Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article excellent in a wearing feeling even when wearing trunks and capable of reducing urine leakage.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure includes a top sheet positioned on a skin side of a wearer in a worn state, a back sheet positioned on a non-skin side of the wearer in the worn state, and an absorber sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet. The disposable diaper includes a pair of three-dimensional gathers 14 extending along a longitudinal direction and capable of standing up, and an attachment means provided on a non-skin side surface of a back sheet and capable of being attached to a skin side surface of an underwear, wherein a distance in a width direction between roots in an upright state of the pair of three-dimensional gathers 14 is longer on a central part in a longitudinal direction than both ends in the longitudinal direction, and a height in the upright state of the pair of three-dimensional gathers 14 is higher on the central part in the longitudinal direction than both ends in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various types of light incontinence products for men have been developed and are available commercially in stores. Like women's light incontinence products, light incontinence products for men are designed to be worn with underwear, which are primarily briefs or boxer shorts. These types of underwear tend to press against the body (groin area), so when a light incontinence product is worn on the inner surface of the underwear, it can be fitted closely to the private parts. This reduces the gap between the urination area of ​​the male genitals and the absorbent part of the light incontinence product, preventing leakage during absorption.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a disposable absorbent article for men that is attached to the user's underwear. The publication shows an illustration of the absorbent article attached to briefs (men's underwear). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-42946 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] On the other hand, there are underwear called trunks, which have a different wearing feel from briefs or boxer shorts. Trunks are less likely to press against the body (crotch area) than briefs or boxers, and they can secure space between the underwear and the body (crotch area), providing a sense of freedom around the legs, so their wearing feel is favored by a certain percentage of consumers.

