Men's absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a men's absorbent article which suppresses a space for storing the penis from becoming too large while securing the space, and suppresses leakage due to deviation.SOLUTION: An absorbent article (1) has: a front-back direction (L) extending to a crotch side and an abdominal side of a wearer; a width direction (W) orthogonal to the front-back direction: an absorber (30) holding body fluid; and a deformation guide part (70) for guiding deformation of the absorber. A length in the width direction of the absorber changes. The deformation guide part has a cross deformation part (71) which crosses a virtual line (FL) connecting outer edges of the absorber in a maximum width position (MP) having the longest length in the width direction of the absorber. The cross deformation part extends along the front-back direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles for men, such as male light incontinence pads. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose absorbent articles for men that are placed against the male penis. The absorbent article of Patent Document 1 has three-dimensional deformation-inducing grooves on the sides of the absorbent body in the width direction, and by deforming around the three-dimensional deformation-inducing grooves, a space for accommodating the penis is formed in the widthwise center of the absorbent article. In addition, the absorbent article of Patent Document 2 has a channel embossment in the widthwise center of the absorbent body, which makes it easier to bend the absorbent article for men when worn, thereby improving its fit to the penis. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-48906 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-63118 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2 have the following problems. The absorbent bodies of both Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not have a constant widthwise length, but rather vary. Therefore, when the absorbent article is worn, the widthwise length of the absorbent body that rises relative to the sides of the penis varies. In regions where the widthwise length of the absorbent body is relatively short (for example, the crotch region in the absorbent articles of Patent Documents 1 and 2), the absorbent body has a relatively short width, making it easy to fit around the penis. On the other hand, in regions where the widthwise length of the absorbent body is relatively long (for example, the abdominal region in the absorbent articles of Patent Documents 1 and 2), the absorbent body has a relatively long width, which makes the penis accommodation space too large, and there is a risk of leakage due to slippage. In particular, at the position where the widthwise length of the absorbent body is at its maximum, the penis accommodation space becomes too large, increasing the risk of leakage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide an absorbent article for men that can secure a space to accommodate the penis while preventing the space from becoming too large, and can prevent leakage due to slippage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The absorbent article for men according to aspect 1 has a front-to-rear direction extending between the crotch and abdomen of the wearer, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, an absorbent body that retains bodily fluids, and a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body. The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies. The deformation guide portion has a crossing deformation portion that crosses an imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at a maximum width position where the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is longest. The crossing deformation portion extends along the front-to-rear direction.

[0007] The absorbent article for men according to aspect 2 has a front-to-rear direction extending between the crotch and abdomen of the wearer, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, an absorbent body that retains bodily fluids, and a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body. The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies. The deformation guide portion has a crossing deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at the widest position, where the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is the longest. The length of the crossing deformation portion in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the length of the crossing deformation portion in the width direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article for men according to an embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article for men according to the embodiment, as viewed from the non-skin facing side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the men's absorbent article taken along line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic view of a men's absorbent article in a worn state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The male absorbent article according to aspect 1 has a front-to-rear direction extending along the crotch and abdominal sides of the wearer, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids, and a deformation guide portion for guiding deformation of the absorbent body. The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies. The deformation guide portion has a crossing deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at the maximum width position, where the absorbent body's widthwise length is longest. The crossing deformation portion extends along the front-to-rear direction. According to this aspect, the crossing deformation portion intersects with the imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at the maximum width position, providing a deformation base point for the absorbent body on the imaginary line, allowing the absorbent body to fold at the maximum width position. This allows for a compact penis storage space and suppresses leakage due to slippage. Furthermore, because the crossing deformation portion extends in the front-to-rear direction, the folding base point of the crossing deformation portion extends in the front-to-rear direction, making it easy to fold the absorbent body in the width direction. This facilitates deformation of the absorbent body into a shape that covers the circumference of the penis, improving fit.

