Absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of being sanitarily disposed by suppressing an increase in the bulk.SOLUTION: The present disclosure is an absorbent article 10 which comprises a liquid permeable top sheet 11 positioned at a skin side in wearing, a liquid impermeable back sheet 12 positioned at a non-skin side in wearing, and an absorber 13 arranged between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. The back sheet 12 has a first region 14 at the skin side, and a second region 15 at the non-skin side, in which both end edge portions in the longitudinal direction are stuck to the first region 14 in a state of being folded to the non-skin side in an end portion 16 at one side in the width direction of the first region 14. A gap between the first region 14 and the second region 15 is formed in a bag-like shape opened to the other side in the width direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pad-type absorbent article that can be disposed of hygienically, easily and quickly after use.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, when disposing of an absorbent article after use, it is often the case that the contaminated absorbent surface is oriented inward, the absorbent article is folded or rolled up, and then placed in a garbage bag or a dedicated trash can. Regarding the disposal of absorbent articles after use, there is a demand for processing that is as hygienic, easy, and quick as possible.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an urine absorbing pad (absorbent article). The pad main body of this urine absorbing pad consists of a back sheet, a top sheet, and an absorber provided between the two sheets. In the urine absorbing pad, a pocket sheet is provided on the outer surface of the back sheet of the pad main body to form a pocket. By rolling the pad main body such that the back sheet faces outward, the top sheet side contaminated with excrement or the like is held inside, and further, turning the pocket sheet inside out to store the rolled pad main body allows the urine absorbing pad to be brought into a compact state.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article provided with a bag body. The absorbent article includes an absorbent main body and the bag body. The bag body is attached to the non-skin-facing surface side of the absorbent main body, and the absorbent main body can be stored in an internal space formed by turning the bag body inside out. For example, when disposing of the absorbent main body that has absorbed the excrement of a wearer, the absorbent main body can be stored in the bag body.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0006] The absorbent articles described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are equipped with a bag or the like (including a pocket) for rolling up and storing the absorbent article when disposing of it after use. However, since the absorbent article is rolled up and stored in the bag or the like after use, there is a possibility that bodily fluids such as urine and feces may leak back when the absorbent article is rolled up. In addition, since the absorbent article becomes bulkier when rolled up after use, it may become difficult to put into a trash can with a small opening, for example, and thus difficult to dispose of.

[0007] Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide an absorbent article that can be disposed of hygienically while suppressing an increase in bulk. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, a first aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet located on the skin side when worn, a liquid-impermeable back sheet located on the non-skin side when worn, and an absorbent disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the back sheet has a first region on the skin side and a second region on the non-skin side in which both longitudinal edges are bonded to the first region with one end in the width direction of the first region folded back to the non-skin side, and the space between the first region and the second region is formed in a bag shape that opens to the other side in the width direction.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first aspect, wherein the length in the width direction of the second region of the back sheet is set to a length such that the entire surface of the skin side of the top sheet can be covered by the second region by folding the second region back toward the top sheet side at one end of the first region in the width direction.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein the back sheet has a third area in which both longitudinal edges are bonded to the second area, with the other end in the width direction of the second area being folded back toward the non-skin side, and the space between the second area and the third area is formed in a bag shape with an opening toward one side in the width direction.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein the length between the longitudinal end of the absorbent and the longitudinal end of the back sheet is 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the length between the widthwise end of the absorbent and the widthwise end of the back sheet is 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein the length in the width direction of the second region of the backsheet is 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less shorter than the length in the width direction of the first region.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein fastening means are provided on the non-skin side of the back sheet.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article according to the first or second aspect, wherein the non-skin side of the backsheet is provided with a marking that indicates the position of the other end in the width direction of the second region. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, absorbent articles can be disposed of hygienically after use while minimizing the increase in bulk. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the skin side. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3]It is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article wrapped in a back sheet. [Figure 4] It is a plan view from the non-skin side of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in Fig. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the absorbent article of Fig. 6 is wrapped in a back sheet. Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] In the present specification, "wearing an absorbent article" means a state where the absorbent article is worn on the wearer's body regardless of whether it is before, during or after absorption of bodily fluids. The term "front side" means the direction that becomes the ventral side of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and the term "rear side" means the direction that becomes the dorsal side of the wearer. The left-right direction means the left-right direction as viewed from the wearer facing forward. The longitudinal direction of each constituent member of the absorbent article refers to the lengthwise direction of the absorbent article (the direction along the front and back of the wearer when worn), which is the direction along the arrow X in the drawings. The width direction of each constituent member of the absorbent article refers to the short direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (the direction along the left and right of the wearer when worn), which is the direction along the arrow Y in the drawings. The thickness direction of each constituent member of the absorbent article refers to the direction in which the respective constituent members are laminated, which is the direction along the arrow Z in the drawings. The term "skin side" of each constituent member of the absorbent article refers to the direction toward the wearer's body when the absorbent article is worn in the thickness direction, and the term "non-skin side" refers to the direction opposite to the skin side in the thickness direction. Bodily fluid refers to liquid discharged from the body to the outside of the body, such as urine, blood, and moisture in loose stool. Furthermore, examples of absorbent articles include, but are not limited to, light incontinence products such as water-absorbent napkins, light incontinence pads, and urine absorption pads, sanitary products such as sanitary napkins, and panty liners, and other absorbent articles may also be used.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a plan view from the skin side of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article wrapped in a back sheet. In Fig. 2, the indicator marks are illustrated with thickness for ease of understanding. In addition, the illustration of the adhesive layer is omitted in Fig. 3. Furthermore, each drawing does not define the magnitude relationship of the dimensions of the constituent members of the absorbent article, and the dimensions of each constituent member can be appropriately selected from a wide range according to the application of the absorbent article and the like.

