Absorbent articles for low birth weight babies

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article reducing oppression on the abdominal part of a wearer.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes a cross direction, a width direction orthogonal to the cross direction, a back side area, a ventral area, a crotch area located between the back side area and the ventral area, and a connection tape detachably connecting the back side area and the ventral area. The connection tape includes a first connection part provided on one end side in a longitudinal direction of the connection tape, a second connection part provided on the other end side in the longitudinal direction, and an elastic part located between the first connection part and the second connection part in the longitudinal direction. The first connection part and the second connection part are provided on one surface of the connection tape, and are not superimposed on the elastic part in a plan view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as an absorbent article, a connectable (tape-type) disposable diaper, in which both sides of the dorsal portion are connected to both sides of the ventral portion when worn, is known. Such connectable disposable diapers can be used in hospitals for low birth weight infants receiving treatment in NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) and GCUs (neonatal recovery rooms).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article comprising a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming part of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article, a pair of leg cuffs, and a fully removable fastening member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-6268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1, when a low-birth-weight baby maintains a bent posture (positioning) that is similar to the internal environment of the body, the fastening member is likely to compress the abdomen, which may increase stress on the baby and cause fluctuations in vital signs. Furthermore, abdominal distension is one of the symptoms seen in low-birth-weight babies, and when a low-birth-weight baby with a particularly distended abdomen assumes a positioning position, the abdomen may be further compressed.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can reduce pressure on the abdomen of a wearer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first form of the present invention is an absorbent article having a front-to-back direction, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction, a back region, a ventral region, a crotch region located between the back region and the ventral region, and a connecting tape that detachably connects the back region and the ventral region, wherein the connecting tape has a first connecting portion provided at one end side of the connecting tape in the longitudinal direction, a second connecting portion provided at the other end side of the connecting tape in the longitudinal direction, and an elastic portion located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion in the longitudinal direction, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided on one side of the connecting tape and do not overlap the elastic portion in a planar view.

[0008] According to the first embodiment, the stretchable portion is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion in the longitudinal direction, and the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion do not overlap with the stretchable portion in a plan view. Therefore, when the back region and the ventral region are connected with the connecting tape and the connecting tape is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the elastic force of the stretchable portion is prevented from being transmitted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, thereby reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0009] In a second form of the present invention, the back region, the ventral region, and the crotch region each include an absorbent body and have a pair of side flaps extending outward from both side edges of the absorbent body, and the connecting tape is removably attached to each of the pair of side flaps in the back region or the ventral region.

[0010] According to the second embodiment, the connecting tape is provided on the side flaps extending outward from both side edges of the absorbent body. Therefore, when the back region and the ventral region are connected, the distance between the widthwise both edges of the back region and the widthwise both edges of the ventral region is reduced, allowing the longitudinal length of the connecting tape to be relatively short. Therefore, the length of the stretchable portion of the connecting tape can also be relatively short, further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen. Furthermore, because the connecting tape is detachably provided on the side flaps, the position of the connecting tape can be adjusted to a position that does not constrict the abdomen, depending on the wearer's body type.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present invention, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided across both edge portions of the connecting tape in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to the third embodiment, the dorsal region and the ventral region are connected with a connecting tape, and when the connecting tape is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the elastic force of the stretchable portion can be prevented from concentrating on parts of the dorsal region and the ventral region, thereby further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0013] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the planar area of ​​the first connecting portion and the planar area of ​​the second connecting portion are each 17% to 25% of the planar area of ​​the connecting tape.

[0014] According to the fourth embodiment, the connecting tape can be more firmly fixed to the dorsal and ventral regions, and even if the connecting tape is repeatedly attached and detached to adjust its position, etc., the connecting tape can be prevented from unintentionally peeling off from the dorsal and ventral regions.

[0015] In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the basis weight of the first connecting portion and the basis weight of the second connecting portion are each 100 g / m 2 ~140g / m 2 is.

[0016] According to the fifth embodiment, flexibility can be imparted to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, so that when the dorsal region and the ventral region are connected with a connecting tape and the connecting tape is pulled in the longitudinal direction, the connecting tape fits the abdomen, further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0017] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the length of the connecting tape in the short side direction is 10 mm to 30 mm.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the area of ​​the connecting tape that comes into contact with the abdomen can be reduced while maintaining the strength of the connecting tape, and pressure on the abdomen of the wearer can be further reduced.

[0019] In a seventh form of the present invention, the dorsal region includes a dorsal edge parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the ventral region includes a ventral edge parallel to the longitudinal direction, and the distance between the dorsal edge and the ventral edge, whichever edge is closer to the connecting tape, is 3% to 20% of the distance between the dorsal edge and the ventral edge when the absorbent article is unfolded.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, the connecting tape can be positioned in the vertical direction of the wearer's abdomen so as not to constrict the abdomen.

