Absorbent articles

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising an absorbent material containing a superabsorbent polymer, wherein the absorbent material containing the superabsorbent polymer is capable of ensuring sufficient absorption of body fluids. [Solution] The absorbent article 1 comprises a surface sheet 2, a first absorbent 4 disposed on the non-skin side of the surface sheet 2 and composed of an SAP sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer, and a second absorbent 5 disposed on the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4. The absorbent article 1 further comprises an embossed portion formed from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent 4 and reaching at least the non-skin side surface of the first absorbent 4. When the first absorbent 4 is divided into three equal regions in the width direction W, the embossed portion includes a first embossed portion 13 located in the regions at both ends of the width direction W and extending along the longitudinal direction L.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles provided with an absorber containing a superabsorbent polymer are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a wearable article. The wearable article includes a surface sheet positioned on the body side of the wearer, a back sheet positioned on the opposite side of the body side, an absorber positioned between the front and back sheets and containing a liquid-absorbing core material, an intermediate sheet positioned between the surface sheet and the absorber, a joint portion that integrates the surface sheet and the intermediate sheet by a squeezing process, and a strip groove formed from the surface sheet toward the absorber. The joint portion forms a recess from the surface sheet toward the intermediate sheet. The strip groove is formed deeper in the thickness direction from the surface sheet toward the absorber than the recess. The joint portion and the strip groove include an overlapping portion formed by overlapping at least a part of them. The absorber includes a first absorber positioned on the body side and a second absorber laminated on the first absorber and positioned on the opposite side. The first absorber has a front edge and a rear edge extending in the lateral direction, and includes a first core material containing superabsorbent polymer particles and a first covering sheet covering the first core material. A substantially non-existent region where the first core material does not substantially exist is formed at a portion corresponding to the overlapping portion. The second absorber includes front and rear end extending portions extending longitudinally outward from at least the front and rear edges of the first absorber. The area of the second absorber is larger than the area of the first absorber. The strip groove extends longitudinally from the front edge to the rear edge of the first absorber and reaches the second absorber.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 includes an absorbent body that is located on the skin side and contains a superabsorbent polymer (first absorbent body), and a second absorbent body that is located on the non-skin side (second absorbent body). In the first absorbent body, the superabsorbent polymer is divided into multiple regions aligned in the width direction by regions where the superabsorbent polymer is substantially absent.

[0005] Here, the substantially absent region is wider than the embossed portion (groove) and is not expected to break down (disappear) even when absorbing bodily fluids (e.g., urine, menstrual blood). Therefore, the first absorbent material is divided into multiple regions by a relatively wide substantially absent region, regardless of whether or not bodily fluids are absorbed. Consequently, when the superabsorbent polymer absorbs bodily fluids, swelling may be restricted in each region, potentially preventing it from absorbing bodily fluids sufficiently. In that case, the absorbent material may not be able to adequately absorb the amount of bodily fluids it can absorb.

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article comprising an absorbent body containing a superabsorbent polymer, wherein the absorbent body containing the superabsorbent polymer can ensure sufficient absorption of body fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article comprising: a surface sheet having mutually orthogonal longitudinal, width, and thickness directions; a first absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the surface sheet and composed of an SAP sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer; and a second absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the first absorbent, wherein the absorbent article further comprises embossed portions formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent and reaching at least the non-skin side surface of the first absorbent, and when the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the width direction, the embossed portions include first embossed portions located at both ends of the width direction and extending along the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an absorbent article comprising an absorbent containing a superabsorbent polymer can be provided in which the absorbent containing the superabsorbent polymer can sufficiently ensure the absorption of body fluids. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a light incontinence pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a light incontinence pad along the CW line. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view along the CW line in the first absorber. [Figure 4] This is a plan view illustrating the relationship between the first absorbent material and the embossed portion in a light incontinence pad according to an embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The disclosure of this invention relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] An absorbent article comprising: a surface sheet having mutually orthogonal longitudinal, width, and thickness directions; a first absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the surface sheet and composed of an SAP sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer; and a second absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the first absorbent, further comprising an embossed portion formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent and reaching at least the non-skin side surface of the first absorbent, wherein when the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the width direction, the embossed portion is located in the regions at both ends of the width direction and includes a first embossed portion extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0011] In this absorbent article, when the first absorbent material is (virtually) divided into three equal regions in the width direction, the first embossed portions are located in the regions at both ends in the width direction and extend along the longitudinal direction. There are no embossed portions between the first embossed portions. The regions between the first embossed portions located at both ends, i.e., the regions where bodily fluids (e.g., urine, menstrual blood) are excreted, are relatively long regions in the width direction. Because the superabsorbent polymer is positioned in these relatively long regions in the width direction, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb bodily fluids without its swelling being restricted when absorbing excreted bodily fluids. This makes it easier to fully utilize the absorbent performance of the superabsorbent polymer. At that time, since the first embossed portions formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent material (SAP sheet) reach the non-skin side, when the amount of excreted bodily fluid is small, the first embossed portions can adhere to the non-skin side, suppressing the movement of the superabsorbent polymer while absorbing the bodily fluid. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is small, the unevenness of the shape of the absorbent can be suppressed, and the fit can be maintained. On the other hand, when the amount of bodily fluid excreted is large and the amount of bodily fluid to be absorbed increases, the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer (including that located within the first embossed portion) causes the first embossed portion to detach from the non-skin side, expanding the area of ​​the superabsorbent polymer and increasing the amount of bodily fluid that the superabsorbent polymer can absorb. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is large, the superabsorbent polymer swells even more easily as the first embossed portion detaches from the non-skin side, ensuring that the absorbent material can absorb a sufficient amount of bodily fluid.

[0012] [Aspect 2] The absorbent article according to embodiment 1, wherein when the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, the embossed portion includes a second embossed portion located in the regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction and extending along the width direction.

