Absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide absorbent materials that can provide users with a comfortable warmth. [Solution] The absorbent article 1 comprises an absorbent pad 2 having a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4, and an absorbent layer provided between the surface sheet and the back sheet 4, and a heating element 10 provided on the side of the back sheet 4 opposite to the absorbent layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles have been conventionally used to absorb body fluids discharged from the body, such as urine, feces, and menstrual blood. Absorbent articles mainly include a surface sheet having liquid permeability, a back sheet having liquid impermeability, and an absorbent layer provided between the surface sheet and the back sheet. Absorbent articles are used such that the surface sheet contacts the user's skin. Body fluids discharged from the body permeate the surface sheet and are absorbed by the absorbent layer.

[0003] Absorbent articles are used for a long time while in contact with the user's skin. Therefore, it is required that the absorbent article be comfortable to wear even after absorbing body fluids, and that the user does not feel uncomfortable with the absorbent article. However, when the body fluids absorbed by the absorbent article cool due to the environmental temperature, the comfort of wearing the absorbent article deteriorates, and the user feels uncomfortable with the absorbent article.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article including a skin-side sheet forming a surface sheet, a non-skin-side sheet forming a back sheet, and an absorbent layer disposed between the skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet. The absorbent article of Patent Document 1 further includes a temperature-raising material that raises the surface temperature of the user's skin. According to the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, since the user's skin is warmed by the temperature-raising material, the user can avoid feeling discomfort due to cold body fluids with respect to the absorbent article.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1, a temperature-raising member is provided on the skin-facing sheet. Therefore, there is a risk that the user's skin may be excessively warmed by the temperature-raising member, which may cause the user to feel that it is too hot.

[0007] Therefore, one of the objectives of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that can provide users with a comfortable warmth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An absorbent article according to this disclosure comprises an absorbent pad having a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent layer provided between the surface sheet and the back sheet, and a heating element provided on the side of the back sheet opposite to the absorbent layer.

[0009] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the heating element includes a heating material that generates heat upon contact with air, and a containment bag in which the heating material is enclosed. The first main surface of the containment bag is permeable, the second main surface is non-permeable, and the amount of air that can pass through the first main surface is 10 ml / min or less.

[0010] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the storage bag is formed using a first sheet comprising a breathable fibrous material constituting a first main surface, and a second sheet comprising a non-breathable resin film constituting a second main surface, wherein the fibrous material of the first sheet is exposed, the resin film of the second sheet is exposed, and an adhesive portion is provided on the back sheet, and the heating element can be configured to be detachably attached to the absorbent pad by being attached to the back sheet such that the first sheet is in contact with the adhesive portion.

[0011] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the adhesive portion may be configured to include a first portion interposed between the first sheet of the heating element and the back sheet of the absorbent pad for attaching the heating element to the absorbent pad, and a second portion interposed between the back sheet of the absorbent pad and the user's clothing for removably attaching the absorbent pad to the clothing.

[0012] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the heating element can be configured so that no adhesive portion is provided.

[0013] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the heating element can be configured such that its maximum temperature is 60.5°C or less.

[0014] In an absorbent article in accordance with this disclosure, the heating element can be configured to raise the user's skin temperature by 2.0°C to 5.5°C one hour after the user puts on the absorbent article.

[0015] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the absorbent pad includes a main body having a shape in which the length in a first direction is greater than the length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a pair of wing portions protruding from the main body in a central region in the first direction toward both the left and right sides in the second direction, and the heating element can be configured to be provided on the main body.

[0016] The length of the main body in the second direction can be configured to be greater than the length of the heating element in the direction parallel to the second direction.

[0017] In an absorbent article according to this disclosure, the length of the heating element in a direction parallel to the first direction is smaller than the length of the main body in the first direction, and the heating element can be configured to be located in the central region of the main body in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] An absorbent article according to the present disclosure is attached to a user's clothing such that the surface sheet of the absorbent pad contacts the user's skin. Since the heating element is provided on the back sheet of the absorbent pad on the side opposite to the absorbent layer, the heating element is disposed with the absorbent pad interposed between it and the user's skin. Therefore, the heating element warms the user's skin with the absorbent pad interposed therebetween. Thus, according to the absorbent article of the present disclosure, a comfortable warmth is imparted to the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment (light incontinence sheet) of an absorbent article according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the absorbent article (light incontinence sheet) of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the absorbent pad. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the absorbent pad of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the heating element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating element of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where the heating element is attached to the absorbent pad. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view showing a state where the absorbent article (light incontinence sheet) is attached to underwear. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing a state where the absorbent article (light incontinence sheet) is peeled off from the underwear. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing a state where the heating element is peeled off from the absorbent pad.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] (Description of the Outline of the Absorbent Article) Absorbent articles in accordance with this disclosure are used attached to the user's underwear or other clothing to absorb bodily fluids such as urine, vaginal discharge, and menstrual blood. Specific examples of absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, light incontinence sheets (urinary incontinence pads), light incontinence diapers, panty liners, and sanitary napkins.

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an absorbent article in accordance with this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be given the same reference numeral, and their descriptions will not be repeated. In this disclosure, each component constituting the absorbent article is referred to as the "front side" with respect to the user's skin, and the opposite side with respect to the user's clothing is referred to as the "back side".

