AU2014282567A1

AU2014282567A1 - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: AU2014282567A1
Application number: AU2014282567A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kuniyoshi KAWABATA; Koji Kawamura
Original assignee: Unicharm Corp
Current assignee: Unicharm Corp
Priority date: 2014-04-14
Filing date: 2014-04-16
Publication date: 2016-10-20
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-16
Also published as: TW201538141A; CN106232069A; JP5591413B1; WO2014203605A1; MY179384A; AU2014282567B2; TWI658820B; CN106232069B; JP2015202206A

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of providing an absorbent article that can prevent the formation of three-dimensional gathers from being inhibited due to the seepage of an adhesive from a top sheet, overlapping sections (21a, 21b), which overlap both a leakage prevention section (50a, 50b) and an absorbent body (4) in the thickness direction (Z) of the absorbent article (1), are formed on the top sheet, and non-joined regions (22a, 22b), which are not joined to the absorbent body (4) by the adhesive (H), are formed on the absorbent body-side surfaces of the overlapping parts (21a, 21b).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention ABSORBENT ARTICLE Technical Field [0001]

The present invention relates to an absorbent article .

Background Art [0002] PTL 1 describes an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body situated between the top sheet and back sheet, and an adhesive that joins the top sheet and absorbent body, wherein the entire surface of the top sheet is joined with the absorbent body by the adhesive.

Citation List Patent Literature [0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 200195837

Summary of the Invention Technical Problem [0004]

Generally, an absorbent article is stored in a container by being folded immediately after being produced in the spread-out state. During this time, the adhesive joining the top sheet and absorbent body is not thoroughly dry, and therefore the adhesive may seep out from the top sheet by pressure applied during folding, causing the leak-resistant sections, that are designed to stand up from the top sheet and form three-dimensional gathers, to become joined with the top sheet, potentially preventing formation of three-dimensional gathers by standing of the leak-resistant sections.

[0005]

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an absorbent article that can prevent inhibition of three-dimensional gather formation caused by seepage of adhesive from the top sheet.

Solution to Problem [0006]

In order to solve the problem described above, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body situated between the top sheet and the back sheet, leak-resistant sections that is capable of standing up from the top sheet and that each have an anchored edge that is anchored to the top sheet and a free edge that is separable from the top sheet, an elastic member attached to the free edge of each leak-resistant section in an expanded state, with both edges thereof in the direction of expansion anchored to the top sheet, and an adhesive that joins the top sheet and the absorbent body, wherein in the spread-out state of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has a lengthwise direction, widthwise direction and thickness direction that are mutually orthogonal, the top sheet has overlapping sections overlapping with both the leak-resistant sections and the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and the absorbent body side surfaces of the overlapping sections have non-joined regions which are not joined to the absorbent body by the adhesive.

Advantageous Effects of Invention [0007]

According to the present invention there is provided an absorbent article that can prevent inhibition of three-dimensional gather formation caused by seepage of adhesive from the top sheet.

Brief Description of Drawings [0008]

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the spread-out state of a urine absorption pad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a drawing illustrating a side sheet of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a drawing illustrating a side sheet of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a drawing illustrating a top sheet of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating a coating pattern for an adhesive on the absorbent body side surface of a top sheet.

Fig. 8 is a drawing illustrating the width of a non-joined region formed on the absorbent body side surface of a top sheet (the distance between the bonding lines located on both sides in the widthwise direction of the non-joined region).

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the folded structure of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is a drawing for illustration of the process of forming the folded structure shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a drawing for illustration of the process of forming the folded structure shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the natural state of the urine absorption pad shown in Fig. 1.

Description of Embodiments [0009]

An absorbent article according to one aspect (aspect 1) of the present invention is an absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body situated between the top sheet and the back sheet, leak-resistant sections that is capable of standing up from the top sheet and that each have an anchored edge that is anchored to the top sheet and a free edge that is separable from the top sheet, an elastic member attached to the free edge of each leak-resistant section in an expanded state, with both edges thereof in the direction of expansion anchored to the top sheet, and an adhesive that joins the top sheet and the absorbent body, wherein in the spread-out state of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has a lengthwise direction, widthwise direction and thickness direction that are mutually orthogonal, the top sheet has overlapping sections overlapping with both the leak-resistant sections and the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and the absorbent body side surfaces of the overlapping sections have non-joined regions which are not joined to the absorbent body by the adhesive.

[0010]

In the spread-out state of the absorbent article of aspect 1, the top sheet has overlapping sections overlapping with both the leak-resistant section and the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and the absorbent body side surfaces of the overlapping sections have non-joined regions which are not joined with the absorbent body by the adhesive. Thus, even if it is folded immediately after having been produced in the spread-out state (i.e., before the adhesive joining the top sheet and absorbent body has been thoroughly dried), the absorbent article of aspect 1 has no risk of seepage of the adhesive from the non-joined regions by the pressure applied during folding. Thus, with the absorbent article of aspect 1, it is possible to prevent joining of the top sheet and leak-resistant section caused by seepage of the adhesive from the top sheet, as well as inhibition of three-dimensional gather formation due to joining of the top sheet and leak-resistant section.

[0011]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article of aspect 1 (aspect 2), the anchored edges and free edges of the leak-resistant sections extend in the lengthwise direction, and the absorbent article is folded to the top sheet side at folding lines extending in the lengthwise direction, between the anchored edges and free edges of the leak-resistant sections.

[0012]

According to the absorbent article of aspect 2, when the folded absorbent article is spread out, the leak-resistant sections easily stand up by the tendency of the leak-resistant sections to fold that has been imparted by folding of the leak-resistant sections at the folding lines .

