Absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article having sufficient absorption performance and capable of suppressing lateral leakage of body fluid even when a wearer is in a lying position.　An absorbent body (20) of an absorbent article (10) includes: first and second edges (21, 22) spaced apart and facing each other in a longitudinal direction (Y); a narrowest region (40) having the smallest dimension in a lateral direction (X); first protruding sections (51) located on at least one of the first edge (21) side and the second edge (22) side, adjacent to the narrowest region (40) in the longitudinal direction (Y), and located on the outer side of the narrowest region (40) in the lateral direction (X); and second protruding sections (52 (52A, 52B)) located on the outer side of the first protruding sections (51) in the lateral direction (X). The dimension in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the first protruding sections (51) located on the first edge (21) side of the narrowest region (40) differs from the dimension in the longitudinal direction (Y) of the first protruding sections (51) located on the second edge (22) side of the narrowest region (40).

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper that is provided with an absorbent body for absorbing body fluids.

[0002]

[0003] Absorbent articles having an absorbent body that absorbs and retains bodily fluids have been known. For example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose absorbent articles having front and rear waist regions and a crotch region, and having an absorbent body that extends from the crotch region to the front and rear waist regions.

[0003] JP 2021-29600 A JP 2015-112402 A

[0004] In the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, the absorbent body has a generally hourglass shape that is concave in the crotch region, and can be positioned to fit the wearer's groin. On the other hand, in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, the absorbent body has a generally rectangular shape, which increases the absorption area compared to the absorbent body disclosed in Patent Document 1, and allows for the absorption of more bodily fluids.

[0005] In the case of the absorbent core disclosed in Patent Document 1, the absorbent core is concavely curved and narrowed in the crotch region, reducing the absorption area, and for example, when the wearer lies down, bodily fluids are not sufficiently absorbed in the area extending from the central region, where most bodily fluids are excreted, to the rear waist region or front waist region, causing side leakage. Furthermore, if the crotch region is curved relatively greatly to fit the wearer's thighs, the area of ​​the front and rear end portions of the absorbent core, which extend linearly, becomes relatively small, increasing the contact pressure with the back or front of the wearer's thighs and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0006] On the other hand, in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, the absorbent body has a roughly rectangular shape, which not only prevents it from fitting along the groin area, causing discomfort to the wearer, but also reduces the fit to the groin area, creating a gap between the groin area and the absorbent article, causing side leakage of bodily fluids.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article which is an improvement over conventional absorbent articles and which has sufficient absorption performance and can prevent side leakage of bodily fluids even when the wearer is lying down.

[0008] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a thickness direction, a skin-facing surface and a non-skin-facing surface located on the opposite side, and including a liquid-permeable inner sheet located on the skin-facing surface side, an outer sheet located on the non-skin-facing surface side, and an absorbent body located between the inner and outer sheets.

[0009] In the present invention, the absorbent body has first and second edges that are spaced apart in the vertical direction, a transverse center line that divides the vertical dimension in half, a narrowest region whose horizontal dimension is the smallest, a first protruding portion that is adjacent to the narrowest region in the vertical direction and is located on at least one of the first edge side and the second edge side, and is located outside the narrowest region in the horizontal direction, and a second protruding portion that is located outside the first protruding portion in the horizontal direction, and the vertical dimension of the first protruding portion located on the first edge side of the narrowest region is different from the vertical dimension of the first protruding portion located on the second edge side of the narrowest region.

[0010] The absorbent article according to the present invention may include at least the following embodiments, which may be adopted separately or in combination with each other.

[0011] In a first aspect, the narrowest region is positioned so as to be biased toward the first edge or the second edge in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] In the absorbent article of aspect 1, for example, if the narrowest region is positioned biased forward without intersecting the transverse center line, the area of ​​the rear side of the absorbent body becomes relatively large, and therefore the contact pressure on the rear side of the wearer's thighs becomes relatively small, and there is no risk of the wearer feeling uncomfortable.

[0013] In aspect 2, the absorbent body further has a longitudinal center line that divides the lateral dimension in half, and the first protruding portion is a portion defined by both side edges of the absorbent body, a first imaginary line extending from both side edges of the narrowest region parallel to the longitudinal center line, and a second imaginary line extending parallel to the transverse center line and forming a boundary line between the first protruding portion and the second protruding portion, and the second protruding portion is a portion defined by both side edges of the absorbent body and a third imaginary line extending from both side edges of the first protruding portion parallel to the longitudinal center line.

[0014] The absorbent article of aspect 2 has such a unique shape, rather than the conventionally known roughly hourglass or roughly rectangular shape, that it fits from the wearer's crotch to the front or rear groin area, and can effectively absorb bodily fluids and prevent side leakage even when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position close to lying on their side with one side of the absorber facing downward.

[0015] In aspect 3, the longitudinal dimension of the narrowest region of the absorbent body is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the first protruding portion.

[0016] In the absorbent article of aspect 3, the absorbent body can be made to fit the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the front groin while minimizing interference from the absorbent body in the area from the crotch to the groin, and the first protruding portion, which has a relatively large area, can sufficiently absorb bodily fluids that flow laterally.

[0017] In aspect 4, the longitudinal dimension of the narrowest region of the absorbent body is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the first protruding portion.

[0018] In the absorbent article of aspect 4, the absorbent body is sufficiently prevented from interfering with the wearer's crotch to groin region, allowing the absorbent body to fit the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the front groin region, and is able to absorb, to a minimum extent, bodily fluids that flow laterally at the first protruding portion.

[0019] In aspect 5, the first overhanging portion of the absorbent body has a dimension in the vertical direction greater than a dimension in the vertical direction of the second overhanging portion.

[0020] In the absorbent article of aspect 5, the area of ​​the second protruding portion is relatively small, and in combination with the narrowest area, the second protruding portion can conform to the shape of the wearer's anterior groin, thereby reducing the discomfort felt by the wearer.

[0021] In aspect 6, the longitudinal dimension of the first overhanging portion of the absorbent body is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the second overhanging portion.

[0022] In the absorbent article of aspect 6, the area of ​​the second region having the maximum width at the rear is increased, so that bodily fluids that flow rearward can be reliably absorbed and retained in the second protruding portion.

[0023] In aspect 7, the absorber has a deformation-inducing means formed from a through hole or recess extending in the vertical direction, and the deformation-inducing means extends in the vertical direction so as to be asymmetric with respect to an imaginary center line that bisects the vertical dimension of the first protrusion portion.

