Absorbent articles

Abstract

The objective is to provide an absorbent article equipped with a closing mechanism on the skin side, in which the position of the closing mechanism on the skin side is easily recognizable. [Solution] The absorbent article (1) comprises a liquid-absorbing core (11) and a top sheet (2), having longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are mutually orthogonal in the unfolded state, wherein at least a portion of the top sheet (2) is provided on the skin side of the absorbent core (11) and constitutes at least a portion of the skin side, and has a bonding means (30) on the skin side that can be bonded to a portion of the absorbent article (1) when discarded, and has a pattern (40) indicating the position of the bonding means (30), the pattern (40) has an area of ​​a different color from the color of the top sheet (2) and is visible from the skin side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article that is easy to remove after use and can maintain a small and 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 a 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 absorbent article is folded in half with the skin side facing inward, a bonding agent such as an adhesive or a self - adhesive faces 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 excreted liquid has adhered, it can be hygienically discarded while confining the excreted liquid and its odor.

[0005] However, if it is difficult for the user to recognize the position of the closing mechanism provided on the skin side surface, it may be difficult to correctly press - bond the closing mechanism to the opposing surface.

[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 on the skin side, in which the position of the closing mechanism on the skin side is easily recognizable. [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. It consists of a liquid-absorbing core and a top sheet. At least a portion of the top sheet is an absorbent article provided on the skin side of the absorbent core and constituting at least a portion of the skin side, The skin-facing side has a bonding means that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when it is disposed of, Having a diagram indicating the position of the joining means, The absorbent article is characterized in that the design has an area of ​​a different color from the color of the top sheet and is visible from the skin side. 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 equipped with a closing mechanism on the skin side, in which the position of the closing mechanism on the skin side is easily recognizable. [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 an explanatory diagram of the self-adhesive joining means 30, 30'. [Figure 5] It is a partial enlarged view for explaining the details of the configuration of the mark 40. [Figure 6] It is an explanatory view regarding the size relationship between the joining means 30 and the mark 40. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory view of the pad 1 to which the mark 40 is applied on the non-skin side rather than the top sheet 2. [Figure 8] It is a view for explaining the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 are applied. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory view regarding the one-sided mark 40 and the other-sided mark 40'. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory view in the case where the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 have the same pattern. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory view regarding the joining means 30, 30' and the marks 40, 40'. [Figure 12] It is a view for explaining the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30, 30' are applied. [Figure 13] 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 of this specification and the attached drawings, at least the following matters become clear. (Aspect 1) It has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other in the unfolded state, It includes a liquid-absorbent absorbent core and a top sheet, At least a part of the top sheet is provided on the skin side rather than the absorbent core and is an absorbent article that constitutes at least a part of the skin side surface, On the skin side surface, it has joining means that can be joined to a part of the absorbent article at the time of disposal, It has a pattern indicating the position of the joining means, The pattern has a region of a color different from the color of the top sheet and is visible from the skin side.

[0011] According to Aspect 1, by using, as a landmark, a pattern having a region that is visible from the skin side and has a color different from the color of the topsheet, the user can more easily recognize the position of the joining means on the skin side surface. As a result, when closing the absorbent article with the skin side surface facing inward at the time of disposal, it becomes easier to perform an operation of joining the joining means to a part of the absorbent article and closing the absorbent article.

[0012] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, When viewed in the thickness direction in the deployed and stretched state, it has a portion where the joining means and the pattern overlap.

[0013] According to Aspect 2, since the pattern is provided so as to overlap at least a part of the joining means, the user can more clearly and easily recognize the arrangement of the joining means using the pattern as a landmark.

[0014] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2, The joining means has a self-adhesive layer formed of a self-adhesive, On the non-skin side of the self-adhesive layer, it has an ink layer formed of a colored ink, The ink layer constitutes the pattern.