[0013]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article of aspect 2 (aspect 3), the non-joined regions are formed so as to straddle the folding lines.

[0014]

According to the absorbent article of aspect 3, the adhesive is unlikely to seep out from the folding sections at the folding lines where pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0015]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article of aspect 3 (aspect 4), the non-joined regions extend in the lengthwise direction from the edges on one side in the lengthwise direction of the overlapping sections up to the edges on the other side.

[0016]

According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, the non-joined regions maintain their state of straddling the folding lines, extending in the lengthwise direction from the edges on one side in the lengthwise direction of the overlapping sections to the edges on the other side, and therefore the adhesive is less likely to seep out from the folding sections at the folding lines where the pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0017]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article of aspect 3 or aspect 4 (aspect 5), the widths of the non-joined regions are 25 to 100% of the widths of the leak-resistant sections.

[0018]

According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, the non-joined regions have sufficient widths to cover the folding sections of the folding lines, and therefore the adhesive is less likely to seep out from the folding sections at the folding lines where the pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0019]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article according to any one of aspect 2 to aspect 5 (aspect 6), the leak-resistant sections each have a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction from the anchored edge to the free edge and a second sheet section that is folded over to the top sheet side at the free edge and joined with the first sheet section, and the folding line is located in a section of the first sheet section that is not joined with the second sheet section.

[0020]

In the absorbent article of aspect 6, the folding lines are located at the sections of the first sheet section that are not joined with the second sheet section, i.e. at the sections with relatively small thickness, and therefore a tendency to fold can be easily imparted to the leak-resistant sections. Thus, according to the absorbent article of aspect 6, when the folded absorbent article is spread out, the leak-resistant sections easily stand up by the tendency of the leak-resistant sections to fold that has been imparted by folding of the leak-resistant sections at the folding lines.

[0021]

According to a preferred aspect of the absorbent article of aspect 6 (aspect 7), the edge on the anchored edge side of the second sheet section is a free edge that is not joined with the first sheet section.

[0022]

According to the absorbent article of aspect 7, the free edge of the second sheet section impedes the flow of liquid supplied to the top sheet, and liquid is less likely to leak over the three-dimensional gather formed by standing of the leak-resistant sections.

[0023]

There are no particular restrictions on the type and usage of the absorbent article of the present invention.

For example, absorbent articles include sanitary products such as urine absorption pads, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and panty liners, which may be for humans or animals other than humans, such as pets. There are no particular restrictions on the liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent article of the present invention, and for example, it may be liquid excreta (for example, urine, watery stool or menstrual blood) of the wearer .

[0024]

An embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, using a urine absorption pad as the example.

[0025]

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the spread-out state of the urine absorption pad 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the urine absorption pad 1 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the urine absorption pad 1 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are drawings illustrating side sheets 5a, 5b of the urine absorption pad 1 shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 6 is a drawing illustrating the top sheet 2 of the urine absorption pad 1 shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating a coating pattern for an adhesive H on the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2. In Fig. 4, the side sheets 5a, 5b are indicated by solid lines and the top sheet 2 is indicated by an imaginary line, in order to clarify the positional relationship of the top sheet 2 with respect to the side sheets 5a, 5b. Also, in Fig. 6, the top sheet 2 is indicated by a solid line and the absorbent body 4 and side sheets 5a, 5b are indicated by imaginary lines, in order to clarify the positional relationship of the absorbent body 4 and the side sheets 5a, 5b with respect to the top sheet 2. In Fig. 7, the top sheet 2 is shown magnified.

[0026]

As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the urine absorption pad 1 in the spread-out state has a lengthwise direction X, a widthwise direction Y and a thickness direction Z that are mutually orthogonal. The X direction, Y direction and Z direction shown in the other drawings match the lengthwise direction X, widthwise direction Y and thickness direction Z, respectively, of the urine absorption pad 1 in the spread-out state.

[0027]

Throughout the present description, when a section of interest extending in the lengthwise direction X is located more proximal to an imaginary center line passing through the center of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y and extending in the lengthwise direction X, than a reference section extending in the lengthwise direction X, then the section of interest will be referred to as being located more "inward" or "proximal" than the reference section, and when it is located more distal, the section of interest will be referred to as being located more "outward" or "distal" than the reference section. Also, when a section of interest extending in the widthwise direction Y is located more proximal to an imaginary center line passing through the center of the urine absorption pad 1 in the lengthwise direction X and extending in the widthwise direction Y, than a reference section extending in the widthwise direction Y, then the section of interest will be referred to as being located more "inward" or "proximal" than the reference section, and when it is located more distal, the section of interest will be referred to as being located more "outward" or "distal" than the reference section.

[0028]

As shown in Fig. 1, the urine absorption pad 1 in the spread-out state has an abdomen side section 11, a crotch section 12 and a back side section 13, aligned in the lengthwise direction X. The abdomen side section 11 is the section that touches the abdominal region of the wearer, the crotch section 12 is the section that touches the crotch region of the wearer, and the back side section 13 is the section that touches the gluteal region and/or the back region of the wearer.

[0029]

As shown in Fig. 1, the urine absorption pad 1 in the spread-out state has a narrowed gourd-shape at roughly the center section in the lengthwise direction X (the section corresponding to the crotch section 12).

The crotch section 12 thus easily fits into the crotch of the wearer. However, the shape of the urine absorption pad 1 may be appropriately modified in a range that allows it to be worn by the wearer.

[0030]

As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the urine absorption pad 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body 4, liquid-impermeable side sheets 5a, 5b and elastic members 6a, 6b.

