absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of preventing laterally outward leak of body fluid widely across a longitudinal direction.SOLUTION: An absorbent article comprises: an elongated body including a top sheet on a skin side, a back sheet on a non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorber disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; a crotch area including a pair of gathers extending in a longitudinal direction on both sides of the body and capable of rising to the skin side, and facing the crotch of a wearer; a front area adjacent to the front of the crotch area and extending to a front end of the body; and a rear area adjacent to the rear of the crotch area and extending to a rear end of the body. The absorbent body further comprises: a front-end fixing part, a rear-end fixing part and a first intermediate fixing part formed by laying down gather forming sheet-like parts forming the gathers, laterally inward at the front end and the rear end of the body and at a prescribed position in the rear area respectively and fixing them to the body; a first rising part formed between the front-end fixing part and the first intermediate fixing part; and a second rising part formed between the first intermediate fixing part and the rear-end fixing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In long, pad-like absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and pad-type disposable diapers, gathers that stand up against the skin when worn on both sides of the main body are known as a means of effectively preventing leakage of bodily fluids laterally outward.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article 1 having a pair of three-dimensional gathers (first three-dimensional gathers 5A and second three-dimensional gathers 5B) arranged on both sides outside the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, wherein each of the three-dimensional gathers 5A, 5B has a standing portion 53 that contracts in the longitudinal direction L by an elastic member 15 and can stand on the skin-facing side, first base ends 51, 51 arranged on both sides outside the standing portion 53 in the longitudinal direction L and fixed to the skin-facing sheet 10, and second base ends 52, 52 arranged outside the standing portion 53 in the width direction W and fixed to the skin-facing sheet 10. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the first base ends 51, 51 at the front and rear of the standing portion 53 are portions where the side sheet 12 is folded inward in the width direction and fixed, so that the standing portion 53 opens outward in the width direction W and stands up. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-248 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the rear first base ends 51, 51 extend far forward of the rear side region S3, and the standing portions 53, 53 are formed only in the crotch region S1 (crotch region). Therefore, this configuration does not function to prevent bodily fluids from leaking outward in the width direction (lateral direction) over the entire longitudinal direction, including the region extending rearward from the crotch region.

[0006] Therefore, there is a demand for a configuration in an absorbent article with gathers that can prevent leakage of bodily fluids laterally outward over a wide area in the longitudinal direction.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can widely prevent leakage of bodily fluids laterally outward over the entire length. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a first aspect of the present invention, the garment comprises an elongated main body including a skin-side top sheet, a non-skin-side back sheet opposite the skin side, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a pair of gathers extending longitudinally on both sides of the main body and capable of rising toward the skin side, the garment comprising a crotch region facing the crotch of a wearer, a front region adjacent to the front of the crotch region and extending to the front end of the main body, and a rear region adjacent to the rear of the crotch region and extending to the rear end of the main body, the gather forming sheet-like portion forming the gathers has a front end fixing portion, a rear end fixing portion, and a first intermediate fixing portion that are folded laterally inward and fixed to the main body at the front end and rear end of the main body and at a predetermined position within the rear region, respectively, and has a first rising portion formed between the front end fixing portion and the first intermediate fixing portion, and a second rising portion formed between the first intermediate fixing portion and the rear end fixing portion.

[0009] According to the first aspect, the gather-forming sheet-like portion that forms the gathers has a front end fixed portion, a rear end fixed portion, and a first intermediate fixed portion between the front end fixed portion and the rear end fixed portion. A first rising portion is formed between the front end fixed portion and the first intermediate fixed portion, and a second rising portion is formed between the first intermediate fixed portion and the rear end fixed portion. Since the first intermediate fixed portion is formed in the rear region, the first rising portion can be formed in the crotch region, and the second rising portion can be formed in the rear region. In this way, in this aspect, rising portions of the gathers can be formed not only in the crotch region of the absorbent article but also in the rear region, i.e., all along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

