absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article which is hardly deviated in wearing.SOLUTION: There is provided an absorbent article comprising; an absorber; a cover sheet; and a plurality of stretch parts. The plurality of stretch parts includes: a first stretch part which energizes a girth of a wearer and is formed of a plurality of substantially parallel stretch members; and a second stretch part which is arranged on a crotch side of an adhesion part, is adjacent to the first stretch part at an interval, energizes an opening through which a leg of the wearer passes, and is formed of a plurality of substantially parallel stretch members. An interval between the first and second stretch parts in the vicinity of the adhesion part, is an interval or smaller, the interval being obtained by, dividing an interval between an outermost stretch member and an innermost stretch member forming second to fourth areas from an external side in a longitudinal direction when the first stretch part is equally divided into four areas in a longitudinal direction, in a width direction end part of the plurality of stretch parts arranged at inside of the adhesion part, by the number of stretch members forming second to fourth areas from an external part when the first stretch part is equally divided into four areas in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A pants-type disposable diaper for adults is known (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-29609 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Pants-type diapers, one example of absorbent articles, have waist gathers around the waist of the wearer and leg gathers around the legs of the wearer, and these gathers encase the waist and legs, allowing them to move with the wearer. However, because these gathers encase the waist and legs independently, there is a problem in that they are prone to shifting position.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that is less likely to slip while being worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, in the present invention, the spacing between the elastic members constituting the waist gathers and leg gathers is narrowed in the region where the waist gathers and leg gathers are closest to each other.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the front-to-back direction of a wearer; a cover sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body to form the outer surface of the absorbent article, the cover sheet having adhesive parts where width direction ends are adhesively bonded to each other in longitudinal end regions; and a plurality of stretchable parts arranged on the cover sheet in a stretched state, the plurality of stretchable parts comprising a first stretchable part formed of a plurality of elastic members that are approximately parallel to each other and that applies pressure to the waist of the wearer; and a second stretchable part arranged on the crotch side of the adhesive part and adjacent to the first stretchable part at a distance, and forming openings through which the wearer's legs are inserted. and a second stretchable section formed from a plurality of stretchable members that are approximately parallel to each other and bias the first stretchable section, wherein the distance between the first stretchable section and the second stretchable section near the adhesive section is less than or equal to the distance between the outermost and innermost stretchable members that constitute the second to fourth outermost regions in the longitudinal direction when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, at the widthwise outer ends of the plurality of stretchable sections that are arranged widthwise inward from the adhesive section, divided by the number of stretchable members that constitute the second to fourth outermost regions in the longitudinal direction when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction.

[0008] The distance between the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion near the adhesive portion may be less than the distance between the stretchable members that are arranged most longitudinally outward and most longitudinally inward of the stretchable members that make up the second stretchable portion at the widthwise outer ends of the multiple stretchable portions that are arranged more widthwise inward than the adhesive portion, divided by the number of stretchable members that make up the second stretchable portion.

[0009] At the widthwise outer ends of the multiple stretchable sections that are arranged widthwise inward of the adhesive section, the spacing between the stretchable members that make up the fourth region from the outside in the longitudinal direction, which constitutes the innermost region in the longitudinal direction when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, may be narrower than the spacing between the stretchable members that make up the second and third regions from the outside in the longitudinal direction.

[0010] The first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion may be arranged parallel to each other in a predetermined region in the width direction from the adhesive portion on at least one of the wearer's abdominal side or the wearer's back side.

[0011] Even when a cover sheet having multiple sizes to fit the wearer's physique is used, the spacing between the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion in the adhesive portion may be the same in at least two of the sizes, or the difference therebetween may be within a specified range.

[0012] The plurality of elastic members may be linear elastic members.

[0013] The absorbent body has an approximately hourglass-shaped absorbent core having an expanding portion that expands from the crotch portion toward the abdomen and back, and an approximately rectangular core wrap sheet that covers the absorbent core, and the second stretchable portion does not cross the absorbent core on the back side, but may overlap with the core wrap sheet outside the expanding portion of the absorbent core.

[0014] All or more than half of the plurality of elastic members constituting the second elastic portion may overlap the core wrap sheet mainly on the crotch side of the widened portion.

[0015] The second stretchable portion may bias the absorbent core outward in the width direction over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the widened portion.

[0016] The second stretchable portion may bias the absorbent core outward in the width direction on the crotch side of the widened portion.

[0017] The second stretchable portion may contract in the width direction in the region where it overlaps with the core wrap sheet.

[0018] The second stretchable portion may overlap the absorbent core on the abdominal side so as to extend across the absorbent core in the width direction.

[0019] In the region where the second stretchable portion extends on the abdominal side, the cover sheet does not need to be adhered to the absorbent body.

[0020] At the widthwise outer ends of the multiple stretchable sections that are arranged widthwise inward of the adhesive section, the longitudinal spacing between the second stretchable section and the multiple stretchable members that constitute the second to fourth stretchable members from the longitudinal end side when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction may be 5 mm or more.

[0021] The first stretchable portion may bias the wearer's abdomen and back in the width direction.

[0022] Some of the multiple elastic members that make up the first elastic portion may overlap the longitudinal end of the absorbent body, and some of the multiple elastic members that overlap the longitudinal end of the absorbent body may extend beyond the longitudinal end of the absorbent body to the other widthwise end of the cover sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, an absorbent article that is less likely to slip while being worn can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the diaper according to the embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the diaper in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of one widthwise end at a longitudinal end of the diaper in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually showing the relationship between waist gathers and leg gathers. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table showing the results of the experiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a diaper according to the second embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the adhesion between the outer body and the inner body of the diaper according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Diapers according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0026] <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper for adults (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to an embodiment. In the diaper, the direction connecting the front body portion, which is placed opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back body portion, which is placed opposite the wearer's back, is defined as the longitudinal direction. Between the front body portion (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portion (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (the center in the longitudinal direction), a crotch portion, which is placed between the wearer's crotch (placed opposite the crotch), is located. When the diaper is worn by a wearer, the side facing the wearer's skin is defined as the skin-facing side, and the side opposite the skin-facing side is defined as the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and thickness directions is defined as the width direction. In addition, a view from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view. The diaper 1 has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is worn between the wearer's crotch. Furthermore, terms relating to directions used in the present application refer to directions that correspond to the front, back, left, and right of a wearer when the diaper 1 is worn by the wearer. For example, the left-right direction in the present application refers to the direction that corresponds to the left and right of a wearer when the diaper 1 is worn by the wearer.

[0027] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a pants-type disposable diaper having a tubular structure having an opening for receiving the wearer's abdominal circumference and a pair of left and right openings through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs are inserted is exemplified. However, the "absorbent article" referred to in this application is not limited to pants-type disposable diapers for adults. The "absorbent article" referred to in this application also includes pants-type disposable diapers for children. It also includes various types of absorbent articles that can cover the abdominal circumference and crotch area, such as tape-type disposable diapers in which a tubular structure is formed by attaching a tape fixed near one end of a sheet-like member that covers the wearer's crotch area (genitals) from the front to the back, to the other end of the sheet-like member.

