Urine absorption pad

Abstract

Provided is a urine absorption pad which promotes attachment of the urine absorption pad at an appropriate position with respect to the urinary orifice, suppresses the leakage of body fluid, and has an absorption capacity that can be put to good use. The urine absorption pad has: the front-rear direction (L); the width direction (W); the thickness direction (T); an absorbent body (30); and a pair of flaps (40) that extend outward from the absorbent body in the width direction and can be folded back to the non-skin side of underwear when worn. The urine absorption pad is provided with a direction indicator part (100) indicating the orientation of the urine absorption pad in the front-rear direction. Outer sections of the flaps in the width direction each have a protruding section (41) that bulges outward in the width direction. The apexes (42) of the protruding sections are disposed further rearward than the centers of the flaps in the front-rear direction.

Description

Urine absorption pads

[0001] The present invention relates to a urine absorbent pad for absorbing urine.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a urine absorption pad for absorbing urine. The urine absorption pad is configured to be attached to underwear when in use, and has a pair of flaps that are folded back onto the non-skin side of the underwear.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-200296

[0004] The applicant's thorough investigation of the use of urine absorbent pads revealed that some wearers may not be able to properly position the pad relative to the urination outlet, resulting in leakage or insufficient absorption capacity. More specifically, the central region of the urine absorbent pad, where a pair of flaps is located, is located in the crotch region of the underwear and is designed to absorb more bodily fluids than other regions (e.g., the front and rear regions of the urine absorbent pad). Wearers typically wear the pad so that the center of the flaps in the anterior-posterior direction is aligned with the center of the crotch region of the underwear. This prevents the urine absorbent pad from being biased forward or backward, and ensures that the center of the central region in the anterior-posterior direction is aligned with the center of the crotch region of the underwear. However, the urination outlet is located anterior to the vaginal opening and faces a region anterior to the center of the crotch region of the underwear. Therefore, when the center of the central region is aligned with the center of the crotch region of the underwear, more urine is discharged in the area in front of the crotch region, which can cause urine leakage from the front of the urine absorbent pad.Furthermore, bodily fluids are unevenly directed to the front area of ​​the urine absorbent pad, which can prevent the pad from fully utilizing its absorption capacity.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and provides a urine absorption pad that encourages attachment of the urine absorption pad to an appropriate position relative to the urination opening, suppresses leakage of bodily fluids, and utilizes its absorption capacity.

[0006] A urine absorption pad according to one embodiment has a front-to-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, an absorbent body, and a pair of flaps that extend outward in the width direction from the absorbent body and are folded back toward the non-skin side of an undergarment when worn. The urine absorption pad is provided with a direction indicator that indicates the orientation of the urine absorption pad in the front-to-rear direction. The outer width direction portions of the flaps have convex portions that bulge outward in the width direction. The apex of the convex portion is located behind the center of the flaps in the front-to-rear direction.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a plan view of the urine absorption pad according to embodiment 1 as seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the urine absorption pad according to embodiment 1 as seen from the non-skin side. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the flap is folded back to the skin side. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of how the urine absorption pad is attached to underwear.

[0008] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The following points become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is a urine absorption pad. The urine absorption pad has a front-to-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, an absorbent body, and a pair of flaps that extend outward in the width direction from the absorbent body and are folded back toward the non-skin side of the underwear when worn. The urine absorption pad is provided with a direction indicator that indicates the front-to-rear direction orientation of the urine absorption pad. The outer width direction portions of the flaps have convex portions that bulge outward in the width direction. The apex of the convex portion is located behind the front-to-rear center of the flaps. The urine absorption pad has convex portions on the outer portions of the flaps. The apex of the convex portion corresponds to the maximum width of the urine absorption pad. Therefore, a wearer typically wears the urine absorption pad by aligning the apex of the convex portion with the front-to-rear center of the crotch region (hereinafter referred to as the crotch center). At this time, because the urine absorbent pad is provided with a direction indicator, the urine absorbent pad can be worn in the appropriate front-to-back direction, and because the apex of the convex part is located behind the front-to-back center of the flap (hereinafter referred to as the flap center), by aligning the apex of the convex part with the crotch center when wearing it, the flap is positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center. This allows the urine absorbent pad to be positioned closer to the front, and the flap center to be positioned closer to the urination opening, which is located forward of the crotch center. This prevents leakage of bodily fluids and makes full use of the absorption capacity.

[0009] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The apexes of the convex portions are located rearward of the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction. Because the apexes of the convex portions are located rearward of the center of the absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction, by aligning the apexes of the convex portions with the center of the crotch, the absorbent body is positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center. This allows the absorbent body to be positioned closer to the front, and the center of the absorbent body can be positioned closer to the urination opening, which is located forward of the crotch center. This allows for the suppression of leakage of bodily fluids and the utilization of absorption capacity. Furthermore, because the length of the absorbent body forward of the apexes of the convex portions is longer than the length of the absorbent body behind the apexes of the convex portions, the area of ​​the absorbent body positioned in the front can be secured, further suppressing front leakage.

