Absorbent articles and absorbent pads

Abstract

The objective is to provide an absorbent article that suppresses a decrease in the bonding strength of the closing mechanism and maintains a state in which excrement on the side of the skin is covered with the absorbent article. [Solution] An absorbent article (1) having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core (10) having longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal when unfolded, and having a bonding agent (31) on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article (1) when discarded, and the bonding agent (31) has a plurality of convex portions (301) that are convex in the thickness direction and concave portions (302) that are concave in the thickness direction on the surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles and absorbent pads.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article that can be easily removed after use and can be kept in a small, bundled state after removal. Specifically, when the used absorbent article is rolled up from one end in the longitudinal direction for disposal, it is said that it can be held in the rolled-up state by a belt-like region near the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=第22]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] = On the other hand, when the absorbent article absorbs a large amount of excrement, the swelling in the thickness direction increases, so it may be difficult to roll it up from the end. In that case, an absorbent article provided with a closing mechanism that closes in a state of being folded with the skin side facing inward is desired. The closing mechanism is provided such that, for example, when the absorbent article is folded in half with the skin side facing inward, adhesives such as adhesives and self-adhesives face each other at both ends of the absorbent article. In such an absorbent article provided with a closing mechanism, after use, by closing the skin side surface to which excretory fluid has adhered, it can be hygienically discarded while confining the excretory fluid and its odor.

[0005] However, during use (such as when worn) of the absorbent article, foreign substances such as sebum and fiber debris may adhere to the surface of the adhesive such as the adhesive or self-adhesive used in the closing mechanism. In that case, the bonding strength of the self-adhesive or the like may decrease, making it difficult to maintain the closed state of the absorbent article.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an absorbent article equipped with a closing mechanism that suppresses a decrease in the bonding strength of the closing mechanism and maintains a state in which the excrement on the side of the skin is covered by the absorbent article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention for achieving the above objective is: In its unfolded state, it has longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal to each other. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing core, The skin-facing side has an adhesive that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when discarded. The absorbent article is characterized in that the surface of the bonding agent has a plurality of convex portions that are convex in the thickness direction and recesses that are concave in the thickness direction. Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can suppress a decrease in the bonding strength of the closing mechanism and maintain a state in which excrement on the side of the skin is covered with the absorbent article. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of the urine absorption pad 1 in this embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the skin side in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the urine absorption pad 1. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram of pad 1 when folded in half. [Figure 4] This is a magnified section illustrating the details of the configuration of pad 1. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of the self-adhesive joining means 30, 30'. [Figure 6] It is a figure for explaining the convex part 301 and the concave part 302 in the joining means 30. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view in the case where each of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' has a convex part 301 and a concave part 302. [Figure 8] It is a figure for explaining the convex region 303 and the concave region 304 in the joining means 30, 30'. [Figure 9] It is a figure in which the joining means 30 (30') and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlap in the thickness direction. [Figure 10] It is a figure in which the joining means 30 (30') and the absorbent polymer 101 overlap in the thickness direction. [Figure 11] It is a figure in which the joining means 30 (30') and the groove part overlap in the thickness direction. [Figure 12] Figures 12A to 12C are figures for explaining the relationship between the core wrap sheet 11 and the joining means 30. [Figure 13] Figures 13A and 13B are figures for explaining the case where a wrinkle occurs in a part of the overlap part 11оr of the core wrap sheet 11. [Figure 14] It is a plan view of the pad 1 in the deployed and extended state as seen from the non-skin side. [Figure 15] It is an explanatory view of an example in the case of attaching and using with the panty-type diaper 50. [Figure 16] It is an explanatory view of the joining means 30, 30'. [Figure 17] It is a figure for explaining the action and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30, 30' is applied. [Figure 18] It is an explanatory view of a modified example of the joining means 30, 30'.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] From the description in this specification and the attached drawings, at least the following matters become clear. (Aspect 1) having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in the unfolded state, An absorbent article comprising a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, having an adhesive on the skin side that can be joined to a part of the absorbent article at the time of disposal, The surface of the adhesive has a plurality of convex portions that protrude in the thickness direction and concave portions that are recessed in the thickness direction.

[0011] According to Aspect 1, when the surface of the adhesive comes into contact with the skin or clothing of the wearer during use of the absorbent article, etc., in the concave portions of the surface of the adhesive, the probability of adhesion of sebum, fiber dust, etc. is lower compared to the convex portions. Therefore, due to the provision of a plurality of concave portions on the surface of the adhesive, it becomes difficult for the bonding strength to decrease compared to the case where no concave portions are provided. As a result, it becomes easier for the absorbent article to maintain a closed state.

[0012] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, having a stretchable member that stretches and contracts in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a part of the adhesive overlaps with a stretchable part of the stretchable member.

[0013] According to Aspect 2, since at least a part of the adhesive overlaps with the stretchable member, it becomes easier for concave and convex portions to be formed on the surface of the adhesive in the overlapping portion. Also, due to the wrinkles formed by the stretching and contraction of the stretchable member, it becomes easier for concave and convex portions to be formed on the surface of the adhesive.

[0014] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, The stretchable member has a non-stretchable part that does not have stretchability, When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a part of the adhesive overlaps with the non-stretchable part.

[0015] According to embodiment 3, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the non-stretchable portion of the expandable member. Since the thickness of the expandable member in the non-stretchable portion tends to be thicker than that of the expandable portion, larger recesses and protrusions are more likely to be formed on the surface of the adhesive in the overlapping portion.

[0016] (Aspect 4) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 3, Contains superabsorbent polymers, When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the bonding agent does not overlap with the absorbent core, but overlaps with the absorbent polymer.

[0017] According to embodiment 4, at least a portion of the bonding agent does not overlap with the absorbent core, but overlaps with the absorbent polymer (SAP), making it easier for recesses and protrusions to form on the surface of the bonding agent in the overlapping portion.

[0018] (Appearance 5) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 4, The bonding agent is positioned across the longitudinal end of the absorbent core.

[0019] According to embodiment 5, since a step is created in the thickness direction at the edge of the absorbent core (the contour of the absorbent core), a step is also easily formed in the adhesive placed across the edge. In addition to the multiple protrusions and recesses on the surface of the adhesive, the probability of sebum, fiber debris, etc. adhering to the surface can be further reduced by the step.

[0020] (Appendix 6) An absorbent article described in any of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, The absorbent core has grooves that are concave in the thickness direction, When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the groove.

[0021] According to embodiment 6, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the grooves in the absorbent core, making it easier for recesses and protrusions to form on the surface of the adhesive in the overlapping portion.

[0022] (Appearance 7) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 6, It has a top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core, The top sheet has a plurality of sheet protrusions that are convex in the thickness direction and sheet recesses that are concave in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the sheet protrusions and sheet recesses.

[0023] According to embodiment 7, by overlapping with the irregularities of the top sheet, recesses and protrusions are more easily formed on the surface of the adhesive in the overlapping portion.