[0021] In an eighth aspect of the present invention, the length in the front-rear direction is 200 mm to 280 mm, and the length in the width direction at the center of the length in the front-rear direction is 100 mm to 200 mm.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, when worn by a low birth weight baby, an appropriate amount of space can be provided between the abdomen and the absorbent article, and pressure on the abdomen can be further reduced.

[0023] In a ninth aspect of the present invention, the planar shape is symmetrical with respect to the bisector of the length in the front-to-rear direction and the bisector of the length in the width direction, and both side edges in the crotch region are curved so as to be convex toward the outside in the width direction or concave toward the inside in the width direction.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, there is no need to change the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article depending on the position of the wearer when changing the absorbent article, and the caregiver can easily help the wearer put on the absorbent article. Furthermore, when the absorbent article is worn, an appropriate size gap is formed between the leg openings and the crotch region of the wearer, which reduces the burden on the legs and prevents leakage of body waste from the gap between the leg openings and the crotch region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can reduce pressure on the abdomen of a wearer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a planar development view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side. [Figure 2] 1 is a planar development view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the non-skin-facing side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a view showing a cross section II of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a planar development view of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a planar development view of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment, as viewed from the non-skin facing side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description may be omitted. In this specification, the front-rear direction of the absorbent article 1 is designated D1, and the width direction of the absorbent article 1, which is perpendicular to the front-rear direction, is designated D2. In this specification, the front-rear direction D1 also refers to the front-rear direction of the absorbent body 4, and the width direction D2 also refers to the width direction of the absorbent body 4. The front-rear direction corresponds to the front-rear direction of the wearer. In this specification, the surface of the absorbent article 1 facing the wearer is designated the skin side, and the surface of the absorbent article 1 opposite to the skin side or the surface facing clothing is designated the non-skin side. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the connecting tape 9 is designated D3, and the transverse direction of the connecting tape, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, is designated D4. In this specification, distance refers to the shortest distance.

[0028] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a planar development view of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment as seen from the skin-facing side, Fig. 2 is a planar development view of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment as seen from the non-skin-facing side, and Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line II in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view of a connecting tape, and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line II-II in Fig. 4.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 1 has a dorsal region B, a ventral region F, and a crotch region M located between the dorsal region B and the ventral region F. In the present embodiment, when the dorsal region B and the ventral region F are symmetrical with respect to the bisector 30 of the length in the front-to-back direction D1 and the bisector 20 of the length in the width direction D2, as will be described later, the dorsal region B and the ventral region F shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be used as the ventral region and the dorsal region F can be used as the dorsal region. Therefore, the dorsal region B and the ventral region F in the present embodiment are terms used for convenience in describing the embodiment. The same applies to other terms using the expressions dorsal or ventral.

[0030] The back region B extends to one side in the front-to-back direction D1 from the crotch region M, and the ventral region F extends to the other side in the front-to-back direction D1 from the crotch region M. The back region B is the region that corresponds to the back of the wearer when worn, the ventral region F is the region that corresponds to the abdomen of the wearer when worn, and the crotch region M is the region that corresponds to the crotch of the wearer when worn. The absorbent article 1 has a back edge E1 and a ventral edge E2 at both ends in the front-to-back direction D1. The back region B includes the back edge E1, and the ventral region F includes the ventral edge E2. The back edge E1 and the ventral edge E2 are parallel to the longitudinal direction D3 of the connecting tape 9.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3, an absorbent body 4 provided between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3, and a pair of side flaps SF extending outward from both side edges of the absorbent body 4. The absorbent body 4 is provided so as to be included in the back region B, the ventral region F, and the crotch region M. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the side flaps SF are provided, but the absorbent article 1 may also be configured without the side flaps SF. The absorbent article 1 may also have an exterior sheet 6 provided on the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 3. The absorbent body 4 may also be wrapped in a wrapping sheet 5 made of crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like to maintain its shape.

[0032] The top sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet that allows excretory fluids such as urine to pass through quickly. Suitable top sheet 2 materials include perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabrics and porous plastic sheets. The constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric can be selected without particular limitation, including synthetic fibers (including monocomponent fibers and core-sheath and other composite fibers) such as olefins (e.g., polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters, and polyamides, as well as recycled fibers (e.g., rayon and cupra), and natural fibers (e.g., cotton), and mixtures of these can also be used. To enhance the flexibility of the nonwoven fabric, it is preferable to use crimped fibers as the constituent fibers. Furthermore, the constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric may be hydrophilic fibers (including hydrophilic fibers made hydrophilic by a hydrophilizing agent), hydrophobic fibers, or water-repellent fibers (including water-repellent fibers made water-repellent by a water-repellent agent).

