Absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article with a space in a crotch region for storing excreted waste, and capable of suppressing lateral leakage even when insufficiently pulled up. The absorbent article (10) encompasses a front-rear direction (L), a width direction (W), and a thickness direction (T), and includes a crotch region (S3), a front waist region (S1), a rear waist region (S2), and an absorbent core (50). The absorbent core includes a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of absorbent material is lower than that in surrounding areas. The low basis weight portion includes: a pair of crotch low basis weight portions (51) disposed in the crotch region; and a pair of wide low basis weight portions (52) disposed rearward of the crotch low basis weight portions and extending outward in the width direction toward the rear side. The rear end edges of the wide low basis weight portions are positioned forward of side joint portions (60). The absorbent core has a first region (R1) sandwiched between the pair of crotch low basis weight portions, and a pair of second regions (R2) extending from the crotch low basis weight portions to the outer edges of the absorbent core. The length of each of the second regions in the width direction is greater than the length of the first region in the width direction.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having an absorbent core provided with a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the absorbent material is less than that of the surrounding area.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article having an absorbent core provided with a low-basis weight section having a lower basis weight of absorbent material than the surrounding area. The low-basis weight section has a pair of crotch low-basis weight sections extending in the front-to-rear direction in the crotch region and spaced apart in the width direction, and a wide low-basis weight section that extends outward in the width direction behind the crotch low-basis weight sections.

[0003] When worn, the absorbent core is pressed by the legs and receives a force from the inside in the width direction, which causes it to easily deform from the low basis weight section. More specifically, the absorbent core has a bottom at the area sandwiched between the pair of low basis weight crotch sections, and the areas on the outside in the width direction of the crotch low basis weight sections rise up, forming a recessed shape with walls rising up on the left and right when viewed from the front. This recessed shape creates a pocket that can temporarily store body waste.

[0004] JP 2011-152209 A JP 2019-93194 A

[0005] However, the above-mentioned absorbent articles have the following problems: In an absorbent article, the region located from the crotch to the lower buttocks is the region that requires the most absorption capacity and is also the region where leakage is likely to occur. While deformation of the absorbent core into a recessed shape can form a space to accommodate bodily waste, it may not be possible to ensure a sufficient length in the width direction of the absorbent core, which may result in side leakage.

[0006] Furthermore, the applicant has conducted extensive research into the manner in which absorbent articles are used and has found that, in the case of pants-type absorbent articles, the manner in which the absorbent article is pulled up when worn varies depending on the user, and that some users do not pull up the absorbent article sufficiently, resulting in a gap between the crotch and the absorbent article and making it prone to side leakage.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has a space in the crotch region to accommodate excrement, thereby preventing side leakage even when the article is not pulled up sufficiently.

[0008] An absorbent article according to one embodiment comprises a crotch region centered in the front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, each of which intersects perpendicularly with one another, a front waist region positioned forward of the crotch region, a rear waist region positioned rearward of the crotch region, and an absorbent core positioned at least in the crotch region and containing an absorbent material. The absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article in which the outer portions of the front waist region and the outer portions of the rear waist region are joined at a pair of side seams. The absorbent core has a low-basis weight section having a basis weight of absorbent material lower than that of the surrounding area. The low-basis weight section includes a pair of crotch low-basis weight sections extending in the front-to-back direction in the crotch region and spaced apart in the width direction, and a pair of wide low-basis weight sections positioned rearward of the crotch low-basis weight sections and extending outward in the width direction toward the rear. The rear end edges of the wide low-basis weight sections are positioned forward of the side seams. The absorbent core has a first region sandwiched between the pair of low crotch weight sections and a pair of second regions extending outward in the width direction from the low crotch weight sections to the outer edges of the absorbent core, and the length of the second region in the width direction is longer than the length of the first region in the width direction.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a front view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article according to an embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of an absorbent core. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core in an extended state. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core when worn. Fig. 7 is a plan view of an absorbent core according to a modified example.

