Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of sufficiently preventing rear leakage regardless of the posture of a wearer.SOLUTION: An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a pair of first rear diagonally compressed portions spaced apart from the central compressed portion and extending such that a distance between the first rear diagonally compressed portions increases toward the rear, wherein front ends of the pair of first rear diagonally compressed portions are located forward of a rear end of the central compressed portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Pad-like absorbent articles such as incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, and pad-type diapers have been known. These absorbent articles generally have a main body including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and have compressed portions formed by squeezing the body side. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, an absorbent article is known in which the body side has at least one groove for urine inflow formed along the longitudinal direction and having a compressed portion at the bottom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6081422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes the functions of longitudinal grooves as receiving and temporarily storing urine, as well as guiding the diffusion of urine in the longitudinal direction, accelerating the rate of urine absorption into the absorbent body, and preventing side leakage. However, because the grooves have a higher density and are harder than other parts of the absorbent body, the absorbent article is less likely to curve in the area where the grooves extend and tends to bend at the edges of the grooves. This makes the absorbent article less likely to fit the curvature of the body, and gaps are likely to form between the absorbent article and the wearer's body, especially at the edges of the grooves. This increases the likelihood of leakage, particularly when the wearer is lying down (supine position), such as when sleeping. For example, when the wearer is in a supine position, where bodily fluids tend to migrate backward, rear leakage may not be fully prevented if a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted all at once. Furthermore, when the wearer is in a lateral position, bodily fluids tend to migrate left and right (laterally) of the body, making side leakage more likely.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can sufficiently prevent leakage regardless of the body position of the wearer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and having a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the article having a central compressed groove extending along the longitudinal direction at the centre of the width direction, and a pair of first rear oblique compressed portions spaced apart from the central compressed groove and extending such that the distance between them increases towards the rear, and the front ends of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions are located forward of the rear ends of the central compressed groove.

[0007] In the first embodiment, the glove has a central compressed groove extending longitudinally in the widthwise center. The presence of the central compressed groove allows excreted body fluids to be quickly guided longitudinally along the central compressed groove. Furthermore, when force is applied from both legs, the central compressed groove deforms toward the non-skin side and both widthwise sides of the central compressed groove deform toward the skin side, creating a long, narrow depression in the widthwise center, which can store a certain amount of body fluid.

[0008] However, because the central compressed groove is compressed or includes a compressed portion, it is harder than other portions. This makes it difficult to bend the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction within the area where the central compressed groove extends, and it tends to bend more easily at the end of the central compressed groove. As a result, the absorbent article does not fit the curvature of the body within the area where the central compressed groove extends, and gaps are likely to form between the absorbent article and the body near the front and rear ends of the central compressed groove. In contrast, the absorbent article of this embodiment has a pair of first rear compressed portions that are spaced apart from the central compressed groove and whose front ends are located forward of the rear end of the central compressed groove. These pair of first rear compressed portions can serve as starting points for bending the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, midway through the area where the central compressed groove extends. This makes it easier to bend the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, allowing the absorbent article to better fit the curvature of the body, thereby reducing or eliminating the gap between the absorbent article and the body.

[0009] The pair of first rear oblique compressed portions extend so that the distance between them increases toward the rear. The region of the absorbent article facing the wearer's crotch (the region sandwiched between the legs), which includes the wearer's bodily fluid outlet, is compressed widthwise when worn between the legs, but it is preferable that the region facing the buttocks, which is behind the region facing the crotch, be spread widthwise and face the body. The pair of first rear oblique compressed portions in this embodiment facilitates the absorbent article's deformation to conform to the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the buttocks. Therefore, the shape of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions also contributes to the absorbent article fitting the body. Furthermore, because the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions are each spaced apart from the central compressed groove, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted all at once, this prevents the bodily fluid that has migrated along the central compressed groove from branching out from the central compressed groove, diffusing in the rear oblique direction, and leaking widthwise.

[0010] When the wearer is standing or sitting, the direction from the body fluid discharge opening to the surface of the absorbent article is along the direction of gravity, so the discharged body fluid is urged by gravity to reach the absorbent article and is easily absorbed quickly. However, when the wearer is lying down, such as while sleeping, the direction from the body fluid discharge opening to the surface of the absorbent article is not along the direction of gravity. Therefore, body fluid is likely to move along the body or along the surface of the absorbent article, making the possibility of leakage greater than when the wearer is standing or sitting.

[0011] For example, when a wearer is in a supine position, the direction toward the rear of the body is aligned with the direction of gravity, and thus excreted body fluids tend to migrate backward along the body, i.e., toward the buttocks. If there is a gap between the absorbent article and the body, a large amount of body fluid will migrate backward without being absorbed by the absorbent article, and thus rear leakage may occur if a large amount of body fluid is excreted all at once. According to this aspect, as described above, the absorbent article can be adapted to the curves of the body, and the gap between the absorbent article and the body can be reduced, thereby effectively preventing rear leakage even when a large amount of body fluid is excreted all at once while the wearer is in a supine position. Needless to say, rear leakage can be prevented when the wearer is in a sitting or standing position. In other words, rear leakage can be prevented regardless of the wearer's position. Furthermore, when a wearer is in a lateral position, the direction toward the side of the body is aligned with the direction of gravity, and thus excreted body fluids tend to migrate to the side of the body, which makes so-called side leakage more likely. However, according to this embodiment, the fit of the absorbent article can be improved and the gap between the absorbent article and the body can be reduced, so that side leakage can be effectively prevented even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted all at once.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present invention, the rear end of the first rear oblique compression portion is located forward of the rear end of the central compression groove.

