Absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article that prevents the gathers from collapsing while being worn, thereby maintaining the leak-proof function of the gathers. [Solution] An absorbent article comprising a body having a top sheet on the skin side, a back sheet on the non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorbent disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, having a front-to-back direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, and a pair of gathers that can stand up on the skin side, disposed along the front-to-back direction on both lateral edges of the body, wherein each of the pair of gathers has a fixing portion fixed to the body such that standing up is at least partially suppressed in the crotch area facing the wearer's crotch.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In absorbent articles such as incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, and pad-type disposable diapers, as an effective means for preventing body fluid from leaking laterally outward, there are known articles provided with a pair of gathers that can stand up toward the skin side at both side portions of the main body.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body and a pair of leak-preventing cuffs disposed on both side portions along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body, wherein each of the pair of leak-preventing cuffs is configured to include a leak-preventing cuff sheet, and has a base end portion where the leak-preventing cuff sheet is fixed to another member, and a standing portion where the leak-preventing cuff sheet provided with an elastic member stands up toward the wearer side, and a configuration is described in which a standing inhibition portion is formed in each of the front portion and the rear portion, wherein the edge side of the standing portion is fixed to another member located on the non-skin side relative to the edge side. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2020-44049 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Gathers in absorbent articles (such as the leak-proof cuff described in Patent Document 1) are highly flexible structural components designed to stand upright when the elastic stretchable material contained within the gather contracts. Therefore, if force is applied to the side of the absorbent article from the legs, the gathers may collapse due to the force of the legs. In that case, the gathers will no longer be able to perform their original function of preventing lateral leakage. Thus, there is a need for a technology that can prevent the gathers from collapsing while being worn and maintain the leak-proof function of the gathers.

[0006] In view of the above, one aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide an absorbent article that can prevent the gathers from collapsing while being worn and maintain the leak-proof function of the gathers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is an absorbent article comprising a body having a front-to-back direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, and a pair of gathers that are upright on the skin side and arranged along the front-to-back direction on both lateral edges of the body, wherein each of the pair of gathers has a fixing portion fixed to the body such that the upright position is at least partially suppressed in a crotch area facing the wearer's crotch.

[0008] The absorbent article according to the first embodiment described above comprises a pair of gathers that are positioned along the front-to-back direction on both lateral edges of the main body and are able to stand upright on the skin side. In this specification, "gather" refers to a structural part that includes a sheet and an elastic stretch member, and is configured to stand upright on the skin side by the contraction of the elastic stretch member. By providing gathers, leakage of bodily fluids laterally outward along the surface of the absorbent article can be prevented.

[0009] As mentioned above, gathers stand upright against the skin when the elastic stretchable material contracts, and this upright position is maintained by the tension of the elastic stretchable material. Therefore, if force is applied to the side of the absorbent material from the legs, the tension of the gathers may not be able to overcome the force from the legs, and the gathers may collapse inward laterally. Even if they do not collapse, unintended wrinkles or folds may occur that hinder the function of the gathers. When such problems such as collapse, wrinkles, and folds occur, the gathers are unable to perform their original function of preventing leakage from the sides. In addition, when the gathers collapse inward laterally, they may cover the lateral edges of the main body, hindering the absorption of bodily fluids at the edges.

[0010] In contrast, in this embodiment, each pair of gathers has a fixing part that is fixed to the main body so that its upright position is at least partially suppressed. Because the part of the gather that is fixed to the main body is located in the middle of the front-to-back direction of the gather, the gathers on the front and back of the fixing part are pulled toward the fixing part, so that the tension of the gather can be maintained on the front and back of the fixing part. As a result, the gather as a whole is less likely to collapse, the original function of preventing lateral leakage of the gather is maintained, and an absorbent article with a high effect in preventing leakage of bodily fluids can be provided. In particular, when the wearer is lying on their side, the wearer is often with their legs together or crossed, and a large force is easily applied to the side of the absorbent article from the legs, making the gathers prone to collapsing. Also, when the wearer is lying on their side, the lateral direction of the absorbent article corresponds to the direction of gravity, so lateral leakage of bodily fluids is likely to occur. Therefore, this embodiment is suitable as an absorbent article for people who spend a lot of time sleeping on their side, or for use during sleep.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned fixing portion is formed in the crotch area, which faces the wearer's groin. The crotch area is an area with a large degree of curvature when worn, and is therefore an area where the tension of the gathers tends to weaken or the gathers tend to loosen. By forming the fixing portion in the crotch area, the tension of the gathers in the crotch area can be maintained and the force that holds the gathers upright can be strengthened. In other words, the tension of the gathers can be reinforced in the crotch area where the gathers tend to loosen, and the drooping of the gathers can be prevented.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, the gather includes a gather-forming sheet and an elastic stretchable member fixed to the gather-forming sheet in an extended state, wherein the gather-forming sheet has a base fixed to the skin side of the main body and a folded portion that is folded back to the skin side and outward in the lateral direction at the lateral inner end of the base, the lateral inner side of the folded portion being fixed to the base by the fixing portion and the lateral outer side of the folded portion being upright.

[0013] According to the second embodiment described above, the gathering-forming sheet that constitutes the gather has a base fixed to the skin side of the main body, and a folded portion that is folded back horizontally outward toward the skin side at the lateral inner end of the base. With such a folded structure, a force acts at the folded position of the lateral inner end of the gather to return the fold of the gathering-forming sheet itself to its original state, so the gather is more likely to stand up horizontally outward toward the skin side.

[0014] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lateral inner portion of the folded-over section of the gather is fixed by the fixing part, but the lateral outer portion of the folded-over section is not fixed. In other words, the entire folded-over section is not fixed, and the lateral outer portion of the gather is able to stand upright. Therefore, even at the position where the fixing part is provided, the gather can stand upright, albeit at a low height. As a result, the gather can stand upright continuously throughout the entire front-to-back direction, thereby enhancing the function of preventing lateral leakage.

[0015] In a third aspect of this disclosure, the fixing portion is a portion extending from 1 mm to 50 mm in the front-rear direction.

[0016] According to the third embodiment described above, the effect of strengthening the force that causes the gathers to stand upright and making them less likely to fall over can be improved, while also preventing the fixing part itself from becoming excessively long, which would cause the area in which the standing of the gathers is suppressed to become excessively long and thus make it easier for leakage to occur from the side.