[0031]

The top sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet that allows permeation of urine discharged from the wearer, and urine discharged from the wearer permeates and migrates to the absorbent body 4. The liquid-permeable sheet used as the top sheet 2 is preferably a nonwoven fabric, and more preferably a spunbond nonwoven fabric. A spunbond nonwoven fabric has a small thickness compared to other nonwoven fabrics, and is therefore more prone to seepage of adhesive. When a spunbond nonwoven fabric is used as the top sheet 2, therefore, the function and effect of the urine absorption pad 1 (i.e., the function and effect of preventing joining of the top sheet 2 and leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b caused by seepage of the adhesive H from the top sheet 2, and preventing inhibition of three-dimensional gather formation due to joining of the top sheet 2 and leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b) is more notable. A spunbond nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven fabric having a web formed by a spunbond method, and it can be produced, for example, by extruding a hot melted thermoplastic resin from a nozzle while stretching it for direct spinning of continuous filaments, and collecting the filaments on a belt conveyor to form a web, and then bonding the filaments together. The method of bonding together the filaments may employ, for example, a method of heat fusion of the filaments together by their own heat, or a method of heat fusion with an embossing roll. Examples of thermoplastic resins to compose the thermoplastic resin fibers include olefin-based resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide-based resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The thermoplastic resin fibers may be composite fibers containing two or more different types of thermoplastic resin (for example, core-sheath composite fibers). The thermoplastic resin fibers are preferably subjected to hydrophilicizing treatment. Hydrophilicizing treatment of the thermoplastic resin fibers may be, for example, treatment utilizing a surfactant, hydrophilic agent or the like (for example, kneading of a surfactant into the fiber interiors, or coating of the fiber surfaces with a surfactant), or plasma processing or the like. From the viewpoint of increasing the concealing property of the top sheet 2, an inorganic filler such as titanium oxide, barium sulfate or calcium carbonate may be added to the top sheet 2 .

[0032]

The basis weight and thickness of the top sheet 2 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of liquid permeability, feel on the skin, etc. When a spunbond nonwoven fabric is used as the top sheet 2, the basis weight is preferably 11 to 30 g/m2 and more preferably 15 to 25 g/m2.

[0033]

As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the top sheet 2 is rectangular, and both edges of the top sheet 2 in the lengthwise direction X approximately match both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the lengthwise direction X, while both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y are located more inward than both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y. However, the shape and size of the top sheet 2 may be appropriately modified within a range that allows the function of the top sheet to be exhibited.

[0034]

As shown in Fig. 3, the top sheet 2 is disposed on one side of the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z (the upper side in Fig. 3), one surface of the top sheet 2 (the upper side surface in Fig. 3) forming the skin side surface and the other surface of the top sheet 2 (the underside surface in Fig. 3) forming the absorbent body side surface.

[0035]

The back sheet 3 is a liquid-impermeable sheet that is not permeable to urine discharged by the wearer, and it prevents leakage of urine absorbed and held in the absorbent body 4. The liquid-impermeable sheet used as the back sheet 3 may be, for example, a waterproof-treated nonwoven fabric, synthetic resin film, or a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film. The thickness and basis weight of the back sheet 3 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of liquid impermeability, etc. The back sheet 3 is preferably air-permeable and moisture-permeable in addition to being liquid-impermeable, in order to reduce mustiness during wear.

[0036]

As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the back sheet 3 has a narrow gourd-shape at approximately the center section in the lengthwise direction X (the section corresponding to the crotch section 12), and both edges of the back sheet 3 in the lengthwise direction X approximately match both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the lengthwise direction X, while both edges of the back sheet 3 in the widthwise direction Y approximately match both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y. However, the shape and size of the back sheet 3 may be appropriately modified within a range that allows the function as a back sheet to be exhibited.

[0037]

As shown in Fig. 3, the back sheet 3 is disposed on the other side of the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z (the lower side in Fig. 3), one surface of the back sheet 3 (the upper side surface in Fig. 3) forming the absorbent body side surface and the other surface of the back sheet 3 (the underside surface in Fig. 3) forming the clothing side surface.

[0038]

The absorbent body 4 contains an absorbent material capable of absorbing urine discharged by the wearer, and it absorbs and holds urine that has permeated the top sheet 2. The absorbent material may be, for example, hydrophilic fibers, a super-absorbent polymer, or the like. Examples of hydrophilic fibers include cellulosic fibers, and examples of cellulosic fibers include wood pulp obtained using a conifer or broadleaf tree material as the starting material; mercerized pulp or crosslinked pulp obtained by chemical treatment of wood pulp; nonwood pulp such as bagasse, kenaf, bamboo, hemp or cotton; regenerated cellulose such as rayon or fibril rayon; and semi-synthetic celluloses such as acetates or triacetates. Examples of absorbent polymers include polyacrylic acid salt-based, polysulfonic acid salt-based, maleic anhydride salt-based, polyacrylamide-based, polyvinyl alcohol-based and polyethylene oxide-based superabsorbent polymers (SAP), and the like; however, polyacrylate-based (and especially sodium polyacrylate-based) superabsorbent polymers are preferred. The absorbent body 4 may also contain, as necessary, in addition to the absorbent material, additives (for example, silver, copper, zinc, silica, active carbon, aluminosilicate, zeolite or the like) that can exhibit functions such as a deodorant property, antibacterial properties and endothermic effects.

[0039]

The absorbent body 4 may be composed of, for example, an absorbent material layer and a core wrap that covers the absorbent material layer. The absorbent material layer may be a single layer or a plurality of layers.

