Absorbent article

Abstract

This absorbent article (1) has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to one another in an unfolded state, and comprises an absorbent core (10) having liquid absorbency. The absorbent article has: a joining means (30) that is provided on a skin side surface and can be joined to a part of the absorbent article (1) at the time of disposal; and an odor suppression means (60) for suppressing the odor of excrement adhered to the absorbent core (10).

Description

Absorbent article

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article that is easy to remove after use and can be kept in a small bundled state after removal. Specifically, when the used absorbent article is rolled up from one end in the longitudinal direction for disposal, it is said that it can be held in a rolled-up state by a belt-like region near the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-77999

[0004] On the other hand, when the absorbent article absorbs a large amount of excrement, the swelling in the thickness direction increases, so it may be difficult to roll it up from the end. In that case, an absorbent article provided with a closing mechanism that closes in a state of being folded with the skin side facing inward is desired. The closing mechanism is provided, for example, such that when the absorbent article is folded in half with the skin side facing inward, joining means such as an adhesive or a self-adhesive faces each other at both ends of the absorbent article. In such an absorbent article provided with a closing mechanism, after use, by closing the skin side surface to which excreted liquid has adhered, it can be hygienically discarded in a state where the excreted liquid and its odor are contained.

[0005] However, even in such an absorbent article, even if it is possible to suppress the odor when discarded after use, it is not possible to suppress the odor of excrement adhering to the absorbent core during use (when worn), which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an absorbent article capable of suppressing the odor of excrement during and after use.

[0007] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to each other in a deployed state and including a liquid-absorbent absorbent core, and having joining means provided on the skin side surface and capable of joining to a part of the absorbent article at the time of disposal, and odor suppressing means for suppressing the odor of excrement adhering to the absorbent core. The absorbent article is characterized by this.

[0008] Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can suppress the odor of excrement during and after use.

[0010] This is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in its unfolded and extended state, as seen from the skin side. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. Figures 3A and 3B show the state when the pad 1 is folded in half in the longitudinal direction. These are partially enlarged views to explain the details of the structure of the pad 1. Figures 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30'. These are diagrams to explain the joining means 30 and 30'. This is a plan view explaining the arrangement of the joining means 30, 30' and the odor suppression means 60. Figures 8A and 8B are diagrams to explain the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which the joining means 30 and 30' are applied. Figures 9A to 9C are explanatory diagrams showing modified examples of the joining means 30 and 30' of the pad 1. This is a diagram explaining the adjacent layer 40. This is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in its unfolded and extended state, as seen from the non-skin side.

[0011] The following matters will become clear from the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core having longitudinal, width and thickness directions that are mutually orthogonal in an unfolded state, characterized in that it has a bonding means provided on the skin side and which can be bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, and an odor suppression means for suppressing the odor of excrement adhering to the absorbent core.

[0012] According to the absorbent article of Embodiment 1, by having an odor suppression means, it is possible to suppress the leakage of odor from excrement such as urine attached to the absorbent core when the absorbent article is used (worn). Furthermore, after use, the absorbent article can be folded in half in the longitudinal direction and the joining means can be joined to the opposing surfaces, so that the skin-facing sides are facing each other and it can be closed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the leakage of odor from excrement from the absorbent article after use. As a result, the odor of excrement is suppressed during and after use, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the user.

[0013] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein in the width direction, the length of the joining means is longer than 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article.

[0014] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 2, since the joining means are provided over an area wider than at least one-third of the maximum width of the absorbent article, when the absorbent article is folded in half lengthwise with the skin-facing side facing inward, the skin-facing sides of the absorbent article are more easily joined together via the joining means, and the skin-facing side is more easily kept closed. Therefore, when disposing of the absorbent article after use, it is easier to suppress the leakage of the odor of excrement to the outside.

[0015] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein in the width direction, the length of the joining means is longer than the length of the odor suppression means.

[0016] In the absorbent article of embodiment 3, the bonding means is configured to be wider than the odor-suppressing means, which makes it easier for the bonding means to firmly bond to the opposing surface when the absorbent article is disposed of, compared to the reverse case. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain a closed state on the skin side, and the odor of excrement is less likely to leak out. In other words, it is possible to suppress odors when disposing of the absorbent article.

[0017] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein in the width direction, the length of the joining means is shorter than the length of the odor suppression means.

[0018] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 4, the odor suppression means is configured to be wider than the bonding means. Compared to the opposite case, even if the excrement absorbed by the absorbent core is widely dispersed when the absorbent article is worn, the wider odor suppression means makes it less likely for the odor to leak out. In other words, it is possible to suppress odors more easily when using (wearing) the absorbent article.

[0019] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the odor suppression means and the joining means are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] In the absorbent article of embodiment 5, the bonding means and the odor suppression means are arranged spaced apart from each other, making it easier for the user to recognize that these means have different functions. Furthermore, in the operation of closing the skin sides, when bonding the skin sides together with the bonding means, it is less likely to cause errors such as mistakenly using the odor suppression means to bond the skin sides together with the bonding means.

[0021] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the joining means is longer than the length of the joining means.

[0022] In the absorbent article of embodiment 6, the distance between the odor suppression means and the joining means is sufficiently wide compared to the width (longitudinal direction) of the joining means, making it easier for the user to recognize that the joining means and the odor suppression means are different. Therefore, confusion between the joining means and the odor suppression means is suppressed, and errors such as mistakenly using the odor suppression means to join skin surfaces together can be prevented.

[0023] (Aspect 7) The joining means comprises a one-side joining means provided on one side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction and a other-side joining means provided on the other side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, wherein the sum of the distance between one end of the odor suppressing means and the other end of the one-side joining means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppressing means and the one end of the other-side joining means, is greater than the length of the odor suppressing means, as described in any of aspects 1 to 6.

[0024] In the absorbent article of embodiment 7, a pair of fastening means are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction, sufficiently spaced apart from the odor-suppressing means, making it less likely for the odor-suppressing means and the fastening means to be confused compared to the opposite case. Furthermore, because the fastening means on one side and the fastening means on the other side are sufficiently spaced apart, it becomes easier for the user to visualize the operation of fastening the fastening means together to close the skin-facing side when disposing of the absorbent article.

[0025] (Aspect 8) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the one-side joining means is less than the length of the odor suppression means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppression means and the one end of the other-side joining means is less than the length of the odor suppression means.

[0026] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 8, by arranging the one-sided joining means and the other-sided joining means at a distance from the odor suppression means, and configuring the odor suppression means to be as long as possible in the longitudinal direction, the odor suppression effect can be easily improved.