[0010] Furthermore, the front end fixing portion, the rear end fixing portion, and the first intermediate fixing portion are portions where the gather-forming sheet-like portion that forms the gathers is folded laterally inward and fixed. Therefore, the gathers formed in this embodiment include rising portions that open outward in the laterally outward direction. Here, let's assume that the gathers that rise outward in the laterally outward direction extend continuously and widely to the rear region. In this case, when the buttocks press against the rising portions in the rear region, they tend to open widely outward in the laterally outward direction and lie flat (the gathers are crushed). This effect also extends to the rising portions in the crotch region, and the rising portions in the crotch region may remain open outward in the laterally outward direction. This may impair the function of the gathers in the crotch region, i.e., their function as a barrier to prevent the flow of bodily fluids laterally outward. However, in this embodiment, the gather-forming sheet-like portion is folded laterally inward and fixed by the first intermediate fixing portion at a predetermined position in the rear region between the front end fixing portion and the rear end fixing portion, so even if the rising portion in the rear region opens laterally outward and lies flat, this open state does not affect the rising portion in the crotch region.As a result, the gather function (function as a wall that prevents laterally outward leakage of body fluids) can be maintained in the crotch region, which directly receives body fluids and is prone to leak laterally outward.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present invention, the length of the rear region in the longitudinal direction is at least twice the length of the crotch region in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] The second aspect is suitable for use as an absorbent article for overnight or long-lasting use, particularly as a sanitary napkin. The tendency of the raised portions in the rear region to open outward laterally and lie flat is more pronounced in absorbent articles with a long rear region. Even in absorbent articles with a long rear region according to the second aspect, the gather function can be maintained by the first aspect, which makes it less likely to affect the raised portions in the crotch region.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present invention, the gather forming sheet-like portion has a second intermediate fixed portion between the first intermediate fixed portion and the rear end, which is folded outward in the lateral direction and fixed to the main body.

[0014] Depending on the wearer's body size and the way the absorbent article is worn, the second rising portion in the rear region may collapse laterally inward due to pressure from the wearer's buttocks in the thickness direction. In contrast, according to the third aspect, the gather-forming sheet-like portion is collapsed laterally outward (in the opposite direction from the first intermediate fastening portion and the rear end fastening portion) and fixed by the second intermediate fastening portion between the first intermediate fastening portion and the rear end fastening portion. Therefore, the second rising portion can maintain its rise while gradually changing its inclination direction (as viewed in a cross section cut along the horizontal direction) from the first intermediate fastening portion to the second intermediate fastening portion. Similarly, the second rising portion can maintain its rise while gradually changing its inclination direction from the horizontal outward to the horizontal inward from the second intermediate fastening portion to the rear end fastening portion. In this way, the second rising portion makes it difficult for the gathers to collapse in the area before and after the second intermediate fastening portion.

[0015] Furthermore, the second rising portion can have a portion that is wider (longer in the horizontal direction) in the second intermediate fixing portion and in front and behind it. The second rising portion is formed in the rear region and, when worn, faces the area at the rear of the wearer's body that covers up to the buttocks. In the rear region, body fluids may still transfer laterally outward, although not as rapidly as in the crotch region. The wider portion in the second rising portion can accommodate such relatively slow transfer of body fluids laterally outward.

[0016] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the gather-forming sheet-like portion includes the top sheet and side sheets disposed on the skin side of the sides of the main body.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect, the top sheet is disposed continuously in the horizontal direction from the surface of the absorbent body to the gather-forming sheet-like portion. In other words, since one sheet member is disposed continuously from the main body to the gathers, there are no gaps or joints in the member from the main body to the gathers, which prevents bodily fluids from seeping out through such gaps or joints. Furthermore, if a top sheet that feels good against the skin forms the inner surface, a comfortable fit can be obtained, especially when the inner surface of the rising portion (second rising portion) in the rear region comes into contact with the skin.

[0018] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the rising base ends of the gathers are positioned outside and spaced apart from the outer ends of the absorbent body in the lateral direction.

[0019] According to the fifth aspect, since there is a lateral distance between the rising base ends of the gathers and the absorbent body, the gathers can move flexibly relative to the absorbent body to a certain extent. This allows the main body and gathers to follow the movement of the body even when the wearer makes large movements, such as turning over or twisting, and prevents leakage of bodily fluids.

[0020] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, a compressed groove is formed along the inner side in the lateral direction of the rising base end of the gather.