[0017] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the fixing portion is folded from the front toward the skin along at least a first fold line along the transverse direction, and folded from the rear toward the skin along a second fold line along the transverse direction, and the fixing portion is formed at a distance from both the first fold line and the second fold line.

[0018] According to the fourth embodiment described above, the absorbent article is folded in at least three folds toward the skin. When the absorbent article is individually packaged in a packaging sheet, having such a folding structure makes it possible to provide a compact, individually packaged absorbent article. However, when the absorbent article is folded, creases extending laterally often remain even after the absorbent article has been unfolded for use. In that case, creases are also left on the gathers, making it easy for bodily fluids to leak laterally outward along these creases. Here, if the fold line for folding coincides with the front or rear end of the fixing part described above, or passes through the fixing part, the creases tend to become even stronger. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the fixing part is separated from both the first and second fold lines, strong creases can be avoided. The possibility of lateral leakage along the creases can be reduced.

[0019] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, each pair of gathers has a front fixing portion fixed to the body such that the uprighting is suppressed at least partially at the front end of the body, and a rear fixing portion fixed to the body such that the uprighting is suppressed at least partially at the rear end of the body, wherein the front fixing portion is located forward from the first fold line and / or the rear fixing portion is located backward from the second fold line.

[0020] According to the fifth embodiment described above, the gather has a front fixing portion and a rear fixing portion at both ends in the front-rear direction. The formation of the front fixing portion and the rear fixing portion makes it easier to maintain the tension of the gather and stabilizes the upright position of the gather.

[0021] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front fixing portion is positioned forward of the first fold line and / or the rear fixing portion is positioned backward of the second fold line, thereby preventing strong creases from forming along the fold lines and reducing the possibility of lateral leakage along the creases. In addition, even if strong creases are likely to form along the first and / or second fold lines, as explained in the first embodiment above, the absorbent article according to this disclosure maintains the tension of the gathers and prevents the gathers from collapsing, thus maintaining the effect of preventing lateral leakage of the gathers.

[0022] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, the fixing portion is formed in the central region of the expandable region between the rear end of the front fixing portion and the front end of the rear fixing portion, which is divided into three parts.

[0023] In the expansion and contraction region between the rear end of the front fixing part and the front end of the rear fixing part, the area with a particularly large degree of curvature and where tension tends to weaken is the central region when the expansion and contraction region is divided into three parts. Therefore, in the sixth embodiment described above, by providing the fixing part described in the first embodiment in the central region, the tension of the gathers can be maintained at a high level, and the collapse of the gathers during attachment can be prevented.

[0024] In the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the sheet is further folded from the rear at a third fold line located rearward of the second fold line, and the rear fixing portion is positioned spaced apart rearward from the third fold line.

[0025] According to the seventh aspect described above, the absorbent article is further folded at the third fold line, that is, folded into four or more folds. Therefore, when the absorbent article is folded together with the packaging sheet for individual packaging, a more compact individually packaged absorbent article can be provided. In addition, since the rear fixing portion is spaced apart from the third fold line, it is possible to avoid a strong fold mark being formed at the position of the third fold line due to the arrangement of the rear fixing portion, and lateral leakage at the position of the third fold line can be prevented.

[0026] In the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, each of the pair of gathers further has a second fixing portion fixed to the main body between the second fold line and the third fold line such that standing thereof is at least partially suppressed.

[0027] According to the eighth aspect described above, in addition to the fixing portion, a second fixing portion is further provided on the rear side. Thereby, the tension of the elastic stretchable member included in the gathers can be maintained, and the effect of making the gathers less likely to fall over as a whole can be improved. This aspect is particularly suitable for absorbent articles having a long overall length.

[0028] In the ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a pair of auxiliary gathers are formed on the outer side in the lateral direction relative to the pair of gathers.

[0029] The ninth aspect described above has a so-called double gather structure including the gathers and a pair of auxiliary gathers. The pair of auxiliary gathers can prevent leakage of body fluid that could not be blocked by the pair of gathers described above.

[0030] In the tenth aspect of the present disclosure, when worn, the tip positions of the pair of auxiliary gathers are further away from the main body than the tip positions of the pair of gathers.

[0031] According to the tenth embodiment described above, the effect of preventing leakage of bodily fluids that could not be blocked by a pair of gathers located laterally on the inside can be improved by a pair of auxiliary gathers located laterally on the outside. This embodiment is particularly preferred when the fixing portion of the pair of gathers is formed over the entire width of the folded portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0032] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an absorbent article is provided that can prevent the gathers from collapsing while being worn, thereby maintaining the leak-proof function of the gathers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a partially broken plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as seen from the skin side. [Figure 2] This is a cross-section of line II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-section along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of part III of Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure shows a modified example of the plan view shape of the fixed part. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in the modified example, as seen from the skin side. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of an absorbent article, as seen from the skin side, relating to another modified example. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of an absorbent article, as seen from the skin side, relating to yet another modified example. [Figure 9] This is a partially broken plan view of an absorbent article, as seen from the skin side, relating to yet another modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0035] <Basic structure of absorbent articles> In the following description, the absorbent articles relating to this disclosure will be described primarily based on embodiments that are incontinence pads. The incontinence pads described below may be, in particular, incontinence pads for women or absorbent care pads. However, the embodiments described herein can also be used as sanitary napkins or pad-type diapers.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Figure 1, and Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1. The gray areas in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 and 3 indicate that the members sandwiching the gray areas are joined to each other. However, the joining locations shown in Figures 2 and 3 are illustrative examples, and the joining locations are not limited to those shown, as long as the gathers G1, G1 (and possibly auxiliary gathers G2, G2) in this embodiment function and achieve the effects of this disclosure.

[0037] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 comprises a permeable top sheet 3 positioned on the side facing the wearer's skin when worn, i.e., the skin side, and an impermeable back sheet 2 positioned on the non-skin side (or underwear side) opposite to the skin side. Furthermore, an absorbent material 4 is positioned between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. These back sheet 2, absorbent material 4, and top sheet 3 are laminated to form the main body (also called the absorbent article body) M.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent article 1 is elongated in plan view. Also, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 is pad-shaped overall, that is, it has a shape in which the thickness is small compared to its width and length. In this specification, the direction that corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body when worn is defined as the front-to-back direction D1 of the absorbent article 1, and the direction that corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the wearer's body is defined as the lateral direction D2 of the absorbent article 1. The front-to-back direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1 or the main body M, and the lateral direction D2 is the width direction or short-to-shoulder direction of the absorbent article 1 or the main body M.

