Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) comprises an absorbent core (10). The absorbent article is characterized by including a maintaining means (30) for maintaining a bent state of the absorbent article (1), the maintaining means (30) exhibiting a function for maintaining a bent state in unison with a user bending the absorbent article (1), and being a means other than a fastening tape for joining an abdomen-side waist section and a back-side waist section.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article (pants-type disposable diaper) with a disposal tape on the outer surface. The disposal tape allows the absorbent article to be kept rolled up compactly, allowing the absorbent article to be disposed of in a compact state after use.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-29233

[0004] However, the disposal tape in Patent Document 1 is folded in three and fixed to the outer surface of the absorbent article. Therefore, when disposing of the absorbent article after use, the user first rolls up the absorbent article from the crotch portion toward the waist opening. Then, the user releases the folded state of the disposal tape and stretches it. Then, the user wraps the disposal tape around the outer periphery of the rolled up absorbent article. When using the disposal tape in this way to maintain the compact state of the absorbent article, the user needs to perform multiple actions, which is time-consuming and laborious.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to simplify the user's work to maintain the compact state of an absorbent article.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to one another in an unfolded state, and including a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, the absorbent article having a maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, the maintaining means exhibiting a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with a folding action of the absorbent article by a user, and being a means other than a fastening tape connecting a ventral waistband and a dorsal waistband. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, the user's work to maintain the absorbent article in a compact state can be simplified.

[0008] 1 is a schematic plan view of the urine absorption pad 1 in an unfolded and extended state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the urine absorption pad 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the folding operation of the pad 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in a folded state. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a modified version of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a self-adhesive maintaining means 50 of the diaper 40. FIG.

[0009] At least the following points become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent core and having a longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another in an unfolded state, the absorbent article having a maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, the maintaining means exhibiting a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with a folding action of the absorbent article by a user, and being a means other than a fastening tape that connects a ventral waistband and a dorsal waistband.

[0010] According to the first aspect, the absorbent article is maintained in a compact folded state in conjunction with the folding operation, which simplifies the user's work (for example, disposal work).

[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein in the folded state, the skin-facing sides of the absorbent articles face each other.

[0012] According to aspect 2, the absorbent article is maintained in a folded state with the skin side that has received and absorbed the excrement inside, so that the excrement and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article, allowing the absorbent article to be disposed of hygienically.

[0013] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein a fold guide portion is provided at a folding position of the absorbent article in the folded state.

[0014] According to Aspect 3, the absorbent article can be easily folded at the folding position, facilitating the folding operation of the user. Furthermore, the folded state of the absorbent article can be more easily maintained by the fold guide portion in addition to the maintaining means.

[0015] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the retaining means is provided in end regions when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to aspect 4, the portion of the absorbent article that opens outside the maintaining means can be reduced, making it easier for the absorbent article to maintain its folded state. Also, it becomes easier for the user to handle the absorbent article in its folded state.

[0017] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the maintaining means is provided in a central region when the absorbent article is divided into four sections in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect, the user can stably perform the folding operation while gripping the central region where the absorbent core is present and has high rigidity, and can cause the maintaining means to function.

[0019] (Aspect 6) An absorbent article according to aspect 2, wherein when the area of ​​the absorbent article in the unfolded state is defined as the total area and the area of ​​the skin side of the absorbent article exposed in the folded state is defined as the exposed area, the value obtained by dividing the exposed area by the total area is 50% or less.

[0020] According to aspect 6, compared to when the exposed area ratio is higher than 50%, excrement and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article, thereby enabling the absorbent article to be disposed of hygienically.

[0021] (Aspect 7) The absorbent article according to aspect 2, wherein in the folded state, the excretion opening contact position on the skin side of the absorbent article is not exposed.

[0022] According to the seventh aspect, a larger amount of excrement and its odor can be contained inside the folded absorbent article, thereby enabling the absorbent article to be disposed of hygienically.

[0023] (Aspect 8) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the length from the end of the retention means to the end of the absorbent article in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction is equal to or less than the length of the retention means.

[0024] According to aspect 8, the maintaining means is provided at a position close to the edge of the absorbent article. This reduces the portion of the absorbent article that opens outside the maintaining means, making it easier for the absorbent article to maintain its folded state. In addition, the user can easily handle the absorbent article in its folded state.

[0025] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the length of the retention means in the longitudinal direction is at least 10% of the length from the center to the edge of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and the length of the retention means in the width direction is at least 10% of the length of the absorbent article in the width direction.

[0026] According to Aspect 9, the maintaining means is provided over a wide range of the peripheral edge of the absorbent article. This makes it easier to maintain the folded state of the absorbent article. In addition, the gap between the folded and overlapping absorbent articles can be reduced, making it possible to make the thickness of the folded absorbent articles compact.

[0027] (Aspect 10) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the rigidity of the retaining means is lower than the rigidity of the material on which the retaining means is provided.

[0028] According to Aspect 10, the surface of the retaining means is easily deformed in accordance with the material that comes into contact with the retaining means. This increases the adhesion between the retaining means and the material that comes into contact with the retaining means, and allows the thickness of the folded absorbent article to be made compact.

[0029] (Embodiment 11) The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the average deviation of the surface roughness of the retaining means is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material on which the retaining means is provided.

[0030] According to aspect 11, the irregularities on the surface of the retaining means are reduced, and the adhesion between the retaining means and the material that contacts it can be improved, thereby making it possible to make the thickness of the folded absorbent article compact.

[0031] (Aspect 12) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the average deviation of the surface roughness of the retaining means is equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material on which the retaining means is provided.

[0032] According to aspect 12, the irregularities on the surface of the retaining means are likely to catch on materials that come into contact with the retaining means, making it difficult for the absorbent article to unfold and making it easier to maintain the folded state.

[0033] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the color of the retaining means is different from the color of the material on which the retaining means is provided.

[0034] According to Aspect 13, the retaining means is conspicuous, making it easier for the user to recognize the retaining means. As a result, the user can fold the absorbent article while being aware of the retaining means, making it easier for the function of the retaining means to be realized.

[0035] (Aspect 1413) An absorbent article described in any of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer, and the weight of the superabsorbent polymer divided by the weight of the absorbent core is 80% or more.

[0036] According to Aspect 14, the absorbent core can be made thinner while still maintaining the absorption capacity, compared to when the weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer is less than 80%, thereby making it possible to make the thickness of the folded absorbent article more compact.

[0037] (Aspect 15) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the maintaining means is not folded when the absorbent article is worn, and exhibits the function of maintaining the folded state without transforming from a folded state to an unfolded state.

[0038] According to aspect 15, the user's work to maintain the compact state of the absorbent article (for example, disposal work) can be simplified.

[0039] First Embodiment In the first embodiment, a urine absorption pad will be described as an example of an absorbent article according to the present invention. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to urine absorption pads, and can also be applied to, for example, sanitary napkins, pants-type disposable diapers, shorts-type napkins, tape-type disposable diapers, pet diapers, and absorbent sheets for nursing care or pets.

[0040] <<<<Basic Structure of Urine Absorption Pad 1 >>>> Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the urine absorption pad 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as seen from the skin side. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the urine absorption pad 1. The urine absorption pad 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "pad") can be used by being placed inside a pants-type or tape-type disposable diaper, or it can be used as a standalone pad 1 by being placed directly inside the wearer's underwear (pants or shorts).

[0041] The pad 1 has a substantially rectangular planar shape in its unfolded state, with a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another. The longitudinal direction corresponds to the front-to-rear direction from the wearer's abdominal side to the dorsal side when the pad 1 is worn. In addition, in the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is referred to as the skin side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-skin side. Since the pad 1 of this embodiment is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, either side of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction may correspond to the wearer's abdominal side. Furthermore, unlike tape-type or pants-type diapers, the pad 1 is worn without one longitudinal end and the other longitudinal end being connected along the wearer's waist.