[0022] Figure 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 is a bottom view of the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment. The absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment is a light incontinence sheet.

[0023] The absorbent article 1 comprises an absorbent pad 2 and a heating element 10. The absorbent pad 2 and the heating element 10 are separate components, and the heating element 10 is detachably attached to the absorbent pad 2.

[0024] The absorbent pad 2 is primarily a component for absorbing bodily fluids discharged from the user's body. The absorbent pad 2 is positioned to be in contact with the user's skin. The heating element 10 is primarily a component for warming the user's skin. The heating element 10 is positioned with the absorbent pad 2 in between. The heating element 10 warms the user's skin with the absorbent pad 2 in between. As a result, when using the absorbent item 1, the heating element 10 provides the user with a comfortable warmth.

[0025] (Description of CL pads) Figure 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 2, Figure 4 is a bottom view of the absorbent pad 2, and Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the absorbent pad 2.

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the absorbent pad 2 has a flat, sheet-like shape with a pair of main surfaces, a front surface 20 and a back surface 21. The front surface 20 of the absorbent pad 2 is in contact with the user's skin. The heating element 10 is attached to the back surface 21 of the absorbent pad 2, which is opposite to the front surface 20 (the non-skin side), by an adhesive portion 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "first adhesive portion 6").

[0027] The external shape of the absorbent pad 2, that is, the shape as viewed from a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent pad 2, can be shaped according to the part of the body to which it is applied. If the absorbent item 1 is applied to the groin area of ​​the body, such as a light incontinence sheet, the external shape of the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2, which forms the part that absorbs bodily fluids, can be made, for example, elongated to fit the groin area of ​​the body.

[0028] A vertically elongated shape refers to a shape in which the length in a first direction, which is oriented along the anterior-posterior direction of the body, is greater than the length in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first direction and oriented along the lateral direction of the body. In this disclosure, the "first direction" is the "anterior-posterior direction," and the "second direction" is the "lateral direction." One side of the "first direction" is referred to as the "front side," the other side as the "back side," one side of the "second direction" is referred to as the "left side," and the other side as the "right side." The "front side" coincides with the ventral side of the body, and the "back side" coincides with the dorsal side of the body.

[0029] The absorbent pad 2 may be formed such that, in the central region in the first direction, a pair of wing portions 23 protrude from the main body portion 22 toward both the left and right sides in the second direction. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the user's clothing, for example, underwear 100, the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2 is attached to the inner surface 101 facing the skin in the user's underwear 100 using the first adhesive portion 6. The pair of wing portions 23 of the absorbent pad 2 are folded back and attached to the outer surface 102 (the surface opposite to the inner surface 101) of the user's underwear 100 using the second adhesive portion 7.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the back surface 21 of the absorbent pad 2 is provided with a first adhesive portion 6 and a second adhesive portion 7. The first adhesive portion 6 is provided on the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2, and the second adhesive portion 7 is provided on a pair of wing portions 23 of the absorbent pad 2. The absorbent pad 2 is attached to the user's underwear 100 using the first adhesive portion 6 and the second adhesive portion 7.

[0031] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the absorbent pad 2 is formed to be symmetrical with respect to a center line C1 that bisects its length in the second direction and extends parallel to the first direction. Furthermore, the absorbent pad 2 is formed to be symmetrical with respect to a center line C2 that bisects its length in the first direction and extends parallel to the second direction. Note that the absorbent pad 2 may also be formed asymmetrically with respect to the left and right sides, or asymmetrically with respect to the front and back.

[0032] The size and thickness of the absorbent pad 2 are not particularly limited and can be set to a size and thickness appropriate for the body part to which it is applied.

[0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the absorbent pad 2 comprises a surface sheet 3 placed on the skin side, a back sheet 4 placed on the non-skin side, and an absorbent layer 5 placed between the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4. The surface sheet 3 is also called the top sheet and constitutes the surface 20 of the absorbent pad 2. The back sheet 4 is also called the back sheet and constitutes the back surface 21 of the absorbent pad 2. The heating element 10 is placed on the side of the absorbent pad 2 opposite to the absorbent layer 5 relative to the back sheet 4.

[0034] The surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4 are formed to have the same outer shape and size. The outer shapes of the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4 form the outer shape of the absorbent pad 2. In this embodiment, the absorbent layer 5 is formed to have a different outer shape and be smaller in size than the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4. In the pair of wing portions 23, the absorbent layer 5 is not placed between the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4.

[0035] The surface sheet 3 and the absorbent layer 5 may be bonded to each other, for example, by using an adhesive. Similarly, the absorbent layer 5 and the back sheet 4 may be bonded to each other, for example, by using an adhesive.

[0036] A crimped portion 8 having a predetermined width may be formed around the entire outer edge of the absorbent pad 2. The crimped portion 8 can be formed by applying heat crimping, ultrasonic crimping, or simple crimping, which applies pressure only in the thickness direction of the absorbent pad 2. In the crimped portion 8, the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4 are compressed, and the thickness of the crimped portion 8 is smaller than the thickness of the parts of the absorbent pad 2 other than the crimped portion 8. If the surface sheet 3 and the back sheet 4 include a sheet-like base material made of fibers, the crimped portion 8 prevents fraying from occurring at the outer edge of the sheet-like base material. Note that the absorbent pad 2 does not necessarily have a crimped portion 8 formed thereon.