[0010] A male absorbent article according to aspect 2 has a front-to-rear direction extending between the crotch and abdomen of the wearer, a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids, and a deformation guide portion for guiding deformation of the absorbent body. The widthwise length of the absorbent body varies. The deformation guide portion has a crossing deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at the maximum width position, where the widthwise length of the absorbent body is longest. The front-to-rear length of the crossing deformation portion is longer than the widthwise length of the crossing deformation portion. According to this aspect, since the deformation guide portion intersects with the imaginary line connecting the outer edges of the absorbent body at the maximum width position, a deformation base point of the absorbent body is located on the imaginary line, and the absorbent body at the maximum width position bends. This allows for a compact penis accommodation space and suppresses leakage due to slippage. Furthermore, since the front-to-rear length of the crossing deformation portion is longer than the widthwise length and is vertically elongated, the folding base point of the crossing deformation portion extends in the front-to-rear direction, making it easy to fold the absorbent body in the width direction. Therefore, the absorbent body can be easily deformed into a shape that covers the outer circumference of the penis, improving the fit.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The crossing deformation portions are provided in pairs with respect to the center of the absorbent body in the width direction. If the distance between the outer edge of the crossing deformation portion and the outer edge of the absorbent body on the imaginary line is D1, and the distance between the inner edges of the crossing deformation portions on the imaginary line is D2, then D1 > D2 is satisfied. According to this embodiment, the pair of crossing deformation portions causes both sides of the absorbent body's width direction center to rise toward the wearer with respect to the absorbent body's width direction center, making it easy to form a three-dimensional penis accommodation space. Furthermore, since D1 > D2 is satisfied, the walls that rise to the sides of the penis can be formed high, thereby suppressing side leakage.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The crossing deformation portions are provided in pairs with respect to the center of the absorbent body in the width direction. If the distance between the outer edge of the crossing deformation portion and the outer edge of the absorbent body on the imaginary line is D1, and the distance between the inner edges of the crossing deformation portions on the imaginary line is D2, then D2 > D1 is satisfied. The pair of crossing deformation portions allows both sides of the absorbent body's width direction center to stand up toward the wearer with respect to the absorbent body's width direction center, making it easy to form a three-dimensional penis accommodation space. Furthermore, since D2 > D1 is satisfied, the width direction length of the accommodation space for accommodating the penis can be secured, and absorption capacity can be ensured.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 5 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, and have the following features. The deformation guide portion is composed of at least one of a low basis weight portion in the absorbent body, in which the basis weight of the absorbent material is lower than that of the surrounding area, and a compressed portion that compresses the absorbent body at least in the thickness direction. The deformation guide portion made of the low basis weight portion causes the absorbent body to deform due to differences in thickness and rigidity. Furthermore, the low basis weight portion can divide the absorbent body, thereby suppressing the diffusion of body fluid that has reached the low basis weight portion. This prevents the diffusion of body fluid to the outer edge of the absorbent body and suppresses leakage from the outer edge of the absorbent body. The deformation guide portion made of the compressed portion causes the absorbent body to deform due to differences in thickness and rigidity. Furthermore, the compressed portion can draw in body fluid, suppressing the diffusion of body fluid to the outer edge of the absorbent body and suppressing leakage from the outer edge of the absorbent body.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 5. The cross deformation portions are constituted by the low basis weight portions and are provided in pairs relative to the center of the absorbent body in the width direction. The deformation guide portions are constituted by the compression portions and have a central deformation portion disposed between the cross deformation portions. Cross deformation portions constituted by low basis weight portions are provided on both sides of the absorbent body's width direction center. Therefore, folding base points extending in the front-rear direction are formed on both sides of the absorbent body's width direction center. In addition, the region sandwiched between the pair of cross deformation portions has a central deformation portion constituted by compression portions, and the central deformation portion increases its rigidity, making it easier to maintain its shape. Therefore, the region sandwiched between the pair of cross deformation portions deforms to bulge three-dimensionally, forming a penis accommodation space.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following characteristics in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 6: The length of the deformation guide in the front-to-rear direction is equal to or greater than half of the length of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction. According to this aspect, by providing a long length of the deformation guide in the front-to-rear direction, it is possible to induce a desired deformation of the absorbent body even in the front-to-rear direction, which is less prone to deformation than the width direction.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 8 may have the following features in the inventions according to embodiments 1 to 7. The maximum width position is located closer to the ventral side than the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction. The crossing deformation portion is continuous between the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction and the imaginary line. According to this embodiment, a continuous deformation base point can be provided between the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction and the imaginary line, and the absorbent body can be folded across the area between the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction and the imaginary line. Compared to a configuration in which the deformation base point of the absorbent body is provided only at the part that intersects with the imaginary line, the absorbent body can be deformed over a wider range, improving fit.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 9 may have the following features in the inventions according to embodiments 1 to 8. The maximum width position is located closer to the ventral side than the center of the absorber in the front-to-rear direction. The deformation guide portion has a width deformation portion extending in the width direction on the crotch side of the center of the absorber in the front-to-rear direction. According to this embodiment, the width deformation portion forms a fold extending in the width direction in the crotch side region, allowing the absorber to be folded in the front-to-rear direction. Then, in the region closer to the ventral side than the center of the absorber in the front-to-rear direction, the cross deformation portion can induce deformation that conforms to the penis.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 10 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 9. The width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion are connected. According to this embodiment, the width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion cooperate to bend the absorber in the front-to-rear direction and the width direction, thereby deforming the absorber in a more three-dimensional manner. The absorber can be positioned to cover the penis, further suppressing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 11 may have the following characteristics in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 10. The deformation guides reach the outer edges of the absorbent body. Compared to a configuration in which the deformation guides do not reach the outer edges of the absorbent body, the deformation guides can deform the absorbent body up to the outer edges, making it easier to deform the absorbent body into the intended shape. This further improves fit and suppresses leakage of bodily fluids.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 12 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 11: The absorbent article has a marker portion that indicates the wearing position on the wearer's body. According to this aspect, the user can determine the wearing position by the marker portion, and by wearing the absorbent article in the appropriate position, leakage of bodily fluids can be suppressed.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 12. The absorbent body is composed of an absorbent core laminated with pulp, or a nonwoven fabric. An absorbent body made of an absorbent core ensures the absorption capacity of body fluids by the pulp, and can suppress leakage of body fluids. Furthermore, an absorbent body made of nonwoven fabric is thinner and less rigid than an absorbent core, and therefore more flexible and easily deformed. By deforming to fit the body better, leakage of body fluids can be suppressed.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 14 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 13: The absorbent article has an elastic member that is stretchable in at least one of the front-rear direction and the width direction. According to this embodiment, the elastic member can also deform the absorbent article, particularly the absorbent core, making it easier to deform the absorbent article into a more intended shape. This further improves fit and suppresses leakage of bodily fluids.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 15 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 14: The absorbent article has a fastening part for fastening the absorbent article to a wearing article. At least a part of the fastening part is disposed outward in the width direction from the crossing deformation part. According to this aspect, since a wall part erected from the crossing deformation part is fastened to the wearing article, the position of the wall is less likely to shift, making it easier to maintain the storage space.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 16 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 15. The absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet arranged on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body, and a liquid-permeable back sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body. A front region anterior to the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-back direction and a rear region crotch-side of the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-back direction are each provided with compressed sheet sections formed by compressing the top sheet and the back sheet. The pattern of the compressed sheet sections in the front region is different from the pattern of the compressed sheet sections in the rear region. The user can distinguish between the front region and the rear region based on the difference in the patterns of the compressed sheet sections. This allows the absorbent article to be worn in the appropriate orientation, which improves fit and reduces leakage of bodily fluids.