[0021] According to the sixth aspect, the compressed groove extends along the rising base end, i.e., along the longitudinal direction, so that bodily fluids that have migrated laterally outward from the main body can be guided longitudinally just before the gathers, thereby improving the effect of preventing leakage laterally outward.

[0022] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the rear region, compressed grooves are formed in the main body, extending obliquely rearward from the positions of the outer ends of the absorbent body in the lateral direction.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, body fluids that have migrated laterally outward from the main body can be guided in a rearward diagonal direction, i.e., toward the rear and toward the center in the horizontal direction, thereby improving the effect of preventing leakage laterally outward and making use of the absorbent body in the rear region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can prevent leakage of bodily fluids laterally outward over a wide area in the longitudinal direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the skin side. [Figure 2] This is a cross section taken along line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross section taken along line III-III in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross section taken along line IV-IV in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This is a cross section taken along line VV in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This is a cross section taken along line VI-VI in Figure 1. [Figure 7] 10 shows a modified example of the configuration of the gather-forming sheet-shaped portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a view showing the absorbent article of FIG. 1 in a state where one gather is opened outward in the lateral direction to explain the compressed grooves. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0027] <Basic structure of absorbent articles> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below using a sanitary napkin as an example. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment. Figs. 2 to 6 show cross-sectional views taken along lines II-II, III-III, IV-IV, VV, and VI-VI in Fig. 1, respectively.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 arranged on the side that faces the wearer's skin when worn, i.e., the skin side, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2 arranged on the non-skin side (underwear side) opposite the skin side. Furthermore, an absorbent body 4 is arranged between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. The back sheet 2, absorbent body 4, and top sheet 3 are layered to form a main body (absorbent article main body) 8. The absorbent body 4 is arranged so as not to protrude from the back sheet 2 and top sheet 3 in a plan view. At both end edges in the longitudinal direction D1, the edges of the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 may be joined by adhesive, heat sealing, or the like.

[0029] As shown in the figure, the absorbent article 1 is in the form of an elongated pad (thickness is smaller than width and length). In this specification, the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the absorbent article 1 is designated D1, and the lateral direction (left-to-right or width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 is designated D2. The longitudinal direction D1 corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body when the absorbent article 1 is worn, and the lateral direction D2 corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the body.

[0030] 1 to 3, the main body 8 has a shape in plan view that is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to a center line (longitudinal center line) CL extending in the longitudinal direction D1, but the shape of the main body 8 does not necessarily have to be line-symmetrical. Furthermore, configurations other than the shapes of the absorbent article 1 and the main body 8 (including the thickness and density of the absorbent body 4, the size and position of the compressed grooves, and the shape and size of the flaps extending outward from the main body 8 in the lateral direction D2) may be approximately symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the center line CL as the axis of symmetry.

[0031] The backsheet 2 may be a sheet that is at least water-proof, for example, a sheet made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, a laminated nonwoven fabric in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet of nonwoven fabric in which a waterproof film is interposed to ensure substantial liquid impermeability, may be used. Furthermore, it is more desirable to use a material that is moisture-permeable in order to prevent stuffiness. Examples of such water-proof and moisture-permeable sheet materials include microporous sheets obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet uniaxially or biaxially. The backsheet 2 may be a sheet having the same outer shape as the outer shape of the absorbent article 1.

[0032] The top sheet 3 can be a liquid-permeable sheet that allows bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, and urine to quickly pass through. Suitable top sheet 3 materials include perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabrics and porous plastic sheets. Examples of material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and blends thereof, as well as natural fibers such as cotton, which can be used alone or in combination. Examples of processing methods for nonwoven fabrics include spunlace, spunbond, thermal bond, meltblown, and needlepunch. Of these processing methods, the spunlace method is preferred because it provides flexibility, the spunbond method is preferred because it can produce nonwoven fabrics with excellent drapeability, and the thermal bond method is preferred because it can produce bulky and soft nonwoven fabrics. Composite fibers, such as core-sheath fibers, side-by-side fibers, and splittable fibers, can also be used, each of which has a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath.

[0033] The absorbent body 4 is not limited to any material that can absorb and retain body fluids, but preferably contains cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbent polymer. Examples of water-absorbent polymers that can be used include superabsorbent polymer (SAP), superabsorbent fiber (SAF), and combinations of these. Pulp includes chemical pulp obtained from wood, cellulose fibers such as dissolving pulp, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. Hardwoods and softwoods are used as raw materials for chemical pulp, with softwoods being preferred due to their long fiber length.