[0039] In this embodiment, the main body M is symmetrical in Figure 1, that is, when a center line extending in the front-to-back direction D1 (front-to-back center line) is drawn, it has a plan view shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to that center line, but it does not necessarily have to be symmetrical. In addition, the configuration other than the shape of the absorbent article 1 and the main body M (including the thickness and density of the absorbent material 4, the size and position of the compression grooves, etc.) may be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

[0040] The absorbent article 1 or main body M has a groin region C that primarily corresponds to the wearer's groin when worn, a front region F adjacent to the front of the groin region C and extending to the front end of the absorbent article 1, and a rear region R adjacent to the rear of the groin region C and extending to the rear end of the absorbent article 1. The groin region C is the region that includes the fluid drainage port opposing portion Q. The fluid drainage port opposing portion Q represents the position that faces the wearer's fluid drainage port, such as the urethra or vagina, when worn, and is located in the center in the lateral direction D2. While the absorbent article 1 is being worn, bodily fluids are normally drained into the fluid drainage port opposing portion Q, and then move along the surface and / or inside of the absorbent article 1 in the anterior-posterior direction D1 and the lateral direction D2. In the illustrated example, since the absorbent article 1 is an incontinence pad, the fluid drainage port opposing portion Q is located opposite the urethra and is slightly forward of the center in the anterior-posterior direction D1 of the groin region C. It should be noted that the opposing relationships between each area of ​​the absorbent article 1 or main body M and the wearer's body parts in this specification are not precise, but rather approximate relationships when a typical wearer applies the absorbent article in the usual manner.

[0041] The length D1 in the front-to-back direction of the crotch area C may be between 100 mm and 180 mm. Also, the position of the front end of the crotch area C, i.e., the position of the rear end of the front area F, may be between 45 mm and 120 mm from the front end of the absorbent article 1 or the main body M.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the absorber 4 is positioned so that it does not extend beyond the backsheet 2 and topsheet 3 in a plan view. At both ends in the front-to-back direction D1, the edges of the backsheet 2 and the topsheet 3 may be joined by an adhesive such as hot melt, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0043] The backsheet 2 may be a sheet that is at least water-impermeable, for example, a sheet made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, a laminated nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric onto a polyethylene sheet, or even a laminated nonwoven fabric sheet with a waterproof film interposed to ensure substantially liquid impermeability can be used. Furthermore, it is even more desirable to use a material that is breathable from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness. As such a water-impermeable and breathable sheet material, a microporous sheet obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler into an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, forming a sheet, and then stretching it in a uniaxial or biaxial direction can be used. The backsheet 2 may be a sheet having the same external shape as the absorbent article 1.

[0044] The top sheet 3 can be a permeable sheet that allows bodily fluids such as urine, menstrual blood, and vaginal discharge to pass through quickly. Suitable materials for the top sheet 3 include perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabrics and porous plastic sheets. Suitable materials for the nonwoven fabric include, for example, olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupro, and blends thereof, as well as natural fibers such as cotton, which can be used individually or in combination of two or more. Processing methods for the nonwoven fabric include the spunlace method, spunbond method, thermal bond method, meltblown method, and needle punch method. Of these processing methods, the spunlace method is preferred for producing flexible nonwoven fabrics, the spunbond method for producing nonwoven fabrics with good drape, and the thermal bond method for producing bulky and soft nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers, side-by-side type fibers, and split type fibers, with a high melting point fiber as the core and a low melting point fiber as the sheath, can also be used.

[0045] The absorbent material 4 is not limited to any material that can absorb and retain bodily fluids, but it is preferable to include cotton-like pulp and a superabsorbent polymer. As the superabsorbent polymer, superabsorbent polymer granules (SAP), superabsorbent polymer fibers (SAF), and combinations thereof can be used. As the pulp, examples include cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp and dissolved pulp obtained from wood, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. Recycled pulp and recycled fibers can also be used. As raw materials for chemical pulp, hardwoods and softwoods can be used, but softwoods are preferably used due to their long fiber length.

[0046] Furthermore, synthetic fibers may be mixed into the absorbent material 4. Suitable synthetic fibers include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and copolymers thereof. Two of these can also be mixed and used. Additionally, composite fibers such as core-sheath fibers (with a high melting point fiber as the core and a low melting point fiber as the sheath), side-by-side fibers, and split fibers can be used. Hydrophobic fibers can also be surface-treated with a hydrophilizing agent to impart affinity to bodily fluids. The absorbent material 4 is preferably manufactured by a fiber stacking or airlaid method.

[0047] The thickness of the absorbent material 4 (length in the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction D1 and the lateral direction D2) may be 0.5 mm or more and 25 mm or less, preferably 1.5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. The absorbent material 4 does not need to have a uniform thickness across its entire surface. For example, the absorbent material 4 may be locally bulging or locally compressed. In such cases, the thickness of the absorbent material 4 shall be the thickness of the portion without localized bulging or compression. The length of the absorbent material 4 in the lateral direction D2 may be 60 mm or more and 120 mm or less.

[0048] Furthermore, the absorbent body 4 may be wrapped in a covering sheet made of colored or uncolored (white) crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, etc., to prevent creasing, cracking, or spillage of polymer particles. The covering sheet is not shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0049] The absorbent article 1 may also be provided with a pair of wing flaps extending laterally D2 outward from both sides of the main body M. The wing flaps can be secured to the underwear when worn by anti-slip material provided on their non-skin side. In embodiments where wing flaps are formed, the crotch area C may be an area including the wing flaps over a front-to-back direction D1, and can correspond, for example, to the range from the front starting point to the rear starting point of the wing flap. Even in embodiments where wing flaps are not formed, the crotch area C can typically be the range from the front starting point to the rear starting point of the wing flap when wing flaps are formed.