[0013] In this absorbent article, when the first absorbent material is (virtually) divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, the second embossed portion is located in the regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction and extends along the width direction. There are no embossed portions between the second embossed portions. The region between the second embossed portions located in the regions at both ends, i.e., the region where bodily fluids are excreted, is a relatively long region in the longitudinal direction. In this way, because the superabsorbent polymer is positioned in a relatively long region in the longitudinal direction, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb bodily fluids more sufficiently without further restriction on swelling when absorbing excreted bodily fluids. This makes it easier to fully demonstrate the absorbent performance of the superabsorbent polymer. In this case as well, since the second embossed portion formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent material (SAP sheet) reaches the non-skin side, when the amount of excreted bodily fluid is small, the second embossed portion can adhere to the non-skin side, suppressing the movement of the superabsorbent polymer while absorbing the bodily fluid. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is small, the unevenness of the shape of the absorbent can be suppressed, and the fit can be maintained. On the other hand, when the amount of bodily fluid excreted is large and the amount of bodily fluid to be absorbed increases, the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer (including that located within the second embossed area) causes the second embossed area to detach from the non-skin side, expanding the area of ​​the superabsorbent polymer and increasing the amount of bodily fluid that the superabsorbent polymer can absorb. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is large, the superabsorbent polymer swells even more easily when the second embossed area detaches from the non-skin side, and the absorbent can ensure that the absorbent material can absorb a sufficient amount of bodily fluid.

[0014] [Aspect 3] The absorbent article according to embodiment 2, wherein the first embossed portion is connected to the second embossed portion.

[0015] In this absorbent article, since the first embossing part is connected to the second embossing part, a relatively large region of the first absorber excluding the longitudinal and widthwise end portions in the first absorber can be surrounded by the first embossing part and the second embossing part. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the superabsorbent polymer disposed in the surrounded region from moving outside the surrounded region. Further, when the embossing part comes off from the non-skin side surface of the first absorber due to the expansion of the superabsorbent polymer, the water absorption amount of the superabsorbent polymer can be adjusted by the amount of the superabsorbent polymer disposed in the surrounded region. Thereby, the absorber can sufficiently secure the amount of body fluid absorbed, and by adjusting the amount of the superabsorbent polymer disposed in the surrounded region, it is possible to control the water absorption amount emphasizing wearability and the water absorption amount emphasizing absorption performance.

[0016] [Aspect 4] The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the embossing part reaches the second absorber through the first absorber from the surface sheet.

[0017] In this absorbent article, since the embossing part reaches the second absorber, body fluid can be quickly transferred to the second absorber, so that it is possible to suppress the superabsorbent polymer in the first absorber from swelling too early. Further, when the amount of body fluid to be absorbed increases due to repeated absorption or the like, the embossing part comes off from the non-skin side surfaces of the second absorber and the first absorber due to the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer in the first absorber, so that the liquid-absorbing regions of the second absorber and the first absorber can be expanded. Thereby, the amount of body fluid that the second absorber and the first absorber can absorb can be increased, and the absorber can sufficiently secure the amount of body fluid absorbed.

[0018] [Aspect 5] The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer disposed inside the first embossing part in the width direction of the first absorber is larger than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer disposed outside the first embossing part.

[0019] In this absorbent article, the first absorbent material has a higher basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer on the inside of the first embossed portion in the width direction than on the outside. This increases the amount of absorption until the first embossed portion detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0020] [Aspect 6] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second absorbent comprises pulp fibers, and in the second absorbent, in a plan view, the basis weight of the pulp fibers arranged in the region inside the first embossed portion in the width direction is greater than the basis weight of the pulp fibers arranged in the region outside the first embossed portion.

[0021] In this absorbent article, in the second absorbent layer, when viewed in plan, the basis weight of the pulp fibers is higher on the inside of the first embossed portion in the width direction than on the outside, allowing it to absorb more excreted bodily fluids. Therefore, the second absorbent layer can absorb more bodily fluids, and initially, the amount of bodily fluids that the first absorbent layer needs to absorb can be reduced. This increases the overall absorption capacity of the absorbent layer until the first embossed portion detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0022] [Aspect 7] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the first embossed portion extends to the longitudinal edge of the first absorbent.

[0023] In this absorbent article, the first embossed portion extends to the longitudinal edge of the first absorbent material. Therefore, it is possible to prevent more of the superabsorbent polymer from moving from the inside to the outside in the width direction of the first embossed portion, from one longitudinal end to the other. This increases the amount of absorption until the first embossed portion detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0024] [Aspect 8] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the second absorbent extends more in the longitudinal direction than the first absorbent, and the first embossed portion extends in the longitudinal direction from the first absorbent to the second absorbent.

[0025] In this absorbent article, the first embossed portion extends longitudinally from the first absorbent to the second absorbent portion. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted in the first absorbent can be absorbed by the extended portion via the first embossed portion, initially reducing the amount of bodily fluids that the first absorbent needs to absorb. This increases the overall absorption capacity of the absorbent until the first embossed portion detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0026] [Aspect 9] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first absorbent comprises the superabsorbent polymer, an upper sheet and a lower sheet covering the superabsorbent polymer from above and below in the thickness direction, and a joining portion located at the edges in the width direction of the upper sheet and the lower sheet, extending along the longitudinal direction, and joining the upper sheet and the lower sheet.

[0027] In this absorbent article, the first absorbent body includes a superabsorbent polymer, an upper sheet and a lower sheet, and a joint located at both ends in the width direction of the upper and lower sheets and extending along the longitudinal direction. Therefore, bodily fluids that have diffused to the width direction edges of the first absorbent body can be diffused along the joint in the longitudinal direction. This prevents lateral leakage of bodily fluids and allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of both the first and second absorbent bodies, including both ends in the longitudinal direction. Thus, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent body.

