BR112017000890B1 - Disposable pant diaper - Google Patents

Abstract

With a pull-on disposable diaper (1A) of the present invention, a topsheet (2) is arranged to coat a skin-facing surface side of an absorbent member (4), both side edges (4e), and a skin-facing surface side of both side portions (4S) and, on an anterior portion and on a posterior portion, leak-proof sheaths (6, 6) are arranged to extend from the the skin-facing surface of an absorbent assembly (5) to the skin-facing surface side, and the leak-proof hems are formed so that they remain upright in a crotch portion (C) when worn. The absorbent assembly (5) has fixed parts (67) to which the leak-proof sheaths (6) are attached, the fixed parts being located in separate regions in the inward direction from the side edges (4e) of the mem- absorbent broth (4). The topsheet (2) includes an irregular region (2a) which lies in a portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member and in which protuberances are dispersedly formed, and portions of the topsheet that cover the (...).

Description

Technical Field

[001] The present invention relates to a disposable pull-up diaper.

Fundamentals of the Invention

[002] As a conventional disposable diaper, a disposable pull-on diaper is known to include an absorbent assembly including a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer liner which is located on the surface facing side. the skin of the absorbent assembly and securing the absorbent assembly, wherein both side portions of the outer covering on the front portion of the and both side portions of the outer covering on the rear portion of the body are joined in such a way as to form a pair of side seals , a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

[003] It is also known that in order to improve the leak-prevention performance of such a disposable diaper, leak-proof hems that remain upright using elastic members are included on both sides of the absorbent assembly along the longitudinal direction in the crotch portion, and gaps in which urine or the like may be stored are formed between layers lining the skin-facing surface sides of the side portions of the absorbent member and liquid-tight sheaths (see Patent Literature 1 ).

[004] On the other hand, it is also known that, in order to suppress moisture return and improve comfort, an irregularly shaped layer is used as the top sheet of a disposable diaper or feminine sanitary napkin (see Patent Literatures 2 and 3), and Patent Literature 2 discloses that an irregular layer having a configuration in which an irregularly shaped layer and a not necessarily irregularly shaped underlayer are joined in depressions of an overlapping one is used as a topsheet of a diaper. open type disposable.

[005] As Patent Literature 1 reveals, if leak-proof sheaths are included, the leak-proof sheaths are commonly attached to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly so that they can remain upright in the crotch portion, while being joined to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly at both the longitudinal end portions, which are located in the front and rear portions.

[006] As a conventional disposable diaper, a disposable pull-on diaper is known to include an absorbent assembly including a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer liner which is located on the surface facing side. against the skin of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, wherein a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion and both side portions of the outer covering on the rear portion are joined so that a pair of side seals, an opening for the waist and a pair of leg openings to form.

[007] It is also known that, in order to improve the wearing property of a wearer of a disposable pull-on diaper, a bunching under the waist that stretches in the direction of the width of the diaper is formed in the outer covering at the front portion and at the back portion. (see Patent Literatures 4 and 5). List of Citations Patent Literature Patent Literature 1: JP 2007-029482A Patent Literature 2: JP 2009-148445A Patent Literature 3: JP 2009-118921A Patent Literature 4: JP H9-84826A Patent Literature 5: JP 2003 -38,556A Patent Literature 6: JP 2013-255,561A

Summary of the Invention

[008] The present invention (first aspect) relates to a disposable pull-on diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member and having a front portion, a back portion and a liquid-retaining absorbent member. crotch, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-up diaper. The topsheet is arranged to coat a skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member, both side edges of the absorbent member along a longitudinal direction, and a skin-facing surface side of both side portions of the absorbent member along the along the longitudinal direction. Both side sides of the absorbent assembly along the longitudinal direction are provided with a pair of leak-proof sheaths and, at the front and back, the leak-proof sheaths are arranged to extend from the opposite side. the skin-facing surface of the absorbent assembly to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, and the leak-proof hems are formed to remain upright in the crotch portion in a worn condition. The absorbent assembly has fixed portions where the absorbent assembly is attached to a member located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the fixed portion being located in separate regions inwardly across the width of the absorbent member from both sides. side edges of the absorbent member. The topsheet includes an irregular region which lies in a portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member and in which protuberances are dispersedly formed, and portions of the topsheet lining the counter-facing surface side. the skin of both sides of the absorbent member are non-irregular regions in which no depressions or bulges are formed.

[009] The present invention (second aspect) relates to a disposable pull-on diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer covering which lies on the side of The skin-facing surface of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, and has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-up diaper. Both side sides of the absorbent assembly along the longitudinal direction are provided with a pair of leak-proof sheaths and, at the front and back, the leak-proof sheaths are arranged to extend from the opposite side. the skin-facing surface of the absorbent assembly to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, and the leak-proof hems are formed to remain upright in the crotch portion in a worn condition. The topsheet has an irregular region in which protuberances are dispersedly formed in a central portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly and has flat non-irregular regions which have neither depressions nor protrusions at both end portions in the width direction. of the absorbent set. In one or both of the front portion and the back portion, each of the leakproof sheaths has an inner joined region and an outer joined region that are joined to the skin facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region. being fixed in the irregular region at a location near the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, and the outer joined region being fixed in the non-ragged region at a location near the terminal portion in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly. The inner joined region and the outer joined region are aligned in the width direction of the absorbent assembly to an unbonded region which is not joined to the topsheet disposed therebetween. In the front and back portions, the outer lining has a below-the-waist bunch with stretch across the width of the diaper, and the below-the-waist bunch in one or both of the front and back portions has an inner elastic portion. which overlaps the absorbent member. The outer seamed region and the non seamed region of the leakproof hem overlap in the diaper thickness direction to the inner elastic portion. The disposable pull-on diaper of the first aspect preferably includes all or a portion of the constituent elements of the disposable pull-on diaper of the second aspect, or all or a portion of the constituent elements of the disposable pull-on diaper in accordance with an embodiment described below.

[010] The present invention (third aspect) relates to a disposable pull-on diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer covering which lies on the side of The skin-facing surface of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, and has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-up diaper. The absorbent member has a thin portion over a longitudinal end portion located at the front or rear portion. The outer covering comprises a plurality of elastic members below the waist which are located in a region positioned on the crotch side with respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbent member in the front and rear portions, the plurality of elastic members below the waist being arranged in a condition stretched in the width direction of the diaper at a gap in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, at least one of the plurality of elastic members below the waist in the front or back portion is arranged to cross the absorbent member in the width direction of the diaper and has a portion that overlaps the thin portion. The top sheet has an irregular shape. At the front or back portion where the thin portion exists, a position of the longitudinal edge of the topsheet and a position of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member coincide, and the skin-facing surface side of the edge of the topsheet is coated. by an end-coated non-woven fabric. The disposable pull-on diaper of the first aspect preferably includes all or a portion of the constituent elements of the disposable pull-on diaper of the third aspect, or all or a portion of the constituent elements of the disposable pull-on diaper in accordance with an embodiment described below.

Brief Description of Drawings

[011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable pull-up diaper, which is an embodiment of the present invention (first aspect).

[012] Fig. 2 is an expanded plan view illustrating a condition where the diaper illustrated in Fig. 1 is viewed from a skin-facing surface side in its extended uncontracted condition. The extended non-contracted condition is a condition separated at the side seals, expanded and open in the form of a plane stretching elastic members of the portions.

[013] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along a centerline CL in the width direction of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 1 in a worn condition.

[014] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line I-I in Fig. two.

[015] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line II-II in Fig. two.

[016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an irregular region of a topsheet of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 1.

[017] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing the diaper topsheet illustrated in Fig. 1.

[018] Figs. 8(a) to 8(c) are schematic, planar enlarged views illustrating further examples of an irregular region on the top sheet, in which protuberances are dispersedly formed.

[019] Figs. 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams illustrating a top sheet that can be used in the present invention (first aspect), Fig. 9(a) being a cross-sectional view illustrating the topsheet used in the diaper illustrated in Fig. 1, and Figs. 9(b) to 9(d) being seen in cross section of other examples of topsheets that can be used as the topsheet.

[020] Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating relevant portions, which is taken along the width direction of a crotch portion, and illustrating relevant portions of a disposable pull-up diaper, which is another embodiment of the present invention (first aspect).

[021] Figs. 11(a) and 11(b) are diagrams to illustrate a more preferred configuration of the disposable pull-up diaper illustrated in Fig. 10 (enlarged cross-sectional views illustrating relevant portions and taken along the width direction of a crotch portion).

[022] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a disposable pull-on diaper, which is an embodiment of the present invention (second aspect).

[023] Fig. 13 is an expanded plan view illustrating a condition where the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12 is viewed from the skin-facing surface side in its extended uncontracted condition. The extended non-contracted condition is a condition separated at the side seals, expanded and open in the form of a plane stretching elastic members of the portions.

[024] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along a centerline CL in the width direction of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12 in a worn condition.

[025] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line I-I in Fig. 13.

[026] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line II-II in Fig. 13.

[027] Fig. 17 is a perspective view illustrating an irregular region of a topsheet of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12.

[028] Fig. 18 illustrates diagrams illustrating an example layout of an inner joined region and an outer joined region that are aligned in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, Fig. 18(a) being a diagram illustrating a layout of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12, and Figs. 18(b) and 18(c) illustrating another example of a layout that can be used.

[029] Fig. 19 is an expanded plan view illustrating a condition where the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12 is viewed from the surface side facing the skin in its extended uncontracted condition.

[030] Figs. 20(a) to 20(c) are schematic, planar enlarged views illustrating further examples of irregular regions of a topsheet in which protuberances are dispersedly formed.

[031] Figs. 21(a) to 21(d) are diagrams illustrating a top sheet that can be used in the present invention (second aspect), Fig. 21(a) being a cross-sectional view illustrating the topsheet used in the diaper illustrated in Fig. 12, and Figs. 21(b) to 21(d) being seen in cross-section of other examples of topsheets that can be used as the topsheet.

[032] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a disposable pull-up diaper, which is an embodiment of the present invention (third aspect).

[033] Fig. 23 is an expanded plan view illustrating a condition where the diaper illustrated in Fig. 22 is viewed from the skin-facing surface side in its extended uncontracted condition. The extended non-contracted condition is a condition separated at the side seals, expanded and open in the form of a plane stretching elastic members of the portions.

[034] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line III-III in Fig. 23.

[035] Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross-section along the line IV-IV in Fig. 23.

[036] Fig. 26(a) is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 25, illustrating a contracted condition, and Fig. 26(b) is a diagram corresponding to Fig. 26(a) in the case of a conventional product where a flat top sheet is used.

[037] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of a three-dimensional sheet that is used as the top sheet of the diaper illustrated in Fig. 22.

[038] Fig. 28 is a diagram illustrating a method for making the three-dimensional sheet illustrated in Fig. 27.

[039] Fig. 29 is a schematic perspective view of an irregular non-woven fabric that can be used preferably as the topsheet in the present invention (third aspect).

[040] Fig. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-section along the thickness direction of the irregular nonwoven fabric illustrated in Fig. 29.

[041] Fig. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus that is preferably used in manufacturing the irregular nonwoven fabric illustrated in Fig. 29.

[042] Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating enlarged relevant portions of a retaining member in the manufacturing apparatus illustrated in Fig. 31.

[043] Fig. 33 is a schematic view illustrating a condition where a network is formed by the fabrication apparatus illustrated in Fig. 31.

[044] Fig. 34 is a schematic view illustrating a condition where network fibers are fused together by the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 31.

[045] Fig. 35 is a plan view illustrating yet another example of an irregular non-woven fabric that can be used preferably as the topsheet in the present invention (third aspect).

[046] Fig. 36 is a diagram illustrating a method for measuring volumetric softness.

Description of Achievements

[047] The disposable pull-up diaper disclosed in Patent Literature 1 has a configuration in which liquid does not tend to be absorbed from the skin-facing surface side of the side portions of the absorbent member and allows for improvements in terms of Improve comfort and absorption performance.

[048] Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have found that when an irregularly shaped sheet is used as the top sheet and leak-proof hems are joined to the top sheet, the joined leak-proof hems are more prone to loosening. whether during manufacture, during filling compressed into a packaging bag, during use or the like.

[049] In addition, when the absorbent assembly is joined to the outer liner in which the below-waist bunching is formed, the absorbent assembly contracts in excess in the width direction of the diaper in the portion that overlaps the below-waist bunching, causing inconveniences such as as discomfort or lack of an absorbent surface in some cases. For this reason, the elastic members to form the below-the-waist gathering are cut into portions that overlap the absorbent member. However, if all of the elastic members to form the below-the-waist gathering are cut at the portions that overlap the absorbent member, the adaptability near the end portion of the absorbent member of the disposable pull-up diaper tends to decrease, and there is a risk of an undesired effect such as reduced leakage prevention occurs.

[050] Patent Literature 6 discloses a portion of several elastic members below the waist that are arranged to overlap the end portion of the absorbent member. However, in Patent Literature 6, an absorbent member with a special absorbent core is used, and if a normal absorbent member is used, there is a concern that creasing or twisting will occur in the terminal portions of the absorbent member, causing the wearer to feel discomfort.

