Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article according to one aspect comprises a main body part including: a front surface sheet disposed on a skin surface side of a wearer; a back surface sheet disposed on a non-skin surface side opposite to the skin surface side; and an absorber disposed between the front surface sheet and the back surface sheet, the main body part extending in a longitudinal direction between a back end edge and a front end edge. The main body part includes a liquid return prevention layer disposed on the skin surface side with respect to the absorber, the liquid return prevention layer being for preventing excreta absorbed by the absorber from returning to the skin surface side. A guide mark for guiding a position at which a part of the body of the wearer is to be placed is formed on the main body part so as to be visible from the skin surface side. At least a part of the guide mark is provided so as to overlap the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin surface side.

Description

Absorbent article

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorber disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, a second sheet disposed between the absorber and the topsheet, and an absorbent sheet disposed between the topsheet and the second sheet. Patent Document 2 describes an absorbent article in which an intermediate sheet is disposed between a printed sheet and a surface sheet. These absorbent articles prevent body fluids absorbed by the absorber from returning to the surface sheet side due to body pressure during wearing by providing another material on the skin side with respect to the absorber.

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5679777, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2012-210503

[0004] In the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1, since the absorbent sheet is disposed on the non-skin side with respect to the topsheet, it is difficult to recognize the position of the absorbent sheet. Therefore, there is a possibility that the absorbent sheet cannot be properly aligned with the wearer's body when wearing the absorbent article. If the wearer's body and the absorbent sheet are misaligned, there is a possibility that excrement excreted onto the absorber may return to the skin side.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article capable of suppressing the reverse return of excrement.

[0006] An absorbent article according to one aspect includes a surface sheet disposed on the skin side of a wearer, a backsheet disposed on the non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorber disposed between the surface sheet and the backsheet, and includes a main body portion extending in the longitudinal direction between a dorsal edge and a ventral edge. The main body portion is disposed on the skin side with respect to the absorber and includes a liquid return prevention layer for preventing excrement absorbed by the absorber from returning to the skin side. A guide mark for guiding a position where a part of the wearer's body should be disposed is formed on the main body portion so as to be visible from the skin side, and at least a part of the guide mark is provided so as to overlap the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side.

[0007] In the absorbent article according to the above embodiment, at least a portion of the guide marks for guiding the wearer's body to the correct position is provided so as to overlap the liquid-return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side. When wearing the absorbent article, the wearer can position the liquid-return prevention layer appropriately on their body by placing a part of their body on the guide marks. As a result, the liquid-return prevention layer positioned appropriately can effectively suppress the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material.

[0008] In one embodiment, the guide mark may indicate the position where a part of the wearer's body should be positioned in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the liquid backflow prevention layer can be appropriately positioned on the wearer's body in the vertical direction. As a result, backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material can be effectively suppressed.

[0009] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be formed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material. In this embodiment, the visibility of the guide mark can be improved.

[0010] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be colored in a different color from the surface sheet. By coloring the guide mark in a different color from the surface sheet, the visibility of the guide mark can be improved.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be printed on the main body. In this embodiment, the guide mark can be easily formed on the main body.

[0012] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent material. In this embodiment, in addition to visually determining the location of the guide mark, the user of the absorbent article can also determine the location of the guide mark by touching the recess or protrusion with their hand.

[0013] In one embodiment, the absorbent body includes an absorbent core having water absorption properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, the absorbent core including a channel portion having a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, and the back sheet includes a water-impermeable back film and a back nonwoven fabric positioned on the non-skin-facing side relative to the back film, the back film being colored a different color from the front sheet, and a portion of the back film visible through the channel portion may provide a guide mark. In this embodiment, the guide mark can be provided by utilizing the channel portion which promotes the diffusion of excrement excreted in the absorbent body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the absorbent body includes an absorbent core having water-absorbing properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, the absorbent core including a channel portion with a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, the core wrap being colored a different color from the surface sheet, and a portion of the core wrap visible through the channel portion providing a guide mark. In this embodiment, the guide mark can be provided by utilizing the channel portion which promotes the diffusion of excrement excreted in the absorbent body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid backflow prevention layer may be placed between the surface sheet and the absorbent material. The liquid backflow prevention layer placed between the surface sheet and the absorbent material can effectively suppress the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the direction from the ventral edge to the dorsal edge is defined as the dorsal side, the liquid return prevention layer may be positioned dorsally with respect to the centerline of the main body in the longitudinal direction. Because the liquid return prevention layer is positioned dorsally with respect to the centerline of the main body, the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material towards the dorsal side can be effectively suppressed.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the direction from the dorsal edge to the ventral edge is defined as the ventral side, at least a portion of the guide mark may be provided ventrally with respect to the center line of the liquid-return prevention layer in the longitudinal direction. According to this embodiment, a part of the wearer's body is guided ventrally with respect to the center line of the liquid-return prevention layer in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In one embodiment, the entire guide mark may overlap the liquid-return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side. In this embodiment, when wearing the absorbent article, the liquid-return prevention layer can be more appropriately positioned on the wearer's body by placing a part of the wearer's body on the guide mark.

[0019] In one embodiment, the liquid backflow prevention layer may be an open film made of resin with multiple through-holes. In this embodiment, the multiple through-holes can guide the excrement from the skin side to the absorbent. Therefore, the excrement is effectively discharged into the absorbent through the multiple through-holes, and the backflow of the excrement absorbed into the absorbent is effectively suppressed by the open film.

[0020] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be printed on the opening film. In this embodiment, when wearing the absorbent article, the liquid backflow prevention layer can be more appropriately positioned on the wearer's body by placing a part of the wearer's body on the guide mark.

[0021] In one embodiment, the liquid backflow prevention layer may be an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer. In this embodiment, the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material can be suppressed more effectively.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be printed on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent sheet. In this embodiment, the visibility of the guide mark can be improved.

[0023] In one embodiment, the guide mark may be a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent sheet. In this embodiment, in addition to visually determining the location of the guide mark, the user of the absorbent article can also determine the location of the guide mark by touching the recess or protrusion with their hand.

[0024] In one embodiment, the main body has an ventral region that covers the wearer's abdomen when worn and a dorsal region that covers the wearer's back when worn, and further comprises one or more pairs of fastening tabs that extend outward from the dorsal region in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and engage with the ventral region from the non-skin side, and when the direction from the ventral region to the dorsal region is considered the dorsal side, at least one of the fastening tabs of the one or more pairs of fastening tabs may be provided on the dorsal side with respect to the guide mark in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, a pair of fastening tabs can be engaged with the ventral region on the dorsal side with respect to the guide mark.

[0025] In one embodiment, the guide mark may have a shape resembling the buttocks in order to guide the wearer to the correct position for their buttocks. In this embodiment, by making the guide mark resembling the buttocks, the user can be encouraged to position their buttocks in line with the guide mark.

[0026] According to various aspects and embodiments of this disclosure, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can suppress the backflow of excrement.

