Absorbent article

Abstract

The present invention provides an absorbent article (1) comprising an absorbent core (10), said article having a bonding agent (30) on the skin side that can be bonded to a portion of the absorbent article (1), wherein the bonding agent (30) has a one-side bonding agent (30) provided on one side in a longitudinal direction and an other-side bonding agent (30') provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction, the bonding force when the one-side bonding agent (30) and the other-side bonding agent (30') are crimped under prescribed conditions is greater than 0 N / 25 mm and less than or equal to 2 N / 25 mm, and the bonding force when the one-side bonding agent (30) or the other-side bonding agent (30') and artificial leather are crimped under the prescribed conditions is less than or equal to double the bonding force when the one-side bonding agent (30) and the other-side bonding agent (30') are crimped under the prescribed conditions.

Description

absorbent articles

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

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes an absorbent article that is easy to remove after use and can be kept in a compact state after removal. Specifically, when a used absorbent article is rolled up by rolling it from one end in the longitudinal direction for disposal, the rolled state can be maintained by a band-shaped region near the outer periphery of the absorbent article.

[0003] JP 2024-77999 A

[0004] On the other hand, when an absorbent article absorbs a large amount of excrement, it may become difficult to roll it up by rolling it from the end because the swelling increases in the thickness direction. In such cases, an absorbent article equipped with a closing mechanism that allows the absorbent article to be folded with the skin-facing side inward is desired. The closing mechanism is, for example, such that when the absorbent article is folded in half with the skin-facing side inward, joining means made of an adhesive, a self-adhesive, or the like are provided at both ends of the absorbent article so that they face each other. In an absorbent article equipped with such a closing mechanism, after use, the skin-facing side that has been adhering to the excrement can be closed, allowing the excrement and its odor to be contained and disposed of hygienically.

[0005] Such absorbent articles are usually packaged and distributed with the skin-side closed, so when the absorbent article is first used, the packaged absorbent article is opened and the skin-side is opened. Furthermore, when the absorbent article is disposed of after use, the skin-side is closed as described above. Therefore, it is desirable to make the opening and closing operations of the closing mechanism easier.

[0006] Furthermore, when the absorbent article is worn (used), if the closing mechanism comes into contact with the wearer's skin (body), it must not cause discomfort to the wearer or injure the skin when it is removed.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an absorbent article with a closing mechanism that makes it easy to open the skin side when starting to use it and to close the skin side when discarding it, and that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the wearer when in use.

[0008] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent absorbent core with longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are perpendicular to one another when unfolded, and which has an adhesive on the skin side that can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, the adhesive having a first adhesive provided on one side of the longitudinal direction and a second adhesive provided on the other side of the longitudinal direction, the adhesive having a bonding strength when the first adhesive and the second adhesive are pressed together under specified conditions being greater than 0 N / 25 mm and not more than 2 N / 25 mm, and the adhesive strength when the first adhesive or the second adhesive and artificial leather are pressed together under the specified conditions is not more than twice the bonding strength when the first adhesive and the second adhesive are pressed together under the specified conditions.

[0009] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article equipped with a closing mechanism that makes it easy to open the skin side when starting use and to close the skin side when discarding, and that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the wearer when in use.

[0011] 1 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the pad 1 folded in half in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view for explaining the details of the configuration of the pad 1. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are explanatory diagrams of one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30'. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the joining means 30, 30'. FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram of the action and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30, 30' are applied. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C are explanatory diagrams of a method for measuring joining strength. FIG. 8C is a graph showing the results of joining strength evaluation. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are explanatory diagrams of the operation of the pad 1 when it is disposed of. FIG. 5C is an explanatory diagram of a method for performing a drop test. FIG. 5B is an explanatory diagram showing modified joining means 30, 30' of the pad 1.

[0012] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make at least the following clear: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent absorbent core with a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another in an unfolded state, the absorbent article having an adhesive on the skin-facing side that can bond to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, the adhesive having a first adhesive agent provided on one side in the longitudinal direction and a second adhesive agent provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction, the adhesive strength when the first adhesive agent and the second adhesive agent are pressed together under predetermined conditions is greater than 0 N / 25 mm and not more than 2 N / 25 mm, and the adhesive strength when the first adhesive agent or the second adhesive agent and artificial leather are pressed together under the predetermined conditions is not more than twice the adhesive strength when the first adhesive agent and the second adhesive agent are pressed together under the predetermined conditions.

[0013] According to the absorbent article of aspect 1, the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent is 2 (N / 25 mm) or less, making it easy to peel them apart to open the skin-facing side when starting to use the absorbent article. Furthermore, the adhesive strength is 0 (N / 25 mm) or more, making it easy to press the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent together to close the skin-facing side when disposing of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the adhesive strength when the one-side adhesive agent (the other-side adhesive agent) is pressed onto the artificial leather (simulating the wearer's skin) is at most about twice the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent, and is not excessively large. Therefore, even if the one-side adhesive agent (the other-side adhesive agent) comes into contact with the wearer's skin during wear, it can be peeled off without damaging the wearer's skin and is unlikely to cause discomfort.

[0014] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein a bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions is equal to or greater than a bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent or the other-side bonding agent is pressure-bonded together with the artificial leather under the predetermined conditions.

[0015] According to the absorbent article of aspect 2, the adhesive is less likely to stick to the skin and the adhesives can be easily pressed together. Therefore, when worn, the adhesive is prevented from sticking to the skin and becoming difficult to peel off. Furthermore, when discarding the absorbent article after wearing, folding the article in half and pressing (bonding) the adhesives together makes it easy to discard hygienically with the skin side closed.