[0015] According to Aspect 3, since the pattern can be formed by the ink layer, it is easy to improve the design and visibility of the pattern. Also, since it is difficult for the ink layer to come into direct contact with the skin of the wearer, it is difficult for the ink to adhere to the skin.

[0016] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, When the joining means is trisected into a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region in the longitudinal direction, The joining force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region is weaker than the joining force of the central region, When viewed in the thickness direction in the deployed and stretched state, the central region overlaps with the pattern, and the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region has a portion that does not overlap with the pattern.

[0017] According to Embodiment 4, the pattern is provided overlapping with the central region of the strong bonding means, making it easier for the user to recognize the central region using the pattern as a guide. This makes it easier to press the central region with strong bonding force, and to firmly bond the bonding means to a part of the absorbent article (the opposing surface).

[0018] (Appearance 5) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 4, When viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the entirety of the joining means and the entirety of the design overlap.

[0019] According to embodiment 5, by visually viewing the pattern, the position and shape of the joining means itself can be visually recognized, making it easier for the user to directly recognize the arrangement of the joining means.

[0020] (Appearance 6) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 4, When viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the pattern overlaps with the entirety of the joining means and the area outside of the joining means.

[0021] According to embodiment 6, since the pattern is formed over a wider area than the joining area, the pattern is more conspicuous and easily visible to the user. In addition, because the area of ​​the joining means is easy to recognize, it is easier to perform the operation of firmly joining the joining means to a part of the absorbent article (opposite surface).

[0022] (Aspect 7) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 4, When viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the joining means overlaps with the entire pattern and the area outside the pattern.

[0023] According to embodiment 7, since the pattern is formed in an area narrower than the joining area, it is easy to perform the operation of firmly joining the entire area of ​​the joining means to a part of the absorbent article (opposite surface).

[0024] (Appearance 8) An absorbent article according to any of Appearances 1 to 7, The aforementioned design is formed by a colored adhesive provided on the non-skin side of the top sheet.

[0025] According to embodiment 8, since the pattern is provided on the non-skin side of the top sheet, contact between the ink (colored adhesive) and the wearer's skin is suppressed when the absorbent article is worn. By mixing the ink with the adhesive, the ink coating process can be omitted.

[0026] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 8, In the longitudinal direction, The joining means is spaced apart from the edge of the absorbent article. The absorbent article is characterized in that the design is spaced apart from the end of the absorbent article.

[0027] According to embodiment 9, since the joining means are spaced inward from the longitudinal ends, it is possible to prevent the joining means from protruding outward from the opposing end when crimping. Also, since the pattern is also located inward from the longitudinal ends, a part of the pattern does not protrude outward in the longitudinal direction, so the pattern is less likely to be interrupted and is less likely to be hidden by fingers when the ends are grasped.

[0028] (Aspect 10) An absorbent article as described in Aspects 1 to 9, The disposable diaper has a locking mechanism on the non-skin side that can be attached to the skin side, In the longitudinal direction, the locking means does not overlap with the joining means, nor does it overlap with the design.

[0029] According to embodiment 10, if the design and the locking means overlap, the user may mistakenly believe that the design indicates the position of the locking means. In contrast, if the design and the locking means are offset from each other, it is possible to make such misinterpretation less likely.

[0030] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article described in Aspect 10, In the longitudinal direction, the joining means and the pattern are positioned outside the locking means.

[0031] According to embodiment 11, by providing the joining means and a pattern indicating the position of the joining means as far outward as possible in the longitudinal direction, when the absorbent article is folded in half in the longitudinal direction and closed, the edges of the absorbent article are more easily joined, and the skin side can be securely closed.

[0032] (Aspect 12) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 11, Other designs to assist the user during disposal are provided on the non-skin side.

[0033] According to embodiment 12, an indication (pattern) showing the position of the joining means is provided on the skin side, and an indication (other pattern) such as pressing is provided on the non-skin side, so that the user can close the skin side without hesitation.

[0034] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article described in Aspect 12, When viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, The aforementioned design has an overlapping portion with the aforementioned other design.

