Absorbent items, disposable diapers, and absorbent item sets

Abstract

To provide a structure that reduces discomfort when worn while making it easy to attach absorbent materials to the designated location. [Solution] The absorbent article (1) according to the disclosure is an absorbent article (1) equipped with a liquid-absorbing absorbent core (11A) and used by being placed inside a disposable diaper (5), characterized in that a self-adhesive joint (30) that can be joined to a self-adhesive diaper-side joint (70) provided on the skin-side of the disposable diaper (5) is provided on the non-skin side. The disposable diaper (5) according to the disclosure is a disposable diaper (5) in which an absorbent article (1) equipped with a liquid-absorbing absorbent core (11A) can be placed inside, characterized in that a self-adhesive joint (70) that can be joined to a self-adhesive absorbent article-side joint (30) provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article (1) is provided on the skin-side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles, disposable diapers, and absorbent article sets.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses fastening a wearing article (outer cover) worn around the lower body of a wearer and an absorbent article (absorbent insert) with a snap fastener.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, a snap fastener having hook elements is used. However, when a snap fastener having hook elements is provided on an absorbent article, since the rigidity of the snap fastener is relatively high, the rigidity of the absorbent article provided with the snap fastener also becomes high, which may give a wearer a sense of discomfort. Further, when joining an adhesive tape provided on the back surface of the absorbent article to the inner surface of the wearing article, since the adhesive tape joins to any location on the inner surface of the wearing article, it may be difficult to attach the absorbent article to a predetermined position of the wearing article.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that makes it easy to attach an absorbent article to a predetermined position while reducing the sense of discomfort during wearing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first main invention for achieving the above objective is an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core and used by being placed inside a disposable diaper, characterized in that a self-adhesive bonding portion is provided on the non-skin side that can be bonded to a self-adhesive diaper-side bonding portion provided on the skin side of the disposable diaper. Furthermore, the main second invention for achieving the above objective is a disposable diaper in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core can be placed inside, characterized in that a self-adhesive joint is provided on the skin side of the absorbent article that can be joined to a self-adhesive absorbent article side joint provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the third main invention for achieving the above objective is an absorbent article set comprising an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core and a disposable diaper in which the absorbent article can be placed, wherein the non-skin side of the absorbent article is provided with a self-adhesive first joint, and the skin side of the disposable diaper is provided with a self-adhesive second joint that can be joined to the first joint. Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the structure makes it easy to attach absorbent articles to predetermined positions while reducing discomfort when worn. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figures 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams of the self-adhesive joint. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of the pad 1 according to the first embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the broken line FL1. [Figure 5]Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram of the folded pad 1. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the folded pad 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the coloring method for the pad-side joint portion 30. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 5 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the wearer's skin side when it is unfolded and extended. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of diaper 5. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure in AA of Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figures 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing how to fold diaper 5. [Figure 10] Figures 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how to attach pad 1 to diaper 5. [Figure 11] Figures 11A to 11E are explanatory diagrams for comparing the sizes of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the first modified example of the absorbent article set 100. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of a second modified example of the absorbent article set 100. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third modified example of the absorbent article set 100. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the pad 1 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figures 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams illustrating how the pad 1 according to the second embodiment is attached to the diaper 5. [Figure 18] Figures 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings:

[0010] (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent absorbent core and disposed inside a disposable diaper, wherein a self-adhesive joint portion that can be joined to a self-adhesive diaper-side joint portion provided on the skin side surface of the disposable diaper is provided on the non-skin side surface. The absorbent article is characterized by this. According to the absorbent article of Aspect 1, since it can be configured to be low in rigidity and flexible, the discomfort during wearing can be suppressed. Further, according to the absorbent article of Aspect 1, the self-adhesive joint portion is not likely to stick to parts other than the self-adhesive diaper-side joint portion, so it has a structure that is easy to attach to a predetermined position of the diaper.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article is folded along a fold line in the width direction, and the joint portion is provided so as to straddle the fold line. The absorbent article according to Aspect 1. According to the absorbent article of Aspect 2, since the joint portion is disposed at the top of the folded absorbent article, it becomes easier for the wearer to grasp the position of the joint portion, and it has a structure that makes it easy to abut the self-adhesive joint portion against the self-adhesive diaper-side joint portion.

[0012] (Aspect 3) The color of the joint portion of the absorbent article and the color of the diaper-side joint portion are color samples of 24 colors classified by the Ostwald hue circle, and the hue numbers are the same or the deviation of the hue numbers is within 5. The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or 2. According to the absorbent article of Aspect 3, it is possible to prompt the wearer to join the self-adhesive joint portion and the self-adhesive diaper-side joint portion.

[0013] (Aspect 4) The color of the joint portion of the absorbent article has a deviation in hue number greater than 5 in the color samples of 24 colors classified by the Ostwald hue circle with respect to the color of the portion adjacent to the joint portion of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. According to the absorbent article of Aspect 4, it is possible to visually distinguish the joint portion from the portions other than the joint portion.

[0014] (Aspect 5) The joint is an absorbent article according to embodiment 3 or 4, comprising a colored layer printed with colored ink and an adhesive layer formed by applying an adhesive agent on the colored layer. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 5, the self-adhesive joint can be colored to any color, and the bonding strength can be increased compared to the case where a colored layer is formed on top of the self-adhesive layer.

[0015] (Aspect 6) At least a portion of the joint is an absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, which is arranged to overlap with the absorbent core. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 6, it is possible to suppress displacement of the absorbent core of the absorbent article relative to the diaper.

[0016] (Aspect 7) The joint portion is an absorbent article according to embodiment 6, which is arranged to straddle the absorbent core in the width direction. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 7, since the joint is configured to extend across the entire width of the absorbent core, displacement of the absorbent core relative to the diaper can be further suppressed.

[0017] (Pattern 8) The absorbent article according to embodiment 7, wherein the absorbent core has a narrow portion in the longitudinal center where the width dimension is narrower, and the joint portion is arranged to straddle the narrow portion of the absorbent core. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 8, displacement of the absorbent core relative to the diaper can be suppressed in the narrow portion of the absorbent core.

[0018] (Aspect 9) The joint portion of the absorbent article is an absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the dimension of at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction is shorter than that of the joint portion on the diaper side. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 9, the structure makes it easy to bring the joint into contact with the diaper joint while suppressing the area of ​​the joint.

[0019] (Aspect 10) The joint portion of the absorbent article is an absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the length of at least one of the longitudinal and width directions is longer than that of the diaper-side joint portion. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 10, the structure makes it easy to bring the joint into contact with the diaper joint while suppressing the area of ​​the diaper-side joint.

[0020] (Aspect 11) When the absorbent article is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, these regions are designated as the first end region, the central region, and the second end region, in that order from the longitudinal direction, the joint is the absorbent article described in any of embodiments 1 to 10 provided in the central region. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 11, displacement of the diaper in the wearer's crotch area can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the self-adhesive joint can be made flexible with low rigidity, it is permissible to provide the self-adhesive joint in the central region.

[0021] (Aspect 12) The absorbent article is the absorbent article according to embodiment 11, further comprising an additional joining portion in at least one of the first end region and the second end region that can be joined to the skin side of the disposable diaper. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 12, when the absorbent article inserted into the diaper is opened, the additional connecting portion can be attached to the skin side of the diaper, making it easier to secure the opened absorbent article to the diaper.

