Absorbent articles and methods for manufacturing absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a technology which suppresses an absorbent article being worn displaced from a prescribed wearing position.SOLUTION: An absorbent article includes: an absorber; an exterior sheet located on a non-skin surface side of the absorber; an absorber non-existent region which is provided on a longitudinal direction end side in a front body region and a back body region and in which the absorber does not exist on a skin surface side of the exterior sheet; a plurality of contraction members which extend in a width direction, and is directly or indirectly adhered to the exterior sheet, are provided at intervals in a longitudinal direction; pleats which are formed on the exterior sheet by contraction of the contraction members and extends diagonally in the longitudinal direction; and a tape which is stuck to the exterior surface of the exterior sheet in the absorber non-existent region. The tape makes an angle 2 to 7 degrees in the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary products are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pant-type disposable diaper.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When an absorbent article is worn shifted from a predetermined wearing position, it may cause leakage of excretions or exudates discharged by the wearer.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing an absorbent article from being worn shifted from a predetermined wearing position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention has a length along its longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and when worn, the absorbent article has a front body region located around the wearer's abdominal side, a crotch region located at the crotch, and a back body region located around the wearer's back in this order along the longitudinal direction, and comprises an absorbent body extending in the longitudinal direction in at least the crotch region, an outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, and the outer sheet provided on the longitudinal end side of the front body region and the back body region. The material comprises: an absorbent-free region on the skin-facing side of the material where the absorbent is not present; a plurality of shrinkage members extending in the width direction and directly or indirectly adhered to the outer sheet in an extended state within the absorbent-free region, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction; folds formed on the outer sheet by the shrinkage of the shrinkage members and extending diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction; and a tape attached to the outer surface of the outer sheet within the absorbent-free region, wherein the tape may be at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent absorbent articles from being worn in a position that is not predetermined. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper according to the embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the diaper according to this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an enlarged view showing a portion of the back panel area of ​​the diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 shows the diaper according to this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows the diaper according to Modification 1 of this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the diaper according to Modification 2 of this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the diaper according to Modification 3 of this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the diaper according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] A diaper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0010] <Embodiment> Figure 1 is an external perspective view of an adult disposable pant-type diaper (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to an embodiment. 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 the diaper 1 is being worn by the wearer. For example, when the term "left and right direction" is used in this application, it means the directions that correspond to the left and right of the wearer when the diaper 1 is being worn by the wearer.

[0011] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a disposable pant-type diaper with a tubular structure having a waist opening through which the wearer's waist is inserted and a pair of leg openings on the left and right sides 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 disposable pant-type diapers for children.

[0012] Diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which is the part that covers the wearer's genitals (crotch) when worn; a front body region 1F, which is the part that covers the wearer's abdominal side and is the part that covers the wearer's waist; and a back body region 1R, which is the part that covers the wearer's back and is the part that covers the wearer's waist. 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, since diaper 1 is a pant-type disposable diaper, the left edge of the front body region 1F and the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other, and the right edge of the front body region 1F and the right edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other. Thus, a waist opening 2T (an example of a "waist opening" as referred to in this application) is formed in diaper 1 by the upper edge of the front body region 1F and the upper edge of the back body region 1R. Furthermore, the diaper 1 has a left lower limb opening 2L on the left side of the crotch area 1B where the above-mentioned joint is not made, and a right lower limb opening 2R on the right side of the crotch area 1B. When the diaper 1 is worn with the wearer's left lower limb inserted through the left lower limb opening 2L, the wearer's right lower limb inserted through the right lower limb opening 2R, and the wearer's torso inserted through the torso opening 2T, the front body area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side, and the back body Area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back, and the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R are fixed to the wearer's body, encircling the wearer's thighs. Because the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can move freely while wearing the diaper 1.

[0013] 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 leg opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left leg, a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right leg opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right leg, and a waist gather 3R around the wearer's waist. 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 the waist gather 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elastic force of the elastic thread. 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.

[0014] 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. Wastewater discharged by the wearer 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.

[0015] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment. The diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 (an example of the "outer cover sheet" in the present application) and inner cover sheets 5F and 5R. The cover sheet 4 is a sheet having a substantially hourglass shape (a gourd shape) that forms the non-skin side surface of the diaper 1. The inner cover sheets 5F and 5R are sheets that are bonded to the cover sheet 4 in the front body region 1F and the rear body region 1R, respectively, and reinforce the cover sheet 4 in the front body region 1F and the rear body region 1R. In the state where the wearer is wearing the diaper, the cover sheet 4 is laminated on the non-skin side of the wearer, and the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R are laminated on the skin side of the wearer. Between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R, thread rubber for forming the waist gather 3R and the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR is provided. Note that, instead of the thread rubber, an elastic member such as a belt-like rubber can be appropriately selected.

[0016] The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R can be made of, for example, a non-woven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin in order to suppress leakage of excrement. Here, examples of the liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Hereinafter, as a concept corresponding to the absorber 8 and the combination of the absorber 8 with the back sheet 6, the top sheet 9, and the side sheets 10L and 10R, the cover sheet 4 extending from the front body region 1F to the rear body region 1R and the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R may be collectively referred to as an outer body. The cover sheet 4 of the outer body forms the outer surfaces of the front body region 1F, the crotch region 1B, and the rear body region 1R.