[0024] In the absorbent article of Aspect 7, the lateral dimension of the absorbent body in the first region having the intermediate width is relatively large, making it difficult for the absorbent body to deform to conform to the body shape of the wearer when worn, but by providing deformation guide means consisting of longitudinally extending grooves, the absorbent body can be deformed to conform to the body shape of the wearer. The deformation guide means also functions as guide grooves to diffuse absorbed body fluid throughout the absorbent body.

[0025] In aspect 8, the absorbent body has a high basis weight region located in the central portion in the longitudinal direction, and the high basis weight region is spaced apart from the first end edge and second end edge of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction and is positioned so as to straddle at least the boundary between the first region and the narrowest region.

[0026] In the absorbent article of aspect 8, the high basis weight region of the absorbent body is positioned so as to straddle at least the boundary between the first region and the narrowest region, thereby making it possible to absorb a relatively large amount of body fluid in the central part of the absorbent body where the most body fluid is excreted and which abuts the groin area, and by making other areas where body fluid is relatively less likely to flow into low basis weight regions, the absorption efficiency of the entire absorbent body can be improved.

[0027] In a ninth aspect, the absorbent body has a low basis weight region other than the high basis weight region, and the low basis weight region is embossed or pressurized.

[0028] In the absorbent article of aspect 9, the low basis weight region is made even thinner, making it easier for the outer edge of the absorbent body to deform along the body shape, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer and preventing gaps from forming between the absorbent body and the body, which would allow bodily fluids to leak out.

[0029] In aspect 10, the high basis weight region has first and second end portions and a central portion located between the first and second end portions in the longitudinal direction, and the basis weight of the central portion is lower than the basis weight of the first and second end portions and both side portions.

[0030] In the absorbent article of Aspect 10, if the absorbent body is formed by adjusting and compressing the entire high basis weight region to a uniform thickness, the central portion becomes low-density, forming gaps between the constituent materials, thereby improving the initial absorption speed of body fluids. On the other hand, if the absorbent body is formed by molding the high basis weight region so that only the central portion is thin, the central portion becomes concave, surrounded on all four sides by the first and second portions and the both side portions. Therefore, the first and second end portions and the both side portions act as barriers surrounding the central portion on all four sides, effectively preventing body fluids excreted in the concave central portion from leaking out.

[0031] In aspect 11, the absorbent body further comprises superabsorbent polymer particles, and the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse centerline to the second edge is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse centerline to the first edge.

[0032] In the absorbent article of aspect 11, the rear side of the absorbent body has higher absorption performance than the front side, so that a relatively large amount of bodily fluid that flows rearward can be sufficiently absorbed and retained.

[0033] In aspect 12, the absorbent body further comprises superabsorbent polymer particles, and the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse centerline to the first edge is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse centerline to the second edge.

[0034] In the absorbent article of aspect 12, the front side of the absorbent body has higher absorption performance than the rear side, so that a relatively large amount of bodily fluid that flows forward can be sufficiently absorbed and retained.

[0035] Aspect 13 further comprises an absorbent sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body, the absorbent sheet containing 50% or more by weight of superabsorbent polymer particles, and the absorbent sheet being located in the first or second region.

[0036] In the absorbent article of Aspect 13, the placement of the absorbent sheet improves the absorption performance of the first and / or second regions, enabling the article to absorb and retain more body fluid. In particular, when the absorbent sheet is located in the first region, it can sufficiently absorb and retain body fluid that cannot be absorbed in the narrowest region adjacent to it. Furthermore, when the absorbent sheet is located in the second region, the absorbency of both end portions of the absorbent body is improved, preventing leakage of body fluid that has spread to both end portions.

[0037] In aspect 14, the absorbent body has a deformation guide formed of a through-hole or a recess extending in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent sheet overlaps a part of the deformation guide in the thickness direction.

[0038] In the absorbent article of aspect 14, the deformation-inducing function of the deformation-inducing means is not hindered, and the body fluid within the deformation-inducing means can be reliably absorbed and retained by the absorbent sheet.

[0039] In aspect 15, the absorbent body has a deformation guide formed of a through-hole or a recess extending in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent sheet is spaced apart from the deformation guide in the longitudinal direction.

[0040] In the absorbent article of aspect 15, the absorbent sheet does not overlap with the deformation-inducing means in the thickness direction, but is positioned spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction, so that the absorbent sheet does not hinder the deformation-inducing action of the deformation-inducing means, and it is possible to achieve both improved liquid absorption by the absorbent sheet and deformation of the absorbent body and diffusion of body fluids by the deformation-inducing means.

[0041] In aspect 16, the absorbent sheet is positioned overlapping a portion of the deformation-inducing means, and both side edges of the absorbent sheet extending in the vertical direction are positioned overlapping both side edges of the deformation-inducing means extending in the vertical direction or are positioned outside in the horizontal direction.

[0042] In the absorbent article of aspect 16, a portion of the absorbent article extends laterally outward of the deformation guide means, so that body fluids dispersed laterally by the deformation guide means can be reliably absorbed and retained.

[0043] In aspect 17, the absorbent sheet is positioned overlapping a portion of the deformation-inducing means, and both side edges of the absorbent sheet extending in the vertical direction are positioned overlapping both side edges of the deformation-inducing means extending in the vertical direction or are positioned inside in the horizontal direction.

[0044] In the absorbent article of aspect 17, it is possible to achieve both the deformation-inducing effect of the side edge portions of the deformation-inducing means and the absorption and retention of bodily fluids within the deformation-inducing means by the absorbent sheet.

[0045] In at least one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, the vertical dimension of the first protruding portion located on the first edge side of the narrowest region is different from the vertical dimension of the first protruding portion located on the second edge side of the narrowest region, so that the absorbent body can fit along the wearer's body shape and, even when the wearer is lying down, side leakage of bodily fluids flowing forward or backward can be suppressed.

[0046] The drawings show specific embodiments of the present invention and include not only essential components of the invention but also optional and preferred embodiments.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an open-type disposable diaper, which is an example of a disposable wearing article (absorbent article) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with the front and rear waist regions connected together. A developed view of the diaper. An exploded perspective view of the diaper. A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 2. A plan view of an absorbent core. A plan view of an absorbent core similar to Figure 5, showing the dimensions of each component and region. (A) Plan view of an absorbent core in a second embodiment. (B) Plan view of an absorbent core in a third embodiment. (A) Plan view of an absorbent core in a fourth embodiment. (B) Plan view of an absorbent core in a fifth embodiment. (A) Plan view of an absorbent core in a sixth embodiment. (B) Cross-sectional view taken along line IX(B)-IX(B) shown in Figure 9(A). (C) Cross-sectional view taken along line IX(C)-IX(C) shown in Figure 9(A). A plan view of an absorbent core in a seventh embodiment. A plan view of an absorbent core in an eighth embodiment. (A) A plan view of an absorbent body in an example of an example in the ninth embodiment. (B) A plan view of an absorbent body in another example of an example in the ninth embodiment. (C) A plan view of an absorbent body in yet another example of an example in the ninth embodiment. (D) A plan view of an absorbent body in yet another example of an example in the ninth embodiment.