[0025] (2) Embodiment of the absorbent article Hereinafter, a description will be given of an absorbent article for men (hereinafter referred to as "absorbent article") 1 according to an embodiment with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a men's absorbent article 1 according to an embodiment, as seen from the skin-facing side, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a men's absorbent article 1 according to an embodiment, as seen from the non-skin-facing side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the men's absorbent article 1 taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. The absorbent article 1 of this embodiment is a men's absorbent article, and is used by being worn inside a worn article such as underwear. The drawings show the absorbent article 1 in an extended state, in which it has been stretched to a state where no wrinkles are formed. In the following description, the positional relationship and state of the components are those in the extended state, unless otherwise specified. In the cross-sectional view, the components are shown spaced apart, but in an actual product, the components may abut against each other.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 has a front-rear direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other. The front-rear direction L is defined by the direction extending from the crotch side to the front side of the wearer. In other words, the front-rear direction L is the direction extending from front to back in the absorbent article 1. In the present invention, the crotch side and the back side are used interchangeably. The absorbent article 1 also has a thickness direction T that is perpendicular to both the front-rear direction L and the width direction W. The thickness direction T extends to a skin-facing side T1 facing the wearer and a non-skin-facing side T2 facing away from the wearer. In this specification, the "skin-facing side" corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The "non-skin-facing side" corresponds to the side that faces away from the wearer's skin during use. In addition, the outer portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. In the present invention, the inner portion is a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge is the inner edge in the width direction W. Furthermore, the front end and rear end are portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-back direction L including edges in the front-to-back direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-back direction L. The outer end includes the front end and rear end, and the outer edge includes the front edge and rear edge.

[0028] The absorbent article 1 is attached to a wearing article such as underwear during use. More specifically, the absorbent article 1 is worn from the crotch to the front of the wearer so as to be biased forward from the center of the front-to-back direction L of the wearing article. The absorbent article 1 may be worn to cover the male urinary orifice. The absorbent article 1 may include an absorbent body 30, a top sheet 21 arranged on the skin-facing side T1 of the absorbent body 30, a back sheet 22 arranged on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorbent body 30, and a fastening part 60 attached to the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 22.

[0029] The absorbent body 30 may have an absorbent core. The absorbent core may be, for example, a laminate of absorbent materials including fluff pulp or superabsorbent polymer (SAP), a mixture thereof, or a nonwoven fabric. The absorbent body 30 may be composed of only the absorbent core, or may include a core wrap covering the absorbent core. The core wrap may be composed of, for example, tissue or a nonwoven fabric sheet. The absorbent body 30 may have a low basis weight portion 35 having a lower basis weight of absorbent material than the surrounding area. The low basis weight portion 35 may have less absorbent material disposed therein than the surrounding area, or may be a slit in which substantially no absorbent material is disposed therein. The low basis weight portion constitutes the "deformation guide portion" of the present invention. The deformation guide portion will be described in detail below.

[0030] The top sheet 21 is a liquid-permeable sheet arranged on the skin-facing side T1 of the absorbent body 30. The top sheet 21 may cover the entire absorbent body 30 and constitute the skin-facing side of the entire absorbent article 1. In a modified example, the top sheet 21 may have a center sheet covering the center of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W and side sheets covering the sides of the absorbent body in the width direction W. The absorbent article 1 may have at least a compressed section 38 in which the absorbent body 30 is compressed in the thickness direction. The compressed section 38 may be formed by compressing only the absorbent body 30, or by compressing the top sheet 21 and the absorbent body 30. In this embodiment, the compressed section 38 is formed by compressing the top sheet 21 and the absorbent body 30, and constitutes the "deformation guide section" of the present invention. The back sheet 22 is a liquid-impermeable sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorbent body 30. The back sheet 22 may cover the entire absorbent body 30 and constitute the non-skin-facing side of the entire absorbent article 1. The outer portions of the absorbent article 1 may be formed with compressed sheet portions 28 by compressing the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 22 in the thickness direction T. The compressed sheet portions 28 may be arranged continuously along the outer edges of the absorbent article 1, or may be composed of a continuum of multiple compressed sheet portions 28 arranged discontinuously, as in the present embodiment. At least a portion of the compressed sheet portions 28 may reach the outer edge of the absorbent article 1.