[0017] Note that the cover sheet 4 may not be provided in the crotch region 1B. For example, in the front body region 1F and the rear body region 1R, the cover sheet on the front body region 1F side that substantially overlaps the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R and the cover sheet on the rear body region 1R side may be provided separately. A pad cover sheet for protecting the non-skin surface side of the extending region such as the absorber 8 is provided separately. In the undercrotch region 1B where the cover sheet does not exist, the exterior surface may be formed by the pad cover sheet. The non-skin surface side of the diaper is also protected by such a configuration by two separate cover sheets and the pad cover sheet, so that damage to the absorber 8 caused by external factors can be avoided.

[0018] The diaper 1 has a back sheet 6, an absorber 8, and a top sheet 9, which are laminated in order on the wearer-side surface of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheets 5F and 5R. The back sheet 6 has a length in the longitudinal direction that reaches from the front body of the wearer through the undercrotch to the back body, and is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped sheet having a predetermined width in the width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. Both the absorber 8 and the top sheet 9 are sheet-like members having a substantially rectangular appearance similar to the back sheet 6, and are laminated on the back sheet 6 in order with the longitudinal direction being the same as the longitudinal direction of the back sheet 6. The back sheet 6 is a sheet formed of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin in order to suppress leakage of excrement. The top sheet 9 is a sheet-like member disposed on the skin surface side of the wearer so as to cover the water-absorbing surface of the absorber 8. This top sheet 9 has liquid permeability in part or all of it. Therefore, in the state where the diaper 1 is worn, the liquid excreted from the wearer penetrates through the top sheet 9 that can contact the wearer's skin and enters the absorber 8, where it is absorbed. Examples of the liquid-permeable sheet include woven fabric, non-woven fabric, and porous film. The top sheet 9 may also have hydrophilicity.

[0019] The absorbent body 8 comprises an absorbent core 8C (see Figure 3) consisting of one or more mats, and a core wrap sheet 7 that encloses the absorbent core 8C. 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 capable of absorbing and retaining 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. The absorbent core 8C can take on any shape, for example, a rectangular shape, an elliptical shape, or various other shapes. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8C is hourglass-shaped with a constriction near the center. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 is positioned slightly biased toward the back body region 1R side such that the end on the back body region 1R side is closer to the longitudinal end.

[0020] In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8C is provided with a groove 8H extending longitudinally in the center of the width direction of the crotch area 1B. The groove 8H is a through groove that penetrates the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8C. The groove 8H may also be a non-penetrating groove provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8C. The extension range of the groove 8H includes a position corresponding to the urethral opening. Therefore, urine generated from the wearer flows into the groove 8H and spreads longitudinally, and is efficiently absorbed over a wide area of ​​the absorbent core 8C. Note that the groove 8H is not essential, and the garment may be configured without it.

[0021] The core wrap sheet 7 is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet, and by wrapping the absorbent core 8C with the core wrap sheet 7, the SAP of the absorbent core 8C is less likely to mix with other structures. In addition, deformation of the absorbent core 8C is suppressed. The core wrap sheet 7 can be made of pulp fibers, and tissue paper can be used as an example. The core wrap sheet 7 may be a single sheet, but it may also consist of two sheets: an upper sheet placed on the skin side of the wearer, and a lower sheet placed on the non-skin side of the wearer, which wraps around the sides of the absorbent core and the skin side. When the core wrap sheet 7 consists of two sheets, the widthwise end of the upper sheet is attached to the other sheet (for example, the side sheets 10L, 10R, and back sheet described later). The core wrap sheet 7 may be wrapped in the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9. Since the absorbent 8 is wrapped in the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9, and these sheets also help to prevent deformation, the core wrap sheet 7 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the core wrap sheet 7 is formed in a rectangular shape.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 along the long side 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 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.

[0024] The back sheet 6, core wrap sheet 7, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R are formed to be longer in the longitudinal direction than the absorption core 8C in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Therefore, in the region on the longitudinal end side of the absorption core 8C, which has higher rigidity than these sheets, a laminated portion with moderate rigidity is formed by laminating the aforementioned sheets. Part of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 that constitute the waist gather 3R are superimposed on this laminated portion and are biased inward in the width direction.