[051] Therefore, with conventional pull-on disposable diapers, it has been difficult to achieve both suitability near the end portions of the absorbent member and absence of discomfort.

[052] The present invention relates to a disposable pull-up diaper that can solve the problems to be solved in the conventional technique.

[053] Hereinafter, a first aspect and a second aspect of the present invention will be described by way of preferred embodiments thereof and with reference to the drawings.

[054] Each of a disposable pull-on diaper 1A (hereinafter called diaper 1A), which is an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, and a disposable pull-up diaper 1B (hereinafter called diaper 1B), which is an embodiment of the second aspect, includes an absorbent assembly 5 and an outer covering 10, which is located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 and secures the absorbent assembly 5, as illustrated in Figs. from 1 to 3 or Figs. from 12 to 14. Furthermore, as also illustrated in Fig. 2 or Fig. 13, each of diapers 1A and 1B has a longitudinal direction X, which corresponds to the wearer's anteroposterior direction, and a width direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and each of diapers 1A and 1B has an anterior portion. A, which is arranged on the front side of the wearer when worn, a back portion B, which is arranged on the back side of the wearer, and a crotch portion C, which lies between the front portion A and the back portion B and which is placed between the user's legs. Furthermore, the side edge portions A1, A1 of the outer shell 10 on the front portion A and the side edge portions B1, B1 of the outer shell 10 on the rear portion B are joined together using a known joining means, such as heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing, whereby a pair of side seals S, S, a waist opening 7 and a pair of leg openings 8, 8 are formed. The outer coverings 10 of the diapers 1A and 1B form the outer surfaces of the diapers 1A and 1B.

[055] The anterior portion A, the posterior portion B and the crotch portion C are regions that are obtained when the diapers 1A and 1B, in their extended non-contracted condition (see Fig. 2 or Fig. 13), are divided into three regions, such that the total length in the longitudinal direction X is divided into three equal portions. The extended non-contracted condition is a condition where the side seals are undone, the diaper is placed in its expanded condition, and the diaper in the expanded condition is opened until the elastic members of the portions are stretched and the design dimensions (equivalent to the dimensions when the diaper is opened in a flat shape on condition that the influence of the elastic members is completely omitted) are achieved. Furthermore, the central lines CL in the width direction of the diapers 1A and 1B are imaginary lines which extend in the width direction Y and divide the entire length of the diapers 1A and 1B in the longitudinal directions into two equal portions.

[056] Further, in the present specification, the skin-facing surface is a surface of the disposable pull-on diaper or a constituent member thereof (e.g., the absorbent assembly) that faces the wearer's skin when worn. , and the skin-facing surface is a surface of the disposable pull-on diaper or a constituent member thereof that faces away from the wearer's skin side when worn (garment side).

[057] As illustrated in Fig. 2 or Fig. 13, the absorbent assembly 5 has a shape that is oblong in the longitudinal direction X of the diapers 1A and 1B and, as shown in Figs. 3 to 5 or Figs. 14 to 16, the absorbent assembly 5 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet 2 and a liquid-retaining absorbent member 4. The absorbent assembly 5 is bonded to the center of the outer covering 10 using a known bonding means (an adhesive or the like. gender) while the longitudinal direction of the absorbent assembly 5 coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the diapers 1A and 1B in their extended non-shrunk conditions. The absorbent member 4 has a shape that is oblong in the longitudinal direction X of the diapers 1A and 1B, like the absorbent assembly 5.

[058] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 or Figs. 13 and 14, the absorbent member 4 of the diapers 1A and 1B is composed of an absorbent core 40 and a core wrap sheet 41, which covers the skin-facing surface side and the skin-facing surface side of the child. absorbent core 40, and absorbent core 40 is composed of a rectangular lower absorbent core 412 and an upper absorbent core 411, which is stacked on top of a portion of the lower absorbent core 412. At the center in the width direction of the crotch portion C, the core absorbent 40 has a central region 42, which is relatively thicker because the upper absorbent core 411 is stacked on top of the lower absorbent core 412, and on either side of the central region 42, the absorbent core 40 has a pair of side regions 43, 43, which are thinner than the central region 42 and in which the upper absorbent core 411 is not stacked on top of the lower absorbent core 412. Furthermore, in the diaper 1A, level differences d are included on the side skin-facing surface of absorbent member 4 at the boundary between central region 42 and side regions 43, 43.

[059] In the absorbent member 4 in diapers 1A and 1B, the upper absorbent core 411 and the lower absorbent core 412 are both composed of fiber aggregates or fiber aggregates retaining a water-absorbing polymer. In addition, the core wrap sheet 41 is composed of tissue paper or water permeable non-woven fabric and covers the entire absorbent core 40. In addition, the lower absorbent core 412 includes gaps 44, 44 that penetrate the lower absorbent core 412 in both sides of the location that the upper absorbent core 411 in the crotch portion C overlaps. Further, in the gaps 44, 44, the core wrap sheet 41 lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 and the core wrap sheet 41 lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 are joined together using a known joining means, such as adhesive 46, as illustrated in Fig. 3 or Fig. 14.

[060] The topsheet 2 of the diapers 1A and 1B has an irregular region 2a, in which protuberances 21 are dispersedly formed in a portion arranged in the center, in the width direction, of the absorbent assembly 5, as illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5 or Figs. 14 to 16, and has flat non-irregular regions 2b, 2b, which have no depressions or bulges on either side of the irregular region 2a. The topsheet 2 is rectangular and has a length that extends the entire length of the absorbent assembly 5 in the longitudinal direction. The jagged region 2a is formed in the center in the width direction of the top sheet 2, and the non-ragged regions 2b, 2b are formed on both its sides. The irregular region 2a and the pair of non-irregular regions 2b, 2b are all rectangular and are formed to extend across the entire topsheet 2.

[061] In this document, with regard to the irregular region, "dispersely formed protuberances" means that, in any direction in plan view of the top sheet and in an intersection direction (preferably an orthogonal direction), a plurality of protuberances are arranged in such a way that a depression is formed between them. The direction is preferably the same as the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. As illustrated in Fig. 6 or Fig. 17, on the topsheet 2 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of protuberances 21 are arranged in a direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction X of the diapers 1A and 1B such that a depression 22a forms between the protuberances and they are also arranged in an intersection direction corresponding to the width direction Y of the diapers 1A and 1B such that a depression 22a forms between the protuberances. Figs. from 8(a) to 8(c) or Figs. 20(a) to 20(c) illustrate further examples of the irregular region 2a, in which protuberances are dispersedly formed. The depressions between the protuberances 21, 21 are not limited to being surrounded by the protuberances along their entire circumference, and the depressions between the protuberances 21, 21 can be formed continuously between all the protuberances, as with the protuberances 22b illustrated in Figs. . from 8(a) to 8(c) or Figs. from 20(a) to 20(c).

[062] As illustrated in Fig. 6 or Fig. 17, the irregular region 2a of the top sheet 2 has a configuration in which an overlay sheet 22 molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet 23 not molded into an irregular shape are joined in the depressions 22a of the overlay sheet 22. underlying sheet 23, "not to be molded into an irregular shape" means not to be subjected to processes to add bulges and depressions to the underlying sheet and corresponds to "not to be molded to an irregular shape" even in the case where slight undulations arise as a result of the union with the top layer 22 molded into an irregular shape.

[063] The protrusions 21 are formed in a zigzag pattern on the overlay sheet 22 in the present embodiment. More specifically, the bulges 21 and depressions 22a are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper and to form columns, and a plurality of columns are formed in the direction of the width Y of the diaper. Adjacent columns in the width direction Y of the diaper are arranged such that the positions of the protuberances 21 are shifted half a step in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. Therefore, by focusing on any depression 22a of a column, that depression 22a is a closed depression formed such that the anterior, posterior, left and right sides thereof are surrounded by protuberances 21. In the top sheet 2 of the present embodiment, the depressions 22a are also arranged in a zigzag pattern, similar to the protuberances 21.

[064] Overlay sheet 22 is joined to underlying sheet 23 in all or portions of depressions 22a. A way in which the overlay sheet 22 is joined to the underlying sheet 23 at one or more locations (e.g., two locations, three locations, four locations or more) in the depressions 22a is an example of a way in which the overlay sheet 22 is joined to the underlying sheet 23 in portions of the depressions 22a. For example, the overlay sheet 22 may be joined to the underlying sheet 23 at the four corner depressions 22a which are rectangular in plan view. Furthermore, the protuberances 21 have hollow interiors.

[065] With a view to improving texture and increasing a dampening property, and with a view to preventing a case where a liquid which has been moved to the absorbent member 4 returns to the surface making contact with the skin (return of moisture), it is it is preferable that the irregular region 2a assumes the following configuration.

[066] The height T1 (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17) of the protrusions 21 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and is preferably , 5 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less. More specifically, the height T1 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[067] Furthermore, the thickness T2 (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17) of the topsheet 2 in the protuberant portions 21 is preferably 0.2 mm or more and more preferably 0 5 mm or more and is preferably 6 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or less. More specifically, the thickness T2 is preferably 0.2mm or more and 6mm or less, and more preferably 0.5mm or more and 4mm or less.

[068] The number of protuberances 21 per 10 cm2 area of the irregular region 2a is preferably from 20 to 200 and especially from 50 to 150.

[069] Furthermore, a lower dimension E (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17), in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, of the protuberances 21 is preferably 1.0 to 10 mm, and especially from 2.0 to 7.0 mm. Furthermore, an under dimension F (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17), in the diaper width direction Y, of the protuberance 21 is preferably 0.5 to 5.0 mm, and especially from 1.0 to 4.0 mm. A dimension G (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17), in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, of the depressions 22a is preferably from 0.2 to 5.0 mm and especially from 0.5 to 0.5 to 5.0 mm. 3.0 mm, and a dimension H (see Fig. 6 or Fig. 17), in the direction of the diaper width Y, of the depressions 22a is preferably 0.1 to 2 mm, and especially from 0.2 to 1.0 mm.

[070] Various types of sheet materials that are known to form materials for a topsheet of an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper or sanitary napkin, can be used as the sheet material that makes up the overlay 22 and underlying sheets. 23, but it is preferable to use non-woven fabric in order to improve liquid permeability and texture. As a non-woven fabric, various types of non-woven fabric can be used, such as an air-through non-woven fabric obtained by forming fusion bond points between fibers using an air-through method over a fibrous net obtained by carding or an air method. -laid, a hot rolled non-woven fabric obtained by forming bonding points by fusion between fibers using hot rolling on a fibrous net obtained by carding, a hot-embossed embossed non-woven fabric, a spunbond non-woven fabric (S ), a meltblown non-woven fabric (M), a spunbond-meltblown conjugate non-woven fabric (SM, SMS, SMMS etc.), a spunlace non-woven fabric, a needled non-woven fabric, an air-laid non-woven fabric or a non-woven fabric glued with resin.

[071] Hot melt fibers, especially fibers composed of a thermoplastic polymeric material, are preferably used as the fibers that make up the non-woven fabric. Polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamide are examples of thermoplastic polymeric materials. It is also possible to preferably use sheath-core conjugated fibers or side-by-side conjugated fibers composed of a combination of these thermoplastic polymeric materials. The non-woven fabric may include non-thermoplastic fibers (eg, cotton fibers) as constituent fibers in addition to the hot melt fibers.

[072] In order to form bulges 21 that are soft and have abundant cushioning, the fineness of the constituent fibers of the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet 22 (sheet material on which the bulges are formed) is preferably of 0.1 to 5.0 dtex and more preferably 0.1 to 3.3 dtex. From a similar point of view, it is preferred that the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet 22 (sheet material on which the protuberances are formed) includes crimped fibers.

[073] The non-irregular region 2b in the top sheet 2 is composed only of the underlying sheet 23, which extends from the irregular region 2a, as illustrated in Fig. 9(a) or Fig. 21(a). With respect to the underlying sheet 23, in order to ensure ease in arranging the non-ragged region 2b so as to encircle the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 and ensure flexibility in the lateral portion of the absorbent assembly 5, the base weight of the non-irregular region 2b is preferably from 5 to 50 g/m2 and more preferably from 10 to 30 g/m2 . From a similar point of view, the fineness of the constituent fibers, in the case of forming the underlying sheet 23 using non-woven fabric, is preferably from 1 to 20 dtex and more preferably from 1.5 to 6 dtex. On the other hand, the basis weight of the topsheet 2 in the irregular region 2a is preferably 10 to 100 g/m 2 and more preferably 10 to 30 g/m 2 .

[074] The topsheet 2 used in diapers 1A and 1B can be manufactured by a method similar to the method for manufacturing a topsheet for an absorbent article disclosed in JP 2004-174234A and the method for manufacturing a conjugated sheet disclosed in JP 2008- 106420A, except for the use of a continuous underlying sheet 23 which is wider than the overlay sheet 22 and forms a sheet with non-irregular regions 2b, 2b on both its lateral sides.