[0028] The diaper 1 has a portion corresponding to the crotch area that covers the wearer's genitals (crotch area) when worn. The diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, a front body region 1F that corresponds to the front body around the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's abdominal side, and a back body region 1R that corresponds to the back body around the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's back side. Here, the front body region 1F is located in front of the crotch region 1B, and the back body region 1R is located behind the crotch region 1B. Since the diaper 1 in this embodiment is a pants-type disposable diaper, the left edge of the front body region 1F is joined to the left edge of the back body region 1R, and the right edge of the front body region 1F is joined to the right edge of the back body region 1R. Therefore, a waist opening 2T is formed in the diaper 1 by the upper edge of the front body region 1F and the upper edge of the back body region 1R. The diaper 1 also has a left leg opening 2L formed in a portion of the left side of the crotch region 1B where the above-mentioned joining is not performed, and a right leg opening 2R formed in a portion of the right side of the crotch region 1B. When the wearer's left leg is inserted through the left leg opening 2L, the wearer's right leg is inserted through the right leg opening 2R, and the wearer's torso is placed within the torso opening 2T, the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body with the front body region 1F positioned toward the wearer's abdomen and the back body region 1R positioned toward the wearer's back, and the left leg opening 2L and right leg opening 2R surrounding the wearer's thighs. Because the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can move freely while wearing the diaper 1.

[0029] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body that can absorb and retain liquid, mainly located near the crotch region 1B. To prevent the formation of gaps between the diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid leakage path, the diaper 1 also has a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left leg opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower leg, a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right leg opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower leg, and a waist gather 3R around the wearer's abdominal circumference. Leg gathers 3LL and 3LR are also provided around the wearer's thighs. The three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR and the waist gather 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elasticity of the elastic thread. The leg gathers 3LL and 3LR also prevent the formation of gaps between the wearer's thighs and the diaper 1. Therefore, liquid excreted from the wearer's genitals is absorbed by the absorbent body of the diaper 1 with almost no leakage from the diaper 1.

[0030] The diaper 1 can be used in combination with an inner pad (not shown). The inner pad is a generally rectangular absorbent article with an absorbent body that absorbs exudates. When the diaper 1 and inner pad are used in combination, the inner pad is placed on the skin-facing side of the diaper 1 so that it abuts the wearer's exudate hole. The exudate is first absorbed by the inner pad, and only the exudate that cannot be absorbed by the inner pad reaches the absorbent body of the diaper 1 and is further absorbed. This prevents the exudate from leaking from the diaper 1 even when the amount of exudate is large. Furthermore, if the amount of exudate is small and can be absorbed entirely by the inner pad, only the inner pad needs to be replaced, reducing care costs. Furthermore, the diaper 1 can be used for a long period of time.

[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper 1 according to an embodiment. The diaper 1 comprises a cover sheet 4 and an inner cover sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are roughly hourglass-shaped (gourd-shaped) sheets that are bonded together to form the outer surface of the diaper 1. When worn by a wearer, the cover sheet 4 faces away from the wearer's skin, and the inner cover sheet 5 faces the wearer. Elastic threads are provided between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 to form waist gathers 3R and leg gathers 3LL, 3LR. Note that elastic members such as strip-shaped elastic can be appropriately selected instead of the elastic threads.

[0032] The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 can be made of a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin, for example, to prevent leakage of excrement. Examples of the liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). ) are examples. Hereinafter, the absorbent body 8 and the combination of the absorbent body 8 with the back sheet 6, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R will be referred to as the inner body, and as a corresponding concept, the combination of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 on which the elastic thread is arranged will sometimes be referred to as the outer body. Furthermore, the composite sheet formed by bonding the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 will sometimes be simply referred to as the cover sheet, as it includes the inner cover sheet 5.

[0033] The diaper 1 comprises a backsheet 6, an absorbent body 8, and a topsheet 9, which are layered in this order on the wearer-facing surfaces of the coversheet 4 and the inner coversheet 5. The backsheet 6 is a substantially rectangular sheet that extends from the front body of the wearer, passing through the crotch area and reaching the back body, and has a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent body 8 and the topsheet 9 are both sheet-like members with a substantially rectangular appearance, like the backsheet 6, and are layered in this order on the backsheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the backsheet 6. The backsheet 6 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to prevent leakage of excrement. The topsheet 9 is a sheet-like member that is placed on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent body 8. The topsheet 9 is liquid-permeable in part or in whole. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, liquid excreted by the wearer passes through the top sheet 9, which comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and penetrates into the absorbent body 8, where it is absorbed. Examples of liquid-permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. The top sheet 9 may also be hydrophilic.

[0034] The absorbent body 8 includes an absorbent core 8c made of one or more mats and a core wrap sheet 7 encasing the absorbent core 8c. The absorbent core 8c is constructed by retaining granular absorbent resin (polymeric water-absorbing material) such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and retaining water, in gaps between staple fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp, rayon, or cotton, or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been hydrophilically treated. When the absorbent core 8c absorbs fluid excreted by the wearer, the absorbent resin retained in the gaps between the staple fibers swells to retain the fluid within the staple fibers. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8c has a generally hourglass-shaped configuration with a narrowed portion in the width direction at the longitudinal center, widened portions with a constant length at both longitudinal ends, and widened portions between the narrowed portion and the widened portion that gradually widen outward in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent core 8c can have any shape suitable for the purpose, such as a rectangular shape, an oval shape, or any other shape.

[0035] The absorbent core 8c can also be formed from multiple absorbent mats. In this case, absorbent mats of different shapes may be stacked to form the absorbent core 8c. As an example, the absorbent core 8c may be composed of two mats: an upper-layer absorbent mat on the skin-facing side and a lower-layer absorbent mat on the non-skin-facing side. The upper-layer absorbent mat may be shaped like the aforementioned roughly hourglass, and the lower-layer absorbent mat may be rectangular and narrower than the wide portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat, with the width of the lower-layer absorbent mat being roughly the same as the width of the narrow portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat.

[0036] The core wrap sheet 7 is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet, and by wrapping the absorbent core 8c with the core wrap sheet 7, the SAP of the absorbent core 8c described above is less likely to get mixed into other structures. It also prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape. The core wrap sheet can be made of pulp fiber, and tissue paper can be used as an example. The core wrap sheet 7 may be a single sheet, but may also be made up of two sheets: an upper sheet placed on the wearer's skin side, and a lower sheet placed on the wearer's non-skin side and wrapping around the sides and skin side of the absorbent core. When the core wrap sheet 7 is made up of two sheets, the upper sheet The widthwise ends may be configured to be wrapped in other sheets (for example, side sheets 10L, 10R, the back sheet 6, and the top sheet 9, which will be described later). Note that the absorbent body 8 is wrapped in the back sheet 6 and the top sheet 9, and these sheets can also prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape, so the core wrap sheet 7 may not be provided.

[0037] The back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 are layered together to cover the wearer's genitals (below the crotch), both longitudinal ends of the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 are located on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genitals are covered by the absorbent body 8 from the wearer's ventral to dorsal sides. Therefore, whether the wearer is in a ventral or dorsal position when excreting liquid, the excreted liquid will come into contact with the absorbent body 8 via the top sheet 9.