[0020] [Absorbent Article] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the absorbent article 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is, for example, a pad-type absorbent article that is attached to underwear to absorb bodily fluids. The absorbent article 10 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 11 positioned on the skin side when worn, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 12 positioned on the non-skin side when worn, and an absorbent body 13 disposed between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. The absorbent article 10 may also include sheets other than the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 (for example, three-dimensional gathers, a cover sheet wrapping the absorbent body 13, etc.). In addition, the shape of the absorbent article 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably substantially rectangular or oval.

[0021] The length in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10 (maximum length; the same applies hereinafter) preferably has a lower limit of 140 mm or more, and preferably has an upper limit of 300 mm or less. In addition, the length in the width direction of the absorbent article 10 preferably has a lower limit of 50 mm or more, and preferably has an upper limit of 130 mm or less. By adjusting the dimensions of the absorbent article 10 within the above range, the pad-type absorbent article 10 suitable for light incontinence products, sanitary products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and the like can be obtained.

[0022] (Top Sheet) The top sheet 11 is a liquid-permeable sheet-like substrate that allows bodily fluids to pass rapidly towards the absorbent 13 and diffuse them in the planar direction of the absorbent 13. The top sheet 11 is preferably made of a soft, non-irritating substrate so that it can come into direct contact with the wearer's skin. Examples of substrates include nonwoven fabrics such as air-through nonwoven fabric, thermal bond nonwoven fabric, and spunbond nonwoven fabric; open films such as open polyethylene film; foamed films such as polyethylene foam and urethane foam; and multilayer sheets made by laminating two or more of these.

[0023] The top sheet 11 may be embossed or perforated on its surface to improve liquid permeability. Known methods can be used without limitation for these embossing and perforating processes. Furthermore, to reduce skin irritation, the top sheet 11 may contain lotions, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory components, pH adjusters, antibacterial agents, moisturizers, etc.

[0024] In Figure 1, the top sheet 11 is shown as oval-shaped, but the shape of the top sheet 11 is not limited to this. For example, the shape of the top sheet 11 may be a roughly rectangular shape, similar to the first region 14 of the back sheet 12, which will be described later.

[0025] (Back seat) The backsheet 12 should be formed using a base material that is impermeable to liquids so that the bodily fluids held by the absorbent 13 do not wet the wearer's clothing. Examples of the base material include a resin film, a composite sheet which is a laminate of a resin film and a nonwoven fabric, etc. The nonwoven fabric used in the composite sheet is not particularly limited in its manufacturing method and examples include single-layer nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabric and meltblown nonwoven fabric, composite nonwoven fabrics such as spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric laminate, spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric laminate, and composite materials thereof. Examples of the resin film include polyester, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, and composite films of polyethylene and polypropylene. Furthermore, in order to prevent stuffiness when worn, it is preferable that the backsheet 12 be breathable. To make the backsheet 12 breathable, for example, fillers can be blended into the resin film base material, or the backsheet 12 can be embossed. Calcium carbonate can be used as a filler, and its formulation can be carried out without restriction using any known method.

