Absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a technique which can suppress generation of a gap between the skin of a wearer and three-dimensional gatherings when an absorbent article has the three-dimensional gatherings extending in a longitudinal direction at the end parts in a width direction of a top sheet.SOLUTION: An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention includes an absorber having an absorbent core which can absorb a discharged liquid of a wearer and a water permeable sheet for covering the absorbent core, a top sheet having a water-permeable area provided on a skin surface side of the absorber, a water-impermeable side sheet provided on a skin surface side relative to the top sheet for forming three-dimensional gatherings, and a first stretchable member provided to be shrinkable in a longitudinal direction on the side sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles are disclosed in which three-dimensional gathers extending in the longitudinal direction are provided at the longitudinal ends of the topsheet (for example, Patent Document 1). In the case of such absorbent articles, it is possible to prevent discharges (such as urine and watery stools) present on the topsheet from leaking to the outside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even when three-dimensional gathers are provided in the absorbent article, there may be a gap between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers, for example, because the three-dimensional gathers do not make surface contact with the wearer's skin. In such a case, it is conceivable that discharges leak from the gap.

[0005] In one aspect, the present disclosure has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the occurrence of a gap between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers when the absorbent article has three-dimensional gathers extending in the longitudinal direction at the longitudinal ends of the topsheet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a constriction in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent core, a connecting portion for connecting the three-dimensional gathers and the top sheet near the outer ends in the width direction of the wide portions of the front and back body areas of the absorbent core, and further provides a first stretchable member along the free end of the three-dimensional gathers.

[0007] More specifically, the absorbent article according to the present invention is an absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, comprising: an absorbent core capable of absorbing the wearer's excretory fluids; a water-permeable sheet covering the absorbent core; a top sheet having a water-permeable region provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent core; a side sheet for forming three-dimensional gathers, a non-water-permeable side sheet provided on the skin-facing side of the top sheet; and a first stretchable member provided on the side sheet so as to be stretchable in the longitudinal direction, wherein the absorbent core has a shape that is constricted in the width direction at the center of the longitudinal direction, and has a narrowest part in the crotch area, a wide part in the front and back body areas, and a widened part sandwiched between the narrowest part and the wide part, and the width of the water-permeable sheet when covering the absorbent core is as The width of the wide portion is substantially the same as and substantially constant along the longitudinal direction, and the top sheet, which is outside the width direction of the narrowest portion, is provided so as to be able to stand upright on the skin side along a line that passes through the width direction end of the narrowest portion and extends along the longitudinal direction, and the top sheet and the side sheet are connected near the outer width direction end of the wide portion, and the three-dimensional gather has a connection portion that includes an upright line when the three-dimensional gather stands upright, the three-dimensional gather has a base end provided at the connection portion, a free end provided along the longitudinal direction at the skin-side end opposite to the base end, and a fold line provided between the base end and the free end and extending along the longitudinal direction, the free end is located near the upright line when the overlapping side sheet is viewed in plan view, the first stretchable member is provided along the free end, and the three-dimensional gather is The vertical lines stand upright on the skin-facing side of the top sheet and extend inward in the width direction beyond the vertical lines.

[0008] In the absorbent article described above, the absorbent core may have a bendable portion that facilitates bending the end portion in the width direction toward the skin side relative to the central portion in the width direction.

[0009] In the absorbent article described above, the absorbent core has, at least at its longitudinal end, a high-rigidity portion on the central side in the width direction and a low-rigidity portion on the end side in the width direction, the bent portion is formed between the high-rigidity portion and the low-rigidity portion, and the longitudinal end of the three-dimensional gather may be laminated on the top sheet in the region overlapping with the low-rigidity portion.

[0010] In the absorbent article described above, the upright line may be provided inside the end of the absorbent body in the width direction.

[0011] In the absorbent article described above, the free end may be provided on the overlapping side sheet such that it is located at a position that overlaps with the upright line or near the upright line when the three-dimensional gathers are formed.

[0012] The absorbent article described above may further include a water-impermeable back sheet that covers the non-skin side of the absorbent, and the back sheet may be provided so as to overlap the top sheet in an area outside the widthwise region of the widened portion and in an area inside the longitudinal region of the widened portion.

[0013] In the absorbent article described above, the free end may be provided inward from the end of the absorbent body in the width direction when the three-dimensional gather is standing upright on the skin side.

[0014] The absorbent article may comprise: an outer sheet positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent material and forming a waist opening through which the wearer's waist can be inserted and two leg openings through which the wearer's legs can be inserted; a second stretchable member provided on the outer sheet in an extended state, along one of the leg openings on the wearer's abdominal side, crossing the crotch area and extending along the other leg opening; and a third stretchable member provided on the outer sheet in an extended state on the wearer's back side, wherein the inner end in the width direction, when viewed in the thickness direction, is positioned in a portion that overlaps with the absorbent material.

[0015] The absorbent article described above includes an adhesive portion for bonding the absorbent body and the outer sheet, and the adhesive portion does not necessarily have to be provided in the region where the second stretchable member crosses the absorbent body.

[0016] In the absorbent article described above, a plurality of adhesive portions are provided, each of the plurality of adhesive portions extending in the width direction and spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, and the adhesive portions may be formed to have the same width as the narrowest part of the absorbent core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, when an absorbent article has three-dimensional gathers extending longitudinally at the widthwise edge of the top sheet, it is possible to suppress the formation of gaps between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an example of a perspective view of a diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of a diagram of a diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an example of a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of a diaper according to this embodiment. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an example of an outline of a plan view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of a cross-sectional view including a top sheet and a side sheet. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a developed view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a schematic view of a cross-sectional structure of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of an outline of a plan view of a diaper according to Modification 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of an outline of a plan view of a diaper according to Modification 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of an outline of a cross-sectional view of a diaper according to Modification 3.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] <Embodiment> Hereinafter, a diaper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0020] Figure 1 is a 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 diaper 1 is worn by the wearer. For example, when referring to the left and right directions in this application, it means the directions that correspond to the left and right of the wearer when diaper 1 is worn by the wearer.

[0021] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a pant-type disposable diaper with a tubular structure having an opening for the wearer's waist circumference and a pair of left and right openings through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs are inserted is given as an example. However, the term "absorbent article" as used in this application is not limited to adult pant-type disposable diapers. The term "absorbent article" as used in this application includes children's pant-type disposable diapers. Furthermore, it includes various forms of absorbent articles that can enclose the waist circumference and crotch, such as tape-type disposable diapers that form a tubular structure by attaching a tape, fixed near one end of a sheet-like member that covers the wearer's crotch (genitals) from the front to the back, to the other end of the sheet-like member.

[0022] 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.The wearer's left lower limb is inserted through the left lower limb opening 2L, the wearer's right lower limb is inserted through the right lower limb opening 2R, and the wearer's torso is inserted through the torso opening 2T. When worn, the front panel area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side, the back panel area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back side, and the left 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.

