Disposable diaper

Abstract

In order to provide a disposable diaper that makes it possible to easily determine the stretched state of each stretchable region that stretches and contracts around a leg, a disposable diaper (1) that comprises a top sheet (11), a back sheet (12), and an absorbent body (13) disposed therebetween, and that is worn with fastening tapes (17) fastened has: stretchable regions (S) that extend around the legs of a wearer on opposite sides in the width direction (W), and stretch and contract in the longitudinal direction (L); and a non-stretchable region (N) that is located inward of the stretchable regions (S) in the width direction (W) and does not stretch or contract in the longitudinal direction (L). First mark parts (18) are provided in the stretchable regions (S), and second mark parts (19) are provided in the non-stretchable region (N). The first mark parts (18) and the second mark parts (19) each have, in at least a portion thereof, a pattern common thereto, and are arranged in a range in which the first mark parts (18) and the second mark parts (19) are simultaneously visible when the stretchable regions (S) are in a stretched state.

Description

Disposable diaper

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a disposable diaper.

[0002] Conventionally, a tape-type disposable diaper is known which is provided with a mark visible from the non-skin side in an elastic region that can expand and contract along the wearer's leg circumference (around the thigh) (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 5291238, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2014-204756, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2008-183332, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2017-64247

[0004] By the way, in order to properly wear a tape-type disposable diaper, it is required that the elastic region is sufficiently stretched and arranged along the leg circumference. In contrast, with conventional disposable diapers, even if the appearance of the mark changes as the elastic region stretches, it has not been possible to easily determine the stretched state of the elastic region. For this reason, conventional disposable diapers have sometimes been worn while the elastic region has not been sufficiently stretched.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problem, and an object thereof is to provide a disposable diaper that allows easy recognition of the stretched state of an elastic region that expands and contracts along the leg circumference.

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the disposable diaper of this disclosure comprises a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between them, and extends in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the wearer's front-to-back direction, and is worn by fastening tapes disposed on both sides of one end in the longitudinal direction being fastened to the other end in the longitudinal direction, and has stretchable regions on both sides in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction that conform to the wearer's legs and stretch in the longitudinal direction, and has non-stretchable regions that do not stretch in the longitudinal direction on the side inward in the width direction from the stretchable regions, the stretchable regions are provided with a first mark visible from at least one of the non-skin side and the skin side, and the non-stretchable regions are provided with a second mark visible from the direction in which the first mark is visible, the first mark and the second mark have a pattern common to at least a part of them and are arranged in a range that can be simultaneously visible when the stretchable regions are extended.

[0007] This allows the disposable diaper of this disclosure to easily grasp the stretched state of the stretchable area that stretches along the legs.

[0008] This is a plan view showing the skin-facing side of the diaper body of this embodiment. This is a plan view showing the non-skin-facing side of the diaper body of this embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. This is an enlarged view of section B in Figure 1. This is a schematic diagram showing the first and second markings in a contracted state. This is a plan view showing the skin-facing side of the diaper body of Embodiment 1. This is a plan view showing the non-skin-facing side of the diaper body of Embodiment 1. This is an enlarged view of section C in Figure 7. This is an enlarged view of section D in Figure 7. This is an explanatory diagram showing other design examples of the first and second markings. This is an explanatory diagram showing other arrangement examples of the first and second markings.

[0009] The form for implementing the disposable diaper according to this disclosure will be described below based on the drawings. In the following description, the direction extending from the ventral side to the dorsal side, corresponding to the wearer's front-to-back direction, is referred to as the "longitudinal direction L," and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is referred to as the "width direction W." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W is referred to as the "thickness direction H." In addition, in the thickness direction H, the side closer to the wearer's body when worn is referred to as the "skin side," and the side closer to clothing when worn is referred to as the "non-skin side."

[0010] The disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment is a tape-fastening type diaper, as shown in Figure 1, etc.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the disposable diaper 1 has an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction L when viewed from above. The disposable diaper 1 is integrally formed with a ventral portion 10X, a dorsal portion 10Z, and a crotch portion 10Y between the ventral portion 10X and the dorsal portion 10Z connected in the longitudinal direction L. There are no boundaries or structural differences between the ventral portion 10X and the crotch portion 10Y, or between the dorsal portion 10Z and the crotch portion 10Y. Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1, the length in the width direction W of the ventral portion 10X and the dorsal portion 10Z is longer than the length in the width direction W of the crotch portion 10Y.

