Absorbent articles

Abstract

To reduce likelihood of excrement leakage outward in a lateral direction on a back side of an underpants type absorbent article.SOLUTION: An underpants type absorbent article (1) includes a pair of elastic areas (60) which are formed by elastic members (16) provided nearer on a non-skin side than an absorbent core (11a) in an unfolded state and a stretched state. The pair of elastic areas (60) are at least partially located nearer on the back side than the center in the vertical direction at a crotch part and are provided for at both side end parts of the absorbent article (1). Regarding the pair of elastic areas (60), when parts nearer abdominal sides than the center in the vertical direction of the pair of elastic areas (60) are abdominal side elastic areas (60A), and parts nearer the back side than the center in the vertical direction of the pair of elastic areas (60) are back side elastic areas (60B), a value after dividing a weight of the absorbent core (11a) overlapping the back side elastic areas (60B) in a thickness direction by an area of the back side elastic areas (60B) is larger than a value after dividing weight of the absorbent core (11a) overlapping the abdominal side elastic area (60A) in the thickness direction by an area of the abdominal side elastic area (60A).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as disposable diapers that absorb excreta such as feces and urine are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disposable diaper provided with three-dimensional gathers protruding on the front side and an elastic stretch member for lifting the absorbent body, which can prevent lateral leakage of excreta during wearing and sagging of the absorbent body during wearing.

Prior Art Documents

[0007] According to the present invention, the risk of leakage of excrement outward in the lateral direction on the back side of an absorbent article can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of diaper 1. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of diaper 1 in its unfolded and extended state, seen from the skin side. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of the absorbent body 10. [Figure 5]Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in Figure 4. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow YY in Figure 4. Figure 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow ZZ in Figure 4. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the shape of the absorbent core 11a when worn. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the ventral elastic region 60A and the dorsal elastic region 60B. [Figure 8] This is a magnified view of part K in Figure 7. [Figure 9] This diagram schematically illustrates the force applied to the absorbent core 11a when worn. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the deformation of the absorbent body 10. [Figure 11] Figure 11A illustrates the state of excrement storage in a normal wearing position. Figure 11B illustrates the state of excrement storage in a tilted wearing position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings: Aspect 1 is an absorbent article having longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions that intersect each other, and including a ventral body circumferential portion, a dorsal body circumferential portion, and a liquid-absorbent absorbent core. In the deployed and extended state, it is formed by an elastic member provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, and includes a pair of elastic regions that can contract in the longitudinal direction. The pair of elastic regions are each provided at both side ends of the absorbent article, and at least a part of them is located dorsal to the center in the longitudinal direction at the crotch portion during wearing. For the pair of elastic regions, when the ventral side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the pair of elastic regions is defined as the ventral elastic region and the dorsal side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the pair of elastic regions is defined as the dorsal elastic region, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core overlapping the dorsal elastic region in the thickness direction by the area of the dorsal elastic region is greater than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core overlapping the ventral elastic region in the thickness direction by the area of the ventral elastic region. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

[0010] According to Aspect 1, when the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core overlapping the dorsal elastic region in the thickness direction by the area of the dorsal elastic region is made smaller than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core overlapping the ventral elastic region in the thickness direction by the area of the ventral elastic region, in the wearing state, due to the contraction force of the elastic region, it is easier to raise both side ends of the absorbent core toward the skin side at the crotch portion of the absorbent core and dorsal to the center in the longitudinal direction, and it becomes easier to form a recessed portion that depresses the central portion in the transverse direction of the absorbent article toward the non-skin side. The recessed portion can make it easier to retain excrement and can block the leakage of excrement to the outside in the transverse direction. In particular, even in the state where the wearer lies down, it becomes easier to retain excrement in the recessed portion protruding toward the non-skin side of the absorbent article, and by the side ends of the absorbent article blocking the excrement, the risk of excrement leaking to the outside in the transverse direction of the absorbent article can be reduced.

[0011] Aspect 2 is the absorbent article according to Aspect 1, in which the transverse length of the elastic region is longer than the thickness direction length of the elastic member.

[0012] According to Aspect 2, it is possible to facilitate the deformation of the absorbent core while reducing the risk that the absorbent core is locally contracted by the elastic member.

[0013] Aspect 3 is the absorbent article according to Aspect 2, wherein the force that extends the outer end portion of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction by a unit length in the longitudinal direction is greater than the force that extends the inner end portion of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] According to Aspect 3, the outer portion of the absorbent core in the lateral direction is more raised toward the skin side, and the inner portion in the lateral direction is recessed toward the non-skin side, making it easier to form a recess in the absorbent core.

[0015] Aspect 4 is the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the pair of elastic regions are each provided straddling the center in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article.

[0016] According to Aspect 4, among the pair of elastic regions, the portion of the elastic region located on the abdominal side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article contracts in the longitudinal direction, making it easier to contract the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. At the same time, due to the contraction of the portion of the elastic region located on the dorsal side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, it is easier to raise both sides of the absorbent core located on the dorsal side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article toward the skin side, and it is easier to form a recess that protrudes the central portion in the lateral direction of the absorbent core toward the non-skin side. Therefore, it is easier to reduce the risk of excrement leakage from the outer side in the lateral direction of the absorbent article.

[0017] Aspect 5 is a pant-type absorbent article that becomes a pant type by joining the pair of side end portions of the abdominal body circumferential portion and the pair of side end portions of the dorsal body circumferential portion at a joining portion, and the pair of elastic regions are each provided on the dorsal side of the joining portion of the abdominal body circumferential portion and on the abdominal side of the joining portion of the dorsal body circumferential portion according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4.

[0018] According to embodiment 5, the contraction of the elastic region facilitates the deformation of the absorbent core located in the crotch area when worn.

[0019] Embodiment 6 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the ventral waist portion has a ventral elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, the dorsal waist portion has a dorsal elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, and in the longitudinal direction, the pair of elastic regions are each located dorsally to the dorsal side of the ventral elastic member that is located furthest dorsally, and ventrally to the dorsal elastic member that is located furthest ventral.

[0020] According to embodiment 6, the contraction of the elastic region facilitates the deformation of the absorbent core located in the crotch area when worn.

[0021] Embodiment 7 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the ventral waist portion has a ventral elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, and the dorsal waist portion has a dorsal elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, and the longitudinal distance from the dorsal end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the dorsal end of the ventral elastic member located furthest to the dorsal side is shorter than the longitudinal distance from the dorsal end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the ventral end of the dorsal elastic member located furthest to the ventral side.

[0022] According to embodiment 7, when the longitudinal distance from the dorsal end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the ventral end of the dorsal elastic member located furthest ventral to the wearer is longer than the longitudinal distance from the ventral end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the dorsal end of the ventral elastic member located furthest ventral to the wearer, it becomes easier for the dorsal elastic member to pull up the dorsal portion of the absorbent core so that it comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, even when the wearer is lying down, the risk of excrement leaking from the longitudinal dorsal end of the absorbent article is reduced.

[0023] Embodiment 8 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7, having an absorbent body equipped with the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent body has a pair of leak-proof wall portions at both ends in the lateral direction, each having a leak-proof wall elastic member aligned with the longitudinal direction, and the force that extends each of the pair of elastic regions by a unit length in the longitudinal direction is lower than the force that extends each of the pair of leak-proof wall portions by a unit length in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] According to embodiment 8, the risk of the absorbent core, which has deformed excessively beyond the leak-proof wall portion due to the contraction of the elastic region, coming into excessive contact with the skin can be reduced.

[0025] Embodiment 9 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, wherein, in the lateral direction, the shortest distance from the narrowest part of the absorbent core with the shortest lateral length to the lateral center of each of the pair of elastic regions is shorter than the shortest distance from the widest part of the absorbent core with the longest lateral length, located on the back side of the longitudinal center of the absorbent article, to the lateral center of each of the pair of elastic regions.

[0026] According to embodiment 9, the lateral side of the absorbent core is made more likely to protrude higher towards the skin, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leaking from the lateral outer side of the absorbent article.

