Absorbent articles

Abstract

The objective is to provide an absorbent article that prevents the adhesive from becoming wet with excretory fluid and maintains a state in which the excretory material on the side of the skin is covered with the absorbent article. [Solution] An absorbent article (1) having longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are mutually orthogonal in the unfolded state, comprising an absorbent core (10) that absorbs liquid, a top sheet (2) laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core (10), and a leak-proof sheet (3) laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core (10), wherein the top sheet (2) has a bonding agent (31) on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article (1) when discarded, and has adjacent layers (40, 40') adjacent to the top sheet (2) in the thickness direction, on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet (3), and on the non-skin side of the bonding agent (31), and has a portion where the bonding agent (31) and the adjacent layers (40, 40') overlap when viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

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]

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 article is folded in half with the skin side facing inward, a bonding agent such as an adhesive or a self-adhesive faces both ends of the absorbent article. In such an absorbent article 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, if the moisture of the excretory fluid adheres and the closing mechanism (bonding agent) gets wet, the function of the closing mechanism may deteriorate (the bonding force may decrease), and there is a risk that the skin side surface may open during disposal.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide an absorbent article that can suppress the bonding agent from becoming wet with excrement and maintain a state in which the excrement on the side of the skin is covered with 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. A liquid-absorbing core, A top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core, A leak-proof sheet laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, An absorbent article comprising, The top sheet has a bonding agent on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, The top sheet has an adjacent layer adjacent to it in the thickness direction, and is on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet and on the non-skin side of the adhesive, The absorbent article is characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, it has a portion where the adhesive and the adjacent layer overlap. 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 the bonding agent from becoming wet with excrement and maintain a state in which the 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] This is an explanatory diagram of the joining means 30, 30' and the adjacent layers 40, 40'. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relative sizes of adjacent layers 40, 40' and joining means 30, 30'. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the adjacent layers 40, 40' and bonding means 30, 30' are applied. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the joining means 30, 30'. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are mutually orthogonal in the unfolded state, comprising a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, a top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core, and a leak-proof sheet laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, wherein the top sheet has a bonding agent on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, and has an adjacent layer adjacent to the top sheet in the thickness direction, on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet, and on the non-skin side of the bonding agent, and has a portion where the bonding agent and the adjacent layer overlap when viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state.

[0011] According to Aspect 1, even when so-called rewetting occurs, where moisture such as excreted fluid absorbed by the absorbent core penetrates from the non-skin side to the skin side of the topsheet, since the adjacent layer is provided on the non-skin side of the adhesive, it is easier to suppress the moisture from reaching the adhesive. As a result, it is suppressed that the mechanism (adhesive) for closing the absorbent core gets wet. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the bonding strength of the adhesive to decrease, and it becomes easier to maintain the absorbent article in a closed state.

[0012] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, where the adjacent layer is constituted by a non-woven fabric.

[0013] According to Aspect 2, since there is a thick non-woven fabric (adjacent layer) between the absorbent core and the adhesive, it is easy to suppress the excreted fluid from reaching the adhesive.

[0014] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, where the adjacent layer has a concave portion that is concave in the thickness direction and a convex portion that is convex in the thickness direction.

[0015] According to Aspect 3, compared with the case where the adjacent layer is smooth and in surface contact with the adhesive, the unevenness makes it easier to inhibit the movement of moisture from the adjacent layer (non-woven fabric) to the adhesive.

[0016] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, where the adjacent layer is constituted by a non-woven fabric and ink applied to the non-woven fabric.

[0017] According to Aspect 4, when the ink penetrates into the voids of the fibers constituting the non-woven fabric, it is suppressed that the excreted fluid moves (penetrates) in the thickness direction through the voids of the non-woven fabric, and it is even easier to suppress the excreted fluid from reaching the adhesive. Also, if colored ink is used, it becomes easier to visually recognize the position of the adhesive with the adjacent layer as a mark, and it becomes easier to perform the operation of closing the absorbent article.

