Method for manufacturing absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing lowering of wearing comfort of an absorbent article.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes an absorber, an exterior sheet, a side seal part, a lower extremity opening, and a leg-gathering elastic member. The exterior sheet includes: an outer cover sheet; and an inner cover sheet arranged on a skin surface side of the outer cover sheet. The elastic member includes: an entire area adhesion part which is arranged so as to extend from the side seal part to an edge of the lower extremity opening between the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet, with entire areas of the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet being adhered in the extension area of the elastic member; and a plurality of separated adhesion parts in which the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are bonded in an area other than the extension area, the separated adhesion parts being separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles and a method for manufacturing absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Some absorbent articles are provided with leg gathers to prevent a gap from occurring between the crotch of the wearer and the absorbent article.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the case of a pant-type absorbent article having a body opening into which the body of the wearer enters and a pair of left and right leg openings through which the left and right lower limbs of the wearer are inserted, the leg gathers are composed of a plurality of cover sheets constituting an outer sheet and an elastic member disposed between the cover sheets and adhered along the edge of the leg opening.

[0005] The leg opening is formed by cutting a part of the outer sheet using a cutting device after disposing the elastic member between the cover sheets. At this time, if a part of the outer sheet is to be cut while the cover sheets are not adhered to each other, each of these cover sheets is formed of, for example, a flexible non-woven fabric in consideration of the wearing feeling, so it becomes difficult for the blade of the cutting device to enter the outer sheet. When it becomes difficult for the blade of the cutting device to enter the outer sheet, there is a possibility that the cut surface of the outer sheet will not be uniform when the outer sheet is cut. If the cut surface is not uniform when the outer sheet is cut, there is a problem that the skin contact with the wearer becomes poor and the wearing feeling of the absorbent article deteriorates.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a technology that can suppress the deterioration of the wearing comfort of absorbent articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides an outer sheet comprising an outer cover sheet and an inner cover sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the outer cover sheet, wherein the expandable member is positioned between the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet so as to extend from the side seal portion to the edge of the lower limb opening, and the absorbent article has a full-surface adhesive portion in which the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are fully bonded in the extended region of the expandable member, and a plurality of separated adhesive portions in which the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are bonded in regions other than the extended region, and which are separated from each other.

[0008] Specifically, the absorbent article has a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and when worn, the front body region located on the wearer's abdominal side, the crotch region located in the crotch area, and the back body region located on the back side are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction, comprising: an absorbent body that absorbs excretory fluid discharged from the wearer; an outer sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body and integrally forming the outer surfaces of the front body region, the crotch region, and the back body region; a side seal portion formed by joining the widthwise ends of the front body region and the back body region of the outer sheet to form a waist portion having a waist opening through which the wearer's torso can be inserted; a lower limb opening formed on the crotch region side of the side seal portion and through which the wearer's lower limbs can be inserted; and an expandable member adhered to the outer sheet that expands and contracts the lower limb opening, wherein the outer sheet is an outer cover The expandable member includes a bar sheet and an inner cover sheet positioned on the skin side of the outer cover sheet, and is positioned between the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet so as to extend from the side seal portion to the edge of the lower limb opening, and the absorbent article has a full-surface adhesive portion in which the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are fully bonded in the extended region of the expandable member, and a plurality of separated adhesive portions in which the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are bonded in regions other than the extended region, and which are separated from each other.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned absorbent article, the full-surface adhesive portion may be formed to include the end portion of the side seal portion on the crotch area side.

[0010] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the full-surface adhesive portion may extend from the inside in the width direction of the end of the side seal portion on the crotch area side, along the edge of the lower limb opening.

[0011] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the edge of the lower limb opening is composed of a curve having multiple inflection points, the full adhesive portion has a shape that combines multiple rectangles other than the edge of the lower limb opening, and the full adhesive portion may be provided at least at the inflection points in the crotch area of ​​the front and back body regions.

[0012] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the full-surface adhesive portion may be located at both ends in the width direction of the outer sheet.

[0013] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the edges of the outer sheet in the width direction in the crotch area may be bonded by a separation adhesive portion.

[0014] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the central part in the width direction of the outer sheet may be bonded by a separation adhesive portion.

[0015] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, each of the multiple separation and bonding portions may be linear and extend in the width direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the distance between adjacent separation adhesive portions may be 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0017] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the expandable member may be a first expandable member provided on the front body region side along one of the lower limb openings, crossing the crotch region side in the width direction, and extending along the other lower limb opening, and provided on the outer sheet in an extended state, and the full-surface adhesive portion may be provided over the entire extended region of the first expandable member, including the region where the first expandable member crosses the crotch region.

[0018] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the expandable member comprises a pair of second expandable members provided on the outer sheet in an extended state, along the respective lower limb openings on the back body region side and on both sides in the width direction with a gap in the center of the width direction on the crotch region side, and the full-surface adhesive portion does not have to be provided in the center of the width direction between the pair of second expandable members.

[0019] Furthermore, a method for manufacturing an absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the front body region located on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, the crotch region located in the crotch area, and the back body region located on the back side are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction, wherein the outer sheet integrally forms the outer surfaces of the front body region, the crotch region and the back body region An adhesion step of adhering an elastic member that expands and contracts a lower limb opening through which a lower limb can be inserted, an arrangement step of arranging an absorber on the skin surface side of the outer sheet to which the elastic member is adhered, and a part of the outer sheet on which the absorber is arranged is cut out, and a cutting step of forming a lower limb opening in a part on the side of the crotch region of the front body region and the back body region and in the crotch region, and joining the end portions in the width direction of the front body region and the back body region of the outer sheet to form a side seal portion where the end portions are joined, and a joining step of forming a body circumference portion having a body opening through which the wearer's body can be inserted, and the outer sheet includes an outer cover sheet and an inner cover sheet disposed on the skin surface side of the outer cover sheet, and in the adhesion step, between the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet, an elastic member is arranged so as to extend from the side seal portion along the edge of the lower limb opening, and a full-surface adhesion portion is provided by fully adhering the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet in the extending region of the elastic member, and a plurality of spaced adhesion portions are provided by adhering the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet in a region other than the extending region, and the plurality of spaced adhesion portions are spaced apart from each other.

[0020] Also, in the method for manufacturing the absorbent article, in the adhesion step, a full-surface adhesion portion may be formed by combining a plurality of rectangular adhesion portions, and the plurality of rectangular adhesion portions may be provided so as to extend beyond the edge of the lower limb opening.

Advantages of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the wearing feeling of the absorbent article.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a diaper according to Embodiment 1 is developed and extended. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing a diaper according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a series of steps for manufacturing a diaper according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body before forming a lower limb opening. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body after forming a lower limb opening. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first alternative example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body before forming a lower limb opening. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second alternative example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body before forming a lower limb opening. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a deployed and extended state of a diaper according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body before forming a lower limb opening. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of an adhesive portion in an exterior body after forming a lower limb opening. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, a diaper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described 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.

[0024] <Embodiment 1> Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adult disposable pant-type diaper (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to Embodiment 1. In the diaper, the direction connecting the front panel, which is positioned opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back panel, which is positioned opposite the wearer's back, is defined as the longitudinal direction. Between these front panel (one side in the longitudinal direction) and back panel (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (in the center in the longitudinal direction) lies the inseam section, which is positioned between the wearer's legs (opposite the crotch). Furthermore, when the diaper is worn by the wearer, the side facing the wearer's skin is defined as the skin side, and the side opposite the skin side is defined as the non-skin side. In addition, the direction connecting the skin side and the non-skin side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is defined as the width direction. Moreover, viewing from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view. 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 legs. Furthermore, the terms relating to direction used in this application shall mean the directions that correspond to the front, back, left, and right of the wearer when diaper 1 is worn by the wearer. For example, when referring to the left and right directions in this application, it means the directions that correspond to the left and right of the wearer when diaper 1 is worn by the wearer.