[0033] Nonwoven fabrics are generally classified according to fiber length, sheet formation method, fiber bonding method, and laminate structure into staple fiber nonwoven fabrics, long fiber nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, thermal bond (air-through) nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, point-bond nonwoven fabrics, and laminated nonwoven fabrics (such as SSS (spunbond + spunbond + spunbond) nonwoven fabrics in which identical or similar nonwoven fabric layers are laminated, as well as SMS (spunbond + meltblown + spunbond) nonwoven fabrics in which a meltblown layer is sandwiched between spunbond layers, and SMMS (spunbond + meltblown + meltblown + spunbond) nonwoven fabrics in which different nonwoven fabric layers are laminated), and any of these nonwoven fabrics can be used. It is preferable that the laminated nonwoven fabric be manufactured as a single nonwoven fabric including all layers, and that all layers be subjected to a fiber bonding process. This improves the feel on the skin, and prevents irritation to the skin when it comes into contact with the wearer's skin. The laminated nonwoven fabric may be made by bonding together a plurality of separately manufactured nonwoven fabrics using a bonding means such as a hot melt adhesive.

[0034] The top sheet 2 extends from one end to the other in the front-to-rear direction D1 of the absorbent article 1, and extends laterally in the width direction D2 beyond the absorbent body 4. In other embodiments, for example, when the starting points of rising gathers 7 described below are located closer to the center in the width direction D2 than the side edges of the absorbent body 4, appropriate modifications are possible, such as making the length of the top sheet 2 in the width direction D2 shorter than the length of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction D2.

[0035] The backsheet 3 is a liquid-impermeable sheet that does not allow excretory fluids to pass through. For example, a microporous sheet obtained by kneading an inorganic filler into an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction can be suitably used as the backsheet 3. Alternatively, a backsheet 3 having a nonwoven fabric base material with enhanced waterproofness can be used.

[0036] The back sheet 3 preferably extends over the same area as the absorbent body 4 in the front-rear direction D1 and the width direction D2, or over a wider area than the absorbent body 4. If other water-blocking means is present, the back sheet 3 may be configured not to cover the ends of the absorbent body 4 in the front-rear direction D1 and the width direction D2, as necessary.

[0037] The absorbent body 4 is the part that absorbs and retains excretory fluid and can be formed from a fiber assembly. This fiber assembly can be made of stacked staple fibers such as cotton-like pulp or synthetic fibers, or a filament assembly obtained by opening a tow (fiber bundle) of synthetic fibers such as cellulose acetate as needed. When stacking cotton-like pulp or staple fibers, the fiber weight can be, for example, 100 to 300 g / m 2 In the case of a filament aggregate, for example, 30 to 120 g / m 2 The fineness of the synthetic fibers is preferably 1 to 16 dtex, more preferably 1 to 10 dtex, and even more preferably 1 to 5 dtex. The absorbent body 4 may contain superabsorbent polymer particles in part or in whole. The superabsorbent polymer particles include not only "particles" but also "powder." The superabsorbent polymer particles may be those used in this type of absorbent article as they are. Materials for the superabsorbent polymer particles may include, for example, starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based materials. The planar shape of the absorbent body 4 may be such that the central portion in the front-rear direction D1 is narrowed. In other words, the length of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction D2 may gradually decrease toward the center in the front-rear direction D1.

[0038] The exterior sheet 6 covers the entire non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 3, giving the outer surface of the absorbent article 1 a cloth-like appearance. The fiber weight of the exterior sheet 6 is 10 to 50 g / m 2 It is preferable that the density is 15 to 30 g / m 2 It is more preferable that:

[0039] The side flaps SF may be formed, for example, by extending the exterior sheet 6 outward from both side edges of the absorbent body 4, or may be formed from other materials. The side flaps SF can be made of the same nonwoven fabric as the top sheet 2.

[0040] The absorbent article 1 may have a pair of wings W protruding outward in the width direction D2 in each of the dorsal region B and the ventral region F. The wings W can be formed, for example, by cutting out the sides of the side flaps SF in a concave shape. In other words, the wings W are part of the side flaps SF. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the wings W are formed by laminating a gathered sheet 71 and an exterior sheet 6 having edges with the same shape. The wings W may also be formed as separate members from the side flaps SF. Note that even when the wings W are separate members from the side flaps SF, the wings W are treated as part of the side flaps SF.

[0041] The absorbent article 1 may include end flaps EF that extend in the front-to-rear direction D1 of the absorbent body 4. The end flaps EF may be formed, for example, by extending the exterior sheet 6 in the front-to-rear direction D1 of the absorbent body 4, or may be formed from other members. The end flaps EF may be made of the same nonwoven fabric as the top sheet.

[0042] The absorbent article 1 preferably has rising gathers 7 on both sides in the width direction D2 that rise towards the wearer's skin. The rising gathers 7 can block body waste from moving laterally along the top sheet 2, thereby preventing side leakage. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the rising gathers 7 are provided, but the absorbent article 1 may also be configured without the rising gathers 7.