[0038] The diaper 1 also has elongated, strip-shaped side sheets 10L, 10R for forming the above-mentioned three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR. The side sheets 10L, 10R are provided along the long sides of the top sheet 9. Elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 are adhered to the side sheets 10L, 10R along the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the cover sheet 4 is joined at its left edge 4F4 of the front body region 1F to its left edge 4R4 of the back body region 1R, and at its right edge 4F5 of the front body region 1F to its right edge 4R5 of the back body region 1R, the diaper 1 is completed as shown in FIG. 1. The contractile force of the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 pulls the side sheets 10L, 10R in the longitudinal direction, causing them to rise from the top sheet 9 along the fold-back lines 10L2, 10R2. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking from the left lower leg opening 2L and the right lower leg opening 2R. The joining method for the edges 4F4 and 4R4, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 is not particularly limited, and can be performed by, for example, heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0039] The diaper 1 further comprises an end sheet 11F laminated on the wearer-facing surface of the cover sheet 4 in the front body region 1F, and an end sheet 11R laminated on the wearer-facing surface of the cover sheet 4 in the back body region 1R, sandwiching the back sheet 6, absorber 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R. The end sheets 11F, 11R are strip-shaped sheets laminated on the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 at one end of the top sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. The end sheets 11F, 11R are impermeable nonwoven fabrics, and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 in the waist-contacting portions of the diaper 1. The end sheets 11F, 11R are coated with adhesive, which bonds them to the inner cover sheet 5. The end sheets 11F, 11R are arranged closer to the skin than the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R, and prevent the ends of the laminate from directly touching the skin, causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a diaper 1 according to an embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 3(A) shows the internal structure of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the left side. FIG. 3(B) shows a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Note that the side sheets 10L, 10R and end sheets 11F, 11R are not shown in FIG. 3(B). One end of the cover sheet 4 is folded back at the fold lines 4FF, 4RF shown in FIG. 2. The waist gather 3R is formed by adhering elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4F1, 4F2 to the front body region of the cover sheet 4 and adhering elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4R1, 4R2 to the back body region of the cover sheet 4. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided in this order from the fold-back line 4FF side along the fold-back line 4FF, which will form the upper edge of the front body region 1F when folded back. Similar to the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are also provided along the fold line 4RF, which will form the upper edge of the back body region 1R when folded back, in the order of the elastic thread 4R1 and the elastic thread 4R2 from the fold line 4RF side.

[0041] Therefore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal stretch direction aligned with the left-right direction of the diaper 1. The elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal stretch direction aligned with the left-right direction of the diaper 1. When the edges 4F4 and 4R4 are joined together and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 are joined together, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 form a substantially annular elastic member that runs along the waist opening 2T, thereby contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist-circumference direction. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 exert a contractile force to fit the diaper 1 closely to the wearer and prevent a gap from forming between the diaper 1 and the wearer's abdominal circumference. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap the absorbent core 8 in a portion of the crotch region 1B.

[0042] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are arranged to extend laterally along the upper edges of the front and back body regions 1F and 1R shown in FIG. 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 tightly tighten the wearer's abdominal circumference above the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 fit the diaper 1 closely to the wearer, preventing it from shifting and preventing leakage of excreted fluid from the abdomen or back. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 alleviate the pressure felt by the wearer due to the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. Furthermore, when an inner pad is used, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 prevent the inner pad from shifting. If the extending area of ​​the rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, more specifically, the distance between the rubber thread furthest from the longitudinal end of the rubber thread 4F1 and the rubber thread furthest from the longitudinal inside of the rubber thread 4F2, is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, the extending area of ​​the rubber thread 4F1 will occupy one-fourth of the outer longitudinal area, and the extending area of ​​the rubber thread 4F2 will occupy three-fourths of the inner longitudinal area. The same applies to the rubber threads 4R1, 4R2 in the back body region.

[0043] Furthermore, rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are adhered to the cover sheet 4. The rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are elastic members provided in a region of the cover sheet 4 closer to the crotch region 1B than the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2. Unlike the other rubber threads, the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are curved toward the crotch region 1B and overlap the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction at the constricted portion of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core 8c. This configuration allows the regions where the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are arranged to function as leg gathers 3LL and 3LR. The rubber thread 4F3 crosses the extending region of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction. On the other hand, the rubber thread 4R3 does not cross the extending region of the absorbent body 8, but overlaps a portion of the widthwise outer side of the absorbent core 8c. It is also possible for the rubber thread 4R3 not to overlap the absorbent core 8c, but to overlap only the core wrap sheet 7 extending widthwise outward of the absorbent core 8c.

[0044] The cover sheet 4 is folded back at the fold lines 4FF, 4RF and extends to the areas where the rubber threads 4F1, 4R1 are disposed, reinforcing the areas where the rubber threads 4F1, 4R1 are disposed with the folded back portions. The end sheets 11F, 11R are provided in the areas where the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 are disposed and not extended by the cover sheet 4 folded back at the fold lines 4FF, 4RF, reinforcing the areas where the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 are disposed.

[0045] In the present application, the state in which sheets are overlapped is not limited to a state in which the overlapping sheets are in full contact with each other, but includes a concept in which the sheets are partially overlapped with each other. The diaper 1 is formed by stacking the back sheet 6, the top sheet 9, the cover sheet 4, the end sheets 11F, 11R, the inner cover sheet 5, and the side sheets 10L, 10R, in addition to the absorbent body 8 sandwiched between them, and the cover sheet 4, the end sheets 11F, 11R, the inner cover sheet 5, and the side sheets 10L, 10R, so it can be said to have a laminate formed by stacking these multiple sheets.

[0046] When the diaper 1 is for an adult, the wearer's physique varies greatly compared to that of an infant. For this reason, the diaper 1 can be provided in multiple sizes to fit the wearer's physique. Diapers 1 of different sizes are realized mainly by changing the sizes of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the outer body. The structure of the human crotch area and the positional relationship of the excretory opening do not change significantly depending on the wearer's physique. Furthermore, it is known that the amount of excretion of elderly people, who are the main consumers of adult diapers, does not correlate with physique. For this reason, by adjusting the structure of the outer body as described below, it is possible to provide multiple sizes of diapers 1 equipped with substantially the same absorbent core 8.

[0047] For example, a package of diapers for adults with a long waist circumference (a first package containing a first absorbent article having a first size) and a package of diapers for adults with a short waist circumference (a second package containing a second absorbent article having a second size) may be affixed with the same brand logo and sold together as a package of multiple absorbent articles. It is also possible to increase the number of package types to suit different wearer sizes, and to sell packages of sizes suitable for three or more different sizes at the same time. Since substantially the same absorbent core 8 can be used in this case as well, it is possible to provide diapers 1 that fit the wearer's size while suppressing increases in cost, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the wearer and their caregivers.

[0048] Such multiple absorbent article packages can be realized by changing the longitudinal length of the exterior body and by changing the width of the exterior body in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Furthermore, by changing the length of the elastic thread according to the width of the exterior body, the contractile force per unit area can be made the same for exterior bodies of multiple waist sizes or can be kept within a predetermined range (for example, a difference of ±10%), making it possible to provide diapers of multiple sizes that have a common wearing feel.

[0049] When changing the longitudinal length of the outer casing, the spacing between the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2 may be standardized to the same spacing, and the number of threads may be changed depending on the longitudinal length of the outer casing. Standardizing the spacing between the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2 ensures that the contractile force per unit area of ​​the rubber threads overlapping with and near the absorbent body 8 is the same across diapers of multiple sizes, or falls within a predetermined range (e.g., within ±10%). This allows diapers of multiple sizes to be provided with a common wearing feel. Furthermore, for the overlapping regions SRF and SRR, which are the areas where the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap with the absorbent body 8 and are enclosed by dashed lines in Figure 3(B), the contractile force applied to the absorbent body 8 can be roughly standardized by making the overlapping regions SRF and SRR the same across multiple sizes, or by making the difference within a predetermined range (e.g., within ±10%). In addition, in the vicinity of the widthwise ends of the longitudinal ends, the spacing between the rubber threads 4F3, 4R3 may be the same as or within a predetermined range (for example, within ±10%) of the spacing between the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2. This allows absorbers 8 of the same size to be used in diapers 1 having exterior bodies of multiple sizes without changing the wearing comfort.

