Underwear-type absorbent article and underwear-type absorbent article production method

Abstract

An underwear-type absorbent article (1) has an absorbent body (10), a waist member (20), and engagement members (30) that are inseparably fixed to the waist member (20) at an outside end part in the left-right direction and removably engage a non-skin-side surface of the waist member (20) at an inside end part. A front waist part (20f) and a rear waist part (20b) are joined to each other by a pair of side joining parts 40. Perforations (25) that run in the up-down direction and are for separating the waist member (20) are provided further to the inside in the left-right direction than the side joining parts (40) but further to the outside than the inside ends of the engagement members (30), and engagement member joining parts (60) that join the engagement members (30) and the waist member (20) are provided between the side joining parts (40) and the perforations (25) in the left-right direction.

Description

Pants-type absorbent article and method for manufacturing pants-type absorbent article

[0001] The present invention relates to a pants-type absorbent article and a method for manufacturing a pants-type absorbent article.

[0002] Conventionally, there are known absorbent articles such as disposable diapers that can be used as a tape-type (unfolded type) by cutting off a part of a waistband member formed as a pants-type (shorts-type) disposable diaper. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a pants-type disposable diaper in which perforations extending from the edge of the waist opening to the edge of the leg openings are formed on both sides of the body (waistband member) of the pants-type disposable diaper, and the body can be divided into front and rear halves by tearing along the perforations as needed, and after division, the diaper can be put on in the same way as a tape-type disposable diaper.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-29761

[0004] In pants-type and tape-type (dual-use) disposable absorbent articles with perforations as described in Patent Document 1, when tearing the perforations, the waistband member is typically grasped on both sides of the perforation with both hands and torn along the perforation. After tearing the perforation to separate the waistband member into front and rear halves, the engaging member is re-grabbed and re-engaged with the waistband member. In this case, it is difficult to perform the operation of tearing the waistband member along the perforation and the operation of engaging the engaging member after tearing in a continuous series of operations, resulting in insufficient convenience and operability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve the operability when tearing the perforations and engaging the engaging members in a pants-type absorbent article that has perforations for separating the waistband member into front and back halves and can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, comprising: an absorbent main body; a waistline member arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistline section and a rear waistline section; and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end is releasably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistline member, wherein the front waistline section and the rear waistline section are joined to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of side joints, wherein the pants-type absorbent article has perforations extending along the vertical direction, inward of the side joints and outward of the inner ends of the engaging members, for separating the waistline member, and an engaging member joint between the side joints and the perforations in the horizontal direction, for joining the engaging member to the waistline member. 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, in a pants-type absorbent article that has perforations for separating the waistband member into front and back parts and can also be used as a tape-type article, it is possible to improve the operability when tearing the perforations and engaging the engaging members.

[0008] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the napkin 1; 2 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the thickness direction; 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2; 4A and 4B are views illustrating the operation of separating the waistband member 20 of the napkin 1 into front and rear parts; 5A to 5D are views illustrating a specific method of operation when wearing the napkin 2 of the comparative example; 6A to 6D are views illustrating a specific method of operation when wearing the napkin 1 of the present embodiment; 7A and 7B are views illustrating the relationship between the position of the engaging member joint 60 and the operability when tearing the perforation 25; 8 are partially enlarged views illustrating the details of the engaging member 30 and the waistband member 20; 9 are plan views illustrating the arrangement of the high-density portion 70; 10 are views illustrating a first modified example of the perforation 25; 11 are views illustrating a second modified example of the perforation 25; 12A and 12B are views illustrating a third modified example of the perforation 25; and 13 are flow charts of the steps carried out in the manufacture of the napkin 1. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to the steps in Fig. 13. Fig. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to the steps in Fig. 15. Fig. 16 is a plan view showing an example of a napkin 1 having an asymmetric shape with respect to the center position C-C in the left-right direction.

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] (Mode 1) A pants-type absorbent article having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, comprising: an absorbent main body; a waistline member that is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and has a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion; and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, wherein the front waistline portion and the rear waistline portion are joined to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of side joints, and wherein the pants-type absorbent article has perforations along the vertical direction for separating the waistline member, located inside the side joints and outside the inner ends of the engaging members in the horizontal direction, and has an engaging member joint between the side joints and the perforations in the horizontal direction, joining the engaging member and the waistline member.

[0011] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 1, when tearing the perforations, by grasping the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and pulling it outward, the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforations. Therefore, the perforations can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforations and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the engaging member can be engaged with the waistband member without having to change the gripped portion. In other words, the process of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforations and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member.

[0012] (Aspect 2) The pants-type absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein, when in a stretched state, the length between the perforation and the inner end of the joining portion of the engaging member in the left-right direction is shorter than the length between the inner end of the joining portion of the engaging member and the side joining portion.

[0013] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 2, the engaging member joints are provided at positions closer to the perforations than the side joints, so that the force pulling the engaging members is easily transmitted to the perforations via the engaging member joints. In other words, the force is easily concentrated on the perforations via the engaging member joints. This makes it easier to tear the perforations.

[0014] (Aspect 3) The pants-type absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the engaging member has one engaging portion whose length in the up-down direction is longer than its length in the left-right direction.

[0015] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 3, since one engaging member does not have multiple engaging portions, the engaging portion can be easily engaged with and released from the waistband member with one hand. Furthermore, since the engaging portion is long in the vertical direction, it can be engaged with a wide range of the waistband member in the vertical direction. This improves stability during engagement and also prevents the engaging member from being rolled up in the vertical direction and naturally peeling off. This makes it easier to engage and release the engaging member from the waistband member.

[0016] (Aspect 4) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the engaging portion is provided at a predetermined distance from an inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction.

[0017] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 4, the engaging member has a space on the distal end side of the engaging portion that serves as a gripping margin when grasping the engaging member, making it easier for the user to perform operations such as pulling the engaging member without directly touching the engaging portion (hook member, etc.), thereby making it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member with the waistband member.

[0018] (Aspect 5) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the vertical length of the engaging member at an intermediate position between the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and the inner end of the engaging portion in the left-right direction is shorter than the vertical length of the engaging member at the outer end in the left-right direction.

[0019] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 5, the vertical width of the distal end of the engaging member is narrower than the vertical width of the proximal end, making it easier to grasp the distal end of the engaging member with one hand and pull the engaging member. Furthermore, when pulling the engaging member, the position where the hand grips and applies force is limited, making it difficult for the force to be dispersed and easier to concentrate the force on the perforations. Therefore, the operability of tearing the perforations to engage the engaging member can be further improved.

[0020] (Aspect 6) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the engaging members are inseparably fixed to the waistband member at the side joint portions, on the outer sides of the engaging member joint portions in the left-right direction.

[0021] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 6, the engaging member is joined to the waist member at at least two locations, the side joint and the engaging member joint, which makes it easier to re-engage or peel the engaging member from the waist member after the perforation is torn. Furthermore, excessive shrinkage or large wrinkles in the waist member or the engaging member are suppressed in the region between the side joint and the engaging member joint. This further improves the operability when engaging the engaging member.

[0022] (Aspect 7) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the waistband member has a high-density portion that is a portion having a higher density than the surrounding area, and the high-density portion is provided across the perforations in the left-right direction.

[0023] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 7, the high-density portion increases the rigidity around the perforations, making areas other than the perforations less likely to tear, making it easier to tear the perforations cleanly. Furthermore, in the high-density portion, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric are constrained by fused portions, etc., reducing the degree of freedom of the fibers. Therefore, when a force is applied to tear the perforations, the fibers are prevented from shifting position and the force is released, making the fibers more likely to be cut. Furthermore, in the high-density portion, the waistband member is more likely to remain flat, making it less likely to develop distortions or wrinkles. This makes it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member.

[0024] (Aspect 8) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the perforation has a plurality of groove portions and non-penetrating portions arranged alternately in the up-down direction, and at least a portion of the plurality of non-penetrating portions overlaps with the engaging member joining portion in the up-down direction.

[0025] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 8, when the engaging member is grasped and pulled outward in the left-right direction to tear the perforation, a force is easily applied to the non-penetration portion of the perforation via the joining portion of the engaging member. Therefore, the force pulling the engaging member is easily transmitted to the non-penetration portion, making it easier to tear the non-penetration portion. This makes it easier to tear the perforation.

[0026] (Aspect 9) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the total length of the groove portions per unit length in a central region when the waistband member is divided into thirds equal in the vertical direction is greater than the total length of the groove portions per unit length in both side regions when the waistband member is divided into thirds equal in the vertical direction.