[0024] (Appearance 8) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 7, The bonding agent comprises a one-side bonding agent provided at one end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and a other-side bonding agent provided at the other end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. When the absorbent article is folded in half at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, and the one-sided adhesive and the other-sided adhesive are joined facing each other, The adhesive has a portion where one of the multiple protrusions provided on the surface of the one-side adhesive is misaligned with one of the multiple protrusions provided on the surface of the other-side adhesive.

[0025] According to embodiment 8, the probability of two protrusions with reduced bonding strength facing each other is reduced between the protrusion with bonding agent on one side and the protrusion with bonding agent on the other side. Therefore, the bonded state between the two is more easily maintained.

[0026] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 8, The absorbent core has a core wrap sheet covering it, The core wrap sheet, in its planar state before covering the absorbent core, has one end located on one side in the width direction and the other end located on the other side in the width direction. In a state in which the absorbent core is covered by the core wrap sheet, the one end and the other end have an overlapping portion that overlaps in the thickness direction, When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, the adhesive and the overlapping portion have an overlapping area.

[0027] According to embodiment 9, in the portion of the adhesive that overlaps with the overlapping portion, a convex portion is formed in the thickness direction according to the convex shape of the overlapping portion. That is, a step is formed on the surface of the adhesive, and the probability of sebum, fiber debris, etc. adhering to the parts other than the convex portion is reduced. As a result, the bonding strength of the adhesive is less likely to decrease.

[0028] (Aspect 10) The absorbent article described in Aspect 9, In the overlap portion, at least a part of one end or the other end has a curled portion that is curled in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, there is a portion where the adhesive and the curled portion overlap.

[0029] According to embodiment 10, in the portion of the adhesive that overlaps with the peeled portion, a convex portion is formed in the thickness direction that corresponds to the convex shape of the peeled portion 11. That is, a large step is more likely to be formed on the surface of the adhesive, and the probability of sebum, fiber debris, etc. adhering to the parts other than the convex portion is reduced. As a result, the bonding strength of the adhesive is less likely to decrease.

[0030] (Aspect 11) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 10, The absorbent pant-type article has a locking mechanism on the non-skin side that can be attached to the skin side, When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, there is a portion where the adhesive and the locking means overlap.

[0031] According to embodiment 11, since the portion where the fixing part is provided has higher rigidity compared to other parts, force can be efficiently applied to the adhesive by pressing the portion overlapping with the fixing part from the non-skin side. This makes it easier to bond the adhesives together more strongly.

[0032] (Aspect 12) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 11, It has a marker that is visible from the non-skin side, When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, there is a portion where the adhesive and the mark overlap.

[0033] According to embodiment 11, since the mark is easily visible from the non-skin side, force can be efficiently applied to the adhesive by pressing the overlapping portion of the mark from the non-skin side. This makes it easier to bond the bonding means together more strongly.

[0034] (Aspect 13) In its unfolded state, it has longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal to each other. Equipped with a liquid-absorbing core, An absorbent pad that can be attached to the skin side of a pant-type absorbent garment, The aforementioned pant-type absorbent article has a pant-side stretchable member that stretches along at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, The skin-facing side of the absorbent pad has an adhesive that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when discarded. When the absorbent pad is attached to the pant-type absorbent article and viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the pant-side stretchable member, and the surface of the adhesive has multiple convex and concave portions.

[0035] According to embodiment 13, when the pad is attached to the pants, the overlap with the stretchable material of the pants makes it easier for multiple recesses and protrusions to form on the surface of the adhesive material of the pad. Furthermore, because multiple recesses are provided on the surface of the adhesive material, where the probability of sebum, lint, etc. adhering to it is low, the bonding strength of the adhesive material is less likely to decrease compared to cases where no recesses are provided. As a result, it becomes easier for the absorbent pad to maintain a closed state.

[0036] ===Implementation Method=== In this embodiment, an absorbent article will be described using a urine pad (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "pad") as an example. However, the absorbent article in this embodiment is not limited to a urine pad, and can also be applied to, for example, sanitary napkins, disposable panty-type diapers, shorts-type sanitary napkins, disposable tape-type diapers, pet diapers, absorbent sheets for nursing care or pets, etc.

[0037] <<<Basic configuration of urine absorption pad 1>>> First, let's explain the basic structure of the urine absorption pad 1. Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in its unfolded and extended state, as seen from the skin side. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. The urine absorption pad 1 can be used by placing it inside the pant-type diaper 50 (sometimes simply referred to as diaper 50), which will be described later. Furthermore, it is not limited to pant-type diapers; for example, it can be used by placing it directly inside tape-type disposable diapers or the wearer's underwear (pants or shorts).

[0038] When unfolded, pad 1 has a roughly rectangular shape in plan view and has mutually perpendicular longitudinal, width, and thickness directions. The longitudinal direction follows the front-to-back direction from the wearer's abdomen to the back when pad 1 is worn. In the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is called the skin side, and the opposite side is called the non-skin side. Since pad 1 in this embodiment has a symmetrical configuration in the longitudinal direction, either side of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction may correspond to the wearer's abdomen. Also, unlike tape-type or pant-type diapers, pad 1 is worn without one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction being connected along the wearer's waist.

[0039] The unfolded state of pad 1 refers to the state in which the entire pad 1 is unfolded flat. The extended state of pad 1 refers to the state in which pad 1 is extended to the point in which wrinkles that were present on pad 1 are virtually invisible, and pad 1 is extended until the dimensions of each component constituting pad 1 (for example, the side sheet 4 described later) match or are close to the dimensions of the individual component.

[0040] The pad 1 comprises a liquid-absorbing core 10, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as top sheet 2) (e.g., nonwoven fabric) located on the skin side of the absorbent core 10, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene; hereinafter sometimes referred to as leak-proof sheet 3) located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 10, and a pair of side sheets 4 provided on both sides of the pad 1 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the pair of side sheets 4 are folded inward in the width direction from the width direction side of the non-skin side of the back sheet 3 towards the skin side of the skin side sheet 2, so as to wrap around the absorbent core 10.

[0041] The absorbent core 10 can be exemplified by a liquid-absorbing fiber, such as pulp fiber containing SAP (superabsorbent polymer), that has been molded into a predetermined shape. In this embodiment, it is molded containing an absorbent polymer 101 and pulp fiber 102, which will be described later. The absorbent core 10 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11 (e.g., tissue).

[0042] However, without limitation, the absorbent core 10 may be an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, or an airlaid sheet in which liquid absorbent fibers are formed into a sheet by the airlaid method, or it may be a configuration of two or more layers. Furthermore, the absorbent core 10 does not have to be covered by the core wrap sheet 11.

[0043] Furthermore, a fixing member 20 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1 to attach the pad 1 to the inner surface of a pant-type diaper or underwear (outer garment). Fixing members 20 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is, for example, a rectangular member, and its long side is provided so as to be aligned with the width direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is preferably a member that can be peeled off from the inner surface of the outer garment without damaging the outer garment and can be reattached. In this embodiment, the fixing member 20 is a tape with a hook material (for example, the male part of a hook-and-loop fastener). Other examples of fixing members 20 include tape coated with adhesive. Note that the fixing member 20 may not be provided.