[0006] However, when conventional briefs or boxer shorts-compatible light incontinence products (absorbent articles) are worn in trunks, it is difficult to fit the absorbent article closely to the body (crotch area), resulting in an uncomfortable fit and the possibility of urine leaking between the absorbent article and the body.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that is comfortable to wear even when wearing trunks and can reduce urine leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article that is attached to the inside of a wearer's underwear and that, when worn, extends in a longitudinal direction from the front of the wearer toward the crotch of the wearer, and comprises: a top sheet that is positioned on the skin side of the wearer when worn; a back sheet that is positioned on the non-skin side of the wearer when worn; an absorbent body sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet; a pair of three-dimensional gathers that are arranged on both sides of the skin side of the top sheet in a width direction that intersects with the longitudinal direction and that extend along the longitudinal direction and are able to stand up; and attachment means that are provided on the non-skin side of the back sheet and are attachable to the skin side of the underwear, and the widthwise distance between the roots of the pair of three-dimensional gathers in the standing state is longer at the center in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the height of the pair of three-dimensional gathers in the standing state is higher at the center in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article of the first aspect described above, comprising fixing means capable of fixing both longitudinal ends of the pair of three-dimensional gathers to an outer region of the top sheet that is more outer in the width direction than the pair of three-dimensional gathers, and the fixing means is capable of maintaining the pair of three-dimensional gathers in an upright state by fixing both longitudinal ends of the pair of three-dimensional gathers to the outer region of the top sheet.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein the base ends of the pair of three-dimensional gathers in an upright state extend from one end in the longitudinal direction toward the outside in the width direction on the center side of the longitudinal direction, bend at the center part in the longitudinal direction, and extend from the center side in the longitudinal direction toward the inside in the width direction of the other end in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein at least one of the pair of standing gathers is provided with a shape-retaining material extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the widthwise length of the absorbent article is longer at the central part in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the attachment means is provided on the non-skin side of the backsheet at least at one end side in the longitudinal direction that faces the front of the wearer when worn. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the absorbent article provides excellent wearing comfort even when wearing trunks, and can reduce urine leakage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention when worn. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the skin side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article of FIG. 2, viewed from the non-skin side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article from the skin side with the standing gathers raised. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the absorbent article of FIG. 6 as seen in the width direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article in a worn state. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of the absorbent article in a worn state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present invention. Note that the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0017] In this specification, the following definitions are used. The up-down direction refers to the direction in which the head side of the wearer of the absorbent article 10 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "wearer") is upward and the feet side is downward. The front-to-back direction refers to the direction in which the wearer's ventral side is forward and the back side is backward. The worn state of the absorbent article 10 refers to the state in which the wearer wears (puts on) the absorbent article 10, regardless of whether urine is absorbed before, during, or after absorption. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 refers to the direction in which the absorbent article 10 has a long length (the direction along arrow X in the figure), and the absorbent article 10 is worn with its longitudinal direction aligned in the direction from the front to the crotch of the wearer. In other words, the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 is the direction from the front to the crotch of the wearer when worn. Furthermore, the width direction of the absorbent article 10 refers to the short side direction (the direction along arrow Y in the figure) that intersects with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10, and the absorbent article 10 is worn with its width direction aligned with the left-right direction of the wearer. Furthermore, the thickness direction of the absorbent article 10 refers to the direction (the direction along arrow Z in the figure) that is approximately perpendicular to a plane that includes the longitudinal direction and the width direction. Furthermore, the skin side refers to the side of the thickness direction of the absorbent article 10 that faces the skin of the wearer when worn, and the non-skin side refers to the opposite direction.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an absorbent article 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention when worn. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the skin side. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 of Fig. 2, viewed from the non-skin side. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows IV-IV in Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows VV in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10, viewed from the skin side, with the three-dimensional gathers raised. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the absorbent article 10 of Fig. 6, viewed from the width direction.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 1, an absorbent article 10 according to the present disclosure is worn inside underwear 1 (trunks in this embodiment) worn by a wearer. The absorbent article 10 is worn with its longitudinal direction (the direction indicated by arrow X in Fig. 2 etc.) aligned along the direction from the front to the crotch of the wearer, and its width direction (the direction indicated by arrow Y in Fig. 2 etc.) aligned along the left-right direction of the wearer. Note that the underwear 1 refers to clothing worn directly against the skin by the wearer.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the absorbent article 10 according to this embodiment is formed in a sheet shape that is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction. The outer shape of the absorbent article 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably a generally hexagonal shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. Specifically, both sides 10a extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the width direction of the absorbent article 10 are formed in a mountain shape with the longitudinal center portion protruding outward in the width direction more than both ends in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the outer shape of the absorbent article 10 is a generally hexagonal shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction and is bounded by both sides 10a on both sides of the width direction of the absorbent article 10 and both sides 10b on both sides of the longitudinal direction. The outer shape of the absorbent article 10 is not limited to a generally hexagonal shape, and may be, for example, a rectangular shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] It is preferable that the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 is 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less, and that the maximum widthwise length L2 (in this embodiment, the widthwise length L2 of the longitudinal central portion) is 70 mm or more and 150 mm or less. It is also preferable that the widthwise length L2 of the longitudinal central portion of the absorbent article 10 is longer than the widthwise length L3 of both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent article 10. In particular, it is preferable that the ratio (L3:L2) of the widthwise length L3 of both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent article 10 to the widthwise length L2 of the longitudinal central portion is 1:2 to 13:17. By adjusting the dimensions of the absorbent article 10 to fall within the above ranges, it is possible to obtain an absorbent article 10 for men that is suitable as a light incontinence product to be worn inside underwear 1.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2 to 7, the absorbent article 10 comprises a top sheet 11 placed on the skin side, a back sheet 12 placed opposite the top sheet 11 on the non-skin side, an absorbent body 13 sandwiched between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12, left and right gathered sheets 15 that form a pair of left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 on the top sheet 11, fixing parts (fixing means) 16 that can fix both longitudinal ends of the three-dimensional gathers 14 to the top sheet 11 side, and an adhesive layer (attaching means) 17 provided on a partial area of ​​the non-skin side surface 12a of the back sheet 12.