[0026] The backsheet 12 has a first region 14 on the skin side (absorbent 13 side) and a second region 15 on the non-skin side, which is folded back to the non-skin side at one end 16 in the width direction of the first region 14, and is formed in a bag shape with the space between the first region 14 and the second region 15 opening to the other side in the width direction. The longitudinal edges 17a and 17b of the second region 15 (the region longitudinally outside the dashed line a shown in Figure 1 (away from the center)) are bonded to the first region 14. In other words, the backsheet 12 of this embodiment is formed by folding a single backsheet 12 in half to form the first region 14 on the skin side and the second region 15 on the non-skin side, and bonding the longitudinal edges 17a and 17b of the first region 14 and the second region 15 to form a bag shape. The backsheet 12 can be changed from a normal state (shown in Figures 1 and 2) in which the second region 15 is positioned on the non-skin side of the first region 14, to a packaging state (shown in Figure 3) in which the second region 15 is folded back toward the top sheet 11 at one end 16 in the width direction of the first region 14. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the backsheet 12 refers to the backsheet 12 in its normal state.

[0027] (Back seat dimensions) The length L1 (see Figure 1) between the longitudinal end (outermost end) of the backsheet 12 and the longitudinal end (outermost end) of the absorbent 13 is preferably 20 mm or more at the lower limit and 40 mm or less at the upper limit. Also, the length L2 (see Figure 1) between the widthwise end (outermost end) of the backsheet 12 and the widthwise end (outermost end) of the absorbent 13 is preferably 10 mm or more at the lower limit and 40 mm or less at the upper limit.

[0028] The first region 14 of the backsheet 12 is substantially rectangular in shape and is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent 13. The outer peripheral edge of the topsheet 11 (the region outside the absorbent 13 shown in Figure 1) is joined to the first region 14. In this embodiment, the length of the first region 14 in the width direction is substantially the same as the length of the topsheet 11 in the width direction, but is not limited to this, and may be longer than the length of the topsheet 11 in the width direction, for example. Also, in this embodiment, the length of the first region 14 in the longitudinal direction is slightly longer than the length of the topsheet 11 in the longitudinal direction, but is not limited to this, and may be substantially the same as the length of the topsheet 11 in the longitudinal direction, for example.

[0029] The second region 15 of the backsheet 12 is substantially rectangular in shape and is located on the non-skin side of the first region 14. Preferably, the widthwise length L1 of the second region 15 is set to a length that allows the entire skin-side surface 11a of the top sheet 11 to be covered by the second region 15 when the second region 15 is folded back toward the top sheet 11 at one end 16 in the widthwise direction of the first region 14 (in the packaging state shown in Figure 3). In this embodiment, the widthwise length L3 of the second region 15 is set to be approximately the same length as the widthwise length L4 of the first region 14. That is, the widthwise length of the backsheet 12 in its unfolded state before folding is approximately twice the widthwise length of the absorbent article 10.

[0030] (Fixing means) It is preferable to provide an adhesive layer (fastening means) 18 on the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12 (in this embodiment, the non-skin side of the second region 15) for fastening the absorbent article 10 to clothing such as underwear or disposable diapers. There are no particular limitations on the adhesive used to form the adhesive layer 18, but examples include hot-melt adhesives such as polyacrylic acid ester, vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer, vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, styrene-acrylic copolymer, polyester resin, epoxy resin, and butadiene-styrene copolymer. These may be used individually or in a blend. The adhesive layer 18 can be formed by applying the above adhesive to the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12. When using the absorbent article 10, it is attached to clothing such as underwear or disposable diapers via the adhesive layer 18. Before use, a removable sheet (such as release paper) may be attached to the adhesive layer 18 of the absorbent article 10 to protect it. Furthermore, the fastening means is not limited to an adhesive layer 18 formed by applying an adhesive to the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12, but may also be, for example, double-sided tape or the like that is attached to the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12.