The core wrap is a liquid-permeable sheet that allows permeation of urine that has been discharged by the wearer. Examples for the core wrap include nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics and synthetic resin films having liquid permeation holes formed therein, with nonwoven fabrics being preferred and tissue being more preferred.

[0040]

As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the absorbent body 4 has a narrow gourd-shape at approximately the center section in the lengthwise direction X (the section corresponding to the crotch section 12), and both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the lengthwise direction X are located more inward than both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the lengthwise direction X, while both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the widthwise direction Y are located more inward than both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, of both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the widthwise direction Y, both edges of the narrowed section are located more inward than both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y, while both edges of the other sections are located more outward than both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y. However, the shape and size of the absorbent body 4 may be appropriately modified within a range that allows the function as an absorbent body to be exhibited.

[0041]

As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the absorbent body 4 is disposed between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3, and extends from the abdomen side section 11 through the crotch section 12 up to the back side section 13.

[0042]

The side sheets 5a, 5b are liquid-impermeable sheets that do not allow permeation of urine that has been discharged by the wearer, and they are the formative materials for the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. The liquid-impermeable sheet used as the side sheets 5a, 5b may be, for example, a waterproof-treated nonwoven fabric, synthetic resin film, or a composite sheet of a nonwoven fabric and a synthetic resin film. The thickness and basis weight of the side sheets 5a, 5b can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of liquid impermeability, etc.

[0043]

As shown in Fig. 1, the side sheets 5a, 5b are disposed on both sides of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y, and are shaped to match both side sections of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y. However, the shapes of the side sheets 5a, 5b may be appropriately modified in a range that allows formation of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0044]

As shown in Fig. 4, the side sheet 5a has both edges 510a, 520a in the lengthwise direction X and both edges 530a, 540a in the widthwise direction Y, while the side sheet 5b has both edges 510b, 520b in the lengthwise direction X and both edges 530b, 540b in the widthwise direction Y. The edges 530a, 530b are each distal edges located more distal than the edges 540a, 540b, and the edges 540a, 540b are each proximal edges located more proximal than the edges 530a, 530b. Throughout the present description, the edges 530a, 530b will also be referred to as "distal edges 530a, 530b", and the edges 540a, 540b will also be referred to as "proximal edges 540a, 540b".

[0045]

As shown in Fig. 1, both edges 510a, 520a of the side sheet 5a in the lengthwise direction X and both edges 510b, 520b of the side sheet 5b in the lengthwise direction X approximately match both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the lengthwise direction X, and the distal edges 530a, 530b of the side sheets 5a, 5b approximately match both edges of the urine absorption pad 1 in the widthwise direction Y. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the proximal edges 540a, 540b of the side sheets 5a, 5b are located more inward than both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y and both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the widthwise direction Y. However, the sizes of the side sheets 5a, 5b may be appropriately modified in a range that allows formation of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0046]

As shown in Fig. 4, the side sheet 5a has a distal side section 51a including a distal edge 530a, and a proximal side section 52a including a proximal edge 540a, and the side sheet 5b has a distal side section 51b including a distal edge 530b, and a proximal side section 52b including a proximal edge 540b. As shown in Fig. 4, the border lines of the distal side section 51a and proximal side section 52a of the side sheet 5a, and the border lines of the distal side section 51b and proximal side section 52b of the side sheet 5b match both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y, and the side sheets 5a, 5b are disposed so that the proximal side sections 52a, 52b cover the skin side surface of both side sections of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y.

[0047]

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the side sheets 5a, 5b have leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b as portions thereof. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the leak-resistant section 50a has both edges 501a, 502a in the lengthwise direction X and both edges 503a, 504a in the widthwise direction Y, while the leak-resistant section 50b has both edges 501b, 502b in the lengthwise direction X and both edges 503b, 504b in the widthwise direction Y. Of both edges of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b in the widthwise direction Y, the edges 503a, 503b are each distal edges located more distal than the edges 504a, 504b, and the edges 504a, 504b are each proximal edges located more proximal than the edges 503a, 503b.

Throughout the present description, the edges 503a, 503b will also be referred to as "distal edges 503a, 503b", and the edges 504a, 504b will also be referred to as "proximal edges 504a, 504b".

[0048]

As shown in Fig. 4, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are formed as part of the proximal side sections 52a, 52b, and both edges of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b in the lengthwise direction X are located more inward than both edges of the side sheets 5a, 5b in the lengthwise direction X, while of both edges of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b in the widthwise direction Y, the distal edges 503a, 503b are located more inward than the border lines of the distal side sections 51a, 51b and proximal side sections 52a, 52b (both edges of the top sheet 2 in the widthwise direction Y), and the proximal edges 504a, 504b match the proximal edges 540a, 540b of the side sheets 5a, 5b.

[0049]

Of the proximal side sections 52a, 52b of the side sheets 5a, 5b, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are not joined to the skin side surface of the top sheet 2, but the sections other than the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b (i.e., the sections adjacent to both edges 501a, 501b in the lengthwise direction X of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, and the sections adjacent to the distal edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b) are joined to the skin side surface of the top sheet 2. Consequently, both edges 501a, 502a of the leak-resistant section 50a in the lengthwise direction X, both edges 501b, 502b of the leak-resistant section 50b in the lengthwise direction X and the distal edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, are anchored ends that are anchored to the top sheet 2, while the proximal edges 504a, 504b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are not anchored to the top sheet 2, and are free edges that are separable from the top sheet 2. The manner of joining the side sheets 5a, 5b and the top sheet 2 may be, for example, joining by a hot-melt adhesive. Throughout the present description, the distal edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b will also be referred to as "anchored edges 503a, 503b", and the proximal edges 504a, 504b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b will also be referred to as "free edges 504a, 504b".