[0025] Furthermore, diaper 1 has an end sheet 11F that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the front body region 1F of cover sheet 4, and an end sheet 11R that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the back body region 1R of cover sheet 4, sandwiching the back sheet 6, absorbent material 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R. The end sheets 11F, 11R are strip-shaped sheets that are layered on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheets 5F, 5R at one end in the longitudinal direction of the top sheet 9. The end sheets 11F, 11R are made of non-permeable nonwoven fabric and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheets 5F, 5R in the waist contact area of ​​diaper 1. In addition, adhesive is applied to the end sheets 11F, 11R, and this adhesive adheres them to the top sheet 9 and inner cover sheets 5F, 5R. The end sheets 11F and 11R are positioned on the skin-facing side of the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R, preventing the longitudinal edges of the laminate from directly touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 3(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the unfolded and extended diaper 1 as viewed from the left side. Figure 3(B) schematically shows a plan view of the unfolded and extended diaper 1. . Note that in Figure 3(B), the illustration of side sheets 10L and 10R is omitted. Cover sheet 4 has one end folded back at the fold lines 4FF and 4RF shown in Figure 2. The above-mentioned waist gather 3R is formed by attaching elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4F1 and 4F2 (an example of a "shrinkable member" as referred to in this application) to the front body region of cover sheet 4 in an extended state, and attaching elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4R1 and 4R2 (an example of a "shrinkable member" as referred to in this application) to the back body region of cover sheet 4 in an extended state. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided along the fold line 4FF, which will form the upper edge of the front body region 1F when folded back, in the order of elastic thread 4F1 and elastic thread 4F2 from the fold line 4FF side. Similar to the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are also provided along the fold line 4RF, which forms the upper edge of the back bodice region 1R when folded, starting from the fold line 4RF side, with elastic thread 4R1 and then elastic thread 4R2.

[0027] 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 4R1 and 4R2 form a substantially annular stretchable member that wraps around the waist opening 2T, which is a waist opening through which the wearer's waist can be inserted, and exert the function of contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist direction. In other words, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and 4R1 and 4R2 exert a contracting force to make the diaper 1 fit snugly against the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 of the absorbent material 8 in a portion of the crotch area 1B. The contractile force per strand of elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, and elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2, may be constant in the width direction.

[0028] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are provided parallel to each other at regular intervals and extending in the width direction along the upper edges of the front body region 1F and back body region 1R shown in Figure 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are provided parallel to each other at predetermined intervals and extending in the width direction. The spacing between the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 is narrow, and 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 serve to keep the diaper 1 in close contact with the wearer, prevent it from shifting position, and prevent leakage of discharge from the abdomen and back.

[0029] The spacing between the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 is wider than that between the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, which alleviates 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, it suppresses the slippage of the inner pad. In other words, the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 is greater than that of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2.

[0030] Furthermore, elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are bonded to the cover sheet 4 in an extended state. Elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are stretchable members provided in the area of ​​the cover sheet 4 closer to the crotch region 1B than elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. However, unlike the other elastic threads which are bonded continuously from the left end to the right end of the cover sheet 4, elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are arranged in a curve towards the crotch region 1B and overlap with a part of the core wrap sheet 7 at the constricted portion of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core. This configuration allows the areas where elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are placed to function as leg gathers 3LL and 3LR.

[0031] The cover sheet 4 is folded back along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF and extends to the placement area of ​​the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1, reinforcing the placement area of ​​the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 with the folded portion. The end sheets 11F and 11R are folded along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF. The returned cover sheet 4 is provided in the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are not located, reinforcing the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are located. The elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 and the end sheets 11F, 11R overlap with the absorber 8 in part on the crotch area 1B side, but do not overlap with the area where the absorbent core 8C is located.

[0032] In this embodiment, when not worn, the diaper 1 shrinks strongly near the waist opening 2T due to the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 provided on the longitudinal end side, becoming shorter in the width direction. Also, due to the wide spacing of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 provided on the longitudinal crotch side, the crotch side of the front and back body regions is wider in the width direction compared to the area near the waist opening 2T. In the areas where the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are provided, the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap, causing the diaper to become shorter in the width direction again. Therefore, in the outer covering of the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R2, and 4R3 of the diaper 1 in this disclosure, when not worn, the extended areas of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 have a wider appearance in the width direction than the extended areas of 4F1, 4R1, 4F3, and 4R3.

[0033] In other words, elastic threads 4F1, 4F2, 4R1, and 4R2, which are stretchable members that extend in the width direction, are bonded to the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the outer garment, spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The contraction force of each individual elastic thread 4F1, 4F2, 4R1, and 4R2 is approximately the same and constant in the width direction, but because the longitudinal spacing of elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 is denser than that of elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2, the contraction force of the area where elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 extend is greater than that of the area where elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 extend. Furthermore, at both ends in the width direction on the crotch region 1B side, elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap with a portion of elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 that constitute the leg gathers 3LL and 3LR, resulting in a state where the contraction forces of elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 and elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 overlap in some areas.

[0034] In the completed diaper 1, the longitudinal lengths of the arrangement areas of the elastic threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4F3 in the front body region 1F and the arrangement areas of the elastic threads 4R1, 4R2, and 4R3 in the back body region 1R are the same. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the absorbent body 8 is positioned slightly off-center so that the end on the back body region 1R side is closer to the longitudinal end. Therefore, although the elastic thread 4F2 provided on the front body region 1F side does not overlap with the absorbent core 8C, several of the elastic threads 4R2 provided on the back body region 1R side overlap with the absorbent core 8C on the crotch region 1B side. In other words, in this embodiment, the absorbent core 8C is biased to contract in the width direction only in the back body region 1R by a portion of the elastic threads 4R2 that constitute the waist gather 3R. From this, it can be said that the degree of biasing force that the absorbent core 8C receives in the width direction is different in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R.