[0027] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the one-side joining means is greater than the length of the odor suppression means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppression means and the one end of the other-side joining means is greater than the length of the odor suppression means.

[0028] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 9, if the odor suppression means is composed of a black activated carbon sheet or the like, the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable by narrowing the area of ​​black in the crotch area. Furthermore, when checking the excrement (checking the amount and area of ​​excrement) after using the absorbent article, narrowing the area of ​​black makes it easier to see the excrement attached to the crotch area.

[0029] (Aspect 10) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the one-side joining means is different from the distance between the other end of the odor suppression means and the one end of the other-side joining means.

[0030] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 10, the degree of freedom in arranging the odor suppression means can be increased depending on the application. For example, if the absorbent article is for men, the odor suppression means can be shifted forward (towards the abdomen) from the center in the longitudinal direction, depending on the position of the male urinary opening, thereby allowing for more efficient arrangement of the odor suppression means. This can further improve the function of suppressing the odor of excrement.

[0031] (Aspect 11) The joining means comprises a one-side joining means provided on one side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction and a other-side joining means provided on the other side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, wherein the area of ​​the odor suppression means is larger than the area of ​​the one-side joining means, and the area of ​​the odor suppression means is larger than the area of ​​the other-side joining means, as described in any of aspects 1 to 10.

[0032] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 11, by making the area of ​​the odor-suppressing means larger than the area of ​​the bonding means, it becomes easier to arrange the odor-suppressing means over a wider area compared to the opposite case. At the very least, by arranging the odor-suppressing means over a wider area than the bonding means, the function of suppressing the odor of excrement can be improved.

[0033] (Aspect 12) The odor suppression means is arranged across the central position of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, as described in any of aspects 1 to 11 of the absorbent article.

[0034] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 12, odor suppression means are provided in a region of a predetermined width including the central position of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. This makes it easier for the odor suppression means to be positioned near the wearer's excretory opening when the absorbent article is worn. Therefore, it becomes easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0035] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the odor suppression means is arranged to straddle the central position of the absorbent article in the width direction.

[0036] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 13, odor suppression means are provided in a region of a predetermined width that includes the central position of the absorbent article in the width direction. This makes it easier for the odor suppression means to be positioned near the wearer's excretory opening when the absorbent article is worn. Therefore, it becomes easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0037] (Aspect 14) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the odor suppression means has a different color from the bonding means.

[0038] In the absorbent article of embodiment 14, the odor-suppressing means and the bonding means have different colors, making it easier for the user to recognize that each has a different function. Therefore, when closing the skin-facing sides of the absorbent article, the user can more easily perform the operation of bonding the skin-facing sides together using the bonding means without making a mistake.

[0039] (Aspect 15) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein when the joining means is divided into three equal parts in either the longitudinal direction or the width direction into a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region, the joining force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region is weaker than the joining force of the central region.

[0040] According to the absorbent article of embodiment 15, when the absorbent article is folded in half lengthwise after use or when it is disposed of, one end of the absorbent article comes into contact with the other end, making it easier to maintain the state in which the excrement on the side of the skin is covered by the absorbent article.

[0041] (Aspect 16) An absorbent article having a topsheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core and a leak-proof sheet laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, the topsheet having an adjacent layer adjacent to it in the thickness direction, on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet, and on the non-skin side of the joining means, and having a portion where the joining means and the adjacent layer overlap when viewed in the thickness direction in the deployed and extended state, the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15.

[0042] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 16, even when moisture such as excreted fluid absorbed by the absorbent core penetrates (rewets) from the non-skin side to the skin side of the topsheet, the provision of the adjacent layer on the non-skin side of the joining means makes it easier to suppress the moisture from reaching the joining means. Therefore, it is suppressed that the joining means gets wet and the bonding force decreases, and it becomes easier to maintain the absorbent article in a closed state (a state where the joining means is joined). As a result, the odor of the excrement is less likely to leak to the outside (non-skin side) of the absorbent article, and it becomes easier to further suppress the odor of the excrement.

[0043] (Aspect 17) An absorbent article having a mark visible from the non-skin side and having a portion where the joining means and the mark overlap when viewed in the thickness direction in the deployed and extended state, the absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16.

[0044] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 17, when folding the absorbent article with the skin side inward at the time of disposal, by pressing the portion of the mark visible from the non-skin side, the joining means is pressed at the portion overlapping the mark, making it easier to crimp the joining means. As a result, when the absorbent article is discarded, the odor of the excrement is less likely to leak to the outside (non-skin side) of the absorbent article, and it becomes easier to further suppress the odor of the excrement.

[0045] === Embodiment === As an absorbent article according to this embodiment, a urine collection pad (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "pad") will be described as an example. However, the absorbent article according to this embodiment is not limited to a urine collection pad, and for example, it can also be applied as a menstrual pad, a panty-type disposable diaper, a short-type napkin, a tape-type disposable diaper, a pet diaper, an absorbent sheet for nursing care or for pets, etc.

[0046] <Basic Structure of Urine Collection Pad 1>First, the basic structure of the urine collection pad 1 will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 in a deployed and extended state as seen from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1. The urine collection pad 1 can be used by being disposed inside a panty-type or tape-type disposable diaper, and can also be used alone as the pad 1 by being directly disposed inside the underwear (pants or shorts) of the wearer.

[0047] In the deployed state, the pad 1 has a substantially rectangular planar shape and has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. The longitudinal direction follows the front-back direction from the ventral side to the dorsal side of the wearer when the pad 1 is worn. Also, in the thickness direction, the side that contacts the skin of the wearer is defined as the skin side, and the opposite side is defined as the non-skin side. Since the pad 1 of this embodiment has a symmetric configuration in the longitudinal direction, either side in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 may correspond to the ventral side of the wearer. Also, unlike tape-type or panty-type diapers, the pad 1 is worn without the one-side end and the other-side end in the longitudinal direction being connected along the wearer's torso.

[0048] The deployed state of the pad 1 refers to a state in which the entire pad 1 is flattened. The extended state of the pad 1 is a state in which the wrinkles that occurred in the pad 1 are substantially no longer visible, and the pad 1 is extended until the dimensions of each member (for example, the side sheet 4 described later) that constitutes the pad 1 become equal to or close to the dimensions of that member alone.

[0049] The pad 1 comprises a liquid-absorbing core 10, a liquid-permeable surface sheet 2 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "top sheet 2") (e.g., nonwoven fabric) located on the skin side of the absorbent core 10, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 10, and a pair of side sheets 4 provided on both sides of the pad 1 in the width direction. As shown in Figure 2, the pair of side sheets 4 are folded inward in the width direction from the width direction side of the non-skin side of the back sheet 3 toward the skin side of the top sheet 2, so as to wrap around the absorbent core 10.