[0016] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein a bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions is 0.2 N / 25 mm or more, and a bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent or the other-side bonding agent and the artificial leather are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions is 0.2 N / 25 mm or less.

[0017] In the absorbent article of aspect 3, the adhesive strength between the adhesives is 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or more, which makes it easier to keep the skin-side closed when disposing of the absorbent article compared to the reverse case. Also, by setting the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive (the other-side adhesive) and the artificial leather to 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or less, it makes it easier to peel off the adhesive that has adhered to the skin compared to the reverse case.

[0018] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions while the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are in a wet state, the bonding strength is 0.1 N / 25 mm or more.

[0019] According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, even when the surface of the adhesive is wet due to the wearer's sweat or the like, an adhesive force of at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm) or more is ensured, making it easier to maintain the skin-side surface closed compared to the opposite case.

[0020] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressed together under the predetermined conditions when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are in a wet state is at least half of the bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressed together under the predetermined conditions when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are in a dry state.

[0021] According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, even when the surface of the adhesive is wet due to sweat or the like of the wearer, as long as the adhesive strength is at least half that of when the adhesive is not wet, the likelihood of maintaining the skin-side closed state is higher than in the opposite case.

[0022] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, and when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions, the bonding strength is 0.1 N / 25 mm or more.

[0023] According to the absorbent article of aspect 6, even if the adhesive strength of the adhesive deteriorates due to prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, an adhesive strength of at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm) or more is ensured, making it easier to maintain the skin-side closed state compared to the opposite case.

[0024] (Aspect 7) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions in a state in which the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more is at least half of the bonding strength when the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded together under the predetermined conditions in a state in which the one-side bonding agent and the other-side bonding agent are not exposed to direct sunlight.

[0025] According to the absorbent article of aspect 7, even if the adhesive strength of the adhesive agent deteriorates due to continuous exposure to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, as long as the adhesive strength is at least half of that when not exposed to direct sunlight, the absorbent article is more likely to be able to maintain the skin-side closed state compared to the reverse case.

[0026] (Embodiment 8) The absorbent article according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent are each a self-adhesive adhesive agent.

[0027] According to the absorbent article of aspect 8, the adhesive on one side and the adhesive on the other side are each composed of an adhesive having self-adhesive properties, so that the adhesive strength between the adhesives can be ensured while weakening the adhesive strength when the adhesive comes into contact with the skin.

[0028] (Aspect 9) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein when a drop test is performed in which the absorbent article is folded in half in the longitudinal direction so that the skin-side surface is on the inside, and the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent are pressed together and dropped onto a floor from a predetermined height, at least a portion of the one-side adhesive agent remains joined to the other-side adhesive agent.

[0029] According to the absorbent article of aspect 9, the bonded state between the one-side adhesive agent and the other-side adhesive agent is maintained even after a drop test is performed with the skin-side surface closed. Therefore, in addition to making it easy to open the skin-side surface at the start of use and easy to close the skin-side surface when discarding, the skin-side surface is less likely to open even if subjected to a drop impact when closing the skin-side surface of the absorbent article and discarding it in a trash can, making it easier to discard the absorbent article more hygienically.

[0030] First Embodiment A urine absorption pad (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "pad") will be described as an example of an absorbent article according to the first embodiment. However, the absorbent article according to this embodiment 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, absorbent sheets for nursing care or for pets, etc.

[0031] <Basic Structure of Urine Absorption Pad 1> First, the basic structure of the urine absorption pad 1 will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. The urine absorption pad 1 can be used by being placed inside a pants-type or tape-type disposable diaper, or it can be used as a standalone pad by being placed directly inside the wearer's underwear (pants or shorts).

[0032] In its unfolded state, the pad 1 has a substantially rectangular planar shape, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The pad 1 comprises a liquid-absorbent core 10, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "top sheet 2") (e.g., nonwoven fabric) provided closer to the skin than the absorbent core 10, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) provided closer to the skin than the absorbent core 10, and a pair of side sheets 4 provided on both widthwise sides of the pad 1. As shown in Figure 2, the pair of side sheets 4 are folded inward in the widthwise direction from the widthwise sides of the back sheet 3 on the non-skin-side surface toward the skin-side surface of the top sheet 2 so as to encase the absorbent core 10.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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). The fixing member 20 is provided at each of both longitudinal ends of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is, for example, 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 (for example, a male member of a hook-and-loop fastener). Other examples of the fixing member 20 include tape coated with adhesive. The fixing member 20 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0037] The pad 1 also has a pair of leg elastic members 5 provided 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 wearer's legs.

[0038] The pad 1 also has a pair of leakage preventing walls 6 that can stand up toward the skin on both widthwise sides. The leakage preventing walls 6 include side sheets 4 and leakage preventing wall elastic members 7. Both longitudinal ends are fixed to the topsheet 2 by adhesive regions 8. The leakage 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. When the pad 1 is worn, the stretchability of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 7 causes the tips of the leakage preventing walls 6 to stand up toward the skin, and the standing leakage preventing walls 6 suppress lateral leakage of excrement and the like.

[0039] The pad 1 also has joining means 30, 30' at both ends in the longitudinal direction, respectively. The details of the configuration of these will be described below.

[0040] <Joining means 30, 30'> As shown in Fig. 1, one-side joining means 30 is provided as joining means on the skin side (topsheet 2) of the pad 1. In addition, other-side joining means 30' is provided on the skin side (topsheet 2) of the pad 1 at the other longitudinal end. When the pad 1 is disposed of, the one-side joining means 30 can be joined to the other-side joining means 30' as part of the pad 1 as a closing mechanism. Note that the joining means 30, 30' in this embodiment are regions at least partially provided with an adhesive (such as a self-adhesive adhesive described below).

