20 is also referred to as the base sheet fixing portion 35. In this embodiment, the base sheet 31 and the waistline member 20 are inseparably fixed by the side joint portion 40 of the waistline member 20 described above. That is, the side joint portion 40 is configured to also serve as the base sheet fixing portion 35. However, the base sheet 31 and the waistline member 20 may also be inseparably fixed by a base sheet fixing portion 35 different from the side joint portion 40. For example, the base sheet fixing portion 35 may be provided in a position inward of the side joint portion 40 and outward of the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) described later in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20.

[0079] An engaging portion 32 is provided on the other side in the left-right direction of the base sheet 31 (the inner side in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ). The engaging portion 32 is a member for releasably engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistband member 20, and is provided in a predetermined region (near the inner end in the left-right direction) on the skin-side surface of the engaging member 30. The engaging portion 32 in this embodiment is, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener having a plurality of engaging hook members (engaging protrusions not shown) made of polypropylene or the like on its skin-side surface. These engaging hook members are hooked onto the fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin-side sheet 21 provided on the outermost layer of the waistband member 20, whereby the engaging portion 32 (engaging member 30) is releasably engaged with the non-skin-side surface of the waistband member 20.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, in the napkin 1 in the pants-type state in this embodiment, the engaging portion 32 of the engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waistline portion 20f in an area laterally inward of the side joining portion 40.

[0081] Furthermore, the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) is joined to the waistline member 20 by an engaging member joint 60. The engaging member joint 60 is a joint different from the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joint 40), and is formed using a known joining method such as an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive or ultrasonic welding. In FIG. 2 , the engaging member joint 60 is a rectangular area provided in the left-right direction on the inside of the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joint 40) and on the outside of a perforation 25 (separation portion 25) described below. As will be described in detail later, joining the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) to the waistline member 20 via the engaging member joint 60 improves the operability of tearing the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) and engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 in the napkin 1.

[0082] <About the behavior when wearing Sanitary Napkin 1> Next, the operation of the napkin 1 when it is worn will be described. In its initial state, the napkin 1 is pants-type (shorts-type) as shown in Fig. 1, and can be worn as a normal pants-type absorbent article. When removing the napkin 1 from the body, the waistline member 20, which is formed in a ring shape along the wearer's waist, is separated into a front waistline portion 20f and a rear waistline portion 20b, and the napkin 1 is unfolded, thereby removing the napkin. After separating the waistline member 20, the engaging member 30 joined to either the front waistline portion 20f or the rear waistline portion 20b can be engaged with the other of the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b, thereby allowing the napkin 1 to be worn as a tape-type absorbent article.

[0083] When putting on the napkin 1, the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) on either the left or right side may be torn in advance. For example, the napkin 1 may be put on by passing one leg through the leg opening 1b on the other left or right side (the side where the perforation 25 is not torn) and pulling it up to the crotch area, and then engaging the engaging member 30 on one side with the waistband member 20. Other putting on and taking off operations may also be performed.

[0084] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of separating the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1 into front and rear halves. Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the napkin 1 in a pants-type state as viewed from the upper side (the side of the waistline opening 1a) in the vertical direction, and Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after the waistline member 20 has been separated into front and rear halves.

[0085] In the pants-type napkin 1, the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are joined together at side joining portions 40, 40 provided at both left and right ends to form an annular waistline opening 1a as shown in Fig. 4A. A pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both left and right sides of the waistline member 20, and the engaging members 30 are engaged with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f by engaging portions 32.

[0086] 4A, a pair of separation sections 25 are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the front waistline section 20f. The separation sections 25 are provided to separate the waistline member 20, which is formed in a ring shape along the waist of the wearer, into the front waistline section 20f and the rear waistline section 20b, and are provided somewhere in the left-right direction inside the side joint section 40 and outside the inner end of the engaging member 30. In other words, the waistline member 20 can be separated at the separation sections 25 into a section including at least the center of the front waistline section 20f and a section including at least the center of the rear waistline section 20b.

[0087] In this embodiment, the separation portion 25 is configured by so-called perforations, in which a plurality of grooves (groove portions 251, described later) that penetrate the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction are arranged discontinuously in the vertical direction from the waistline opening 1a to the leg openings 1b (see FIG. 8, etc.). By tearing the waistline member 20 along the perforations, the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b can be easily separated. Hereinafter, the separation portion 25 is also referred to as the "perforation 25."

[0088] The napkin 1, in which the waistline member 20 is separated into the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b at the separation portion 25 (perforation 25), is in the state shown in FIG. 4B. That is, the separation portion 25 in FIG. 4A is separated into a separation end 25fe on the front waistline portion 20f side and a separation end 25be on the rear waistline portion 20b side, and the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are separated front and rear. In FIG. 4B, a pair of engaging members 30, 30 are joined to the rear waistline portion 20b side via the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joining portion 40) and the engaging member joining portion 60 on both the left and right sides, and the engaging portions 32, 32 provided on the engaging members 30, 30 are each engaged with the front waistline portion 20f. As a result, the waistline member 20 is formed into an annular shape. When removing the napkin 1 in this state from the wearer's body, the engaging portion 32 is peeled away from the front waist portion 20f, whereby the napkin 1 is unfolded and can be easily removed.

[0089] Next, a specific description will be given of an operation method for re-wearing the napkin 1 by engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 after tearing the perforation 25 to separate the waistline member 20 into front and rear parts.

[0090] First, a method of operating a conventional pants-type (tape-type) napkin will be described as a comparative example. Figures 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating a specific method of operating when putting on napkin 2 of the comparative example. Napkin 2 of the comparative example differs from napkin 1 in that it does not have engaging member joining portion 60 that joins engaging member 30 and waistline member 20. The configuration of napkin 2 of the comparative example, other than engaging member joining portion 60, is basically similar to that of napkin 1 of this embodiment.