[0042] The expanded state of the pad 1 refers to the state in which the entire pad 1 is expanded in a plane. The stretched state of the pad 1 refers to the state in which the pad 1 is stretched to the extent that wrinkles that have occurred in the pad 1 are substantially invisible, and the pad 1 is stretched to the extent that the dimensions of each member constituting the pad 1 (for example, the side sheet 4 described below) match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0043] The pad 1 comprises a liquid-absorbent core 10, a liquid-permeable top sheet 2 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) provided on the skin side of the absorbent core 10, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 10, and a pair of side sheets 4 provided on both widthwise sides of the pad 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the pair of side sheets 4 are folded inward in the widthwise direction from the widthwise side portions of the back sheet 3 on the non-skin side toward the skin side of the skin side sheet 2 so as to encase the absorbent core 10.

[0044] An example of the absorbent core 10 is a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber containing SAP (super absorbent polymer) molded into a predetermined shape. The absorbent core 10 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11 (e.g., tissue). However, without being limited to the above, the absorbent core 10 may be an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbent fiber is molded into a sheet by an airlaid method, or the like, or may be configured with two or more layers laminated together. Furthermore, the absorbent core 10 does not have to be covered with the core wrap sheet 11.

[0045] Furthermore, a fixing member 20 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1, which joins the pad 1 to the inner surface of a pants-type diaper or underwear (outerwear). A fixing member 20 is provided at each of both longitudinal ends of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is a rectangular member, and is provided so that its long side is aligned with the width direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is preferably a member that can be peeled off from the inner surface of the outerwear without damaging the outerwear and can be reattached. The fixing member 20 in this embodiment is a tape having a hook material (e.g., a male member of a hook-and-loop fastener). Other examples of the fixing member 20 include tape coated with adhesive.

[0046] The pad 1 also has a pair of leg elastic members 5 arranged along the longitudinal direction on both widthwise sides. In Fig. 2, the leg elastic members 5 are fixed in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction between the backsheet 3 and the sidesheets 4. This makes it easier for both widthwise sides of the pad 1 to fit closely around the legs of the wearer.

[0047] The pad 1 also has a pair of leak-preventing walls 6 on both widthwise sides that can stand up against the skin. The leak-preventing walls 6 are formed by the side sheets 4 and leak-preventing wall elastic members 7. The leak-preventing wall elastic members 7 are fixed to the inner widthwise ends of the side sheets 4 in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1.

[0048] The basic configuration of the pad 1 has been described above, but the configuration of the pad 1 described above is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the planar shape of the pad 1 may be asymmetric in the longitudinal direction, or the pad 1 may not be provided with the fixing member 20.

[0049] <<<Maintaining Means 30>>> Figure 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the folding operation of the pad 1. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30, and is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 as seen from the skin side. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 with the folded state maintained. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30, and is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. Figure 7 is a plan view of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. Figures 8 to 13 are explanatory diagrams of modified examples of the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. Figure 14 is an explanatory diagram of modified examples of maintaining means 60 to 62.

[0050] In the following description, the center line of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the center line along the width direction that divides the pad 1 in half in the longitudinal direction, is also referred to as the "longitudinal center line CL." The center line of the pad 1 in the width direction, i.e., the center line along the longitudinal direction that divides the pad 1 in half in the width direction, is also referred to as the "width center line C."

[0051] The pad 1 has a maintaining means 30 for maintaining the folded state of the pad 1. The maintaining means 30 is a means other than fastening tape that exhibits the function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with the folding action of the pad 1 by the user and connects the ventral waist portion and the dorsal waist portion. In the pad 1 illustrated in Fig. 4, a self-adhesive maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side.

[0052] The self-adhesive retaining means 30 has low tackiness (adhesion) itself, but exhibits adhesive strength (stickiness) even when the retaining means 30 are brought into contact with each other with relatively weak pressure, and has the property of being difficult to adhere to areas other than the retaining means 30 even when strong pressure is applied. Specifically, the adhesive strength between the retaining means 30 and areas other than the retaining means 30 is preferably ¼ or less of the adhesive strength between the retaining means 30 themselves. Furthermore, the retaining means 30 can be peeled off and re-adhered without damaging the pad 1. The retaining means 30 is formed from a self-adhesive bonding agent 32.

[0053] The self-adhesive adhesive 32 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and examples thereof include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic resin, polyurethane resin, silicone rubber, etc., which may be used alone or in combination.

[0054] In order for the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 to function, when the pad 1 is folded at the desired folding position, the maintaining means 30 is made to have portions that overlap in the thickness direction to form two layers, as shown in Fig. 3B . This creates adhesive force between the overlapping maintaining means 30, and the folded state of the pad 1 is maintained.

[0055] In the pad 1 shown in Figure 4, the longitudinal centerline CL of the pad 1 is the folding position, and the retaining means 30 are arranged so that the pad 1 is maintained in a folded state with the skin side facing inward. To this end, two retaining means 30a, 30b are provided on one longitudinal side of the longitudinal centerline CL, and two retaining means 30c, 30d are provided on the other longitudinal side of the longitudinal centerline CL. In other words, the pad 1 has four retaining means 30a to 30d, with retaining means 30 provided on both widthwise sides of both longitudinal ends. In the following description, the retaining means 30 provided on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL will be referred to as the "retaining means on one side," and the retaining means 30 on the other side of the longitudinal centerline CL will be referred to as the "retaining means on the other side."

[0056] When the pad 1 is folded, the retaining means 30a, 30b on one side and the retaining means 30c, 30d on the other side may at least partially overlap each other, but preferably they completely overlap. To achieve this, the retaining means 30 may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal centerline CL, as shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the retaining means 30 are arranged at positions spaced a predetermined distance L1 from the longitudinal centerline CL1 on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the retaining means 30 are arranged at positions where the retaining means 30a, 30b on one side and the retaining means 30c, 30d on the other side overlap in the width direction (in the case of Figure 4, they are spaced a predetermined distance W1 from the width centerline C).

[0057] With the pad 1 described above, simply by the user (wearer, caregiver, etc.) folding the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction along the longitudinal center line CL (FIG. 3A), the retaining means 30a, 30b on one side come into contact with the retaining means 30c, 30d on the other side, causing adhesive force to be exerted on the retaining means 30. This makes it difficult for the pad 1 to unfold, and the folded state of the pad 1 (FIG. 3B) is maintained. In other words, the planar size of the pad 1 is maintained in a state where it is reduced to half its original size, as shown in FIG. 5. This allows the user to carry or dispose of the pad 1, which remains compact.

[0058] The retaining means 30 on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL and the retaining means 30 on the other side may be a pair of retaining means 30 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 4 , or may be continuous in the longitudinal direction as shown in the modified example of FIG. 9 . In the case of FIG. 9 , a portion of the retaining means 30 on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL abuts a portion of the retaining means 30 on the other side, thereby exerting adhesive force. In the case of FIG. 9 , the retaining means 30 is present over a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, making it more difficult for the pad 1 to unfold and maintaining a compact state. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, excretory fluid and its odor are less likely to be released to the outside. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 4 , the length of the retaining means 30 is short, which can prevent an increase in the rigidity of the pad 1 due to the retaining means 30, reduce material requirements, and alleviate discomfort when worn.

[0059] Furthermore, the absorbent core 10 is the main constituent material of the pad 1 (absorbent article), and the absorbent core 10 has a length that allows it to contact the wearer's abdomen and back. Therefore, it is preferable that the maintaining means 30 exhibits a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with the user's folding action of the absorbent core 10. This allows the pad 1 to be folded more compactly, and the compact folded state is maintained.