[0010] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The following points become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is an absorbent article comprising: a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, which are perpendicular to each other; a crotch region including a center in the front-to-back direction; a front waist region located forward of the crotch region; a rear waist region located rear of the crotch region; and an absorbent core disposed in at least the crotch region and containing an absorbent material. The absorbent article is a pants-type absorbent article in which the outer portions of the front waist region and the outer portions of the rear waist region are joined at a pair of side seams. The absorbent core has a low-basis weight section having a basis weight of absorbent material lower than that of the surrounding area. The low-basis weight section includes a pair of crotch low-basis weight sections extending in the front-to-back direction in the crotch region and spaced apart in the width direction; and a pair of wide low-basis weight sections disposed rearward of the crotch low-basis weight sections and extending outward in the width direction toward the rear. The rear edge of the wide low-basis-weight portion is located forward of the side joint. The absorbent core has a first region sandwiched between the pair of crotch low-basis-weight portions and a pair of second regions extending outward in the width direction from the crotch low-basis-weight portions to the outer edges of the absorbent core. The widthwise length of the second region is longer than the widthwise length of the first region. When worn, the absorbent article is sandwiched between the legs and easily deforms around the pair of crotch low-basis-weight portions. More specifically, the region sandwiched between the pair of crotch low-basis-weight portions serves as the base, and the region outward in the width direction from the crotch low-basis-weight portions rises, easily deforming into a recessed shape with walls rising on the left and right in a front view. Therefore, excrement can be temporarily stored in the pockets formed by the recessed shape. Furthermore, because the widthwise length of the second region extending outward from the crotch low-basis-weight portions is long, the height of the walls rising on the left and right can be ensured. Therefore, even if the pants-type absorbent article is not pulled up sufficiently when worn, the wall portion of the second region covers the sides of the pocket, preventing side leakage of body waste from the pocket storage space. Furthermore, a wide low-basis weight portion is disposed behind the crotch low-basis weight portion. Since deformation caused by the crotch low-basis weight portion is also transmitted to the wide low-basis weight portion, the widthwise length of the bottom of the recessed shape increases toward the rear. Therefore, even when a large amount of body waste, such as feces, is excreted, space for storing the excrement can be secured.The region extending in the width direction from the side joint is the region that fits closely around the waist of the wearer. The wide, low-basis-weight portion is spaced from the side joint in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, even when the absorbent article fits closely around the waist, the pocket storage space is prevented from collapsing, and a space for storing body excrement can be maintained.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The absorbent core has a non-low basis weight region in which the low basis weight portion is not formed across the entire width. The non-low basis weight region is located in a region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion. According to this aspect, the non-low basis weight region is located in a region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion. This prevents deformation of the recessed shape caused by the wide low basis weight portion from propagating to the rear edge of the absorbent core. This prevents excrement contained in the recessed pocket from leaking out to the back. Furthermore, the non-low basis weight region maintains the rigidity of the absorbent core in the width direction, thereby ensuring the length of the absorbent core in the width direction. The absorbent core can be kept in contact with the body over a wide area, ensuring absorption capacity.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 2. The rear waistband region includes a rear continuous elastic member that is continuously disposed from one end to the other end in the width direction and stretches in the width direction. At least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member overlaps the non-low basis weight region that is disposed in a region extending rearward from the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight portion. According to this aspect, by pressing the non-low basis weight region with the continuous elastic member, it is easier to achieve the effect of interrupting the deformation of the recess shape with the wide low basis weight portion. Furthermore, by improving the fit of the absorbent core with the rear continuous elastic member, it is possible to prevent the absorbent core from slipping down and maintain the pocket positioned facing the body.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 3. The absorbent core has a waisted region between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, where the length of the absorbent core in the width direction is shortened. The waisted region has a widened region where the length of the absorbent core in the width direction increases outward in the front-to-rear direction. The crotch low-basis weight portion is located in the waisted region. At least a portion of the wide low-basis weight portion is located in the widened region. The waisted region of the absorbent core is pinched by the legs when worn, and is likely to be subjected to a force directed inward in the width direction. This force deforms the crotch low-basis weight portion, allowing a recessed pocket to be formed in the crotch region. At least a portion of the wide low-basis weight portion is located in the widened region. In the widened region, the widthwise length of the absorbent core increases toward the rear side, and even if the widthwise length of the bottom of the recessed shape deformed from the wide, low basis weight portion increases toward the rear side, it is easy to ensure the height of the pocket wall.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 4. The crotch low basis weight portion and the wide low basis weight portion are continuous. According to this aspect, the crotch low basis weight portion and the wide low basis weight portion cooperate to function as deformation base points for the absorbent core, making it easier to maintain the shape of the pocket. Furthermore, the pocket formed by the crotch low basis weight portion and the pocket formed by the wide low basis weight portion are combined, ensuring a large storage space for the pocket.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 5. The absorbent core has a waisted region between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, where the width of the absorbent core is shortened. The waisted region has a widening region where the width of the absorbent core increases outward in the front-to-rear direction. The boundary between the low crotch portion and the low wide portion is located in the widening region. The storage space of the pocket widens from the boundary between the low crotch portion and the low wide portion toward the rear. By locating the boundary where the storage space begins to expand in the widening region, it is easy to ensure the width of the pocket and the height of the pocket wall, and body waste can be stored while suppressing leakage of body waste.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, and may have the following features: A rear continuous elastic member is disposed continuously from one end to the other end in the width direction in the rear waistband region and stretches in the width direction. The rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion is located forward of the inner continuous elastic member, which is located most forward among the rear continuous elastic members. This aspect more effectively achieves the effect of the inner continuous elastic member breaking up deformation of the recessed shape caused by the wide low basis weight portion, and the effect of the inner continuous elastic member fitting to the body to prevent excrement contained in the recessed pocket from leaking out to the back. Furthermore, because the wide low basis weight portion and the rear continuous elastic member are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, collapse of the pocket storage space due to contraction of the inner continuous elastic member is prevented, and the pocket storage space can be maintained.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 7: The distance in the front-to-rear direction between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight section and the inner continuous elastic member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core in the region between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight section and the inner continuous elastic member. According to this aspect, since the wide low basis weight section and the inner continuous elastic member are separated by a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core, interference between deformation of the recessed shape of the absorbent core and deformation of the absorbent core caused by the inner continuous elastic member bringing the absorbent core into close contact with the body is unlikely to occur, making it easier to achieve each deformation.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, and have the following features: The low basis weight portion has a rear low basis weight portion located rearward of the wide low basis weight portion. The rear low basis weight portion is located rearward of the non-low basis weight region located in a region extending rearward from the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight portion. According to this aspect, the non-low basis weight region has the effect of dividing the recess shape and the effect of ensuring the width direction length of the absorbent core, while providing a deformation extending in the front-to-rear direction to the absorbent core rearward of the non-low basis weight region, thereby improving the fit around the waist at the rear end of the absorbent core.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 9. The rear waistband region has a rear continuous elastic member that is continuously arranged from one end to the other end in the width direction and stretches in the width direction. At least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member is arranged overlapping at least a portion of the rear low basis weight portion. According to this aspect, the rear continuous elastic member improves the fit of the absorbent core, thereby preventing the absorbent core from slipping down and allowing the pocket to continue to be positioned facing the body. Furthermore, the rear continuous elastic member allows the rear end of the absorbent core to fit better around the waist.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 11 may be the invention according to Aspect 9 or Aspect 10, and may have the following features. The rear low basis weight sections are arranged in a plurality along the front-to-rear direction and spaced apart in the width direction. The front edge of a first rear low basis weight section, which is located closest to the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, is located rearward of the front edge of a second rear low basis weight section, which is located further outward in the width direction than the first rear low basis weight section. According to this aspect, since the front edge of the first rear low basis weight section is located relatively rearward, deformation of the absorbent core near the center of the absorbent core in the width direction is suppressed. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the pocket near the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, making it easier to maintain the storage space of the pocket. Furthermore, since the front edge of the second rear low basis weight section is located relatively forward, the absorbent core at the side of the absorbent core in the width direction is more likely to deform at a base point along the front-to-rear direction. The side of the rear end of the absorbent core in the width direction is more likely to contact the curve of the buttocks. The absorbent core deforms around the rear low basis weight portion, making it easier for the absorbent core to fit along the curve of the buttocks.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11. The absorbent article is folded in two with the skin-facing surfaces of the absorbent article facing each other, with a fold extending in the width direction at the center of the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent article as a base point. The crotch low-basis weight portion straddles the fold. According to this aspect, the center of the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent article is prone to deform convexly toward the non-skin side due to a crease caused by the fold. In the region deformed convexly toward the non-skin side, deformation into a concave shape with the crotch low-basis weight portion as a deformation base point makes it easy to form a storage space that expands in the width direction and the front-to-rear direction.

[0022] (2) Embodiments of Absorbent Articles Absorbent articles according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of an absorbent article 10 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 in an unfolded state. The plan view shown in FIG. 1 is a view of the absorbent article in an extended state, as seen from the skin side. Note that the extended state in the present invention refers to a state in which the absorbent article 10 is extended to a state in which no wrinkles are formed, with the side joint portions 60 (described below) extended. Furthermore, in the present invention, the natural state refers to a state in which, in the case of an absorbent article housed in a package, the absorbent article is removed from the package and left in an atmosphere of 20°C±2°C and a relative humidity of 60%±5% RH for 24 hours. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2.