[0050] An example of the absorbent core 10 is a liquid-absorbing fiber, such as pulp fiber containing SAP (superabsorbent polymer), molded into a predetermined shape. The absorbent core 10 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 11 (e.g., tissue). However, the absorbent core 10 is not limited to the above, and may be an SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, or an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbing fibers are molded into a sheet by the airlaid method, or it may be a configuration of two or more layers. Furthermore, the absorbent core 10 does not have to be covered with the core wrap sheet 11.

[0051] Furthermore, a fixing member 20 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 1 for attaching the pad 1 to the inner surface of a pant-type diaper or underwear (outer garment). Fixing members 20 are provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is, for example, a rectangular member, and its long side is provided so as to be aligned with the width direction of the pad 1. The fixing member 20 is preferably a member that can be peeled off from the inner surface of the outer garment without damaging the outer garment and can be reattached. In this embodiment, the fixing member 20 is a tape with a hook material (for example, the male part of a hook-and-loop fastener). Other examples of fixing members 20 include tape coated with adhesive. Note that the fixing member 20 may not be provided.

[0052] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a pair of leg-circumference elastic members 5 provided along the longitudinal direction on both sides in the width direction. In Figure 2, the leg-circumference elastic members 5 are fixed in an extended state in the longitudinal direction between the back sheet 3 and the side sheet 4. This makes it easier for both sides of the pad 1 in the width direction to conform closely to the wearer's legs.

[0053] Furthermore, the pad 1 has a pair of leak-proof wall portions 6 on both sides in the width direction that can be raised toward the skin. The leak-proof wall portion 6 comprises a side sheet 4 and a leak-proof wall elastic member 7. Both ends in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the surface sheet 2 by adhesive areas 8. The leak-proof wall elastic member 7 is fixed to the inner end of the side sheet 4 in the width direction in an extended state along the longitudinal direction of the pad 1. When the pad 1 is worn, the tip of the leak-proof wall portion 6 rises toward the skin based on the elasticity of the leak-proof wall elastic member 7, and the lateral leakage of excretory fluids, etc. is suppressed by the raised leak-proof wall portion 6.

[0054] Furthermore, the pad 1 is equipped with joining means 30, 30' and odor suppression means 60 at both ends in the longitudinal direction to suppress odors such as those from excrement. The details of their configuration will be described below.

[0055] <Joining means 30, 30'> As shown in Figure 1, one end in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 is provided with a one-side joining means 30 as a closing mechanism on the skin-side surface (surface sheet 2). The other end in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 is provided with a other-side joining means 30' on the skin-side surface (surface sheet 2). The other-side joining means 30' is part of the pad 1. When discarding the pad, the one-side joining means 30, as a joining means, can be joined to the other-side joining means 30', which is part of the pad 1. In this embodiment, the joining means 30, 30' are regions in which at least a portion is provided with an adhesive (such as a self-adhesive adhesive described later).

[0056] Figure 3 shows the state when pad 1 is folded in half along its longitudinal direction. Specifically, the folded state is the state in which pad 1 is folded along the center line CL in the longitudinal direction, that is, the pad 1 is divided into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction and folded along the center line CL (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the fold line FL) along the width direction. This state is, for example, the state of pad 1 before use or the state when it is disposed of after use. Figure 3A is a plan view of pad 1 in the state when folded in half along its longitudinal direction, and Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of pad 1 when folded in half with the ends of pad 1 closed and viewed from the width direction. As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when pad 1 is folded in half along its longitudinal direction, one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are arranged to overlap and face each other in the thickness direction so that they can be joined.

[0057] Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the details of the configuration of pad 1. While the position of the one-sided joining means 30 in the longitudinal direction will be described, since pad 1 is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, the configuration of the other-sided joining means 30' is the same as that of the one-sided joining means 30. The one-sided joining means 30 is provided at the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and at a predetermined distance d from the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. The region extending in the width direction at a predetermined distance d from the end of pad 1 in the longitudinal direction to the one-sided joining means 30 is also called the dry edge D. The dry edge D is the non-adhesive region from the end of pad 1 to the one-sided joining means 30 where no adhesive is provided.

[0058] The one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' each have a self-adhesive adhesive 31 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as self-adhesive or self-adhesive bonding agent) as a joining portion. Note that the bonding agent in this embodiment is not limited to a self-adhesive bonding agent, but may also be an adhesive.

[0059] Figures 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30'. The adhesive 31, which serves as a joining portion provided on the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30', has low tackiness (adhesion) of its own, but exhibits adhesive force (hereinafter referred to as bonding force) when the adhesive 31s are brought into contact with each other under relatively weak pressure. As shown in Figure 5A, when the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' are pressed together, the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' stick together due to their respective adhesives 31 (bonding force is exhibited). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5B, when the adhesive 31 comes into contact with a nonwoven fabric provided on the pad 1 or with a material other than the adhesive 31, such as skin, the one-side joining means 30 does not easily stick to the material it comes into contact with.

[0060] The bonding force between the adhesive 31 and the other members is preferably 1 / 4 or less of the bonding force between the adhesive 31s themselves. More preferably, the bonding force between the adhesive 31 and the other members is 1 / 10 or less of the bonding force between the adhesive 31s themselves. Furthermore, when the adhesive 31s are brought into contact with each other, they can be separated without damaging the adhesive 31s, and can be re-bonded by bringing them into contact again after separation.

[0061] The adhesive 31 is not particularly limited as long as it is safe to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and examples include emulsion-type self-adhesives (emulsion inks) and hot-melt self-adhesives (HMAs). As the main component of the emulsion-type self-adhesive, it can be used by mixing natural rubber, synthetic rubber, etc. with emulsifiers, etc., and those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2589307 and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-095381 may be used. As the main component of the hot-melt self-adhesive, it can be used by heating and melting thermoplastic resins such as polyolefin-based and polyamide-based resins, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 7476348 and Japanese Patent No. 7543716. In this embodiment, an emulsion-type self-adhesive is used.

[0062] Next, the specific configurations of the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' will be explained in detail using Figure 6. Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining the joining means 30 and 30'. As shown in Figure 6, the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are quadrilateral regions that circumscribe the portion to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied as the joining portion. In Figure 6, the region to which the self-adhesive adhesive 31 is applied is shown as a lightly filled area.