[0023] 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 allow liquid to leak out, diaper 1 is provided with a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left lower limb opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower limb, a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right lower limb opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower limb, and a waist gather 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, waste discharged from the wearer's genitals is absorbed into the absorbent material of diaper 1 with almost no leakage.

[0024] Diaper 1 can be used in combination with an inner pad (not shown). The inner pad is a roughly rectangular absorbent article equipped with an absorbent material that absorbs wastewater. When using diaper 1 and the inner pad together, the inner pad is placed on the skin-facing side of diaper 1 so as to be in contact with the wearer's urinary tract. Wastewater is first absorbed by the inner pad, and only the wastewater that could not be absorbed by the inner pad reaches the absorbent material of diaper 1 and is further absorbed. Therefore, even if the amount of wastewater is large, leakage from diaper 1 can be prevented. Also, if the amount of wastewater is small and can be fully absorbed by the inner pad, only the inner pad needs to be replaced when wastewater occurs, thus reducing care costs. Furthermore, diaper 1 can be used for extended periods.

[0025] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper 1 according to an embodiment. The diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 and an inner cover sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are sheets with a roughly hourglass shape (gourd shape) that are bonded together to form the outer surface of the diaper 1, and are the same shape except for the ends on the front body region 1F side and the ends on the back body region 1R side. When worn by a person, the cover sheet 4 is laminated on the side that does not touch the wearer's skin, and the inner cover sheet 5 is laminated on the side that touches the wearer's skin. Between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, elastic threads are provided to form waist gathers 3R and leg gathers 3LL, 3LR. Note that an elastic material such as a strip of elastic can be appropriately selected instead of the elastic threads.

[0026] The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 can be made of a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin, for example, to suppress leakage of waste. Examples of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0027] Diaper 1 has a back sheet 6, an absorbent core 8, and a top sheet 9, which are sequentially laminated on the wearer-side surfaces of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The back sheet 6 is a roughly rectangular sheet with a length in the longitudinal direction that extends from the wearer's front body through the crotch to the back body, and a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent core 8 and the top sheet 9 are both sheet-like members that have a roughly rectangular appearance, similar to the back sheet 6, and are sequentially laminated on the back sheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the back sheet 6. The back sheet 6 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to suppress leakage of waste. The top sheet 9 is a sheet-like member that is placed on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent core 8. The sheet 9 is permeable to liquids in part or in whole. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, liquids discharged from the wearer penetrate the absorbent material 8 through the top sheet 9, which can come into contact with the wearer's skin, and are absorbed there. Examples of permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. The top sheet 9 may also be hydrophilic.

[0028] The absorbent body 8 comprises an absorbent core 8c made of a mat and a core wrap sheet 7 that encloses the absorbent core 8c. The absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion. The absorbent core 8c has a structure in which granular absorbent resin (super absorbent polymer), such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure 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 discharged from the wearer, it swells the absorbent resin held in the gaps between the short fibers, thereby retaining the liquid within the short fibers. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constriction near the center. The absorbent core 8c can take on an appropriate shape depending on the purpose. Examples of shapes for the absorbent core 8c include rectangular, elliptical, and various other shapes.

[0029] 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. The core wrap sheet 7, when covering the absorbent core 8c, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an inner width that is approximately the same as the width of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the absorbent core 8c. In other words, in the crotch region 1B where the absorbent core 8c is constricted, there is a space between the widthwise end of the absorbent core 8c and the widthwise inner surface of the core wrap sheet 7. Furthermore, wrapping the absorbent core 8c with the core wrap sheet 7 suppresses deformation of the absorbent core 8c. 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. If the core wrap sheet 7 is composed of two sheets, the widthwise end of the upper sheet may be wrapped in the other sheets (for example, the side sheets 10L, 10R, back sheet 6, and top sheet 9, which will be described later). Note that the absorbent body 8 is wrapped in the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9, and deformation can be suppressed by these sheets as well, so the core wrap sheet 7 may be omitted.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 the long side portions of the top sheet 9, and are provided so that their inner widths overlap with the absorbent core 8c. The elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 (an example of the "first stretchable member" in this disclosure) are bonded to the side sheets 10L and 10R in an extended state along their longitudinal direction. Thus, the edge 4F4 which becomes the left edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 and the edge 4R4 which becomes the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other, and the right edge of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4 When the edge 4F5 and the edge 4R5, which is the right edge of the back body region 1R, are joined to each other, the diaper 1 is completed as shown in Figure 1. In this completed state, 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 (an example of a "standing line" in this application), which are the connection points to the top sheet 9 provided in pairs on the skin side. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking out from the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R (an example of a "leg opening" in this application) (details will be described later). The method of joining the edges 4F4 and 4R4, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 is not particularly limited, but can be done by heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, the diaper 1 has an end sheet 11F that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4, and an end sheet 11R that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4, sandwiching the back sheet 6, absorbent material 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R. The end sheets 11F and 11R are strip-shaped sheets that are layered on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the top sheet 9. The end sheets 11F and 11R are made of non-permeable nonwoven fabric and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 in the waist contact area of ​​the diaper 1. In addition, adhesive is applied to the end sheets 11F and 11R, and they are bonded to the inner cover sheet 5 by this adhesive. The end sheets 11F and 11R are positioned on the skin-facing side of the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R, preventing the edges of the laminate from directly touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0033] 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 the side sheets 10L, 10R and the end sheets 11F, 11R is omitted.

[0034] Furthermore, in the following explanation, in the absorbent core 8c, which has a shape where the crotch area 1B is narrowed in the width direction, the widest part will be called the widest part 88A, and the narrowest part will be called the narrowest part 88B. The part sandwiched between the widest part 88A and the narrowest part 88B, where the width gradually widens from the crotch area 1B to the front body area 1F, will be called the widened part 88C. The part of the top sheet 9 located between the widthwise ends of the narrowest part 88B and the widened part 88C and the widthwise end of the core wrap sheet 7 will be called the side flaps 41L and 41R. The rigidity of the side flaps 41L and 41R is increased by laminating the back sheet 6 on the non-skin side. With this structure, when the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 contract, the side flaps 41L and 41R stand up on the skin side easily (details will be described later).

[0035] The cover sheet 4 has one end folded over at the fold lines 4FF and 4RF shown in Figure 2. The waist gather 3R described above is formed by attaching stretched elastic threads (thread-like elastic) 4F1 and 4F2 to the front body region of the cover sheet 4, and stretched elastic threads (thread-like elastic) 4R1 and 4R2 to the back body region of the cover sheet 4. 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, in the order of elastic thread 4F1 and elastic thread 4F2 from the fold line 4FF side. Similarly, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided along the fold line 4RF, which will form the upper edge of the back body region 1R when folded, in the order of elastic thread 4R1 and elastic thread 4R2 from the fold line 4RF side.