[0037] (Explanation of the surface sheet) Referring to Figures 1, 3, and 5, the surface sheet 3 is a flat sheet with liquid permeability that allows bodily fluids to pass through in the thickness direction. The surface sheet 3 is the part of the absorbent article 1 that comes into contact with the user's skin and allows bodily fluids discharged from the user to pass through and be transmitted to the absorbent layer 5.

[0038] The surface sheet 3 is formed from a sheet-like base material made of fibers, such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric (hereinafter referred to as "fiber base material"). Preferably, the surface sheet 3 is formed using a nonwoven fabric with a good texture. This improves the feel of the absorbent article 1 against the skin.

[0039] The nonwoven fabric forming the surface sheet 3 is preferably manufactured by, for example, the spunlace method, thermal bonding method, air-through method, airlaid method, needle punching method, or spunbond method. By using nonwoven fabric manufactured by these methods, a surface sheet 3 with a good texture can be formed. This improves the feel of the absorbent article 1 against the skin. Furthermore, nonwoven fabric manufactured by these methods does not contain adhesives or solvents. Therefore, by forming the surface sheet 3 with nonwoven fabric manufactured by these methods, the absorbent article 1 becomes highly safe for the user's skin.

[0040] Examples of fibers used as the material for the surface sheet 3 include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixed fibers obtained by appropriately blending the above-mentioned fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, silk, pulp, wool, and hemp. Among natural fibers, cellulose fibers such as cotton are preferably used because they are less likely to cause contact dermatitis such as allergies and are less likely to cause rashes. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide such as nylon, acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene / polyester, polyethylene / polypropylene, rayon, and acetate. Among synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene / polyester, polyethylene / polypropylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer / polypropylene are preferably used because they have excellent dryness and texture. The surface sheet 3 is preferably formed from the above-mentioned synthetic fibers.

[0041] The surface sheet 3 may be formed from a single fiber substrate, or from a laminate formed by laminating multiple fiber substrates. For example, when the surface sheet 3 is formed by laminating two nonwoven fabrics, the two nonwoven fabrics may be integrated by bonding them together with an adhesive, or by intertwining the fibers.

[0042] The thickness and basis weight of the surface sheet 3 are not particularly limited. The thickness and basis weight of the surface sheet 3 can be appropriately set according to the application area of ​​the absorbent article 1.

[0043] (Explanation of the absorption layer) Referring to Figure 5, the absorbent layer 5 is the part of the absorbent article 1 that absorbs bodily fluids. The bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent layer 5 spread out in a planar direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent layer 5 and are retained within the absorbent layer 5.

[0044] The absorbent layer 5 can be formed using a fibrous base material such as woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the absorbent layer 5 is formed using a nonwoven fabric that has excellent absorption properties for bodily fluids.

[0045] The nonwoven fabric forming the absorbent layer 5 is preferably manufactured by, for example, the spunlace method, thermal bonding method, air-through method, air-laid method, needle punching method, or spunbond method. By using a nonwoven fabric manufactured by these methods, an absorbent layer 5 with a good texture can be formed.

[0046] Examples of fibers used as the material for the absorbent layer 5 include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and mixed fibers obtained by appropriately mixing the above-mentioned fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, silk, pulp, wool, and hemp. Among natural fibers, cellulose fibers such as pulp are preferably used due to their excellent absorption of bodily fluids. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide such as nylon, acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyurethane, polyethylene / polyester, polyethylene / polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer / polypropylene, rayon, acetate, and cupro. Among synthetic fibers, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene / polyester, polyethylene / polypropylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer / polypropylene are preferably used due to their excellent cushioning properties and texture. The absorbent layer 5 is preferably formed from mixed fibers obtained by mixing the above-mentioned natural fibers and synthetic fibers.

[0047] The thickness and basis weight of the absorbent layer 5 are not particularly limited. The thickness and basis weight of the absorbent layer 5 can be appropriately set according to the application area of ​​the absorbent article 1.

[0048] The absorbent layer 5 may contain, for example, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). This improves the absorption of body fluids by the absorbent layer 5.

[0049] (Explanation on the back sheet) Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the backing sheet 4 is a flat sheet and is a liquid-impermeable sheet that does not allow bodily fluids to pass through or allows them to pass through very little in the thickness direction. The backing sheet 4 is the part of the absorbent article 1 that prevents bodily fluids leaking from the absorbent layer 5 from adhering to the user's clothing.

[0050] The back sheet 4 can be formed using a liquid-impermeable resin film, a liquid-impermeable sheet, etc. Examples of liquid-impermeable resin films include single-layer resin films made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, cellophane, polyvinyl chloride, etc., or multilayer resin films made by laminating two or more of the above-mentioned resin films. Examples of liquid-impermeable sheets include sheets made by laminating a liquid-impermeable resin film onto a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as SMS, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, or a pointbond nonwoven fabric.

[0051] (Explanation of the adhesive part) Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the back sheet 4 forming the back surface 21 of the absorbent pad 2 is provided with a first adhesive portion 6 and a second adhesive portion 7 on the side opposite to the absorbent layer 5. The adhesive forming the first adhesive portion 6 and the second adhesive portion 7 can be any known adhesive used in this type of absorbent article.