[0091] Fig. 5A shows the state when the napkin 2 is worn in a pants-type state. When removing the napkin 2 from this state, the engaging portion 32 engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband member 20 is released from the waistband member 20, and the engaging member 30 is deployed outward in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 5B. At this time, the engaging member 30 is deployed using the position of the side joint portion 40 (base sheet fixing portion 35) as a base point, and as the engaging member 30 is deployed, the perforations 25 provided on the waistband member 20 become exposed.

[0092] Next, the exposed perforation 25 is torn to separate the waistline member 20 into front and rear halves. When tearing the perforation 25, both sides of the perforation 25 in the left-right direction (near areas A and B enclosed by dotted lines in FIG. 5B ) are grasped with both hands. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C , the waistline member 20 is pulled in opposite left-right directions across the perforation 25, and the waistline member 20 is torn from top to bottom along the perforation 25. At this time, it is necessary to carefully tear the waistline member 20 while grasping an area as close to the perforation 25 as possible so as not to tear portions of the waistline member 20 other than the perforation 25. Therefore, it is desirable to tear along the perforation 25 while gradually changing the gripping position with the hands. Alternatively, the perforation 25 may be torn from bottom to top. When the entire perforation 25 is torn, the waistline member 20 is separated into front and rear halves, and the napkin 2 can be easily removed from the wearer's body. 5B and 5C illustrate the operation of tearing the perforation 25 on one side (left side) in the left-right direction of the napkin 2, but the same operation can be performed on the other side (right side) in the left-right direction.

[0093] When the napkin 2 is to be worn again after the waistline member 20 has been separated into front and rear parts by tearing the perforations 25, the engaging member 30 is engaged with the waistline member 20 as in a so-called tape-type absorbent article. Specifically, the tip portion of the engaging member 30 (area C surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 5C) is re-grabbed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, the engaging member 30 is pulled and turned toward the wearer's abdomen, and the engaging portion 32 is engaged with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 (front waistline portion 20f). This allows the napkin 2 to fit the wearer's body.

[0094] In the action of putting on the napkin 2 of the comparative example, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 (see FIG. 5C) and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 (see FIG. 5D) are performed as separate operations. At least, the position where the napkin 2 is grasped in the operation of tearing the perforation 25 (areas A and B in FIG. 5B) is different from the position where the absorbent article is grasped in the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 (area C in FIG. 5C), which makes it necessary to change the grasping position with the hand during the series of operations, resulting in poor operability.

[0095] In contrast, with the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the operation of tearing the perforations 25 to separate the waistline member 20 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be performed efficiently. Figures 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating a specific operating method for wearing the napkin 1 of this embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 6A shows the state when the napkin 1 is worn in a pants-type state. When removing the napkin 1 from this state, as in the case of the napkin 2 of the comparative example, the engaging portion 32 engaged with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 is released from the waistline member 20, and the engaging member 30 is deployed outward in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 6B. In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the engaging member 30 is joined to the waistline member 20 at an engaging member joining portion 60 that is more inward in the left-right direction than the side joining portion 40 (base sheet fixing portion 35). Therefore, the engaging member 30 is deployed from the position of the engaging member joining portion 60 as a base point, thereby exposing the perforations 25 provided in the waistline member 20.

[0097] Next, the exposed perforation 25 is torn to separate the waistline member 20 into front and rear parts. When tearing the perforation 25 in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the tip of the engaging member 30 (area A surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6B ) is grasped with one hand, and the part opposite the engaging member 30 across the perforation 25 (area B surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6B ) is grasped with the other hand. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C , the engaging member 30 is pulled to one side in the left-right direction across the perforation 25, and the waistline member 20 is pulled to the other side in the left-right direction. Then, the perforation 25 starts to tear near the center in the vertical direction, and the perforation 25 tears from the center in the vertical direction toward both ends. In the napkin 1, when one side end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is pulled, the force is concentrated at the engaging member joint 60 provided at the other side end, and the force is transmitted to the waist member 20 via the engaging member joint 60. Therefore, compared to a diaper 2 not provided with an engaging member joint 60, a large pulling force can be easily applied to the perforation 25. Furthermore, because the force that tears the perforation 25 propagates from the center in the vertical direction to both sides, the tearing direction is less likely to deviate compared to when the perforation 25 is torn from one side to the other in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. 5C , and tearing of the waist member 20 in areas other than the perforation 25 is more likely to be suppressed. Therefore, the perforation 25 can be torn easily and accurately.

[0098] After the waistline member 20 is separated into front and rear parts by tearing the perforation 25, the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 is performed by pulling the engaging member 30 and turning it toward the wearer's abdomen, as shown in FIG. 6D, so that the engaging portion 32 engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 (the front waistline portion 20f). At this time, with the napkin 1, while the tip of the engaging member 30 is being grasped as shown in FIG. 6C, the tip of the engaging member 30 can be pulled to engage with the waistline member 20 without changing the position of the grasping hand. In other words, compared to the case where the position of the hand grasping the engaging member 30 needs to be changed as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the napkin 1 eliminates the step of changing the grasping position. Therefore, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be performed as a single operation.

[0099] As described above, with the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 can be performed easily and safely by simply pulling the engaging member 30. Furthermore, the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be shifted to without changing the gripping position of the engaging member 30. As a result, the operability of the operation of tearing the perforation 25 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, it is preferable that the position at which the engaging member joint 60 is provided is closer in the left-right direction to the position at which the perforation 25 is provided than to the position at which the side joint 40 is provided. In other words, it is preferable that when the napkin 1 (waistline member 20) is in an extended state, the distance L1 between the perforation 25 and the inner end of the engaging member joint 60 in the left-right direction is shorter than the distance L2 between the inner end of the engaging member joint 60 and the inner end of the side joint 40.