[0043] The rising gathers 7 are formed by fixing a first leg elastic member 73, which is made of an elongated elastic member such as rubber thread, to each side flap SF in a stretched state along the front-to-rear direction D1. In other words, the leg portions of each side flap SF are configured as the rising gathers 7. As shown in FIG. 3, the first leg elastic member 73 is provided between the gathered sheet 71 and the back sheet 3 on the outer side in the width direction D2 near the joining start end of the joined portion of the gathered sheet 71, and can also be provided between the back sheet 3 and the outer sheet 6 of the side flap SF. One first leg elastic member 73 can be provided on each side, or multiple first leg elastic members 73 can be provided on each side.

[0044] The rising gathers 7 include a gathered sheet 71 and an elongated gathered elastic member 72 fixed in a stretched state along the front-to-rear direction D1 to the gathered sheet 71. A water-repellent nonwoven fabric can be used as the gathered sheet 71, and rubber thread or the like can be used as the gathered elastic member 72. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, one gathered elastic member 72 can be provided on each side, or multiple gathered elastic members 72 can be provided on each side.

[0045] The gathered sheet 71 is folded back inward in the width direction D2, and has a joining start end joined onto a side portion of the top sheet 2. The portion of the gathered sheet 71 outward in the width direction D2 from this joining start end is joined with a hot melt adhesive or the like to the side portion of the back sheet 3 and the side portion of the exterior sheet 6 positioned outward in the width direction D2.

[0046] Around the legs, the central widthwise side of the joining start point of the rising gathers 7 is fixed to the top sheet 2 at both ends in the front-to-back direction D1, but the part between them is an unfixed free part, and this free part stands up due to the contractile force of the gathered elastic member 72, coming into close contact with the body surface.

[0047] The absorbent article 1 may have second leg elastic members 11 made of elongated elastic members such as rubber threads, located inward in the width direction D2 from the first leg elastic members 73 and outward in the width direction D2 from the absorbent core 4 in a plan view. The second leg elastic members 11 can be provided, for example, between the packaging sheet 5 and the back sheet 3 as shown in FIG. 3. The second leg elastic members 11 allow the absorbent article 1 to fit better around the wearer's legs. The second leg elastic members 11 may be provided on only one side or multiple sides. It is preferable that two second leg elastic members 11 are provided on each side. By providing two second leg elastic members 11 on each side, the absorbent article 1 rises more toward the skin side, allowing it to fit better around the wearer's legs. This prevents body waste from leaking (sideways) through gaps between the leg openings and the absorbent article 1.

[0048] The absorbent article 1 has a connecting tape 9 that detachably connects the dorsal region B and the ventral region F. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the connecting tape 9 has a first connecting portion 91 provided at one end of the connecting tape 9 in the longitudinal direction D3 (stretch direction), a second connecting portion 92 provided at the other end in the longitudinal direction D3, and a stretchable portion 93 located between the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 in the longitudinal direction D3. The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are provided on one side of the connecting tape 9 (the side facing the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1) and do not overlap with the stretchable portion 93 in a planar view. The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 may be in contact with or spaced apart from the stretchable portion 93 in the longitudinal direction D3 in a planar view. Specifically, the inner ends of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 in the longitudinal direction D3 may be in contact with or spaced apart from both ends in the longitudinal direction D3 of the stretchable portion 93 in a plan view. With this configuration, when the back region B and the ventral region F are connected by the connecting tape 9 and the connecting tape 9 is pulled in the longitudinal direction D3, the elastic force of the stretchable portion 93 can be prevented from being transmitted to the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92, thereby reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0049] The connecting tape 9 may be provided on each of both side edges in the width direction D2 of the dorsal region B. Specifically, the connecting tape 9 may be detachably provided on each of a pair of side flaps SF in the dorsal region B. More specifically, the connecting tape 9 may be detachably provided on each of a pair of wings W in the dorsal region B. In another embodiment, the connecting tape 9 may be provided on each of both end edges in the width direction D2 of the ventral region F. Specifically, the connecting tape 9 may be detachably provided on each of a pair of side flaps SF in the ventral region F. More specifically, the connecting tape 9 may be detachably provided on each of a pair of wings W in the ventral region F. According to the above configuration, the connecting tape 9 is provided on the side flaps SF extending outward from both side edges of the absorbent body 4. Therefore, when the back region B and the ventral region F are connected, the distance between both side edges of the back region B in the width direction D2 and both side edges of the ventral region F in the width direction D2 becomes short, allowing the length of the connecting tape 9 in the longitudinal direction D3 to be relatively short. Therefore, the length of the stretchable portion 93 of the connecting tape 9 can also be relatively short, further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen. Furthermore, because the connecting tape 9 is detachably provided on the side flaps SF, the position of the connecting tape 9 can be adjusted to a position that does not constrict the abdomen, depending on the wearer's body type. Furthermore, the position of the connecting tape 9 when the absorbent article 1 is unfolded can be changed from the back region B to the ventral region F, or from the ventral region F to the back region B, depending on the wearer's posture when changing the absorbent article.