[0044] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a pair of leg-circumference elastic members 5 provided along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the width direction. In Figure 2, the leg-circumference elastic members 5 are fixed in an extended state in the longitudinal direction between the back sheet 3 and the side sheet 4. This makes it easier for both sides of the pad 1 in the width direction to conform closely to the wearer's legs.

[0045] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a pair of leak-proof wall portions 6 on both sides in the width direction that can be erected on the skin side. The leak-proof wall portion 6 comprises a side sheet 4 and a leak-proof wall elastic member 7. Both ends in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the surface sheet 2 by adhesive areas 8. The leak-proof wall elastic member 7 (leg-around expandable member) is fixed to the inner end of the side sheet 4 in the width direction in an extended state along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. When the pad 1 is worn, the tip of the leak-proof wall portion 6 stands up on the skin side based on the elasticity of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7, and the lateral leakage of excretory fluids, etc. is suppressed by the erected leak-proof wall portion 6.

[0046] Furthermore, the pad 1 has joining means 30, 30' at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The details of the configuration of the joining means 30, 30' will be described below.

[0047] <<<Joining means 30, 30'>>> As shown in Figure 1, one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a one-side joining means 30 on the skin-facing side (surface sheet 2) of the pad 1, which serves as a closing mechanism. The other end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction is provided with a other-side joining means 30' on the skin-facing side (surface sheet 2) of the pad 1. The other-side joining means 30' is part of the pad 1. When discarding the pad, the one-side joining means 30, as a joining means, can be joined to the other-side joining means 30', which is part of the pad 1. In this embodiment, the joining means 30 and 30' are regions in which an adhesive (such as a self-adhesive adhesive described later) is provided in at least a portion of the area.

[0048] Figure 3 shows the state when pad 1 is folded in half along its longitudinal direction. Specifically, the folded state is the state in which pad 1 is folded along the center line CL in the longitudinal direction, that is, the pad 1 is divided into two equal parts along its longitudinal direction and folded along the center line CL (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the fold line FL) along the width direction. This state is, for example, the state of pad 1 before use or the state when it is disposed of after use. Figure 3A is a plan view of pad 1 in the state when it is folded in half along its longitudinal direction, and Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of pad 1 when it is folded in half with the ends of pad 1 closed and viewed from the width direction. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when pad 1 is folded in half along its longitudinal direction, one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are arranged to overlap and face each other in the thickness direction so that they can be joined.

[0049] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the details of the configuration of pad 1. While the position of the one-sided joining means 30 in the longitudinal direction will be described, since pad 1 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, the configuration of the other-sided joining means 30' is the same as that of the one-sided joining means 30. The one-sided joining means 30 is provided at the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and at a predetermined distance d from the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. The region extending in the width direction at a predetermined distance d from the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction to the one-sided joining means 30 is also called the dry edge D. The dry edge D is the non-adhesive region from the end of pad 1 to the one-sided joining means 30 where no adhesive is provided.

[0050] The one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' each have a self-adhesive adhesive 31 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as self-adhesive or self-adhesive bonding agent) as a joining portion. Note that the bonding agent in this embodiment is not limited to a self-adhesive bonding agent, but may also be an adhesive.

[0051] Figure 5 (Figures 5A and 5B) is an explanatory diagram of the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30'. The adhesive 31, which serves as a joining portion provided on the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30', has low tackiness (adhesion) of its own, but exhibits adhesive force (hereinafter referred to as joining force) when the adhesive 31s are brought into contact with each other under relatively weak pressure. As shown in Figure 5A, when the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are pressed together, the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' stick together (joint force is exhibited) due to their respective adhesives 31. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, when the adhesive 31 comes into contact with a nonwoven fabric provided on the pad 1 or with a material other than the adhesive 31, such as skin, the one-sided joining means 30 does not easily stick to the material it comes into contact with.

[0052] The bonding force between the adhesive 31 and other members is preferably 1 / 4 or less of the bonding force between the adhesive 31s themselves. More preferably, the bonding force between the adhesive 31 and other members is 1 / 10 or less of the bonding force between the adhesive 31s themselves. Furthermore, when the adhesive 31s are brought into contact with each other, they can be separated without damaging the adhesive 31s, and can be re-bonded by bringing them into contact again after separation.

[0053] The adhesive 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and examples include emulsion-type self-adhesives (emulsion inks) and hot-melt self-adhesives (HMAs). As the main component of the emulsion-type self-adhesive, it can be used by mixing natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc. with emulsifiers, etc., and those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2589307 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-095381 may be used. As the main component of the hot-melt self-adhesive, it can be used by heating and melting thermoplastic resins such as polyolefins and polyamides, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7476348 and Japanese Patent No. 7543716. In this embodiment, an emulsion-type self-adhesive is used.

[0054] Next, the specific configuration of the joining means 30, 30' and the top sheet 2 will be described. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the convex portion 301 and concave portion 302 in the joining means 30. As shown in Figure 6A, the one-sided joining means 30 has multiple convex portions 301 that are convex in the thickness direction of the pad 1 and multiple concave portions 302 that are concave in the thickness direction on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top sheet 2 has multiple sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202 that are convex on the skin side in the thickness direction of the pad 1. When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the one-side bonding means 30 overlaps with the sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202. As a result, of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 of the one-side bonding means 30, protrusions 301 are formed in the portion that overlaps with the skin side of the sheet protrusions 201, and recesses 302 are formed in the portion that overlaps with the skin side of the sheet recesses 202. In other words, by applying the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 to the skin side of the top sheet 2 having sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202, protrusions 301 corresponding to the sheet protrusions 201 and recesses 302 corresponding to the sheet recesses 202 are formed on the surface of the one-side bonding means 30 (self-adhesive bonding agent 31).

[0056] In the example shown in Figure 6, the sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202 of the top sheet 2 are formed along the longitudinal or widthwise direction, thereby creating a wavy surface on the top sheet 2's surface. However, the configuration of the top sheet 2 is not limited to this example. For example, the sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202 may be formed by a sheet that is wavy when viewed in the widthwise and longitudinal directions, and embossed in a checkerboard pattern when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0057] Furthermore, the top sheet 2 is not limited to being a corrugated sheet; for example, the surface of the top sheet 2 may be a smooth plane without any irregularities. In this case, the protrusions 301 and recesses 302 of the joining means 30, 30' may be formed by other members as described later, rather than by the sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202 of the top sheet 2.