[0050] Furthermore, the total length of the absorbent article 1 or the main body M in this embodiment, that is, the total length in the front-to-back direction D1, may be 200 mm or more and 630 mm or less, preferably 200 mm or more and 420 mm or less.

[0051] <Foldable> If the absorbent article 1 is individually packaged and provided as an individually packaged absorbent article for easy carrying, it may be folded in the front-to-back direction D1. For example, as shown in Figure 1, it may be folded from the front towards the skin along a first fold line L1 along the lateral direction D2, and also folded from the rear towards the skin along a second fold line L2 along the lateral direction D2. In the example shown in Figure 1, the boundary line between the front region F and the groin region C corresponds to the first fold line L1, and the boundary line between the groin region C and the rear region R corresponds to the second fold line L2, but the boundaries between regions and the positions of the fold lines do not necessarily coincide.

[0052] The absorbent article 1 may be further folded along a third fold line L3 that runs along the lateral direction D2 behind the second fold line L2. By folding the absorbent article 1 along the third fold line L3 in addition to the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2, a compact folded structure with four or more folds can be obtained. In the third case, it is folded back towards the skin from the rear along the third fold line L3, and then further folded back towards the skin from the rear along the second fold line L2.

[0053] <Gathered> The absorbent article 1 of this disclosure comprises at least a pair of gathers G1, G1 that can be erected on the skin side. As shown in Figure 1, the gathers G1, G1 are provided along the front-to-back direction D1 on both edges of the main body M in the lateral direction D2. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the gathers G1, G1 are configured to stand up on the skin side (upward in Figures 2 and 3), in other words, to approach a plane perpendicular to the surface direction of the main body M. Such erect gathers G1, G1 function as walls formed on both sides of the main body M, preventing the outward migration of bodily fluids in the lateral direction D2. That is, they have the function of preventing leakage of bodily fluids, particularly lateral leakage of bodily fluids. Therefore, the term "gather" in this specification does not simply refer to gathers (wrinkled parts) formed on a sheet, but rather to a sheet-like member that stands up on the skin side while creating wrinkles due to the contraction of an elastic stretchable member, and a structural part including a mechanism that enables such erection.

[0054] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, gathers G1 and G1 each include a gather-forming sheet 7 and an elastic stretchable member 18 fixed to the gather-forming sheet 7 in an extended state in the front-rear direction D1. The stretching direction of the elastic stretchable member 18 is along the front-rear direction D1.

[0055] The specific structure of gather G1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 cut along the horizontal direction D2, showing the portion where the entire folded-over part 7b of gather G1 is able to stand upright.

[0056] Gather G1 is formed by folding the gather-forming sheet 7. In the illustrated example, the gather-forming sheet 7 is first folded in half, and in this half-folded state, it is placed on the skin side (upper side) of the main body M, and then folded back on the inside of the horizontal direction D2 to the outside of the horizontal direction D2. This forms a base portion 7a and a folded portion 7b located on the skin side (upper side) of the base portion 7a. In this way, because the gather G1 is formed by folding the gather-forming sheet 7, a force acts at the folded position on the inside of the horizontal direction D2 to try to unfold the gather-forming sheet 7 itself, and this force also contributes to the upright position of the gather G1.

[0057] Both the base portion 7a and the folded portion 7b include a double sheet 7 for forming gathers. Elastic stretch members 18, 18 are sandwiched between the double sheets 7 of the folded portion 7b. The elastic stretch members 18, 18 may be positioned near the outer end 7bo in the lateral direction D2 when the folded portion 7b is not standing upright, or near the tip (also called the upright tip) when it is standing upright.

[0058] The base portion 7a is fixed to the main body M along its entire length in the front-to-back direction D1. In the illustrated example, the non-skin-side (lower) sheet of the base portion 7a is joined to the skin-side of the top sheet 3 that constitutes the main body M, and the double gather-forming sheets 7 that constitute the base portion 7a are also joined to each other. On the other hand, the folded portion 7b is connected to the base portion 7a at its inner end 7bi in the lateral direction D2, but is free from the base portion 7a. Therefore, when the elastic stretch members 18, 18 are released from their stretch when the absorbent article 1 is used, the contraction of the elastic stretch members 18 causes the folded portion 7b to contract in the front-to-back direction D1, creating wrinkles (not shown) that are roughly parallel to the direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction D1, and also allows it to stand upright away from the main body M, i.e., on the skin side (upper side), starting from its inner end 7bi in the lateral direction D2. This upright folded portion 7b prevents bodily fluids that have moved outward in the lateral direction from leaking further to the outside.

[0059] The gathering sheet 7 may be made of a material that has been treated with an appropriate water-repellent or hydrophilic treatment, either entirely or partially, for purposes such as preventing the penetration of bodily fluids or enhancing the feel against the skin. Preferably, the gathering sheet 7 is a nonwoven fabric containing natural fibers, synthetic fibers, regenerated fibers, etc., or made of these fibers. If the gathering sheet 7 is a nonwoven fabric, it may be an air-through nonwoven fabric, spunlace nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, etc., and further, it may be a nonwoven fabric formed by laminating two or more of these nonwoven fabrics, for example, spunbond / spunbond nonwoven fabric (SS nonwoven fabric), spunbond / meltblown / spunbond nonwoven fabric (SMS nonwoven fabric), spunbond / meltblown / meltblown / spunbond nonwoven fabric (SMMS nonwoven fabric), etc. Of the above, spunbond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc., are preferred because they are less likely to seep out when bodily fluids come into contact with them and have a high effect in preventing leakage.

[0060] As described above, the elastic stretch member 18 is fixed to the gathering sheet 7 in an extended state. The means for fixing the elastic stretch member 9 is not particularly limited and may be an adhesive, ultrasonic seal, etc.

[0061] The elastic stretch member 18 may be a string-like or thread-like elastic member such as elastic thread, or it may be a long, narrow stretchable sheet. However, since elastic thread is narrower, it is easier to fix to the gather G1. In the example shown in Figure 1, there is one elastic member 18 included in the gather-forming sheet 7 for each gather G1, but the number of elastic stretch members 18 is not particularly limited. Depending on the desired elasticity of the gather G1, there may be two or more elastic members per gather G1. When multiple elastic stretch members 18 are provided, they should be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction D2.