[0047] The following embodiment relates to a disposable wearing article (absorbent article) shown in Figures 1 to 12, which is an example of the present invention, and includes not only essential features of the invention but also optional and preferred features. Note that in each figure, for ease of explanation, the shaded areas represent first overhanging portions 51 (51A, 51B) of the absorbent body 20, and the black ink areas represent second overhanging portions 52 (52A, 52B).

[0048] 1 to 4, an open-type disposable diaper (hereinafter, referred to as "diaper") 10 shown as an example of a disposable absorbent article of the present invention has a longitudinal direction (lengthwise direction) Y, a transverse direction (widthwise direction) X, and a thickness direction Z perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (lengthwise direction) and has a longitudinal axis P1 extending along the longitudinal direction Y and dividing the dimension of the diaper 10 in half in the transverse direction X, and a transverse axis Q1 extending along the transverse direction X and dividing the dimension of the diaper 10 in half in the longitudinal direction Y, and is formed substantially symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis P1.

[0049] The diaper 10 has a skin-contacting surface and an opposing non-skin-contacting surface, a front waist region 11, a rear waist region 12, and a crotch region 13 located between the front and rear waist regions 11, 12. The diaper 10 has a diaper body 14 forming a base, a pair of side panels 15 provided on both sides of the rear waist region 12 of the diaper body 14, and a plurality of fasteners 8 attached to the pair of side panels 15.

[0050] The diaper body 14 has a front edge 14a and a rear edge 14b extending in the transverse direction X and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y, and side edges 14c, 14d extending in the longitudinal direction Y and spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction X, and the side edges defining the crotch region 13 have a concave curve.

[0051] The diaper body 14 includes a liquid-permeable inner sheet 17 located on the skin-contacting side, a liquid-impermeable outer sheet 18 located on the non-skin-contacting side, an absorbent element 16 located between the inner and outer sheets 17, 18, and a hardly liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet 19 located between the absorbent element 16 and the outer sheet 18. A pair of barrier cuff sheets 30 are arranged on the skin-contacting side of the inner sheet 17, spaced apart in the lateral direction X and extending in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0052] The inner sheet 17 is made of a liquid-permeable fibrous nonwoven fabric and covers the entire skin contact surface of the absorbent element 16. The inner sheet 17 has a mass of, for example, about 15 to 35 g / m ２ Various known fibrous nonwoven fabrics such as hydrophilic spunbonded fibrous nonwoven fabrics, point-bonded fibrous nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics can be used.

[0053] The outer sheet 18 forms the outer shape of the diaper body 14 and is made of a liquid-impermeable fibrous nonwoven fabric, a plastic film, or a laminate sheet thereof. When the outer sheet 18 is made of a fibrous nonwoven fabric, it has a mass of, for example, about 10 to 30 g / m ２ A spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fiber nonwoven fabric or a spunbond fiber nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0054] The absorbent element 16 is formed by a liquid-absorbent body 20 and a liquid-dispersive core wrap sheet 7 such as tissue paper that covers the absorbent body 20 .

[0055] Wood fluff pulp, superabsorbent polymer particles, or a mixture thereof can be used as the absorbent body 20. The absorbent body 20 and the core wrap sheet 7 can be joined to each other using a known joining means such as a hot melt adhesive (not shown).

[0056] Although not shown, front and rear waist elastics made of a plurality of string- or strand-like elastics attached in a stretchable and contractible state in the transverse direction X may be disposed between the front and rear waist opening edges of the front and rear waist regions 11, 12 (front and rear end edges 14a, 14b of the diaper body 14) and the front and rear end edges 21, 22 of the absorbent body 20 in the longitudinal direction Y. The front and rear waist elastics may be made of elastically stretchable fibrous nonwoven fabric sheets containing elastomeric fibers.

[0057] The leak-barrier sheet 19 covers the entire non-skin-contacting surface of the absorbent body 20, and can be bonded between the core wrap sheet 7 and the outer sheet 18 by a known bonding means such as a hot melt adhesive (not shown). The leak-barrier sheet 19 can be made of a liquid-resistant, preferably liquid-impermeable and breathable, plastic film, and can prevent body fluids absorbed by the absorbent body 20 from leaking to the outside of the diaper 10.

[0058] Leg elastics 32 are attached to the skin-contacting surface of the outer sheet 18, outside the absorbent body 20 in the lateral direction X. The leg elastics 32 are joined between the outer sheet 18 and the leak-barrier sheet 19 by a known joining means such as a hot melt adhesive (not shown). The leg elastics 32 extend in the longitudinal direction Y from the crotch region 13 to the front and rear waist regions 11, 12.

[0059] The leg elastics 32 may be a plurality of string- or strand-shaped elastic bodies attached in a stretched and contractible state in the longitudinal direction Y, or an elastically stretchable fibrous nonwoven fabric sheet containing elastomeric fibers. The leg elastics 32 form elastic side flaps with gasket function in both outer regions of the absorbent body 20 in the lateral direction X.

[0060] The barrier cuff sheet 30 has a mass of, for example, about 10 to 30 g / m ２ The barrier cuff sheets 30 have front and rear fixed portions fixed to the skin-contacting surface of the inner sheet 17 and spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y, a fixed side portion (proximal portion) extending in the longitudinal direction Y, and a sleeve-shaped free side edge portion (distal edge portion) located inward from the fixed side portion in the transverse direction X.

[0061] Within the free side edge, cuff elastics 34 made of string- or strand-like elastic members extending in the longitudinal direction Y are attached so as to be contractible in a stretched state. When worn, contraction of the cuff elastics 34 separates the free side edge from the inner sheet 17 toward the wearer's body, forming a pair of leakage-proof cuffs to prevent lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0062] The side panel 15 can be formed from a laminate sheet made by laminating one or more sheets, and the material for this can be, for example, a fibrous nonwoven fabric or a liquid-impermeable and breathable plastic film.

