Underwear-style absorbent article

Abstract

An underwear-style absorbent article (1) comprises an absorbent body (10) and an exterior member (20) and is provided with a pair of leg opening parts (LHC) on both sides of the exterior member (20) in the left-right direction. The underwear-style absorbent article (1) includes a crotch elastic member (40) that is provided closer to a non-skin side than an absorbent core (11) and expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction, and the length (Lef) of the crotch elastic member (40) frontward of a central location (CL) in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length (Leb) of the crotch elastic member (40) rearward of the central location (CL). In the left-right direction, the entirety of a peripheral edge of each leg opening part (LHC) is located outward of an outer end (10es) of the absorbent body (10). The exterior member (20) does not include a leg-surrounding elastic member that extends across the central location (CL) in the longitudinal direction and expands and contracts along the peripheral edge of each leg opening part (LHC).

Description

Pants-type absorbent article

[0001] The present invention relates to a pants-type absorbent article.

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, in a pants-type absorbent article (e.g., a pants-type diaper) having an absorbent main body and waistband members arranged to cover the front and rear of the absorbent main body from the non-skin side, a technique has been known in which an elastic member (crotch elastic member) that stretches along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body is provided to improve the fit of the absorbent main body in the crotch area. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a wearing article having a chassis 100 (exterior member) and an absorbent main body 200, and including a central elastic member 41C (crotch elastic member) that overlaps the non-skin side of the absorber and is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction at approximately the center in the width direction.

[0003] Special Publication No. 2011-132688

[0004] When wearing an absorbent article with such crotch elastic members, the absorbent main body, which has been deformed to a convex shape toward the skin due to the elastic force of the crotch elastic members, can be pulled up together with the outer sheath member to fit the crotch area. However, depending on the arrangement of the crotch elastic members on the absorbent main body and the shape of the leg openings formed in the outer sheath member, it may be difficult to sufficiently improve the fit in the crotch area. For example, if the crotch elastic members are located toward the rear in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent main body may not fit properly around the excretory opening (such as the urinary opening or vaginal opening). Furthermore, if the leg openings (leg openings) are cut inward beyond the both ends of the absorbent main body, as in Patent Document 1, it may be difficult to sufficiently pull up both sides of the absorbent main body when worn, which may result in a poor fit in the crotch area. Furthermore, if a continuous elastic member (such as a leg elastic member) is provided along the contour of the leg openings, it may be difficult for the absorbent main body to deform smoothly into a convex shape, which may lead to a poor fit.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has a good fit in the crotch area.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a pants-type absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction which intersect with one another in an unfolded and extended state, and having an absorbent core; and an outer member provided on the side away from the skin of the absorbent main body, wherein a pair of leg openings are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the outer member, the leg openings having a width narrower in the left-right direction at a central part in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the pants-type absorbent article further comprising crotch elastic members provided on the side away from the skin of the absorbent core and stretching along the longitudinal direction, the length of the crotch elastic members forward of the central position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the crotch elastic members behind the central position, the entire periphery of the leg openings is located outside the outer end of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction, and the outer member does not have leg elastic members that straddle the central position in the longitudinal direction and stretch along the periphery of the leg openings. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, a pants-type absorbent article having a good fit in the crotch area can be provided.

[0008] FIG. 4A is a front view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 as seen from the abdominal side. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 taken along the line CC in FIG. 2. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the absorbent main body 10 as seen from the skin side. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 10 at the median value CL in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are diagrams illustrating convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10. FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B are diagrams illustrating the operation of putting on a pants-type diaper 5 of a comparative example. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B are diagrams illustrating the operation of putting on the pants-type diaper 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4B is a plan view illustrating the specific configuration of the diaper 1. FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of a main body joining portion 70 joining the absorbent main body 10 and the outer cover member 20.

[0009] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make at least the following clear: (Aspect 1) A pants-type absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction that intersect one another in an unfolded and extended state, and an absorbent core; and an outer cover member provided on the farther side from the absorbent main body, wherein a pair of leg openings are provided on both sides in the left-right direction of the outer cover member, the leg openings having a width in the left-right direction narrower at a central portion in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the pants-type absorbent article further comprises crotch elastic members provided on the farther side from the absorbent core and stretching along the longitudinal direction, the length of the crotch elastic members forward of the central position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the crotch elastic members behind the central position, the entire peripheral edges of the leg openings are located outside the outer ends of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction, and the outer cover member does not have leg elastic members that straddle the central position in the longitudinal direction and stretch along the peripheral edges of the leg openings.

[0010] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 1, because the crotch elastic members are located closer to the front in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent main body deforms convexly toward the wearer's skin near the excretory opening, improving the fit in the crotch area. In this case, as the lateral center of the absorbent main body deforms convexly toward the skin, gaps may easily form between the lateral side portions and the wearer's groin. However, because the peripheral edges of the leg openings in the outer member that form the leg openings are located outboard of the outer edges of the absorbent main body, the lateral side portions of the absorbent main body are easily pulled up by the outer member when the outer member is pulled up. This makes it easier for the convexly deformed absorbent main body to fit the crotch area, preventing gaps from forming between the lateral side portions of the absorbent main body and the wearer's groin. Furthermore, because the leg elastic members are not provided continuously along the leg openings of the outer member, excessive force due to the stretching force of the leg elastic members is prevented from being exerted when the outer member is pulled up. This prevents the side portions and leg openings of the absorbent main body from digging into the groin area and inhibits the convex deformation of the absorbent main body, thereby improving the fit of the crotch portion of the pants-type absorbent article.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The pants-type absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein the exterior member has a first sheet that is continuous from one side to the other side in the longitudinal direction, and a second sheet that is laminated on the first sheet at both ends in the longitudinal direction and is not laminated on the first sheet at a center portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 2, the waistband member has at least a two-layer structure near both longitudinal ends to ensure strength, thereby preventing tearing when the outer member is grasped and pulled up. Meanwhile, by reducing the number of laminated layers of the outer member near the longitudinal center that abuts the wearer's crotch region, the outer member has lower rigidity compared to the both ends, making it easier to ensure flexibility in the crotch region. This allows the convexly deformed absorbent main body to fit more easily around the wearer's crotch region.