[0027] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 9, the proportion of the portion (groove) penetrating the waistband member in the thickness direction in the central region is greater than the proportion of the portion (groove) penetrating the waistband member in the thickness direction in the both side regions. Therefore, when tearing the perforations, a starting point for tearing the perforations is more likely to be formed in the central region, making the perforations easier to tear. On the other hand, it is more difficult to form a starting point for tearing the perforations in the both side regions, making it easier to prevent the perforations from tearing naturally from both vertical side portions when the pants-type absorbent article is worn.

[0028] (Aspect 10) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, wherein the perforations have a first groove portion and a second groove portion arranged adjacent to the outer side of the first groove portion in the up-down direction, and the innermost end of the first groove portion is located more inward than the innermost end of the second groove portion in the left-right direction.

[0029] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 10, when the engaging member is pulled from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction in the operation of tearing the perforation, the force for tearing the perforation tends to propagate diagonally from the center to both sides in the up-down direction (tearing tends to occur from the first groove portion toward the second groove portion), making it easier to tear the perforation smoothly.

[0030] (Aspect 11) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein in the left-right direction, an area between the perforation of the waistband member and the joining portion of the engaging member is not provided with an elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

[0031] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 11, the waist member is not stretchable in the region between the perforation and the joining portion of the engaging member, so that the waist member is prevented from shrinking laterally or curling in that region after the perforation is torn. This prevents the waist member from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or from causing discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, the region is less likely to interfere with the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waist member.

[0032] (Aspect 12) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, wherein in the left-right direction, in an area between the engaging member joint and the side joint of the waistband member, no elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction is provided, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

[0033] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 12, after the perforation is torn, the waistband member is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or from curling in the region between the engaging member joint and the side joint. This prevents the waistband member from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, because the engaging members are less susceptible to shrinkage near their base ends, the operability of engaging the engaging members is less likely to deteriorate.

[0034] (Aspect 13) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the engaging members have one engaging member provided on one side in the left-right direction and another engaging member provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the side joints have one side side joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and another side side joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one engaging member is fixed to the waist member at the one side side joint, and the other engaging member is fixed to the waist member at the other side side joint, and in a stretched state, a length from the other end of the one engaging member to the other end of the one side side joint in the left-right direction is different from a length from one end of the other side engaging member to one end of the other side side joint.

[0035] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 13, when putting on the article, it is easy for the wearer to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to put on one side of the pants-type absorbent article using different procedures than the other side.

[0036] (Aspect 14) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, wherein the front waistband portion has a front stretchable region that is stretchable in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the distance from the center in the left-right direction to one end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction is different from the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the other end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction.

[0037] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 14, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, which makes it easier for the wearer or the like to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to put on one side of the pants-type absorbent article in a different manner than the other side.

[0038] (Aspect 15) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the length from the center of the one-side engaging portion in the left-right direction to the other end of the one-side side joint is different from the length from the center of the other-side engaging portion in the left-right direction to the one end of the other-side side joint.

[0039] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 15, it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0040] (Aspect 16) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, wherein the engaging member joint has a one-side engaging member joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the length in the left-right direction from the one end of the front stretchable region on the extreme left-right direction to the other end of the one-side engaging member joint is different from the length from the other end of the front stretchable region on the extreme left-right direction to the one end of the other-side engaging member joint.

[0041] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 16, it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0042] (Aspect 17) A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16, wherein the perforations include a one-side perforation provided on one side in the left-right direction and a second-side perforation provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the length from the one-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the one-side perforation is different from the length from the other-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the other-side perforation.

[0043] The pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 17 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0044] (Aspect 18) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 17, wherein, in a stretched state, a length from the center in the left-right direction to the one-side perforation is different from a length from the center in the left-right direction to the other-side perforation.

[0045] The pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 18 makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0046] (Aspect 19) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 18, wherein in a stretched state, the length from one end of the front waistband to one end of the one side joint portion in the left-right direction is different from the length from the other end of the front waistband to the other end of the other side joint portion.

[0047] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 19, it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction, and it becomes easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0048] (Aspect 20) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19, wherein, in a stretched state, the area of ​​the one engaging member and the area of ​​the other engaging member are different.

[0049] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 20, by visually checking the different sized engaging members on one side and the other side, the wearer can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer can easily recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0050] (Aspect 21) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 20, wherein, in a stretched state, the shape of the one engaging member and the shape of the other engaging member are different.

[0051] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 21, by visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-side engaging member and the other-side engaging member, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer or the like can easily recognize that it is preferable to wear the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0052] (Aspect 22) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 21, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging portion having a side edge along the up-down direction, and in a stretched state, the side edge is inclined with respect to the up-down direction.

[0053] According to the pants-type absorbent article of aspect 22, the side edge of the one-side engagement part is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, which makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when it is parallel to the vertical direction. Therefore, it is easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to put on the pants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0054] (Aspect 23) The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 22, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, a lower end of the one-side engaging portion and a lower end of the other-side engaging portion are provided at different positions in the up-down direction.

[0055] According to the pants-type absorbent article of Aspect 23, it is easy for the wearer to recognize that the pants-type absorbent article has an asymmetric shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is easy for the wearer to recognize that, when wearing the pants-type absorbent article, it is preferable to wear it in a different order on one side and the other side in the left-right direction. (Mode 24) A method for producing a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, a waistline member that is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and has a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member that has an outer end in the horizontal direction inseparably fixed to the waistline member and an inner end that removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attaching step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein, before the engaging member attaching step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out of forming an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member by applying an adhesive to the engaging member or the waistline member.

[0056] According to the pants-type absorbent article manufactured by the pants-type absorbent article manufacturing method of aspect 24, when tearing the perforations, by grasping the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and pulling it outward, the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforations. Therefore, the perforations can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforations and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the engaging member can be engaged with the waistband member without changing the gripped portion. In other words, the step of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforations and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member. (Mode 25) A method for manufacturing a pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect each other, a waistline member that is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and has a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attachment step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein after the engaging member attachment step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out in which an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member is formed using a welding means.

[0057] According to the pants-type absorbent article manufactured by the pants-type absorbent article manufacturing method of aspect 25, when tearing the perforation, by grasping the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction and pulling it outward, the pulling force is concentrated at the joining portion of the engaging member, making it easier for a large force to act on the perforation. Therefore, the perforation can be easily torn by simply pulling the engaging member. Furthermore, after tearing the perforation and separating the waistband member into front and rear parts, the operator can proceed to the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member without changing the gripped portion. In other words, the process of changing the gripping position can be reduced. This improves the operability of the operation when tearing the perforation and the operation of engaging the engaging member with the waistband member. Furthermore, since the joining portion of the engaging member and the waistband member are welded, the joining strength of the joining portion of the engaging member can be increased.

[0058] Embodiments A pants-type napkin 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "napkin 1") will be described as an example of a pants-type (shorts-type) absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pants-type absorbent articles also include pants-type diapers, pants-type absorbent pads, and the like.

[0059] <Basic Structure of Napkin 1> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a napkin 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the napkin 1 in an unfolded and extended state, as viewed from the thickness direction. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2.

[0060] The "stretched state" of the napkin 1 refers to a state in which the entire napkin 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each elastic member of the napkin 1 (for example, the absorbent elastic member 50 and the waist elastic member 26 described below, etc.), specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each member constituting the napkin 1 (for example, the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheets 22, 23 described below, etc.) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the member alone.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the napkin 1 has a "vertical direction," a "lateral direction," and a "front-to-back direction," which are perpendicular to one another. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, it has a "thickness direction," which is the direction in which each component is layered. In the vertical direction, the side that faces the waist of the wearer when the napkin 1 is worn by the wearer is referred to as the "upper side," and the side that faces the wearer's crotch is referred to as the "lower side." In the front-to-back direction, the side that faces the wearer's stomach when worn is referred to as the "front side," and the side that faces the wearer's back is referred to as the "rear side." In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the napkin 1 is worn by the wearer is referred to as the "skin side," and the opposite side is referred to as the "non-skin side."

[0062] In addition, the napkin 1 has a "longitudinal direction" and a "lateral direction" that are perpendicular to each other when in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2. The "longitudinal direction" is the direction along the up-down direction of the pants-type napkin, and the "lateral direction" is the direction along the left-right direction of the pants-type napkin.

[0063] The napkin 1 of this embodiment comprises a liquid-absorbent body 10 that absorbs excretory fluids such as menstrual blood, a waistband member 20 that is placed on top of the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 and is placed around the wearer's waist when the napkin 1 is worn, and engaging members 30 that are provided on both the left and right sides of the waistband member 20.

[0064] (Absorbent main body 10) As shown in Fig. 2, the absorbent main body 10 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, with the vertical direction (corresponding to the "longitudinal direction" of the absorbent main body 10 in a stretched state) aligned with the top-to-bottom direction of the napkin 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the absorbent main body 10 has an absorbent core 11 aligned along the vertical direction (top-to-bottom direction), a top sheet 12 disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, and a back sheet 13 disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent main body 10 may also include sheet members other than these. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. In addition, an absorbent elastic member 50, which will be described later, is provided between the absorbent core 11 and the back sheet 13.