[0025] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a disposable pant-type diaper with a tubular structure having an opening for the wearer's waist circumference and a pair of left and right openings through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs are inserted is given as an example. However, the term "absorbent article" as used in this application is not limited to adult disposable pant-type diapers. The term "absorbent article" as used in this application includes children's disposable pant-type diapers. Furthermore, it includes various forms of absorbent articles that can enclose the waist circumference and crotch, such as tape-type disposable diapers that form a tubular structure by attaching a tape, fixed near one end of a sheet-like member that covers the wearer's crotch (genitals) from the front to the back, to the other end of the sheet-like member.

[0026] Diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B which corresponds to the crotch area that covers the wearer's genitals (crotch) when worn, a front body region 1F which corresponds to the front body of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's abdominal side (below the navel), and a back body region 1R which corresponds to the back body of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's back side (buttocks). 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. In this embodiment, diaper 1 is a pant-type disposable diaper and is equipped with side seal portions SL and SR that join the widthwise ends of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the outer sheet so as to form a waist portion 2D having a waist opening 2T. The left edge of the front body region 1F and the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined together by a side seal portion SL, and the right edge of the front body region 1F and the right edge of the back body region 1R are joined together by a side seal portion SR. Thus, a torso 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. In addition, a left lower limb opening 2L is formed in the left part of the crotch region 1B where the above-mentioned joining is not applied, and a right lower limb opening 2R is formed in the right part of the crotch region 1B. When diaper 1 is worn, 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 inserted into the torso opening 2T. The front panel area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side, the back panel area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back side, and the left leg opening 2L and the right leg opening 2R surround the wearer's thighs, thus securing diaper 1 to the wearer's body. Because diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can move freely while wearing diaper 1.

[0027] Diaper 1 has an absorbent material that can absorb and retain liquids, mainly located around the crotch area 1B. In addition, to prevent the formation of gaps between diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could become pathways for liquid leakage, diaper 1 is provided with a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left lower limb opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower limb, and a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right lower limb opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower limb, and a waist gather around the wearer's waist. Gathers 3R are provided. In addition, leg gathers 3LL and 3LR are provided around the base of the wearer's legs. The three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR and waist gather 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elasticity of the thread elastic. Furthermore, the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR prevent gaps from forming between the base of the wearer's legs and diaper 1. Therefore, the discharge from the wearer's genitals is absorbed into the absorbent material of diaper 1 with almost no leakage.

[0028] Diaper 1 can be used in combination with an inner pad (not shown). The inner pad is a roughly rectangular absorbent article equipped with an absorbent material that absorbs wastewater. When using diaper 1 and the inner pad together, the inner pad is placed on the skin-facing side of diaper 1 so as to be in contact with the wearer's urinary tract. Wastewater is first absorbed by the inner pad, and only the wastewater that could not be absorbed by the inner pad reaches the absorbent material of diaper 1 and is further absorbed. Therefore, even if the amount of wastewater is large, leakage from diaper 1 can be prevented. Also, if the amount of wastewater is small and can be fully absorbed by the inner pad, only the inner pad needs to be replaced when wastewater occurs, thus reducing care costs. Furthermore, diaper 1 can be used for extended periods.

[0029] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1. Diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 and an inner cover sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are sheets that are bonded together to form the outer surface of diaper 1 and are roughly hourglass-shaped (gourd-shaped), and are the same shape except for the ends on the front body region 1F side and the ends on the back body region 1R side. When worn by a person, the cover sheet 4 is laminated on the side that does not touch the wearer's skin, and the inner cover sheet 5 is laminated on the side that touches the wearer. Between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, elastic threads are provided to form waist gathers 3R and leg gathers 3LL, 3LR. Note that an elastic material such as a strip of elastic can be appropriately selected instead of the elastic threads.

[0030] The cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 can be made of a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin, for example, to suppress leakage of excrement. Examples of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Hereinafter, the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, which have elastic threads arranged on them, are sometimes referred to as the outer casing, as a concept corresponding to the absorbent body 8 and the absorbent body 8 combined with the back sheet 6, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R.

[0031] Diaper 1 has a back sheet 6, an absorbent core 8, and a top sheet 9, which are sequentially laminated on the wearer-side surfaces of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The back sheet 6 is a substantially rectangular sheet with a length in the longitudinal direction that extends from the wearer's front body through the crotch to the back body, and a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent core 8 and the top sheet 9 are both sheet-like members that have a substantially rectangular appearance similar to the back sheet 6, and are sequentially laminated on the back sheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the back sheet 6. The back sheet 6 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to suppress leakage of excrement. The top sheet 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 core 8. This top sheet 9 is liquid-permeable in part or all of its form. Therefore, when diaper 1 is worn, liquids excreted by the wearer penetrate the absorbent material 8 through the top sheet 9, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, and are absorbed there. Examples of liquid-permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. The top sheet 9 may also be hydrophilic.

[0032] The absorbent material 8 consists of an absorbent core 8c made of one mat and a core wrap that encloses the absorbent core 8c. The sheet 7 is included. The absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion. The absorbent core 8c has a structure in which granular absorbent resin (super absorbent polymer), such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been treated to be hydrophilic. When the absorbent core 8c absorbs liquid excreted from the wearer, it swells the absorbent resin held in the gaps between the short fibers, thereby retaining the liquid within the short fibers. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8c is hourglass-shaped with a constriction in the width direction near the center of the crotch area 1B. The absorbent core 8c can take on an appropriate shape depending on the purpose. Examples of shapes for the absorbent core 8c include rectangular, elliptical, and various other shapes.

[0033] The core wrap sheet 7 is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet. By wrapping the absorbent core 8c with the core wrap sheet 7, the SAP of the absorbent core 8c is less likely to mix with other structures. In addition, deformation of the absorbent core is suppressed. The core wrap sheet 7 can be made of pulp fibers, and for example, tissue paper can be used. The core wrap sheet 7 may be a single sheet, or it may consist of two sheets: an upper sheet placed on the skin side of the wearer (for example, the upper core wrap sheet 7f described later) and a lower sheet placed on the non-skin side of the wearer, which wraps around the sides of the absorbent core 8c and the skin side (for example, the lower core wrap sheet 7b described later). If the core wrap sheet 7 consists of two sheets, the widthwise end of the upper sheet may be wrapped around the other sheets (for example, the side sheets 10L, 10R, back sheet 6, and top sheet 9 described later). Note that the absorbent body 8 is wrapped around the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9, and deformation can also be suppressed by these sheets, so the core wrap sheet 7 may not be provided.

[0034] The back sheet 6, absorbent material 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 material 8, and top sheet 9 are layered to cover the wearer's genital area (crotch), the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 6, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 are located on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genital area is covered by the absorbent material 8 from the wearer's ventral to dorsal side. Therefore, whether the wearer is lying face down or face down when expelling fluid from the body, the expelled fluid will come into contact with the absorbent material 8 via the top sheet 9.

[0035] Furthermore, the diaper 1 has elongated strip-shaped side sheets 10L and 10R for forming the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR described above. The side sheets 10L and 10R are provided on the long sides of the top sheet 9. Elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 are bonded to the side sheets 10L and 10R along their longitudinal direction. Thus, the edge 4F4 which forms the left edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 and the edge 4R4 which forms the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other, and the edge 4F5 which forms the right edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 and the edge 4R5 which forms the right edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other. As a result, when the diaper 1 is completed as shown in Figure 1, the side sheets 10L and 10R are pulled longitudinally by the contractile force of the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 and rise up from the top sheet 9 along the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking out of the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R. The method of joining the edges 4F4 and 4R4, and edges 4F5 and 4R5 is not particularly limited, but can be done by heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, the diaper 1 consists of a back sheet 6, an absorbent core 8, a top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R, with an end sheet 11F laminated on the wearer-facing side in the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4, and an end sheet 11F laminated on the wearer-facing side in the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4. The diaper has an end sheet 11R. The end sheets 11F and 11R are strip-shaped sheets that are superimposed on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 at one end of the top sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. The end sheets 11F and 11R are made of non-permeable nonwoven fabric and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 in the waist contact area of ​​the diaper 1. Adhesive is applied to the end sheets 11F and 11R, and they are bonded to the inner cover sheet 5 by this adhesive. The end sheets 11F and 11R are positioned on the skin side of the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent material 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R, preventing the edges of the laminate from directly touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1 in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 3(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the unfolded and extended diaper 1 when viewed from the left side. Figure 3(B) is a plan view of the unfolded and extended diaper 1. Note that in Figure 3(B), the illustration of the side sheets 10L, 10R and the end sheets 11L, 11R is omitted. The cover sheet 4 has one end folded back at the fold lines 4FF and 4RF shown in Figure 2. The waist gather 3R described above is formed by adhering thread elastic (thread-like elastic) 4F1 and 4F2 to the front body area of ​​the cover sheet 4 and adhering thread elastic (thread-like elastic) 4R1 and 4R2 to the back body area of ​​the cover sheet 4. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided along the fold line 4FF, which forms the upper edge of the front bodice area 1F when folded, in the order of elastic thread 4F1 and elastic thread 4F2 from the fold line 4FF side. Similarly, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided along the fold line 4RF, which forms the upper edge of the back bodice area 1R when folded, in the order of elastic thread 4R1 and elastic thread 4R2 from the fold line 4RF side.