[0013] (Aspect 3) The pants-type absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the area of ​​a portion of the outer member in front of the center position in the longitudinal direction where the second sheet is not laminated on the first sheet is larger than the area of ​​a portion of the outer member in back of the center position in the longitudinal direction where the second sheet is not laminated on the first sheet.

[0014] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 3, the area in the front region of the crotch portion where the number of laminated layers of the outer member is smaller is wider than the area in the back region, and greater flexibility is ensured in the front region of the crotch portion. Therefore, when worn, the outer member is more likely to flexibly deform in the area that abuts the wearer's excretory opening, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. In addition, the convex deformation of the absorbent main body near the excretory opening is less likely to be hindered, improving the fit.

[0015] (Aspect 4) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein in the outer member, left-right elastic members are provided between the first sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, and the shortest distance from the central position to the left-right elastic members in front of the central position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the shortest distance from the central position to the left-right elastic members in the rear of the central position.

[0016] In the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 4, the longer the distance in the longitudinal direction from the central position to the position where the left-right elastic members are provided, the wider the region with low rigidity can be. Therefore, by making the distance in the longitudinal direction from the central position to the front left-right elastic members longer than the distance from the central position to the rear left-right elastic members, the region with low rigidity of the outer member in the front of the crotch region is widened. This makes it easier to ensure the flexibility of the outer member near the wearer's excretory opening. Furthermore, the convex deformation of the absorbent main body near the excretory opening is less likely to be hindered, improving fit.

[0017] (Aspect 5) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the exterior member does not have any elastic members disposed obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0018] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 5, when the outer member is pulled up during wear, an excessively large force is unlikely to act in a diagonal direction, and the shape of the absorbent main body that has been convexly deformed is prevented from collapsing. Therefore, it is easy to prevent the fit from becoming worse.

[0019] (Aspect 6) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent core has a constricted portion in the center in the longitudinal direction that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the maximum value of the length between the outer end of the absorbent main body and the periphery of the constricted portion in the front left-right direction is greater than the minimum value of the length between the periphery of the leg openings and the outer end of the absorbent main body.

[0020] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 6, by making the constriction of the absorbent core as large as possible in the left-right direction, the edges of the absorbent core are less likely to interfere with the legs and groin of the wearer, making it possible to make the absorbent core less stiff. On the other hand, by making the length of the portion of the outer member that protrudes outward in the left-right direction beyond the absorbent main body as small as possible, the area of ​​the outer member that comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, making it possible to make it less likely that the wearer will feel uncomfortable.

[0021] (Aspect 7) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein a portion of the exterior member whose width in the left-right direction is narrowest is located forward of a central position in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 7, the width of the outer member is narrowest in the front portion of the crotch region, so that when a wearer moves their legs forward while wearing the pants-type absorbent article, the edge of the outer member (the periphery of the leg openings) is less likely to interfere with leg movement, thereby reducing discomfort in the crotch region.

[0023] (Aspect 8) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein a portion of the outer member whose width in the left-right direction is narrowest is located in a region that overlaps with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] In the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 8, by minimizing the area of ​​the outer member on both the left and right sides of the region where the stretching force of the crotch elastic members acts, the resistance to the convex deformation of the absorbent main body is reduced, making it easier to deform the absorbent main body into a convex shape, thereby further improving the fit of the absorbent main body in the crotch region.

[0025] (Aspect 9) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein a main body joining portion joining the absorbent main body and the outer member is provided on both sides in the left-right direction of an area that overlaps with the crotch elastic members in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 9, the absorbent main body and the outer cover member are firmly joined and integrated by the main body joining portions on both the left and right sides of the crotch elastic members, which prevents both sides of the absorbent main body from lifting up from the outer cover member, thereby reducing discomfort around the groin area when worn.

[0027] (Aspect 10) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the width in the left-right direction of the main body joint portion in the region overlapping with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction is equal to the width in the left-right direction of the main body joint portion at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body.

[0028] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 10, the absorbent main body and the outer sheath member are joined uniformly overall, which makes it difficult for stress concentration to occur when the outer sheath member is pulled up when the pants-type absorbent article is worn, and prevents localized force from acting on the absorbent main body via the outer sheath member. Therefore, the convex deformation of the absorbent main body is less likely to be hindered, making it easier to improve the fit in the crotch area.

[0029] (Aspect 11) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the absorbent main body does not have leg-hole elastic members that stretch along the longitudinal direction at both ends in the left-right direction.

[0030] In the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 11, the influence of the stretching force of the crotch elastic members is greater in the center portion in the left-right direction, making it easier for the absorbent core to be pushed up against the skin, and for the absorbent main body to be easily deformed convexly, thereby improving the fit in the crotch area.

[0031] (Aspect 12) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein the exterior member does not have an elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction in an area that overlaps with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

[0032] In the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 12, since no elastic members that stretch in the left-right direction are provided in the region that overlaps with the crotch elastic members in the longitudinal direction, the stretching of the crotch elastic members in the longitudinal direction is less likely to be interfered with. This makes it easier to smoothly deform the absorbent main body into a convex shape, thereby improving the fit in the crotch area.

[0033] (Aspect 13) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the outer member has a pair of side joints at both ends in the left-right direction that join one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction to each other, and in an unfolded and stretched state, a straight line connecting a central position between one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the side joint provided on one side in the longitudinal direction and one end in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic member over the shortest distance does not intersect with a periphery of the leg openings, and a straight line connecting a central position between one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the side joint provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction and the other end in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic member over the shortest distance does not intersect with a periphery of the leg openings.