[0050] The first connecting portion 91 may be connected to the back region B, specifically, to the non-skin-facing surfaces of the side flaps SF in the back region B. In this case, the second connecting portion 92 is connected to the ventral region F, specifically, to the non-skin-facing surfaces of the side flaps SF in the ventral region F when worn. In another embodiment, the first connecting portion 91 may be connected to the ventral region F, specifically, to the non-skin-facing surfaces of the side flaps SF in the ventral region F. In this case, the second connecting portion 92 is connected to the back region B, specifically, to the non-skin-facing surfaces of the side flaps SF in the back region B when worn.

[0051] The connecting points of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are preferably such that they can be easily connected to each other. For example, if the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are made of a hook material (male material) of a mechanical fastener (hook and loop fastener), the connecting points on the non-skin side of the abdominal region F may be made of a loop material (female material) of the mechanical fastener or a nonwoven fabric. As a loop material, a loop thread sewn onto a plastic film is known, but a long-fiber nonwoven fabric (fineness 2.0 to 4.0 dtex, basis weight 20 to 50 g / m) with the fiber running in the width direction D2 is also suitable. 2 From the viewpoint of breathability and flexibility, a fabric made of a nonwoven fabric (e.g., a spunbonded nonwoven fabric having a thickness of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 mm) with intermittent welded fibers at least in the width direction D2 is preferred. As shown in the example of Figs. 1 and 2, when the connecting portions on the non-skin side of the abdominal region F are formed by the outer sheet 6, the hook material of the connecting tape 9 can be connected to the outer sheet 6 without any additional attachment. If necessary, a loop material may be attached only to the connecting portions on the non-skin side of the abdominal region F. Furthermore, when the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are adhesive layers, a highly adhesive, smooth-surfaced plastic film may be attached to the connecting portions on the non-skin side of the abdominal region F.

[0052] The distance L2 between the connecting tape 9 and either the dorsal edge E1 or the ventral edge E2, whichever is closer to the connecting tape 9 (the dorsal edge E1 in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), is preferably 3% to 20%, more preferably 5% to 15%, and even more preferably 5% to 10% of the distance L8 between the dorsal edge E1 and the ventral edge E2 when the absorbent article 1 is unfolded. When the distance L2 between the connecting tape 9 and either the dorsal edge E1 or the ventral edge E2, whichever is closer to the connecting tape 9, is 3% to 20% of the distance between the dorsal edge E1 and the ventral edge E2 when the absorbent article 1 is unfolded, the connecting tape 9 can be positioned in the vertical direction of the wearer's abdomen so as not to constrict the abdomen.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2 , the absorbent article 1 may have a mark 13 on the non-skin side to indicate the attachment position of the connecting tape 9. The mark 13 can be provided, for example, at any position along both edges of the connecting tape 9 in the short-side direction D4. The number of marks 13 is not particularly limited. For example, one or more marks 13 may be provided on one edge of the connecting tape 9 in the short-side direction D4, and one or more marks 13 may be provided on the other edge of the connecting tape 9 in the short-side direction D4. The marks 13 may be provided symmetrically with respect to the bisector 30 of the length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-back direction D1. In the example shown in FIG. 2 , the shape of the mark 13 is a chick, but it is not limited thereto and may be any shape, such as another animal, plant, circle, triangle, or the like. By having the mark 13 in the absorbent article 1, when a caregiver removes the connecting tape 9 from the absorbent article 1 and then reattaches it to the absorbent article 1, the caregiver can easily attach the connecting tape 9 to the appropriate position by aligning it with the mark 13. This easily relieves pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0054] The distance L1 between the connecting tape 9 on one side and the connecting tape 9 on the other side in the width direction D2 is preferably 90 mm to 150 mm, and more preferably 100 mm to 120 mm. When the distance L1 between the connecting tape 9 on one side and the connecting tape 9 on the other side in the width direction D2 is 90 mm to 150 mm, pressure on the wearer's abdomen can be further reduced.

[0055] Although the connecting tape 9 is not folded in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be folded, for example, along a crease along the short-side direction D4.

[0056] The length of the connecting tape 9 in the longitudinal direction D3 is preferably 50 mm to 80 mm, more preferably 65 mm to 75 mm, and even more preferably 70 mm to 75 mm. The length of the connecting tape 9 in the transverse direction D4 is preferably 10 mm to 30 mm, and more preferably 20 mm to 25 mm. By setting the length of the connecting tape 9 in the transverse direction D4 to 10 mm to 30 mm, the area of ​​the connecting tape 9 that comes into contact with the abdomen can be reduced while maintaining the strength of the connecting tape 9, thereby further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen. Note that when the connecting tape 9 is folded, the "length" referred to here means the length of the unfolded state. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the length of the connecting tape 9 in the longitudinal direction D3 is longer than the length in the transverse direction D4, but the length in the transverse direction D4 may be longer than the length in the longitudinal direction D3.