[0062] The gathering sheet 7 does not necessarily have to be folded in half; a single sheet may be folded once to form a base portion 7a and a folded portion 7b. In that case, the elastic stretch member 18 may be fixed in an extended state to one side of the gathering sheet 7 without being sandwiched between the gathering sheets 7. However, it is preferable that the gathering sheet 7 is doubled in half because this increases the strength of the gather G1 and allows the elastic stretch member 18 to be positioned without being exposed.

[0063] <Fixed part> As described above, when the absorbent article 1 is used, the elastic stretchable member 18 included in the gather G1 contracts to return to its natural state, causing the folded portion 7b to contract in the front-to-back direction D1 and stand upright away from the main body M, and this upright position is maintained by the tension of the elastic stretchable member 18. However, since the folded portion 7b is a flexible part, if an external force in the lateral direction D2, such as a force from the legs, is applied to the absorbent article 1, the folded portion 7b may collapse inward in the lateral direction D2. Even if it does not collapse, unintended wrinkles or folds may occur that interfere with the function of the gather G1. When such problems such as collapse, wrinkles, or folds occur, the gather G1 cannot perform its original function of preventing lateral leakage. In addition, when the gather G1 collapses inward in the lateral direction D2, the gather G1 may cover the edge of the main body in the lateral direction D2, which may hinder the absorption of bodily fluids at the edge.

[0064] In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a pair of gathers G1, G1 are fixed to the main body M by fixing parts 11, 11 in the crotch area C. The fixing parts 11 are formed to suppress the upright position of the gathers G1, G1 at least partially. In this way, because the gathers G1, G1 are fixed to the main body M in the middle of the front-rear direction D1 of the gathers G1, G1, the front and rear portions of the gathers G1 of the fixing parts 11 are pulled by the fixing parts 11, respectively, so that the tension of the elastic stretchable member 18 included in the gathers G1 is increased. As a result, the gathers G1 as a whole are less likely to collapse, the original function of preventing lateral leakage of the gathers G1 is maintained, and an absorbent article with a high effect in preventing leakage of bodily fluids can be provided. Note that "fixed to the main body" means that it is positioned so as not to move relative to the main body M, regardless of whether the connection to the main body M is direct or indirect.

[0065] Gathers G1, G1 tend to tilt inward, especially when the wearer is lying on their side. This is because, when lying on their side, the wearer often has their legs together or crossed, and a large force is easily applied to the side of the absorbent material from the legs. Also, when the wearer is lying on their side, the lateral direction D2 of the absorbent material corresponds to the direction of gravity, making lateral leakage of bodily fluids more likely. Therefore, this embodiment is suitable as an absorbent material for people who spend a lot of time sleeping on their side, or for use during sleep.

[0066] Furthermore, within the area of ​​the absorbent article 1, the crotch area C is an area where the degree of curvature is large when worn, or an area where the radius of curvature of the curvature tends to be small. When the degree of curvature is large, the tension of the elastic stretch member 18 tends to weaken, that is, the elastic stretch member 18 tends to loosen. Therefore, by forming a fixing portion 11 in the crotch area C, the tension of the elastic stretch member 18 of the gather G1 in the crotch area C can be kept high, and the force that causes the folded portions 7b at the front and rear of the fixing portion 11 to stand upright can be increased.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferable that the position of the fixing portion 11 in the front-rear direction D1 avoids the position of the portion Q opposite the body fluid outlet. Since the fixing portion 11 is the portion in which the uprighting of the gather G1 is suppressed at least partially, by positioning the fixing portion 11 so as not to overlap with the position of the portion Q opposite the body fluid outlet, the possibility of lateral leakage from the fixing portion 11 can be reduced even if the discharge of body fluid to the portion Q opposite the body fluid outlet is rapid and large in volume.

[0068] The fixing portion 11 is preferably located away from any of the aforementioned fold lines for folding the absorbent article 1. More specifically, the fixing portion 11 is preferably formed in the region between the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2, and is preferably located away from at least one of the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2. Furthermore, the fixing portion 11 is more preferably located away from at least the first fold line L1, and even more preferably located away from both the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2.

[0069] When the absorbent article 1 is folded along a fold line in the horizontal direction D2, the fold line along the horizontal direction D2 tends to remain even after the absorbent article 1 is unfolded during use, and bodily fluids tend to transfer along such fold lines. Here, if the front-to-back end D1 of the fixing part 11 coincides with the fold line, or if the fixing part 11 overlaps with the fold line, the fold line tends to become even more pronounced. Therefore, by keeping the fixing part 11 away from the fold line in the horizontal direction D2, it is possible to avoid the retention of fold lines and prevent lateral leakage of bodily fluids. Here, especially when the total length of the absorbent article 1 is long, the thickness of the absorbent material 4 is often thinner at the front, so the fold line of the gather tends to be deeper. For this reason, as described above, it is preferable that the fixing part 11 is at least away from the first fold line L1.

[0070] The configuration of the fixing portion 11 will be further explained with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 cut along the transverse direction D2 at the position where the fixing portion 11 is formed. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of portion III in Figure 1, which includes one fixing portion 11.

[0071] The fixing portion 11 is more specifically the portion to which the folded portion 7b is joined to the base portion 7a. Preferably, the joining is formed with an adhesive such as hot melt. The fixing portion 11 does not necessarily have to be formed over the entire lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b; only a part of the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b may be joined to the base portion 7a. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the inner side of the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b is fixed to the base portion 7a and, by extension, to the main body M, while the outer side of the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b is not fixed. In this case, the outer part of the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b can be made to stand upright, so even at the position where the fixing portion 11 is formed, the folded portion 7b can be made to stand upright, albeit at a lower height. Therefore, even at the position of the fixing portion 11, the standing of the folded portion 7b of the gather G1 continues over the front-to-back direction D1, thus enhancing the function of preventing lateral leakage.