[0035] According to embodiment 13, the indicator (pattern) showing the position of the joining means and the indicator (other pattern) for pressing the joining means overlap, making it easier to recognize the position of the joining means and to perform the operation of pressing the joining means from the non-skin side to press it against the opposing surface.

[0036] (Aspect 14) The absorbent article described in Aspect 12, The aforementioned design is a different design from the other aforementioned designs.

[0037] According to embodiment 14, the indication (pattern) showing the position of the joining means and the indication (other pattern) for pressing the joining means become less likely to be confused, making it easier to perform the operation of pressing the joining means against opposing surfaces.

[0038] (Aspect 15) The absorbent article described in Aspect 12, The aforementioned design and the other aforementioned design are the same design.

[0039] According to embodiment 15, by providing corresponding patterns (the same pattern) on both the skin side and the non-skin side, the position of the joining means can be easily recognized from both the skin side and the non-skin side.

[0040] (Aspect 16) An absorbent article described in any of Aspects 1 to 15, The aforementioned design has one side design on one side in the longitudinal direction, and the other side design on the other side in the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned design on one side and the aforementioned design on the other side are designs that evoke a combination.

[0041] According to embodiment 16, an indicator (one-side pattern) showing the position of one-side fastening means and an indicator (other-side pattern) showing the position of the other-side fastening means as part of the absorbent article are provided on the skin side. Therefore, the user can perform the operation of closing by pressing the fastening means against the opposing surface without hesitation.

[0042] ===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.

[0043] <<<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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Furthermore, a fixing member 20 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1, serving as a fastening means that allows the pad 1 to be fastened to the skin side (inner side) of a pant-type diaper, underwear (outer garment), or disposable diaper. In Figure 1, for example, fixing members 20 are provided at both ends of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. 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 side 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Furthermore, the pad 1 has connecting means 30, 30' on the skin side at both ends in the longitudinal direction, and has markings 40, 40' that are visible from the skin side. The details of their configuration will be described below.

[0052] <<<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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Figure 4 (Figures 4A and 4B) 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 bonding force) when the adhesive 31s are brought into contact with each other under relatively weak pressure. As shown in Figure 4A, 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 (bonding force is exhibited) due to their respective adhesives 31. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4B, 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] If the joining means includes a hook-type fastener or mechanical hook as the joining part, the rigidity of the joining part will be high, which may cause discomfort to the wearer of the pad 1. In contrast, the self-adhesive adhesive 31 can be constructed with lower rigidity and flexibility compared to a hook-type fastener. Therefore, discomfort when wearing the pad 1 can be suppressed. Examples of hook-type fasteners include those composed of a male member with multiple hook-shaped protrusions and a female member with multiple loops into which the protrusions of the male member catch, or those consisting of a single male member.

[0058] 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.

[0059] <<<Landmark 40, 40'>>> Next, the specific configuration of the marker 40 will be explained. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the details of the configuration of the marker 40. Figure 5A is a plan view of the pad 1 as seen from the thickness direction. Figure 5B is a partially cross-sectional view of the portion of the pad 1 that passes through the center C in the width direction, along the longitudinal direction, of the joining means 30 and the marker 40.

[0060] As shown in Figure 5A, the pad 1 has a mark 40 as a pattern visible from the skin side. That is, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, it has a mark 40 that indicates the position of the bonding means 30. Furthermore, the mark 40 has an area of ​​a different color from the color of the top sheet 2 and is visible from the skin side. Here, a different color is defined as a color that the user can judge to be different when they see it. For example, if the top sheet 2 is white, then inks such as blue or green can be judged as inks of a different color.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, the marker 40 has a portion that overlaps with the bonding means 30 when viewed in the thickness direction. Moreover, the marker 40 has an ink layer 42 made of colored ink 41 on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30. That is, the bonding means 30 has a self-adhesive layer 32 made of self-adhesive bonding agent 31, and the marker 40 is made of an ink layer 42 on the non-skin side of the self-adhesive layer 32.