[0063] The fastener portion 8 has a fixed portion fixed to the side panel 15 via a hot melt adhesive and a free portion extending outward from the fixed portion in the lateral direction X, and includes a tab sheet 8a forming the fixed portion and the free portion, and a plurality of hook elements 8b constituting mechanical fastener means located in the free portion of the tab sheet 8a. The hook elements 8b are attached to the tab sheet 8a via a base sheet fixed to the tab sheet 8a.

[0064] The tab sheet 8a has a mass of, for example, about 40 to 60 g / m ２Spunbond fiber nonwoven fabric, SMS fiber nonwoven fabric, or a laminate sheet thereof can be used.

[0065] A target tape 9 extending in the lateral direction X is disposed on the outer surface (non-skin-facing surface) of the front waist region 11 .

[0066] A plurality of loop elements 9a are arranged on the outer surface of the target tape 9, to which a plurality of hook elements 8b of the fastener portion 8 are releasably fastened. When the diaper 10 is worn, the fastener portion 8 is fastened to the target tape 9 located on the outer surface of the front waist region 11, thereby defining a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

[0067] 5 and 6, the absorbent body 20 has front and rear edges (first and second edges) 21, 22 that are spaced apart and opposite each other in the longitudinal direction Y and extend in the transverse direction X, side edges 23, 24 that extend in the longitudinal direction Y between the front and rear edges 21, 22, a longitudinal center line P2 that bisects the dimension in the transverse direction X, and a transverse center line Q2 that bisects the dimension in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0068] The absorbent body 20 has side edges 23, 24 each having a plurality of recesses, and has a shape in which the dimension in the horizontal direction X changes in the vertical direction Y. The absorbent body 20 also has a symmetrical shape with respect to the vertical center line P2. However, the absorbent body 20 may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the vertical center line P2 as long as the technical effects of the present invention described below are achieved.

[0069] The absorbent body 20 has, in the longitudinal direction Y, a narrowest region 40 whose dimension in the transverse direction X is the smallest.

[0070] The absorbent body 20 has a first protruding portion 51 located adjacent to the narrowest region 40 in the longitudinal direction Y, on the front edge 21 side and / or the rear edge 22 side, and located outside the narrowest region 40 in the lateral direction X, and a second protruding portion 52 (52A, 52B) located outside the first protruding portion 51 in the lateral direction X.

[0071] Here, the "first overhanging portion 51" refers to the portion defined by the side edges 23, 24 of the absorbent body 20, a first imaginary line K1 extending from the side edges (first lines) 23a, 24a of the narrowest region 40 in parallel to the longitudinal center line P2, and a second imaginary line K2 extending in parallel to the transverse center line Q2 and forming the boundary between the first overhanging portion 51 and the second overhanging portion 52B. The second imaginary line K2 intersects with a bent (inflected) portion T1 extending outward in the lateral direction X from the first overhanging portion 51 of each of the side edges 23, 24.

[0072] In addition, the "second protrusion portion 52" means the portion defined by the side edges 23, 24 of the absorbent body 20 and the third imaginary line K3 extending from the side edges (second lines) 23b, 24b of the first protrusion portion 51 parallel to the longitudinal center line P2.

[0073] 6, the narrowest region 40 has a dimension L1 in the vertical direction Y, the first protruding portion 51 has a dimension L2 in the vertical direction Y, and the second protruding portions 52A and 52B have dimensions L3 and L4 in the vertical direction Y. The first protruding portion 51 has a dimension N1 in the horizontal direction X, and the second protruding portions 52A and 52B have dimensions N2 and N3 in the horizontal direction X.

[0074] The absorbent body 20 has a narrowest region 40, a first region 41 in which a first protruding portion 51 is located, and second regions 42A, 42B in which second protruding portions 52A, 52B are located, which are aligned in the longitudinal direction Y. The dimension W2 of the first region 41 in the lateral direction X is larger than the dimension W1 of the narrowest region 40 in the lateral direction X, and the dimensions W3, W4 of the second regions 42A, 42B in the lateral direction X are larger than the dimension W2 of the first region 41 in the lateral direction X.

[0075] That is, the correlation between the lateral dimensions of the regions 40, 41, 42A, and 42B in the transverse direction X is: lateral dimensions W3 and W4 of the second regions 42A and 42B > lateral dimension W2 of the first region 41 > lateral dimension W1 of the narrowest region 40. The lateral dimensions W1, W2, W3, and W4 of the regions 40, 41, 42A, and 42B refer to the largest lateral dimension in the transverse direction X of each region 40, 41, 42A, and 42B. In the illustrated example, the lateral dimension W3 of the second region 42A and the lateral dimension W4 of the second region 42B are equal, but they may be different from each other.

[0076] The side edges 23, 24 of the absorbent body 20 include first lines 23a, 24a that are straight and extend in the vertical direction Y, which are side edges of the narrowest region 40; second lines 23b, 24b that consist of inclined portions that extend outward in the horizontal direction X from the first lines 23a, 24a toward the rear edge 22 and straight portions that extend from the inclined portions toward the rear edge 22; third lines 23c, 24c that have a shape that convex outward in the horizontal direction X between the front edge 21 and the first lines 23a, 24a; and fourth lines 23d, 24d that convex outward in the horizontal direction X between the rear edge 22 and the second lines 23b, 24b.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the first protruding portion 51 is located adjacent to the rear edge 22 of the narrowest region 40. The dimension L3 in the vertical direction Y of the second protruding portion 52A located on the front edge 21 side of the narrowest region 40 is different from the dimension L4 in the vertical direction Y of the second protruding portion 52B located on the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40.

[0078] Here, "the dimension L3 in the vertical direction Y of the second protruding portion 52A located on the front edge 21 side of the narrowest region 40 is different from the dimension L4 in the vertical direction Y of the second protruding portion 52B located on the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40" means, in addition to the case where the first region 41 is not located on the front edge 21 side of the narrowest region 40 but is located only on the rear edge 22 side, as shown in the figure, the case where the first region 41 is located only on the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40 but not on the front edge 21 side, and also the case where the first region 41 is located on the front and rear edges 21, 22 sides of the narrowest region 40 and the dimensions in the vertical direction Y of these regions are different.

[0079] Furthermore, "the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the front edge 21 or rear edge 22 of the absorbent body 20" means that the narrowest region 40 is positioned toward the front edge 21 or rear edge 22 without intersecting with the transverse center line Q2.