[0018] (Appearance 5) An absorbent article described in any of Appearances 1 to 4, The adjacent layer is a hydrophobic layer.

[0019] According to embodiment 5, because the adjacent layer is hydrophobic, the wastewater is less likely to permeate the adjacent layer, making it easier to suppress the wastewater from reaching the bonding agent.

[0020] (Appearance 6) The absorbent article described in Appearance 5, The hydrophobic layer is composed of a hot-melt adhesive applied to the top sheet.

[0021] According to embodiment 6, by applying a hot melt adhesive to the top sheet, the strength of the top sheet can be increased while suppressing the permeation of excretory fluid.

[0022] (Aspect 7) An absorbent article according to either aspect 5 or aspect 6, The hydrophobic layer is composed of colored ink applied to the top sheet.

[0023] According to embodiment 7, by applying colored ink to the top sheet, the position of the bonding agent (adjacent layer) can be easily seen, making it easier to close the absorbent article, while suppressing the permeation of excretory fluid.

[0024] (Appearance 8) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 7, In the thickness direction, a second sheet is provided between the absorbent core and the top sheet. The adjacent layer is located closer to the skin than the second sheet.

[0025] According to embodiment 8, the presence of a second sheet and an adjacent layer between the absorbent core and the adhesive further suppresses the movement of excretory fluid from the absorbent core to the adhesive.

[0026] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 8, The adjacent layer is located between the adhesive and the top sheet in the thickness direction.

[0027] According to embodiment 9, even when moisture moves from the absorbent core through the top sheet, the provision of an adjacent layer between the top sheet and the adhesive can suppress the moisture from reaching the adhesive.

[0028] (Aspect 10) An absorbent article as described in Aspects 1 to 9, When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, the size of the region where the adhesive is provided differs from the size of the adjacent layer.

[0029] According to embodiment 10, if the adjacent layer is larger than the bonding area, it is easier to suppress the excretory fluid from passing through the adjacent layer and reaching the bonding area. If the bonding area is larger than the adjacent layer, it is easier to perform the operation of pressing the bonding area when closing the absorbent article (the operation of folding with the skin side inward), and the cost of forming the adjacent layer can be reduced.

[0030] (Aspect 11) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 10, When viewed in the thickness direction in the unfolded and extended state, the adjacent layer is provided in the entire region where the adhesive is provided, and in the region outside the region where the adhesive is provided.

[0031] According to embodiment 11, since the adjacent layer is formed so as to cover the entire area where the adhesive is provided from the non-skin side, it is difficult for moisture to reach the adhesive.

[0032] (Aspect 12) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 11, When the region where the adhesive is provided in the longitudinal direction is divided into three equal parts: a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region, The bonding force of the central region is stronger than the bonding force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region.

[0033] According to embodiment 12, the bonding force is stronger in the central region where moisture is less likely to reach (when moisture moves from the inside to the outside in the longitudinal / width direction of the absorbent article), making it easier to maintain the folded state with the skin side facing inward.

[0034] (Aspect 13) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 12, In the longitudinal direction or the width direction, the adjacent layer is provided straddling the edge of the absorbent core.

[0035] According to embodiment 13, it is possible to suppress the penetration of excretory fluid that seeps outward from the edge of the absorbent core into the skin and reach the adhesive layer.

[0036] (Aspect 14) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 13, The bonding agent is provided in a non-uniform pattern on the skin side of the top sheet.

[0037] According to embodiment 14, the adhesive itself appears as a pattern and is easy to see, making it easier to close. In addition, compared to the case where the adhesive is applied as a solid layer to the top sheet (uniform pattern), the total basis weight of the adhesive can be reduced.

[0038] ===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.

[0039] <<<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 a pant-type or tape-type disposable diaper, or it can be used as a standalone pad by placing it directly inside the wearer's underwear (pants or shorts).