[0024] The absorbent article 10 may be any pants-type absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper. The absorbent article 10 has a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T, which are perpendicular to one another. The front-to-rear direction L is defined by the direction extending from the front side to the back side of the body. In other words, the front-to-rear direction L is the direction extending from front to back in the unfolded absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 also has a thickness direction T, which is perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. The thickness direction T extends between a skin side T1 facing the wearer and a non-skin side T2 facing away from the wearer.

[0025] The absorbent article 10 has a crotch region S3, a front waist region S1 located in front of the crotch region S3, and a rear waist region S2 located behind the crotch region S3. The front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2 form a waist region that covers the waist of the wearer. The front waist region S1 is a region that is placed against the wearer's stomach. The rear waist region S2 is a region that is placed against the wearer's back. The crotch region S3 is a region that is located under the wearer's crotch and is located between the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2.

[0026] The absorbent article 10 is provided with a pair of side joining portions 60 that join the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2. The absorbent article 10 is folded in two around a fold line FL located in the center of the absorbent article 10 in the front-to-rear direction L, and in this folded state is joined by the side joining portions 60 to form a pants-like shape. The fold line FL extends in the width direction W, and is a fold line that folds the absorbent article 10 in two so that the skin-side surfaces T1 of the absorbent article 10 face each other. The side joining portions 60 are defined by portions that engage the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2 with each other, and may extend along the front-to-rear direction L in each of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2.

[0027] Here, the outer portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W including an edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to an edge in the width direction W. Furthermore, the outer edge in the present invention refers to an edge located on the outer side in the front-to-back direction L, and the inner edge refers to an edge located on the inner side in the front-to-back direction L. Here, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the side joint portions 60 are joined, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the side joint portions 60 are released and the absorbent article 10 is unfolded. With the side joint portions 60 formed, the absorbent article 10 is formed with a waist opening 62 through which the wearer's waist is passed and a pair of leg openings 66 through which the wearer's legs are inserted. The waist opening 62 is defined by the front edge of the front waist region S1 and the rear edge of the rear waist region S2. The boundary between the front waist region S1 and the crotch region S3 may be defined by the rear end edge of the side joint 60 provided in the front waist region S1, and the boundary between the rear waist region S2 and the crotch region S3 may be defined by the front end edge of the side joint 60 provided in the rear waist region S2.

[0028] The absorbent article 10 includes an absorbent core 50 disposed at least in the crotch region S3 and containing an absorbent material. The absorbent core 50 may contain, for example, fluff pulp, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof. The absorbent core 50 is disposed at least in the crotch region S3. Preferably, the absorbent core 50 extends from the front waist region S1 to the rear waist region S2 in the front-to-rear direction L. The absorbent core 50 may be covered by a core wrap (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4 , the absorbent core 50 may have a waist region 55 between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 50, where the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W is shortened. The waist region 55 is located between a front maximum width portion 50FM at the front end of the absorbent core 50, which is the longest portion in the width direction of the absorbent core 50, and a rear maximum width portion 50RM at the rear end of the absorbent core 50, which is the longest portion in the width direction of the absorbent core 50. The constriction region 55 may have a shortest width portion 55N, which has the shortest widthwise length of the absorbent core 50, and an expanded width region 56, which is located outside the shortest width portion 55N in the front-to-back direction L and in which the length in the widthwise direction W of the absorbent core 50 increases toward the outside in the front-to-back direction L.

[0029] The absorbent article 10 may have an absorbent body 40. The absorbent body 40 may have an absorbent core 50, a liquid-permeable top sheet 41 covering the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 50, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 42 covering the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 50, and a non-skin side sheet 43 covering the non-skin side T2 of the back sheet 42. The absorbent body 40 may be arranged in at least the crotch region S3 and may extend into the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. The top sheet 41 and the non-skin side sheet 43 may be made of nonwoven fabric. The back sheet 42 may be made of film. The absorbent body 40 may be configured as a separate body from the waist sheet arranged in the waist region.

[0030] The absorbent main body 40 may have leakage preventing gathers 45 that can stand up on the skin side T1. The leakage preventing gathers 45 are arranged on both sides of the center of the absorbent main body 40 in the width direction W, and stand up closer to the skin side T1 than the top sheet 41. The leakage preventing gathers 45 can suppress lateral leakage of body exudates. The leakage preventing gathers 45 may be composed of a portion where the outer portion of the non-skin side sheet 43 is folded back closer to the skin side T1 than the top sheet 41, and a leakage preventing elastic member 46 joined to the folded back portion. The leakage preventing elastic member 46 is joined to the non-skin side sheet 43 in a state where it can stretch in the front-to-rear direction L, and has a contraction region R46 that can contract in the front-to-rear direction.

[0031] Multiple waistline sheets are arranged in the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2. The waistline sheets are the sheets arranged in the waistline regions other than the absorbent body 40. The waistline sheets may include a first waistline sheet 35 and a second waistline sheet 36 arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the first waistline sheet 35. The first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 may be made of nonwoven fabric. The second waistline sheet 36 may have a non-folded portion 361 located on the non-skin side T2 of the first waistline sheet 35 and a folded portion 362 folded to the skin side T1 from the waistline opening 62 (the front end edge of the front waistline region S1 and the rear end edge of the rear waistline region S2). The folded portion 362 of the second waistline sheet 36 may be arranged on the skin side T1 of the first waistline sheet 35 and the absorbent body 40.

[0032] The waist region may be provided with waist elastic members that stretch in the width direction W. The waist elastic members may be made of rubber threads that stretch in the width direction W or elastic sheets that stretch in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the waist elastic members are made of rubber threads, and multiple waist elastic members may be arranged in each of the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2 at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. The waist elastic members only need to be arranged in at least the waist region, and may be arranged across the waist region and the crotch region. In this embodiment, the waist elastic members are arranged across the rear waist region S2 and the crotch region S3, and include leg elastic members 38 arranged along the leg openings 66. The leg elastic members 38 curve from the outer widthwise portion of the rear waist region S2 toward the inner width direction W and toward the inner width direction (the crotch region side). Three leg elastic members 38 are provided in the rear waist region S2.

[0033] The waist elastic members may include a front continuous elastic member 31 that is continuously disposed from one end to the other in the width direction of the front waist region S1 and stretches in the width direction, and a rear continuous elastic member 32 that is continuously disposed from one end to the other in the width direction W of the rear waist region S2 and stretches in the width direction. All of the waist elastic members (including the leg elastic members 38) in this embodiment are continuous elastic members. The inner continuous elastic member 321, which is located furthest forward among the rear continuous elastic members, is an elastic member that constitutes the leg elastic members 38.