[0041] FIG. 3 shows the state of the pad 1 folded in half in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the folded state refers to a state in which the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line (central position) CL of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the pad 1 is divided into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction and folded along the center line CL (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the fold line FL) along the width direction. This state is, for example, the state of the pad 1 before use or when discarded after use. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the pad 1 folded in half in the longitudinal direction, and FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 folded in half with the ends of the pad 1 closed, as viewed from the width direction. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the pad 1 is folded in half in the longitudinal direction, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30′ overlap and face each other in the thickness direction, and are arranged to be joinable.

[0042] 4 is a partially enlarged view for explaining the details of the configuration of the pad 1, and shows a portion of the pad 1 in an unfolded and extended state. The position of the one-side joining means 30 in the longitudinal direction will be described. However, since the pad 1 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, the other-side joining means 30' has the same configuration as the one-side joining means 30. The one-side joining means 30 is provided at an end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, at a position spaced a predetermined distance d from the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. The region extending in the width direction from the end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction to the one-side joining means 30 over the predetermined distance d is also referred to as the dry edge D. The dry edge D is a non-adhesive region from the end of the pad 1 to the one-side joining means 30 where no adhesive is provided.

[0043] The one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' have a self-adhesive bonding agent 31 (hereinafter, may be referred to as a self-adhesive bonding agent or a self-adhesive bonding agent) as a bonding portion. Note that the bonding agent in this embodiment is not limited to a self-adhesive bonding agent, and may be an adhesive.

[0044] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30'. The adhesive 31 provided as the joining portion in the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' has low tackiness (adhesion) itself, but has the property of developing adhesive strength (hereinafter referred to as bonding strength) when the adhesives 31 are pressed together with a relatively weak pressure. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are pressed together, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are bonded together by the respective adhesives 31 (developing bonding strength). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the adhesive 31 contacts a member other than the adhesive 31, such as the nonwoven fabric provided on the pad 1 or the skin, the one-side joining means 30 and the contacting member are less likely to adhere to each other. Furthermore, when the adhesives 31 are brought into contact with each other, they can be peeled off without damaging the adhesive 31, and can be re-attached by contacting them again after peeling.

[0045] The adhesive 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and examples thereof include emulsion-based self-adhesives (emulsion inks) and hot-melt-based self-adhesives (HMAs). The main component of the emulsion-based self-adhesive may be a mixture of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like with an emulsifier, and examples of the adhesives disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2589307 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-095381 may be used. Furthermore, the main component of the hot-melt-based self-adhesive may be a thermoplastic resin such as a polyolefin or polyamide resin, which is heated and melted and used, and examples of the adhesives disclosed in Japanese Patent Nos. 7476348 and 7543716.

[0046] Next, the specific configuration of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the joining means 30, 30'. As shown in FIG. 6, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are quadrilateral regions circumscribing the portion to which the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 is applied as the joining portion. Note that in FIG. 6, the region to which the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 is applied is shown lightly shaded.

[0047] Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, various bonding agents such as pressure-sensitive adhesives and self-adhesives can be used as the bonding agent 31. However, it is more preferable to use the emulsion-based or hot-melt-based self-adhesive described above. Furthermore, a single application of the bonding agent 31 is defined as a uniform application of the bonding agent 31 in a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction (i.e., a solid application). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the bonding agent 31 is applied three times. Applying the bonding agent 31 multiple times in a layered manner in the thickness direction can increase the bonding strength when the bonding agent 31 is bonded together compared to a single application. Although the bonding agent 31 is applied three times in this embodiment, the application is not limited to this.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6 , the application positions of the bonding agent 31 are shifted in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. Therefore, as shown in the diagrams (bottom side view and right side view) showing the thickness direction in Fig. 6 , the application amount (basis weight or basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 per unit area in the first adjacent regions L1, W1 adjacent to one of the central regions Lc, Wc and the second adjacent regions L2, W2 adjacent to the other of the central regions Lc, Wc is smaller than the application amount of the bonding agent 31 per unit area in the central regions Lc, Wc. In other words, since the application amount of the bonding agent 31 per unit area is smaller than that in the central regions Lc, Wc, the bonding strength is also smaller than that in the central regions Lc, Wc.

[0049] <Regarding the bonding strength of bonding means 30, 30'> Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining the action and effect of the pad 1 to which bonding means 30, 30' are applied. Figure 7A is a diagram viewed from the thickness direction showing the pad folded in half along fold line FL so that one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' face each other and then bonded together. Figure 7B is a diagram showing the state when one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' are peeled apart when unfolding the pad 1.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), at least a portion of the central region Lc of the one-side joining means 30 and a central region Lc' of the other-side joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction, as shown in Fig. 7A. Also, although not shown, at least a portion of the central region We of the one-side joining means 30 and a central region We' of the other-side joining means 30' overlap in the width direction, as in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] The one-side joining means 30 is divided into three equal parts in both the longitudinal and width directions. From one side, the longitudinally separated regions are a first longitudinal adjacent region L1, a longitudinal central region Lc, and a second longitudinal adjacent region L2. The widthwise separated regions are a first widthwise adjacent region W1, a widthwise central region Wc, and a second widthwise adjacent region W2 (see FIG. 6). These regions have different joining strengths. In this embodiment, the joining strength of the first adjacent regions L1 and W1 adjacent to one of the central regions Lc and Wc is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc in both the longitudinal and width directions. Furthermore, the joining strength of the second adjacent regions L2 and W2 adjacent to the other of the central regions Lc and Wc is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc.