[0027] This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment, viewed from the skin side. This is a plan view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1, viewed from the non-skin side. This is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1, along line A-A. This is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in Figure 1, along line B-B. This is a plan view of the absorbent core. This is a cross-sectional view showing a magnified view of the periphery of the opening film. This is a magnified view showing the periphery of the guide mark. This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment, viewed from the skin side. This is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to yet another embodiment. This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to yet another embodiment. This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to yet another embodiment, comprising a pair of folded panel sheets. This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to yet another embodiment. This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to yet another embodiment. This is a diagram showing a modified example of the guide mark.

[0028] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to those described.

[0029] Figure 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment, as seen from the skin side. Figure 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as seen from the non-skin side. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 along the line A-A shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 along the line B-B shown in Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state, stretched to a state where no wrinkles are formed. In the cross-sectional views shown in Figures 3 and 4, for the sake of explanation, each component is shown spaced apart in the thickness direction, but in the actual product they are in contact in the thickness direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship in the unfolded state will be described.

[0030] The absorbent item 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 is a tape-type disposable diaper. The absorbent item 1 may be a child's diaper or an adult's diaper. In the following description, the person wearing the absorbent item 1 will be referred to as the "wearer," and the person who puts the absorbent item 1 on the wearer will be referred to as the "user." Typically, the wearer is a child or a person receiving care, and the user is a parent or caregiver.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent article 1 extends in the transverse direction X, which is aligned with the wearer's waist, and in the longitudinal direction Y, which connects the wearer's ventral side to their back. The transverse direction X corresponds to the width direction of the absorbent article 1, and the longitudinal direction Y corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1. The transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y are perpendicular to each other. The thickness direction Z is perpendicular to the transverse direction X and the longitudinal direction Y, and includes a skin-facing side Z1 that faces the wearer's skin when worn, and a non-skin-facing side Z2 that faces away from the wearer's skin when worn. The absorbent article 1 is worn so as to cover the wearer's abdomen, crotch, and back.

[0032] The absorbent article 1 comprises a main body 2. The main body 2 has a ventral edge 2F located on one side in the longitudinal direction Y, and a dorsal edge 2R located on the other side in the longitudinal direction Y. When worn, the ventral edge 2F is positioned on the ventral side in the direction of the wearer's waist, and the dorsal edge 2R is positioned on the dorsal side in the direction of the wearer's waist. The distance in the longitudinal direction Y between the ventral edge 2F and the dorsal edge 2R is the total length (maximum length) of the main body 2. In the following description, the direction from the dorsal edge 2R toward the ventral edge 2F may be referred to as the ventral side, and the direction from the ventral edge 2F toward the dorsal edge 2R may be referred to as the dorsal side.

[0033] The main body 2 has a dorsal region 51 located on the back, a ventral region 53 located on the front, and a crotch region 52 located between the dorsal region 51 and the ventral region 53 in the longitudinal direction Y. The dorsal region 51 covers the wearer's back when worn, and the ventral region 53 covers the wearer's abdomen when worn. The dorsal region 51, the crotch region 52, and the ventral region 53 are arranged in this order from the back.

[0034] The back region 51 of the main body 2 is provided with a pair of back flaps 15 that protrude outward in the lateral direction X. The pair of back flaps 15 are positioned along the wearer's waist when worn. Each of the pair of back flaps 15 has a side edge 15a in the lateral direction X. The maximum width W1 between the side edges 15a of the pair of back flaps 15 in the lateral direction X is greater than the width W2 of the crotch region 52 in the lateral direction X. The maximum width W1 between the side edges 15a of the pair of back flaps 15 corresponds to the maximum width of the main body 2.

[0035] The side edges 15a of the pair of back flap portions 15 have a widened portion 15c and a straight portion 15s. The widened portion 15c curves outward in the lateral direction X as it approaches the back, and connects the side edge of the crotch area 52 to the straight portion 15s. The widened portion 15c may also spread linearly outward in the lateral direction X as it approaches the back, along a direction inclined in the longitudinal direction Y. The straight portion 15s extends linearly along the longitudinal direction Y between the widened portion 15c and the back edge 2R. The width between the straight portions 15s in the lateral direction X corresponds to the maximum width W1 between the side edges 15a of the pair of back flap portions 15.

[0036] In one embodiment, the absorbent article 1 comprises a pair of panel sheets 16 joined to a pair of back flap portions 15. Each of the pair of panel sheets 16 is made of nonwoven fabric and has a substantially rectangular or substantially trapezoidal planar shape. The pair of panel sheets 16 are joined to the pair of back flap portions 15 by hot melt adhesive (HMA), sonic processing, embossing, etc. When viewed from the skin side Z1, the pair of panel sheets 16 extend outward in the lateral direction X from the straight portion 15s of the pair of back flap portions 15. The pair of panel sheets 16 are positioned along the wearer's waist when worn.

[0037] In one embodiment, the absorbent article 1 is provided with one or more pairs of fastening tabs. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the absorbent article 1 is provided with a pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B. The pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B are provided on a pair of panel sheets 16, respectively. The pair of first fastening tabs 90A is positioned dorsally to the pair of second fastening tabs 90B. The pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B engage with the ventral region 53 from the non-skin side Z2. The pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B are positioned dorsally to the guide marks 60, which will be described later. This allows the pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B to engage with the ventral region 53 dorsally to the guide marks 60. A portion of the absorbent 30, which will be described later, is positioned between the pair of second fastening tabs 90B.

[0038] A pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B extend outward in the lateral direction X from the outer edge of a pair of panel sheets 16. Each of the pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B has a base sheet 91 joined to the panel sheet 16 and a joining portion 92 provided on the base sheet 91. The joining portion 92 is located on the skin-side Z1 surface of the base sheet 91. The joining portion 92 is, for example, a mechanical fastener and is configured to be engageable with the back sheet 20 of the main body 2 from the non-skin-side Z2 side.

[0039] The ventral region 53 of the main body 2 is provided with a pair of ventral flap portions 17 that protrude outward in the lateral direction X. The pair of ventral flap portions 17 are positioned along the wearer's waist when worn. Each of the pair of ventral flap portions 17 has a lateral edge 17a in the lateral direction X. The maximum width W3 between the lateral edges 17a of the pair of ventral flap portions 17 in the lateral direction X is greater than the width W2 of the crotch region 52 in the lateral direction X. As described above, the main body 2 has a constricted shape between a pair of dorsal flap portions 15 and a pair of ventral flap portions 17.

[0040] The side edges 17a of the pair of ventral flap portions 17 have a widened portion 17c and a straight portion 17s. The widened portion 17c widens outward in the transverse direction X as it approaches the ventral side, connecting the side edge of the crotch region 52 with the straight portion 17s. The straight portion 17s extends linearly along the longitudinal direction Y between the widened portion 17c and the ventral edge 2F. The width between the straight portions 17s in the transverse direction X corresponds to the maximum width W3 between the side edges 17a of the pair of ventral flap portions 17. The length of the straight portion 15s of the pair of dorsal flap portions 15 along the longitudinal direction Y may be longer than the length of the straight portion 17s of the pair of ventral flap portions 17 along the longitudinal direction Y.