[0050] In addition, in multiple sizes of outer garments, the distance between the longitudinal crotch side ends of the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 and the right leg opening 2R and left leg opening 2L, which are leg holes through which the wearer's legs pass, may be the same. Also, at the narrowest point in the crotch region 1B, the distance between the widthwise end of the outer garment and the widthwise end of the absorber 8 can be the same regardless of the size of the outer garment. It is known that the structure of the human thigh and crotch area is not affected by the physique. For this reason, the distance between the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 that make up the waist gather 3R and the leg openings can be set to By making the diapers 1 of a plurality of sizes generally common, it is possible to provide diapers 1 of a plurality of sizes that have a common wearing feel.

[0051] It is not necessary for all absorbent article packages provided at the same time to satisfy the above-mentioned requirements, as long as multiple absorbent article packages provided at the same time satisfy the above-mentioned requirements. For example, if absorbent article packages provided at the same time are four sizes, S, M, L, and XL, the area of ​​the overlapping regions SRF and SRR for the S size may be smaller than those for the other sizes, and the distances from the longitudinal crotch side ends of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 to the right lower leg opening 2R and left lower leg opening 2L may be reduced, while the configurations for the M, L, and XL sizes may be the same or the difference may be within a predetermined range (specifically, within ±10%).

[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 4 shows the diaper 1 from the skin-facing side, and does not include the inner cover sheet 5, back sheet 6, and top sheet 9. The absorbent body 8 includes an absorbent core 8c and a core wrap sheet 7 covering the absorbent core 8c. The absorbent body 8 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the front-to-back direction of the wearer. The absorbent core 8c includes, in the longitudinal direction, an abdominal region 81, a first widened region 82 narrower than the abdominal region 81 in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a crotch region 83 narrower than the first widened region 82 in the width direction, a second widened region 84 wider than the crotch region 83 in the width direction, and a back region 85 wider than the second widened region 84 in the width direction. The core wrap sheet 7 is wider than the absorbent core 8c in the width direction. In FIG. 4, the longitudinal direction is indicated by D1, and the width direction is indicated by D2. The cover sheet 4 is disposed on the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body 8.

[0053] The abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 are, for example, rectangular. In FIG. 4, the abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 are the widest in the width direction among the portions of the absorbent core 8c. The abdominal portion 81 may be wider in the width direction than the back portion 85, or the back portion 85 may be wider in the width direction than the abdominal portion 81. The abdominal portion 81 has an end portion located on the opposite side of the boundary between the abdominal portion 81 and the first widening portion 82 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the abdominal portion 81 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the abdominal portion 81 may extend from the end portion of the abdominal portion 81 in the absorbent core 8c to approximately 50 mm toward the center of the absorbent core 8c. The back portion 85 has an end portion located on the opposite side of the boundary between the back portion 85 and the second widening portion 84 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the back portion 85 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the back portion 85 may extend from the end portion of the back portion 85 in the absorbent core 8c to approximately 50 mm toward the center of the absorbent core 8c.

[0054] The crotch portion 83 is, for example, rectangular and is the narrowest in the width direction among all the portions of the absorbent core 8c. The longitudinal length of the crotch portion 83 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the crotch portion 83 may extend from the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 8c in the width direction to approximately 25 mm toward the abdominal portion 81, and from the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 8c in the width direction to approximately 25 mm toward the back portion 85. The first widened portion 82 widens from the crotch portion 83 toward the abdominal portion 81. The second widened portion 84 widens from the crotch portion 83 toward the back portion 85. The first widened portion 82 and the second widened portion 84 may be tapered so that their widthwise lengths gradually increase, or may be shaped so that their widthwise lengths increase in stages.

[0055] Since the width of the wearer's genitals is roughly the same regardless of the wearer's physique, the width of the crotch portion 83 can be designed based on the width of the wearer's genitals. When the diaper 1 is worn, the abdomen 81 and back 85 are not significantly curved and remain substantially flat, making them less likely to deform. On the other hand, the areas between the wearer's abdomen and genitals and between the wearer's back and genitals vary greatly depending on the wearer's physique, gender, etc., so the first widening portion 82 and the second widening portion 84 are easily deformed when the diaper 1 is worn, making it prone to losing its shape.

[0056] A plurality of rubber threads (linear elastic members, which are an example of the "elastic member" of the present application) including a plurality of rubber threads 4F1, a plurality of rubber threads 4F2, and a plurality of rubber threads 4F3 are arranged in a stretched state. The number of rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4F3 can be set arbitrarily and is not limited to the number shown in each drawing. The plurality of rubber threads 4F3 have opposite ends, and one of the opposite ends of at least one of the plurality of rubber threads 4F3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 and the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction outside the width direction of the first widened portion 82. For example, one of the opposite ends of all or more than half of the plurality of rubber threads 4F3 may extend in the width direction and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 and the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction outside the width direction of the first widened portion 82. The portions of the multiple rubber threads 4F3 that overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 are adhered to at least one of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, and the core wrap sheet 7. In the following, when describing that the rubber threads 4F3 overlap with the core wrap sheet 7, this means that the rubber threads 4F3 overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8.

[0057] The multiple rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 extend in the width direction. The rubber thread 4F2 biases the wearer's abdomen in the width direction. The rubber thread 4R2 biases the wearer's back in the width direction. The rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 are bonded to each other and to the cover sheet 4 at both widthwise ends to form a tubular structure that fits around the wearer's waist.

[0058] Some of the multiple elastic members constituting the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 are arranged so as to overlap the longitudinal ends of the abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 of the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction of the absorber 8. The rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 overlapping the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core 8c extend beyond the absorber 8 to the other end of the cover sheet 4 in the width direction.

[0059] The rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 overlap the ends of the abdomen 81 and the back 85, thereby biasing the ends of the abdomen 81 and the back 85 outward in the width direction. The rubber thread 4F3 pulls the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction of the first widened portion 82, thereby biasing the region from the abdomen 81 to the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction. Similarly, the rubber thread 4R3 pulls the second widened portion 84 outward in the width direction of the second widened portion 84, thereby biasing the region from the back 85 to the second widened portion 84 outward in the width direction. Stretched in the width direction by these rubber threads, deformation of the absorbent core 8c is suppressed, and the absorbent core 8c is also prevented from losing its shape. In addition, the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 arranged so as to overlap the ends of the abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 may cause the absorbent core 8c to contract, which may weaken the overall force that urges the absorbent core 8c outward in the width direction. For this reason, it is desirable that the rubber threads overlapping the absorbent body 8 are part of the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 on the crotch side. Alternatively, part of the rubber threads 4F2, 4F3 may be cut at the end of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction to limit the number of rubber threads overlapping the absorbent body 8.

[0060] A plurality of rubber threads 4F3 are arranged in a stretched state, and one of the two end portions of at least one rubber thread 4F3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 on the widthwise outer side of the first widened portion 82. By pulling the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction by at least one rubber thread 4F3, it is possible to prevent the first widened portion 82 from shrinking more than necessary in the width direction, and to prevent the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape.