[0060] As described above, the retaining means 30 is different from a fastening tape. A fastening tape is a member that extends in the width direction from the main body of, for example, a tape-type disposable diaper. Generally, a fastening tape has a hook-and-loop fastener male member that can engage with the skin-facing side of the waistband. In a tape-type disposable diaper, the back waistband is placed under the wearer's back side, the diaper is folded in half, and the ventral waistband and back waistband are connected by the fastening tape. Fastening tapes are also provided on diapers that are tape-type on only one side and pants-type on the other. Even pants-type diapers sometimes have fastening tapes on both sides so that the user can cut the waistband and put them on.

[0061] Suppose a user were to fold the absorbent core of the diaper in half longitudinally (the vertical direction of the pants) and then use a fastening tape to maintain the folded state. To do this, the user would need to fold the absorbent core and then fold the fastening tape inward in the width direction to engage the fastening tape with the diaper's main body. Therefore, the fastening tape would not maintain the folded state in conjunction with the folding of the diaper (absorbent core).

[0062] In contrast, with the pad 1 of this embodiment, the user simply folds the pad 1 (absorbent core 10) in half in the longitudinal direction, and the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 adheres to itself in conjunction with this movement, maintaining the folded state. This simplifies the user's work of maintaining the pad 1 in its compact folded state.

[0063] Furthermore, some common pants-type disposable diapers are provided with a disposal tape that is folded in three or the like. In this case, after folding (rolling) the diaper after use, the user unfolds the disposal tape from the three-fold state, stretches the disposal tape, and wraps the disposal tape around the folded diaper. Therefore, the disposal tape cannot maintain the folded state in conjunction with the folding action of the absorbent article.

[0064] In contrast, the maintaining means 30 of this embodiment is not folded when the pad 1 is worn, and exhibits the function of maintaining the folded state of the pad 1 without changing from a folded state to an unfolded state. Therefore, the maintaining means 30 of this embodiment does not require the operation of unfolding a disposal tape or wrapping the disposal tape around the absorbent article, as is the case with disposal tapes. This simplifies the user's work of maintaining the compact state of the pad 1.

[0065] Furthermore, the fastening tape and disposal tape are folded when the absorbent article is packaged. For example, the fastening tape is folded inward in the width direction, and the disposal tape is folded in thirds, for example. In contrast, the maintaining means 30 of this embodiment has the function of maintaining the folded state of the pad 1 while the pad 1 remains in the state it was in when packaged (i.e., the state it was in when it was contained in the package storage bag). Therefore, the user can use the maintaining means 30 without performing any extra actions, simplifying the user's work of maintaining the compact state of the pad 1.

[0066] Furthermore, the folding position of the pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions is not limited to a folding position along the width direction (here, the longitudinal center line CL), but may be, for example, a folding position along the longitudinal direction. In that case, it is preferable to provide the maintaining means 30 on one side and the other side in the width direction of the folding position along the longitudinal direction. In this way, the pad 1 is maintained in a compactly folded state in the width direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the retaining means 30 is self-adhesive. Therefore, when putting on the pad 1, the retaining means 30 does not adhere to the wearer's skin, the surface of the pad 1 other than the retaining means 30, or clothing, making it easy to position the pad 1 relative to the wearer and ensuring ease of putting on the pad 1. Furthermore, because the retaining means 30 on the skin side of the pad 1 does not adhere to the wearer's skin, it is possible to prevent the retaining means 30 from causing discomfort when wearing the pad 1.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 6A, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 may be a sheet-like substrate 31 to which a self-adhesive adhesive 32 is applied. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 6B, the maintaining means 30 may be a sheet-like substrate 31 to which a self-adhesive adhesive 32 is applied directly to the basic materials (side sheet 4, top sheet 2, back sheet 3, etc.) that constitute the outer surface of the pad 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6A , when the retaining means 30 is formed separately from the base material of the pad 1 and adhered to the base material of the pad 1, the retaining means 30 becomes more noticeable. This makes the retaining means 30 more easily recognizable to the user, and the user is more likely to be conscious of bringing the retaining means 30 into contact with each other when folding the pad 1. The substrate 31 of the separate retaining means 30 is not particularly limited as long as it is a flexible sheet-like material, and examples include nonwoven fabric, resin film, paper, woven fabric, knitted fabric, etc. If the substrate 31 is a flexible sheet, the rigidity of the retaining means 30 can be reduced, thereby reducing discomfort when wearing the pad 1 even if the retaining means 30 is provided on the skin-side surface of the pad 1. On the other hand, in the case of FIG. 6B , the rigidity of the skin-side surface of the pad 1 can be reduced by the amount of the substrate 31, thereby further reducing discomfort when wearing the pad 1 and reducing the number of materials used in the pad 1.

[0070] The thickness of the retaining means 30 is preferably 3 mm or less. This reduces the step in the retaining means 30 compared to when the thickness of the retaining means 30 is greater than 3 mm, thereby reducing discomfort when worn. The thickness can be measured in a non-contact manner using, for example, a laser displacement meter (Keyence Corporation's high-precision two-dimensional laser displacement meter LJ-G series (model: LJ-G030) or equivalent).

[0071] In the maintaining means 30, the self-adhesive bonding agent 32 may be applied over the entire area (so-called solid coating), or may be applied in a predetermined pattern. Examples of the predetermined pattern include the dot pattern shown in FIG. 7A and the wave pattern shown in FIG. 7B , as well as an Ω pattern, a spiral pattern, a stripe pattern, and a grid pattern. The shape of the pattern is not particularly limited. In this case, the maintaining means 30 is defined as an area of ​​the group of self-adhesive bonding agents 32 applied in the predetermined pattern, surrounded by an imaginary line extending in the longitudinal direction that passes through the ends of the self-adhesive bonding agents 32 on the most one and most other sides in the width direction, and an imaginary line extending in the width direction that passes through the ends of the self-adhesive bonding agents 32 on the most one and most other sides in the length direction.

[0072] 4 illustrates a rectangular retaining means 30, but the shape of the retaining means 30 is not particularly limited. However, if the retaining means 30 is elongated in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, as in the retaining means 30 of FIG. 4, a wide area in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 can be adhered, making it easier to maintain the folded state of the pad 1. In addition, the area in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 that is not adhered by the retaining means 30 and that opens or separates can be reduced. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, excrement and its odor are less likely to be released to the outside.

[0073] It is preferable that the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 (self-adhesive bonding agent 32 such as rubber) does not come into contact with moisture. Therefore, the maintaining means 30 is preferably provided on a non-hydrophilic sheet (water-repellent sheet, hydrophobic sheet) such as the side sheet 4. Non-hydrophilic sheets are less likely to absorb and retain excrement than hydrophilic sheets. Therefore, maintaining means 30 provided on a non-hydrophilic sheet is less likely to come into contact with excrement, and a decrease in adhesive strength when maintaining means 30 face each other can be suppressed. Examples of non-hydrophilic sheets include nonwoven fabrics or resin films made of non-hydrophilic fibers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and hydrophilic sheets that have been treated with a water-repellent coating.

[0074] Conversely, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 10 , the retaining means 30 may be provided on a hydrophilic sheet such as the topsheet 2. The hydrophilic sheet absorbs excreted liquid, but excreted liquid tends to diffuse in the planar direction, making it less likely for excreted liquid to pool. Therefore, providing the retaining means 30 on the hydrophilic sheet can avoid the risk of the retaining means 30 coming into contact with a pool of excreted liquid and suppress a decrease in adhesive strength when the retaining means 30 face each other. Examples of hydrophilic sheets include nonwoven fabrics made of hydrophilic fibers such as regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., rayon) and natural fibers (e.g., cotton and pulp), and sheets made of non-hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics that have been hydrophilically treated.