[0028] [Aspect 10] The absorbent article according to embodiment 9, wherein the embossed portion further includes a third embossed portion formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent, located inward in the width direction from the joint portion of the first absorbent, and extending along the longitudinal direction.

[0029] In this absorbent article, in addition to the first embossed portion, bodily fluids can be diffused longitudinally along the third embossed portion, and also along the joint. This prevents lateral leakage of bodily fluids and allows for effective utilization of the absorption performance of the first and second absorbents, including both ends in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0030] [Aspect 11] The absorbent article according to embodiment 10, wherein the joint portion and the third embossed portion are non-parallel.

[0031] In this absorbent article, since the joint and the third embossed portion are non-parallel, bodily fluids can diffuse along the longitudinal direction but in different directions at the joint and the third embossed portion. This allows for effective utilization of the absorption performance of the first and second absorbents. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0032] [Aspect 12] The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 9 to 11, wherein the embossed portion further includes a fourth embossed portion formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorbent and extending along the width direction, located inward in the width direction from the joint portion in the first absorbent.

[0033] In this absorbent article, bodily fluids can be diffused in the width direction along the fourth embossed portion. This allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of the first and second absorbents, including both ends in the width direction. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0034] [Aspect 13] The absorbent article according to embodiment 12, wherein when the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, the fourth embossed portion is located at least one of the regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction and extends along the width direction.

[0035] In this absorbent article, the fourth embossed portion allows bodily fluids to diffuse in the width direction along the fourth embossed portion. As a result, the absorbent performance of the first and second absorbents can be effectively utilized, including both ends in the width direction. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0036] [Aspect 14] The absorbent article according to embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the longitudinal end of the first absorbent and the fourth embossed portion are non-parallel.

[0037] In this absorbent article, the longitudinal end of the first absorbent and the fourth embossed portion are non-parallel, allowing bodily fluids to diffuse in directions other than parallel to the width direction at the fourth embossed portion. This allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of the first and second absorbent portions. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent material.

[0038] The absorbent articles according to the embodiments will be described below, with light incontinence pads as an example. However, the types of absorbent articles are not limited to this example, and other types of absorbent articles may be used as long as they do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. Examples of such absorbent articles include pull-up diapers, tape-type diapers, sanitary napkins, and panty liners.

[0039] Figures 1 and 2 show examples of the configuration of a light incontinence pad 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a light incontinence pad 1 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the light incontinence pad 1 in Figure 1 along the CW line.

[0040] The light incontinence pad 1, in its unfolded state as shown in Figure 1, has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are all perpendicular to each other. It has a longitudinal centerline CL that passes through the center of the width direction W and extends in the longitudinal direction L, and a width centerline CW that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction L and extends in the width direction W. Here, the direction and side approaching the longitudinal centerline CL are defined as the inward and inner sides of the width direction W, respectively, and the direction and side moving away from the longitudinal centerline CL are defined as the outward and outer sides of the width direction W, respectively. On the other hand, the direction and side approaching the width centerline CW are defined as the inward and inner sides of the longitudinal direction L, respectively, and the direction and side moving away from the width centerline CW are defined as the outward and outer sides of the longitudinal direction L, respectively. Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction L, the side of the light incontinence pad 1 that faces the ventral edge of the wearer is also called the front side of the longitudinal direction L, and the side of the light incontinence pad 1 that faces the dorsal edge of the wearer is also called the rear side of the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, "plan view" refers to viewing the light incontinence pad 1, unfolded on a plane containing the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, from above in the thickness direction T, and "planar shape" refers to the shape perceived in the planar view. "Planar direction" refers to any direction parallel to the plane containing the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L. "Skin side" and "non-skin side" refer to the side that is relatively closer to and further away from the wearer's skin surface in the thickness direction T when the light incontinence pad 1 is worn by the wearer. A direction being aligned with the longitudinal direction L is not limited to being parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but includes a range of ±45° with respect to the longitudinal direction L. A direction being aligned with the width direction W is not limited to being parallel to the width direction W, but includes a range of ±45° with respect to the width direction W. For curves, the determination is made by the tangents at each point constituting the curve. These definitions are common not only to the light incontinence pad 1, but also to the absorbent material of the light incontinence pad 1 and the materials placed on them.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the light incontinence pad 1 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view, with the length in the longitudinal direction L being long and the width in the width direction W being short, and both ends in the longitudinal direction L bulging out in a roughly arc shape. The shape of the light incontinence pad 1 is not particularly limited as long as the length in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the width direction W. Examples of such shapes include a rounded rectangle, an ellipse, a gourd shape, and an hourglass shape. In this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 includes a pair of wing portions 10 that extend outwards on both sides in the width direction W from the roughly rectangular portion. The wing portions 10 have a roughly trapezoidal shape. However, their shape may be, for example, a semicircle or a semi-ellipse. The light incontinence pad 1 does not necessarily have to include wing portions.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the light incontinence pad 1 comprises a surface sheet 2 located on the skin side and having liquid permeability, a back sheet 3 located on the non-skin side and having liquid impermeability, and a first absorbent 4 and a second absorbent 5 located between the surface sheet 2 and the back sheet 3, which absorb and retain bodily fluids (e.g., urine, menstrual blood). The first absorbent 4 is located on the surface sheet 2 side, and the second absorbent 5 is located on the back sheet 3 side. The surface sheet 2 constitutes a part of the skin-side surface of the light incontinence pad 1 and extends from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction L. The back sheet 3 constitutes the non-skin-side surface of the light incontinence pad 1 and extends from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the pad further comprises a liquid-permeable diffusion sheet 8 located between the surface sheet 2 and the first absorbent 4, which diffuses bodily fluids in a planar direction.