[0061] A plurality of rubber threads (an example of the "elastic member" of the present application) including a plurality of rubber threads 4R1, a plurality of rubber threads 4R2, and a plurality of rubber threads 4R3 are arranged in a stretched state. The numbers of the rubber threads 4R1, 4R2, and 4R3 can be set arbitrarily and are not limited to the numbers shown in the drawings. The plurality of rubber threads 4R3 (an example of the "second elastic member" of the present application) have both ends, and one of the both ends of at least one of the plurality of rubber threads 4R3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 and the absorber 8 in the thickness direction outside the width direction of the second widened portion 84. For example, both ends of all or more than half of the plurality of rubber threads 4R3 One of the rubber threads 4R3 may extend in the width direction and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 on the widthwise outer side of the second widened portion 84. The portions of the multiple rubber threads 4R3 that overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 are adhered to at least one of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, and the core wrap sheet 7. Note that, below, when it is described that the rubber thread 4R3 overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7, it means that the rubber thread 4R3 overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8.

[0062] A plurality of rubber threads 4R3 are arranged in a stretched state, and one of the two end portions of at least one rubber thread 4R3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 on the widthwise outer side of the second widened portion 84. At least one rubber thread 4R3 pulls the second widened portion 84 outward in the width direction, thereby preventing the second widened portion 84 from shrinking more than necessary in the width direction and preventing the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape.

[0063] The multiple rubber threads 4R3 overlap the widthwise outer edges of the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction, but do not cross the absorbent core 8c. The widthwise inner ends of the rubber threads 4R3 overlap the widthwise outer edges of the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction, or overlap only the core wrap sheet 7 enveloping the absorbent core 8c further widthwise outward from the widthwise ends of the absorbent core 8c. By preventing the multiple rubber threads 4R3 from overlapping the widthwise center of the absorbent core 8c and the absorber 8 in the thickness direction, the multiple rubber threads 4R3 do not excessively contract the absorbent core 8c widthwise inward before wearing. This prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape before wearing. Furthermore, because the widthwise ends of the multiple rubber threads 4R3 overlap the absorber 8, the biasing force of the rubber threads 4R3 is transmitted to the absorber 8 during wearing of the diaper 1, enabling the absorbent core 8c to more reliably expand in the width direction.

[0064] The core wrap sheet 7 is a water-permeable sheet made of pulp fibers or the like, and is roughly rectangular when covering the entire absorbent core 8c. The core wrap sheet 7 may be composed of a single sheet, or may be divided into a narrow upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f that covers the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c, and a wide lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b that covers the non-skin-facing side and side surfaces of the absorbent core 8c and extends to the skin-facing widthwise end of the absorbent core 8c. In this configuration, the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b are bonded to each other at the skin-facing widthwise end of the absorbent core 8c.

[0065] The portions where each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 extend in the width direction. Because each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 is arranged in a stretched state, the portions where each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 contract in the width direction.

[0066] The outer sides of the core wrap sheet 7 in the width direction of the first widened portion 82 and the second widened portion 84 have small regions for stretching the rubber threads 4F3, 4R3. By arranging the portions of the rubber threads 4F3, 4R3 that do not overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 diagonally toward the abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85, the rubber threads 4F3, 4R3 can be stretched toward the wider regions. This increases the force with which the rubber threads 4F3, 4R3 pull the absorbent core 8c, making it possible to more reliably expand the absorbent core 8c in the width direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the portions of each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 that are not overlapped with the core wrap sheet 7 may extend at an angle of ±45 degrees relative to the width direction. By making the stretching force of each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 in the width direction greater than the stretching force of each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 in the longitudinal direction, the force with which each rubber thread 4F3, 4R3 pulls the absorbent core 8c in the width direction becomes greater, making it possible to more reliably expand the absorbent core 8c in the width direction.

[0068] The plurality of rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 are arranged along the entire length of the first widened portion 82 of the absorbent core 8c. The rubber threads 4F3 may bias the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction. Specifically, the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 extend in the width direction near the first widened portion 82 and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the first widened portion 82, thereby effectively (directly) resisting forces in the direction of crushing the absorbent core 8c. The rubber threads 4F3 pull the entire longitudinal area of ​​the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction, thereby preventing the first widened portion 82 from shrinking more than necessary in the width direction and preventing the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape. The same applies to the relationship between the second widened portion 84 on the spine 85 side and the rubber thread 4R3.

[0069] Preferably, all or more than half of the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 may bias the absorbent core 8c from the longitudinal center to the crotch side of the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction. Due to contraction pressure from the wearer's thighs, the crotch portion 83 of the absorbent core 8c is easily crushed, while the abdominal portion 81 is less likely to be crushed. Therefore, the first widened portion 82 is more easily crushed the closer it is to the crotch portion 83. Therefore, the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 can be arranged in an area closer to the crotch portion 83. Specifically, all or more than half of the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 extend in the width direction near the first widened portion 82 and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 on the widthwise outer side from the longitudinal center to the crotch side of the first widened portion 82, thereby effectively (directly) resisting forces in the direction of crushing the absorbent core 8c. This suppresses deformation of the absorbent core 8c and prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape. The same applies to the relationship between the second widened portion 84 on the back portion 85 side and the elastic thread 4R3.

[0070] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of one widthwise end of the longitudinal end of the front body region of the diaper in an unfolded and stretched state. Specifically, it is an enlarged view of the right end of the front body region of the diaper 1 as seen from the observer. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment has a bilaterally symmetrical structure. Therefore, the structure shown in this figure applies to both widthwise ends of the diaper 1.

[0071] As described above, the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 have a generally hourglass-shaped structure with wider longitudinal end regions, and the widthwise ends of these wider portions are provided with edges 4F4. The edges 4F4 are bonded to edges 4R4 at the widthwise ends of the rear body region by thermal welding or the like to form a tubular structure. The side seals 12 are adhesive joints that bond the edges 4F4 and 4R4 to each other. That is, the waist region of the diaper 1 is formed by joining the widthwise ends of the front and rear body regions of the outer sheet with the side seals 12. The elastic threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4F3, which are multiple stretchable portions arranged on the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, do not extend to the side seals 12. This configuration allows for softer side seals, resulting in a diaper that feels comfortable against the skin.

[0072] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are each made up of a plurality of elastic threads (a plurality of elastic members) arranged substantially parallel to one another at equal intervals, and are continuously bonded to the cover sheet 4 up to the vicinity of the side seals 12 at both the left and right ends. The areas where the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are arranged function as waist gathers 3R, which contract the waist opening 2T of the diaper 1 in the waist-circumferential direction. In particular, the area where the elastic thread 4F2 is arranged is sometimes called a tummy gather. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are an example of a "first elastic portion" in the present disclosure. At both widthwise ends of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 near the side seals 12, if the extending region of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction and virtually divided from the longitudinal end into a first region 4FL1, a second region 4FL2, a third region 4FL3, and a fourth region 4FL4, the extending range of the elastic thread 4F1 functioning as the waist gather 3R falls within the first region 4FL1. In other words, if the first stretchable portion is divided into four equal parts, the extending range of the elastic thread 4F1 is the first region from the longitudinal end. On the other hand, the extending range of the elastic thread 4F2 extends to the second region 4FL2, the third region 4FL3, and the fourth region 4FL4. In other words, if the first stretchable portion is divided into four equal parts, the extending range of the elastic thread 4F2 functioning as the tummy gather is the second to fourth region from the longitudinal end.