[0058] Next, the operation and effects of the pad 1 in this embodiment will be described. When wearing the pad 1, since the bonding means 30 (30') is provided on the skin-facing side of the pad 1, foreign matter such as sebum and lint may adhere to the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 used in the bonding means 30 (30'). On the other hand, when disposing of a used pad 1, first fold the pad 1 along the center line CL (fold line FL) of the pad 1 shown in Figure 1 with the skin-facing side facing inward. Then, overlap the bonding means 30 (30') facing each other and press from the non-skin side (see Figure 3B). At this time, if foreign matter such as sebum and lint adheres to the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 used in the bonding means 30 (30'), the bonding strength of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 may decrease, making it difficult to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0059] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 comes into contact with the wearer's skin or clothing while the pad 1 is being worn, the probability of sebum, lint, etc. adhering to the recessed areas 302 on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is lower compared to the raised areas 301. Therefore, because multiple recessed areas 302 are provided on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31, the bonding strength is less likely to decrease compared to a case where the recessed areas 302 are not provided. This makes it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the top sheet 2 has sheet protrusions 201 and sheet recesses 202 formed on it, and the protrusions and recesses overlap in the thickness direction with the joining means 30, 30', making it easier for the protrusions 301 and recesses 302 to form on the surface of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 in the overlapping portion. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the bonding strength is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0061] In this embodiment, the pad 1 only needs to have a convex portion 301 and a concave portion 302 formed on at least one of the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30'. For example, as shown in Figure 6B, the one-sided joining means 30 has a convex portion 301 and a concave portion 302, but the other-sided joining means 30' may be substantially flat without any protrusions or indentations. In this case, when the other-sided joining means 30' faces the one-sided joining means 30, it joins with at least a portion of the concave portion 302 of the one-sided joining means 30, which is less prone to a decrease in joining force, making it easier to maintain the joined state between the two compared to the case where the concave portion 302 is not provided.

[0062] However, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, it is desirable that the surfaces of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' each have a protrusion 301 and a recess 302. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' each have a protrusion 301 and a recess 302. As shown in Figure 7A, when the pad 1 of this embodiment is folded in half along the fold line FL and the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are joined facing each other, it is desirable that there is a portion where one of the multiple protrusions 301 provided on the surface of the one-side joining means 30 and one of the multiple protrusions 301 provided on the surface of the other-side joining means 30' are misaligned. By doing so, the probability of two protrusions 301 with reduced joining force facing each other is reduced between the protrusions 301 of the one-side joining means 30 and the protrusions 301 of the other-side joining means. Furthermore, since one of the convex portions 301 of the joining means 30(30') joins with at least a portion of the concave portion 302, which is less prone to a decrease in joining force, the joining state between the two is more easily maintained.

[0063] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7B, when the protrusion 301 of one-sided joining means 30 and the protrusion 301 of the other-sided joining means 30' come into contact in the thickness direction, the protrusions 301, whose joining force has decreased, are facing each other. Furthermore, the recesses 302, which are less prone to a decrease in joining force, are spaced further apart in the thickness direction compared to the protrusions 301, making it difficult to maintain the joined state between the two.

[0064] In this embodiment, it is desirable that the self-adhesive adhesive 31 of the bonding means 30 (30') be positioned across the longitudinal end of the absorbent core 10. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the convex region 303 and concave region 304 of the bonding means 30, and is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of region A in Figure 3. As shown in Figure 8, a step is created in the thickness direction at the end of the absorbent core 10 (the contour of the absorbent core 10). In this case, the portion of the pad 1 that has thickness in the thickness direction due to the absorbent core 10, and where the absorbent core 10 and the bonding means 30 (30') overlap when viewed in the thickness direction, is defined as the convex region 303. On the other hand, the portion of the pad 1 that does not have thickness in the thickness direction due to the absorbent core 10, and where the absorbent core 10 and the bonding means 30 (30') do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction, is defined as the concave region 304. In the pad 1 of this embodiment, it is desirable that the bonding means 30 has both a convex region 303 and a concave region 304.

[0065] The presence of a convex region 303 and a concave region 304 makes it easier for a step to be formed in the bonding means 30(30') which is positioned across the edge of the absorbent core 10. That is, when the surface of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 comes into contact with the wearer's skin or clothing while the pad 1 is being worn, a step is formed in the bonding means 30(30'), which reduces the probability of sebum, lint, etc. adhering to the concave region 304 of the bonding means 30(30') compared to the convex region 303. Therefore, the presence of the concave region 304 in the bonding means 30(30') makes it less likely for the bonding strength to decrease compared to when the concave region 304 is not provided, and makes it easier for the pad 1 to maintain a closed state. Furthermore, in addition to the multiple convex portions 301 and concave portions 302 provided on the surface of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31, the convex region 303 and concave region 304 and the step in the thickness direction can further reduce the probability of sebum, lint, etc. adhering. This makes it easier for the pad 1 to maintain a closed state.

[0066] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the one-sided joining means 30 may overlap with the stretchable portion of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the joining means 30 (30') and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlapping in the thickness direction. Here, the stretchable portion of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 as an expandable member in this embodiment is the portion represented by the section from 7A to 7B in the longitudinal direction of Figure 1. In this section, the stretchability of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 is exhibited because the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 is attached to the side sheet 4 in an extended state. Hereinafter, the length of the portion of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 in which it exhibits stretchability (the stretchable portion) will also be referred to as the "effective length" of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7.

[0067] The following describes the case where the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 shown in Figure 9 has an expandable portion, that is, the case where the joining means 30 and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlap when viewed from one end of the expandable region 7A on one side of Figure 1 or Figure 4 toward the center line CL of the pad 1. In this case, at least a part of the joining means 30 overlaps with the leak-proof wall elastic member 7, making it easier for protrusions 301 and recesses 302 to form on the surface of the joining means 30 in the overlapping portion. Furthermore, the expandable portion of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 expands and contracts, which may cause wrinkles to form on the surface of the pad 1 (both ends in the longitudinal direction, the leak-proof wall portion 6, or the side sheet 4, etc.). In this case, the unevenness of the wrinkles makes it easier for protrusions 301 and recesses 302 to form on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the bonding strength of the joining means 30 (30') is less likely to decrease, making it easier for the pad 1 to maintain a closed state.

[0068] In addition, while the case described above involves an overlapping portion between the joining means 30 and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 when viewed from one end of the extension region 7A toward the center line CL of the pad 1, the same effects and advantages are achieved when there is an overlapping portion between the joining means 30' and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 when viewed from the other end of the extension region 7B toward the center line CL of the pad 1.

[0069] Furthermore, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the one-sided joining means 30 may overlap with the non-stretchable portion (non-stretchable portion) of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7. Here, the non-stretchable portion of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 as an expandable member in this embodiment is the non-stretchable region of the total length of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 excluding the stretchable region (effective length), and in Figure 1, it is the portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7.