[0080] The absorbent body 20 has a narrowest region 40 whose dimension in the vertical direction Y is relatively small compared to the dimension in the vertical direction Y of the entire absorbent body 20, and therefore the absorbent body 20 can fit to the shape of the wearer's body from the crotch region to the front groin region while minimizing interference of the absorbent body 20 from the crotch region to the groin region.

[0081] Furthermore, since the first protruding portion 51 is located adjacent to the rear edge 22 of the narrowest region 40, when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position close to lying on their side with one side of the absorbent body 20 facing downward, bodily fluids that flow sideways (downward) and backward from the narrowest region 40 can be absorbed, thereby preventing lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0082] Furthermore, in the absorbent body 20, the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased forward without intersecting the transverse center line Q2, and the area of ​​the rear side of the absorbent body 20 is relatively large, so the contact pressure on the rear side of the wearer's thighs is relatively small, and there is no risk of the wearer feeling uncomfortable.

[0083] Furthermore, since the second protrusions 52A, 52B are located outside the first protrusion 51 and the narrowest region 40 in the vertical direction Y, body fluids flowing rearward together with the first region 41 can be absorbed on the rear side with a relatively wide absorption area, and body fluids flowing forward can also be absorbed on the front side of the narrowest region 40.

[0084] The absorbent body 20 has such a unique shape, rather than the conventionally known roughly hourglass or roughly rectangular shape, that it fits from the wearer's crotch to the front or rear groin area, and can effectively absorb bodily fluids and prevent side leakage even when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position close to lying on their side with one side of the absorbent body 20 facing downward.

[0085] As shown in the figure, the dimension L1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the narrowest region 40 of the absorber 20 is smaller than the dimension L2 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51. In this case, interference of the absorber 20 from the crotch region to the groin region of the wearer is minimized, while the absorber 20 can be made to fit along the body shape of the wearer from the crotch region to the front groin region, and the first overhanging portion 51, which has a relatively large area, can sufficiently absorb bodily fluids that flow laterally.

[0086] Also, unlike the illustrated example, the dimension L1 in the longitudinal direction Y of the narrowest region 40 of the absorber 20 may be larger than the dimension L2 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51. In such a case, interference of the absorber 20 from the crotch region to the groin region of the wearer is sufficiently suppressed, and the absorber 20 can be made to fit along the body shape of the wearer from the crotch region to the front groin region, and at the very least, the first overhanging portion 51 can absorb bodily fluids that flow laterally.

[0087] The dimension L2 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 of the absorbent body 20 is larger than the dimension L3 in the longitudinal direction Y of the second overhanging portion 52A. In this case, the area of ​​the second overhanging portion 52A becomes relatively small, and in combination with the narrowest region 40, the second overhanging portion 52A can conform to the shape of the wearer's anterior groin, thereby reducing discomfort felt by the wearer.

[0088] On the other hand, the dimension L2 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 of the absorber 20 is smaller than the dimension L4 in the longitudinal direction Y of the second overhanging portion 52B. In this case, the area of ​​the second region 42B, which has the maximum width at the rear, is increased, so that bodily fluids that flow rearward can be reliably absorbed and retained in the second overhanging portion 52B.

[0089] However, unlike the illustrated example, the vertical dimension L2 of the first protrusion 51 may be smaller than the vertical dimension L3 of the second protrusion 52A, or larger than the vertical dimension L4 of the second protrusion 52B.

[0090] The dimension W3 of the second overhanging portion 52A in the lateral direction X and the dimension W4 of the second overhanging portion 52B in the lateral direction X may be equal to or different from each other. For example, if the dimension W4 of the second overhanging portion 52B in the lateral direction X is greater than the dimension W3 of the second overhanging portion 52A in the lateral direction X, the second overhanging portion 52B becomes relatively wide and can absorb and retain a large amount of bodily fluids on the rear edge 22 side of the absorber 20.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second to fourth lines 23b to 23d of the side edge 23 of the absorbent body 20 and the second to fourth lines 24b to 24d of the side edge 24 have inclined portions that extend diagonally relative to the longitudinal center line P2, but as long as the technical effect of the present invention is achieved, they may be straight lines extending in the horizontal direction X, that is, they may have a shape that is perpendicular to the straight portions of the both side edges 23, 24, or they may have a shape that does not have a portion that extends parallel to the longitudinal center line P2 and extends gently diagonally.

[0092] On the other hand, as shown in the illustrated example, since both side edges 23, 24 have multiple inclined portions, the dimension of the absorbent body 20 in the lateral direction X gradually changes, and therefore when the absorbent body 20 is pressed between the wearer's thighs, the pressing force is dispersed, thereby preventing the occurrence of lateral wrinkles.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the absorbent body 20 has front and rear end portions 26, 27 located outside the second regions 42A, 42B in the longitudinal direction Y. The front and rear end portions 26, 27 are narrower than the adjacent second regions 42A, 42B in the longitudinal direction Y, and have a shape that gradually becomes narrower toward the front and rear end edges 21, 22.

[0094] Unlike the illustrated embodiment, the third and fourth lines 23c, 23d, 24c, 24d may extend linearly in the vertical direction Y perpendicular to the front and rear edges 21, 22, and the front and rear end portions 26, 27 may have the same width as the adjacent second regions 42A, 42B.

[0095] However, since the front and rear end portions 26, 27 have the shape shown in the figure, the rigidity of the front and rear end portions 26, 27 of the absorbent body 20 is relatively low, and when worn, the front and rear end portions 26, 27 can be prevented from protruding forward and backward without deforming to conform to the wearer's body shape.

[0096] 7(A), the absorbent body 20 according to this embodiment has an outer shape different from that of the first embodiment, and specifically, the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the rear edge 22, and the first protruding portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 and toward the front edge 21. In addition, the second protruding portions 52A, 52B (second regions 42A, 42B) are positioned outside the first region 41 and the narrowest region 40 in the longitudinal direction Y.

[0097] When the absorber 20 has such a shape, the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the rear edge 22, and the first overhanging portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 on the front edge 21 side, thereby minimizing interference of the absorber 20 from the wearer's crotch to groin, and allowing the absorber 20 to fit along the body shape from the wearer's crotch to the rear groin. Furthermore, because the first region 41 having an intermediate width is positioned on the front edge 21 side of the narrowest region 40, when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position similar to lying on their side with one side of the absorber 20 facing downward, bodily fluids that flow sideways (downward) and forward from the narrowest region 40 can be absorbed, thereby preventing lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0098] 7(B) , the absorbent body 20 according to this embodiment has an outer shape different from those of the first and second embodiments. Specifically, the narrowest region 40 is positioned slightly biased toward the front edge 21, and the first overhanging portions 51A, 51B (first regions 41A, 41B) are positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 on the front edge 21 side and the rear edge 22 side. Furthermore, the dimension L6 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51B positioned on the rear edge 22 side is larger than the dimension L5 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51A positioned on the front edge 21 side. Furthermore, the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B are positioned outward in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portions 51A, 51B.