[0023] The top sheet 11 may be formed from a liquid-permeable substrate that allows urine to move toward the absorbent body 13. Examples of the substrate include nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabrics, thermal-bonded nonwoven fabrics, and spun-bonded nonwoven fabrics; composite nonwoven fabrics that are thermal-bonded nonwoven fabric / spun-bonded nonwoven fabric laminates; foamed films such as urethane foam; and composite sheets that are laminates of two or more of these. Furthermore, the surface of the top sheet 11 may be embossed or perforated to improve liquid permeability. Methods for embossing or perforating may be any known method without limitation. Furthermore, the top sheet 11 may contain lotions, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory ingredients, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, and the like to reduce irritation to the skin.

[0024] The basis weight of the top sheet 11 is set to 18 g / m from the viewpoints of strength, processability, and liquid return. 2 More than 40g / m 2 It is preferable that the thickness is 18 g / m or less. 2 If it is smaller, the top sheet 11 tends to be easily damaged during the production of the absorbent article 10. 2 If it is larger, the top sheet 11 tends to feel hard when it touches the skin, which is undesirable in either case. The shape of the top sheet 11 is not particularly limited, but it may be in a shape that covers the absorbent body 13 so as to guide urine to the absorbent body 13 without leaking.

[0025] The backsheet 12 may be formed using a liquid-impermeable substrate to prevent leakage of urine held in the absorber 13 to the non-skin side, and may be formed from a material such as a resin film or a composite sheet formed by laminating a resin film and a nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric used in the composite sheet may be made by any method, and examples thereof include various nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and meltblown nonwoven fabrics, composite nonwoven fabrics such as laminates of spunbond nonwoven fabrics / meltblown nonwoven fabrics and spunbond nonwoven fabrics / meltblown nonwoven fabrics / spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and composite materials thereof. Examples of resin films include polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and composite films of polyethylene and polypropylene.

[0026] The basis weight of the back sheet 12 is set to 15 g / m from the viewpoint of strength and processability. 2 More than 60g / m 2It is preferable that the back sheet 12 has a thickness of 1 / 2 mm or less. In addition, in order to prevent stuffiness during wear, it is preferable that the back sheet 12 has breathability. To make the back sheet 12 breathable, for example, a filler may be blended into the resin film of the base material or the back sheet 12 may be embossed. An example of the filler is calcium carbonate, and the blending method can be any known method without limitation. For example, a porous (breathable) resin film can be obtained by kneading a resin and a filler, forming the resulting kneaded product into a film, and removing the filler from the resulting film.

[0027] The absorbent body 13 contains absorbent fibers as a base material and a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent fibers of the absorbent body 13 are not particularly limited as long as they are generally used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and urine absorption pads, and examples thereof include fluff pulp and cellulose acetate tow. The superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb body fluids and prevent backflow, and examples thereof include polyacrylates, polyaspartates, (starch-acrylic acid) graft copolymers, (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymers, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymers, and saponified products thereof. Among these, polyacrylates are preferred from the viewpoint of absorption capacity per weight, and sodium polyacrylate is more preferred.

[0028] In addition, when fluff pulp or cellulose acetate tow is used as the base material, the basis weight of the supported superabsorbent polymer is 100 g / m 2 More than 600g / m 2 Preferably, it is 245 g / m or less. 2 More than 445g / m 2 It is more preferable that the value is not more than 0.05. By setting the value within the above range, gel blocking in the absorbent body 13 can be prevented and the absorbent body 13 can absorb a large amount of body fluid.