[0036] Therefore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 have their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, aligned with the left-right direction of diaper 1. The elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 in such a orientation. The elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 in such an orientation that their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, is in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, when the edges 4F4 and 4R4 are joined to each other, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 are joined to each other, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 form a substantially annular stretchable member that wraps around the waist opening 2T, and exert the function of contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist direction. In other words, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 exert a contracting force to make the diaper 1 adhere closely to the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference. A portion of the multiple elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 on the crotch area 1B side overlaps with the absorbent core 8c.

[0037] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are provided to extend horizontally along the upper edges of the front and back body regions 1F and 1R, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are provided parallel to each other at predetermined intervals. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 tighten relatively strongly around the wearer's waist above the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 keep the diaper 1 close to the wearer, prevent it from shifting, and prevent leakage of waste from the abdomen and back. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 alleviate the feeling of pressure on the wearer caused by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. In addition, when an inner pad is used, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 suppress the shifting of the inner pad.

[0038] Furthermore, elastic threads 4F3 (an example of the "second stretchable member" in this disclosure) and 4R3 (an example of the "third stretchable member" in this disclosure) 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. 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 curved shape toward the crotch region 1B and overlap with the absorbent core 8c at the widened portion 88C of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core 8c. This configuration allows the areas where elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are provided to function as leg gathers 3LL and 3LR. The elastic thread 4F3 provided in the front body region (ventral side) crosses the absorbent body 8 when viewed in the thickness direction. Here, in the region where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the center of the diaper 1 in the width direction, the cover sheet 4 and the absorbent material 8 are not adhered, and more specifically, the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are not adhered in that region. As a result, the cover sheet 4 can lift the absorbent material 8 towards the skin side without shrinking the absorbent material 8 due to the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3. With this configuration, the diaper 1 can easily lift the absorbent material 8 towards the wearer on the ventral side, and bring the free ends of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR into contact with the appropriate position on the wearer's skin on the wearer's ventral side.

[0039] The elastic thread 4F3 provided in the front (ventral) area of ​​the diaper 1 crosses the absorbent material 8 when viewed in the thickness direction. In the area where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the center of the width of the diaper 1, the cover sheet 4 and the absorbent material 8 are not adhered, and more specifically, the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are not adhered in that area. Therefore, the cover sheet 4 can lift the absorbent material 8 towards the skin side without shrinking the absorbent material 8 due to the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3. With this configuration, the diaper 1 can easily lift the absorbent material 8 towards the wearer on the ventral side and bring the free ends of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR into contact with the wearer's skin at the appropriate position on the wearer's ventral side.

[0040] The elastic thread 4R3 overlaps with the absorbent core 8c in the widened section 88C, following the constriction of the cover sheet 4. The elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 overlap with a portion of the absorbent body 8 and the side flaps 41L and 41R of the top sheet 9 on the outer widthwise side of the widened section 88C. Furthermore, as the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 contract in the direction in which they extend, the portion of the cover sheet 4 to which the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are attached becomes pleated, functioning as leg gathers 3LL and 3LR to ensure the diaper 1 fits snugly against the wearer's crotch.

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

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

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a diaper according to an embodiment. The absorbent body 8 comprises a core wrap sheet 7 and an absorbent core 8c wrapped in the core wrap sheet 7. The absorbent core 8c extends from near the longitudinal end to near the widthwise end of the absorbent body 8.

[0044] The crotch area 1B is sandwiched between the wearer's legs, resulting in compressive pressure in the width direction. On the other hand, in the front body area 1F and back body area 1R, the wearer's weight applies pressure in the thickness direction to the absorbent core 8c. Therefore, by providing a constriction in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent core 8c, the absorbent core 8c in the crotch area is made higher in thickness to prevent deformation in the width direction. In addition, in the front body area and back body area, widening the width of the absorbent core increases the area on which weight is applied, preventing deformation in the thickness direction. For this reason, it is preferable to make the absorbent core 8c hourglass-shaped.

[0045] In this diagram, the absorbent core 8c is encased in a water-permeable core wrap sheet 7. Furthermore, the core wrap sheet 7 is divided into an upper core wrap sheet 7f, which is located on the skin side of the wearer when worn, and a lower core wrap sheet 7b, which is located on the non-skin side of the wearer when worn. The upper core wrap sheet 7f and the lower core wrap sheet 7b are bonded to each other at the skin-side edge of the absorbent core 8c. The upper core wrap sheet 7f is bonded to the skin-side of the absorbent core 8c by a hot melt adhesive HM. The lower core wrap sheet 7b is bonded to the absorbent core 8c by a hot melt adhesive HM.

[0046] The backsheet 6 is a water-impermeable film laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 8, preventing the discharged liquid that has permeated the absorbent core 8 from leaking to the cover sheet 4. The backsheet 6 is wider than the absorbent core 8c, wrapping around the sides of the absorbent core 8c and reaching the skin side.

[0047] The top sheet 9 is a water-permeable sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin. When waste is discharged from the wearer, the waste passes through the top sheet 9 and permeates into the absorbent core 8c, where it is absorbed. The top sheet 9 is also wider than the absorbent core 8c, enveloping the sides of the absorbent core 8c and reaching the non-skin side. On the skin side of the absorbent body 8, the top sheet 9 is laminated closer to the skin than the back sheet 6.

[0048] Side sheets 10L and 10R are non-permeable nonwoven fabric sheets positioned on both sides of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction, and constitute a pair of side sheets that cover the sides of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction. Sheets 10L and 10R rise further towards the skin at the skin-facing edge of the absorbent core 8, forming three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR to prevent lateral leakage of discharged fluid. On the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8, the side sheets 10L and 10R are laminated closer to the skin than the top sheet 9.

[0049] Furthermore, the backsheet 6 has a folded portion 6A that is folded back towards the skin side at the widthwise end of the absorbent core 8 and extends toward the skin side of the absorbent core 8. The backsheet 6 is folded back towards the skin side of the absorbent core 8 so that the folded portion 6A covers the widthwise end of the absorbent core 8. Hot melt adhesive is applied between the folded portion 6A and the topsheet 9 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The application of this hot melt adhesive adheres the folded portion 6A and the topsheet 9 together.

[0050] The side sheets 10L and 10R for forming the three-dimensional gathers 3BR and 3BL are positioned outside the center of the width direction of the diaper 1 and on the skin side of the top sheet 9. Hot melt adhesive is applied between the top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L and 10R so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L and 10R are bonded together by the application of this hot melt adhesive. Non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are formed by the non-skin side of the side sheets 10L and 10R, through the top sheet 9, and on the skin side of the folded portion 6A of the back sheet 6, when viewed in the thickness direction. The non-permeable sections 30L and 30R prevent the discharged liquid that has permeated the top sheet 9 from leaking out from the widthwise end of the absorbent material 8 along the folded portion 6A of the back sheet 6, and prevent the discharged liquid from entering between the side sheets 10L and 10R and the top sheet 9. In this way, the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R prevent liquid from leaking from the widthwise end of the diaper 1. The non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are formed to extend from the front body region to the back body region so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. In this way, the diaper 1 can prevent lateral leakage from any position at the widthwise end.