[0063] As mentioned above, in this embodiment, an emulsion-based self-adhesive agent is used as the bonding agent 31. Furthermore, one application is defined as applying the bonding agent 31 uniformly in a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the width direction (so-called solid coating), and in the example shown in Figure 6, it is applied repeatedly three times. By applying the bonding agent 31 in multiple layers in the thickness direction, the bonding strength when bonding agents 31 are joined together can be increased compared to the case of a single application. Note that although three applications are used in this embodiment, it is not limited to this.

[0064] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the application positions of the adhesive 31 are offset in the longitudinal and width directions. Therefore, as shown in the thickness direction diagrams (lower side view and right side view) of Figure 6, the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area (basis weight or basis weight) in the first adjacent regions L1 and W1 adjacent to one of the central regions Lc and Wc, and in the second adjacent regions L2 and W2 adjacent to the other, is less than the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area in the central regions Lc and Wc. In other words, since the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is less than in the central regions Lc and Wc, the bonding strength is also lower than in the central regions Lc and Wc.

[0065] Furthermore, the surface of the one-sided joining means 30 has protrusions 32 and recesses 33 formed due to differences in the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area. The protrusions 32 are the first portion 34, where the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is greater than the surrounding area, and are the portion that has been applied three times out of three applications. On the other hand, the recesses 33 are the second portion 35, where the amount applied is less than the surrounding area. Thus, the first portion 34 is thicker in the thickness direction because the amount of adhesive 31 applied per unit area is greater, while the second portion 35 is thinner because the amount is less than that of the first portion 34. Note that there may be other methods for forming the protrusions 32 and recesses 33 on the surface of the one-sided joining means 30. For example, the surface of the surface sheet 2 may be made uneven so as to form irregularities on the surface of the adhesive 31 applied to the surface sheet 2, or the irregularities may be formed by compressing a portion of the applied adhesive 31.

[0066] <Odor suppression means 60> The odor suppression means 60 is a part provided to suppress the odor of excrement such as urine attached to the absorbent core 10, and is provided in the rectangular area shown by the dotted line in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the odor suppression means 60 is made of a sheet member (deodorizing sheet) containing a deodorant such as activated carbon that has the function of adsorbing the odor of excrement. In the pad 1, the odor suppression means 60 (deodorizing sheet) is placed between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent core 10 in the thickness direction (see Figure 2). This traps the odor components of excrement such as urine absorbed by the absorbent core 10 inside the top sheet 2 (non-skin side), preventing the odor from leaking out to the outside (skin side), and making it less likely for the user (wearer) to feel discomfort when wearing the pad 1. In addition, while urine pads 1 are generally made of white or the like, the sheet member containing activated carbon is a color close to black, making it easy for the user to recognize that the odor suppression means 60 is provided.

[0067] Furthermore, the odor suppression means 60 is not limited to the deodorizing sheet containing activated carbon or the like, as long as it can suppress the odor of excrement when the pad 1 is worn. For example, the pulp fibers (liquid absorbent fibers) constituting the absorbent core 10 may be made to contain cellulose nanofibers and have silver ions (metal ions) attached to them to provide a deodorizing function. Alternatively, the SAP (superabsorbent polymer) may be made to contain silver ions (metal ions) to provide a deodorizing function. Alternatively, deodorization may be performed using a substance that has the function of reducing odor by causing a chemical reaction with odor components (for example, a photocatalyst). In any case, the odor suppression means 60 shall be provided in at least the rectangular area shown by the dotted line in Figure 1.

[0068] The presence of such odor suppression means 60 prevents the odor of urine and other excrement adhering to the absorbent core 10 from leaking out when the pad 1 is worn (used). On the other hand, deodorizers such as activated carbon do not necessarily maintain their deodorizing function permanently, and the deodorizing function may be lost after a predetermined time (for example, about 8 hours) has elapsed while the pad 1 is worn. In this case, there is a risk that the odor may leak out when the used pad 1 is disposed of. In contrast, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B, the used pad 1 can be folded in half in the longitudinal direction and the joining means 30 can be joined to the opposing surfaces (jointing means 30' in Figure 3B), allowing the skin-facing sides to face each other and be closed. Therefore, the leakage of the odor of excrement from the used pad 1 can be suppressed. As a result, the odor of excrement is suppressed during and after use, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the user.

[0069] Figure 7 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the bonding means 30, 30' and the odor suppression means 60 in the pad 1. Figure 7 shows the state of the pad 1 when it is unfolded and extended, viewed from the skin side in the thickness direction.

[0070] In the width direction of the unfolded and extended pad 1, the length (width) W30 (W30') of the joining means 30 (30') is preferably greater than 1 / 3 of the maximum length (maximum width) W1 of the pad 1 (W30 > 1 / 3 × W1), and more preferably greater than 1 / 2 (W30 > 1 / 2 × W1). In other words, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the joining means 30, 30' are provided over a range wider than at least 1 / 3 of the maximum width W1. As a result, when the pad 1 is folded in half lengthwise with the skin-facing sides facing inward, the skin-facing sides of the pad 1 are more easily joined together via the joining means 30, 30' as shown in Figure 3B, and the closed state of the skin-facing sides is more easily maintained. Therefore, when the pad 1 is disposed of after use, it is easier to suppress the leakage of the odor of excrement to the outside.

[0071] Furthermore, in the width direction of the pad 1, the length (width) W30 (W30') of the joining means 30 (30') may be longer than the length (width) W60 of the odor suppression means 60 (W30 > W60). By configuring the joining means 30, 30' to be wider than the odor suppression means 60, the joining means 30 is more likely to be firmly joined to the opposing surface when the pad 1 is disposed of, compared to the opposite case. Therefore, it becomes easier to maintain a closed state on the skin side (see Figure 3B), and the odor of excrement is less likely to leak out. In other words, odor can be more easily suppressed when the pad 1 is disposed of.

[0072] On the other hand, in the width direction of the pad 1, the length (width) W60 of the odor suppression means 60 may be longer than the length (width) W30 (W30') of the joining means 30 (30') (W30 < W60). By configuring the odor suppression means 60 to be wider than the joining means 30, 30', compared to the opposite case, even if the excrement absorbed by the absorbent core 10 is widely dispersed when the pad 1 is worn, the wider odor suppression means 60 makes it less likely for the odor to leak out. In other words, it is possible to suppress odor more effectively when using (wearing) the pad 1.