[0073] The rubber thread 4F3 is also composed of multiple rubber threads (multiple elastic members) arranged approximately parallel to each other at equal intervals. Near the edge 4F4, the rubber thread 4F3 is arranged parallel to the other rubber threads (4F1, 4F2) that make up the first elastic portion and adjacent to the first elastic portion. That is, in a predetermined widthwise region from the side seal 12 (the adhesive portion), the rubber threads 4F2 and 4F3 are arranged parallel to each other and adjacent to each other. However, the rubber thread 4F3 curves toward the crotch region 1B away from the edge 4F4 and is arranged along the widened portions of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5. When the rubber thread 4F3 reaches the widened portion of the absorbent core 8c, it curves again and is arranged approximately parallel to the widthwise direction. At the center of the widthwise direction, the rubber thread 4F3 overlaps the absorbent core 8c and the core wrap sheet 7 that covers the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction. This configuration allows the area where the rubber thread 4F3 is arranged to function as a leg gather 3LL that biases the diaper 1 along the left leg opening 2LL. Both widthwise ends of the rubber thread 4F3 are parallel to the width direction. The rubber thread 4F3 is an example of a "second stretchable portion" in the present disclosure. In the side seal 12 portion, the second stretchable portion is adjacent to the crotch side of the first stretchable portion.

[0074] The spacing between the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F1 is approximately 5 mm or less, providing a tight fit in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the area where the rubber thread 4F1 is disposed strongly biases the diaper 1 at the longitudinal ends of the diaper 1, ensuring close contact with the wearer's waist. The spacing L1 between the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F2 near the side seal 12 is 5 mm to 20 mm, which is wider in the longitudinal direction than the rubber thread 4F1, and functions to guide the rubber thread 4F2 to the wearer's skin. Although a portion of the rubber thread 4F2 overlaps the longitudinal end of the absorbent body 8, the biasing force is weak, preventing the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape. The spacing L2 between the multiple rubber threads constituting the rubber thread 4F3 near the side seal 12 is also 5 mm to 20 mm, similar to L1. Therefore, the leg gathers 3LL conform to the wearer's skin, and excessive force is not applied to the absorbent body 8 at the end of the rubber thread 4F3 toward the center of the width direction.

[0075] Here, the elastic thread 4F2 including the range in which the tummy gathers extend in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the widthwise end of each elastic thread near the side seal 12, constituting the first stretchable section, is divided into four equal sections in the longitudinal direction, designated 4FL1, 4FL2, 4FL3, and 4FL4 from the outermost longitudinal section. Then, of the elastic threads 4F2 that constitute the tummy gathers and extend in the second to fourth regions 4FL2, 4FL3, and 4FL4 from the outermost longitudinal section, the distance between the elastic threads 4F2 located at the outermost longitudinal section and the elastic threads 4F2 located at the innermost longitudinal section is calculated. Furthermore, the length calculated by dividing this by the number of elastic threads included in the tummy gathers, i.e., the number of elastic members located in the second to fourth regions 4FL2, 4FL3, and 4FL4 from the outermost longitudinal section when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal sections in the longitudinal direction, is designated L1. In other words, L1 is the average distance between the elastic threads 4F2 that constitute the tummy gathers near the side seal 12.

[0076] Furthermore, the distance between the outermost and innermost rubber threads 4F3 forming the leg gathers, i.e., the second elastic portion, at the widthwise ends of each elastic thread near the side seal 12 is calculated. This is then divided by the number of elastic threads included in the leg gathers, i.e., the number of elastic members arranged in the second elastic portion, to obtain the calculated length L2. In other words, L2 is the average distance between the elastic threads 4F3 forming the leg gathers in the side seal portion.

[0077] The distance L3 between the rubber thread 4F2 and the rubber thread 4F3 near the side seal 12 is narrower than the average distances L1 and L2 between the tummy gathers in the first stretchable section and the stretchable members that make up the second stretchable section in this disclosure. For example, the ratio between the two is 0.85 or less. For example, when L1 and L2 are 10 mm, L3 is 7.5 mm. Alternatively, the longitudinal crotch side of the rubber thread 4F2 and the longitudinal end side of the rubber thread 4F3 may be in contact. Even when the outer casing of the diaper 1 is made in a variety of sizes to accommodate different wearer sizes, L3 can be set to the same interval or within a predetermined range (for example, within ±10%) regardless of the size of the outer casing. This configuration allows the effects described below to be achieved regardless of the size of the outer casing.

[0078] When the first stretchable portion is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, the distance between the stretchable members arranged in the fourth region 4FL4 from the outermost longitudinal direction, as viewed from the longitudinal direction, is narrower than the distance between the stretchable members arranged in the second and third regions 4FL2 and 4FL3, as viewed from the longitudinal direction. The 4FL4 region corresponds to the bending line of the wearer's legs when worn. Therefore, narrowing the distance between the stretchable members in this region allows the diaper 1 to more easily follow the movement of the wearer's thighs and is less likely to slip.

[0079] The front body region 1F and the back body region 1R have generally similar structures, but the rubber thread 4R3 does not cross the absorbent body 8. The rubber thread 4R3 overlaps only the core wrap sheet 7 at the widthwise outer side of the absorbent core 8c in the portion where the absorbent core 8c does not extend, or overlaps the absorbent core 8c and the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction at the widthwise outer side of the absorbent core 8c. Because the rubber thread 4R3 does not cross the absorbent core 8c, the absorbent body 8 is less likely to lose its shape due to compression even before the diaper 1 is worn. When the diaper 1 is worn, the rubber thread 4R3 biases the absorbent body 8 outward in the widthwise direction. The biasing force can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the overlapping area between the rubber thread 4R3 and the absorbent body 8. For example, if the rubber thread 4R3 extends to the widthwise outer side of the absorbent core 8c, the absorbent body 8 will be biased relatively strongly when worn. Furthermore, if the rubber thread 4R3 is not overlapped with the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction but is arranged so as to overlap only with the core wrap sheet 7, the urging force transmitted to the absorbent body 8 will be reduced. However, since the rubber thread 4R3 remains overlapped with the absorbent body 8, the absorbent body 8 will be urged outward in the width direction by the rubber thread 4R3 while the diaper 1 is being worn. The rubber thread 4R3 can prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape by resisting pressure applied from the wearer's thighs and buttocks. Other configurations of the rubber thread 4R3, such as its positional relationship with the rubber thread 4R2 near the side seals 12, are the same as those of 4F3, and the diaper 1 is less likely to come off in the back body region 1R as in the front body region 1F.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the relationship between waist gathers and leg gathers. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the distance between the crotch side (tummy gather portion) of waist gather 3R and the longitudinal end portions of leg gathers 3LL and 3LR in the side seal 12 is sufficiently short, or they are in contact with each other. As a result, leg gathers 3LL and 3LR rotate around the base point BP, which is the side seal 12 portion of waist gather 3R. More specifically, when the first stretchable portion is divided into four equal parts longitudinally, the fourth region from the outer side in the longitudinal direction, 4FL4, is located at the base point BP, and this side seal 12 has a narrower stretchable member in its vicinity than the second region 4FL2 and the third region 4FL3. Even if the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR rotate due to, for example, walking, a force is continuously applied near the base point BP, preventing the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR from shifting individually.