[0075] Identification of non-hydrophilic and hydrophilic sheets can be performed by visual inspection to determine whether the sheet is one of the sheets listed above. Alternatively, it can be determined by measuring the contact angle between the sheet and ion-exchanged water when the sheet surface (the surface on which the bonding portion 30 is provided) is brought into contact with ion-exchanged water. Specifically, ion-exchanged water (approximately 20 picoliters) is dropped onto the surface of the sheet to be measured, and the contact angle is immediately measured using a contact angle meter (a contact angle meter MCA-J manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., or an equivalent device). Measurements are performed at multiple locations (e.g., five or more locations) on the sheet surface, and the average value is taken as the contact angle. The measurement ambient temperature is 22°C. A contact angle of less than 90 degrees is considered to be a hydrophilic sheet, and a contact angle of 90 degrees or greater is considered to be a hydrophobic sheet.

[0076] In addition, it is preferable that the pads 1 have their skin-facing sides facing each other when the pads 1 are folded so that the retaining means 30 functions. In other words, it is preferable that the retaining means 30 function in conjunction with the folding operation of the pads 1 with the skin-facing side facing inward.

[0077] By doing so, the pad 1 is maintained in a folded state with the skin side that receives and absorbs excrement inside. Therefore, excrement and its odor can be contained inside the folded pad 1. Furthermore, exposure of the skin side, which is the excrement side, is reduced, making it difficult for the user's hands to come into contact with the excrement side, allowing for hygienic disposal. Even before use, the pad 1 remains folded with the skin side inside, allowing for hygienic storage and transport. Furthermore, in the case of a self-adhesive maintaining means 30, even if the maintaining means 30 is provided on the skin side, it does not adhere to the wearer's skin, making it less likely to cause discomfort when worn.

[0078] However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the maintaining means 30 may have a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with the folding action of the pad 1 with the non-skin side facing inward. For this purpose, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 may be provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1. In this case, too, the pad 1 is maintained in a compact state in which it is folded with the non-skin side facing inward. Furthermore, because the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 is not attached to the outerwear (underwear or diaper), it is possible to prevent the ability of the pad 1 to follow the wearer's movements from being excessively restricted by the outerwear.

[0079] 4 is folded in half with the longitudinal center line CL as the folding line FL1 when packaged and stored in the storage bag of the package. The pad 1 is folded at the folding line FL1 when packaged, making it easy to bend along the folding line FL1. In other words, the folding line FL1 when packaged functions as a folding guide that guides the folding of the pad 1.

[0080] Therefore, it is preferable that the function of the maintaining means 30 be realized in conjunction with the user's action of folding the pad 1 along the folding guide portion. In other words, it is preferable that the folding guide portion is provided at the folding position of the pad 1 in the folded state where the maintaining means 30 functions. For this reason, in the pad 1 shown in Fig. 4, when the pad 1 is folded along the folding line FL1 during packaging, the maintaining means 30a and 30b on one side come into contact with the maintaining means 30c and 30d on the other side.

[0081] This makes it easier for the user to fold the pad 1 when disposing of the pad 1, and simplifies the work of maintaining the compact state of the pad 1. Furthermore, the folded state of the pad 1 is easily maintained not only by the maintaining means 30 but also by the folding guide portion.

[0082] The fold guide portion is not limited to the fold line FL1 formed during packaging, but may also be a portion where the rigidity of the pad 1 changes. Examples of the rigidity change portion include a portion (slit) where the basis weight of the material constituting the absorbent core 10 is zero, a portion (low basis weight portion) where the basis weight of the material constituting the absorbent core 10 is lower than the surrounding area, and a compressed groove formed by compressing the absorbent core 10 by embossing or the like. These may also be used as the fold guide portion. In this case, as in the pad 1 shown in Figure 8, a fold guide portion 101 (rigidity change portion) may be provided at a folding position (here, on the longitudinal centerline CL) where the folded state of the pad 1 is maintained. The fold guide portion 101 extending in the width direction makes the pad 1 more likely to bend in the longitudinal direction.

[0083] It is also preferable that an elastic member that stretches in a direction perpendicular to the folding position (here, the longitudinal centerline CL) of the pad 1 where the maintaining means 30 functions is provided so as to straddle the folding position. As shown in FIG. 1 , the pad 1 of this embodiment has leg-hole elastic members 5 and leak-preventing wall elastic members 7 that straddle the longitudinal centerline CL. In this case, the contractile force of the elastic members makes it easier for the pad 1 to bend, making the user's work easier. In addition, the folded state of the pad 1 is more easily maintained.

[0084] The folding position of the pad 1 at which the function of the retaining means 30 is realized is not limited to the position of the fold line FL1 at the time of packaging. For example, the tri-fold type pad 1 shown in Figures 12A to 12C has two fold lines FL2 and FL3 along the width direction. In this case, the retaining means 30 may be arranged similarly to the pad 1 shown in Figure 4, as shown in Figure 12A. In other words, the retaining means 30 may function by overlapping each other when the pad 1 is folded in half along the longitudinal center line CL rather than along the fold lines FL2 and FL3 at the time of packaging. In this case, the pad 1 remains folded in half, allowing the pad 1 to be disposed of compactly. Furthermore, since the pad 1 only needs to be folded once at the time of disposal, the disposal process for the user is simplified.

[0085] Alternatively, the pad 1 may be provided with a retaining means 30 so that the pad 1 maintains its folded state along the two fold lines FL2 and FL3 during packaging. This allows the pad 1 to be disposed of more compactly. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B , retaining means 30e and 30f may be provided on the skin-side surface of the pad 1 on one side and the other side in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the fold line FL2. Retaining means 30g may be provided on the skin-side surface of the pad 1 on one side of the fold line FL3 in the longitudinal direction, and retaining means 30h may be provided on the non-skin-side surface of the pad 1 on the other side of the fold line FL3 in the longitudinal direction, which is folded along the fold line FL2. This maintains the pad 1 in the same folded state as when packaged. In this manner, the pad 1 may be provided with retaining means 30 that maintains each folded state in conjunction with multiple (here, two) folding operations by the user.

[0086] 4, the pad 1 is divided into four equal quarters in the longitudinal direction, and the retaining means 30 are preferably provided in the end regions R1 and R4. The self-adhesive retaining means 30 exert adhesive force when the retaining means 30 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the retaining means 30a and 30b are preferably provided in the end region R1 on one side in the longitudinal direction, and the retaining means 30c and 30d are preferably provided in the end region R4 on the other side.

[0087] By doing so, the outer portions of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction are adhered by the retaining means 30. Therefore, the portion of the pad 1 that is outer in the longitudinal direction than the retaining means 30 becomes smaller, and the portion of the pad 1 that opens outside the retaining means 30 becomes smaller. This makes it easier for the user to handle and dispose of the pad 1 in the folded state.

[0088] However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the retaining means 30 may be provided in the central regions R2, R3 when the pad 1 is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction, as in the modified example shown in Fig. 8. In the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, it is preferable that the retaining means 30a, 30b be provided in the central region R2 immediately on one side of the longitudinal center line CL, and the retaining means 30c, 30d be provided in the central region R3 immediately on the other side of the longitudinal center line CL.

[0089] In this case, the user can operate the retaining means 30 while stably folding the pad 1 while grasping the central regions R2, R3 where the absorbent core 10 is present and has high rigidity. In particular, in the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, the retaining means 30 is provided near the longitudinal center line CL along which the pad 1 is folded in half, making it easier for the user to align the retaining means 30a, 30b on one side with the retaining means 30c, 30d on the other side.

[0090] The self-adhesive maintaining means 30 is not limited to this, and maintaining means 60-62 may be provided on only one side in the longitudinal direction as in the modified example shown in Figure 14. In this case, when the pad 1 is divided into four, the maintaining means 60-62 may be provided in one of the two end regions R1, R4, or in one of the two central regions R2, R3.

[0091] In addition, in the case of an absorbent article having an elastic member such as the pad 1, it is advisable to identify the four regions R1 to R4 that divide the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction while the absorbent article is in an unfolded and stretched state. The same applies below when identifying or comparing areas, lengths, and positions.