[0072] When the inner side of the folded portion 7b in the lateral direction D2 is fixed by the fixing portion 11, and the outer side in the lateral direction D2 is able to stand upright, the ratio (W2 / W1) of the folding position on the inner side of the gather-forming sheet 7 in the lateral direction D2, that is, the distance W2 between the inner end 7bi of the folded portion 7b in the lateral direction and the outer end of the fixing portion 11 in the lateral direction D2, to the length W1 of the folded portion 7b in the lateral direction D2, is preferably 0.3 or more and 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.4 or more and 0.6 or less. When the above ratio (W2 / W1) is 0.3 or more, the folded portion 7b can be reliably fixed by the main body M by the fixing portion 11, so that the tension of the elastic stretchable member 18 included in the gather G1 can be increased, and the effect of preventing the folded portion 7b from collapsing in the gather G1 can be improved. By keeping the above ratio (W2 / W1) value at 0.7 or less, the height of the outer portion of the folded-over section 7b in the lateral direction D2 can be made relatively high.

[0073] Furthermore, the length of the fixing portion 11 in the lateral direction D2, i.e., the width W3 of the fixing portion 11, is preferably 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. When the width W3 of the fixing portion 11 is 1 mm or more, the above effect of being able to increase the overall tension of the elastic stretchable member 18 of the gather G1 is improved, and the gather G1 becomes even less likely to collapse. In addition, the possibility of the joint at the fixing portion 11 coming apart when a large force is applied is also reduced. When the width of the fixing portion 11 is 10 mm or less, if an adhesive is used to form the fixing portion 11, it is possible to prevent the fixing portion 11 from becoming hard and negatively affecting the wearing comfort. In addition, the portion of the folded portion 7b that can stand upright can be made larger, improving the effect of preventing lateral leakage.

[0074] Furthermore, the length d of the fixing portion 11 in the front-rear direction D1 is preferably 1 mm or more and 50 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or more and 20 mm or less. By having a length d of the fixing portion 11 in the front-rear direction D1 of 1 mm or more, the above-mentioned function of the fixing portion 11, namely the function of maintaining a high tension of the elastic stretchable member 18 included in the gather G1, can be made more reliable. By having a length d of the fixing portion 11 in the front-rear direction D1 of 50 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the area where the gather G1 is not upright or is only slightly upright from extending excessively wide, which would make it impossible to prevent leakage.

[0075] Note that a single fixing portion 11 may be formed continuously as shown in Figures 1 and 4, or, as described later, a group of discontinuous portions may form a single fixing portion 11. When a group of discontinuous portions forms a single fixing portion 11, the length d in the front-rear direction D1 of the fixing portion 11 is the length between the foremost and rearmost ends of the group, and the length W3 in the lateral direction D2 is the length between the innermost and outermost ends of the group.

[0076] The fixing portion 11 may be formed to extend to the inner end 7bi in the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b, or, as shown in the illustrated example, the fixing portion 11 may be formed at a distance from the inner end 7bi in the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b. However, it is preferable that the fixing portion 11 is formed at a distance from the inner end 7bi in the lateral direction D2 of the folded portion 7b, as this prevents the folded position from becoming rigid.

[0077] In addition to the fixing portion 11 described above, the gather G1 has a portion fixed to the main body M so as to partially suppress the upright position of the gather G1. For example, as shown in Figure 1, a front fixing portion 12f is formed at the front end of the gather G1, and a rear fixing portion 12r is formed at the rear end. The front fixing portion 12f extends from the front end of the gather G1 to a predetermined position, and the rear fixing portion 12r extends from the rear end of the gather G1 to a predetermined position. Both the front fixing portion 12f and the rear fixing portion 12r are portions where the folded portion 7b is joined to the base portion 7a with an adhesive such as hot melt, similar to the fixing portion 11. In the front fixing portion 12f and the rear fixing portion 12r, the entire folded portion 7b may be joined to the base portion 7a, or a part of the folded portion 7b may be joined to the base portion 7a. If a portion of the folded portion 7b is joined to the base portion 7a to form the front fixing portion 12f and / or the rear fixing portion 12r, the length and arrangement in the lateral direction D2 may be the same as that of the fixing portion 11 described above.

[0078] Because the front fixing portion 12f and the rear fixing portion 12r are formed, the gather G1 is pulled at the loose front and rear ends, making it easier to maintain the tension of the gather G1, more specifically the tension of the elastic stretchable member 18 included in the gather G1, and thus stabilizing the upright state of the gather G1.

[0079] In this specification, as shown in Figure 1, the region of the gather G1 in which the front fixing portion 12f is formed is called the front fixing region s2f, and the region in which the rear fixing portion 12r is formed is called the rear fixing region s2r. Furthermore, the region between the front fixing region s2f and the rear fixing region s2r is called the expansion region s1, as it is a region that substantially performs the function of preventing lateral leakage due to its large degree of expansion and contraction.

[0080] It is preferable that the front fixing portion 12f is spaced away from the first fold line L1 for folding the absorbent article 1. It is also preferable that the rear fixing portion 12r is spaced away from the second fold line L2. The reasons why it is preferable for the front fixing portion 12f to be spaced away from the first fold line L1 and for the rear fixing portion 12r to be spaced away from the second fold line L2 are the same as the reasons above for which it is preferable for the fixing portion 11 to be spaced away from the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2. By positioning the front fixing portion 12f in front of the first fold line L1 and / or the rear fixing portion 12r in rear of the second fold line L2, it is possible to avoid strong creases from the fold lines and reduce the possibility of lateral leakage along the creases. Furthermore, even if creases are easily formed along the first and / or second fold lines, as described above, the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment maintains the tension of the gathers due to the formation of the fixing portion 11, thereby preventing the gathers from collapsing and thus maintaining the effect of preventing lateral leakage of the gathers.

[0081] The distance between the rear end of the front fixing portion 12f and the first fold line L1 may preferably be 20 mm or more. Similarly, the distance between the rear end of the rear fixing portion 12r and the second fold line L2 may also preferably be 20 mm or more.

[0082] Furthermore, the fixing portion 11 formed in the crotch area C described above is formed approximately in the center of the longitudinal direction D1 of the stretchable area s1. More specifically, it is preferable that the fixing portion 11 is formed in the central region when the length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the stretchable area s1 is divided into three equal parts. This prevents the difference in length between the front and rear of the fixing portion 11 in the stretchable area s1 from becoming too large, making the forward action of the fixing portion 11 and the backward action of the fixing portion 11 equivalent, and allowing the upright state of the entire stretchable area s1 to be maintained well.