[0034] The absorbent article 10 of this embodiment is a pants-type absorbent article. When wearing pants-type absorbent article 10, the manner in which the absorbent article 10 is pulled up varies depending on the user, and some users may not pull up the absorbent article sufficiently, which may result in a gap between the crotch and the absorbent article. The absorbent article 10 of this embodiment is configured to provide a space for accommodating excrement in the crotch region S3, thereby preventing side leakage even when the absorbent article is not pulled up sufficiently. Next, a configuration for preventing side leakage even when the absorbent article is not pulled up sufficiently by providing a space for accommodating excrement in the crotch region will be described.

[0035] Fig. 4 is a plan view of the absorbent core 50, and Figs. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of the absorbent core shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core 50 in an extended state, and Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent core 50 when worn, taken along the line shown in Fig. 4. Figs. 5(A) and 6(A) are cross-sectional views taken along line B-B in Fig. 4, Figs. 5(B) and 6(B) are cross-sectional views taken along line C-C, and Figs. 5(C) and 6(C) are cross-sectional views taken along line D-D.

[0036] The absorbent core 50 has a low-basis weight portion in which the basis weight of the absorbent material is lower than that of the surrounding area. The low-basis weight portion is a portion in which the basis weight of the absorbent material is lower than that of the surrounding area (e.g., an area adjacent to the low-basis weight portion in the width direction W or an area adjacent to the low-basis weight portion in the front-to-rear direction L). The low-basis weight portion may contain an absorbent material, or may not contain an absorbent material (so-called slits). In this embodiment, the low-basis weight portion is formed by slits and is formed throughout the entire thickness direction T of the absorbent core 50. A low-basis weight portion formed by slits can easily function as a deformation base point for the absorbent core 50. On the other hand, a low-basis weight portion containing an absorbent material is less likely to lose its shape when absorbing body fluids, making it easier to maintain the deformed state of the absorbent core even during long-term use. Furthermore, a low-basis weight portion containing an absorbent material can also diffuse body fluids using the absorbent material in the low-basis weight portion, improving liquid diffusibility without disrupting the diffusion of body fluids. The width of the low basis weight section (the length in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the low basis weight section) is not limited, but may be, for example, 3 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or more. However, if the width of the low basis weight section is too long, the absorbent core will be prone to twisting, so the width of the low basis weight section may be 7 mm or less, preferably 5.5 mm or less. The width of the low basis weight section may be equivalent to the thickness of the absorbent core 50. "Equal to the thickness of the absorbent core 50" means a width within a range of ±5% of the thickness of the absorbent core 50.

[0037] The low basis weight portions include a pair of crotch low basis weight portions 51 extending in the front-to-rear direction L in the crotch region S3 and spaced apart in the width direction W, and a pair of wide low basis weight portions 52 located rearward of the crotch low basis weight portions 51 and extending outward in the width direction W toward the rear. The pair of crotch low basis weight portions 51 may be spaced apart in the width direction W and may be positioned on either side of the center of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W. The crotch low basis weight portions 51 may be located at least in the crotch region S3 and may also extend across the front waist region S1. Preferably, the crotch low basis weight portions 51 may be located only in the crotch region S3.

[0038] The pair of wide low basis weight portions 52 extend outward in the width direction toward the rear side behind the crotch low basis weight portion 51. If the length of the wide low basis weight portion 52 in the width direction W is constant, both the inner and outer edges of the wide low basis weight portion 52 may extend outward in the width direction W toward the rear side. However, if the length of the wide low basis weight portion 52 in the width direction W is not constant, it is sufficient that the inner edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 extends outward in the width direction toward the rear side. In other words, it is sufficient that the length in the width direction W of the third region R3 sandwiched between the inner edges of the wide low basis weight portions 52 increases toward the rear side. The pair of wide low basis weight portions 52 may have a portion located rearward of the crotch low basis weight portion 51. Preferably, the entire pair of wide low basis weight portions 52 may be located rearward of the crotch low basis weight portion 51.

[0039] The rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 is located forward of the side joint portion 60. That is, the wide low basis weight portion 52 terminates within the crotch region S3 and does not extend across the rear waistline region S2. In this embodiment, the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 is located in a region that is central in the front-to-back direction L when the crotch region S3 is divided into three equal parts in the front-to-back direction L, and is located forward of the front edges of the waistline sheets 35, 36 that extend from the rear waistline region toward the crotch region.

[0040] The absorbent core 50 has a first region R1 sandwiched between a pair of crotch low basis weight sections 51, and a pair of second regions R2 extending outward in the width direction W from the crotch low basis weight sections 51 to the outer edges of the absorbent core 50. The first region R1 is sandwiched between the inner edges of the crotch low basis weight sections 51. In this embodiment, the inner edges of the crotch low basis weight sections 51 are linear along the front-to-back direction L, the first region R1 is rectangular, and the length of the first region R1 in the width direction W is constant. The second region R2 is a region extending between the outer edges of the crotch low basis weight sections 51 and the outer edges of the absorbent core 50. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the crotch low basis weight sections 51 are linear along the front-to-back direction L, and the outer edges of the absorbent core 50 are curved. The length of the second region R2 in the width direction W varies. The length of the second region R2 in the width direction W is longer than the length of the first region R1. In a configuration in which at least one of the lengths of the first region R1 and the second region R2 is variable, the length of the first region R1 in the width direction W and the length of the second region R2 on an imaginary line along the width direction W are compared, and it is sufficient that the length of the second region R2 in the width direction W > the length of the first region R1 in the width direction. In other words, it is sufficient that the length of the second region R2 in the width direction W > the length of the first region R1 in the width direction W in a cross-sectional view along the width direction W.

[0041] When worn, the absorbent core 50 of the absorbent article 10 is sandwiched between the legs and easily deforms around the pair of low-basis-weight crotch sections 51. Furthermore, in absorbent articles having leakage-preventing gathers 45, the outer portions of the absorbent core are pulled up toward the skin by the leakage-preventing gathers 45. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the first region R1 sandwiched between the pair of low-basis-weight crotch sections 51 forms the base, and the second region R2, located outboard of the low-basis-weight crotch sections 51 in the width direction W, rises up, forming a recessed shape with walls rising up on the left and right sides in a front view. In particular, when the outer portions of the absorbent core are pulled up by the leakage-preventing gathers 45 and the absorbent core is sandwiched between the legs, the absorbent core is easily deformed into a recessed shape. Body waste can be temporarily stored in the pockets created by the recessed shape. The widthwise length of the first region R1 is less than the widthwise length of the second region R2, and the length of the second region R2 in the width direction W is long, ensuring the height of the walls rising up on the left and right sides. Therefore, even if the pants-type absorbent article 10 is not pulled up sufficiently when worn, the wall portion of the second region R2 can prevent side leakage of excrement from the storage space of the pocket.