[0052] The first adhesive portion 6 provided on the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2 is formed to extend long in the first direction of the absorbent pad 2. For example, the first adhesive portion 6 extends in the first direction of the absorbent pad 2 from near the front edge of the absorbent pad 2, across the central region, to near the rear edge. The first adhesive portion 6 is interposed between the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 and the user's underwear 100 to removably attach the absorbent pad 2 to the underwear 100. The first adhesive portion 6 is also interposed between the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 and the storage bag 12 (first sheet 13 or second sheet 14) of the heating element 10 to removably attach the heating element 10 to the absorbent pad 2. Therefore, the first adhesive portion 6 includes a first portion 61 for attaching the heating element 10 to the absorbent pad 2 and a second portion 62 for attaching the absorbent pad 2 to the user's underwear 100.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, the heating element 10 is positioned, for example, in the central region in the first direction on the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2. The length of the first adhesive portion 6 in the first direction is greater than the length of the heating element 10 in the first direction. Therefore, the second portion 62 of the first adhesive portion 6 protrudes from the heating element 10 on both the front and rear sides in the first direction. As a result, the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 is attached to the user's underwear 100 using the second portion 62 of the first adhesive portion 6, and the absorbent pad 2 is attached to the user's underwear 100.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2 and 5, the first adhesive portion 6 may be provided in multiple locations on the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2 at intervals in the second direction, or it may be provided as a single portion in the center in the second direction. The length of the first adhesive portion 6 in the second direction is not particularly limited and can be set appropriately according to the number of first adhesive portions 6 provided on the main body portion 22.

[0055] The first adhesive portion 6 may be provided on the entire surface of the back surface 21 of the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2. However, from the viewpoint of allowing the absorbent pad 2 to be easily peeled off the user's underwear 100, it is preferable that the first adhesive portion 6 is provided on only a part of the back surface 21 of the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2.

[0056] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the second adhesive portion 7 provided on the pair of wing portions 23 of the absorbent pad 2 is formed to extend, for example, in the first direction of the absorbent pad 2. The second adhesive portion 7 attaches the pair of wing portions 23 to the user's underwear 100 and prevents the absorbent pad 2 attached to the user's underwear 100 from shifting relative to the underwear 100.

[0057] (Explanation of the heating element) Figure 6 is a plan view of the heating element 10, and Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heating element 10. In this disclosure, the direction parallel to the second direction of the absorbent pad 2 is referred to as the "fourth direction" of the heating element 10, and the direction parallel to the first direction of the absorbent pad 2 is referred to as the "third direction". Therefore, the "third direction" is the "front-back direction", and the "fourth direction" is the "left-right direction", with one side of the "third direction" being referred to as the "front side", the other side being the "back side", one side of the "fourth direction" being the "left side", and the other side being the "right side". The "front side" coincides with the ventral side of the body, and the "back side" coincides with the dorsal side of the body.

[0058] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 6, and 7, the external shape of the heating element 10, that is, the shape as viewed from a plane perpendicular to the thickness direction of the heating element 10, is not particularly limited. Examples of the external shape of the heating element 10 include rectangular shapes such as rectangles and squares, polygonal shapes such as triangles and pentagons, circular shapes, elliptical shapes, semicircular shapes, and semi-elliptical shapes.

[0059] In this embodiment, referring to Figure 6, the outer shape of the heating element 10 is "D" shaped. The "D" shape refers to a shape in which both side edges 15 and 16, which are spaced apart in the fourth direction of the heating element 10, extend parallel to each other from a straight end edge 17 on the rear side in the third direction toward the front, and then curve and connect while narrowing in distance from each other, or extend and connect while curving from the end edge 17 toward the front, narrowing in distance from each other. In other words, the "D" shape refers to a shape in which at least the front portion of the outer shape of the heating element 10 is curved in a convex, tapering manner.

[0060] The heating element 10 has a tapered shape with at least the front portion of its outer surface curved in a convex manner, so that when the absorbent article 1 is attached to the user's groin area, the front portion of the heating element 10 feels gentler when it comes into contact with the user's delicate area.

[0061] The heating element 10 is provided on the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2. The heating element 10 can be formed such that its length L2 in the third direction (shown in Figure 6) is smaller than its length L1 in the first direction (shown in Figure 3) of the main body portion 22. As a result, as shown in Figure 2, the heating element 10 can be positioned in the central region of the main body portion 22 in the first direction. Since the heating element 10 is not positioned in the front region in front of the central region in the first direction or the rear region behind the central region in the main body portion 22 of the absorbent pad 2, the front and rear regions of the main body portion 22 are more flexible. This results in a better fit for the absorbent article 1.

[0062] The heating element 10 can be formed such that its length W2 in the fourth direction (shown in Figure 6) is smaller than its length W1 in the second direction (shown in Figure 3) of the main body 22. This allows the heating element 10 to be positioned in the central region of the main body 22 in the first direction without protruding from the main body 22. Since the heating element 10 does not protrude from the main body 22, direct contact between the heating element 10 and the user's skin is suppressed. Therefore, the user's skin is not overheated, the absorbent article 1 is more comfortable to wear, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced.

[0063] Referring to Figure 7, the heating element 10 includes a heating material 11 and a bag-shaped containment bag 12 in which the heating material 11 is enclosed. The heating element 10 provides warmth to the user's skin when the heating material 11 generates heat.