[0073] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, the odor suppression means 60 and the joining means 30, 30' are spaced apart from each other. That is, the odor suppression means 60 is provided at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction from the joining means 30, 30'. If the joining means 30, 30' and the odor suppression means 60 were arranged in overlapping positions, it would be difficult to distinguish between the joining means 30, 30' and the odor suppression means 60, and the user may confuse the two. For example, when folding the pad 1 in half longitudinally and closing the skin-facing sides, there is a risk of misoperation such as mistaking the odor suppression means 60 for the joining means 30 and joining the skin-facing sides via the odor suppression means 60. In contrast, by arranging the joining means 30, 30' and the odor suppression means 60 at a distance from each other, the user can easily recognize that these means (30, 60) have different functions. Furthermore, in the operation of closing the skin sides, the joining means 30, 30' make it easier to join the skin sides together without making mistakes.

[0074] As shown in Figure 7, in the longitudinal direction, the distance C1 between one end of the odor suppression means 60 and the other end of the one-side joining means 30 is greater than the length L30 of the one-side joining means 30 (C1 > L30). Similarly, in the longitudinal direction, the distance C2 between the other end of the odor suppression means 60 and the one end of the other-side joining means 30' is greater than the length L30' of the other-side joining means 30' (C2 > L30'). In other words, the distances C1 and C2 between the odor suppression means 60 and the joining means 30 and 30' are wider than the longitudinal lengths L30 and L30' of the joining means 30 and 30'.

[0075] Since the spacing C1 (C2) is sufficiently wide compared to the width L30 (L30') of the one-side joining means 30 (30'), it becomes easier for the user to recognize that the one-side joining means 30 (30') and the odor suppression means 60 are different. Therefore, confusion between the one-side joining means 30 (30') and the odor suppression means 60 is suppressed, and the aforementioned erroneous operation becomes less likely.

[0076] Furthermore, in the longitudinal direction, the sum of the distance C1 between one end of the odor suppression means 60 and the other end of the one-side joining means 30, and the distance C2 between the other end of the odor suppression means 60 and the one end of the other-side joining means 30', is greater than the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 (C1 + C2 > L60). In other words, the longitudinal spacing (C1 + L60 + C2) between the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' is more than twice the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60. By providing a pair of joining means 30, 30' at both ends in the longitudinal direction, sufficiently spaced away from the odor suppression means 60, the odor suppression means 60 and the joining means 30, 30' become less likely to be confused compared to the opposite case. Furthermore, because the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are provided at a sufficient distance from each other, it becomes easier for the user to visualize the operation of joining the joining means 30 and 30' together to close the skin-facing side when disposing of the pad 1.

[0077] Furthermore, it is preferable that the distance C1 between one end of the odor suppression means 60 and the other end of the one-side joining means 30 is smaller than the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60, and the distance C2 between the other end of the odor suppression means 60 and the one end of the other-side joining means 30' is smaller than the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 (C1 < L60, C2 < L60). If the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 is made smaller than the distances C1 and C2 between the joining means 30 and 30', the area of ​​the odor suppression means 60 on the skin side of the pad 1 will become smaller, and it may become difficult to sufficiently suppress the odor of excrement. In contrast, by arranging the one-side joining means 30 and the other-side joining means 30' at a distance from the odor suppression means 60, and configuring the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 to be as wide as possible, it becomes easier to improve the odor suppression effect.

[0078] Conversely, the distance C1 between one end of the odor suppression means 60 and the other end of the one-side joining means 30 may be greater than the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60, and the distance C2 between the other end of the odor suppression means 60 and the one end of the other-side joining means 30' may be greater than the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 (C1 > L60, C2 > L60). If the odor suppression means 60 is a deodorizing sheet containing activated carbon, an excessively large area of ​​the black sheet in the crotch area may cause discomfort to the user. In such cases, shortening the length L60 of the odor suppression means 60 and relatively narrowing the area of ​​black in the crotch area can make it less likely for the user to feel uncomfortable. Also, when checking the excrement (checking the amount and area of ​​excrement) after using the pad 1, reducing the area of ​​black makes it easier to see the excrement attached to the crotch area.

[0079] Furthermore, in pad 1, the distance C1 between one end of the odor suppression means 60 and the other end of the one-side joining means 30 may be different from the distance C2 between the other end of the odor suppression means 60 and the one end of the other-side joining means 30' (C1 ≠ C2). For example, in the longitudinal direction, the odor suppression means 60 may be offset to one side or the other, resulting in different spacing between it and the joining means 30, 30'. Such a configuration allows for greater flexibility in the placement of the odor suppression means 60 depending on the intended use of pad 1. For example, if pad 1 is for men, the odor suppression means 60 may be positioned further forward (towards the abdomen) than the center in the longitudinal direction, depending on the position of the male excretion (position of the urinary opening). On the other hand, if pad 1 is for women, the odor suppression means 60 may be positioned closer to the center in the longitudinal direction compared to the men's version. In this case, by making the distance C1 to one-side connecting means 30 and the distance C2 to the other-side connecting means 30' different, the odor suppression means 60 can be positioned more efficiently. Therefore, the function of suppressing the odor of excrement can be further improved.

[0080] Furthermore, in the unfolded and extended state of the pad 1, the area S60 of the odor suppression means 60 is larger than the area S30 of the one-sided joining means 30, and the area S60 of the odor suppression means 60 is larger than the area S30' of the other-sided joining means 30' (S30 < S60, 30' < S60). The joining means 30 and 30' only need to be large enough to press against each other and close the skin-facing side when the pad 1 is folded in half lengthwise (see Figure 3B), so they only need to be large enough to press against each other. On the other hand, the odor suppression means 60 is desirable to be provided over as wide an area as possible in order to suppress the odor of excrement such as urine that is absorbed by the absorbent core 10 and then widely diffused over the absorbent core 10. Therefore, by setting S30 < S60 and 30' < S60, it becomes easier to arrange the odor suppression means 60 over as wide an area as possible compared to the opposite case. At the very least, by arranging the odor-suppressing means 60 more widely than the joining means 30, 30', the function of suppressing the odor of excrement can be improved.

[0081] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the odor suppression means 60 is positioned to straddle the central position CL of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, in the longitudinal direction, one end of the odor suppression means 60 is located to one side of the central position CL, and the other end of the odor suppression means 60 is located to the other side of the central position CL. Because the odor suppression means 60 is provided in a region of a predetermined width including the central position CL in the longitudinal direction, when the pad 1 is worn, the odor suppression means 60 is positioned near the wearer's excretory opening. Therefore, it becomes easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0082] Similarly, the odor suppression means 60 is positioned across the central position CC of the pad 1 in the width direction (see Figure 7). In other words, in the width direction, one end of the odor suppression means 60 is located to one side of the central position CC, and the other end of the odor suppression means 60 is located to the other side of the central position CC. By providing the odor suppression means 60 in a predetermined width region including the central position CC in the width direction, the odor suppression means 60 is positioned near the wearer's excretory opening when the pad 1 is worn. Therefore, it becomes easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0083] Furthermore, it is preferable that the odor suppression means 60 and the joining means 30, 30' have different colors. For example, if a deodorizing sheet containing activated carbon is used as the odor suppression means 60, the odor suppression means 60 will be black. In this case, if the joining means 30, 30' are light blue or light red, it will be clear that at least the joining means 30, 30' are different from the odor suppression means 60, making it less likely for the two to be confused. In other words, if the odor suppression means 60 and the joining means 30, 30' each have different colors, it will be easier for the user to recognize that they each have different functions. Therefore, when closing the skin-facing sides of the pad 1, the user will be able to perform the operation of joining the skin-facing sides together with the joining means 30, 30' without making a mistake.