[0022] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to embodiment 12 is such that the bonding force between the aforementioned joint and the aforementioned diaper-side joint is weaker than the bonding force between the additional joint and the aforementioned skin-side of the disposable diaper. According to the absorbent article of embodiment 13, when the absorbent article is removed from the diaper, it is possible to prevent the diaper from rolling up.

[0023] (Aspect 14) The additional joint is an absorbent article according to embodiment 12 or 13, which is made of hook-and-loop fasteners. In the absorbent article of embodiment 14, the rigidity of the additional joint made of hook-and-loop fastener is high, so it is effective to provide the additional joint in the first end region or the second end region of the absorbent article.

[0024] (Aspect 15) A disposable diaper in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core can be placed inside, characterized in that a self-adhesive joint is provided on the skin side of the absorbent article that can be joined to a self-adhesive absorbent article side joint provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article. According to the disposable diaper of embodiment 15, it can be constructed with low rigidity and flexibility, thus reducing discomfort when worn. Furthermore, according to the diaper of embodiment 15, the self-adhesive joint is less likely to stick to parts other than the self-adhesive absorbent article side joint, making it easier to attach the absorbent article to the predetermined position on the diaper.

[0025] (Aspect 16) An absorbent article set comprising an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core and a disposable diaper in which the absorbent article can be placed, wherein the non-skin side of the absorbent article is provided with a self-adhesive first joint, and the skin side of the disposable diaper is provided with a self-adhesive second joint that can be joined to the first joint. According to the absorbent article set of Embodiment 16, the rigidity of the absorbent article having a self-adhesive first joint can be made low and flexible, and the rigidity of the disposable diaper having a self-adhesive second joint can be made low and flexible, thus suppressing discomfort when worn. Furthermore, according to the absorbent article set of Embodiment 16, the self-adhesive joint does not easily stick to parts other than the self-adhesive joint, making it easy to attach the absorbent article to the predetermined position on the diaper.

[0026] ===First Embodiment=== <Absorbent items set> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0027] The absorbent item set 100 is a set consisting of an absorbent item and a disposable diaper. Here, the absorbent item is a urine pad (hereinafter referred to as "pad 1"), and the disposable diaper is a pull-up type diaper (hereinafter referred to as "diaper 5"). However, the absorbent item is not limited to a urine pad; any item equipped with a liquid-absorbing absorbent core 11A is acceptable. For example, the absorbent item may be a sanitary napkin, an absorbent sheet for nursing care, or an absorbent sheet for pets. Also, the disposable diaper is not limited to the pull-up type; for example, it may be a tape type or a 2-way type (a combination of pull-up and tape type).

[0028] As shown in the diagram, pad 1 is used by being placed inside diaper 5. However, pad 1 can also be used on its own by being placed inside the wearer's underwear. Similarly, diaper 5 can be used on its own without attaching pad 1 to the inside of diaper 5.

[0029] In the following explanation, putting on pad 1 or diaper 5 may be referred to as "wearing," and attaching pad 1 to diaper 5 may be referred to as "attaching." Similarly, the person wearing pad 1 or diaper 5 may be referred to as the "wearer," and the person attaching pad 1 to diaper 5 may be referred to as the "attacher." The attacher may be the wearer themselves, or someone other than the wearer (for example, the wearer's caregiver).

[0030] Pad 1 and diaper 5 are each provided with connecting parts (30, 70). The connecting part 30 provided on pad 1 may be called the pad-side connecting part, the absorbent article-side connecting part, the first connecting part, or the inner connecting part, and will be referred to as the "pad-side connecting part 30" below. The connecting part 70 provided on diaper 5 may be called the diaper-side connecting part, the second connecting part, or the outer connecting part, and will be referred to as the "diaper-side connecting part 70" below. In addition, both or at least one of the pad-side connecting part 30 and the diaper-side connecting part 70 may simply be referred to as the "connecting part". Pad 1 comprises a base material 10 (pad-side base material) that constitutes the main body of pad 1 and the pad-side connecting part 30. Diaper 5 is composed of a base material 50 (diaper-side base material) that constitutes the main body of diaper 5 and the diaper-side connecting part 70.

[0031] The pad-side joint portion 30 is provided on the back surface (non-skin side; the side facing the diaper 5) of the pad 1 (the base material 10 that constitutes the main body of the pad 1). The diaper-side joint portion 70 is provided on the inner surface (skin side; the side facing the pad 1) of the diaper 5 (the base material 50 that constitutes the main body of the diaper 5). By joining the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70, the pad 1 is fixed to the diaper 5. Note that "joining" means fixing to a degree that allows for removal. The pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 are positioned such that when the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 are joined, the pad 1 is positioned in a predetermined position on the diaper 5. In other words, the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned on the pad 1 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 is positioned on the diaper 5 such that the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 face each other when the pad 1 is positioned appropriately on the diaper 5. Thus, the pad-side joint portion 30 is provided at a position corresponding to the diaper-side joint portion 70 (the diaper-side joint portion 70 is provided at a position corresponding to the pad-side joint portion 30).

[0032] The pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are made of self-adhesive joints. In other words, the pad 1 and the diaper 5 are each provided with self-adhesive joints.

[0033] Figures 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams of the self-adhesive joint.

[0034] A self-adhesive joint means that while its own tackiness (adhesion) is low, adhesive force is generated when the joints are brought into contact with each other under relatively weak pressure. As shown in Figure 2A, when the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are brought into contact under relatively weak pressure, the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 stick together (adhesion is generated). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 2B, when the pad-side joint 30 comes into contact with a material other than the diaper-side joint 70, such as the base material 50 of the diaper 5 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) or skin, the pad-side joint 30 does not easily adhere to the material it comes into contact with. Similarly, as shown in Figure 2C, when the diaper-side joint 70 comes into contact with a material other than the pad-side joint 30 (e.g., the base material 10 of the pad 1 or skin), the diaper-side joint 70 does not easily adhere to the material it comes into contact with.

[0035] The adhesive strength between the self-adhesive joint and other components should preferably be 1 / 4 or less of the adhesive strength between the self-adhesive joints themselves. Furthermore, when self-adhesive joints are brought into contact with each other, they can be separated without damaging the joints, and can be re-adhered by bringing them into contact again after separation.

[0036] Self-adhesive joints are formed by self-adhesive adhesives. The self-adhesive adhesive is not particularly limited as long as it is safe to come into contact with the wearer's skin; examples include emulsion-based self-adhesives (emulsion inks) and hot-melt self-adhesives (HMAs). Emulsion-based self-adhesives can be used by mixing natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc., with emulsifiers, etc., as the main component; for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2589307 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-095381 may be used. Furthermore, hot-melt self-adhesives can be used by heating and melting thermoplastic resins such as polyolefins and polyamides; for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7476348 and Japanese Patent No. 7543716 may be used. Here, the self-adhesive joint is composed of an emulsion-based self-adhesive (emulsion ink).