[0064] (Explanation of heat-generating materials) The heat-generating material 11 preferably uses a heat-generating composition that generates heat through an oxidation reaction upon contact with air. This heat-generating composition includes, for example, an oxidizable metal, activated carbon, carbon black, a water-retaining agent, a metal salt (e.g., sodium chloride), and water.

[0065] The oxidizable metal is a metal that generates heat in an oxidation reaction, and examples include one or more powders or fibers selected from iron, aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Among these, iron powder is preferred as the oxidizable metal from the viewpoint of improving the handling, safety, manufacturing cost, storage, and stability of the heat-generating material 11. Examples of iron powder include reduced iron powder, atomized iron powder, and combinations thereof. Examples of water-retaining agents include wood powder, vermiculite, diatomaceous earth, perlite, silica gel, alumina, and water-absorbent resins. This heat-generating composition can be the same as the heat-generating composition conventionally used in disposable chemical hand warmers.

[0066] The heat-generating material 11 may be something other than the heat-generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air as described above. For example, a ceramic powder such as ferrite that generates heat when irradiated with microwaves in a microwave oven, or a gel-like heat-retaining agent that can be heated in a microwave oven. Alternatively, a chemical solution that generates heat using the heat of solidification may be used as the heat-generating material 11.

[0067] (Storage bag description) Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the containment bag 12 has a containment space capable of accommodating the heat-generating material 11. The containment bag 12 is flexible so that the heat-generating element 10 can be kneaded by hand. The containment bag 12 has a pair of main surfaces, a first main surface 121 and a second main surface 122. The first main surface 121 is permeable to allow air to come into contact with the heat-generating material 11 contained inside the containment bag 12. The second main surface 122 may be permeable or non-permeable, but it is preferable that it be non-permeable.

[0068] The storage bag 12 is formed into a bag shape by overlapping a pair of sheets, such as a first sheet 13 and a second sheet 14, and joining the outer edges of the pair of sheets 13 and 14 around their entire circumference. The first sheet 13 and the second sheet 14 are formed to have the same outer shape and size. The outer shapes of the first sheet 13 and the second sheet 14 are the same as the outer shape of the heating element 10. Alternatively, the storage bag 12 may be formed into a bag shape by folding a single sheet in half and joining the outer edges around their entire circumference while overlapping the halves of the sheets. It is preferable that the storage bag 12 be formed into a bag shape using a breathable first sheet 13 and a non-breathable second sheet 14. In this case, the breathable first sheet 13 constitutes the first main surface 121 of the storage bag 12, and the non-breathable second sheet 14 constitutes the second main surface 122 of the storage bag 12.

[0069] The amount of air that passes through the first main surface 121 (first sheet 13) of the containment bag 12 is set so that an appropriate amount of air comes into contact with the heat-generating material 11, enabling the heat-generating element 10 to achieve desired heat-generating characteristics (such as maximum temperature and duration during which the heat-generating temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature). In other words, the heat-generating characteristics of the heat-generating element 10 are controlled by adjusting the amount of air that passes through the first main surface 121 (first sheet 13) of the containment bag 12.

[0070] The airflow rate is preferably 6 ml / min to 10 ml / min, and more preferably 7 ml / min to 9 ml / min, from the viewpoint of effectively providing the user with comfortable warmth while reducing the risk of burns. The airflow rate is the amount of air passing through a circle with a diameter of 74.5 mm, as measured by a low-pressure flow meter. As the low-pressure flow meter, Kofloc's "Low-Pressure Flow Meter" or an equivalent product can be used.

[0071] The breathable first sheet 13 can be formed using a fibrous base material such as woven fabric or nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the first sheet 13 is formed using a nonwoven fabric with a good texture. Examples of fibers used as the material for the first sheet 13 include natural fibers, synthetic fibers, and mixed fibers obtained by appropriately mixing the above-mentioned fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, silk, pulp, and hemp. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, vinylon, rayon, acrylic, acetate, and polyvinyl chloride. Among these fibers, polyethylene terephthalate, nylon, and polypropylene are preferred to be used, and polyethylene terephthalate and nylon are even more preferred, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the absorbent article 1.

[0072] The basis weight of the first sheet 13 is not particularly limited, as long as it can suppress leakage of the heat-generating material 11 to the outside of the containment bag 12. The thickness of the first sheet 13 is not particularly limited, as long as it can make the heat-generating element 10 flexible and ensure the strength of the containment bag 12.

[0073] The first sheet 13 may be made of a porous or perforated resin film, which improves the strength of the first sheet 13 and the durability of the heat-generating material 11 against heat generation. In this case, the resin film is placed inside the fibrous base material such as nonwoven fabric (on the side of the space containing the heat-generating material 11). In other words, the fibrous base material such as nonwoven fabric is exposed on the first sheet 13.

[0074] The non-permeable second sheet 14 can be formed using a resin film that does not have pores. Examples of resins that can be used as the material for the second sheet 14 include polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyacrylonitrile, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyamide, polyurethane, polystyrene, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, and polycarbonate. Among these resins, polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer are preferred. The resin film forming the second sheet 14 may have a metal such as aluminum or a metal compound such as alumina deposited on it.