[0029] The cellulose acetate tow is preferably opened, and the basis weight of the opened cellulose acetate tow is 20 g / m 2 More than 120g / m 2 Preferably, it is 45 g / m or less. 2 More than 85g / m 2 By keeping the value within the above range, there is no problem in forming the absorbent body 13, and there is no problem in the bodily fluid retention performance of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0030] The left and right gathered sheets 15 are sheets that constitute a pair of left and right three-dimensional gathers 14, and are laminated on the skin-facing surface 11a of the top sheet 11. The widthwise outer edge portions 15a of the left and right gathered sheets 15 are joined to the widthwise outer edge portions of at least one of the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. For example, the outer edge portions 15a of the left and right gathered sheets 15 may be joined to the top sheet 11 or the like (including the back sheet 12) with hot melt or by a thermal fusion process such as heat sealing. In this embodiment, the left and right gathered sheets 15 are separate sheets from the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12, but this is not limiting. For example, the back sheet 12 may be formed wider than the top sheet 11, and the outer widthwise regions of the back sheet 12 may be folded back and extended toward the top sheet 11 to function as the left and right gathered sheets 15.

[0031] The left and right gathered sheets 15 are made of a water-repellent or water-impermeable nonwoven fabric made of hydrophobic fibers, such as a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or a composite nonwoven fabric made by laminating spunbond / meltblown / spunbond.

[0032] The widthwise inner ends 15b of the left and right gathered sheets 15 are free ends. Portions 18 that are joined to the top sheet 11 along the longitudinal direction are provided widthwise outward of the inner ends 15b of the left and right gathered sheets 15. Regions of the left and right gathered sheets 15 that are widthwise inward of the portions 18 that are joined to the top sheet 11 function as the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14. That is, the portions 18 of the left and right gathered sheets 15 that are joined to the top sheet 11 are portions 18 that serve as base ends on the root side of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 when they are upright. In the following description, the portions 18 of the left and right gathered sheets 15 that are joined to the top sheet 11 may be referred to as the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14. Furthermore, the widthwise inner ends 15b of the left and right gathered sheets 15 may be referred to as the free ends 15b of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14.

[0033] The left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are arranged on both widthwise sides of the skin-side surface 11a of the top sheet 11 and extend along the longitudinal direction. The left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 extend over substantially the entire length of the absorbent article 10. In this embodiment, when the absorbent article 10 is not in use, the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 do not stand up, but are overlapped on the skin-side surface 11a of the top sheet 11 (hereinafter referred to as a "non-standing state") (see FIG. 2). When the absorbent article 10 is in use, the inner ends 15b of the left and right gathered sheets 15 can be lifted toward the skin, causing the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 to stand up (see FIGS. 6 and 7). In other words, the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are provided to be able to stand up. When the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are in an upright state, a storage space 29 capable of storing the male genitalia 2 is defined between the inner surfaces 14a in the width direction of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 and the skin-facing surface 11a of the top sheet 11. The free ends 15b of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in a non-upright state may extend beyond the center position in the width direction of the absorbent article 10, or the free ends 15b of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 may overlap each other (see Figures 2, 4, and 5).

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2 , base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 extend in the longitudinal direction. Longitudinal center portions 20 of the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are located at approximately the same longitudinal position as the longitudinal center portion of the absorbent article 10. The base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 extend from one longitudinal end 21 (the end 21 located in front of the wearer when worn) toward the outer side in the width direction to the longitudinal center side (the central portion 20 side), bend at the longitudinal center portion (the central portion 20), and extend from the longitudinal center side (the central portion 20 side) toward the inner side in the width direction to the other longitudinal end 22 (the end 22 located between the crotch of the wearer when worn). In other words, the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are each formed in a mountain shape such that the longitudinal center portion 20 protrudes outward in the width direction beyond the longitudinal ends 21, 22. The widthwise distance L4 between the central portion 20 of the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 is longer than the widthwise distances L5, L6 between the longitudinal ends 21, 22 of the base ends 18. In other words, the widthwise distance between the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 (between the roots when standing) is longer at the longitudinal central portion 20 than at the longitudinal ends 21, 22. The top sheet 11 and the gathered sheet 15 are provided with outer regions 23, 24 that are located widthwise outward of the longitudinal end ends of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14. The outer region 24 of the gathered sheet 15 is a region that at least partially overlaps with the skin-facing surface 11a of the outer region 23 of the top sheet 11.