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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) 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 toward the skin side of the skin side sheet 2, so as to wrap around the absorbent core 10.

[0043] An example of the absorbent core 10 is a liquid-absorbing fiber, such as pulp fiber containing SAP (superabsorbent polymer), molded into a predetermined shape. The absorbent core 10 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11 (e.g., tissue). However, the absorbent core 10 is not limited to the above, and may be an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, or an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbing fibers are molded 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 with the core wrap sheet 11.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a pair of leak-proof wall portions 6 on both sides in the width direction that can be raised toward the skin. 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 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 rises toward the skin based on the elasticity of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7, and the lateral leakage of excretory fluids, etc. is suppressed by the raised leak-proof wall portion 6.

[0047] Furthermore, pad 1 has joining means 30, 30' and adjacent layers 40, 40' at both ends in the longitudinal direction. The details of their configuration will be described below.

[0048] <<<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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 6. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the joining means 30, 30' and the adjacent layers 40, 40'. For the sake of brevity, only the one-sided adjacent layer 40 and the one-sided joining means 30 will be explained, but the other-sided adjacent layer 40' and the other-sided joining means 30' have a similar configuration. Also, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 6, for the sake of explanation, the surface sheet 2 and the adjacent layers 40, 40' are shown as planar, but in the actual pad 1, the surface sheet 2 and the adjacent layers 40, 40' may deform in the thickness direction due to the influence of the thickness of the absorbent core 10. That is, the surface sheet 2 and the adjacent layers 40, 40' are not necessarily planar as shown in Figure 6, and the joining means 30, 30' may also deform in the thickness direction in accordance with the deformation of the surface sheet 2 and the adjacent layers 40, 40'. The same applies to Figures 7 and 9, which will be described later.

[0056] As shown in Figure 6, 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 6, the region to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied is shown as a lightly filled area.

[0057] 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 6, 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.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, 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 6, 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.

[0059] Furthermore, the surface of the one-sided joining means 30 has protrusions 32 and recesses 33 formed due to differences in the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area. The protrusions 32 are the first portion 34, where the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is greater than the surrounding area, and this portion has been applied three times out of three applications. On the other hand, the recesses 33 are 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, while the second portion 35 is thinner because the amount is less than that of the first portion 34. Note that there may be other methods for forming the protrusions 32 and recesses 33 on the surface of the one-sided joining means 30. For example, the surface of the surface sheet 2 may be made uneven so as to form irregularities on the surface of the adhesive 31 applied to the surface sheet 2, or the irregularities may be formed by compressing a portion of the applied adhesive 31.

[0060] <<<Adjacent layers 40, 40'>>> Next, the specific configuration of the adjacent layer 40 will be described. As shown in Figure 6, the pad 1 of this embodiment has adjacent layers 40 and 40' that are adjacent to the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction, on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3, and on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30 and 30'. There is an adjacent layer 40 corresponding to one side bonding means 30 and an adjacent layer 40' corresponding to the other side bonding means 30'. Furthermore, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, there is a portion where the bonding means 30 and 30' and the adjacent layers 40 and 40' overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. In Figure 6, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are located between the bonding means 30 and 30' and the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are hydrophobic layers with low affinity for moisture (easily repelling it), and these hydrophobic layers are composed of, for example, colored ink applied to the surface sheet 2. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the adjacent layers 40 and 40' may be composed of nonwoven fabric, or of nonwoven fabric and ink applied to the nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the hydrophobic layers may be formed from materials other than those described above, or they may be hydrophobic layers composed of hot melt adhesive applied to the surface sheet 2.

[0062] Next, the operation and effects of the pad 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 6. When a large amount of excrement (excrement, etc.) is contained in the pad 1, it expands in the thickness direction, and moisture such as excrement absorbed by the absorbent core 10 may penetrate from the non-skin side to the skin side of the surface sheet 2, a phenomenon known as rewetting. When the moisture that has penetrated the skin side of the surface sheet 2 due to rewetting reaches the one-side bonding means 30 or the other-side bonding means 30', the bonding agent 31 may become wet, which may reduce the bonding strength.