[0043] Examples of materials for the surface sheet 2 include liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, synthetic resin film with liquid-permeable pores, and combinations of the same or different types thereof. Examples of materials for the back sheet 3 include liquid-impermeable and breathable nonwoven fabric, synthetic resin film with ventilation pores, and combinations of the same or different types thereof. Examples of materials for the diffusion sheet 8 include the same type of material as the surface sheet 2.

[0044] The first absorbent body 4 contains a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as an absorbent material for absorbing and retaining bodily fluids. The first absorbent body 4 is composed of an SAP sheet containing the superabsorbent polymer. However, an SAP sheet refers to an absorbent body in which the proportion of superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent material within the SAP sheet is 90% by mass or more, and this proportion is preferably 95% by mass or more. The remainder of the absorbent material in the first absorbent body 4 is, for example, cellulose fiber. In this embodiment, the proportion of superabsorbent polymer is 100% by mass. The first absorbent body 4 includes a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric that encapsulates the superabsorbent polymer. Details of the composition of the first absorbent body 4 will be described later.

[0045] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the first absorber 4, but for example, a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L and short in the width direction W when viewed from above. However, it is preferable that the first absorber 4 is smaller than the surface sheet 2 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and is also preferable to be smaller than the second absorber 5. In this embodiment, the first absorber 4 has a substantially rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L, and is smaller than the second absorber 5 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W.

[0046] The second absorbent body 5 may contain cellulose fibers as an absorbent material for absorbing and retaining bodily fluids, or it may contain cellulose fibers and a superabsorbent polymer, or it may be composed of the SAP sheet described above. The proportion of cellulose fibers in the second absorbent body 5 can be, for example, in the range of 0 to 90% by mass of the absorbent material. In this embodiment, it includes an absorbent core 5a composed of an absorbent material containing a superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers, and a core wrap sheet 5b composed of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric that encloses the absorbent core 5a.

[0047] There are no particular restrictions on the shape of the second absorber 5, but for example, in a plan view, it may be a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L and short in the width direction W, and further, a shape in which both ends in the longitudinal direction L bulge out in a roughly arc shape. However, it is preferable that the second absorber 5 is smaller than the surface sheet 2 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and larger than the first absorber 4. In this embodiment, the second absorber 5 is long in the longitudinal direction L and has a roughly arc shape at both ends, and is smaller than the surface sheet 2 and larger than the first absorber 4 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W.

[0048] It should be noted that the light incontinence pad 1 is not limited to having a two-layer structure (first absorbent 4 and second absorbent 5) as shown in Figure 2. The light incontinence pad 1 may have a multilayer structure of three or more layers, in which absorbent materials having a configuration like the first absorbent 4 or absorbent materials having a configuration like the second absorbent 5 are further stacked.

[0049] In this embodiment, the non-skin side of the surface sheet 2 and the skin-side surfaces of a portion of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5 are joined with an adhesive (for example, a hot melt adhesive, the same applies hereinafter). However, if a diffusion sheet 8 is provided, the non-skin side of the surface sheet 2 and the skin-side surface of the diffusion sheet 8 are joined with an adhesive, and the non-skin side of the diffusion sheet 8 and the skin-side surfaces of a portion of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5 are joined with an adhesive. Also, the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4 and the skin-side surface of the second absorbent 5 are joined with an adhesive. Also, the non-skin side of the second absorbent 5 and the skin-side surface of the back sheet 3 are joined with an adhesive. The peripheral portion of the non-skin side of the surface sheet 2 or the diffusion sheet 8 and the peripheral portion of the skin-side surface of the back sheet 3 are joined with an adhesive. At both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the light incontinence pad 1, the surface sheet 2, the diffusion sheet 8, and the back sheet 3 are joined by a heat seal 15.

[0050] Examples of surface sheet 2 include a flat sheet without irregularities. However, surface sheet 2 is not limited to this example, and is not particularly restricted as long as it can be used as a surface sheet for an absorbent article. Surface sheet 2 may be, for example, a sheet having a plurality of protrusions extending in the longitudinal direction L and spaced apart in the width direction W, and a plurality of recesses provided between each of the plurality of protrusions, or a sheet in which a plurality of substantially circular protrusions in plan view are arranged in a checkerboard pattern in plan view.

[0051] The type of nonwoven fabric used for the surface sheet 2, back sheet 3, diffusion sheet 8, and the nonwoven fabric enclosing the absorbent material of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a nonwoven fabric for absorbent articles. Examples include meltblown nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, airlaid nonwoven fabric, and air-through nonwoven fabric.

[0052] The nonwoven fabric material is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples include synthetic resin fibers and cellulose fibers. The synthetic resin is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples include olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. The cellulose fiber is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples include pulp fibers, regenerated cellulose, and semi-synthetic cellulose. Examples of pulp fibers include wood pulp, cross-linked pulp, and non-wood pulp.

[0053] The type of synthetic resin film used in the surface sheet 2 and back sheet 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a film for absorbent articles, and known film materials can be used. The material of the synthetic resin film is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and the synthetic resins mentioned above can be used.

[0054] The type of superabsorbent polymer used in the first absorbent body 4 and the second absorbent body 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer that can absorb and retain water. Examples include polyacrylate-based, polysulfonate-based, and maleate anhydride-based superabsorbent polymers. The type of cellulose fiber used in the first absorbent body 4 and the second absorbent body 4 is as previously described.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 further comprises a pair of side sheets 6 and a shear-preventing joint 9. The pair of side sheets 6 are located on both sides of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W. The inner ends of each of the pair of side sheets 6 in the width direction W are joined to the skin side of both ends of the surface sheet 2 so as to cover the surface of both ends in the width direction W. The joint is formed by compressing and fusing the inner ends of each side sheet 6 in the width direction W and one end of the surface sheet 2 in the width direction W with each other using embossing or ultrasonic processing. As a result, the joint constitutes a high-rigidity portion 7 that is more rigid than other parts of the side sheet 6. The high-rigidity portion 7 is formed in an arbitrary pattern during embossing or ultrasonic processing and is located at the inner ends of the side sheets 6 in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the high-rigidity portion 7 is a heat-fused portion in a floral pattern arranged along the longitudinal direction L.