[0035] 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 sheets 5F, 5R, 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.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the absorbent material 8 extends longitudinally at least in the crotch area. The absorbent material 8 does not extend to the longitudinal ends of the front and back body areas of the diaper 1. The area in the front body area where the absorbent material 8 is not present is defined as the absorbent material-free area 12F, and the area in the back body area where the absorbent material 8 is not present is defined as the absorbent material-free area Let's call it 12R. The diaper 1 has absorbent-free regions 12F and 12R provided on the longitudinal end sides of the front and back body regions, where the absorbent material 8 is not present on the skin side of the cover sheet 4.

[0037] Furthermore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1, and parts of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 at the edges of the front and back body regions, are positioned in the absorbent-free regions 12F and 12R. Multiple elastic threads are provided spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0038] Figure 4 shows the diaper according to this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied, as viewed from the back body region 1R side. The diaper 1 includes a tape 13 attached to the outer surface of the cover sheet 4 in the absorbent-free region 12R. In this embodiment, the tape 13 is a label tape indicating the back of the diaper 1. The word "back" is printed on the tape 13. In addition to the front and back indication, the tape 13 may also have the diaper size, product name, manufacturer name, etc. printed on it. In this embodiment, the tape 13 is positioned in the center of the width direction of the diaper 1.

[0039] The tape 13 has a rectangular shape, and its longitudinal direction is offset by a few degrees from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The tape 13 is attached to the area where the cover sheet 4 is contracted due to the contraction of the elastic thread 4R2. When attaching the tape 13 to the area contracted by the elastic thread, it is difficult to reliably attach the tape 13 in a predetermined direction (for example, the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1) on the manufacturing line. If the wearer or caregiver perceives the tape 13 as being aligned with the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, there is a risk that the diaper will be worn in a position that is not the predetermined wearing position. For example, if the tape 13 is worn so as to be straight along the wearer's height direction, the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 will be offset from that height direction. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the rectangular tape 13 is positioned offset by a few degrees from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This deliberately makes the wearer and caregiver aware that the tape 13 is offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, so that the tape 13 does not serve as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 relative to its longitudinal direction when putting it on. The caregiver is the person who assists the wearer with putting on and taking off the diaper. Hereafter, the wearer and caregiver may be collectively referred to as the user.

[0040] Next, we will describe the folds formed by the contraction of the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2. Figure 5 is a magnified view of the absorbent-free region 12R to which the tape 13 shown in Figure 4 is attached. Multiple folds 21, 22, and 23 are formed on the cover sheet 4. Fold 21 is a relatively small fold formed between the elastic threads 4R1. Fold 22 is a fold formed between the elastic thread 4R1 at the crotch and the elastic thread 4R2 at the top, and is larger in size than folds 21 and 23. Fold 23 is a fold formed between multiple elastic threads 4R2, and is larger in size than fold 21.

[0041] As shown in Figure 5, the distance between the elastic threads 4R1 is S1, the distance between the elastic thread 4R1 closest to the crotch and the elastic thread 4R2 closest to the top is S2, and the distance between the elastic threads 4R2 is S3. These distances are set to increase in the order of S1, S3, and S2. The size of the pleats increases in the order of pleat 21, pleat 23, and pleat 22. The size of pleats 21, 22, and 23 can be set by the distances S1, S2, and S3 between these elastic threads.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the folds 22 and 23 extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This is because the spacing S1 of the elastic threads 4R1 positioned above the folds 22 and 23 (at the longitudinal end of the diaper 1) is sufficiently narrower than the spacings S2 and S3. In the absorbent-free region 12R, the spacing S2 is sufficiently narrower than the spacings S2 and S3, so the area where the elastic threads 4R1 are positioned is more constricted than the area where the elastic threads 4R2 are positioned. Therefore, the folds 22 and 23 extend diagonally with respect to the width of the diaper 1. They extend diagonally toward the center of the direction. If the folds 22 and 23 were formed in a straight line along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, there is a risk that the user might be led to believe that the straight line formed by these folds is a guide for the longitudinal direction when putting on the diaper 1. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the folds 22 and 23 extend diagonally, so that the user is made aware that the folds 22 and 23 are offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the diaper 1 is configured so that the folds 22 and 23 are not used as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 relative to the longitudinal direction when putting it on.

[0043] Experiment 1 investigated whether users would use tape 13 as a guide for positioning diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction when tape 13 is at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of diaper 1.

[0044] The angle of displacement of the tape 13 relative to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is measured as follows: First, the diaper 1 is placed on a wearer who is within the applicable size range of the diaper 1. Next, with the wearer standing upright, the diaper 1 is positioned on the wearer so that the opening end of the torso opening 2T on the back body region 1 side is parallel to the horizontal direction. Then, the vertical line perpendicular to this horizontal direction is defined as the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the angle at which the tape 13 is displaced relative to this longitudinal direction is measured.