[0042] The wide low-basis-weight section 52 is located behind the crotch low-basis-weight section 51. As shown in FIG. 6B , deformation caused by the crotch low-basis-weight section 51 propagates to the wide low-basis-weight section 52, causing the third region R3 sandwiched between the pair of wide low-basis-weight sections 52 to form a bottom, with the fourth region R4 located outside the wide low-basis-weight section 52 in the width direction W rising up. This creates a recessed shape with walls rising up on the left and right sides in a front view. The length of the third region R3 (the bottom of the recessed shape deformed by the wide low-basis-weight section 52) in the width direction W increases toward the rear. Therefore, even if a large amount of excrement, such as feces, is excreted, space for accommodating the excrement can be secured. The wide low-basis-weight section 52 is spaced from the side joint in the front-to-rear direction. The area extending widthwise from the side joint is an area that fits closely around the wearer's waist, but because the storage space of the pocket is separated from the area that fits closely, the storage space is prevented from collapsing and space capable of storing excrement can be maintained.

[0043] From the viewpoint of ensuring a space capable of accommodating excrement, the length in the width direction W of the first region R1 may be at least 20 mm, and preferably 30 mm or more. From the viewpoint of preventing lateral leakage of excrement, the length in the width direction W of the second region R2 may be 21 mm, and preferably 31 mm or more. The length in the width direction W of the first region R1 may be 40 mm or less. The length in the width direction W of the second region R2 may be 50 mm or less. Furthermore, the ratio of the width direction length of the second region R2 to the width direction W of the first region R1 may be 1.1 times or more, and preferably 1.2 times or more. Furthermore, the ratio of the width direction length of the second region R2 to the width direction W of the first region R1 may be 1.5 times or less. The crotch low basis weight portion 51 only needs to extend at least in the front-to-rear direction L. It may be linear along the front-to-rear direction L, or may have a wavy or other shape that has an inclined portion with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, but extends in the front-to-rear direction as a whole. The shape extending in the front-rear direction need not be parallel to the front-rear direction L, but may be slightly inclined (for example, at an angle of less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees) relative to the front-rear direction.

[0044] The length of the width direction W of the third region R3 increases toward the rear. The length of the width direction W at the front edge of the third region R3 may be the same as or longer than the maximum width of the first region R1. The length of the width direction W at the rear edge of the third region R3 may be longer than the maximum width of the first region R1. The length of the width direction W at the rear edge of the third region R3 may be at least 30 mm, and preferably 40 mm or more. The angle of the wide low basis weight portion 52 with respect to the front-to-rear direction L may be 5 degrees or greater and 45 degrees or less, and preferably 20 degrees or greater and 30 degrees or less. The angle of the wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 relative to the front-to-rear direction L may be the angle formed by an imaginary line connecting the centers of the wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 in the width direction W when the width direction W of the wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 is constant; or, if the width direction W of the wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 is not constant, the angle may be the angle formed by an imaginary line along the inner edges of the pair of wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 in the front-to-rear direction L. The absorbent core 50 has a fourth region R4 extending between the outer edges of the wide, low-basis-weight portions 52 and the outer edge of the absorbent core 50. From the viewpoint of suppressing side leakage of body exudates, the width direction length of the fourth region R4 may be 21 mm, preferably 31 mm or more. The width direction length of the fourth region R4 may be equal to the width direction length of the second region R2. "Equal to the width direction length of the second region R2" means within a range of ±5% of the width direction length of the second region R2.

[0045] The wide low basis weight portion 52 may be continuous with the crotch low basis weight portion 51. According to this configuration, the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the wide low basis weight portion 52 cooperate to function as a deformation base point for the absorbent core 50, making it easier to maintain the shape of the pocket. Furthermore, the pocket formed by the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the pocket formed by the wide low basis weight portion 52 are combined to ensure a large storage space for the pocket. In a modified example, the wide low basis weight portion 52 may be separated from the crotch low basis weight portion 51.

[0046] The absorbent core 50 may have a non-low basis weight region NR, which is a region behind the wide low basis weight portion 52 where no low basis weight portion is formed across the entire width of the absorbent core 50. The non-low basis weight region NR is a region where no low basis weight portion is provided continuously across the entire width of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the non-low basis weight regions NR are provided between the wide low basis weight portion 52 and a rear low basis weight portion 53 (described later), between the rear low basis weight portion 53 and the rear edge of the absorbent core 50, between the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and a front low basis weight portion 54 (described later), and between the front low basis weight portion 54 and the front edge of the absorbent core 50.

[0047] The non-low basis weight region NR between the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the rear low basis weight portion 53 is located in a region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52. Therefore, the non-low basis weight region NR can separate the deformation of the recessed shape caused by the wide low basis weight portion 52, thereby preventing excrement contained in the recessed pocket from leaking out toward the back. The non-low basis weight region NR between the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the front low basis weight portion 54 is located in a region extending frontward from the front edge of the crotch low basis weight portion 51. Therefore, the non-low basis weight region NR can separate the deformation of the recessed shape caused by the crotch low basis weight portion 51, thereby preventing excrement contained in the recessed pocket from leaking out toward the belly.

[0048] The non-low basis weight region NR maintains the rigidity of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W, suppresses the absorbent core from creeping in the width direction behind the center of the crotch region, keeps the absorbent core in contact with the body, and ensures absorption capacity. Furthermore, in absorbent articles having leakage prevention gathers 45, suppressing the absorbent core from creeping in the width direction prevents the left and right leakage prevention gathers 45 from creeping inward in the width direction W, ensures a distance between the left and right leakage prevention gathers, and further suppresses side leakage.

[0049] At least a portion of the non-low basis weight region NR arranged in the region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 may be arranged in the widening region 56. In the widening region 56 where the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W increases, the non-low basis weight region NR separates deformation of the absorbent core 50 in the front-to-rear direction L, making it easier to ensure the length of the width direction W of the rear maximum width portion 50RM. In a modified example, the non-low basis weight region NR arranged in the region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 may be arranged in the rear maximum width portion 50RM. By arranging the non-low basis weight region NR in the rear maximum width portion 50RM, deformation of the rear maximum width portion 50RM is suppressed, making it easier to ensure the length of the absorbent core in the width direction W.

[0050] At least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member 32 may overlap the non-low basis weight region NR located in the region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52. According to this embodiment, the rear continuous elastic member 32 can further separate the deformation of the recessed shape caused by the wide low basis weight portion 52. The rear continuous elastic member 32 also improves the fit of the absorbent core, suppresses slippage of the absorbent core, and allows the pocket to remain positioned facing the body. By improving the fit of the absorbent core 50 with the rear continuous elastic member 32, the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W can be ensured. In this embodiment, three leg elastic members 38 overlap the non-low basis weight region NR located in the region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52.