[0037] Incidentally, if the joint is made of hook-and-loop fasteners with hook elements, the rigidity of the joint will be high, which may cause discomfort to the wearer of pad 1 or diaper 5. In contrast, self-adhesive joints can be constructed with lower rigidity and greater flexibility compared to hook-and-loop fasteners with hook elements. Therefore, discomfort when wearing pad 1 or diaper 5 can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the joint is made of hook-and-loop fasteners, the fasteners may cause discomfort to the wearer if they come into contact with the wearer's skin. Similarly, if the joint is made of adhesive tape, the adhesive tape may cause discomfort to the wearer if it comes into contact with the wearer's skin. In contrast, self-adhesive joints do not exhibit adhesion to the wearer's skin, so even if a self-adhesive joint comes into contact with the wearer's skin, it will not cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0038] When using pad 1, the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are brought into contact, and pad 1 is positioned inside diaper 5. The self-adhesive joints (pad-side joint 30 and diaper-side joint 70) stick together, fixing pad 1 to diaper 5 and preventing misalignment of pad 1 relative to diaper 5. Furthermore, when positioning pad 1 inside diaper 5, the positions of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are aligned, making it easy to attach pad 1 to the designated position on diaper 5. In addition, since the pad-side joint 30 does not easily stick to parts of the inner surface of diaper 5 other than the diaper-side joint 70, it is easy to attach pad 1 to the designated position on diaper 5. Thus, the self-adhesive pad-side joint 30 and the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 function as alignment parts.

[0039] <Absorbent item (pad 1)> First, the base material 10 (pad-side base material) that constitutes the main body of the absorbent article (pad 1) will be described, and then the pad-side joining portion 30 provided on the non-skin side of the base material 10 will be described.

[0040] • Basic composition of absorbent materials Absorbent articles are items that absorb and retain the wearer's excretions (e.g., urine). Here, we will describe a urine pad as an example of an absorbent article, but as already explained, absorbent articles are not limited to urine pads.

[0041] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic plan views of the pad 1 according to the first embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 3A is a view from the skin side of the wearer, and Figure 3B is a view from the non-skin side. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure along the broken line FL1.

[0042] Pad 1 is an absorbent article equipped with a liquid-absorbing absorbent core 11A. When unfolded, Pad 1 has a roughly rectangular planar shape and has longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are perpendicular to each other. The "longitudinal direction" is the direction along the longer side of the roughly rectangular Pad 1, and is the direction along the wearer's ventral side to the dorsal side when Pad 1 is worn. The width direction is the direction along the shorter side of the roughly rectangular Pad 1. The thickness direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions. In the thickness direction, the side that should be on the wearer's skin side is sometimes called the "skin side," and the side opposite the skin side is sometimes called the "non-skin side."

[0043] The deployed state of pad 1 is the state in which the entire pad 1 is unfolded in a planar manner. The stretched state of pad 1 is the state in which the elastic member of pad 1 is stretched to the extent that the wrinkles of pad 1 are substantially no longer visible. Figures 3A and 3B show pad 1 in both the deployed and stretched states, and the dimensions of each component constituting pad 1 (excluding the elastic member, described below) are equal to or close to the dimensions of the individual component.

[0044] The pad 1 comprises an absorbent 11, a top sheet 12, a back sheet 13, and a pair of side sheets 14. Each component constituting the pad 1 is laminated in the thickness direction and fixed to each other by means of adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, heat fusion, etc. The absorbent 11, top sheet 12, back sheet 13, and the pair of side sheets 14 constitute the main body of the pad 1 (the base material 10 on which the pad-side joint portion 30 is provided).

[0045] The absorbent body 11 is a component that absorbs and retains liquid (in this case, urine). The absorbent body 11 has an absorbent core 11A and a core wrap sheet 11B. The absorbent core 11A is a component that has liquid absorbency (and liquid retention). The absorbent core 11A has a shape in which the longitudinal center is constricted when viewed from the thickness direction (in other words, it is configured in an hourglass shape). That is, the absorbent core 11A has a narrow section (constricted section) in the longitudinal center where the width dimension is narrow. The absorbent core 11A is constructed by molding liquid absorbent fibers containing, for example, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) into a predetermined shape. The core wrap sheet 11B is a liquid-permeable sheet component that covers the absorbent core 11A. The core wrap sheet 11B is made of, for example, tissue or nonwoven fabric. The absorbent body 11 is placed between the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 13.

[0046] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent body 11 (absorbent core 11A). The top sheet 12 is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The backsheet 13 is a liquid-impermeable sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent 11. The backsheet 13 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin film. The side sheet 14 is a component that covers the widthwise edges of the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 13. The side sheet 14 is folded back so that its side edges are inward in the widthwise direction. The side edge on the skin side of the folded side sheet 14 forms a leak-proof wall portion 15 (three-dimensional gather) that rises toward the skin side in the thickness direction.

[0047] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a leg-around elastic member 16A and a leak-proof wall elastic member 16B. The leg-around elastic member 16A and the leak-proof wall elastic member 16B are thread-like elastic members (thread rubber) arranged along the longitudinal direction. The leg-around elastic member 16A is fixed between the back sheet 13 and the side sheet 14 on both sides in the width direction, in a state where it is stretched in the longitudinal direction. When the stretched leg-around elastic member 16A contracts, leg gathers are formed on both edges in the width direction of the pad 1. The leak-proof wall elastic member 16B is fixed to the skin-side edge of the folded side edge of the side sheet 14, in a state where it is stretched in the longitudinal direction. When the stretched leak-proof wall elastic member 16B contracts, the skin-side edge of the side sheet 14 stands up, forming a leak-proof wall portion 15 (three-dimensional gathers).

[0048] Figures 3A and 3B show that the pad 1 (base material 10) is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, and in order from the longitudinal direction, these are the first end region 21A, the central region 22, and the second end region 21B. The first end region 21A and the second end region 21B are the longitudinal end regions of the pad 1, and the central region 22 is the region between the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B. The central region 22 is positioned in the crotch area of ​​the wearer when the pad 1 is worn. For this reason, the central region 22 is sometimes called the crotch area. The first end region 21A is positioned on the ventral (or dorsal) side of the wearer when the pad 1 is worn, and the second end region 21B is positioned on the dorsal (or ventral) side of the wearer when the pad 1 is worn. It may also be decided that the first end region 21A is on the ventral side and the second end region 21B is on the dorsal side. In this case, the first end region 21A is sometimes called the ventral part, and the second end region 21B is sometimes called the dorsal part. Furthermore, the wearer may be able to select which of the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B should be the ventral side, depending on their gender.

[0049] Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram of the folded pad 1. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the folded pad 1.

[0050] Pad 1 is packaged in a folded state along the fold line FL1 that runs along the width direction. Packaging pad 1 in a folded state allows for a compact package. Pad 1 may be packaged individually, or multiple pads 1 may be packaged together. Here, pad 1 is folded in half along the fold line FL1 as shown in Figure 1. However, the folding method of pad 1 is not limited to folding in half; it may also be folded in thirds. Pad 1 is folded so that the skin side is on the inside and the non-skin side is on the outside.

[0051] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the fold line FL1 is provided along the width direction. The fold line FL1 is provided in the central region 22 of the pad 1. Here, since the pad 1 is folded in half, the fold line FL1 is located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. The fold line FL1 is positioned to cross the absorbent material 11 (absorbent core 11A).

[0052] As shown in Figure 3A, the absorbent core 11A has a narrow section (constriction) in the longitudinal center, so the width dimension of the absorbent body 11 (absorbent core 11A) in the central region 22 (especially at the position of fold line FL1) is narrower than the width dimension of the absorbent body 11 (absorbent core 11A) at other positions. Furthermore, in this central region 22 (especially at the position of fold line FL1), the leg-around elastic member 16A is positioned wider than the absorbent body 11. In other words, the leg-around elastic member 16A is positioned in an area where there is no absorbent body 11. When this leg-around elastic member 16A contracts in the longitudinal direction, the top sheet 12, back sheet 13, and side sheet 14, which are wider than the absorbent body 11, contract in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming leg gathers on both edges in the width direction of the central region 22 (crotch area) of the pad 1.