[0041] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the main body 2 includes a surface sheet 10, a back sheet 20, and an absorbent body 30. The surface sheet 10 constitutes the surface of the main body 2 that comes into contact with the wearer and is positioned on the skin side Z1. The surface sheet 10 is made of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric that allows the wearer's urine to pass through to the absorbent body 30. Examples of nonwoven fabrics that make up the surface sheet 10 include air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, or point-bond nonwoven fabric.

[0042] The backing sheet 20 constitutes the outer surface of the main body 2 when worn and is positioned on the non-skin side Z2. The backing sheet 20 includes a liquid-impermeable backing film 21 and a backing nonwoven fabric 22 located on the non-skin side Z2 than the backing film 21. As shown in Figure 3, the width of the backing film 21 in the lateral direction X is shorter than the width of the backing nonwoven fabric 22 in the lateral direction X, and the backing nonwoven fabric 22 may extend beyond the backing film 21 on both sides in the lateral direction X. The backing nonwoven fabric 22 constitutes the outermost layer of the absorbent article 1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the absorbent body 30 includes an absorbent core 31 containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and a core wrap 32 covering the surface of the absorbent core 31. As the pulp of the absorbent core 31, for example, chemical pulp, cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate are used. As the SAP, for example, particulate or fibrous polymers based on starch, acrylic acid, or amino acids are used. The core wrap 32 covers the upper surface of the absorbent core 31 facing the surface sheet 10, and the lower surface of the absorbent core 31 facing the back sheet 20. The absorbent core 31 is provided so as to span the dorsal region 51, the crotch region 52, and the ventral region 53.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the absorbent core 31 as viewed from the skin side Z1. As shown in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the absorbent core 31 includes a dorsal portion 33 disposed in the dorsal region 51, a crutch portion 34 disposed in the crutch region 52, and a ventral portion 35 disposed in the ventral region 53. The dorsal portion 33 is disposed dorsal to the center line CL1 of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y, and the ventral portion 35 is disposed ventral to the center line CL1 of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction Y. The crutch portion 34 includes a first portion 34a and a second portion 34b. The first portion 34a is disposed between the dorsal portion 33 and the second portion 34b. The second portion 34b is disposed between the first portion 34a and the ventral portion 35.

[0045] The width w1 of the dorsal portion 33 in the lateral direction X is greater than the width w3 of the first portion 34a in the lateral direction X. The width w2 of the ventral portion 35 in the lateral direction X is greater than the width w3 of the first portion 34a in the lateral direction X. The width w3 of the first portion 34a in the lateral direction X is greater than the width w4 of the second portion 34b in the lateral direction X. That is, the absorbent core 31 is locally constricted in the lateral direction X in the crutch portion 34. The width of the absorbent core 31 changes stepwise in the longitudinal direction Y. That is, the width of the absorbent core 31 is narrowed as it approaches the first portion 34a in the region between the dorsal portion 33 and the first portion 34a, and is narrowed as it approaches the second portion 34b in the region between the first portion 34a and the second portion 34b. Also, the width of the absorbent core 31 is widened as it approaches the ventral portion 35 in the region between the second portion 34b and the ventral portion 35. The width w1 of the dorsal portion 33 or the width w2 of the ventral portion 35 is the maximum width of the absorbent core 31.

[0046] Further, the width w5 in the lateral direction X of the dorsal edge 31R, which is the dorsal edge of the absorbent core 31, is smaller than the width w1 of the dorsal portion 33. The width w6 in the lateral direction X of the ventral edge 31F, which is the ventral edge of the absorbent core 31, is smaller than the width w2 of the ventral portion 35. The width of the absorbent core 31 is narrowed as it approaches the dorsal edge 3FR in the region between the dorsal portion 33 and the dorsal edge 31R, and is narrowed as it approaches the ventral edge 31F in the region between the ventral portion 35 and the ventral edge 31F.

[0047] Incidentally, the width of the absorbent core 31 may continuously change in the vertical direction Y. For example, the absorbent core 31 may be widest in the dorsal region 51 and the ventral region 53 and may have a gourd-shaped planar shape constricted in the calf region 52.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, one or more channel portions 38 may be formed in the absorbent core 31. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, three channel portions 38 are formed in the absorbent core 31. The three channel portions 38 linearly extend parallel to each other along the vertical direction Y. Incidentally, the three channel portions 38 may be curved with respect to the vertical direction Y. The basis weight of the channel portion 38 is set lower than the basis weight of other portions of the absorbent core 31. Therefore, the density of pulp fibers and SAP present in the channel portion 38 is lower than the density of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer present in other portions of the absorbent core 31. In one embodiment, the channel portion 38 may be a slit with a basis weight of zero.

[0049] The central channel portion 38 among the three channel portions 38 extends in the vertical direction Y along the center line CL2 of the main body portion 2 in the lateral direction X. That is, the central channel portion 38 is disposed on the center line CL2 of the main body portion 2 when viewed from the skin surface side Z1. The two outer channel portions 38 among the three channel portions 38 are disposed on both outer sides of the center line CL2 of the main body portion 2 in the lateral direction X. In the absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1, the three channel portions 38 are disposed on the ventral side with respect to the guide mark 60 described later.

[0050] Since the basis weight of the channel portion 38 is lower than the basis weight of other portions of the absorbent core 31, the channel portion 38 has lower rigidity than other portions of the absorbent core 31. Therefore, when the absorbent core 31 contacts the wearer's foot when the wearer wears the absorbent article 1, the main body portion 2 easily bends into a V-shaped cross section starting from the channel portion 38 of the absorbent core 31. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily pass the absorbent article 1 between the wearer's feet.

[0051] In one embodiment, the absorber 30 may include a low basis weight region 30l and a high basis weight region 30h. As shown in Figure 4, the low basis weight region 30l and the high basis weight region 30h are positioned offset from each other in the longitudinal direction Y. Specifically, the high basis weight region 30h is positioned on the center line CL1 of the absorber 30 in the longitudinal direction Y, and the low basis weight region 30l is positioned ventrally and dorsally to the high basis weight region 30h.

[0052] The basis weight of the absorber 30 in the high basis weight region 30h is greater than the basis weight of the absorber 30 in the low basis weight region 30l. For example, the amount of SAP per unit area in the high basis weight region 30h is greater than the amount of SAP per unit area in the low basis weight region 30l. More specifically, each of the high basis weight region 30h and the low basis weight region 30l has one or more absorbent layers 36 containing SAP, and the number of absorbent layers 36 in the high basis weight region 30h may be greater than the number of absorbent layers 36 in the low basis weight region 30l. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the high basis weight region 30h has two absorbent layers 36, and the low basis weight region 30l has one absorbent layer 36. Therefore, the water retention capacity per unit area of ​​the high basis weight region 30h is greater than the water retention capacity per unit area of ​​the low basis weight region 30l. Note that the basis weight of the high basis weight region 30h in the lateral direction X may be substantially uniform.