[0052] The strength of the bonding strength of each region, such as the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the longitudinal central region Lc, can be evaluated by the amount per unit area (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 provided as a bonding portion in each region. In each region, the greater the amount per unit area (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31, the greater the bonding strength. Measurement of the strength of the bonding strength of each region will be described later.

[0053] Before use (when packaged), the pad 1 is closed, and the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are in contact with each other, as shown in Fig. 7A. When using the pad 1, the user grasps the dry edge D areas provided at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1 and pulls it away toward the center in the longitudinal direction, as shown in Fig. 7B.

[0054] If the adhesive strength at the beginning of the peeling is too strong, it may be difficult to open when unfolding, especially for elderly users with reduced dexterity. However, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the adhesive strength of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1, L1' in the one-side adhesive means 30 is weaker than the adhesive strength of the longitudinal central regions Lc, Lc'. Therefore, compared to when the adhesive strength of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1, L1' in the one-side adhesive means 30 is stronger than or the same as the adhesive strength of the longitudinal central regions Lc, Lc', it can be peeled and unfolded with a relatively weak force. Furthermore, the provision of the dry edge D makes it easier for the user to grasp and peel.

[0055] In this embodiment, since the second adjacent region L2, which has a weaker bonding strength, is located on the longitudinal centerline CL side, the pad 1 can be peeled away from the leg-around elastic member 5 toward the edge. In this case, the same effect as above can be achieved. Furthermore, since the dry edge D is provided over a predetermined distance d from the edge in the width direction of the pad 1, the ease of peeling can be improved even when peeling away in this manner.

[0056] Furthermore, the central region (first portion 34) of both the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' has a stronger joining strength than the adjacent regions. As a result, after use or when discarding the pad 1, by folding the pad 1 in half along the fold line FL and bringing one end of the pad 1 into contact with the other, it becomes easier to keep the pad 1 covering excrement on the skin side.

[0057] The configuration is not limited to the above, and the amount of coating in either the first adjacent region L1, W1 or the second adjacent region L2, W2 may be less than that in the central region Lc, Wc, or the amount of coating may be different only in either the longitudinal direction or the width direction. For example, the amount of coating in only the second adjacent region L2 (second longitudinal adjacent region) in the longitudinal direction may be less than that in the central region Lc. In this case, when the user peels off the pad 1, the pad can be easily unfolded by peeling it off from the second adjacent region L2, which has weaker adhesive strength.

[0058] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), the central regions Lc, Wc of the one-side joining means 30 and the central regions Lc', Wc' of the other-side joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction. By overlapping the central regions, when the pad 1 is discarded, it is easy to fold the pad 1 in half and maintain the state in which the pad 1 covers the excrement on the skin side.

[0059] The same action and effect can be achieved even when the pad 1 is folded in half at the center position in the width direction (a fold line along the center line in the width direction). In this case, two joining means may be provided on one side and the other side in the width direction with the center line in the width direction as the reference.

[0060] Alternatively, the joining force may be varied only in the joining means 30 on one side, and the joining force of the joining means 30' on the other side may be uniform. Alternatively, the joining force may be varied only in the joining means 30' on the other side, and the joining force of the joining means 30 on one side may be uniform.

[0061] Furthermore, with regard to the magnitude of the joining strength in the longitudinal direction and width direction of the one-side joining means 30, the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining strength in the longitudinal central region Lc and the joining strength in the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 by the longitudinal length of the longitudinal central region Lc is greater than the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining strength in the widthwise central region Wc and the joining strength in the first widthwise adjacent region W1 by the widthwise length of the widthwise central region Wc. In other words, the difference in joining strength per unit length is greater in the longitudinal direction than in the widthwise direction.

[0062] Because the difference in bonding strength per unit length between the central region Lc (Lc') and the adjacent region L1 (L1') is large in the longitudinal direction, even when the pad 1 is folded along the fold line FL along the width direction before use and the one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' are bonded, the one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' can be easily peeled apart and unfolded in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, as shown in the configuration of Figure 6, because the difference in bonding strength per unit length between the central region Wc (Wc') and the adjacent region W1 (W1') is small in the width direction, bonding the one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' provided on the skin-side surface makes it easier to maintain the pad 1 covering excrement on the skin-side surface when discarding the pad 1.

[0063] Furthermore, the pad 1 of this embodiment can form convex and concave portions by providing the joining means 30, 30' with a first portion 34 and a second portion 35 that is thinner than the first portion 34. As a result, when the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side of the pad 1 are joined before use, the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side can be easily peeled apart and expanded in the longitudinal direction. In other words, by forming concave and convex portions with the joining agent 31, the concave portions 33 that are thinner in the thickness direction can be easily peeled apart.

[0064] In addition, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the joining means 30, 30' are provided at the ends of the pad 1, respectively, making it easier to peel off and less likely to open when disposed of than when the joining means 30, 30' are provided in the center.

[0065] <Measuring the bonding strength of the bonding means 30> The bonding strength when the bonding means 30 is placed opposite to the bonding object and bonded can be measured as follows. Figures 8A to 8C are diagrams explaining a method for measuring the bonding strength. Below, a case where the bonding strength of the bonding means 30 on one side of the pad 1 is measured will be described.

[0066] First, sample pieces to be measured are prepared. Two types of sample pieces are prepared: sample piece A, which includes the one-side joining means 30, and sample piece B, which includes an object to which the one-side joining means 30 is joined (in this embodiment, the other-side joining means 30'). For example, in a pad 1, if the one-side joining means 30 is provided on the skin-facing side of the top sheet 2, a strip-shaped area (the area surrounded by the thick line in Figure 8A) that includes the one-side joining means 30 is cut out from the region of the top sheet 2 where the one-side joining means 30 is provided, and is 25 mm long in the width direction and 50 mm long in the longitudinal direction (the area surrounded by the thick line in Figure 8A). A holding portion (grip portion) is formed by attaching packing tape to the longitudinal end (one end or the other end) of sample piece A. Three or more such sample pieces A (n = 3) are prepared.