[0051] The rear edge of the wide low-basis weight portion 52 may be located forward of the inner continuous elastic member 321, which is the forwardmost of the rear continuous elastic members 32. That is, the wide low-basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 may be spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L. The inner continuous elastic member 321 more easily breaks the deformation of the recessed shape caused by the wide low-basis weight portion 52, and the inner continuous elastic member 321 fits snugly to the body, thereby preventing excrement contained in the recessed pocket from leaking out to the back. In a configuration in which the inner continuous elastic member 321 overlaps the absorbent core 50, as in this embodiment, the inner continuous elastic member 321 fits snugly to the body, thereby preventing the absorbent core 50 from slipping down. Furthermore, because the wide low-basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction, the pocket's storage space is prevented from collapsing due to contraction of the inner continuous elastic member 321, thereby maintaining a large storage space.

[0052] The distance in the front-to-rear direction L between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core 50 in the region between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321. According to this embodiment, the distance between the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core 50, which reduces interference between the deformation of the recessed shape of the absorbent core and the deformation of the absorbent core in close contact with the body due to the inner continuous elastic member, making it easier to achieve each deformation. In a configuration in which the distance in the front-to-rear direction L between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 varies, the shortest distance may be equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core 50. The distance in the front-to-rear direction L between the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52 and the inner continuous elastic member 321 may preferably be at least twice the length of the absorbent core 50 in the thickness direction.

[0053] The crotch low basis weight portion 51 may be disposed in the constricted region 55. When worn, the constricted region 55 of the absorbent core 50 is pinched between the legs and is susceptible to inward force in the width direction W. This force deforms the crotch low basis weight portion 51, forming a recessed pocket in the crotch region S3. In this embodiment, the entire front-to-rear direction L of the crotch low basis weight portion 51 is disposed within the constricted region 55, and is disposed across the shortest width portion 55N and the widened region 56. Because the crotch low basis weight portion 51 along the front-to-rear direction spans the widened region 56, the length of the second region R2 in the width direction W increases toward the rear, allowing the height of the wall portion covering the pocket to gradually increase toward the rear.

[0054] At least a portion of the wide low basis weight portion 52 may be located in the widening region 56. The widening region 56 has a length in the width direction W of the absorbent core 50 that increases toward the rear. Because the wide low basis weight portion 52 is located in the widening region 56, it is easy to ensure the height of the wall of the recessed shape even if the width direction length of the bottom of the recessed shape deformed from the wide low basis weight portion 52 increases toward the rear. In this embodiment, the entire area of ​​the wide low basis weight portion 52 in the front-to-rear direction L is located within the widening region 56.

[0055] The boundary between the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the wide low basis weight portion 52 may be located in the widened region 56. The boundary between the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the wide low basis weight portion 52 forms the rear edge of the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the front edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52. The storage space of the pocket expands toward the rear from the boundary between the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the wide low basis weight portion 52. By providing the starting point where the storage space begins to expand in the widened region 56, it is easy to ensure the length of the bottom of the pocket in the width direction W and the height of the pocket wall, and body waste can be stored while suppressing leakage of body waste.

[0056] The low-basis-weight portion may have a rear low-basis-weight portion 53 located rearward of the wide low-basis-weight portion 52. The rear low-basis-weight portion 53 may be located rearward of a non-low-basis-weight region NR located in a region extending rearward from the rear edge of the wide low-basis-weight portion 52. The non-low-basis-weight region NR provides the effect of dividing the recessed shape and ensuring the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W, while providing a deformation extending in the front-to-rear direction L in the absorbent core 50 rearward of the non-low-basis-weight region NR, thereby improving the fit of the rear end of the absorbent core 50 around the waist. The rear end of the absorbent core 50 is likely to come into contact with the buttocks. By providing multiple deformation base points due to the rear low-basis-weight portion 53 at intervals in the width direction W, the absorbent core can easily fit around rounded buttocks, further suppressing rear leakage.

[0057] A plurality of rear low basis weight sections 53 may be arranged along the front-to-rear direction L and spaced apart in the width direction W. Providing a plurality of deformation base points by the rear low basis weight sections 53 allows the absorbent core 50 to fit around a rounded waist. The rear low basis weight sections 53 may include a first rear low basis weight section 531 that is located closest to the center of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W, and a second rear low basis weight section 532 that is located further outward in the width direction W than the first rear low basis weight section 531. The rear low basis weight sections of this embodiment include a third rear low basis weight section 533 that is located further outward in the width direction W than the second rear low basis weight section 532, and three of them are arranged on either side of the center of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W.

[0058] The rear edges of the first rear low basis weight portion 531, the second rear low basis weight portion 532, and the third rear low basis weight portion 533 are aligned in the front-to-back direction L. However, the front edges of the first rear low basis weight portion 531, the second rear low basis weight portion 532, and the third rear low basis weight portion 533 are offset in the front-to-back direction L. More specifically, the front edge of the first rear low basis weight portion 531 may be positioned further rearward than the front edge of the second rear low basis weight portion 532. Because the front edge of the first rear low basis weight portion 531 is positioned relatively rearward, deformation of the absorbent core 50 near the center of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction is suppressed, making it easier for the absorbent core 50 to fit against the body as a whole. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the pocket near the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, making it easier to maintain the pocket's storage space. Furthermore, because the front edge of the second rear low basis weight portion 532 is located relatively far forward, the sides of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W are more likely to deform at base points along the front-to-back direction L. The widthwise sides of the rear end of the absorbent core 50 are more likely to come into contact with the curve of the buttocks. The absorbent core deforms using the rear low basis weight portion 53 as a base point, making it easier for the absorbent core 50 to fit along the curve of the buttocks. Furthermore, the front edge of the second rear low basis weight portion 532 may be located further rearward than the front edge of the third rear low basis weight portion.

[0059] The third rear low basis weight portion 533 may be located outboard in the width direction W of the outer edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52. The rear low basis weight portion 53 may be located on an imaginary extension line EL52 extending rearward from the wide low basis weight portion 52. With this configuration, even if deformation of the recessed shape propagates from the wide low basis weight portion 52 toward the rear, the deformation can be separated by the rear low basis weight portion 53 located on the imaginary extension line EL52. Therefore, the recessed shape is less likely to be transmitted to the outer portion of the absorbent core, allowing it to be in close contact with the skin and preventing excrement from reaching the outer edge of the absorbent core.