[0053] In one embodiment, the absorbent article 1 includes a pair of upright leak-proof gathers 80 positioned on the skin-facing side of the surface sheet 10. The leak-proof gathers 80 stand upright on the outside of the absorbent body 30 in the lateral direction X, preventing urine excreted in the absorbent body 30 from leaking in the lateral direction X. In one embodiment, each of the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 includes a side sheet 12 and an expandable member 13. The pair of side sheets 12 are formed of, for example, a nonwoven fabric having water-repellent or hydrophobic properties. The pair of side sheets 12 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction X and extend over the entire lengthwise Y area of ​​the main body 2 between the ventral edge 2F and the dorsal edge 2R. As shown in Figure 3, the outer edge of the side sheet 12 in the lateral direction X coincides with the outer edge of the backing nonwoven fabric 22 in the lateral direction X, and together with one of the outer edges of the backing nonwoven fabric 22, constitutes the side edge of the main body 2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inner portion of each side sheet 12 in the lateral direction X is folded back to the non-skin side Z2. Between the folded side sheets 12, an expandable member 13 is positioned, which is extended in the vertical direction Y. The expandable member 13 is, for example, a rubber thread that provides the main body 2 with expandability in the vertical direction Y.

[0054] Each of the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 includes an upright portion 81 that stands upright due to the contraction of the expandable member 13, a lateral fixing portion 82 that serves as the pivot point for the upright portion 81 in the lateral direction X, and a vertical fixing portion 83 that serves as the pivot point for the upright portion 81 in the vertical direction Y. The upright portion 81, the lateral fixing portion 82, and the vertical fixing portion 83 are made of side sheets 12. The upright portion 81 is the portion of the side sheet 12 that is not joined to the surface sheet 10, and the expandable member 13 is positioned in an extended state on the upright portion 81.

[0055] The lateral fixing portion 82 is the part of the side sheet 12 that is fixed to the surface sheet 10 with hot melt adhesive or the like, and serves as the pivot point for the upright portion 81 in the lateral direction X. The lateral fixing portion 82 is formed over the entire area of ​​the main body portion 2 in the vertical direction Y, at a position outside the lateral direction X of the upright portion 81.

[0056] The vertical fixing portion 83 is the portion of the side sheet 12 that is joined to the surface sheet 10 with hot melt adhesive or the like, and serves as the pivot point for the upright portion 81 in the vertical direction Y. In one embodiment, the vertical fixing portion 83 includes a ventral fixing portion 83F and a dorsal fixing portion 83R. The ventral fixing portion 83F is located inward in the lateral direction X from the horizontal fixing portion 82 and is formed in a position ventral to the center line CL1 of the main body portion 2 in the vertical direction Y. The ventral fixing portion 83F serves as the ventral pivot point for the upright portion 81. The dorsal fixing portion 83R is located inward in the lateral direction X from the horizontal fixing portion 82 and is formed in a position dorsal to the center line CL1 of the main body portion 2 in the vertical direction Y. The dorsal fixing portion 83R serves as the dorsal pivot point for the upright portion 81.

[0057] The upright portion 81 is positioned between the ventral fixing portion 83F and the dorsal fixing portion 83R, and is located inward in the lateral direction X relative to the lateral fixing portion 82. An expandable / contractible member 13, which is extended in the vertical direction Y, is connected to the upright portion 81, and when the expandable / contractible member 13 contracts in the vertical direction Y, the main body portion 2 deforms in a closing direction. Due to this deformation, the upright portion 81 stands upright between the ventral fixing portion 83F and the dorsal fixing portion 83R, with the lateral fixing portion 82 as the starting point. In this way, the upright portion 81 stands upright in a position that sandwiches the absorbent material 30 from the lateral direction X, thereby preventing urine leakage.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the absorbent article 1 may further comprise one or more leg-circumference stretchable members 40 that are expandable in the longitudinal direction Y. The leg-circumference stretchable members 40 are positioned on the outside in the transverse direction X relative to the stretchable member 13. The dorsal end of the leg-circumference stretchable member 40 is positioned in the dorsal region 51, and the ventral end of the leg-circumference stretchable member 40 is positioned in the ventral region 53. The leg-circumference stretchable member 40 is made of an elastic material such as rubber or spandex that is contractible in the longitudinal direction Y, and is positioned along the side edge of the main body 2 between the surface sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 of the main body 2. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the leg-circumference stretchable member 40 contracts in the longitudinal direction Y, causing the side edge of the main body 2 to fit around the wearer's legs. That is, the leg-circumference stretchable member 40 constitutes leg-lengthening gathers that expand and contract along the wearer's legs. The absorbent article 1 may comprise multiple leg-circumference stretchable members 40. As shown in Figure 1, the multiple leg extension members 40 are arranged in the lateral direction X on the outside of the extension member 13 and extend in the vertical direction Y parallel to each other.

[0059] In one embodiment, when viewed from the skin side Z1, the leg-lengthening member 40 partially overlaps the absorbent body 30. Specifically, the pair of leg-lengthening members 40 may overlap the dorsal portion 33 of the absorbent body 30 when viewed from the skin side Z1.

[0060] The main body 2 further includes an opening film 55 positioned on the skin side Z1 relative to the absorbent body 30. The opening film 55 functions as a liquid backflow prevention layer to prevent excrement (e.g., urine) absorbed by the absorbent body 30 from returning to the skin side Z1. The opening film 55 is positioned between the surface sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30. The opening film 55 positioned between the surface sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30 effectively suppresses the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent body 30. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the opening film 55. As shown in Figure 6, the opening film 55 is a resin film with a plurality of through holes 55a formed therein that penetrate in the thickness direction Z. Typically, polyethylene or polypropylene is used as the material for the resin film.

[0061] The opening film 55 has a peripheral portion 55b arranged along the periphery of the through hole 55a on the skin side Z1, a rib portion 55c protruding from the peripheral portion 55b toward the non-skin side Z2, and a flat portion 55d. The through hole 55a is defined by the peripheral portion 55b and the rib portion 55c. The flat portion 55d is a portion of the opening film 55 formed to have a substantially constant thickness and is formed continuously with the peripheral portion 55b. The inner surfaces of the peripheral portion 55b and the rib portion 55c are curved toward the center of the through hole 55a. The through hole 55a is formed such that the opening width continuously narrows toward the non-skin side Z2. Therefore, the opening width w11 at the opening end of the through hole 55a toward the non-skin side Z2 is narrower than the opening width w12 at the opening end of the through hole 55a toward the skin side Z1. The opening width w11 corresponds to the minimum opening width of the through hole 55a, and the opening width w12 corresponds to the maximum opening width of the through hole 55a. In one embodiment, the opening width w11 is the opening width at the tip of the rib portion 55c, and the opening width w12 is the opening width at the base end of the peripheral portion 55b (the boundary between the peripheral portion 55b and the flat portion 55d).