[075] In other words, first, as illustrated in Fig. 7, a continuous overlay sheet 22 is unrolled from a roll-shaped winding 22' of the overlay sheet 22, and a continuous underlying sheet 23 is unrolled from a roll-shaped winding 23' of the underlying sheet 23 which is separated from the roll-shaped winding 22' of the overlay sheet 22. The unrolled overlay sheet 22 is fed between a first roller 211 having an irregularly shaped circumferential surface and a second irregularly shaped roller 212 which engages the irregular shape of the first roller 211 on the circumferential surface and thereby the overlay sheet 22 assumes an irregular shape. Then, while the overlay sheet 22, in which the depressions and protuberances were formed, is held on the circumferential surface of the first roller 211 by suction, in the condition that the depressions and protrusions of the overlay sheet 22 are retained, the underlying sheet 23, which is wider than the overlay sheet 22, is overlapped by the overlay sheet 22, and the underlying sheet 23 is joined to the overlay sheet 22 located on the protuberances of the first roller 211 only within the width of the overlay sheet 22. Thus, a continuous top sheet 2 is obtained, which has an irregular region 2a in the center in the width direction and has non-irregular regions 2b and 2b, composed only of the underlying sheet 23, extending from the irregular region 2a on both sides. The continuous topsheet 2 is fed into the manufacturing line for diapers 1A and 1B after being rolled up or is fed into the manufacturing line for diapers 1A and 1B without being rolled up.

[076] It is preferred that the overlay sheet 22 and the underlying sheet 23 are both substantially inelastic. When using a non-elastic sheet member, in forming the depressions and protrusions to a desired size, depressions and protrusions which approximately accommodate the depressions and protrusions on the first and second rollers described above are formed in the overlay sheet 22, and depressions and protrusions of a desired shape are formed with stability and good reproducibility in the irregular region 2a of the top sheet 2. A substantially inelastic sheet-shaped material refers to a material whose stretch limit is 105% or less, for example, and in which a stretch that exceeds the stretch limit causes permanent destruction or deformation of the material.

[077] In the manufacturing method illustrated in Fig. 7, heat and pressure are applied locally to the overlay sheet 22 and the underlying sheet 23 between the bulges of the first roller 211 and the heat roller 213 and thereby the depressions 22a of the overlay sheet 22 bond to the underlying sheet 23. It should be borne in mind that details of the manufacturing method for the topsheet 2 which are not particularly described may be similar to the manufacturing method for the topsheet disclosed in JP 2004-174234A or the manufacturing method for the Conjugate sheet disclosed in JP 2008-106420A.

[078] As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the topsheet 2 of the diaper 1A is arranged to cover the entire skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4, both side edges 4e, 4e of the absorbent member 4 along the longitudinal direction and the skin-facing surface side of both side portions 4s, 4s of the absorbent member 4 along the longitudinal direction. The topsheet 2 of the diaper 1A has the irregular region 2a described above in the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4. On the other hand, the portions 4r, 4r, lining the surface-facing side of the absorbent member 4. The skin of both side portions 4s, 4s of the absorbent member 4 are flat non-irregular regions 2b without depressions or protuberances.

[079] More specifically, the irregular region 2a of the topsheet 2 is formed at least over the center, in the width direction, of the absorbent member 4 and preferably has a width of 50% or more and more preferably of 100% or more of the width between the upper side edge portions 6a, 6a of the leak-proof hems 6, 6 in the front portion A or the rear portion B. In addition, the pair of non-ragged regions 2b of the top sheet 2 is arranged to surround the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 and form the surface-facing surface on both side portions of the absorbent assembly 5. Furthermore, portions of the topsheet 2 located on the surface-facing side the skin of the absorbent member 4 are fixed to the leak-proof sheaths 6 in fixed parts 67 formed at separate locations towards the inside of the width direction (direction towards the center in the width direction) of the absorbent member 4 from of both side edges 4e of the absorbent member 4. In the front portion A, in the rear portion B and in the crotch portion C, portions of the leak-proof hems 6 are located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and the surroundings of the end portion 2e of the topsheet portion 2 arranged to surround the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 are joined to the leak-proof sheaths 6 (member on the skin-facing surface side) located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and the joined portions are the fixed parts 67 where the absorbent assembly 5 according to the present embodiment is secured to a member on the skin-facing surface side (the sheath). leak proof 6). In other words, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the fixed parts 67 are formed at separate locations towards the inside of the width direction (direction towards the center of the width direction) of the absorbent member 4 from both side edges 4e of the absorbent member 4. For joining, it is possible to use a known joining method, such as heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, or hot-applied adhesive. Furthermore, in the direction of the width Y of the crotch portion C, the distance from the side edge 4e of the absorbent member 4 to the fixed part 67 is preferably 1 cm or more and more preferably 2 cm or more.

[080] As illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5, leakproof cuffs 6 are formed on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 along the longitudinal direction so as to extend in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. Each of the leak-proof cuffs 6 includes a leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 60, a leak-proof elastic cuff lifting member 61, secured in the stretched condition in the vicinity of the upper side edge portion 6a of the cuff leak proof 6, and an intermediate elastic member 62, fixed in the stretched condition at an intermediate portion between the upper side edge portion 6a of the leak proof sheath 6 and the upright base end 6b. At the crotch portion C, the upper side edge portion 6a forms a free end of the leak-proof sheath 6 which is erected towards the wearer's skin.

[081] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5, in the front portion A and in the posterior portion B, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and portions of the leak-proof sheaths 6 located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 are secured to the absorbent assembly 5 at the fixed portions 67 described above, and the leak-proof sheath portions 6 located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 are secured using bonding means, such as adhesive 68 and 69, to the topsheet 2, which forms the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5.

[082] On the other hand, in the crotch portion C in the dressed condition, as shown in Fig. 3, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are formed so that they are erect towards the wearer's skin thanks to the contraction of the elastic member 61. Also in the crotch portion C, in the extended non-contracted condition illustrated in Fig. 2, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and the absorbent assembly portion 5 located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 is secured to the absorbent assembly 5 at the fixed parts 67 described above.

[083] In anterior portion A and posterior portion B, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are secured in a condition that extends from the skin-facing surface side to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 , thus facilitating the leak-proof hems 6 in the crotch portion C to be erect in a condition in which the upper portion in the height direction slopes inward and the leak-prevention effect obtained by the leak-proof hems 6 is improved. Furthermore, thanks to the existence of the elastic intermediate member 62, a liquid P, such as urine, flows more easily into the gaps between the skin-facing surface sides of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and the waterproof sheaths. leak 6.

[084] Note that, in diaper 1A, a sheet with a double-layer structure, which is obtained by folding a continuous water-repellent layer of a predetermined width in a fold line along its longitudinal direction and joining opposing layers using a hot-applied adhesive, spot heat seal, ultrasonic seal, or the like, is used as the leak-proof sheath forming sheet 60, and the leak-proof sheath-lifting elastic member 61 is attached to the stretched condition between the layers of the sheet with the double layer structure.

[085] A liquid impermeable leakproof sheet 3 composed of a resin film, the leakproof sheath forming sheet 60 of the leakproof sheath 6 and the absorbent assembly 5 are joined in sequence beside each other. skin facing surface 10 of diaper 1A using an adhesive, such as a heat applied adhesive. With respect to the leak-proof sheet 3, liquid impermeability is a concept that also encompasses being moderately liquid permeable.

[086] As illustrated in Figs. 3 to 5, the outer covering 10 of the diaper 1A of the present embodiment is composed of two outer covering forming sheets 11 and 12 and elastic members secured in the stretched condition between the two sheets. That is, elastic waist members 71, which form a waist bunching at the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, elastic leg members 81, which form leg bunches at the circumferential edges of the leg openings 8, and elastic members below waist 91, which form a bunch below the waist in a condition where it divides into left and right in the below waist portion D (region of a position located 20 mm below the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7 to the upper end of the waist leg opening 8), are secured in the stretched condition between the two outer skin forming sheets 11 and 12 by being joined using any joining means, such as a hot-applied adhesive. One or both of the outer liner forming sheets 11 and 12 are folded back over the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, and the folded back portion is secured to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 at the front and rear ends of the absorbent assembly 5.

[087] In accordance with the diaper 1A of the present embodiment, since the topsheet 2 includes the irregular region 2a, in which protuberances are dispersedly formed, on the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 , the feel of the liquid absorbing surface that makes contact with the skin is favorable and the liquid that travels from the topsheet 2 to the absorbent member 4 is less likely to return to the surface that makes contact with the skin, resulting in excellent property of preventing the return of liquid.

[088] Furthermore, in accordance with the diaper 1A of the present embodiment, upright leak-proof hems 6 are included in the crotch portion C, and gaps S into which liquid P, such as urine, flows are formed between the sides of The skin-facing surface of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and the leak-proof sheaths 6. Furthermore, since the leak-proof sheet 3 is not disposed on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5, the absorbent member 4 can absorb liquid from the surface side facing the surface of both sides.

[089] Furthermore, since the portions of the topsheet 2 lining the skin-facing surface side of both side portions of the absorbent member 4 are flat non-irregular regions 2b without depressions or bulges, as compared to the case where these regions are irregular regions 2a, the property of forcing liquid into the absorbent member 4 through the topsheet 2 is also favorable, and the liquid flowing into the gaps S is absorbed uniformly.

[090] Therefore, the diaper 1A according to the present embodiment has excellent absorption performance and leakage prevention properties in the crotch portion C, in addition to excellent sensation of the liquid absorption surface that makes contact with the skin and an excellent liquid backflow prevention property.

[091] In order to improve the property of attracting liquid from the gap side S, the thickness in the non-irregular region 2b of the top sheet 2 is preferably 60% or less and more preferably 25% or less T2 thickness in irregular region 2a. Thickness in this context is apparent thickness and is measured using the following method.

Method for measuring apparent thickness

[092] A non-contact laser displacement sensor available from Keyence Corporation was used (laser head LK-G30, displacement sensor LK-GD500 (product name)). A measurement site was cut out and used as a measurement sample. A plate adjusted such that a load of 0.05 kPa (0.5 g/cm2) was applied to the measurement sample was positioned, and the measurement was performed using the laser displacement sensor. Samples at three locations were measured, and their mean value calculated as the apparent thickness.

[093] Furthermore, from a similar point of view, it is preferable that, on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5, the absorbent core 40 and the core wrap sheet 41 and the absorbent member 4 and the non-irregular region 2b of the topsheet 2 are not joined or are partially joined using adhesive applied in a pattern such that the absorption performance is not impaired. A scatter pattern, a spiral pattern, an omega pattern, and a narrow stripe pattern are examples of the pattern used when applying adhesive in a pattern.

[094] Furthermore, in the diaper 1A of the present embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 3, side elastic members 45 for lifting the side portions 4S of the absorbent member 4 are arranged in the vicinity of both side edges 4e of the absorbent member 4. The elastic side members 45 are arranged between the absorbent member 4 and the topsheet 2 in a condition in which they are stretched in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper and are attached to one or both of the absorbent member 4 and the topsheet 2 using a known attachment method, such as adhesive.

[095] As illustrated in Fig. 3, on the topsheet 2 of the diaper 1A in accordance with the present embodiment, the portion of predetermined width from the side edge 4e on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 is the non-irregular region 2b described above, and the extension including the portion to which the elastic side member 45 is attached or adjacent to and which extends from the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 to the portion lining the facing side. The skin-facing surface of the absorbent member 4 is the non-irregular region 12b.

[096] For this reason, compared to the case where the region to which the side elastic members 45 are attached or to which they are adjacent is the irregular region 2a, contraction of the lateral elastic member 45 is less likely to be impeded, and an excellent lifting property of the side portions 4S of the absorbent member 4 is obtained. For this reason, a more excellent property of the absorbent member to capture liquid in the gaps S between the skin-facing surface side of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and the leak-proof sheaths 6 is obtained, and an excellent property of preventing the liquid from leaking out is obtained.

[097] Note that in the non-irregular region 2b on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4, the width from the side edge 4e of the absorbent member 4 to the irregular region 2a is preferably 5 mm or more , more preferably 10 mm or more, and preferably 1/3 or less of the total width of the absorbent member 4.

[098] Furthermore, with the diaper 1A of the present embodiment, as described above, the absorbent member 4 has level differences d between the central region 42 and the side regions 43, 43, and, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the irregular region 2a of the topsheet 2 covers the level difference portions d of the absorbent member 4.

[099] The irregular region 2a deforms flexibly with ease thanks to the sparsely distributed protuberances 21, does not tend to form large wrinkles extending continuously in one direction and is such that the property of being in intimate contact with the absorbent member 4 is easily maintained. For this reason, at the level difference d, it is difficult to form a gap between the absorbent member 4 and the topsheet 21.

[0100] Although the irregular region of the top sheet of the present invention (first aspect) is composed of a single sheet molded into an irregular shape, however, the irregular region of the top sheet preferably has a configuration in which the overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined at the recessed portion of the overlay sheet as in the present embodiment because the damping property and shape stability of the irregular shape are improved and the feel and property of prevent liquid return are maintained. From a similar point of view, it is even more preferable that the depressions in the irregular region are formed in a zigzag pattern in plan view.