[0034] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 13, when the wearer grasps both sides of the outer cover member and pulls it up, the straight line connecting the position where the outer cover member is grasped (the center of the side joint) to the crotch elastic member in the shortest distance is not interrupted by the leg openings, so the force pulling up the pants-type absorbent article is easily transmitted along this straight line. Therefore, the absorbent main body can be efficiently pulled up via the outer cover member. This makes it easier to fit the absorbent main body around the crotch area of ​​the wearer.

[0035] Embodiments The following describes a pants-type absorbent article according to the present invention, taking a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") as an example. However, the pants-type absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above and can also be used as a sanitary napkin, sanitary shorts, etc.

[0036] <Basic structure of pants-type disposable diaper 1> Fig. 1 is a front view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 as seen from the ventral side. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 taken along the line CC in Fig. 2.

[0037] The unfolded state of the pants-type disposable diaper 1 (diaper 1) refers to the state in which the diaper 1 is opened and unfolded in a flat plane after a pair of side seam regions 2 provided on both sides of the diaper 1 are separated. The stretched state of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the diaper 1 is stretched to the extent that wrinkles in the diaper 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, this refers to the state in which the diaper 1 is stretched until the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., the top sheet 12 and inner layer sheet 23, which will be described later) match or are close to the dimensions of the component alone.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction (directions passing through the paper in Fig. 1) that are perpendicular to one another, and has a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. The upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the waist opening BH side, and the lower side corresponds to the crotch side. The front side in the front-to-rear direction corresponds to the wearer's abdomen, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back.

[0039] In the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction (a direction passing through the paper in Fig. 2) that intersect with one another. The left-right direction in the unfolded state of Fig. 2 is the same as the left-right direction in the pants-type state of Fig. 1. The longitudinal direction in the unfolded state is a direction along the up-down direction in the pants-type state. One side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the front side (ventral side), and the other side corresponds to the rear side (dorsal side). As shown in Fig. 3, the thickness direction is the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1 are layered. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is referred to as the skin side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-skin side.

[0040] The diaper 1 comprises an absorbent main body 10 and an outer cover member 20 provided on the side away from the wearer's skin than the absorbent main body 10. The absorbent main body 10 and the outer cover member 20 are joined in the thickness direction via a main body joining portion 70 (see FIG. 9 ), which will be described later. Cover sheets 31, 32 may also be provided to cover both longitudinal ends of the absorbent main body 10 from the skin side (see FIG. 3 ). This prevents the edges of the absorbent main body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin and prevents the absorbent main body 10 from opening open.

[0041] In this specification, when the diaper 1 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction in the unfolded and stretched state as shown in Fig. 2, the ventral region is referred to as the "ventral portion 1A," the central region as the "crotch portion 1B," and the dorsal region as the "dorsal portion 1C." When the diaper 1 is folded in half at the longitudinal central position CL from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, the ventral portion 1A and a portion of the dorsal portion 1C, which are opposed in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction), are joined at both lateral sides by a pair of side joining portions 2, thereby forming the pants-type diaper 1 as shown in Fig. 1. Examples of joining methods using the side joining portions 2 include thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, and adhesive joining.

[0042] (Absorbent main body 10) Fig. 4A is a plan view of the absorbent main body 10 as seen from the skin side. Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 10 at the longitudinal centerline CL. The absorbent main body 10 includes an absorbent core 11 that absorbs and retains excretory liquids such as urine, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 13 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet 15 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) arranged between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11, a pair of side sheets 16, and an elastic member cover sheet 17.

[0043] The absorbent core 11 absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine. The surface of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 18 (e.g., tissue paper). The absorbent core 11 is made of a liquid-absorbent material, such as a water-retentive fiber or a superabsorbent polymer (so-called SAP), molded into a predetermined shape. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A , the absorbent core 11 has a generally hourglass shape with its longitudinal center narrowed inward in the left-right direction. However, the planar shape of the absorbent core 11 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, rectangular in plan view. In this embodiment, the width (maximum width) of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction is approximately equal to the width (maximum width) of the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction.

[0044] A pair of leakage preventing walls 60 are provided along the longitudinal direction on both lateral sides of the absorbent body 10. As shown in Fig. 4B, portions of the side sheets 16 extending from both lateral sides of the non-skin side of the back sheet 13 are folded at multiple locations to form leakage preventing walls 60 on both lateral sides of the skin side of the top sheet 12. Leak preventing wall elastic members 61 (e.g., rubber threads) are attached to the leakage preventing walls 60 in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction. When the diaper 1 is worn, the stretchability of the leakage preventing wall elastic members 61 causes the leakage preventing walls 60 to stand up against the wearer's skin, thereby blocking body waste.

[0045] The absorbent body 10 also has a longitudinally stretchable crotch elastic member 40 in the left-right center and on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core 11. Specifically, the crotch elastic member 40 of this embodiment is attached in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction between the back sheet 13 provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction and the elastic member cover sheet 17 arranged on the non-skin side of the back sheet 13. However, it is sufficient that the crotch elastic member 40 is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11, and for example, it may be provided between the core wrap sheet 18 and the back sheet 13 on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11.

[0046] In Fig. 4A, five crotch elastic members 41 to 45 are arranged longitudinally at intervals in the left-right direction in the center of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11). Hereinafter, the area defined by these five crotch elastic members 40 (41 to 45) will also be referred to as the "crotch elastic region ER." In other words, as shown by the hatched area in Fig. 4A, the area surrounded by the crotch elastic member 41 arranged on the most one side in the left-right direction and the crotch elastic member 45 arranged on the most other side is the crotch elastic region ER. However, the number and arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40 are not limited to this.