[0092] 4, the retaining means 30 may be provided in widthwise end regions Ra1 and Ra3 when the pad 1 is divided into three widthwise regions. This allows the user to align the ends of the pad 1 and bend it, thereby making it easier to bring the retaining means 30 on one side into contact with the retaining means 30 on the other side. In this case, it is preferable that the retaining means 30 be provided not only in the end region Ra1 on one side in the widthwise direction, but also in the end region Ra3 on the other side in the widthwise direction. This bonds the four corners of the pad 1, making it more difficult for the pad 1 to open, and making it easier to maintain a compact state.

[0093] 10, the retaining means 30 may be provided in a central region Ra2 in the width direction when the pad is divided into three parts in the width direction. In this case, the number of retaining means 30 can be reduced while evenly suppressing the opening on both sides in the width direction of the pad 1. Reducing the number of sets of retaining means 30 that come into contact with each other can also reduce the mental burden on the user, who must bring multiple sets of retaining means 30 into contact with each other.

[0094] Furthermore, when the maintaining means 30 maintains the pad 1 in a folded state with the skin side facing inward, the following is preferable. First, the area of ​​the pad 1 in an unfolded and extended state (for example, the planar area of ​​the pad 1 in FIG. 4) is defined as the total area A1. The area of ​​the skin side of the pad 1 that is exposed in the folded state in which the maintaining means 30 functions is defined as the exposed area A2. In this case, the value obtained by dividing the exposed area A2 by the total area A1 (= A2 / A1 × 100) is preferably 50% or less.

[0095] The pad 1 in Fig. 4 has a planar shape that is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the longitudinal center line CL, the portions of the pad 1 on one side of the longitudinal center line CL completely overlap with the portions of the pad 1 on the other side, as shown in Fig. 5, and the exposed area A2 becomes zero, with the area ratio being 50% or less.

[0096] For example, as in the pad 1 of Fig. 13A, the retaining means 30c, 30d on the other longitudinal side may be positioned more toward the longitudinal center than in the pad 1 of Fig. 4. In this case, the user can fold the pad 1 while stably grasping the portion of the pad 1 where the retaining means 30, 30d, which are shifted toward the longitudinal center, are located. However, as shown in Fig. 13B, when the pad 1 is folded at folding position F where the retaining means 30 is functional, part of the skin side of the pad 1 is exposed.

[0097] Even in this case, it is preferable that the area ratio of the exposed area A2 of the skin-side surface be 50% or less. This allows for more containment of excrement and its odor inside the folded pad 1 than when the area ratio of the exposed area A2 of the skin-side surface is higher than 50%. This also makes it more difficult for the user's hands to touch the excrement surface, allowing for hygienic disposal of the pad 1. Furthermore, since excrement is discharged more toward the ventral side than the dorsal side in the longitudinal direction, it is desirable to provide a retaining means 30 to prevent the portion of the pad 1 on the ventral side in the longitudinal direction from being exposed.

[0098] 1, the urine absorption pad 1 has an excretory opening contact position p0 where the wearer's excretory opening (urethral opening) is expected to come into contact while the pad is being worn. The excretory opening contact position p0 is located in the central region Ra2 when the absorbent core 10 is divided into thirds in the width direction, and is located either in the end region Rb1 or the central region Rb2 on the ventral side when the absorbent core 10 is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction. In the case of a pad 1 specifically designed for men, it is preferable that the excretory opening contact position p0 is positioned more toward the ventral side than in a pad 1 specifically designed for women.

[0099] When the maintaining means 30 maintains the pad 1 folded with the skin side facing inward, it is preferable that the excretion opening contact position p0 on the skin side of the pad 1 is not exposed in the folded state (Figure 5).

[0100] By doing so, the portion of the pad 1 facing the skin (excretory opening contact position p0) that absorbs the most excretory fluid is covered by the portion of the pad 1 opposite the folding position (CL). This allows more excretory fluid and its odor to be contained inside the folded pad 1, enhancing the deodorizing effect. In addition, it becomes more difficult for the user's hands to come into contact with the excretory surface, allowing the pad 1 to be disposed of hygienically.

[0101] The pad 1 preferably contains a deodorizing agent. This can further enhance the deodorizing effect of the used pad 1. Known materials can be used as the deodorizing agent, such as activated carbon, zeolite, silica gel, alumina, and porous glass. In addition, the pad 1 may contain known deodorizing agents or antibacterial agents, which can also enhance the deodorizing effect.

[0102] Furthermore, the back sheet 3 of the pad 1 is preferably a gas barrier film. By doing so, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, the odor of excreted fluid is less likely to pass through the back sheet 3, further enhancing the deodorizing effect. Examples of gas barrier films include films made of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), aluminum vapor deposition, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyamide (PA), polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The back sheet 3 is preferably a non-breathable film (for example, a film with a breathability of 300 g / m ２ - Films with a breathability of 1000g / m or less) ２ ・Film with a shelf life of 24 hours or less) may also be used, and in this case, the deodorizing effect can be enhanced.

[0103] In the pad 1 shown in Fig. 4, the four retaining means 30a to 30d of the retaining means 30 have the same shape and area. However, as shown in a modified example in Fig. 11, the area of ​​the retaining means 30k on one side of the longitudinal centerline CL may be different from the area of ​​the retaining means 30l on the other side. For example, it is preferable that the area of ​​the larger retaining means 30l is 110% or more of the area of ​​the smaller retaining means 30k.

[0104] This makes it easier for the user to align the smaller-area retaining means 30k with the larger-area retaining means 30l while bending the pad 1, making it easier to abut the retaining means 30. Furthermore, if the retaining means 30 on one side and the retaining means 30 on the other side have the same area and shape, there is a risk that the user will feel mentally burdened by having to abut the retaining means 30 without misalignment. However, the above arrangement eliminates this risk. However, if the retaining means 30 on one side and the retaining means 30 on the other side have the same area and shape as shown in Figure 4, the adhesive strength is increased when the retaining means 30 abut with less misalignment, allowing the retaining means 30 to be used more effectively.

[0105] Furthermore, in at least one of the longitudinal and width directions, the length from the end of the retaining means 30 to the end of the pad 1 is preferably equal to or less than the length of the retaining means 30. For example, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, the longitudinal length of the retaining means 30a on one longitudinal side is L30. The longitudinal length from one longitudinal end of the pad 1 to one longitudinal end of the retaining means 30a is L2. In this case, it is preferable that the length L2 is equal to or less than the length L30 (L2≦L30). Furthermore, the widthwise length of the retaining means 30a on the left side in the width direction is W30. The length from the left widthwise end of the pad 1 to the left widthwise end of the retaining means 30a is W2. In this case, it is preferable that the length W2 is equal to or less than the length W30 (W2≦W30).

[0106] According to the above, the retaining means 30 is provided at a position close to the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal or width direction (within a range equal to or less than the length of the retaining means 30). This makes it easier to maintain the folded state of the pad 1. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the portion of the pad 1 that opens outward in the longitudinal or width direction from the retaining means 30. This makes it easier for the user to handle the pad 1 in the folded state. In particular, when the retaining means 30 is provided on the skin-side of the pad 1, the absorbent surface of the pad 1 (the portion where the absorbent core 10 is located) is less likely to be covered by the retaining means 30, ensuring an adequate area of ​​the absorbent surface that receives and absorbs excrement.

[0107] Furthermore, it is desirable that the length of the maintaining means 30 in the longitudinal direction be 10% or more of the length L3 from the center of the pad 1 (longitudinal center line CL) to the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and that the length of the maintaining means 30 in the width direction be 10% or more of the length W2 of the pad 1 in the width direction (maximum length of the entire pad 1).