[0027] Embodiment 10 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9, wherein, when viewed in the thickness direction, the elastic region on one side in the transverse direction has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the absorbent core, and the area of ​​the overlapping portion on one side in the transverse direction is half or more of the area of ​​the elastic region on one side in the transverse direction.

[0028] According to embodiment 10, the overlapping portion can be deformed by the contraction of the elastic region, causing both sides of the absorbent core to bulge towards the skin and the lateral central portion of the absorbent core to protrude towards the non-skin side.

[0029] Embodiment 11 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein, when viewed in the thickness direction, the elastic region on one side in the transverse direction has a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the absorbent core, and the area of ​​the non-overlapping portion on one side in the transverse direction is half or more of the area of ​​the elastic region on one side in the transverse direction.

[0030] According to embodiment 11, since the absorbent core is a relatively rigid part, in the non-overlapping part, which is relatively less rigid, the contraction of the elastic region first causes both sides of the groin area to bulge towards the skin, thereby promoting the deformation of the absorbent core in the part adjacent to the non-overlapping part.

[0031] Embodiment 12 is an absorbent article according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein, in the longitudinal direction, the area of ​​the absorbent core located on the dorsal side of the center of the pair of elastic regions is larger than the area of ​​the absorbent core located on the ventral side of the center of the pair of elastic regions.

[0032] According to embodiment 12, when the absorbent core is deformed in conjunction with the contraction of the elastic region, compared to the case where the area of ​​the absorbent core located dorsally from the center of the elastic region is smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent core located ventrally from the center of the elastic region, a wider area can be provided on the dorsal side in which both sides of the absorbent core are raised toward the skin and the lateral central part of the absorbent core protrudes toward the non-skin side, thereby absorbing more excrement and reducing the risk of excrement leaking from the absorbent article.

[0033] Embodiment 13 is a pant-type absorbent article formed by joining a pair of side ends of the ventral waist portion and a pair of side ends of the dorsal waist portion at a joint, wherein the dorsal waist portion has a dorsal elastic member, and the dorsal elastic member has a pair of inclined elastic portions at both ends in the transverse direction and toward the center in the longitudinal direction from the joint portion toward the dorsal side, respectively, which are inclined from the inside to the outside in the transverse direction and toward the center in the longitudinal direction toward the dorsal side, and an elastic portion in the crotch side along the transverse direction, wherein the elastic portion in the crotch side is provided toward the ventral side of the joint portion of the dorsal waist portion in the longitudinal direction, and when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a part of the elastic portion in the crotch side is located toward the ventral side of the center in the longitudinal direction of each of the pair of elastic regions and has a portion that overlaps with the absorbent core, as described in any embodiment 1 to 12.

[0034] According to embodiment 13, the elastic portion on the crotch side can be brought closer to the wearer's urinary opening when worn. Therefore, when worn, the crotch area has both sides of the absorbent core raised towards the skin, and the lateral central portion of the absorbent core protruding towards the non-skin side to form a recess. The elastic portion on the crotch side makes it easier for the absorbent core to adhere closely to the wearer's skin near the urinary opening, thereby facilitating urine absorption.

[0035] ===Execution=== The absorbent article according to the present invention will be explained using an adult pant-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention may also be a tape-type disposable diaper, a panty-type sanitary napkin, a sanitary napkin, a light incontinence pad, an absorbent pad, etc. Furthermore, the wearer of the absorbent article is not limited to adults, but may also be an infant or a living organism such as an animal.

[0036] <Composition of Diaper 1> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of diaper 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, seen from the skin side. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2. "Unfolded state" refers to the state in which the side joints 20, which are the joints between the side (side end) 30sw of the ventral waistband 30 and the side (side end) 40sw of the dorsal waistband 40 on both sides of the pant-type diaper 1, are separated and opened, and the entire diaper 1 is unfolded in a planar manner. "Stretched state" refers to the state in which the elastic members of diaper 1 are stretched to the extent that wrinkles in diaper 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, this means that the dimensions of each member constituting diaper 1 (for example, the ventral waistband 30 described later) are stretched until they match or are close to the dimensions of the individual member. On the other hand, in contrast to the stretched state, the unstretched state, in which each elastic body naturally contracts and wrinkles occur in the members shown in the plan view, is called the "natural state". In Figure 2, the CC line represents the horizontal centerline (also called the "horizontal center CC"), and the CL line represents the vertical centerline (also called the "vertical center CL").

[0037] The diaper 1 in its pant-type state has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions, and has a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH. The upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the waist opening BH side, and the lower side corresponds to the crotch side. The front side in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the wearer's abdominal side, and the back side corresponds to the wearer's back side. The horizontal direction is along the stretching direction of the abdominal waist elastic members 35, 45 of the abdominal waist portion 30 and the back waist portion 40. The vertical direction of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and extended state corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10 and is along the vertical direction of the diaper 1 in its pant-type state. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1 are layered is defined as the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is defined as the skin side, and the opposite side is defined as the non-skin side.

[0038] Diaper 1 is a so-called three-piece type pant diaper having a liquid-absorbing absorbent main body 10, an abdominal waist section 30 that covers the wearer's abdominal side, and a back waist section 40 that covers the wearer's back.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, in the unfolded and extended state, the ventral waist portion 30 and the dorsal waist portion 40 are arranged parallel to each other with a vertical gap between them, and the absorbent body 10 is stretched between them. The longitudinal ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent body 10 are joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waist portions 30 and 40, respectively, and the external shape is approximately H-shaped in plan view. From this state, the absorbent body 10 is folded in half with the longitudinal center position (center line) CL as the folding position. In other words, the lower end in the vertical direction of the diaper 1 in the pant-type state corresponds to the center CL of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state. In this folded state, the ventral waist portion 30 and the dorsal waist portion 40, which face each other, are joined and connected to each other at the lateral sides 30sw and 40sw, respectively, forming a pair of side joining portions 20, 20. In other words, the ventral waist portion 30 and the dorsal waist portion 40 are formed in an annular shape by a pair of side joints 20, 20. This results in a pant-type diaper 1 with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH as shown in Figure 1. The side joints 20 are formed by known joining means such as welding or adhesive.

[0040] (Ventral girth area 30) The ventral waist portion 30 is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. As shown in Figure 3, the ventral waist portion 30 has a skin-side sheet 31 located on the skin side in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 31, and a ventral waist elastic member 35 provided between the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32. The ventral waist portion 30 basically has a two-layer structure of a skin-side sheet 31 and a non-skin-side sheet 32, but it may have a configuration of three or more layers in part, for example, a skin-side sheet 36 (described later).

[0041] The skin-side sheet 31 is a rectangular sheet member in plan view and is made of, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. The non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is a sheet member made of a nonwoven fabric that is rectangular in plan view and is made of, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. The skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​can each be of any size and shape. Furthermore, the upper or lower end of the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​may have a folded portion that is folded back from the non-skin side to the skin side and from the front side to the rear side in the vertical direction.

[0042] The ventral waist elastic member 35 is a ventral elastic member that is oriented laterally and is an expandable member that can stretch laterally. In this embodiment, multiple elastic threads are used. Multiple ventral waist elastic members 35 are arranged in a vertical direction between the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32, and are attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive while stretched laterally. Due to the elasticity exhibited by the ventral waist elastic member 35, the ventral waist portion 30 fits the wearer's ventral waist. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 uses elastic threads as the ventral waist elastic member 35 in the ventral waist portion 30, but an expandable member such as an expandable sheet may be used to expand the ventral waist portion 30 laterally.

[0043] Furthermore, the ventral waist portion 30 has a skin-facing sheet 36. As shown in Figure 3, the skin-facing sheet 36 is a sheet member positioned to cover the upper end of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the absorbent body 10 from separating from the ventral waist portion 30 when the diaper 1 is worn, prevents the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or excrement forming the absorbent core 11a in the absorbent body 10 from leaking from the upper end of the absorbent body 10, and prevents the upper end of the absorbent body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin. The skin-facing sheet 36 is made of, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. Note that the skin-facing sheet 36 is not necessarily required.