[0063] In contrast, in this embodiment, since adjacent layers 40, 40' are provided on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent 31), moisture is less likely to reach the bonding means 30, 30'. This prevents the mechanism that closes the absorbent core 10 (i.e., the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 in the bonding means 30, 30') from getting wet. Therefore, the bonding strength of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the pad 1 in a closed state.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in the example in Figure 6, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are located between the bonding means 30 and 30' and the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction. Therefore, even when moisture moves along the surface sheet 2 on the skin side of the absorbent core 10, the provision of adjacent layers 40 and 40' between the surface sheet 2 and the bonding means 30 and 30' can suppress moisture from reaching the bonding means 30 and 30'.

[0065] Furthermore, because the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are hydrophobic, compared to the case where the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are hydrophilic, it becomes more difficult for the wastewater to permeate the adjacent layers 40 and 40', and it becomes easier to suppress the wastewater from reaching the joining means 30 and 30'.

[0066] Furthermore, the hydrophobic adjacent layers 40 and 40' are composed of colored ink applied to the surface sheet 2. Here, colored ink refers to ink of a different color from that of the surface sheet 2. "Different color" means that the user can judge it to be a different color when they see it; for example, if the surface sheet 2 is white, then blue or green ink can be judged as a different color ink. Because the surface sheet 2 is coated with colored ink, in addition to making it difficult for the excrement to permeate the adjacent layers 40 and 40', the user can easily recognize the position of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 (bonding means 30 and 30') that overlaps the adjacent layers 40 and 40' in the thickness direction. This makes it possible to suppress the permeation of the excrement while making it easier to close the pad 1.

[0067] Furthermore, the hydrophobic adjacent layers 40 and 40' may be composed of a hot-melt adhesive applied to the surface sheet 2. In this case, applying the hot-melt adhesive to the surface sheet 2 increases the strength of the surface sheet 2 while suppressing the permeation of excretory fluid.

[0068] Furthermore, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' may be made of nonwoven fabric. The presence of a thick nonwoven fabric between the absorbent core 10 and the bonding means 30 and 30' makes it easier to prevent the excretory fluid from reaching the bonding means 30 and 30'.

[0069] Furthermore, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' may be composed of a nonwoven fabric and ink applied to the nonwoven fabric. With such a configuration, the ink penetrates the voids in the fibers that make up the nonwoven fabric, suppressing the movement (impregnation) of the wastewater through the voids in the nonwoven fabric in the thickness direction, and making it easier to suppress the wastewater from reaching the bonding means 30 and 30'. In addition, if colored ink is used, the position of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 (bonding means 30 and 30') can be easily seen using the adjacent layers 40 and 40' as markers, making it easier to close the pad 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, it is desirable that adjacent layers 40 and 40' are provided across the ends of the absorbent core 10 in the longitudinal or widthwise direction. For example, in Figure 6, adjacent layers 40 and 40' are provided across the ends of the absorbent core 10 in the longitudinal direction. By doing so, it is possible to suppress the excretory fluid seeping outward from the ends of the absorbent core 10 from penetrating to the skin side and reaching the bonding means 30 and 30'.

[0071] In this embodiment, when the pad 1 is viewed from the thickness direction, the size of the bonding means 30, 30', which are the areas where the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is provided, and the adjacent layers 40, 40' may differ. Figures 7 (Figures 7A and 7B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the size relationship between the adjacent layers 40, 40' and the bonding means 30, 30'. Figure 7A shows the case where the adjacent layers 40, 40' are larger than the bonding means 30, 30', and Figure 7B shows the case where the adjacent layers 40, 40' are smaller than the bonding means 30, 30'. Also, in Figures 7A and 7B, the left figure is a view of the skin side in the thickness direction, and the right figure is a cross-sectional view taken along the center line C in the width direction shown in Figure 4.