[0101] Figs. 7A and 7B are schematic cross-sectional views of the body circumferential member 20 and the engaging member 30, and are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the position of the engaging member joint portion 60 and the operability when breaking the perforation 25. Fig. 7A shows the case where L1 > L2, that is, the case where the engaging member joint portion 60 is arranged at a position closer to the side joint portion 40 than the perforation 25. In Fig. 7A, when breaking the perforation 25, an operation is performed in which the inner end (tip portion) of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled outward to expand (see Fig. 6C described above). At this time, the force for pulling the engaging member 30 (the force for breaking the perforation 25) acts on the body circumferential member 20 via the engaging member joint portion 60. Therefore, if the distance L1 between the engaging member joint portion 60 and the perforation 25 is long, it may be difficult to break the perforation 25. For example, force may be consumed to extend the body circumferential member 20 between the engaging member joint portion 60 and the perforation 25, or the force may be dispersed and a portion other than the perforation 25 may be broken, making it difficult to efficiently apply force to the perforation 25.

[0102] On the other hand, Fig. 7B shows the case where L1 < L2, that is, the case where the engaging member joint portion 60 is provided at a position closer to the perforation 25 than the side joint portion 40. In the case of Fig. 7B, the force for pulling the engaging member 30 (the force for breaking the perforation 25) acts on the body circumferential member 20 via the engaging member joint portion 60 and is easily transmitted directly to the perforation 25. That is, since the distance L1 between the engaging member joint portion 60 and the perforation 25 is short, it is easy to concentrate the force on the perforation 25 via the engaging member joint portion 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the consumption of force for extending the body circumferential member 20 or breaking a portion other than the perforation 25. Thus, the operation of breaking the perforation 25 can be made easier.

[0103] As shown in Fig. 12 described later, the perforation 25 may be provided inclined with respect to the vertical direction. In this case, in the left-right direction, the maximum value of the distance between the perforation 25 and the inner end of the engaging member joint portion 60 is considered as the distance L1.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the details of the engaging member 30 and the waistline member 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging member 30 of the napkin 1 has only one engaging portion 32 (e.g., a hook member) that is long in the vertical direction. That is, each engaging member 30 is provided with one engaging portion 32 whose length L32 in the vertical direction is longer than its length W32 in the horizontal direction (L32 > W32). Since one engaging member 30 does not have multiple engaging portions 32, the operation of engaging and releasing the engaging portion 32 with respect to the waistline member 20 can be easily performed with one hand. Furthermore, since the engaging portion 32 is long in the vertical direction, the engaging portion 32 can be engaged with a wider range of the waistline member 20 in the vertical direction compared to when it is long in the horizontal direction. This improves stability during engagement and also prevents the engaging member 30 from rolling up in the vertical direction and naturally peeling off. This makes it easier to engage and release the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20.

[0105] The engaging portion 32 is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. In FIG. 8, a predetermined gap is formed between the inner end 30ei of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction and the inner end 32ei of the engaging portion 32 in the left-right direction. That is, a predetermined amount of space is provided in the engaging member 30 on the tip side (inner in the left-right direction) of the engaging portion 32. This space serves as a "grab margin" when grasping the engaging member 30, and the provision of this "grab margin" makes it easier for the user to grasp the tip of the engaging member 30 and pull it, without directly touching the engaging portion 32 (hook member, etc.). This makes it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20.

[0106] Furthermore, the vertical length (width) of the engaging member 30 of the napkin 1 is narrower at the tip end (free end) than at the base end (fixed end). In Fig. 8, the vertical length L30o of the engaging member 30 at the outer end (outer end of the side joint portion 40) of the engaging member 30 is shorter than the vertical length L30i of the engaging member 30 at the midpoint between the inner end (30ei) of the engaging member 30 and the inner end (32ei) of the engaging portion 32 (L30o > L30i). Because the vertical width (L30i) of the engaging member 30 at the tip end (inner end) is narrower than the vertical width (L30o) at the base end (outer end), the tip of the engaging member 30 can be easily grasped with one hand, facilitating the operation of pulling the engaging member 30. Furthermore, when pulling the engaging member 30, the position where the force is applied by gripping with the hand is limited, making it difficult for the force to be dispersed and making it easier to concentrate the force on the perforations 25. Therefore, the operability when breaking the perforations 25 and engaging the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, in the napkin 1, the side joints 40 joining the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b also serve as the base sheet fixing portions 35. In other words, the engaging members 30 are inseparably fixed to the waistline member 20 by the side joints 40 on the outside in the left-right direction of the engaging member fixing portions 60. Therefore, the engaging members 30 are joined to the waistline member 20 at at least two points in the left-right direction: the side joints 40 (base sheet fixing portions 35) and the engaging member fixing portions 60. When the napkin 1 is used as a tape-type absorbent article after the perforations 25 of the waistline member 20 are torn, the engaging members 30 being fixed to the waistline member 20 at two points makes it possible to stably and easily re-engage and peel off the engaging members 30. Furthermore, when performing this operation, excessive shrinkage or large wrinkles in the waistline member 20 or the engaging member 30 can be prevented from being formed in the region between the side joint portion 40 and the engaging member joint portion 60. Therefore, the operability when tearing the perforation 25 and engaging the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0108] Furthermore, a high-density portion 70 having a higher density than the surrounding area may be provided in a predetermined region of the waistline member 20 that overlaps the perforation 25. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the high-density portion 70. The high-density portion 70 is a region of the waistline member 20 where the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22, which are laminated in the thickness direction, are fused together. For example, the high-density portion 70 is formed by distributing a plurality of fused portions in the shaded region of FIG. 9. This increases the density of a region of the waistline member 20 (front waistline portion 20f) having a predetermined width that straddles the perforation 25 in the left-right direction. Note that the shape and arrangement of the fused portions that form the high-density portion 70 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9.