[0062] Because the opening width w11 at the non-skin side Z2 of the through-hole 55a is relatively narrow, it is possible to suppress urine from passing through the through-hole 55a from the non-skin side Z2 of the opening film 55. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the backflow of urine absorbed by the absorbent 30.

[0063] The opening film 55 is locally provided near the guide mark 60, which will be described later. The opening film 55 is located on the back side with respect to the center line CL1 in the vertical direction Y, and when viewed from the skin side Z1, its entirety overlaps the absorbent body 30. Because the opening film 55 is located on the back side with respect to the center line CL1 of the main body 2, it is possible to effectively suppress the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent body 30 to the back side.

[0064] The opening film 55 has, for example, a rectangular or square planar shape, and its ventral end 55f is positioned dorsally with respect to the center line CL1 in the longitudinal direction Y, and its dorsal end 55r is positioned ventrally with respect to the dorsal edge 31R of the absorbent body 30. The ventral end 55f of the opening film 55 may be provided dorsal to the dorsal ends of the plurality of channel portions 38. Both side edges 55s of the opening film 55 in the transverse direction X are positioned laterally inward with respect to the lateral fixing portions 82 of the pair of leak-proof gathers 80.

[0065] The opening film 55 is positioned ventrally relative to the dorsal edge 31R of the absorbent core 31. In other words, when viewed from the skin side Z1, a portion of the absorbent core 31 exists between the dorsal edge 31R of the absorbent core 31 and the dorsal edge 55r of the opening film 55. With this configuration, even if urine moves dorsally along the surface of the opening film 55, the urine can be absorbed by the region including the dorsal edge 31R of the absorbent core 31 (that portion of the absorbent core 31). Therefore, urine leakage can be suppressed while suppressing liquid backflow from the absorbent body 30. In addition, since the channel portion 38 is positioned ventrally relative to the opening film 55, urine that moves ventrally along the surface of the opening film 55 can be diffused by the channel portion 38.

[0066] Viewed from the skin side Z1, the dorsal end 55r of the opening film 55 is positioned to overlap with the dorsal portion 33 of the absorbent core 31. The width w1 of the dorsal portion 33 is the maximum width of the absorbent core 31. In other words, the dorsal end 55r of the opening film 55 is positioned to overlap with the portion of the absorbent core 31 that has the largest width in the lateral direction X. With this configuration, even if urine moves along the surface of the opening film 55 toward the dorsal side, the portion of the absorbent core 31 that has the largest width in the lateral direction X (i.e., the dorsal portion 33) can suitably absorb the urine.

[0067] The opening film 55 is positioned ventrally relative to the dorsal edges of the first fastening tab 90A and the second fastening tab 90B in the longitudinal direction Y. In one embodiment, the opening film 55 is positioned ventrally relative to the first fastening tab 90A and the second fastening tab 90B in the longitudinal direction Y. This allows the first fastening tab 90A and the second fastening tab 90B to engage with the ventral region 53 when worn, enabling the absorbent material 30 to adhere closely to the wearer's body on the dorsal side of the opening film 55. As a result, even if urine travels along the surface of the opening film 55 toward the dorsal side, the absorbent material 30 can effectively absorb the urine.

[0068] When the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 are in a non-upright position, at least a portion of the opening film 55 may overlap with the side sheet 12 when viewed from the skin side Z1. For example, when the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 are in a non-upright position, both sides of the opening film 55 may overlap with the side sheet 12. Both sides of the opening film 55 include at least the side edges 55s of the opening film 55. With this configuration, even if urine travels along the surface of the opening film 55 in the lateral direction X, the urine is blocked by the side sheet 12, making it easier for it to remain inside the absorbent body 30. This allows the absorbent body 30 to effectively absorb the urine.

[0069] The opening film 55 is positioned in the longitudinal direction Y between the dorsal fixing portion 83R and the ventral fixing portion 83F. In other words, the opening film 55 is positioned in the longitudinal direction Y between the dorsal standing pivot point (dorsal standing pivot point) and the ventral standing pivot point (ventral standing pivot point) of the standing portion 81. With this configuration, even if urine moves ventrally or dorsally along the surface of the opening film 55, the urine is blocked by the ventral standing pivot point or dorsal standing pivot point, making it easier for the urine to remain inside the absorbent body 30. This allows the absorbent body 30 to effectively absorb the urine.

[0070] A portion of the opening film 55 is positioned between the pair of leg-lengthening members 40 when viewed from the skin-facing side Z1, while the other portion of the opening film 55 is positioned on the back side relative to the pair of leg-lengthening members 40. With this configuration, when worn, the pair of leg-lengthening members 40 are stretched, applying tension to the main body 2 near the opening film 55, and stretching out wrinkles that have formed in the main body 2 near the opening film 55. Therefore, deterioration of the feel of the absorbent article 1 against the skin due to wrinkles can be suppressed.

[0071] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from the skin side Z1, the opening film 55 is positioned to overlap the high basis weight region 30h. This prevents urine absorbed in the high basis weight region 30h from flowing back to the skin side Z1. When viewed from the skin side Z1, the opening film 55 may also be positioned to straddle the boundary Ra between the low basis weight region 30l and the high basis weight region 30h. In the example in Figure 4, the boundary Ra corresponds to the dorsal edge of the high basis weight region 30h. This configuration makes it possible to suppress the backflow of urine absorbed in both the low basis weight region 30l and the high basis weight region 30h.

[0072] As shown in Figure 6, the opening film 55 is bonded to the surface sheet 10 with a hot-melt adhesive H1 applied between the surface sheet 10 and the opening film 55. The opening film 55 is bonded to the absorbent 30 with a hot-melt adhesive H2 applied between the opening film 55 and the absorbent 30. For example, the hot-melt adhesives H1 and H2 are applied linearly in the vertical direction Y. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the hot-melt adhesives H1 and H2 from blocking the through-holes 55a of the opening film 55.

[0073] The basis weight of the hot-melt adhesive H2 coated between the opening film 55 and the absorbent body 30 may be higher than the basis weight of the hot-melt adhesive H1 coated between the surface sheet 10 and the opening film 55. With this configuration, the backflow of urine absorbed by the absorbent body 30 can be effectively suppressed by the hot-melt adhesive H2. Therefore, the backflow of urine absorbed by the absorbent body 30 can be further suppressed.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the main body 2 has guide marks 60 formed on it so that they are visible from the skin side Z1, which guide the wearer to the position where a part of their body should be placed in the vertical direction Y. In one embodiment, the guide marks 60 guide the wearer to the position where their buttocks should be placed in the vertical direction Y. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the guide marks 60 have a roughly W-shape that mimics the buttocks in order to make the user recognize that it is the position where the wearer's buttocks should be placed.