[0010] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. The urine absorbent pad has a rear central region extending in the front-to-rear direction between the center of the flap and the rear end edge of the flap. The apex of the convex portion is located forward of the center of the rear central region in the front-to-rear direction. According to this aspect, because the apex of the convex portion is located forward of the center of the rear central region in the front-to-rear direction, when the apex of the convex portion is aligned with the center of the crotch, the urine absorbent pad is prevented from being worn too far forward, thereby preventing rear leakage.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3: the front end edges of the flaps are located outward in the width direction from the rear end edges of the flaps. According to this aspect, since the front end edges of the flaps are located outward in the width direction from the rear end edges of the flaps, the front and rear end edges of the flaps can be positioned along the shape of the crotch region, and the flaps can be positioned so as to follow the shape of the crotch region.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4: the flap has a bulging portion that bulges outward from a first imaginary line connecting the front edge of the flap and the apex of the convex portion. According to this aspect, since the outline of the flap bulges outward from the first imaginary line, the area of ​​the flap in the region forward of the apex of the convex portion of the flap is secured, and turning up and shifting of the flap in the region forward of the apex of the convex portion can be suppressed, thereby further suppressing forward leakage of bodily fluids.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may be the invention according to Aspect 5, which has the following features: The flap has a recess that is recessed inward from a second imaginary line connecting the rear edge of the flap and the apex of the convex portion. According to this aspect, the flap has a recess located inward from the second imaginary line and a bulge that bulges outward from the first imaginary line. This means that the outline of the flap is clearly different in front of and behind the apex of the convex portion of the flap. This allows the user to recognize the difference in the shape of the urine absorbent pad in the front-to-back direction and makes the apex of the convex portion more noticeable. This allows the wearer to wear the urine absorbent pad while being aware of the apex of the convex portion, and allows the urine absorbent pad to be positioned appropriately relative to the urination opening.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, and may have the following features: The pair of flaps are folded back toward the skin side of the urine absorbent pad before use. A flap release sheet is provided to cover both of the flap fastening portions provided on the non-skin side of each flap when the pair of flaps are folded back. The front-to-rear center of the flap release sheet is located rearward of the front-to-rear center of the flaps. According to this aspect, since the front-to-rear center of the flap release sheet is located rearward of the center of the flaps, by fitting the flap release sheet to the crotch center while taking into consideration the front-to-rear center of the flap release sheet, the flaps are positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center. This allows the urine absorbent pad to be positioned closer to the front, and the center of the flap to be positioned facing the urination opening, which is located forward of the crotch center.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 8 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, and may have the following features: The pair of flaps are folded back toward the skin side of the urine absorbent pad before use. A flap release sheet is provided to cover both of the flap fastening portions provided on the non-skin side of each flap when the pair of flaps are folded back. The length of the outline line of the flap located in front of the flap release sheet is longer than the length of the outline line of the flap located behind the flap release sheet. According to this aspect, the length of the outline line of the flap located in front of the flap release sheet is different from the length of the outline line of the flap located behind the flap release sheet, and therefore, the difference in the length of the outline line allows the difference in the shape of the urine absorbent pad in the front-to-back direction to be recognized.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, and may have the following features: A flap fastening portion is provided on the non-skin side of the flap. The center of the flap fastening portion in the front-to-back direction is located rearward of the center of the flap in the front-to-back direction. According to this aspect, the rear central region has an apex of the convex portion and is wider than the front central region. Because the flap fastening portion is biased rearward from the center of the flap, an area for fastening the wide rear central region to the underwear can be secured. By preventing the flap from turning up, the shifting of the urine absorption pad from its attached position is prevented, the urine absorption pad is maintained in an appropriately positioned position, and the effect of preventing leakage of bodily fluids is more likely to continue.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 9: the ratio of the widthwise length of the rear end of the flap fastening portion to the widthwise length of the front end of the flap fastening portion is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less. According to this aspect, since the widthwise length of the front end of the flap fastening portion is approximately equal to the widthwise length of the rear end of the flap fastening portion, even if the flap fastening portion is disposed rearward with respect to the center of the flap, the fastening force in the front central region can be secured and curling up in the front central region can be suppressed.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10. The urine absorbent pad has a front central region extending between the center of the flap and the front edge of the flap, and a rear central region extending between the center of the flap and the rear edge of the flap. The urine absorbent pad is provided with compressed portions that compress the absorber in at least the thickness direction. The area of ​​the compressed portions in the front central region is larger than the area of ​​the compressed portions in the rear central region. According to this aspect, because the area of ​​the compressed portions in the front central region is larger, deformation of the front central region is suppressed, and the front central region continues to be in contact with the body, suppressing front leakage.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11: the direction indicator portion is formed by an outline line of the urine absorbent pad. According to this aspect, the wearer can visually recognize the outline line while gripping and putting on the urine absorbent pad, and therefore can ascertain the correct front-to-back orientation of the urine absorbent pad during the putting on process, and can put the urine absorbent pad in the correct orientation and in the appropriate position.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12: The urine absorbent pad is provided with compressed portions that compress the absorber in the thickness direction. The directional indicator portions are constituted by the compressed portions. According to this aspect, because the compressed portions constitute the directional indicator portions, the correct front-to-back orientation of the urine absorbent pad can be determined during the donning process, and the urine absorbent pad can be worn in the correct orientation and at the appropriate position.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, and may have the following features: A colored portion is provided that extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction. The colored portion extends forward of the front edge of the flap and rearward of the rear edge of the flap. According to this aspect, the linear colored portion extending in the front-to-rear direction makes the shape of the convex portion and the apex of the convex portion more noticeable. This allows the wearer to focus on the apex of the convex portion when putting on the garment, and the flap can be positioned with a bias forward relative to the crotch center.

[0022] (2) Overall Schematic Configuration of Urine Absorption Pad The following describes the urine absorption pad 1 according to the embodiment with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the urine absorption pad according to the embodiment, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the urine absorption pad according to the embodiment, as seen from the non-skin side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, for the sake of convenience, the components constituting the urine absorption pad 1 are partially separated in the thickness direction. However, in an actual product, the components are joined together in some areas. In the following drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0023] The urine absorption pad 1 is an absorbent article primarily intended to absorb urine, and is not primarily intended to absorb menstrual blood like a napkin, nor is it primarily intended to absorb vaginal discharge like a panty liner. The absorbent material of the urine absorption pad 1 is primarily a superabsorbent polymer 35. The content (weight %) of the superabsorbent polymer 35 in the absorber 30 of the urine absorption pad 1 may be 25% or more of the entire absorber.

[0024] The urine absorption pad 1 has a front-to-rear direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other, and a thickness direction T that extends from the wearer's skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2. The skin side T1 corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The non-skin side T2 corresponds to the side opposite the skin side T1, i.e., the side that faces away from the wearer's skin during use. The urine absorption pad 1 has a central region S1, a front region S2, and a rear region S3. The central region S1 is a region that faces the wearer's excretory opening (urination opening). When the urine absorption pad 1 is attached to the underwear ST, the central region S1 is located in the crotch region RC of the underwear ST (see FIG. 5 ) and is located between the wearer's legs. The central region S1 may be configured as a region where a flap 40, described below, is located. The front region S2 is located forward of the central region S1. The rear region S3 is located rearward of the central region S1. The urine absorption pad 1 has a front central region S1F extending between a flap center 40CL, which is the center of the flap 40 in the front-to-rear direction L, and a front edge 40F of the flap 40, and a rear central region S1R extending between the flap center 40CL and a rear edge 40R of the flap 40. The combined area of ​​the front central region S1F and the rear central region S1R constitutes the central region S1.