[0050]

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the side sheet 5a has a first sheet section Sla extending in the widthwise direction Y from the distal edge 530a to the proximal edge 540a and a second sheet section S2a folded to the top sheet 2 side at the proximal edge 540a and joined to the first sheet section Sla, and the side sheet 5b has a first sheet section Sib extending in the widthwise direction Y from the distal edge 530b to the proximal edge 540b and a second sheet section S2b folded to the top sheet 2 side at the proximal edge 540b and joined to the first sheet section Sib. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the edge S21a on the anchored edge 503a side of the leak-resistant section 50a, of both edges of the second sheet section S2a in the widthwise direction Y, and the edge S21b on the anchored edge 503b side of the leak-resistant section 50b, of both edges of the second sheet section S2b in the widthwise direction Y, are free edges that are not joined to the first sheet sections Sla, Sib.

[0051]

As shown in Fig. 5, the edges S21a, S21b of the second sheet sections S2a, S2b are located more inward than the distal edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. Thus, the leak-resistant section 50a has a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction Y from the anchored edge 503a to the free edge 504a (a portion of the first sheet section Sla), and a second sheet section folded to the top sheet 2 side at the proximal edge 504a and joined to the first sheet section (a portion of the second sheet section S2a), while the leak-resistant section 50b has a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction Y from the anchored edge 503b to the free edge 504b (a portion of the first sheet section Sib) and a second sheet section folded to the top sheet 2 side at the proximal edge 504b and joined to the first sheet section (a portion of the second sheet section S2b). Furthermore, the edges on the side of the anchored edges 503a, 503b of the second sheet section forming the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are free edges that are not joined to the first sheet section forming the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0052]

As shown in Fig. 5, between the first sheet section Sla and second sheet section S2a of the side sheet 5a, an elastic member 6a extending in the lengthwise direction X along the proximal edge 540a of the side sheet 5a is attached in the expanded state, and between the first sheet section Sib and second sheet section S2b of the side sheet 5b, an elastic member 6b extending in the lengthwise direction X along the proximal edge 540b of the side sheet 5b is attached in the expanded state. The directions of expansion of the elastic members 6a, 6b approximately match the lengthwise direction X. The elastic members 6a, 6b are, for example, filamentous elastic members (for example, rubber threads) or stringlike elastic members (for example, flat rubber) having rectangular, square, circular, ellipsoid, polygonal or other cross-sections, and the material composing the elastic members 6a, 6b may be, for example, synthetic rubber such as styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene or neoprene, or natural rubber, a stretchable polyolefin, polyurethane, or the like.

[0053]

As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, both edges 610a, 620a in the lengthwise direction X (direction of expansion) of the elastic member 6a extend in the lengthwise direction X beyond both edges 501a, 502a in the lengthwise direction X of the leak-resistant section 50a, and both edges 610b, 620b in the lengthwise direction X (direction of expansion) of the elastic member 6b extend in the lengthwise direction X beyond both edges 501b, 502b in the lengthwise direction X of the leak-resistant section 50b. Also, both edges 610a, 620a in the lengthwise direction X (direction of expansion) of the elastic member 6a are anchored to the top sheet 2 while sandwiched between the first sheet section Sla and the second sheet section S2a, and both edges 610b, 620b in the lengthwise direction X (direction of expansion) of the elastic member 6b are anchored to the top sheet 2 while sandwiched between the first sheet section Sib and the second sheet section S2b. As a result, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b is capable of standing up from the top sheet 2 by the contractive force of the elastic members 6a, 6b. When the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b stand up, the anchored edges 503a, 503b become base sections, and the free edges 504a, 504b separate from the top sheet 2, moving toward the skin side of the wearer .

[0054]

As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the top sheet 2 has an overlapping section 21a that overlaps with both the leak-resistant section 50a and the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z, and an overlapping section 21b that overlaps with both the leak-resistant section 50b and the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z.

As shown in Fig. 3, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b overlap on one side in the thickness direction Z of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b (the upper side in Fig. 3), while the absorbent body 4 overlaps with the other side in the thickness direction Z of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b (the lower side in Fig. 3). For this embodiment, the overlapping sections 21a, 21b overlap with the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b across a space in the thickness direction Z (i.e., in a non-contacting state); however, the overlapping sections 21a, 21b may instead be overlapping with the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b in a contacting state.

[0055]

As shown in Fig. 6, both edges of the narrowed section, of both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the widthwise direction Y, are situated more inward than the anchored edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, and therefore portions of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are not overlapping with the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z. Thus, as shown in Fig. 6, the sizes of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b are slightly smaller than the sizes of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. However, the sizes of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b may be appropriately modified to match the shapes of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b and the shape of the absorbent body 4. For example, both edges of the narrowed section, of both edges of the absorbent body 4 in the widthwise direction Y, may either be matched with the anchored edges 503a, 503b of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, or matched further with the outer side, in which case the sizes of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b will match the sizes of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0056]

As shown in Fig. 7, the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2 is coated with an adhesive H, and the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 4 are joined by the adhesive H. The adhesive H is preferably a hot-melt adhesive. Examples of hot-melt adhesives include pressure-sensitive adhesives and heat-sensitive adhesives composed mainly of rubber-based compounds such as styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene (SEBS), styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS), or composed mainly of olefin-based compounds such as linear low-density polyethylene; and water-sensitive adhesives comprising water-soluble polymers (such as polyvinyl alcohol, carboxylmethyl cellulose and gelatin) or water-swelling polymers (such as polyvinyl acetate and sodium polyacrylate). From the viewpoint of minimizing unpleasantness for the wearer when the adhesive seeps out to the skin side surface of the top sheet 2, a heat-sensitive adhesive with relatively low tack is preferred over a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Coating of the adhesive H can be accomplished in a contact manner or non-contact manner using a commercially available device. The coating coverage (basis weight) of the adhesive H is preferably 2 to 10 g/m2 and more preferably 4 to 8 g/m2.