[0038] Therefore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Similarly, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Thus, when the edges 4F4 and 4R4 are joined to each other, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 are joined to each other, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 form a substantially annular stretchable member that wraps around the waist opening 2T, and exert the function of contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist direction. In other words, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 exert a contracting force to make the diaper 1 adhere closely to the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap with the absorbent material 8 in a portion of their crotch area 1B side.

[0039] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are provided to extend horizontally along the upper edges of the front and back body regions 1F and 1R, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are provided parallel to each other at predetermined intervals. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 tighten relatively strongly around the wearer's waist above the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 keep the diaper 1 close to the wearer, prevent it from shifting, and prevent leakage of discharge from the abdomen and back. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 alleviate the feeling of pressure on the wearer caused by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. In addition, when an inner pad is used, they suppress the shifting of the inner pad.

[0040] Furthermore, elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are bonded to the cover sheet 4. Elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are stretchable members provided in the area of ​​the cover sheet 4 that is closer to the crotch area 1B than elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. Elastic thread 4F3 is provided so as to span across in the left-right direction. In the area where elastic thread 4F3 is provided so as to span across in the left-right direction, elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent material 8 overlap in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. Also, the central part in the width direction of this transverse area corresponds to the urethral opening of a female wearer when the diaper 1 is worn. This is the result. In the region where the absorbent material 8 overlaps when viewed in the thickness direction, the arrangement of the elastic thread 4F3 is not limited to transverse, as shown in Figure 3. The extension direction of the elastic thread 4F3 only needs to have a width component, and preferably the width component of the extension direction of the elastic thread 4F3 should be larger than the longitudinal component. Unlike the other elastic threads which are bonded continuously from the left end to the right end of the cover sheet 4, the elastic thread 4R3 is arranged in a curve in the direction of the crotch region 1B and overlaps with a part of the absorbent core 8c at the constricted part of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core. With this configuration, the arrangement region of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 can function as a leg gather.

[0041] The cover sheet 4 is folded back along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF and extends to the area where the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are placed, reinforcing the area where the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are placed with the folded portion. The end sheets 11F and 11R are provided in the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are placed, where the cover sheet 4 folded back along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF does not extend, and reinforcing the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are placed.

[0042] In this application, the term "overlapping sheets" is not limited to a state in which the overlapping sheets are in full contact with each other, but also includes a concept that includes a state in which only parts of the sheets overlap. For example, the end sheet 11F is overlapped such that a part of one end of the back sheet 6 in the longitudinal direction touches a part of the cover sheet 4. The diaper 1 is formed by stacking the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9 with the absorbent material 8 in between, as well as the cover sheet 4, end sheets 11F, 11R, inner cover sheet 5, and side sheets 10L, 10R. Therefore, it can be said that the diaper has a laminate made up of these multiple sheets stacked on top of each other.

[0043] Next, a method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating a series of steps for manufacturing a diaper 1 according to the embodiment. In Figure 5, the direction indicated by arrow A is the transport direction in which the components constituting the diaper 1 are transported. This transport direction A coincides with the width direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction A coincides with the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. In this embodiment, the components constituting the diaper 1 are transported in a continuous manner in the transport direction A, that is, in the width direction of the diaper 1.

[0045] Furthermore, Figure 6 illustrates an example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer casing before the formation of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Figure 7 illustrates an example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer casing after the formation of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. In Figures 6 and 7, for the sake of clarity, the absorbent pads, including the absorbent core 8c, located on the skin-facing side of the outer casing, are shown by closely spaced dashed lines. Also, in Figure 6, the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, formed at the widthwise ends of the outer casing, are shown by widely spaced dashed lines. Furthermore, in Figures 6 and 7, the outer casing is shown as having a virtually multiple widthwise extending regions. Specifically, the multiple widthwise extending regions are the upper waist region WUF, middle waist region WMF, lower waist region WLF, and lower limb region LTF included in the front body region 1F, the crotch region 1B, and the lower limb region LTR, lower waist region WLR, middle waist region WMR, and upper waist region WUR included in the back body region 1R. These widthwise extending regions WUF, WMF, WLF, LTF, 1B, LTR, WLR, WMR, and WUR are arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the crotch region 1B is the region that includes the narrowest part of the outer covering, or the narrowest part of the absorber 8 or absorbent core 8c. For example, if the narrowest part of the absorbent core 8c is a point, then the crotch region 1B is the region within a range of 70 mm in front of and behind that point in the longitudinal direction.

[0046] (S1) In step S1, elastic threads 4F1, 4R1, 4F2, 4R2 for the waist gather 3R and elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 for the leg gather are placed on the skin-facing side of the continuous cover sheet 4. Specifically, first, the continuous cover sheet 4 is unwound from a roll of raw material (not shown) and introduced into the diaper 1 manufacturing line.

[0047] Next, the continuous sections of elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 for the upper part of the waist gather 3R, the continuous sections of elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 for the lower part of the waist gather 3R, and the continuous sections of elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 for the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR are bonded to the skin-facing side of the continuous section of the cover sheet 4 in an extended state. In this step, hot melt adhesive is applied directly to the continuous sections of elastic threads 4F1, 4R1, 4F2, and 4R2. Then, multiple continuous sections of elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are arranged in the upper waist regions WUF and WUR, stretched linearly in the width direction, with approximately equal spacing in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, multiple continuous sections of elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are arranged in the middle waist regions WMF and WMR, stretched linearly in the width direction, with approximately equal spacing in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the spacing between adjacent elastic threads 4F1, 4R1 is made approximately the same, and the spacing between adjacent elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 is also made approximately the same. Hot melt adhesive is applied to the cover sheet 4 in the area where the elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 are placed. Then, the continuous string of multiple elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 is stretched in a meandering manner (see Figure 5) and placed with spacing in the longitudinal direction in the lower waist area WLF, WLR and the lower limb area LTF, LTR. In a process described later, a part of the continuous string of elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 is cut to form individual elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 for each diaper 1. For this reason, when bonding the continuous string of elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 to the cover sheet 4, it is preferable to intermittently apply adhesive to the elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 in the transport direction A so that the cut parts become non-adhesive parts and the remaining parts become adhesive parts. As a result, the continuous strands of elastic threads 4F1, 4R1, 4F2, 4R2, 4F3, and 4R3 are bonded to the continuous strands of cover sheet 4 in an extended state.

[0048] In step S1, when the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are positioned, adhesive is applied to the entire area of ​​the lower waist region WLF and WLR and the lower limb region LTF and LTR of the cover sheet 4 where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend. Specifically, multiple rectangular block-shaped regions are virtually set up to include the areas where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend. These multiple block-shaped regions are positioned at the widthwise ends of the forming region of the cover sheet 4, which becomes the cover sheet 4 when it becomes an individual diaper 1, and are positioned in this order without gaps in the longitudinal direction. Of the multiple block-shaped regions, the block-shaped regions positioned in the lower waist region WLF and WLR do not include the crotch region 1B side ends of the forming region of the side seal parts SL and SR, which become the side seal parts SL and SR when it becomes an individual diaper 1, as described later, and extend from the widthwise side of the forming region of the cover sheet 4, beyond the crotch region 1B side ends. Furthermore, each of the multiple block-shaped regions located in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR extends in the width direction from the inside of the forming area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (in other words, the outside of the forming area of ​​the cover sheet 4) beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (in other words, the inside of the forming area of ​​the cover sheet 4). Here, as shown in Figure 7, when the diaper 1 is unfolded and extended, the lower limb openings 2L and 2R have a concave shape in the forming area of ​​the cover sheet 4, extending from the end in the width direction towards the center in the width direction, and are composed of a curve with multiple inflection points. Each of the block-shaped regions located in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR is positioned at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Then, hot melt adhesive is applied to the entire surface of each of the multiple block-shaped regions. The elastic thread 4F3 is provided to cross from left to right and is also adhered to the cover sheet 4 at the crossing portion.