[0075] The thickness of the second sheet 14 is not particularly limited, as long as it allows the heating element 10 to be flexible and ensures the strength of the storage bag 12.

[0076] The second sheet 14 may be made of a fibrous material such as woven fabric or nonwoven fabric. In this case, the fibrous material is placed on the inside of the resin film (on the side of the space containing the heat-generating material 11). In other words, the resin film is exposed on the second sheet 14.

[0077] The storage bag 12 does not have an adhesive portion. The heating element 10 is attached to the back sheet 4 by the first adhesive portion 6 provided on the back surface 21 of the absorbent pad 2, i.e., the back sheet 4, and is thus placed on the user's underwear 100 while attached to the absorbent pad 2. The heating element 10 is attached to the back sheet 4 by bringing the storage bag 12 into contact with the first adhesive portion 6. In this case, it is preferable to bring the first sheet 13 of the storage bag 12 into contact with the first adhesive portion 6 rather than the second sheet 14. If the second sheet 14, in which the resin film is exposed, is brought into contact with the first adhesive portion 6, the resin film will adhere strongly to the first adhesive portion 6. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when peeling the heating element 10 from the absorbent pad 2, the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 is strongly pulled by the second sheet 14. As a result, there is a high possibility that the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 will tear when peeling the heating element 10 from the absorbent pad 2. In contrast, when the first sheet 13, which exposes a fibrous base material such as nonwoven fabric, is brought into contact with the first adhesive portion 6, the fibrous base material easily peels off from the first adhesive portion 6. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, when the heating element 10 is peeled off from the absorbent pad 2, the first sheet 13 easily peels off from the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2. This prevents damage to the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 when the heating element 10 is peeled off from the absorbent pad 2.

[0078] (Heat generation characteristics of heat-generating elements) Regarding the heating characteristics of the heating element 10, the maximum temperature of the heating element 10 is preferably 60.5°C or lower, and more preferably 56.5°C or lower, from the viewpoint of effectively providing the user with comfortable warmth and reducing the risk of burns to the user.

[0079] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of effectively providing the user with comfortable warmth, the heating temperature of the heating element 10 is preferably 49.0°C or higher for 6 hours or more, and preferably for 10 hours or more.

[0080] The temperature of the heating element 10 can be measured by attaching a temperature sensor to the first sheet 13 of the heating element 10. As the temperature sensor, a small temperature and humidity measuring instrument "Hygrochron" manufactured by KN Laboratories, or an equivalent product can be used.

[0081] Furthermore, the heating characteristics of the heating element 10 are preferably designed as follows, from the viewpoint of effectively providing the user with comfortable warmth and reducing the risk of burns to the user. Specifically, the user's skin temperature one hour after the user puts on the absorbent article 1 rises by 2.0°C to 5.5°C, preferably 3.0°C to 5.0°C, due to the warmth provided by the heating element 10. The user's skin temperature is the surface temperature of the skin on the user's body at the point where the heating portion of the heating element 10 comes into contact with the absorbent pad 2 in between when the absorbent article 1 is worn. The heating portion of the heating element 10 is the part of the heating element 10 in which the heating material 11 is enclosed, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and excludes the sealed portion 18 on the outer edge of the storage bag 12.

[0082] The user's skin temperature can be measured by the following method. First, a temperature sensor is attached to the surface of the skin on the subject's body at the point where the heat-generating portion of the heating element 10 comes into contact with the absorbent pad 2, with the absorbent pad 2 in between, when the absorbent article 1 is attached. As the temperature sensor, a small temperature and humidity measuring instrument "Hygrochron" manufactured by KN Laboratories, Inc. or an equivalent product can be used. Then, after the subject is at rest, the skin temperature before the absorbent article 1 is attached is measured in an environment with a room temperature of 18°C ​​and a humidity of 45%. Then, the subject with the absorbent article 1 attached is at rest, and after 1 hour has passed in that state, the skin temperature is measured again. The difference between the skin temperature 1 hour after the absorbent article 1 is attached and the skin temperature before the absorbent article 1 is attached is defined as the skin temperature rise, and this skin temperature rise is defined as 2.0°C to 5.5°C, preferably 3.0°C to 5.0°C.

[0083] Furthermore, the heating characteristics of the heating element 10 are preferably designed as follows, from the viewpoint of effectively providing the user with comfortable warmth. Specifically, after the user puts on the absorbent article 1, the warmth provided by the heating element 10 causes the user's skin temperature to remain at 38.0°C or higher for 6 hours or more, preferably 10 hours or more.

[0084] (Instructions for using absorbent materials) Referring to Figure 8, first, the heating element 10 is attached to the absorbent pad 2 by the first adhesive portion 6. At this time, the heating element 10 is attached to the absorbent pad 2 such that the first sheet 13, which forms the first main surface 121, faces the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2. Next, as shown in Figure 9, the absorbent pad 2 with the heating element 10 attached is attached to the user's underwear 100 by the first adhesive portion 6 and the second adhesive portion 7. At this time, the absorbent pad 2 is attached to the underwear 100 such that the back sheet 4 faces the underwear 100, and the heating element 10 is sandwiched between the back sheet 4 and the underwear 100. Then, when the user puts on the underwear 100, the absorbent article 1 is attached to the user.