[0013] According to the second aspect, the deformation of the absorbent article assisted by the first rear oblique compression portions conforms better to the body shape of the wearer from the crotch to the buttocks as described above.

[0014] In a third aspect of the present invention, the suction cup further comprises a pair of second rear oblique compression portions spaced rearward from the central compression groove and extending such that the distance between them increases rearward.

[0015] The pair of second rear oblique compression portions can also serve as starting points for bending the absorbent article when it is curved in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, according to the third aspect, the absorbent article can be curved to fit the body even in the region facing the buttocks, which is behind the region where the central compression groove is provided, thereby reducing the gap between the absorbent article and the body, allowing the absorbent article to fit the body well and preventing leakage.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the angle formed by the extension direction of the second rear obliquely compressed portions with respect to the longitudinal direction is larger than the angle formed by the extension direction of the first rear obliquely compressed portions with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0017] As described above, the pair of first rear oblique compression portions are positioned to face the area behind the wearer's crotch or near the boundary between the crotch and buttocks, and the pair of second rear oblique compression portions are positioned to face the wearer's buttocks. By specifying the extending directions of the first and second rear oblique compression portions as in the fourth aspect, it becomes possible for the absorbent article to deform to better fit the shape of the body.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the front ends of the pair of second rear oblique compression portions are connected to each other.

[0019] In the region of the absorbent article facing the rear buttocks, it is preferable to deform the widthwise center so that it fits into the intergluteal cleft. In the fifth aspect, the front ends of the second rear oblique compression portions are connected to each other, thereby forming a base point for strong deformation in the widthwise center, and this allows the rear region of the absorbent article to fit better around the buttocks.

[0020] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the shoe further comprises a pair of front oblique compression portions spaced apart from the front end of the central compression groove and extending such that the distance between them increases toward the front.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the pair of front oblique compression portions enables the absorbent article to deform to fit the body shape of the wearer from the crotch to the front. Furthermore, because the pair of front oblique compression portions are spaced apart from the central compressed groove, bodily fluid guided along the central compressed groove can be prevented from branching out from the central compressed groove, diffusing in the front oblique direction, and leaking in the width direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can sufficiently prevent leakage regardless of the body position of the wearer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the skin side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 3] 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing the cross section along line Y1-Y1 when worn and the wearer's body, FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram of the cross section along line Y1-Y1 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3(c) is a schematic diagram of the cross section along line Y2-Y2 in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of the portion including the front obliquely compressed portion and the first rear obliquely compressed portion in FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is an enlarged view of a portion including a first rear obliquely compressed portion and a second rear obliquely compressed portion in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the oblique compression section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment. The form shown in Fig. 1 is an incontinence pad that is attached to underwear, but embodiments of the present invention can also be used as sanitary napkins, padded diapers, etc. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 taken along line XX.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2, and an absorbent body 4 provided between the two sheets. The absorbent article 1 is generally flat overall before being worn. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the top sheet 3 side is the side that comes into contact with the skin (the skin side or front side), and the back sheet 2 side is the side that is fixed to the underwear (the underwear side or back side). Therefore, Figure 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as seen from the skin side.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 may have an elongated shape in a planar view, i.e., a shape having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction D1 and a predetermined width in the width direction D2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. When worn, the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 1 corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body, and the width direction D2 corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the wearer's body. The front of the absorbent article 1 corresponds to the front side (front portion) of the wearer's body, and the rear of the absorbent article 1 corresponds to the rear side (buttocks portion) of the wearer's body. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the shape of the absorbent article 1 is line-symmetrical (left-right symmetrical in FIG. 1 ) with respect to a center line CL (a center line that bisects the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2) along the longitudinal direction D1 as the axis of symmetry in a planar view; however, the shape of the absorbent article 1 does not necessarily have to be line-symmetrical. In addition, in the example shown in Figure 1, the configuration of the absorbent article 1, i.e., the shape of the compressed portion (described later), the thickness of the absorbent body 4, the joining method, etc., are also linearly symmetrical with respect to the center line CL as the axis of symmetry, but they do not necessarily have to be linearly symmetrical.

[0028] The back sheet 2 may be a sheet that is at least water-proof, such as a sheet made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, a laminated nonwoven fabric in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet of nonwoven fabric with a waterproof film interposed therebetween to ensure substantial liquid impermeability, may be used. Furthermore, it is more desirable to use a material that is moisture-permeable in order to prevent stuffiness. Examples of such water-proof and moisture-permeable sheet materials include microporous sheets obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction.