[0099] When the absorber 20 has this shape, the narrowest region 40 is positioned slightly biased toward the front edge 21, and the first overhanging portions 51A, 51B are positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 on the front edge 21 side and the rear edge 22 side, so that interference of the absorber 20 from the wearer's crotch to groin region is minimized and the absorber 20 can fit to the body shape from the wearer's crotch to the front and rear groin regions. Furthermore, because the first regions 41A, 41B having an intermediate width are positioned on the front edge 21 side and the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40, when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position similar to lying on their side with one side of the absorber 20 facing downward, bodily fluids that flow sideways (downward), forward, and rearward from the narrowest region 40 can be absorbed, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0100] Furthermore, the dimension L6 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51B located closer to the rear edge 22 of the narrowest region 40 is larger than the dimension L5 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51A located closer to the front edge 21, thereby relatively increasing the area of ​​the first region 41B and allowing it to absorb more body fluids at the rear side than at the front side. Note that, unlike the illustrated example, the dimension L6 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51B may be smaller than the dimension L5 in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51A. In such a case, the area of ​​the first region 41A located closer to the front edge 21 is relatively larger, allowing it to absorb more body fluids at the front side than at the rear side.

[0101] 8(A), the absorbent body 20 according to this embodiment has an outer shape different from those of the first, second and third embodiments. Specifically, the narrowest region 40 is positioned slightly biased toward the front edge 21, the first overhanging portion 51 (first region 41) is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 and toward the rear edge 22, and the length dimension in the longitudinal direction Y of the narrowest region 40 is greater than the length dimension in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 (first region 41). In addition, the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B (second regions 42A, 42B) are positioned outward in the longitudinal direction Y from the first region 41 and the narrowest region 40.

[0102] Since the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the front edge 21 and the first overhanging portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 on the rear edge 22 side, interference of the absorber 20 from the wearer's crotch to groin can be minimized, and the absorber 20 can fit to the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the front groin. Furthermore, since the first region 41 having an intermediate width is positioned on the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40, when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position similar to lying on their side with one side of the absorber 20 facing downward, bodily fluids that flow sideways (downward) and backward from the narrowest region 40 can be absorbed, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0103] Furthermore, since the length dimension in the vertical direction Y of the narrowest region 40 is greater than the length dimension in the vertical direction Y of the first region 41, interference of the absorbent body 20 from the crotch region to the groin region of the wearer is sufficiently suppressed, and the absorbent body 20 can be fitted to conform to the body shape of the wearer from the crotch region to the front groin region, and at the very least, body fluids that flow laterally in the first region 41 can be absorbed.

[0104] 8(B), the absorbent body 20 according to this embodiment has an outer shape different from those of the first to fourth embodiments, specifically, the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the front edge 21, the first overhanging portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 and toward the rear edge 22, and the length dimension in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 is greater than the length dimension in the longitudinal direction Y of the narrowest region 40 and is also greater than the length dimension in the longitudinal direction Y of the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B. Furthermore, the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B are positioned outward in the longitudinal direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 and the narrowest region 40.

[0105] Since the narrowest region 40 is positioned biased toward the front edge 21 and the first overhanging portion 51 is positioned adjacent to the narrowest region 40 on the rear edge 22 side, interference of the absorber 20 from the wearer's crotch to groin can be minimized, and the absorber 20 can fit to the wearer's body shape from the crotch to the front groin. Furthermore, since the first region 41 having an intermediate width is positioned on the rear edge 22 side of the narrowest region 40, when the wearer is lying on their side or in a supine position similar to lying on their side with one side of the absorber 20 facing downward, bodily fluids that flow sideways (downward) and backward from the narrowest region 40 can be absorbed, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0106] Furthermore, the length dimension in the vertical direction Y of the first overhanging portion 51 is greater than the length dimension in the vertical direction Y of the narrowest region 40, and is also greater than the length dimension in the vertical direction Y of the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B. In this case, the area of ​​the second overhanging portions 52A, 52B, which overhang relatively greatly in the horizontal direction X, is reduced, and the first overhanging portion 51 (first region 41) can, in cooperation with the narrowest region 40, conform to the shape of the wearer's thigh, thereby reducing discomfort felt by the wearer.

[0107] 9(A) to 9(C), the absorbent body 20 has a high basis weight region 70 located in the central portion in the longitudinal direction Y, and a low basis weight region 71 located outside the central portion. The high basis weight region 70 is spaced apart from the front end edge 21 and the rear end edge 22 of the absorbent body 20 in the longitudinal direction Y, and in the illustrated example, has a configuration that cuts across the absorbent body 20, but it is preferable that the high basis weight region 70 is located so as to straddle at least the boundary between the first region 41 and the narrowest region 40. Furthermore, the high basis weight region 70 is thicker than the low basis weight region 71, and has a larger dimension in the thickness direction Z.

[0108] By positioning the high basis weight region 70 of the absorbent body 20 so as to straddle at least the boundary between the first region 41 (first protruding portion 51) and the narrowest region 40, a relatively large amount of body fluid can be absorbed in the central part of the absorbent body 20 where the most body fluid is excreted and which abuts the groin area, and by making other areas where body fluid is relatively less likely to flow into low basis weight regions 71, the absorption efficiency of the entire absorbent body 20 can be improved.

[0109] It is preferable that the low basis weight region 71 is embossed or pressurized. In such a case, the low basis weight region 71 becomes even thinner, which allows the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent body 20 to easily deform along the body shape, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer and preventing the occurrence of gaps between the absorbent body and the body that could allow bodily fluids to leak out.

[0110] The high basis weight region 70 has first and second end portions 73, 74 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Y, side portions 75, 76 located between the first and second end portions 73, 74 and extending in the longitudinal direction Y, and a central portion 77 surrounded by the first and second end portions 73, 74 and the side portions 75, 76. The basis weight of the central portion 77 is lower than the basis weight of the first and second end portions 73, 74 and the side portions 75, 76.