[0065] The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquids such as menstrual blood, and is formed of liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer periphery of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet member (core wrap sheet) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0066] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that can come into contact with the wearer's skin when worn, and is formed, for example, from a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0067] The backsheet 13 has a two-layer structure including a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a for preventing leakage of menstrual blood and other liquids absorbed in the absorbent core 11 to the outside, and a hydrophobic sheet 13b disposed on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. The liquid-impermeable sheet 13a may be made of, for example, a resin film, and the hydrophobic sheet 13b may be made of, for example, a flexible nonwoven fabric. However, the hydrophobic sheet 13b is not necessarily provided, and the backsheet 13 may be made of only the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a.

[0068] Furthermore, leakage prevention walls (not shown) may be provided on both the left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10. The leakage prevention walls are portions that correspond to so-called three-dimensional gathers, and when the napkin 1 is worn, the leakage prevention walls rise up from both the left and right sides of the absorbent main body 10 toward the wearer's skin, thereby preventing excrement such as menstrual blood from leaking out of the absorbent main body 10.

[0069] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the absorbent main body 10 of this embodiment is provided with multiple absorbent body elastic members 50 that stretch in the vertical direction (up-down direction). The absorbent body elastic members 50 are made of, for example, rubber thread and are arranged in a vertically stretched state on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 (between the backsheet 13 and the absorbent core 11 in Figure 3). In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, five absorbent body elastic members 50 are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction (see Figure 2). The stretch ratio of the absorbent body elastic members 50 is preferably approximately 1.4 to 3.3 times. The stretch ratio is expressed as the length of the elastic member in a stretched state divided by the length of the elastic member in its natural state. By setting the stretch ratio of the absorbent body elastic members 50 to a relatively high ratio, the relatively rigid absorbent main body 10 can be contracted from the non-skin side in the thickness direction, making it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to fit the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn. In other words, the elasticity exhibited by the absorbent elastic member 50 causes the absorbent body 10 to be lifted toward the wearer's skin, making it easier for the absorbent body 10 to adhere to the wearer's crotch area, and making it less likely for excretory fluids such as menstrual blood to leak.

[0070] (Waistline Member 20) The waistline member 20 is an outer covering body made up of multiple sheet members, and includes at least a non-skin-side sheet 21, skin-side sheets 22, 23, and multiple waistline elastic members 26, 26... (see FIG. 3). In the following description, the portion of the waistline member 20 that is forward (ventral side) of the center position CL in the longitudinal direction will be referred to as the front waistline portion 20f, and the portion that is rear (dorsal side) of the center position CL will be referred to as the rear waistline portion 20b. The front waistline portion 20f is the portion that touches the ventral side of the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn, and corresponds to the "front body part" of the napkin 1. The rear waistline portion 20b is the portion that touches the dorsal side of the wearer's body when the napkin 1 is worn, and corresponds to the "rear body part" of the napkin 1.

[0071] The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-stretchable sheet member disposed closest to the skin side of the napkin 1, and is made of, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric or an SMS nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a shape that is narrowed inward in the left-right direction at the longitudinal center (a portion including the center position CL), as shown in the plan view of Fig. 2.

[0072] The skin side sheet 22 and the skin side sheet 23 are sheet members laminated on the skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21 on the front side (ventral side) in the longitudinal direction, and are made of the same nonwoven fabric as the non-skin side sheet 21.

[0073] Hereinafter, one of the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 (23) may be referred to as the "first sheet," and the other sheet may be referred to as the "second sheet." Furthermore, a sheet member (third sheet) other than the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 (23) may be provided as a sheet member constituting the waistband member 20. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the non-skin-side sheet 21 may be folded back at its upper and lower ends, so that the waistband member 20 partially has a three-layer or more structure.

[0074] The waist elastic members 26 are formed of, for example, rubber thread, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23), and are attached in a stretched state in the horizontal direction. The stretchability in the horizontal direction exhibited by the waist elastic members 26 allows the waist member 20 to fit the waist of the wearer.

[0075] The waistline elastic members 26 can be attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, the waistline elastic members 26 can be attached by applying a hot melt adhesive to the waistline elastic members 26, stretching them at a predetermined stretch ratio, and sandwiching them between the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 (23). That is, the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 (23) are joined by the adhesive via the waistline elastic members 26. Note that the waistline elastic members 26 may be attached by applying adhesive to the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 (23) rather than to the waistline elastic members 26.

[0076] The napkin 1 is folded in half in the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) from the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2 , with the longitudinal center position CL (shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2 ) as the folding position, so that the skin-side surface of the front waistline section 20f (front body) faces the skin-side surface of the rear waistline section 20b (back body). In this folded state, both lateral (left-right) end portions 40f, 40f of the front waistline section 20f, which overlap in the front-to-back direction, and both lateral (left-right) end portions 40b, 40b of the rear waistline section 20b are joined using a known joining method such as seal welding, thereby forming side joint portions 40. As a result, the folded waistline member 20 (20f and 20b) is connected in a ring shape at the front side (ventral side) and the rear side (back side), forming one waistline opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b as shown in Fig. 1, thereby forming a pants-type napkin 1.

[0077] (Engaging Members 30) A pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both left and right sides of the napkin 1. The engaging members 30 each have a base sheet 31 and an engaging portion 32.

[0078] The base sheet 31 is a sheet member made of nonwoven fabric or the like, and one side in the left-right direction (the outer side in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ) is inseparably fixed to the waistline member 20. Hereinafter, the portion that inseparably fixes the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) to the waistline member 20 is also referred to as the base sheet fixing portion 35. In this embodiment, the base sheet 31 and the waistline member 20 are inseparably fixed by the side joint portion 40 of the waistline member 20 described above. That is, the side joint portion 40 is configured to also serve as the base sheet fixing portion 35. However, the base sheet 31 and the waistline member 20 may also be inseparably fixed by a base sheet fixing portion 35 different from the side joint portion 40. For example, the base sheet fixing portion 35 may be provided in a position inward of the side joint portion 40 and outward of the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) described later in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20.

[0079] An engaging portion 32 is provided on the other left-right side of the base sheet 31 (the inner side in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 ). The engaging portion 32 is a member for releasably engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistband member 20, and is provided in a predetermined region (near the inner end in the left-right direction) on the skin-side surface of the engaging member 30. In this embodiment, the engaging portion 32 is a hook-and-loop fastener having a plurality of engaging hook members (engaging protrusions not shown) made of polypropylene or the like on its skin-side surface. These engaging hook members are hooked onto the fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin-side sheet 21 provided on the outermost layer of the waistband member 20, whereby the engaging portion 32 (engaging member 30) is releasably engaged with the non-skin-side surface of the waistband member 20.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, in the pants-type napkin 1 of this embodiment, the engaging portions 32 of the engaging members 30 are engaged with the front waist portion 20f in an area laterally inward of the side joining portions 40.

[0081] Furthermore, the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) is joined to the waistline member 20 by an engaging member joint 60. The engaging member joint 60 is a joint different from the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joint 40) and is formed using a known joining method such as an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive or ultrasonic welding. In FIG. 2 , the engaging member joint 60 is a rectangular area located in the left-right direction inside the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joint 40) and outside the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) described below. As will be described in detail later, joining the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31) to the waistline member 20 via this engaging member joint 60 improves the operability of tearing the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) and engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 in the napkin 1.

[0082] <Operations when Wearing the Napkin 1> Next, operations when wearing the napkin 1 will be described. In its initial state, the napkin 1 is pants-type (shorts-type) as shown in Fig. 1 and can be worn as a normal pants-type absorbent article. When removing the napkin 1 from the body, the waistline member 20, which is formed in a ring shape along the wearer's waist, can be separated into a front waistline portion 20f and a rear waistline portion 20b, and the napkin 1 can be unfolded to remove it. After separating the waistline member 20, the engaging member 30 joined to either the front waistline portion 20f or the rear waistline portion 20b can be engaged with the other of the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b, allowing the napkin 1 to be worn as a tape-type absorbent article.

[0083] Note that the perforation 25 (separation portion 25) on either the left or right side may be torn in advance when putting on the napkin 1. For example, the napkin 1 may be put on by passing one leg through the leg opening 1b on the other left or right side (the side where the perforation 25 is not torn) and pulling it up to the crotch area, and then engaging the engaging member 30 on one side with the waistband member 20. Other putting on and taking off operations may also be performed.

[0084] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of separating the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1 into front and rear halves. Fig. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the napkin 1 in a pants-type state as viewed from the upper side (the side of the waistline opening 1a) in the vertical direction, and Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state after the waistline member 20 has been separated into front and rear halves.