[0101] Figs. 10 and 11(a) illustrate relevant portions of a disposable diaper, which is another embodiment of the present invention (first aspect).

[0102] With the disposable pull-up diaper with the relevant portions illustrated in Fig. 10, the absorbent member 4 is composed of an absorbent core 40 and a core wrap sheet (not shown) covering the absorbent core 40, and the absorbent core 40 includes a gap 44 that penetrates it. Furthermore, the top sheet 2 is arranged such that the irregular region 2a overlaps the gap 44 and regions 44n and 44m adjacent the gap 44, and, in the irregular region 2a of the top sheet 2, the pitch P between protuberances 21, 21 is greater than the thickness t4 of the absorbent member 4 in the regions 44b and 44m adjacent to the gap 44.

[0103] Regions 44n and 44m adjacent to gap 44 are adjacent regions in the Y direction of the diaper width and, for example, are regions located on either side of gap 44 and within a range of 5 mm or less from the side edge of the gap 44. It is preferred that the gap 44 is also formed in a portion composed of one of the upper absorbent core 411 and the lower absorbent core 412 in the absorbent core 40, which includes the lower absorbent core 412 and the upper absorbent core 411 which overlays the skin-facing surface side of the lower absorbent core 412, similar to diaper 1A. It is more preferred that the gap 44 penetrating the absorbent core 412 is formed on either side of the region of the lower absorbent core 412 where the upper absorbent core 411 is superimposed at the crotch portion C. relevant illustrated in Fig. 10 which are not particularly described may be similar to diaper 1A described above.

[0104] When the thickness t4 of the absorbent member 4 in one or both of the adjacent regions 44n and 44m of the gap 44 is greater than the pitch P between the protuberances 21, 21, the protuberances 21 will obliquely touch the corner of the lateral edge of the gap 44 , resisting against the force with which the absorbent member 4 tries to bend to the position of the lateral edge of the gap 44 and thus it is possible to prevent excessive bending of the absorbent member 4. From this point of view, the ratio (P/t4 ) from the pitch P between the protuberances 21, 21 to the thickness t4 of the absorbent member 4 in one or both of the regions 44n and 44m adjacent the gap 44 is preferably 1.1 or more and more preferably 1. 5 or more and is preferably 10 or less and more preferably 5 or less. Furthermore, the pitch P between the protrusions 21, 21 is preferably 2 mm or more, and more preferably 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the thickness t4 of the absorbent member 4 is preferably , 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 7 mm or less.

[0105] Note that the step P between the protrusions 21, 21 is the distance between identical positions (central positions at the peak) of protuberances that are closest to each other (see Figs. 8 and 10). ). Protrusions that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper are not included among the protuberances that lie closest to each other.

[0106] Pitch P between protrusions 21, 21 is measured in a condition where no pulling force is applied to the top sheet (natural condition). Furthermore, the thickness of the absorbent member 4 is measured by observing a cross-section along the width direction of the diaper in a condition where no load is added, and preferably measuring the thickness of a region located within a range of 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less from the side edge of the gap 44. An absorbent member having a configuration in which an absorbent core is covered by a core wrap sheet is measured with the portion of the core wrap sheet also included.

[0107] Furthermore, in a diaper having a basic configuration similar to the disposable pull-up diaper with relevant portions illustrated in Fig. 10, it is preferred that the pitch P between the protrusions 21, 21 in the irregular region 2a of the top sheet 2 is 1/2 or more of the width W44 of the gap 44, as illustrated in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(b) is a diagram illustrating a case where the pitch P between protrusions 21 and 21 is less than 1/2 the width W44 of gap 44.

[0108] If the pitch P is 1/2 or more of the width W44, the number of fold lines K on the top sheet 2 that occur in the portion that overlaps the gap 44 can be reduced and therefore a curl is avoided excess of the absorbent core 40 and the absorbent member 4 which includes the absorbent core 40.

[0109] From that point of view, a ratio (P/W44) of the pitch P between the protrusions 21, 21 to the width W44 of the gap 44 is preferably 0.5 or more, more preferably 0 .8 or more and preferably 1.5 or less and more preferably 1.2 or less. Furthermore, the pitch P between the protrusions 21, 21 is preferably 2 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and the width W44 of the gap 44 is preferably 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm or more and 15 mm or less. If the width W44 of the gap 44 is not uniform in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, the width of the widest region of the gap 44 is used as the width W44 of the gap 44.

[0110] The topsheet 2 of the diaper 1B has the irregular region 2a described above at the center in the width direction of the absorbent assembly 5 and has the non irregular regions 2b, 2b described above on both end portions in the width direction of the absorbent assembly 5.

[0111] More specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 14 to 16, the topsheet 2 is arranged to cover the entire skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4, both side edges 4e, 4e of the absorbent member 4 and the skin-facing surface side of both side portions 4s, 4s of the absorbent member 4 and has the irregular region 2a described above in a portion lining the skin facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 at the center in the width direction of the absorbent assembly 5. front A and in the rear portion B, the irregular region 2a of the top sheet 2 preferably has a width greater than 100% of the width between the upper side edge portions 6a, 6a of the leak-proof sheaths 6, 6.

[0112] Furthermore, the topsheet 2 has the irregular region 2a described above in the portions 2s, 2s covering the skin facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 in the width direction. The pair of non-irregular regions 2b of the topsheet 2 according to the present embodiment is arranged in such a way as to encircle the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 and form the skin-facing surface on both sides of the skin. absorbent assembly 5. That is, in the topsheet 2 of the present embodiment, the portions lining the longitudinal side edges 4e of the absorbent member 4 and the portions 4r, 4r lining the skin-facing surface side of both side portions 4s , 4s of the absorbent member 4 are flat non-irregular regions 2b without depressions or bulges.

[0113] The diaper 1B is provided with a pair of leak-proof hems 6, 6 on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5.

[0114] As illustrated in Figs. 13 to 16, leakproof cuffs 6 are formed on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 such that they extend in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. Each of the leak-proof cuffs 6 includes a leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 60, a leak-proof elastic cuff lifting member 61, secured in the stretched condition in the vicinity of the upper side edge portion 6a of the cuff leak proof 6, and an intermediate elastic member 62, fixed in the stretched condition at an intermediate portion between the upper side edge portion 6a of the leak proof sheath 6 and the upright base end 6b. At the crotch portion C, the upper side edge portion 6a forms a free end of the leak-proof sheath 6 which is erected towards the wearer's skin.

[0115] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, in front portion A and rear portion B, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and portions of the leak-proof sheaths 6 located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 are secured to the absorbent assembly 5 at fixed portions 67, and portions of the leak-proof sheaths 6 located on the The skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 are secured using bonding means, such as adhesive 68, to the topsheet 2 which forms the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5.

[0116] As illustrated in Figs. 13, 15 and 16, in portions located on the skin-facing side of the absorbent assembly 5 in both the front portion A and the rear portion B, the leak-proof sheaths 6 include inner seams 63 and outer seams 64 that are joined to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5. More specifically, the leak-proof sheaths 6 have inner seams 63 and outer seams 64 in the vicinity of both their longitudinal ends. The distances from the longitudinal ends of the leak-proof sheaths 6 to the inner seam regions 63 or the outer seam regions 64, which lie in the vicinity of the ends, are within the range of 0 to 20 mm, for example.

[0117] On the other hand, in the crotch portion C in the dressed condition, as shown in Fig. 14, the leak-proof sheaths 6 are formed so that they are erect towards the wearer's skin thanks to the contraction of the elastic members 61.

[0118] As illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, the inner joined regions 63 of the leakproof sheaths 6 are attached to the irregular region 2a in regions close to the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly 5 and, more specifically, are attached to the irregular region 2a located on the absorbent member. 4. The distance from the upper side edge portion 6a of the leak-proof hem 6, which is the free end at the crotch portion C, to the inner joined regions 63 is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 8 mm. 5 mm or less.

[0119] On the other hand, the outer joined regions 64 of the leak-proof sheaths 6 are fixed in the non-irregular region 2b in regions close to the terminal portions in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly 5 and, more specifically, are fixed in the non-irregular region irregular 2b located on the absorbent member 4.

[0120] Furthermore, in both the front portion A and the rear portion B, the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64 are aligned in the direction of the width Y of the absorbent assembly 5 to the unjointed regions 65, which are not joined to the top sheet 2, arranged therebetween.

[0121] As shown in Fig. 18(a), the inner seam 63 and the outer seam 64 in accordance with the present embodiment are the same length in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, and the inner seam 63 and the outer seam 64 are aligned across the entire length of the diaper. extension of both. However, a case is also covered where, in a mode where the inner joined region 63 and the outer joined region 64 are aligned in the width direction of the absorbent assembly 5, the inner joined region 63 and the outer joined region 64 are arranged in the manner illustrated in Figs. 18(b) or 18(c).

[0122] Note that, from the point of view of bond strength, as shown in Fig. 18(b), it is preferred that inner seam 63 is longer in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper than outer seam 64, and the length L6 along which inner seam 63 and outer seam 64 are parallel lines is equal to half or more of the length L3 of the inner joined region 63 in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper.

[0123] As illustrated in Figs. 14 to 16, the outer covering 10 of the diaper 1B according to the present embodiment is composed of two outer covering forming sheets 11 and 12 and elastic members secured in the stretched condition between the two sheets. That is, elastic waist members 71, which form a waist bunching at the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, elastic leg members 81, which form leg bunches at the circumferential edges of the leg openings 8, and below waist elastics 91, which form a below waist bunch 13, 13 in a condition where it divides into left and right at below waist portion D (region of a portion located 20 mm below the circumferential edge of the waist 7 to the upper end of leg opening 8), are secured in the stretched condition between the two outer skin forming sheets 11 and 12 by being joined using joining means such as a heat applied adhesive. One or both of the outer liner forming sheets 11 and 12 are folded back over the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, and the folded back portion is secured to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 at the ends. -anterior and posterior characteristics of the absorbent set 5.

[0124] As illustrated in Figs. 15, 16 and 19, the below-the-belt clusters 13, 13 are formed in the anterior portion A and in the posterior portion B in a condition where they divide into left and right. As Figs. 15 and 16, the elastic members 91 exist as fragments 91n released from the stretched condition between the left and right below-the-waist gatherings 13, 13 in the anterior portion A and in the posterior portion B and there is an inelastic region n, in which the outer covering 10 does not express elasticity, between the gatherings below the waist 13, 13.

[0125] The left and right below-waist gathers 13, 13 in the diaper 1B of the present embodiment have elasticity in the width direction Y of the diaper 1B thanks to the elastic members below the waist 91 and, as illustrated in Figs. 15, 16 and 19 have internal elastic portions 13e which cover the absorbent member 4 on the central side of the diaper 1B in the width direction. In addition, the outer joined regions 64 and the non-joined regions 65 of the leakproof hems 6 described above overlap, in the diaper thickness direction, the inner elastic portions 13e. In the present invention (second aspect), in a plan view of the diaper 1B in its extended, non-shrunk condition, as illustrated in Fig. 13, the inner elastic portions 13e of the gaskets 13 only need to overlap the absorbent member 4, and the outer joined region 64 and the unjointed region 65 also only need to overlap the inner elastic portion 13e in a plan view of the diaper 1B in its extended condition. not contracted. In addition, the outer joined regions 64 and the non-jointed regions 65 only need to overlap the inner elastic portions 13e where the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64 align in the lateral direction of the absorbent assembly 5. It is preferred to overlap the plurality of elastic members 91 disposed on the inner elastic portions 13e.

[0126] In accordance with the diaper 1B of the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 has the irregular region 2a, in which protuberances are dispersedly formed, in the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 in the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly 5 and therefore the feel of the liquid absorption surface making contact with the skin is preferred, liquid traveling from the topsheet 2 to the absorbent member 4 is less likely to return to the surface that makes contact with the skin and an excellent property of preventing the return of liquid is obtained.

[0127] Furthermore, the diaper 1B according to the present embodiment includes the leak-proof hems 6, which lie upright in the crotch portion C, and, in the front portion A and in the rear portion B, the leak-proof hems. 6 are fixed in the irregular region 2a and in the non-irregular regions 2b in the inner joined regions 63 and in the outer joined regions 64 between which the non-joined regions 65 are arranged.

[0128] For this reason, the width of the irregular region 2a is not excessively narrow in relation to the width between the leak-proof sheaths 6, 6 and, although the absorbent assembly 5 stretches following the stretching of the internal elastic portion 13e , the unbonded regions 65 of the leakproof sheaths 6 easily expand and contract, and thereby the condition in which the leakproof sheaths 6 are secured to the absorbent assembly 5 in the inner joined region 63 and the Outer joined region 64 remains stable. For this reason, a drawback in which the leak-proof sheaths 6 detach from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 and the function of the leak-proof sheaths 6 depreciates does not tend to occur during manufacture, during the filling compressed in a bag for packaging, during use or the like.

[0129] Thus, in the diaper 1B of the present embodiment, the topsheet has irregularity over a wide extent, the liquid absorption surface that makes contact with the skin provides excellent feeling and an excellent property of preventing the return of liquid and, in addition, In addition, a reduction in the leak-preventing property caused by a leak-proof sheath coming off or the like is prevented.