[0035] In the upright position, the height H1 (length from the base end 18 to the free end 15b) of the central portion 20 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 is higher than the heights H2 and H3 of the longitudinal ends 21 and 22. In other words, the height of the longitudinal central portion 20 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 is higher than the longitudinal ends 21 and 22. The ratio of the height of the lowest point to the height of the highest point of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 (height of the lowest point:height of the highest point) is preferably 1:3 to 7:9. This allows the male genitalia 2 to be completely enveloped, effectively preventing urinary leakage.

[0036] The left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are provided with shape-retaining members 19 extending in the longitudinal direction. The shape-retaining members 19 are shape-deformable members that can retain the shapes of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14. The shape-retaining members 19 can retain the shapes of the top sheet 11, back sheet 12, and absorbent body 13 (for example, retain them in a curved state) by retaining the shapes of the three-dimensional gathers 14. In this embodiment, the shape-retaining members 19 are provided on both the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14, but this is not limited thereto and the shape-retaining members 19 can be provided on at least one of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14.

[0037] Materials for the shape-retaining material 19 include resin, wire, metal foil (aluminum foil, etc.), etc. Among these, resin (polyester, polyethylene, etc.) is preferred from the viewpoints of weight reduction and economy. In particular, a rod-shaped material made of resin such as polyester is preferred, and it is preferable that the diameter or thickness is 1.0 mm or less, the width is 5 mm or less, and the length is 50 mm to 100 mm.

[0038] The fixing parts 16 are provided to fix both longitudinal ends of a pair of three-dimensional gathers 14 to the outer regions 23 of the top sheet 11. In this embodiment, the fixing parts 16 are provided in four outer regions 24 of the gathered sheet 15 on both longitudinal sides and both widthwise sides. In this embodiment, the fixing parts 16 are arranged in the vicinity of the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in the outer regions 24 of the gathered sheet 15. When the absorbent article 10 is used, the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are changed from a non-standing state to an standing state, and the outer widthwise surfaces 14b of both longitudinal ends of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are fixed to the fixing parts 16 provided in the outer regions 24 of the gathered sheet 15 (see Figures 6 and 7). As a result, both longitudinal ends of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are fixed to the outer region 23 of the top sheet 11 via the gather sheet 15, via the fixing parts 16 and the outer region 24 of the gather sheet 15. By fixing both longitudinal ends of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 to the outer region 23 of the top sheet 11, the fixing parts 16 can prevent the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 from collapsing inward in the width direction, and can maintain the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in an upright state. Examples of the fixing parts 16 include hook-and-loop fasteners that can fasten the three-dimensional gathers 14 made of nonwoven fabric or the like, and adhesive layers or adhesive sheets that can adhere the three-dimensional gathers 14. The longitudinal length L7 of the fixing parts 16 is preferably 10% to 20% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10. In this embodiment, the fixing parts 16 are provided in the outer regions 24 of the gathered sheet 15, but this is not limiting, and the fixing parts 16 may be provided directly in the outer regions 23 of the top sheet 11 without providing the outer regions 24 of the gathered sheet 15. Alternatively, the fixing parts 16 may be provided on the outer surfaces 14b in the width direction of both longitudinal end portions of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14.

[0039] 1 and 3, the adhesive layer 17 is an adhesive layer that can attach the absorbent article 10 to the inner surface of the underwear 1, and is provided in a partial region of the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12. The adhesive layer 17 is provided on at least one end 25 of the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 (the end 25 that is located in front of the wearer when worn). The adhesive layer 17 is preferably provided on the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 in a region 27 between a position a1 that is 10% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 and a position a2 that is 20% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 from the one end 25 of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10. Known materials can be used as the adhesive that constitutes the adhesive layer 17.