[0031] The shape of the absorbent article 1 and the shape of the absorbent body 30 may be symmetrical with respect to a front-to-rear centerline CL that passes through the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W and extends in the front-to-rear direction L. On the other hand, the shape of the absorbent article 1 and the shape of the absorbent body 30 may be asymmetric with respect to a width centerline CW that passes through the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L and extends in the width direction W. The lengths of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W and the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W vary. More specifically, the dimension of the front end of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W may be longer than the dimension of the rear end of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W. The dimension of the front end of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W may be longer than the dimension of the rear end of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W. The dimension of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W and the dimension of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W gradually decrease from the front side to the rear side of the absorbent article 1. The shape of the outer edge of the absorbent article 1 is parallel to the front-to-rear direction L from the front end of the absorbent article 1 toward the width center line CW of the absorbent article 1, and in this parallel region R1, the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W and the length of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W are constant. Region R1 is configured so that the length of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W is the longest, and includes a maximum width position MP where the length of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W is the longest. The maximum width position MP of the absorbent body 30 may be provided throughout the entire region R1. In the absorbent body 30 of this embodiment, regions R1 where the length of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction W is the longest are provided continuously in the front-to-rear direction L. Therefore, multiple maximum width positions MP are provided. However, in a modified example, the maximum width position MP may be a single point. In region R2, which is rearward of region R1, the length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W gradually decreases toward the rear. In region R2, the shape of the outer edge of the absorbent article 1 is not a convex shape concave inward in the width direction W, but a convex shape bulging outward in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the boundary between region R1 and region R2 may be located forward of the width center line CW. In a modified example, the boundary between region R1 and region R2 may coincide with the width center line CW, or may be located rearward of the width center line CW. Note that the dimension of the absorbent article 1 according to the modified example in the width direction W does not have to gradually decrease from the front side to the rear side of the absorbent article 1.

[0032] The absorbent article 1 may be a urine absorption pad for light incontinence, and its absorption capacity may be 3 cc to 10 cc. Therefore, the absorbent article 1 may be designed to have compact dimensions. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-back direction L may be less than 200 mm, preferably 180 mm or less, and more preferably 160 mm or less. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W may be less than 180 mm, preferably 150 mm or less, and more preferably 130 mm or less. The length of the absorber 30 in the front-to-back direction L may be longer than the length of the absorber 30 in the width direction W.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , fastening portions 60 for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article when the absorbent article 1 is in use may be arranged on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the backsheet 22. The fastening portions 60 may be regions provided with adhesive for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article, or regions provided with mechanical fasteners (e.g., hooks) for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article. The fastening portions 60 may extend in the front-to-back direction L and be arranged at intervals in the width direction W. In a modified example, the fastening portions 60 may extend in the width direction W and be arranged at intervals in the front-to-back direction L. In this embodiment, five fastening portions 60 are provided at intervals in the width direction W. The fastening portions 60 include side fastening portions 61 located on both sides in the width direction W, and a center fastening portion 62 located between the side fastening portions 61 and having a shorter length in the front-to-back direction L than the side fastening portions 61. The side fastening portions 61 may be disposed only forward of the widthwise centerline CW. The center fastening portion 62 may be disposed across the widthwise centerline CW. Both the side fastening portions 61 and the center fastening portion 62 are disposed biased forward. That is, the length in the front-to-rear direction L between the front edge of the side fastening portion 61 and the front edge of the absorber 30 is shorter than the length in the front-to-rear direction L between the rear edge of the side fastening portion 61 and the rear edge of the absorber 30. Also, the length in the front-to-rear direction L between the front edge of the center fastening portion 62 and the front edge of the absorber 30 is shorter than the length in the front-to-rear direction L between the rear edge of the center fastening portion 62 and the rear edge of the absorber 30. The position of the front edge of the side fastening portion 61 and the position of the front edge of the center fastening portion 62 in the front-to-rear direction L may coincide. The rear edge of the center fastening portion 62 may be located rearward of the rear edge of the side fastening portion 61. The fastening part 60 may be covered with a release sheet or an individual wrapping sheet (not shown) before use.

[0034] The absorbent article 1 according to this embodiment is configured to secure a space for accommodating a penis while preventing the space from becoming too large. This configuration will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the absorbent article 1 in a worn state. The absorbent article 1 has a deformation guide portion 70 that guides the deformation of the absorber 30. The deformation guide portion 70 may serve as a base point for deforming the absorber 30 in the thickness direction T, and examples of the deformation guide portion 70 include a low basis weight portion 35 (including slits), a compressed portion 38, and an elastic member. The deformation guide portion 70 has an intersecting deformation portion 71 that intersects with an imaginary line FL connecting the outer edges of the absorber 30 at the maximum width position MP, where the length of the absorber 30 in the width direction W is the longest. At the maximum width position MP, the width of the absorber 30 is relatively long, which may result in an excessively large space for accommodating the penis, potentially causing leakage due to slippage. However, since the intersecting deformation portion 71 intersects with the imaginary line FL connecting the outer edges of the absorber 30 at the maximum width position MP, the deformation base point of the absorber 30 is provided on the imaginary line FL, and the absorber 30 bends at the maximum width position MP. Therefore, the penis accommodation space can be formed compactly, and leakage due to slippage can be suppressed.