[0025] In the present invention, the outer portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. The outer edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L is an edge connecting points located on the outer side of the component in the width direction W, over the entire component. In the present invention, the inner portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge refers to the inner edge in the width direction W. The inner edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L is an edge connecting points located on the inner side of the component in the width direction W, over the entire component. In the present invention, the front end and rear end refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L, including edges in the front-to-rear direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-rear direction L. The outer end refers to the front end and rear end, and the outer edge refers to the front edge and rear edge. In addition, the inner side refers to a side that includes the inner side edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-rear direction L" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0026] The urine absorption pad 1 may include at least an absorbent body 30, a topsheet 10, and a backsheet 20. The topsheet 10 is positioned closer to the wearer's body (T1) than the absorbent body 30 and contacts the wearer. The topsheet 10 may include a center sheet 11 overlapping the center of the absorbent body 30 in the width direction (W), and side sheets 12 positioned closer to the wearer's body (T1) than the center sheet 11 and overlapping outer portions of the center sheet 11 in the width direction (W). The side sheets 12 may be positioned closer to the wearer's body (T1) than the center sheet 11. In a modified example, the topsheet 10 may be formed from a single sheet without the center sheet 11 and side sheet 12. The side sheet 12 may form leak-proof gathers 70 that stand up when worn. The center sheet 11 and the side sheets 12 may be formed from nonwoven fabrics, and at least the center sheet 11 may be liquid-permeable, and the surface of the side sheet 12 may be hydrophobically treated.

[0027] The center sheet 11 of this embodiment may be made of an air-through nonwoven fabric. The center sheet 11 may have convex portions (not shown) protruding toward the skin side and concave portions (not shown) arranged between the convex portions. The convex portions and concave portions may be formed by regions of different basis weights of the fibers constituting the topsheet 10, or by compressing the topsheet 10 in the thickness direction T. The convex portions and concave portions may be alternately formed adjacent to each other in the front-to-rear direction L and alternately formed adjacent to each other in the width direction W. The convex portions and concave portions form multiple deformation base points in the topsheet 10, allowing the topsheet 10 to flexibly deform and allowing the urine absorption pad 1 to more easily conform to the body. The center sheet 11 may contain cotton fibers.

[0028] The side sheets 12 of this embodiment may be made of spunbond nonwoven fabric. The outer edges of the side sheets 12 are located at the outer edges of the urine absorbent pad 1, and the inner edges of the side sheets 12 are located outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the compression sections 80 (described later), and may overlap the outer portions of the absorber 30. The side sheets 12 may be colored or may have colored sections (described later).

[0029] The backsheet 20 is disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent body 30. The backsheet 20 is disposed over the entire area of ​​the urine absorbent pad 1 and is disposed on the non-skin side in the thickness direction T of the urine absorbent pad 1. The backsheet 20 is liquid-impermeable and may be formed of a film. A fastening part 60 for fastening the urine absorbent pad 1 to underwear may be disposed on the non-skin side of the backsheet 20. The fastening part 60 may have a main body fastening part 61 disposed in at least the area overlapping with the absorbent body 30 and a flap fastening part 62 disposed on the flap 40. The fastening part 60 may be provided with an adhesive or a mechanical hook. Before use of the urine absorbent pad 1, the main body fastening part 61 may be covered by a main body release sheet 65 (see FIG. 2), and the flap fastening part 62 may be covered by a flap release sheet 66 (see FIG. 4).

[0030] The main body fastening portions 61 in this embodiment extend in the front-rear direction L and are arranged at intervals in the width direction W, with three of them arranged on each side of the center in the width direction W of the urine absorbent pad 1. The outer edges of the main body fastening portions 61 (the outer edges of the main body fastening portions 61 that are located outermost in the width direction W) may be located outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the compression portions 80, may be located inward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the absorber 30, or may be located inward in the width direction W from the inner edges of the side sheets 12. The flap fastening portions 62 in this embodiment extend in the front-rear direction L and are arranged at intervals in the width direction W, with three of them arranged on each flap 40.

[0031] The urine absorbent pad 1 may have leakage-preventing gathers 70 that can stand up on the sides of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the width direction W. The leakage-preventing gathers 70 have a contraction portion 71 that can stand up due to contraction of a leakage-preventing elastic member 74, a front-rear base point (not shown) located outside the contraction portion in the front-rear direction L and serving as the stand point for the contraction portion 71, and a width base point 73 located inside or outside the contraction portion 71 in the width direction W and serving as the stand point for the contraction portion 71. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the inner portions of the side sheets 12 are folded, and the leakage-preventing elastic members 74 are disposed on the side sheets 12 in a state stretched in the front-rear direction L. The side sheets 12 stand up toward the wearer in areas not joined to the center sheet 11 due to contraction of the leakage-preventing elastic member 74. The front-rear base point is the inner edge of the area where the side sheets 12 are joined to the center sheet 11, located outside the contraction portion 71 in the front-rear direction L. The width base point 73 is a fold formed by folding back the side sheets 12 on the inside of the contracted portion 71 in the width direction W, and is located at the inside edge of the side sheets.

[0032] The absorbent body 30 is disposed between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20. The absorbent body 30 includes an absorbent material. Examples of the absorbent material include pulp and superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent body 30 of this embodiment is an SAP sheet in which a superabsorbent polymer 35 serving as an absorbent material is sandwiched between sheets (nonwoven fabrics). In this embodiment, the superabsorbent polymer 35 is the only absorbent material sandwiched between the multiple sheets, but in other embodiments, an absorbent material other than the superabsorbent polymer 35 (for example, pulp that is not formed into a sheet) may be present between the multiple sheets.

[0033] The nonwoven fabric holding the superabsorbent polymer 35 may be at least one sheet, but may also be multiple sheets, as in the present embodiment. The multiple nonwoven fabrics may include a first nonwoven fabric 31, a second nonwoven fabric 32 positioned closer to the non-skin side T2 than the first nonwoven fabric 31, and a third nonwoven fabric 33 positioned closer to the non-skin side T2 than the second nonwoven fabric 32. The third nonwoven fabric 33 may have a non-folded portion that forms the non-skin side of the absorbent body 30, and a folded portion that is continuous with the outer edge of the non-folded portion and folded back to the skin side T1. The folded portion may cover the skin side T1 of the outer portion of the first nonwoven fabric 31. The superabsorbent polymer 35 may be disposed between the first nonwoven fabric 31 and the second nonwoven fabric 32, and between the second nonwoven fabric 32 and the third nonwoven fabric 33. In this embodiment, the first nonwoven fabric 31 and the second nonwoven fabric 32 are made of air-through nonwoven fabric, and the third nonwoven fabric 33 is made of air-laid nonwoven fabric.