[0034] Synthetic fibers may also be mixed into the absorbent body 4. Examples of synthetic fibers that can be used 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 fibers can also be mixed. 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 splittable fibers, can also be used. Hydrophobic fibers can also be surface-treated with a hydrophilizing agent to impart affinity to body fluids. The absorbent body 4 is preferably manufactured by a stacking or airlaid method.

[0035] The absorbent body 4 does not need to have a uniform thickness across the entire front surface, and may have a central region in the lateral direction D2 of the absorbent body, such as a region that faces the bodily fluid discharge outlet when worn (a region facing the bodily fluid discharge outlet), or a region facing the gluteal crease behind the region corresponding to the bodily fluid discharge outlet, that is, a central peak 4h that bulges out toward the skin. In the illustrated embodiment, the central peak 4h is formed in a region that includes the bodily fluid discharge outlet-facing region Q. The thickness of the absorbent body 4, including the central peak 4h (the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 and the lateral direction D2), may be 0.5 to 25 mm, and preferably 1.5 to 15 mm.

[0036] The absorbent body 4 may be wrapped in an envelope sheet made of colored or uncolored (white) crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like to prevent kinking, cracking, or spillage of polymer particles.

[0037] The absorbent article 1 has a crotch region C that primarily corresponds to the wearer's crotch when worn, a front region F that is adjacent to the front of the crotch region C and extends to the front end 81 of the absorbent article 1, and a rear region R that is adjacent to the rear of the crotch region C and extends to the rear end 82 of the absorbent article 1. The crotch region C is a region that includes a bodily fluid discharge outlet facing region Q. The bodily fluid discharge outlet facing region Q is a region that corresponds to the wearer's bodily fluid discharge outlets, such as the vaginal opening and urethral opening, when worn, and its center may be located on the longitudinal centerline CL. Furthermore, the rear region R may have a first rear region R1 that is adjacent to the crotch region C and a second rear region R2 that continues to the rear of the first rear region R1. The first rear region R1 may be a region that is rearward of the vaginal opening, i.e., a region that faces at least the perineum, and the second rear region R2 may be a region that faces rearward of the perineum. The above description of the opposing relationship between the area of ​​the main body 8 and the wearer's body may be an approximate range when the wearer wears the absorbent article in the normal manner while lying down, but is merely a guideline.

[0038] The length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the crotch region C may be 50 to 110 mm, and the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the rear region R may be 90 to 250 mm. The configuration of this embodiment is suitable for an absorbent article having a long rear region R, such that the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the rear region R is at least twice the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the crotch region C. The length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the first rear region R1 may be 40 to 100 mm, and the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the second rear region R2 may be 50 to 140 mm.

[0039] The absorbent article 1 may include a pair of wing flaps WF, WF extending outward in the lateral direction D2 from both side portions of the main body 8. Anti-slip materials (not shown) may be provided on the non-skin sides of the wing flaps WF, WF, and this anti-slip material allows the wing flaps WF, WF to be folded back toward the non-skin sides and attached to the underwear so that the underwear is sandwiched between the wing flaps WF, WF and the main body 8 when worn. This allows the absorbent article 1 to be securely fixed to the underwear. By folding the wing flaps WF, WF back toward the non-skin sides and attaching them to the underwear, as shown in FIG. 1 , the crotch region C may be a region that includes the wing flaps WF, WF across the longitudinal direction D1, and may correspond to the region from the front starting point of the wing flaps WF, WF to the rear starting point of the wing flaps WF, WF.

[0040] The rear region R may also be provided with a pair of hip hold flaps HF, HF extending outward in the lateral direction D2 from the sides of the main body 8. The hip hold flaps HF, HF can face the wearer's buttocks when worn. The hip hold flaps HF, HF prevent leakage of bodily fluids from the rear region R, and by having their expansion portions at the rear come into contact with the buttocks, the entire absorbent article 1 is less likely to shift relative to the underwear, particularly in the lateral direction D2, and the worn position of the absorbent article 1 can be stabilized.