[0070] The following describes the case where the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 shown in Figure 9 has a non-stretchable portion, that is, the portion where the joining means 30 and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlap when viewed from one end of the stretchable region 7A on one side of Figure 1 or Figure 4 toward the end of the pad 1. In this case, at least a part of the joining means 30 overlaps with the non-stretchable portion of the stretchable member. Since the thickness of the stretchable member in the non-stretchable portion tends to be thicker than that of the stretchable portion, in the portion where the one-side joining means 30 overlaps with the non-stretchable portion of the stretchable member, larger protrusions 301 and recesses 302 are more likely to be formed on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the bonding strength of the joining means 30 (30') is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1. Although the description above describes the case where the joining means 30 and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlap when viewed from one end of the extension region 7A toward the end of the pad 1, the same function and effect are achieved when the joining means 30' and the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 overlap when viewed from the other end of the extension region 7B toward the end of the pad 1. Furthermore, while the leak-proof wall elastic member 7 exemplified as an expandable / contractable member is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, the expandable / contractable member is not limited to this and may be an expandable / contractable member arranged along the width direction.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the bonding means 30 may not overlap with the absorbent core 10, but may overlap with the absorbent polymer 101. Figure 10 shows the bonding means 30 (30') and the absorbent polymer 101 overlapping in the thickness direction. Figure 10A is a plan view of one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, viewed from the thickness direction, and Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the view from the X1-X1 arrow in Figure 10A.

[0072] In this embodiment, the absorbent core 10 is molded containing an absorbent polymer 101 and pulp fibers 102, and is covered with a core wrap sheet 11. As shown in the schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 2, the core wrap sheet 11 covers the pad 1 over its width, so a portion of the absorbent polymer 101 within the absorbent core 10 may move outward in the longitudinal direction relative to the absorbent core 10 (see Figure 10A). In this case, as shown in Figure 10B, at least a portion of the bonding means 30 does not overlap with the absorbent core 10, and in the portion that overlaps with the absorbent polymer 101, protrusions 301 and recesses 302 are more likely to form on the surface of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the bonding strength is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent core 10 has a groove that is concave in the thickness direction, and when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a part of the joining means 30 may overlap with the groove. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the joining means 30 (30') and the groove overlap in the thickness direction. Figure 11A is a plan view of one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction as seen from the thickness direction, and Figure 11B is a cross-sectional view showing the view from the X2-X2 arrow in Figure 11A. Here, the groove is the portion of the absorbent core 10 that is a groove in the thickness direction, formed by at least one of the compressed portion 10A and the slit portion 10B. As shown in Figures 1, 4 and 11A, the absorbent core 10 of this embodiment has a compressed portion 10A and a slit portion 10B as grooves that are concave in the thickness direction. The compressed portion 10A is the portion where the absorbent core 10 and the core wrap sheet 11 are compressed in the thickness direction. The slit portion 10B is a part of the absorbent core 10 where the basis weight is reduced to zero by making a cut of a predetermined width. By providing these compressed portions 10A and slit portions 10B, the absorbent core 10 becomes more easily deformable according to the shape of the wearer's body when the pad 1 is worn, making it easier to improve the fit.

[0074] When viewed in the thickness direction, in the portion where at least a part of the joining means 30 overlaps with the compression portion 10A and the slit portion 10B, recesses 302 are more likely to form on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31, as shown in Figure 11B. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the bonding strength of the joining means 30 (30') is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0075] Furthermore, the core wrap sheet 11 covering the absorbent core 10 may form protrusions 301 and recesses 302 on the surface of the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31). Figures 12A to 12C illustrate the relationship between the core wrap sheet 11 and the bonding means 30. Figure 12A is a plan view of one end in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 in an unfolded and extended state, viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the core wrap sheet 11 before covering the absorbent core 10. Figure 12C is a cross-sectional view taken along the X3-X3 arrow in Figure 12A.

[0076] First, a brief explanation will be given of how to cover the absorbent core 10 with the core wrap sheet 11. Before covering the absorbent core 10, the core wrap sheet 11 is a flat sheet member. In Figure 12B, the portion of the flat core wrap sheet 11 including one edge in the width direction is called the one-side end 11ea, and the portion including the other edge in the width direction is called the other-side end 11eb. With the absorbent core 10 stacked in the thickness direction, the one-side end 11ea is folded back from one side to the other in the width direction, and the other-side end 11eb is folded back from the other side to the one side in the width direction, so as to wrap around the absorbent core 10. The folded one-side end 11ea and the other-side end 11eb are folded over and joined to each other on the skin side of the absorbent core 10. As a result, the absorbent core 10 is covered with the core wrap sheet 11. Hereafter, the portion where the one-side end 11ea and the other-side end 11eb overlap in the thickness direction will be called the overlap portion 11or.

[0077] When the pad 1 of this embodiment is viewed in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 12A, there is a portion where the bonding means 30 and the overlap portion 11or overlap. The overlap portion 11or is thicker than other parts because one end 11ea and the other end 11eb are stacked in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 12C. In other words, the overlap portion 11or is convex in the thickness direction. Therefore, in the portion of the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31) that overlaps with the overlap portion 11or, a convex portion 301 is formed that is convex in the thickness direction according to the convex shape of the overlap portion 11or. On the other hand, in the portion of the bonding means 30 that does not overlap with the overlap portion 11or, it is less likely to be convex in the thickness direction, and a concave portion 302 is formed. As a result, a step (unevenness) is formed in the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31).

[0078] Because a step is formed in the joining means 30 (adhesive 31), the probability of sebum, fiber debris, etc. adhering to the recess 302 of the joining means 30 (30') is lower compared to the protrusion 301. Therefore, the bonding strength of the joining means 30 (adhesive 31) is less likely to decrease, and the pad 1 is more likely to maintain a closed state.

[0079] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate the case where curling occurs in a part of the overlap portion 11or of the core wrap sheet 11. 13A is a plan view of one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction in the unfolded and extended state, viewed from the thickness direction, and corresponds to Figure 12A. Figure 13B is a cross-sectional view taken along the X4-X4 arrow in Figure 13A.

[0080] In the overlap portion 11or of the core wrap sheet 11, a portion of one end 11ea or the other end 11eb may curl up in the thickness direction. In Figures 13A and 13B, a curled portion 11t is formed where a portion of the other end 11eb curls up towards the skin side in the thickness direction. In the portion of the overlap portion 11or where the curled portion 11t is formed, the thickness becomes even greater than in the portion where the curled portion 11t is not formed, due to the stacking of the curled portion 11t in the thickness direction.

[0081] Furthermore, when the pad 1 of this embodiment is viewed in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 13A, there is a portion where the bonding means 30 and the curled portion 11t overlap. In the portion of the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31) that overlaps with the curled portion 11t, a convex portion 301t is formed, which is more convex in the thickness direction according to the convex shape of the curled portion 11t, as shown in Figure 13B. On the other hand, a recess 302 is formed in the portion of the bonding means 30 that does not overlap with the overlap portion 11t. In other words, a step (unevenness) is formed in the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31). Therefore, the probability of sebum, fiber debris, etc. adhering to the recess 302 of the bonding means 30 (30') is lower compared to the convex portion 301t. As a result, the bonding strength of the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31) is less likely to decrease, and the pad 1 is more likely to maintain a closed state.