[0012] The disposable diaper 1 comprises a top sheet 11, a back sheet 12, an absorbent core 13, and a gather sheet 14.

[0013] The top sheet 11 is positioned on the skin side (inside) and is a sheet material located at least in the center of the width direction W of the disposable diaper 1. The top sheet 11 has liquid permeability, meaning it is permeable to liquids, and is formed of, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric. The top sheet 11 allows bodily fluids to pass through quickly toward the absorbent body 13.

[0014] The backsheet 12 is a sheet material positioned on the non-skin side (outside) (see Figure 2). The backsheet 12 has liquid impermeability, meaning it does not allow liquids to pass through. The backsheet 12 is composed of a two-layer structure, for example, an inner sheet made of resin film positioned on the inside and an outer sheet made of nonwoven fabric positioned on the outside. The backsheet 12 prevents the permeation of bodily fluids held by the absorbent 13, thus preventing clothing from getting wet. The backsheet 12 has a larger outer shape than the topsheet 11. The periphery of the topsheet 11 is fixed to the skin side of the backsheet 12. The topsheet 11 is fixed using, for example, an adhesive such as hot melt or ultrasonic welding.

[0015] The absorbent body 13 is a liquid absorbent material laminated between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. The absorbent body 13 is composed of, for example, absorbent polymer particles and pulp fibers. The absorbent body 13 may be wrapped in a core wrap sheet (not shown) made of crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like. The absorbent body 13 is located in the center of the disposable diaper 1 and extends along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the absorbent body 13 has a smaller outer shape than the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. For this reason, the absorbent body 13 is not present around the entire circumference of the outer edge of the disposable diaper 1.

[0016] The gather sheet 14 is an elongated sheet material extending in the longitudinal direction L, positioned on both sides of the width direction W of the disposable diaper 1. The gather sheet 14 is made of, for example, a water-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric. The outer end of the gather sheet 14 in the width direction W is fixed to the skin-facing side 11a of the top sheet 11. Alternatively, the outer end of the gather sheet 14 in the width direction W may be fixed to the skin-facing side of the back sheet 12 that extends beyond the top sheet 11. The gather sheet 14 is fixed using, for example, an adhesive such as hot melt or ultrasonic welding. The inner end of the gather sheet 14 in the width direction W is not fixed to the top sheet 11, at least in the central part in the longitudinal direction L.

[0017] Multiple first elastic stretch members 16a are provided at the inner end of the gathering sheet 14 in the width direction W. The first elastic stretch members 16a are elastic members that can stretch in the longitudinal direction L. That is, the first elastic stretch members 16a are made of, for example, thread-like or strip-like synthetic rubber. Multiple first elastic stretch members 16a are arranged at least in the middle of the gathering sheet 14 in the longitudinal direction L and are provided in parallel in the width direction W. Each first elastic stretch member 16a is fixed to the gathering sheet 14 in a predetermined stretched state and contracts in its natural state. The "natural state" refers to the state in which the disposable diaper 1 is left at rest without applying any external force that stretches any part of it.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner end of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction W expands and contracts due to the elastic force of the first elastic stretch member 16a. In addition, the inner end of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction W stands up toward the skin as the first elastic stretch member 16a contracts, preventing leakage of excrement and other substances from the side (see Figure 3). In other words, a so-called three-dimensional gather is formed by the inner end of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction W.

[0019] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 is provided with a plurality of second elastic stretch members 16b in the area surrounding the wearer's legs (around the thighs) on both sides in the width direction W. The second elastic stretch members 16b are elastic members that can stretch in the longitudinal direction L, and are made of, for example, thread-like or strip-like synthetic rubber. Each second elastic stretch member 16b is fixed between the gather sheet 14 and the back sheet 12 in a predetermined stretched state and contracts in its natural state.

[0020] Multiple second elastic stretch members 16b are positioned outside the width direction W of the first elastic stretch member 16a and are arranged in parallel in the width direction W. Both sides of the disposable diaper 1 in the width direction W expand and contract due to the elastic force of the second elastic stretch members 16b, allowing the disposable diaper 1 to fit around the wearer's legs. In other words, the areas of the disposable diaper 1 where the second elastic stretch members 16b are positioned on both sides in the width direction W become stretchable regions S that conform to the wearer's legs and expand and contract in the longitudinal direction L.