[0041] <Gather> Gathers G, G are formed on the skin side of each of both side portions of the absorbent article 1. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the gathers G, G rise toward the skin side, i.e., away from the main body 8, and approach perpendicular to the surface direction of the main body 8. These gathers G, G serve as walls formed on both side portions of the absorbent article 1 and have the function of preventing leakage of bodily fluids outward in the lateral direction D2.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, gathers G, G are formed by gather-forming sheet-like portions 20, 20 including elastic members (elastic and stretchable members) 9 along the longitudinal direction D1. In this embodiment, the gather-forming sheet-like portions 20 are formed by joining a top sheet 3 and side sheets 7 arranged on the skin side of both sides of the absorbent article 1, with the elastic members 9 sandwiched between them. When producing gathers G, the elastic members 9 are intermittently fixed in a stretched state to the sheet-like portions (side sheets 7, top sheet 3) that make up the gather-forming sheet-like portions 20. There are no particular limitations on the means for fixing the elastic members 9, and they may be adhesives, ultrasonic seals, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is fixed (at fixing portions) to the main body 8 at predetermined positions including near the front end 81 and near the rear end 82 of the absorbent article 1, and the side sheets 7 constituting the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 are joined to the back sheet 2 along the longitudinal direction D1 on the outer sides of the lateral direction D2 (see FIG. 2, etc.). Therefore, when the elastic members 9 are released from tension during use of the absorbent article 1, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 contracts (shortens in length) in the longitudinal direction D1 in parts other than the fixing portions (described in detail later), and rises up, moving away from the main body 8, while generating wrinkles (not shown) that are approximately parallel to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1.

[0044] The side sheet 7 may be made of a material that has been treated, in whole or in part, with an appropriate water-repellent or hydrophilic treatment depending on the purpose, such as preventing penetration of bodily fluids or improving the feel against the skin. The side sheet 7 is preferably a nonwoven fabric containing natural fibers, synthetic fibers, recycled fibers, or the like, or made of these fibers. When the side sheet 7 is a nonwoven fabric, it may be an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or the like, but an air-through nonwoven fabric is preferred because it is resistant to creases, wrinkles, and is soft, thereby improving the feel against the skin.

[0045] The elastic member 9 may be a string-like or thread-like elastic member such as rubber thread, or may be a long, thin elastic sheet. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 includes two elastic members 9 per gather G, but the number is not limited thereto. Depending on the desired stretchability of the gather G, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 may include one, three or more elastic members 9, and for example, three to five elastic members may be arranged at a distance from one another.

[0046] In the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20, a separate member may be disposed between the side sheet 7 and the back sheet 2. For example, a thin absorbent may be disposed to improve the absorbency of the gathers G, or an additional sheet-like portion may be disposed to increase the rigidity of the gathers G. The sheet-like portions may be overlapped in two or more layers, with the elastic member 9 disposed between them. Furthermore, in the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20, the side sheet 7 and / or the back sheet 2 may be folded and overlapped. This can increase the rigidity of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20.

[0047] In the crotch region C, wing flaps WF, WF are formed by joining the outward extending portions of the side sheets 7 in the lateral direction D2 and the outward extending portions of the back sheet 2 in the lateral direction D2. In the rear region R, hip hold flaps HF, HF may also be formed by joining the outward extending portions of the side sheets 7 in the lateral direction D2 and the outward extending portions of the back sheet 2 in the lateral direction D2.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front end of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is folded inward in the lateral direction D2 and fixed to the main body 8, forming a front end fixing portion 21f. In the illustrated example, the top sheet 3 is folded back, and the overlapping top sheets 3 are joined together. Similarly, the rear end is folded inward in the lateral direction D2 and fixed to the main body 8, forming a rear end fixing portion 21r. The gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 can be fixed using an adhesive or the like. Furthermore, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is also folded inward in the lateral direction D2 at a position between the front end and the rear end and fixed to the main body 8, forming a first intermediate fixing portion 21m. The first intermediate fixing portion 21m is formed in the rear region R, and is preferably located 10 to 60 mm, more preferably 20 to 50 mm, behind the boundary between the crotch region C and the rear region R. That is, the center of first intermediate fixed part 21m in longitudinal direction D1 is located at the rear of the boundary by the above distance.