[0047] Furthermore, when the absorbent core 11 (the absorbent main body 10) is divided into thirds in the left-right direction, the central region is referred to as the "central region CR," and the regions on either side of the central region CR are referred to as "side regions SR." Here, "dividing into thirds" refers to dividing the distance (width) between one end 11esl and the other end 11esr of the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction into thirds. As shown in FIG. 4A , the diaper 1 has a crotch elastic region ER located in the central region CR. Specifically, at least one of the crotch elastic members 41-45 forming the crotch elastic region ER is located so as to overlap the central region CR when viewed in the thickness direction. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 40 (crotch elastic region ER) allows the central region CR of the absorbent core 11 to deform three-dimensionally to be convex toward the skin, thereby fitting to the crotch region and excretory opening, thereby achieving good absorbency and fit.

[0048] (Outer covering member 20) The outer covering member 20 is a sheet member having a shape in which the longitudinal center portion is narrowed inward in the left-right direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the outer covering member 20 has a ventral outer layer sheet 21, a dorsal outer layer sheet 22, an inner layer sheet 23, waist elastic members 24, 25, and a buttocks elastic member 26.

[0049] The ventral outer layer sheet 21, the dorsal outer layer sheet 22, and the inner layer sheet 23 can be exemplified by flexible sheet members such as nonwoven fabrics. The inner layer sheet 23 forms the outer shape of the exterior member 20 and is a sheet member that continues from the ventral portion 1A through the crotch portion 1B to the dorsal portion 1C. The ventral outer layer sheet 21 is disposed closer to the skin than the inner layer sheet 23 and in part of the ventral portion 1A. The ventral outer layer sheet 21 overlaps with the side joint portion 2 in the longitudinal direction and has the same longitudinal length as the side joint portion 2. The dorsal outer layer sheet 22 is disposed closer to the skin than the inner layer sheet 23 and in part of the dorsal portion 1C and the crotch portion 1B. The dorsal outer layer sheet 22 overlaps with the side joint portion 2 in the longitudinal direction and extends further toward the crotch than the side joint portion 2. In the flattened state of the diaper 1, the ventral outer sheet 21 and the dorsal outer sheet 22 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, with the inner sheet 23 exposed to the outside as the non-skin side of the diaper 1 therebetween.

[0050] 3, a portion of the ventral outer layer sheet 21 (dorsal outer layer sheet 22) is folded back toward the ventral side in the thickness direction at the front end (rear end) in the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 20, but this does not necessarily have to be the case. Alternatively, a portion of the inner layer sheet 23 may be folded back at the front end (rear end) in the longitudinal direction of the exterior member 20.

[0051] The waist elastic members 24, 25 and the buttocks elastic members 26 are elastic members that stretch in the left-right direction, and examples thereof include rubber thread. As shown in FIG. 2 , the waist elastic members 24, 25 overlap the side joints 2 in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the waist elastic member located in the abdominal portion 1A will also be referred to as the abdominal waist elastic member 24, and the waist elastic member 25 located in the back portion 1C will also be referred to as the back waist elastic member 25. The buttocks elastic member 26 is located on the crotch side in the longitudinal direction (lower in the up-down direction) than the side joints 2. In this embodiment, there are two buttocks elastic members 26, but this number is not particularly limited.

[0052] The waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the pants-type state and are fixed in a stretched state in the left-right direction between the inner layer sheet 23 and the ventral outer layer sheet 21 or the back outer layer sheet 22. The stretching force in the left-right direction exerted by the waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 allows the outer member 20 to fit the waist and buttocks of the wearer.

[0053] In the unfolded outer cover member 2 shown in Fig. 2 , laterally constricted portions in the longitudinal center define a pair of leg openings LH when the diaper 1 is in the pants-type state as shown in Fig. 1 . These constricted portions are formed by cutting the outer cover member 20 so that the width in the longitudinal center is narrower than the width in the longitudinal direction at both longitudinal ends. Hereinafter, these narrowed portions will be referred to as "leg openings LHC." In this embodiment, the leg openings LHC are formed by a continuous curve extending longitudinally from the ventral portion 1A to the dorsal portion 1C. As shown in Fig. 2 , the width of the outer cover member 20 in the lateral direction is narrowest forward of the longitudinal center position CL. This configuration prevents the leg openings LHC from interfering with the wearer's forward leg movements (e.g., when walking) while wearing the pants-type diaper 1.

[0054] <Regarding the Fit of the Absorbent Main Body 10> As described above, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 undergoes convex deformation toward the skin when worn, thereby improving the fit in the crotch area of ​​the wearer. Figures 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10. Figure 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the absorbent main body 10 in a stretched state, and Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the absorbent main body 10 when it has undergone convex deformation.

[0055] Before the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent main body 10 has a generally flat shape as shown in FIG. 5A . In this state, the crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic region ER) are provided in a longitudinally stretched state in a region closer to the skin in the thickness direction than the absorbent core 11 and in a central region (central region CR) in the left-right direction. When the diaper 1 is worn, the crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic region ER) are released from their stretched state and contract in the longitudinal direction, exerting a force pushing the central region CR of the absorbent core 11 from the non-skin side toward the skin side, as shown in FIG. 5B . Meanwhile, the elastic members do not exert a stretching force on the side regions SR of the absorbent core 11, so no force pushing the side regions SR toward the skin side acts on them. As a result, the central region CR in the left-right direction of the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) is pushed toward the skin side, deforming the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) so that the cross-sectional shape is convex. This allows the absorbent main body 10, which has been deformed into a convex shape, to easily fit the wearer's excretory opening (urinary opening, vaginal opening, etc.) in the crotch area of ​​the wearer.

[0056] When putting on a pants-type diaper 1 having the crotch elastic members 40 and the absorbent main body 10 whose central region CR is convexly deformable, the wearer puts their legs through the pair of leg openings LH, and then pulls the outer member 20 upward to pull the absorbent main body 10 up and fit it to the crotch area. At this time, depending on the shape of the outer member 20, specifically the shape of the leg openings LH (leg loops LHC), the absorbent main body 10 may not be pulled up properly, resulting in poor fit.