[0072] As shown in Figure 7A, if the adjacent layers 40, 40' are larger than the joining means 30, 30', it is easier to suppress the excretory fluid from reaching the joining means 30, 30' beyond the adjacent layers 40, 40', even if it travels in the direction of the arrow.

[0073] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7B, if the adjacent layers 40, 40' are smaller than the bonding means 30, 30', the bonding force at the overlapping portion of the adjacent layers 40, 40' can be maintained even if the excretory fluid is transmitted in the direction of the arrow, so that when closing the pad 1, the bonding means 30, 30' can be pressed together (folded with the skin side inward). In addition, by making the adjacent layers 40, 40' smaller, the material cost of the adjacent layers 40, 40' can be reduced. Furthermore, if at least a portion of the adjacent layers 40, 40' is composed of colored ink, the bonding means 30, 30' are formed to cover the entire area where the adjacent layers 40, 40' are provided from the skin side, so that the colored ink contained in the adjacent layers 40, 40' does not bleed or transfer to the skin side.

[0074] In this embodiment, a configuration in which the adjacent layers 40, 40' are larger than the bonding means 30, 30' shown in Figure 7A is preferred. That is, it is desirable that the adjacent layers 40, 40' extend to the entire area of ​​the bonding means 30, 30' and to the area outside of the bonding means 30, 30'. By doing so, the adjacent layers 40, 40' are formed to cover the entire area where the bonding means 30, 30' are provided from the non-skin side, making it easier to suppress moisture from reaching the bonding means 30, 30'.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, and later in Figures 8 and 10, when the region where the joining means 30, 30' is provided is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction into first adjacent regions L1, L1', central regions Lc, Lc', and second adjacent regions L2, L2', it is preferable that the joining force of the central regions Lc, Lc' is stronger than that of the first adjacent regions L1, L1' or the second adjacent regions L2, L2'. With such a configuration, when moisture moves from the inside to the outside in the longitudinal or widthwise direction of the pad 1, the joining force is stronger in the central regions Lc, Lc', where moisture is less likely to reach, making it easier to maintain the folded state with the skin side facing inward. Furthermore, with such a configuration, it can be peeled off and unfolded with relatively little force. The peeling operation of the joining means 30 will be described in detail below.

[0076] <<<Regarding the bonding force of bonding means 30 and 30' as bonding means>>> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the adjacent layer 40 and bonding means 30, 30' are applied. Figure 8A is a view from the thickness direction of the pad 1 when it is folded in half along the fold line FL so that one bonding means 30 and the other bonding means 30' face each other, and the two halves are bonded together. Figure 8B is a diagram showing the process of separating the one bonding means 30 and the other bonding means 30' when unfolding the pad 1.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8A, 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.

[0078] 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 6) 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Alternatively, the magnitude of the bonding force in each region may be evaluated using a measuring instrument.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] Before use (during packaging), the pad 1 is closed, and for example, as shown in Figure 8A, 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 8B, the user grasps the dry edge D areas provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 and pulls it apart toward the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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 6, 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] ===Modifications of adjacent layers 40 and 40'=== Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the adjacent layers 40 and 40' of pad 1. In the modified example shown in Figure 9A, a second sheet 50 is provided between the absorbent core 10 and the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction, and the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are provided on the skin side of the second sheet 50. By doing so, the presence of the second sheet 50 and the adjacent layers 40 and 40' between the absorbent core 10 and the bonding means 30 and 30' makes it easier to suppress the movement of excretory fluid from the absorbent core 10 to the bonding means 30 and 30'.