[0035] In an absorbent article 1 having one maximum width position MP, there is only one imaginary line FL. However, in an absorbent article 1 having multiple maximum width positions MP as in the present embodiment, there are multiple imaginary lines FL. The crossing deformation portion 71 may be a deformation guiding portion 70 that intersects at least one of the imaginary lines FL. The deformation guiding portion 70 may be composed only of the crossing deformation portion 71 (the deformation guiding portion 70 that intersects with the imaginary line), or may include deformation guiding portions 70 other than the crossing deformation portion 71 (the deformation guiding portion 70 that does not intersect with the imaginary line FL). The crossing deformation portion 71 may be linear or curved. The curved deformation guiding portion 70 may have a portion whose curvature changes, and may include, for example, a portion extending in the width direction W (including a configuration parallel to the width direction W and a configuration inclined at less than 45 degrees with respect to the width direction W) and a portion extending in the front-rear direction L. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the intersecting deformation section 71 is formed by an assembly of a plurality of deformation guiding sections 70 arranged discontinuously, if the gap between each deformation guiding section 70 is shorter than the dimension of each deformation guiding section 70 (each element arranged discontinuously), an integrated intersecting deformation section 71 is formed, and if the gap between each deformation guiding section 70 is larger than the dimension of each deformation guiding section 70, separate intersecting deformation sections 71 separated by the gap are formed.

[0036] Further configurations for ensuring a space to accommodate the penis while preventing the space from becoming too large can be broadly divided into a first form and a second form. The absorbent article 1 according to the first form is characterized in that the crossing deformation portions 71 extend along the front-rear direction L. Note that the concept of a configuration extending in the front-rear direction L includes not only a configuration parallel to the front-rear direction L, but also a configuration intersecting the front-rear direction L at an angle of 45 degrees or less. According to the absorbent article 1 according to the first form, because the crossing deformation portions 71 extend in the front-rear direction L, the folding base points of the crossing deformation portions 71 extend in the front-rear direction L, making it easy to fold the absorber 30 in the width direction W. This makes it easy for the absorber 30 to deform into a shape that covers the outer circumference of the penis, improving fit.

[0037] The absorbent article 1 according to the second embodiment is characterized in that the length of the crossing deformation portion 71 in the front-rear direction L is longer than the length of the crossing deformation portion 71 in the width direction W. The length of the crossing deformation portion 71 in the front-rear direction L is the length between the front and rear edges of the crossing deformation portion 71, and the length of the crossing deformation portion 71 in the width direction W is the length between the outer edges of the crossing deformation portion 71. In the absorbent article 1 according to the second embodiment, the length of the crossing deformation portion 71 in the front-rear direction L is longer than the length in the width direction W, and the absorbent article 1 is vertically long. Therefore, the folding base point of the crossing deformation portion 71 extends in the front-rear direction L, and the absorbent body 30 can be easily folded in the width direction W. This makes it easier for the absorbent body 30 to deform into a shape that covers the outer circumference of the penis, improving fit. The crossing deformation portion 71 according to the second embodiment may be vertically long overall and may have a portion that extends in the width direction W.

[0038] The crossing deformation portions 71 may have the configuration of either the first or second form, or may have both configurations. Next, a preferred form will be described for both the first and second forms. The crossing deformation portions 71 may be provided in pairs with respect to the front-to-rear center line CL, which is the center of the width direction W of the absorber 30. By providing a pair of crossing deformation portions 71 with respect to the front-to-rear center line CL, both sides of the front-to-rear center line CL can be raised toward the wearer with respect to the front-to-rear center line CL, making it easy to form a three-dimensional penis accommodation space. Furthermore, at least a portion of the pair of crossing deformation portions 71 may be spaced apart from the front-to-rear center line CL. As in this embodiment, the entire pair of crossing deformation portions 71 may be spaced apart from the front-to-rear center line CL. With this configuration, the side portions of the absorber 30 are raised with respect to the center portion of the absorber 30, making it easy for the absorber 30 to deform into a shape that covers the outer circumference of the penis, improving fit.

[0039] The deformation guides 70 may reach the outer edges of the absorbent body 30. Compared to a configuration in which the deformation guides 70 do not reach the outer edges of the absorbent body 30, this configuration allows the deformation guides 70 to deform the absorbent body 30 up to the outer edges, making it easier to deform the absorbent body 30 into the intended shape. This further improves fit and suppresses leakage of bodily fluids. The front edges of the cross deformation portions 71 in this embodiment reach the outer edges of the absorbent body 30 forward of the width centerline CW and laterally of the front-to-rear centerline CL, while the rear edges of the cross deformation portions 71 reach the rear edge of the absorbent body 30 rearward of the width centerline CW and laterally of the front-to-rear centerline CL. The front edges of the cross deformation portions 71 are positioned outward in the width direction relative to the rear edges of the cross deformation portions 71. The distance between the pair of cross deformation portions 71 increases from the rear side to the front side. In a modified example, portions of the pair of cross deformation portions 71 may intersect the front-to-rear centerline CL. In a configuration in which a portion of the pair of crossing deformation portions 71 intersects the front-rear center line CL, the pair of crossing deformation portions 71 are preferably spaced apart from the front-rear center line CL in the front region anterior to the width center line CW, and the portion where the pair of crossing deformation portions 71 intersect with the front-rear center line CL is preferably in the rear region posterior to the width center line CW. This configuration facilitates the formation of a three-dimensional penis accommodation space in the front region. The crossing deformation portions 71 may straddle a center region located in the center of the regions obtained by dividing the width direction W of the absorber 30 into three equal parts, and side regions located on both sides of the center region. This configuration allows the entire width direction W of the absorber 30 to be deformed to form an accommodation space.