[0056] In this embodiment, the peripheral edges of the non-skin-facing sides of the pair of side sheets 6 and the peripheral edges of the skin-facing side of the back sheet 3 are joined together with adhesive. In particular, at both ends of the width direction W of the light incontinence pad 1, the pair of side sheets 6 and the back sheet 3 are joined together with heat seals 16.

[0057] The anti-slip joint 9 is an elongated rectangular adhesive tape attached to the non-skin side of the back sheet 3, extending along the longitudinal direction L and spaced apart in the width direction W. In this embodiment, there are six adhesive tapes spaced apart in the width direction W. The anti-slip joint 9 secures the light incontinence pad 1 to the packaging sheet (not shown) via a separator when the light incontinence pad 1 is individually packaged, and secures the light incontinence pad 1 to the wearer's underwear or the like when the light incontinence pad 1 is in use.

[0058] The wing portion 10 is formed from a side sheet 6 on the skin side and a back sheet 3 on the non-skin side. The wing portion 10 is provided with a wing slip-prevention joint portion 12 on the non-skin side of the back sheet 3.

[0059] The basis weights of the surface sheet 2, back sheet 3, diffusion sheet 8, the absorbent material of the first absorbent 4, the nonwoven fabric enclosing it, the absorbent material of the second absorbent 5, and the nonwoven fabric enclosing it are appropriately adjusted according to the absorption performance required for the absorbent article. For example, the basis weights of the surface sheet 2 and diffusion sheet 8 are 5 to 200 g / m². 2 For example, the basis weight of the backing sheet 3 is 5 to 200 g / m². 2 For example, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer of the first absorbent material 4 is 50 to 500 g / m². 2 For example, the basis weight of the absorbent core 5a in the second absorbent body 5 is, for example, 0 to 600 g / m² for the superabsorbent polymer. 2 For example, the basis weight of the pulp fibers is 50-700 g / m². 2 For example, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric enclosing the absorbent material of the first absorbent 4 and the nonwoven fabric (core wrap sheet 5b) enclosing the absorbent material of the second absorbent 5 is, for example, 5 to 100 g / m². 2 It can be listed.

[0060] The light incontinence pad 1 comprises a pair of embossed portions 13 extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 further comprises a pair of embossed portions 14a extending in the width direction W and arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction L, and a pair of embossed portions 14b located outside the longitudinal direction L of the pair of embossed portions 14a and connecting the edges Q of the pair of embossed portions 13. Each embossed portion is formed by compression (e.g., embossing) of the surface sheet 2 and at least the first absorbent 4 of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5.

[0061] The pair of embossed portions 13 and 14a are formed at least from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent 4 and reach the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4, but may also extend through the first absorbent 4 into the interior of the second absorbent 5. The widthwise ends W of the pair of embossed portions 13 and the pair of embossed portions 14b are formed at least from the surface sheet 2 toward the second absorbent 5 in a region that does not overlap with the first absorbent 4 in the thicknesswise T direction, and extend into the interior of the second absorbent 5. The width of each embossed portion may be, for example, 0.5 to 5 mm.

[0062] Next, the first absorbent 4 will be described further. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first absorbent 4 in Figure 1 along the CW line. The first absorbent 4 comprises a first nonwoven fabric 41, a second nonwoven fabric 42 disposed on the non-skin side of the first nonwoven fabric 41, and a first superabsorbent polymer 40a disposed between the first nonwoven fabric 41 and the second nonwoven fabric 42. In this embodiment, the first absorbent 4 further comprises a second superabsorbent polymer 40b disposed on the non-skin side of the second nonwoven fabric 42, and a third nonwoven fabric 43 provided on the non-skin side of the second superabsorbent polymer 40b.

[0063] Here, the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 are permeable to liquid. The first nonwoven fabric 41 and the second nonwoven fabric 42 are nonwoven fabrics that encapsulate the first superabsorbent polymer 40a. The second nonwoven fabric 42 and the third nonwoven fabric 43 are nonwoven fabrics that encapsulate the second superabsorbent polymer 40b. The first nonwoven fabric 41 and the third nonwoven fabric 43 are nonwoven fabrics that encapsulate the first superabsorbent polymer 40a and the second superabsorbent polymer 40b.

[0064] Furthermore, at least two of the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 may be made by folding a single nonwoven fabric. For example, the first nonwoven fabric 41 and the third nonwoven fabric 43 may be made by folding a single nonwoven fabric.

[0065] In this embodiment, the ends of the first nonwoven fabric 41 and the second nonwoven fabric 42 in the width direction W are joined together by a joint 44 that extends along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the ends of the third nonwoven fabric 43 and the second nonwoven fabric 42 in the width direction W are joined together by a joint 44 that extends along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the ends of the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 in the width direction W are joined together by a joint 44 that extends along the longitudinal direction L. In this example, both ends of the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 in the width direction W are joined together by a joint 44.

[0066] The ends of the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 in the longitudinal direction L may or may not be joined by a joint (not shown) extending along the width direction W.

[0067] The first superabsorbent polymer 40a is bonded to at least one of the first nonwoven fabric 41 and the second nonwoven fabric 42 with an adhesive (e.g., a hot melt adhesive), and it is preferable that the amount of adhesive placed on the first nonwoven fabric 41 is greater than the amount of adhesive placed on the second nonwoven fabric 42. Similarly, the second superabsorbent polymer 40b is bonded to at least one of the third nonwoven fabric 43 and the second nonwoven fabric 42 with an adhesive, and it is preferable that the amount of adhesive placed on the third nonwoven fabric 43 is greater than the amount of adhesive placed on the second nonwoven fabric 42. In both cases, this is from the viewpoint of suppressing the leakage of particles of the first superabsorbent polymer 40a and the second superabsorbent polymer 40b from the gaps between the constituent fibers of the first nonwoven fabric 41 and the third nonwoven fabric 43.