[0081] If the waist gather 3R and the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR are far apart at the side seal 12, the base point cannot be determined at the side seal 12, and the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR will rotate independently of the waist gather 3R. As a result, the waist gathers 3R and the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR will move independently, causing the diaper 1 to lose its position and malfunction. For this reason, as shown in Figure 5, it is preferable to have the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR and the waist gather 3R come into contact with each other at the side seal 12, or to have the elastic threads at the longitudinal ends of the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR and the crotch side of the waist gather 3R be sufficiently close to each other so that the base point BP is located near the waist gather 3R.

[0082] Figure 7 is a table showing the experimental results. An experiment was conducted to confirm the above explanation. Multiple diapers 1 were prepared with side seals 12, L1 and L2 both set to 10 mm, and L3 varied in value. The spacing ratio was the ratio of L1, L2, and L3 (a value of 0 for L3 indicates a tight fit). The experimenter walked around a room wearing the diaper 1 for 10 minutes and recorded whether or not it shifted position. A circle was marked if no shifting occurred during the experiment; a triangle was marked if shifting occurred but did not affect the function of the diaper 1 during the experiment; and an X was marked if shifting occurred to the extent that the diaper was unable to function during the experiment. The results showed that the closer the spacing between the tummy gathers (located under the crotch of the waist gather 3R) and the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR in the side seals 12, the less likely it was to shift position.

[0083] Second Embodiment FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing a diaper according to the second embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. In this embodiment, components having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 (constituting the second stretchable portion of the present disclosure) are adhered in a stretched state to the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The rubber thread 4F3 is provided in the crotch region 1B on the front body side so as to cross the absorber 8 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the rubber thread 4F3 and the absorber 8 overlap in the thickness direction of the diaper 1, forming an overlapping region. The widthwise center of the overlapping region corresponds to the urethral opening of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0084] On the other hand, the rubber thread 4R3 is provided along the edges of the right and left lower leg openings 2R and 2L on the rear body region 1R side. The rubber thread 4R3 extends along the left and right lower leg openings 2R and 2L on the back side of the wearer, outward in the width direction of the diaper 1 from the absorbent body 8. The rubber thread 4R3 is adhered to the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 in a stretched state. In the crotch region 1B on the rear body side, the tip of the rubber thread 4R3 faces in the width direction. The rubber thread 4R3 is cut at a widthwise center portion where it overlaps with the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction, and the left rubber thread 4R3 and the right rubber thread 4R3 are not connected. Therefore, the widthwise center portion of the absorbent body 8 does not overlap with the rubber thread 4R3 in the thickness direction.

[0085] The inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent body 8 are appropriately bonded with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive via the back sheet 6 from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. However, as shown in Fig. 8, in the region in the front body region 1F where the rubber thread 4F3 crosses the absorbent body 8, the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent body 8 are not bonded (this is referred to as a non-bonded region 15). In fact, the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are not bonded in the non-bonded region 15. In this embodiment, the non-bonded region 15 is provided throughout the entire overlapping region in the crotch region 1B where the rubber thread 4F3 and the absorbent body 8 overlap.

[0086] In the diaper 1, the rubber thread 4F3 overlaps the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction. Before the diaper is worn, the rubber thread 4F3 biases the absorbent body 8 inward in the width direction. The biasing force of the rubber thread 4F3 may cause the absorbent body 8 to bend inward in the width direction, resulting in deformation. By providing the non-adhesive region 15 in the region where the rubber thread 4F3 crosses the absorbent body 8, the biasing force of the rubber thread 4F3 transmitted to the absorbent body 8 before the diaper is worn can be reduced. In this way, the provision of the non-adhesive region 15 can prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape before the diaper is worn. Meanwhile, after the diaper is worn, the rubber thread 4F3 can bias the absorbent body 8 accurately toward the wearer's skin while also biasing it so that it appropriately expands in the width direction, thereby preventing the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape during wear.

[0087] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the adhesion between the outer body and the inner body of the diaper according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 9, some structures such as elastic threads 4F1, 4R1 that are not relevant to the explanation in this figure are omitted. Although omitted in other figures, all structures between the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 That is, the adhesive HM is applied between the inner body and the outer body so as to extend in the width direction, more specifically, in the shape of an elongated, approximately right-angled rectangle with its long sides in the width direction. One example of the adhesive HM is a hot melt adhesive. A plurality of adhesives HM are arranged parallel to the width direction at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction within the extension range of the back sheet 6, and are applied over the extension range of the inner body, except for the overlapping portion with the rubber thread 4F3 described below. The inner body and the outer body are bonded together by the adhesive HM. The application intervals of the adhesive HM in the longitudinal direction may be the same.

[0088] The adhesive HM is applied over a wide longitudinal range within the extension range of the inner body, with a width narrower than that of the inner body. Since the inner body is narrow near the crotch region 1B, the area where the adhesive HM is applied is also narrow. In the area where the adhesive HM is applied, the inner body is reinforced by the rigidity of the solidified adhesive HM. Note that the adhesive HM may be applied over a wider area in the area where the inner body overlaps with the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 than in other areas. By applying the adhesive HM over a wider area, the inner body is further reinforced and becomes less likely to deform due to the biasing force of the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2.

[0089] As described above, in the second embodiment, the rubber thread 4F3 is overlapped in the thickness direction so as to cross the extending region of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction, thereby forming an overlapping region. As described above, the overlapping region corresponds to the vicinity of the wearer's pubic bone. Furthermore, no adhesive HM is applied to the overlapping region, which forms a non-adhesive region 15.

[0090] The wearer's urethral opening corresponds to the adhesive HM-application area located further down the crotch side of the non-adhesive area 15. In this area, the adhesive HM adheres the inner body and outer body together, reinforcing the inner body. Furthermore, elastic thread 4F3, located in the area corresponding to the pubic bone, biases the inner body so that it properly contacts the skin side. Therefore, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment can properly receive excretory fluid generated from the urethral opening.

[0091] If adhesive HM is disposed between the inner body and the outer body at the overlapping portion, the biasing force of the rubber thread 4F3 is more easily transmitted to the inner body. Before the diaper 1 is used, the rubber thread 4F3 biases the diaper 1 so that it contracts in the width direction. If the biasing force caused by the rubber thread 4F3 is transmitted too strongly to the inner body, the inner body may contract and bend inward in the width direction at the portion where the rubber thread 4F3 and the inner body overlap in the thickness direction. If the diaper 1 is worn with the inner body bent, the function of the absorbent body 8 may be impaired and the wearing comfort may be adversely affected.

[0092] Therefore, in this embodiment, the overlapping portion is a non-adhesive region 15 where no adhesive HM is applied between the inner body and the outer body, thereby preventing the biasing force of the elastic thread 4F3 from being directly transmitted to the inner body before use of the diaper 1. This configuration prevents the inner body from already bending inward in the width direction at the overlapping portion.

[0093] The diaper 1 according to this embodiment is a pants-type disposable diaper. When changing the pants-type diaper 1, it is assumed that the side seal 12 is torn from the thigh side, not the torso side, to separate the front body region 1F side and the back body region 1R side of the cover sheet. Elderly people, who are expected to wear the adult diaper 1, have difficulty reaching behind their backs. Therefore, when the wearer removes the diaper 1, if the thigh side of the side seal 12 is positioned on the ventral side, it is easy to reach and easy to change the diaper.