[0034] The urine absorbent pad 1 may include a second sheet 39. The second sheet 39 is disposed on the skin side T1 of the absorber 30 and on the non-skin side T2 of the topsheet 10, and guides bodily fluids to the absorber 30. The length of the second sheet 39 in the front-rear direction L may be shorter than the length of the absorber 30 in the front-rear direction L. The outer edge of the second sheet 39 may be located more inward in the front-rear direction L than the outer edge of the absorber 30, or more inward in the front-rear direction L than the outer edge of the compressed portion 80 (described below). The outer edge of the second sheet 39 may be located more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the absorber 30, or more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the center sheet 11 and the outer edge of the side sheet 12, or more outward in the width direction W than the compressed portion 80. The second sheet 39 may be made of nonwoven fabric, preferably an air-through nonwoven fabric. The urine absorbent pad 1 does not necessarily have to include the second sheet 39.

[0035] The urine absorbent pad 1 may be provided with a compressed section 80 in which at least the absorber 30 is compressed in the thickness direction T. The compressed section 80 may be formed by compressing the absorber 30 and the topsheet 10, or by compressing the absorber 30, the topsheet 10 and the second sheet 39 together, or by compressing only the absorber 30. Preferably, the compressed section 80 may be formed by compressing the topsheet 10, the absorber 30 and the second sheet 39 together from the skin side T1 toward the non-skin side T2.

[0036] The compressing portion 80 may have front and rear compressing portions extending linearly in the front-rear direction L. The front and rear compressing portions may include a first front and rear compressing portion 81 and a second front and rear compressing portion 82 located rearward of the first front and rear compressing portion 81. The first front and rear compressing portions 81 and the second front and rear compressing portions 82 are each provided in pairs spaced apart in the width direction W, with one on each side of the center of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the width direction W. The compressing portion 80 may have dot-like compressed portions 83 spaced apart in a plan view. The dot-like compressed portions 83 may be spaced apart as long as they are spaced apart, and may have a circular or polygonal shape, or may have a pattern such as a heart. The dot-like compressed portions 83 may be located between a pair of first front and rear compressing portions 81 and between a pair of second front and rear compressing portions 82. The compressing section 80 may have a front compressing section 84 located forward of the front and rear compressing sections, and a rear compressing section 85 located rearward of the front and rear compressing sections. The front compressing section 84 may be located in the front region S2, and the rear compressing section 85 may be located in the rear region S3. The front compressing section 84 and the rear compressing section 85 may constitute a directional indicator section 100, which will be described later.

[0037] The absorbent article has a pair of flaps 40 that extend outward in the width direction beyond the absorbent core and are folded back toward the non-skin side of the underwear when worn. The flaps 40 are provided in a pair with a gap in the width direction W. The flaps 40 are arranged in a central region S1, with the front edge 40F of the flaps 40 constituting the front edge of the central region S1 and the rear edge 40R of the flaps 40 constituting the rear edge of the central region S1. The flaps 40 may be provided with a side sheet 12 as the topsheet 10 and a backsheet 20. The flaps 40 may be folded back toward the skin side of the urine absorption pad 1 before use. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the flaps 40 folded back toward the skin side. The urine absorption pad 1 may have a flap release sheet 66 that covers both of the flap fastening portions 62 provided on the non-skin side of each flap 40 when the pair of flaps 40 is folded back. The flap release sheet 66 may be disposed across the flap fastening portion 62 attached to each flap 40 .

[0038] The urine absorbent pad 1 does not have to be line-symmetrical when a first center line 1CW, which passes through the center of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the width direction W and extends in the front-to-rear direction L, is used as the axis of symmetry. That is, the urine absorbent pad 1 may be asymmetrical left to right in a plan view. Furthermore, the urine absorbent pad 1 does not have to be line-symmetrical when a second center line 2CL, which passes through the center of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L and extends in the width direction W, is used as the axis of symmetry. That is, the urine absorbent pad 1 may be asymmetrical front to back in a plan view. Note that the second center line 2CL of the urine absorbent pad 1 of this embodiment is located forward of the center line of the flap 40 passing through the center of the flap 40 in the front-to-rear direction L. The flap 40 does not have to be line-symmetrical when the second center line 2CL is used as the axis of symmetry.

[0039] The urine absorption pad 1 has a tab portion 50 at its outer end in the front-rear direction L, which extends outward in a plan view of the urine absorption pad 1. The tab portion 50 on the urine absorption pad 1 allows the wearer to grasp the tab portion 50 and remove the urine absorption pad 1 from the underwear ST after use. In this embodiment, the tab portion 50 is located only on one side of the first center line 1CW at the front end of the urine absorption pad 1, and is not located at the rear end of the urine absorption pad 1. However, in a modified example, the tab portion 50 may be located on both sides of the first center line 1CW at the front end of the urine absorption pad 1, or on both the front and rear end of the urine absorption pad 1, or only at the rear end of the urine absorption pad 1. The urine absorption pad 1 may have a notch portion 55 recessed inward in a plan view of the urine absorption pad 1, on an extension line extending from the tab portion 50 in the front-rear direction L. When the urine absorption pads 1 are continuously manufactured while being arranged in the front-to-rear direction L, a part of the shape of the tab part 50 that bulges outward is adjacent to the shape of the notch part 55 that is recessed inward, and the amount of material (so-called trim) to be discarded can be reduced.

[0040] The tab portion 50 is a portion that bulges outward from the urine absorption pad 1. The boundary BL between the tab portion 50 and the portion other than the tab may be an imaginary line that extends along the outline of the absorbent article in the area surrounding the tab portion 50, or in an embodiment in which the tab portion 50 is provided on only one of the left and right sides, as in this embodiment, it may be the outline of the area where the tab portion 50 is not provided.

[0041] A non-fastening region where no fastening part 60 is provided is provided on the non-skin side T2 of the tab part 50. The non-fastening region is a region where no fastening part 60 is arranged in the plan view of the urine absorbent pad 1 seen from the non-skin side T2 shown in Fig. 2. Because the non-fastening region is provided in the tab part 50, the wearer can grasp the region where no fastening part is provided when grasping the tab part 50 to remove the urine absorbent pad 1, thereby preventing the fastening part 60 from coming into contact with the fingers and reducing discomfort caused by grasping the fastening part 60.