[0021] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 has a non-stretchable region N located inward in the width direction W from the stretchable region S (i.e., closer to the center in the width direction). The non-stretchable region N is a region where no elastic members such as the second elastic stretchable member 16b are arranged and does not stretch in the longitudinal direction L. The non-stretchable region N includes the absorbent region P where the absorbent material 13 is arranged (see Figure 3, etc.).

[0022] When the disposable diaper 1 is in its natural state, the second elastic stretch member 16b contracts, and folds are formed in the stretchable region S. When the disposable diaper 1 is in its maximum stretched state, the folds in the stretchable region S are spread out and become flat. The "maximum stretched state" refers to the state in which an external force is applied to the disposable diaper 1, and each part, including the second elastic stretch member 16b, is stretched to its maximum extent.

[0023] Furthermore, since no elastic members are placed in the non-stretchable region N, no folds are formed regardless of the state of the disposable diaper 1, and it remains flat. Therefore, when the stretchable region S is in its maximum stretched state, it becomes flat, similar to the non-stretchable region N.

[0024] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 is provided with a pair of fastening tapes 17 on both sides of one end in the longitudinal direction L, in this case the dorsal side portion 10Z. When the disposable diaper 1 is worn, the fastening tapes 17 are fastened to the other end in the longitudinal direction L of the disposable diaper 1, in this case the non-skin side of the ventral side portion 10X. The fastening tapes 17 have a base sheet 17a and a locking portion 17b.

[0025] The base sheet 17a is a sheet material made of, for example, nonwoven fabric, plastic film, poly-laminated nonwoven fabric (nonwoven fabric covered with a thin film of polyethylene), paper, or a composite material thereof. To prevent unnecessary tearing and stretching during use, the base sheet 17a is made of a material with a higher basis weight than the top sheet 11 and back sheet 12. One end of the base sheet 17a in the width direction W is sandwiched between the gather sheet 14 and the back sheet 12 and fixed to the diaper body 10. The other end of the base sheet 17a in the width direction W is a free end that is not fixed to the diaper body 10.

[0026] The locking portion 17b is provided on the skin side of the free end of the base sheet 17a. The locking portion 17b is a member that can be locked to the non-skin side 12a of the back sheet 12. The locking portion 17b is made of, for example, the hook tape of a mechanical fastener (hook-and-loop fastener) or an adhesive material.

[0027] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1 is provided with a first marker portion 18 in the stretchable region S that is visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side. The disposable diaper 1 is also provided with a second marker portion 19 in the non-stretchable region N that is visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side. The second marker portion 19 is located in the non-stretchable region N between the absorbent region P where the absorbent material 13 is placed and the stretchable region S (see Figure 3). In other words, the second marker portion 19 does not overlap with the absorbent material 13 when the disposable diaper 1 is viewed from above.

[0028] The first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are printed on the non-skin side 12a of the back sheet 12. The first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are visible from the skin side by being translucent through the back sheet 12 and the gathered sheet 14.

[0029] Furthermore, multiple first markers 18 and second markers 19 are provided along the longitudinal direction L at predetermined intervals. Each first marker 18 and each second marker 19 is arranged to align along the width direction W when the expandable area S is in its maximum expanded state. As a result, the first markers 18 and second markers 19 aligned along the width direction W are positioned within a predetermined range that can be simultaneously viewed when the expandable area S is extended. Here, "a predetermined range that can be simultaneously viewed" means the range within which a caregiver or the like who is putting on the disposable diaper 1 can simultaneously view and compare the first markers 18 and second markers 19. Note that the positions of the first markers 18 and second markers 19 aligned along the width direction W do not necessarily have to coincide precisely in the longitudinal direction L.

[0030] Furthermore, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which are aligned along the width direction W and are simultaneously visible when the expandable region S is extended, have a pattern that is common to at least a part of them. The pattern common to the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 will be referred to as the "common pattern portion M" below. Specifically, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are all the smile mark design shown in Figure 4. Therefore, in this case, the entire pattern of the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 constitutes the common pattern portion M.