[0085] In the pants-type napkin 1, the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are joined together at side joining portions 40, 40 provided at both left and right ends to form an annular waistline opening 1a as shown in Fig. 4A. A pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both left and right sides of the waistline member 20, and the engaging members 30 are engaged with the non-skin side of the front waistline portion 20f by engaging portions 32.

[0086] 4A , a pair of separation portions 25 are provided on both left-right sides of the front waistline portion 20f. The separation portions 25 are provided to separate the waistline member 20, which is formed in a ring shape along the waist of the wearer, into the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b, and are provided in a portion in the left-right direction that is inside the side joint portion 40 and outside the inner end of the engaging member 30. In other words, the waistline member 20 can be separated at the separation portions 25 into a portion including at least the center of the front waistline portion 20f and a portion including at least the center of the rear waistline portion 20b.

[0087] In this embodiment, the separation portion 25 is configured by so-called perforations, in which a plurality of grooves (groove portions 251, described later) that penetrate the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction are arranged intermittently in the vertical direction from the waistline opening 1a to the leg openings 1b (see FIG. 8, etc.). The front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b can be easily separated by tearing the waistline member 20 along the perforations. Hereinafter, the separation portion 25 is also referred to as the "perforation 25."

[0088] The napkin 1, in which the waistline member 20 is separated into the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b at the separation portion 25 (perforation 25), is in the state shown in Fig. 4B. That is, the separation portion 25 in Fig. 4A is separated into a separation end 25fe on the front waistline portion 20f side and a separation end 25be on the rear waistline portion 20b side, and the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b are separated front and rear. In Fig. 4B, a pair of engaging members 30, 30 are joined to the rear waistline portion 20b side via the base sheet fixing portion 35 (side joining portion 40) and the engaging member joining portion 60 on both the left and right sides, and the engaging portions 32, 32 provided on the engaging members 30, 30 are each engaged with the front waistline portion 20f. This forms the waistline member 20 into a ring shape. When the napkin 1 in this state is to be removed from the wearer's body, the engaging portion 32 is peeled away from the front waistband portion 20f, whereby the napkin 1 is unfolded and can be easily removed.

[0089] Next, a specific description will be given of the operation method for re-wearing the napkin 1 by engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistband member 20 after tearing the perforations 25 to separate the waistband member 20 into front and rear parts.

[0090] First, as a comparative example, a method of operating a conventional pants-type (tape-type) napkin will be described. Figures 5A to 5D are diagrams illustrating a specific method of operating the napkin 2 of the comparative example when worn. The napkin 2 of the comparative example differs from the napkin 1 in that it does not have an engaging member joint 60 that joins the engaging member 30 and the waistband member 20. The configuration of the napkin 2 of the comparative example, other than the engaging member joint 60, is basically similar to that of the napkin 1 of this embodiment.

[0091] Fig. 5A shows the state when the napkin 2 is worn in a pants-type state. To remove the napkin 2 from this state, the engaging portion 32 engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband member 20 is released from the waistband member 20, and the engaging member 30 is deployed outward in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 5B. At this time, the engaging member 30 is deployed using the position of the side joint portion 40 (base sheet fixing portion 35) as a base point, and as the engaging member 30 is deployed, the perforations 25 provided on the waistband member 20 become exposed.

[0092] Next, the exposed perforation 25 is torn to separate the waistline member 20 into front and rear halves. When tearing the perforation 25, both sides of the perforation 25 (near areas A and B enclosed by dotted lines in FIG. 5B ) are grasped with both hands. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C , the waistline member 20 is pulled in opposite directions across the perforation 25, tearing the waistline member 20 from top to bottom along the perforation 25. At this time, it is necessary to carefully tear the waistline member 20 while grasping an area as close to the perforation 25 as possible so as not to tear portions of the waistline member 20 other than the perforation 25. Therefore, it is desirable to tear along the perforation 25 while gradually changing the gripping position with the hands. Alternatively, the perforation 25 may be torn from bottom to top. When the entire perforation 25 is torn, the waistline member 20 is separated into front and rear halves, and the napkin 2 can be easily removed from the wearer's body. 5B and 5C illustrate the operation of tearing the perforation 25 on one side (left side) of the napkin 2 in the left-right direction, but the same operation can be performed on the other side (right side) in the left-right direction.

[0093] When the napkin 2 is to be put back on after the waistline member 20 has been separated into front and rear halves by tearing the perforations 25, the engaging member 30 is engaged with the waistline member 20 as in a so-called tape-type absorbent article. Specifically, the tip portion of the engaging member 30 (area C surrounded by a dotted line in Fig. 5C ) is re-grabbed. Then, as shown in Fig. 5D , the engaging member 30 is pulled and turned toward the wearer's abdomen, so that the engaging portion 32 engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 (front waistline portion 20f). This allows the napkin 2 to fit the wearer's body.

[0094] In the operation of putting on the napkin 2 of the comparative example, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 (see FIG. 5C) and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistband member 20 (see FIG. 5D) are performed as separate operations. At least, the position where the napkin 2 is grasped in the operation of tearing the perforation 25 (areas A and B in FIG. 5B) is different from the position where the absorbent article is grasped in the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 (area C in FIG. 5C), which makes it necessary to change the grasping position by hand during the series of operations, resulting in poor operability.

[0095] In contrast, with the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the operation of tearing the perforations 25 to separate the waistline member 20 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be efficiently performed. Figures 6A to 6D are diagrams illustrating a specific operating method for wearing the napkin 1 of this embodiment.

[0096] Fig. 6A shows the state when the napkin 1 is worn in a pants-type state. When removing the napkin 1 from this state, as in the case of the napkin 2 of the comparative example, the engaging portion 32 engaged with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 is released from the waistline member 20, and the engaging member 30 is deployed outward in the left-right direction as shown in Fig. 6B. In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the engaging member 30 is joined to the waistline member 20 at an engaging member joint 60 that is more inward in the left-right direction than the side joint 40 (base sheet fixing portion 35). Therefore, the engaging member 30 is deployed from the position of the engaging member joint 60 as a base point, thereby exposing the perforations 25 provided in the waistline member 20.

[0097] Next, the exposed perforation 25 is torn to separate the waistband member 20 into front and rear parts. When tearing the perforation 25 in the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the tip of the engaging member 30 (area A surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6B ) is grasped with one hand, and the portion opposite the engaging member 30 across the perforation 25 (area B surrounded by a dotted line in FIG. 6B ) is grasped with the other hand. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C , the engaging member 30 is pulled to one side in the left-right direction across the perforation 25, and the waistband member 20 is pulled to the other side in the left-right direction. Then, the perforation 25 starts to tear near the center in the vertical direction, and the perforation 25 tears from the center in the vertical direction toward both ends. In the napkin 1, when one side end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is pulled, the force is concentrated at the engaging member joint 60 provided at the other side end, and the force is transmitted to the waistband member 20 via the engaging member joint 60. Therefore, compared to a diaper 2 not provided with an engaging member joint 60, a large pulling force can be easily applied to the perforation 25. Furthermore, because the force that tears the perforation 25 propagates from the center in the vertical direction to both sides, the tearing direction is less likely to deviate compared to when the perforation 25 is torn from one side to the other in the vertical direction as shown in Figure 5C, and tearing of the waistband member 20 in areas other than the perforation 25 is more likely to be suppressed. Therefore, the perforation 25 can be torn easily and accurately.

[0098] After tearing the perforation 25 to separate the waistline member 20 into front and rear halves, the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 involves pulling the engaging member 30 and turning it toward the wearer's abdomen, as shown in Fig. 6D, so that the engaging portion 32 engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 (the front waistline portion 20f). With the napkin 1, the leading end of the engaging member 30 can be pulled to engage with the waistline member 20 without changing the position of the gripping hand, while still gripping the leading end of the engaging member 30 as shown in Fig. 6C. In other words, compared to the case where the position of the hand gripping the engaging member 30 needs to be changed as shown in Figs. 5C and 5D, the napkin 1 eliminates the need to change the gripping position. Therefore, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be performed as a single continuous action.

[0099] As described above, with the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the operation of tearing the perforation 25 can be performed easily and safely by simply pulling the engaging member 30. Furthermore, the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be shifted to without changing the gripping position of the engaging member 30. As a result, the operability of the operation of tearing the perforation 25 and the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waistline member 20 can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, it is preferable that the position at which the engaging member joint 60 is provided is closer in the left-right direction to the position at which the perforation 25 is provided than to the position at which the side joint 40 is provided. In other words, when the napkin 1 (waistline member 20) is in an extended state, it is preferable that the distance L1 between the perforation 25 and the inner end of the engaging member joint 60 in the left-right direction be shorter than the distance L2 between the inner end of the engaging member joint 60 and the inner end of the side joint 40.