[0109] The provision of such high-density portions 70 increases the rigidity around the perforations 25, making areas other than the perforations 25 less likely to tear, making it easier to tear the waistband member 20 cleanly along the perforations 25. Furthermore, in the high-density portions 70, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric of the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 are constrained by the fused portions, resulting in a lower degree of freedom for the fibers compared to areas without the high-density portions 70. Therefore, when a force to tear the perforations 25 acts on the fibers, the fibers are less likely to be displaced and the force released, making the fibers more likely to be cut. Furthermore, the high-density portions 70 help maintain the waistband member 20 in a flat shape, making it less likely for distortion or wrinkles to form on the fracture surface when the perforations 25 are torn, making it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member 30. This improves operability when tearing the perforations 25 to engage the engaging member 30.

[0110] As shown in the partially enlarged view of Fig. 8, the perforations 25 are formed by alternately arranging grooves 251 that penetrate the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction and non-penetrating portions 252 that do not penetrate along a predetermined direction (a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction in Fig. 8). In the napkin 1, at least some of the non-penetrating portions 252, 252... are arranged so as to overlap with the engaging member joint portions 60 in the vertical direction.

[0111] When tearing the perforation 25 of the napkin 1, the non-penetration portion 252 must be torn vertically between two vertically adjacent grooves 251, 251. In other words, the non-penetration portion 252 must be torn when the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled outward in the left-right direction (see FIG. 6C ). In this embodiment, the non-penetration portion 252 of the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 overlap in the up-down direction. This allows a force to be easily applied to the non-penetration portion 252 of the perforation 25 via the engaging member joint 60 when the engaging member 30 is pulled. This makes it easy to transmit the force pulling the engaging member 30 to the non-penetration portion 252, making it easy to tear the non-penetration portion 252.

[0112] The plurality of grooves 251 and non-penetrating portions 252 constituting the perforation 25 do not necessarily have to have a uniform shape. For example, the perforation 25 can be modified as follows.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the perforation 25. In the first modified example of the perforation 25, the length of the groove 251 in the vertical center is longer than the length of the grooves 251 on both sides in the vertical direction. For example, in FIG. 10, the groove 251 arranged in the central region CR, which is located in the center when the waistband member 20 is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, is referred to as the central groove 251c, and the non-penetrating portion 252 arranged in the central region CR is referred to as the central non-penetrating portion 252c. Furthermore, the grooves 251 arranged in the side regions ER on both sides of the central region CR are referred to as the side grooves 251e, and the non-penetrating portions 252 arranged in the side regions ER are referred to as the side non-penetrating portions 252e. The length of the central groove 251c is longer than the length of the side grooves 251e, and the central non-penetrating portion 252c and the side non-penetrating portion 252e are the same length (251c > 251e, 252c = 252e).

[0114] In this case, the ratio of the total length of the central groove 251c to the length of the central region CR in the vertical direction is greater than the ratio of the total length of the side grooves 251e to the length of the side regions ER in the vertical direction. In other words, in the vertical direction of the perforation 25, the total length of the grooves 251 (central groove 251c) per unit length in the central region CR is longer than the total length of the grooves 251 (side grooves 251e) per unit length in the side regions ER.

[0115] With this configuration, the proportion of the portion (central groove 251c) penetrating the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction in the central region CR is greater than the proportion of the portion (side groove 251e) penetrating the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction in the side regions ER. That is, the proportion of the non-penetrating portion 252 is smaller in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, making the perforations 25 more likely to tear. Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pulled in an operation to tear the perforations 25 in the napkin 1, a starting point for tearing the perforations 25 is more likely to form in the central region CR than in the side regions ER. This makes it easier for the perforations 25 to tear from the central region CR toward the side regions ER, as described in FIG. 6C . Conversely, in the side regions ER, it is more difficult to form a starting point for tearing the perforations 25 compared to the central region CR, so that the perforations 25 are less likely to tear naturally from both vertical sides when the napkin 1 is worn.

[0116] 10, the multiple central grooves 251c arranged in the central region CR all have the same length, but the central grooves 251c may have different lengths. For example, the length of the central grooves 251c arranged closer to the center in the vertical direction in the central region CR may be longer than the length of the central grooves 251c arranged closer to the end in the vertical direction. The same applies to the multiple side grooves 251e arranged in the side regions ER. In other words, the perforation 25 as a whole may be configured such that the grooves 251 are longer the closer to the center in the vertical direction.

[0117] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a second modified example of the perforation 25. In the second modified example of the perforation 25, the spacing between the grooves 251 arranged intermittently along the vertical direction is narrower in the vertical center and wider on both sides. In FIG. 11, the central groove 251c and the side grooves 251e are all the same length, and the length of the non-penetrating portion 252c in the central region CR is narrower than the length of the non-penetrating portion 252e in the side regions ER (251c = 251e, 252c < 252e). Note that the perforation 25 as a whole may be configured such that the length of the non-penetrating portion 252 becomes shorter the closer to the vertical center position.

[0118] 11, as in the case of Fig. 10, the proportion of the total length of the central groove portion 251c in the vertical length of the central region CR is greater than the proportion of the total length of the side groove portions 251e in the vertical length of the side regions ER. That is, in the vertical direction of the perforation 25, the total length of the groove portions 251 (central groove portion 251c) per unit length in the central region CR is longer than the total length of the groove portions 251 (side groove portions 251e) per unit length in the side regions ER. That is, the proportion of the non-penetrating portions 252 is smaller in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, making the perforation 25 more likely to tear.