[0062] The marker 40 may have a one-side marker 40 as a one-side pattern on one side of the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, and a other-side marker 40' as a other-side pattern on the other side. Also, since the shape of the pad 1 in this embodiment is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, the arrangement positions of the one-side joining means 30 and the one-side marker 40, and the other-side joining means 30' and the other-side marker 40' are also symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, only the one-side joining means 30 and the one-side marker 40 will be described, but the other-side joining means 30' and the other-side marker 40' have a similar configuration.

[0063] As shown in Figure 5A, the joining means 30 is provided at the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and at a predetermined distance d1 from the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. The area extending in the width direction at a predetermined distance d1 from the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction to the one-side joining means 30 is also called the dry edge D. The dry edge D is a non-adhesive area from the end of the pad 1 to the one-side joining means 30 where no adhesive is provided. The marker 40 is provided at the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and at a predetermined distance d2 from the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the other-side joining means 30' and the other-side marker 40' are spaced apart from the other end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the fixing members 20, which serve as locking means and are provided at both ends of the non-skin side (back sheet 3) of the pad 1, are positioned so as not to overlap with the joining means 30 or the markers 40 in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. Moreover, in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, the joining means 30 and the markers 40 are positioned outside the fixing members 20, i.e., at the ends of the pad 1. However, the configuration is not limited to the above.

[0065] Next, the operation and effects of the pad 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figures 5A, 5B, and 3B. When disposing of a used pad 1, first fold the pad 1 along the center line CL (fold line FL) with the skin-side surface facing inward. Then, overlap the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' so that they face each other and press them together (see Figure 3B). At this time, since the joining means 30 is provided on the skin-side surface, if the user has difficulty recognizing the position of the joining means 30, it may be difficult to properly press the joining means 30 against the opposing surface.

[0066] In contrast, in this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin-side facing inward for disposal, the marker 40 has a region of a different color from the color of the top sheet 2 and serves as a pattern indicating the position of the joining means 30, making it easier to recognize the position of the joining means 30 on the skin-side. That is, by using a pattern indicating the position of the joining means 30 as the marker 40, the position of the joining means 30 becomes easier to recognize. Furthermore, since the color of the region of the marker 40 (pattern) is different from the color of the top sheet 2, it is easier to see than if they were the same color. As a result, when closing the pad 1 with the skin-side facing inward for disposal, it becomes easier to attach one side joining means 30 to the other side joining means 30' as part of the pad 1 and close the pad 1.

[0067] Furthermore, when viewed in the thickness direction of the pad 1, the joining means 30 and the marker 40 have overlapping portions. In other words, because the marker 40 is provided overlapping with at least a part of the joining means 30, the user can more clearly recognize the position of the joining means 30 using the pattern as a marker 40.

[0068] Furthermore, the bonding means 30 has a self-adhesive layer 32 made of a self-adhesive bonding agent 31, and the marker 40 is made of an ink layer 42 on the non-skin side of the self-adhesive layer 32. In other words, since the marker 40 as a design is made of an ink layer 42 formed by colored ink 41, a variety of designs such as figures and textual information can be applied, thus improving visibility. In addition, because the self-adhesive layer 32 is interposed, it is difficult for the ink layer 42 to come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, so it is possible to suppress the adhesion of colored ink 41 to the skin. Here, colored ink refers to ink of a different color from the surface sheet 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the joining means 30 and the marker 40 in this embodiment are spaced apart from one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, since the joining means 30 is spaced inward from the longitudinal end, it is possible to prevent the joining means 30 (30') from protruding outward from the opposite end when it is pressed into place. Moreover, since the marker 40 is also spaced inward from the longitudinal end, a part of the marker 40 does not protrude outward in the longitudinal direction, so the marker 40 is less likely to be interrupted, and when the end of the pad 1 is grasped during disposal, the pattern is less likely to be covered and hidden by fingers, making it easier to close the pad 1. The same effect and benefits can be achieved with the other-side joining means 30' and other-side marker 40' which are spaced apart from the other end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fixing member 20 is positioned so as not to overlap with the joining means 30 in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, nor with the marker 40. If the marker 40 and the fixing member 20 were to overlap, the user might mistakenly believe that the marker 40 indicates the position of the fixing member 20. In contrast, in this embodiment, the marker 40 and the fixing member 20 are offset in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, making misidentification less likely and facilitating the closing operation of the pad 1.