[0082] Furthermore, by efficiently applying the force used when pressing in the thickness direction to the joining means 30, 30', which are equipped with a convex portion 301 and a concave portion 302, the joining means 30, 30' can be strongly pressed together. Figure 14 is a plan view of the pad 1 in its unfolded and extended state, as seen from the non-skin side.

[0083] In Figure 14, a fixing member 20 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1 as a locking means for securing the pad 1 to the inner surface of the pant-type diaper. When viewed in the thickness direction, the fixing member 20 (locking means) and the joining means 30 (30') have overlapping portions. As described above, the fixing member 20 (locking means) is made of a different material from the leak-proof sheet 3 (back sheet 3), such as a tape (hook-and-loop fastener) with a hook material. Therefore, the portion of the leak-proof sheet 3 of the pad 1 where the fixing member 20 (locking means) is provided has higher rigidity compared to other portions. For this reason, when folding the pad 1 in half lengthwise and pressing the joining means 30 on one side against the joining means 30' on the other side, pressing the portion overlapping with the fixing member 20 (locking means) (i.e., the portion with higher rigidity) from the non-skin side makes it possible to efficiently apply force to the joining means 30, 30'. This makes it easier for the joining means 30, 30' to be joined more strongly, and makes it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0084] Furthermore, in Figure 14, the pad 1 is provided with a marker 40 that is visible from the non-skin side. The marker 40 is, for example, an image printed on the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3, and in Figure 14, the word "Osu" (press) (image) is printed as an indication to encourage pressing the pad 1. However, the marker 40 is not limited to an image printed on the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3 (back sheet 3), and may also be an image printed on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3 that is visible through the non-skin side of the pad 1. Alternatively, a sheet material (nonwoven fabric, film, etc.) with an image printed on it may be bonded to the leak-proof sheet 3.

[0085] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the pad 1 has a portion where the marker 40 and the joining means 30 overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. The presence of the marker 40 makes it easier to confirm the position of the joining means 30, which is located on the skin side of the pad 1, even from the non-skin side. Therefore, when folding the pad 1 in half lengthwise and pressing the joining means 30 on one side against the joining means 30' on the other side, it is possible to efficiently apply force to the joining means 30 and 30' by pressing the portion overlapping with the marker 40 from the non-skin side. This makes it easier for the joining means 30 and 30' to be joined more strongly, and makes it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0086] <<<When using with pull-up style diapers (size 50)>>> Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of use when attached to a pull-up type diaper 50. As shown in Figure 12A, the pad 1 can be used by placing it inside the diaper 50. However, it is not limited to this, and it can also be used by placing the pad 1 inside the wearer's underwear.

[0087] The diaper 50 has at least one stretchable member 51 as a pant-side stretchable member. In this embodiment, the stretchable member 51 is, for example, a waist stretchable member and is a plurality of thread-like elastic members (thread elastic) arranged along the width direction, but is not limited to this and may be a leg stretchable member or other stretchable member. Also, in this embodiment, the stretchable member 51 stretches along the width direction of the diaper 50, but is not limited to this and may stretch along the longitudinal direction.

[0088] As shown in Figure 12A, the multiple waist-stretching members 51 are attached to the diaper 50 in a state where they are spaced apart in the vertical direction and extended in the width direction. When the waist-stretching members 51 and leg-stretching members contract in their extended state, the diaper 50 becomes easier to fit snugly around the wearer's waist and hind legs when worn.

[0089] When attaching the pad 1 of this embodiment to a pant-type diaper 50 having such a configuration, the pant-type diaper 50 and the pad 1 are fixed together by joining (locking) the fixing member 20 provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1 to the top sheet (skin side, inner side) of the diaper 50 (see Figure 12B). When the pad 1 is attached to the pant-type diaper 50 and viewed in the thickness direction, it is desirable that at least a part of the joining means 30 (30') overlaps with the expandable member 51, and that the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 has multiple protrusions 301 and recesses 302.

[0090] Figure 12C is a partial cross-sectional view of the pant-type diaper 50 with the pad 1 attached, viewed from the width direction, and is a view of the cross-section in the thickness direction at position X5-X5 in Figure 12B. As shown in Figure 12C, in the portion where at least a part of the joining means 30(30') overlaps with the expandable member 51, the expandable member 51 makes it easier for protrusions 301 and recesses 302 to form on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the joining strength is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0091] Figure 12D is a partial cross-sectional view of the pant-type diaper 50 with the pad 1 attached, viewed from the top and bottom, and is a view of the cross-section in the thickness direction at position X6-X6 in Figure 12B. As shown in Figure 12D, in the portion where at least a part of the joining means 30(30') overlaps with the expandable member 51, the wrinkles formed based on the expansion and contraction of the expandable member 51 make it easier for protrusions 301 and recesses 302 to form on the surface of the self-adhesive adhesive 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the recesses 302 are not provided, the joining strength is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0092] Next, the specific configurations of the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' will be explained in detail using Figure 15. Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining the joining means 30 and 30'. For the sake of brevity, only the one-sided joining means 30 will be explained, but the other-sided joining means 30' has a similar configuration. Also, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 15, the surface sheet 2 is shown as a flat surface for the sake of explanation, but in the actual pad 1, the surface sheet 2 may deform in the thickness direction due to the influence of the thickness of the absorbent core 10. That is, the surface sheet 2 is not necessarily flat as shown in Figure 15, and the joining means 30 and 30' may also deform in the thickness direction in accordance with the deformation of the surface sheet 2, etc. The same applies to Figure 16, which will be described later.

[0093] As shown in Figure 15, the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are quadrilateral regions that circumscribe the portion to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied as the joining area. In Figure 15, the region to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied is shown as a lightly filled area.

[0094] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, an emulsion-based self-adhesive agent is used as the bonding agent 31. Furthermore, one application is defined as applying the bonding agent 31 uniformly in a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the width direction (so-called solid coating), and in the example shown in Figure 15, it is applied repeatedly three times. By applying the bonding agent 31 in multiple layers in the thickness direction, the bonding strength when bonding agents 31 are joined together can be increased compared to the case of a single application. Note that although three applications are used in this embodiment, it is not limited to this.

[0095] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 15, the application positions of the adhesive 31 are offset in the longitudinal and width directions. Therefore, as shown in the thickness direction diagrams (lower side view and right side view) of Figure 15, the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area (basis weight or basis weight) in the first adjacent regions L1 and W1 adjacent to one of the central regions Lc and Wc, and in the second adjacent regions L2 and W2 adjacent to the other, is less than the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area in the central regions Lc and Wc. In other words, since the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is less than in the central regions Lc and Wc, the bonding strength is also lower than in the central regions Lc and Wc.