[0044] (Dorsal girth area 40) The dorsal waist portion 40 has substantially the same configuration as the ventral waist portion 30. That is, the dorsal waist portion 40 is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 and has a skin-side sheet 41 located on the skin side in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 41, and dorsal elastic members 45 and 47 provided between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42. It may also have a skin-side sheet 46, etc., similar to the ventral waist portion 30 (see Figures 2 and 3), and may have a folded portion (not shown).

[0045] Similar to the ventral torso portion 30, the skin-side sheet 41 is a sheet material, formed from, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. The non-skin-side sheet 42 is a sheet material, formed from, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric.

[0046] The back waist elastic member 45 is a back elastic member that is oriented laterally and is an expandable member that can stretch laterally. In this embodiment, a thread elastic is used. Multiple back waist elastic members 45 are arranged in a vertical direction (up and down) between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42, and are attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive while stretched laterally. Due to the elasticity exhibited by the back waist elastic member 45, the back waist portion 40 fits the back waist of the wearer. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 uses a thread elastic as the back waist elastic member 45 in the back waist portion 40, but an expandable member such as an expandable sheet may be used to expand the back waist portion 40 laterally.

[0047] The external shape of the dorsal waist portion 40 differs from that of the ventral waist portion 30. As shown in Figure 2, it has a buttock region 40b that is roughly trapezoidal in the vertical direction (upper direction) below the side joint portion 20 (side portion 40sw). The width of the buttock region 40b increases from the lower side to the upper side in the vertical direction. The presence of the buttock region 40b allows the dorsal waist portion 40 to cover the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn. In other words, the buttock region 40b functions as a buttock cover.

[0048] Furthermore, a curved elastic member 47, such as a thread elastic, is provided in the buttock region 40b as shown in Figure 2. The curved elastic member 47 is attached between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in an extended state along the outer edge of the buttock region 40b, and comprises an end elastic portion 47a and an inclined elastic portion 47b. Due to the elasticity exhibited by the curved elastic member 47, when the diaper 1 is worn, the buttock region 40b of the back waist portion 40 fits more easily to the wearer's buttocks and is less likely to roll up from the buttocks. The diaper 1 has three curved elastic members 47, each with a continuous end elastic portion 47a and an inclined elastic portion 47b. Specifically, three curved elastic members 47 are provided, with the inclined elastic portion 47b, end elastic portion 47a, and inclined elastic portion 47b in that order from one side in the lateral direction.

[0049] The end elastic portion 47a is a dorsal elastic member that is oriented in the lateral direction and is stretchable in the lateral direction. The end elastic portion 47a is located dorsally from the side joint portion 20 of the ventral waist portion 30 and ventrally from the side joint portion 20 of the dorsal waist portion 40, and is an inseam elastic portion located below the crotch of the dorsal waist elastic member 45. The end elastic portion 47a is oriented in the lateral direction and is stretchable in the lateral direction. The inclined elastic portion 47b is a dorsal elastic member located on both sides of the dorsal waist portion 40 in the lateral direction and ventrally (below) the side joint portion 20. The inclined elastic portion 47b is inclined from the inside to the outside and from the ventral side to the dorsal side in the lateral direction, and is expandable and contractible in the inclined direction from the inside to the outside and from the ventral side to the dorsal side in the lateral direction. The curved elastic members 47, like the back-side torso elastic members 45, are arranged in multiples in the vertical direction between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42, and are attached using an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive while stretched in a desired direction.

[0050] (Absorbent body 10) The absorbent body 10 is placed against the wearer's groin area when worn and absorbs excretions such as urine. Figure 4 is a plan view of the absorbent body 10. Note that in Figure 2 and other figures, for convenience, the non-skin side elastic member 16 (described later) is shown with a thick line, but this does not represent the thickness or elasticity of the non-skin side elastic member 16. Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX in Figure 4. Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow YY in Figure 4. Figure 5C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrow ZZ in Figure 4. Figure 5A shows a cross-section at XX, and members located ventrally from XX are omitted. Figure 5B shows a cross-section at YY, and members located ventrally from YY are omitted. Figure 5C shows a cross-section at ZZ, and members located ventrally from ZZ are omitted.

[0051] The absorbent body 10 includes an absorbent core 11 for absorbing excrement, a top sheet 12 positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, a back sheet 14 positioned closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core 11, an outer sheet 15, and a non-skin side elastic member (elastic member) 16. However, the absorbent body 10 may also include other sheet members. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11.

[0052] The absorbent body 11 has an absorbent core 11a and a core wrap sheet 11b. The absorbent core 11a is a component that absorbs and retains excrement, and is formed of liquid absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Furthermore, the liquid absorbent fibers and SAP are distributed almost uniformly throughout the absorbent core 11a, and the basis weight (weight per unit area) of the absorbent core 11a is generally constant. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 11a has a roughly hourglass shape in plan view. The absorbent core 11a has a constricted portion in the central part in the longitudinal direction, in which the length in the transverse direction is shortened, and has a narrowest part 11N where the transverse length of the absorbent core 11a is shortest, ventrally to the central CL. On the ventral and dorsal sides of the central CL in the longitudinal direction, there is a ventral widest part 11MA and a dorsal widest part 11MB where the transverse length of the absorbent core 11a is widest, ventral to the central CL and dorsal to the dorsal side, respectively. The lengths of the ventral widest part 11MA and the dorsal widest part 11MB are approximately the same. The shape of the absorbent core 11a is not limited to this shape and can be any shape. Furthermore, although a single absorbent core 11a is used in this embodiment, two layers of absorbent core 11a may be stacked in the thickness direction.

[0053] The absorbent core 11a is covered on its outer surface with a sheet material such as a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11b made of tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. However, it is not necessary to include the core wrap sheet 11b.

[0054] The absorbent core 11a has a pair of deformation-guiding sections S. The pair of deformation-guiding sections S guide the deformation of the absorbent core 11a. In this embodiment, the deformation-guiding sections S are grooves that have been thinned by making cuts that do not penetrate in the thickness direction, and are provided on the dorsal side of the center CL. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the pair of deformation-guiding sections S have a shape symmetrical with respect to the lateral center line CC, and are linear grooves that are inclined from the ventral side to the dorsal side in the longitudinal direction, and from the inside to the outside in the lateral direction. By having the deformation-guiding sections S, the absorbent core 11a becomes easier to deform starting from the deformation-guiding sections S. However, the deformation-guiding sections S may be of any shape and size depending on the deformation of the absorbent core 11a. Also, the deformation-guiding sections S are not limited to grooves, but may also be configurations that can guide deformation, such as through sections that penetrate in the thickness direction or compressed sections that are compressed in the thickness direction. Note that it is not always necessary to have deformation-guiding sections S.

[0055] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, both lateral sides are folded back to the non-skin side so as to wrap around the absorbent 11.

[0056] The non-skin side of the absorbent body 11 has a back sheet 14 and a hydrophobic outer sheet 15 positioned on the non-skin side. For the back sheet 14, for example, a resin film is used, and for the outer sheet 15, for example, a flexible nonwoven fabric is used. The outer sheet 15 is positioned on the non-skin side of the back sheet 14 and forms a leak-proof wall portion 50 on the skin side of the top sheet 12.

[0057] As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 5B, a pair of non-skin elastic members 16 are provided longitudinally on both ends of the absorbent body 10 between the back sheet 14 and the outer sheet 15, and in the crotch area when worn. The area in which the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) becomes stretchable due to these non-skin elastic members 16 is the elastic region 60. The crotch area corresponds to the area between the ventral waist portion 30 and the dorsal waist portion 40 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state, and in this crotch area, both ends of the diaper 1 are the both ends of the absorbent body 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, etc., the pair of non-skin elastic members 16 are longitudinally stretchable elastic members with a shorter longitudinal length than the leak-proof wall elastic members 51 and 52 described later, and are provided between the widest ventral portion 11MA and the widest dorsal portion 11MB of the absorbent core 11a, and straddling the central CL. In this embodiment, three elastic threads running lengthwise are fixed between the back sheet 14 and the outer sheet 15 with adhesive or the like in an extended state. The contraction of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 makes it easier to curve the shape of the absorbent core 11a so that when worn, both ends in the lengthwise direction of the absorbent body 10, including the absorbent core 11a, stand up toward the skin, and the central part in the lengthwise direction becomes concave.