[0084] <Regarding the bonding force of bonding means 30 and 30'> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the operation and effect of the pad 1 to which bonding means 30 and 30' are applied. Figure 8A is a view from the thickness direction of the pad 1 when it is folded in half along the fold line FL so that one bonding means 30 and the other bonding means 30' face each other, and the two halves are bonded together. Figure 8B is a diagram showing the process of separating the one bonding means 30 and the other bonding means 30' when unfolding the pad 1.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), as shown in Figure 8A, the central region Lc of one side joining means 30 and the central region Lc' of the other side joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction. Although not shown, in the width direction as in the longitudinal direction, the central region Wc of one side joining means 30 and the central region Wc' of the other side joining means 30' also overlap.

[0086] The one-sided joining means 30 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. In the longitudinal direction, these are the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, starting from one side. In the width direction, these are the first width adjacent region W1, the width central region Wc, and the second width adjacent region W2. (See Figure 6) There are differences in joining strength among these regions. In this embodiment, the joining strength of the first adjacent regions L1 and W1, which are adjacent to one side of the central regions Lc and Wc, is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc in the longitudinal and width directions. Furthermore, the joining strength of the second adjacent regions L2 and W2, which are adjacent to the other side of the central regions Lc and Wc, is weaker than the joining strength of the central regions Lc and Wc.

[0087] The magnitude of the bonding force in each region, such as the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the longitudinal central region Lc, can be evaluated by the amount (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 per unit area in each region. In each region, the greater the amount (basis weight) of the bonding agent 31 per unit area, the greater the bonding force.

[0088] Alternatively, the magnitude of the bonding force in each region may be evaluated using a measuring instrument.

[0089] When measuring the magnitude of the bonding force in the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, two sample pieces are prepared. The first sample piece is a cut-out of the region to be measured from the first longitudinal adjacent region L1, the longitudinal central region Lc, etc. The second sample piece is a nonwoven fabric to which a uniform amount of bonding agent 31 has been applied.

[0090] By attaching masking tape to the end of the sample piece, a holding portion (grasping portion) is formed at the end of the sample piece. Next, the two sample pieces are placed on top of each other, and the two sample pieces are joined together by rolling a 2 kg roller at 5 mm / second from the opposite side of the holding portion.

[0091] Next, the sample piece is held in the chuck of a tensile testing machine (for example, an Instron universal material testing machine), and the two sample pieces are separated by pulling the two holding parts apart in the longitudinal direction. The tensile load at the time of separation is then measured. The average value of the tensile load represents the magnitude of the bonding force in the area being measured.

[0092] The joint force can be measured in the same manner for the first adjacent width region W1, the central width region Wc, and the second adjacent width region W2.

[0093] Before use (during packaging), the pad 1 is closed, and for example, as shown in Figure 8A, the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' are in contact. When using the pad 1, as shown in Figure 8B, the user grasps the areas of the dry edges D provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 and peels it off toward the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0094] In this case, if the bonding force at the beginning of the peeling process is strong, it may be difficult to open when unfolding, and this may be particularly difficult for elderly users with reduced dexterity in their fingers. However, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1 and L1' in the one-side bonding means 30 is weaker than the bonding force of the longitudinal central regions Lc and Lc'. Therefore, it can be peeled and unfolded with relatively less force compared to when the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent regions L1 and L1' in the one-side bonding means 30 is stronger than, or the same as, the bonding force of the longitudinal central regions Lc and Lc'. Furthermore, because a dry edge D is provided, it is easier for the user to grasp and even easier to peel off.

[0095] In this embodiment, since the second adjacent region L2 with weak bonding force is located on the longitudinal centerline CL side, the pad 1 can also be peeled away from the leg-around elastic member 5 toward the end. In this case as well, the same effects as described above are achieved. Furthermore, since a dry edge D is provided over a predetermined distance d from the end in the width direction of the pad 1, the ease of peeling can be improved even when performing such peeling.

[0096] Furthermore, the central region (first portion 34) of both the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' has a stronger joining force than the adjacent region. As a result, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the fold line FL after use or disposal, it is easier to maintain the state in which the pad 1 covers the excrement on the side of the skin by bringing one end of the pad 1 into contact with the other end.

[0097] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to the above. The coating amount in either the first adjacent region L1, W1 or the second adjacent region L2, W2 may be less than that in the central region Lc, Wc. Alternatively, the difference in coating amount may be in only one of the directions, either the longitudinal or the width. For example, the coating amount in the second adjacent region L2 (second longitudinal adjacent region) in the longitudinal direction may be less than that in the central region Lc. In this case, when the user peels off the pad 1, they can easily unfold it by peeling it off from the second adjacent region L2, which has weaker bonding force.

[0098] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, when the pad 1 is folded in half along the center line CL (fold line FL), the central regions Lc and Wc of the one-sided joining means 30 and the central regions Lc' and Wc' of the other-sided joining means 30' overlap in the thickness direction. Because the central regions overlap, when disposing of the pad 1, it is easier to maintain the state in which the pad 1 is folded in half and covers the excrement on the side of the skin with the pad 1.

[0099] Furthermore, the same effect and benefits can be achieved even when the pad 1 is folded in half at the center position in the width direction (a fold line along the center line in the width direction). In this case, two joining means should be provided on one side and the other side in the width direction, with the center line in the width direction as the reference.

[0100] Alternatively, the joining means 30 on one side may have varying degrees of joining force, while the joining means 30' on the other side may have a uniform joining force.

[0101] Furthermore, regarding the magnitude of the joining force in the longitudinal and width directions of the one-sided joining means 30, the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining force of the longitudinal central region Lc and the joining force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 by the longitudinal length of the longitudinal central region Lc is greater than the value obtained by dividing the difference between the joining force of the width central region Wc and the joining force of the first width adjacent region W1 by the width direction length of the width central region Wc. In other words, the difference in joining force per unit length is greater in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction.