[0053] The above describes the basic configuration of Pad 1, but the above configuration of Pad 1 is just one example, and Pad 1 is not limited to the above configuration. Also, as already explained, absorbent materials are not limited to Pad 1, so absorbent materials are not limited to the above configuration either.

[0054] • Pad-side joint 30 As previously explained, a self-adhesive pad-side joint portion 30 is provided on the non-skin side of pad 1 (the base material 10 that constitutes the main body of pad 1). Also, as previously explained, the pad-side joint portion 30 will be joined to the diaper-side joint portion 70 of diaper 5.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the pad-side joint portion 30 is provided along the fold line FL1. Since the fold line FL1 is formed along the width direction, the pad-side joint portion 30 is formed as a strip-shaped region extending along the width direction. By providing the pad-side joint portion 30 along the width direction, it becomes easier to attach the pad 1 to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction) of the diaper 5.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3B and 5B, the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL1 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in Figure 5B, when the pad 1 is folded along the fold line FL1, the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned at the top of the folded pad 1 (the bent portion bent by the fold line FL1). This makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the position of the pad-side joint portion 30 and to bring the pad-side joint portion 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint portion 70. Furthermore, because the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL1, the portion of the fold line FL1 can be fixed to the diaper 5, making it easier to open the pad 1 when attaching it to the diaper 5 (see Figure 10B, described later). Also, as will be described later, the pad-side joint portion 30 does not necessarily have to be positioned to straddle the fold line FL1.

[0057] By positioning the pad-side joint portion 30 to straddle the fold line FL1, as shown in Figure 1, the pad-side joint portion 30 can be positioned at the very bottom of the pad 1 when attaching the pad 1 to the diaper 5. This makes it easier to bring the pad-side joint portion 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint portion 70. Furthermore, by positioning the pad-side joint portion 30 to straddle the fold line FL1, it is possible to suppress the formation of a gap between the pad 1 and the diaper 5 when the pad 1 is attached to the diaper 5 (see Figure 10B, described later).

[0058] The pad-side joint portion 30 is colored to make it stand out. By coloring the pad-side joint portion 30, it is possible to visually distinguish the pad-side joint portion 30 from the rest of the diaper, making it easier to bring the pad-side joint portion 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint portion 70. Furthermore, the pad-side joint portion 30 is colored to match the hue of the diaper-side joint portion 70. By having the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 be the same color (same hue), it is possible to encourage the wearer to connect the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70.

[0059] Furthermore, it is desirable that the color of the pad-side joint 30 has a hue number difference of more than 5 from the color of the area adjacent to the pad-side joint 30 (the non-skin side area other than the pad-side joint 30) using the 24 color charts classified by the Ostwald color wheel. This allows for visual distinction between the pad-side joint 30 and the other areas. In addition, it is desirable that the color of the pad-side joint 30 and the color of the diaper-side joint 70 have the same hue number or a hue number difference of 5 or less using the 24 color charts classified by the Ostwald color wheel. This allows the user to recognize that the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are the same color (same hue), encouraging the wearer to connect the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70.

[0060] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the coloring method for the pad-side joint portion 30. The pad-side joint portion 30 is constructed by laminating a self-adhesive layer 30A and a colored layer 30B.

[0061] The self-adhesive layer 30A is a layer formed by applying a self-adhesive agent. In this case, the self-adhesive layer 30A is composed of an emulsion-based self-adhesive agent (emulsion ink).

[0062] The colored layer 30B is a layer (colored ink layer) printed with colored ink on the non-skin side of the pad 1. By providing the colored layer 30B, the pad-side joint portion 30 can be colored with any desired color. The colored layer 30B is formed beneath the self-adhesive layer 30A. That is, the colored layer 30B is formed on the substrate 10, and then the self-adhesive layer 30A is formed on top of the colored layer 30B. This increases the bonding strength when self-adhesive joints are joined together compared to when the colored layer 30B is formed on top of the self-adhesive layer 30A.

[0063] However, if the self-adhesive layer 30A gets wet with moisture that has penetrated from the base material 10 of pad 1, the bonding strength may be reduced. For this reason, it is desirable that the colored layer 30B be a hydrophobic layer that has low affinity for moisture (repels it easily). By providing a hydrophobic colored layer 30B between the base material 10 and the self-adhesive layer 30A, it is possible to suppress moisture from reaching the self-adhesive layer 30A, thereby suppressing the reduction in bonding strength of the self-adhesive joint.

[0064] The pad-side joint 30 is constructed by laminating multiple self-adhesive layers 30A. This increases the bonding strength when joining self-adhesive joints compared to the case where there is only one self-adhesive layer 30A. The bonding strength of the pad-side joint 30 can be adjusted by adjusting the number of layers of self-adhesive layers 30A.

[0065] The configuration of the pad-side joint 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 6. For example, if the self-adhesive layer 30A is configured in a desired color, or if coloring of the pad-side joint 30 is unnecessary, the pad-side joint 30 does not need to be provided with a colored layer 30B.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 3B, the pad-side joint 30 is provided in the central region 22. This prevents the pad 1 from shifting relative to the diaper 5 in the wearer's crotch area. However, if a hook-and-loop fastener with a hook element were provided in the central region 22, it may cause discomfort to the wearer. In contrast, the self-adhesive pad-side joint 30 has low rigidity and can be made flexible, so it is permissible to provide the self-adhesive pad-side joint 30 in the central region 22. However, the pad-side joint 30 may also be provided in the first end region 21A or the second end region 21B.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, at least a portion of the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned to overlap with the absorbent core 11A. This prevents the absorbent core 11A, which absorbs liquid, from shifting position relative to the diaper 5.

[0068] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned to straddle the absorbent core 11A in the width direction. As a result, the pad-side joint portion 30 covers the entire width region of the absorbent core 11A, further suppressing misalignment of the absorbent core 11A relative to the diaper 5. Note that because the pad-side joint portion 30 is positioned to straddle the absorbent core 11A, the width dimension of the pad-side joint portion 30 is longer than the width dimension of the absorbent core 11A (more specifically, the width dimension of the absorbent core 11A in the area where the pad-side joint portion 30 overlaps).

[0069] Furthermore, the absorbent core 11A has a narrow section (constricted section) in the longitudinal center, and the pad-side joint 30 is positioned to straddle the narrow section of the absorbent core 11A. This makes it possible to particularly suppress positional displacement of the absorbent core 11A relative to the diaper 5. When the pad-side joint 30 is positioned to straddle the narrow section of the absorbent core 11A, the widthwise end of the pad-side joint 30 will be positioned wider than the narrow section of the absorbent core 11A. In a structure where the leg elastic member 16A is positioned wider than the narrow section of the absorbent core 11A, and the leg gathers are provided wider than the absorbent core 11A, the widthwise end of the pad-side joint 30 will be positioned on the leg gathers when the pad-side joint 30 is positioned to straddle the narrow section of the absorbent core 11A. As a result, as shown in Figure 5A, the widthwise end of the pad-side joint 30 is positioned higher in the figure compared to the widthwise center, making the pad-side joint 30 easily visible even when the folded pad 1 is viewed from the side (for example, the right side of the page in Figure 5A).