[0051] Furthermore, the side sheets 10L and 10R cover the widthwise edges of the top sheet 9 and back sheet 6. This ensures that even if liquid penetrates beyond the widthwise edges beyond the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R, diaper 1 can prevent lateral leakage.

[0052] Furthermore, the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are integrally formed when viewed in the thickness direction. This is because hot-melt adhesive is applied from the skin-side of the top sheet 9, and the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are formed by the hot-melt adhesive that penetrates the top sheet 9 and hardens between the top sheet 9 and the folded portion 6A of the back sheet 6, and the hot-melt adhesive that hardens between the top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L and 10R. With diaper 1, the discharged fluid does not penetrate the top sheet 9 and reach the non-skin side, and leakage of liquid from the non-skin side is also suppressed.

[0053] Furthermore, the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR rise towards the skin side, separated by fold lines 10L2 and 10R2, which are formed at a position overlapping the top sheet 9. The fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 are formed along the widthwise inner edges of the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R, and are formed further inward in the widthwise direction of the diaper 1 than the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R. In other words, the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are located further outward in the widthwise direction of the diaper 1 than the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2. Since the non-permeable sections 30L and 30R are formed with hot-melt adhesive, the areas where these non-permeable sections are formed become harder compared to areas where no non-permeable sections are provided. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the side sheets 10L and 10R are positioned on the skin side of the non-permeable parts 30L and 30R. Therefore, these non-permeable parts do not come into direct contact with the wearer's skin, preventing the non-permeable parts from touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0054] Furthermore, the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2, which are the inner ends in the width direction of the non-permeable parts 30L and 30R, are positioned approximately 3mm to 5mm inward in the width direction from the end of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction. In other words, the outer end of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction is located outside the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 in the width direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the outer end of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction does not directly touch the wearer's skin, preventing the outer end of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction from touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer. In addition, when the side sheets 10L and 10R are raised at the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2, the non-permeable parts 30L and 30R, which are located outside the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 in the width direction, can function as high-rigidity parts that reinforce the raised lines.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are folded toward the top sheet 9, they have a base end piece 3BL1 and 3BR1 extending inward in the width direction of the diaper 1 from the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2, a free end piece 3BL3 and 3BR3 that are folded outward in the width direction of the diaper 1 by the fold portions 3BL2 and 3BR2 (an example of the "fold lines" in this disclosure) that extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and a free end piece 3BL4 and 3BR4 (an example of the "free end of the three-dimensional gathers" in this disclosure) provided at the tip of the free end piece 3BL3 and 3BR3. The three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are in contact with the wearer's skin from the fold portions 3BL2 and 3BR2 to the free end pieces 3BL4 and 3BR4. Furthermore, the base end pieces 3BL1 and 3BR1 are not adhered to the top sheet 9 except for the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the free end pieces 3BL3 and 3BR3 and the base end pieces 3BL1 and 3BR1 are not connected and are not adhered to each other except for the fold sections 3BL2 and 3BR2 in the longitudinal center. In addition, the free end pieces 3BL3 and 3BR3 and the base end pieces 3BL1 and 3BR1 may be integrally formed or connected as separate parts.

[0056] The free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 overlap the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 in the thickness direction when folded as side sheets 10L and 10R before the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed. Furthermore, the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 also overlap the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed. In addition, the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 are located approximately 1 mm to 6 mm inward from the widthwise edges of the absorber 8. Note that the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 may be located approximately 2 mm outside or inside the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 in the width direction, for example, approximately 0 mm to 2 mm, when folded as side sheets 10L and 10R or when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed.

[0057] Figure 5 is a plan view showing the back sheet 6, absorbent core 8c, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R extracted from the diaper 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view including the top sheet 9 and side sheets 10L when cut along line AA in Figure 5. The first and second adhesive parts of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR provided at the longitudinal end of the diaper 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 5 and using Figure 6. In the following, the first and second adhesive parts on the left side of the back body region 1R will be explained, but the same applies to the first and second adhesive parts on the right side of the back body region 1R and on both the left and right sides of the front body region 1F, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0058] The diaper 1 includes a first adhesive portion 35 at its longitudinal end that adheres the base end piece 3BL1 to the top sheet 9, and a second adhesive portion 36 formed at a position that does not overlap with the first adhesive portion 35 when viewed from above with the free end piece 3BL3 superimposed on the base end piece 3BL1, and which adheres the free end piece 3BL3 to the base end piece 3BL1. The three-dimensional gather 3BL is fixed to the top sheet 9 by the first adhesive portion 35 in the back body region 1R, which is the longitudinal end of the diaper 1, so that it stands up on the skin side in the crotch region 1B. The three-dimensional gather 3BL is first In the area where the adhesive portion 35 is not formed, the line rises towards the skin side, with the fold line 10L2 shown in Figure 4 as the boundary.

[0059] The first adhesive portion 35 is formed by applying hot melt adhesive to the top sheet 9. As a result, the first adhesive portion 35 becomes hard, but since the first adhesive portion 35 and the second adhesive portion 36 are formed so as not to overlap each other, the free end side piece 3BL3, which is located on the skin side of the first adhesive portion 35, can move relative to the first adhesive portion 35. The diaper 1 can mitigate the hardness of the first adhesive portion 35 transmitted to the wearer by the relative movement of the free end side piece 3BL3. As a result, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment can suppress a decrease in wearing comfort. The second adhesive portion 36 is formed in a position that touches the wearer's skin, but the free end side piece 3BL3 adjacent to the second adhesive portion 36 can move relative to the second adhesive portion 36. As a result, the diaper 1 can soften the skin contact of the second adhesive portion 36 and suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

[0060] Furthermore, the second adhesive portion 36 is formed in a linear region of the free end side piece 3BL3 on the widthwise end side of the diaper 1. By bonding the free end side piece 3BL3 and the base end side piece 3BL1 with the second adhesive portion 36 only in the minimum area necessary for the three-dimensional gather 3BL to stand up without the free end 3BL4 being fixed, the area of ​​the second adhesive portion 36 that comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, the second adhesive portion 36 is formed by heat-sealing the free end side piece 3BL3 and the base end side piece 3BL1. This heat-sealing includes ultrasonic welding. When the adhesive portion is formed with hot-melt adhesive, stickiness of the adhesive occurs. Also, if the second adhesive portion 36 is formed with hot-melt adhesive, the layer of adhesive in the area close to the skin increases, causing the wearer to feel that the diaper 1 is harder to wear. These factors reduce the comfort of the diaper 1, but in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the second adhesive portion 36 is formed without using hot-melt adhesive, thus suppressing the reduction in comfort caused by these factors.