If the coating coverage of the adhesive H is too low, the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 will more readily separate due to reduced bonding force between the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 4, potentially lowering the ability of liquid to migrate from the top sheet 2 to the absorbent body 4. Thus, the coating coverage (basis weight) of the adhesive H is preferably 2 g/m2 or greater and more preferably 4 g/m2 or greater. If the coating coverage of the adhesive H is too high, the increase in bonding force between the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 4 cannot be expected to match the increase in coating coverage of the adhesive H, while seepage of the adhesive H from the top sheet 2 will also become notable. Therefore, the coating coverage (basis weight) of the adhesive H is preferably no greater than 10 g/m2 and more preferably no greater than 8 g/m2. The coating coverage (basis weight) of the adhesive H is the amount (g/m2) of adhesive H per unit area on the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2, i.e. in the joined regions where the absorbent body 4 is joined by the adhesive H, the area of the joined regions being determined by subtracting the areas of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b described below from the area of the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2.

[0057]

As shown in Fig. 7, the adhesive H forms a plurality of independent bonding lines extending in the lengthwise direction X. As shown in Fig. 7, the bonding lines are spiral. However, the shapes of the bonding lines may be modified as appropriate within a range allowing the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 to be bonded. Examples of other shapes for the bonding lines include straight linear and omega-shapes. The adhesive H forms bonding lines in this embodiment; however, the adhesive H may instead form bonding sections that are dotted or planar. For this embodiment, the adhesive H is coated in a spiral fashion on the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2, and therefore on the absorbent body side surface of the top sheet 2 there will be regions present that are not coated with the adhesive H, in the joined regions where it is joined with the absorbent body 4 by the adhesive H, and these regions where the adhesive H is not coated, within the joined regions, are not included in the non-joined regions 22a, 22b described below.

[0058]

As shown in Fig. 7, in the absorbent body side surface of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b there are formed non-joined regions 22a, 22b where there is no joining with the absorbent body 4 by the adhesive H. As shown in Fig. 7, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b extend from the edges on one end in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b, to the edges on the other end in the lengthwise direction X. For this embodiment, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b extend in the lengthwise direction X beyond both edges of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b in the lengthwise direction X, up to both edges in the lengthwise direction of the top sheet 2; however, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b do not need to extend in the lengthwise direction beyond both edges in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b. For example, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b may extend in the lengthwise direction X up to both edges of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b in the lengthwise direction X, or they may extend in the lengthwise direction X without reaching both edges of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b in the lengthwise direction X.

[0059]

The widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b are preferably 25 to 100% and more preferably 50 to 80% of the widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. The widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are preferably 20 to 50 mm and more preferably 30 to 40 mm.

If the ratio of the widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b to the widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b is too small, it will not be possible for the non-joined regions 22a, 22b to cover the folding sections at the folding lines, tending to result in seepage of the adhesive from the folding sections at the folding lines where pressure is most likely to be applied during folding. Thus, the widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b are preferably at least 25% and more preferably at least 50% of the widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. If the ratio of the widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b to the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b is too large, the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 will more readily separate due to reduced bonding force between the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 4, potentially lowering the ability of liquid to migrate from the top sheet 2 to the absorbent body 4. Thus, the widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b are preferably no more than 100% and more preferably no more than 80% of the widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0060]

The width of the non-joined region 22a is the distance between adjacent bonding lines on both sides in the widthwise direction Y of the non-joined region 22a, and the width of the non-joined region 22b is the distance between adjacent bonding lines on both sides in the widthwise direction Y of the non-joined region 22b.

[0061]

Fig. 8 is a diagram for illustration of the distance between bonding lines. As shown in Fig. 8, the distance Di2 between the bonding line HLi and the bonding line HL2 is measured as the distance between an imaginary straight line TLi extending in the lengthwise direction X through the points located furthest to the bonding line HL2 side among the points on the bonding line HLi, and an imaginary straight line TL2 extending in the lengthwise direction X through the points located furthest to the bonding line HLi side among the points on the bonding line HL2. For this embodiment, the inflection points of the bonding line HLi located on the bonding line HL2 side (the black dots in Fig. 8) all correspond to the points located furthest to the bonding line HL2 side among the points on the bonding line HLi, and the imaginary straight line TLi corresponds to the tangent line contacting the bonding line HLi at those inflection points. Also, the inflection points of the bonding line HL2 located on the bonding line HLi side (the black dots in Fig. 8) all correspond to the points located furthest to the bonding line HLi side among the points on the bonding line HL2, and the imaginary straight line TL2 corresponds to the tangent line contacting the bonding line HL2 at those inflection points. The explanation based on Fig. 8 relates to the distance between the bonding lines extending in the lengthwise direction X; however, this explanation can also be applied to the distance between bonding lines extending in the widthwise direction Y. Specifically, while not shown here, the distance D34 between a bonding line HL3 and a bonding line HL4 extending in the widthwise direction Y is measured as the distance between an imaginary straight line TL3 extending in the widthwise direction Y through the points located furthest to the bonding line HL4 side among the points on the bonding line HL3, and an imaginary straight line TL4 extending in the widthwise direction Y through the points located furthest to the bonding line HL3 side among the points on the bonding line HL4.