[0075] The guide mark 60 is positioned on the skin-facing side Z1 relative to the absorbent material 30. The guide mark 60 is positioned so as to overlap with the absorbent material 30 when viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. The guide mark 60 is printed on the opening film 55 so as to be visible from the skin-facing side Z1. For example, the entire guide mark 60 overlaps with the opening film 55 when viewed from the skin-facing side Z1. This allows the wearer to position the opening film 55 appropriately on their body by positioning a part of their body on the guide mark 60 when wearing the absorbent item 1. As a result, the opening film 55 positioned appropriately can effectively suppress the backflow of excrement absorbed by the absorbent material 30.

[0076] The guide mark 60 is printed, for example, on the skin-facing side Z1 or the non-skin-facing side Z2 of the opening film 55. The guide mark 60 may have a different color from the opening film 55. For example, if the opening film 55 is colored blue or green, the guide mark 60 may be white. The colors of the surface sheet 10, the opening film 55, and the guide mark 60 may be different from each other. This can improve the visibility of the guide mark 60.

[0077] The entire guide mark 60 is positioned ventrally relative to the center line CL3 of the opening film 55 in the vertical direction Y. This guides a part of the wearer's body ventrally relative to the center line CL3 of the opening film 55 in the vertical direction Y. As a result, the wearer's urine is excreted ventrally toward the opening film 55. Therefore, while suppressing urine that has returned from the absorbent material 30 from adhering to the wearer's buttocks, the movement of excreted urine to the absorbent material 30 is prevented from being blocked by the opening film 55. Alternatively, a part of the guide mark 60 may be positioned ventrally relative to the center line CL3 of the opening film 55 in the vertical direction Y, and the other part of the guide mark 60 may be positioned dorsally relative to the center line CL3 of the opening film 55 in the vertical direction Y. In this case, the area of ​​the part of the guide mark 60 (the part positioned ventrally relative to the center line CL3) as viewed from the skin side Z1 may be larger than the area of ​​the other part of the guide mark 60 (the part positioned dorsally relative to the center line CL3) as viewed from the skin side Z1.

[0078] Figure 7 is a magnified view of the area around the guide mark 60. As shown in Figure 7, the guide mark 60 includes two curved sections 61 that curve smoothly so as to be convex on the ventral side. Each of the two curved sections 61 has one end 62 and the other end 63, and extends in a substantially semi-circular arc between the one end 62 and the other end 63. The one end 62 of the two curved sections 61 are connected to each other by a connecting section 65. The connecting section 65 is located on the center line CL2 of the main body 2 in the lateral direction X. The other end 63 of the two curved sections 61 is located outside the connecting section 65 in the lateral direction X. Also, the other end 63 of the two curved sections 61 is located behind the connecting section 65 in the vertical direction Y. The other end 63 of the two curved sections 61 has a rounded contour. However, the other end 63 of the two curved sections 61 may have an angular contour. Since the guide mark 60 having the shape described above is formed on the main body 2, the user of the absorbent article 1 will associate the shape of the guide mark 60 with the shape of the buttocks and recognize that the wearer's buttocks should be positioned in accordance with the guide mark 60.

[0079] Furthermore, the guide mark 60 has a width W4 in the horizontal direction X and a width L1 in the vertical direction Y. The width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the horizontal direction X corresponds to the distance in the horizontal direction X between the other ends 63 of the two curved sections 61. The width L1 of the guide mark 60 in the vertical direction Y corresponds to the distance in the vertical direction Y between the lowest point 64 and the other end 63 of the two curved sections 61, when the lowest point 64 is defined as the part of the two curved sections 61 that protrudes the most ventral side. The width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the horizontal direction X is greater than the width L1 of the guide mark 60 in the vertical direction Y. Therefore, the guide mark 60 has a horizontally elongated shape that is longer in the horizontal direction X.

[0080] As shown in Figure 1, the three channel portions 38 extend in the longitudinal direction Y between the guide mark 60 and the ventral edge 2F. The width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the lateral direction X is greater than the distance d1 between the two outermost channel portions 38 in the lateral direction X. Also, the width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the lateral direction X is less than the distance d2 between the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 in the non-upright state. However, the width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the lateral direction X may be greater than the distance d2 between the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 in the non-upright state. In this case, when the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 are in the non-upright state, the other ends 63 of the two curved portions 61 of the guide mark 60 are covered by the pair of leak-proof gathers 80, and when the pair of leak-proof gathers 80 are in the upright state, the entire guide mark 60, including the other ends 63 of the two curved portions 61, is exposed to the skin side Z1.

[0081] The two curved sections 61 have a substantially constant line width t from one end 62 to the other end 63. The line width t of the two curved sections 61 may be 10% or more and 50% or less of the width W4 of the guide mark 60 in the lateral direction X. For example, the line width t of the two curved sections 61 is 2 cm or more. By making the line width t 2 cm or more, the visibility of the guide mark 60 can be improved.

[0082] The guide mark 60 does not necessarily have to be formed on the opening film 55. In this case, at least a portion of the guide mark 60 is provided so as to overlap the opening film 55 when viewed from the skin side Z1. For example, the guide mark 60 may be printed on the surface sheet 10 at a position that overlaps the opening film 55 when viewed from the skin side Z1. The guide mark 60 may be colored in a different color from the surface sheet 10. For example, the guide mark 60 may be printed in blue or green. More specifically, the guide mark 60 may be printed in a color that falls within the range of 5GY to 10RP on the Munsell color circle. Typically, the guide mark 60 is formed so that its entirety overlaps the opening film 55 when viewed from the skin side Z1.

[0083] In one embodiment, the opening film 55 may be colored in a different color from the surface sheet 10. The coloring of the opening film 55 allows it to be easily seen through the surface sheet 10. For example, the opening film 55 may be colored blue or green.

[0084] The guide mark 60 may be a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent material 30. For example, the recess or protrusion may be formed by embossing on the skin-facing side Z1 of the absorbent core 31. In this case, the user of the absorbent article 1 can determine the location of the guide mark 60 not only by visual inspection, but also by touching the recess or protrusion with their hand.

[0085] Next, an absorbent article according to another embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a plan view of an absorbent article 1A according to another embodiment, as seen from the skin side Z1. The absorbent article 1A differs from the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 in that the guide marks 60 are not formed on the opening film 55. In the following description, the differences from absorbent article 1 will be mainly explained, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0086] The absorbent core 31 has a channel portion 39 formed therein. The channel portion 39 has the same shape as the guide mark 60 shown in Figure 7. That is, the channel portion 39 has a roughly W-shape that mimics the buttocks. The channel portion 39 is located on the dorsal side with respect to the center line CL1 in the vertical direction Y, and when viewed from the skin side Z1, its entirety overlaps the opening film 55. The channel portion 39 is located on the dorsal side with respect to the three channel portions 38.