[0029] The top sheet 3 can be a sheet that is permeable to bodily fluids such as urine, menstrual blood, and vaginal discharge. Suitable top sheet 3 materials include perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabrics and porous plastic sheets. Examples of material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and blends thereof, as well as natural fibers such as cotton, which can be used alone or in combination. Examples of processing methods for nonwoven fabrics include spunlace, spunbond, thermal bond, meltblown, and needlepunch. Of these processing methods, the spunlace method is preferred because it provides flexibility, the spunbond method is preferred because it can produce nonwoven fabrics with excellent drapeability, and the thermal bond method is preferred because it can produce bulky and soft nonwoven fabrics. Composite fibers, such as core-sheath fibers, side-by-side fibers, and splittable fibers, can also be used, each of which has a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath.

[0030] The absorbent body 4 is not limited to any material that can absorb and retain body fluids, but preferably contains cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbent polymer. Examples of water-absorbent polymers that can be used include superabsorbent polymer (SAP), superabsorbent fiber (SAF), and combinations of these. Pulp includes chemical pulp obtained from wood, cellulose fibers such as dissolving pulp, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. Hardwoods and softwoods are used as raw materials for chemical pulp, with softwoods being preferred due to their long fiber length.

[0031] Synthetic fibers may be blended into the absorbent body 4. Examples of synthetic fibers that can be used include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and copolymers thereof. Two of these fibers can also be blended. Composite fibers, such as core-sheath fibers with a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath, side-by-side fibers, and splittable fibers, can also be used. Hydrophobic fibers can also be surface-treated with a hydrophilizing agent to impart affinity to body fluids. The absorbent body 4 is preferably manufactured by stacking or air-laid methods.

[0032] The absorbent body 4 may be one in which the main body of the absorbent body 4 is wrapped in an envelope sheet made of crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like. Providing the envelope sheet in the absorbent body 4 prevents the absorbent body 4 from twisting or cracking and allows it to maintain its shape. The envelope sheet may be uncolored (i.e., white) crepe paper or nonwoven fabric, or it may be colored (for example, colored in a color similar to or complementary to the color of the body fluid).

[0033] The absorbent body 4 may have a planar shape that is elongated and has a substantially constant width as shown in Fig. 1, but the width of the absorbent body 4 may vary along the longitudinal direction D1. The absorbent body 4 may have a uniform thickness over the entire surface, but the thickness of the absorbent body 4 does not have to be uniform, and may be locally thinner or thicker.

[0034] At both end edges of the absorbent body 4 in the longitudinal direction D1, the edges of the back sheet 2 and the edges of the top sheet 3 may be joined by adhesive, heat sealing, etc. Furthermore, on both side edges of the absorbent article 1, i.e., on both sides in the width direction D2, a pair of side sheets 7, 7 are arranged on the front side (top sheet 3 side) along the longitudinal direction D1.

[0035] The side sheets 7 may be made of a nonwoven fabric material that has been treated to be water-repellent or hydrophilic, depending on the purpose, such as preventing penetration of bodily fluids or improving the feel against the skin. The material of the side sheets 7 may be natural fibers, synthetic fibers, recycled fibers, etc. Furthermore, when the side sheets 7 are treated to be water-repellent, a silicone-based, paraffin-based, or other water-repellent agent may be used for the treatment. The absorbent article may have a configuration in which the top sheet 3 extends to the end of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 and is joined to the back sheet 2, without using the side sheets 7.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the side sheets 7, 7 may be folded back on the inside in the width direction D2, and gathers G, G may be formed in the folded back portions. The gathers G can be formed by fixing an elastic, stretchable member such as rubber thread to the side sheets 7 in a longitudinally stretched state. Although detailed explanation and illustration of the structure of the gathers G will be omitted in this specification, the gathers G may have a structure known in the art. The gathers G, G prevent the migration of bodily fluids toward the outside in the width direction D2, thereby preventing leakage in the width direction D2.

[0037] 1 and 2, no wings are provided, but this embodiment can also be configured as a winged absorbent article. The wings can be formed, for example, by joining side sheets 7 extending outward in both directions in the width direction D2 from a region of the absorbent article that faces the crotch region (the region between the legs) of the wearer, and a back sheet 2 similarly extending outward in the width direction D2.

[0038] Fig. 1 illustrates a bodily fluid discharge outlet facing portion Q, which is the portion that faces a bodily fluid discharge outlet such as the urethral opening or vaginal opening of the wearer when worn. The center of the bodily fluid discharge outlet facing portion Q is located at the center of the width direction D2 of the absorbent article 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the bodily fluid discharge outlet facing portion Q is drawn in an oval shape as the portion that faces the urethral opening, but the size and shape of the illustrated bodily fluid discharge outlet facing portion Q are merely examples for explaining the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment.