[0031] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 when the stretchable region S is fully extended. When the disposable diaper 1 is in its natural state, the stretchable region S contracts and folds are formed. For this reason, as schematically shown in Figure 5, the first marker portion 18 looks different when the stretchable region S is contracted compared to when the stretchable region S is extended. Also, when the disposable diaper 1 is in its natural state, the position of the first marker portion 18 in the longitudinal direction L is different from when the disposable diaper 1 is in its stretched state. For this reason, when the disposable diaper 1 is in its natural state, the first marker portion 18 may not be aligned with the second marker portion 19 along the width direction W.

[0032] The function of the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment is described below.

[0033] When disposable diaper 1 is to be worn, it is first unfolded into a flat state, and the dorsal portion 10Z is placed under the buttocks of the wearer in a supine position. Then, the disposable diaper 1 is stretched in the longitudinal direction L by the abdominal portion 10X and the crotch portion 10Y, and the stretchable area S is extended and placed over the lower abdomen of the wearer.

[0034] In the disposable diaper 1, a first marker portion 18 visible from the non-skin side is provided in the stretchable region S, and a second marker portion 19 visible from the non-skin side is provided in the non-stretchable region N. The first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 have a common pattern portion M which is a pattern common to at least a part of them, and are arranged along the width direction W, within a predetermined range that allows simultaneous viewing when the stretchable region S is extended.

[0035] In contrast, the stretchable region S has a second elastic stretchable member 16b, and naturally has folds. Therefore, the appearance of the first marker portion 18 changes before and after the stretchable region S is stretched, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Furthermore, the change in appearance of the first marker portion 18 differs depending on the stretched state of the stretchable region S. On the other hand, no folds are formed in the non-stretchable region N. Therefore, the appearance of the second marker portion 19 is the same as when the stretchable region S is stretched to its maximum extent, regardless of the stretched state of the disposable diaper.

[0036] This allows caregivers to simultaneously visually inspect and compare the first marker 18 and the second marker 19 when the expandable area S is extended. Based on the comparison of the appearance of the first marker 18 and the second marker 19, caregivers can then understand the state of expansion of the expandable area S. Specifically, if the common pattern M of the first marker 18 and the common pattern M of the second marker 19 look similar, caregivers can determine that the expandable area S is in its maximum expanded state. Conversely, if the common pattern M of the first marker 18 and the common pattern M of the second marker 19 look different, caregivers can determine that the expandable area S is not in its maximum expanded state.

[0037] As a result, the disposable diaper 1 allows caregivers to easily understand the stretched state of the elastic area S surrounding the wearer's legs.

[0038] Furthermore, if the first marker portion 18 is provided only in the expandable / contractible region S, and there is no second marker portion 19 in the non-expandable region N that can be compared with the first marker portion 18, there is no standard for judging the degree of change in the appearance of the first marker portion 18. For this reason, unless caregivers or others have prior knowledge of the appearance of the first marker portion 18 in its maximum extended state, they cannot accurately judge the stretched state of the expandable / contractible region S based on the appearance of the first marker portion 18.

[0039] In other words, for example, if the caregiver is a foreigner and the first marker portion 18 provided in the expandable area S is formed with characters that are not in the caregiver's native language, the caregiver will not be familiar with the form of the characters on the first marker portion 18 in the expanded state, and therefore will not be able to accurately determine the expanded state of the expandable area S based solely on the appearance of the first marker portion 18.

[0040] In contrast, the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment has a second marker portion 19 that looks similar to the first marker portion 18 in its maximum extended state, and is formed in a position that can be compared with the first marker portion 18 (a predetermined range that can be simultaneously viewed when the stretchable area S is extended). Therefore, even if a caregiver is not familiar with the appearance of the first marker portion 18 in its maximum extended state, they can easily determine the stretched state of the first marker portion 18 by comparing it with the second marker portion 19 in the stretchable area S. The effects of this disposable diaper 1 are demonstrated in the same way as when the caregiver is a foreigner, even if the caregiver is unfamiliar with caregiving.

[0041] Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are provided in multiple locations along the longitudinal direction L at predetermined intervals. Therefore, the disposable diaper 1 allows caregivers to understand the stretched state of each part of the stretchable region S in the longitudinal direction L.

[0042] Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side. Therefore, when a caregiver stretches the elastic area S before placing the disposable diaper 1 over the wearer's lower abdomen, they can compare the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 from the skin side. After placing the disposable diaper 1 over the wearer's lower abdomen, the caregiver can also compare the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 from the non-skin side.