[0083] In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 is provided with a pair of auxiliary gathers G2, G2 on the outside of the pair of gathers G1, G1 in the lateral direction D2. The auxiliary gathers G2, G2 are not necessarily required to be provided on the absorbent article 1, but it is preferable to have the pair of auxiliary gathers G2, G2 because they can prevent leakage even if bodily fluids that have moved to the outside in the lateral direction D2 move beyond the pair of gathers G1, G1 and further outwards. Therefore, for example, if the fixing part 11 is formed over the entire lateral direction D2 of the folded part 7b, that is, if the entire folded part 7b is joined to the base part 7a, the folded part 7b will not stand upright in the fixing part 11, so it is preferable to have the pair of auxiliary gathers G2, G2.

[0084] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the gather G1 and the auxiliary gather G2 may be composed of a single continuous gather-forming sheet 7. The auxiliary gather G2, like the gather G1, includes a gather-forming sheet 7 and an elastic stretch member 28 fixed to the gather-forming sheet 7 in an extended state. The auxiliary gather G2 is composed of a double sheet obtained by folding the gather-forming sheet 7 back to the non-skin side (the lower side in Figures 2 and 3) on the outside in the lateral direction D2. The elastic stretch member 28 is sandwiched between these double sheets 7. In the illustrated example, two elastic stretch members 28, 28 are arranged spaced apart in the lateral direction D2, but the number of elastic stretch members 28 in the auxiliary gather G2 may be one or three or more.

[0085] Of the two gather-forming sheets 7 that make up the auxiliary gather G2, the sheet on the skin side (upper in Figures 2 and 3) is connected to gather G1, and the sheet on the non-skin side (lower in Figures 2 and 3) is joined to the skin-side surface of the backsheet 2 that protrudes laterally D2 outward from the absorbent 4. As a result, the base point for standing the auxiliary gather G2 is located laterally D2 outward from the base point for standing gather G1, and also laterally D2 outward from the tip of gather G1 (the outer end 7bo of the folded portion 7b). Due to this positional relationship between gather G1 and auxiliary gather G2, a space is created between the standing gather G1 and the auxiliary gather G2. If bodily fluids move beyond gather G1 to the outside in the laterally D2, the bodily fluids can be retained in the space, thus increasing the effectiveness of preventing lateral leakage.

[0086] The configuration of the auxiliary gather G2 is not limited to that shown in the illustration. For example, the auxiliary gather G2 may also be attached to the skin side of the top sheet 3, similar to the gather G1. Furthermore, the gather G1 and the auxiliary gather G2 may not be made from a single gather-forming sheet 7, but rather from separate gather-forming sheets 7.

[0087] When in use, with gathers G1, G1 and auxiliary gathers G2, G2 in an upright position, if the tip position of gather G1, i.e., the position of the outer end 7bo of the folded portion 7b, and the tip position of auxiliary gather G2 are compared in the thickness direction at least at the position where the fixing portion 11 is provided, it is preferable that the tip position of auxiliary gather G2 is further away from the main body M, i.e., closer to the wearer's skin.

[0088] <Variations in the shape of the fixing part> The fixing portion 11 shown in Figures 1 and 4 has a rectangular plan view shape with its longer side in the front-to-back direction D1, but the plan view shape of the fixing portion 11 is not limited to a rectangle. The fixing portion 11 may be, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a quadrilateral other than a rectangle, a polygon other than a quadrilateral, etc. Furthermore, the fixing portion 11 may be a single continuous part, or it may be a part that includes discontinuous parts, that is, a part consisting of a collection of multiple parts that are spaced apart from each other.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a plan view of the fixing part 11 according to a modified example. Figure 5 corresponds to Figure 4, with the left side of the drawing corresponding to the inside of the lateral direction D2 and the right side corresponding to the outside of the lateral direction D2. For example, as shown in Figure 5(a), the fixing part 11 may be elliptical. Also, as shown in Figures 5(b) to (d), the fixing part 11 may have a shape that is convex outward in the lateral direction D2 of the folded part 7b, that is, the length of the front-to-back direction D1 decreases as it approaches the outer end 7bo of the folded part 7b in the lateral direction D2. In the shapes shown in Figures 5(b) to (d), the joining range of the folded part 7b in the front-to-back direction D1 is longer on the inside of the lateral direction D2 near the base point of upright position, allowing for more secure fixing to the main body M. On the other hand, since the joining range of the folded portion 7b in the front-to-back direction D1 is short on the outside in the lateral direction D2, the portion that can separate from the main body M at the tip of the folded portion 7b becomes wider, which avoids a sudden decrease in the upright height of the folded portion 7b at the fixing portion 11, and enables a more natural upright position of the expandable / contractible region s1.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(e) to (i), the fixing part 11 may be an assembly of multiple parts spaced apart from each other. In that case, as shown in Figures 5(e) and (f), the multiple parts may be arranged in the front-rear direction D1, or as shown in Figures 5(g) and (h), the multiple parts may be arranged in the lateral direction D2. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5(i), the multiple parts may be spaced apart in the front-rear direction D1 and the lateral direction D2. When the fixing part 11 is an assembly of multiple parts spaced apart from each other, it is possible to maintain the function of the fixing part 11 while preventing the area where the fixing part 11 is formed from becoming hard and compromising the wearing comfort.

[0091] In the examples shown in Figures 5(h) and (i), the length D1 in the front-rear direction of the fixing part 11 is smaller on the outside than on the inside in the lateral direction D2, so the same effects as those described for Figures 5(b) to (d) can be obtained.

[0092] <Other variations> Figure 6 shows an absorbent article 1A that is a modified example. Absorbent article 1A differs from absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 in that the position of the fixing part 11 is different. In absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1, the fixing part 11 is formed at the rear of the front-to-back direction D1 in the region between the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2, but in absorbent article 1A shown in Figure 6, the fixing part 11 is formed in the center of the region between the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2.

[0093] At positions close to the fixing part 11, the upright position of the folded part 7b tends to be lower. Therefore, from the viewpoint of raising the upright position of the folded part 7b, it is preferable to place the fixing part 11 as far away as possible from the position where it is desired that the upright position of the folded part 7b be higher. As shown in Figure 1, when the fixing part 11 is placed behind the region from the first fold line L1 to the second fold line L2, the fixing part 11 can be placed away from the first fold line L1, which is preferable in that it is possible to maintain a high height of the gathers G1, especially at the position of the first fold line L1. On the other hand, when the fixing part 11 is placed in the center of the region from the first fold line L1 to the second fold line L2, in the example shown in Figure 6, the fixing part 11 can be placed away from the second fold line L2, which is preferable in that it is possible to maintain a certain height of the gathers G1 at the position of the first fold line L1 while also maintaining a high height at the position of the second fold line L2.