[0067] Sample piece B is prepared in a similar manner. For example, if the object to which the one-side joining means 30 is joined is the other-side joining means 30', then, as in the case of Figure 8A, a strip-shaped area measuring 25 mm in the width direction and 50 mm in the longitudinal direction is cut out from the region of the top sheet 2 where the other-side joining means 30' is provided, to provide sample piece B. Furthermore, if the object to which the one-side joining means 30 is joined is artificial leather, which will be described later, then a strip-shaped area measuring 25 mm in the width direction and 50 mm in the longitudinal direction is cut out from the planar artificial leather to provide sample piece B. Note that a holding portion (grip portion) similar to that of sample piece A is also formed in sample piece B.

[0068] Next, sample piece A and sample piece B are overlapped in the thickness direction, and the one-side joining means 30 and the joining object (the other-side joining means 30' or artificial leather) are opposed and pressed together. The sample pieces are pressed together by using a commercially available tape pressing device (for example, a tape pressing roll machine manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.) to move a 2 kg roller back and forth once in the longitudinal direction at a speed of 5 mm / sec. After pressing, the sample pieces are left to stand for about 1 minute, and sample piece A and sample piece B are joined to each other via the one-side joining means 30 (and the other-side joining means 30') as shown in Figure 8B.

[0069] Next, the gripping portions of sample piece A and sample piece B are attached to and held in the chucks of a tensile tester (e.g., a universal testing machine manufactured by Instron). In FIG. 8C , the gripping portion (longitudinal end) of sample piece A is held in chuck 71 on one side of the tensile tester, and the gripping portion (longitudinal end) of sample piece B is held in chuck 72 on the other side. The distance T between chucks 71 and 72 is then adjusted to 10 to 20 mm, and the load of the tensile tester is set to zero before the tensile test begins. In the tensile test, chucks 71 and 72 are moved at 100 mm / min in the opposite direction of the peeling direction, and the tensile load (N / 25 mm) is measured when the two sample pieces A and B peel off. This test is performed on three sets (n=3) of sample pieces A and B, and the average of the measured tensile loads is taken as the bonding strength between sample piece A and sample piece B.

[0070] When measuring the bonding strength of each of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 in Figure 6, the first sample piece A is prepared by cutting out the region to be measured from the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, etc. The second sample piece B is prepared by applying a uniform amount of bonding agent 31 to the nonwoven fabric. The bonding strength of the first widthwise adjacent region W1, the widthwise central region Wc, and the second widthwise adjacent region W2 can also be measured in the same manner.

[0071] <Evaluation of the bonding strength of the bonding means 30> The bonding strength (adhesion strength) of the bonding means 30 is evaluated based on the results of measurements made using the above-described bonding strength measurement method. Fig. 9 is a graph showing the results of the bonding strength evaluation. Fig. 9 shows the bonding strength when bonding adhesives to each other and when bonding adhesives to artificial leather when various bonding agents are used as the bonding means 30.

[0072] Specifically, measurements were performed using five types of adhesives: (1) a poultice (Nobinobi Salonship Fα, manufactured by Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.), (2) taping tape (Kinesiology Tape Firm Adhesion, manufactured by PIP Corporation), (3) bandage (Gatchiriban, manufactured by Nichiban Co., Ltd.), (4) an emulsion-based self-adhesive (described above), and (5) a hot-melt-based self-adhesive (described above) as the joining means 30. Sample pieces were created from each of these five types of adhesives, and the joining strength was measured when sample pieces made of the same adhesive were joined together, and when a sample piece of the adhesive was joined to a sample piece made of artificial leather.

[0073] The "artificial leather" is a material made to resemble natural leather, and in this embodiment, PBZ13001 manufactured by Ideatex Japan Co., Ltd. was used. By measuring the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather, it is possible to evaluate the strength of the adhesive means 30 (adhesive) when it comes into contact with and adheres to the wearer's skin (adhered to the skin) when the pad 1 is worn. In other words, the greater the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather, the more difficult it is to peel off the adhesive when it adheres to the wearer's skin, and the smaller the adhesive strength, the easier it is to peel off the adhesive when it adheres to the wearer's skin.

[0074] First, as shown in Figure 9, the bonding strength when bonding adhesives of the same type were lowest at 0.206 (N / 25 mm) for (5) hot-melt self-adhesive and highest at 16.942 (N / 25 mm) for (2) taping tape. In other words, it was confirmed that a bonding strength of 0 (N / 25 mm) or greater was ensured regardless of the adhesive used. Therefore, when disposing of the pad 1 after use, by folding it in half lengthwise as shown in Figure 3B and closing the skin side, it is possible to bond the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) to each other. This facilitates the operation of crimping the one-side bonding means 30 and the other-side bonding means 30' to close the skin side.

[0075] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the adhesive strength when the adhesive agent was bonded to the artificial leather was the minimum of 0 (N / 25 mm) for (4) the emulsion-based self-adhesive and the maximum of 1.994 (N / 25 mm) for (3) the bandage. In other words, regardless of which adhesive agent was bonded to the artificial leather, the adhesive strength was 2 (N / 25 mm) or less. This indicates that even if the bonding means 30 adheres to the wearer's skin when wearing the pad 1, the two can be peeled apart by applying a force greater than 2 (N / 25 mm).