[0071] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, the joining means 30 and the mark 40 are positioned outside the fixing member 20, i.e., towards the edge of the pad 1. By providing the joining means and the mark indicating the position of the joining means as far outward as possible in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, when the absorbent article is folded in half longitudinally and closed, the area near the edge of the absorbent article is more easily joined, and the skin side can be securely closed.

[0072] Next, we will explain the comparison between the size of the joining means 30 (30') and the size of the marker 40 (40'). Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the size relationship between the joining means 30 and the marker 40. Figure 6 and Figures 8 to 10 described later are partially enlarged views of the pad 1 as seen from the skin side in the thickness direction. In Figure 6, the horizontal direction of the paper is the width direction of the pad 1, and the vertical direction is the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. Also, for the sake of brevity, only the marker 40 on one side and the joining means 30 on one side will be explained, but the configuration is the same even if there is a marker 40' on the other side and a joining means 30' on the other side.

[0073] As shown in Figure 6A, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, the joining means 30 may overlap with the entire mark 40 and the area outside the mark 40 when viewed in the thickness direction. In other words, the size of the mark 40 is smaller than the size of the joining means 30. As a result, when the pad 1 is closed after visually locating the mark 40, the joining means 30 overlaps with the entire area of ​​the mark 40 in the thickness direction, making it easier to firmly join at least a portion of the joining means 30 to the other end of the pad 1 (jointing means 30'), which is the opposing surface.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6B, the marker 40 may overlap with the entire bonding means 30 and the area outside the bonding means 30 when viewed in the thickness direction with the pad 1 unfolded and extended. In other words, the size of the marker 40 is larger than the size of the bonding means 30. In this case, since the pattern of the marker 40 is formed over a wider area than the area of ​​the bonding means 30, the pattern is more noticeable and easier for the user to see. Also, when the pad 1 is closed after seeing the marker 40, the marker 40 overlaps the entire area of ​​the bonding means 30 in the thickness direction, making it easier to firmly bond the entire area of ​​the bonding means 30 to the other end of the pad 1 (bonding means 30'), which is the opposing surface.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6C, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, the entire area of ​​the marker 40 may overlap with the entire area of ​​the joining means 30 when viewed in the thickness direction. In other words, the size of the joining means 30 and the size of the marker 40 may be equal. In this case, since the area of ​​the pattern of the marker 40 and the area of ​​the joining means 30 are formed to be equal, the user can visually recognize the position and shape of the joining means 30 itself by looking at the pattern of the marker 40, making it easier for the user to directly recognize the position of the joining means 30. When the pad 1 is closed after looking at the marker 40, the entire area of ​​the joining means 30 overlaps with the entire area of ​​the marker 40 in the thickness direction, making it easier to firmly join the entire area of ​​the joining means 30 to the other end of the pad 1 (jointing means 30'), which is the opposing surface. Therefore, the operation of closing the pad 1 becomes easier.

[0076] The marker 40 may be located on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram of a pad 1 in which the marker 40 is located on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. As a specific example, as shown in Figure 7, the marker 40 is made of a colored adhesive located on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. The surface sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 or absorbent core 10 (which may also include a core wrap sheet 11) are joined by an adhesive 43 (hereinafter referred to as sheet adhesive 43) provided between the surface sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 or absorbent core 10. Here, for example, a hot melt adhesive (HMA) can be used as the sheet adhesive 43. Also, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the sheet adhesive 43 has a region that overlaps with the joining means 30 in the thickness direction. In this overlapping region, colored ink 41 is added to the sheet adhesive 43 to make that region visible, thereby creating the marker 40. In this case, since the marker 40 is provided on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, the ink 41 (colored adhesive) is less likely to come into direct contact with the wearer's skin when the pad 1 is worn, thus preventing the colored ink 41 from adhering to the skin. Furthermore, since the colored ink 41 is mixed with the sheet adhesive 43 during manufacturing and applied to the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, the coating process for the colored ink 41 for the marker 40 can be omitted.