[0039] The overall length (total length) of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1 may be preferably 200 mm or more and 400 mm or less, and more preferably 290 mm or more and 380 mm or less. The length or width in the width direction D2 (length excluding wings if provided) may be 70 mm or more and 130 mm or less. The overall thickness of the absorbent article 1 (average thickness of the portion where the absorbent body is disposed and where there are no compressed portions) may be preferably 3 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 7 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0040] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 1 has compressed sections (sections indicated by the reference numerals 10, 21, 22, and 23) that are recessed from the skin side to the non-skin side, i.e., recessed from the top sheet 3 side to the back sheet 2 side. The compressed sections may be a single section compressed from the skin side, or a collection of multiple sections compressed from the skin side. The compressed sections can be formed, for example, by applying pressure in a predetermined shape to a laminate obtained by overlapping the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 3 from the top sheet 3 side to compress predetermined locations. In this process, for example, the laminate including the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 3 can be passed between a roll having protrusions corresponding to the shape of the predetermined compression grooves and a roll with a smooth surface facing the roll. The compressed sections may also be formed by first compressing only the absorbent body 4 to form depressions, and then, after the top sheet 3 is overlapped, again compressing the portions of the absorbent body 4 where the depressions were formed together with the top sheet 3. Alternatively, the compressed portions may be formed by stacking the absorbent body 4 so as to create depressions, overlaying the top sheet 3, and then compressing the portions where the depressions have been formed together with the top sheet 3.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the compressed section is a central compressed groove 10 that extends along the longitudinal direction D1 and is formed in the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2. More specifically, the central compressed groove 10 is formed so as to pass through a center line CL that extends along the longitudinal direction D1. The central compressed groove 10 is also formed so as to overlap the portion Q that faces the bodily fluid discharge port. Therefore, the central compressed groove 10 can guide discharged bodily fluid along the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, preventing it from diffusing in the width direction D2.

[0042] The central compressed groove 10 is formed so that at least a portion of it faces the crotch area of ​​the wearer. As a result, when force is applied from both legs toward the center in the width direction D2, the central compressed groove 10 deforms so that it faces away from the skin and both sides of the central compressed groove 10 in the width direction D2 move closer to the skin, creating a long, narrow depression in the center in the width direction D2, which can store a certain amount of bodily fluid. In this specification, the "center in the width direction D2" refers not only to the true center position in the width direction D2 (the position of the center line CL along the longitudinal direction D1), but also to a broad region including that position, preferably the central region when the absorbent article 1 is divided into thirds equal parts in the width direction D2.

[0043] The central compressed groove 10 may preferably be formed linearly along the center line CL. That is, the center line of the central compressed groove 10 and / or the contours of the edges of the central compressed groove 10 may be linear along the center line CL. This makes it easier for the absorbent article 1 to bend and deform along the central compressed groove 10 even with a small force. However, the center line and / or contours of the edges of the central compressed groove 10 may include meandering portions or portions extending diagonally. Furthermore, the width W of the central compressed groove 10 may be constant as shown in FIG. 1 or may not be constant, but a constant width W is preferred because it makes it easier to control the rate at which bodily fluids move along the central compressed groove 10.

[0044] The length Lc of the central compressed groove 10 (length in the longitudinal direction D1) is preferably 100 mm to 180 mm, more preferably 120 mm to 160 mm. A length Lc of 100 mm or more allows a large amount of body fluid to be guided in the longitudinal direction D1, making it particularly suitable for use as a large-capacity absorbent pad, for example, a capacity of 100 cc or more. Furthermore, a length Lc of 180 mm or less prevents body fluid from being excessively guided forward and / or backward, thereby suppressing leakage forward and / or backward.

[0045] The width W of the central compressed groove 10 (the length in the width direction D2) may preferably be 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or more and 15 mm or less. Having a width of 5 mm or more in the central compressed groove 10 can enhance the function of collecting body fluids in the central compressed groove 10 and guiding them in the longitudinal direction D1, as well as the function of storing body fluids within the central compressed groove 10. Having a width of 30 mm or less in the central compressed groove 10 can enhance the function of preventing leakage in the width direction D2 by allowing the absorbent article 1 to deform well so that the outer portions of the central compressed groove 10 in the width direction D2 move closer to the skin. This also prevents the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 from becoming excessively stiff, making it difficult for the absorbent article 1 to bend in the longitudinal direction D1 along the body. In this specification, when the absorbent article 1 or a part thereof is said to bend in the longitudinal direction D1, it means that the absorbent article 1 is bent so that the center protrudes away from the skin.

[0046] The central compressed groove 10 forms a single continuous groove along the longitudinal direction D1 as a whole, but the degree of compression (compression depth) within the central compressed groove 10 may be uniform overall or may vary depending on the location. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the central compressed groove 10 may include a low-compression section 10L and a high-compression section 10H (shown in black) that is recessed deeper than the low-compression section 10L. The high-compression section 10H may be formed continuously or discontinuously (not shown in Figure 2).

[0047] 1 and 2, a pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are formed as further compressed portions, which are formed at a distance from the central compressed groove 10 and extend so that the distance between them in the width direction D2 increases toward the rear. As shown in Fig. 1, the first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are a pair of compressed portions formed on either side of a center line CL along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are line-symmetrical with respect to the center line CL as the axis of symmetry, but they do not necessarily have to be formed line-symmetrical.

[0048] The front ends 21f, 21f of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are located forward of the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10. In other words, the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are formed so as to overlap with the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1. As a result, the starting point for bending in the longitudinal direction D1 is formed midway through the extension range of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1. In particular, the front ends 21f, 21f closest to the central compressed groove 10 assist the bending of the central compressed groove 10 when bending the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1 during wearing. This allows the bending of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, and ultimately the bending of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1, to be formed so as to naturally follow the shape of the body, reducing the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body and improving the fit of the absorbent article 1 to the body.