[0076] Here, the operation when starting to use the pad 1 will be explained again. When the pad 1 is shipped from the manufacturing factory, it is packaged with the joining means 30, 30' joined together and the skin-side surface closed, as shown in Figure 3B, and is then distributed to the market. When a user who purchases this pad 1 starts using the pad 1, they need to peel the joining means 30, 30' from each other and open the skin-side surface. Therefore, if the joining means 30, 30' are too tight, it may be impossible to open the skin-side surface, making it impossible to start using the pad 1.

[0077] Therefore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the maximum bonding strength when bonding the bonding agents together is adjusted to be approximately the same as the bonding strength between the bonding agent and the artificial leather. That is, the magnitude of the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30′ (other-side bonding agent) is adjusted to be 2 (N / 25 mm) or less.

[0078] For example, if any of the above-mentioned (1) poultice, (4) emulsion-based self-adhesive, or (5) hot-melt-based self-adhesive is used as the adhesive for the adhesive means 30, 30', the magnitude of the adhesive force will be 2 (N / 25 mm) or less. In this case, the adhesive between the one-side adhesive means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side adhesive means 30' (other-side adhesive) can be peeled away with the same amount of force as when peeling a bandage from the skin (see FIG. 9). This makes it easier to peel away the adhesive between the adhesive means 30, 30' and open the skin-side surfaces when starting to use the pad 1.

[0079] Furthermore, the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather is less than twice the adhesive strength between the adhesives themselves. For example, when (1) a plaster adhesive is used, the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather (1.330 N / 25 mm) is less than twice (1.734) the adhesive strength between the adhesives themselves (0.867 N / 25 mm). Similarly, when (4) an emulsion-based self-adhesive is used, the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather (0 N / 25 mm) is less than twice (1.76) the adhesive strength between the adhesives themselves (0.880 N / 25 mm). When (5) a hot-melt-based self-adhesive is used, the adhesive strength between the adhesive and the artificial leather (0.028 N / 25 mm) is less than twice (0.412) the adhesive strength between the adhesives themselves (0.206 N / 25 mm).

[0080] Therefore, the bonding strength when the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) or the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) is bonded to the artificial leather (the wearer's skin) is unlikely to be excessively large compared to the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent). As a result, even if the bonding means 30 (30') sticks to the wearer's skin when wearing the pad 1, the bonding means 30 (30') can be peeled off without damaging the wearer's skin, and is unlikely to cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0081] As described above, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the bonding strength of the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) is adjusted so that the bonding strength between the bonding agents is 0 (N / 25 mm) or more and 2 (N / 25 mm) or less, and the bonding strength between the bonding agent and the artificial leather is no more than twice the bonding strength between the bonding agents themselves. This makes it easy to open the skin-side surface when starting to use the pad 1 and to close the skin-side surface when discarding it, and also makes it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer during use.

[0082] In the pad 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the bonding means 30, 30' do not easily adhere to the skin, and that the bonding means 30, 30' are easily bonded to each other. That is, the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) is preferably equal to or greater than the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) or the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) and the artificial leather. In FIG. 9, (4) an emulsion-based self-adhesive and (5) a hot-melt-based self-adhesive satisfy this condition. That is, the bonding means 30, 30' of the pad 1 are preferably composed of a bonding agent (self-adhesive) having self-adhesive properties. By providing the bonding means 30, 30' with such properties, the bonding means 30, 30' are prevented from adhering to the skin and becoming difficult to peel off when the pad 1 is worn. When disposing of the pad 1 after wearing, the pad can be folded in half and the joining means 30, 30' pressed together (joined), allowing the pad to be disposed of hygienically with the skin side closed.

[0083] Furthermore, it is more preferable that the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side adhesive means 30' (other-side adhesive) be 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or more, and that the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive means 30 (one-side adhesive) or the other-side adhesive means 30' (other-side adhesive) and the artificial leather be 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or less. If the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side adhesive means 30' (other-side adhesive) is 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or more, an adhesive strength equal to or greater than that obtained when using a hot-melt self-adhesive (5) can be obtained, making it easier to maintain the skin-side surface closed when disposing of the pad 1 compared to the reverse case. Furthermore, by setting the adhesive strength between the one-side adhesive means 30 (one-side adhesive) or the other-side adhesive means 30' (other-side adhesive) and the artificial leather to 0.2 (N / 25 mm) or less, it is easier to remove the adhesive from the skin compared to the reverse case.

[0084] Furthermore, when the pad 1 is worn, sweat, excrement, and the like of the wearer may adhere to the surfaces (skin-side surfaces) of the joining means 30, 30′. That is, the joining means 30, 30′ may be wet when the joining means 30, 30′ are pressed together. In this case, the bonding strength between the joining means 30, 30′ may be weakened, and it may be difficult to maintain the skin-side surfaces closed when the pad 1 is discarded. Therefore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when the above-mentioned bonding strength measurement is performed while the one-side joining means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side joining means 30′ (other-side adhesive) are wet, it is preferable that the bonding strength between the one-side joining means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side joining means 30′ (other-side adhesive) is 0.1 (N / 25 mm) or more.

[0085] The wet state of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) is defined as follows: First, the pad 1 is placed on a flat surface such as a desk in an unfolded and stretched state with the skin side facing up. Next, water is sprayed onto each of the bonding means 30, 30' using a commercially available sprayer (e.g., Maruhachi Sangyo Co., Ltd.'s The Sprayer #30). The surface condition of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) after spraying is confirmed visually and by touch, and a state wetter than a state where a person sweats significantly is defined as a "wet state." In this embodiment, the bonding strength was measured by spraying approximately 3.3 ml / cm2 of water onto each of the bonding means 30, 30'. Even when the surfaces (skin-side surfaces) of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) are wet, ensuring a bonding force of at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm) makes it easier to maintain the skin-side surface closed compared to the opposite case.