[0040] If the distance between the outer edge 71E of the intersecting deformation portion 71 and the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 on the virtual line FL is D1, and the distance between the inner edges of the intersecting deformation portions 71 on the virtual line FL is D2, then D1 > D2 may be satisfied. D1 refers to each of the left and right D1s, and is not the total length, but rather D1 and D2 are compared. With this configuration, since D1 > D2 is satisfied, the walls that rise to the sides of the penis can be formed high, thereby suppressing side leakage. Furthermore, in other configurations, D2 > D1 may be satisfied. With this configuration, since D2 > D1 is satisfied, the length of the width direction W of the accommodation space that accommodates the penis can be ensured, and absorption capacity can be ensured. Note that, in a configuration in which multiple virtual lines are provided, as in the present embodiment, both a portion that satisfies D1 > D2 and a portion that satisfies D2 > D1 may be included. The effects of both configurations can be combined.

[0041] The deformation guide section 70 may be composed of at least one of the low basis weight sections 35 and the compressed sections 38. The deformation guide section 70 made of the low basis weight sections 35 causes the absorbent body 30 to deform due to differences in thickness and rigidity. Furthermore, the low basis weight sections 35 can divide the absorbent body 30, thereby suppressing the diffusion of body fluids that have reached the low basis weight sections 35. This prevents the diffusion of body fluids to the outer edges of the absorbent body 30 and suppresses leakage from the outer edges of the absorbent body 30. The deformation guide section 70 made of the compressed sections 38 causes the absorbent body 30 to deform due to differences in thickness and rigidity. Furthermore, the compressed sections 38 can draw in body fluids, suppressing the diffusion of body fluids to the outer edges of the absorbent body 30 and suppressing leakage from the outer edges of the absorbent body 30.

[0042] The cross deformation portions 71 may be formed by low basis weight portions 35 and may be provided in pairs with respect to the center of the width direction W of the absorber 30. The deformation guide portion 70 may be formed by compression portions 38 and have a central deformation portion 72 disposed between the cross deformation portions 71. The cross deformation portions 71, formed by low basis weight portions 35, are provided on both sides of the center of the width direction W of the absorber 30. Therefore, folding base points extending in the front-rear direction L are formed on both sides of the center of the width direction W of the absorber 30. The region sandwiched between the pair of cross deformation portions 71 has the central deformation portion 72 formed by compression portions 38, and the central deformation portion 72 increases its rigidity, making it easier to maintain its shape. Therefore, the region sandwiched between the pair of cross deformation portions 71 deforms to expand three-dimensionally, forming a space to accommodate the penis.

[0043] The central deformation portion 72 of this embodiment includes an X-shaped first central deformation portion 721 positioned across the front-to-rear center line CL, and a pair of second central deformation portions 722 positioned forward of the first central deformation portion 721 and spaced apart from the front-to-rear center line CL. The center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion 721 is located on the front-to-rear center line CL and serves as an index for aligning the wearer's body. In other words, the first central deformation portion 721 constitutes a "marker portion" (described later). The second central deformation portion 722 is arc-shaped, and the center of the arc is the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion 721. Note that the deformation guide portion 70 of this embodiment includes side deformation portions 73 positioned outward of the intersecting deformation portion 71. The side deformation portions 73 are also formed by compression portions 38. The side deformation portions 73 are also arc-shaped, and the center of the arc is the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion 721. Therefore, the second central deformation portion 722 and the side deformation portions 73 are arc-shaped and arranged on the same circle. The intersecting deformation portion 71 is arranged between the second central deformation portion 722 and the side deformation portions 73.

[0044] The length in the front-rear direction L of the deformation guide portion 70 may be at least half the length in the front-rear direction L of the absorbent body 30. In a configuration in which a plurality of deformation guide portions 70 are provided, the length may be the length of an area in which any of the deformation guide portions 70 is arranged. In other words, the length in the front-rear direction L of an area in which no deformation guide portion 70 is arranged on an imaginary line extending in the width direction W may be less than half the length in the front-rear direction L of the absorbent body 30. According to this configuration, by providing a long length in the front-rear direction L of the deformation guide portion 70, it is possible to induce a desired deformation even in the front-rear direction L, which is more difficult to deform than the width direction W.