[0096] Furthermore, the surface of the one-sided joining means 30 has a layered protrusion 32 and a layered recess 33 formed due to differences in the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area. The layered protrusion 32 is the first portion 34, where the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is greater than the surrounding area, and is the portion that has been applied three times out of three applications. On the other hand, the layered recess 33 is the second portion 35, where the amount applied is less than the surrounding area. Thus, the first portion 34 is thicker in the thickness direction because the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is greater, and the second portion 35 is thinner because the amount is less than that of the first portion 34. Therefore, by providing the layered protrusion 32 and the layered recess 33 on the surface of the one-sided joining means 30, the bonding strength is less likely to decrease compared to the case where the layered recess 33 is not provided. This makes it easier to maintain the closed state of the pad 1.

[0097] However, in the case of Figure 15, only one layered protrusion 32 is formed over a wide area in the central part in the width direction and longitudinal direction, and layered recesses 33 are formed on both sides thereof. Therefore, if foreign matter such as fiber debris adheres to the layered protrusion 32, the bonding strength may decrease significantly. In contrast, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, as explained in Figure 6, multiple protrusions 301 and recesses 302 are formed on the surface of the bonding means 30. Therefore, foreign matter such as fiber debris is less likely to adhere to the multiple recesses 302, and the decrease in bonding strength is more easily suppressed.

[0098] <<<Regarding the bonding force of bonding means 30 and 30' as bonding means>>> Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30, 30' are applied. Figure 16A is a view from the thickness direction of the pad 1 when it is folded in half along the fold line FL so that the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' face each other, and the two halves are bonded together. Figure 16B is a diagram showing the process of separating the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' when unfolding the pad 1.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16A, in this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), the central region Lc of the one-sided joining means 30 and the central region Lc' of the other-sided joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction. Although not shown, in the width direction as in the longitudinal direction, the central region Wc of the one-sided joining means 30 and the central region Wc' of the other-sided joining means 30' also overlap.

[0100] The one-sided joining means 30 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. In the longitudinal direction, these are the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, starting from one side. In the width direction, these are the first width adjacent region W1, the width central region Wc, and the second width adjacent region W2. (See Figure 15) There are differences in joining strength among these regions. In this embodiment, the joining strength of the first adjacent regions L1 and W1, which are adjacent to one side of the central regions Lc and Wc, is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc in the longitudinal and width directions. Furthermore, the joining strength of the second adjacent regions L2 and W2, which are adjacent to the other side of the central regions Lc and Wc, is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc.

[0101] The magnitude of the bonding force in each region, such as the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the longitudinal central region Lc, can be evaluated by the amount (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 per unit area provided in each region. In each region, the greater the amount (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 per unit area, the greater the bonding force.

[0102] Alternatively, the magnitude of the bonding force in each region may be evaluated using a measuring instrument.

[0103] When measuring the magnitude of the bonding force in the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, two sample pieces are prepared. The first sample piece is a cut-out of the region to be measured from the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, etc. The second sample piece is a nonwoven fabric to which a uniform amount of bonding agent 31 has been applied.

[0104] By attaching masking tape to the end of the sample piece, a holding portion (grasping portion) is formed at the end of the sample piece. Next, the two sample pieces are placed on top of each other, and the two sample pieces are joined together by rolling a 2kg roller at 5mm / second from the opposite side of the holding portion.

[0105] Next, the sample piece is held in the chuck of a tensile testing machine (for example, an Instron universal material testing machine), and the two sample pieces are separated by pulling the two holding parts apart in the longitudinal direction. The tensile load at the time of separation is then measured. The average value of the tensile load represents the magnitude of the bonding force in the area being measured. The joint strength can be measured in the same manner for the first adjacent width region W1, the central width region Wc, and the second adjacent width region W2.

[0106] Before use (during packaging), the pad 1 is closed, and for example, as shown in Figure 15A, the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are in contact. When using the pad 1, as shown in Figure 15B, the user grasps the areas of the dry edges D provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 and peels it off toward the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0107] In this case, if the bonding force at the point where the peeling begins is strong, it may be difficult to open when unfolding, and this may be particularly difficult for elderly users with reduced dexterity in their fingers. However, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1 and L1' in the one-side bonding means 30 is weaker than the bonding force of the longitudinal central regions Lc and Lc'. Therefore, it can be peeled and unfolded with relatively less force compared to when the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1 and L1' in the one-side bonding means 30 is stronger than, or the same as, the bonding force of the longitudinal central regions Lc and Lc'. Furthermore, because a dry edge D is provided, it is easier for the user to grasp and even easier to peel off.

[0108] In this embodiment, since the second adjacent region L2 with weak bonding force is located on the longitudinal centerline CL side, the pad 1 can also be peeled away from the leg-around elastic member 5 toward the end. In this case as well, the same effects as described above are achieved. Furthermore, since a dry edge D is provided over a predetermined distance d from the end in the width direction of the pad 1, the ease of peeling can be improved even when performing such peeling.

[0109] Furthermore, the central region (first portion 34) of both the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' has a stronger joining force than the adjacent region. As a result, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the fold line FL after use or disposal, it is easier to maintain the state in which the pad 1 covers the excrement on the side of the skin by bringing one end of the pad 1 into contact with the other end.

[0110] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to the above. The coating amount in either the first adjacent region L1, W1 or the second adjacent region L2, W2 may be less than that in the central region Lc, Wc. Alternatively, the difference in coating amount may be in only one of the directions, either the longitudinal or the width. For example, the coating amount in the second adjacent region L2 (second longitudinal adjacent region) in the longitudinal direction may be less than that in the central region Lc. In this case, when the user peels off the pad 1, they can easily unfold it by peeling it off from the second adjacent region L2, which has weaker bonding force.

[0111] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), the central regions Lc and Wc of the one-sided joining means 30 and the central regions Lc' and Wc' of the other-sided joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction. Because the central regions overlap, when disposing of the pad 1, it is easier to maintain the state in which the pad 1 is folded in half and covers the excrement on the side of the skin with the pad 1.

[0112] Furthermore, the same effect and benefits can be achieved even when the pad 1 is folded in half at the center position in the width direction (a fold line along the center line in the width direction). In this case, two joining means should be provided on one side and the other side in the width direction, with the center line in the width direction as the reference.

[0113] Alternatively, the joining means 30 on one side may have varying degrees of joining force, while the joining means 30' on the other side may have a uniform joining force.

[0114] Furthermore, regarding the magnitude of the joining force in the longitudinal and width directions of the one-sided joining means 30, the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining force of the longitudinal central region Lc and the joining force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 by the longitudinal length of the longitudinal central region Lc is greater than the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining force of the width central region Wc and the joining force of the first width adjacent region W1 by the width direction length of the width central region Wc. In other words, the difference in joining force per unit length is greater in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction.

[0115] In the longitudinal direction, the difference in bonding force per unit length between the central region Lc(Lc') and the adjacent region L1(L1') is large. Therefore, even when the pad 1 is folded along the fold line FL in the width direction before use, and the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' of the pad 1 are joined, it is possible to easily separate the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' and unfold the pad in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, as shown in the configuration of Figure 15, in the width direction, the difference in bonding force per unit length between the central region Wc(Wc') and the adjacent region W1(W1') is small. Therefore, when discarding the pad 1, it is possible to easily maintain the state in which the excrement on the skin side is covered by the pad 1 by joining the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' provided on the skin side.