[0049] (S2) Next, in step S2, the continuous inner cover sheet 5 is bonded to the skin-side side of the continuous cover sheet 4 to form the outer sheet. Adhesive is applied to the areas of the lower waist region WLF and WLR of the cover sheet 4 that are not the areas where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend, and to the areas of the lower limb region LTF and LTR that are not the areas where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend. Specifically, in each of these areas that are not the areas where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend, hot melt adhesive is applied in a linear manner extending in the width direction with spacing in the longitudinal direction to form multiple linear adhesive areas. In this process, the application spacing between adjacent linear adhesive areas is made approximately the same in each of the lower waist region WLF and WLR and the lower limb region LTF and LTR.

[0050] Furthermore, adhesive is also applied to the crotch area 1B of the cover sheet 4. Specifically, in the crotch area 1B, hot melt adhesive or the like is applied in a linear pattern extending in the width direction, with gaps in the longitudinal direction. In this step as well, the application interval between adjacent linear adhesive sections in the crotch area 1B should be approximately the same.

[0051] Next, the elastic thread 4R3 is cut in the center of the width direction of the diaper 1. As a result, the elastic thread 4R3 is not connected in the center in the width direction, but is provided on both the left and right sides. This creates elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 (an example of a "stretchable member" as referred to in this application) that extend along the edges of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L, 2R.

[0052] Next, the inner cover sheet 5 is placed on the skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4 continuum so as to cover a portion of the upper torso region WUF, WUR where the elastic threads 4F1, 4R1 continuum are located, the middle torso region WMF, WMR, the lower torso region WLF, WLR, the lower limb region LTF, LTR, and the crotch region 1B. In other words, the remaining portion of the upper torso region WUF, WUR of the cover sheet 4 continuum where the elastic threads 4F1, 4R1 continuum are not located is left exposed without being covered by the inner cover sheet 5 continuum. Then, the cover sheet 4 continuum and the inner cover sheet 5 continuum are bonded together using the aforementioned adhesive.

[0053] As a result, as shown in Figure 6, in the extended region of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3, multiple block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 to BF6, BR1 to BR6 (an example of a "full-surface adhesive portion" in this application) are provided, in which the continuous body of the cover sheet 4 and the continuous body of the inner cover sheet 5 are fully bonded by adhesive applied to multiple block-shaped regions. Note that the block-shaped adhesive portion BF6 is formed in the left-right direction, similar to how the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the absorber 8. Hereinafter, the sheet composed of the cover sheet 4 (an example of an "outer cover sheet" in this application) and the inner cover sheet 5 will be referred to as the outer sheet. The outer sheet can also be said to be the part of the outer body other than the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2, 4F3, 4R3 (and the elastic threads 4F1, 4R1 described later). Through bonding in this process, the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are bonded to the outer sheet. The block-shaped adhesive sections BF1-BF6 and BR1-BR6 allow for full adhesion of the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 in the outer sheet. This prevents the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 used for forming leg gathers from falling off. Furthermore, each of the multiple block-shaped adhesive sections BF2-BF6 and BR2-BR6 provided in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR extends in the width direction from the inside of the formation area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (in other words, the outside of the formation area of ​​the outer sheet that becomes the outer sheet when an individual diaper 1 is assembled) beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the formation area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (in other words, the inside of the formation area of ​​the outer sheet). Therefore, in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR, the block-shaped adhesive sections BF2-BF6 and BR2-BR6 allow for full adhesion of the entire widthwise edge of the formation area of ​​the outer sheet, preventing any non-adhesive areas from forming at the widthwise edge.

[0054] Furthermore, in areas other than the formation areas of block-shaped adhesive parts BF6 and BR6 in the lower torso region WLF, WLR and the lower limb region LTF, LTR, the adhesive applied in a linear manner Multiple linear adhesive sections LF3, LR3, LF4, and LR4 are provided, to which the continuous body of the cover sheet 4 and the continuous body of the inner cover sheet 5 are bonded. These multiple linear adhesive sections LF3, LR3, LF4, and LR4 (an example of "separated adhesive sections" as referred to in this application) are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Furthermore, in the crotch area 1B, multiple linear adhesive sections L5 are provided, to which the continuous body of the cover sheet 4 and the continuous body of the inner cover sheet 5 are bonded by linearly applied adhesive. These multiple linear adhesive sections L5 (an example of "separated adhesive sections" as referred to in this application) are also separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. In the crotch area 1B, the linear adhesive sections L5 extend from at least one end to the other in the width direction of the outer sheet formation area, and no block-shaped adhesive sections are provided.

[0055] Furthermore, in the mid-body regions WMF and WMR, multiple linear adhesive sections LF2 and LR2 are provided, where the continuous body of the cover sheet 4 and the continuous body of the inner cover sheet 5 are bonded together by adhesive applied to the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. These multiple linear adhesive sections LF2 and LR2 (an example of "separated adhesive sections" as referred to in this application) are also separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the linear adhesive sections LF2 and LR2 extend from one end to the other in the width direction of the forming region of the outer sheet.

[0056] Furthermore, in the upper girdle regions WUF and WUR, multiple linear adhesive sections LF1 and LR1 are provided, where the continuous body of the cover sheet 4 and the continuous body of the inner cover sheet 5 are bonded together by adhesive applied to the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. These multiple linear adhesive sections LF1 and LR1 (an example of "separated adhesive sections" as referred to in this application) are also separated from each other in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the linear adhesive sections LF1 and LR1 extend from one end to the other in the width direction of the forming region of the outer sheet.

[0057] (S3) Next, in step S3, the absorbent pad 20 is placed on the skin-facing side of the continuous outer sheet. The absorbent pad 20 is a combination of the absorbent 8, back sheet 6, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R mentioned above. The explanation and illustration of the process for forming the absorbent pad 20 are omitted, but it can be formed by a known process. In this process, such an absorbent pad 20 is bonded to the skin-facing side of the inner cover sheet 5 of the continuous outer sheet using an adhesive. Here, the absorbent pad 20 is not bonded to the inner cover sheet 5 in the region where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the absorbent pad 20 in the left-right direction.

[0058] Next, in the upper body region WUF,WUR of the continuous body of the cover sheet 4, the longitudinal ends are folded back along the fold lines 4FF,4RF (see Figure 2), and the folded portion is overlapped with the portion of the inner cover sheet 5 where the continuous body of elastic threads 4F1,4R1 is located.

[0059] Next, although not shown in Figure 5, end sheets 11F and 11R (see Figures 2 and 3) are provided on the skin side of the continuous outer sheet so as to overlap with both longitudinal ends of the absorbent 8.

[0060] (S4) Next, in step S4, a portion of the continuum of the outer sheet is cut out to form lower limb openings 2L and 2R in the continuum of the outer sheet. Specifically, for example, a rotary die cutter is used as the cutting device to cut out the region of the continuum of the outer sheet that is the region between the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3, which is the region for forming the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. In this step, for example, by cutting in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction A using the cutting device, the end of the front body region 1F on the crotch region 1B side, or the end of the back body region 1R on the crotch region 1B side, for example, the boundary between the lower waist region WLF and the lower limb region LTF, or the boundary between the lower waist region WLR and the lower limb region LTR Start by cutting out a section.