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, it is desirable that the pad-side joint portion 30 be positioned to straddle the non-skin side edge of the folded side edge of the side sheet 14. In other words, it is desirable that the pad-side joint portion 30 be positioned to straddle the boundary between the top sheet 12 and the side sheet 14 on the non-skin side. This prevents the side edge of the side sheet 14 from curling up on the non-skin side.

[0071] <Disposable diapers (diaper 5)> First, the base material 50 (diaper-side base material) that constitutes the main body of the disposable diaper (diaper 5) will be described, and then the diaper-side joint portion 70 provided on the skin-side of the base material 50 will be described.

[0072] Basic composition of disposable diapers A disposable diaper is a component that can accommodate an absorbent material (pad 1) on its inside. Here, a pant-type diaper 5 is described as an example of a disposable diaper, but as already explained, disposable diapers are not limited to the pant type.

[0073] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 5 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the wearer's skin side when unfolded and extended. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the diaper 5. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure at AA in Figure 7.

[0074] When unfolded, diaper 5 has an hourglass shape (gourd-shaped; with a constriction in the middle along its longitudinal direction) and has longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal, width, and thickness directions described for diaper 5 are the same directions as those of pad 1 when pad 1 and diaper 5 are unfolded while maintaining the positional relationship when pad 1 is attached to diaper 5. In the description of diaper 5, as in the description of pad 1, the side that should be on the wearer's skin in the thickness direction is sometimes called the "skin side," and the side opposite the skin side is sometimes called the "non-skin side."

[0075] The unfolded state of diaper 5 is the state in which the pair of side connecting parts SS provided on both sides of the pant-type diaper 5 are separated and the diaper 5 is opened and unfolded flat. The stretched state of diaper 5 is the state in which the elastic member of diaper 5 is stretched to the extent that the wrinkles of the flatly unfolded diaper 5 are substantially invisible. Figure 7 shows diaper 5 in both the unfolded and stretched state, and the dimensions of each component constituting diaper 5 (excluding the elastic member, described below) are the same as or close to the dimensions of the individual component.

[0076] The diaper 5 has an absorbent body 51 and an outer casing 55. The components constituting the diaper 5 are laminated in the thickness direction and fixed to each other by means of adhesive, ultrasonic bonding, heat fusion, etc. The absorbent body 51 and the outer casing 55 constitute the main body of the diaper 5 (the base material 50 on which the diaper-side joining portion 70 is provided).

[0077] The absorbent body 51 is a component that absorbs and retains liquid (in this case, urine). The absorbent body 51 has an absorbent core 52, a top sheet 53, and a back sheet 54. The absorbent core 52 is composed of an absorbent core 52A and a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet (not shown) that covers the absorbent core 52A. The top sheet 53 is a liquid-permeable sheet member positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core 52. The back sheet 54 is a sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 52, and is composed of a laminate of a liquid-impermeable sheet member and a hydrophobic sheet member. The absorbent core 52 is positioned between the top sheet 53 and the back sheet 54. Leak-proof walls (not shown) are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 51 in the width direction.

[0078] The outer casing 55 is a component that makes up the outer casing of the diaper 5. The outer casing 55 is positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 51. The absorbent body 51 is fixed to the outer casing 55 with adhesive or the like. The outer casing 55 has a pair of waist sections 61 and a crotch section 62. Of the pair of waist sections 61, the front waist section 61 is sometimes called the ventral waist section 61A, and the rear waist section 61 is sometimes called the dorsal waist section 61B. The ventral waist section 61A is positioned on the wearer's ventral side when the diaper 5 is worn. The dorsal waist section 61B is positioned on the wearer's dorsal side when the diaper 5 is worn. The crotch section 62 is positioned between the wearer's legs when the diaper 5 is worn. The diaper 5 is folded in half along the fold line FL5, and the widthwise edges of the ventral waist portion 61A and the dorsal waist portion 61B are connected to form a pair of side connecting portions SS, thereby configuring the diaper 5 into a pant-type diaper.

[0079] The outer body 55 comprises an outer top sheet 56, a ventral outer back sheet 57, and a dorsal outer back sheet 58. The outer top sheet 56 is a sheet member positioned across the ventral waist portion 61A, the crotch area 62, and the dorsal waist portion 61B. The ventral outer back sheet 57 is a sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the outer top sheet 56 in the ventral waist portion 61A. The dorsal outer back sheet 58 is a sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the outer top sheet 56 in the dorsal waist portion 61B. Here, both longitudinal ends of the outer top sheet 56 are covered by the ventral outer back sheet 57 and the dorsal outer back sheet 58, respectively. However, the ends of the outer top sheet 56 do not necessarily have to be covered by the ventral outer back sheet 57 or the dorsal outer back sheet 58.

[0080] Furthermore, the diaper 5 has a waist elastic member 59A and a hind leg elastic member 59B. The waist elastic member 59A is a thread-like elastic member (thread elastic) arranged along the width direction. Multiple waist elastic members 59A are fixed at intervals in the longitudinal direction between the outer top sheet 56 and the ventral outer back sheet 57, and between the outer top sheet 56 and the dorsal outer back sheet 58. When the waist elastic member 59A and the hind leg elastic member 59B are extended and then contracted, stretchable portions are formed on the outer body 55, making it easier for the diaper 5 to fit snugly around the wearer's waist and hind legs when worn.

[0081] Figures 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing how to fold diaper 5.

[0082] As shown in Figure 9A, the diaper 5 is folded in half along the fold line FL5 that runs along the width direction. From the state in Figure 9A, both ends of the diaper 5 are folded back along a pair of upper and lower fold lines FL5', resulting in the state shown in Figure 9B. Furthermore, from the state shown in Figure 9B, the diaper 5 is folded in half again along the left and right fold lines FL5'', resulting in the state shown in Figure 9C. However, the folding method of the diaper 5 is not limited to this. Packaging the diaper 5 in a folded state makes the package more compact. Note that the diapers 5 may be packaged individually, or multiple diapers 5 may be packaged together.

[0083] As shown in Figure 7, the fold line FL5 is provided along the width direction. The fold line FL5 is provided in the crotch area 62. As the diaper 5 is folded in half as shown in Figure 9A, the fold line FL5 is located in the center of the longitudinal direction of the unfolded diaper 5. The fold line FL5 is positioned to cross the absorbent material 52 (absorbent core 52A).

[0084] The above describes the basic configuration of diaper 5, but the above configuration of diaper 5 is just one example, and diaper 5 is not limited to the above configuration. Also, as already explained, disposable diapers are not limited to the pull-up type diaper 5, so disposable diapers are not limited to the above configuration either.

[0085] • Diaper side joint 70 As already explained, the skin-facing side of diaper 5 is provided with a self-adhesive diaper-side attachment 70. Even if the wearer wears diaper 5 alone without attaching pad 1, and the diaper-side attachment 70 comes into contact with the wearer's skin, the self-adhesive diaper-side attachment 70 is unlikely to stick to the wearer's skin, thus avoiding discomfort to the wearer. For this reason, it is permissible to place the self-adhesive diaper-side attachment 70 on the skin-facing side of diaper 5.

[0086] In the example shown in Figure 7, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is provided along the fold line FL5. Furthermore, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL5 in the longitudinal direction. Since the fold line FL5 is formed in the width direction, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is formed as a strip-shaped region extending along the width direction. By providing the diaper-side joint portion 70 along the width direction, it becomes easier to attach the pad 1 to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction) of the diaper 5.

[0087] Figures 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how to attach pad 1 to diaper 5.