[0045] The maximum width position MP may be located closer to the ventral side than the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L, and the crossing deformation portion 71 may be continuous between the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L and the imaginary line FL. A continuous deformation base point can be provided between the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L and the imaginary line FL, allowing the absorber 30 to be folded across the area between the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L and the imaginary line FL. Compared to a configuration in which deformation base points of the absorber 30 are provided only at portions intersecting the imaginary line, the absorber 30 can be deformed over a wider range, improving fit. Note that the maximum width position MP may be located only closer to the ventral side than the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L, or the maximum width position MP may also be located closer to the crotch area than the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0046] The maximum width position is located closer to the ventral side than the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorber 30, and the deformation guide 70 may have a width deformation portion 75 extending in the width direction W on the crotch side of the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorber 30. With this configuration, the width deformation portion 75 forms a fold extending in the width direction W in the crotch side region, allowing the absorber 30 to be folded in the front-rear direction L. Then, in a region closer to the ventral side than the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorber 30, the crossing deformation portion 71 can induce deformation that conforms to the penis. Preferably, the width deformation portion 75 and the crossing deformation portion 71 may be connected. With this configuration, the width deformation portion 75 and the crossing deformation portion 71 cooperate to bend the absorber 30 in the front-rear direction L and the width direction W, thereby deforming the absorber 30 in a more three-dimensional manner. The absorber 30 can be positioned to cover the penis, further suppressing leakage of bodily fluids. The width deformation portion 75 may be connected to the cross deformation portion 71 behind the width center line CW. This configuration makes it easier to form a three-dimensional penis accommodation space in the front region. The width deformation portion 75 may be formed by the low basis weight portion 35. This configuration allows the width deformation portion 75 and the cross deformation portion 71 to cooperate more effectively, making it easier for the absorber 30 to deform.

[0047] The absorbent article 1 may have a marker portion 80 that indicates the position where the absorbent article 1 is worn on the wearer's body. Unlike users of women's absorbent articles 1, many users of men's absorbent articles 1 have not used an absorbent article 1 for many years and may not be able to properly understand how to wear it or where to wear it. By providing the marker portion 80, the user can determine the position where the absorbent article 1 is worn by the marker portion 80, and by wearing it in the appropriate position, leakage of bodily fluids can be suppressed. The marker portion 80 of this embodiment is formed by the first central deformation portion 721. The marker portion 80 formed by the compressed portion 38 allows the user to identify the marker portion 80 by sight and also by touch. In another embodiment, the marker portion 80 may not be formed by the compressed portion 38, but may be formed by a printed portion printed on the skin-facing side of the top sheet 21 or the absorbent body 30. The marker portion 80 may be configured to be visible from the skin-facing side T1 of the absorbent article 1. The position of the marker portion 80 is not limited. For example, the marker portion 80 may be positioned forward of the width centerline CW. This configuration makes it more noticeable to the user and facilitates positioning of the tip of the penis. The marker portion 80 may also be positioned between a pair of intersecting deformation portions 71. This configuration makes it easier to align the penis between the walls that rise three-dimensionally from the pair of intersecting deformation portions 71. The marker portion 80 of this embodiment is an X-shaped first central deformation portion 721, which facilitates positioning of the tip of the penis in the center of the X. In addition, the second central deformation portion 722 and the side pressure deformation portions 73 surround the first central deformation portion 721 and are arranged concentrically. Positioning can also be achieved in the area surrounded by the second central deformation portion 722 and the side deformation portions 73, and the second central deformation portion 722 and the side deformation portions 73 may also constitute marker portions.

[0048] The absorbent body 30 may be composed of an absorbent core laminated with pulp, or nonwoven fabric. An absorbent body 30 made of an absorbent core ensures the absorption capacity of bodily fluids by the pulp, and can suppress leakage of bodily fluids. Furthermore, an absorbent body 30 made of nonwoven fabric is thinner and less rigid than an absorbent core, and therefore more flexible and deformable. It can suppress leakage of bodily fluids by deforming to fit the body more closely. In particular, nonwoven fabric can be used as the absorbent body 30 for absorbent articles 1 with a relatively low absorption capacity (for example, 10 cc or less).

[0049] The absorbent article 1 may have an elastic member (not shown) that is stretchable in at least one of the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. At least a portion of the elastic member may overlap the absorber 30, and may be disposed on the skin-facing side T1 of the absorber 30, or on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorber 30. Examples of the elastic member include rubber thread and a stretch sheet. According to this embodiment, the absorbent article 1, particularly the absorber 30, can also be deformed by the elastic member, making it easier to deform the absorbent article 1 into a more intended shape. This further improves fit and suppresses leakage of bodily fluids.

[0050] At least a portion of the fastening part 60 may be disposed outward in the width direction W from the crossing deformation part 71. According to this embodiment, a wall portion erected from the crossing deformation part 71 as a base point is fastened to the worn article, so that the position of the wall is less likely to shift, and the storage space is easily maintained. Furthermore, the fastening part 60 may overlap the crossing deformation part 71. According to this embodiment, the position of the folding base point of the absorber 30 due to the crossing deformation part 71 is stabilized, and the three-dimensional shape of the absorber 30 is easily maintained. Furthermore, a plurality of fastening parts 60 are formed along the front-rear direction L, and the outer edge of each fastening part 60 may be provided in an area sandwiched between a pair of crossing deformation parts 71. According to this embodiment, a folding base point based on the outer edge of the fastening part 60 as a base point is formed in the area sandwiched between the pair of crossing deformation parts 71, i.e., a folding base point due to the difference in rigidity depending on the presence or absence of the fastening part 60. Therefore, the area sandwiched between the pair of crossing deformation parts 71 is more likely to deform into a shape that fits the penis.