[0130] In order to more reliably obtain such an effect, it is preferable that, in the disposable pull-up diaper of the present invention (second aspect), the inner joined regions 63 are fixed in the irregular region 2a on the absorbent member 4 and the Outer joined regions 64 are attached to the smooth regions 2b on the absorbent member 4, as well as on the diaper 1B of the present embodiment.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to make it difficult for large wrinkles and kinks to occur, which cause discomfort to the wearer, in the topsheet 2 and absorbent member 4, it is preferable that the joint 13 is formed in a split condition in the width direction. and diaper.

[0132] Furthermore, in order to suppress twisting of the absorbent member by pulling both sides of the absorbent member out in the width direction, it is preferable that the joint 13 has the inner elastic portions 13e. The inclusion of the internal elastic portions is also preferable in order to stably cut the elastic member 91.

[0133] Furthermore, as a method for fixing the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 54 of the leak-proof sheaths 6 on the top sheet 2, it is possible to use a known joining means, such as heat sealing, high frequency or ultrasonic sealing, in addition to joining using an adhesive, but in order to improve the flexibility of the leak-proof sheath 6, it is preferable to use the adhesive to secure both the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64. Note It is understood that different joining methods or the same joining method can be used for the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64.

[0134] With a view to increasing the strength with which the outer joined regions 64 are joined to the non-irregular regions 2b, or with a view to improving the water absorption property described later on the skin-facing surface side of both side portions of the absorbent assembly, the thickness of the topsheet 2 in the uneven regions 2b is preferably 60% or less, and more preferably 25% or less of the thickness T2 in the uneven region 2a. Thickness in this context is apparent thickness and is measured using the following method.

Method for measuring apparent thickness

[0135] A non-contact laser displacement sensor available from Keyence Corporation was used (LK-G30 laser head, LK-GD500 displacement sensor (product name)). A measurement site was cut out and used as a measurement sample. A plate adjusted such that a load of 0.05 kPa (0.5 g/cm2) was applied to the measurement sample was positioned, and the measurement was performed using the laser displacement sensor. Samples at three locations were measured, and their mean value calculated as the apparent thickness.

[0136] Furthermore, in the case of using adhesive to fix the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64, in order to make it difficult for the leak-proof sheaths 6 to come off, it is preferable to make the weight base of the adhesive which fixes the inner joined regions 63 greater than the weight basis of the adhesive which fixes the outer joined regions 64, in which case the weight base of the adhesive which fixes the inner joined regions 63 is set at 3 to 25 g/m 2 , for example, and the weight basis of the adhesive securing the outer joined regions 64 is set at 1 to 20 g/m 2 . For example, the difference between the weight basis of the adhesive securing the inner joined regions 63 and the weight basis of the adhesive securing the outer joined regions 64 is preferably 1 g/m 2 or more, and more preferably, of 2 g/m2 or more and 5 g/m2 or less.

[0137] In the case of using the adhesive to fix the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64, in order to make it difficult for the leak-proof sheaths 6 to come off, it is preferable that the width W3 (length in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly; see Fig. 18(a)) of the adhesive securing the inner joined regions 63 is greater than the width W4 (length in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly; see Fig. 18(a)) of the adhesive which fixes the outer joined regions 64. In that case, the ratio (W3/W4) between the width W3 of the adhesive fixing the inner joined regions 63 and the width W4 of the adhesive fixing the outer joined regions 64 is preferably 1.5 or more and more preferably 2 or more and is preferably 1.5 or more and 10 or less and more preferably 2 or more and 8 or less.

[0138] Furthermore, in order to make it difficult for the leak-proof sheaths 6 to come loose, the width W5 (length in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly; see Fig. 18(a)) of the unjointed regions 65 between the inner joined regions 63 and the outer joined regions 64 is preferably 5 mm or more and more preferably 10 mm or more and is preferably 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less and more preferably 10 mm or more and 25 mm or less.

[0139] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figs. 15 and 16, on the front portion A at the rear portion B, the leakproof hems 6 of the diaper 1B are secured in a condition that they extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 to the surface-facing side. to the skin of the absorbent assembly 5. For this reason, the leak-proof hems 6 in the crotch portion C are easier to remain upright in a condition where the upper portion in the height direction slopes inward, and the effect of preventing leakage obtained by the leak-proof sheaths 6 improves. Furthermore, thanks to the existence of the elastic intermediate members 62, a liquid P, such as urine, flows more easily into the gaps between the skin-facing surface sides of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and the waterproof sheaths. leak 6.

[0140] Note that, in diaper 1B, a sheet with a double layer structure, which is obtained by folding a single continuous water repellent layer of a predetermined width in a fold line along its longitudinal direction and joining the opposing layers using a hot-applied adhesive, partial heat seal, ultrasonic seal, or the like, is used as the leak-proof sheath forming sheet 60, and the leak-proof sheath elastic lifting members 61 are attached to the stretched condition between the layers of the sheet with the double layer structure.

[0141] A liquid impervious leakproof sheet 3 composed of a resin film, the leakproof sheath forming sheet 60 of the leakproof sheath 6 and the absorbent assembly 5 are joined in sequence beside each other. skin facing surface 10 of diaper 1B using an adhesive, such as a heat applied adhesive. With respect to the leak-proof sheet 3, liquid impermeability is a concept that also encompasses being moderately liquid permeable.

[0142] Furthermore, in the diaper 1B of the present embodiment, upright leak-proof hems 6 are included in the crotch portion C, and gaps S into which liquid P, such as urine, flows are formed between the facing surface sides. the skin of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and of the leak-proof sheaths 6. Furthermore, since the leak-proof sheet 3 is not disposed on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 on both sides side portions of the absorbent assembly 5, the absorbent member 4 can absorb liquid from the surface side facing the surface of both side portions.

[0143] Furthermore, since the portions of the topsheet 2 lining the skin-facing surface sides of both side portions of the absorbent member 4 are flat non-irregular regions 2b without depressions or bulges, as compared to the case where these regions are irregular regions 2a, the property of forcing liquid into the absorbent member 4 through the topsheet 2 is also favorable, and the liquid flowing into the gaps S is absorbed uniformly.

[0144] Therefore, the diaper 1B of the present embodiment has more excellent absorbency performance and leakage prevention property in the crotch portion C.

[0145] Furthermore, in order to improve the property of attracting a liquid from the side of the gap S, it is preferable that the absorbent core 40 and the core wrap sheet 41, on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 , and the absorbent member 4 and the non-irregular region 2b of the topsheet 2 are not joined or are partially joined using adhesive applied in a pattern, such that the absorption performance is not impaired. A scatter pattern, a spiral pattern, an omega-shaped pattern, and a narrow stripe pattern are examples of the pattern used when applying adhesive in a pattern.

[0146] As shown in Fig. 14, in the diaper 1B of the present embodiment, side elastic members 45 for lifting the side portions 4s of the absorbent member 4 are disposed in the vicinity of both side edges 4e of the absorbent member 4. The elastic side members 45 are disposed between the absorbent member 4. 4 and the topsheet 2 in a condition that they are stretched in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper and are secured to one or both of the absorbent member 4 and the topsheet 2 using a known method of attachment, such as adhesive.

[0147] As shown in Fig. 14, on the topsheet 2 of the diaper 1B of the present embodiment, portions of a predetermined width from the side edges 4e on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 are the non-irregular regions 2b described above, and a extension which includes the portion to which the lateral elastic member 45 is attached or adjacent and which extends from the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member 4 to the portion lining the facing surface side. the skin of the absorbent member 4 is the non-irregular region 2b.

[0148] For this reason, compared to the case where the region to which the elastic side members 45 are attached or to which they are adjacent is an irregular region 2a, the contraction of the elastic lateral member 45 is less likely to be impeded, and an excellent property of lifting the side portions 4S of the absorbent member 4 is obtained. For this reason, a more excellent property of the absorbent member to capture liquid in the gaps S between the skin-facing surface side of both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 and the leak-proof sheaths 6 is obtained, and an excellent property of preventing the liquid from leaking out is obtained.

[0149] While the irregular region of the topsheet of the present invention (second aspect) is comprised of a single sheet molded into an irregular shape, the irregular region of the topsheet preferably has a configuration in which the overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined in the depressions of the overlay sheet as in the present embodiment, such that the damping property is improved, the stability of the irregular shape mode is improved, and the feel and the property of preventing the return of liquid are easily maintained. From a similar point of view, it is even more preferable that the protuberances in the irregular region are formed in a zigzag pattern in plan view.

[0150] Materials that are commonly used in that technical field can be used as the material constituting the diaper portions 1A and 1B of the present embodiment, without any specific restriction. For example, a liquid-impermeable material or a water-repellent material can be used as the leak-proof sheet 3. As the liquid-impermeable material 1, it is possible to use a resin film, a material obtained by laminating a resin film, non-woven fabric and the like, and as a water-repellent material, it is possible to use a water-repellent non-woven fabric or the like.

[0151] As the upper absorbent core 411 and lower absorbent core 412, it is possible to use an aggregate of fibers, a material composed of an aggregate of fibers and a water-absorbing polymer (a laminated fiber in which a water-absorbing polymer and a of fibers are mixed) or something like that. Examples of water-absorbing polymers include sodium polyacrylate, copolymer (acrylate-vinyl alcohol), cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, graft copolymer (amido-acrylate), copolymer (isobutylene-maleic anhydride) and a saponified product thereof, and polyaspartic acid. For example, hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, cotton and cellulose acetate fibers, polyolefin-based fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, condensed fibers such as polyester and polyamide, or the like may be used as the fibers constituting the absorbent core. It is possible to use one or more of the water-absorbing polymers and fibers in combination.

[0152] A single-layer or multi-layer water repellent non-woven fabric, a material obtained by laminating a resin film and a non-woven fabric or the like can be used as the sheet material used in the waterproof sheath forming sheet. leak. For flexibility, water resistance and the like, a nonwoven fabric with a multilayer structure composed of spunbond and meltblown nonwovens, such as an SM (spunbond-meltblown) nonwoven or an SMS (spunbond-meltblown) nonwoven fabric meltblown-spunbond), is preferred, and the weight basis is preferably about 12 g/m 2 . As with diapers 1A and 1B, the sheet materials can be used as two stacks, or they can be used with only part of the portion in which the elastic member 61 is disposed or the like being used as a double layer structure.

[0153] As the material that forms the elastic members 61, 62, 71, 81 and 91, it is possible to use various types of elastic members known to be used in absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, without any specific restriction. Examples of the elastic material include synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene and neoprene, natural rubber, EVA, elastic polyolefin and polyurethane. As the mode of the elastic member, it is possible to preferably use filamentous rubber (elastic cord, etc.) or rope-like (elastic seam, etc.) or multifilament filamentous rubber with rectangular, quadrangular, circular or polygonal cross-section or the like.

[0154] Various types of sheet material conventionally used in this type of article can be used without any specific restrictions like the outer covering forming sheets 11 and 12, but from a flexibility point of view it is preferable to use non-woven fabric and , for example, it is preferable to use a single-layer non-woven fabric or a multi-layer non-woven fabric of two or more layers composed of air-through non-woven fabric, hot rolled non-woven fabric, spunlace non-woven fabric, spunbond non-woven fabric, woven fabric non-woven meltblown or the like. In addition, a sheet obtained by integrating these non-woven fabrics and a film can be used.

[0155] Hereinafter, the invention (third aspect) will be described on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof and with reference to the drawings.

[0156] As illustrated in Figs. 22 and 23, a disposable pull-on diaper 1C (hereinafter referred to as "diaper 1C"), which is an embodiment of the present invention (third aspect), includes an absorbent assembly 5 and an outer covering 10, which is located on the the skin-facing surface of the absorbent assembly 5 and secures the absorbent assembly 5. In addition, as shown in Fig. 23, the diaper 1C has a longitudinal direction X, which corresponds to the wearer's anteroposterior direction, and a width direction Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and the diaper 1C has a front portion A, which is disposed on the front side. of the wearer when worn, a back portion B, which is disposed on the back side of the wearer, and a crotch portion C, which is situated between the front portion A and the back portion B and which is disposed between the wearer's legs. Furthermore, the side edge portions A1, A1 of the outer shell 10 on the front portion A and the side edge portions B1, B1 of the outer shell 10 on the rear portion B are joined using a known joining means, such as heat sealing. , high frequency sealing or ultrasonic sealing, whereby a pair of side seals S, S, a waist opening 7 and a pair of leg openings 8, 8 are formed. The outer covering 10 of the diaper 1C forms the outer surface of the diaper 1C.