[0086] Furthermore, when the bonding strength measurement is performed while the bonding means 30, 30' are wet, the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) is preferably at least half of the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) when the bonding strength measurement is performed while the bonding means 30, 30' are dry. The "dry state" refers to a state in which water has not been sprayed onto the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) as described above. For example, it refers to the dry state immediately after opening a new pad 1 that has been stored in a normal thermal environment (e.g., temperature: approximately 20-28°C, humidity: approximately 40-60%). Even if the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) are wet due to sweat or the like after use of the pad 1, as long as the bonding strength is at least half of that when it is not wet, it is easier to maintain the skin-side closed state compared to the opposite case.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the minimum bonding force between the bonding means 30, 30' when they are not wet is 0.2 (N / 25 mm). In contrast, even when the bonding means 30, 30' are wet, if they have a bonding force of at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm), it is possible to ensure a bonding force that is at least half that when they are not wet, thereby increasing the likelihood that the skin-side surface of the pad 1 can be maintained closed.

[0088] Furthermore, if a certain amount of time passes between when a user purchases the pad 1 and when the pad 1 is used, the bonding means 30, 30′ (bonding agent) may deteriorate and the bonding strength may decrease. For example, if the pad 1 is left for a while near a window exposed to sunlight, the bonding strength of the bonding agent may decrease due to the effects of ultraviolet rays, etc. Therefore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when the above-mentioned bonding strength measurement is performed while the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30′ (other-side bonding agent) are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, it is preferable that the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30′ (other-side bonding agent) is 0.1 (N / 25 mm) or more.

[0089] "Continuous exposure to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more" refers to a state in which the pad 1 is placed in an unfolded and stretched state with the skin side facing up on a flat surface such as a table that is exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more. Even if the bonding strength of the bonding agent of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) deteriorates due to exposure of the surface (skin side) to direct sunlight, by ensuring a bonding strength of at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm) or more, it is easier to maintain the skin side closed compared to the reverse case.

[0090] Furthermore, when the bonding strength measurement is performed after continuously exposing the bonding means 30, 30' to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) is preferably at least half of the bonding strength between the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) when the bonding means 30, 30' are not exposed to direct sunlight. The state without exposure to direct sunlight refers to the state immediately after opening a new pad 1 that has not been left in an environment exposed to direct sunlight for a long period of time and has been stored in a cool, dark place. Even if the bonding strength of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent) has decreased somewhat due to the influence of ultraviolet rays from direct sunlight, as long as the bonding strength is at least half of the state without exposure to direct sunlight, it is easier to maintain the skin-side surface closed compared to the opposite case.

[0091] In this embodiment, the minimum bonding force between the bonding means 30, 30' when not continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more is 0.2 (N / 25 mm). In contrast, even when the bonding means 30, 30' are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, if the bonding force is at least 0.1 (N / 25 mm), it is possible to ensure a bonding force that is at least half that when not continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, thereby increasing the possibility that the skin-side surface of the pad 1 can be maintained closed.

[0092] In the pad 1 of this embodiment, the one-side bonding means 30 (one-side bonding agent) and the other-side bonding means 30' (other-side bonding agent) are each made of a self-adhesive bonding agent (an emulsion-based self-adhesive or a hot-melt-based self-adhesive). By using such a self-adhesive, the bonding strength between the bonding agents can be secured while weakening the bonding strength when the bonding agent comes into contact with the skin.

[0093] <Operations when Disposing of Pad 1> Next, the operations when disposing of the used pad 1 will be described. After use, the pad 1 is folded in half at the longitudinal center position CL so that the skin side (the side on which the top sheet 2 is provided) is on the inside, as explained in Figure 3B, and the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are joined together facing each other, and the pad 1 is disposed with the skin side closed. In this way, the pad 1 can be disposed of hygienically without exposing the skin side on which excrement adheres.

[0094] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the disposal of the pad 1. When disposing of a used pad 1, the user (wearer) of the pad 1 typically folds the used pad 1 in half lengthwise with the skin-facing side closed, then grasps the upper end and discards it from a predetermined height into a trash can (sanitary box, etc.) as shown in FIG. 10A . However, at this time, the skin-facing side of the pad 1 may open due to the impact of the drop. For example, if the bonding between the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30′ separates, the folded pad 1 may unfold, exposing the top sheet 2, etc., as shown in FIG. 10B . In this case, the odor of excrement adhering to the skin-facing side may easily diffuse into the trash can or outside, causing discomfort to the user.

[0095] Therefore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are configured so that the skin-facing side is unlikely to open even when the pad 1 is thrown into a trash can for disposal. Specifically, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are configured so that when a drop test is performed in which the pad 1 is folded in half with the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' joined to each other and then dropped from a predetermined height onto the floor, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' remain at least partially joined.

[0096] Here, the "drop test" will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the method of the drop test. First, a pad 1 is prepared as a test subject, with the skin-facing side closed and the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' joined to each other. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B , the pad 1 is folded in half at the center position CL in the longitudinal direction, so that the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' face each other. Then, the folded pad 1 is pressed in the thickness direction to press the one-side joining means 30 and the one-side joining means 30' together. The pressing is performed by moving a roller having a mass of 2 kg back and forth once along the width direction of the pad 1 at a speed of 5 mm / sec from the one-side joining means 30 or the non-skin side of the one-side joining means 30.