[0087] The backing film 21 may be colored a different color from the surface sheet 10. In this case, a portion 21a of the backing film 21 that is visible through the channel portion 39 provides the guide mark 60. The portion 21a of the backing film 21 is visible through the core wrap 32, the opening film 55, and the surface sheet 10, in addition to the channel portion 39. The portion 21a of the backing film 21 is the part of the backing film 21 that overlaps with the channel portion 39 when viewed from the skin side Z1. Therefore, the portion 21a of the backing film 21 has a roughly W-shape that mimics the buttocks, similar to the channel portion 39, when viewed from the skin side Z1. As a result, the user of the absorbent article 1 can associate the shape of the buttocks with the shape of the portion 21a (guide mark 60) of the backing film 21.

[0088] In addition, in absorbent article 1A, instead of the backing film 21, the core wrap 32 covering the non-skin side Z2 surface (the lower surface of the absorbent core 31) of the absorbent core 31 may be colored a different color from the surface sheet 10. In this case, a part of the colored core wrap 32 that is visible through the channel portion 39 provides the guide mark 60.

[0089] In absorbent article 1A, guide marks 60 can be provided by utilizing channel portions 39 that promote the diffusion of excrement excreted into the absorbent material 30.

[0090] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an absorbent article 1B according to yet another embodiment. Absorbent article 1B differs from absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it has an absorbent sheet 70 instead of an opening film 55. The absorbent sheet 70 functions as a liquid return prevention layer to prevent excrement (e.g., urine) absorbed by the absorbent body 30 from returning to the skin side Z1. The absorbent sheet 70 is placed between the surface sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30.

[0091] The absorbent sheet 70 is composed of two absorbent cores. Specifically, the absorbent sheet 70 includes absorbent layers 71 and 72 containing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and nonwoven fabrics 73, 74, and 75 covering the surfaces of the absorbent layers 71 and 72. Absorbent layer 71 is positioned on the skin side Z1 relative to absorbent layer 72. Nonwoven fabric 73 covers the upper surface of absorbent layer 71 facing the surface sheet 10. Nonwoven fabric 74 is positioned between absorbent layers 71 and 72. Nonwoven fabric 75 covers the lower surface of absorbent layer 72 facing the absorbent body 30.

[0092] The guide mark 60 shown in Figure 1 is printed on the skin-facing side Z1 of the absorbent sheet 70. For example, the guide mark 60 may also be printed on the skin-facing side Z1 of the nonwoven fabric 73. This improves the visibility of the guide mark 60. The absorbent sheet 70 may have only one absorbent layer.

[0093] The guide mark 60 may be a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent sheet 70. For example, the recess or protrusion may be formed by embossing on the skin-facing side Z1 of the absorbent layer 71. In this case, the user of the absorbent article 1B can determine the location of the guide mark 60 not only by visual inspection, but also by touching the recess or protrusion with their hand.

[0094] Figure 10 is a plan view of an absorbent article 1C according to yet another embodiment, as seen from the skin side Z1. The absorbent article 1C shown in Figure 10 differs from the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 in that it does not have a pair of panel sheets 16, and instead a pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B are joined to a pair of back flap portions 15. In the absorbent article 1C, the guide mark 60 is positioned between the straight portions 15s of the pair of back flap portions 15, as seen from the skin side Z1.

[0095] Figure 11 is a plan view of an absorbent article 1D according to yet another embodiment, as seen from the skin side Z1. The absorbent article 1D shown in Figure 11 does not have a pair of dorsal flap portions 15 and a pair of ventral flap portions 17, and differs from the absorbent article 1 shown in Figure 1 in that the width of the main body portion 2 in the lateral direction X is constant at each position in the vertical direction Y. As shown in Figure 11, the absorbent article 1D includes a pair of panel sheets 16 joined to the main body portion 2. The pair of panel sheets 16 extend outward from the main body portion 2 in the lateral direction X when viewed from the skin side Z1. The pair of panel sheets 16 are positioned along the wearer's waist when worn. In the absorbent article 1D, the guide mark 60 is positioned between the pair of panel sheets 16 when viewed from the skin side Z1. As shown in Figure 11, the pair of panel sheets 16 are provided with a pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B.

[0096] When viewed from the skin-facing side Z1, an opening film 55 may be placed between a pair of first fastening tabs 90A. Alternatively, when viewed from the skin-facing side Z1, an opening film 55 may be placed between a pair of second fastening tabs 90B. In this case, when worn, the pair of first fastening tabs 90A and the pair of second fastening tabs 90B are pulled in the direction of the wearer's waist, so a lateral tension X is applied to the main body 2 near the opening film 55, and wrinkles that have formed in the main body 2 near the opening film 55 are stretched out. Therefore, deterioration of the feel of the absorbent article 1D against the skin due to wrinkles can be suppressed.

[0097] Each of the pair of panel sheets 16 may have a dividing line 16d formed on it for dividing each panel sheet 16 in the longitudinal direction Y. The dividing line 16d is, for example, a perforation and is formed in the longitudinal direction Y between a pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B. When each panel sheet 16 is cut along the dividing line 16d, each panel sheet 16 is divided into a ventral portion and a dorsal portion.

[0098] In one embodiment, when the folded absorbent article 1D is removed from the packaging, each of the pair of panel sheets 16 may be temporarily fixed in a folded state along a fold line extending in the vertical direction Y. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the pair of panel sheets 16 are folded inward once or more times along one or more fold lines extending in the vertical direction Y, with a pair of first fastening tabs 90A and a pair of second fastening tabs 90B folded inward along the side edges of the pair of panel sheets 16. The folded pair of panel sheets 16 and the surface sheet 10 are then temporarily fixed together. Temporary fixing means that they are weakly joined so that they do not separate during transport but can be separated by force applied by the user during use. Temporary fixing can be done, for example, with adhesive, embossing, or sonic processing. By temporarily fixing the folded pair of panel sheets 16 and the surface sheet 10, the pair of panel sheets 16 are fixed in a folded state during transport.

[0099] Although various embodiments of absorbent articles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modified forms can be constructed without changing the gist of the invention. In other words, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0100] For example, in the above embodiment, the guide mark 60 has a shape that mimics the buttocks in order to guide the wearer's buttocks to the position where they should be placed. However, the guide mark 60 is not limited to a shape that mimics the buttocks as long as it can guide the wearer's body part to the position where it should be placed in the vertical direction. For example, the guide mark 60 may guide the wearer's urinary opening or groin to the position where it should be placed. For example, Figure 13 shows an example of a guide mark 60 for guiding the wearer's urinary opening to the position where it should be placed. Figure 14 shows an example of a guide mark 60 for guiding the wearer's groin to the position where it should be placed. The opening film 55 shown in Figures 13 and 14 has a long rectangular shape in the vertical direction Y and overlaps with at least a part of the guide mark 60 when viewed from the skin side Z1.