[0031] (Marker) It is preferable to provide a marker mark 20 on the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12 (in this embodiment, the non-skin side of the second region 15) to mark the position of the other end 19 in the width direction of the second region 15. The marker mark 20 may be, for example, a marker mark 20 in which the area near the other end 19 in the width direction of the non-skin side of the second region 15 is colored longitudinally along the other end 19, as shown in Figure 2. Note that the marker mark 20 is not limited to being colored longitudinally along the other end 19 of the second region 15, but may also be, for example, a pattern provided in the area near the other end 19 or an arrow indicating the position of the other end 19. By providing a marker mark 20, the position of the other end 19 in the width direction of the second region 15 can be easily recognized, and the position of the opening of the bag-shaped backsheet 12 can be easily recognized when changing the backsheet 12 from the normal state to the packaged state (the state shown in Figure 3).

[0032] (Absorbent) Examples of the absorbent material 13 include a fluff absorbent material containing absorbent fibers and a superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "SAP"), and an SAP sheet in which SAP particles are fixed between liquid absorbent sheets.

[0033] Absorbent fibers are generally not limited to those used in absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, and incontinence pads. Examples include fluff pulp, cotton, rayon, acetate, tissue, absorbent paper, and hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics. Among these, fluff pulp is preferred from the viewpoint of absorbency. Examples of fluff pulp include wood pulp (for example, bleached kraft pulp from coniferous trees such as Southern pine and Douglas fir (N-BKP)), synthetic fibers, resin fibers, and non-wood pulp that have been defibrated into a cotton-like form. Furthermore, liquid absorbent sheets can be sheets composed of one or more of the above absorbent fibers.

[0034] There are no particular limitations on the superabsorbent polymer as long as it can absorb bodily fluids and prevent backflow. Examples include polyacrylates, polyaspartates, (starch-acrylic acid) graft copolymers, (acrylic acid-vinyl alcohol) copolymers, (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) copolymers, and their saponifies. Among these, polyacrylates are preferred from the viewpoint of absorption per unit weight, alkali metal polyacrylates are more preferred, and sodium polyacrylate is even more preferred. The superabsorbent polymer can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0035] In the absorbent body 13, the form of the absorbent fibers and SAP may be one in which SAP particles are mixed into absorbent fibers, or in which SAP particles are fixed between absorbent fibers.

[0036] (Cover sheet) A cover sheet (not shown) may be provided to enclose the absorbent 13 in order to prevent leakage of SAP particles and to stabilize the shape of the absorbent 13. The base material of the cover sheet can be any hydrophilic material, such as tissue, absorbent paper, airlaid nonwoven fabric, or spunbond nonwoven fabric. Among these, spunbond nonwoven fabric is preferred. If multiple cover sheets are provided, the base materials of the multiple cover sheets may be the same or different. In addition, an ADL layer may be provided between the top sheet 11 and the cover sheet to quickly capture and distribute bodily fluids from the cover sheet side to the absorbent 13 side.

[0037] (Three-dimensional gathers) The absorbent article 10 may be provided with left and right three-dimensional gathers (not shown) on the skin-facing side to prevent leakage of bodily fluids excreted by the wearer. In this case, the three-dimensional gathers are provided at both ends in the width direction of the skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11, extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 10. The three-dimensional gathers include a water-repellent and / or waterproof gather sheet and an elastic stretchable member.

[0038] The gathered sheet is a sheet having water-repellent and / or waterproof (liquid impermeable) properties, and is made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric can be any water-repellent and / or waterproof nonwoven fabric formed from hydrophobic fibers, without any particular limitations. Examples include spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, and composite nonwoven fabric (SMS nonwoven fabric) which is a laminate of spunbond nonwoven fabric / meltblown nonwoven fabric / spunbond nonwoven fabric. For example, one end (fixed end) of the gathered sheet in the width direction is fixed near both ends in the width direction of the skin surface 11a of the top sheet 11, and the other end in the width direction is a free end that can stand upright. The fixing position of the gathered sheet is not limited to this embodiment; for example, one end (fixed end) of the gathered sheet in the width direction may be fixed near both ends in the width direction of the skin surface of the first region 14 of the back sheet 12, and the middle part of the gathered sheet in the width direction may be fixed near both ends in the width direction of the skin surface 11a of the top sheet 11.