[0061] Each of the outer sheet components, the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, is made of a flexible nonwoven fabric, taking usability into consideration. Therefore, if a part of the outer sheet is cut while the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are not bonded together, the blade of the cutting device may have difficulty entering the outer sheet. In this embodiment, block-shaped bonded portions BF1~BF6, BR1~BR6 are provided at the ends in the width direction of the outer sheet formation area, i.e., the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 in the lower torso region WLF, WLR and the lower limb region LTF, LTR of the outer sheet continuum, where the continuum of the cover sheet 4 and the continuum of the inner cover sheet 5 are fully bonded together. Therefore, even though each of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 is flexible, the outer sheet becomes relatively hard, making it easier for the blade of the cutting device to enter the outer sheet. In particular, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1, BR1 and BF2, BR2 provided at the boundary between the lower torso region WLF, WLR and the lower limb region LTF, LTR make it easier to start cutting out the formation area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L, 2R.

[0062] Furthermore, the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R are composed of curves that include multiple inflection points. At the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, the cutting direction of the cutting device's blade changes, which may make it difficult to cut the outer sheet. In this embodiment, each of the block-shaped adhesive portions BF2 to BF6 and BR2 to BR6 provided in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR is located at these inflection points. The relatively hard block-shaped adhesive portions BF2 to BF6 and BR2 to BR6 make it easier to cut the edges of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R even at these inflection points, allowing for high-precision cutting of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Moreover, in this embodiment, each of the block-shaped adhesive portions BF2 to BF6 and BR2 to BR6 extends in the width direction from the inside of the formation area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (outside the formation area of ​​the outer sheet) beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the formation area of ​​the lower limb openings 2L and 2R (inside the formation area of ​​the outer sheet). Therefore, in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR, the block-shaped adhesive sections BF2-BF6 and BR2-BR6 prevent non-adhesive areas from forming at the widthwise edges of the outer sheet's formation area. This makes it easier to cut the edges of the formation areas for the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, allowing for more precise cutting of the formation areas for the lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

[0063] On the other hand, in the crotch region 1B, since no block-shaped adhesive portions are provided, the outer sheet is more flexible than in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR. However, in this embodiment, in the crotch region 1B, multiple linear adhesive portions L5 extend not only inside the forming area of ​​the outer sheet, but also beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet. Therefore, while ensuring a comfortable feel against the wearer's skin, the relatively rigid linear adhesive portions L5 make it easy to cut the edges of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, allowing for high-precision cutting of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. In particular, by providing linear adhesive portions L5 at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, it becomes easy to cut the edges of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R at these inflection points as well, allowing for high-precision cutting of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

[0064] Thus, in this embodiment, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 to BF6, BR1 to BR6 and the linear adhesive portion L5 make it easy to cut out the areas for forming the lower limb openings 2L and 2R from the continuous outer sheet during the manufacturing of the diaper 1. Then, as shown in Figure 7, by cutting out the areas for forming the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, the lower limb openings 2L and 2R are formed in the lower limb region LTF, LTR and the crotch region 1B of the continuous outer sheet.

[0065] Furthermore, as a result of cutting out the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, the portion of the block-shaped adhesive parts BF2 to BF6 and BR2 to BR6 that extends from the outside of the formation area of ​​the outer sheet in the width direction to the edge of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R is removed, and the outer sheet extends from the edge of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Only the portion up to the inside of the forming region remains as a continuum of the outer sheet. Hereinafter, the portion composed of the remaining block-shaped adhesive parts BF2 to BF6 and block-shaped adhesive part BF1 will be called block-shaped adhesive part BF, and the portion composed of the remaining block-shaped adhesive parts BR2 to BR6 and block-shaped adhesive part BR1 will be called block-shaped adhesive part BR. The block-shaped adhesive parts BF and BR have a shape that combines multiple rectangles, except for the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, and are provided at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R in the crotch area 1B side of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. By providing the block-shaped adhesive parts BF and BR at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, the outer sheet can be easily cut at the inflection points. Furthermore, the portion of the linear adhesive section L5 from the outside of the outer sheet formation area to the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R in the width direction is also removed, leaving only the portion from the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the inside of the outer sheet formation area as a continuum of the outer sheet.

[0066] (S5) Next, in step S5, the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the continuous outer sheet are joined together in the width direction to form the side seal portions SL and SR and the waist portion 2D. Specifically, first, the continuous outer sheet is folded back at the crotch region 1B so that the absorbent pad 20 attached to the continuous outer sheet is on the inside, and the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R are overlapped.

[0067] Next, using a thermal embossing device or an ultrasonic embossing device, the upper waist region WUF, middle waist region WMF, and lower waist region WLF on the front body region 1F side of the continuous outer sheet are joined together at both ends in the width direction, and the upper waist region WUR, middle waist region WMR, and lower waist region WLR on the back body region 1R side. This forms the side seal portions SL and SR, where the ends are joined, and the waist portion 2D having the waist opening 2T (see Figure 1). Also, when the areas for forming the lower limb openings 2L and 2R are cut out, the lower limb opening 2L and the lower limb opening 2R are one piece, but when the ends in the width direction are joined together, they separate into the lower limb opening 2L and the lower limb opening 2R. In this way, the continuous body of the diaper 1 is formed.

[0068] (S6) Next, in step S6, the continuous body of diaper 1 is cut to form individual diapers 1. Specifically, the continuous body of diaper 1 is cut at the side seals SL and SR in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction A. This forms individual diapers 1. At the point when the widthwise ends of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R are joined together, the side seals SL and SR are a single unit, but when the continuous body of diaper 1 is cut, they separate into the side seals SL and SR. The ends of the elastic threads 4F1, 4R1, 4F2, and 4R2 are placed in the side seals SL and SR. In addition, one end of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 is placed in the side seals SL and SR. The lower limb openings 2L and 2R are located on the crotch region 1B side of the side seals SL and SR. The elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 extend from the side seal portions SL and SR along the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the core wrap sheet 7 of the absorbent material 8. In this way, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment is completed.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 in the lower torso region WLF, WLR and the lower limb region LTF, LTR of the continuous outer sheet, block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 to BF6 and BR1 to BR6 are provided where the continuous cover sheet 4 and the continuous inner cover sheet 5 are fully bonded. Therefore, even if each of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 is flexible, the outer sheet becomes relatively hard, making it easier for the cutting device's blade to enter the outer sheet. As a result, the areas forming the lower limb openings 2L and 2R in the continuous outer sheet can be easily cut out. Because it becomes easier for the material to enter the outer sheet, the cut surface of the outer sheet can be formed uniformly when it is cut, resulting in a better feel against the wearer's skin and improving the wearing comfort of diaper 1.

[0070] Incidentally, in order to facilitate the cutting of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, it is conceivable to fully bond the lower torso region WLF, WLR, lower limb region LTF, LTR, and crotch region 1B of the outer sheet, making these regions relatively rigid. When a diaper 1 including such a rigid outer sheet is worn, the upper torso region WUF, middle torso region WMF, lower torso region WLF, and lower limb region LTF, LTR of the outer sheet, which correspond to the wearer's abdomen, and the upper torso region WUR, middle torso region WMR, lower torso region WLR, and lower limb region LTF, LTR, which correspond to the back, are positioned to conform to the wearer's body, so the relatively rigid bonded areas in these regions are less likely to dig directly into the wearer's skin. However, in the crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the wearer's crotch, the curvature is increased as it is sandwiched between the wearer's lower limbs, so the relatively rigid bonded areas due to full bonding, especially the bonded areas at the widthwise edges of the outer sheet, are more likely to dig directly into the wearer's skin. This may result in a less comfortable feel against the wearer's skin.

[0071] In this embodiment, the crotch region 1B, which is one of the regions of the outer sheet other than the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3, does not have a full-surface adhesive area such as block-shaped adhesive areas BF1 to BF6 and BR1 to BR6, but rather has multiple linear adhesive areas L5 spaced apart from each other. Therefore, even if a relatively hard adhesive area is provided by the linear adhesive areas L5 at the widthwise edge of the outer sheet, the presence of non-adhesive areas between the linear adhesive areas L5 can reduce the area of ​​the adhesive area (or the proportion of the adhesive area) at the widthwise edge. This makes it possible to easily cut off the edges of the lower limb opening areas 2L and 2R, while suppressing hardening at the widthwise edge of the outer sheet, thereby preventing deterioration of skin contact with the wearer.