[0085] Referring to Figure 10, the absorbent article 1, which has absorbed bodily fluids discharged from the user's body, is removed from the user's underwear 100. Then, the heating element 10 is removed from the used absorbent pad 2. If the heating element 10 still has sufficient heating time remaining, the heating element 10 is attached to a new absorbent pad 2, and when the absorbent article 1 is used again, the absorbent article 1 with the replaced absorbent pad 2 is attached to the user's underwear 100. In this way, the heating element 10 can be reused in the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment.

[0086] (The action and effect of absorbent materials) In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 is provided on the side of the absorbent pad 2 opposite to the absorbent layer 5, relative to the liquid-impermeable back sheet 4. The absorbent article 1 is attached to underwear 100 or the like so that the surface sheet 3 of the absorbent pad 2 is in contact with the user's skin, but the heating element 10 is positioned with the absorbent pad 2 in between. Therefore, the heating element 10 warms the user's skin with the absorbent pad 2 in between. Thus, according to the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, a comfortable warmth is provided to the user.

[0087] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 includes a heating material 11 and a storage bag 12, and the amount of air permeability of the first main surface 121 of the storage bag 12 can be configured to be 10 ml / min or less. By adopting such a configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment can effectively provide the user with a comfortable warmth.

[0088] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 is configured such that the first sheet 13, which is breathable in the storage bag 12, has an exposed fibrous base material, and the first sheet 13 is attached to the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 so as to be in contact with the first adhesive portion 6. With this configuration, when the heating element 10 is peeled off the used absorbent pad 2, the fibrous base material easily peels off from the first adhesive portion 6, making it easy to peel the first sheet 13 off the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2. Therefore, damage to the back sheet 4 of the absorbent pad 2 when the heating element 10 is peeled off the absorbent pad 2 can be suppressed.

[0089] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the first adhesive portion 6 can be configured to include a first portion 61 for attaching the heating element 10 to the absorbent pad 2, and a second portion 62 for attaching the absorbent pad 2 to the user's underwear 100. By adopting this configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment can be installed on the user's underwear 100 without providing an adhesive portion on the heating element 10.

[0090] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 can be configured so that it does not have an adhesive portion. With this configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment cannot be attached to the user's underwear 100 by itself. Therefore, only the heating element 10 is attached to the user's underwear 100, reducing the risk of burns to the user due to the heating element 10 coming into direct contact with the user's skin.

[0091] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 can be configured to have a maximum temperature of 60.5°C or less. By adopting such a configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment effectively provides the user with comfortable warmth, while reducing the risk of burns to the user.

[0092] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the heating element 10 can be configured to raise the user's skin temperature by 2.0°C to 5.5°C one hour after the user puts on the absorbent article 1. By adopting such a configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment effectively provides the user with comfortable warmth and reduces the risk of burns to the user.

[0093] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent pad 2 has a shape in which the length L1 in the first direction is greater than the length W1 in the second direction, and the length W1 of the absorbent pad 2 in the second direction can be configured to be greater than the length W2 of the heating element 10 in the fourth direction. By adopting such a configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment prevents the heating element 10 from directly contacting the user's skin. Therefore, the user's skin is prevented from being overheated, the absorbent article 1 is more comfortable to wear, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced.

[0094] In the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment, the length L2 of the heating element 10 in the third direction is smaller than the length L1 of the absorbent pad 2 in the first direction, and the heating element 10 can be configured to be positioned in the central region of the absorbent pad 2 in the first direction. By adopting this configuration, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment suppresses direct contact of the heating element 10 with the user's skin, thereby reducing the risk of burns to the user. Furthermore, in the absorbent pad 2, since the heating element 10 is not positioned in the front region in front of the central region in the first direction and the rear region behind it, the front and rear regions of the absorbent pad 2 are more flexible. This results in a better wearing comfort for the absorbent article 1.

[0095] (modified version) The absorbent pad 2 does not necessarily have to be a three-layer structure consisting of a surface sheet 3, an absorbent layer 5, and a back sheet 4. As long as the absorbent article 1 comprises a surface sheet 3, an absorbent layer 5, a back sheet 4, and a heating element 10 in that order, the absorbent pad 2 may have a laminated structure of four or more layers.

[0096] The heating element 10 uses a containment bag 12 in which a heating material 11 is sealed, but a material that is heated and stores heat when electricity is applied may also be used.

[0097] The embodiments disclosed herein should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Examples]

[0098] The absorbent articles described below will be explained in more detail based on the examples provided. However, the absorbent articles described below are not limited to the examples provided.

[0099] Examples 1 to 4 provided absorbent articles equipped with an absorbent pad and a heating element, similar to those described in the above-described embodiments. In the absorbent pad, the surface sheet has a two-layer structure. The first sheet on the skin side is made of an air-through nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene / polyester fibers, and the second sheet on the absorbent layer side is made of an air-through nonwoven fabric made of polyethylene / polyester fibers. The absorbent layer is made of an airlaid nonwoven fabric made of pulp and a mixed fiber of polyethylene / polypropylene fibers, as well as a superabsorbent polymer. The back sheet is made of a polyethylene film. The first sheet layer, the second sheet layer, the absorbent layer, and the back sheet are laminated in this order, and adjacent layers are bonded together with an adhesive. In the heating element, the first sheet is made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric made of polyester fibers, and the second sheet is made of a polyethylene film with aluminum vapor deposition. The heating material used is a powdered heat-generating composition that generates heat upon contact with air. The heat-generating composition contains iron powder, activated carbon, water, vermiculite, and a superabsorbent polymer in predetermined proportions.