[0039] The elastic stretch member is positioned along the longitudinal direction near the free end (other end) of the gathered sheet, providing the free end with uprightness and allowing the free end of the gathered sheet and its vicinity to deform to conform to the wearer's body shape. As the elastic stretch member, thread-like, string-like, or strip-like materials made of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, etc., can be used as appropriate.

[0040] (How to use) Next, we will explain an example of how to dispose of absorbent material 10 after use.

[0041] When disposing of the absorbent article 10 after use, the worker (including the wearer and caregiver; the same applies hereinafter) first peels the absorbent article 10 from clothing such as underwear or a disposable diaper. The peeled absorbent article 10 is in its normal state (as shown in Figures 1 and 2). The worker inserts their finger between the first region 14 and the second region 15 from the other end 19 in the width direction of the second region 15 of the back sheet 12, and folds the second region 15 towards the top sheet 11 at one end 16 of the first region 14, so as to turn the bag-shaped back sheet 12 inside out. As a result, the absorbent article 10 is in a packaged state as shown in Figure 3. In the packaged state, the back sheet 12 is in a bag-like shape that has been turned inside out from its normal state. In the packaged state, the absorbent article 10 is flat without being curled up, and the skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11 is covered by the second region 15 of the back sheet 12.

[0042] In the absorbent article 10 configured as described above, the back sheet 12 has a first region 14 and a second region 15, and is formed in a bag shape with an opening to the other side in the width direction between the first region 14 and the second region 15. Therefore, when disposing of the absorbent article 10 after use, the back sheet 12 can be turned inside out from its normal state to package the absorbent article 10. Since the skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11 of the packaged absorbent article 10 is covered by the second region 15 of the back sheet 12, the absorbent article 10 can be disposed of hygienically after use.

[0043] Furthermore, since the absorbent article 10 in its packaged state is flat and not rolled up, unlike when the absorbent article 10 is rolled up so that the skin-side 11a of the top sheet 11 faces inward and stored in a bag or the like (including a pocket), an increase in bulk can be suppressed.

[0044] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 after use can be disposed of hygienically while suppressing an increase in bulk.

[0045] Furthermore, by setting the widthwise length L1 of the second region 15 to a length that allows the entire skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11 to be covered by the second region 15 when the back sheet 12 is in its packaged state (as shown in Figure 3), it is possible to reliably prevent the skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11 from being exposed from the second region 15 of the back sheet 12 in its packaged state. This allows the absorbent article 10 to be disposed of more hygienically after use.

[0046] Furthermore, by setting the length L1 between the longitudinal end of the backsheet 12 and the longitudinal end of the absorbent material 13 to 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less, and the length L2 between the widthwise end of the backsheet 12 and the widthwise end of the absorbent material 13 to 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less, the transition from the normal state to the packaged state can be hygienically facilitated, and the increase in the dimensions of the absorbent article 10 can be suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, by providing an adhesive layer (fastening means) 18 on the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12, the absorbent article 10 can be fastened to clothing such as underwear or to disposable diapers.

[0048] Furthermore, by providing an adhesive layer (fastening means) 18 on the non-skin side of the second region 15 of the back sheet 12, the second region 15 can be fastened to the skin side of the absorbent article 10 (for example, the skin side 11a of the top sheet 11) when the absorbent article 10 is packaged. This allows the absorbent article 10 to be kept in a packaged state, enabling more hygienic disposal of the absorbent article 10 after use.

[0049] Furthermore, by providing a marker 20 on the non-skin side 12a of the backsheet 12 to indicate the position of the other end 19 in the width direction of the second region 15, the position of the other end 19 of the second region 15 can be easily recognized when changing the absorbent article 10 from its normal state to its packaged state after use. As a result, when changing the absorbent article 10 from its normal state to its packaged state after use, the worker can easily insert their finger between the first region 14 and the second region 15 of the backsheet 12 and turn the bag-shaped backsheet 12 inside out.