[0072] Furthermore, multiple linear adhesive sections LF1, LR1, LF2, LR2, LF3, LR3, and LF4, LR4 are provided at a distance from each other not only in the crotch region 1B, but also in the areas of the outer sheet other than the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F3, 4R3, specifically in the upper torso regions WUF, WUR, the middle torso regions WMF, WMR, and the lower torso regions WLF, WLR, excluding the block-shaped adhesive sections BF1, BR1, and in the lower limb regions LTF, LTR, excluding the block-shaped adhesive sections BF2-BF6, BR2-BR6. As a result, including the multiple linear adhesive sections L5 in the crotch region 1B, it can be said that multiple linear adhesive sections are provided at a distance from each other in the central part of the outer sheet in the width direction, extending from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the adhesive section can be reduced by the presence of non-adhesive areas between the linear adhesive sections. This suppresses hardening in the center of the exterior sheet in the width direction, thus preventing deterioration of the exterior sheet's texture due to the adhesive.

[0073] Furthermore, the linear adhesive sections LF1, LR1, LF2, LR2, LF3, LR3, LF4, LR4, and L5 are all linear and extend in the width direction. This minimizes changes in the feel of the outer sheet due to the adhesive sections. Additionally, if the shape and extension direction of the adhesive sections differ from region to region of the outer sheet, the way the outer sheet wrinkles will differ from region to region, resulting in a poor appearance of the diaper. In contrast, in this embodiment, the shape of the linear adhesive sections is the same throughout the entire outer sheet, and the extension direction of the linear adhesive sections is also the same. Therefore, the way the outer sheet wrinkles is uniform in each region, and the appearance is not compromised.

[0074] Furthermore, the spacing between adjacent linear adhesive sections LF1 and LR1 is the same. The spacing between sections LF2 and LR2 is approximately the same. The spacing between adjacent linear adhesive sections LF3 and LR3 is approximately the same. The spacing between adjacent linear adhesive sections LF4 and LR4 is approximately the same. And the spacing between adjacent linear adhesive sections L5 is approximately the same. The spacing between linear adhesive sections LF1 and LR1, LF2 and LR2, LF3 and LR3, and LF4 and LR4 is 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably 7 mm to 13 mm. By setting the spacing between adjacent linear adhesive sections to be approximately equal, the change in the feel of the exterior sheet due to the adhesive sections can be further suppressed. Furthermore, in diaper 1, since the required adhesive strength differs in each area, by making the spacing of the linear adhesive sections uniform in each area, it is possible to make the overall texture and appearance uniform, and to prevent the adhesive strength from being excessive or insufficient in each area.

[0075] Furthermore, the block-shaped adhesive sections BF are located at both ends in the width direction of the lower waist region WLF and the lower limb region LTF of the outer sheet, with linear adhesive sections LF3 and LF4 positioned between the block-shaped adhesive sections BF. Similarly, the block-shaped adhesive sections BR are located at both ends in the width direction of the lower waist region WLR and the lower limb region LTR of the outer sheet, with linear adhesive sections LR3 and LR4 positioned between the block-shaped adhesive sections BR. In this way, the block-shaped adhesive sections BF and BR are provided at both ends in the width direction of the outer sheet, extending across the lower waist region WLF and the lower limb region LTF, and the lower waist region WLR and the lower limb region LTR, so that the block-shaped adhesive sections BF and BR function as beams in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0076] Incidentally, when viewed from above, the diaper 1 is provided with another expandable member that extends in a direction perpendicular to the linear adhesive parts LF1, LR1, etc. The other expandable member may be, for example, the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 for the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR shown in Figure 2, or an elastic thread separately provided between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. If the linear adhesive parts extending in the width direction of the diaper 1 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the outer sheet may shrink in the longitudinal direction due to the above-mentioned other expandable member. In contrast, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the block-shaped adhesive parts BF, BR function as beams in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, thereby preventing the outer sheet from shrinking in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] <Another example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the exterior body> In the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 6, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 and BR1 provided in the lower waist regions WLF and WLR do not include the crotch region 1B side end of the side seal portion SL and SR formation area, and extend from the inside in the width direction beyond the crotch region 1B side end in the continuous outer sheet. When the diapers become individual diapers 1, the side seal portions SL and SR become the non-skin side of the diaper 1 and do not directly touch the wearer's skin. For this reason, because the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 and BR1 are not provided, the blade of the cutting device has difficulty entering the continuous outer sheet, and even if there is some irregularity in the cutting of the crotch region 1B side end, there is almost no deterioration in the feel against the wearer's skin. Rather, the absence of the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1 and BR1 allows the flexibility of the crotch region 1B side end to be maintained.

[0078] Figure 8 illustrates a first alternative example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer casing before the formation of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

[0079] The arrangement of adhesive portions in the exterior body of this alternative example is basically the same as the arrangement of adhesive portions in the exterior body of the embodiment described above. However, in this alternative example, unlike the embodiment described above, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF1' and BR1' provided in the lower waist regions WLF and WLR include the ends on the crotch region 1B side of the side seal portion SL and SR formation regions, and extend from the ends on the crotch region 1B side in the continuous body of the exterior sheet. As a result, the blade of the cutting device cuts the exterior sheet Because it becomes easier to integrate into the continuum, the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R can be cut with even greater precision. As a result, the fit performance of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, and the load-bearing performance on the skin of the lower limbs can be achieved as designed.

[0080] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 6, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF2-BF6 and BR2-BR6 provided in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR are arranged without gaps in the longitudinal direction as a result of being provided at each of the multiple inflection points on the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. However, block-shaped adhesive portions do not need to be provided in the parts of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R that do not have inflection points.

[0081] Figure 9 illustrates a second alternative example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer casing before the formation of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

[0082] The arrangement of adhesive parts in the exterior body of this alternative example is basically the same as the arrangement of adhesive parts in the exterior body of the embodiment described above. That is, block-shaped adhesive parts BF11 and BR11 are provided in the lower torso regions WLF and WLR, and block-shaped adhesive parts BF12 to BF14 and BR12 to BR15 are provided in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR. However, in this alternative example, unlike the embodiment described above, in the lower limb region LTF, there are no block-shaped adhesive parts between block-shaped adhesive part BF12 and block-shaped adhesive part BF13, and between block-shaped adhesive part BF13 and block-shaped adhesive part BF14, because there are no inflection points on the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, and gaps are formed. Furthermore, in the gaps between block-shaped adhesive portions BF12 and BF13, and between block-shaped adhesive portions BF13 and BF14, the linear adhesive portion LF4 extends not only inside the forming area of ​​the outer sheet, but also beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet. In addition, in the lower limb region LTF, there is no block-shaped adhesive portion between block-shaped adhesive portion BR13 and block-shaped adhesive portion BR14 because there is no inflection point at the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, and a gap is formed. Furthermore, in the gap between block-shaped adhesive portion BR13 and block-shaped adhesive portion BR14, the linear adhesive portion LR4 extends not only inside the forming area of ​​the outer sheet, but also beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet.

[0083] In this example, the block-shaped adhesive portions BF12-BF14 and BR12-BR15 provided in the lower limb regions LTF and LTR are located at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. The relatively hard block-shaped adhesive portions BF12-BF14 and BR12-BR15 make it easy to cut the edges of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R even at these inflection points, allowing for high-precision cutting of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. On the other hand, block-shaped adhesive portions are not provided in the parts of the lower limb regions LTF and LTR where there are no inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Therefore, while making it possible to easily cut the edges of the formation areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R, hardening of the edges in the width direction of the outer sheet is suppressed, thus preventing deterioration of skin contact with the wearer.

[0084] Furthermore, in this example, in the portion of the lower limb region LTF,LTR where there are no inflection points at the edges of the lower limb openings 2L,2R, the linear adhesive portions LF4,LR4 extend not only inside the forming area of ​​the outer sheet, but also beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L,2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet. As a result, while ensuring a comfortable feel against the wearer's skin, the relatively hard linear adhesive portions LF4,LR4 make it easy to cut the edges of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L,2R, allowing for high-precision cutting of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L,2R.