[0049] In this way, because the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is fixed not only at the front and rear ends but also along the way, a first rising portion 31 is formed between the front end fixed portion 21f and the first intermediate fixed portion 21m, and a second rising portion 32 is formed between the first intermediate fixed portion 21m and the rear end fixed portion 21r. Because the first intermediate fixed portion 21m is located at a predetermined position in the rear region R that is relatively close to the crotch region C, the first rising portion 31 can be formed in the crotch region C, and the second rising portion 32 can be formed in the rear region R. In other words, a configuration is obtained in which gathers G are present not only in the crotch region C of the absorbent article 1 but also in the rear region R, in other words, all over the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1. This makes it possible to obtain a means for dealing with leakage of bodily fluids in the lateral direction D2 widely across the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 1.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first rising portion 31 is a portion of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 that opens outward in the lateral direction D2 and rises. The second rising portion 32 also includes a portion of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 that opens outward in the lateral direction D2 and rises. When worn, the gathers G that open outward in the lateral direction D2 have their groin surfaces in contact with the outer surface of the gathers G (the rising portion of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20) in the lateral direction D2, i.e., the surface of the side sheet 7 in this example. Therefore, compared to a configuration that opens outward in the lateral direction D2 and rises, or a configuration in which the leading edges of the gathers G are folded into a Z-shape in cross section and protrude outward in the lateral direction D2, this configuration has a simpler structure, functions well as a barrier to prevent leakage of bodily fluids, and is less uncomfortable. When the wing flaps WF, WF extending from the crotch region C are folded back and attached to the underwear, the gathers G can be made to rise significantly toward the skin.

[0051] If the gathers G or rising portions that open outward in the lateral direction D2 were extended continuously in the longitudinal direction D1 over a wide range into the rear region R, the rising portions in the rear region R would be prone to open widely outward in the lateral direction D2 and collapse (the gathers G would be crushed) when the buttocks press against them in the thickness direction. This effect would then extend to the rising portions in the crotch region C, causing the rising portions in the crotch region C to open outward in the lateral direction D2 and collapse. This could impair the function of the gathers G in the crotch region C, i.e., their ability to function as a wall that blocks the outward flow of bodily fluids in the lateral direction D2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first intermediate fixing portion 21m is provided in a position relatively close to the crotch region C in the rear region R, and the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is folded inward in the lateral direction D2 and fixed (FIG. 4). Therefore, even if the rising portions in the rear region R lie open outward in the lateral direction D2, the effects of this open state are prevented by the first intermediate fixing part 21m and do not affect the rising portions in the crotch region C. This allows the function of the gathers G (function as a wall that prevents leakage of body fluids outward in the lateral direction D2) to be maintained in the crotch region C, which is an area that directly receives body fluids and is particularly prone to leakage of body fluids outward in the lateral direction D2.

[0052] 1 and 6, a second intermediate fixed portion 22 may be formed in the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 (rising portion 32) between the first intermediate fixed portion 21m and the rear end fixed portion 21r. In the second intermediate fixed portion 22, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is laid outward in the lateral direction D2, i.e., laid in the opposite direction to the laid and fixed direction of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 in the first intermediate fixed portion 21m (FIG. 4). As a result, a second rising portion section 321 is formed between the first intermediate fixed portion 21m and the second intermediate fixed portion 22, and a second rising portion section 322 is formed between the second intermediate fixed portion 22 and the rear end fixed portion 21r.

[0053] In the front second rising section 321, the inclination direction of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 gradually changes from the first intermediate fastening part 21m to the second intermediate fastening part 22, and in the rear second rising section 322, the inclination direction gradually changes from the second intermediate fastening part 22 to the rear end fastening part 21r. More specifically, the second rising section 321 is inclined inward in the lateral direction D2 near the first intermediate fastening part 21m, but the inclination direction gradually changes outward as it approaches the second intermediate fastening part 22, and is inclined outward in the lateral direction D2 near the second intermediate fastening part 22 (FIG. 5). Furthermore, the second rising section 322 is inclined outward in the lateral direction D2 near the second intermediate fastening part 22, as in FIG. 5, but the inclination direction gradually changes inward as it approaches the rear end fastening part 21r, and is inclined inward in the lateral direction D2 near the rear end fastening part 21r. In this way, in the second rising portion 32, the direction of inclination of the gather forming sheet-like portion 20 in the horizontal direction D2 changes midway, and the gather forming sheet-like portion 20 is pulled inward and outward in the horizontal direction D2, so that the gathers G are less likely to be crushed in the parts of the second rising portion that can rise.