[0049] Here, the curvature of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1 along the body will be described in more detail with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3(a) shows the Y1-Y1 cross section of the absorbent article 1 of Fig. 1, together with the body BD, in a state where it is deformed when worn. Fig. 3(b) shows a Y1-Y1 cross section of the absorbent article 1 of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3(c) shows a Y2-Y2 cross section of the absorbent article 1 of Fig. 1. Note that Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the function of this embodiment, and therefore some of the components are exaggerated and detailed configuration is omitted. Furthermore, the Y1-Y1 cross section of Fig. 3(b) and the Y2-Y2 cross section of Fig. 3(c) are, more precisely, end views of the cross section.

[0050] As shown in Figure 3(b), the absorbent article 1 has a central compressed groove 10 formed along the longitudinal direction D1. As described above, the central compressed groove 10 includes a compressed portion and is harder than other portions, making it difficult to bend in the longitudinal direction D1 and more likely to bend at the front end 10f and rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10. In contrast, because the body BD (Figure 3(a)) is rounded, in a conventional configuration in which the absorbent article 1 has only the central compressed groove 10 as a compressed portion, the absorbent article 1 does not fit the body BD, and gaps are likely to form between the body BD and the absorbent article 1. In contrast, in the present embodiment, in which a pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 is further formed, the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21, and in particular the front ends 21f, 21f closest to the central compressed groove 10, can serve as the starting point for bending when the absorbent article 1 is bent in the longitudinal direction D1. The front ends 21f, 21f of the first rear obliquely compressed portions 21, 21 are located midway through the extension range of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, and therefore can be easily bent even midway through the central compressed groove 10, as shown in Figure 3(a). This makes it easier to curve the entire central compressed groove 10 in line with the curvature of the body in the front-to-back direction, which in turn makes it easier to make the absorbent article 1 fit the shape of the body. Thus, according to this embodiment, the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body can be made smaller, thereby preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0051] It should be noted that the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body is not considered to cause much inconvenience when the wearer is standing or sitting. When standing or sitting, the direction from the bodily fluid discharge outlet to the skin surface of the absorbent article 1 is along the direction of gravity, so even if a large amount of bodily fluid is discharged, it can quickly reach and be absorbed by the absorbent article 1. In contrast, when the wearer is in a supine position, for example, the direction from the bodily fluid discharge outlet to the skin surface of the absorbent article 1 is not along the direction of gravity. Since the direction along the direction of gravity is the direction from the bodily fluid discharge outlet to the rear of the body, if the gap between the body and the absorbent article 1 is large, bodily fluids tend to migrate rearward along the body before reaching the absorbent article 1, making rear leakage more likely. Furthermore, when the wearer is in a lateral position, the direction along the direction of gravity is the direction from the bodily fluid discharge outlet to the left or right (side), making bodily fluids more likely to migrate sideways, resulting in so-called side leakage. In contrast, in this embodiment, the central compression groove 10 and a pair of first rear diagonal compression portions 21, 21 are formed in a predetermined positional relationship, making it possible to fit the absorbent article 1 to the body, and is particularly suitable as an absorbent article to be used when the wearer is in a lying position, specifically in a supine or lateral position.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 1, the pair of first rear oblique compression portions 21, 21 extend obliquely rearward so that the distance between them increases as they extend rearward. This shape of the compression portions allows the absorbent article 1 to be deformed to fit the body shape of the wearer from the rear of the crotch to the buttocks. Typically, the body shape from the crotch to the buttocks is somewhat complex, and it is desirable for the absorbent article 1 to fit such a body shape. More specifically, in the crotch region (the region between the legs), the absorbent article is held between the legs and contracted in the width direction D2, whereas in the buttocks (the region behind the crotch that follows the surface of the back or does not face the top of a chair when seated), it is preferable for the absorbent article 1 to face the body in a state spread out in the width direction D2 rather than facing the crotch region. In this embodiment, the distance between the pair of first rear oblique compression portions 21, 21 increases toward the rear, which facilitates deformation of the absorbent article 1 to conform to the shape of the body from the crotch to the buttocks. This reduces the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body, improving the effect of improving the fit of the absorbent article 1 to the body.

[0053] The rear ends 21b, 21b of the first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 may be located forward of the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10. This allows the first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 to face the area from the crotch to the buttocks of the wearer, allowing the absorbent article 1 to easily deform to fit the wearer's body.

[0054] 1, the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are not compressed portions branching off from the central compressed groove 10, but are formed at a distance from the central compressed groove 10. In other words, the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 are independent of the central compressed groove 10. Therefore, even if a large amount of body fluid is discharged all at once, the body fluid that has migrated rearward along the central compressed groove 10 can be prevented from suddenly diffusing in the width direction D2 from partway along the extension range of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, thereby preventing leakage.

[0055] More specifically, the central compressed groove 10 and the first rear oblique compressed portion 21, or more specifically, the front end 21f of the central compressed groove 10 and the first rear oblique compressed portion 21, may be separated in the width direction D2 by a separation distance d1. The separation distance d1 may be preferably 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or more and 12 mm or less. A separation distance d1 of 5 mm or more sufficiently prevents bodily fluids from migrating from the central compressed groove 10 to the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 and diffusing in the width direction D2. Furthermore, a separation distance d1 of 15 mm or less can enhance the function of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 in promoting the natural curvature of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0056] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 may be formed with additional compressed portions in addition to the central compressed groove 10 and the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21. As shown in FIG. 1 , a pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 may be formed behind the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21. The pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 are compressed portions that extend so that the distance between them increases toward the rear. The front ends 22f, 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22, which are located in the center in the width direction D2, can serve as the starting point for bending the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1. Therefore, the region of the absorbent article 1 behind the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 can also be easily curved in the longitudinal direction D1 to conform to the curvature of the wearer's body.