[0050] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The absorbent article 30 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 of the backsheet 31 is shorter than the widthwise length L4 of the first region 32. Components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0051] Figure 4 is a plan view of the non-skin side of an absorbent article according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the VV arrow in Figure 4. In Figure 5, for clarity, the markings are shown with added thickness.

[0052] [Absorbent articles] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the absorbent article 30 according to this embodiment comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 11 located on the skin side when worn, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 31 located on the non-skin side when worn, and an absorbent body 13 positioned between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 31. The absorbent article 30 may also include other sheets besides the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 31 (for example, three-dimensional gathers, a cover sheet enclosing the absorbent body 13, etc.). Furthermore, the shape of the absorbent article 30 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably approximately rectangular or oval.

[0053] (Back seat) The backsheet 31 may be formed using a base material that is impermeable to liquids, similar to the backsheet 12 in the first embodiment described above, so as to prevent the bodily fluids held by the absorbent 13 from wetting the wearer's clothing.

[0054] The backsheet 31 has a first region 32 on the skin side (absorbent 13 side) and a second region 33 on the non-skin side, which is folded back to the non-skin side at one end 34 in the width direction of the first region 32, and is formed in a bag shape with the space between the first region 32 and the second region 33 opening to the other side in the width direction. The longitudinal edges 35a and 35b of the second region 33 (the region longitudinally outside the dashed line a shown in Figure 4 (away from the center)) are bonded to the first region 32. In other words, the backsheet 31 of this embodiment is formed by folding a single backsheet 31 in half to form the first region 32 on the skin side and the second region 33 on the non-skin side, and bonding the longitudinal edges 35a and 35b of the second region 33 to the first region 32 to form a bag shape. The backsheet 31, like the backsheet 12 of the first embodiment described above, can be transformed from a normal state (shown in Figures 4 and 5) in which the second region 33 is positioned on the non-skin side of the first region 32, to a packaging state (not shown) in which the second region 33 is folded back toward the top sheet 11 at one end 34 in the width direction of the first region 32. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the backsheet 31 refers to the backsheet 31 in its normal state. Furthermore, the first region 32 of the backsheet 31 has substantially the same configuration as the first region 14 of the backsheet 12 of the first embodiment described above, so its description is omitted.

[0055] The second region 33 of the back sheet 31 is substantially rectangular in shape and is located on the non-skin side of the first region 32. The widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 is preferably set to a length that allows the second region 33 to cover the entire skin side 11a of the top sheet 11 when packaged. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 in this embodiment is shorter than the widthwise length L4 of the first region 32. The difference L5 between the widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 and the widthwise length L4 of the first region 32 is preferably 5 mm or more at the lower limit and 20 mm or less at the upper limit.

[0056] (Fixing means) It is preferable that the non-skin side 31a of the backsheet 31 (the non-skin side of the first region 32 and the second region 33 in this embodiment) be provided with an adhesive layer (fastening means) for fastening the absorbent article 30 to clothing such as underwear or a disposable diaper, similar to the backsheet 12 in the first embodiment described above.

[0057] (Marker) It is preferable to provide a marker mark 20 on the non-skin side surface 31a of the backsheet 31 (in this embodiment, the non-skin side surfaces of the first region 32 and the second region 15) to mark the position of the other end 36 in the width direction of the second region 33. The marker mark 20 may be, for example, a marker mark 20 in which the area near the other end 36 in the width direction of the non-skin side surface of the second region 33 is colored longitudinally along the other end 36, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that the position of the marker mark 20 is not limited to the non-skin side surface of the second region 33, but may also be, for example, an area near the other end 36 of the second region 33 on the non-skin side surface of the first region 32 that is exposed to the non-skin side.

[0058] The absorbent article 30 configured as described above has the same effects and advantages as the absorbent article 10 of the first embodiment.

[0059] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the absorbent article 30 after use can be disposed of hygienically while suppressing an increase in bulk.

[0060] Furthermore, since the widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 of the backsheet 31 is shorter than the widthwise length L4 of the first region 32, it is easier to insert a finger between the first region 32 and the second region 33 of the backsheet 31 to return the absorbent article 30 from its normal state to its packaged state after use, by gripping the other end 36 of the second region 33.