[0100] The heating characteristics of the heating elements in Examples 1 to 4 are controlled by different amounts of air permeability in the first sheet. Table 1 shows the results of measuring the amount of air permeability in the surface sheet of the heating elements in Examples 1 to 4. Table 1 also shows the results of measuring the maximum temperature of the heating elements.

[0101] Table 1 shows the results of measuring the skin temperature of the subjects at the groin area after 1 hour, following the application of absorbent materials to the groin area of ​​each subject in Examples 1 to 4. Table 1 also shows the results of measuring the skin temperature of the same area of ​​the subjects before application of the absorbent materials, using a temperature sensor. Furthermore, for Examples 1 to 4, the perceived temperature of the subjects after 1 hour of wearing the absorbent materials was evaluated. The perceived temperature was evaluated on a three-point scale: "hot," "just right," and "lukewarm." The results are shown in Table 1.

[0102] Table 1 shows the results, such as skin temperature, when only the absorbent pads used in each example were worn by the subjects as Comparative Example 1. Table 1 also shows the results, such as skin temperature, when only the heating element with the same heating characteristics as the heating element in Example 4 was worn by the subjects as Comparative Example 2. Furthermore, Table 1 shows the results, such as skin temperature, when an absorbent article with a heating element and absorbent pad having the same heating characteristics as the heating element in Example 2, but with a liquid-permeable sheet on the back of the absorbent pad, was worn by the subjects as Comparative Example 3. When the back of the absorbent pad was a liquid-permeable sheet, bodily fluids seeped from the back of the sheet onto the heating element, wetting it and making it difficult for the heating element's temperature to rise.

[0103] [Table 1]

[0104] According to Table 1, it was confirmed that by providing an absorbent article with an absorbent pad and a heating element, and by positioning the heating element on the side of the absorbent layer opposite to the liquid-impermeable backing sheet of the absorbent pad, a comfortable warmth is effectively provided to the user, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced. Furthermore, it was confirmed that by setting the maximum temperature of the heating element to 60.5°C or less, a comfortable warmth is effectively provided to the user, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced. Furthermore, it was confirmed that by setting the air permeability of the heating element to 10 ml / min or less, a comfortable warmth is effectively provided to the user, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced. In addition, it was confirmed that by configuring the heating element to raise the user's skin temperature by 2.0°C to 5.5°C one hour after the user puts on the absorbent article, a comfortable warmth is effectively provided to the user, and the risk of burns to the user is reduced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0105] 1 Absorbent article, 2 Absorbent pad, 3 Surface sheet, 4 Back sheet, 5 Absorbent layer, 6 First adhesive part, 7 Second adhesive part, 8 Pressure-sealing part, 10 Heating element, 11 Heating material, 12 Storage bag, 13 First sheet, 14 Second sheet, 20 Surface of absorbent pad, 21 Back of absorbent pad, 22 Main body, 23 Wing part, 61 First part of first adhesive part, 62 Second part of first adhesive part, 100 User's underwear, 101 Inner surface of underwear, 102 Outer surface of underwear, 121 First main surface of storage bag, 122 Second main surface of storage bag

Claims

1. An absorbent pad comprising a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent layer provided between the surface sheet and the back sheet, A heating element is provided on the side of the back sheet opposite to the absorption layer, An absorbent article equipped with [a specific feature].

2. The heating element includes a heating material that generates heat upon contact with air, and a storage bag in which the heating material is enclosed. Of the two main surfaces of the aforementioned storage bag, the first main surface is breathable and the second main surface is not breathable. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the air permeability of the first main surface is 10 ml / min or less.

3. The storage bag is formed using a first sheet comprising a breathable fibrous material that constitutes the first main surface, and a second sheet comprising a non-breathable resin film that constitutes the second main surface. The first sheet has the fibrous base material exposed, The second sheet has the resin film exposed, The aforementioned back sheet is provided with an adhesive portion. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the heating element is detachably attached to the absorbent pad by being attached to the back sheet such that the first sheet is in contact with the adhesive portion.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the adhesive portion includes a first portion interposed between the first sheet of the heating element and the back sheet of the absorbent pad for attaching the heating element to the absorbent pad, and a second portion interposed between the back sheet of the absorbent pad and the user's clothing for removably attaching the absorbent pad to the clothing.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the heating element is not provided with an adhesive portion.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the maximum temperature of the heating element is 60.5°C or less.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the heating element is configured to raise the user's skin temperature by 2.0°C or more and 5.5°C or less one hour after the user puts on the absorbent article.

8. The absorbent pad includes a main body having a shape in which the length in a first direction is greater than the length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a pair of wing portions that protrude from the main body in the central region in the first direction toward both the left and right sides in the second direction. The heating element is provided in the main body portion of the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the length of the main body in the second direction is greater than the length of the heating element in the direction parallel to the second direction.

10. The length of the heating element in the direction parallel to the first direction is smaller than the length of the main body in the first direction. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein the heating element is disposed in the central region of the main body in the first direction.

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