[0102] In the longitudinal direction, the difference in bonding force per unit length between the central region Lc (Lc') and the adjacent region L1 (L1') is large. Therefore, even when the pad 1 is folded along the fold line FL along the width direction before use, and the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' of the pad 1 are joined, it is possible to easily separate the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' and unfold the pad in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, as shown in the configuration of Figure 6, in the width direction, the difference in bonding force per unit length between the central region Wc (Wc') and the adjacent region W1 (W1') is small. Therefore, when discarding the pad 1, it is possible to easily maintain the state in which the excrement on the skin side is covered by the pad 1 by joining the one-sided bonding means 30 and the other-sided bonding means 30' provided on the skin side.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pad 1 is made possible by providing a first portion 34 and a second portion 35 that is thinner than the first portion 34 on the joining means 30 and 30', thereby forming convex and concave portions. As a result, when the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side of the pad 1 are joined before use, the joining means 30 on one side and the joining means 30' on the other side can be easily separated and unfolded in the longitudinal direction. In other words, by forming irregularities with the adhesive 31, the concave portion 33, which is thinner in the thickness direction, can be made easier to separate.

[0104] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the bonding means is not limited to the adhesive 31. For example, the bonding means 30 may be configured to provide a hook-and-loop fastener on at least one of the skin-facing sides of the pad 1. Here, a hook-and-loop fastener can be exemplified by a male member having multiple hook-shaped protrusions and a female member having multiple loops into which the protrusions of the male member catch, or by a male member alone. When a hook-and-loop fastener is used as a bonding means, the same effects as those described in Figure 8 can be achieved by forming convex and concave portions on the bonding surface of the hook-and-loop fastener. Specifically, when hook-and-loop fasteners are provided so as to face each other at both ends of the skin-facing side of the pad 1, providing a high portion (convex portion) and a low portion (concealed portion) on the hooks of the hook-and-loop fastener makes it easier to peel one hook-and-loop fastener from the other. Similarly, when a hook-and-loop fastener is placed on only one end and the other end is made of nonwoven fabric (surface sheet 2), forming convex and concave portions on the hook-and-loop fastener makes it easier to peel the hook-and-loop fastener from the surface sheet 2, which is part of the pad 1.

[0105] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, since the joining means 30 and 30' are provided at the ends of the pad 1, it is easier to peel off and more difficult to open when disposing of the pad than when the joining means 30 and 30' are provided in the center.

[0106] <Modified Examples of Joining Means 30 and 30'> Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing modified examples of the joining means of the pad 1. Figures 9A and 9B show self-adhesive quadrilateral joining means 30 and 30', respectively. The area to which the adhesive 31 is applied corresponds to the region where the joining portion is provided in the modified example of this embodiment.

[0107] In the modified example shown in Figure 9A, the longitudinal central region Lc is an area on the skin-side surface sheet 2 where the adhesive 31 is applied uniformly in a roughly rectangular shape that is long in the width direction (so-called solid coating). In addition, the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 are coated with the adhesive 31 in a wave-like pattern, as shown in Figure 9A.

[0108] In this case, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have margins due to the application of the bonding agent 31 in a wave-like pattern, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, which is coated solidly. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when unfolding the pad 1, the bonding force of the longitudinal central region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when the pad 1 is folded for disposal, the excrement on the side of the skin can be kept covered by the pad 1.

[0109] Next, in the modified example shown in Figure 9B, the longitudinal central region Lc is a uniformly coated region, similar to the modified example in Figure 9A. Then, as shown in Figure 9B, the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 have the adhesive 31 partially applied in the width direction, leaving a blank area.

[0110] In this case, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, which have a margin due to the bonding agent 31 being applied only to a portion of the width direction, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, which is fully coated. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when unfolding the pad 1, the bonding force of the longitudinal central region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when the pad 1 is folded for disposal, the excrement on the side of the skin can be kept covered by the pad 1.

[0111] The joining means 30 in Figure 9C has a hook-and-loop fastener 36. In the modified version of Figure 9C, the longitudinal central region Lc is a region where the hook-and-loop fastener 36 is uniformly arranged, and the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2 are configured such that, as shown in Figure 9C, some of the hook portions of the hook-and-loop fastener 36 are flattened by embossing 37 or the like, rendering them unusable as hooks.

[0112] In this case, the bonding force of the first longitudinal adjacent region L1 and the second longitudinal adjacent region L2, where some of the hook portions of the hook fastener 36 are crushed by embossing 37 or the like to eliminate the hook function, is weaker than that of the longitudinal central region Lc, where the hook portions are not crushed. As a result, while ensuring ease of peeling when deploying the pad 1, the bonding force of the longitudinal central region Lc is stronger than that of the adjacent regions, so that when folding the pad 1 for disposal, the pad 1 can maintain a state where it covers the excrement on the side of the skin.

[0113] In these modified examples, the amount of coating per unit area and the arrangement pattern using margins for the joining means 30 in the central regions Lc and Wc differ from the arrangement pattern of the joining means 30 in the first adjacent regions L1 and W1 or the second adjacent regions L2 and W2.

[0114] ===Other=== The above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. The present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0115] <Regarding the adjacent layer 40> The pad 1 may have an adjacent layer 40 (40') on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30 (30') and on the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3 and absorbent core 10. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the adjacent layer 40. Figure 10A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 when folded in half in the longitudinal direction and the bonding means 30, 30' are pressed together. Figure 10B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the bonding means 30 and adjacent layer 40 in Figure 10A.

[0116] The adjacent layer 40 is a hydrophobic layer with low affinity for moisture (it repels moisture easily), and this hydrophobic layer is composed of, for example, a colored ink applied to the top sheet 2. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and the adjacent layers 40 and 40' may be composed of a nonwoven fabric, or of a nonwoven fabric and ink applied to the nonwoven fabric. Alternatively, it may be a hydrophobic layer formed from a different material, or a hydrophobic layer composed of a hot melt adhesive applied to the surface sheet 2.