[0042] The tab portion 50 is spaced from the first center line 1CW. That is, the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 is spaced from the first center line 1CW. The excretory opening is usually positioned across the first center line 1CW, and bodily fluids are discharged along the first center line 1CW. In the case of a large amount of bodily fluid, the bodily fluids may spread outward in the front-to-rear direction L along the first center line 1CW and reach the outer edge of the urine absorbent pad 1. However, because the tab portion 50 is spaced from the first center line 1CW, even if bodily fluids reach the outer edge of the urine absorbent pad 1 along the first center line 1CW, the bodily fluids do not adhere to the tab portion 50, thereby maintaining the tab portion 50 in a hygienic state. Therefore, the urine absorbent pad 1 can be hygienically removed by grasping the tab portion 50 after use. In particular, in urine absorption pads, the excretory opening is located anterior to the vaginal opening, making it easy for bodily fluids to be guided to the front end of the absorbent article. However, because the tab portion 50 is spaced apart from the first center line 1CW, even if bodily fluids are introduced into the front end portion of the absorbent article, the bodily fluids can be prevented from adhering to the tab portion 50 provided at the front end portion of the absorbent article. The distance between the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 and the first center line 1CW is not limited, but may be 10 mm or more, and preferably 20 mm or more, from the viewpoint of preventing adhesion of bodily fluids.

[0043] At least a part of the tab portion 50 may be located outward in the width direction W of an outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. That is, the outer edge 50E of the tab portion 50 may be located outward in the width direction W of the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. According to this configuration, the force pulling the tab portion 50 can be applied to the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61, allowing the main fastening portion 61 to be smoothly peeled off from the underwear. Note that, as in the present embodiment, the outer edge of the main fastening portion 61 formed by a plurality of adhesive portions aligned in the width direction W is the outer edge of the adhesive portion located outermost.

[0044] The outer edge 50E of the tab portion 50 may be located outward in the width direction W from the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61, and the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 may be located inward in the width direction W from the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. That is, as shown in Fig. 2 , the tab portion 50 may be located on an extension line 61EL extending in the front-to-rear direction L from the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. According to this aspect, since the tab portion 50 straddles the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61 in the width direction W, a pulling force on the tab portion 50 can be easily applied to the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61, and the main fastening portion 61 can be smoothly peeled off from the underwear, allowing the entire urine absorption pad 1 to be smoothly removed. In addition, the distance in the width direction W between the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61 and the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 may be shorter than the distance in the width direction W between the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61 and the outer edge 50E of the tab portion 50.

[0045] The front edge 50F of the tab portion 50 may be located outward in the width direction W from the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. The front edge 50F of the tab portion 50 bulges out most forward in the tab portion 50 and is the portion that is easy for a wearer to grasp. According to this configuration, by grasping a portion of the tab portion 50 including the front end, the wearer can apply a pulling force on the tab portion 50 to the outer edge 61E of the main fastening portion 61. The distance in the width direction W between the front edge 50F of the tab portion 50 and the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 may be shorter than the distance in the width direction W between the front edge 50F of the tab portion 50 and the outer edge 50E of the tab portion 50.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2 , at least a portion of the tab portion 50 may be positioned on an absorber extension line 30EL that passes through the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 in the width direction W and extends in the front-to-rear direction L. That is, the outer edge 50E of the tab portion 50 may be positioned outward of the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 in the width direction W, and the inner edge 50I of the tab portion 50 may be positioned inward of the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 in the width direction W. Because the tab portion 50 is positioned on the absorber extension line 30EL, it is easier to apply a force to grip and remove the tab portion 50 to the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30, allowing the absorber 30, which has relatively high rigidity, to be pulled to smoothly remove the entire absorbent article. Furthermore, at least a portion of the main body fastening portion 61 may be positioned inward of the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 in the width direction W, and preferably the entire main body fastening portion 61 may be positioned inward of the outer edge 30E of the absorber 30 in the width direction W. According to this configuration, by gripping the tab portion 50 and applying a removal force to the outer edge of the absorbent body 30, the entire main body fastening portion 61 can be smoothly peeled off by this force.

[0047] The shape of the outer end of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L may be curved (e.g., convex), and in particular, the end of the absorber 30 on the side where the tab portion 50 is arranged (the front side in this embodiment) may be curved. With this configuration, compared to a configuration in which the outer end of the absorber 30 is linear, points where the rigidity changes locally are less likely to be formed, making it easier to peel off the urine absorption pad 1 smoothly even with a weak force. The front edge 30F of the absorber 30 and the front edge 50F of the tab portion 50 may be offset in the width direction W. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a tab portion is provided at the rear end of the urine absorption pad 1, the rear edge of the absorber 30 and the rear edge of the tab portion may be offset in the width direction.

[0048] At least a topsheet 10 and a backsheet 20 may be arranged in the tab portion 50. The topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20 are arranged with the absorbent body 30 sandwiched between them, and therefore by grasping and pulling the tab portion 50, the absorbent body 30 sandwiched between the topsheet 10 and the backsheet 20 can be pulled, allowing the entire urine absorption pad 1 to be smoothly removed. In the tab portion 50 of this embodiment, a side sheet 12 as the topsheet 10 and a backsheet 20 are arranged.

[0049] The non-fastening region may be provided in at least a part of the tab portion 50. However, preferably, the non-fastening region may be provided over the entire area of ​​the tab portion 50. According to this aspect, the wearer will not grasp the fastening portion 60 no matter where they grasp the tab portion 50. Therefore, the wearer can hygienically dispose of the urine absorbent pad 1 after use while suppressing discomfort caused by grasping the fastening portion 60.

[0050] The tab portion 50 may be located on only one side in the width direction W relative to the first center line 1CW. Because the tab portion 50 is located on only one side, it stands out more than when tab portions 50 are located on both sides, making it easier to recognize and hygienically dispose of the urine absorption pad 1 after use. Furthermore, because the tab portion 50 is located on only one side in the width direction W relative to the first center line 1CW, the urine absorption pad 1 is asymmetrical. The presence of the tab portion 50 makes it possible to determine the orientation and position of the urine absorption pad 1, making it easier to put on the pad.