[0088] Since the diaper-side joint portion 70 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL5, as shown in Figure 10A, when attaching the pad 1 to the diaper 5, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is positioned in the concave, bent portion due to the fold, and is located at the very bottom of the internal space of the diaper 5. This makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the position of the diaper-side joint portion 70 and to bring the pad-side joint portion 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint portion 70.

[0089] As shown in Figure 10A, the pad 1 is inserted into the internal space of the diaper 5 with the pad-side joint 30 facing downwards. On the other hand, the diaper-side joint 70 is located at the very bottom of the internal space of the diaper 5. Because the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are in this relative position, when the pad 1 is inserted into the internal space of the diaper 5, the structure makes it easy to bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70. In other words, the diaper-side joint 70 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL5, and the positioning of the diaper-side joint 70 to straddle the fold line FL5 makes it easy to bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70.

[0090] As shown in Figure 10B, the wearer will bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70, then unfold the folded pad 1 and attach it to the diaper 5. Because the diaper-side joint 70 and the pad-side joint 30 are joined, when unfolding the pad 1 and attaching it to the diaper 5, displacement of the pad 1 relative to the diaper 5 can be suppressed. At this time, since the pad 1 is opened starting from the fold line FL1, the pad 1 and the diaper 5 are fixed at the position of the fold line FL1 of the pad 1, making it easier to open the pad 1. In other words, the pad-side joint 30 is positioned to straddle the fold line FL1, making it easier to open the pad 1. However, the pad 1 may be opened before joining the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70, or the pad 1 may be inserted into the diaper 5 in an open state.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10B, by joining the pad-side joint 30 located below the pad 1 with the diaper-side joint 70 located at the bottom of the internal space of the diaper 5, and then opening the pad 1 and attaching it to the diaper 5, it is possible to prevent the formation of a gap between the pad 1 and the diaper 5. In other words, by positioning the diaper-side joint 70 to straddle the fold line FL5 and the pad-side joint 30 to straddle the fold line FL1, it is possible to prevent the formation of a gap between the pad 1 and the diaper 5.

[0092] The diaper-side seam 70 is colored to stand out. By coloring the diaper-side seam 70, it is possible to visually distinguish the diaper-side seam 70 from the rest of the diaper, making it easier to bring the pad-side seam 30 into contact with the diaper-side seam 70. Furthermore, it is desirable that the color of the diaper-side seam 70 has a hue number shift of more than 5 from the color of the adjacent area (the skin-side area other than the diaper-side seam 70) using the 24 color charts classified by the Ostwald color circle. This allows for visual distinction between the diaper-side seam 70 and the rest of the diaper.

[0093] Furthermore, as already explained, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is colored to have the same hue as the pad-side joint portion 30. By having the diaper-side joint portion 70 be the same color (same hue) as the pad-side joint portion 30, it is possible to encourage the wearer to connect the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70.

[0094] The diaper-side joint 70 is constructed by laminating a self-adhesive layer and a colored layer. The self-adhesive layer and colored layer constituting the diaper-side joint 70 are the same as the self-adhesive layer 30A and colored layer 30B of the pad-side joint 30 shown in Figure 6, so their explanation is omitted here. The construction of the diaper-side joint 70 is not limited to a configuration in which a self-adhesive layer and a colored layer are laminated. This point is also the same as for the pad-side joint 30.

[0095] The diaper-side joint 70 is provided in the crotch area 62. This prevents the pad 1 from shifting relative to the diaper 5 in the wearer's crotch area. However, if a hook-and-loop fastener with a hook element were provided in the crotch area 62, when the wearer puts on the diaper 5 without attaching the pad 1, the rigid hook-and-loop fastener may come into contact with the wearer's crotch, potentially causing strong discomfort. Similarly, if adhesive tape were provided in the crotch area 62, when the wearer puts on the diaper 5 without attaching the pad 1, the adhesive tape may adhere to the wearer's crotch, potentially causing strong discomfort. In contrast, the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 has low rigidity and can be constructed flexibly, and because the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 does not easily stick to the wearer's skin, it is permissible to provide the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 in the crotch area 62.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, it is desirable that at least a portion of the diaper-side joint 70 overlaps with the absorbent core 52A of the absorbent body 51. Also, as shown in Figure 7, it is desirable that the widthwise dimension of the diaper-side joint 70 is greater than the widthwise dimension of the absorbent core 52A. In other words, it is desirable that the diaper-side joint 70 is positioned to straddle the absorbent core 52A in the widthwise direction. This makes it possible to suppress displacement of the pad 1 relative to the diaper 5 in the wearer's crotch area.

[0097] Figures 11A to 11E are explanatory diagrams for comparing the sizes of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70. The left side of the figures shows the pad-side joint 30 as seen from the non-skin side, and the right side shows the diaper-side joint 70 as seen from the skin side. The figures also show the pad-side joint 30 and diaper-side joint 70 in their unfolded and extended states.

[0098] In each figure, L11 is the longitudinal dimension of the pad-side joint 30. W11 is the width dimension of the pad-side joint 30. L21 is the longitudinal dimension of the diaper-side joint 70. W21 is the width dimension of the diaper-side joint 70.

[0099] In Figure 11A, the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are configured to be approximately the same size. That is, the longitudinal dimension W11 of the pad-side joint 30 is approximately equal to the longitudinal dimension W21 of the diaper-side joint 70, and the widthwise dimension L11 of the pad-side joint 30 is approximately equal to the widthwise dimension W11 of the diaper-side joint 70. However, the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 do not necessarily have to be the same size.

[0100] Incidentally, when the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are brought into contact, the relative positions of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 may shift. Since the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are self-adhesive, if their relative positions shift, the area in which the bonding force is exerted becomes narrower, and the bonding force may decrease. For this reason, it is conceivable to provide the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 in a wider area in advance. However, it is also possible to provide one of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 in a wider area instead of providing both in a wider area (see below; Figures 11B to 11E). This allows for a misalignment of the relative positions of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70, resulting in a structure that makes it easier for the wearer to bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70 without having to look into the internal space of the diaper 5.

[0101] In Figures 11B and 11C, the diaper-side joint 70 is located in a wider area than the pad-side joint 30 (resulting in the pad-side joint 30 being located in a narrower area than the diaper-side joint 70). In Figure 11B, the widthwise dimension W21' of the diaper-side joint 70 is longer than the widthwise dimension W11 of the pad-side joint 30 (in other words, the widthwise dimension W11 of the pad-side joint 30 is shorter than the widthwise dimension W21' of the diaper-side joint 70). Also, in Figure 11C, the longitudinal dimension L21' of the diaper-side joint 70 is longer than the longitudinal dimension L11 of the pad-side joint 30 (in other words, the longitudinal dimension L11 of the pad-side joint 30 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension L21' of the diaper-side joint 70). In the examples shown in Figures 11B and 11C, the diaper-side joint 70 is configured to be longer in one of its dimensions (longitudinal or widthwise) compared to the pad-side joint 30. However, it may also be configured to be longer in both the longitudinal and widthwise directions. By configuring the diaper-side joint 70 to be longer in at least one of its dimensions (longitudinal or widthwise) compared to the pad-side joint 30, the diaper-side joint 70 has a wider area than the pad-side joint 30. By providing the diaper-side joint 70 in a wider area than the pad-side joint 30, it becomes easier for the wearer to bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70 without having to peer into the internal space of the diaper 5. Furthermore, by providing the diaper-side joint 70 in a wider area than the pad-side joint 30, the area of ​​the pad-side joint 30 can be reduced compared to the case where both the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are provided in a wider area.