[0101] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional schematic diagrams of the waistband member 20 and the engaging member 30, illustrating the relationship between the position of the engaging member joint 60 and the ease of tearing the perforation 25. FIG. 7A illustrates the case where L1 > L2, i.e., the engaging member joint 60 is located closer to the side joint 40 than the perforation 25. In FIG. 7A , to tear the perforation 25, the engaging member 30 is unfolded by grasping the inner end (tip) in the left-right direction and pulling it outward (see FIG. 6C described above). At this time, the force pulling the engaging member 30 (the force for tearing the perforation 25) acts on the waistband member 20 via the engaging member joint 60. Therefore, if the distance L1 between the engaging member joint 60 and the perforation 25 is long, it may be difficult to tear the perforation 25. For example, force may be consumed to stretch the waistband member 20 between the engaging member joint 60 and the perforation 25, or the force may be dispersed, causing parts other than the perforation 25 to tear, making it difficult to apply force efficiently to the perforation 25.

[0102] 7B shows the case where L1<L2, i.e., the engaging member joint 60 is provided at a position closer to the perforation 25 than the side joint 40. In the case of FIG. 7B, the force pulling the engaging member 30 (the force to tear the perforation 25) acts on the waist member 20 via the engaging member joint 60 and is likely to be transmitted directly to the perforation 25. In other words, because the distance L1 between the engaging member joint 60 and the perforation 25 is short, the force is likely to be concentrated on the perforation 25 via the engaging member joint 60. This prevents the waist member 20 from being stretched or tearing portions other than the perforation 25, making it easier to tear the perforation 25.

[0103] 12, the perforation 25 may be provided at an angle relative to the vertical direction. In this case, the maximum distance between the perforation 25 and the inner end of the engaging member joint 60 in the horizontal direction is considered to be the distance L1.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the details of the engaging member 30 and the waistband member 20. As shown in FIG. 8, the engaging member 30 of the napkin 1 has only one engaging portion 32 (e.g., a hook member) that is long in the vertical direction. That is, each engaging member 30 is provided with one engaging portion 32 whose length L32 in the vertical direction is longer than its length W32 in the horizontal direction (L32 > W32). Because each engaging member 30 does not have multiple engaging portions 32, the operation of engaging and releasing the engaging portion 32 with respect to the waistband member 20 can be easily performed with one hand. Furthermore, because the engaging portion 32 is long in the vertical direction, the engaging portion 32 can be engaged with a wider range of the waistband member 20 in the vertical direction compared to when it is long in the horizontal direction. This improves stability during engagement and also suppresses the engaging member 30 from rolling up in the vertical direction and spontaneously peeling off. This facilitates the operation of engaging and releasing the engaging member 30 with respect to the waistband member 20.

[0105] The engaging portion 32 is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. In FIG. 8 , a predetermined gap is formed between the inner end 30ei of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction and the inner end 32ei of the engaging portion 32 in the left-right direction. That is, a predetermined amount of space is provided in the engaging member 30 toward the tip end (inner in the left-right direction) of the engaging portion 32. This space serves as a "grab margin" when grasping the engaging member 30. The provision of this "grab margin" makes it easier for a user to grasp and pull the tip end of the engaging member 30 without directly touching the engaging portion 32 (e.g., hook member). This makes it easier to engage and disengage the engaging member 30 with the waistband member 20.

[0106] Furthermore, the vertical length (width) of the engaging member 30 of the napkin 1 is narrower at the tip end (free end) than at the base end (fixed end). In Fig. 8, the vertical length L30o of the engaging member 30 at the outer end (outer end of the side joint portion 40) of the engaging member 30 is shorter than the vertical length L30i of the engaging member 30 at the midpoint between the inner end (30ei) of the engaging member 30 and the inner end (32ei) of the engaging portion 32 (L30o > L30i). Because the vertical width (L30i) of the engaging member 30 at the tip end (inner end) is narrower than the vertical width (L30o) at the base end (outer end), the tip of the engaging member 30 can be easily grasped with one hand, facilitating the operation of pulling the engaging member 30. Furthermore, when pulling the engaging member 30, the position where the force is applied by gripping with the hand is limited, making it difficult for the force to be dispersed and making it easier to concentrate the force on the perforations 25. Therefore, the operability when breaking the perforations 25 and engaging the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0107] Furthermore, as described above, in the napkin 1, the side joints 40 joining the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b also serve as the base sheet fixing portions 35. In other words, the engaging members 30 are inseparably fixed to the waistline member 20 by the side joints 40 on the outside in the left-right direction of the engaging member fixing portions 60. Therefore, the engaging members 30 are joined to the waistline member 20 at at least two points in the left-right direction: the side joints 40 (base sheet fixing portions 35) and the engaging member fixing portions 60. When the napkin 1 is used as a tape-type absorbent article after the perforations 25 of the waistline member 20 are torn, the fact that the engaging members 30 are fixed to the waistline member 20 at two points makes it easier to re-engage and peel off the engaging members 30 in a stable manner. Furthermore, when performing this operation, excessive shrinkage or large wrinkles in the waistband member 20 or the engaging member 30 can be prevented from being formed in the region between the side joint portion 40 and the engaging member joint portion 60. Therefore, the operability when tearing the perforation 25 and engaging the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0108] Furthermore, a high-density portion 70 having a higher density than the surrounding area may be provided in a predetermined region of the waistband member 20 that overlaps the perforation 25. FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the high-density portion 70. The high-density portion 70 is a region of the waistband member 20 where the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22, which are laminated in the thickness direction, are fused together. For example, the high-density portion 70 is formed by distributing multiple fused portions in the shaded area in FIG. 9 . This increases the density of a region of the waistband member 20 (front waistband portion 20f) having a predetermined width that straddles the perforation 25 in the left-right direction. Note that the shape and arrangement of the fused portions forming the high-density portion 70 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 9 .

[0109] The provision of such high-density portions 70 increases the rigidity around the perforations 25, making areas other than the perforations 25 less likely to tear, thereby facilitating the clean tearing of the waistband member 20 along the perforations 25. Furthermore, in the high-density portions 70, the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric of the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheet 22 are constrained by the fused portions, resulting in a lower degree of freedom of the fibers compared to areas without the high-density portions 70. Therefore, when a force to tear the perforations 25 acts on the fibers, the fibers are less likely to be displaced and the force released, making the fibers more likely to be cut. Furthermore, the high-density portions 70 help maintain the waistband member 20 in a flat shape, making it less likely for distortion or wrinkles to form on the fracture surface when the perforations 25 are torn, facilitating the engagement and release of the engaging member 30. This improves operability when tearing the perforations 25 to engage the engaging member 30.

[0110] As shown in the partially enlarged view of Fig. 8, the perforations 25 are formed by alternately arranging grooves 251 penetrating the waistband member 20 in the thickness direction and non-penetrating portions 252 that do not penetrate the waistband member 20 in a predetermined direction (a direction substantially parallel to the vertical direction in Fig. 8). In the napkin 1, at least some of the non-penetrating portions 252, 252... are arranged so as to overlap with the engaging member joint portions 60 in the vertical direction.

[0111] In the napkin 1, when the perforation 25 is torn, the non-penetration portion 252 must be torn vertically between two vertically adjacent grooves 251. In other words, the non-penetration portion 252 must be torn when the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled outward in the left-right direction (see FIG. 6C ). In this embodiment, the non-penetration portion 252 of the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 overlap in the up-down direction. This allows force to be easily applied to the non-penetration portion 252 of the perforation 25 via the engaging member joint 60 when the engaging member 30 is pulled. Therefore, the force pulling the engaging member 30 is easily transmitted to the non-penetration portion 252, making the non-penetration portion 252 easier to tear. This makes the perforation 25 easier to tear.

[0112] The plurality of grooves 251 and non-penetrating portions 252 constituting the perforation 25 do not necessarily have to have a uniform shape. For example, the perforation 25 can be modified as follows.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the perforation 25. In the first modified example of the perforation 25, the length of the groove 251 in the vertical center is longer than the length of the grooves 251 on both vertical sides. For example, in FIG. 10 , the groove 251 located in the central region CR, which is located in the center when the waistband member 20 is divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction, is referred to as the central groove 251c, and the non-penetrating portion 252 located in the central region CR is referred to as the central non-penetrating portion 252c. Furthermore, the grooves 251 located in the side regions ER, which are located on both sides of the central region CR, are referred to as the side grooves 251e, and the non-penetrating portions 252 located in the side regions ER are referred to as the side non-penetrating portions 252e. The length of the central groove 251c is longer than the length of the side grooves 251e, and the central non-penetrating portion 252c and the side non-penetrating portion 252e are the same length (251c > 251e, 252c = 252e).