[0058] A pair of leak-proof walls 50 are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the lateral direction, along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10. In this embodiment, the leak-proof walls 50 are formed by an outer sheet 15 and include leak-proof elastic members 51 and 52. Specifically, in the lateral direction, a portion of the outer sheet 15 extends outward beyond both ends of the absorbent body 11, and is folded in multiple places toward the skin side as shown in Figures 5A to 5C, with the leak-proof elastic members 51 and 52 fixed to the outer sheet 15, forming a pair of leak-proof walls 50 with a substantially S-shaped cross-section.

[0059] Each pair of leak-proof wall sections 50 has a skin-side leak-proof wall section 50a located closest to the skin, and a non-skin-side leak-proof wall section 50b located further away from the skin-side leak-proof wall section 50a. In the skin-side leak-proof wall section 50a, four leak-proof elastic members 51 are fixed horizontally in a longitudinal direction between two folded outer sheets 15. The four leak-proof elastic members 51 are positioned towards the outer, lateral end of the leak-proof wall section 50. In the non-skin-side leak-proof wall section 50b, two leak-proof elastic members 52 are fixed horizontally in a longitudinal direction between two folded outer sheets 15. The two leak-proof elastic members 52 are positioned towards the inner, lateral end of the leak-proof wall section 50. When diaper 1 is worn, the leak-proof wall portion 50 stands up on the wearer's skin side and fits to the wearer's crotch area, based on the elasticity of the leak-proof wall elastic members 51 and 52.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4, end fixing parts 53 are provided at both ends of the absorbent body 10, at the ventral and dorsal ends in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, to fix the leak-proof wall portion 50 in a non-upright position. Each end fixing part 53 has a fixing part that fixes at least a portion of the opposing skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a and non-skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50b with adhesive, and a fixing part that fixes at least a portion of the opposing non-skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50b and the top sheet 12 with adhesive. In the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10, the portion of the outer sheet 15 between the end fixing parts 53 becomes the upright portion of the leak-proof wall portion 50. For example, when the wearer is in a lying position, even if the excrement blocked by the leak-proof wall portion 50 flows forward or backward, the end fixing parts 53 at both ends in the longitudinal direction can block the excrement, suppressing front leakage and back leakage.

[0061] Furthermore, the absorbent body 10 has intermittent fixing portions 54 that fix the leak-proof wall portion 50 to the top sheet 12 at positions spaced longitudinally apart from the ventral end fixing portion 53 and the dorsal end fixing portion 53. As shown in Figure 5A, the intermittent fixing portions 54 fix the opposing non-skin side leak-proof wall portions 50b and the top sheet 12 with adhesive or the like. By providing the intermittent fixing portions 54 of the leak-proof wall portion 50 and shortening the length of the portion that can stand upright in the lateral direction, the sagging of the absorbent core 11 when worn can be suppressed.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5B, the inner end of the leak-proof wall portion 50 in the lateral direction has a pinch fixing portion 55 that joins and fixes at least a portion of the skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a and the non-skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50b that face each other. Specifically, the pinch fixing portion 55 joins a portion of the space between the skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a and the non-skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50b with an adhesive or the like. In this embodiment, the pinch fixing portion 55 is provided along the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the absorbent body 10 (Figure 4). By providing the pinch fixing portion 55, it becomes easier to maintain the folded shape of the leak-proof wall portion 50 by the outer sheet 15. When worn, the non-skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50b is raised towards the skin by the leak-proof wall elastic member 52, and the skin-side leak-proof wall elastic member 51 positioned on the skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a makes it easier for the skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a to make surface contact with the wearer's skin. In addition, since the pinch fixing portion 55 is a relatively rigid part, it is easier to maintain the surface shape of the skin-side leak-proof wall portion 50a, making it easier to adhere firmly to the wearer's skin.

[0063] The end fixing portion 53, intermittent fixing portion 54, and pinch fixing portion 55 described above were formed by applying adhesive, but are not limited to this. For example, they may be formed using a pressing method such as embossing. Also, the end fixing portion 53, intermittent fixing portion 54, and pinch fixing portion 55 are not limited to a rectangular shape in plan view, but may be any shape, and one or more fixing portions may be arranged in the horizontal or vertical direction. The non-skin side elastic member 16 and the leak-proof wall elastic members 51 and 52 described above were each made of elastic thread, but are not limited to this. For example, an elastic member such as an expandable sheet may be used. Also, the non-skin side elastic member 16 and the leak-proof wall elastic members 51 and 52 each consist of multiple elastic members (elastic thread), but each may consist of one or any number of two or more.

[0064] The absorbent body 10 has a pair of compression sections E (Ea, Eb) on both sides ventrally from the center CL. The compression sections E are compression sections formed by applying pressure in the thickness direction from the skin side while the absorbent core 11a is covered with the core wrap sheet 11b. The pair of compression sections E have one compression section Ea on one side in the lateral direction and the other compression section Eb on the other side. The one compression section Ea and the other compression section Eb have shapes symmetrical with respect to the lateral center line CC. In this embodiment, the one compression section Ea has two compression sections Ea1 and Ea2 with a continuous wave shape along the longitudinal direction, and the other compression section Eb has two compression sections Eb1 and Eb2 with a continuous wave shape along the longitudinal direction. By providing a pair of compression sections E, deformation of the absorbent core 11a is reduced, making it easier to maintain the shape of the absorbent body 11.

[0065] <Regarding the deformation of the absorbent core 11a> When using absorbent items such as disposable diapers, not all of the excrement discharged is instantly absorbed into the absorbent core (absorbent material); some of it may remain on the surface of the absorbent item. For example, when urine is discharged while wearing the item, it is initially received in the area ventral to the center of the absorbent item in the vertical direction. While some of it is absorbed by the absorbent core ventral to the center of the absorbent item in the vertical direction, the unabsorbed urine flows towards the back of the absorbent item and remains on its surface from the crotch to the back, potentially leaking out from the outside of the absorbent item in the horizontal direction. This risk was particularly likely to occur when the wearer was lying down, not just when standing or sitting.

[0066] In contrast, as shown in Figure 6, diaper 1 is designed to lift the abdominal portion of the absorbent core 11a from the central CL towards the skin, making it easier to bring it closer to the wearer's skin, and to easily lift the vertical end of the portion of the absorbent core 11a from the central CL towards the skin. Furthermore, a recessed portion 11aH is provided in the lateral central portion 11ac of the absorbent core 11a, which is recessed toward the non-skin side, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leaking from the lateral outside of diaper 1. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the absorbent core 11a when worn.

[0067] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the ventral elastic region 60A and the dorsal elastic region 60B. Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part K in Figure 7. Figure 7 shows the absorbent material 11 and the elastic regions 60 in the absorbent body 10, with other components omitted. The pair of elastic regions 60 are the areas that allow the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) to stretch and contract by the non-skin elastic member 16. Specifically, the elastic region 60 located on one side in the lateral direction is the region enclosed by the outer end (one side end) of the non-skin elastic member 16 located on the outermost side (one side) in the lateral direction, the inner end (other side end) of the non-skin elastic member 16 located on the innermost side (the other side) in the lateral direction, and the ventral and dorsal ends of the effective length portion. The effective length portion is the part in which the non-skin elastic member 16 is fixed to the backsheet 14 or outer sheet 15 in an extended state, and is the part that provides elasticity to at least the backsheet 14 or outer sheet 15. In this embodiment, the pair of elastic regions 60 are each rectangular regions.

[0068] As shown in Figure 9, when worn, the absorbent core 11a is subjected to a vertical force from the outside to the inside due to the contraction of the elastic region 60, and a horizontal force from the outside to the inside due to the wearer's legs. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the forces applied to the diaper 1 when worn. When worn, the crotch area (absorbent body 10) of the diaper 1 is subjected to forces from the elastic region 60 and the wearer's legs, and these applied forces act on the absorbent core 11a as shown in Figure 9.