[0057] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the operation of putting on a pants-type diaper 5 of a comparative example. FIG. 6A is a schematic plan view of the pants-type diaper 5 in an unfolded and stretched state, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating the operation of putting on the pants-type diaper 5. The pants-type diaper 5 of the comparative example (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 5") has a configuration substantially similar to that of the diaper 1 of the present embodiment, comprising an absorbent main body 10 and an outer cover member 20, with a crotch elastic member 40 provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6A, in the diaper 5, the leg openings LHC are arranged so as to partially overlap with the absorbent main body 10. In other words, in the left-right direction, the innermost end of the leg openings LHC (i.e., the portion where the outer cover member 20 has the narrowest width) is located inside the outer end 10es of the absorbent main body 10. The remaining configuration is the same as that of the diaper 1.

[0058] When a wearer tries to pull the outer diaper 5 upward by grasping both sides of the outer cover 20, tension acts along the periphery of the leg openings LHC as indicated by arrows F1 in FIG. 6B , pulling the absorbent main body 10 diagonally upward. In this case, since the inner ends of the leg openings LHC of the diaper 5 are located inside the outer ends 10es of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction, both left-right ends of the absorbent main body 10 extend outward from the leg openings LHC, as shown in FIG. 6B , making it difficult to transmit the upward pulling force. This makes it difficult for the absorbent main body 10 to be sufficiently pulled up to the wearer's crotch area, making it difficult for the convexly deformed absorbent main body 10 to fit properly around the excretory opening. Furthermore, the side regions SR of the absorbent main body 10 are spaced apart from the wearer's groin, creating gaps or causing misalignment, which can easily lead to side leakage of body waste and discomfort to the wearer.

[0059] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the relationship between the absorbent main body 10 and the leg openings LHC of the outer cover member 20 is adjusted to improve the fit of the absorbent main body 10 in the crotch region when worn. Figures 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating the operation of putting on the pants-type diaper 1 of this embodiment. Figure 7A is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, and Figure 7B is a diagram illustrating the operation of putting on the diaper 1.

[0060] When the wearer tries to pull the diaper 1 upward by grasping both side edges of the outer sheath member 20, tension acts along the periphery of the leg openings LHC as shown by arrow F2 in Fig. 7B , pulling the absorbent main body 10 diagonally upward, as in the comparative example. In the diaper 1, the entire leg openings LHC are located outboard of the outer edges 10es of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction, so that both left-right ends of the absorbent main body 10 are easily pulled up by the outer sheath member 20, as shown in Fig. 7B . This makes it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to be pulled up toward the wearer's skin as a whole, making it easier to fit the crotch area. Furthermore, gaps are less likely to form between the side regions SR of the absorbent main body 10 and the wearer's groin, reducing the likelihood of side leakage of body waste.

[0061] Furthermore, the outer cover member 20 of the diaper 1 does not include any elastic member that spans the longitudinal center position CL and stretches along the periphery of the leg openings LHC. For example, if the outer cover member 20 were provided with an elastic member such as a leg gather elastic member that extends continuously along the periphery of the leg openings LHC, the elastic member would likely exert a stretching force along the periphery of the leg openings LHC. In this case, the force (indicated by arrows F2) pulling up both ends of the absorbent main body 10 in the lateral direction in Fig. 7B would be excessively strong, which could cause discomfort in the wearer's groin area or cause the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) to be convexly deformed.

[0062] In contrast, in the diaper 1, when the outer cover 20 is pulled up, no stretching force acts along the periphery of the leg openings LHC, which prevents the left-right ends of the absorbent main body 10 from being pulled up too strongly. This prevents the left-right ends of the absorbent main body 10 and the leg openings LHC from digging into the wearer's groin and the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10 from collapsing.

[0063] 2, the length L40f of the crotch elastic members 40 in front of the center position CL in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is longer than the length L40b of the crotch elastic members 40 in back of the center position CL (L40f>L40b). That is, the stretching force of the crotch elastic members 40 acts more easily on the front side of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) of the diaper 1 in the front-to-back direction than on the rear side. Therefore, the absorbent main body 10 is more likely to undergo convex deformation in the front side in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 5B. When the diaper 1 is worn, the central region CR of the absorbent main body 10, which has been deformed convexly toward the wearer's skin, fits more easily around the wearer's urinary opening and vaginal opening.

[0064] The diaper 1 of this embodiment has such a configuration, which improves the fit of the crotch portion when worn.

[0065] The outer cover 20 of the diaper 1 has an inner layer sheet 23 (corresponding to the first sheet) that is continuous from one longitudinal end (e.g., the ventral side) to the other longitudinal end (e.g., the dorsal side), and a ventral outer layer sheet 21 and a dorsal outer layer sheet 22 (both corresponding to the second sheet) that are laminated on the non-skin side of the inner layer sheet 23 (see Figures 2 and 3). The ventral outer layer sheet 21 is laminated on the inner layer sheet 23 mainly in the ventral portion 1A, and the dorsal outer layer sheet 22 is laminated on the inner layer sheet 23 mainly in the dorsal portion 1C, and no sheet member is laminated on the inner layer sheet 23 in the central portion between the ventral outer layer sheet 21 and the dorsal outer layer sheet 22 in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7B and other figures, the side joint 2, which joins the abdominal portion 1A and the dorsal portion 1C of the outer sheath member 20 of the diaper 1, is the portion that is grasped and pulled upward by hand when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, by ensuring strength by forming the outer sheath member 20 as a laminated structure of two or more layers near both longitudinal ends (abdominal portion 1A, dorsal portion 1C), tearing of the diaper 1 is more likely to be suppressed. On the other hand, by forming the outer sheath member 20 as a single layer near the longitudinal center (crotch portion 1B) that contacts the wearer's crotch region when the diaper 1 is worn, the rigidity of the outer sheath member 20 is lower than that of the both ends, thereby ensuring flexibility in the crotch region. This makes it difficult for the convexly deformed absorbent main body 10 to lose its shape when the outer sheath member 20 is pulled up, allowing the absorbent main body 10 to fit the wearer's crotch region more easily. Furthermore, since the leg openings LHC in the crotch area of ​​the outer member 20 have sufficient flexibility, even if the leg openings LHC come into contact with the wearer's groin when the diaper 1 is worn, the wearer is unlikely to feel uncomfortable.