[0114] In this case, the ratio of the total length of the central groove 251c to the length of the central region CR in the vertical direction is greater than the ratio of the total length of the side grooves 251e to the length of the side regions ER in the vertical direction. In other words, in the vertical direction of the perforation 25, the total length of the grooves 251 (central groove 251c) per unit length in the central region CR is longer than the total length of the grooves 251 (side grooves 251e) per unit length in the side regions ER.

[0115] With this configuration, the proportion of the portion (central groove 251c) penetrating the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction in the central region CR is greater than the proportion of the portion (side groove 251e) penetrating the waistline member 20 in the thickness direction in the side regions ER. In other words, the proportion of the non-penetrating portion 252 is smaller in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, making the perforations 25 more likely to tear. Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pulled to tear the perforations 25 in the napkin 1, a starting point for tearing the perforations 25 is more likely to form in the central region CR than in the side regions ER. This makes it easier for the perforations 25 to tear from the central region CR toward the side regions ER, as described in FIG. 6C . Conversely, since starting points for tearing the perforations 25 are less likely to form in the side regions ER than in the central region CR, spontaneous tearing of the perforations 25 from the vertical side is more likely to be suppressed when wearing the napkin 1.

[0116] 10, the multiple central grooves 251c arranged in the central region CR all have the same length, but the central grooves 251c may have different lengths. For example, the length of the central grooves 251c arranged closer to the center in the vertical direction in the central region CR may be longer than the length of the central grooves 251c arranged closer to the end in the vertical direction. The same applies to the multiple side grooves 251e arranged in the side regions ER. In other words, the perforation 25 as a whole may be configured such that the grooves 251 are longer the closer to the vertical center position.

[0117] FIG. 11 illustrates a second modified example of the perforation 25. In the second modified example of the perforation 25, the spacing between the grooves 251 arranged intermittently along the vertical direction is narrower in the vertical center and wider on both sides. In FIG. 11, the central groove 251c and the side grooves 251e are all equal in length, and the length of the non-penetrating portion 252c in the central region CR is narrower than the length of the non-penetrating portion 252e in the side regions ER (251c = 251e, 252c < 252e). Note that the length of the non-penetrating portion 252 may be shorter as the perforation 25 as a whole approaches the vertical center position.

[0118] 11 , as in the case of FIG. 10 , the proportion of the total length of the central groove 251c in the vertical length of the central region CR is greater than the proportion of the total length of the side grooves 251e in the vertical length of the side regions ER. That is, in the vertical direction of the perforation 25, the total length of the grooves 251 (central groove 251c) per unit length in the central region CR is longer than the total length of the grooves 251 (side grooves 251e) per unit length in the side regions ER. That is, the proportion of the non-penetrating portions 252 is smaller in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, making the perforation 25 more likely to tear.

[0119] Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pulled in the operation of tearing the perforation 25 in the napkin 1, a starting point for tearing the perforation 25 is more likely to be formed in the central region CR than in the side regions ER, which makes it easier to tear the perforation 25. Also, since a starting point for tearing the perforation 25 is less likely to be formed in the side regions ER than in the central region CR, it is easier to prevent the perforation 25 from naturally tearing from both sides in the vertical direction.

[0120] The perforations 25 may also be arranged in a direction that is not parallel to the vertical direction. Figures 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a third modified example of the perforations 25. In this third modified example, the perforations 25 are arranged so as to slope from the outside to the inside in the left-right direction and from both ends in the up-down direction toward the center. That is, the perforations 25 are arranged along a triangular (isosceles triangle) path that is convex inward in the left-right direction as a whole. For example, in Figures 12A and 12B , among the multiple grooves 251 constituting the perforations 25, one groove 251 is designated as a first groove 251a, and the groove 251 adjacent to the outside (end side) of the first groove 251a in the up-down direction is designated as a second groove 251b. In this case, the innermost end of the first groove 251a is located inside the innermost end of the second groove 251b in the left-right direction.

[0121] With this configuration, when the engaging member 30 is pulled from the inside to the outside in the left-right direction in the operation of tearing the perforation 25, the force for tearing the perforation 25 is likely to propagate diagonally from the center to both sides in the up-down direction, making it easier to tear the perforation 25 smoothly. Note that when the perforation 25 is arranged at an angle as shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the lengths of the groove portion 251 and the non-penetrating portion 252 may each be adjusted, as described in Figures 10 and 11.

[0122] Furthermore, in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60. As described above, the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of waistline elastic members 26, 26... that stretch in the left-right direction, imparting stretchability to the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction (see FIG. 2, etc.). On the other hand, in the front waistline portion 20f of FIG. 2, the range in which the waistline elastic members 26 exhibit stretchability (the so-called effective length range) is limited to the region from the position 26es on one end side to the position 26es on the other end side in the left-right direction. In other words, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60.

[0123] Since the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 is not stretchable, the waistline member 20 is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or curling in that region after the perforation 25 is torn. This prevents the waistline member 20 from becoming uncomfortably soft against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer when wearing the napkin 1. In addition, the region is less likely to interfere with the operation of engaging the engaging member 30.

[0124] 2, no waist elastic member 26 is provided in the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 in the left-right direction (outside 26es in the left-right direction), but a configuration in which a waist elastic member 26 that does not exhibit stretchability is provided may also be adopted. In other words, an elastic member that does not stretch in the left-right direction may be provided in the region between the perforation 25 and the engaging member joint 60 in the left-right direction.

[0125] Similarly, in the left-right direction of the waistline member 20 of the napkin 1, no stretching force acts in the left-right direction in the region between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40 (see FIG. 2 , etc.). In other words, the waistline elastic members 26 that stretch in the left-right direction are not provided between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40, or the waistline elastic members 26 are provided in a non-stretchable state. In this case, too, after the perforation 25 is torn, the waistline member 20 is prevented from shrinking in the left-right direction or curling in the region between the engaging member joint 60 and the side joint 40. This prevents the waistline member 20 from becoming less comfortable against the skin or causing discomfort to the wearer when wearing the napkin 1. Furthermore, because the vicinity of the base end of the engaging member 30 (near the base sheet fixing portion 35) is less susceptible to shrinkage, the operability of engaging the engaging member 30 is less likely to deteriorate.

[0126] <Method of Manufacturing Napkin 1> Next, a method of manufacturing a napkin 1 having an engaging member joint 60 will be described. Fig. 13 is a flow diagram of each process carried out in the manufacture of the napkin 1. Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to each process in Fig. 13.

[0127] First, a conveying step is performed (S101), in which base materials, such as the non-skin-side sheet 21 and the skin-side sheets 22 and 23 (first and second sheets) that make up the napkin 1, are conveyed in a predetermined conveying direction (MD). The conveying step is performed using a conveying mechanism (not shown) equipped with known conveying rollers, etc. The conveying direction (MD) is defined as the direction along the left-right direction of the napkin 1. In the conveying step, a continuous non-skin-side sheet web in which the non-skin-side sheet 21 is connected in the conveying direction (left-right direction of the napkin 1) and a continuous skin-side sheet web in which the skin-side sheets 22 and 23 are connected in the conveying direction (left-right direction) are each conveyed from upstream to downstream in the conveying direction (MD) at a predetermined conveying speed. While these base materials are being conveyed, steps S102 to S108 are performed, thereby manufacturing the napkin 1.

[0128] Next, the base materials being conveyed in the conveying direction are stacked in the thickness direction, waist elastic members 26 are attached between the base materials in the thickness direction, and then leg openings 1b are formed (opened) to form the waist member 20 in an expanded and stretched state (S102). Note that Fig. 14 shows the napkin 1 in the manufacturing process as seen from the non-skin side. For simplicity of explanation, some parts such as the waist elastic members 26 are not shown.

[0129] Next, an engaging member joint forming step is performed to form an engaging member joint 60 for joining the engaging member 30 to the waistband member 20 (S103). The engaging member joint forming step is performed by applying an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, to a predetermined position on the waistband member 20 using an engaging member joint forming mechanism (not shown). In FIG. 14 , the adhesive is applied in rectangular regions along the cross direction (CD) perpendicular to the conveying direction on both sides of positions SE (the positions at both ends of the waistband member 20, indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 14 ) where side joints 40 will be formed in step S107, which will be described later. Note that the engaging member joints 60 may be formed by applying the adhesive to the engaging member 30, rather than to the waistband member 20.

[0130] Next, an engaging member attaching step is performed in which the engaging members 30 are joined and attached to the non-skin side of the waistline member 20 via the engaging member joints 60 (S104). The engaging members 30 are supplied by an engaging member attaching mechanism (not shown) in a state in which two (a pair of left and right) engaging members 30, 30 are connected in the conveying direction, as shown in Fig. 14. Note that the engaging members 30 are provided with engaging portions 32, and the engaging members 30 are engaged with the waistline member 20 via the engaging portions 32, which makes it easier to prevent the engaging members 30 from shifting position during conveyance.