[0069] Figure 10 illustrates the deformation of the absorbent body 10. Figure 10A illustrates the state in which no force is applied to the absorbent body 10. Figure 10B illustrates the state in which a contraction force in the elastic region 60 is applied. Figure 10C illustrates the state in which a force from the wearer's legs and a contraction force in the elastic region 60 are applied to the absorbent body 10. Figures 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams and show the components inside the absorbent body 10 in a simplified manner.

[0070] When worn, starting from a state where no lateral force is applied from the wearer's legs as shown in Figure 10A, as shown in Figure 10B, the contraction of a pair of vertically stretchable, longitudinally aligned elastic regions 60 of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) makes it easier to compress the absorbent body 10 (absorbent material 11) in the longitudinal direction, making it easier to deform the absorbent body 10 into a roughly U-shape when viewed from the side. At the same time, the contraction of the non-skin-side elastic members 16 provided at both ends of the absorbent body 10 makes it easier to pull the lateral ends towards the skin. The pair of vertically stretchable, longitudinally aligned non-skin-side elastic members 16 provided at both ends of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) can, by contracting in the longitudinal direction, curve the absorbent body 10 (absorbent material 11) so that the longitudinal center protrudes towards the non-skin side, pull the lateral ends towards the skin side, or lift the absorbent body 10 itself towards the skin side.

[0071] Then, as shown in Figure 10C, when a lateral force is applied from the wearer's legs, from the outside to the inside, the longitudinal force from the elastic region 60 and the lateral force from the wearer's legs combine to create a force that is more likely to act diagonally upward towards the skin side (upper side) in the thickness direction and towards the inside in the lateral direction. As a result, the lateral central portion 10c of the absorbent body 10 becomes recessed, protruding towards the non-skin side, and the lateral ends (also called "side ends") 10e of the absorbent body 10 bulge upward towards the skin side. Furthermore, when this force on the absorbent body 10 is also applied to the absorbent core 11a, as shown in Figure 6, the lateral central portion 11ac of the absorbent core 11a becomes recessed towards the non-skin side, and both side ends 11ae of the absorbent core 11a bulge upward towards the skin side, creating recessed portions 11aH.

[0072] The diaper 1 is provided with a pair of non-skin elastic members 16 running longitudinally on both sides of the diaper 1, on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11a, and in the crotch area when worn. These non-skin elastic members 16 form a pair of elastic regions 60 in the crotch area when worn and on both sides of the diaper 1. At least a portion of the pair of elastic regions 60 is located dorsally from the center in the longitudinal direction in the crotch area when worn, and is provided at both ends of the diaper 1. In the unfolded and stretched state of diaper 1, when a pair of elastic regions 60 are defined as the ventral elastic region 60A, which is ventral to the center C60 in the longitudinal direction of each elastic region 60, and the dorsal elastic region 60B, which is dorsal to the center C60 in the longitudinal direction of each elastic region 60, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the dorsal elastic region 60B in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B is greater than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the ventral elastic region 60A in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A.

[0073] As a result, in diaper 1, if the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the dorsal elastic region 60B in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B is smaller than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the ventral elastic region 60A in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A, then when worn, the contraction force of the elastic region 60 makes it easier to form a recess 11aH (see Figure 6) in the portion of the absorbent core 11a located in the crotch area that is dorsal to the central CL in the vertical direction of diaper 1, due to the contraction force of the elastic region 60. In other words, in the ventral elastic region 60A, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the ventral elastic region 60A in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A is smaller than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the dorsal elastic region 60B in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B. This makes it easier to contract the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) in the vertical direction than in the dorsal elastic region B, and easier to pull the dorsal portion toward the ventral side than in the ventral elastic region 60A. On the other hand, in the dorsal elastic region 60B, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the dorsal elastic region 60B in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B is larger than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping the ventral elastic region 60A in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A. This makes it easier for the force due to the contraction of the dorsal elastic region 60B to lift the absorbent core 11a toward the skin side. This makes it easier to form a recess 11aH in the portion of the absorbent core 11a dorsal to the central CL.

[0074] As shown in Figure 11A, when the absorbent core 11a is provided with a recessed portion 11aH, it becomes easier to store excrement in the recessed portion 11aH when the diaper is worn. Figure 11A is a diagram illustrating the storage state of excrement in a normal wearing state. A normal wearing state refers to a wearing state in which the wearer's pelvis is kept approximately parallel to the ground, such as when sitting or standing. As shown in Figure 11A, by storing excrement in the recessed portion 11aH, the side edge of the absorbent core 11a becomes more effective at preventing excrement from leaking out the outside of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction than when the recessed portion 11aH is not provided. Therefore, even when excrement flows from the ventral side to the dorsal side and travels past the central CL to the dorsal side when worn, the recessed portion 11aH provided on the dorsal side of the central CL makes it easier to retain the excrement or prevents it from leaking out to the outside in the lateral direction.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11B, even when the wearer is lying down or in a position where the wearer's pelvis is tilted relative to the ground, the side edges of the absorbent core 11a make it easier to prevent excrement from leaking out the outside of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction. Figure 11B is a diagram illustrating the accumulation of excrement in a tilted wearing position. In this way, even when the wearer of the diaper 1 is lying down, it becomes easier to retain excrement in the recessed portion 11aH, and the side edges on the back of the absorbent core 11a prevent the excrement from leaking out the outside of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction.

[0076] As shown in Figure 8 and other figures, in this embodiment, the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B is larger than the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A. Furthermore, since the absorbent core 11a has a constricted portion, when viewing the diaper 1 in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the dorsal elastic region 60B is clearly larger than the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the ventral elastic region 60A. As described above, the absorbent core 11a has liquid absorbent fibers and SAP arranged almost uniformly throughout, and the basis weight of the absorbent core 11a is roughly constant throughout. Therefore, it is visually clear that the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a in the dorsal elastic region 60B, when viewed in the thickness direction, by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B, is greater than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a in the ventral elastic region 60A, when viewed in the thickness direction, by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A.

[0077] Furthermore, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a in the dorsal elastic region 60B when viewed in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B can be calculated by well-known methods such as visual comparison. For example, first, the dorsal elastic region 60B is cut out from the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10), and the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B is measured. Then, the absorbent core 11a is taken out from the cut-out dorsal elastic region 60B, the weight of the extracted absorbent core 11a is measured, and this weight of the absorbent core 11a is divided by the measured area of ​​the dorsal elastic region 60B. The value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a in the ventral elastic region 60A when viewed in the thickness direction by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region 60A can be calculated in the same way.

[0078] Furthermore, the deformation of the absorbent core 11a due to the elastic region 60 can occur in two ways: when viewed in the thickness direction, the deformation of the absorbent core 11a can be caused by the contraction of the elastic region 60 that overlaps with the absorbent core 11a; or, even when viewed in the thickness direction, the deformation of the absorbent core 11a can occur as a result of the contraction of the elastic region 60 that overlaps with the absorbent body 10, such as the core wrap sheet 11b, causing the absorbent core 11a to deform.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the basis weight of the absorbent core 11a is generally constant throughout the entire area, and the area of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the dorsal elastic region 60B is made larger than the area of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the ventral elastic region 60A with respect to the area of the ventral elastic region 60A. By doing so, the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping in the thickness direction with the dorsal elastic region 60B by the area of the dorsal elastic region 60B is made larger than the value obtained by dividing the weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the ventral elastic region 60A by the area of the ventral elastic region 60A. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the area of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the ventral elastic region 60A with respect to the area of the ventral elastic region 60A is the same as the area of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the dorsal elastic region 60B with respect to the area of the dorsal elastic region 60B, when viewed in the thickness direction, the basis weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the dorsal elastic region 60B may be made larger than the basis weight of the absorbent core 11a overlapping with the ventral elastic region 60A.

[0080] It is preferable that the length W60 in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 is longer than the length T16 in the thickness direction of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 in the pair of elastic regions 60 (T16 < W60). In the diaper 1, the length T16 in the thickness direction of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 is the thickness (diameter) of the rubber thread. For example, a rubber thread with a thickness (Tx) of less than 5 mm is used. The length W60 in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 is the length between the outer end of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 located most laterally and the inner end of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 located most medially among the three non-skin-side elastic members 16. In the diaper 1, the length W60 is set to 12 mm.