[0040] In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 17 for attaching the absorbent article 10 to the inner surface of the underwear 1 is provided on one end 25 of the non-skin side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 in the longitudinal direction (the end 25 located in front of the wearer when worn), but in addition to the adhesive layer 17 on the one end 25, another adhesive layer (attachment means) 17 may be provided on the other end 26 of the non-skin side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 (see FIG. 9). In this case, the other adhesive layer 17 is preferably provided on the non-skin side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 in an area 28 (see FIG. 3) between a position a3 that is 10% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 and a position a4 that is 20% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 from the other end 26 of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10. Furthermore, in either case where the adhesive layer 17 is provided only on the one end 25 side of the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12, or where the adhesive layer 17 is provided on the one end 25 side and the other adhesive layer 17 is provided on the other end 26 side, the region between the positions a2 and a4 is the portion that faces the crotch region 29 (see FIG. 1 ) of the trunks (underwear 1) when worn, and therefore it is preferable that no adhesive layer (attachment means) is present in the region. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adhesive layer (attachment means) 17 is provided on the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12 as attachment means for attaching the absorbent article 10 to the inner surface of the underwear 1, but the attachment means is not limited thereto. For example, an adhesive sheet (attachment means) having an adhesive layer may be provided on the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12. Furthermore, a protective sheet for protecting the adhesive layer 17 when the absorbent article 10 is not in use may be releasably adhered to the adhesive layer 17.

[0041] The absorbent article 10 is manufactured by sandwiching the absorbent body 13 between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12, and then joining the top sheet 11, the back sheet 12, and the left and right gathered sheets 15 partially or entirely using a hot melt adhesive, heat embossing, ultrasonic embossing, high-frequency embossing, or the like. The joined periphery is then punched out into a predetermined shape, and a fixing portion 16 is provided on the skin-facing surface and an adhesive layer 17 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface, thereby manufacturing the absorbent article 10. At this time, in the longitudinal central portion 20, the inner ends 15b of the left and right gathered sheets 15 in the width direction may be spaced apart without overlapping in the width direction, or may be arranged so as to partially overlap. Arranging them so as to partially overlap can increase the standing height of the gathered sheets 15 in the central portion 20, improving the containment of the male genitalia 2 and reducing side leakage.

[0042] Next, the absorbent article 10 in a worn state will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 10 in a worn state. Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the absorbent article 10 in a worn state.

[0043] As shown in Figures 7 to 9, when the absorbent article 10 is worn, the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are raised, and the top sheet 11, back sheet 12, and absorber 13 (hereinafter referred to as "top sheet 11, etc.") are curved. The male genitalia 2 is stored in a storage space 29 between the inner surfaces 14a in the width direction of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 and the skin-side surface 11a of the top sheet 11. The adhesive layer 17 on the non-skin-side surface 12a of the back sheet 12 is adhered to the inner surface of the underwear 1. For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the adhesive layer 17 is provided only on the front end (the one end 25) side of the absorbent article 10, the adhesive layer 17 is adhered to the inner surface of the front bodice of the underwear 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in addition to the adhesive layer 17 on the front end (the one end 25) side of the absorbent article 10, if another adhesive layer 17 is also provided on the rear end (the other end 26) side of the absorbent article 10, the front adhesive layer 17 is adhered to the inner surface of the front bodice of the underwear 1, and the other rear adhesive layer 17 is adhered to the inner surface of the back bodice of the underwear 1.

[0044] In the absorbent article 10 configured as described above, the widthwise distance between the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 (between their bases when standing) is longer in the longitudinal center 20 than at the longitudinal ends 21, 22. Furthermore, the height of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 is greater in the longitudinal center 20 than at the longitudinal ends 21, 22. Therefore, by setting the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in an upright state, the top sheet 11, etc. can be curved so that the longitudinal center side of the top sheet 11, etc. bulges outward toward the skin (see Figures 7 to 9). This allows a large storage space 29 to be secured between the top sheet 11 and the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14, allowing the absorbent article 10 to completely encase the male genitalia 2. This improves the wearing comfort of the absorbent article even when wearing trunks, while maintaining the feeling of freedom (feeling of freedom) unique to trunks. Furthermore, the absorbent article 10's ability to completely encase the male genitalia 2 reduces urinary incontinence.