[0117] When using (wearing) the pad 1, moisture such as excretory fluid absorbed by the absorbent core 10 may penetrate from the non-skin side to the skin side of the top sheet 2, a phenomenon known as rewetting. In particular, if the bonding means 30, 30' are composed of a bonding agent 31 such as a self-adhesive or adhesive, if moisture that has penetrated the skin side of the top sheet 2 due to rewetting reaches one bonding means 30 or the other bonding means 30', the bonding agent 31 may become wet, potentially reducing the bonding strength. In contrast, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, by providing adjacent layers 40, 40' on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30, 30' (bonding agent 31), it becomes easier to suppress moisture from reaching the bonding means 30, 30'. This suppresses wetting of the mechanism that closes the absorbent core 10 (i.e., the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 in the bonding means 30, 30'). Therefore, the bonding strength of the self-adhesive bonding agent 31 is less likely to decrease, making it easier to maintain the pad 1 in a closed state. This makes it less likely for the odor of excrement to leak out to the outside (non-skin side) of pad 1 when it is disposed of, thus making it easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0118] In Figure 10B, the adjacent layer 40 is positioned adjacent to the top sheet 2 in the thickness direction between the bonding means 30 (bonding agent 31) and the top sheet 2, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the adjacent layer 40 may be positioned between the absorbent core 10 and the top sheet 2 in the thickness direction. That is, the adjacent layer 40 may be provided adjacent to the non-skin side of the top sheet 2. Even in such a case, by positioning the adjacent layer 40 on the non-skin side of the bonding means 30, moisture is prevented from reaching the bonding means 30 from the absorbent core 10, the bonding force of the bonding means 30 is less likely to decrease, and the pad 1 is easier to maintain in a closed state.

[0119] <Regarding the markings 50> The pad 1 may have markings 50 that are visible from the non-skin side and that overlap at least partially with the joining means 30 when viewed in the thickness direction. Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the pad 1 when it is unfolded and extended, as seen from the non-skin side. In Figure 11, the pad 1 has markings 50, 50' that are visible from the non-skin side. Also, when the pad 1 is unfolded and extended, there is a portion where the joining means 30 (30') and the markings 50 (50') overlap when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0120] The marker 50 is formed, for example, by printing a predetermined pattern on the non-skin side of the leak-proof sheet 3. Preferably, the marker 50 is an indicator that prompts the user to press the pad 1, and in Figure 11, the word "Press" is printed on it. However, the marker 50 is not limited to the example in Figure 11 and may be other patterns (colors, shapes, text information, etc.).

[0121] As described above, when disposing of a used pad 1, the pad 1 is folded in half lengthwise with the skin-side facing inward, and the fastening means 30 (30') are placed opposite each other and pressed from the non-skin side (see Figure 3B). At this time, because the fastening means 30 (30') is located on the skin-side, it is difficult to recognize the position of the fastening means 30 (30') from the outside (non-skin side), and it was sometimes difficult to sufficiently press the fastening means 30 (30') into place. In addition, when attempting to open the skin-side to check the position of the fastening means 30 (30'), hygiene and odor problems arose.

[0122] In contrast, if a marker 50 (50') visible from the non-skin side is provided as shown in Figure 11, when the pad 1 is folded with the skin side inward for disposal, pressing the portion of the marker 50 (50') from the non-skin side in the thickness direction will press the joining means 30 (30') in the portion overlapping with the marker 50, 50', causing the one-sided joining means 30 and the other-sided joining means 30' to be pressed together. Therefore, the joining means 30 (30') can be pressed together without opening and checking the skin side. As a result, when the pad 1 is disposed of, the odor of excrement is less likely to leak to the outside (non-skin side) of the pad 1, making it easier to suppress the odor of excrement.

[0123] 1. Urine absorption pad (pad, absorbent material), 2. Surface sheet (top sheet), 3. Back sheet (leak-proof sheet), 4. Side sheet, 5. Elastic member around the legs, 6. Leak-proof wall section, 7. Elastic member of the leak-proof wall, 8. Adhesive area, 10. Absorbent core, 11. Core wrap sheet, 20. Fixing member, 30. Joining means on one side, 30' Joining means on the other side, 30f. Folded portion of joining means, 30n. Non-folded portion of joining means, 31. Adhesive agent, 40. Adjacent layer, 40' Adjacent layer, 50. Marker, 50' Marker, 60. Odor suppression means, Lc: Longitudinal central region, Wc: Width central region, L1: First longitudinal adjacent region, W1: First width adjacent region, L2: Second longitudinal adjacent region, W2: Second width adjacent region

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core having longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that are mutually orthogonal in an unfolded state, characterized in that it has a bonding means provided on the skin side and capable of being bonded to a part of the absorbent article when discarded, and an odor suppression means for suppressing the odor of excrement adhering to the absorbent core.

2. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the width direction, the length of the joining means is longer than 1 / 3 of the length of the absorbent article.

3. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the width direction, the length of the joining means is longer than the length of the odor suppressing means.

4. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in the width direction, the length of the joining means is shorter than the length of the odor suppressing means.

5. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor suppressing means and the joining means are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

6. An absorbent article according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the joining means is longer than the length of the joining means.

7. An absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the joining means comprises a one-side joining means provided on one side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction and a other-side joining means provided on the other side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and the sum of the distance between one end of the odor suppressing means and the other end of the one-side joining means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppressing means and one end of the other-side joining means, is greater than the length of the odor suppressing means.

8. An absorbent article according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the one-side joining means is less than the length of the odor suppression means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppression means and the one end of the other-side joining means is less than the length of the odor suppression means.

9. An absorbent article according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppression means and the other end of the one-side joining means is greater than the length of the odor suppression means, and the distance between the other end of the odor suppression means and the one end of the other-side joining means is greater than the length of the odor suppression means.

10. An absorbent article according to claim 7, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction, the distance between one end of the odor suppressing means and the other end of the one-side joining means is different from the distance between the other end of the odor suppressing means and the one end of the other-side joining means.

11. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the joining means comprises a one-side joining means provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article and a other-side joining means provided on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, wherein the area of ​​the odor suppression means is larger than the area of ​​the one-side joining means, and the area of ​​the odor suppression means is larger than the area of ​​the other-side joining means.

12. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor suppression means is arranged to straddle the central position of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction.

13. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor suppression means is arranged across the central position of the absorbent article in the width direction.

14. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the odor suppressing means has a different color from the bonding means.

15. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the joining means is divided into three equal parts in either the longitudinal direction or the width direction into a first adjacent region, a central region, and a second adjacent region, the joining force of the first adjacent region or the second adjacent region is weaker than the joining force of the central region.

16. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a top sheet laminated on the skin side of the absorbent core; and a leak-proof sheet laminated on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, wherein the top sheet has an adjacent layer adjacent to it in the thickness direction, on the skin side of the leak-proof sheet, and on the non-skin side of the bonding means, and in an unfolded and extended state, the bonding means and the adjacent layer have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction.

17. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a mark visible from the non-skin side, and when viewed in the thickness direction in an unfolded and stretched state, it has a portion in which the joining means and the mark overlap.

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