[0094] The rubber thread 4F3 in the second embodiment contracts the outer body toward the center in the width direction. The region where the rubber thread 4F3 extends is a non-application region where no adhesive HM is applied, and this region is a non-adhesion region 15 where the outer body and the inner body are not adhered. However, the adhesive HM is applied on the crotch side of the region where the rubber thread 4F3 extends, and the outer body and the inner body are adhered. In the non-adhesive region 15, the outer body bends toward the non-skin side without contracting due to the biasing force of the rubber thread 4F3, which is due to the rigidity of the inner body transmitted from the adhesive portion with the inner body provided on the crotch side. Thus, the outer body bends toward the non-skin side in the overlapping region between the rubber thread 4F3 and the inner body. This bending also causes the side seals 12, located further outward on the outer body, to bend inward in the left-right direction, and as a result, in the region corresponding to the rubber thread 4F3, the side seals 12 bend toward the ventral side, which is inward in the width direction.

[0095] On the other hand, on the back side of the diaper 1, the rubber thread 4R3 does not cross the absorbent body 8. Specifically, while it overlaps the core wrap sheet 7, it does not overlap the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction, or it overlaps the absorbent core 8c and the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction only on the widthwise outer side of the absorbent core 8c. Furthermore, no non-adhesive region 15 is provided on the back side. With this configuration, the biasing force exerted by the rubber thread 4R3 near the side seal 12 is weaker than the biasing force exerted by the rubber thread 4F3 near the side seal 12. Therefore, on the thigh side of the wearer, the side seal 12 bends toward the ventral side. As a result, the wearer can easily grasp the side seal 12, whose thigh side is bent toward the ventral side, and tear it to easily replace the diaper.

[0096] Furthermore, the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment is easy to put on. The difference in the biasing forces exerted by the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 near the side seals 12 causes the thigh side of the side seals 12 to bend toward the abdomen, making it easier to grasp the side seals 12 when putting on the diaper 1, and allowing elderly people to put it on correctly. A properly put on diaper can also adequately prevent leakage of excreted fluid. Thus, the second embodiment provides a diaper 1 that is not easily displaced when worn and is easy to put on and take off.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above in relation to the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, rubber thread is used to apply a biasing force to the diaper 1 to bring it into close contact with the wearer's skin, but elastic resin fibers may also be used.

[0098] Furthermore, the rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, 4F3 and the rubber threads 4R1, 4R2, 4R3, which are multiple stretchable portions arranged on the cover sheet 4, may extend to the side seal 12, and their ends may also be fixed by the side seal 12. With this configuration, even if the rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, 4F3 and the rubber threads 4R1, 4R2, 4R3 are peeled off from the cover sheet 4, it is possible to prevent the rubber threads from losing their biasing force.

[0099] The embodiments and application examples disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Diapers 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back area 2R・Right lower limb opening 2L·Left lower limb opening 3BR, 3BL: 3D gathers 3R Waist Gather 3LR, 3LL Leg Gathers 4. Cover sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R2, 4R3... Elastic thread 4F4,4R4,4F5,4R5...edge 4FF, 4RF... Folded line 5. Inner cover sheet 6. Back seat 7. Core wrap sheet 8. Absorber 9. Top sheet 10L, 10R side seats 11F, 11R End seat 15...Non-adhesive area 81...Abdomen 82 First widening section 83··Inseam 84 Second widening section 85...back

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body arranged so that the longitudinal direction is along the front-to-back direction of a wearer; a cover sheet disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body to form an outer surface of the absorbent article, the cover sheet having adhesive portions in which widthwise ends are adhered to each other in longitudinal end regions; A plurality of elastic portions disposed in a stretched state on the cover sheet; Equipped with the plurality of stretchable sections include a first stretchable section formed of a plurality of stretchable members substantially parallel to one another and biasing the waist circumference of the wearer; and a second stretchable section formed of a plurality of stretchable members substantially parallel to one another and disposed on the crotch side of the adhesive section, adjacent to the first stretchable section at an interval, and biasing an opening into which the wearer's legs are inserted; the distance between the first stretchable section and the second stretchable section in the vicinity of the adhesive section is equal to or less than the distance between the stretchable members arranged most outward in the longitudinal direction and the stretchable members arranged most inward in the longitudinal direction, at the widthwise outer ends of the plurality of stretchable sections arranged more inward in the widthwise direction than the adhesive section, among the stretchable members that make up the second to fourth regions from the outside in the longitudinal direction when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, divided by the number of stretchable members that make up the second to fourth regions from the outside in the longitudinal direction when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction; The absorbent body has a substantially hourglass-shaped absorbent core having a widening portion that widens from the crotch portion toward the abdomen and back, and a substantially rectangular core wrap sheet that covers the absorbent core, The second stretchable portion does not cross the absorbent core on the back side, but overlaps with the core wrap sheet outside the widened portion of the absorbent core, The second stretchable portion overlaps the absorbent core on the abdominal side so as to extend across the absorbent core in the width direction, In the extension region of the second stretchable portion on the abdominal side, the cover sheet is not adhered to the absorbent body. Absorbent articles.

2. The distance between the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion in the vicinity of the adhesive portion is At the outer ends of the plurality of stretchable sections that are arranged more inward in the width direction than the first stretchable section, the distance between the stretchable members that are arranged most outward in the longitudinal direction and the stretchable members that are arranged most inward in the longitudinal direction among the second stretchable section is equal to or less than the distance obtained by dividing the distance by the number of stretchable members that make up the second stretchable section. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. At the widthwise outer end portions of the plurality of stretchable sections that are arranged widthwise inward of the adhesive section, when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, the interval between the stretchable members that constitute the fourth region from the outer side in the longitudinal direction that constitutes the innermost region in the longitudinal direction is narrower than the interval between the stretchable members that constitute the second and third regions from the outer side in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the wearer's abdominal side and the wearer's back side, In a predetermined widthwise region from the adhesive portion, the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion are arranged parallel to each other. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Even when a cover sheet having a plurality of sizes adapted to the wearer's physique is used, the distance between the first stretchable portion and the second stretchable portion in the adhesive portion is the same in at least two of the sizes, or the difference therebetween is within a predetermined range. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The plurality of elastic members are linear elastic members. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. All or more than half of the plurality of elastic members constituting the second elastic portion overlap with the core wrap sheet mainly on the crotch side of the widened portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The second stretchable portion biases the absorbent core outward in the width direction across the entire longitudinal area of ​​the widened portion on the back side. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The second stretchable portion biases the absorbent core outward in the width direction on the crotch side of the widened portion on the back side. The absorbent article of claim 7.

10. The second stretchable portion shrinks in the width direction in the region overlapping the core wrap sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

11. At the widthwise outer end portions of the plurality of stretchable sections that are arranged more inward than the adhesive section in the widthwise direction, the longitudinal interval between the second stretchable section and the plurality of stretchable members that constitute the second to fourth stretchable sections from the longitudinal end side when the first stretchable section is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction is 5 mm or more. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The first stretchable portion biases the abdomen and back of the wearer in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

13. Some of the plurality of elastic members constituting the first elastic portion are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the absorber. overlaps with the opposite end, some of the plurality of elastic members overlapping with the longitudinal end portions of the absorbent body extend beyond the longitudinal end portions of the absorbent body to the other widthwise end portion of the cover sheet; The absorbent article of claim 12.

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