[0051] Preferably, the tab portion 50 may be located at the front end of the urine absorbent pad 1. The front end of the urine absorbent pad 1 is a portion that is easily visible and easily grasped by the wearer when disposing of the urine absorbent pad. Therefore, providing the tab portion 50 at the front end of the urine absorbent pad 1 makes it easier for the wearer to use the tab portion 50 when disposing of the urine absorbent pad. More preferably, the tab portion 50 may be located at the front end on the right side in a plan view of the urine absorbent pad 1 from the skin side T1 (as shown in FIG. 1 ). The applicant's extensive research has revealed that wearers often grasp the front end of the urine absorbent pad 1 with their right hand when disposing of the pad. Providing the tab portion 50 at the front end on the right side of the urine absorbent pad 1 makes it easier for the wearer to grasp the tab portion 50 smoothly.

[0052] The tab portion 50 in the embodiment is disposed only on one side of the first center line 1CW at the front end of the urine absorbent pad 1, and is not provided at the rear end of the urine absorbent pad 1. However, in modified examples, the tab portion 50 may be disposed on both sides of the first center line 1CW at the front end of the urine absorbent pad 1, or may be disposed at both the front end and the rear end of the urine absorbent pad 1, or may be disposed only at the rear end of the urine absorbent pad 1.

[0053] Next, a detailed description will be given of the configuration of the urine absorption pad 1 configured as described above for suppressing leakage of bodily fluids and utilizing its absorption capacity. The urine absorption pad 1 is configured to suppress leakage of bodily fluids and utilize its absorption capacity by encouraging the wearer to wear the urine absorption pad 1 in an appropriate position relative to the urination opening. The urine absorption pad 1 is provided with a direction indicator 100 that indicates the orientation of the urine absorption pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L. The direction indicator 100 may be any element that indicates the orientation to the wearer so that the urine absorption pad 1 can be worn in the appropriate orientation in the front-to-rear direction L. At least one direction indicator 100 is required, but preferably multiple indicators 100 may be provided. The specific configuration of the direction indicator 100 will be described later.

[0054] The outer portion of the flap 40 in the width direction W has a convex portion 41 that bulges outward in the width direction W. The apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located rearward of the flap center 40CL. The apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is the portion of the flap 40 that is located at the outermost edge of the width direction W. If the portion of the flap 40 that is located at the outermost edge of the width direction W is linear and extends in the front-to-back direction L, the center of the linear portion in the front-to-back direction L is the position of the apex 42. The linear portion of the flap 40 that is located at the outermost edge of the width direction W may preferably be 10 mm or less. In the present embodiment, the flap 40 has a shape that bulges outward in the width direction W, and the entire flap 40 constitutes the convex portion 41, with the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 being point-shaped. The length of the flap 40 in the front-to-back direction L gradually decreases from the inner edge (base) of the flap 40 toward the outer side in the width direction W.

[0055] The apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located behind the flap center 40CL. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of how the urine absorption pad 1 is worn relative to underwear. The wearer wears the pad so that the central region S1, where the pair of flaps 40 are located, is aligned with the crotch region of the underwear. The applicant's extensive research into how the pad is worn has revealed that the wearer subconsciously recognizes that the widest position of the flap 40 is the position that most easily absorbs bodily fluids, and aligns the widest position of the flap 40 with the crotch center RC1, which is the center of the crotch region RC of the underwear in the front-to-back direction L. In a urine absorption pad 1 having convex portions 41 on the outer sides of the flaps 40, the widest position is the apex 42 of the convex portion 41, so the wearer generally wears the pad so that the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is aligned with the crotch center RC1. The urine absorption pad 1 is provided with a directional indicator 100, allowing the wearer to properly orient the urine absorption pad 1 in the front-to-back direction L. Furthermore, because the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located behind the flap center 40CL, by aligning the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 with the crotch center RC1 when the flap 40 is attached, the flap 40 is positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center RC1. The urination opening is located forward of the vaginal opening and faces an area forward of the crotch center RC1. More specifically, the urination opening is generally located 10 mm to 15 mm forward of the crotch center RC1 of the underwear. This allows the urine absorbent pad 1 to be positioned closer to the front, and the flap center 40CL to be positioned closer to the urination opening, which is located forward of the crotch center RC1. This prevents leakage of bodily fluids and utilizes the absorption capacity.

[0056] The apexes 42 of the convex portions 41 are positioned rearward of the absorber center 30CL, which is the center of the absorber 30 in the front-to-rear direction L. Because the apexes of the convex portions 41 are positioned rearward of the absorber center 30CL, by aligning the apexes 42 of the convex portions 41 with the crotch center RC1, the absorber 30 is positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center RC1. This allows the absorber 30 to be positioned forward, and the absorber center 30CL to be positioned closer to the urination opening, which is located forward of the crotch center RC1. This prevents leakage of bodily fluids and utilizes the absorbent capacity. Furthermore, because the length of the absorber 30 forward of the apexes 42 of the convex portions 41 is longer than the length of the absorber 30 rearward of the apexes 42 of the convex portions 41, the area of ​​the absorber 30 positioned forward can be secured, further suppressing front leakage. Note that the absorber center 30CL in this embodiment coincides with the flap center 40CL. However, in a modified example, the absorbent body center 30CL may be shifted in the front-to-rear direction L with respect to the flap center 40CL.

[0057] The apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located in the rear central region S1R. The apex 42 of the convex portion 41 may be located forward of the center of the rear central region S1R in the front-to-back direction L. Because the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located forward of the center of the rear central region S1R in the front-to-back direction L, when the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is aligned with the crotch center RC1, the urine absorbent pad 1 is prevented from being worn too far forward, thereby preventing rear leakage. Furthermore, the distance between the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 and the flap center 40CL may be 0.4 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, of the overall length of the flap 40 in the front-to-back direction L. Furthermore, the distance between the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 and the flap center 40CL may be 30 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or less.