[0077] Furthermore, the pad 1 may have a non-skin side marker 50 as another design element to assist the user in handling the pad during disposal. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the function and effect of the pad 1 to which the marker 40 and the non-skin side marker 50 are applied. Figure 8A is a view of one end of the pad 1 from the skin side, and Figure 8B is a view of one end of the pad 1 from the non-skin side. Figure 8C is a view of one end of the pad 1, specifically the central portion in the width direction, from the width direction.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8, a non-skin side marker 50, which is another design element, is provided on the non-skin side. In addition, the marker 40 has the word "attach" printed (applied) on it, which is visible from the skin side (see Figure 8A), and the non-skin side marker 50 has the word "press" printed (applied) on it, which is visible from the non-skin side (see Figure 8B). This makes it easier for the user to close the pad 1 by visualizing the "press" on the non-skin side marker 50 and the "attach" on the marker 40 when closing the pad 1. Specifically, the marker 40 indicating the position of the joining means 30 is provided on the skin side, and the non-skin side marker 50, which has word information such as "press" or a diagram or shape to assist the user's operation, is provided on the non-skin side, so that the user can close the skin side without hesitation.

[0079] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 may have different designs. In that case, the mark 40 indicating the position of the joining means 30 and the non-skin side mark 50 indicating text information, diagrams, or shapes for pressing the joining means 30 will be less likely to be confused, making it easier to press the joining means 30 against the opposing surface.

[0080] Furthermore, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, it is desirable that the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. In this case, since the mark 40 indicating the position of the joining means 30 and the non-skin side mark 50, which has textual information such as pressing the joining means 30, or a diagram or shape, overlap, it is easier to recognize the position of the joining means 30 and easier to perform the operation of pressing the joining means 30 from the non-skin side to press it against the opposing surface. Also, as shown in Figure 8C, it is desirable that the mark 40 and at least a part of the joining means 30 overlap with the non-skin side mark 50. In this case, when pressing the joining means 30 from the non-skin side, it is easier to press the entire area of ​​the joining means 30 and easier to perform the operation of pressing it against the opposing surface.

[0081] Here, the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side may be the same design, but are not limited to this; the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side may be designs that suggest a combination. In other words, the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side may be different designs. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side. Figure 9 shows a design that suggests a combination, such that when the pad 1 is closed, the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side overlap in the thickness direction to form a single mark or shape. In Figure 9A, the mark 40 on one side and the mark 40' on the other side each show a half-heart mark, and when the pad 1 is closed, the heart mark is completed. In other words, the user can close the pad 1 without hesitation and it is easier to close the skin side.

[0082] Figure 9B shows that one side marker 40 has three pairs of lines spaced apart, and the other side marker 40' has three single lines that fit between the pairs of lines when closing the pad 1. In other words, the design is intended to encourage users to position the single lines of the other side marker 40' in the gaps between the pairs of lines on the one side marker 40 when closing the pad 1. Therefore, users can close the pad 1 without hesitation and it becomes easier to close the skin side.

[0083] Figure 9C shows a keyhole diagram on one side marking 40, and a key diagram on the other side marking 40' that fits into the keyhole diagram when closing pad 1. In other words, the diagram is designed to make users think of locking the key on the other side marking 40' into the keyhole on the other side marking 40 when closing pad 1. Therefore, users can close pad 1 without hesitation and it becomes easier to close the skin side.