[0108] By doing so, the maintaining means 30 is provided over a wider area of ​​the periphery (longitudinal or lateral direction) of the pad 1 than when the length of the maintaining means 30 is less than 10% of the length (L3, W2) of the pad 1. This makes it easier to maintain the folded state of the pad 1. Also, the gap between the folded and overlapping pads 1 can be reduced, allowing the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 to be made compact. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, excrement and its odor are less likely to be released to the outside.

[0109] Specifically, the comparison is made based on the length of the retaining means 30 located on one side or the other side of the folding position (here, the longitudinal center line CL) of the pad 1 where the retaining means 30 functions. When the sizes of the retaining means 30 differ between the one side and the other side of the folding position, as in the pad 1 shown in Figure 11, the comparison is made based on the length of the smaller retaining means 30 (here, retaining means 30k).

[0110] Furthermore, when multiple maintaining means 30 are provided on one side of the folding position (CL), the following applies. When the multiple maintaining means 30 completely overlap in the longitudinal direction, as in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, the longitudinal length of one maintaining means 30 is defined as the "length of maintaining means 30 in the longitudinal direction." When the multiple maintaining means 30 are completely misaligned in the longitudinal direction, the sum of the longitudinal lengths of the multiple maintaining means 30 is defined as the "length of maintaining means 30 in the longitudinal direction." When the multiple maintaining means 30 partially overlap in the longitudinal direction, the "length of maintaining means 30 in the longitudinal direction" is defined as the sum of the longitudinal lengths of the multiple maintaining means 30 minus the overlapping length. For example, in the pad 1 of FIG. 4, it is preferable that the longitudinal length L30 of each of the two maintaining means 30a, 30b is 10% or more of half the length L3 of the pad 1 (L30≧L3×0.1).

[0111] Similarly, when the positions of the plurality of maintaining means 30 in the width direction are completely overlapped, the width direction length of one maintaining means 30 is defined as the "width direction length of maintaining means 30." When the positions of the plurality of maintaining means 30 in the width direction are completely offset as shown in FIG. 4, the sum of the width direction lengths of the plurality of maintaining means 30 is defined as the "width direction length of maintaining means 30." When the positions of the plurality of maintaining means 30 in the width direction are partially overlapped, the "width direction length of maintaining means 30" is defined as the sum of the width direction lengths of the plurality of maintaining means 30 minus the overlapping length. For example, in the pad 1 shown in FIG. 4, the sum of the width direction lengths W30 of the two maintaining means 30a, 30b is preferably 10% or more of the maximum width W2 of the pad 1 (W30 x 2 ≥ W2 x 0.1).

[0112] Furthermore, the planar shape of the absorbent core 10 is smaller than the planar shape of the pad 1. Therefore, the pad 1 has a presence region RE where the absorbent core 10 is present and a non-presence region RN where the absorbent core 10 is not present. In this case, as in the pad 1 shown in Figure 11, the retaining means 30 may be provided in the presence region RE of the absorbent core 10. By positioning the retaining means 30 on the highly rigid absorbent core 10, the force of the user bending the pad 1 to bring the retaining means 30 into contact with each other is more easily transmitted. Furthermore, the user can stably bring the retaining means 30 into contact with each other while grasping the highly rigid portion where the absorbent core 10 is present, making it easier for the retaining means 30 to be firmly attached to each other.

[0113] Without being limited to the above, as in the pad 1 of Figure 10, the retaining means 30 may be provided in the region RN where the absorbent core 10 is absent. In this case, the retaining means 30 can be provided on the peripheral edge of the pad 1. This makes it easier to maintain the folded state of the pad 1. It also reduces the area of ​​the pad 1 that opens outward in the longitudinal or widthwise direction from the retaining means 30. In particular, when the retaining means 30 is provided on the skin-facing side of the pad 1, the absorbent surface of the pad 1 (the area where the absorbent core 10 is located) is not covered by the retaining means 30, ensuring an area of ​​the absorbent surface that receives and absorbs excrement.

[0114] 4 and 8, the retaining means 30 may be provided across the presence region RE and the absence region RN. In this way, the retaining means 30 can be provided on the peripheral edge of the pad 1, and the retaining means 30 can be stably abutted against each other in the highly rigid presence region RE, thereby firmly adhering the retaining means 30 to each other. Furthermore, when the retaining means 30 is provided on the skin-facing side of the pad 1, a larger absorbent surface area is ensured compared to when the entire retaining means 30 is located in the presence region RE.

[0115] Furthermore, it is desirable that the rigidity of the retaining means 30 is lower than the rigidity of the material on which the retaining means 30 is provided. The material on which the retaining means 30 is provided is the side sheet 4 in the case of Fig. 4 and the top sheet 2 in the case of Fig. 10.

[0116] By doing so, it is possible to suppress the increase in rigidity caused by providing the retaining means 30 to the pad 1, and to alleviate discomfort when wearing the pad. Furthermore, when the pad 1 is folded, the retaining means 30 is more likely to deform in accordance with the material it abuts, and the adhesion to the abutting material is improved. In the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, the adhesion between the retaining means 30 is improved. Therefore, the gap between the pads 1 that are folded and overlapped can be reduced, and the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 can be made compact. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, excrement and its odor are less likely to be released to the outside.

[0117] The rigidity can be measured using, for example, a large-scale bending tester, model KES-FB2-L, manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., or an equivalent device. First, the retaining means 30 (e.g., the substrate 31 coated with a self-adhesive adhesive 32) and the material on which the retaining means 30 is provided (e.g., the side sheet 4 and the top sheet 2) are separated from the pad 1 using cold spray or the like, and respective test pieces are prepared. The longitudinal or width direction of the diaper 1 is set as the measurement direction (bending direction). Next, both ends of the test piece in the measurement direction (bending direction) are clamped and fixed in the chucks of the tester, and the test piece is bent in the measurement direction. At this time, the deformation rate is 0.1 cm. －１ / sec, maximum curvature +0.5cm －１ Bend it to the front side up to 0.5cm, then bend it to the maximum curvature of -0.5cm -１Bending stiffness B (gf cm ２ / cm) is calculated from the average value of the slope of the bending moment M (slope of the M-K curve) for the curvature K=0.1 to 0.3 when bending the front side and the slope of the bending moment M (slope of the M-K curve) for the curvature K=-0.1 to -0.3 when bending the back side.

[0118] Furthermore, it is desirable that the average deviation of the surface roughness of the retaining means 30 is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material on which the retaining means 30 is provided. The material on which the retaining means 39 is provided is the side sheet 4 in the case of Fig. 4 and the top sheet 2 in the case of Fig. 10. Note that when the retaining means 30 is provided on the skin side of the pad 1, the surface roughness refers to the surface roughness of the retaining means 30 and the skin side of the material, and when the retaining means 30 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1, the surface roughness refers to the surface roughness of the retaining means 30 and the non-skin side of the material.

[0119] By doing so, the roughness and unevenness of the surface of the retaining means 30 can be reduced. Therefore, when the pad 1 is folded, the adhesion between the retaining means 30 and the material it abuts is increased. In the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, the adhesion between the retaining means 30 itself is increased. Therefore, the gap between the pads 1 that are folded and overlapped can be reduced, and the thickness of the overlapping pads 1 can be made compact. In particular, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side facing inward, excretory fluid and its odor are less likely to be released to the outside. Furthermore, even if the wearer's skin comes into contact with the retaining means 30, the burden on the skin can be reduced, and discomfort when wearing the pad can be alleviated.

[0120] Conversely, the average deviation of the surface roughness of the retaining means 30 may be equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material (side sheet 4 or top sheet 2) on which the retaining means 30 is provided.

[0121] In this case, the unevenness of the surface of the retaining means 30 becomes relatively large, and the unevenness of the retaining means 30 becomes more likely to catch on materials that come into contact with the retaining means 30. In the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, the unevenness of the retaining means 30 fits together, increasing the adhesive strength between the retaining means 30. Therefore, the retaining means 30 makes it difficult for the pad 1 to unfold, and the folded state of the pad 1 is more likely to be maintained.