[0131] Next, an absorbent body attaching step is carried out (S105) in which the absorbent body 10 is attached to the waistline member 20. The absorbent body 10 is separately manufactured in an absorbent body manufacturing line (not shown), and is attached to the skin side of the waistline member 20 using a transfer drum or the like.

[0132] Next, a folding step is performed in which the waistline member 20 and the absorbent main body 10 are folded in half at the center position (CL) in the cross direction (CD) and stacked in the thickness direction (S106). Next, a joining step is performed in which the stacked waistline members 20 (the front waistline portion 20f and the rear waistline portion 20b) are welded at positions SE, SE on both sides of the absorbent main body 10 in the conveying direction (left-right direction) to form side joint portions 40 (S106). Finally, a cutting step is performed in which the continuous body of waistline members 20 is cut at position SE in the conveying direction to divide it into individual napkins 1 (S107). Through these steps, napkins 1 are manufactured. The manufactured napkins 1 are folded small as necessary, packaged in packaging material, etc., and shipped to the market as products.

[0133] Furthermore, some of the steps in the manufacturing process of the napkin 1 described in Figure 13 may be modified as follows. Figure 15 is a modified flow diagram of the steps performed in manufacturing the napkin 1. Figure 16 is a conceptual diagram showing how the napkin 1 is manufactured according to the steps in Figure 15. In the manufacturing process shown in Figure 15, the order of the engaging member attaching step (S103 in Figure 15) and the engaging member joining portion forming step (S104 in Figure 15) is different from that of the manufacturing process shown in Figure 13. Steps other than the engaging member attaching step and the engaging member joining portion forming step are substantially the same as the steps described in Figure 13, and therefore will not be described here.

[0134] In the manufacturing process of the napkin 1 shown in Fig. 15, the engaging member attaching step (S103) is performed before the engaging member joining portion forming step (S104) is performed. That is, the engaging member 30 is attached to the waistline member 20 before adhesive is applied to the waistline member 20 as shown in Fig. 14. Note that in the engaging member attaching step (S103) shown in Fig. 15, the engaging member 30 is not completely fixed to the waistline member 20, and the engaging member 30 is temporarily fixed to the waistline member 20 by engaging the engaging portion 32.

[0135] Next, a joining member joint forming step is performed to form the engaging member joint 60 (S104). Here, with the engaging member 30 laminated on the waistline member 20, the engaging member joint 60 is formed using a known welding means such as ultrasonic welding or heat welding, and the waistline member 20 and the engaging member 30 are joined to each other. By using a welding means, at least three sheet members, namely the base sheet 31 constituting the engaging member 30 and the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 constituting the waistline member 20, are integrated, thereby further increasing the joining strength of the engaging member joint 60.

[0136] ===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.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, a pair of perforations 25 (separation portions 25) are provided on both sides of the waistband member 20 in the left-right direction, but the perforations 25 may be provided on only one side. That is, the waistband member 20 may be configured so that only one side in the left-right direction can be separated into front and rear.

[0138] In the above-described embodiment, the waistline member 20 is provided with a plurality of waistline elastic members 26, 26 made of rubber thread or the like, thereby imparting stretchability to the waistline member 20 in the left-right direction, but the waistline member 20 may be imparted with stretchability by an elastic member other than the waistline elastic member 26. For example, the waistline member 20 may be imparted with stretchability by arranging a stretchable sheet member (e.g., a stretchable nonwoven fabric) that stretches in the left-right direction in the region of the waistline member 20 where the waistline elastic members 26 are arranged.

[0139] <Regarding awareness of napkin 1> In the above embodiment, it has been explained that napkin 1 can be used in both pants-type and tape-type states, but generally, pants-type napkins and tape-type napkins have different donning methods and donning procedures, and in particular, when wearing the tape-type napkin, different procedures are taken for the left and right sides to achieve the donning state, so it is necessary for the wearer to be aware of how to wear it.

[0140] For example, in the case of the napkin 1 in a pants-like state, the napkin 1 can be worn by passing both legs through the pair of leg openings 1b from the waist opening 1a side and then pulling up the napkin 1 until the waist opening 1a reaches the wearer's waist. In other words, the napkin 1 in a pants-like state can be worn almost symmetrically on both sides of the wearer's body with the same movement.

[0141] On the other hand, when wearing the napkin 1 in the tape-type state, one end of the front waistline 20f in the left-right direction is torn at the perforation 25 on one side in the left-right direction when in the pants-type state, and one engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waistline 20f, so that one leg of the wearer is passed through the leg opening 1b on one side in the left-right direction of the napkin 1. Next, the other perforation 25 on the left-right direction of the front waistline 20f is torn, and the other engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waistline 20f, so that the other leg of the wearer is passed through the leg opening 1b on the other side in the left-right direction of the napkin 1.

[0142] However, because typical pants-type absorbent articles have a symmetrical shape in a plan view, there is a risk that a wearer, etc., will not easily recognize that the left and right sides of an absorbent article that can be worn in both pants-type and tape-type states, such as the napkin 1, should be put on in the tape-type state in different procedures. In particular, because the napkin 1 is initially in pants-type state after being taken out of the package, there is a risk that a wearer, etc., will not easily recognize that the procedures for putting on the napkin 1 in the tape-type state are different for the left and right sides.

[0143] Therefore, by making the napkin 1 in a pants-like state asymmetrical in shape with respect to the center position in the left-right direction when stretched, it is possible to make it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to put on the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction when putting it on.

[0144] Fig. 17 is a plan view showing an example of a napkin 1 having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center position C-C in the left-right direction. In Fig. 17, in the extended napkin 1, the engaging member 30 provided on one side in the left-right direction is referred to as one-side engaging member 30a, and the engaging member 30 provided on the other side in the left-right direction is referred to as the other-side engaging member 30b. The same applies to other parts other than the engaging member 30 (for example, the perforations 25 and the engaging portion 32).

[0145] As shown in Figure 17, in the extended state, the length L1a in the left-right direction from the other end 30aei of the one-side engaging member 30a to the other end 35au of the one-side side joint 40a (one-side fixing portion 35a) is different from the length L1b from the one end 30bei of the other-side engaging member 30b to the one end 35bu of the other-side side joint 40b (other-side fixing portion 35b) (L1a ≠ L1b).

[0146] Because the napkin 1 has different lengths L1a and L1b in the stretched state, the wearer can easily recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side. In particular, in the case of an absorbent article that can be worn in a pants-like state, such as the napkin 1, pants-like absorbent articles generally have a symmetrical shape, which can easily confuse the wearer when trying to wear the napkin in the tape-like state. In contrast, the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction in the initial pants-like state, which makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is not a typical pants-like absorbent article, but can also be worn in the tape-like state, and that it is preferable to wear the napkin in different ways on one side and the other side.

[0147] In addition, the region of the front waistline portion 20f where the elasticity in the left-right direction is exerted by the waistline elastic members 26 is referred to as the front stretchable region 20EA. In this case, in a stretched state of the napkin 1, the distance L2a from the center C-C in the left-right direction to one end EAa of the front stretchable region 20EA in the left-right direction may be different from the distance L2b from the center C-C in the left-right direction of the napkin 1 to the other end EAb of the front stretchable region 20EA in the left-right direction (L2a ≠ L2b).

[0148] In the stretched state, the difference between the distances L2a and L2b makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction than when the distances L2a and L2b are the same, which makes it easier for the wearer to recognize and be aware that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side.

[0149] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L3a from the center 32ac of the one-side engaging portion 32a in the left-right direction to the other end 35au of the one-side side joint portion 40a (one-side fixing portion 35a) is different from the length L3b from the center 32bc of the other-side engaging portion 32b in the left-right direction to the one end 35bu of the other-side side joint portion 40b (other-side fixing portion 35b) (L3a ≠ L3b).

[0150] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction than when the lengths L3a and L3b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0151] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L4a from the left-right-most end EAa of the front stretchable region 20EA to the other end 60au of the one-side engaging member joint 60a is different from the length L4b from the left-right-most end EAb of the front stretchable region 20EA to the one-side end 60bu of the other-side engaging member joint 60b (L4a≠L4b).

[0152] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction than when the lengths L4a and L4b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0153] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L6a from the left-right-most end EAa of the front stretchable region 20EA to the one-side perforation 25a is different from the length L6b from the left-right-most end EAb of the front stretchable region 20EA to the other-side perforation 25b (L6a ≠ L6b).