[0057] The front ends 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 are located rearward of the front ends 21f of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21. The length L3 in the longitudinal direction D1 from the front end 21f of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 to the front end 22f of the second rear oblique compressed portion 22 may preferably be 30 mm or more and 80 mm or less. By setting the length L3 within the above range, the region rearward of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 can be curved more naturally.

[0058] 1, the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 are preferably located rearward of the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10, that is, the front ends 22f, 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 are preferably spaced apart in the longitudinal direction D1 from the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10. This allows the starting point for curvature to be formed away from the central compressed groove 10, making it easier to curve the rear region in accordance with the curvature of the body.

[0059] 1, the front ends 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 are preferably connected to each other. In this case, the front ends 22f may be connected on a centerline CL along the longitudinal direction D1. This allows stress to be concentrated at the front ends 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 when the absorbent article 1 is subjected to a force, further guiding deformation. Furthermore, since the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 can be positioned to face the wearer's intergluteal cleft, for example, pulling up the underwear applies force to the connecting portion of the front ends 22f, which can deform the portion between the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 so as to move closer to the intergluteal cleft, thereby improving the fit of the rear of the absorbent article 1.

[0060] The function of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 when the absorbent article 1 is bent in the longitudinal direction D1 can be explained with reference to Figure 3 again. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the front ends 22f, 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 are connected and located rearward of the central compressed groove 10, the absorbent article 1 can be easily bent at the position of the connected front ends 22f, 22f. As described above, the absorbent article 1 is prone to bending at the front end 10f and rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10, so by positioning the front end 22f of the second rear oblique compressed portion 22 at a position spaced rearward from the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10, the degree of bending at the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10 is reduced, as shown in Figure 3(a), allowing the absorbent article 1 to bend more naturally. Additionally, the second rear oblique compressed portions 22 present in the cross section shown in Figure 3(c) (cross section taken along line Y2-Y2 in Figure 1) can also serve as starting points for bending. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3(a), multiple starting points for bending are formed in the region posterior to the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10, making it easier for the absorbent article 1 to curve along the rear of the body.

[0061] Although not shown, the front ends 22f of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions 22 may be located forward of the rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10. In this case, it is preferable that the second rear oblique compressed portion 22 and the central compressed groove 10 are spaced apart in the width direction D2. This prevents bodily fluid that has migrated rearward along the central compressed groove 10 from suddenly diffusing in the width direction D2 from somewhere along the extension range of the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, which would otherwise cause leakage. Furthermore, the distance between the front ends 22f of the second rear oblique compressed portions 22 and the central compressed groove 10 in the width direction D2 may be preferably 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or more and 12 mm or less, similar to the distance d1 between the central compressed groove 10 and the front end 21f of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21.

[0062] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 may be formed with a pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 in front of the central compressed groove 10. The pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction D1 from the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10, and may extend in a front oblique direction so that the distance between them increases toward the front. The pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 also allows the rear ends 23b, 23b close to the central compressed groove 10 in particular to serve as the starting point for bending when the absorbent article 1 is curved in the longitudinal direction D1. This allows the absorbent article 1 to be easily curved in the longitudinal direction D1 in line with the curvature of the wearer's body, even in the region in front of the central compressed groove 10.

[0063] The function of the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 when the absorbent article 1 is bent in the longitudinal direction D1 can also be explained with reference to Figure 3 again. As shown in Figure 3(c), the absorbent article 1 is easily bent at the rear ends 23b, 23b of the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23, which are located a short distance in the width direction D2 from the central compressed groove 10. As described above, the absorbent article 1 is easily bent at the front end 10f and rear end 10b of the central compressed groove 10, so by positioning the rear ends 23b of the front oblique compressed portions 23 at a position spaced forward from the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10, the degree of bending at the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10 is reduced, as shown in Figure 3(a), allowing the absorbent article 1 to bend more naturally.

[0064] Furthermore, the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 are formed at a distance from the central compressed groove 10 in the longitudinal direction D1, that is, the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 are also formed independently of the central compressed groove 10, similar to the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21. This allows the body fluid that has migrated forward along the central compressed groove 10 to immediately migrate further to the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23, preventing it from spreading forward suddenly and causing leakage, even when a large amount of body fluid is discharged all at once.

[0065] Furthermore, the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 are formed so that the distance between them increases toward the front, thereby improving the fit to the front of the wearer's body. Normally, it is preferable that the absorbent article 1 be placed facing the front of the body (the area near the pubic bone on the front of the body) in a state spread out in the width direction D2. Therefore, by having the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 have the above-mentioned shape, the front region of the absorbent article 1 can also be deformed to fit the body shape from the crotch to the front of the wearer.