[0111] In such a case, when the absorbent body 20 is formed, if the entire high basis weight region 70 is adjusted and compressed to have a uniform thickness dimension, the central portion 77 will have a low density, and gaps will be formed between the constituent materials, thereby improving the initial absorption speed of body fluids.

[0112] On the other hand, when the absorbent body 20 is formed so that only the central portion 77 is thin in the high basis weight region 70, as shown in the figure, the central portion 77 becomes concave and surrounded on all four sides by the first and second end portions 73, 74 and the side portions 75, 76. Therefore, the first and second end portions 73, 74 and the side portions 75, 76 act as barriers surrounding the central portion 77 on all four sides, effectively preventing bodily fluids excreted in the concave central portion 77 from leaking out.

[0113] Although not shown, it is preferable that in the absorbent body 20, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the region from the transverse center line Q2 to the rear edge 22 is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the region from the transverse center line Q2 to the front edge 21. In such a case, the rear side of the absorbent body 20 has higher absorption performance than the front side, and therefore can sufficiently absorb and retain a relatively large amount of body fluid that flows rearward.

[0114] On the other hand, in the absorbent body 20, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the region from the transverse center line Q2 to the front edge 21 may be greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the region from the transverse center line Q2 to the rear edge 22. In such a case, the front side of the absorbent body 20 has higher absorption performance than the rear side, and therefore can sufficiently absorb and retain a relatively large amount of body fluid that flows forward.

[0115] 10 , the basic structure of the absorbent body 20 of the diaper 10 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the sixth embodiment, and includes deformation guides 80 formed from through-holes or recesses extending in the longitudinal direction Y. Specifically, the deformation guides 80 are recessed grooves formed in the absorbent body 20, extending in the longitudinal direction Y and spaced apart at a given distance in the transverse direction X, recessed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and having a thickness smaller than that of other portions.

[0116] The deformation guide means 80 extends in the longitudinal direction Y so as to be asymmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line C1 that bisects the longitudinal dimension of the first region 41 of the absorbent body 20. In the first region 41 having an intermediate width, the dimension of the absorbent body 20 in the transverse direction X is relatively large, making it difficult for the absorbent body 20 to deform to fit the body shape of the wearer when worn. However, by arranging the deformation guide means 80 consisting of concave grooves extending in the longitudinal direction Y, the deformation guide means 80 can be arranged to deform to fit the body shape of the wearer. The deformation guide means 80 also functions as a guide groove for diffusing absorbed body fluid throughout the absorbent body 20.

[0117] The deformation-inducing means 80 extends in the vertical direction Y so as to be asymmetric with respect to the imaginary center line C1 and is positioned biased forward or backward. For example, when the deformation-inducing means 80 is biased to the side adjacent to the narrowest region 40 of the first region 41, the overall area is relatively small, which can promote lateral diffusion of body fluids. On the other hand, when the deformation-inducing means 80 is biased to the side adjacent to the second region 42B of the first region 41, the overall area is relatively large, which can promote diffusion of body fluids in the vertical direction Y.

[0118] The deformation inducing means 80 is a bottomed concave groove formed by removing or applying pressure to a portion of the absorbent body 20, and when formed by applying pressure, it becomes a region with higher density and rigidity than other regions of the absorbent body 20. As long as the effects of the present invention described below are achieved, the deformation inducing means 80 may not be a bottomed concave groove, but may be a slit where the absorbent body 20 is not present, and may not extend linearly in the longitudinal direction Y as a whole, but may have a curved portion.

[0119] 11 , the absorbent body 20 of the diaper 10 according to this embodiment has an absorbent sheet 90 disposed on its skin-facing side. The absorbent sheet 90 contains 50% by mass or more of superabsorbent polymer particles and a required amount of other constituent materials such as fluffed wood pulp, and is fixed to the top sheet of the absorbent body 20 via a hot melt adhesive. The absorbent sheet 90 may be formed solely from superabsorbent polymer particles.

[0120] The absorbent sheet 90 is located in at least one of the first region 41 and the second regions 42A, 42B of the absorbent body 20. The presence of the absorbent sheet 90 improves the absorption performance of the first region 41 and / or the second region 42B, allowing more body fluid to be absorbed and retained. In particular, when the absorbent sheet 90 is located in the first region 41, it can sufficiently absorb and retain body fluid that cannot be absorbed in the adjacent narrowest region 40. Furthermore, when the absorbent sheet 90 is located in the second regions 42A, 42B, the absorbency of both end portions of the absorbent body 20 is improved, preventing body fluid that has spread to both end portions from leaking out.

[0121] <Ninth embodiment> Figures 12(A) to (D) show an example of the ninth embodiment, in which the absorbent body 20 of the diaper 10 according to this embodiment comprises a deformation-inducing means 80 formed from through-holes or recesses extending in the longitudinal direction Y, and an absorbent sheet 90.

[0122] 12(A) and (B), the absorbent sheet 90 is spaced apart from the deformation inducing means 80 in the longitudinal direction Y. Since the absorbent sheet 90 does not overlap with the deformation inducing means 80 in the thickness direction Z and is positioned spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction Y, the absorbent sheet 90 does not impede the deformation inducing action of the deformation inducing means 80, and it is possible to achieve both improved liquid absorption by the absorbent sheet 90 and deformation of the absorber 20 and diffusion of bodily fluids by the deformation inducing means 80.

[0123] In addition, in Figure 12 (B), the absorbent sheet 90 is wider than the deformation-inducing means 80, and a portion of it extends further outward in the lateral direction X than the deformation-inducing means 80, so that it can reliably absorb and retain bodily fluids diffused in the lateral direction X by the deformation-inducing means 80.

[0124] 12(C) and 12(D), the absorbent sheet 90 is positioned so as to overlap a part of the deformation guide means 80 in the thickness direction Z.

[0125] By the absorbent sheet 90 overlapping a portion of the deformation-inducing means 80 in the thickness direction Z, the deformation-inducing function of the deformation-inducing means 80 is not hindered, and the body fluids within the deformation-inducing means 80 can be reliably absorbed and retained by the absorbent sheet 90.

[0126] 12(C), the absorbent sheet 90 overlaps a portion of the deformation inducing means 80 in the thickness direction Z, and both side edges 90a, 90b extending in the longitudinal direction Y of the absorbent sheet 90 are located inside in the transverse direction X of both side edges 80a, 80b extending in the longitudinal direction Y of the deformation inducing means 80. In this case, it is possible to achieve both the deformation inducing effect of the both side edges of the deformation inducing means 80 and the absorption and retention of bodily fluids within the deformation inducing means 80 by the absorbent sheet 90.