[0062] Furthermore, multiple second adhesive portions 36 are formed. The multiple second adhesive portions 36 are spaced apart from each other and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The spacing between the second adhesive portions 36 is made equal. By forming multiple second adhesive portions 36 at intervals, non-adhesive areas can be formed between the second adhesive portions 36, thereby reducing the stiffness generated at the second adhesive portions 36 in the diaper 1.

[0063] On the other hand, as described above, the first adhesive portion 35 is formed with a hot-melt adhesive. This allows the three-dimensional gather 3BL to be bonded to the top sheet 9 when the free end piece 3BL3 is folded at the folded portion 3BL2 and the base end piece 3BL1 and the free end piece 3BL3 are laminated together. If the first adhesive portion 35 were formed by heat-sealing the top sheet 9 and the base end piece 3BL1, the base end piece 3BL1 and the free end piece 3BL3 would also be heated and fused together, making it impossible to bond the three-dimensional gather 3BL to the top sheet 9 when the base end piece 3BL1 and the free end piece 3BL3 are laminated together, thus increasing the number of manufacturing steps for the diaper 1. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 can prevent an increase in manufacturing steps by forming the first adhesive portion 35 with a hot-melt adhesive.

[0064] Multiple first adhesive portions 35 are formed. The multiple first adhesive portions 35 are formed spaced apart from each other and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The spacing between the first adhesive portions 35 is formed to be equal. By forming multiple first adhesive portions 35 spaced apart, non-adhesive regions can be formed between the first adhesive portions 35, and the base end side piece 3BL1 and the top sheet 9 can move relative to each other through these non-adhesive regions, and furthermore, the first adhesive portion Since the free end side piece 3BL3, which is laminated on 35, can move relative to the base end side piece 3BL1, the first adhesive portion 35 can be made less noticeable to the wearer.

[0065] Furthermore, the elastic thread 10L1 is positioned longitudinally inward of the first adhesive portion 35 along the free end 3BL4 near the folded portion 3BL2 of the free end side piece 3BL3, near the free end 3BL4, and in the central portion between the folded portion 3BL2 and the free end 3BL4. Also, the area near the folded portion 3BL2 where a part of the elastic thread 10L1 is provided is widthwise inward of the first adhesive portion 35 and is near the outermost edge of the area where the base end side piece 3BL1 and the top sheet 9 are not adhered. Therefore, as the folded portion 3BL2 is pulled longitudinally inward by the elastic thread 10L1, the non-adhered base end side piece 3BL1 rises up throughout the entire area where the base end side piece 3BL1 and the top sheet 9 are not adhered, widthwise inward of the first adhesive portion 35. Therefore, in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, the folded portion 3BL2 of the base end piece 3BL1 rises before the free end 3BL4 of the free end piece 3BL3. Thus, the folded portion 3BL2 comes into contact with the skin, and then the free end 3BL4 on the longitudinal inner side of the diaper 1 comes into contact with the skin. Thus, the entire area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end 3BL4 conforms to the skin. In other words, since the entire area of ​​the free end piece 3BL3 conforms to the skin, the possibility of communication between the inner space and the outside in the width direction of the diaper 1 is reduced. In addition, the functions of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR described above are more easily achieved. On the other hand, in the comparative example, if the contact between the three-dimensional gather 3BL and the skin is linear, there may be areas where a gap is formed between the skin and the three-dimensional gather 3BL. The elastic thread 10L1 may also be provided in other locations that can be contracted in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the second adhesive portion 36 is formed further inward (towards the center) in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 than the first adhesive portion 35. Therefore, in the width direction, there is a region where the second adhesive portion 36 is provided but the first adhesive portion 35 is not. Due to this structure, when the diaper 1 is worn, the base end side piece 3BL1, which does not have the first adhesive portion 35, will stand up first. The cross-sectional shape of the formed three-dimensional gather 3BL perpendicular to the longitudinal direction will be V-shaped, and this shape will be easier to form and maintain. Also, the folded portion 3BL2 comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and then the free end side piece 3BL3 stands up, so the area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end 3BL4 comes into contact with the skin. This makes the contact between the three-dimensional gather 3BL and the skin planar rather than linear. Therefore, in this embodiment, the diaper 1 can make contact with the skin at any position within the region from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end portion 3BL4 by making the contact between the three-dimensional gather 3BL and the skin planar, thereby suppressing the formation of a gap between the skin and the three-dimensional gather 3BL.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, when the diaper 1 is viewed from above, the first adhesive portion 35 is formed to be wider than the inner end in the width direction of the base end piece 3BL1. This prevents wastewater such as urine flowing on the top sheet 9 from going over the first adhesive portion 35 by creating a gap between the top sheet 9 and the base end piece 3BL1, and allows the wastewater to be introduced to the absorbent material 8 side beyond the top sheet 9 through this gap.

[0068] Furthermore, in the width direction inward from the first adhesive portion 35, there is a region where the base end piece 3BL1 and the top sheet 9 are not adhered. However, at the outermost end in the longitudinal direction, this non-adhered region is laminated with the end sheets 11F and 11R from the skin side (see Figure 2). In other words, this non-adhered region is adhered to the top sheet 9 at the outermost end in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the elastic thread 10L1 provided near the folded portion 3BL2 contracts, the folded portion 3BL2 side of the base end piece 3BL1 is easily raised in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0069] In Figure 5, the region in the thickness direction overlaps with the high-weight portion of the absorption core 8c. The high-weight region 24 (an example of the "high-rigidity portion" in this disclosure) is designated as such, and the regions in the thickness direction that overlap with the low-weight portion of the absorption core 8c are designated as low-weight regions 22L and 22R (an example of the "low-rigidity portion" in this disclosure). These high-weight region 24 and low-weight regions 22L and 22R extend in the longitudinal direction while maintaining the same width in the wide portion 88A. Also, as shown in Figure 5, at the longitudinal ends, the side sheets 10L and 10R are laminated onto the top sheet 9 in the low-weight regions 22L and 22R. The high-weight region 24 reinforces the absorption core 8c in areas where pressure is likely to be applied during wear, preventing deformation. The low-weight regions 22L and 22R are provided in the parts that come into contact with the wearer's buttocks during wear and easily conform to the wearer's body surface. The high-weight region 24 extends with the same weight throughout its entire extended portion.

[0070] In the diaper 1 described above, the absorbent core 8c and top sheet 9 included in the low-weight regions 22L and 22R are more likely to fold towards the skin side starting from the boundary with the high-weight region 24 (an example of the "folded portion" in this disclosure). Furthermore, since side sheets 10L and 10R are provided in the low-weight regions 22L and 22R, the formed three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are closer to the skin side at their longitudinal ends. As described above, the entire area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end 3BL4 is more likely to come into contact with the skin, so the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR can prevent leakage of waste from the top sheet 9.