[0066] The front obliquely compressed section 23 and the central compressed groove 10, more specifically, the rear end 23b of the front obliquely compressed section 23 and the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10, may be separated in the longitudinal direction D1 by a separation distance d2. The separation distance d2 may be preferably 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or more and 12 mm or less. A separation distance d2 of 5 mm or more reduces bending at the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10, making it possible to make the curve near the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10 smoother. Furthermore, a separation distance d2 of 15 mm or less can prevent kinks and wrinkles that may occur when the front obliquely compressed section 23 and the central compressed groove 10 are too far apart when the absorbent article 1 deforms.

[0067] The length LF in the longitudinal direction D1 from the front end of the absorbent article 1 to the rear ends 23b, 23b of the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 may preferably be 70 mm or more and 95 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or more and 95 mm or less. By setting the length LF within the above range, the rear ends 23b, 23b of the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 can be configured to face the vicinity of the boundary between the wearer's crotch and front. This allows the absorbent article 1 to deform to fit the shape of the wearer's body from the crotch to the front, minimizing the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body.

[0068] 1, the front ends 21f, 21f of the pair of first rear oblique compression portions 21, 21 are located rearward of the center in the longitudinal direction D1 of the central compression groove 10, that is, within a range of the rear portion obtained by dividing the central compression groove 10 in half in the longitudinal direction D1. This allows the front ends 21f, 21f of the pair of first rear oblique compression portions 21, 21 to be configured to face the vicinity of the boundary between the crotch region and the buttocks.

[0069] Furthermore, the length L2 in the longitudinal direction D1 from the front end 10f of the central compressed groove 10 to the front end 21f of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 may preferably be 45 mm or more and 110 mm or less, and more preferably 575 mm or more and 100 mm or less. By setting the length L2 within this range, the front ends 21f, 21f of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21 can be positioned opposite each other near the boundary between the crotch and buttocks. The absorbent article 1 can be deformed to fit the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the buttocks, and the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body can be minimized.

[0070] The length L1 in the longitudinal direction D1 from the rear end 23b of the front obliquely compressed portion 23 to the front end 21f of the first rear obliquely compressed portion 21 may be preferably 60 mm or more and 110 mm or less, and more preferably 90 mm or more and 100 mm or less. By setting the length L1 within this range, the front ends 21f, 21f of the pair of first rear obliquely compressed portions 21, 221 can be positioned opposite each other near the boundary between the crotch and buttocks. The absorbent article 1 can be deformed to fit the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the buttocks, minimizing the gap between the absorbent article 1 and the body.

[0071] The first rear obliquely compressed section 21, the second rear obliquely compressed section 22, and the front obliquely compressed section 23 described above may all form a single continuous groove, but the degree of compression (compression depth) within these compressed sections may be uniform overall or may vary depending on the location. For example, as will be described again later with reference to FIG. 6(a), the first rear obliquely compressed section 21 may include a low-compressed section 21L and a high-compressed section 21H (shown in black) that is recessed deeper than the low-compressed section 21L. The high-compressed section 21H may be formed continuously or discontinuously. When the high-compressed section 21H is formed discontinuously, multiple high-compressed sections 21H may be lined up in a row along the extension direction of the first rear obliquely compressed section 21. The same applies to the second rear obliquely compressed section 22 and the front obliquely compressed section 23.

[0072] The first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21, the second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22, and the front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 may each be formed in a straight line or a curved line. However, by forming them in a curved line as shown in Figure 1, they can be deformed to better fit the wearer's body shape. It is preferable that the curved shape of the compressed portions be such that the extending direction forms a larger angle with respect to the center line CL as it moves away from the center line CL along the longitudinal direction D1.

[0073] Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a portion of the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1, including the left front obliquely compressed portion 23, the central compressed groove 10, and the left first rear obliquely compressed portion 21. As shown in Figure 4, on one side of the centerline CL in the longitudinal direction D1, at least one of the front obliquely compressed portion 23 and the first rear obliquely compressed portion 21, and preferably both, may be formed along a circular arc AC. In other words, at least one of the extending direction of the front obliquely compressed portion 23 and the extending direction of the first rear obliquely compressed portion 21, and preferably both, may be formed so as to form part of the circular arc AC.

[0074] The region of the absorbent article 1, from the pair of front oblique compressed portions 23, 23 to the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions 21, 21, is the region that faces the wearer's crotch, so if deformation of this region can be adapted to the curvature of the inside of the wearer's legs, an excellent fit can be obtained. Therefore, as described above, by forming at least one of the front oblique compressed portions 23 and the first rear oblique compressed portions 21, and preferably both, along the arc AC, natural deformation is possible, improving the fit.

[0075] The radius of curvature R of the arc AC may be preferably 70 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and more preferably 80 mm or more and 90 mm or less, which allows the absorbent article 1 to deform to fit the leg thickness of an average adult woman, allowing many users to experience an improved fit.

[0076] Figure 5 shows the configuration of a compression section according to a modified example. Figure 5 corresponds to an enlarged view of a portion including a pair of first rear oblique compression sections 21, 21 and a pair of second rear oblique compression sections 22, 22 in Figure 1, but the pair of second rear oblique compression sections 22, 22 is different. In the example shown in Figure 1, the extension direction of the first rear oblique compression section 21 and the extension direction of the second rear oblique compression section 22 are roughly the same, but the extension direction of the first rear oblique compression section 21 and the extension direction of the second rear oblique compression section 22 are different.