[0043] In other words, the disposable diaper 1 allows caregivers to understand the stretched state of the elastic area S both before and after it is placed over the wearer's lower abdomen. Therefore, the disposable diaper 1 allows for a more accurate understanding of the stretched state of the elastic area S, enabling proper wearing.

[0044] Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1, the second marker portion 19 is positioned between the absorbent region P where the absorbent material 13 is located and the expandable region S. Therefore, the second marker portion 19 does not overlap with the absorbent material 13, and does not appear distorted even if the absorbent material 13 is deformed. Thus, the disposable diaper 1 makes it easy to compare the first marker portion 18 with the second marker portion 19.

[0045] Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1, the basis weight of the absorbent region P is generally high. Therefore, in the absorbent region P, it is difficult to make the second mark portion 19 printed on the back sheet 12 visible through from the skin side. In addition, when the second mark portion 19 is printed on the top sheet 11 or the gather sheet 14, it becomes difficult to make the second mark portion 19 visible through from the non-skin side. That is, when the second mark portion 19 is disposed in the absorbent region P, it is necessary to print the second mark portion 19 on both sides of the disposable diaper 1 to make it visible from both the skin side and the non-skin side. In contrast, since the second mark portion 19 is disposed between the absorbent region P and the stretchable region S, the disposable diaper 1 can make the second mark portion 19 visible from both the skin side and the non-skin side without printing the second mark portion 19 on both sides of the disposable diaper 1.

[0046] (Example 1) A disposable diaper 1A of Example 1 includes a top sheet 21, a back sheet 22, an absorbent body 23, and a gather sheet 24, as shown in Fig. 6. The disposable diaper 1A is provided with a pair of fastening tapes 27 on both side portions of a dorsal portion 20Z. The fastening tapes 27 are fastened to the non-skin side surface of a ventral portion 20X when the disposable diaper 1 is worn.

[0047] Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1A, a plurality of second elastic stretchable members 26b are provided in regions surrounding the wearer's legs (around the thighs) on both side portions in the width direction W, thereby forming the stretchable region S. The stretchable region S is a region that stretches and contracts in the longitudinal direction L. The stretchable region S is provided with a first mark portion 28 that is visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). A plurality of the first mark portions 28 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L.

[0048] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1A has a non-stretchable region N that does not stretch in the longitudinal direction L, on the inward side in the width direction W relative to the stretchable region S. The non-stretchable region N is provided with a second mark portion 29 that is visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side (see FIGS. 6 and 7). A plurality of said second mark portions 29 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L. The second mark portions 29 are arranged along the width direction W relative to the first mark portions 28, and are disposed in a range where they can be simultaneously visually recognized in a state where the stretchable region S is stretched.

[0049] Furthermore, the first mark portion 28 and the second mark portion 29, which are arranged along the width direction W and can be simultaneously visually recognized in a state where the stretchable region S is stretched, have at least a partially common pattern (common pattern portion M). Further herein, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 8, the first mark portion 28 and the second mark portion 29 have a design in which different numerical patterns M' are drawn within the circular pattern that is the common pattern portion M.

[0050] Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1A of Embodiment 1 is provided with an outer mark portion 31 and an inner mark portion 32 on a region where the fastening tape 27 can be fastened, that is, on the abdominal side portion 20X. Note that no elastic member is disposed in the region where the fastening tape 27 can be fastened (the abdominal side portion 20X). Therefore, the region where the fastening tape 27 can be fastened is a non-stretchable flat surface.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer mark portion 31 is a mark that is visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side. A plurality of said outer mark portions 31 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L, and the position of each outer mark portion 31 in the width direction W is set to the same position as that of the first mark portion 28. Thereby, the outer mark portions 31 appear to be arranged continuously with the first mark portions 28 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0052] Furthermore, the outer mark portion 31 has at least partially a pattern common to the first mark portion 28 (common pattern portion M). Herein, as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 9, the outer mark portion 31 has a design in which the same numerical pattern M' as that of the first mark portion 28 is drawn within the circular pattern that is the common pattern portion M.

[0053] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the inner marker portion 32 is a marker visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side. Multiple inner marker portions 32 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L, and the position of each inner marker portion 32 in the width direction W is set to the same position as the second marker portion 29. As a result, the inner marker portions 32 appear to be arranged continuously with the second marker portion 29 along the longitudinal direction L.