[0057] The connecting tape 9 may have, at one end in the longitudinal direction D3, a first free end 94 made of the tape base material 90 described below, which does not have the first connecting portion 91. The connecting tape 9 may have, at the other end in the longitudinal direction D3, a second free end 95 made of the tape base material 90, which does not have the second connecting portion 92. The length L6 of the first free end 94 and the second free end 95 of the connecting tape 9 in the longitudinal direction D3 may be, for example, 1 mm to 6 mm. By providing the first free end 94 and the second free end 95, when attaching or detaching the connecting tape 9 to or from the dorsal region B or the ventral region F, the first free end 94 or the second free end 95 can be grasped and attached without touching the first connecting portion 91 or the second connecting portion 92 with the hand (fingers), thereby facilitating the attachment and detachment operations.

[0058] 5, the connecting tape 9 has a tape base material 90 and a first connecting portion 91 and a second connecting portion 92 on one surface of the tape base material 90. The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 may be fixed to the tape base material 90 via an adhesive.

[0059] The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are preferably provided over both end edges in the short direction D4 of the connecting tape 9. With this configuration, when the back region B and the ventral region F are connected by the connecting tape 9 and the connecting tape 9 is pulled in the longitudinal direction D3, it is possible to prevent the elastic force of the stretchable portion 93 from concentrating on parts of the back region B and the ventral region F, thereby further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen.

[0060] The planar area of ​​the first connecting portion 91 and the planar area of ​​the second connecting portion 92 are each preferably 17% to 25%, and more preferably 20% to 25%, of the planar area of ​​the connecting tape 9. When the planar area of ​​the first connecting portion 91 and the planar area of ​​the second connecting portion 92 are each 17% to 25% of the planar area of ​​the connecting tape 9, the connecting tape 9 can be more firmly fixed to the dorsal region B and the ventral region F, and the connecting tape 9 can be prevented from unintentionally peeling off from the dorsal region B and the ventral region F even if the connecting tape 9 is repeatedly attached and detached for position adjustment, etc.

[0061] The distance L7 in the longitudinal direction D3 between the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 is preferably 20 mm to 58 mm, more preferably 30 mm to 53 mm, and even more preferably 30 mm to 40 mm. By setting the distance L7 in the longitudinal direction D3 between the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 to 20 mm to 58 mm, an expandable portion 93 having a sufficient length in the longitudinal direction D3 can be disposed between the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 in the longitudinal direction D3.

[0062] The first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a hook material (male material) of a mechanical fastener (hook and loop fastener), an adhesive layer, etc. The hook material has a number of engaging protrusions on its connecting surface, and the engaging protrusions may be in any known shape, such as a square, J-shape, mushroom-shape, T-shape, or double J-shape (a shape formed by joining two J-shapes back to back).

[0063] The basis weight of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 is 100 g / m 2 ~140g / m 2 is preferred, and 110 g / m 2 ~130g / m 2 More preferably, 115 g / m 2 ~125g / m 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 is 100 g / m 2 ~180g / m 2 This can further reduce pressure on the abdomen of the wearer.

[0064] The length L4 of each of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 in the longitudinal direction D3 of the connecting tape 9 is preferably 30 mm to 40 mm, and more preferably 33 mm to 38 mm. By having the length L4 of each of the first connecting portion 91 and the second connecting portion 92 in the longitudinal direction D3 of the connecting tape 9 be 30 mm to 40 mm, it is possible to reduce pressure on the abdomen while allowing the absorbent article 1 to fit appropriately to the wearer's body so that the absorbent article 1 does not come off the wearer's body while being worn.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the tape substrate 90 can include two base sheets 96, an elastic portion 93 sandwiched between the two base sheets 96, and an adhesive layer 97 disposed between each of the two base sheets 96 and the elastic portion 93.

[0066] The base sheet 96 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include nonwoven fabric, plastic film, polylaminated nonwoven fabric, paper, and composite materials thereof. Specific examples of the base sheet 96 include laminated nonwoven fabrics in which spunbonded nonwoven fabric and point-bonded nonwoven fabric are laminated together. When the base sheet 96 is a laminated nonwoven fabric in which spunbonded nonwoven fabric and point-bonded nonwoven fabric are laminated together, the flexibility of the connecting tape 9 can be increased, thereby further reducing pressure on the wearer's abdomen. Furthermore, the feel of the tape can be improved, preventing irritation to the wearer's skin when it comes into contact with the skin.