[0060] At least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member 32 may be disposed overlapping at least a portion of the rear low basis weight portion 53. According to this embodiment, the rear continuous elastic member 32 improves the fit of the absorbent core 50, suppresses slippage of the absorbent core 50, and allows the pocket to continue to face the body. Furthermore, contraction of the rear continuous elastic member 32 allows the rear end of the absorbent core 50 to fit better around the waist. In this embodiment, the rear continuous elastic member 32 overlaps the rear end of the rear low basis weight portion 53, but does not overlap the center and front end of the rear low basis weight portion 53 in the front-to-rear direction L. This configuration ensures the fit of the rear end of the absorbent core 50, while making it easier for the absorbent core 50 to fit around a rounded waist at the center and front end of the rear low basis weight portion 53 in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0061] At least a portion of the front continuous elastic member 31 may overlap the non-low basis weight region NR located in a region extending forward from the front edge of the crotch low basis weight portion 51. According to this aspect, the front continuous elastic member 31 separates the deformation of the recessed shape caused by the crotch low basis weight portion 51 in the front-to-rear direction L, thereby suppressing front leakage. The front continuous elastic member 31 also improves the fit of the absorbent core, suppressing slippage of the absorbent core 50 and allowing the pocket to remain positioned facing the body. By improving the fit of the absorbent core with the front continuous elastic member 31, it is possible to suppress widthwise insertion of the absorbent core and ensure the widthwise length of the absorbent core.

[0062] The low-basis-weight portion may have a front low-basis-weight portion 54 located forward of the crotch low-basis-weight portion 51. The front low-basis-weight portion 54 may be located forward of a non-low-basis-weight region NR located in a region extending forward from the front edge of the crotch low-basis-weight portion 51. The non-low-basis-weight region NR provides the effect of breaking up the recessed shape and suppressing the absorbent core 50 from creeping in the width direction, while providing a deformation base point for the front low-basis-weight portion 54 forward of the non-low-basis-weight region NR, thereby improving the fit around the waist at the front end of the absorbent core 50. Multiple front low-basis-weight portions 54 may be located at intervals in the width direction W. This configuration provides a deformation base point for the front low-basis-weight portion 54, allowing the absorbent core to fit around a rounded abdominal area. The front low-basis-weight portion 541 located at the outermost width direction among the multiple front low-basis-weight portions 54 may extend outward in the width direction W toward the front. According to this configuration, the absorbent core 50 is deformed with the front low basis weight portion 541 as a base point, so that the absorbent core 50 can be fitted to the groin area.

[0063] Walls formed by the second region R2 and the fourth region R4 and walls formed by the leakage-preventing gathers 45 may be formed on the outer sides of the storage space formed by the crotch low-basis-weight portion 51 and the wide low-basis-weight portion 52 in the width direction W. The walls formed by the second region R2 and the fourth region R4 and the walls formed by the leakage-preventing gathers 45 can further prevent lateral leakage of excrement. Furthermore, the peaks of the leakage-preventing gathers 45 may rise toward the outer sides in the width direction W. That is, the leakage-preventing gathers 45 may have a so-called outward-tilted shape. For example, if the leakage-preventing gathers are inward-tilted, the spacing between the left and right leakage-preventing gathers 45 becomes closer, which may result in the leakage-preventing gathers 45 blocking the storage space formed by the recessed shape. However, by having the peaks of the leakage-preventing gathers 45 facing outward in the width direction, the storage space formed by the recessed shape is prevented from being blocked by the leakage-preventing gathers 45, making it easier to guide excrement into the storage space.

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the absorbent core 50 is deformed around the crotch low basis weight portion 51 and the wide low basis weight portion 52, resulting in a concave shape in cross section along the width direction W. This concave shape is preferably one that conforms to the body in cross section along the front-to-back direction L as well. The concave shape that conforms to the body in cross section along the front-to-back direction L has a bottom at the center of the crotch region S3 in the front-to-back direction L and rises outward in the front-to-back direction L. To achieve a concave shape that conforms to the body in cross section along the front-to-back direction, the rear edge of the contracted region R46 of the leakage-proof gathers 45 may be located behind the rear edge of the crotch low basis weight portion 51, and preferably behind the rear edge of the wide low basis weight portion 52. The front edge of the contracted region R46 of the leakage-proof gathers 45 may be located behind the front edge of the crotch low basis weight portion 51. Contraction of the leakproof elastic member 46 allows the rear and front sides of the cup shape to be pulled up towards the body, and the pocket takes on a recessed shape that conforms to the body even in a cross section along the front-to-rear direction.

[0065] The crotch low basis weight portion 51 may straddle the fold line FL. The fold line FL is a fold line that folds the absorbent article 10 in two so that the skin-side T1 surfaces of the absorbent article 10 face each other. Therefore, the center of the absorbent article 10 in the front-to-back direction L is likely to deform convexly toward the non-skin side T2 due to the crease caused by the fold line FL. In the region that is deformed convexly toward the non-skin side T2, the absorbent core 50 deforms into a concave shape with the crotch low basis weight portion 51 as the deformation base point, making it easier to form a storage space that extends in the width direction W and the front-to-back direction L.

[0066] (3) Absorbent Articles According to Modifications Next, absorbent articles according to modification examples will be described. Note that in the following description of the modification examples, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components similar to those in the above-described embodiment, and their description will be omitted. FIG. 7 is a plan view of an absorbent core 50X according to a modification example. The absorbent core 50X according to the modification example is provided with compressed sections 80 that compress at least the absorbent core 50 in the thickness direction. The absorbent core 50X has a lattice compressed region R80 in which lattice-shaped compressed sections 80 are arranged. The compressed sections 80 may compress only the absorbent core 50, or may compress the core wrap together with the absorbent core 50. The compressed sections 80 may be recessed from the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 50 toward the non-skin side T2, or from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 50 toward the skin side T1. The compressed region is an area in which compressed sections are arranged, and is a region of a certain range that includes compressed sections in a certain pattern. The compression region may have a single compression unit (for example, a continuous linear compression unit) or a group of multiple compression units (for example, a group of linear compression units). The lattice compression region R80 has compression units arranged in a lattice pattern.

[0067] The lattice compression region R80 may be disposed in at least the first region R1. This configuration increases the rigidity of the absorbent core 50 in the first region R1, making it easier to maintain the shape of the bottom of the pocket and to maintain the space for accommodating bodily waste. The lattice compression region R80 may also be disposed in the third region R3. This configuration makes it easier to maintain the shape of the bottom of the pocket in the first region R1 and the third region R3 and to maintain the space for accommodating bodily waste.