[0081] When the elastic region 60 locally contracts, deep wrinkles may be locally formed in the absorbent core 11a, making it difficult to deform into a desired shape. On the other hand, by making the length W60 in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 longer than the length T16 in the thickness direction of the non-skin-side elastic member 16, the risk of local contraction of the non-skin-side elastic member 16 in the elastic region 60 is reduced, and it becomes easier for the elastic region 60 to apply a contraction force to the absorbent core 11a in a planar manner, facilitating the deformation of the absorbent core 11a.

[0082] Regarding the elastic region 60, as shown in Figure 7, etc., in the unfolded and stretched state of the diaper 1, it is preferable that the vertical length L60 of the pair of elastic regions 60 is longer than 1 / 8 and shorter than 1 / 2 of the vertical length L11a of the absorbent core 11a. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the vertical length L60 of the pair of elastic regions 60 is longer than 1 / 5 and shorter than 1 / 4 of the vertical length L11a of the absorbent core 11a. By setting the elastic region 60 to such a length, it is possible to exert the contractile force of the elastic region 60 at the desired position of the recessed portion 11aH of the absorbent core 11a, while reducing the risk of excessively compressing the absorbent core 11a in the vertical direction.

[0083] Preferably, the force that stretches the outer end of each of the pair of elastic regions 60 in the lateral direction by a unit length in the vertical direction from their natural state is greater than the force that stretches the inner end of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction by a unit length in the vertical direction. As a result, the outer part of the elastic region 60 contracts more easily than the inner part in the lateral direction, making it easier to raise the outer part of the crotch area (absorbent core 11a) of the diaper 1 towards the skin than the inner part, and making it easier to indent the inner (center) part of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction towards the non-skin side, thus making it easier to form an indentation Ha in the absorbent core 11a. In particular, if the contraction force (force that stretches by a unit length) of the non-skin side elastic member 16 on the lateral outer side and the non-skin side elastic member 16 on the lateral inner side of a pair of elastic regions 60 is approximately the same, then if the force that stretches the lateral outer end of each of the pair of elastic regions 60 by a unit length in the vertical direction is made greater than the force that stretches the lateral inner end of each of the pair of elastic regions by a unit length in the vertical direction, the lateral outer end of the crotch area (absorbent core 11a) of the diaper 1 will have lower rigidity than the lateral inner end. As a result, the lateral outer portion of the crotch area (absorbent core 11a) of the diaper 1 will be more easily raised toward the skin than the lateral inner portion, and the lateral central portion of the diaper 1 will be more easily recessed toward the non-skin side, thus making it easier to form a recessed portion Ha in the absorbent core 11a.

[0084] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, each elastic region 60 is provided with a plurality of non-skin elastic members 16. For example, in the elastic region 60 on one side in the natural lateral direction, the force that stretches the portion where the outermost (one side) non-skin elastic member 16 is provided in the lateral direction by a unit length in the vertical direction is greater than the force that stretches the portion where the innermost (the other side) non-skin elastic member 16 is provided in the lateral direction by a unit length in the vertical direction.

[0085] The comparison of the "force required to stretch each part by a unit length" can be performed using a well-known method. For example, all or part of the outer end of the elastic region 60 on one side in the lateral direction (the part where the outermost non-skin elastic member 16 in the lateral direction is provided) and the inner end of the elastic region 60 on the other side in the lateral direction (the part where the outermost non-skin elastic member 16 in the lateral direction is provided) can be cut out as samples. Then, the length in the longitudinal direction of each sample is measured. Also, both ends of each sample are clamped in the chucks of a tensile testing machine. The load obtained when the samples are stretched with a unit length between the chucks is measured. Then, the values ​​obtained by dividing the load of each sample by the length in the longitudinal direction of each sample can be compared.

[0086] As described above, the diaper 1 of this embodiment is a pant-type absorbent article formed by joining a pair of side parts 30sw of the ventral waist portion 30 and a pair of side parts 40sw of the dorsal waist portion 40 with a side joint 20. The ventral waist portion 30 of the diaper 1 has a ventral waist elastic member 35 which is a ventral elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, and the dorsal waist portion 40 has a dorsal waist elastic member 45 which is a dorsal elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction and an end elastic portion 47a.

[0087] In such a pant-type absorbent article, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that, in the unfolded and stretched diaper 1, the pair of elastic regions 60 are located dorsally to the side joint 20 of the ventral waist portion 30 and ventral to the side joint 20 of the dorsal waist portion 40. More preferably, in the longitudinal direction of the unfolded and stretched diaper 1, the pair of elastic regions 60 are located dorsally to the dorsalmost ventral elastic member and ventral to the dorsalmost ventral elastic member. In this embodiment, the pair of elastic regions 60 are located dorsally to the dorsalmost ventral waist elastic member 35e of the ventral elastic member (ventral waist elastic member 35) and ventral to the dorsalmost end elastic member 47ae of the dorsal elastic member (dorsal waist elastic member 45 and end elastic portion 47a). Furthermore, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, in the extended and unfolded state, the pair of elastic regions 60 are provided between the central CL end of the ventral waist portion 30 and the central CL end of the dorsal waist portion 40, respectively. When such a diaper 1 is worn, the contraction by the elastic regions 60 is made more effective in working at the crotch area when worn, thus making it easier to form a recess aH in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent core 11a.

[0088] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the longitudinal distance Lbe from the ventral end 60be of each pair of elastic regions 60 to the ventral end of the ventral elastic member (end elastic portion 47ae) located most ventrally is shorter than the longitudinal distance Lae from each ventral end 60ae of each pair of elastic regions 60 to the ventral end of the ventral elastic member (ventral waist elastic member 35e) located most dorsally (Lae > Lbe). This makes it easier for the dorsal elastic member (end elastic portion 47a) to pull up the dorsal portion of the absorbent core 11a so that it comes into contact with the wearer's skin, compared to the case where distance Lbe is longer than distance Lae. By bringing the dorsal end of the absorbent core 11a into contact with the wearer's skin, the risk of excrement leaking out from the back of the diaper 1 can be reduced. In particular, when the wearer is lying down, the risk of leakage from the outside of the back of the diaper 1 can be reduced.

[0089] Preferably, a pair of elastic regions 60 are provided straddling the central CL in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. By having a pair of elastic regions 60 straddling the central CL, when the portion of the elastic region 60 located ventrally to the central CL contracts longitudinally, it becomes easier to shrink the area around the central CL of the diaper 1 longitudinally. At the same time, the contraction of the portion of the elastic region 60 located dorsally to the central CL makes it easier to cause the absorbent core 11a in the dorsal portion to bulge toward the skin, thereby making it easier to form a recess 11aH in the dorsal portion to the central portion of the absorbent core 11a that protrudes toward the non-skin side, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leaking from the outside of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction.

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, it is more preferable that the central C60 of each pair of elastic regions 60 in the vertical direction is located dorsally from the central CL in the vertical direction of the diaper 1. In other words, the elastic regions 60 are located dorsally from the central CL. This makes it easier to promote deformation of the absorbent core 11a in the area corresponding to the crotch and dorsal portion when worn, and makes it easier to form a recess 11aH in the area from the crotch to the dorsal portion. This also makes it easier to reduce the risk of excrement leaking from the outside of the diaper 1 in the lateral direction, even when the wearer is lying down.