[0045] In Experiment 1, the subjects were caregivers who helped the wearer (the person receiving care) put on the diaper, and the number of subjects was 50. The following table shows the results of Experiment 1. In Experiment 1, samples of diapers were created and evaluated in which the tape 13 made angles from 1 to 10 degrees relative to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. In the "Angle (degrees)" column of Table 1, the numerical value of the angle that the tape 13 made with the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, that is, the angle by which the tape 13 was shifted.

[0046] [Table 1]

[0047] Table 1's "Results of Displacement Recognition" column shows whether or not the subjects were able to recognize the displacement of the tape. In this column, "△" indicates that some subjects were unable to recognize the displacement of tape 13, and "◎" indicates that all subjects were able to recognize the displacement of tape 13. Table 1's "Results of Anxiety Recognition" column shows how many degrees the tape 13 had to be displaced relative to the longitudinal direction of the diaper for subjects to feel anxious that the diaper might be defective. In this column, "△" indicates that some subjects reported feeling anxious, "〇" indicates that more than 80% of subjects reported feeling anxious, and "◎" indicates that all subjects reported feeling anxious.

[0048] As can be seen from Experiment 1, it was found that users can recognize the misalignment of tape 13 when it is misaligned by 2 degrees or more relative to the longitudinal direction of diaper 1. Also, as can be seen from Experiment 1, when tape 13 is misaligned by 8 degrees or more relative to the longitudinal direction of diaper 1, 80% of subjects felt anxious that diaper 1 might be defective. It is undesirable for users to perceive a diaper as defective or potentially defective due to the misalignment of tape 13. For this reason, it is preferable that the misalignment of tape 13 be less than 8 degrees, i.e., 7 degrees or less, which is the angle at which less than 80% of users feel anxious that diaper 1 might be defective.

[0049] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the tape 13 is at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, thus preventing the user from using the tape 13 as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction. According to the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the diaper from being worn in a position that is not predetermined.

[0050] Generally, users often perceive the rectangular tape attached to the outer surface of a diaper as extending in the longitudinal or width direction of the diaper. For this reason, users often use the tape as a guide or reference for the direction and position in which the diaper is worn. In contrast, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the tape 13 is offset relative to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, so that users can recognize that the tape 13 cannot be used as a guide or reference for the direction or position in which the diaper 1 is worn. According to the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the diaper from being worn in a position that is not the intended wearing position.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the cover sheet 4 has a side seal portion 14L formed by joining the left edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 (see edge 4F4 in Figure 2) and the left edge of the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4 (see edge 4R4 in Figure 2) to each other, and a side seal portion 14R formed by joining the right edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 (see edge 4F5 in Figure 2) and the right edge of the back body region 1R (see edge 4R5 in Figure 2) to each other. The left and right edges of the cover sheet 4 are joined to each other, forming a torso opening 2T through which the wearer's waist is inserted. Also, as shown in Figure 1, when worn, the torso opening end of the torso opening 2T extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This vertical direction coincides with the horizontal direction when the wearer is standing with their back straight. The wearing state involves extending the waist opening to match the wearer's waist circumference, in which case the waist opening of diaper 1 is approximately straight in the width direction. Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of diaper 1, the waist opening is located in a position where its design position and extension direction can be easily controlled.

[0052] Figure 6 shows the diaper according to this embodiment in a natural state without any external force being applied, as viewed from the front body area 1F side. The elastic thread 4F1, positioned near the end of the torso opening 2T, extends parallel to the end of the torso opening and is a different color from the cover sheet 4. For example, the cover sheet 4 is white, and the elastic thread 4F1 is blue. The elastic thread 4F1 is visible from the outside through the cover sheet 4. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 allows the user to determine the wearing position of the diaper 1 based on the end of the torso opening 2T, regardless of the extending direction of the pleats 22, 23 or the extending direction of the tape 13. By preventing the diaper 1 from being worn in a position that deviates from the predetermined wearing position, it becomes easier to wear the diaper in a position that allows it to perform optimally.

[0053] Here, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the tape 13 is positioned in the back body area 1R, and the blue elastic thread 4F1 is positioned in the front body area 1F. The tape 13 is positioned in either the front body area 1F or the back body area 1R, and the elastic thread 4F1, which is a different color from the cover sheet 4, is positioned in the other of the front body area 1F and the back body area 1R. For example, in diaper 1, if the tape 13 and the elastic thread, which is a different color from the cover sheet 4, are positioned on the same side, it becomes difficult for the user to understand whether the tape 13 or the elastic thread should be used for positioning, such as for wearing the diaper. As a result, the user may mistakenly use the tape 13, which should not be used as a reference for positioning, or conversely, fail to use the torso opening end or elastic thread, which should be used as a reference for positioning, increasing the likelihood that the diaper will be worn misaligned from the intended wearing position. In contrast, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the tape 13 is positioned on one of the front body area 1F and the back body area 1R, and the elastic thread 4F, which is a different color from the cover sheet 4, is positioned on the other of the front body area 1F and the back body area 1R, thereby preventing the user from making the above-mentioned mistake. Furthermore, the tape 13 and the elastic thread, which is a different color from the cover sheet 4, are positioned on different sides. Therefore, the user will be able to easily recognize the tape 13 and the elastic thread.