[0102] In Figures 11D and 11E, the pad-side joint 30 is located in a wider area than the diaper-side joint 70 (resulting in the diaper-side joint 70 being located in a narrower area than the pad-side joint 30). In Figure 11D, the widthwise dimension W11' of the pad-side joint 30 is longer than the widthwise dimension W21 of the diaper-side joint 70 (in other words, the widthwise dimension W21 of the diaper-side joint 70 is shorter than the widthwise dimension W11' of the pad-side joint 30). Also, in Figure 11E, the longitudinal dimension L11' of the pad-side joint 30 is longer than the longitudinal dimension L21 of the diaper-side joint 70 (in other words, the longitudinal dimension L21 of the diaper-side joint 70 is shorter than the longitudinal dimension L11' of the pad-side joint 30). In the examples shown in Figures 11D and 11E, the pad-side joint 30 is configured to be longer in one of its dimensions (longitudinal or widthwise) than the diaper-side joint 70, but it may also be configured to be longer in both the longitudinal and widthwise directions. By configuring the pad-side joint 30 to be longer in at least one of its dimensions (longitudinal or widthwise) than the diaper-side joint 70, the pad-side joint 30 has a wider area than the diaper-side joint 70. By providing the pad-side joint 30 in a wider area than the diaper-side joint 70, it becomes easier for the wearer to bring the pad-side joint 30 into contact with the diaper-side joint 70 without having to look into the internal space of the diaper 5. Furthermore, by providing the pad-side joint portion 30 in a wider area than the diaper-side joint portion 70, the area of ​​the diaper-side joint portion 70 can be reduced compared to the case where both the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 are provided in a wider area.

[0103] <Variation> Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 of the first modified example. Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 of the second modified example. The left side of the figure shows the pad 1 as seen from the non-skin side, and the right side of the figure shows the diaper 5 as seen from the skin side. The figures show the pad 1 and diaper 5 in their unfolded and extended states.

[0104] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the first and second modified examples, the pad 1 has two pad-side connecting parts 30. The diaper 5 also has two diaper-side connecting parts 70. Thus, the number of pad-side connecting parts 30 and diaper-side connecting parts 70 is not limited to one; there may be two or more. Furthermore, the pad-side joint portion 30 is located in an area of ​​the pad 1 other than the fold line FL1. Similarly, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is located in an area of ​​the diaper 5 other than the fold line FL5. Thus, the pad-side joint portion 30 and the diaper-side joint portion 70 do not necessarily have to be located across the fold line in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] Furthermore, as shown in the first and second modified examples, by providing a pad-side joint 30 and a diaper-side joint 70 on one side (for example, the upper side in the figure) and the other side (for example, the lower side in the figure) in the longitudinal direction when viewed from the fold line, it becomes easier to fix the open pad 1 to the diaper 5.

[0106] As shown in the first and second modified examples, when multiple pad-side joints 30 and multiple diaper-side joints 70 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction, it is desirable that the longitudinal spacing of the pad-side joints 30 be shorter than the longitudinal spacing of the diaper-side joints 70 (in other words, it is desirable that the longitudinal spacing of the diaper-side joints 70 be longer than the longitudinal spacing of the pad-side joints 30). Since the pad 1 is placed inside the diaper 5, by making the spacing of the pad-side joints 30 shorter than the spacing of the diaper-side joints 70, a structure is created that makes it easier for each pad-side joint 30 and diaper-side joint 70 to come into contact.

[0107] As shown in Figure 13, in the second modified example, the pad-side joint portion 30 is provided in the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B. Thus, the pad-side joint portion 30 does not have to be provided in the central region 22. Also in the second modified example, the diaper-side joint portion 70 is provided in the waist portion 61 (ventral waist portion 61A and dorsal waist portion 61B). Thus, the diaper-side joint portion 70 does not have to be provided in the crotch area 62.

[0108] Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of the third modified example of the absorbent article set 100.

[0109] In the third modified example, the pad-side joint 30 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. The diaper-side joint 70 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 5. By providing the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 along the longitudinal direction, it becomes easier to attach the pad 1 to a predetermined position in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) of the diaper 5. Thus, the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 are not limited to being configured along the width direction.

[0110] ===Second Embodiment=== Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the pad 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article set 100 according to the second embodiment. The left side of the figure shows the pad 1 as seen from the non-skin side, and the right side of the figure shows the diaper 5 as seen from the skin side. Note that the figures show the pad 1 and diaper 5 in their unfolded and extended states. Figures 17A and 17B are explanatory diagrams showing how the pad 1 according to the second embodiment is attached to the diaper 5.

[0111] The pad 1 of the second embodiment differs from the pad 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes an additional connecting portion 32. The configuration of the pad 1 other than the additional connecting portion 32 and the configuration of the diaper 5 are the same as in the first embodiment, so a description is omitted here.

[0112] The additional joining portion 32 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1. The additional joining portion 32 is the part that is joined to the inner surface of the diaper 5 (the skin side, the surface facing the pad 1). The additional joining portion 32 is made up of, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener with a hook element or adhesive tape (double-sided tape). The hook-and-loop fastener with a hook element can be joined to the skin side of the diaper 5 by contacting the nonwoven fabric on the skin side of the diaper 5. Similarly, adhesive tape can be joined to the skin side of the diaper 5 by contacting the nonwoven fabric on the skin side of the diaper 5. Therefore, the additional joining portion 32 can be joined to any location on the skin side of the diaper 5.

[0113] The additional connecting portion 32 is provided in the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B of the pad 1. As a result, as shown in Figure 10B, when the pad 1 inserted into the diaper 5 is opened, the additional connecting portion 32 is joined to the skin side of the diaper 5, making it easier to fix the opened pad 1 to the diaper 5. Since the additional connecting portion 32 is provided in the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B and not in the central region 22, even if the rigidity of the additional connecting portion 32 is high, it does not cause discomfort to the wearer's crotch. In particular, when the additional connecting portion 32 is made of hook-and-loop fastener, the rigidity of the additional connecting portion 32 is high, so it is effective to provide the additional connecting portion 32 in the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B of the pad 1. Note that the additional connecting portion 32 does not need to be provided in both the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B, and it is sufficient if it is provided in one of the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B. In other words, if the additional joint portion 32 is provided in at least one of the first end region 21A and the second end region 21B, it will be easier to fix the open pad 1 to the diaper 5.

[0114] The bonding force between the self-adhesive pad-side joint 30 and the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 is weaker than the bonding force between the additional joint 32 and the skin-side surface of the diaper 5. This prevents the bottom of the diaper 5 (the area of ​​the diaper-side joint 70) from curling up when the pad 1 is removed from the diaper 5. Furthermore, when the bonding force between the self-adhesive pad-side joint 30 and the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70 is weak, the rigidity of the pad-side joint 30 and the diaper-side joint 70 can be reduced, making them more flexible. For this reason, even if the pad-side joint 30 is placed in the central region 22 and the diaper-side joint 70 is placed in the crotch area 62, it is less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0115] Furthermore, the bonding force between the pad-side bonding portion 30 and the diaper-side bonding portion 70, and the bonding force between the additional bonding portion 32 and the skin-side surface of the diaper 5, can be measured as follows. First, prepare two sample pieces to be measured. The sample pieces should be rectangular, measuring 50 mm x 25 mm, with the length of the peeling direction (tensile direction) being the longitudinal direction. However, the size of the sample pieces is not limited to this and can be adjusted according to the size of the joint. By attaching masking tape (50 mm x 40 mm) to the ends of the sample pieces, a holding part (gripping part) is formed at the ends of the sample pieces. Next, the two sample pieces are placed on top of each other, and a load of 2 kg is applied from the opposite side of the holding part using a roller with a mass of 2 kg at 5 mm / second to join the two sample pieces. Next, the holding part of the sample piece is held in the chuck of a tensile testing machine (manufactured by Instron), and the two sample pieces are separated by pulling the two holding parts apart, and the tensile load at the time of separation is measured. The maximum value of the measured tensile load is taken as the joining force of the two sample pieces (unit: N / 25 mm).