[0067] The basis weight of the base sheet 96 is 5 g / m 2 ~30g / m 2 is preferred, and 18 g / m 2 ~25g / m 2 More preferably, 18 g / m 2 ~22g / m 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the base sheet 96 is 5 g / m 2 ~30g / m 2 For example, when the base sheet 96 is a laminated nonwoven fabric in which a spunbonded nonwoven fabric and a point-bonded nonwoven fabric are laminated, the basis weight of the spunbonded nonwoven fabric is 18 g / m 2 , the basis weight of the point bonded nonwoven fabric is 22 g / m 2 It can be said that:

[0068] The stretchable portion 93 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include elastic nonwoven fabric, elastic film, elastic strand, elastic urethane, etc. The basis weight of the stretchable portion 93 is 20 g / m 2 ~80g / m 2 is preferred, and 30 g / m 2 ~50g / m 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the stretchable portion 93 is 20 g / m 2 ~80g / m 2 This can further reduce pressure on the abdomen of the wearer.

[0069] The length L5 of the stretchable portion 93 in the longitudinal direction D3 of the connecting tape 9 is preferably 18 mm to 56 mm, more preferably 28 mm to 51 mm, and even more preferably 25 mm to 35 mm. By having the length L5 of the stretchable portion 93 in the longitudinal direction D3 of the connecting tape 9 be 18 mm to 56 mm, the absorbent article 1 can be fitted to the wearer's body appropriately so that it does not come off the wearer's body while being worn, and pressure on the abdomen can be reduced.

[0070] The material for forming the adhesive layer 97 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a hot melt adhesive. The basis weight of the adhesive layer 97 is 1 g / m 2 ~20g / m 2 is preferred, and 4 g / m 2 ~10g / m 2 More preferably, 4 g / m 2 ~7g / m 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the adhesive layer 97 is 1 g / m 2 ~20g / m 2 This allows the flexibility of the connecting tape 9 to be increased, thereby further reducing pressure on the abdomen of the wearer.

[0071] The absorbent article 1 has an overall elongated shape (slender shape) having a predetermined length in the front-rear direction D1 and a predetermined width in the width direction D2 perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The planar shape of the absorbent article 1 is preferably symmetrical with respect to a bisector 30 of the length in the front-rear direction D1 and a bisector 20 of the length in the width direction D2 of the absorbent article 1. This eliminates the need to change the front-rear direction of the absorbent article 1 depending on the wearer's posture when changing the absorbent article 1, allowing a caregiver to easily put the absorbent article 1 on the wearer. Note that "symmetrical" here does not mean symmetrical in the strict sense, but also includes substantially symmetrical shapes. Furthermore, the back region B and the back region F of the absorbent article 1 may have similar external shapes, i.e., the area of ​​one side of the back region B and the back region F may be slightly wider in the developed plan view of FIG. 1 . In this case, the slightly wider region can be positioned on the back side or the abdomen side depending on, for example, the wearer's body shape or the difference in excretion positions between boys and girls.

[0072] Furthermore, it is preferable that the planar shape of the absorbent article 1 is such that both side edges 12, 12 in the crotch region M are curved so as to be convex outward in the width direction D2 or concave inward in the width direction D2. The example shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is an example in which the edges are curved so as to be convex outward in the width direction D2. This allows an appropriate size gap to be formed between the wearer's legs and the crotch region M when worn, reducing strain on the legs and preventing leakage of body waste through the gap between the legs and the crotch region M. In particular, while low birth weight infants are prone to have relatively large gaps between the leg openings and the crotch region in typical absorbent articles, the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment can more effectively exhibit the above-mentioned effects when worn by low birth weight infants.

[0073] The length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction D1 is preferably 200 mm to 280 mm, and more preferably 220 mm to 270 mm. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 at the center of the length in the front-rear direction D1 is preferably 100 mm to 200 mm, and more preferably 160 mm to 180 mm. Note that the "length" referred to here means the length of the absorbent article 1 in its unfolded and most stretched state. By having the length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction D1 of 200 mm to 280 mm and the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 at the center of the length in the front-rear direction D1 of 100 mm to 200 mm, when worn by a low birth weight infant, there is an appropriate amount of space between the abdomen and the absorbent article 1, and pressure on the abdomen can be further reduced.

[0074] The length of the dorsal edge E1 is preferably 100 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 160 mm to 180 mm. The length of the ventral edge E2 can be set to the same range as the dorsal edge E1.

[0075] The length L3 in the width direction D2 of the region where the top sheet 2 is exposed in a plan view is preferably 40 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably 43 mm to 46 mm.

[0076] Second Embodiment FIG. 6 is a planar development view of the absorbent article according to the second embodiment as seen from the skin-facing side, and FIG. 7 is a planar development view of the absorbent article according to the second embodiment as seen from the non-skin-facing side.

[0077] The absorbent article 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment in that the planar shape of the absorbent article is different and that the absorbent article has a third leg elastic member 14, but other configurations are similar to those of the absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment. In the planar shape of the absorbent article 100 according to the second embodiment, both side edges 12, 12 in the crotch region M are curved so as to be concave inward in the width direction D2.