[0061] Furthermore, by setting the difference L5 between the widthwise length L3 of the second region 33 of the back sheet 31 and the widthwise length L4 of the first region 32 to 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less, it is possible to ensure that the widthwise length of the second region 33 is sufficient to cover the entire surface of the skin side 11a of the top sheet 11 when packaged, while also making it easier to grip the other end 36 of the second region 33 with a finger.

[0062] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The absorbent article 40 of this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the back sheet 41 has a third region 44 in addition to the first region 42 and the second region 43. Components similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0063] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the absorbent article of Figure 6 wrapped in a back sheet. In Figure 6, the thickness is added to the markings for clarity. Also, the adhesive layer is omitted from the illustration in Figure 7.

[0064] [Absorbent articles] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the absorbent article 40 according to this embodiment comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 11 located on the skin side when worn, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 41 located on the non-skin side when worn, and an absorbent body 13 positioned between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 41. The absorbent article 40 may also include other sheets besides the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 41 (for example, three-dimensional gathers, a cover sheet enclosing the absorbent body 13, etc.). Furthermore, the shape of the absorbent article 40 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably approximately rectangular or oval.

[0065] (Back seat) The backsheet 41 may be formed using a base material that is impermeable to liquids, similar to the backsheet 12 in the first embodiment described above, so as to prevent the bodily fluids held by the absorbent 13 from wetting the wearer's clothing.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, the backsheet 41 has a first region 42 on the skin side (absorbent 13 side), a second region 43 on the non-skin side, which is folded back to the non-skin side at one end 45 in the width direction of the first region 42, and a third region 44 which is folded back to the non-skin side at the other end 46 in the width direction of the second region 43 and is located further to the non-skin side than the second region 43. Both longitudinal edges (not shown) of the second region 43 are bonded to the first region 42. Also, both longitudinal edges (not shown) of the third region 44 are bonded to the second region 43. The backsheet 41 is formed in a bag shape with an opening to the other side in the width direction between the first region 42 and the second region 43. Also, the backsheet 41 is formed in a bag shape with an opening to one side in the width direction between the second region 43 and the third region 44. In other words, the back sheet 41 of this embodiment is formed by folding a single back sheet 41 into three sections in a Z shape to create a first region 42 on the skin side, a second region 43 on the non-skin side, and a third region 44 on the non-skin side. In Figure 6, the widthwise length L3 of the second region 43 is shorter than the widthwise length L4 of the first region 42, but it may be approximately the same length as the widthwise length L4 of the first region 42.

[0067] The backsheet 41 can be transformed from a normal state (shown in Figure 6) with the second region 43 positioned on the non-skin side of the first region 42 to a packaging state (shown in Figure 7) where the second region 43 is folded back towards the top sheet 11 at one end 45 in the width direction of the first region 42, and the other end in the width direction of the absorbent article 40 is inserted between the second region 43 and the third region 44. Unless otherwise specified, the description of the backsheet 41 refers to the backsheet 41 in its normal state. Furthermore, the first region 42 of the backsheet 41 has substantially the same configuration as the first region 14 of the backsheet 12 in the first embodiment, so its description is omitted. Furthermore, the second region 43 of the backsheet 41 has substantially the same configuration as the second region 15 of the backsheet 12 in the first embodiment, or the second region 33 of the backsheet 31 in the second embodiment, so its description is omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figure 6, the third region 44 of the backsheet 41 is substantially rectangular and is located further away from the skin than the second region 43. In this embodiment, the widthwise length L6 of the third region 44 is shorter than the widthwise length L3 of the second region 43. The widthwise length of the backsheet 41 in its unfolded state before folding is approximately 2.5 times the widthwise length of the absorbent article 40. In this embodiment, the widthwise length L6 of the third region 44 is shorter than the widthwise length L3 of the second region 43, but this is not the only option, and for example, it may be approximately the same as the widthwise length L3 of the second region 43.

[0069] (Fixing means) It is preferable to provide an adhesive layer (fastening means) 18 on the non-skin side 41a of the backsheet 41 (in this embodiment, the non-skin side of the first region 42, the second region 43, and the third region 44) for fastening the absorbent article 40 to clothing such as underwear or a disposable diaper.