[0085] In this example, while there are areas in both the LTF and LTR of the lower limb region where block-shaped adhesive portions are not provided, the example is not limited to this. For instance, only the LTF of the lower limb region on the abdominal side of the wearer may be prone to the relatively hard adhesive portion due to full-surface bonding digging directly into the wearer's skin. In this way, a portion may be formed in which no block-shaped adhesive portion is provided. In the portion where no block-shaped adhesive portion is provided, the linear adhesive portion LF4 should extend not only inside the forming area of ​​the outer sheet, but also beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet. In this way, by providing a linear adhesive portion that extends beyond the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R to the outside of the forming area of ​​the outer sheet in a portion where it is preferable not to provide a block-shaped adhesive portion, it becomes easier to cut the edges of the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R while ensuring a comfortable feel against the wearer's skin, and the forming areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R can be cut with high precision.

[0086] Furthermore, in this example, block-shaped adhesive portions are not provided in the areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R within the lower limb regions LTF and LTR where there are no inflection points, but this is not limited to this. For example, block-shaped adhesive portions may be provided even in the areas of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R where there are no inflection points. In other words, block-shaped adhesive portions only need to be provided at least at the inflection points of the edges of the lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

[0087] <Embodiment 2> Next, we will describe the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 10 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 2. Note that components identical to those of Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, the absorbent body 8 has multiple mats. The absorbent body 8 has an absorbent core 8c consisting of multiple mats and a core wrap sheet 7 that encloses the absorbent core 8c. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the absorbent core 8c has an upper absorbent mat 8a and a lower absorbent mat 8b. The upper absorbent mat 8a is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion, and the lower absorbent mat 8b is rectangular. The width of the lower absorbent mat 8b is approximately the same as the width of the constricted portion of the upper absorbent mat 8a. Thus, the absorbent core 8c may be formed by laminating two layers of absorbent mats. The elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 may be arranged on both the left and right sides and each may be cut in the center in the width direction.

[0089] <Embodiment 3> Next, we will describe the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 11 is an example of a schematic plan view showing the diaper according to Embodiment 3 in an unfolded and extended state. Note that components identical to those of Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0090] In this embodiment, the elastic thread 4F3 (an example of the "first stretchable member" in this disclosure) is provided on the front body side so as to traverse in the left-right direction. More specifically, the elastic thread 4F3 is provided on the front body region 1F side so as to follow the lower limb opening 2L and traverse the crotch region 1B side in the width direction, extending along the lower limb opening 2R, and is provided on the outer sheet in an extended state. In the area where the elastic thread 4F3 is provided so as to traverse in the left-right direction, the elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent material 8 overlap in the thickness direction of the diaper 1.

[0091] In the region where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses, the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent 8 are not adhered (referred to as the non-adhered region 15). In practice, the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are not adhered in the non-adhered region 15. In this embodiment, the non-adhered region 15 is provided over the entire overlapping region of the crotch area 1B where the elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent 8 overlap. Note that in Figure 11, the non-adhered region 15 is shown as filled in. The non-adhered region 15 is provided over the entire width of the back sheet 6.

[0092] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the non-adhesive region 15 is located beyond the portion where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses in the left-right direction (hereinafter, this portion may be referred to as the "transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3"). It extends to the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the elastic thread 4F3 has a longitudinal component of the diaper 1 on the width side of the diaper 1, beyond the absorbent material 8. Here, the longitudinal component refers to the component that extends and stretches along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and even if the elastic thread 4F3 extends diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction, the elastic thread 4F3 still has a longitudinal component.

[0093] The non-adhesive region 15 is formed to include the front body region 1F side of the extended region of the elastic thread 4F3, and furthermore, the outer side in the width direction of the portion where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses from left to right has a component that stretches in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, the outer sheet (cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5) in the non-adhesive region 15 is pulled towards the front body region 1F by the elastic thread 4F3, and the inner body including the absorbent material 8 is also pulled towards the front body region 1F by this outer sheet. With this configuration, the diaper 1 can prevent the absorbent material 8 from separating from the wearer's skin by pulling the absorbent material 8 on the skin-facing side of the non-adhesive region 15 towards the front body region 1F. Note that if the non-adhesive region 15 is formed to include the front body region 1F side beyond the extended region of the elastic thread 4F3, it can be pulled towards the front body region 1F by the elastic thread 4F3, and the inner body including the absorbent material 8 can also be pulled towards the front body region 1F.

[0094] The non-adhesive area 15 is located adjacent to the front of the crotch. More specifically, the non-adhesive area 15 is located at the position corresponding to the urethral opening of a female wearer and at the position corresponding to the wearer's groin.

[0095] Here, we will explain the case where the wearer of diaper 1 is female. When a woman wears diaper 1, the urethral opening is designed to be located approximately at the transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3, i.e., the non-adhesive area 15. Therefore, the non-adhesive area 15 includes the area corresponding to the urethral opening of a female wearer. As mentioned above, the elastic thread 4F3 pulls the inner body, including the outer sheet and absorbent material 8, on the non-adhesive area 15 towards the front body area 1F, bringing the absorbent material 8 closer to the woman's urethral opening, making it easier for urine excreted from the urethral opening to penetrate the absorbent material 8. In this way, diaper 1 can suppress urine leakage.

[0096] Next, we will describe the case where the wearer of diaper 1 is male. When a male wears diaper 1, the transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3, i.e., the non-adhesive area 15, is designed to be on the crotch area 1B side of the position of the male penis (male genitalia). In other words, the male penis is located in front of the non-adhesive area 15. Thus, the non-adhesive area 15 is on the crotch area 1B side of the area corresponding to the penis. By using the elastic thread 4F3 to pull the inner body, including the outer sheet and absorbent material 8, on the non-adhesive area 15 toward the front body area 1F, diaper 1 can press the absorbent material 8 against the back of the testicles and create a space to hold the penis in the area corresponding to the penis. Since male wearers urinate from the urethral opening of the penis, diaper 1 can control the direction of urination and suppress urine leakage by holding the penis.

[0097] Furthermore, when a man wears the diaper 1, it is designed so that his testicles are generally positioned at the cross section of the elastic thread 4F3. Therefore, the cross section of the elastic thread 4F3 includes an area corresponding to the testicles of the male wearer. The absorbent material 8 also expands along with the bulge of the testicles, but the elastic thread 4F3 lifts the absorbent material 8, allowing the testicles to be held in place. In addition, even if the position of the testicles shifts or the position of the testicles relative to the diaper 1 differs depending on the wearer, the non-adhesive area 15 allows the relative position of the cross section of the elastic thread 4F3 to be moved, and the elastic thread 4F3 lifts the absorbent material 8 in the area where the testicles are located, allowing the testicles to be held in place.

[0098] Furthermore, by providing a non-adhesive area 15, the diaper 1 can suppress the contraction of the absorbent material 8 at the crossing portion of the elastic thread 4F3. If the absorbent material were to contract and come into contact with the wearer's skin, it would cause discomfort to the wearer and reduce the wearing comfort. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 By suppressing shrinkage, a decrease in wearing comfort can be suppressed. Also, if the absorbent material shrinks after absorbing urine, the pulp may break down. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment can suppress deformation of the absorbent material 8 by suppressing the shrinkage of the absorbent material 8.

[0099] Furthermore, the diaper 1 is provided with a pair of elastic threads 4R3 on the outer sheet in an extended state, along the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R on the wearer's back. The pair of elastic threads 4R3 are provided along each lower limb opening 2L and 2R on the back body region 1R side, and on both sides in the width direction with a gap in the center in the width direction on the crotch region 1B side. The area between the left and right pair of elastic threads 4R3 facing each other on the crotch region 1B side becomes the anal area 45 corresponding to the wearer's anus. In Figure 11, the anal area 45 is shown enclosed by a dotted line. The elastic threads 4R3 do not have elasticity in the center of the width direction of the diaper 1 because the elastic threads 4R3 on both sides are not connected in the width direction. In other words, the elastic threads 4R3 do not extend to the anal area 45, and the anal area 45 is pulled outward by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4R3, so the anal area 45 can be moved further away from the skin surface. As a result, diaper 1 can form a stool-retaining space in the anal area 45 for containing stool. By forming a stool-retaining space, diaper 1 can suppress the decrease in wearing comfort that occurs when stool adheres to the wearer's skin or gets into the gluteal cleft of the buttocks.