[0058] The front edge 40F and the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 constitute the inner edge (base) of the flap 40. The front edge 40F and the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 may be offset in the width direction W. The front edge 40F of the flap 40 may be positioned outward in the width direction W than the rear edge 40R of the flap 40. Generally, the length in the width direction W of the crotch region RC of an underwear is narrowest at the crotch center RC1 and increases outward in the front-to-back direction L from the crotch center RC1. Therefore, when the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is aligned with the crotch center RC1, the front edge 40F of the flap 40 is positioned at a position that is longer in the front-to-back direction L from the crotch center RC1 than the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 and is longer in the width direction W of the crotch region than the rear edge of the flap 40. Because the front edge 40F of the flap 40 is located further outward in the width direction W than the rear edge 40R of the flap 40, the front edge 40F and the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 can be positioned along the shape of the crotch region RC, and the flap 40 can be positioned so as to follow the shape of the crotch region RC. In addition, when the flap 40 is folded back using the front edge 40F and the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 as base points, the length of the front edge 40F side of the flap 40 in the width direction W can be secured, further suppressing front leakage.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2 , the flap 40 may have a bulging portion R11 that bulges outward from a first imaginary line FL1 connecting the front edge 40F of the flap 40 to the apex 42 of the convex portion 41. The bulging portion R11 is a portion of the flap 40 that is disposed outward from the first imaginary line FL1 and is indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 2 . Because the outline of the flap 40 bulges outward from the first imaginary line FL1, the area of ​​the flap 40 is secured in the region forward of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 of the flap 40, preventing the flap 40 from turning over or shifting in position in the region forward of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41, thereby further preventing front leakage of bodily fluids. The flap 40 does not need to have a portion recessed inward from the first imaginary line FL1. That is, in the region forward of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41, the entire outline of the flap 40 may be located outside the first virtual line FL1 in the width direction W. With this configuration, curling and misalignment of the flap 40 in the region forward of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 can be further suppressed.

[0060] The flap 40 may have a recess R12 recessed inward from a second imaginary line FL2 connecting the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 and the apex 42 of the convex portion 41. The recess R12 is located inward from the second imaginary line, and the bulge R11 bulges outward from the first imaginary line. This clearly differentiates the contours of the flap 40 between the front and rear sides of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41. This allows the user to recognize the difference in shape of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, and makes the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 more noticeable. This allows the wearer to wear the urine absorbent pad 1 while being aware of the apex 42 of the convex portion 41, and allows the urine absorbent pad 1 to be positioned appropriately relative to the urination opening. The flap 40 may have a portion bulging outward from the second imaginary line FL2.

[0061] Because the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 is located behind the flap center 40CL, the angle α formed by the first imaginary line FL1 and the third imaginary line FL3 connecting the front edge 40F and the rear edge 40R of the flap 40 is smaller than the angle β formed by the third imaginary line FL3 and the second imaginary line FL2. This configuration makes it easy to fold or turn over the flap 40 from the front edge 40F side toward the rear edge 40R side, facilitating smooth attachment and disposal operations.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of flaps 40 are folded toward the skin side T1 of the urine absorbent pad 1 before use, and with the pair of flaps 40 folded, the flap release sheet 66 covers both of the flap fastening portions 62. The center 66CL of the flap release sheet 66 in the front-to-back direction L may be located rearward of the flap center 40CL. According to this embodiment, since the center 66CL of the flap release sheet 66 in the front-to-back direction L is located rearward of the flap center 40CL, by placing the flap release sheet 66 in alignment with the crotch center RC1 while taking into consideration the center of the flap release sheet 66 in the front-to-back direction L, the flap 40 is positioned with a bias toward the front of the crotch center RC1. This allows the urine absorbent pad 1 to be positioned closer to the front, and the flap center to be positioned facing the urination opening located forward of the crotch center RC1.

[0063] The length of the outline line of the flap arranged in front of the flap release sheet 66 is longer than the length of the outline line of the flap 40 arranged behind the flap release sheet 66. The outline line of the flap 40 arranged in front of the flap release sheet 66 is the outline line of the area in front of the flap release sheet 66 that is not covered by the flap release sheet 66 in the state shown in FIG. 4 . The outline line of the flap 40 arranged behind the flap release sheet 66 is the outline line of the area behind the flap release sheet 66 that is not covered by the flap release sheet 66 in the state shown in FIG. 4 . According to this embodiment, the length of the outline line of the flap 40 arranged in front of the flap release sheet 66 is different from the length of the outline line of the flap 40 arranged behind the flap release sheet 66. Therefore, the difference in the length of the outline line allows the difference in the shape of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L to be recognized. Furthermore, the flap release sheet 66 is peeled off when putting on the urine absorbent pad 1. At this time, since the outer contour line of the flap 40 disposed in front of the flap peeling sheet 66 is longer, it is possible to insert a finger or the like from the front side of the flap peeling sheet 66 to peel off the flap peeling sheet 66 and unfold the flap 40. This allows for a smooth attachment operation.

[0064] The center 62CL of the flap fastening portion 62 in the front-to-rear direction L may be located behind the flap center 40CL. The rear central region S1R has the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 and is wider than the front central region S1F. Because the flap fastening portion 62 is biased behind the flap center 40CL, a sufficient area can be secured to fasten the wide rear central region S1R to the underwear. Preventing the flaps 40 from turning up prevents the urine absorbent pad 1 from shifting out of position, maintaining the urine absorbent pad 1 in an appropriately positioned position, and more easily maintaining the effect of preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2 , the ratio of the length W622 of the rear end of the flap fastening portion 62 to the length W621 of the front end of the flap fastening portion 62 in the width direction W may be 0.9 or greater and 1.1 or less. Preferably, the length W621 of the front end of the flap fastening portion 62 and the length W622 of the rear end of the flap fastening portion 62 in the width direction W may be the same. According to this embodiment, the length W of the front end of the flap fastening portion 62 in the width direction is substantially equal to the length W of the rear end of the flap fastening portion 62. Therefore, even if the flap fastening portion 62 is positioned rearward relative to the flap center 40CL, the fastening force in the front central region S1F can be ensured and curling up in the front central region S1F can be suppressed. Note that, as in this embodiment, the length W of the flap fastening portion 62, which is composed of multiple adhesive portions aligned in the width direction W, is the distance in the width direction W between the outer edges of the entire combination of the multiple adhesive portions.

[0066] The area of ​​the compressed portions 80 in the front central region S1F may be larger than the area of ​​the compressed portions 80 in the rear central region S1R. Because the area of ​​the compressed portions 80 in the front central region S1F is larger, deformation of the front central region S1F is suppressed, and the front central region S1F is kept in contact with the body, suppressing front leakage. Furthermore, the shape of the compressed portions 80 in the front central region S1F may be different from the shape of the compressed portions 80 in the rear central region S1R. The difference in the shape and area of ​​the compressed portions 80 can indicate the difference between the front and rear sides of the urine absorbent pad 1 and the front-to-rear direction L of the urine absorbent pad 1.

[0067] The directional indicator 100 may be configured by the outline of the urine absorbent pad 1. The wearer can visually recognize the outline while gripping and putting on the urine absorbent pad 1, and can therefore ascertain the correct orientation of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L during the putting on process, and can put on the urine absorbent pad 1 in the correct orientation and at the appropriate position. Examples of the directional indicator 100 using outline lines include the outline of the tab portion 50, the outline of the notch portion 55, and the outline of the flap 40, which is asymmetrical front-to-back.