[0071] Furthermore, the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 are located near the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 when folded as side sheets 10L and 10R before the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed. Therefore, as the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 provided along the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 contract, the side flaps 41L and 41R located on the outside in the width direction of the narrowest part 88B and the widened part 88C stand up, starting from the end in the width direction of the narrowest part 88B. In addition, the area longitudinally from the side flaps 41L and 41R is the low-weight area 22L and 22R of the widened part 88A. And, as mentioned above, the low-weight area 22L and 22R is easily bent toward the skin side, which also facilitates the standing up of the side flaps 41L and 41R. Therefore, the portions of the top sheet 9 located at the ends in the width direction throughout the entire longitudinal direction, including the narrowest part 88B, the widened part 88C, and the widest part 88A, will stand upright on the skin side. Consequently, the height of the formed three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR will increase throughout the entire longitudinal direction. Consequently, the formation of gaps between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR will be suppressed. Consequently, the effect of preventing leakage of waste products present on the top sheet 9 will be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, with the diaper 1 described above, the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 are located inside the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8 when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed. Therefore, even if the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 provided near the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 contract, the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8 will not fold towards the non-skin side. Thus, the fold of the absorbent body 8 towards the non-skin side will prevent the folded portion 3BL2 and 3BR2 of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR from coming into contact with the wearer's skin to the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4.

[0073] Furthermore, with diaper 1 as described above, the absorbent core 8c contained in the low basis weight regions 22L and 22R may not only bend at the boundary with the high basis weight region 24, but may also lose its shape. However, since the side sheets 10L and 10R are laminated onto the top sheet 9 contained in the low basis weight regions 22L and 22R, the bending rigidity in the laminated region between the top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L and 10R is improved. Therefore, deformation of the absorbent core 8c contained in the low basis weight regions 22L and 22R is suppressed.

[0074] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 described above, a portion of the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 on the crotch area 1B side overlaps with the absorbent core 8c. Therefore, as the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 contract in the width direction, the absorbent core 8c that overlaps with the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 on the skin side becomes convex on the skin side. This makes it easier to get closer to the skin.

[0075] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 described above, as shown in Figure 3, the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are provided on the side flaps 41L and 41R on the outer side in the width direction of the widened section 88C, overlapping with a part of the core wrap sheet 7 (see Figure 3). When the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 contract, they pull the side flaps 41L and 41R in the contraction direction (outward in the width direction). This also facilitates the uprighting of the side flaps 41L and 41R along the line extending longitudinally through the end in the width direction of the narrowest section 88B. In other words, even if the upper absorbent mat 8a has a constriction and a wide section 88A exists, the side flaps 41L and 41R will stand up in accordance with the uprighting of the side sheets 10L and 10R. Therefore, the portion of the top sheet 9 extending longitudinally from the side flaps 41L and 41R will also stand up in accordance with the side flaps 41L and 41R. Therefore, the height of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR along their entire longitudinal direction, as shown in Figure 4, increases. Consequently, the effect of preventing leakage of discharged material on the top sheet 9 is improved.

[0076] On the other hand, in the case of a comparative example diaper, for example, if the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are provided without overlapping with the side flaps 41L and 41R in the thickness direction, the rigidity of the wide portion 88A of the upper absorbent mat 8a located in the longitudinal direction of the side flaps 41L and 41R is high, which may suppress the side flaps 41L and 41R from standing up in accordance with the standing of the side sheets 10L and 10R. Therefore, the height of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR does not increase, and the effect of preventing leakage of waste on the top sheet 9 may be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the hot melt adhesive HM that bonds the non-skin side of the absorbent core 8c to the lower core wrap sheet 7b is positioned between the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR so as not to overlap with them when viewing the diaper 1 in the thickness direction. In areas where the hot melt adhesive HM is not provided, the absorbent core 8c is more easily bent, and therefore the absorbent core 8c in the lower layer of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR is relatively easy to bend. When the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR rise towards the skin side, the absorbent core 8c also bends from the lower layer of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR towards the skin side, so that the entire area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end 3BL4 of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR can maintain a state that conforms to the skin.

[0078] Next, the bonding configuration between the outer sheet and the absorbent material 8 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and extended state. In Figure 7, the cover sheet 4, elastic threads 4F3, 4R3, inner cover sheet 5, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 are shown separately.

[0079] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the outer sheet consists of a cover sheet 4 and an inner cover sheet 5. Elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 are adhered to both sheets in an extended state between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The outer sheet is adhered to the back sheet 6 by a third adhesive portion 37. The absorbent material 8 is adhered to the outer sheet via the back sheet 6 by the third adhesive portion 37. The third adhesive portion 37 is formed by applying a hot melt adhesive.

[0080] The outer sheet is joined at its left and right ends in the width direction, forming a torso opening 2T through which the wearer's waist can be inserted, and left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R through which the wearer's legs can be inserted, as shown in Figure 1. Here, the elastic thread 4F3 extends along the left lower limb opening 2L, across the crotch area, and along the right lower limb opening 2R, and is adhered to the outer sheet in a stretched state. The elastic thread 4R3 is also adhered to the outer sheet in a stretched state. When viewed in the thickness direction, the inner end of the elastic thread 4R3 in the width direction is positioned where it overlaps with the absorbent core 8c of the absorbent body 8.

[0081] Multiple third adhesive portions 37 extend in the width direction of the diaper 1 and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The third adhesive portions 37 are not provided in the area where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the absorbent material 8 in the crotch area, and in this area the outer sheet and the absorbent material 8 are not adhered. This area corresponds to the wearer's pubic bone, and in this area, the biasing force of the elastic thread 4F3 lifts the outer sheet towards the skin side, allowing the absorbent material 8 to conform to the skin surface of the wearer's pubic bone.

[0082] Furthermore, the elastic thread 4R3 does not cross the absorbent material 8, but is cut in the center in the width direction, dividing it into left and right sections. The cut sections of the elastic thread 4R3 on the left and right correspond to the area of ​​the wearer's anus. In the area corresponding to the wearer's anus, the diaper 1 prevents the biasing force of the elastic thread 4R3 from being transmitted to the absorbent material 8 through the outer sheet, thereby creating a space between the absorbent material 8 and the anus. The diaper 1 can contain the feces expelled by the wearer in this space.