[0154] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction than when the lengths L6a and L6b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0155] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L7a from the center C-C in the left-right direction to the perforation 25a on one side is different from the length L7b from the center C-C in the left-right direction to the perforation 25b on the other side (L7a≠L7b).

[0156] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction than when the length L7a and the length L7b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0157] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the napkin 1, it is preferable that the length L5a from one end 20fae of the front waistline portion 20f to one end 35as of the one side side joint 40a (one side fixed portion 35a) is different from the length L5b from the other end 20fbe of the front waistline portion 20f to the other end 35bs of the other side side joint 40b (other side fixed portion 35b) (L5a ≠ L5b).

[0158] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center C-C in the left-right direction than when the lengths L5a and L5b are the same, and also makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0159] Furthermore, the area of ​​the one-side tab 30a and the area of ​​the other-side tab 30b may be different in the stretched napkin 1. By visually recognizing the different sized one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b, the wearer can more easily recognize that the napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction than if the one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b had the same area. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in a different manner on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0160] Furthermore, in the stretched napkin 1, the shape of the one-side tab 30a and the shape of the other-side tab 30b may be different. For example, the one-side tab 30a may be semicircular and the other-side tab 30b may be rectangular (not shown in FIG. 17 ). By visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-side tab 30a and the other-side tab 30b, the wearer can easily recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in a different manner on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0161] Furthermore, in the extended state of the napkin 1, the one-side engaging portion 32a (the other-side engaging portion 32b) may have a side edge sa (side edge sb) aligned in the vertical direction, and in the extended state, the side edge sa (side edge sb) may be inclined relative to the vertical direction. For example, the one-side engaging portion 32a and the other-side engaging portion 32b may be inclined on opposite sides of the left-right center C-C (not shown in FIG. 17). The inclination of the side edge sa of the one-side engaging portion 32a relative to the vertical direction makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the left-right center than when the side edge sa of the one-side engaging portion 32a is parallel to the vertical direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different ways on one side and the other side.

[0162] Furthermore, in the stretched napkin 1, the lower end au of the one engaging portion 32a and the lower end bu of the other engaging portion 32b may be located at different positions in the vertical direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center in the horizontal direction than when the lower end au of the one engaging portion 32a and the lower end bu of the other engaging portion 32b are located at the same position in the vertical direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is preferable to wear the napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the horizontal direction.

[0163] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Napkin (pants-type absorbent article), 1a Waist opening, 1b Leg openings, 2 Napkin (comparative example), 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent core, 12 Top sheet, 13 Back sheet, 13a Liquid-impermeable sheet, 13b Hydrophobic sheet, 20 Waist member, 20f Front waist portion, 20b Rear waist portion, 21 Non-skin side sheet, 22 Skin side sheet, 23 Skin side sheet, 25 Perforation (separation portion), 25fe Separation edge, 25be Separation edge, 251 Groove portion, 251a First groove portion, 251b Second groove portion, 251c Central groove portion, 251e Side groove portion, 252 Non-penetration portion, 252c Central non-penetration portion, 252e Side non-penetration portion, 26 Waist elastic member, 30 Engagement member, 31 Base sheet, 32 Engagement portion, 35 Base sheet fixing portion, 40 Side joining portion, 40f End portion, 40b End portion, 50 Absorbent body elastic member, 60 Engagement member joining portion, 70 High density portion, CL Central position

Claims

1. A pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body with intersecting vertical and horizontal directions, comprising: an absorbent main body; a waistline member arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body and having a front waistline section and a rear waistline section; and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, wherein the front waistline section and the rear waistline section are joined to each other at both ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of side joints, and wherein the pants-type absorbent article has perforations along the vertical direction for separating the waistline member, located inside the side joints and outside the inner ends of the engaging members in the horizontal direction, and has an engaging member joint between the side joints and the perforations in the horizontal direction, joining the engaging member to the waistline member.

2. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 1, characterized in that when stretched, the length between the perforation and the inner end of the joining portion of the engaging member in the left-right direction is shorter than the length between the inner end of the joining portion of the engaging member and the side joining portion.

3. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engaging member has one engaging portion whose length in the up-down direction is longer than its length in the left-right direction.

4. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the engaging portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the inner end of the engaging member in the left-right direction.

5. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 4, characterized in that the vertical length of the engaging member at the midpoint between the inner left-right end of the engaging member and the inner left-right end of the engaging portion is shorter than the vertical length of the outer left-right end of the engaging member.

6. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the engaging member is inseparably fixed to the waistband member at the side joint, outside the engaging member joint in the left-right direction.

7. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the waistband member has a high-density portion that is a portion with a higher density than the surrounding area, and the high-density portion is provided across the perforations in the left-right direction.

8. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the perforations have a plurality of grooves and non-penetrating portions arranged alternately in the vertical direction, and at least a portion of the plurality of non-penetrating portions overlap with the engaging member joints in the vertical direction.

9. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the total length of the grooves per unit length in the central region when the waistband member is divided into thirds in the vertical direction is greater than the total length of the grooves per unit length in the regions on either side when the waistband member is divided into thirds in the vertical direction.

10. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 8, characterized in that the perforations have a first groove portion and a second groove portion arranged adjacent to the outside of the first groove portion in the up-down direction, and the innermost end of the first groove portion is located more inward than the innermost end of the second groove portion in the left-right direction.

11. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the left-right direction, in the area between the perforations of the waistband member and the joining portion of the engaging member, no elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction is provided, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

12. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the left-right direction, in the area between the engaging member joint and the side joint of the waistband member, no elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction is provided, or the elastic member is provided in a non-stretchable state.

13. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging members have a one-side engaging member provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the side joints have a one-side side joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side side joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging member is fixed to the waistband member at the one-side side joint, and the other-side engaging member is fixed to the waistband member at the other-side side joint, and in a stretched state, the length from the other end of the one-side engaging member to the other end of the one-side side joint in the left-right direction is different from the length from one end of the other-side engaging member to one end of the other-side side joint.

14. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 13, wherein the front waistband has a front stretchable region that is stretchable in the left-right direction, and in a stretched state, the distance from the center in the left-right direction to one end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction is different from the distance from the center in the left-right direction to the other end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction.

15. A pants-type absorbent article as claimed in claim 14, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and a second-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and wherein, in a stretched state, the length from the center of the one-side engaging portion in the left-right direction to the other end of the one-side side joint is different from the length from the center of the other-side engaging portion in the left-right direction to the one end of the other-side side joint.

16. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 15, wherein the engaging member joints have a one-side engaging member joint provided on one side in the left-right direction and a other-side engaging member joint provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and wherein, in a stretched state, the length from the one-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the other-side end of the one-side engaging member joint is different from the length from the other-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to one-side end of the other-side engaging member joint.

17. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 16, wherein the perforations include a one-side perforation provided on one side in the left-right direction and a second-side perforation provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and wherein, in a stretched state, the length from the one-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the one-side perforation is different from the length from the other-side end of the front stretchable region in the left-right direction to the other-side perforation.

18. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 17, characterized in that, in a stretched state, the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on one side is different from the length from the center in the left-right direction to the perforation on the other side.

19. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 18, characterized in that, in a stretched state, the length from one end of the front waistband to one end of one side joint in the left-right direction is different from the length from the other end of the front waistband to the other end of the other side joint.

20. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that, in a stretched state, the area of ​​the engaging member on one side is different from the area of ​​the engaging member on the other side.

21. A pants-type absorbent article according to claim 13, characterized in that the shape of the one engaging member and the shape of the other engaging member are different.

22. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 13, wherein the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, the one-side engaging portion having a side edge along the up-down direction, and in a stretched state, the side edge is inclined relative to the up-down direction.

23. A pants-type absorbent article as described in claim 13, characterized in that the engaging portion has a one-side engaging portion provided on one side in the left-right direction and an other-side engaging portion provided on the other side in the left-right direction, and in that, in a stretched state, the lower end of the one-side engaging portion and the lower end of the other-side engaging portion are provided at different positions in the up-down direction.

24. A method for producing a pants-type absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having intersecting vertical and horizontal directions; a waistline member having a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body; and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attaching step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein, before the engaging member attaching step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out, in which an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member is formed by applying adhesive to the engaging member or the waistline member.

25. A method for producing a pants-type absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having intersecting vertical and horizontal directions; a waistline member having a front waistline portion and a rear waistline portion, and arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body; and an engaging member whose outer end in the horizontal direction is inseparably fixed to the waistline member and whose inner end removably engages with the non-skin side of the waistline member, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the waistline member in a conveying direction along the horizontal direction; and an engaging member attaching step of attaching the engaging member to the waistline member, wherein after the engaging member attaching step, an engaging member joint forming step is carried out, in which an engaging member joint that joins the engaging member and the waistline member is formed using a welding means.

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