[0078] The length of the absorbent article 100 in the front-rear direction D1 is preferably 200 mm to 280 mm, and more preferably 220 mm to 270 mm. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 at the center of the length in the front-rear direction D1 is preferably 100 mm to 200 mm, and more preferably 160 mm to 180 mm. Note that the "length" referred to here means the length of the absorbent article 1 in its unfolded and most stretched state. By having the length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-rear direction D1 of 200 mm to 280 mm and the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction D2 at the center of the length in the front-rear direction D1 of 100 mm to 200 mm, when worn by a low birth weight infant, there is an appropriate amount of space between the abdomen and the absorbent article 1, and pressure on the abdomen can be further reduced.

[0079] The length of the dorsal edge E1 is preferably 100 mm to 200 mm, more preferably 160 mm to 180 mm. The length of the ventral edge E2 can be set to the same range as the dorsal edge E1.

[0080] The length L3 in the width direction D2 of the region where the top sheet 2 is exposed in a plan view is preferably 40 mm to 50 mm, and more preferably 43 mm to 46 mm.

[0081] The absorbent article 100 may have second leg elastic members 11 and third leg elastic members 14, each made of an elongated elastic member such as rubber thread, located inward in the width direction D2 from the first leg elastic member 73 in a plan view. The second leg elastic member 11 may be located, for example, between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3, and the third leg elastic member 14 may be located between the packaging sheet 5 and the back sheet 3. By including the third leg elastic member 14 in addition to the second leg elastic member 11, the absorbent article 1 can rise more toward the skin side, allowing the absorbent article 1 to fit more closely around the legs of the wearer. This prevents body waste from leaking through gaps between the leg openings and the absorbent article 1.

[0082] With the above configuration, the absorbent article 100 according to the second embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] Although the embodiments have been described above, they are presented as examples and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1, 100 absorbent articles 2 Topsheet 3 Back Seat 4. Absorber 5 Packaging sheet 6 Exterior sheet 7. Rise and gather 71 Gathered Sheet 72 Gathered elastic member 73 First leg elastic member 9 Connecting Tape 90 Tape substrate 91 1st connection part 92 2nd connection part 93 Telescopic part 94 1st free end 95 2nd free end 96 Base Sheet 97 Adhesive layer 11 Second leg elastic member 12 Side edges 13 signs 14 Third leg elastic member 20 Bisector of the width of the absorbent article 30 Bisector of the length of the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction SF Side Flap EF End Flap W-Wing B Back area M Inseam area F abdominal area D1 Front-to-back direction of absorbent article D2 Width direction of absorbent article D3 Longitudinal direction of connecting tape D4 Short direction of connecting tape

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a front-to-rear direction, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, a back region, a ventral region, a crotch region located between the back region and the ventral region, and a connecting tape that detachably connects the back region and the ventral region, The connecting tape has a tape base material, a first connecting portion provided on one surface of the tape base material and at one end side in the longitudinal direction of the connecting tape, and a second connecting portion provided on the one surface of the tape base material and at the other end side in the longitudinal direction, the tape substrate has two base sheets made of nonwoven fabrics extending continuously across both ends of the connecting tape in the longitudinal direction, and an elastic portion sandwiched between the two base sheets, and an adhesive layer made of a hot melt adhesive is disposed between each of the base sheets and the elastic portion; The stretchable portion is located between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion in the longitudinal direction in a plan view, An absorbent article for low birth weight infants, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion do not overlap with the stretchable portion in a plan view.

2. the back region, the ventral region, and the crotch region each include an absorbent body; a pair of side flaps extending outward from both side edges of the absorbent body; 2. The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 1, wherein the connecting tape is detachably provided on each of the pair of side flaps in the dorsal region or the ventral region.

3. 3. The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are provided across both edges of the connecting tape in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

4. 4. An absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the planar area of ​​the first connecting portion and the planar area of ​​the second connecting portion are each 17% to 25% of the planar area of ​​the connecting tape.

5. The basis weight of the first connecting portion and the basis weight of the second connecting portion are each 100 g / m ２ ~140g / m ２ 5. The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 1, wherein

6. 4. The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 3, wherein the length of the connecting tape in the short direction is 10 mm to 30 mm.

7. the dorsal region includes a dorsal edge parallel to the longitudinal direction; the ventral region includes a ventral edge parallel to the longitudinal direction; An absorbent article for low birth weight infants as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the connecting tape and the edge of the dorsal edge or the ventral edge that is closer to the connecting tape is 3% to 20% of the distance between the dorsal edge and the ventral edge when the absorbent article is unfolded.

8. 8. The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 1, wherein the length in the front-to-back direction is 200 mm to 280 mm, and the length in the width direction at the center of the length in the front-to-back direction is 100 mm to 200 mm.

9. the planar shape is symmetrical with respect to the bisector of the length in the front-rear direction and the bisector of the length in the width direction, The absorbent article for low birth weight infants according to claim 1 , wherein both side edges in the crotch region are curved so as to be convex toward the outside in the width direction or concave toward the inside in the width direction.

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