[0062]

For this embodiment, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b are continuous from the edges on one end in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b up to the edges on the other end; however, they may instead be segmented by one or more bonding lines extending in the widthwise direction Y. Also, dotted bonded sections may be present within the non-joined regions 22a, 22b.

[0063]

The urine absorption pad 1 can be produced by a common method. The urine absorption pad 1, after having been produced in the spread-out state, is immediately folded (i.e., before the adhesive joining the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 is thoroughly dried), and is stored in a container while maintaining its folded structure. The container is a bag-shaped molded article composed of a packaging material such as a plastic film, for example.

[0064]

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the folded structure of a urine absorption pad 1, and Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 are diagrams illustrating the procedure of forming the folded structure shown in Fig. 9.

[0065]

As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the folded structure of this embodiment is formed by folding the spread-out urine absorption pad 1 toward the top sheet 2 side on folding line Li, folding line L2, folding line L3 and folding line L4, in that order. Folding toward the top sheet 2 side at each folding line means folding in which each folding line is hidden on the inside ("valley folding").

[0066]

As shown in Fig. 10, the folding line Li extends in the lengthwise direction X between the distal edge 503a and proximal edge 504a of the leak-resistant section 50a, and the folding line L2 extends in the lengthwise direction X between the distal edge 503b and proximal edge 504b of the leak-resistant section 50b.

[0067]

While not shown in detail in Fig. 10, but will be clear by referring to the other diagrams, the non-joined region 22a is formed so as to straddle the folding line Li, and the non-joined region 22b is formed so as to straddle the folding line L2 . Furthermore, the non-joined region 22a extends in the lengthwise direction X from the edge at one end in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping section 21a to the edge at the other end, while maintaining the state of straddling the folding line Li, and the non-joined region 22b extends in the lengthwise direction X from the edge at one end in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping section 21b to the edge at the other end, while maintaining the state of straddling the folding line L2.

[0068]

While not shown in detail in Fig. 10, but will be clear by referring to the other diagrams, the folding line Li is located in the section of the first sheet section Sla that is not joined with the second sheet section S2a (the section not overlapping with the second sheet section S2a) , while the folding line L2 is located in the section of the first sheet section Sib that is not joined with the second sheet section S2b (the section not overlapping with the second sheet section S2b) .

[0069]

As shown in Fig. 11, the folding line L3 extends in the widthwise direction Y near the border between the abdomen side section 11 and the crotch section 12, while the folding line L4 extends in the widthwise direction Y near the border between the back side section 13 and the crotch section 12.

[0070]

For this embodiment, folding at the folding line L2 is carried out after folding at the folding line Li; however, it may instead be carried out before folding at the folding line Li. For this embodiment, folding at the folding line L4 is carried out after folding at the folding line L3; however, it may instead be carried out before folding at the folding line L3 .

[0071]

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the natural state of the urine absorption pad 1. As shown in Fig. 12, when the folded urine absorption pad 1 is deployed, the urine absorption pad 1 curves, the abdomen side section 11 and back side section 13 being lifted by the contractive force of the elastic members 6a, 6b, together with which the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b stand up from the top sheet 2, with three-dimensional gather sections being formed by standing of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. When the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b stand up, the anchored edges 503a, 503b become base sections, and the free edges 504a, 504b separate from the top sheet 2, moving toward the skin side of the wearer. The urine absorption pad 1 that is curved as shown in Fig. 12 can be spread out by re-expanding the contracted elastic members 6a, 6b in the lengthwise direction X. When the urine absorption pad 1 is spread out, the top sheet 2 and the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b are approximately flat and overlap in the thickness direction Z.

[0072]

The urine absorption pad 1 is worn in such a manner that the top sheet 2 is located on the skin side of the wearer and the back sheet 3 is located on the clothing side of the wearer. Urine that has been discharged by the wearer is supplied to the top sheet 2, passes through the top sheet 2 and migrates to the absorbent body 4, being absorbed and held in the absorbent body 4. During this time, leakage of urine supplied to the top sheet 2 is prevented by the three-dimensional gathers formed by standing of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, and leakage of urine absorbed and held in the absorbent body 4 is prevented by the back sheet 3.

[0073]

With such a construction, the urine absorption pad 1 can exhibit the following function and effect.

The urine absorption pad 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body 4 situated between the top sheet 2 and back sheet 3, a leak-resistant section 50a that is capable of standing up from the top sheet 2, the leak-resistant section 50a having an anchored edge 503a that is anchored to the top sheet 2 and a free edge 504a that is separable from the top sheet 2, a leak-resistant section 50b that is capable of standing up from the top sheet 2, the leak-resistant section 50b having an anchored edge 503b that is anchored to the top sheet 2 and a free edge 504b that is separable from the top sheet 2, an elastic member 6a that is attached in the expanded state to the free edge 504a of the leak-resistant section 50a, the elastic member 6a having both edges 610a, 620a in the direction of expansion anchored to the top sheet 2, an elastic member 6b that is attached in the expanded state to the free edge 504b of the leak-resistant section 50b, the elastic member 6b having both edges 610b, 620b in the direction of expansion anchored to the top sheet 2, and an adhesive H that joins the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4. Also, when the urine absorption pad 1 is in the spread-out state, the urine absorption pad 1 has a lengthwise direction X, a widthwise direction Y and a thickness direction Z that are mutually orthogonal, the top sheet 2 has an overlapping section 21a that overlaps with both the leak-resistant section 50a and the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z and an overlapping section 21b that overlaps with both the leak-resistant section 50b and the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z, and the absorbent body side surface of the overlapping sections 21a, 21b has non-joined regions 22a, 22b that are not joined with the absorbent body 4 by the adhesive H. Thus, even if the urine absorption pad 1 is folded immediately after having been produced in the spread-out state (i.e., before the adhesive H joining the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 4 has been thoroughly dried), it has no risk of seepage of the adhesive H from non-joined regions 22a, 22b by the pressure applied during folding. Thus, with the urine absorption pad 1, it is possible to prevent joining of the top sheet 2 and leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b caused by seepage of the adhesive H from the top sheet 2, as well as inhibition of three-dimensional gather formation due to joining of the top sheet 2 and leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