[0119] Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pulled in the operation of tearing the perforation 25 in the napkin 1, a starting point for tearing the perforation 25 is more likely to be formed in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, which makes it easier to tear the perforation 25. Also, since a starting point for tearing the perforation 25 is less likely to be formed in the side regions ER than in the central region CR, it is easier to prevent the perforation 25 from naturally tearing from both sides in the vertical direction.

[0120] The perforations 25 may also be arranged in a direction that is not parallel to the vertical direction. FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a third modified example of the perforations 25. In this third modified example, the perforations 25 are arranged so as to slope from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction and from both ends in the up-down direction toward the center. That is, the perforations 25 are arranged along a triangular (isosceles triangle) path that is convex inward in the left-right direction as a whole. For example, in FIGS. 12A and 12B , among the multiple grooves 251 constituting the perforations 25, one groove 251 is designated as a first groove 251a, and the groove 251 adjacent to the outside (end side) of the first groove 251a in the up-down direction is designated as a second groove 251b. In this case, the innermost end of the first groove 251a in the left-right direction is located more inward than the innermost end of the second groove 251b in the left-right direction.

[0121] With this configuration, when engaging member 30 is pulled from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction in the operation of tearing perforation 25, the force for tearing perforation 25 is likely to propagate diagonally from the center to both sides in the up-down direction, making it easier to tear perforation 25 smoothly. Note that when perforation 25 is arranged at an angle as in Figures 12A and 12B, the lengths of groove portion 251 and non-penetrating portion 252 may each be adjusted, as described in Figures 10 and 11.

[0122] Furthermore, in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the perforation 25 and the joining portion 60 of the engaging member. As described above, the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of waistline elastic members 26, 26... that stretch in the left-right direction, imparting stretchability to the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 2, etc.). Meanwhile, in the front waistline portion 20f of FIG. 2, the range in which the waistline elastic members 26 exhibit stretchability (the so-called effective length range) is limited to the region from the position 26es on one end side to the position 26es on the other end side in the left-right direction. In other words, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the perforation 25 and the joining portion 60 of the engaging member.

[0123] Since the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 is not stretchable, the waistline member 20 is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or curling in that region after the perforation 25 is torn. This prevents the waistline member 20 from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer when wearing the napkin 1. In addition, it is less likely to interfere with the operation of engaging the engaging member 30.

[0124] 2, no waist elastic members 26 are provided in the region between the perforations 25 and the joining portions 60 of the engaging members in the left-right direction (outside 26es in the left-right direction), but a configuration in which waist elastic members 26 that do not exhibit stretchability are provided may also be used. In other words, an elastic member that does not stretch in the left-right direction may be provided in the region between the perforations 25 and the joining portions 60 of the engaging members in the left-right direction.

[0125] Similarly, in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40 (see FIG. 2, etc.). In other words, the waistline elastic members 26 that stretch in the left-right direction are not provided between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40, or the waistline elastic members 26 are provided in a non-stretchable state. In this case, too, after the perforation 25 is torn, the waistline member 20 is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or curling in the region between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40. This prevents the waistline member 20 from becoming less comfortable against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer when wearing the napkin 1. Furthermore, because the vicinity of the base end of the engaging member 30 (near the base sheet fixing portion 35) is less susceptible to shrinkage, the operability of engaging the engaging member 30 is less likely to deteriorate.

[0126] <Method of manufacturing napkin 1> Next, a method for manufacturing a napkin 1 having an engaging member joint 60 will be described. Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of each step carried out in manufacturing the napkin 1. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to each step in Fig. 13.

[0127] First, a conveying step is performed (S101), in which base materials, such as the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheets 22 and 23 (first and second sheets) that make up the napkin 1, are conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction (MD). The conveying step is performed using a conveying mechanism (not shown) equipped with known conveying rollers, etc. The conveying direction (MD) is defined as the direction along the left-right direction of the napkin 1. In the conveying step, a non-skin side sheet continuous web in which the non-skin side sheet 21 is connected in the conveying direction (left-right direction of the napkin 1) and a skin side sheet continuous web in which the skin side sheet 22 (23) is connected in the conveying direction (left-right direction) are each conveyed from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction (MD) at a predetermined conveying speed. While these base materials are being conveyed, steps S102 to S108 are performed, thereby manufacturing the napkin 1.

[0128] Next, the base materials being conveyed in the conveying direction are stacked in the thickness direction, waist elastic members 26 are attached between the base materials in the thickness direction, and then leg openings 1b are formed (opened) to form the waist member 20 in an expanded and stretched state, in a waist member forming step (S102). Note that Fig. 14 shows the napkin 1 in the manufacturing process as seen from the non-skin side. For ease of explanation, some parts such as the waist elastic members 26 are not shown.

[0129] Next, an engaging member joint forming step is performed to form an engaging member joint 60 for joining the engaging member 30 to the waistband member 20 (S103). The engaging member joint forming step is performed by applying an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to a predetermined position on the waistband member 20 using an engaging member joint forming mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 14, in the conveying direction (left-right direction), the adhesive is applied to rectangular regions along the cross direction (CD) perpendicular to the conveying direction on both sides of positions SE (positions that become both ends of the waistband member 20 and are indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 14) where side joints 40 will be formed in the step of S107 described below. Note that the engaging member joints 60 may be formed by applying the adhesive to the engaging member 30 instead of the waistband member 20.

[0130] Next, an engaging member attaching step is performed in which the engaging members 30 are joined and attached to the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 via the engaging member joining portions 60 (S104). The engaging members 30 are supplied by an engaging member attaching mechanism (not shown) in a state in which two (a pair of left and right) engaging members 30, 30 are connected in the conveying direction as shown in Fig. 14. Note that the engaging members 30 are provided with engaging portions 32, and the engaging members 30 are engaged with the waistline member 20 via the engaging portions 32, which makes it easier to prevent the engaging members 30 from shifting position during the conveying process.