[0116] <Variation> Figures 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams of a modified example of the second embodiment.

[0117] In the modified example, the additional joint portion 32 (pad-side additional joint portion) of pad 1 is self-adhesive, similar to the pad-side joint portion 30. Except for the self-adhesive nature of the pad-side joint portion 30, the configuration of pad 1 in the modified example is the same as that of the second embodiment described above. In the modified example, diaper 5 has not only a self-adhesive diaper-side joint portion 70 but also a self-adhesive additional diaper-side joint portion 72. The configuration of diaper 5 other than the additional diaper-side joint portion 72 is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here.

[0118] The diaper-side additional joint 72 is a self-adhesive joint, similar to the self-adhesive diaper-side joint 70. The diaper-side additional joint 72 is located on the skin-facing side of the diaper 5, opposite the additional joint 32. When the diaper-side additional joint 72 comes into contact with the additional joint 32 (pad-side additional joint) of the pad 1, the diaper-side additional joint 72 and the additional joint 32 are joined together. The joining of the pad 1's additional joint 32 and the diaper-side additional joint 72 makes it easier to fix the open pad 1 to the diaper 5.

[0119] The longitudinal distance (distance in the unfolded state) between the pair of additional connecting parts 32 provided on the non-skin side of pad 1 is preferably shorter than the longitudinal distance (distance in the unfolded state) between the pair of additional connecting parts 72 provided on the skin side of diaper 5. Since pad 1 is placed inside diaper 5, by making the distance between the additional connecting parts 32 of pad 1 shorter than the distance between the additional connecting parts 72 on the diaper side, it is possible to easily bring the additional connecting parts 32 of pad 1 and the additional connecting parts 72 on the diaper side into contact.

[0120] In the modified example, it is desirable that the bonding force between the pad-side bonding portion 30 and the diaper-side bonding portion 70 be weaker than the bonding force between the additional bonding portion 32 and the skin-side surface of the diaper 5 (in this case, the bonding force between the additional bonding portion 32 of pad 1 and the additional bonding portion 72 on the diaper side). This prevents the bottom of the diaper 5 (the area of ​​the diaper-side bonding portion 70) from curling up when the pad 1 is removed from the diaper 5.

[0121] To increase the bonding strength between the additional joint 32 on pad 1 and the additional joint 72 on the diaper side, it is desirable that the number of self-adhesive layers (see Figure 6) constituting the additional joint 32 on pad 1 and the additional joint 72 on the diaper side be greater than the number of self-adhesive layers constituting the joint 30 on pad side and the additional joint 70 on diaper side. This makes it possible to adjust the strength of the bonding while using the same self-adhesive to construct the joints, thus simplifying the manufacturing of pad 1 and diaper 5. However, the strength of the bonding strength may also be adjusted by changing the self-adhesive constituting the joint 30 on pad side and the joint 70 on diaper side from the self-adhesive constituting the additional joint 32 on pad 1 and the additional joint 72 on diaper side.

[0122] ===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]

[0123] 1 pad, 5 diapers, 10 Base material (pad), 11 Absorbent material, 11A Absorbent core, 11B Core wrap sheet, 12 top sheet, 13 back sheet, 14 Side sheet, 15 Leak-proof wall section, 16A Leg-related elastic member, 16B Leak-proof wall elastic member, 21A first end area, 21B second end area, 22 center area, 30 Pad-side joint, 30A Self-adhesive layer, 30B Colored layer, 32 additional joints, 50 Base material (diaper), 51 Absorbent body, 52 absorbent material, 52A absorbent core, 53 Top seat, 54 Back seat, 55 Exterior body, 56 Exterior top sheet, 57 Ventral outer back seat, 58 Dorsal outer back seat, 59A Elastic member around the body, 59B Elastic member around the rear legs, 61 Girth section, 61A Ventral girth section, 61B Dorsal girth section, 62 crotch area, 70 Diaper-side joint 72 Additional joint 100 absorbent material set, FL1 fold line (pad), FL5 fold line (diaper), SS side connection section

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing core, which is used by being placed inside a disposable diaper, An absorbent article characterized in that a self-adhesive joint is provided on the non-skin side of the disposable diaper, which can be joined to a self-adhesive diaper-side joint provided on the skin side of the disposable diaper.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, The absorbent article is folded along fold lines in the width direction, The aforementioned joint portion is provided so as to straddle the fold line, characterized in that it is an absorbent article.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, The absorbent article is characterized in that the color of the joint portion of the absorbent article and the color of the joint portion on the diaper side are the same or within 5 hue numbers on a color chart of 24 colors classified by the Ostwald color circle.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, The absorbent article is characterized in that the color of the joint portion of the absorbent article is greater than 5 in hue number deviation from the color of the portion adjacent to the joint portion of the absorbent article, using a color chart of 24 colors classified by the Ostwald color circle.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4, The aforementioned joint is characterized by being composed of a colored layer printed with colored ink and a self-adhesive layer on which a self-adhesive agent is applied.

6. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, An absorbent article characterized in that at least a portion of the joint is arranged to overlap with the absorbent core.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is arranged to straddle the absorbent core in the width direction.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 7, The absorbent core has a narrow section in the longitudinal center where the width dimension is narrower. The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is arranged to straddle the narrow portion of the absorbent core.

9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion of the absorbent article is shorter in at least one dimension in the longitudinal direction and the width direction compared to the joint portion on the diaper side.

10. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion of the absorbent article is longer in at least one dimension in the longitudinal direction and the width direction compared to the joint portion on the diaper side.

11. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When the absorbent article is divided into three equal regions in the longitudinal direction, these regions are designated as the first end region, the central region, and the second end region, in that order from the longitudinal direction, The absorbent article is characterized in that the joint portion is provided in the central region.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 11, The absorbent article is characterized in that it further comprises an additional joining portion in at least one of the first end region and the second end region that can be joined to the skin side of the disposable diaper.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 12, An absorbent article characterized in that the bonding force between the aforementioned joint and the aforementioned diaper-side joint is weaker than the bonding force between the additional joint and the aforementioned skin-side of the disposable diaper.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 12, The absorbent article is characterized in that the additional joining portion is made of hook-and-loop fasteners.

15. A disposable diaper in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing core can be placed inside, A disposable diaper characterized in that a self-adhesive joint portion is provided on the skin side of the absorbent article, which can be joined to a self-adhesive absorbent article side joint portion provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article.

16. An absorbent article equipped with a liquid-absorbing core, A disposable diaper in which the absorbent article can be placed inside, an absorbent article set equipped with, The non-skin side of the absorbent article is provided with a self-adhesive first bonding portion. The skin-facing side of the disposable diaper is provided with a self-adhesive second joint that can be attached to the first joint. A set of absorbent articles characterized by the following features.

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