[0074]

According to an embodiment wherein the urine absorption pad 1 is folded to the top sheet 2 side at the folding line Li extending in the lengthwise direction X between the anchored edge 503a and free edge 504a of the leak-resistant section 50a, and also folded to the top sheet 2 side at the folding line L2 extending in the lengthwise direction X between the anchored edge 503b and free edge 504b of the leak-resistant section 50b, when the urine absorption pad 1 is deployed, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b readily stand up by the folding tendency of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b imparted by folding of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b at the folding lines Li, L2.

[0075]

According to an embodiment wherein the non-joined regions 22a, 22b in the urine absorption pad 1 are formed so as to straddle the folding lines Li, L2, it is possible to prevent seepage of the adhesive H from the folded sections at the folding lines Li, L2 where the pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0076]

According to an embodiment wherein the non-joined regions 22a, 22b in the urine absorption pad 1 are formed extending in the lengthwise direction X from the edges on one end in the lengthwise direction X of the overlapping sections 21a, 22a to the edges on the other end, while maintaining their state of straddling the folding lines Li, L2, it is possible to effectively prevent seepage of the adhesive H from the folded sections at the folding lines Li, L2 where the pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0077]

According to an embodiment wherein the widths of the non-joined regions 22a, 22b in the urine absorption pad 1 are 25 to 100% of the widths of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, the non-joined regions 22a, 22b have sufficient widths to cover the folded sections at the folding lines L2, L2, so that it is possible to effectively prevent seepage of the adhesive H from the folded sections at the folding lines L2, L2 where the pressure is most likely to be applied during folding.

[0078]

According to an embodiment wherein, in the urine absorption pad 1, the leak-resistant section 50a has a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction Y from the anchored edge 503a to the free edge 504a, and a second sheet section that is folded to the top sheet 2 side at the free edge 504a and is joined to the first sheet section, the leak-resistant section 50b has a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction Y from the anchored edge 503b to the free edge 504b and a second sheet section that is folded to the top sheet 2 side at the free edge 504b and is joined to the first sheet section, the folding line L2 is located at the portion of the first sheet section forming the leak-resistant section 50a that is not joined to the second sheet section, and the folding line L2 is located at the portion of the first sheet section forming the leak-resistant section 50b that is not joined to the second sheet section, the folding lines Li, L2 are located at portions of the first sheet section forming the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b that are not joined to the second sheet section, i.e. that have relatively small thickness, and therefore a tendency to fold is easily imparted to the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b. Consequently, when the folded urine absorption pad is deployed, the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b readily stand up by the tendency of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b to fold that has been imparted by folding of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b at the folding lines L2, L2.

[0079]

According to an embodiment wherein, in the urine absorption pad 1, the edges of the second sheet section forming the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b on the anchored edge 504a, 504b sides are free edges that are not joined to the first sheet section forming the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b, the flow of urine supplied to the top sheet 2 is impeded by the free edges of the second sheet section, helping to prevent leakage of urine over the three-dimensional gathers formed by standing of the leak-resistant sections 50a, 50b.

Reference Sign List [0080] 1 Urine absorption pad (example of absorbent article) 2 Top sheet 21a, 21b Overlapping sections 22a, 22b Non-joined regions 3 Back sheet 4 Absorbent body 5a, 5b Side sheets 50a, 50b Leak-resistant sections 503a, 503b Anchored edges of leak-resistant sections 504a, 504b Free edges of leak-resistant sections 6a, 6b Elastic members H Adhesive

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, a liquid-absorbing absorbent body situated between the top sheet and the back sheet, leak-resistant sections that is capable of standing up from the top sheet and that each have an anchored edge that is anchored to the top sheet and a free edge that is separable from the top sheet, an elastic member attached to the free edge of each leak-resistant section in an expanded state, with both edges thereof in a direction of expansion anchored to the top sheet, and an adhesive that joins the top sheet and the absorbent body, wherein in a spread-out state of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has a lengthwise direction, a widthwise direction and a thickness direction that are mutually orthogonal, the top sheet has overlapping sections overlapping with both the leak-resistant sections and the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and absorbent body side surfaces of the overlapping sections have non-joined regions which are not joined to the absorbent body by the adhesive.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein: the anchored edges and free edges of the leak-resistant sections extend in the lengthwise direction, and the absorbent article is folded to the top sheet side at folding lines extending in the lengthwise direction, between the anchored edges and free edges of the leak-resistant sections.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the non-joined regions are formed so as to straddle the folding lines.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the non-joined regions extend in the lengthwise direction from edges on one side in the lengthwise direction of the overlapping sections up to edges on the other side.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 3 or 4, wherein widths of the non-joined regions are 25 to 100% of widths of the leak-resistant sections.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: the leak-resistant sections each have a first sheet section extending in the widthwise direction from the anchored edge to the free edge and a second sheet section that is folded over to the top sheet side at the free edge and joined with the first sheet section, and the folding line is located in a section of the first sheet section that is not joined with the second sheet section.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein an edge on the anchored edge side of the second sheet section is a free edge that is not joined to the first sheet section.