[0097] Next, the pad 1 is held at its upper end (the outer end in the longitudinal direction in FIG. 1 ) for about one minute after being pressed, and is stopped at a position where the height from the floor (FL) to the lower end of the pad 1 (the center position CL in the longitudinal direction) is h. The floor is generally made of concrete, tile, stone, or other material with low shock absorption. The height h is set to 500 mm, assuming the average height at which the pad 1 is thrown into a trash can (see FIG. 10A ).

[0098] Next, the hand holding the upper end of the pad 1 is released, and the pad 1 is allowed to fall freely from a height h. The pad 1 that has fallen to the floor is then checked, and it is recorded whether the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are entirely separated from each other, or whether at least a portion of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are joined. This test is repeated multiple times (e.g., N = 20 times), and if the number of times that at least a portion of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are joined is 90% or more of the time, it is determined that the joined state between the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' has been maintained in the drop test.

[0099] In the pad 1 of this embodiment, the joining means 30, 30' are configured so that the joined state between the one-side joining means 30 (one-side adhesive) and the other-side joining means 30' (other-side adhesive) is maintained even after the drop test is performed with the skin-side side closed. This makes it easy to open the skin-side side at the start of use and to close the skin-side side when discarding. In addition, when closing the skin-side side of the pad 1 and discarding it in a trash can, the skin-side side is less likely to open, allowing the pad 1 to be discarded hygienically.

[0100] <Modifications of Bonding Means 30, 30'> Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing modifications of the bonding means 30, 30' of the pad 1. Figures 12A and 12B show self-adhesive quadrilateral bonding means 30, 30', respectively. The portion where the bonding agent 31 is applied corresponds to the region where the bonding portion is provided in the modification of this embodiment.

[0101] 12A , the longitudinal central region Lc is a region where the adhesive 31 is uniformly applied (solidly applied) in a substantially rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction on the skin-facing side of the topsheet 2. Furthermore, the adhesive 31 is applied in a wave-like pattern in the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, as shown in FIG.

[0102] In this case, the adhesive 31 is applied in a wavy pattern to the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have margins, so that the adhesive strength is weaker than that of the solidly applied longitudinal center region Lc. As a result, the pad 1 can be easily peeled off when unfolding, while the adhesive strength in the longitudinal center region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when the pad 1 is folded for disposal, the pad 1 can maintain a state in which excrement on the skin side is covered by the pad 1.

[0103] 12B, the longitudinal central region Lc is a region that is uniformly coated with the adhesive 31, as in the modification of FIG. 12A. The first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 are partially coated with the adhesive 31 in the width direction, with margins remaining, as shown in FIG. 12B.

[0104] In this case, the adhesive 31 is applied only partially in the width direction to the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have a margin, and the adhesive strength of these regions is weaker than that of the solidly applied longitudinal center region Lc. As a result, the adhesive strength of the longitudinal center region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, ensuring ease of peeling when unfolding the pad 1, and therefore, when folding the pad 1 for disposal, the pad 1 can maintain a state in which excrement on the skin side is covered by the pad 1.

[0105] In these modified examples, the application amount per unit area of ​​the bonding means 30 in the central regions Lc and Wc and the arrangement pattern using margins are different from the arrangement pattern of the bonding means 30 in the first adjacent regions L1, W1 or the second adjacent regions L2, W2.

[0106] ===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.

[0107] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 urine absorption pad (pad, absorbent article), 2 surface sheet (top sheet), 3 back sheet, 4 side sheet, 5 leg-hole elastic member, 6 leakage prevention wall portion, 7 leakage prevention wall elastic member, 8 adhesive region, 10 absorbent core, 11 core wrap sheet, 20 fixing member (locking means), 30 one-side joining means, 30' other-side joining means, 31 adhesive, 71 zipper (one side), 72 zipper (other side), Lc longitudinal center region, Wc widthwise center region, L1 first longitudinal adjacent region, W1 first widthwise adjacent region, L2 second longitudinal adjacent region, W2 second widthwise adjacent region

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, wherein a bonding agent capable of being joined to a part of the absorbent article at the time of disposal is provided on the skin side surface, the bonding agent has a first-side bonding agent provided on one side in the longitudinal direction and a second-side bonding agent provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction, the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under predetermined conditions is greater than 0 N / 25 mm and not more than 2 N / 25 mm, and the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent or the second-side bonding agent and artificial leather are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is not more than twice the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions. An absorbent article characterized by this.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is equal to or greater than the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent or the second-side bonding agent and the artificial leather are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions. An absorbent article characterized by this.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is 0.2 N / 25 mm or more, and the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent or the second-side bonding agent and the artificial leather are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is 0.2 N / 25 mm or less. An absorbent article characterized by this.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a state where the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are wet, the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is 0.1 N / 25 mm or more. An absorbent article characterized by this.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein in a state where the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are wet, the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions is at least 1 / 2 of the bonding strength when the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions in a state where the first-side bonding agent and the second-side bonding agent are dry. An absorbent article characterized by this.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in a state where the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, when the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions, the bonding strength is 0.1 N / 25 mm or more. An absorbent article characterized by this.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein in a state where the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are continuously exposed to direct sunlight for 24 hours or more, when the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions, the bonding strength is: When the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are not exposed to direct sunlight, it is 1 / 2 or more of the bonding strength when the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are pressure-bonded under the predetermined conditions. An absorbent article characterized by this.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive are each an adhesive having self-adhesiveness. An absorbent article characterized by this.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when a drop test is performed by folding the absorbent article in half in the longitudinal direction so that the skin side faces inward and dropping it from a predetermined height with the one-side adhesive and the other-side adhesive pressure-bonded to each other, at least a part of the one-side adhesive maintains a state of being bonded to the other-side adhesive. An absorbent article characterized by this.

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