[0083] Here, the elastic thread 4F3 is not attached to the absorbent material 8 in the region where it crosses the absorbent material 8 in the crotch area, and therefore does not cause the absorbent material 8 to contract in the width direction in that region. If the absorbent material 8 contracts in the width direction, it will hinder the standing of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR, but in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3 does not hinder the standing of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR. In addition, the elastic thread 4R3 can separate the absorbent material 8 from the wearer's skin (anus) in the region corresponding to the anus. Therefore, on the back side, the elastic thread 4R3 can separate the absorbent material 8 from the wearer's skin, thereby allowing the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR to stand up more on the back side. The elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 can maintain the standing state of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR without hindering them from standing up. By maintaining this upright position, the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR stand upright, and a state is maintained in which no gap is formed between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR, that is, the entire area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end portion 3BL4 is kept in a state that conforms to the skin.

[0084] Furthermore, at the narrowest part 88B of the absorbent core 8c, the third adhesive portion 37 is formed to the same width as the narrowest part 88B. Since the side flaps 41L and 41R are not bonded to the outer sheet (specifically, the inner cover sheet 5), the side flaps 41L and 41R are more likely to stand up on the skin side.

[0085] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the front or back body region of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, when cut along the width direction. Figure 8 shows the cross-sectional structure of the wide portion 88A of the absorbent core 8c. As shown in Figure 8, the widthwise ends of the absorbent core 8c are the wide portions, known as ear portions 88L and 88R. In Figure 10, the ear portions 88L and 88R are enclosed by dotted lines. The ear portions 88L and 88R are wider outward in the width direction than the narrowest portion 88B of the absorbent core 8c. The ear portions 88L and 88R are not bonded to the lower core wrap sheet 7b by the hot melt adhesive HM, and have less rigidity compared to the area where the hot melt adhesive is applied. As a result, the absorbent core 8c is more likely to bend towards the skin side at the ear portions 88L and 88R. Also, when viewed in the thickness direction, the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are contained within the ear portions 88L and 88R. With this configuration, the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR of diaper 1 are applied to the easily bendable ear portions 88L and 88R. As the ear portions 88L and 88R fold towards the skin side, the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR stand upright, and a state is maintained where no gap is formed between the wearer's skin and the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR, that is, the entire area from the folded portion 3BL2 to the free end portion 3BL4 is in line with the skin.

[0086] <Example 1> Next, a modified example of this embodiment, a diaper 1, will be described. Figure 9 is a plan view showing the back sheet 6, absorbent core 8c, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R extracted from the diaper 1 according to this modified example. In the diaper 1 according to this modified example, the first adhesive portion 35 is formed in a curved shape. For example, the first adhesive portion 35 may be formed in a spiral curve. Alternatively, the first adhesive portion 35 may be formed in a wavy curve. These curves may include circular or elliptical arcs. Furthermore, multiple curved first adhesive portions 35 are formed spaced apart from each other, and these multiple first adhesive portions 35 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. By forming the first adhesive portion 35 in a curved shape, the area of ​​the first adhesive portion 35 can be reduced, and the contact of the first adhesive portion 35 with the skin can be further softened.

[0087] <Modification 2> Next, a modified example of this embodiment, a diaper 1, will be described. Figure 10 is a plan view showing the back sheet 6, absorbent core 8c, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R extracted from the diaper 1 according to this modified example. In the diaper 1 according to this modified example, the second adhesive portion 36 is formed in a curved shape. For example, the second adhesive portion 36 may be formed in a spiral curve. Alternatively, the second adhesive portion 36 may be formed in a wavy curve. These curves may include circular or elliptical arcs. Furthermore, multiple curved second adhesive portions 36 are formed spaced apart from each other, and these multiple second adhesive portions 36 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. By forming the second adhesive portion 36 in a curved shape, the diaper 1 according to this modified example can reduce the area of ​​the second adhesive portion 36 and further soften the contact of the second adhesive portion 36 with the skin.

[0088] <Variation 3> Next, a modified example 3 of this embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the diaper according to this modified example. Figure 11 shows cross-sections of the front and back body regions of the diaper 1 according to this modified example. The absorbent body 8 comprises a core wrap sheet 7 and an absorbent core 8c consisting of multiple absorbent mats wrapped in the core wrap sheet 7. In the modified example shown in this figure, the absorbent core 8c has an upper absorbent mat 8a and a lower absorbent mat 8b. The upper absorbent mat 8a is an absorbent mat located on the skin side of the wearer when worn, and when viewed from above, it has an hourglass shape with a constriction in the crotch area. The upper absorbent mat 8a extends to the widthwise end of the absorbent body 8 near its longitudinal end. In contrast, the lower absorbent mat 8b is an absorbent mat located on the non-skin side of the wearer when worn, and when viewed from above, it has a rectangular shape. The lower absorbent mat 8b extends only to the central part of the absorbent body 8, corresponding to the wearer's midline, and its total width is less than or equal to the constricted portion of the upper absorbent mat 8a. In other words, the lower absorbent mat 8b is laminated with the upper absorbent mat 8a in such a way that it is completely hidden by the upper absorbent mat 8a when viewed from the skin side in a plan view.

[0089] The crotch area 1B is sandwiched between the wearer's legs, resulting in compressive pressure in the width direction. On the other hand, in the front body area 1F and back body area 1R, the wearer's weight applies pressure in the thickness direction to the absorption core 8c. Therefore, by creating a constriction in the crotch area of ​​the absorption core 8c and laminating the upper absorption mat 8a and lower absorption mat 8b, the absorption core 8c in the crotch area is made higher in thickness to prevent deformation in the width direction. In addition, in the front body area and back body area, widening the width of the absorption core increases the area on which weight is applied, preventing deformation in the thickness direction. For this reason, it is preferable to make the absorption core 8c hourglass-shaped.

[0090] The upper absorbent mat 8a contains granular absorbent resin (SAP particles), such as a hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, in addition to cellulose-based short fibers or hydrophilic-treated resin-based short fibers (hereinafter referred to as short fibers). When waste is released from the wearer and penetrates the absorbent core 8c, the SAP particles absorb the moisture and gradually swell. This provides tension and fixes the discharged fluid, preventing backflow towards the skin. On the other hand, the basis weight (amount per unit area) of SAP particles contained in the lower absorbent mat 8b is lower than that of the upper absorbent mat 8a. Alternatively, the lower absorbent mat 8b may not contain SAP particles and may be formed only from short fibers.

[0091] In this figure, the absorbent core 8c is encased in a water-permeable core wrap sheet 7. Furthermore, the core wrap sheet 7 is divided into an upper core wrap sheet 7f, which is located on the skin side of the wearer when worn, and a lower core wrap sheet 7b, which is located on the non-skin side of the wearer when worn. The upper core wrap sheet 7f and the lower core wrap sheet 7b are bonded to each other at the skin-side end of the absorbent core 8c. The upper core wrap sheet 7f is bonded to the upper absorbent mat 8a. The lower core wrap sheet 7b is bonded to the lower absorbent mat 8b. However, the non-skin side of the upper absorbent mat 8a and the lower core wrap sheet 7b are not bonded. Therefore, in the absorbent body 8, a channel 8s is formed between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a in the area further outside the widthwise end of the lower absorbent mat 8b where the upper absorbent mat 8a extends.