[0067] Fig. 8 is a plan view illustrating the specific configuration of the diaper 1. Similar to Fig. 2, Fig. 8 shows the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. In Fig. 8, the area in front of the longitudinal center position CL of the outer cover member 20 where the ventral outer cover sheet 21 (second sheet) is not laminated to the inner cover sheet 23 (first sheet) is referred to as the front single-layer region Sf. Similarly, the area in back of the longitudinal center position CL of the outer cover member 20 where the ventral outer cover sheet 21 (second sheet) is not laminated to the inner cover sheet 23 (first sheet) is referred to as the rear single-layer region Sb. In the diaper 1, the area of ​​the front single-layer region Sf is larger than the area of ​​the rear single-layer region Sb (Sf > Sb). That is, in the outer cover member 20 of the diaper 1, the single-layer portion is wider in the front region of the crotch region than in the rear region, making it easier to ensure greater flexibility in the front region. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the outer cover 20 can easily deform flexibly in the area that comes into contact with the wearer's excretory opening (such as the urinary opening or the vaginal opening), making it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. Also, the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10 is less likely to be hindered near the excretory opening, improving the fit of the absorbent main body 10.

[0068] The outer cover 20 of the diaper 1 is provided with waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 that are stretchable in the left-right direction between the inner sheet 23 and the outer sheets 21, 22 in the thickness direction. In the diaper 1, the waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 are all linearly arranged in the left-right direction (see FIG. 8 , etc.). Hereinafter, these elastic members 24 to 26 will be collectively referred to as "left-right elastic members." In this embodiment, the shortest distance Lef from the longitudinal center position CL to the left-right elastic members in front of the longitudinal center position CL is longer than the shortest distance Leb from the longitudinal center position CL to the left-right elastic members behind the longitudinal center position CL (Lef > Leb).

[0069] In FIG. 8 , the distance Lef is the longitudinal distance from the central position CL to the rearmost (vertically lower) abdominal waist elastic member 24. Similarly, the distance Leb is the longitudinal distance from the central position CL to the frontmost (vertically lower) buttocks elastic member 26. The region of the outer cover 20 of the diaper 1 where the lateral elastic members (24-26) are provided has higher rigidity than other regions due to the stacking of at least two layers of sheet material and the rigidity of the elastic members themselves. Therefore, the longer the longitudinal distance from the central position CL to the position where the lateral elastic members are provided, the wider the region of low rigidity can be. In this embodiment, the distance Lef at the front side is longer than the distance Leb at the rear side, so the region of low rigidity is wider forward of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction of the outer cover 20. This ensures a wide flexibility of the outer cover 20 near the excretory opening located at the front of the wearer's crotch region. In addition, the convex deformation of the absorbent body 10 near the excretory opening is less likely to be hindered, improving the fit.

[0070] The outer cover member 20 of the diaper 1 does not include any elastic members arranged at an angle with respect to the longitudinal direction (left-right direction). That is, the left-right elastic members (24-26) do not include any obliquely inclined portions. Conventional diapers have included leg-hole elastic members that are obliquely inclined along the periphery of the leg openings LHC, or portions of the buttocks elastic members 26 that are curved along the leg openings LHC. In such cases, as shown in FIG. 7B , excessively large forces tend to act obliquely due to the stretching force of the inclined elastic members when pulling up the diaper, potentially causing the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10 to collapse. In contrast, the present embodiment does not include any obliquely inclined elastic members. This prevents excessively large forces from acting obliquely when pulling up the outer cover member 20 during wear, thereby preventing the convexly deformed absorbent main body 10 from collapsing. This effectively prevents the fit from becoming poor.

[0071] In the diaper 1, the absorbent core 11 has a constricted portion 11c in the longitudinal center that is narrower in the left-right direction than both longitudinal ends (see FIG. 8, etc.). When the longest distance in the left-right direction between the periphery of the constricted portion 11c and the outer edge 10es of the absorbent main body 10 is Wi and the shortest distance in the left-right direction between the periphery of the leg openings LHC and the outer edge 10es of the absorbent main body 10 is Wo, it is preferable that the distance Wi is longer than the distance Wo (Wi > Wo). By making the constriction of the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction (i.e., the distance Wi) as large as possible, the edges of the absorbent core 11 are less likely to interfere with the legs or groin of the wearer when wearing the diaper 1, and the wearer is less likely to feel the stiffness of the absorbent core 11. On the other hand, by making the length (i.e., distance Wo) of the portion of the outer member 20 that extends outward in the left-right direction beyond the absorbent body 10 as small as possible, the area of ​​direct contact between the outer member 20 and the wearer's skin (groin area) when the diaper 1 is worn is reduced, making it less likely that the wearer will feel uncomfortable.

[0072] Furthermore, in the diaper 1, the narrowest portion of the width W20n of the outer cover 20 in the left-right direction is located forward of the longitudinal center position CL. In other words, the distance (W20n) between the pair of left and right leg openings LHC, LHC is narrowest at a predetermined position forward of the longitudinal center position CL (see FIG. 8 , etc.). Because the width W20n of the outer cover 20 is narrowest in the portion near the front of the crotch region, when a wearer wearing the diaper 1 moves their legs forward, for example, by sitting or walking, the edge of the outer cover 20 (i.e., the periphery of the leg openings LHC) is less likely to interfere with leg movement. This reduces discomfort in the crotch region.