[0070] (Marker) It is preferable to provide a marker mark 20 on the non-skin side surface 41a of the backsheet 41 (in this embodiment, the non-skin side surfaces of the first region 42, the second region 43, and the third region 44) to mark the position of the other end 46 in the width direction of the second region 43. The marker mark 20 may be, for example, a marker mark 20 that is colored longitudinally along the other end 46, in the area near the other end 46 of the second region 43, among the non-skin side surfaces of the first region 42 that are exposed to the non-skin side, as shown in Figure 6. Note that the position of the marker mark 20 is not limited to the non-skin side surface of the first region 42, but may also be, for example, an area near the other end 46 in the width direction of the second region 43, among the non-skin side surfaces of the third region 44.

[0071] (How to use) Next, we will explain an example of how to dispose of absorbent material 40 after use.

[0072] When disposing of the absorbent article 40 after use, the worker first peels the absorbent article 40 from clothing such as underwear or disposable diapers. The peeled absorbent article 40 is in its normal state (as shown in Figure 6). The worker inserts their finger between the first region 42 and the second region 43 from the other end 46 in the width direction of the second region 43 of the back sheet 41, and folds the second region 43 towards the top sheet 11 at one end 45 of the first region 42, so as to turn the bag-shaped back sheet 41 inside out. Then, the worker places the third region 44 of the back sheet 41 over the non-skin side of the first region 42, inserting the other end in the width direction of the absorbent article 40 between the second region 43 and the third region 44. As a result, the absorbent article 40 is in a packaged state as shown in Figure 7. The absorbent article 40 in its packaged state is flat and not curled, with the skin-side surface 11a of the top sheet 11 covered by the second region 43 of the back sheet 41.

[0073] The absorbent article 40 configured as described above has the same effects and advantages as the absorbent article 10 of the first embodiment.

[0074] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the absorbent article 40 after use can be disposed of hygienically while suppressing an increase in bulk.

[0075] Furthermore, the backsheet 41 has a third region 44 that is folded back towards the non-skin side at the other end 46 in the width direction of the second region 43, and is formed in a bag shape with an opening on one side in the width direction between the second region 43 and the third region 44. Therefore, when disposing of the absorbent article 40 after use, the bag-shaped backsheet 41 can be turned inside out by folding the second region 43 towards the top sheet 11 at the end 45 on one side of the first region 42, and then inserting the other end in the width direction of the absorbent article 40 between the second region 43 and the third region 44. This prevents the second region 43 of the backsheet 41 from opening away from the top sheet 11, and keeps the absorbent article 40 in a packaged state, so that the absorbent article 10 can be disposed of more hygienically after use.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described above based on the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and can naturally be modified as appropriate without departing from the present invention. In other words, all other embodiments, examples, and operational techniques made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are of course included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10, 30, 40: Absorbent articles 11: Top sheet 12,31,41: Back seat 13: Absorbent material 14,32,42: 1st area 15,33,43:Second area 18: Adhesive layer (fixing means) 20: Landmark 44:Third area

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet located on the skin side when worn, a liquid-impermeable back sheet located on the non-skin side when worn, and an absorbent material disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, The back sheet has a first region on the skin side and a second region on the non-skin side, where one end of the first region in the width direction is folded back to the non-skin side and both longitudinal edges are bonded to the first region, and the space between the first region and the second region is formed in a bag shape that opens to the other side in the width direction. The back sheet has a third region in which both longitudinal edges are bonded to the second region, with the other end in the width direction of the second region folded back toward the non-skin side, and the space between the second region and the third region is formed in a bag shape with an opening on one side in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by the following features.

2. The widthwise length of the second region of the backsheet is set to a length that allows the entire surface of the top sheet to be covered by the second region by folding the second region back toward the top sheet at one end of the first region in the widthwise direction. The absorbent article according to feature 1.

3. The length between the longitudinal end of the absorbent and the longitudinal end of the backsheet is 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less. The length between the widthwise end of the absorbent material and the widthwise end of the backsheet is 10 mm or more and 40 mm or less. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The widthwise length of the second region of the backsheet is 5 mm to 20 mm shorter than the widthwise length of the first region. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. Fastening means are provided on the non-skin side of the back sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The non-skin side of the back sheet is provided with a marker indicating the position of the other edge in the width direction of the second region. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

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