[0068] The direction indicator 100 may be formed by a compression part 80. The compression part 80 is a part where the absorber 30 is compressed and is a part that easily absorbs bodily fluids. Therefore, some wearers pay attention to the position and shape of the compression part 80 when putting on the urine absorbent pad. Because the compression part 80 forms the direction indicator 100, the correct orientation of the urine absorbent pad 1 in the front-to-rear direction L can be determined during the putting on process, and the urine absorbent pad 1 can be put on in the correct orientation and at the appropriate position.

[0069] The direction indicator 100 formed by the compression unit 80 can be exemplified by a front compression unit 84 and a rear compression unit 85. The front compression unit 84 is designed to resemble the number 0 (zero), with a portion missing to indicate that the missing portion is up. The orientation of the number can indicate the front-to-rear direction L of the urine absorbent pad 1. The rear compression unit 85 is designed to resemble cotton, with the orientation of the cotton indicating the front-to-rear direction L of the urine absorbent pad 1. In addition, by representing cotton, if the urine absorbent pad 1 contains cotton fibers, the rear compression unit 85 indicates the material of the cotton. If the urine absorbent pad 1 has a cotton-like feel, the feel can be indicated.

[0070] The directional indicator portion 100 of this embodiment includes the outline line of the tab portion 50, the outline line of the notch portion 55, the outline line of the flap 40 which is asymmetrical front to back, the design of the front compressed portion 84, the design of the rear compressed portion 85, the difference in area of ​​the compressed portion 80 between the front central region S1F and the rear central region S1R, and the difference in shape of the compressed portion 80 between the front central region S1F and the rear central region S1R.

[0071] The urine absorption pad 1 may be provided with a colored portion 90 that extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction L. The colored portion 90 may extend forward of the front edge 40F of the flap 40 and rearward of the rear edge 40R of the flap 40. The linear colored portion 90 extending in the front-to-rear direction L makes the shape of the convex portion 41 and the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 more noticeable. This allows the wearer to focus more on the apex 42 of the convex portion 41 when putting on the pad, and allows the flap to be positioned biased forward with respect to the crotch center RC1. Preferably, the colored portion 90 may extend parallel to the front-to-rear direction L.

[0072] The colored portion 90 can be formed, for example, by a colored sheet, a colored absorbent body 30, and a colored elastic member. Alternatively, the elastic member may be uncolored and have a color different from that of other components (e.g., a sheet), thereby forming the colored portion. The side sheet 12 of this embodiment is colored, and the colored portion 90 is formed by a portion where multiple side sheets 12 are stacked, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0074] The entire contents of Chinese Patent Application No. 202311252038.3, filed on September 26, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0075] It is possible to provide a urine absorption pad that encourages attachment of the urine absorption pad to an appropriate position relative to the urination opening, suppresses leakage of bodily fluids, and utilizes its absorption capacity.

[0076] 1: Urine absorption pad 10: Top sheet 11: Center sheet 12: Side sheet 20: Back sheet 30: Absorbent body 40: Flap 40F: Front edge of flap 40R: Rear edge of flap 41: Convex portion 42: Vertex 80: Compressed portion 90: Colored portion 100: Direction indicator portion S1: Central region S2: Front region S3: Rear region L: Front-rear direction T: Thickness direction W: Width direction

Claims

1. A urine absorption pad having front-to-rear, width and thickness directions, an absorbent body, and a pair of flaps which extend outward in the width direction beyond the absorbent body and are folded back to the non-skin side of an undergarment when worn, wherein the urine absorption pad is provided with a directional indicator portion which indicates the front-to-rear orientation of the urine absorption pad, and the outer portions of the flaps in the width direction have convex portions which bulge outward in the width direction, and the apex of the convex portion is positioned rearward of the center of the flaps in the front-to-rear direction.

2. The urine absorbent pad according to claim 1, wherein the apex of said convex portion is located rearward of the center of said absorbent body in the front-to-rear direction.

3. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the urine absorption pad has a rear central region extending in the front-to-rear direction between the center of the flap and the rear edge of the flap, and the apex of the convex portion is positioned forward of the center of the rear central region in the front-to-rear direction.

4. The urine absorbent pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front end edge of the flap is positioned outboard in the width direction relative to the rear end edge of the flap.

5. The urine absorbent pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flap has a bulging portion that bulges outward from a first imaginary line connecting the front edge of the flap and the apex of the convex portion.

6. The urine absorbent pad according to claim 5, wherein the flap has a recess that is recessed inward from a second imaginary line connecting the rear edge of the flap and the apex of the protrusion.

7. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of flaps are folded back onto the skin side of the urine absorption pad before use, a flap release sheet is provided which covers both of the flap fastening portions provided on the non-skin side of each flap when the pair of flaps are folded back, and the front-to-back center of the flap release sheet is located rearward of the front-to-back center of the flaps.

8. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the pair of flaps are folded back onto the skin side of the urine absorption pad before use, a flap release sheet is provided which covers both of the flap fastening portions provided on the non-skin side of each flap when the pair of flaps are folded back, and the length of the outline line of the flap located in front of the flap release sheet is longer than the length of the outline line of the flap located behind the flap release sheet.

9. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a flap fastening portion is provided on the non-skin surface of the flap, and the front-to-back center of the flap fastening portion is positioned rearward of the front-to-back center of the flap.

10. The urine absorption pad according to claim 9, wherein the ratio of the widthwise length of the front end of the flap fastening portion to the widthwise length of the rear end of the flap fastening portion is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less.

11. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the urine absorption pad has a front central region extending between the center of the flap and the front edge of the flap, and a rear central region extending between the center of the flap and the rear edge of the flap, the urine absorption pad is provided with a compressed portion in which at least the absorbent body is compressed in the thickness direction, and the area of ​​the compressed portion in the front central region is larger than the area of ​​the compressed portion in the rear central region.

12. The urine absorbent pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the directional indicator portion is formed by an outline line of the urine absorbent pad.

13. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the urine absorption pad is provided with a compressed portion in which the absorbent body is compressed in the thickness direction, and the directional indicator portion is constituted by the compressed portion.

14. A urine absorption pad as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a colored portion is provided extending linearly along the front-to-rear direction, the colored portion extending forward of the front edge of the flap and extending rearward of the rear edge of the flap.

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