[0157] In the present specification, the skin-facing surface is a surface of the disposable pull-on diaper or a constituent member thereof (e.g., the topsheet, absorbent assembly, or absorbent member) that faces the skin of the wearer when worn, and the skin-facing surface is a surface of the disposable pull-up diaper or a constituent member thereof that faces away from the wearer's skin side when worn (garment side). Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the longitudinal direction of the diaper is the direction (direction X in the drawing) extending from the front portion A to the posterior portion B of the diaper, through the crotch portion C, in its extended uncontracted condition, and the longitudinal direction of the diaper and the longitudinal directions of the absorbent assembly and the absorbent member are in the same direction. The extended non-contracted condition is a condition where the side seals are undone, the diaper is placed in its expanded condition, and the diaper in the expanded condition is opened until the elastic members of the portions are stretched and the design dimensions (equivalent to the dimensions when the diaper is opened in a flat shape on condition that the influence of the elastic members is completely omitted) are achieved. Furthermore, the centerline CL in the width direction of the diaper 1C is an imaginary straight line which extends in the width direction Y and divides the entire length in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1C into two equal portions.

[0158] As shown in Fig. 24, the absorbent assembly 5 includes a liquid impermeable topsheet 2, a moderately liquid permeable leakproof sheet 3, and a liquid-retaining absorbent member 4. With respect to the leakproof sheet 3, be moderately permeable to liquid is a concept that also encompasses being impermeable to liquid. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 23, the absorbent assembly 5 has a longitudinally oblong shape which is oblong in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1C. The absorbent assembly 5 is joined, using a known joining means (adhesive or the like), to the center of the outer covering 10 in such a way that the longitudinal direction of the absorbent assembly 5 coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1C. The absorbent member 4 has a shape that is oblong in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1C, like the absorbent assembly 5.

[0159] As illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24, the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1C is composed of an absorbent core 40 and a core wrap sheet 41 which lines the absorbent core 40, and the absorbent core 40 of the diaper 1C is composed of an aggregate of fibers or an aggregate of fibers retaining a water-absorbing polymer. In addition, the core wrapping sheet 41 is composed of tissue paper or water permeable non-woven fabric and covers the entire absorbent core 40. In the crotch portion C, the absorbent core 40 includes gaps 44, 44 that penetrate the absorbent core 40 into the thickness direction (see Fig. 22). In the gaps 44, 44, a core wrap sheet 41 lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 and a core wrap sheet 41 lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 are joined together to the other using a known bonding means, such as adhesive.

[0160] As illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24, the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1C has a thin portion 421 at a longitudinal end portion 4a located at the front portion A and has a thin portion 43 at a longitudinal end portion 4b located at the rear portion B.

[0161] In the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the thin portion 412 on the front side A and the thin portion 43 on the back side B have the same configuration and the conditions under which the other members are stacked relative to them are the same. Hence, the thin portion 421 on the front portion A side will be primarily described hereinafter, but the description also applies similarly to the thin portion 43 on the rear portion B side.

[0162] As illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25, the thin portion 421 on the side of the front portion A of the absorbent member 4 in the diaper 1C has: a first portion 42a, which is composed of the portion of the upper and lower core wrapping sheets 41, 41 extending from the edge of front portion 40a of absorbent core 40; and a second portion 42b, wherein the forming material (pulp fibers or the like) of the absorbent core 40 lies between the wrapping sheets of the upper 41 and lower 41 core, but the amount of forming material existing is minuscule. The thin portion 421 of the present invention (third aspect) may be a portion composed solely of the wrapping sheet of the core extending from the absorbent core, as in the first portion 42a, or it may be composed of only a portion in which the material of the absorbent core 40 exists in a minuscule amount between the wrapping sheets of the core, as well as in the second portion 42b.

[0163] In the thin portion 421, the total weight basis of the absorbent core forming material existing between the core wrap sheets is preferably 30 g/m 2 or less, more preferably 10 g/m 2 or less and, even more preferably, 5 g/m 2 or less. In the case where the absorbent core 40 is composed of an aggregate of a fiber material, such as pulp fiber or a water absorbent polymer, the total weight basis of the absorbent core forming material is the total value of the basis of fiber material weight and water absorbent polymer weight basis.

[0164] Note that the weight basis of the forming material (fiber material, water-absorbing polymer) of the absorbent core is obtained by dividing the absorbent member 4 into the front portion A or the back portion B into tiny regions using parallel lines in the lateral direction, which are arranged at a distance of 5 mm in the direction of the crotch portion from the position of the longitudinal edge 4e of the absorbent member 4, and parallel lines in the longitudinal direction, which intersect the parallel lines in the lateral direction arranged at a distance of 20 mm in the direction of the width of the diaper, and obtaining the weight bases of the individual tiny regions. The weight bases of the individual tiny regions are obtained by dividing the mass of the absorbent core forming material that exists in the individual tiny regions by the 100 mm 2 area of the individual tiny regions and converting the obtained value to a value per 1 m 2 .

[0165] With a view to preventing the forming material, polymer or the like from protruding or leaking from the terminal portion of the absorbent member due to deformation during manufacture or during use of the diaper, and with a view to causing the leading edge 40a of the absorbent core 40 conforms to the body during use, the length L (Fig. 24) of the thin portion 421 in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is preferably 5 mm or more, and more preferably, of 10 mm or more, and with a view to achieving a length in the longitudinal direction in which the absorbent core 40 sufficiently coats the wearer's excretory portion, and with a view to making the absorbent core 40 conform to the body during wear. In use, the length L (Fig. 24) of the thin portion 421 in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is preferably 50 mm or less, and more preferably 35 mm or less. Furthermore, the thin portion 421 of the diaper 1C is formed to extend in the direction of the width of the absorbent member 4. Furthermore, it is preferred that the thin portion 421 extends the entire width of the absorbent member 4 in the terminal 4a of the absorbent member 4.

[0166] As illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25, the outer covering 10 of the diaper 1C according to the present embodiment includes two outer covering forming sheets 15 and 16 and elastic materials 71, 81 and 91 secured in the stretched condition between the two sheets. That is, elastic waist members 71, which form a waist gathering in a waist region U that forms the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, elastic leg members 81, which form leg gatherings at the circumferential edges of the leg openings 8, and below-the-waist elastic members 91, which form below-the-waist gatherings 9, 9 in the below-waist portion D, are secured in the stretched condition between the two outer sheath forming sheets 15 and 16 by being joined using any bonding means, such as hot-applied adhesive. As illustrated in Fig. 24, in the front portion A and in the posterior portion B, the waist region U is a region located on the side of the circumferential edge 7e of the waist opening 7 from the position of the longitudinal edge 4e of the absorbent member 4, and, in the anterior portion A and in the posterior portion B, the region below the waist D is a region located on the side of the crotch portion from the position of the longitudinal edge 4e of the absorbent member 4.

[0167] More specifically, in the waist region U, a plurality of elastic waist members 71 are arranged at a gap in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, and the elastic waist members 71 are fixed in a stretched condition in the width direction Y of the diaper. diaper. Further, in the below-waist region D, a plurality of below-waist elastic members 91 are arranged at a gap in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, and below-waist elastic members 91 are disposed in a stretched condition in the direction of the diaper. diaper width Y. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 24 and 25, the below-waist elastic members 91 include two below-waist elastic members 91a, 91b which are located closer to the waist region U and laterally cross the absorbent member 4 in the direction of the width Y of the diaper, and the two below waist elastic members have a portion that overlaps thin portion 421. The two below waist elastic members 91a, 91b are arranged such that they extend the full length between side seals 4, 4 on front portion A or in the rear portion B, and one of the below-waist elastic members 91a overlaps the first portion 42a of the slim portion 421, and the other below-the-waist elastic member 91b overlaps the second portion 42b of the slim portion 421. In addition, the elastic member below waist 91c other than these is formed in a condition divided into right and left in the anterior portion A and in the posterior portion B. In addition, the elastic member below the waist 91c exists in the form of fragments with the condition this anger released between the left and right below-the-waist gatherings 9, 9 in the anterior portion A and in the posterior portion B.

[0168] In addition, one or both of the outer liner forming sheets 15 and 16 are folded back over the circumferential edge of the waist opening 7, and the folded back portion 17 is attached to the face side facing the waist. The skin of the absorbent assembly 5 at the front and rear ends of the absorbent assembly 5. In the diaper 1C, the folded back portion 17 of the outer liner forming sheets 15 and 16 is a non-woven backing fabric 17.

[0169] End lining non-woven fabric 17 coats the skin-facing surface side of edges 2e in the longitudinal direction of topsheet 2, thereby preventing the end portion of the absorbent assembly 5 and topsheet 2 from coming loose when the 1C diaper is worn.

[0170] With the diaper 1C, the elastic members below the waist 91a, 91b described above overlap the thin portion 421 of the absorbent member 4, whereby a force causing contraction in the width direction Y of the diaper acts on the thin portion 421 of the absorbent member 4, as shown in Fig. 26(a). For that reason, if the top sheet 2 is composed of a flat non-woven fabric illustrated in Fig. 26(b), twisting and wrinkling can occur in the thin portion 421 of the absorbent member 4. The thin portion 421 is located in a longitudinal end portion of the absorbent member 4, and therefore, when twisting or wrinkling occurs therein, the portion that protrudes towards the user's skin comes into contact with the user's skin forcefully, causing the user to feel discomfort.

[0171] In addition, in the diaper 1C, as illustrated in Fig. 24, the position of the longitudinal edge 2a of the top sheet 2 and the position of the longitudinal edge 4e of the absorbent member 4 coincide with each other on both the front portion A side and the rear portion B side. top 2 and the position of the edge 4e of the absorbent member 4 coincide with each other, there is the advantage that the expelled urine remaining on the topsheet can be reduced in the terminal portions of the absorbent member 4, but, on the other hand, both edges 2a and 4e are uncomfortable and easily felt during use.

[0172] Furthermore, there is the advantage that the permeation of the expelled urine can be avoided by making the position of the longitudinal edge 3a of the leak-proof sheet 3 coincide, but the edges 2a, 4e and 3a of the top sheet 2, absorbent member 4 and leakproof sheet 3 similarly cause more discomfort and are easily felt during use.

[0173] In contrast, in the present diaper 1C, a topsheet 2 that is irregularly shaped, exhibits compressive strength in the width direction of the diaper, and exhibits a preferable thickness recovery property in response to compression in the thickness direction is used and , therefore, as shown in Fig. 26(a), the degree of twisting and wrinkling that occurs in the thin portion 421 due to the topsheet 2 can be reduced, and the occurrence of discomfort caused by the portion protruding towards the wearer's skin coming into contact with the wearer's skin. user can be prevented. In addition, the edge 2a of the top sheet 2 is also in a relatively soft condition thanks to the thickness recovery property of the top sheet, which prevents the user from feeling discomfort because of the edge 2a of the top sheet 2.

[0174] Furthermore, since the elastic members below the waist 91a, 91b are arranged so as to overlap the end region of the absorbent member 4, the surroundings of the longitudinal end portions of the absorbent member 4 of the diaper 1C favorably fit the wearer. and an excellent leakage prevention property is obtained.

[0175] According to the diaper 1C of the present invention, it is possible to obtain both adaptability and absence of discomfort in the vicinity of the terminal portions of the absorbent member 4 thanks to this type of action.

[0176] In order to obtain both adaptability and absence of discomfort in the vicinity of the terminal portions of the absorbent member of the diaper, as described above, it is preferable that the topsheet used in the present invention (third aspect) has a non-uniform shape, exhibits resistance compression in the width direction of the diaper and exhibit a favorable thickness recovery property in response to compression in the thickness direction.

[0177] With regard to the compressive strength in the diaper width direction, the volumetric softness value in the diaper width direction of the topsheet is preferably 0.22 N or more and 0.60 N or less, and more preferably 0.25 N or more and 0.40 N or less.

[0178] The volumetric softness value is measured according to the following.

[0179] As shown in Fig. 36, a test piece P in the form of a laterally oblong rectangle with a diaper width direction dimension Y of 30 mm and a diaper width direction dimension X of 150 mm is cut from the top sheet, and the piece test tube P is used to create a cylindrical measurement sample S with a diameter of 45 mm. The overlap width of both longitudinal terminal portions of the test piece P is 8 mm, and the overlap portion is obtained by interlocking the upper end and the lower end using an ultrasonic seal. The maximum load value indicated when the obtained measurement sample S is compressed in the direction of the cylinder axis at a compression speed of 10 mm/min is read using a compression testing machine.

[0180] Furthermore, with regard to the property of thickness recovery in relation to compression in the width direction, the recovery rate of the thickness of the top sheet after one minute of compression under a load of 20 cN/cm2 is preferably 80% or more and 100% or less and more preferably 90% or more and 100% or less.

[0181] The thickness recovery rate after one minute of pressing under a load of 20 cN/cm2 is measured according to the following.

[0182] A non-contact laser displacement sensor available from Keyence Corporation (LK-G30 laser head, LK-GD500 displacement sensor (product name)) was used for measurement. A plate adjusted to have a load of 0.5 cN/cm2 was positioned over a 5 cm x 5 cm rectangular sample cut from the top sheet and measured using the laser displacement sensor. The value was an initial T1 thickness. Then, a weight was placed on the plate and, after pressing the sample for one minute at 20 cN/cm2, it was released from the pressure. Five seconds after release, the thickness under load of 0.5 cN/cm2 was measured using the laser displacement sensor again, similar to the description above. The value was a T2 recovery time thickness. The thickness recovery rate was obtained using the equation below.