[0054] As described above, the absorbent core 8 of the diaper 1 has a groove 8H that extends in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 at the center of the width direction of the diaper 1. As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the groove 8H is visible from the outside through the cover sheet 4, and in fact, through the core wrap sheet 7, back sheet 6, and cover sheet 4. Here, the groove 8H is designed to extend along the front-to-back direction when worn, and is positioned in the center in the left-to-right direction when worn. By visually observing the groove 8H from the outside, the user can adjust the position in the front-to-back direction and the center in the left-to-right direction when worn. This prevents the diaper 1 from being worn in a position that is not aligned with the predetermined wearing position. Furthermore, since the groove 8H can be formed by the mold of the forming drum during the formation process of the absorbent core 8C, the direction of extension and the formation position can be easily controlled. In addition, conventional techniques can be applied to control the relative position and direction of the absorbent core 8 on the cover sheet 4, and techniques for eliminating defective products can also be applied, making it easy to eliminate defective products.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, the absorbent material 8 is visible from the outside via the cover sheet 4, and in fact, via the core wrap sheet 7, back sheet 6, and cover sheet 4. The direction of extension of the absorbent material 8 coincides with the front-to-back direction when worn, and the widthwise center of the absorbent material 8 coincides with the left-to-right center when worn. For this reason, if no groove 8H is formed in the diaper 1, the absorbent material 8 may be used as a reference for aligning the front-to-back direction and the left-to-right center when worn.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 and the cover sheet 4 are white, and the tape 13 is non-white (for example, navy blue). In this embodiment, by making the tape 13 attached to the cover sheet 4 conspicuous, it is made easy for the user to see that the tape 13 is offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the user can be made aware that the tape 13 cannot be used as a guide or reference for the direction or position of wearing the diaper 1.

[0057] <Example 1> Next, a modification 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this modification, the tape 13 is positioned offset from the center in the width direction of the diaper 1. Figure 7 shows the diaper according to this modification in a natural state without any external force being applied, as viewed from the back body area 1R side. As shown in Figure 7, the tape 13 is positioned offset to the left from the center in the width direction of the diaper 1. By attaching the tape 13 to a position offset from the center in the width direction of the diaper 1, as in this modification, the user can be made aware that the tape 13 cannot be used as a guide or reference for the direction or position of wearing. The tape 13 may also be positioned offset to the right from the center in the width direction of the diaper 1.

[0058] Experiment 2 investigated how much the tape 13 needs to be offset from the center of the diaper 1 in the width direction to make it easier for the user to recognize that the tape 13 cannot serve as a guide or standard for the direction or position of wearing the diaper.

[0059] The deviation of tape 13 from the center of diaper 1 in the width direction is measured as follows. First, diaper 1 is put on a wearer who is within the applicable size range of diaper 1. Next, with the wearer standing upright, diaper 1 is positioned on the wearer so that the opening end of the torso opening 2T on the back body region 1 side is parallel to the horizontal direction. Then, the center of tape 13 itself is identified, and the length from the center of tape 13 to the left side end of diaper 1 (side seal portion 14L) and the length from the center of tape 13 to the right side end of diaper 1 (side seal portion 14R) are measured, and the difference (mm) between these two lengths is taken as the deviation (mm) of tape 13 from the center of diaper 1 in the width direction.

[0060] In Experiment 2, similar to Experiment 1 described above, the subjects were caregivers who helped the wearer (the person receiving care) put on the diaper, and the number of subjects was 50. The following table shows the results of Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, diaper samples were created and evaluated in which the tape 13 was shifted by 5 mm increments from 1 mm to 30 mm from the center of the width direction of the diaper 1. In the "Position from the center in the width direction (mm)" column of Table 2, the numerical value of how far the tape 13 is from the center of the width direction of the diaper 1, that is, the length in mm that the tape 13 is shifted.

[0061] [Table 2]

[0062] Table 2's "Results of Misalignment Recognition" column shows whether or not the subjects were able to recognize the misalignment of the tape. In this column, "△" indicates that some subjects were unable to recognize the misalignment of tape 13, "〇" indicates that 80% or more of the subjects were able to recognize the misalignment, and "◎" indicates that all subjects were able to recognize the misalignment of tape 13. Table 2's "Results of Anxiety Recognition" column shows how much the tape 13 had to be misaligned from the center of the diaper 1 in the width direction for the subjects to feel anxious that the diaper might be defective. In this column, "△" indicates that some subjects reported feeling anxious, "〇" indicates that 80% or more of the subjects reported feeling anxious, and "◎" indicates that all subjects reported feeling anxious.

[0063] As can be seen from Experiment 2, when the tape 13 is shifted by 5 mm or more from the center of the width of the diaper 1, more than 80% of users can recognize the shift of the tape 13. Also, as can be seen from Experiment 2, when the tape 13 is shifted by 25 mm or more from the center of the width of the diaper 1, 80% of the subjects felt uneasy that the diaper 1 might be defective. It is undesirable for users to perceive a diaper as defective or potentially defective due to the shift of the tape 13. Therefore, it is preferable that the shift of the tape 13 be less than 25 mm, preferably 20 mm or less, which is the amount at which less than 80% of users do not feel uneasy that the diaper 1 might be defective.