[0051] The sheet compression sections 28 are formed in the front region (the region in front of the width centerline CW) and the rear region (the region behind the width centerline CW), and the pattern of the sheet compression sections 28 in the front region may be different from the pattern of the sheet compression sections 28 in the rear region. Examples of different patterns of the sheet compression sections 28 include configurations in which the shape of the sheet compression sections 28 (including the shape of each element in the case of a configuration having multiple discontinuous sheet compression sections) is different, or configurations in which the dimensions of the sheet compression sections 28 or the area ratio of the sheet compression sections are different. This configuration allows the user to distinguish between the front region and the rear region based on the difference in the pattern of the sheet compression sections. This allows the absorbent article 1 to be worn in the appropriate orientation, which improves fit and reduces leakage of bodily fluids.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Absorbent articles 21: Top sheet 22: Back seat 28: Sheet compression section 30: Absorbent 35: Low basis weight 38: Compression section 60: Fastening part 70: Deformation guide section 71: Intersection deformation part 75: Width deformation part 80: Marking section FL: Virtual line L: Front and back direction MP: Maximum width position T: Thickness direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-muscular side W: width direction

Claims

1. a front-to-back direction extending to the wearer's crotch and abdomen; a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids; a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body, The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies, The deformation guide portion is a crossing deformation portion that crosses an imaginary line connecting outer edges of the absorbent body at a maximum width position where the length in the width direction is the longest, The crossing deformation portion extends in the front-rear direction, a front end edge of the crossing deformation portion reaches an outer edge of the absorbent body in the width direction at the maximum width position, the maximum width position is located on the ventral side of the center of the absorbent body in the front-rear direction, the deformation guide portion has a width deformation portion extending in the width direction on a crotch side of the center of the absorber in the front-rear direction, the width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion are connected to each other, An absorbent article for men, wherein the intersection of the width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion does not reach the outer edge of the absorbent body.

2. a front-to-back direction extending to the wearer's crotch and abdomen; a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids; a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body, The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies, the deformation guide portion has an intersecting deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting outer edges of the absorbent body at a maximum width position where the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is the longest, a length of the crossing deformation portion in the front-rear direction is longer than a length of the crossing deformation portion in the width direction; a front end edge of the crossing deformation portion reaches an outer edge of the absorbent body in the width direction at the maximum width position, the maximum width position is located on the ventral side of the center of the absorbent body in the front-rear direction, the deformation guide portion has a width deformation portion extending in the width direction on a crotch side of the center of the absorber in the front-rear direction, the width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion are connected to each other, An absorbent article for men, wherein the intersection of the width deformation portion and the cross deformation portion does not reach the outer edge of the absorbent body.

3. A front-to-back direction extending to the wearer's crotch and abdomen, a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids; a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body, The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies, the deformation guide portion has an intersecting deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting outer edges of the absorbent body at a maximum width position where the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is the longest, The crossing deformation portion extends in the front-rear direction, a front end edge of the crossing deformation portion reaches an outer edge of the absorbent body in the width direction at the maximum width position, The deformation guide portion has the crossing deformation portion and a central deformation portion, the central deformation portion has a first central deformation portion that passes through the center of the absorbent article in the width direction and is arranged across a front-rear center line that extends in the front-rear direction, the first central deformation portion is X-shaped, An absorbent article for men, wherein the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion is located on the front-to-rear center line.

4. A front-to-back direction extending to the wearer's crotch and abdomen, a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction; an absorbent body for retaining bodily fluids; a deformation guide portion that guides deformation of the absorbent body, The length of the absorbent body in the width direction varies, the deformation guide portion has an intersecting deformation portion that intersects with an imaginary line connecting outer edges of the absorbent body at a maximum width position where the length of the absorbent body in the width direction is the longest, a length of the crossing deformation portion in the front-rear direction is longer than a length of the crossing deformation portion in the width direction; a front end edge of the crossing deformation portion reaches an outer edge of the absorbent body in the width direction at the maximum width position, The deformation guide portion has the crossing deformation portion and a central deformation portion, the central deformation portion has a first central deformation portion that passes through the center of the absorbent article in the width direction and is arranged across a front-rear center line that extends in the front-rear direction, the first central deformation portion is X-shaped, An absorbent article for men, wherein the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion is located on the front-to-rear center line.

5. the central deformation portion has a pair of second central deformation portions disposed on the ventral side of the first central deformation portion and spaced apart from the front-rear center line, the second central deformation portion has an arc shape, 5. The absorbent article for men according to claim 3, wherein the center of the arc of the second central deformation portion is the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion.

6. The cross deformation portions are provided in pairs with respect to the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, the deformation guide portion has a side deformation portion disposed outside the crossing deformation portion, The side deformation portion has an arc shape, the center of the arc of the side deformation portion is the center of the X-shape of the first central deformation portion, the side deformation portion is disposed outside the cross deformation portion, The absorbent article for men according to claim 5 , wherein the first central deformation portion and the second central deformation portion are disposed between the crossing deformation portions.

7. 5. The absorbent article for men according to claim 1, wherein a front end edge of the intersecting deformation portion is spaced apart from a front end edge of the absorbent body.

8. The absorbent article for men according to claim 1 , wherein the maximum width positions are provided continuously in the front-to-rear direction.

9. 5. The absorbent article for men according to claim 1, wherein the shape of the outer edge of the absorbent article is convex, bulging outward in the width direction, in a region closer to the crotch than the maximum width position.

10. 5. The absorbent article for men according to claim 1, wherein the rear end edge of the intersecting deformation portion reaches the rear end edge of the absorber.

Images