[0068] Next, the pair of embossed portions 13, 14a, and 14b will be described further. Figure 4 is a plan view illustrating the relationship between the first absorbent and the embossed portions in the light incontinence pad according to the embodiment. In this figure, the first absorbent 4 is virtually divided into three equal parts in the width direction W (from left to right in the width direction W): regions W1, W2, and W3. At this time, the pair of embossed portions (first embossed portions) 13 are located in regions W1 and W3 at both ends of the width direction W and extend along the longitudinal direction.

[0069] The embossed portions 13 and 14a are formed by compressing the surface sheet 2 and the nonwoven fabric on the skin side, the superabsorbent polymer, and the nonwoven fabric on the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4 while they are overlapping in the thickness direction T. Therefore, at the bottom of the embossed portions 13 and 14a, the surface sheet 2 and the nonwoven fabric on the skin side, the superabsorbent polymer, and the nonwoven fabric on the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4 are considered to be in a state of being pressed together. Alternatively, at the bottom of the embossed portions 13 and 14a, the surface sheet 2 and the nonwoven fabric on the skin side and the nonwoven fabric on the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4 are considered to be in a state of being mechanically fitted together while being deformed into a concave shape by heat, with the superabsorbent polymer sandwiched between the fitted skin-side and non-skin-side nonwoven fabrics. Therefore, since the skin-side and non-skin-side nonwoven fabrics of the first absorbent 4 are hardly heat-fused together, they are considered to be relatively weakly bonded. Therefore, when the amount of bodily fluids excreted increases and the amount of bodily fluids to be absorbed increases, the superabsorbent polymer present at the bottom and around the embossed portions 13 and 14a swells, pushing up the nonwoven fabric on the skin side of the embossed portions 13 and 14a, and pushing down the nonwoven fabric on the non-skin side. As a result, the nonwoven fabrics on the skin side and the non-skin side of the embossed portions 13 and 14a become separated from each other. This is also true even when the embossed portions 13 and 14a reach the second absorbent material 5.

[0070] The configuration of these embossed sections 13 and 14a can be achieved by adjusting the magnitude of the pressure, the rate at which the pressure is applied, and the temperature when embossing the SAP sheet (first absorbent 4) so ​​that the degree of fusion of each sheet and nonwoven fabric is reduced.

[0071] In this embodiment, the embossed portions 13 and 14a are formed by compressing the surface sheet 2 and the first nonwoven fabric 41, the first superabsorbent polymer 40a, the second nonwoven fabric 42, the second superabsorbent polymer 40b, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 on the non-skin side of the first absorbent body 4 while they are overlapping in the thickness direction T. Therefore, at the bottom of the embossed portions 13 and 14a, the surface sheet 2, the first nonwoven fabric 41, the first superabsorbent polymer 40a, the second nonwoven fabric 42, the second superabsorbent polymer 40b, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 are considered to be in a state where they are pressed together. Alternatively, at the bottom of the embossed portions 13 and 14a, the surface sheet 2, the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 are each mechanically fitted together while being deformed into a concave shape by heat, and the first superabsorbent polymer 40a and the second superabsorbent polymer 40b are sandwiched between the fitted first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43. Therefore, it is considered that the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 in the first absorbent body 4 are not very heat-fused to each other and are therefore relatively weakly bonded. Therefore, when the amount of bodily fluids excreted increases and the amount of bodily fluids to be absorbed increases, the superabsorbent polymer present at the bottom and around the embossed portions 13 and 14a swells, allowing the first nonwoven fabric 41, the second nonwoven fabric 42, and the third nonwoven fabric 43 of the embossed portions 13 and 14a to separate from each other.

[0072] In this light incontinence pad 1, when the first absorbent material 4 is divided into three equal regions W1, W2, and W3 in the width direction W, the pair of embossed portions (first embossed portion) 13 are located in regions W1 and W3 at both ends of the width direction W and extend along the longitudinal direction L. There are no embossed portions between the pair of embossed portions 13. The region between the pair of embossed portions 13, that is, the main region where bodily fluids (e.g., urine, menstrual blood) are excreted, is a relatively long region in the width direction W. In this way, because the superabsorbent polymer is positioned in a relatively long region in the width direction W, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb bodily fluids sufficiently without being restricted in swelling when absorbing excreted bodily fluids. This makes it easier to fully demonstrate the absorbent performance of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0073] In this case, each embossed portion 13 formed from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent material 4 (SAP sheet) reaches the non-skin side of the first absorbent material 4. Therefore, when the amount of bodily fluid to be excreted is small, the embossed portions 13 remain in contact with the non-skin side, suppressing the movement of the superabsorbent polymer while absorbing the fluid. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is small, the embossed portions 13 can suppress any unevenness in the shape of the first absorbent material 4, thus maintaining wearability. On the other hand, when the amount of bodily fluid to be excreted is large and the amount of fluid to be absorbed increases, the superabsorbent polymer (including that located within the embossed portions 13) swells, causing the embossed portions 13 to detach from the non-skin side, expanding the area of ​​the superabsorbent polymer and increasing the amount of bodily fluid that the superabsorbent polymer can absorb. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is large, the embossed portions 13 detach from the non-skin side, making it easier for the superabsorbent polymer to swell further, and ensuring that the first absorbent material 4 can absorb a sufficient amount of bodily fluid.