[0064] In the modified diaper 1, the tape 13 is positioned 5 mm to less than 25 mm, preferably 20 mm or less, from the center of the width direction of the diaper 1, thus preventing the user from using the tape 13 as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction. According to the modified diaper 1, it is possible to prevent the diaper from being worn in a position that is not the predetermined wearing position.

[0065] <Modification 2> Next, a modification 2 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 shows the diaper according to this modification in a natural state without any external force being applied, as viewed from the back body area 1R side. As shown in Figure 8, the tape 13 has a rectangular shape that extends at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, similar to the embodiment described above. In this modification, the tape 13 has a straight line 30 that extends diagonally with respect to the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the tape 13. Note that only one straight line 30 may be displayed, multiple straight lines may be displayed, or designs such as letters, figures, or pictures may be added in conjunction with the straight line 30. In this modification, the string of characters "back" is displayed, positioned in the direction in which the straight line 30 extends. In the modified diaper 1, a straight line 30 or string of characters extending diagonally to the direction of extension of the tape 13 is displayed, causing the user to perceive that the tape 13 is misaligned with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and thus the user perceives the tape 13 as being misaligned with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. It is possible to prevent the diaper from shifting away from its designated wearing position. According to the modified diaper 1, it is possible to prevent the diaper from being worn in a position that is not the designated wearing position.

[0066] <Variation 3> Next, a third modification of this embodiment will be described. Figure 9 shows the diaper according to this modification in a natural state without any external force being applied, as viewed from the back body area 1R side. As shown in Figure 9, the tape 13 has a rectangular shape that extends at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, similar to the above embodiment. In this modification, the tape 13 has straight lines 30 and 31 that extend diagonally with respect to the extension direction (longitudinal direction) of the tape 13. The straight lines 30 and 31 intersect each other. With the diaper 1 according to this modification, the multiple straight lines 30 and 31 that extend diagonally with respect to the extension direction of the tape 13 are displayed to intersect each other, so that the user recognizes that the tape 13 is shifted relative to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the user is prevented from using the tape 13 as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 relative to the longitudinal direction. With the diaper 1 according to this modification, it is possible to prevent the diaper from being worn shifted from the predetermined wearing position.

[0067] Next, the method for manufacturing the diaper 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating the method for manufacturing the diaper according to this embodiment. The method for manufacturing the diaper according to this embodiment is characterized by the step of attaching the tape 13 to the outer surface of the completed diaper 1, and this characteristic will be described below.

[0068] First, a diaper manufactured on the production line is prepared (step S101). This diaper is complete except that the tape 13 has not yet been attached. In the next step S102 of step S101, the tape 13 is attached to the surface of the cover sheet 4, which is the outer surface of the diaper 1, offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. As shown in Figure 4, the tape 13 is attached to the absorbent-free region 12R. During this attachment, the tape is attached offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This is because the absorbent-free region 12R is contracted in the width direction of the diaper 1, making it difficult to attach the tape 13 straight in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. According to the diaper manufacturing method of this embodiment, in the completed diaper 1, the tape 13 can be configured so that it does not serve as a guide for positioning the diaper 1 in the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing the diaper 1 from being worn in a position shifted from the predetermined wearing position. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tape 13 is at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0069] <Other Embodiments> Although this embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, although the above embodiment uses a pant-type diaper as an example, the present invention is also applicable to tape-type diapers.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the elastic threads 4F1, 4R1, 4F2, and 4R2 are directly bonded to the cover sheet 4, but these elastic threads may also be indirectly bonded to the cover sheet 4 via another sheet.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, tape 13 is a display tape on which predetermined information is printed, but tape 13 may also be a waste tape used when disposing of diaper 1. The waste tape is a tape used when rolling up a used diaper.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tape 13 is attached with its longitudinal direction offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, but the tape 13 may also be attached with its short direction offset from the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0073] The features included in each of the embodiments and their modifications disclosed above can be combined with each other.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0074] 1 ·· Diaper 1F ·· Chest Region 1B ·· Inseam Region 1R ·· Back Region 2R ·· Right Lower Limb Opening 2L ·· Left Lower Limb Opening 2T ·· Torso Opening 3BL, 3BR ·· Three - dimensional Gathers 3R ·· Waist Gather 3LL, 3LR ·· Leg Gathers 4 ·· Cover Sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R2, 4R3 ·· Thread Rubber 4F4, 4R4, 4F5, 4R5 ·· Edge 4FF, 4RF ·· Fold Line [[ID=​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Claims