[0094] Figure 7 shows an absorbent article 1B relating to another modified example. In absorbent article 1B, the arrangement of the rear fixing portion 12r is different from that of absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the front end of the rear fixing portion 12r is located further rearward. As a result, the length D1 in the front-rear direction of the stretchable region s1, which is the region that substantially performs the function of preventing lateral leakage due to its large degree of stretching, becomes longer, and the effect of preventing lateral leakage by the gathers G1, G1 can be obtained over a wide area. In the example shown in Figure 7, lateral leakage is prevented by the gathers G1, G1, especially in the rear region R.

[0095] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1B shown in Figure 7 may be configured to be folded not only by the first fold line L1 and the second fold line L2, but also by the third fold line L3. In that case, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the rear fixing portion 12r is provided at a distance from the third fold line L3. The inconveniences that arise when the front or rear end of the fixing portion coincides with the fold line or when the fixing portion overlaps with the fold line are as described above, and by positioning it as the rear fixing portion 12r shown in Figure 7, it is possible to avoid strong fold marks at the position of the third fold line L3, thereby preventing lateral leakage.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, when the length of the stretchable region s1 is long, it becomes more difficult to maintain tension in the elastic stretchable member 18 throughout, that is, it becomes more difficult to maintain the upright position of the gathers G1, G1. In contrast, in absorbent article 1B, the gathers G1 have a second fixing part 11a located behind the fixing part 11. The second fixing part 11a is a part in which the upright position of the gathers G1 or the upright position of the folded part 7b is suppressed at least partially, and may have the same configuration as the first fixing part 11 described above. Because the second fixing part 11a is provided, the tension of the gathers G1 can be maintained at a high level even further behind the fixing part 11, so that the upright position of the gathers G1 or the folded part 7b as a whole can be maintained, and the function of preventing lateral leakage can be improved.

[0097] The second fixing portion 11a is formed in the region between the second fold line L2 and the third fold line L3, but is separated from both the second fold line L2 and the third fold line L3. This prevents strong creases from forming on the fold lines and prevents lateral leakage.

[0098] Figure 8 shows another modified example, an absorbent article 1C in which the length D1 in the front-to-back direction is shorter than that of the absorbent articles 1, 1A, and 1B described above. Absorbent article 1C has only two fold lines for folding: a first fold line L1 and a second fold line L2. In absorbent article 1C as well, the fixing part 11 is provided in the crotch area C, so that the tension of the gather G1 can be maintained and the gather G1 can be prevented from collapsing even when force is applied.

[0099] Figure 9 shows another modified example, an absorbent article 1D in which a pair of auxiliary gathers G2, G2 are not formed. The gather-forming sheet 7 forms the gathers G1 by folding as described above, but on the outside of the gathers G1 in the lateral direction D2, it is joined to the back sheet 2 without forming auxiliary gathers G2. In a form without auxiliary gathers G2, G2, such as absorbent article 1D, it is preferable that the fixing part 11 be configured so that a part of the gathers G1 can stand up, that is, so that the outside of the folded part 7b in the lateral direction D2 can stand up.

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be modified, altered, replaced, added, deleted, and combined in various ways within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Absorbent articles 2 back seats 3 Top Sheet 4 Absorbent 7. Gathering sheet 7a base 7b Folded section 11 Fixed part 11a Second fixed part 12f Front fixed part 12r Rear fixed part 18 Elastic stretchable member of Gather G1 28 Elastic stretchable material of Gather G2 C Groin area D1 Anteroposterior direction D2 Horizontal F Anterior area G1 Gather G2 Auxiliary Gather M body Q Opposite body fluid outlet R Rear area R1 1st rear area R2 2nd rear area s1 stretch area s2f anterior fixation area s2r posterior fixed area

Claims

1. The main body comprises a top sheet on the skin side, a back sheet on the non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorbent material positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and having a front-to-back direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body, and a lateral direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction. An absorbent article comprising a pair of gathers, which are arranged along the front-to-back direction on both lateral edges of the main body and are able to stand upright on the skin side, An absorbent article wherein each of the pair of gathers has a fixing portion fixed to the main body such that erection is at least partially suppressed in the crotch area facing the wearer's crotch.

2. The gather includes a gather-forming sheet and an elastic stretchable member fixed to the gather-forming sheet in an extended state. The gathering-forming sheet has a base fixed to the skin side of the main body, and a folded portion that is folded back to the skin side and outward in the lateral direction at the inner end of the base, The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the inner side of the folded portion in the lateral direction is fixed to the base by the fixing portion, and the outer side of the folded portion in the lateral direction is upright.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion is a portion extending 1 mm to 50 mm in the front-rear direction.

4. At a minimum, it is folded from the front towards the skin along the first fold line along the transverse direction, and folded from the rear towards the skin along the second fold line along the transverse direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixing portion is formed at a distance from both the first fold line and the second fold line.

5. Each of the pair of gathers has a front fixing portion fixed to the main body so as to suppress uprighting at least partially at the front end of the main body, and a rear fixing portion fixed to the main body so as to suppress uprighting at least partially at the rear end of the main body, The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the front fixing portion is located at a distance forward from the first fold line, and / or the rear fixing portion is located at a distance backward from the second fold line.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the fixing portion is formed in the central region of the expansion and contraction region between the rear end of the front fixing portion and the front end of the rear fixing portion, when the expansion and contraction region is divided into three parts.

7. It is further folded from the rear at the third fold line, which is located behind the second fold line. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the rear fixing portion is located at a distance from the third fold line.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein each of the pair of gathers further has a second fixing portion fixed to the main body between the second fold line and the third fold line such that the upright position is at least partially suppressed.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a pair of auxiliary gathers are formed laterally outward from the pair of gathers.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein, when worn, the tip positions of the pair of auxiliary gathers are further away from the main body than the tip positions of the pair of gathers.

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