[0116] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pad 1 is made possible by providing a first portion 34 and a second portion 35 that is thinner than the first portion 34 on the joining means 30 and 30', thereby forming convex and concave portions. As a result, when the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side of the pad 1 are joined before use, the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side can be easily separated and unfolded in the longitudinal direction. In other words, by forming irregularities with the adhesive 31, the concave portion 33, which is thinner in the thickness direction, can be made easier to separate.

[0117] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, since the joining means 30 and 30' are provided at the ends of the pad 1, it is easier to peel off and more difficult to open when disposing of the pad than when the joining means 30 and 30' are provided in the center.

[0118] ===Modified versions of joining means 30, 30'=== Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing modified examples of the joining means 30 and 30' of the pad 1. It is desirable that the self-adhesive adhesive 31 in the joining means 30 and 30' be provided in a non-uniform pattern on the skin side of the surface sheet 2. An example of such a configuration is shown in Figures 17A and 17B. Figures 17A and 17B show self-adhesive quadrilateral joining means 30 and 30', respectively.

[0119] In the modified example shown in Figure 17A, the longitudinal central region Lc is an area on the skin-side surface sheet 2 where the adhesive 31 is applied uniformly in a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the width direction (so-called solid coating). In addition, the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 are coated with the self-adhesive adhesive 31 in a wave-like pattern, as shown in Figure 17A.

[0120] In this case, compared to the case where the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied evenly to the surface sheet 2 (uniform pattern), the total amount of self-adhesive adhesive 31 applied (basis weight) can be reduced. Furthermore, the bonding strength of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have margins due to the application of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 in a wave-like pattern, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, which is applied evenly. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when unfolding the pad 1, the bonding strength of the longitudinal central region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when folding the pad 1 for disposal, the excrement on the side of the skin can be kept covered by the pad 1.

[0121] Next, in the modified example shown in Figure 17B, the longitudinal central region Lc is a uniformly coated area, similar to the modified example in Figure 17A. Then, as shown in Figure 17B, the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 have the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 partially applied in the width direction, leaving a blank area.

[0122] In this case, similar to the modified example in Figure 17A, the total amount of self-adhesive adhesive 31 applied (basis weight) can be reduced compared to the case where the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied evenly to the surface sheet 2 (uniform pattern). Furthermore, the bonding strength of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have margins due to the self-adhesive adhesive 31 being applied only to a portion of the width direction, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, which is fully coated. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when unfolding the pad 1, the bonding strength of the longitudinal central region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when folding the pad 1 for disposal, the excrement on the side of the skin can be kept covered by the pad 1.

[0123] In these modified examples, the amount of coating per unit area and the arrangement pattern of the bonding means 30, 30' in the central regions Lc, Wc differ from the arrangement pattern of the bonding means 30, 30' in the first adjacent regions L1, W1 or the second adjacent regions L2, W2.

[0124] ===Other=== The embodiments described above are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. The present invention may be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that equivalents thereof are included.

[0125] In the embodiments described above, examples of expandable members include the leak-proof elastic member 7 and the leg-area expandable member (leg gather), but the invention is not limited to these. For example, a torso-area fit gather may be provided as an expandable member. Furthermore, expandable members may be provided not only in the longitudinal direction but also in the width direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. Urine pads (pads, absorbent items) 2. Surface sheet (top sheet), 3. Backing sheet (leak-proof sheet), 4 side seats, 5. Elastic members around the legs, 6 Leak-proof wall section, 7 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 10 absorbent cores, 11 core wrap sheets, 20 Fixing member (locking means), 30 One-sided joining means, 30' Other-sided joining means, 301 Convex portion, 302 Recessed portion 31 Self-adhesive adhesives, 40 landmarks, 50 Diapers (pants-type diapers), 51 Elastic material for the pants side Lc Long central region, Wc Width central region, L1 is the first longitudinal adjacent region, W1 is the first width adjacent region, L2 is the second longitudinal adjacent region, W2 is the second width adjacent region,

Claims

1. In its unfolded state, it has longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal to each other. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing core, The skin-facing side has an adhesive that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when discarded. An absorbent article characterized in that the surface of the bonding agent has a plurality of convex portions that are convex in the thickness direction and recesses that are concave in the thickness direction.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, It has an expandable member that expands and contracts in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the bonding agent overlaps with the portion of the expandable member that is expandable.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, The aforementioned expandable member has a non-expandable portion that does not have expandability. An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the non-stretchable portion.

4. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Contains superabsorbent polymers, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the bonding agent does not overlap with the absorbent core, but overlaps with the absorbent polymer.

5. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The absorbent article is characterized in that the bonding agent is arranged across the longitudinal end of the absorbent core.

6. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The absorbent core has grooves that are concave in the thickness direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the groove.

7. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It has a top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core, The top sheet has a plurality of sheet protrusions that are convex in the thickness direction and sheet recesses that are concave in the thickness direction. An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the sheet protrusions and the sheet recesses.

8. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The bonding agent comprises a one-side bonding agent provided at one end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and a other-side bonding agent provided at the other end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. When the absorbent article is folded in half at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, and the one-sided adhesive and the other-sided adhesive are joined facing each other, An absorbent article characterized in that it has a portion where one of the multiple protrusions provided on the surface of the one-sided adhesive is offset from one of the multiple protrusions provided on the surface of the other-sided adhesive.

9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The absorbent core has a core wrap sheet covering it, The core wrap sheet, in its planar state before covering the absorbent core, has one end located on one side in the width direction and the other end located on the other side in the width direction. In a state in which the absorbent core is covered by the core wrap sheet, the one end and the other end have an overlapping portion that overlaps in the thickness direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, it has a portion where the adhesive and the overlapping portion overlap.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, In the overlap portion, at least a part of one end or the other end has a curled portion that is curled in the thickness direction. An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, it has a portion where the adhesive and the curled portion overlap.

11. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The absorbent pant-type article has a locking mechanism on the non-skin side that can be attached to the skin side, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, it has a portion in which the adhesive and the locking means overlap.

12. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It has a marker that is visible from the non-skin side, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, it has a portion where the adhesive and the mark overlap.

13. In its unfolded state, it has longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal to each other. Equipped with a liquid-absorbing core, An absorbent pad that can be attached to the skin side of a pant-type absorbent garment, The aforementioned pant-type absorbent article has a pant-side stretchable member that stretches along at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, The skin-facing side of the absorbent pad has an adhesive that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when discarded. An absorbent pad characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction with the absorbent pad attached to the pant-type absorbent article, at least a portion of the adhesive overlaps with the pant-side stretchable member, and the surface of the adhesive has a plurality of convex and concave portions.

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