[0101] Furthermore, the shape of the guide mark 60 that indicates the position where the wearer's buttocks should be placed is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7. For example, the guide mark 60 may have a pattern, design, or geometric shape as shown in Figures 15(a) to (f). It should be noted that the various embodiments described above can be combined in a consistent manner.

[0102] The present invention will be described with reference to the following clauses. The present invention may also include any combination of the following clauses, even without a specific enumeration.

[0103] [1] An absorbent article comprising a surface sheet positioned on the skin side of the wearer, a back sheet positioned on the non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorbent body positioned between the surface sheet and the back sheet, the main body portion extending longitudinally between the dorsal edge and the ventral edge, the main body portion being positioned on the skin side relative to the absorbent body and including a liquid return prevention layer for preventing excrement absorbed by the absorbent body from returning to the skin side, the main body portion having guide marks formed so as to be visible from the skin side for guiding the position where a part of the wearer's body should be placed, and at least a portion of the guide marks being provided so as to overlap the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side.

[0104] [2] The absorbent article described in [1], wherein the guide mark indicates the position where a part of the wearer's body should be placed in the vertical direction.

[0105] [3] The absorbent article according to [1] or [2], wherein the guide mark is formed on the skin-facing side relative to the absorbent material.

[0106] [4] The absorbent article described in any one of [1] to [3], wherein the guide mark is colored in a different color from the surface sheet.

[0107] [5] The guide mark is an absorbent article described in any one of [1] to [4] printed on the main body.

[0108] [6] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the guide mark is a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent material.

[0109] [7] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core having water absorption properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core comprises a channel portion having a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, the back sheet comprises a water-impermeable back film and a back nonwoven fabric disposed on the non-skin-facing side relative to the back film, the back film is colored in a different color from the front sheet, and a portion of the back film visible through the channel portion provides the guide mark, the absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [6].

[0110] [8] The absorbent material comprises an absorbent core having water absorption properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a channel portion having a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, the core wrap is colored in a different color from the surface sheet, and a portion of the core wrap visible through the channel portion provides the guide mark, as described in any one of [1] to [6].

[0111] [9] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein the liquid return prevention layer is disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent.

[0112]

[10] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is positioned on the dorsal side with respect to the center line of the main body in the longitudinal direction, when the direction from the ventral edge to the dorsal edge is defined as the dorsal side.

[0113]

[11] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein, when the direction from the dorsal edge to the ventral edge is defined as the ventral side, at least a portion of the guide mark is provided on the ventral side with respect to the center line of the liquid backflow prevention layer in the longitudinal direction.

[0114]

[12] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the entire guide mark overlaps the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side.

[0115]

[13] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is an open film made of resin with a plurality of through holes formed therein.

[0116]

[14] The guide mark is printed on the opening film, and is the absorbent article described in

[13] .

[0117]

[15] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer.

[0118]

[16] The absorbent article according to

[15] , wherein the guide mark is printed on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent sheet.

[0119]

[17] The absorbent article according to

[15] or

[16] , wherein the guide mark is a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent sheet.

[0120]

[18] The absorbent article according to any one of [1] to

[17] , wherein the main body portion has an abdominal region that covers the wearer's abdomen when worn and a dorsal region that covers the wearer's back when worn, and further comprises one or more pairs of fastening tabs that extend outward from the dorsal region in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and engage with the abdominal region from the non-skin side, and when the direction from the abdominal region toward the dorsal region is defined as the dorsal side, in the longitudinal direction, at least one of the one or more pairs of fastening tabs is provided on the dorsal side with respect to the guide mark.

[0121]

[19] The absorbent article described in any one of [1] to

[18] , wherein the guide mark has a shape that resembles the buttocks in order to guide the wearer's buttocks to the position where the buttocks should be placed.

[0122] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D... Absorbent article, 2... Main body, 2F... Ventral edge, 2R... Dorsal edge, 10... Surface sheet, 20... Back sheet, 21... Back film, 22... Back nonwoven fabric, 30... Absorbent body, 31... Absorbent core, 32... Core wrap, 38, 39... Channel section, 51... Dorsal region, 53... Ventral region, 55... Opening film, 55a... Through hole, 60... Guide mark, 70... Absorbent sheet, CL1, CL2, CL3... Center line, X... Transverse direction, Y... Vertical direction, Z1... Skin side, Z2... Non-skin side.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a surface sheet positioned on the skin side of the wearer, a back sheet positioned on the non-skin side opposite to the skin side, and an absorbent body positioned between the surface sheet and the back sheet, the main body portion extending longitudinally between the dorsal edge and the ventral edge, the main body portion being positioned on the skin side relative to the absorbent body and including a liquid return prevention layer for preventing excrement absorbed by the absorbent body from returning to the skin side, the main body portion having guide marks formed so as to be visible from the skin side for guiding the position where a part of the wearer's body should be placed, and at least a portion of the guide marks being provided so as to overlap the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark indicates the position where a part of the wearer's body should be placed in the vertical direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark is formed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark is colored in a different color from the surface sheet.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark is printed on the main body.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark is a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent material.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent body comprises an absorbent core having water absorption properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, the absorbent core includes a channel portion having a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, the back sheet comprises a water-impermeable back film and a back nonwoven fabric disposed on the non-skin-facing side relative to the back film, the back film is colored in a different color from the surface sheet, and a portion of the back film visible through the channel portion provides the guide mark.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, comprising an absorbent core having water absorption properties and a core wrap covering at least the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a channel portion having a lower basis weight than the rest of the absorbent core, the core wrap is colored in a different color from the surface sheet, and a portion of the core wrap visible through the channel portion provides the guide mark.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is disposed between the surface sheet and the absorbent.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, when the direction from the ventral edge to the dorsal edge is defined as the dorsal side, the liquid return prevention layer is positioned on the dorsal side with respect to the center line of the main body in the longitudinal direction.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, when the direction from the dorsal edge to the ventral edge is defined as the ventral side, at least a portion of the guide mark is provided on the ventral side with respect to the center line of the liquid backflow prevention layer in the longitudinal direction.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the entire guide mark overlaps the liquid return prevention layer when viewed from the skin side.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is an open film made of resin with a plurality of through holes formed therein.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the guide mark is printed on the opening film.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid backflow prevention layer is an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer.

16. The absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein the guide mark is printed on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent sheet.

17. The absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein the guide mark is a recess or protrusion formed by embossing the absorbent sheet.

18. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion has an abdominal region that covers the wearer's abdomen when worn and a dorsal region that covers the wearer's back when worn, and further comprises one or more pairs of fastening tabs that extend outward from the dorsal region in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and engage with the abdominal region from the non-skin side, and when the direction from the abdominal region toward the dorsal region is defined as the dorsal side, in the longitudinal direction, at least one of the one or more pairs of fastening tabs is provided on the dorsal side with respect to the guide mark.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the guide mark has a shape that mimics the buttocks in order to guide the wearer's buttocks to the position where they should be placed.

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