[0054] Furthermore, the inner marker portion 32 has a pattern (common pattern portion M) that is common to at least a part of the second marker portion 29. Here, as shown in an enlarged view in Figure 9, the inner marker portion 32 has a design in which the same number pattern M' as the second marker portion 29 is drawn within the circular pattern which is the common pattern portion M.

[0055] As a result, the disposable diaper 1A can use the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 as a guide for the fastening tape 27. Consequently, the disposable diaper 1A can be easily fastened with the fastening tape 27 in the appropriate position.

[0056] Furthermore, the position of the outer marker portion 31 in the width direction W is set to the same position as the first marker portion 28, and a common pattern portion M common to the first marker portion 28 exists on at least a part of the outer marker portion 31. Therefore, caregivers can grasp the stretched state of the expandable area S by comparing the outer marker portion 31 with the first marker portion 28.

[0057] Furthermore, the inner marker portion 32 is positioned at the same location in the width direction W as the second marker portion 29, and has a common pattern portion M that is shared with the second marker portion 29 in at least a portion of it. Therefore, the disposable diaper 1A can have a unified design for the first marker portion 28, the second marker portion 29, the outer marker portion 31, and the inner marker portion 32, thereby improving the appearance quality.

[0058] In the disposable diaper 1A of Example 1, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 are arranged side by side along the width direction W and are located within a range where they can be viewed simultaneously. However, when a caregiver puts on the disposable diaper 1A, they do not need to compare the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32. In other words, the caregiver only needs to be able to fasten the fastening tape 27 using the position of the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 in the width direction W as a guide. Therefore, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 do not necessarily have to be arranged side by side along the width direction W and located within a range where they can be viewed simultaneously.

[0059] While the disposable diapers of this disclosure are described above, their specific configuration is not limited to those described above. Modifications and additions to the design of the disposable diapers of this disclosure are permitted, as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as described in each claim.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which multiple first marker portions 18 arranged along the longitudinal direction L have the same design, and multiple second marker portions 19 arranged along the longitudinal direction L also have the same design. However, the multiple first marker portions 18 arranged along the longitudinal direction L may have different designs from each other. Furthermore, the multiple second marker portions 19 arranged along the longitudinal direction L may also have different designs from each other. That is, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the multiple first marker portions 18 and the multiple second marker portions 19 may each have a design in which different numerical patterns MN are drawn within a circular pattern, depending on their position in the longitudinal direction L.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 10, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which are aligned along the width direction W, have the same design. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 10, the entire pattern of the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which are positioned within a range that can be viewed simultaneously, constitutes a common pattern portion M. However, even in the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which are aligned along the width direction W and positioned within a range that can be viewed simultaneously, parts of the patterns may differ.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are arranged to be aligned along the width direction W when the expandable region S is in its maximum expanded state. However, it is sufficient if the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which have a pattern common to at least a part of them, are arranged within a predetermined range that can be simultaneously viewed when the expandable region S is expanded.

[0063] Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19, which have a common pattern portion M, do not need to be aligned along the width direction W, as long as they are within a predetermined range that can be simultaneously viewed when the expandable region S is extended.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are visible from both the non-skin side and the skin side of the disposable diaper 1. However, the first marker portion 18 only needs to be visible from at least one of the non-skin side and the skin side. Also, the second marker portion 19 only needs to be visible from at least a direction in which the first marker portion 18 is visible. In other words, if the first marker portion 18 is visible from the non-skin side, the second marker portion 19 also needs to be visible from the non-skin side. Also, if the first marker portion 18 is visible from the skin side, the second marker portion 19 also needs to be visible from the skin side. The disposable diaper 1 only needs to be able to make both the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 visible simultaneously.

[0065] Furthermore, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 described in Example 1 only need to be visible when fastening the fastening tape 17. Therefore, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 only need to be visible from at least the skin side.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 are printed on the non-skin side 12a of the back sheet 12, and are visible from the skin side by being translucent through the back sheet 12 and the gathered sheet 14. However, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 may also be printed on the skin side of the top sheet 11 or the gathered sheet 14, and are visible from the non-skin side by being translucent through the top sheet 11, the back sheet 12 and the gathered sheet 14.