[0092] Furthermore, the adhesive strength between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a may be lower than that between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the lower absorbent mat 8b. Specifically, the width of the adhesive used to bond the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the lower absorbent mat 8b may be made wider than the width of the lower absorbent mat 8b, so that only the edges of the adhesive adhere to the non-skin side of the upper absorbent mat 8a. Alternatively, an adhesive with low adhesive strength may be used to bond the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a, or the amount of adhesive applied for this purpose may be small. The adhesive will peel off when the lower absorbent mat 8b absorbs water and expands, or when discharged liquid flows between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a, forming a channel 8s. If the channel 8s is formed even when the diaper 1 has not absorbed water and the channel 8s is not needed, the channel 8s may cause the absorbent core 8c to lose its shape. By arranging the absorbing core 8c to form a channel 8s only when it absorbs water, the channel 8s can be formed only when necessary. In this modified example, the diaper 1 can diffuse urine through the channel 8s into the wide section 88A shown in Figure 3(B).

[0093] <Other Embodiments> Next, other embodiments will be described. In the above embodiments, tape-type disposable diapers were used as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to absorbent articles such as pant-type disposable diapers and absorbent pads. In addition, in the above embodiments, the first adhesive portion 35 and the second adhesive portion 36 are formed in a dotted line shape along the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first adhesive portion 35 and the second adhesive portion 36 may be formed in a straight line and continuously. Also, both the first adhesive portion 35 and the second adhesive portion 36 may be formed in a curved shape.

[0094] Furthermore, the end sheets 11F and 11R do not need to be provided. Also, the absorption core 8c does not have a high-weight region 24 and low-weight regions 22L and 22R, and the weight may be uniform. Alternatively, the weight may be uniform in the high-weight region 24 and low-weight regions 22L and 22R, and rigidity may be improved by forming the region corresponding to the high-weight region 24 to be thicker than the region corresponding to the low-weight regions 22L and 22R. Also, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 do not need to overlap the absorption core 8c. Also, the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 do not need to be provided on the outside in the width direction of the widened portion 88C and on the inside in the longitudinal direction of the widened portion 88A. Also, the elastic thread 10L1 does not need to be provided on the inside in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 35 and on the outermost part of the region where the base end side piece 3BL1 and the top sheet 9 are not adhered. Furthermore, the second adhesive portion 36 does not need to be formed further inward in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 than the first adhesive portion 35. Also, the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2 overlap with the widthwise ends of the absorbent material 8. It may be provided at a position that is such as or outside the width direction of the end. Also, the free ends 3BL4 and 3BR4 may be located outside the width direction end of the absorber 8 when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed. Furthermore, the back sheet 6 does not have to overlap with the side flaps 41L and 41R.

[0095] The embodiments and variations disclosed above can be combined in any way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1B: Inseam area 1F: Front bodice area 1R: Back panel area 2L:Left lower limb opening 2R: Right lower limb opening 2T: Body opening 3BL, 3BR: Three-dimensional gathers 3BL1,3BR1: Base end side piece 3BL2, 3BR2: Folded-over section 3BL3,3BR3: Free end side piece 3BL4,3BR4:Free end 3LL, 3LR: Leg Gather 3R: Waist Gather 4: Cover sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R1, 4R2, 4R3: Elastic thread 4F4, 4F5, 4R4, 4R5: Edge 4FF, 4RF: Folding line 5: Inner cover sheet 6: Back seat 6A: Folded section 7: Core wrap sheet 7b: Lower core wrap sheet 7F: Upper core wrap sheet 8: Absorbent material 8a: Upper layer absorbent mat 8b: Lower layer absorbent mat 8c: Absorption core 8s: Flow channel 9: Top sheet 10L, 10R: Side seats 10L1, 10R1: Elastic thread 10L2,R2: Turnaround line 11F, 11R: End sheet 22L, 22R: Low basis weight area 24: High-stake area 30L,30R: Non-permeable area 35: 1st adhesive part 36:Second adhesive part 37: 3rd adhesive part 41L, 41R: Side flaps 88A: Wide section 88B: Narrowest part 88C: Widening section 88L, 88R: Ears

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, An absorbent body having an absorbent core capable of absorbing the wearer's excretory fluids, and a water-permeable sheet covering the absorbent core, A top sheet having a water-permeable region provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent, A side sheet for forming three-dimensional gathers, comprising a non-permeable side sheet provided on the skin-facing side of the top sheet, The side sheet is provided with a first expandable member that is expandable and expandable in the longitudinal direction, The absorbent core has a shape that is narrowed in the width direction at the center of the longitudinal direction, and has a narrowest part in the crotch area, a wide part in the front and back body areas, and a widened part sandwiched between the narrowest part and the wide part. The width of the permeable sheet covering the absorbent core is substantially the same as the width of the wide portion and substantially constant along the longitudinal direction. The top sheet, located outside the widthwise direction of the narrowest portion, is provided so as to be able to stand upright on the skin side along a line that passes through the widthwise end of the narrowest portion and extends in the longitudinal direction. The top sheet and the side sheet are connected near the outer end in the width direction of the wide portion, and the connection portion includes the upright line when the three-dimensional gathers are upright. The three-dimensional gather has a base end provided at the connecting portion, a free end provided along the longitudinal direction at the skin-facing end opposite to the base end, and a fold line provided between the base end and the free end and extending in the longitudinal direction. The free end is located near the vertical line when the superimposed side sheet is viewed from above, The first expandable member is provided along the free end, The three-dimensional gathers are provided so that the inner side in the width direction from the upright line is able to stand upright on the skin side of the top sheet. When the three-dimensional gather is folded toward the top sheet, the free end is positioned inward in the width direction from the upright line over the entire lengthwise region of the upright area of ​​the three-dimensional gather. Absorbent material.

2. The absorbent core has a bending portion that makes it easy to bend the end portion in the width direction toward the skin side relative to the central portion in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The absorption core has, at least at the longitudinal end, a high-rigidity portion on the central side in the width direction and a low-rigidity portion on the end side in the width direction. The bent portion is formed between the high-rigidity portion and the low-rigidity portion. The longitudinal end of the three-dimensional gather is laminated to the top sheet in the region overlapping with the low-rigidity portion. The absorbent article according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned upright line is provided inside the widthwise end of the absorbent, The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The free end is provided on the overlapping side sheet so as to be located in a position that overlaps with or near the upright line when the three-dimensional gathers are formed. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The absorbent material further comprises a non-permeable back sheet that covers the non-skin side, The back sheet is provided so as to overlap the top sheet within the area outside the widthwise region of the widened portion and within the area inside the longitudinal region of the widened portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The free end is provided inward from the end of the absorbent in the width direction when the three-dimensional gather is standing upright on the skin side. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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