[0077] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5 , the angle β that the extension direction of the second rear oblique compressed portion 22 makes with the longitudinal direction D1 is larger than the angle α that the extension direction of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 makes with the longitudinal direction D1. In this specification, the extension direction of a compressed portion may refer to the extension direction of the center line of the compressed portion. That is, the extension direction of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21 may be the extension direction of the center line C1, and the extension direction of the second rear oblique compressed portion 2 may be the extension direction of the center line C2. Furthermore, the angle that the extension direction of a compressed portion makes with the longitudinal direction D1 may refer to the angle near the position where the extension direction intersects with the longitudinal direction D1. As shown in FIG. 5 , by making the angle β larger than the angle α, deformation of the region where the second rear oblique compressed portions 22, 22 that face the rear of the buttocks are formed can be reduced, allowing the absorbent article 1 to conform to the shape of the buttocks.

[0078] FIG. 6(a) shows an enlarged view of a portion (encircled by a dashed line) including one of the first rear obliquely compressed portions 21 in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 6(a), the first rear obliquely compressed portion 21 has groove-shaped low-compression portions 21L and high-compression portions 21H (shown in black) that are compressed deeper than the low-compression portions 21L, and the multiple high-compression portions 21H are spaced apart in the direction of extension of the first rear obliquely compressed portion 21. However, the configuration of the compressed portion does not have to be a combination of portions having different compression levels, and may instead be formed by small-compression portions 21a having the same compression level being formed in a row in the direction of extension of the compressed portion, as shown in FIGS. 6(b) to 6(e). In other words, the compressed portion in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be groove-shaped. By making the compressed portion non-groove-shaped, it is possible to prevent the compressed portion from becoming hard and interfering with the soft feel of the absorbent article 1, and it also makes it easier to fold the absorbent article 1 for individual packaging. Furthermore, while the compressed portion maintains its function as the starting point of bending, the induction of bodily fluids along the extension direction of the compressed portion is suppressed, thereby preventing leakage when a large amount of bodily fluid is discharged.

[0079] The small compressed portions 21a shown in Figures 6(b) to (e) may have the same degree of compression as the high compressed portions 21H shown in Figure 6(a), but the degree of compression of the small compressed portions 21a may be any degree as long as it enables them to function as compressed portions as described above, i.e., to deform the absorbent article 1 and guide bodily fluids. The shape of the small compressed portions 21a in a plan view may be a quadrangle such as a rectangle as shown in Figure 6(b), or a triangle as shown in Figure 6(c). Furthermore, the shape of one small compressed portion 21a may be a circle, oval, star, heart, or other shape. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6(d) and (e), a combination of different shapes may be used.

[0080] However, the total length of the small compressed portions, as viewed along the extension direction of the compressed portion, is preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 70% or more, of the length of the entire compressed portion. For example, as shown in Figure 6(b), the total length e of the small compressed portions 21a, as viewed along the extension direction of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21, may be preferably 50% or more, and more preferably 70% or more, of the length E of the first rear oblique compressed portion 21.

[0081] This embodiment is suitable for use as an absorbent pad for urge incontinence, for example, because it can prevent leakage even when a large amount of bodily fluid is suddenly discharged, regardless of the wearer's position. More specifically, it is suitable for use as an absorbent pad with an absorption capacity of 100 cc or more.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be variously changed, modified, substituted, added, deleted, and combined within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Absorbent articles 2 Back Seat 3 Topsheet 4. Absorber 7 Side seats 10 Central compression groove 10f Front end of central compression groove 10b Rear end of central compression groove 10H High pressure compression part of the central compression groove 10L Low compression section of central compression groove 21 First rear oblique compression section 21f Front end of the first rear oblique compression section 21b Rear end of first rear oblique compression part 21H High pressure compression section of the first rear diagonal compression section 21L Low compression section of the first rear diagonal compression section 22 Second rear oblique compression section 22f Front end of second rear oblique compression section 22b Rear end of second rear oblique compression section 23 Front oblique compression section 23f Front end of front oblique compression part 23b Rear end of front oblique compression part D1 Longitudinal direction (first direction) D2 Width direction (second direction) Q Opposite body fluid outlet

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A central compressed groove extending along the longitudinal direction at the center in the width direction; a pair of first rear oblique compression portions spaced apart from the central compression groove and extending such that the distance between them increases toward the rear; An absorbent article, wherein front ends of the pair of first rear oblique compressed portions are located forward of the rear end of the central compressed groove.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a rear end of the first rear oblique compressed portion is located forward of a rear end of the central compressed groove.

3. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of second rear oblique compressed portions spaced rearward from the central compressed groove and extending such that the distance between them increases toward the rear.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3 , wherein the angle formed by the extension direction of the second rear obliquely compressed portions with respect to the longitudinal direction is larger than the angle formed by the extension direction of the first rear obliquely compressed portions with respect to the longitudinal direction.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 3 , wherein front ends of the pair of second rear oblique compressed portions are connected to each other.

6. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of front oblique compressed portions spaced apart from the front end of the central compressed groove and extending such that the distance between them increases toward the front.

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