[0084] In this embodiment, the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 may have the same design. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram of the case where the mark 40 and the non-skin side mark 50 have the same design. Figure 10A is a view of one end of the pad 1 from the skin side, and Figure 10B is a view of one end of the pad 1 from the non-skin side. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, by providing the same design on both the skin side and the non-skin side, the position of the joining means 30 can be easily recognized from both the skin side and the non-skin side, making it easier to close the pad 1.

[0085] <<<Regarding the bonding force of bonding means 30 and 30' as bonding means>>> 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 11. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the joining means 30, 30' and the markers 40, 40'. For the sake of brevity, only the one-sided marker 40 and the one-sided joining means 30 will be explained, but the other-sided marker 40' and the other-sided joining means 30' have a similar configuration. Also, in the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, for the sake of explanation, the surface sheet 2 and the markers 40, 40' are shown as planar, but in the actual pad 1, the surface sheet 2 and the markers 40, 40' may deform in the thickness direction due to the influence of the thickness of the absorbent core 10. In other words, the surface sheet 2 and the markers 40, 40' are not necessarily planar as shown in Figure 11, 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 markers 40, 40'. The same applies to Figure 12, which will be described later.

[0086] As shown in Figure 11, 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 11, the region to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied is shown as a lightly filled area.

[0087] 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 11, 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.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, 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 11, 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended and viewed in the thickness direction, the central region Lc may overlap with the mark 40, while the first adjacent region L1 or the second adjacent region L2 may have portions that do not overlap with the mark 40. By doing so, the mark 40 is provided overlapping with the central region Lc of the bonding means 30, which has strong bonding force, making it easier for the user to recognize the central region Lc as a marker. In addition, by having portions that do not overlap with the first adjacent region L1 or the second adjacent region L2, which have weak bonding force, it is possible to suppress the user from pressing in areas with weak bonding force. As a result, the central region Lc, which has strong bonding force, is easier to press, and it is easier to perform the operation of firmly bonding the bonding means 30 to the other side bonding means 30' as part of the pad 1 (opposing surface).

[0091] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, 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.

[0092] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30, 30' are applied. Figure 12A 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 joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side face each other, and the two halves are bonded together. Figure 12B is a diagram showing the process of separating the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side when unfolding the pad 1.

[0093] As shown in Figure 12A, 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.

[0094] 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 11) 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.

[0095] 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 adhesive 31 per unit area provided as a bonding part in each region. In each region, the greater the amount (basis weight) of the adhesive 31 per unit area, the greater the bonding force. Furthermore, for example, if a hook-and-loop fastener 36, described later, is used as a bonding part instead of the adhesive 31, and some of the hook portions of the hook-and-loop fastener 36 are flattened by embossing or the like, the bonding force can be evaluated by the amount (number) of hook portions per unit area that maintain their function as hooks (unflattened hook portions) in each region.

[0096] Alternatively, the magnitude of the bonding force in each region may be evaluated using a measuring instrument.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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 direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction. The tensile load at the time of separation is then measured. The average value of the tensile load is the magnitude of the bonding force in the area being measured. The bonding force can be measured in the same manner for the first adjacent width area W1, the width center area Wc, and the second adjacent width area W2.

[0100] Before use (during packaging), the pad 1 is closed, and for example, as shown in Figure 12A, 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 12B, 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 towards the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0101] 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.

[0102] 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 d1 from the end in the width direction of the pad 1, the ease of peeling can be improved even when performing such peeling.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] The joining means is not limited to the adhesive 31. For example, a hook-and-loop fastener can be provided on at least one of the skin-facing sides of the pad 1 in the joining means 30. In that case, a similar effect can be achieved by forming a convex portion and a concave portion on the joining surface of the hook-and-loop fastener. Specifically, when hook-and-loop fasteners are provided so as to face each other at both ends of the skin-facing side of the pad 1, it is possible to make it easier to peel one hook-and-loop fastener from the other by providing a high portion (convex portion) and a low portion (concealed portion) on the hook of the hook-and-loop fastener. Similarly, when a hook-and-loop fastener is placed on only one end and the other end is made of nonwoven fabric (surface sheet 2), it is possible to make it easier to peel the hook-and-loop fastener from the surface sheet 2, which is part of the pad 1, by forming a convex portion and a concave portion on the hook-and-loop fastener.