[0045] Furthermore, by setting the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in an upright state, the top sheet 11, etc. can be curved, so that when the male genitalia 2 stored in the storage space 29 is urinated, the urine can be easily received by the top sheet 11, etc., and the urine can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction of the top sheet 11, etc. This reduces urine leakage.

[0046] Furthermore, the height of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 is higher in the longitudinal center portion 20 than at the longitudinal ends 21, 22, so even when the top sheet 11 etc. is curved, both sides in the width direction of the space on the skin side of the top sheet 11 can be covered by the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 (see Figures 8 and 9). This makes it possible to reduce urine leakage from both sides in the width direction of the space on the skin side of the top sheet 11.

[0047] Furthermore, the left and right standing gathers 14 are provided with shape-retaining members 19 extending in the longitudinal direction, and the shape-retaining members 19 can maintain the shape of the top sheet 11, etc. in a curved state by maintaining the shape of the standing gathers 14. For example, the top sheet 11, etc. can be maintained in a curved state by deforming the shape-retaining members 19 in a direction that shortens the distance between both ends 21, 22 of the standing gathers 14 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the curved shape of the top sheet 11, etc. can be stably maintained when the absorbent article 10 is worn.

[0048] Furthermore, the shape-retaining material 19 can maintain the shape of the standing gathers 14, and therefore can stably maintain the standing gathers 14 in an upright state.

[0049] In addition, base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are each formed in a mountain shape such that the longitudinal center 20 thereof protrudes outward in the width direction beyond both longitudinal ends 21, 22. Therefore, unlike when base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 extend linearly in the longitudinal direction, the stability of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in the upright state can be ensured.

[0050] Furthermore, the fixing parts 16 are arranged near the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 in the outer region 24 of the gathered sheet 15. This allows the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 to be stably held so that the center side in the longitudinal direction of the storage space 29 spreads outward in the width direction.

[0051] Furthermore, when worn, the adhesive layer 17 on the non-skin-facing surface 12a of the backsheet 12 is adhered to the inner surface of the underwear 1, so the position of the absorbent article 10 can be maintained within the space inside the trunks (underwear 1) without the need to support the absorbent article 10 from below. In the case of an absorbent article 10 for low absorption capacity, the amount of urine absorbed is relatively small and the article does not become heavy, so the adhesive layer 17 may be provided only on the one end 25 (front end) of the non-skin-facing surface 12a of the backsheet 12 (see FIG. 8). On the other hand, in the case of an absorbent article 10 for high absorption capacity, the amount of urine absorbed is relatively large and the article becomes heavy, so the adhesive layer 17 may be provided on the one end 25 and another adhesive layer 17 on the other end 26 (rear end) (see FIG. 9).

[0052] Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the adhesive layer (attachment means) 17 in a region 27 (or region 28) on the non-skin-side surface 12a of the backsheet 12, between position a1 (or a3) which is 10% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10 from one end 25 (or the other end 26) of the absorbent article 10 and position a2 (or a4) which is 20% of the longitudinal length L1 of the absorbent article 10. By arranging the adhesive layer 17 away from one end 25 (or the other end 26) of the absorbent article 10 in this way, even if the adhesive layer 17 is provided on the backsheet 12 before punching the absorbent article 10 into a desired shape during the manufacture of the absorbent article 10, the adhesive layer 17 is less likely to adhere to the cutter when punching out the absorbent article 10, and deterioration of the cutter's sharpness can be prevented. Furthermore, by positioning the adhesive layer 17 away from one longitudinal end 25 (or the other end 26) of the absorbent article 10, a handle portion free of the adhesive layer 17 can be secured on the one end 25 (or the other end 26) of the absorbent article 10, so that the absorbent article 10 can be attached to the underwear 1 by holding the handle portion when putting on or taking off the absorbent article 10, thereby improving usability.