[0131] Next, an absorbent main body attachment step is performed (S105) in which the absorbent main body 10 is attached to the waistline member 20. The absorbent main body 10 is separately manufactured in an absorbent main body manufacturing line (not shown), and is attached to the skin side of the waistline member 20 using a transfer drum or the like.

[0132] Next, a folding step is performed in which the waistline member 20 and the absorbent main body 10 are folded in half at the center position (CL) in the cross direction (CD) and stacked in the thickness direction (S106). Next, a joining step is performed in which the stacked waistline members 20 (the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b) are welded at positions SE, SE on both sides of the absorbent main body 10 in the conveying direction (left-right direction) to form side joint portions 40 (S106). Finally, a cutting step is performed in which the continuous body of waistline members 20 is cut at positions SE in the conveying direction to divide it into individual napkins 1 (S107). Through these steps, napkins 1 are manufactured. The manufactured napkins 1 are folded small as necessary, packaged in packaging material, etc., and shipped to the market as products.

[0133] Furthermore, some of the steps in the manufacturing process of the napkin 1 described in Figure 13 may be modified as follows. Figure 15 is a modified flow diagram of the steps performed in manufacturing the napkin 1. Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to the steps in Figure 15. In the manufacturing process shown in Figure 15, the order of the engaging member attaching step (S103 in Figure 15) and the engaging member joining portion forming step (S104 in Figure 15) is different from that of the manufacturing process shown in Figure 13. Steps other than the engaging member attaching step and the engaging member joining portion forming step are substantially the same as the steps described in Figure 13, and therefore will not be described here.

[0134] In the manufacturing process of the napkin 1 shown in Fig. 15, the engaging member attaching step (S103) is performed before the engaging member joining portion forming step (S104) is performed. That is, the engaging member 30 is attached to the waistline member 20 before adhesive is applied to the waistline member 20 as shown in Fig. 14. Note that in the engaging member attaching step (S103) shown in Fig. 15, the engaging member 30 is not completely fixed to the waistline member 20, and the engaging member 30 is temporarily fixed to the waistline member 20 by engaging the engaging portion 32.

[0135] Next, a joining member joint forming step is performed to form an engaging member joint 60 (S104). Here, with the engaging member 30 layered on the waistline member 20, the engaging member joint 60 is formed using a known welding means such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding, and the waistline member 20 and the engaging member 30 are joined to each other. By using a welding means, at least three sheet members, namely the base sheet 31 constituting the engaging member 30 and the non-skin side sheet 21 and skin side sheet 22 constituting the waistline member 20, are integrated, thereby further increasing the joining strength of the engaging member joint 60.

[0136] ===Other=== The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. 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.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, a pair of perforations 25 (separation portions 25) are provided on both sides of the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction, but the perforations 25 may be provided on only one side. In other words, the waistline member 20 may be configured so that only one side in the left-right direction can be separated into front and rear.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the waistline member 20 is provided with a plurality of waistline elastic members 26, 26... made of rubber thread or the like, thereby imparting stretchability to the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction, but the waistline member 20 may be imparted with stretchability by an elastic member other than the waistline elastic member 26. For example, the waistline member 20 may be imparted with stretchability by arranging a stretchable sheet member (e.g., a stretchable nonwoven fabric) that stretches in the left-right direction in the region of the waistline member 20 where the waistline elastic members 26 are arranged.

[0139] <Recognition of Napkin 1> In the above embodiment, it was explained that the napkin 1 can be used in both a pants-type state and a tape-type state, but in general, the wearing methods and procedures for pants-type napkins and tape-type napkins are different, and in particular, when wearing the tape-type napkin, different procedures are followed for the left and right sides to put it on, so it is necessary for the wearer to be aware of how to wear it.

[0140] For example, in the case of the napkin 1 in the pants-like state, the napkin 1 can be worn by passing both legs through the pair of leg-openings 1b from the waist-opening 1a side and then pulling up the napkin 1 until the waist-opening 1a reaches the wearer's waist. In other words, the napkin 1 in the pants-like state can be worn almost symmetrically on both sides of the wearer's body with the same movement.

[0141] On the other hand, when wearing the napkin 1 in the tape-type state, one end of the front waistline portion 20f in the left-right direction is torn at the perforation 25 on one side in the left-right direction when in the pants-type state, and one engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waistline portion 20f, so that one leg of the wearer is passed through the leg opening 1b on one side in the left-right direction of the napkin 1. Next, the other perforation 25 on the left-right direction of the front waistline portion 20f is torn, and the other engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waistline portion 20f, so that the other leg of the wearer is passed through the leg opening 1b on the other side in the left-right direction of the napkin 1.

[0142] However, because typical pants-type absorbent articles have a symmetrical shape in a plan view, there is a risk that a wearer, etc., may not easily recognize that the left and right sides of an absorbent article that can be worn in both pants-type and tape-type states, such as the napkin 1, should be put on in the tape-type state in a different procedure. In particular, because the napkin 1 is initially in pants-type state after being taken out of the package, there is a risk that a wearer, etc., may not easily recognize that the left and right sides of the napkin 1 should be put on in the tape-type state in a different procedure.

[0143] Therefore, by making the napkin 1 in a pants-like state asymmetrical with respect to the center position in the left-right direction when stretched, it is possible to make it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to put on the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction when putting it on.