[0122] The surface roughness mean deviation (SMD) can be measured using the following method. First, the retaining means 30 and the material on which the retaining means 30 is attached (such as the side sheet 4 or top sheet 2) are separated from the pad 1 using cold spray or other methods, and a test piece is created for each. Note that, if the self-adhesive bonding agent 32 is directly applied to the material, as shown in Figure 6B, the self-adhesive bonding agent 32 and the material on which it is attached are also included in the test piece. Next, using an automated surface testing machine KES-FB4-AUTO-A manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., the test piece is set on a smooth, flat metal test table. A terminal with a load of 25 gf is slid across the surface of the test piece (the bonding surface of the retaining means 30) at a speed of 1.0 mm / s to measure the surface roughness mean deviation (SMD). Note that the terminal measures 10 mm x 10 mm and is wound with a 0.5 mm diameter piano wire. It is also desirable to prepare a plurality of test pieces and use the average value of the measurements of the test pieces as the surface roughness mean deviation (SMD).

[0123] Furthermore, it is preferable that the color of the maintaining means 30 is different from the color of the material on which the maintaining means 30 is provided. In the case where the maintaining means 30 is composed of a base material 31 and a self-adhesive adhesive 32 (FIG. 6A), it is sufficient that the color of at least one of the base material 31 and the self-adhesive adhesive 32 is different from the color of the material.

[0124] According to the above, the retaining means 30 stands out, making it easier for the user to recognize the retaining means 30. Therefore, the user can fold the pad 1 while being aware of the retaining means 30, which makes it easier for the function of the retaining means 30 to be realized. In the case of a self-adhesive retaining means 30, the user will be aware of bringing the retaining means 30 on one side into contact with the other, making it easier for the retaining means 30 to be firmly adhered to each other.

[0125] The color of the maintaining means 30 and the color of the material (for example, the side sheet 4 or the top sheet 2) may be different colors, or may be the same color family but with different densities, as long as the difference in color is enough to be distinguishable by the naked eye. In other words, it is preferable that the color difference is at least enough to be distinguishable even when the two target colors are adjacent to each other. Specifically, based on the JIS standard or the tolerance grades generally used in various industrial associations, for example, L conforming to CIE 1976,＊ a ＊ b ＊ The color difference (ΔE76) calculated by the color difference formula in the color space is 0.8 or more, preferably 1.6 or more, more preferably 3.2 or more, more preferably 6.5 or more, more preferably 13.0 or more, and even more preferably 25.0 or more. The color difference can be measured using a general-purpose color difference meter (for example, a color difference meter CR-400 manufactured by Konica Minolta Sensing Inc., or an equivalent device) in a thermostatic chamber at 20°C.

[0126] 2, the absorbent core 10 contains a superabsorbent polymer 102. In this case, the weight of the superabsorbent polymer 102 divided by the weight of the absorbent core 10 (total weight of the absorbent core 10) is preferably 80% or more.

[0127] As a result, the absorbent core 10 can be made thinner while still maintaining the absorption capacity, compared to when the weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer 102 is less than 80%. This allows the thickness of the folded pad 1 to be made more compact. Furthermore, because the superabsorbent polymer 102 firmly holds the absorbed excrement, leakage of the excrement can be suppressed, and the pad 1 can be disposed of hygienically.

[0128] The weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer 102 can be measured by a known method. One example is a method in which the total weight of the absorbent core 10 removed from the pad 1 to be measured is measured, and then the absorbent core 10 is physically shaken to remove the superabsorbent polymer 102, and the weight thereof is measured.

[0129] Up to this point, the self-adhesive maintaining means 30 has been exemplified as the maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the pad 1, but this is not limiting. The maintaining means may be a pair of maintaining means that exhibit adhesive force (the function of maintaining the folded shape of the pad 1) when the maintaining means 30 abut against each other, similar to the self-adhesive maintaining means 30. Alternatively, the maintaining means may be a single maintaining means that exhibits adhesive force (the function of maintaining the folded shape of the pad 1) when the maintaining means abuts against the material of the pad 1. In the case of a pair of maintaining means, the maintaining means may be provided on one side and the other side of the desired folding position. In the case of a single maintaining means, it is sufficient that the maintaining means be provided on at least one side of the desired folding position.

[0130] Examples of means for maintaining the pair include a male and female member of a hook-and-loop fastener, suction cups, a suction cup and a smooth member (e.g., a film), magnets, a magnet and a metal member, a convex portion and a concave portion (e.g., a button), a highly frictional member (e.g., a rubber member or a gel-like member) and a film, a convex portion and a member that is deformed by the convex portion, a member that chemically reacts (e.g., hardens) when brought into contact, etc. However, there is no particular limitation as long as the means can maintain the folded shape of the pad 1.

[0131] Examples of the independent maintaining means include a male member of a hook-and-loop fastener, an adhesive member (for example, an adhesive or a gel-like member), a member that is easily charged with static electricity, etc. However, there are no particular limitations on the means as long as it is capable of maintaining the folded shape of the pad 1. Furthermore, even if there are independent maintaining means, they may be arranged on both sides of the folding position so that the independent maintaining means abut against each other when the pad 1 is in the folded state.

[0132] 14A, the retaining means 60 may be a pocket into which a portion of the pad 1 (for example, one end portion in the longitudinal direction) can be inserted. In this case, the user can insert a portion of the pad 1 into the pocket-shaped retaining means 60 while folding the pad 1 (in conjunction with the folding operation). This allows the pad 1 to be maintained in a folded state, simplifying the user's task of compacting the pad 1.

[0133] 14B, the retaining means 61 may be a slit (through-hole) through which a portion of the pad 1 (for example, one end portion in the longitudinal direction) can be inserted. In this case, the user can insert a portion of the pad 1 into the retaining means 61, which is a slit, while folding the pad 1 (in conjunction with the folding operation). This maintains the folded state of the pad 1, simplifying the user's task of compacting the pad 1.

[0134] 14C , the retaining means 62 may be a retaining member that can pass through a portion of the pad 1 (e.g., one end in the longitudinal direction) and press down from above. The retaining member can be made of rubber, a shape-memory wire (e.g., a resin wire or a wire), a string, or the like. While folding the pad 1 (in conjunction with the folding motion), the user can pass a portion of the pad 1 (e.g., one end in the longitudinal direction) between the retaining means 62, which is a retaining member, and the surface of the pad 1. This maintains the folded state of the pad 1, simplifying the user's task of compacting the pad 1.

[0135] Furthermore, as long as the adhesiveness of the pad 1 to the wearer is not hindered, a shape-memory wire may be arranged along the direction in which the pad 1 is bent (for example, the longitudinal direction). In this case, the shape-memory wire bends in the same manner as the pad 1, and the bent state of the pad 1 is maintained.

[0136] Second Embodiment In the second embodiment, a pants-type diaper 40 (hereinafter also referred to as the diaper 40) will be described as an example of an absorbent article. Figures 15 to 17 are explanatory diagrams of the self-adhesiveness maintaining means 50 of the diaper 40.

[0137] The diaper 40 includes an absorbent body 41 and an outer cover member 42. The absorbent body 41 includes an absorbent core 411. The diaper 40 in the pants-type state has a vertical direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to one another, while the diaper 40 in the unfolded state (not shown) has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another. The longitudinal direction of the diaper 40 corresponds to the vertical direction of the diaper 40 in the pants-type state and is a direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 41. Of the outer cover member 42, a ventral waist portion 44 that contacts the wearer's ventral side and a dorsal waist portion 45 that contacts the wearer's dorsal side are joined and connected to each other at side joint portions 43 on both sides in the width direction. This forms a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, forming a pants-type diaper.

[0138] The diaper 40 may also be provided with a retaining means 50 that exhibits the function of maintaining the folded state in response to the user's folding action of the diaper 40 and is a means other than fastening tape. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a self-adhesive retaining means 50 is exemplified as the retaining means 50.