[0074] In Figure 4, the first absorber 4 is further virtually divided into three equal parts along its longitudinal direction L (in order from the front side of the longitudinal direction L): regions L1, L2, and L3. At this time, the pair of embossed portions (second embossed portions) 14a are located in regions L1 and L3 at both ends of the longitudinal direction L and extend along the width direction W.

[0075] Thus, in this light incontinence pad 1, when the first absorbent material 4 is further divided into three equal regions L1, L2, and L3 along the longitudinal direction L, the pair of embossed portions (second embossed portions) 14a are located in the regions at both ends of the longitudinal direction L and extend along the width direction L. There are no embossed portions between the pair of embossed portions 14a. The region between the pair of embossed portions 14a, that is, the main region where bodily fluids are excreted, is a relatively long region in the longitudinal direction L. In this way, because the superabsorbent polymer is positioned in a relatively long region in the longitudinal direction L, the superabsorbent polymer can absorb bodily fluids more sufficiently without further restriction on swelling when absorbing excreted bodily fluids. This makes it easier to fully demonstrate the absorbent performance of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0076] In this case as well, each embossed portion 14a formed from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent 4 reaches the non-skin side of the first absorbent 4. Therefore, when the amount of bodily fluid to be excreted is small, the embossed portions 14a are in contact with the non-skin side, allowing the fluid to be absorbed while suppressing the movement of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is small, the embossed portions 14a can suppress any unevenness in the shape of the first absorbent 4, thus maintaining wearability. On the other hand, when the amount of bodily fluid to be excreted is large and the amount of fluid to be absorbed increases, the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer (including that located within the embossed portions 14a) causes the embossed portions 14a to detach from the non-skin side, expanding the area of ​​the superabsorbent polymer and increasing the amount of bodily fluid that the superabsorbent polymer can absorb. As a result, when the amount of bodily fluid is large, the embossed portions 14a detach from the non-skin side, making it easier for the superabsorbent polymer to swell further, and ensuring that the absorbent can absorb a sufficient amount of bodily fluid.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 is connected to the embossed portion (second embossed portion) 14a. This allows a relatively wide area of ​​the first absorbent material 4, excluding the ends in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, to be surrounded by the embossed portion 13 and the embossed portion 14a. This prevents the superabsorbent polymer placed in the surrounded area from moving outside that area. Furthermore, when at least one of the embossed portion 13 and the embossed portion 14a detaches from the non-skin side of the first absorbent material 4 due to the expansion of the superabsorbent polymer, the amount of water absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer can be adjusted by the amount of superabsorbent polymer placed within the surrounded area. This ensures that the first absorbent material 4 can absorb a sufficient amount of body fluid, and by adjusting the amount of superabsorbent polymer placed within the surrounded area, it is possible to control the amount of water absorbed, prioritizing wearability and the amount of water absorbed, prioritizing absorption performance.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment of this design, at least one of the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 and the embossed portion (second embossed portion) 14a extends from the surface sheet 2 through the first absorber 4 to the second absorber 5.

[0079] Thus, in this light incontinence pad 1, the embossed portion 13 and / or 14a reaches the second absorbent 5, allowing bodily fluids to be quickly transferred to the second absorbent 5, thereby preventing the superabsorbent polymer of the first absorbent 4 from swelling too quickly. Furthermore, when the amount of bodily fluid to be absorbed increases due to repeated absorption, the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer of the first absorbent 4 causes the embossed portion 13 and / or 14a to detach from the non-skin side of the second absorbent 5 and the first absorbent 4, thereby expanding the area in which the second absorbent 5 and the first absorbent 4 can absorb fluid. This increases the amount of bodily fluid that the second absorbent 5 and the first absorbent 4 can absorb, ensuring that the absorbent material can adequately absorb bodily fluids.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of this design, in the first absorbent material 4, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer located inside the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 in the width direction W is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer located outside the embossed portion 13. This increases the amount of absorption until the embossed portion 13 detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of this design, in the first absorbent 4, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer located inside the embossed portion (second embossed portion) 14a in the width direction W is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer located outside the embossed portion 14a. This increases the amount of absorption until the embossed portion 14a detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the second absorbent 5 contains pulp fibers. In the second absorbent 5, in a plan view, the basis weight of the pulp fibers located in the area inside the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 in the width direction W is greater than the basis weight of the pulp fibers located in the area outside the embossed portion 13. Therefore, in the second absorbent, in a plan view, the area inside the embossed portion 13 in the width direction can absorb relatively more excreted bodily fluids than the area outside. As a result, the amount of bodily fluids that the first absorbent 4 needs to absorb initially can be reduced. This increases the total absorption capacity of the absorbent until the embossed portion 13 detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. This ensures sufficient absorption of bodily fluids while maintaining wearability, even when a large amount of bodily fluids are excreted.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 extends to the edge in the longitudinal direction L of the first absorbent material 4. Therefore, it is possible to prevent more of the superabsorbent polymer from moving from the inside to the outside in the width direction W of the embossed portion 13, from one end in the longitudinal direction L to the other. This increases the amount of absorption until the embossed portion 13 detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of this product, the second absorbent 5 extends more in the longitudinal direction L than the first absorbent 4, and the embossed portion (first embossed portion) 13 extends in the longitudinal direction L from the first absorbent 4 (beyond its edge in the longitudinal direction L) to the second absorbent 5. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted into the first absorbent 4 can be absorbed by the extended portion of the second absorbent 5 via the embossed portion 13, thereby initially reducing the amount of bodily fluids that the first absorbent 4 needs to absorb. This increases the overall absorption capacity of the absorbent until the embossed portion 13 detaches from the non-skin side due to swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, even when a large amount of bodily fluid is excreted, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured while maintaining wearability.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the first absorbent 4 includes a superabsorbent polymer 40a, a first nonwoven fabric 41 (upper sheet) and a second nonwoven fabric 42 (lower sheet), and a joint 44. Therefore, bodily fluids that have diffused to the edges in the width direction W of the first absorbent 4 can be diffused along the joint 44 in the longitudinal direction L. This prevents lateral leakage of bodily fluids and allows for effective utilization of the absorption performance of both the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5, including both ends in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0086] The light incontinence pad 1 may have an additional embossed portion (third embossed portion) formed from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent 4 and extending along the longitudinal direction L, located inward in the width direction W from the joint 44 of the first absorbent 4. This additional embossed portion (not shown) is positioned either inward or outward in the width direction W relative to the embossed portion 13. In this case, in addition to the embossed portion 13, bodily fluids can be diffused along the additional embossed portion in the longitudinal direction L, while bodily fluids can also be diffused along the joint 44 in the longitudinal direction L. This further suppresses lateral leakage of bodily fluids and allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5, including both ends in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the joint portion 44 and the embossed portion 13 (the third embossed portion) are non-parallel. In this design, the embossed portion 13 is aligned with the longitudinal direction L, but has a convex, curved shape that curves inward in the width direction W. On the other hand, the joint portion 44 is generally straight along the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the joint portion 44 and the embossed portion 13 are non-parallel.