[0053] Furthermore, by not providing an adhesive layer (attachment means) in the region of the non-skin-facing surface 12a of the backsheet 12 between position a2, which is 20% from one end 25 in the longitudinal direction, and position a4, which is 20% from the other end 26, it is possible to avoid adhesion between the longitudinal center portion of the absorbent article 10 and the crotch portion 29 of the trunks (underwear 1) (see Figures 1, 8, and 9). In this way, because the crotch portion 29 of the trunks and the longitudinal center portion of the absorbent article 10 are not adhered to each other, it is possible to prevent stiffness in the crotch portion 29 of the trunks due to adhesion to the absorbent article 10, and to minimize deterioration in usability.

[0054] Furthermore, both sides 10a extending in the longitudinal direction on both widthwise sides of the absorbent article 10 are formed in a mountain shape such that the longitudinal center portions protrude outward in the widthwise direction beyond both longitudinal end sides. That is, the widthwise length L2 of the longitudinal center portions of the absorbent article 10 is longer than the widthwise length L3 of both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent article 10. Therefore, when the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 are formed in a mountain shape such that the longitudinal center portions 20 thereof protrude outward in the widthwise direction beyond both longitudinal end sides 21, 22, unnecessary protrusion of the top sheet 11 and the like outward in the widthwise direction beyond the base ends 18 of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 14 can be suppressed.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 is comfortable to wear not only when worn with briefs or boxer shorts, but also when worn with trunks, and urine leakage can be reduced.

[0056] The underwear 1 on which the absorbent article 10 is attached is not limited to trunks, and the underwear 1 may be any underwear that the wearer wears directly against the skin. For example, the absorbent article 10 may be attached to underwear 1 in the form of briefs or boxer shorts, or may be attached to a diaper (underwear 1).

[0057] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the content of the above embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, operational techniques, etc. made by those skilled in the art based on this embodiment are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1:Underwear 10: Absorbent articles 11: Top sheet 11a: The skin side of the top sheet 12: Back seat 12a: Non-skin side of back sheet 13: Absorbent 14:1 pair of three-dimensional gathers 16: Fixed part (fixing means) 17: Adhesive layer (attachment means) 18: Base of the left and right three-dimensional gathers 19: Shape retaining material 23: outer area of ​​the topsheet

Claims

1. An absorbent article that is attached to the inside of a wearer's underwear and extends in a longitudinal direction from the front of the wearer toward the crotch area when worn, a top sheet positioned on the wearer's skin side when worn; a back sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the wearer when worn; an absorbent body sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet; a pair of standing gathers that are arranged on both sides in a width direction intersecting the longitudinal direction on the skin-side surface of the top sheet, and that extend along the longitudinal direction and can stand up; and an attachment means provided on the non-skin side of the back sheet and attachable to the skin side of the underwear, a distance in the width direction between the roots of the pair of standing gathers in an upright state is longer at a central portion in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction; The height of the pair of standing gathers in the standing state is higher at the center in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

2. a fastening means capable of fastening both end portions of the pair of standing gathers in the longitudinal direction to an outer region of the top sheet that is more outer than the pair of standing gathers in the width direction, The fixing means can hold the pair of standing gathers in an upright state by fixing both ends of the pair of standing gathers in the longitudinal direction to the outer region of the topsheet.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The base ends of the pair of three-dimensional gathers in an upright state extend from one end in the longitudinal direction toward the outside in the width direction on the center side in the longitudinal direction, bend at the center part in the longitudinal direction, and extend from the center side in the longitudinal direction toward the inside in the width direction of the other end in the longitudinal direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. At least one of the pair of three-dimensional gathers is provided with a shape-retaining material extending in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The length of the absorbent article in the width direction is longer at the center in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The attachment means is provided on at least one end side in the longitudinal direction of the non-skin-side surface of the back sheet, which is on the front side of the wearer when worn. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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