[0144] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an example of a napkin 1 having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center position CC in the left-right direction. In Fig. 17, in the napkin 1 in an extended state, the engaging member 30 provided on one side in the left-right direction is referred to as one-side engaging member 30a, and the engaging member 30 provided on the other side in the left-right direction is referred to as the other-side engaging member 30b. The same applies to other parts other than the engaging members 30 (for example, the perforations 25 and the engaging portions 32).

[0145] As shown in Figure 17, in the extended state, the length L1a in the left-right direction from the other end 30aei of the one-side engaging member 30a to the other end 35au of the one-side side joint 40a (one-side fixing portion 35a) is different from the length L1b from the one end 30bei of the other-side engaging member 30b to the one end 35bu of the other-side side joint 40b (other-side fixing portion 35b) (L1a ≠ L1b).

[0146] Because the napkin 1 has different lengths L1a and L1b in the stretched state, the wearer can easily recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side. In particular, in the case of an absorbent article that can be worn in a pants-like state, such as the napkin 1, pants-like absorbent articles generally have a symmetrical shape, which can easily confuse the wearer when trying to wear the napkin in the tape-like state. In contrast, the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction in the initial pants-like state, which makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is not a typical pants-like absorbent article, but can also be worn in the tape-like state, and that it is preferable to wear the napkin in different ways on one side and the other side.

[0147] In addition, the area of ​​the front waistline portion 20f where the elasticity in the left-right direction is exerted by the waistline elastic members 26 is referred to as the front stretched area 20EA. In this case, in a stretched state of the napkin 1, the distance L2a from the left-right center CC to the left-right-most end EAa of the front stretched area 20EA may be different from the distance L2b from the left-right center CC of the napkin 1 to the left-right-most end EAb of the front stretched area 20EA (L2a ≠ L2b).

[0148] In the stretched state, the difference between the distance L2a and the distance L2b makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when the distances L2a and L2b are the same length. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side.

[0149] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L3a from the left-right center 32ac of the one-side engaging portion 32a to the other end 35au of the one-side side joint 40a (one-side fixing portion 35a) in the left-right direction is different from the length L3b from the left-right center 32bc of the other-side engaging portion 32b to the one end 35bu of the other-side side joint 40b (other-side fixing portion 35b) (L3a≠L3b).

[0150] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction than when the lengths L3a and L3b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0151] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L4a from the left-right-most end EAa of the front stretchable region 20EA to the other end 60au of the one-side engaging member joint 60a is different from the length L4b from the left-right-most end EAb of the front stretchable region 20EA to the one-side end 60bu of the other-side engaging member joint 60b (L4a≠L4b).

[0152] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction than when the lengths L4a and L4b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0153] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L6a from the left-right most end EAa of the front stretchable region 20EA to the one-side perforation 25a is different from the length L6b from the left-right most end EAb of the front stretchable region 20EA to the other-side perforation 25b (L6a≠L6b).

[0154] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction than when the lengths L6a and L6b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0155] In addition, in the stretched napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L7a from the center C--C in the left-right direction to the perforation 25a on one side is different from the length L7b from the center C--C in the left-right direction to the perforation 25b on the other side (L7a≠L7b).

[0156] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction than when the lengths L7a and L7b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0157] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L5a from one end 20fae of the front waistline portion 20f to one end 35as of the one side side joint 40a (one side fixed portion 35a) is different from the length L5b from the other end 20fbe of the front waistline portion 20f to the other end 35bs of the other side side joint 40b (other side fixed portion 35b) (L5a≠L5b).

[0158] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction than when the lengths L5a and L5b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0159] Furthermore, the area of ​​the one-side tab 30a and the area of ​​the other-side tab 30b may be different in the stretched napkin 1. By visually recognizing the different sized one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b, the wearer can more easily recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when the one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b have the same area. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in a different order on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0160] Furthermore, in the stretched napkin 1, the shape of the one-side tab 30a and the shape of the other-side tab 30b may be different. For example, the one-side tab 30a may be semicircular and the other-side tab 30b may be rectangular (not shown in FIG. 17). By visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b, the wearer can easily recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in a different manner on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0161] Furthermore, in the extended state of the napkin 1, the one-side engaging portion 32a (the other-side engaging portion 32b) may have a side edge sa (side edge sb) aligned along the vertical direction, and in the extended state, the side edge sa (side edge sb) may be inclined relative to the vertical direction. For example, the one-side engaging portion 32a and the other-side engaging portion 32b may be inclined on opposite sides of the horizontal center CC (not shown in FIG. 17). The inclination of the side edge sa of the one-side engaging portion 32a relative to the vertical direction makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the horizontal center than when the side edge sa of the one-side engaging portion 32a is parallel to the vertical direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side.

[0162] Furthermore, in the stretched napkin 1, the lower end au of the one-side engaging portion 32a and the lower end bu of the other-side engaging portion 32b may be located at different positions in the up-down direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when the lower end au of the one-side engaging portion 32a and the lower end bu of the other-side engaging portion 32b are located at the same position in the up-down direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 1 napkins (pants-type absorbent articles), 1a waist opening, 1b leg opening, 2 napkins (comparison example), 10. Absorbent body; 11 absorbent core, 12 top sheet, 13 back sheet, 13a liquid impermeable sheet, 13b hydrophobic sheet, 20 girth member, 20f front waistband, 20b rear waistband, 21 non-skin side sheet, 22 skin side sheet, 23 skin side sheet, 25 perforation (separation part), 25fe separation end, 25be separation end, 251 Groove, 251a first groove portion, 251b second groove portion, 251c central groove portion, 251e both side groove portions, 252 Non-penetrating section, 252c central non-penetrating part, 252e both side non-penetrating parts, 26 waist elastic member; 30 engaging member, 31 base sheet, 32 engagement portion, 35 base sheet fixing portion, 40 side joint, 40f end, 40b end, 50 absorbent elastic member, 60 engagement member joint, 70 High density area, CL Central position

Claims

1. having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, an absorbent body; a waistband member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistband portion and a rear waistband portion; an engaging member whose outer end in the left-right direction is inseparably fixed to the waistband member and whose inner end is releasably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband member; and a pants-type absorbent article in which the front waistband portion and the rear waistband portion are joined to each other at both ends in the left-right direction by a pair of side joining portions, In the left-right direction, a perforation is provided along the up-down direction, on the inside of the side joint portion and on the outside of the inner end of the engaging member, for separating the waistband member; A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that it has an engaging member joining portion that joins the engaging member and the waistband member between the side joining portion and the perforation in the left-right direction.

2. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, when in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction between the perforation and the inner end of the engaging member joint is shorter than the length between the inner end of the engaging member joint and the side joint.

3. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging member has one engaging portion whose length in the up-down direction is longer than its length in the left-right direction.

4. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 3, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the engaging portion is provided at a predetermined distance from an inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction.

5. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 4, the length of the engaging member in the vertical direction at the outer end in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the vertical length of the engaging member at an intermediate position between the left-right inner end of the engaging member and the left-right inner end of the engaging portion is shorter.

6. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging member is fixed inseparably to the waistband member at the side joint portion, outside the engaging member joint portion in the left-right direction.

7. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The waistband member has a high density portion that is a portion having a higher density than the surrounding area, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the high-density portion is provided across the perforations in the left-right direction.

8. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The perforations have a plurality of groove portions and non-penetrating portions arranged alternately in the vertical direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that at least a portion of the plurality of non-penetrating portions overlaps with the engaging member joining portion in the up-down direction.

9. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 8, When the waistband member is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, the total length of the groove portions per unit length in the central region is: A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the length of the grooves per unit length is greater than the total length of the grooves per unit length in both side regions when the waistband member is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction.

10. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 8, The perforation has a first groove portion and a second groove portion arranged adjacent to the outer side of the first groove portion in the up-down direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that, in the left-right direction, the innermost end of the first groove portion is located more inward than the innermost end of the second groove portion.

11. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, In the left-right direction, in the region between the perforation of the waistband member and the joining portion of the engaging member, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the elastic members stretchable in the left-right direction are not provided, or the elastic members are provided in a non-stretchable state.

12. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, In the left-right direction, in the region between the engaging member joint portion and the side joint portion of the waistband member, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the elastic members stretchable in the left-right direction are not provided, or the elastic members are provided in a non-stretchable state.

13. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, the engaging member has a one-side engaging member provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member provided on the other side in the left-right direction, The side joint portion has a one-side side joint portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side side joint portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging member is fixed to the waistband member at the one-side side joint portion, and the other-side engaging member is fixed to the waistband member at the other-side side joint portion, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in an extended state, the length in the left-right direction from the other end of the one-side engaging member to the other end of the one-side side joint is different from the length from the one end of the other-side engaging member to the one end of the other-side side joint.

14. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, the front waistband portion has a front stretchable region that is stretchable in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in a stretched state, the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region is different from the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region.

15. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 14, the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in an extended state, the length in the left-right direction from the center of the one-side engagement portion to the other end of the one-side side joint is different from the length in the left-right direction from the center of the other-side engagement portion to the one end of the other-side side joint.

16. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 15, the engaging member joint portion has a one-side engaging member joint portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member joint portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in an extended state, the length in the left-right direction from the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region to the other end of the one-side engaging member joint is different from the length in the left-right direction from the other-side end of the front stretchable region to the one end of the other-side engaging member joint.

17. 17. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 16, The perforations include a one-side perforation provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side perforation provided on the other side in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction from the left-right-most end of the front stretchable region to the one-side perforation is different from the length in the left-right direction from the other-side end of the front stretchable region to the other-side perforation.

18. 18. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 17, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in a stretched state, the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on one side is different from the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on the other side.

19. 19. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 18, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction from one end of the front waistband portion to one end of the one side side joint is different from the length from the other end of the front waistband portion to the other end of the other side side joint.

20. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that, in a stretched state, the area of ​​the engaging member on one side is different from the area of ​​the engaging member on the other side.

21. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, A pants-type absorbent article, wherein the engaging member on one side and the engaging member on the other side have different shapes.

22. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging portion has a side end along the up-down direction, A pants-type absorbent article, wherein in a stretched state, the side edges are inclined with respect to the up-down direction.

23. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that, in a stretched state, a lower end of the one-side engaging portion and a lower end of the other-side engaging portion are provided at different positions in the up-down direction.

24. having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, an absorbent body; a waistband member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistband portion and a rear waistband portion; an engaging member whose outer end in the left-right direction is inseparably fixed to the waistband member and whose inner end is releasably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband member; A manufacturing method for a pants-type absorbent article having the following features: a conveying step of conveying the waistband member in a conveying direction along the left-right direction; an engaging member attaching step of attaching the engaging member to the waistband member; and Before the engaging member attaching step, A method for manufacturing pants-type absorbent articles, characterized in that an engaging member joint forming process is carried out to form an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistband member by applying adhesive to the engaging member or the waistband member.

25. having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, an absorbent body; a waistband member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistband portion and a rear waistband portion; an engaging member whose outer end in the left-right direction is inseparably fixed to the waistband member and whose inner end is releasably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband member; A manufacturing method for a pants-type absorbent article having the following features: a conveying step of conveying the waistband member in a conveying direction along the left-right direction; an engaging member attaching step of attaching the engaging member to the waistband member; and After the engaging member attaching step, A method for manufacturing pants-type absorbent articles, comprising: a step of forming an engaging member joining portion by using welding means to form an engaging member joining portion that joins the engaging member and the waistband member.

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