[0088] Thus, in this light incontinence pad 1, since the joint and the embossed portion 13 are non-parallel, bodily fluids can be diffused in different directions along the longitudinal direction at the joint and the embossed portion 13. This allows for effective utilization of the absorption performance of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5. Therefore, sufficient absorption of bodily fluids can be ensured by the entire absorbent material.

[0089] The light incontinence pad 1 has another embossed portion (a fourth embossed portion) formed from the surface sheet 2 toward the first absorbent 4 and extending along the width direction W, located inward in the width direction W from the joint 44 of the first absorbent 4. This other embossed portion is positioned either inward (not shown) or outward (embossed portion 14b) in the longitudinal direction L relative to the embossed portion 14a. In this case, in addition to the embossed portion 14a, bodily fluids can be diffused along this other embossed portion in the width direction W. This allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5, including both ends in the width direction W. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of this design, when the first absorbent 4 is divided into three equal regions along its longitudinal direction L, the embossed portion 14a (the fourth embossed portion) is located in at least one of the regions at both ends of the longitudinal direction L and extends along the width direction W. In this design, the embossed portion 14a is located in the regions at both ends of the longitudinal direction L. This allows for effective utilization of the absorption performance of both the first absorbent 4 and the second absorbent 5, including both ends in the width direction W. Therefore, a sufficient amount of body fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of this design, the end of the first absorber 4 in the longitudinal direction L and the embossed portion 14a (the fourth embossed portion) are non-parallel. In this design, the embossed portion 14a is aligned with the width direction W, but has a convex, curved shape that extends outward in the longitudinal direction L. On the other hand, both ends of the first absorber 4 in the longitudinal direction L are generally straight lines aligned with the width direction W. Therefore, it can be said that both ends of the first absorber 4 in the longitudinal direction L and the embossed portion 14a are non-parallel.

[0092] Thus, in this light incontinence pad 1, the end of the first absorbent material 4 in the longitudinal direction L and the embossed portion 14a are not parallel, allowing bodily fluids to diffuse in directions other than the width direction W at the embossed portion 14a. This allows for effective utilization of the absorbent performance of the first absorbent material 4 and the second absorbent material 5. Therefore, a sufficient amount of bodily fluid can be absorbed by the entire absorbent material.

[0093] The absorbent articles, including the light incontinence pad, are not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate or modified by applying prior art, without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0094] 1. Absorbent items (light incontinence pads) 2. Surface sheet 4. First absorber 5. Second absorber 13. First embossed section

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a surface sheet having mutually orthogonal longitudinal, width, and thickness directions, a first absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the surface sheet and composed of an SAP sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer, and a second absorbent disposed on the non-skin side of the first absorbent, The surface sheet is formed toward the first absorbent, and further comprises an embossed portion that reaches at least the non-skin side of the first absorbent, When the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the width direction, the embossed portion is located in the regions at both ends in the width direction and includes a first embossed portion that extends along the longitudinal direction. Absorbent material.

2. When the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, the embossed portion includes a second embossed portion located in the regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction and extending along the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The first embossed portion is connected to the second embossed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 2.

4. The embossed portion reaches the second absorber via the first absorber from the surface sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the first absorbent, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer disposed inside the first embossed portion in the width direction is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer disposed outside the first embossed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second absorbent body contains pulp fibers, In the second absorbent, in a plan view, the basis weight of the pulp fibers arranged in the region inside the first embossed portion in the width direction is greater than the basis weight of the pulp fibers arranged in the region outside the first embossed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The first embossed portion extends to the longitudinal edge of the first absorber. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The second absorbent extends more in the longitudinal direction than the first absorbent, and the first embossed portion extends in the longitudinal direction from the first absorbent to the second absorbent. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The first absorbent is The superabsorbent polymer and, An upper sheet and a lower sheet covering the superabsorbent polymer from above and below in the thickness direction, A joining portion located at the edges in the width direction of the upper sheet and the lower sheet, extending along the longitudinal direction, and joining the upper sheet and the lower sheet, including, The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The embossed portion further includes a third embossed portion that is formed inward in the width direction from the surface sheet toward the first absorber and extends along the longitudinal direction, located inward from the joint portion in the first absorber. The absorbent article according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned joint and the third embossed portion are non-parallel. The absorbent article according to claim 10.

12. The embossed portion further includes a fourth embossed portion that is formed from the surface sheet toward the first absorber and extends along the width direction, located inward in the width direction from the joint portion in the first absorber. The absorbent article according to claim 9.

13. When the first absorbent is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, the fourth embossed portion is located at least one of the regions at both ends in the longitudinal direction and extends along the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

14. The longitudinal end of the first absorber and the fourth embossed portion are non-parallel. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

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