Thickness recovery rate (%) = (T1/T2)x100

[0183] Furthermore, with a view to further suppressing discomfort in the terminal portions of the absorbent member including an amount of absolute deformation that may occur in addition to the property of recovery from compression in the thickness direction, the thickness of the topsheet used herein invention (third aspect) is preferably 0.7 mm or more and more preferably 0.9 mm or more and is preferably 7.0 mm or less and most preferably 5.0 mm or less, and more specifically, is preferably 0.7 mm or greater and 7.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.9 or greater and 5.0 mm or less.

[0184] As for the thickness of the top sheet, the initial thickness T1 in the measurement method described above is used as the thickness of the top sheet.

[0185] Fig. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a three-dimensional sheet 20 used as the top sheet 2 in the diaper 1C of the present invention.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 27, the top sheet 20 has a configuration in which an overlay sheet 22 molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet 23 which is not molded into an irregular shape are joined in the depressions 221a of the overlay sheet 22. With respect to the underlying sheet 23, "not to be molded into an irregular shape" means not to undergo processes to add protuberances and depressions to the underlying sheet and corresponds to "not to be molded to an irregular shape" even in the case where slight undulations arise as a result of joining with the top layer 22 is molded into an irregular shape.

[0187] The protrusions 211a are formed in a zigzag pattern on the overlay sheet 22 in the present embodiment. More specifically, the bulges 211a and depressions 221a are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper and to form a column, and a plurality of columns are formed in the direction of the width Y of the diaper. Adjacent columns in the width direction Y of the diaper are arranged such that the positions of the protuberances 211a are shifted half a step in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. Therefore, when focusing on any depression 221a in a column, that depression 221a is a closed depression formed such that the anterior, posterior, left and right sides of it are surrounded by protuberances 211a. The depressions 221a are also arranged in a zigzag pattern, similar to the protuberances 211a on the topsheet 20 of the present embodiment.

[0188] Overlay sheet 22 is joined to underlying sheet 23 over the entire area or part of depression 221a. A way in which the overlay sheet 22 is joined to the underlying sheet 23 at one or more locations (e.g., two locations, three locations, four locations or more) in the depressions 221a is an example of a way in which the overlay sheet 22 is joined to underlying sheet 23 in portions of depressions 221a. For example, the overlay sheet 22 may be joined to the underlying sheet 23 at the four corner depressions 221a which are rectangular in plan view. In addition, the protuberances 211a have hollow interiors.

[0189] A region of the top sheet 2 with depressions and bulges (hereinafter referred to as the irregular region) preferably has the following configuration.

[0190] The height T1 (see Fig. 27) of the protrusions 211a is preferably 0.1 mm or more and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and even more preferably 0.7 mm or more and is preferably 7 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less and even more preferably 3 mm or less and more specifically is preferably 0.1 mm or plus and 7mm or less, more preferably 0.2mm or more and 5mm or less, and even more preferably 0.7mm or more and 3mm or less.

[0191] Furthermore, a thickness T2 (see Fig. 27) of the topsheet 20 in the portion with the protuberances 211a is preferably 0.7 mm or more and more preferably 0.9 mm or more and is preferably 7 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less. More specifically, the thickness T2 is preferably 0.7mm or more and 7mm or less, and more preferably 0.9mm or more and 5mm or less.

[0192] Furthermore, it is preferable that the number of protuberances 211a per 10 cm2 area of the irregular region be from 20 to 200, and especially from 50 to 150.

[0193] A lower dimension E (see Fig. 27), in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, of the protuberances 211a is preferably from 0.5 to 5.0 mm and especially from 1.0 to 4 .0 mm. An under dimension F (see Fig. 27), in the diaper width direction Y, of the protuberances 211a is preferably from 0.5 to 10 mm, and especially from 1.0 to 7.0 mm. It is preferred that a dimension G (see Fig. 27), in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, of the depressions 221a is from 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and especially from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, and is It is preferable that a dimension H (see Fig. 27), in the direction of the width Y of the diaper, is from 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and especially from 0.2 to 3.0 mm.

[0194] Various types of sheet materials that are known to form materials for a topsheet of an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper or sanitary napkin, can be used as the sheet material that makes up the overlay 22 and underlying sheets. 23, but it is preferable to use non-woven fabric in order to improve liquid permeability and texture. As a non-woven fabric, various types of non-woven fabric can be used, such as an air-through non-woven fabric obtained by forming fusion bond points between fibers using an air-through method over a fibrous net obtained by carding or an air method. -laid, a hot rolled non-woven fabric obtained by forming bonding points by fusion between fibers using hot rolling on a fibrous net obtained by carding, a hot-embossed non-woven fabric, a spunbond (S) non-woven fabric, a meltblown non-woven fabric (M), a spunbond-meltblown conjugate non-woven fabric (SM, SMS, SMMS etc.), a spunlace non-woven fabric, a needled non-woven fabric, an air-laid non-woven fabric or a non-woven fabric fabric glued with resin.

[0195] Hot melt fibers, especially fibers composed of a thermoplastic polymeric material, are preferably used as the constituent fibers of the non-woven fabric. Polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters, such as polyethylene terephthalate, and polyamide are examples of thermoplastic polymeric materials. It is also possible to preferably use sheath-core conjugated fibers or side-by-side conjugated fibers composed of a combination of these thermoplastic polymeric materials. The non-woven fabric may include fibers without melt-bonding property (e.g., cotton fibers) as constituent fibers in addition to the hot melt fibers.

[0196] In order to form protrusions 211a that are soft and have abundant cushioning, the fineness of the constituent fibers of the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet 22 (sheet material on which the protuberances are formed) is preferably , from 0.1 to 5.0 dtex, and more preferably from 0.1 to 3.3 dtex. From a similar point of view, it is preferred that the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet 22 (sheet material on which the protuberances are formed) includes crimped fibers.

[0197] To describe a preferred method for manufacturing the topsheet 20 used in diaper 1C, first, as illustrated in Fig. 28, a continuous overlay sheet 22 is unrolled from a roll-shaped winding 22' of the overlay sheet 22, and a continuous underlying sheet 23 is unrolled from a roll-shaped winding 23' of the underlying sheet 23 which is separated from the roll-like winding 22' of the overlay sheet 22. The overlay sheet 22 that has been unrolled is fed between a first roller 211 with an irregularly shaped circumferential surface and a second, irregularly shaped roller 212 that engages to the irregular shape of the first roller 211 on the circumferential surface, and thereby the overlay sheet 22 assumes an irregular shape. Thereafter, the underlying sheet 23 is overlapping with the overlay sheet 22, while the overlay sheet 22, in which depressions and protrusions have been formed, is retained in a condition where depressions and protrusions are formed on the circumferential surface of a first roller 211 by suction, and the underlying sheet 23 is joined to the overlay sheet 22 located on the protuberances of the first roller 211. Thus, a continuous top sheet 20 is obtained. The continuous topsheet 20 is introduced into the manufacturing line for diaper 1C after being rolled or is introduced into the manufacturing line for diaper 1C without being rolled.

[0198] It is preferred that the overlay sheet 22 and the underlying sheet 23 are both substantially inelastic. When using a non-elastic sheet member, in forming the depressions and ridges to a desired size, depressions and ridges that accommodate the depressions and ridges of the first and second rollers described above can be formed on the overlay sheet 22. substantially inelastic sheet form refers to a material whose stretch limit is 105% or less, for example, and in which a stretch that exceeds the stretch limit causes permanent destruction or deformation of the material.

[0199] With the manufacturing method illustrated in Fig. 28, the overlay sheet 22 and the underlying sheet 23 are partially heated and pressed between the protuberances of the first roller 211 and the heat roller 213, thus the depressions 221a of the overlay sheet 22 are bonded to the underlying sheet 23.

[0200] In order to give the topsheet 2 compressive strength in the diaper width direction and an excellent thickness recovery property with respect to compression in the thickness direction, it is preferable to obtain the following configuration.

[0201] Joined regions between the depressions 221a of the overlay sheet 22 and the underlying sheet 23 are regularly aligned in the flat direction and, when comparing a first maximum value, which is the maximum value of the total length of the joined regions (regions joined in a first line) by a given length of a first line extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper when the first line is moved in the lateral direction of the diaper, and a second maximum value, which is the value of the total length of the joined regions (regions joined in a second line) for a given length of a second line extending in the lateral direction of the diaper when the second line is moved in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, the second maximum value is preferably greater than the first.

[0202] In addition, it is also preferable that the total length of the joined regions formed in the line extending in the lateral direction of the diaper be greater than any one of the total length of the joined regions that can be counted in all the virtual lines (oblique directions, all) that extend in a direction other than the lateral direction.

[0203] Note that details of the manufacturing method for the topsheet 20 that are not specifically described may be similar to the manufacturing method for the topsheet disclosed in JP 2004-174234A or the manufacturing method for the composite sheet disclosed in JP 2008-106420A.

[0204] As illustrated in Fig. 24, in the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the non-woven fabric end covering 17 is joined by the adhesive 18 to the peaks of the irregularly shaped protuberances 211a of the topsheet 2 composed of the three-dimensional sheet 20 illustrated in Fig. 27 and has portions, which are not joined to the topsheet 2, between the peaks of the protuberances 211a. The topsheet nonwoven fabric 17 is joined in such a manner, the bumps 211a of the topsheet 2 are arranged between the underlying sheet 23 and the topsheet nonwoven fabric 17, and the bumps 211a are partially joined, whereby the deformation resistance of the top sheet 2 is assisted, the compression recovery property of the bulges is improved by mitigating the pressure exerted on the bulges and dispersing the pressure on a plurality of bulges and the influence of twisting and wrinkling caused by compression due to a force compression in the width direction of the diaper caused by the elastic members below the waist 91a, 91b on the skin facing surface side is mitigated. Furthermore, by mitigating the twisting and wrinkling that remains, skin discomfort is reduced.

[0205] In addition, as shown in Fig. 24, with the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the non-woven end covering fabric 17 includes a crotch portion side fastening portion 17a that is bonded to the topsheet 2 with adhesive, and an opening side fastening portion 17a. waistband 17c which is joined, with adhesive 19, to the member extending from the longitudinal edge 4e of the absorbent member 4 and includes an unbonded region 17b which is not attached to another member and lies between the fastening portion of the side of the crotch portion 17a and the waist opening side fastening portion 17c. By including the unbonded region 17b, the advantages are obtained that depressions and bulges that occur in the end-covering non-woven fabric due to compression caused by the gathering of the fastening portion of the waist opening 17c can be mitigated, the fabric not End covering fabric of the upper portion of the edge 4e of the absorbent member can be provided with a certain degree of freedom and the contact with the skin can be softened.

[0206] The length L1 (see Fig. 24) of the unbonded region 17b in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is preferably 0.5 mm or more and more preferably 2 mm or more and is of preferably 7 mm or less and more preferably 5 mm or less. More specifically, the length L1 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 7 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or more and 5 mm or less.

[0207] Furthermore, the adhesive 18 which joins the non-woven fabric 17 and the topsheet 2 can be applied continuously to a predetermined width, but in order to improve the compression recovery property of the protuberances 211a of the sheet top 2 and to reduce the discomfort caused by it, it is preferable to apply the adhesive 18 in a pattern to one or both of the end-coated non-woven fabric 17 and the top sheet 2, and in particular the end-coated non-woven fabric 17 .

[0208] In the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the topsheet 2 and the absorbent member 4 are also joined by the adhesive applied in a pattern, and the absorbent member 4 and the leakproof sheet 3 are also joined by the adhesive applied in a pattern. Furthermore, it is preferred that the adhesive 19 joining the end-coated nonwoven fabric 17 and the outer covering forming sheet 15 is applied in a pattern to one or both of the end-coated nonwoven fabric 17 and the top sheet. 2 and, in particular, the end-covering non-woven fabric 17.

[0209] As an adhesive (e.g., adhesive 18, 19 and the like) to be used to join the constituent members of diaper 1C, various types of adhesives used in the manufacture of various types of articles can be used without restriction and it is preferable to use a hot-applied adhesive.

[0210] A spiral pattern, a stripe pattern, a grid pattern, a continuous omega pattern, in which many omegas are continuous on their sides, and a dot pattern, in which parts where the adhesive is applied are dispersed, are examples of application patterns for application in a pattern.

[0211] Furthermore, in the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the leakproof sheet 3 and the outer covering 10, in other words, the absorbent assembly 5 and the outer covering 10, are joined with adhesive which is partially applied. Partial application in this context may be the pattern application described above, or it may be a continuous application in multiple locations.

[0212] Furthermore, in the diaper 1C of the present embodiment, the elastic members below the waist 91a, 91b with portions arranged to cross the absorbent member 4 in the width direction of the diaper and overlap the thin portion 421 are both joined to a or both outer covering forming sheets 15 and 16, between which the below-the-waist elastic members 91 are arranged, in portions overlapping the absorbent member 4.

[0213] The diaper 1C of the present embodiment can effectively reduce a case where twisting and wrinkling occurs in the skin-facing portion composed of the non-woven fabric lining 17 while in such a configuration. Note that, in the present embodiment, the below-the-waist elastic members 91a, 91b are joined to one or both of the outer covering forming sheets 15 and 16 on either side portions of the front portion A or the rear portion B that are not overlap absorbent member 4.