[0139] 15A and 15B, in the diaper 40 (especially a large-sized diaper 40 for adults), the outer member 42 extends outward in the width direction beyond the absorbent main body 41. Therefore, it is preferable to provide self-adhesive maintaining means 50a to 50c on the non-skin side of the diaper 40 (outer member 42) on one side and the other side of the folding positions FL4 and FL5 along the side edges of the absorbent main body 41 in the width direction.

[0140] By doing so, in conjunction with the user's action of folding both widthwise ends of the outer cover member 42 inward in the widthwise direction at the folding positions FL4 and FL5, the retaining means (50a and 50b, and 50a and 50c) on one side and the other side of the folding positions FL4 and FL5 come into contact with each other, thereby exerting adhesive force. Thus, the outer cover member 42 remains folded in the widthwise direction, allowing the user to carry or discard the diaper 40 in a compact state in the widthwise direction. The retaining means 50 on one side of the folding position FL4 and the retaining means 50 on the other side of the folding position FL5 may be a continuous, common retaining means as shown in FIG. 15A , or may be two spaced-apart retaining means.

[0141] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 16B , self-adhesive retainers 50d and 50e may be provided on one side and the other side of a fold line FL6 along the width direction that divides the diaper 40 vertically into two. As shown in FIG. 16C , when a user folds the diaper 40 vertically at the fold line FL6, the retainers (50d and 50e) on one side and the other side of the fold line FL6 come into contact with each other, thereby exerting adhesive force. This allows the diaper 40 to remain folded in half vertically, allowing the user to carry or discard the diaper 40 in a compact vertical state. However, the retainer 50 described above is merely an example and is not limiting. For example, the diaper 40 may have both the retainers 50a to 50c shown in FIG. 15A and the retainers 50d and 50e shown in FIG. 16B .

[0142] The diaper 40 also has a presence region where the absorbent core 411 is present and a non-presence region where the absorbent core 411 is not present. In the diaper 40 shown in FIG. 15A , one of the retention means 50a on one side of the folding position FL4 and the retention means 50b on the other side (retention means 50a) is provided in the presence region, while the other (retention means 50b) is provided in the non-presence region. Similarly, one of the retention means 50c on one side of the folding position FL5 and the retention means 50a on the other side (retention means 50a) is provided in the presence region, while the other (retention means 50c) is provided in the non-presence region. In this case, the retention means 50b and 50c, located in the outer member 42 where the absorbent core 411 is absent and has low rigidity and is easily bent, can be brought close to the retention means 50a located in a position with high rigidity, allowing them to abut stably. This allows the retention means 50 to be firmly bonded to each other.

[0143] When putting on the pants-type diaper 40, the wearer first inserts their legs through the waist openings BH and then removes their legs through the leg openings LH, and then pulls the entire diaper 40 up to their waist and puts it on. During this leg insertion, the wearer's legs may get caught in the waist portions (44, 45). Therefore, as shown in Fig. 17A, self-adhesive maintaining means 50f and 50g may be provided on one side (above) and the other side (below) of a fold position FL7 along the width direction where the waist portions (44, 45) are folded in half vertically.

[0144] 17B , in conjunction with the user's action of vertically folding the waistline portions (44, 45) away from the skin at the folding position FL7, the maintaining means (50f and 50g) on ​​one side and the other side of the folding position FL7 come into contact with each other, thereby exerting adhesive force, thereby maintaining the waistline portions 44, 45 folded in half vertically.

[0145] In this case, the length of the waist-lined portions (44, 45) is reduced by half (from length Lss to length Lss / 2) compared to the diaper 40 (FIG. 17A). This reduces the length from the waist-lined opening BH to the leg-lined openings LH, shortening the length of the legs that need to be passed through the diaper 1 during leg-passing, making it easier to pass the legs through.

[0146] Additionally, it is anticipated that a wearer with reduced physical function, such as an elderly person, may sit in a chair, grasp the upper end of the side seam 43 of the diaper 40 with their hands, and then hang the diaper 40 to put their legs through the diaper. Hanging the diaper 40 allows the leg openings LH to be lowered, making it easier for a wearer who cannot lift their legs high to put their legs through the diaper. Even in this case, as shown in FIG. 17B , folding the waist portion (44, 45) in half vertically to shorten its length improves the visibility of the leg openings LH from inside the waist opening BH. In other words, the space outside the diaper 1 can be more easily seen through the leg openings LH from the waist opening BH. This allows the wearer to recognize the desired leg-threading position, facilitating the leg-threading process.

[0147] In addition, in FIG. 17A , the retaining means 50 are provided on the non-skin-side surfaces of the waist-circulating portions (44, 45), and the waist-circulating portions 44, 45 are folded outward (so that the non-skin-side surfaces face each other). This reduces the amount of material inside the diaper 40 compared to when the waist-circulating portions (44, 45) are folded inward, making it easier to put the legs through the diaper. Furthermore, since the retaining means 50 on the non-skin-side surfaces do not come into contact with the wearer's skin, discomfort when wearing the diaper can be reduced. However, this is not limited to the above, and the retaining means 50 may be provided on the skin-side surfaces of the waist-circulating portions (44, 45). In addition, while FIG. 17A illustrates an example in which the retaining means 50 is provided on the ventral waist-circulating portion 44, the retaining means 50 may be provided on the dorsal waist-circulating portion 45, or the retaining means 50 may be provided on both the ventral and dorsal sides.

[0148] ===Other=== The above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0149] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Urine absorption pad (absorbent article) 2 Top sheet, 3 Back sheet, 4 Side sheet, 5 Leg-hole elastic member, 6 Leakage-preventing wall portion, 7 Leakage-preventing wall elastic member, 10 Absorbent core, 11 Core wrap sheet, 20 Fixing member, 30 Retention means, 40 Pants-type diaper (absorbent article), 41 Absorbent body, 411 Absorbent core, 42 Outer member, 43 Side joint portion, 50 Retention means, 60-62 Retention means

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in the unfolded state, and comprising a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, the absorbent article having maintaining means for maintaining the folded state of the absorbent article, the maintaining means being configured to exhibit a function of maintaining the folded state in conjunction with a folding operation of the absorbent article by a user, and being means other than a fastening tape that connects a ventral body circumference portion and a dorsal body circumference portion.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the folded state, the skin-side surfaces of the absorbent article face each other.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a folding guide portion is provided at a folding position of the absorbent article in the folded state.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintaining means is provided in an end region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintaining means is provided in a central region when the absorbent article is divided into four in the longitudinal direction.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein when the area of the absorbent article in the unfolded state is defined as the total area and the area of the skin-side surface of the absorbent article that is exposed in the folded state is defined as the exposed area, the value obtained by dividing the exposed area by the total area is 50% or less.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein in the folded state, the excretion port contact position on the skin-side surface of the absorbent article is not exposed.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in at least one of the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the length from the end of the maintaining means to the end of the absorbent article is less than or equal to the length of the maintaining means.

9. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the length of the maintaining means in the longitudinal direction is 10% or more of the length from the center to the end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and the length of the maintaining means in the width direction is 10% or more of the length of the absorbent article in the width direction, and the absorbent article is characterized by being at least either of these.

10. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigidity of the maintaining means is lower than the rigidity of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

11. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average deviation of the surface roughness of the maintaining means is lower than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

12. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the average deviation of the surface roughness of the maintaining means is equal to or greater than the average deviation of the surface roughness of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

13. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the color of the maintaining means is different from the color of the material in which the maintaining means is provided.

14. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer, and the ratio of the value obtained by dividing the weight of the superabsorbent polymer by the weight of the absorbent core is 80% or more.

15. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maintaining means is not folded when the absorbent article is worn, and exhibits the function of maintaining the bent state without being deformed from the folded state to the unfolded state.

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