[0067] Furthermore, the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 may be printed on the skin-side of the top sheet 11 or the gathered sheet 14 and on the non-skin-side 12a of the back sheet 12, respectively. In addition, the positions of the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 visible from the non-skin side and the positions of the first marker portion 18 and the second marker portion 19 visible from the skin side may be different.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which a plurality of first marker portions 18 are intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction L, and a plurality of second marker portions 19 are intermittently arranged along the longitudinal direction L. However, the first marker portions 18 and the second marker portions 19 may be, for example, a continuous band-shaped design extending along the longitudinal direction L. Also, the first marker portions 18 and the second marker portions 19 may be a design that combines, for example, a continuous band-shaped pattern portion extending along the longitudinal direction L and a pattern portion that is intermittently arranged. Moreover, the first marker portions 18 and the second marker portions 19 may be singular.

[0069] Furthermore, multiple first markers 18 and second markers 19 may be provided along the width direction W. That is, multiple rows of markers formed by the first markers 18 arranged along the longitudinal direction L may be provided. Similarly, multiple rows of markers formed by the second markers 19 arranged along the longitudinal direction L may be provided.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which a pair of fastening tapes 17 are provided on both sides of the back portion 10Z of the diaper body 10 and fastened to the ventral portion 10X. However, the fastening tapes 17 may also be provided on both sides of the ventral portion 10X. In this case, the fastening tapes 17 are fastened to the back portion 10Z of the backsheet 12. When the fastening tapes 17 are fastened to the back portion 10Z, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 are provided on the back portion 10Z.

[0071] Furthermore, in the area where the fastening tape 27 can be fastened, there may be additional markers arranged in the width direction W relative to the outer marker 31 and inner marker 32, even though their positions in the width direction W are different from those of the first marker 28 and second marker 29. In this case, three or more rows of markers will be provided along the width direction W, allowing the disposable diaper 1A to precisely determine the position where the fastening tape 17 will be fastened.

[0072] Furthermore, the outer marker portion 31 and the inner marker portion 32 may be provided on the ventral portion 20X and the dorsal portion 20Z, respectively. In this case, the first marker portion 28 and the outer marker portion 31 are continuously provided along the entire length L of the disposable diaper 1A. Also, the second marker portion 29 and the inner marker portion 32 are continuously provided along the entire length L of the disposable diaper 1A. This makes it easy to print each marker portion, such as the first marker portion 28.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the second elastic stretch member 16b is arranged along the outer shape of the disposable diaper 1 and is curved with respect to the longitudinal direction L. However, the second elastic stretch member 16b may also be arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal direction L. Cross-reference of related applications

[0074] This application claims priority over Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-042027, filed with the Japan Patent Office on 17 March 2025, all of which disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A disposable diaper comprising a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between them, extending in a longitudinal direction corresponding to the wearer's front-to-back direction, and fastening tapes disposed on both sides of one end in the longitudinal direction being fastened to the other end in the longitudinal direction, wherein both sides in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction have stretchable regions that conform to the wearer's legs and stretch in the longitudinal direction, and a non-stretchable region that does not stretch in the longitudinal direction is located inward in the width direction from the stretchable region, the stretchable region is provided with a first marker visible from at least one of the non-skin side and the skin side, and the non-stretchable region is provided with a second marker visible from a direction in which the first marker can be seen, and the first marker and the second marker have a pattern common to at least a part of them and are arranged in a range that can be seen simultaneously when the stretchable region is extended.

2. A disposable diaper according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mark portion and the second mark portion are provided in a plurality at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction.

3. A disposable diaper according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first mark portion and the second mark portion are visible from the non-skin side and the skin side, respectively.

4. A disposable diaper according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the absorbent material is located in the center of the width direction, and the second marker portion is located between the absorbent region where the absorbent material is located and the stretchable region.

5. A disposable diaper according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the area to which the fastening tape can be fastened is provided with an outer marker portion whose position in the width direction is set to the same position as the first marker portion, is visible from the non-skin side, and has a pattern in which at least a part is common with the first marker portion; and an inner marker portion whose position in the width direction is set to the same position as the second marker portion, is visible from the non-skin side, and has a pattern in which at least a part is common with the second marker portion.

6. A disposable diaper according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer mark portion and the inner mark portion are provided in a plurality at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction.

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