[0091] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in the lateral direction, the shortest distance Wn is from the narrowest portion 11N where the lateral length of the absorbent core 11 is the shortest, to the center in the lateral direction of each of the pair of elastic regions 60, and the shortest distance Wm is from the dorsal widest portion 11MB where the lateral length of the absorbent core 11a located on the rear side of the center CL in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is the longest, to the center in the lateral direction of each of the pair of elastic regions 60. Specifically, the shortest distance Wn refers to the distance from one end in the lateral direction of the narrowest portion 11N of the absorbent core 十一 a to the center in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 on one side in the lateral direction, and the shortest distance Wm refers to the distance from one end in the lateral direction of the dorsal widest portion 11MB of the absorbent core 11a to the center in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 on one side in the lateral direction. It is preferable that this shortest distance Wn is shorter than the shortest distance Wm (Wn < Wm). That is, the elastic region 60 is provided at a position closer to the outer end in the lateral direction of the narrowest portion 11N than the outer end in the lateral direction of the dorsal widest portion 11MB in the lateral direction. <***

[0092] Due to the contraction force of the elastic region 60, when viewed in the thickness direction, the absorbent core 11a can lift the region from the inner end portion in the lateral direction of the elastic region 60 to the dorsal widest portion 11MB of the absorbent core 十一 a toward the skin side in the lateral direction. Therefore, in the lateral direction, the closer the elastic region 60 is to the outer end in the lateral direction of the narrowest portion, the longer the lateral length of the side end portion 11ae that can be lifted toward the skin side can be. By making the shortest distance Wn shorter than the shortest distance Wm, in the worn state, it becomes easier to set the height of the side end portion 11ae of the absorbent core 11 lifted toward the skin side when forming the recessed portion 11aH higher, and the side end portion 11ae can more easily block the excrement, and the risk of excrement leaking from the outer side in the lateral direction of the diaper 1 can be further reduced.

[0093] Note that in the lateral direction, the closer the elastic region 60 is to the outer end in the lateral direction of the narrowest portion 11N, the higher the side end portion 11ae can be formed. However, it is more preferable that, as in the diaper of this embodiment, in the lateral direction, each elastic region 60 is provided outside the narrowest portion 11N of the absorbent core 11a.

[0094] Furthermore, regarding the absorbent core 11a, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a located dorsally to the center C60 of the pair of elastic regions 60 is larger than the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a located ventrally to the center C60 of the pair of elastic regions 60 in the longitudinal direction. The larger the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a, the easier it is to form the recessed portion 11aH of the absorbent core 11a. Therefore, compared to the case where the area of ​​the absorbent core 11a located dorsally to the center C60 is smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent core located ventrally to the center C60, it becomes easier to provide a recessed portion 11aH over a wide area of ​​the dorsal portion of the absorbent core 11a, in which both sides of the absorbent core 11a are raised toward the skin and the lateral central portion of the absorbent core 11a protrudes toward the non-skin side. This recessed portion 11aH provided on the dorsal side can reduce the risk of excrement leaking from the lateral outer side of the dorsal side of the diaper 1, especially when the person is lying down.

[0095] As described above, the diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 equipped with an absorbent core 11a, and a pair of leak-proof wall sections 50 equipped with leak-proof elastic members 51 oriented in the vertical direction at both ends in the horizontal direction. Preferably, the force that stretches each of the pair of elastic regions 60 by a unit length in the vertical direction is lower than the force that stretches each of the pair of leak-proof wall sections 50 by a unit length in the vertical direction. The leak-proof wall sections 50 are provided on the skin side of the absorbent core 11a, and the non-skin side elastic members 16 are provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11a. This reduces the risk of the absorbent core 11a excessively contacting the skin due to the contraction of the elastic region 60 causing the absorbent core 11a to deform beyond the leak-proof wall sections 50. The comparison between the "force that stretches the elastic region 60 by a unit length" and the "force that stretches the leak-proof wall section 50 by a unit length" can be performed using a well-known method, similar to the method described above.

[0096] As shown in Figure 8, when viewed in the thickness direction, the elastic region 60 on one side in the transverse direction has an overlapping portion P that overlaps with the absorbent core 11a, and the area of ​​the overlapping portion P on one side in the transverse direction may be more than half the area of ​​the elastic region 60 on one side in the transverse direction. In Figure 8, the overlapping portion P is shown as a diagonally downward-sloping shaded area. When viewed in the thickness direction, the portion of the absorbent core 11a that overlaps with the elastic region 60 is easily deformed by the contraction of the elastic region 60, causing both sides of the absorbent core 11a to bulge towards the skin, and the central part of the absorbent core 11a in the transverse direction to protrude toward the non-skin side, forming a recessed portion 11aH.

[0097] As shown in Figure 8, when viewed in the thickness direction, the elastic region 60 on one side in the transverse direction has a non-overlapping portion U that does not overlap with the absorbent core 11a, and the area of ​​the non-overlapping portion U on one side in the transverse direction may be more than half the area of ​​the elastic region 60 on one side in the transverse direction. In Figure 8, the non-overlapping portion U is the area of ​​the elastic region 60 that is not shown by the shaded area. Of the diaper 1, the absorbent core 11a is a relatively rigid part. On the other hand, the non-overlapping portion U that does not overlap with the elastic region 60 and the absorbent core 11a is a part that is less rigid than the overlapping portion P. Therefore, because the area of ​​the non-overlapping portion U is more than half the area of ​​the elastic region 60, when worn, the contraction of the elastic region 60 first causes both sides of each component of the diaper 1 (absorbent body 10) in the crotch area, such as the core wrap sheet 11b and the back sheet 14, to bulge towards the skin, and in conjunction with this bulging of each component, the deformation of the absorbent core 11a adjacent to the non-overlapping portion U can be promoted.

[0098] In this embodiment, the diaper 1 has approximately the same area for the overlapping portion P and the non-overlapping portion U, which makes it easier to deform the absorbent core 11a in a balanced manner.

[0099] ===Other Examples=== The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0100] In the above-described embodiment, a so-called three-piece type pant diaper having an absorbent body 10, an abdominal waist portion 30, and a dorsal waist portion 40 was exemplified, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a so-called two-piece type diaper may have an outer body in which the abdominal waist portion and the dorsal waist portion are formed as a continuous, integral part, and an absorbent body. For example, in a so-called two-piece type pant diaper (a diaper consisting of an outer body and an absorbent body), the area overlapping with the side joint in the longitudinal direction is defined as the waist portion (abdominal waist portion, dorsal waist portion). In this two-piece type diaper, an elastic member may be positioned in an area beyond the abdominal waist portion or the dorsal waist portion. With respect to such an elastic member, in the unfolded and extended state of the diaper, if the length of the portion positioned dorsally from the center in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the portion positioned ventrally from the center in the longitudinal direction, it is defined as the dorsal elastic member of the dorsal waist portion.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, the elastic region 60 is defined as an expandable region formed by a non-skin elastic member 16 consisting of multiple (3) strands of elastic thread, but it is not limited to this. The elastic region 60 may also be made up of an elastic member such as an expandable sheet, or it may be made expandable by combining multiple members such as elastic threads and expandable sheets. Furthermore, the elastic region 60 may be formed by the expansion and contraction of a single elastic member.

[0102] In the diaper 1 of the above-described embodiment, the pair of elastic regions 60 are provided dorsally from the side joint 20 of the ventral waist portion 30 and ventrally from the side joint 20 of the dorsal waist portion 40, and are provided dorsally from the most dorsally located ventral elastic member (ventral waist elastic member 35e) and ventrally from the most ventral located dorsal elastic member (end elastic portion 47ae), but are not limited to this. At least a portion of the pair of elastic regions 60 may be provided in a position that overlaps with the side joint 20 in the longitudinal direction. Also, at least a portion of the pair of elastic regions 60 may be provided in a position that overlaps with the most dorsally located ventral elastic member (ventral waist elastic member 35e) in the longitudinal direction, or in a position that overlaps with the most ventral located dorsal elastic member (end elastic portion 47ae). In such cases, a so-called three-piece type disposable diaper may be provided, comprising the ventral waist portion 30, the dorsal waist portion 40, and the absorbent body 10 as separate components, or a so-called two-piece type disposable diaper may be provided, comprising a continuous, integrated outer casing consisting of the ventral waist portion and the dorsal waist portion, and an absorbent body.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the dorsal girth portion 40 had a curved elastic member 47 that was continuous in the order of a laterally inclined elastic portion 47b, an end elastic portion 47a, and another inclined elastic portion 47b, but it is not limited to this. The inclined elastic portion 47b and the end elastic portion 47a may be discontinuous. Furthermore, the dorsal girth portion 40 may be configured to have only one of the end elastic portion 47a or the inclined elastic portion 47b, or it may be configured not to have either the end elastic portion 47a or the inclined elastic portion 47b. Moreover, the end elastic portion 47a and the inclined elastic portion 47b may each be partially cut.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, each elastic region 60 is provided outside the narrowest part 11N of the absorbent core 11a in the lateral direction, but the embodiment is not limited to this. There may be a portion where the elastic region 60 and the narrowest part 11N overlap in the lateral direction.