[0127] 12(D), both side edges 90a, 90b of the absorbent sheet 90 are located outside, in the horizontal direction X, both side edges 80a, 80b extending in the vertical direction Y of the deformation inducing means 80. In this case, it is possible to reliably absorb and retain body fluids within the deformation inducing means 80 and body fluids diffused in the horizontal direction X from the deformation inducing means 80. Although not shown, in an embodiment in which the absorbent sheet 90 overlaps a portion of the deformation inducing means 80 in the thickness direction Z, the both side edges 90a, 90b of the absorbent sheet 90 and the both side edges 80a, 80b of the deformation inducing means 80 may overlap each other.

[0128] The absorbent bodies 20 according to the eighth and ninth embodiments may also have high basis weight regions 70, similar to the sixth and seventh embodiments.

[0129] Unless otherwise specified, various known materials commonly used in this field may be used without limitation for the respective constituent materials of the diaper 10 of the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as "first" and "second" used in this specification are used merely to distinguish between similar elements, positions, etc.

[0130] Furthermore, in this specification, the disposable diaper 10 is used as an example of an absorbent article, but the present invention can also be applied to a sanitary napkin that includes an absorbent body 20.

[0131] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Absorbent article (disposable diaper) 17 Inner sheet 18 Outer sheet 20 Absorbent body 21 Front edge (first or second edge) 22 Rear edge (first or second edge) 23 Side edge 23a First line 23b Second line 23c Third line 23d Fourth line 24 Side edge of absorbent body 24a First line 24b Second line 24c Third line 24d Fourth line 40 Narrowest region 41 First region 41A First region 41B First region 42A Second region 42B Second region 51 First overhanging portion 51A First overhanging portion 51B First overhanging portion 52 Second overhanging portion 52A Second overhanging portion 52B Second overhanging portion 70 High basis weight region 71 Low basis weight region 73 First end portion 74 Second end portion 77 Central portion 80 Deformation guide means 80a, 80b Side edges 90 Absorbent sheet 90a, 90b Side edges L1 Longitudinal dimension of narrowest region L2 Longitudinal dimension of first overhanging portion L3 Longitudinal dimension of second overhanging portion L4 Longitudinal dimension of second overhanging portion L5 Longitudinal dimension of first overhanging portion L6 Longitudinal dimension of first overhanging portion Q2 Transverse center line X Lateral direction Y Longitudinal direction Z Thickness direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, a thickness direction, a skin-facing surface and a non-skin-facing surface located on the opposite side, and including a liquid-permeable inner sheet located on the skin-facing surface side, an outer sheet located on the non-skin-facing surface side, and an absorbent body located between the inner and outer sheets, wherein the absorbent body has first and second edges spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, a transverse center line dividing the longitudinal dimension in half, a narrowest region having the smallest horizontal dimension, a first overhanging portion located adjacent to the narrowest region in the longitudinal direction and on at least one of the first and second edge sides, and located outside the narrowest region in the horizontal direction, and a second overhanging portion located outside the first overhanging portion in the horizontal direction, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the first overhanging portion located on the first edge side of the narrowest region is different from the longitudinal dimension of the first overhanging portion located on the second edge side of the narrowest region.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the narrowest region is positioned so as to be biased toward the first edge side or the second edge side in the longitudinal direction.

3. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body further has a longitudinal center line that divides the lateral dimension in half, the first overhanging portion is a portion defined by both side edges of the absorbent body, a first imaginary line extending from both side edges of the narrowest region parallel to the longitudinal center line, and a second imaginary line extending parallel to the transverse center line and forming a boundary line between the first overhanging portion and the second overhanging portion, and the second overhanging portion is a portion defined by both side edges of the absorbent body and a third imaginary line extending from both side edges of the first overhanging portion parallel to the longitudinal center line.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the narrowest region of the absorbent body is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the first protruding portion.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the narrowest region of the absorbent body is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the first protruding portion.

6. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the first overhanging portion of the absorbent body is greater than the longitudinal dimension of the second overhanging portion.

7. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal dimension of the first overhanging portion of the absorbent body is smaller than the longitudinal dimension of the second overhanging portion.

8. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body has a deformation-inducing means formed from a through-hole or recess extending in the vertical direction, and the deformation-inducing means extends in the vertical direction so as to be asymmetrical with respect to an imaginary center line that bisects the vertical dimension of the first protruding portion.

9. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body has a high basis weight region located in the central part in the longitudinal direction, the high basis weight region being spaced apart from the first and second end edges of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction and positioned so as to straddle at least the boundary between the first region and the narrowest region.

10. An absorbent article as described in claim 9, characterized in that the absorbent body has a low basis weight area consisting of the part other than the high basis weight area, and the low basis weight area is embossed or pressurized.

11. An absorbent article as described in claim 9, wherein the high basis weight region has first and second end portions and a central portion located between the first and second end portions in the longitudinal direction, and the basis weight of the central portion is lower than the basis weight of the first and second end portions and both side portions.

12. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body further comprises superabsorbent polymer particles, and the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse center line to the second edge is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse center line to the first edge.

13. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body further comprises superabsorbent polymer particles, and the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse center line to the first edge is greater than the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles in the area from the transverse center line to the second edge.

14. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, further comprising an absorbent sheet arranged on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body, the absorbent sheet containing 50% or more by weight of highly absorbent polymer particles, and the absorbent sheet being located in the first or second region.

15. An absorbent article as described in claim 14, wherein the absorbent body has a deformation-inducing means formed from a through-hole or recess extending in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent sheet overlaps a portion of the deformation-inducing means in the thickness direction.

16. An absorbent article as described in claim 14, wherein the absorbent body has a deformation-inducing means formed from a through-hole or recess extending in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent sheet is spaced apart from the deformation-inducing means in the longitudinal direction.

17. An absorbent article as described in claim 15, wherein the absorbent sheet is positioned so as to overlap a portion of the deformation-inducing means, and both side edges of the absorbent sheet extending in the longitudinal direction are positioned so as to overlap both side edges of the deformation-inducing means extending in the longitudinal direction or are positioned outside the both side edges in the transverse direction.

18. An absorbent article as described in claim 15, wherein the absorbent sheet is positioned so as to overlap a portion of the deformation-inducing means, and both side edges of the absorbent sheet extending in the longitudinal direction are positioned so as to overlap both side edges of the deformation-inducing means extending in the longitudinal direction or are positioned inside the both side edges in the transverse direction.

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