[0097] In the modified example shown in Figure 9B, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' have a layer recess 51 that is concave in the thickness direction and a layer protrusion 52 that is convex in the thickness direction. As a result, the contact area between the adjacent layers 40 and 40' and the bonding means 30 and 30' is reduced compared to the case where the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are smooth and in surface contact with the bonding means 30 and 30', making it easier to inhibit the movement of moisture from the adjacent layers 40 and 40' to the bonding means 30 and 30'.

[0098] In the modified example shown in Figure 9C, the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are located between the absorbent core 10 and the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction. Even in such a case, since the adjacent layers 40 and 40' are provided on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30 and 30', it is easier to suppress moisture from reaching the bonding means 30 and 30'. This suppresses wetting of the mechanism that closes the absorbent core 10 (i.e., the self-adhesive adhesive 31 in the bonding means 30 and 30'). Therefore, the bonding strength of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is less likely to decrease, and it is easier to maintain the pad 1 in a closed state.

[0099] ===Modified versions of joining means 30, 30'=== Figure 10 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 10A and 10B. Figures 10A and 10B show self-adhesive quadrilateral joining means 30 and 30', respectively.

[0100] In the modified example shown in Figure 10A, 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 10A.

[0101] 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 (basis weight) of the self-adhesive adhesive 31 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.

[0102] Next, in the modified example shown in Figure 10B, the longitudinal central region Lc is a uniformly coated area, similar to the modified example in Figure 10A. Then, as shown in Figure 10B, 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.

[0103] In this case, similar to the modified example in Figure 10A, 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, where the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied only to a portion of the width direction and has a margin, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, where it 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] ===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.

[0106] In Figures 1 and 4, both ends of the joining means 30, 30' in the width direction overlap with the side sheet 4 in the thickness direction, and the side sheet 4 is interposed between the joining means 30, 30' and the surface sheet 2. That is, at least a portion of the side sheet 4 forming the leak-proof wall portion 6 may function as adjacent layers 40, 40'. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Urine pads (pads, absorbent items) 2. Surface sheet (top sheet), 3. Back 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 members, 30 One-sided joining means, 30' Other-sided joining means, 31 Self-adhesive adhesives, 40 adjacent layer on one side, 40' adjacent layer on the other side, 50 Second row seats, 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. A liquid-absorbing core, A top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core, A leak-proof sheet laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, An absorbent article comprising, The top sheet has a bonding agent on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, The top sheet has an adjacent layer adjacent to it in the thickness direction, and is on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet and on the non-skin side of the adhesive, 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 adjacent layer overlap.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article characterized in that the adjacent layer is made of nonwoven fabric.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the adjacent layer has a recess that is concave in the thickness direction and a convex portion that is convex in the thickness direction.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article characterized in that the adjacent layer is composed of a nonwoven fabric and an ink coated on the nonwoven fabric.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article characterized in that the adjacent layer is a hydrophobic layer.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, An absorbent article characterized in that the hydrophobic layer is composed of a hot-melt adhesive applied to the top sheet.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 5, An absorbent article characterized in that the hydrophobic layer is composed of a colored ink applied to the top sheet.

8. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, In the thickness direction, a second sheet is provided between the absorbent core and the top sheet. The absorbent article is characterized in that the adjacent layer is provided on the skin side of the second sheet.

9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The absorbent article is characterized in that the adjacent layer is located between the adhesive and the top sheet in the thickness direction.

10. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the size of the region where the adhesive is provided differs from the size of the adjacent layer.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 10, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the adjacent layer is provided in the entire region where the adhesive is provided, and in the region outside the region where the adhesive is provided.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, When the region where the adhesive is provided in the longitudinal direction is divided into three equal parts: a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region, An absorbent article characterized in that the bonding force of the central region is stronger than the bonding force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region.

13. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, An absorbent article characterized in that the adjacent layer is provided across the edge of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction or the width direction.

14. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The absorbent article is characterized in that the bonding agent is provided in a non-uniform pattern on the skin side of the top sheet.

Images