[0112] 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.

[0113] ===Modified versions of joining means 30, 30'=== Figure 13 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 13A and 13B. Figures 13A and 13B show self-adhesive quadrilateral joining means 30 and 30', respectively.

[0114] In the modified example shown in Figure 13A, 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 13A.

[0115] 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.

[0116] Next, in the modified example shown in Figure 13B, the longitudinal central region Lc is a uniformly coated area, similar to the modified example in Figure 13A. Then, as shown in Figure 13B, 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.

[0117] In this case, similar to the modified example in Figure 13A, 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 skin side can be kept covered by the pad 1.

[0118] The joining means 30 in Figure 13C has a hook-and-loop fastener 36. In the modified example of Figure 13C, the longitudinal central region Lc is a region where the hook-and-loop fastener 36 is uniformly arranged, and the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 are configured such that some of the hook portions of the hook-and-loop fastener 36 are flattened by embossing 37 or the like, as shown in Figure 13C, thereby rendering them unusable as hooks.

[0119] In this case, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, where some of the hook portions of the hook fastener 36 are crushed by embossing 37 or the like to eliminate the hook function, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, where the hook portions are not crushed. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when deploying the pad 1, the bonding force 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.

[0120] 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.

[0121] ===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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 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 bonding agent, 32 Self-adhesive layer, 40 One-sided marker (one-sided pattern), 40' Other-sided marker (other-sided pattern), 41 Colored ink, 42 ​​Ink layer, 43 Sheet adhesive, 50 Non-skin side marker, 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. It consists of a liquid-absorbing core and a top sheet. At least a portion of the top sheet is an absorbent article provided on the skin side of the absorbent core and constituting at least a portion of the skin side, The skin-facing side has a bonding means that can be attached to a part of the absorbent article when it is disposed of, Having a diagram indicating the position of the joining means, The absorbent article is characterized in that the design has an area of ​​a different color from the color of the top sheet and is visible from the skin side.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, 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 joining means and the pattern overlap.

3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The bonding means has a self-adhesive layer composed of a self-adhesive agent, The non-skin side of the self-adhesive layer has an ink layer composed of colored ink, An absorbent article characterized in that the ink layer constitutes the design.

4. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, In the longitudinal direction, when the joining means is divided into three equal parts: a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region, The bonding force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region is weaker than the bonding force of the central region. An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the central region overlaps with the pattern, and the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region has a portion that does not overlap with the pattern.

5. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the entirety of the joining means and the entirety of the pattern overlap.

6. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the pattern overlaps with the entirety of the joining means and the region outside of the joining means.

7. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, the joining means overlaps with the entire pattern and the area outside the pattern.

8. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The absorbent article is characterized in that the aforementioned design is formed by a colored adhesive provided on the non-skin side of the top sheet.

9. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, In the longitudinal direction, The joining means is spaced apart from the edge of the absorbent article. The absorbent article is characterized in that the design is spaced apart from the end of the absorbent article.

10. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The disposable diaper has a locking mechanism on the non-skin side that can be attached to the skin side, An absorbent article characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the locking means does not overlap with the joining means and does not overlap with the pattern.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 10, An absorbent article characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the joining means and the pattern are positioned outside the locking means.

12. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article characterized by having other patterns on the non-skin side to assist the user in handling the product during disposal.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 12, When viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and extended state, An absorbent article characterized by having an overlapping portion between the aforementioned design and the aforementioned other design.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 12, An absorbent article characterized in that the aforementioned design and the aforementioned other design are different designs.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 12, An absorbent article characterized in that the aforementioned design and the aforementioned other design are the same design.

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