[0054] Furthermore, by providing the second intermediate fastening part 22, the second rising part 32 has a portion that is wider in the lateral direction D2 (longer in the lateral direction D2) at the second intermediate fastening part 22 and in front and behind it. The second rising part 32 is formed in the rear region R and, when worn, faces the rear of the wearer's body, including the buttocks. If the absorbent article 1 is a sanitary napkin, bodily fluids that migrate from the crotch region C and reach the rear region R may migrate further outward in the lateral direction D2, although not as rapidly as in the crotch region C. The wide portion of the second rising part 32 can accommodate such a relatively slow migration of bodily fluids outward in the lateral direction D2. It can also be said that the wider portion of the second rising part 32 functions to support the function of the hip hold flap HF.

[0055] The second intermediate fixing part 22 is preferably formed in the second rear region R2. Also, the second intermediate fixing part 22 is preferably formed at a position about 60 to 130 mm from the front end of the rear region R2.

[0056] 1, 3, and 5, the rising base ends of the gathers G and the rising base ends 25 of the rising portions 31, 32 of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 may be spaced outward from the outer edge of the absorbent body 4 in the lateral direction D2. When the rising base ends 25 are spaced apart from the absorbent body 4 in this way, the gathers G can move somewhat flexibly relative to the absorbent body 4. This allows the position of the gathers G relative to the main body 8 to change in response to large movements by the wearer, such as turning over or twisting, thereby preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0057] In this embodiment, the base ends 25 of the rising portions 31, 32 (gathers G) may overlap the absorbent body 4 in a plan view. In this case, the bond between the gathers G and the main body 8 becomes stronger, and the gathers G can deform in accordance with the deformation of the main body 8. Therefore, if the width of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is made large (the length in the lateral direction D2 is long) or if the material of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is soft, a configuration in which the base ends 25 are on the absorbent body 4 is also possible.

[0058] Fig. 7 shows modified configurations of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20. Figs. 7(a) and (b) are both cross-sectional views of the first rising portion 31 cut in the lateral direction D2, and are views corresponding to Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 7(a), the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 may be formed by folding a side sheet 7 inward in the lateral direction D2 and joining the top sheet 3 to the folded-back side sheet 7. In this configuration, the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is thicker and the leading edge of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 forms a ridge formed by folding the side sheet 7, which prevents the sheet from fraying and also reduces discomfort when the leading edge touches the skin.

[0059] 7(b), the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 may not include the top sheet 3. The gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 is formed by folding the side sheets 7 inward in the lateral direction D2, and the folded-back inner portions of the side sheets 7 may be joined to the outer surface of the top sheet 3. In this case, the top sheet 3 may be joined directly to the back sheet 2.

[0060] <Other configurations> Figure 8 shows one (right) gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 of the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 opened outward in the lateral direction D2. Elastic members are not shown in Figure 8. That is, the figure shows the state in which the front end fixing portion 21f, the first intermediate fixing portion 21m, and the rear end fixing portion 21r are released from fixing (or the state before fixing). As shown in Figure 8, the main body 8 of the absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment has linear compressed grooves 51 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 formed along the outer edge of the absorbent core 4 in the lateral direction D2.

[0061] The compressed grooves 51 formed along the outer edge of the absorbent body 4 in the lateral direction D2 can guide bodily fluids that have migrated outward in the lateral direction D2 of the main body 8 in the longitudinal direction D1 just before the gathers G. This improves the effect of preventing leakage outward in the lateral direction D2.

[0062] The compression grooves 51 are preferably provided in the crotch region C and the rear region R where leakage of bodily fluids is likely to occur.