[0100] Figure 12 illustrates an example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer sheet before the lower limb openings 2L and 2R are formed. Figure 13 illustrates an example of the arrangement of adhesive parts in the outer sheet after the lower limb openings 2L and 2R are formed. Figures 12 and 13 are the same as those in Figures 6 and 7 described above.

[0101] In this embodiment, since the elastic thread 4F3 traverses from left to right, the block-shaped adhesive portion BF6 that adheres the transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3 to the outer sheet is also formed to traverse from left to right. As a result, as shown in Figure 13, the block-shaped adhesive portion BF (an example of the "full-surface adhesive portion" in this disclosure) is provided over the entire extent of the elastic thread 4F3, including the region where the elastic thread 4F3 traverses from left to right.

[0102] As the elastic thread 4F3 contracts at its transverse portion, the outer sheet contracts inward in the width direction. Preferably, the diaper 1 contracts to a position where the outer sheet overlaps with the absorbent material 8, so that the edges of the relatively rigid block-shaped adhesive portion BF of the outer sheet do not come into contact with the wearer's skin, or at least do not come into contact with the skin. This makes the diaper 1 comfortable against the skin.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, by providing a non-adhesive area 15 that includes the front body area 1F side beyond the transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3, the non-adhesive area 15 can be pulled towards the front body area 1F side by the elastic thread 4F3. In addition, by forming the absorbent core 8c wider on the front body area 1F side, it is possible to suppress or make it less likely for the outer sheet at the edges of the lower limb openings 2L, 2R to come into contact with the skin when worn. Generally, in diapers, the edges of the torso opening are flat and the outer sheet is pulled in the width direction to conform to the skin, resulting in less digging into the skin, but the edges of the lower limb openings may dig into the skin. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, by providing a block-shaped adhesive portion BF with relatively high rigidity, it is possible to suppress the edges of the lower limb openings 2L, 2R from digging into the skin and suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

[0104] Furthermore, diaper 1 contracts the outer sheet inward in the width direction at the cross section of the elastic thread 4F3, so that when diaper 1 is worn, the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R are less likely to be blocked by the outer sheet. Therefore, when the wearer puts on diaper 1 by themselves, the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R are more easily visible from the torso opening 2T, and when a caregiver or other person puts diaper 1 on the wearer, the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R are more easily visible from the outside, thus making it easier to put on diaper 1. Furthermore, when the wearer inserts their feet into the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R, their big toe is less likely to get caught on the outer sheet.

[0105] Furthermore, the pair of elastic threads 4R3 are positioned with a gap in the center of the width direction on the crotch area 1B side. As shown in Figure 12, the block-shaped adhesive portion BR6 for adhering the elastic threads 4R3 to the outer sheet is also provided on both the left and right sides with a gap in the center of the width direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 13, the block-shaped adhesive portion BR is provided on both the left and right sides with a gap in the center of the width direction, and is not provided in the center of the width direction between the pair of elastic threads 4R3.

[0106] In this embodiment, the diaper 1 has relatively rigid block-shaped adhesive portions BR positioned on both the left and right sides of the anal area 45 (see Figure 11). By using elastic threads 4R3 to pull the outer sheet on both sides of the anal area 45 towards the back area 1R (back side), and further pulling the anal area 45 outward in the width direction with the elastic threads 4R3, the outer sheet with the block-shaped adhesive portions BR conforms to the wearer's skin, preventing the edges of the block-shaped adhesive portions BR from digging into the skin. Furthermore, by not providing relatively rigid block-shaped adhesive portions BR in the anal area 45, the diaper 1 can form a space between the anal area 45 and the skin (anus), creating a stool-containing space for accumulating feces. Such a diaper 1 can suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

[0107] The embodiments and applications disclosed above can be combined in various ways. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Diaper 1F ··Front bodice area 1B...Inseam area 1R · Back panel area 2D ··Waist area 2R・Right lower limb opening 2L·Left lower limb opening 3BR, 3BL... 3D Gathered 3R Waist Gather 3LR, 3LL Leg Gather 4. Cover Sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R2, 4R3... elastic thread 4F4, 4R4, 4F5, 4R5...edge 4FF, 4RF ·· Turnaround line 5. Inner cover sheet 6. Back seat 7. Core Wrap Sheet 8. Absorbent material 8c Absorption Core 9. Top sheet 10L, 10R... Side seats 11F, 11R... End sheet 20 absorbent pads BF, BF1~BF6, BF1', BF11~BF14, BR, BR1~BR6, BR1', BR11~BR15...Block-shaped adhesive part (full adhesive part) LF1~LF4, LR1~LR4, L5...Linear adhesive part (separated adhesive part) LTF,LTR・Lower limb area SF, SR side seal section WUF, WUR... Upper torso area WMF, WMR... Mid-waist region WLF, WLR... Lower torso area

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the front body region located on the abdominal side of the wearer, the crotch region located in the crotch area, and the back body region located on the back side are provided in this order along the longitudinal direction when worn, A bonding step of bonding an expandable member to an outer sheet that integrally forms the outer surfaces of the front body region, the crotch region, and the back body region, which expands and contracts the lower limb opening through which the wearer's lower limbs can be inserted. The arrangement step involves placing the absorbent material on the skin-facing side of the outer sheet to which the stretchable member is bonded, Following the bonding step, a cutting step is performed in which a portion of the outer sheet on which the absorbent material is placed is cut out to form the lower limb opening in the crotch area of ​​the front body region and the crotch area of ​​the back body region, A joining step is to join the ends in the width direction of the front body region and the back body region of the outer sheet, thereby forming a side seal portion where the ends are joined together, and a waist portion having a waist opening through which the wearer's torso can be inserted. Includes, The exterior sheet includes an outer cover sheet and an inner cover sheet positioned on the skin-facing side of the outer cover sheet. In the bonding process, Between the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet, the expandable member is positioned so as to extend from the side seal portion along the edge of the lower limb opening. In the extended region of the expandable member, a fully bonded portion is provided that completely adheres the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet, extending beyond the edge of the lower limb opening. Multiple separation bonding portions are provided in a region other than the aforementioned extending region, wherein the outer cover sheet and the inner cover sheet are bonded together, and the multiple separation bonding portions are spaced apart from each other. A method for manufacturing absorbent articles.

2. In the bonding step, the multiple rectangular bonding portions are combined to form the full bonding portion, and the multiple rectangular bonding portions are bonded so that they extend beyond the edge of the lower limb opening. Establish a department A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. In the bonding step, the full-surface bonding portion is provided so as to extend from the inside in the width direction of the end of the side seal portion on the crotch area side along the edge of the lower limb opening. A method for producing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the cutting step, the edge of the lower limb opening is formed to include a curve having a plurality of inflection points, In the bonding process, The aforementioned full-surface adhesive portion is formed to have a shape that combines multiple rectangular shapes, except for the edge of the lower limb opening. The aforementioned full-surface adhesive portion is provided at least at the inflection point in the front body region and the portion of the back body region on the crotch side. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the bonding step, the full bonding portion is provided at both ends of the exterior sheet in the width direction, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. In the bonding step, the widthwise end of the outer sheet in the crotch area is bonded by the separation bonding portion. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The distance between adjacent separation adhesive portions is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

8. In the bonding step, the central portion in the width direction of the exterior sheet is bonded by the separation bonding portion, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

9. In the bonding step, On the front body region side, the first expandable member provided on the outer sheet is provided along one of the lower limb openings and across the crotch region side in the width direction, and extends along the other lower limb opening, and is provided as the expandable member in the extended state. The aforementioned full-surface adhesive portion is provided over the entire extended region of the first stretchable member, including the region where the first stretchable member crosses the crotch region. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

10. In the bonding step, As the aforementioned expandable members, a pair of second expandable members are provided on the outer sheet in an extended state, along each of the lower leg openings on the back body region side and on both sides in the width direction with a gap in the center of the width direction on the crotch region side, and are provided as the aforementioned expandable members. The aforementioned full-surface adhesive portion is not provided in the center in the width direction, which is between the pair of second expandable members. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

11. In the bonding step, the entire bonding area is provided over the entire area of ​​the extended region of the expandable member. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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