[0105] Furthermore, if the diaper 1 is a pant-type absorbent article formed by joining a pair of side portions 30sw of the ventral waist portion 30 and a pair of side portions 40sw of the dorsal waist portion 40 at a side joint portion 20, and the dorsal waist portion 40 has a dorsal elastic member that is provided along the transverse direction and expands and contracts laterally, located ventrally to the side joint portion 20 of the dorsal waist portion 40 and dorsal to the side joint portion 20 of the ventral waist portion 30, then when the diaper 1 is viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the dorsal elastic member may be located ventrally to the center C60 in the longitudinal direction of each of the pair of elastic regions 60 and may have a portion that overlaps with the absorbent core 11a. In other words, in the unfolded and extended state, the dorsal waist portion 40, which has a dorsal elastic member provided between the side joint portion 20 of the ventral waist portion 30 and the side joint portion 40 of the dorsal waist portion 40, may have its ventral end in the longitudinal direction positioned ventrally to the center CL, thereby making the dorsal waist portion 40 larger than the dorsal waist portion 40 of the above-described embodiment. In this case, when viewed in the thickness direction, the dorsal elastic member may be positioned ventrally to the center C60 of the pair of elastic regions 60 in the longitudinal direction, and the dorsal elastic member may have a portion that overlaps with the absorbent core 11a.

[0106] In this case, the dorsal elastic member can be positioned closer to the wearer's urinary opening when worn than in the diaper 1 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, when worn, in the crotch area, both sides of the absorbent core 11a are raised towards the skin, and the central part in the lateral direction is made to protrude towards the non-skin side to form a recessed portion 11aH. At the same time, the dorsal elastic member of the dorsal waist portion 40 makes it easier to bring the absorbent core 11a into close contact with the wearer's skin in the area close to the urinary opening, thereby facilitating urine absorption. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Diapers (absorbent items, pant-type absorbent items), 10 Absorbent body, 11 absorbent material, 11a Absorbent core, 11b Core wrap sheet, 12 top sheets, 14 back seats, 15 Exterior seats, 16 Non-skin side elastic member (elastic member), 20 Side joint (joint), 30 Ventral girth area, 30sw Side (lateral end), 31. Skin-facing sheet, 32 non-skin side sheet, 35. Ventral elastic member (ventral elastic member), 36 skin-facing sheets, 40 Dorsal girth area, 40b Buttock area, 40sw Side (lateral end), 41. Skin-facing sheet, 42 Non-skin side sheet, 45. Dorsal torso elastic member (dorsal elastic member), 46 Skin-facing sheets, 47. Curved elastic member (dorsal elastic member), 47a End elastic portion (backside elastic member), 47b Inclined elastic section (backside elastic member), 50 Leakage prevention wall part, 50a Skin side leakage prevention wall part, 50b Non-skin side leakage prevention wall part, 51 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 52 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 53 End fixing part, 54 Intermittent fixing part, 55 Thumb fixing part, 60 elastic region, 60A Ventral elastic region, 60B Dorsal elastic region, BH (Body opening), LH (Legging opening), E is the pressing section, Ea is the pressing section on one side, Eb is the pressing section on the other side. S Deformation induction section

Claims

1. It has intersecting longitudinal, transverse, and thickness directions, The ventral girth area, The dorsal side of the torso, A liquid-absorbing core, An absorbent article equipped with, In the unfolded and extended state, Formed by an elastic member provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, and comprising a pair of elastic regions that can be contracted in the longitudinal direction, The pair of elastic regions are located in the crotch area when worn, with at least a portion of them positioned dorsally from the center in the longitudinal direction, and are provided at both ends of the absorbent article. With respect to the pair of elastic regions, when the area ventral to the center of the pair of elastic regions in the longitudinal direction is defined as the ventral elastic region, and the area dorsal to the center of the pair of elastic regions in the longitudinal direction is defined as the dorsal elastic region, The weight of the absorbent core overlapping the dorsal elastic region in the thickness direction, divided by the area of ​​the dorsal elastic region, is The weight of the absorbent core overlapping the ventral elastic region in the thickness direction is greater than the value obtained by dividing it by the area of ​​the ventral elastic region. This is a pant-type absorbent article formed by joining a pair of side ends of the ventral waist portion and a pair of side ends of the dorsal waist portion at a joint. The absorbent article is characterized in that the pair of elastic regions are each provided such that their ventral end is located dorsally from the joint portion of the ventral waist portion, and their dorsal end is located ventralally from the joint portion of the dorsal waist portion.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article characterized in that the length of the elastic region in the lateral direction is longer than the length of the elastic member in the thickness direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, A force that elongates the outer end of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction by a unit length in the vertical direction is An absorbent article characterized in that the force required to stretch the inner end of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction by a unit length in the longitudinal direction is greater than the force required to stretch them.

4. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An absorbent article characterized in that the pair of elastic regions are each provided straddling the center of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

5. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The ventral torso portion has a ventral elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, The dorsal torso portion has a dorsal elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the pair of elastic regions are each located dorsally to the ventral elastic member that is located furthest dorsally, and ventrally to the dorsal elastic member that is located furthest ventrally.

6. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The ventral torso portion has a ventral elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, The dorsal torso portion has a dorsal elastic member that expands and contracts in the lateral direction, From the longitudinal distance from the ventral end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the dorsal end of the ventral elastic member located furthest dorsally, An absorbent article characterized in that the longitudinal distance from the dorsal end of each of the pair of elastic regions to the ventral end of the dorsal elastic member located most ventral to the front is shorter.

7. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Having an absorbent body equipped with the aforementioned absorbent core, The absorbent body has a pair of leak-proof wall sections at both ends in the lateral direction, each equipped with a leak-proof wall elastic member aligned with the vertical direction. An absorbent article characterized in that the force that stretches each of the pair of elastic regions by a unit length in the vertical direction is lower than the force that stretches each of the pair of leak-proof wall portions by a unit length in the vertical direction.

8. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the aforementioned lateral direction, The shortest distance from the narrowest part of the absorbent core with the shortest lateral length to the center of each of the pair of elastic regions in the lateral direction is, An absorbent article characterized in that the lateral length of the absorbent core located on the back side of the center in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is shorter than the shortest distance between the widest part with the longest lateral length and the center in the lateral direction of each of the pair of elastic regions.

9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Viewed in the thickness direction, The aforementioned elastic region on one side in the lateral direction has an overlapping portion that overlaps with the absorbent core, An absorbent article characterized in that the area of ​​the overlapping portion on one side in the lateral direction is half or more of the area of ​​the elastic region on one side in the lateral direction.

10. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Viewed in the thickness direction, The elastic region on one side in the lateral direction has a non-overlapping portion that does not overlap with the absorbent core. An absorbent article characterized in that the area of ​​the non-overlapping portion on one side in the lateral direction is half or more of the area of ​​the elastic region on one side in the lateral direction.

11. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the aforementioned vertical direction, From the area of ​​the absorbent core located ventrally from the center of the pair of elastic regions, An absorbent article characterized in that the area of ​​the absorbent core located on the dorsal side of the center of the pair of elastic regions is larger.

12. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The dorsal torso portion has a dorsal elastic member, The aforementioned back elastic member is At both ends in the lateral direction, and on the side of the joint towards the center in the vertical direction, there is a pair of inclined elastic portions that are inclined from the inside to the outside in the lateral direction and from the center in the vertical direction towards the back side, Having the aforementioned elastic portion on the crotch side along the lateral direction, The aforementioned elastic portion on the crotch side is provided on the ventral side of the joint portion on the dorsal side of the waist in the longitudinal direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the crotch elastic portion is located ventrally from the center in the longitudinal direction of each of the pair of elastic regions and has a portion that overlaps with the absorbent core.

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