[0063] By forming the linear compression grooves 51 close to the rising base end 25 of the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20, the components (top sheet 3, side sheet 7) at the rising base end 25 become easier to fold, making it easier for the gather-forming sheet-like portion 20 to rise.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the rear region R, the main body 8 has compressed grooves extending obliquely rearward from the outer end of the absorbent body 4 in the lateral direction D2. 5 2, 52 、53、53 For example, a compression groove may be formed. 52、52 may be formed in the first rear region R1 so as to extend from a position in front of the first intermediate fixing part 21m at the outer end of the absorbent body 4 in the lateral direction D2. 、53、53 may be formed in the second rear region R2 so as to extend from the position of the second intermediate fixing part 22 at the outer end of the absorbent core 4 in the lateral direction D2.

[0065] Such a compression groove 5 2, 52 、53、53This allows the body fluid that has diffused outward in the lateral direction D2 of the main body 8 to be guided in a rearward diagonal direction, i.e., toward the rear and toward the center in the lateral direction D2. This improves the effect of preventing leakage outward in the lateral direction D2, and also makes it possible to utilize the absorbent body 4 in the rear region R.

[0066] Compression groove 5 2 、53 Each of the compressed grooves may extend obliquely rearward at an angle of 25 to 55 degrees relative to the longitudinal center line CL. 52 Similarly, the number of compressed grooves formed in the second rear region R2 may be one or more. 53 The number of compressed grooves may be one or more.

[0067] The above-mentioned compressed grooves (embossments) 51, 52, 53 are all portions formed by applying pressure and / or heat so as to be recessed from the skin side (top sheet 3 side) to the non-skin side (back sheet 2 side). Furthermore, as long as the compressed grooves 51, 52, 53 have the function of guiding bodily fluids, they may be continuous lines or may be discontinuous and formed intermittently.

[0068] The absorbent article according to this embodiment can be suitably used as a sanitary napkin for overnight use or for long-lasting use. For example, the length of the absorbent article 1 (or main body 8) in the longitudinal direction D1 may be 250 to 450 mm.

[0069] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be variously changed, modified, substituted, added, deleted, and combined within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Absorbent articles (sanitary napkins) 2 Back Seat 3 Topsheet 4. Absorbent 4h Absorbent core 7 Side seats 9 Elastic member 20 Gather forming sheet portion 21f Front end fixing part 21m 1st intermediate fixed part 21r Rear end fixing part 22 Second intermediate fixing part 25 Rising base 31 First rising section 32 Second rising section 51, 52, 53 Compression grooves 81 Front end of the body 82 Rear end of the main body 321, 322 Second rising section C Groin area CL longitudinal centerline D1 Longitudinal direction D2 Horizontal F Anterior area G Gather HF Hip Hold Flap Q Area facing body fluid outlet R Rear area R1 1st rear area R2 2nd rear area WF Wing Flap

Claims

1. an elongated main body including a top sheet on the skin side, a back sheet on the non-skin side opposite the skin side, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; a pair of gathers extending longitudinally on both sides of the main body and capable of rising toward the skin side; The garment has a crotch region facing the crotch of a wearer, a front region adjacent to the front of the crotch region and extending to the front end of the main body, and a rear region adjacent to the rear of the crotch region and extending to the rear end of the main body, The gather forming sheet-like portion for forming the gathers is a front end fixing portion, a rear end fixing portion, and a first intermediate fixing portion which are respectively tilted inward in the lateral direction and fixed to the main body at a front end and a rear end of the main body and at a predetermined position within the rear region; a first rising portion formed between the front end fixed portion and the first intermediate fixed portion, and a second rising portion formed between the first intermediate fixed portion and the rear end fixed portion, The absorbent article further comprises a second intermediate fixing part between the first intermediate fixing part and the rear end, the second intermediate fixing part being folded outward in the lateral direction and fixed to the main body.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the longitudinal length of the rear region is at least twice the longitudinal length of the crotch region.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the gather-forming sheet-like portion includes the top sheet and a side sheet disposed on the skin side of the side portion of the main body.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the rising base ends of the gathers are positioned outside and spaced apart from the outer ends of the absorbent body in the lateral direction.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a compressed groove is formed along the inner side of the rising base end of the gather in the lateral direction and on the outer side of the outer end of the absorbent body in the lateral direction.

6. 6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the rear region, the main body has compressed grooves formed therein, the compressed grooves extending rearward from a position beyond the outer lateral ends of the absorbent body toward the center in the lateral direction.

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