[0073] Furthermore, the narrowest width W20n of the outer casing 20 in the left-right direction is located in the region overlapping with the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 8, etc.). In other words, the area of ​​the outer casing 20 is minimized on both left and right sides of the region where the stretching force of the crotch elastic member 40 acts. By minimizing the area of ​​the outer casing 20 on both sides of the crotch elastic member 40, resistance to convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10 in response to contraction of the crotch elastic member 40 is reduced, making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to naturally deform into a convex shape as shown in FIG. 5B. This further improves the fit of the absorbent main body 10 in the crotch region.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of a main body joint 70 that joins the absorbent main body 10 and the outer casing 20. In the diaper 1, the absorbent main body 10 is joined to the outer casing 20 via a main body joint 70 formed with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. The main body joint 70 is formed by applying adhesive to the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 or the skin side of the outer casing 20 in the area indicated by the shaded area in FIG. 9 . In this embodiment, the main body joint 70 is provided over almost the entire absorbent main body 10. That is, the absorbent main body 10 and the outer casing 20 are joined to each other on both the left and right sides of the area that overlaps with the crotch elastic members 40 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the main body joint 70 does not need to be uniformly applied with adhesive over the entire area indicated by the shaded area in FIG. 9 . For example, linear adhesive may be applied in a spiral or Ω-shape.

[0075] If the absorbent main body 10 and the outer cover member 20 were not joined together at both lateral sides of the region where the stretching force of the crotch elastic members 40 acts, both lateral ends of the absorbent main body 10 would lift up from the outer cover member 20 near the wearer's groin when the diaper 1 is worn, which could cause discomfort or discomfort to the wearer. In contrast, in this embodiment, the absorbent main body 10 and the outer cover member 20 are firmly joined and integrated at both lateral sides of the crotch elastic members 40, making it difficult for the absorbent main body 10 to lift up. This reduces discomfort near the groin when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0076] In this embodiment, the width of the main body joint 70 in the left-right direction is substantially uniform throughout the entire longitudinal direction. In Fig. 9, the width W60f of the main body joint 70 at the longitudinal front end, the width W60b of the main body joint 70 at the longitudinal rear end, the width W60b of the main body joint 70 at the longitudinal rear end, and the width W60c of the main body joint 70 in the region overlapping with the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction are all equal. This configuration allows the absorbent main body 10 and the outer member 20 to be uniformly joined overall, which reduces stress concentration and other issues when the outer member 20 is pulled up during wear of the diaper 1, thereby suppressing localized force acting on the absorbent main body 10 via the outer member 20. This reduces the likelihood of obstructing the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10, making it easier to improve fit in the crotch area.

[0077] Furthermore, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 is not provided with longitudinally stretchable elastic members at both lateral ends. Here, the "longitudinally stretchable elastic members at both lateral ends" refers to elastic members that function as "leg-hole elastic members" that stretch along the wearer's legs when worn, and refers to elastic members different from the leakage-preventing wall elastic members 61 in this embodiment (see FIG. 4 ). A widely known technique for improving the fit around the wearer's legs of the absorbent main body 10 in conventional pants-type diapers is to provide "leg-hole elastic members" on both lateral sides of the absorbent main body 10. However, if the diaper 1 of this embodiment were to include elastic members equivalent to "leg-hole elastic members" that stretch along the longitudinal direction on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction and on both lateral sides of the absorbent main body 10, the convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10 may be hindered.

[0078] As explained in Figure 5B , in the absorbent main body 10 of this embodiment, the elastic force of the crotch elastic members 40 acts in the central region CR, pushing the absorbent core 11 toward the skin, making it more likely to undergo convex deformation. In contrast, if elastic members corresponding to the leg elastic members were provided on both lateral sides of the crotch elastic members 40, the elastic force of the leg elastic members would also push the absorbent core 11 toward the skin in the lateral regions SR, making it difficult to achieve the convex deformation shown in Figure 5B . Therefore, in this embodiment, leg elastic members that stretch along the longitudinal direction are not provided at both lateral ends, making it difficult for a contracting force along the longitudinal direction to act in the lateral regions SR of the absorbent main body 10. This increases the influence of the elastic force of the crotch elastic members 40, making it easier to achieve a clean convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the outer cover member 20 of the diaper 1 does not have any elastic members stretchable in the left-right direction in the region overlapping the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction. The outer cover member 20 of the diaper 1 has the above-mentioned waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic member 26 (left-right elastic members) as elastic members stretchable in the left-right direction, but none of these members overlap the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction. If elastic members equivalent to left-right elastic members were provided in the region overlapping the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction, the stretching force of the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction would interfere with the stretching force of the left-right elastic members, which could hinder the stretching of the crotch elastic member 40. In contrast, in this embodiment, no left-right elastic members are provided in the region overlapping the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction, so the stretching of the crotch elastic member 40 in the longitudinal direction is less likely to be hindered. This facilitates smooth convex deformation of the absorbent main body 10.

[0080] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, it is preferable that the line connecting the longitudinal midpoint of the side joint 2 located on one longitudinal side and one longitudinal end of the crotch elastic member 40 over the shortest distance does not intersect with the periphery of the leg openings LHC. Similarly, it is preferable that the line connecting the longitudinal midpoint of the side joint 2 located on the other longitudinal side and the other longitudinal end of the crotch elastic member 40 over the shortest distance does not intersect with the periphery of the leg openings LHC.

[0081] 8 , for the side joint portion 2 located on the front side in the longitudinal direction and on the right side in the left-right direction, a straight line Slf connecting a midpoint 20FC between the front end (upper end) 2et and the rear end (lower end) 2eb in the longitudinal direction and a point 45f located at the front end in the longitudinal direction and the right end in the left-right direction of the crotch elastic member 40 does not intersect with the periphery of the leg opening portion LHC. Also, for the side joint portion 2 located on the rear side in the longitudinal direction and on the right side in the left-right direction, a straight line Slb connecting a midpoint 20BC between the front end (upper end) 2et and the rear end (lower end) 2eb in the longitudinal direction and a point 45b located at the rear end in the longitudinal direction and the right end in the left-right direction of the crotch elastic member 40 does not intersect with the periphery of the leg opening portion LHC.