[0068] The lattice compression region R80 may have a first lattice compression region R81 and a second lattice compression region R82, which has a higher area ratio of compressed portions 80 than the first lattice compression region R81. The compressed portions of the second lattice compression region R82 have a shorter lattice pitch and are more densely arranged than the compressed portions of the first lattice compression region R81. The area ratio of the compressed portions is the ratio of the area in which the compressed portions are arranged. To calculate the area ratio of the compressed portions, the area of ​​the compressed regions (the entire area surrounding the compressed portions) and the area of ​​the compressed portions (the area of ​​the compressed portions only) are measured, and the ratio can be calculated as the area of ​​the compressed portions / the area of ​​the compressed regions. In this embodiment, the first lattice compression regions R81 are arranged on both sides of the center of the absorbent core in the front-to-rear direction. The widthwise range of the first lattice compression region R81 is the area sandwiched between the outer edges of the lattice-shaped compressed portions on both sides. The second lattice compression region R82 is spaced apart in the width direction from the first lattice compression region R81 and is positioned widthwise outward of the first lattice compression region R81. The widthwise range of the second lattice compression region R82 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped compression portion.

[0069] The first lattice-compressed region R81 may be disposed in the first region R1 and the third region R3. The first region R1 and the third region R3 straddle the center of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W and are regions that are likely to come into contact with the excretory opening. By providing the first lattice-compressed region R81 in the first region R1 and the third region R3, the rigidity of the absorbent core 50 in the first region R1 and the third region R3 can be prevented from becoming too high. This makes it easier to maintain the shape of the bottom of the pocket while preventing a deterioration in wearing comfort. The second lattice-compressed region R82 may be disposed in the second region R2 and the fourth region R4. This configuration ensures the rigidity of the absorbent core 50 in the second region R2 and the fourth region R4, makes it easier to maintain the shape of the pocket walls, and reduces side leakage.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be embodied in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention. The low-basis weight portion in the embodiment includes a crotch low-basis weight portion 51, a wide low-basis weight portion 52, a rear low-basis weight portion 53, and a front low-basis weight portion 54. However, the low-basis weight portion of the present invention may include only the crotch low-basis weight portion 51 and the wide low-basis weight portion 52, and may not include the rear low-basis weight portion 53 or the front low-basis weight portion 54. The absorbent article of the present embodiment is suitable for use in absorbent articles intended to absorb large amounts of urine. For example, some absorbent articles intended to absorb small amounts of urine have an absorbent core positioned close to the excretory opening to quickly absorb urine. However, in absorbent articles intended to absorb large amounts of urine, it is often required to position the absorbent core away from the body to form a space to accommodate excrement, and therefore the absorbent article of the present embodiment can be suitably used in absorbent articles intended to absorb large amounts of urine.

[0071] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030791, filed on February 29, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] According to the present invention, a pants-type absorbent article can be provided that has a space for accommodating body waste in the crotch region and can prevent side leakage even when the article is not pulled up sufficiently.

[0073] 10: Absorbent article 32: Rear continuous elastic member 321: Inner continuous elastic member 50, 50X: Absorbent core 51: Crotch low basis weight portion 52: Wide low basis weight portion 53: Rear low basis weight portion 55: Neck region 56: Widened region 60: Side joint portion FL: Fold NR: Non-low basis weight region R1: First region R2: Second region S1: Front waist region S2: Rear waist region S3: Crotch region L: Front-to-back direction T: Thickness direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. A pants-type absorbent article comprising: a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another; a crotch region including the center in the front-to-back direction; a front waist region located forward of the crotch region; and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region; and an absorbent core located in at least the crotch region and having absorbent material, wherein outer portions of the front waist region and outer portions of the rear waist region are joined at a pair of side joints, and the absorbent core has a low-basis weight section having a basis weight of absorbent material less than that of the surrounding area, and the low-basis weight section has a pair of crotch low-basis weight sections extending in the front-to-back direction in the crotch region and spaced apart in the width direction, and a pair of wide low-basis weight sections located rearward of the crotch low-basis weight sections and extending outward in the width direction toward the rear, and the rear end edges of the wide low-basis weight sections are located forward of the side joints, The absorbent core has a first region sandwiched between the pair of crotch low basis weight portions and a pair of second regions extending outward in the width direction from the crotch low basis weight portions to the outer edges of the absorbent core, and the widthwise length of the second regions is longer than the widthwise length of the first regions.

2. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein the absorbent core has a non-low basis weight region in which the low basis weight section is not formed across the entire width, and the non-low basis weight region is located in a region extending rearward from the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight section.

3. An absorbent article as described in claim 2, which has a rear continuous elastic member that is arranged continuously from one end to the other end in the width direction in the rear waistband region and stretches in the width direction, and at least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member overlaps the non-low basis weight region that is arranged in a region extending rearward from the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight section.

4. An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent core has a constricted region in the region between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, where the width of the absorbent core is shortened, the constricted region has a widening region in which the width of the absorbent core is lengthened outward in the front-to-rear direction, the crotch low basis weight portion is located in the constricted region, and at least a portion of the wide low basis weight portion is located in the widening region.

5. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the crotch low basis weight portion and the wide low basis weight portion are continuous.

6. An absorbent article as described in claim 5, wherein the absorbent core has a narrowed region in the region between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, where the width of the absorbent core is shortened, the narrowed region has a widened region in which the width of the absorbent core is lengthened outward in the front-to-rear direction, and the boundary between the crotch low basis weight portion and the wide low basis weight portion is located in the widened region.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, which has a rear continuous elastic member that is arranged continuously from one end to the other end in the width direction in the rear waistband region and stretches in the width direction, and the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight section is located forward of the inner continuous elastic member that is located most forward of the rear continuous elastic members.

8. An absorbent article as described in claim 7, wherein the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight section and the inner continuous elastic member is equal to or greater than the thickness of the absorbent core in the region between the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight section and the inner continuous elastic member.

9. An absorbent article as described in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the low basis weight portion has a rear low basis weight portion arranged rearward of the wide low basis weight portion, and the rear low basis weight portion is arranged rearward of the non-low basis weight region which is arranged in an area extending rearward from the rear end edge of the wide low basis weight portion.

10. An absorbent article as described in claim 9, further comprising a rear continuous elastic member that is arranged continuously from one end to the other end in the width direction in the rear waistband region and stretches in the width direction, and at least a portion of the rear continuous elastic member is arranged to overlap at least a portion of the rear low basis weight portion.

11. An absorbent article as described in claim 9, wherein the rear low basis weight sections are arranged in a plurality along the front-to-rear direction and at intervals in the width direction, and the front edge of a first rear low basis weight section of the plurality of rear low basis weight sections that is located closest to the center of the absorbent core in the width direction is located rearward of the front edge of a second rear low basis weight section of the plurality of rear low basis weight sections that is located more outward in the width direction than the first rear low basis weight section.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article is folded in two with the skin-facing surfaces facing each other, with a fold extending in the width direction at the centre of the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent article as the base point, and the low-basis-weight crotch portion straddles the fold.

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