1. It has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, An absorbent article having, in the state of being worn, a front panel region located around the wearer's abdominal torso, a crotch region located at the crotch, and a back panel region located around the wearer's back torso, arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction, An absorbent body extending in the longitudinal direction in at least the crotch area, An outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material, An absorbent-free region is provided on the longitudinal end side of the front body region and the back body region, where the absorbent material is not present on the skin side of the outer sheet, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a first shrinkage member extends in the width direction and is directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, wherein a plurality of first shrinkage members are provided at first intervals in the longitudinal direction, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a second shrinkage member extends in the width direction and is directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, wherein a plurality of second shrinkage members are provided on the crotch region side of the first shrinkage member at second intervals wider than the first interval, Multiple first folds are formed in the outer sheet by the contraction of the multiple first shrinkage members, and these folds extend in the longitudinal direction. Multiple second folds are formed in the outer sheet by the contraction of the multiple second contraction members, and extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction, In the region where the absorbent is absent, the tape attached to the plurality of second folds on the outer surface of the outer sheet, Equipped with, The first fold formed between the plurality of first contraction members is smaller than the second fold formed between the plurality of second contraction members. The tape is positioned at an angle of 2 to 7 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction, and offset by a range of 5 mm to 20 mm from the center in the width direction. Absorbent material.

2. The outer sheet has a waist opening through which the wearer's waist is inserted. The end of the waist opening of the waist opening is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction when worn. It is formed to extend, The first shrinking member, positioned near the end of the body opening, extends parallel to the end of the body opening, is a different color from the exterior sheet, and is visible from the outside through the exterior sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The tape is positioned in either the front body region or the back body region. The first shrinkage member, positioned near the torso opening end in the other of the front and back body regions, is colored differently from the outer sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned tape is positioned in the back body area, The first shrinkage member, positioned near the end of the torso opening in the front body region, is colored differently from the outer sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 3.

5. The absorbent body has a groove extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the width direction, The groove is visible from the outside through the exterior sheet. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The absorbent material is visible from the outside through the outer sheet. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The absorbent material and the outer sheet are white. The tape is non-white. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. It has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, An absorbent article having, in the state of being worn, a front panel region located around the wearer's abdominal torso, a crotch region located at the crotch, and a back panel region located around the wearer's back torso, arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction, An absorbent body extending in the longitudinal direction in at least the crotch area, An outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material, An absorbent-free region is provided on the longitudinal end side of the front body region and the back body region, where the absorbent material is not present on the skin side of the outer sheet, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a shrinkage member extending in the width direction and directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, comprising a plurality of shrinkage members spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, The shrinkage of the shrinkage member forms folds in the exterior sheet that extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction, In the region where the absorbent is absent, the tape attached to the outer surface of the outer sheet, Equipped with, The tape is at an angle of 2 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction. The tape has a rectangular shape that extends at an angle of 2 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction. The tape has a straight line that extends diagonally with respect to the direction in which the tape extends. Absorbent material.

9. It has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, When worn, the front panel area located around the wearer's abdomen and waist, and the inseam area located between the legs. An absorbent article having a region and a back body region located around the torso on the back side arranged in this order along the longitudinal direction, An absorbent body extending in the longitudinal direction in at least the crotch area, An outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material, An absorbent-free region is provided on the longitudinal end side of the front body region and the back body region, where the absorbent material is not present on the skin side of the outer sheet, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a shrinkage member extending in the width direction and directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, comprising a plurality of shrinkage members spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, The shrinkage of the shrinkage member forms folds in the exterior sheet that extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction, In the region where the absorbent is absent, the tape attached to the outer surface of the outer sheet, Equipped with, The tape is at an angle of 2 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction. The tape has a rectangular shape that extends at an angle of 2 degrees or more and 7 degrees or less with respect to the longitudinal direction. The tape displays a plurality of straight lines extending diagonally with respect to the direction of the tape's extension. The aforementioned multiple lines intersect each other. Absorbent material.

10. It has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, wherein, when worn, the front panel region located around the wearer's abdominal torso, the crotch region located at the crotch, and the back panel region located around the wearer's back torso are provided in this order along the longitudinal direction, The absorbent article is, An absorbent body extending in the longitudinal direction in at least the crotch area, An outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material, An absorbent-free region is provided on the longitudinal end side of the front body region and the back body region, where the absorbent material is not present on the skin side of the outer sheet, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a first shrinkage member extends in the width direction and is directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, wherein a plurality of first shrinkage members are provided at first intervals in the longitudinal direction, In the region where the absorbent is absent, a second shrinkage member extends in the width direction and is directly or indirectly bonded to the outer sheet in an extended state, wherein a plurality of second shrinkage members are provided on the crotch region side of the first shrinkage member at second intervals wider than the first interval, Multiple first folds are formed in the outer sheet by the contraction of the multiple first shrinkage members, and these folds extend in the longitudinal direction. Multiple second folds are formed in the outer sheet by the contraction of the multiple second contraction members, and extend diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction, Equipped with, The first fold formed between the plurality of first contraction members is smaller than the second fold formed between the plurality of second contraction members. A step of attaching tape to the plurality of second folds on the exterior surface of the exterior sheet, wherein the tape is offset with respect to the longitudinal direction, and the tape is positioned offset by a range of 5 mm to 20 mm from the center in the width direction. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article, including [the specified element].

Images