[0082] When donning the diaper 1, the wearer grasps both lateral sides of the outer cover member 20 and pulls it upward, as shown in Fig. 7B . If the midpoints 20FC and 20BC of the side joints 2 are grasped, force is likely to be transmitted along the straight lines (Slf, Slb) that connect the midpoints 20FC, 20BC and the crotch elastic members 40 in the shortest distance. If the straight lines intersect with the peripheries of the leg openings LHC, the force acting along the straight lines between the grasped positions of the outer cover member 20 (the midpoints 20FC, 20BC) and the crotch elastic members 40 (45f, 45b) may be interrupted by the leg openings LHC, making it difficult to transmit the force pulling up the diaper 1. In other words, the absorbent main body 10 may not be efficiently pulled up via the outer cover member 20.

[0083] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the straight lines (Slf, Slb) connecting the midpoints 20FC, 20BC and the crotch elastic members 40 at the shortest distance are not interrupted by the leg openings LHC, and therefore the force pulling up the diaper 1 is easily transmitted along these straight lines. Therefore, the absorbent main body 10 can be efficiently pulled up via the outer member 20. This makes it easier to fit the absorbent main body 10 around the crotch area of ​​the wearer.

[0084] ===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.

[0085] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Diaper (pants-type disposable diaper, pants-type absorbent article), 5 Diaper (pants-type disposable diaper of comparative example), 1A Abdominal portion, 1B Crotch portion, 1C Dorsal portion, 2 Side joint portion, 10 Absorbent body, 10es End (outer end in left-right direction), 11 Absorbent core, 11c Constricted portion, 12 Top sheet, 13 Back sheet, 15 Intermediate sheet, 16 Side sheet, 17 Elastic member cover sheet, 18 Core wrap sheet, 19 Leg gather elastic member, 20 Outer member, 21 Abdominal outer layer sheet, 22 Dorsal outer layer sheet, 23 Inner layer sheet, 24 Waist elastic member (abdominal side, left-right elastic member), 25 Waist elastic member (dorsal side, left-right elastic member), 26 Buttocks elastic member (left-right elastic member), 31 Cover sheet, 32 Cover sheet, 40 crotch elastic member, 41 to 45 crotch elastic members, 60 leakage preventing wall portion, 61 leakage preventing wall elastic member, 70 main body joint portion, BH waist opening, LH leg opening, LHC leg opening portion, CL central position (longitudinal direction), ER crotch elastic region, CR central region, SR both side regions,

Claims

1. A pants-type absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having an absorbent core, which has longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that intersect with one another in an unfolded and extended state; and an outer cover member provided on the side away from the skin of the absorbent main body, wherein a pair of leg openings are provided on both sides of the outer cover member in the lateral direction, the width of which in the lateral direction is narrower at the central part in the longitudinal direction than at both ends in the longitudinal direction; the pants-type absorbent article has crotch elastic members that are provided on the side away from the skin of the absorbent core and stretch along the longitudinal direction, the length of the crotch elastic members forward of the central position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the crotch elastic members behind the central position, the entire periphery of the leg openings is located outside the outer end of the absorbent main body in the lateral direction, and the outer cover member does not have leg elastic members that straddle the central position in the longitudinal direction and stretch along the periphery of the leg openings.

2. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 1, characterized in that the outer member has a first sheet that is continuous from one side to the other in the longitudinal direction, and a second sheet that is laminated on the first sheet at both ends in the longitudinal direction and is not laminated on the first sheet in the central part in the longitudinal direction.

3. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 2, characterized in that the area of ​​the portion of the outer member in front of the center position in the longitudinal direction where the second sheet is not laminated on the first sheet is larger than the area of ​​the portion of the outer member in back of the center position in the longitudinal direction where the second sheet is not laminated on the first sheet.

4. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 2, wherein the outer member has left-right elastic members arranged linearly along the left-right direction between the first sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, and the shortest distance from the center position to the left-right elastic member in front of the center position in the longitudinal direction is longer than the shortest distance from the center position to the left-right elastic member in the rear of the center position.

5. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 4, characterized in that the exterior member does not have any elastic members arranged obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction.

6. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorbent core has a constricted portion in the center in the longitudinal direction that is narrower in width in the left-right direction than both ends in the longitudinal direction, and the maximum value of the length between the outer edge of the absorbent main body and the periphery of the constricted portion in the front left-right direction is greater than the minimum value of the length between the periphery of the leg openings and the outer edge of the absorbent main body.

7. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the part of the exterior member whose width in the left-right direction is narrowest is located forward of the center position in the longitudinal direction.

8. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the part of the outer member whose width in the left-right direction is narrowest is located in the area overlapping with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

9. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a main body joining portion joining the absorbent main body and the exterior member is provided on both sides of the left and right direction of the area overlapping with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

10. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that the left-right width of the main body joint in the region overlapping with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction is equal to the left-right width of the main body joint at both ends of the absorbent main body in the longitudinal direction.

11. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the absorbent main body does not have leg-hole elastic members that stretch along the longitudinal direction at both ends in the left-right direction.

12. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the exterior member does not have an elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction in the region that overlaps with the crotch elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

13. A pants-type absorbent article as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer member has a pair of side joints at both ends in the left-right direction that join one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction, and in the unfolded and stretched state, a straight line connecting the center position between the end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the side joint provided on one side in the longitudinal direction and the end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic member over the shortest distance does not intersect with the periphery of the leg openings, and a straight line connecting the center position between the end on one side in the longitudinal direction of the side joint provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction and the end on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic member over the shortest distance does not intersect with the periphery of the leg openings.

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