[0214] Figs. 29 and 30 illustrate a non-woven fabric (hereinafter referred to as non-woven fabric 10B of the second embodiment) that can be used preferably as the topsheet in the present invention (third aspect).

[0215] The nonwoven fabric 10B of the second embodiment includes thermoplastic fibers and, as illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30, has a first surface 1a and a second surface 1b located opposite the first surface 1a. When used in the topsheet of a disposable diaper, it is preferred that the non-woven fabric 10B is used in such a way that the first surface 1a faces the wearer's skin side and the second surface 1b faces the skin side. absorbent member and is disposed on an inner side of the absorbent article. Hereinafter, a description will be made in light of an embodiment in which the side of the first surface 1a of the non-woven fabric 10B illustrated in the drawing is worn facing the wearer's skin. However, this should not be interpreted as a limitation.

[0216] In the non-woven fabric 10B, in the case of manufacturing the non-woven fabric 10B using a preferable method described below, an air-through non-woven fabric is used as the non-woven fabric 10B. The nonwoven fabric 10B has a monolayer structure or a multilayer structure obtained by stacking several layers. An air-through non-woven fabric refers to a non-woven fabric manufactured by a step of blowing a fluid, such as a gas or water vapour, of at least 50°C into a net or non-woven fabric (preferably a step of causing penetration) and means not only a non-woven fabric manufactured by this step alone, but also a non-woven fabric manufactured by applying this step to a non-woven fabric produced using another method or a non-woven fabric manufactured by performing another method before or after this step.

[0217] As illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30, the nonwoven fabric 10B has a plurality of first protuberances 11a projecting towards the side of the first surface 1a in plan view of a sheet-like nonwoven fabric. The protrusions 11a have internal spaces 11K, which are open on the side of the second surface 1b. Furthermore, the non-woven fabric 10B has a plurality of second protrusions 12a, which project towards the second surface 1b opposite the side of the first surface 1a. The second protuberances 12a have internal spaces 12K, which are open on the side of the first surface 1a. The first protuberances 11a and second 12a are arranged continuously or alternately along two different directions that intersect in plan view along the entire surface of, for example, the non-woven fabric 10B. In a specific example, the two different directions are the X direction, which is one of the different directions, and the Y direction, which is a different direction than the X direction. In the manner illustrated in Figs. 27 and 28, a protrusion seen from the side of the first surface 1a is a first protrusion 11a and a depression is a second protrusion 12a. In contrast, a bulge seen from the side of the second surface 1b is a second bulge 12a and a depression is a first bulge 11a. Therefore, the first protuberances 11a and the second protuberances 12a have portions in common.

[0218] The first 11a and second 12a bulges have peaks 11T, 12T, respectively. Furthermore, the first protuberances 11a and second 12a include walls 131 and 141 with annular structures between the peaks 11T, 12T and openings 11H, 12H of the internal spaces. Peaks 11T, 12T are shaped into rounded truncated trapezoidal shapes or hemispherical shapes.

[0219] Looking at the first protuberances 11a and second 12a in more detail, the protuberance shapes of the first protuberances 11a are hemispherical, on the other hand, the protuberance shapes of the second protuberances 12a are in the form of circular cones with rounded peaks or circular cones truncated. It should be kept in mind that in the nonwoven fabric 10B of the second embodiment, the first protuberances 11a and second 12a are not limited to the shapes described above and any protrusion shape can be used. For example, it is practical to use various conical shapes (in this specification, "conical shape" broadly refers to cones, truncated cones, pyramids, truncated pyramids, oblique circular cones, and the like). In the nonwoven fabric 10B of the second embodiment, the first protuberances 11a and second 12a hold the spaces 11K, 12K in the form of truncated cones with rounded peaks or hemispheres, which are analogous to their external shapes.

[0220] The wall portions 131 located between the peaks (hereinafter called the peaks of the first protuberances) 11T of the first protuberances 11a and the openings 11H form annular structures in the first protuberances 11a. The wall portions 141 located between the peaks (hereinafter referred to as the second protuberance peaks) 12T of the second protuberances 12a and the openings 12H form annular structures on the second protuberances 12a. Furthermore, the wall portions 141 share regions with portions of the wall portions 131. "Annular" is not particularly limited, as long as it establishes an endless, continuous flat view shape of the nonwoven fabric 10B and can be in any shape, such as a circle, ellipse, rectangle or polygon, in plan view of the non-woven fabric 10B. In order to preferentially maintain the continuous condition of the nonwoven fabric 10B, a circular or elliptical shape is preferable. Also, when it comes to "ring" as a three-dimensional shape, any ring structure, such as a circular columnar shape, an oblique circular columnar shape, an elliptical columnar shape, a truncated circular conical shape, a truncated oblique cone shape, a truncated elliptical taper shape, a truncated quadrilateral taper shape, or a truncated quadrilateral taper shape can be used and, from the point of view of fulfilling a continuous sheet condition, a circular columnar shape, an elliptical columnar shape, a truncated circular taper shape, or a truncated elliptical conical shape is preferable.

[0221] The non-woven fabric 10B with the first 11a and second 12a protuberances provided as described above has no folded portions and is composed of a curved surface that is entirely continuous. Therefore, it is preferred that the non-woven fabric 10B has a structure that is continuous in the planar direction. “Continuous” means no non-continuous portions or small holes. It should be kept in mind that small holes do not refer to microscopic holes, such as gaps between fibers. A small hole can be defined as having a circle equivalent hole diameter of 1 mm or more, for example.

[0222] In the nonwoven fabric 10B of the second embodiment, the fiber density of the constituent fibers differs in the direction of thickness. More specifically, the fiber density increases from the peaks of the first 11T protrusions to the peaks of the second 12T protrusions. "Fiber density" refers to the mass of fibers per unit volume of the nonwoven fabric 10B. A "fiber density is high" means that there is a large amount of fibers per unit volume of the nonwoven fabric 10B and the distance between the fibers is small. "Fiber density is low" means that the amount of fibers per unit volume of the nonwoven fabric 10B is small and the distance between fibers is large. Therefore, regions where fiber density is high have high capillary strength, and regions where fiber density is low have low capillary strength.

[0223] In the case of visualizing the fiber density along the thickness direction of the non-woven fabric 10B, the fiber density of the peaks of the first protuberances 11T are the lowest, and the fiber density of the peaks of the second protuberances 12T are the tallest. The fiber densities of walls 131 and 141 located between the peaks of the first protuberances 11T and the peaks of the second protuberances 12T are intermediate values between the fiber densities of the peaks of the first protuberances 11T and the fiber densities of the peaks of the second protuberances 12T. Thus, in the nonwoven fabric 10B, the fiber densities increase in the following order: peaks of first protuberances 11T < walls 131 and 141 < peaks of second protuberances 12T. So, also with regard to capillary forces, capillary forces increase in the following order: peaks of the first protuberances 11T < walls 131 and 141 < peaks of the second protuberances 12T. In this case, the fiber densities and capillary forces can increase gradually and continuously or they can increase little by little in the following order: peaks of the first protuberances 11T < walls 131 and 141 < peaks of the second protuberances 12T. In order to give the nonwoven fabric 10B such a fiber density gradient, it is sufficient to manufacture the nonwoven fabric 10B according to a manufacturing method described below.

[0224] The fiber density of the first protuberances 11a in the non-woven fabric 10B is preferably 30 fibers/mm2 or more and especially 50 fibers/mm2 or more and is preferably 130 fibers/mm2 or more. mm2 or less and in particular 120 fibres/mm2 or less. For example, the fiber density of the first protuberances 11a is preferably 30 fibers/mm2 or more and 130 fibers/mm2 or less, and more preferably 50 fibers/mm2 or more and 120 fibers/mm2 or less. On the other hand, the fiber density of the second protuberances 12a is preferably 250 fibers/mm2 or more, and especially 270 fibers/mm2 or more, and preferably 500 fibers/mm2 or less, and, in particular, 480 fibers/mm2 or less. For example, the fiber density of the second protuberances 12a is preferably 250 fibers/mm2 or more and 500 fibers/mm2 or less, and more preferably 270 fibers/mm2 or more and 480 fibers/mm2 or less. The fiber densities of the first protuberances 11a are measured at positions near the center of the layer thickness TL1 on the first protuberances 11a. The fiber densities of the second protuberances 12a are measured at positions near the center of the layer thickness TL2 on the second protuberances 12a. The fiber density measurement method is as follows.

Fiber density measurement method

[0225] A cross-section of a portion of non-woven fabric was observed magnified (adjusted to a magnification at which about 30 to 60 fiber cross-sections could be measured; magnification 150 to 500 times) using an electron microscope. scan, and the number of fiber cross-sections cut by the cutting plane per given area (about 0.5 mm2) was counted. Next, the number was converted to the number of fiber cross-sections per 1 mm2 and was used as the fiber density. Three locations were measured, and the average of them was taken as the fiber density of the sample. For example, the JCM-5100 (product name) available from JEOL, Ltd. can be used as scanning electron microscope.

[0226] To obtain a description of the dimensional data of the non-woven fabric 10B of the second embodiment, with respect to the thickness of the non-woven fabric 10B, the sheet thickness TS was used as the overall thickness (apparent thickness) in a side view of the nonwoven fabric 10B and the layer thickness TL was used as the local thickness (substantial thickness) of the nonwoven fabric 10B curved to form the depressions and bulges (see Fig. 30). Simply adjust the TS sheet thickness as appropriate depending on the application, but in the case of using the 10B nonwoven fabric as the top sheet of a disposable diaper, the TS sheet thickness is preferably 1 mm or more and 7 mm or less and more preferably 1.5 mm or more and 5 mm or less. By setting the sheet thickness TS in this range, the speed of liquid absorption during use can be speeded up, liquid backflow from the absorbent member can be suppressed, and furthermore, damping to an appropriate degree can be obtained.

[0227] The TL layer thickness may differ in each region of the 10B nonwoven fabric and just needs to be adjusted accordingly according to the application. In case of using the non-woven fabric 10B as the topsheet of an absorbent article, such as a diaper or sanitary napkin, the layer thickness TL1 of the peak of the first protuberance 11T is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 3 mm or less and is more preferably 0.4 mm or more and 2 mm or less. Preferred ranges for the layer thickness TL2 of the peak of the second protuberance 12T and for the layer thickness of the layer TL3 of the walls 131 and 141 are similar to the layer thickness of the peak of the first protuberance 11T. The relationship between the layer thicknesses TL1, TL2 and TL3 is preferably such that the relationship TL1>TL3>TL2 is satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to make the fiber density of the first protuberances 11a lower, such that favorable contact with the skin, especially on the surface side facing the skin, is obtained. On the other hand, the second protuberances 12a have a higher fiber density, such that the non-woven fabric is less prone to tearing, has favorable damping and an excellent liquid absorption rate without losing its shape is obtained.

[0228] Sheet thickness TS and layer thickness TL are measured using the following method.

[0229] With regard to the method for measuring the thickness of TS sheet, the measurement was performed using a thickness gauge in a condition in which a load of 0.05 kPa was applied to the non-woven fabric to be measured. A laser displacement sensor available from Omron Corporation was used as the thickness gauge. The thickness measurement was performed at 10 points, from which the average was taken to obtain the thickness.

[0230] With the TL method for measuring layer thickness, the thickness of each layer can be measured by enlarging a cross-section of a sheet by about 20 times using the VHX-900 digital microscope available from Keyence Co.

[0231] The gap between the first protrusion 11a and the second protrusion 12a in the closest position in a plan view of the non-woven fabric 10B only needs to be adjusted as appropriate according to the application and in the case of using the non-woven fabric 10B as the topsheet of a disposable diaper, the gap is preferably 1mm or more and 15mm or less, and more preferably 3mm or more and 10mm or less. The weight basis of the non-woven fabric 10B also depends on the specific application of the non-woven fabric 10B, but the average value for the non-woven fabric 10B as a whole is preferably 15 g/m2 or more and 50 g/m2 or less and more preferably 20 g/m 2 or more and 40 g/m 2 or less.

[0232] An embodiment of the method for manufacturing the non-woven fabric 10B of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. from 31 to 34. Fig. 31 illustrates a fabrication apparatus 100 preferably used to manufacture nonwoven fabric 10B. Fabrication apparatus 100 is preferably used to manufacture an air-through non-woven fabric.

[0233] As shown in Fig. 31, fabrication apparatus 100 has a support member 110 which carries a web 105 including hot melt fibers. The net 105 is guided to the surface of the support member 110 by a feed conveyor that acts as a feed unit 121. The net 105 is molded by the support member 110, and the molded net 105 is separated from the support member 110 and fed in a predetermined direction by a guide roller which acts as a guide unit 122. The support member 110 is drum-shaped. Furthermore, the support member 110 rotates about an axis of rotation 110C. A drive apparatus (not shown) connects to axis of rotation 110C. Support member 110 will be described in detail later.

[0234] A first nozzle 111, which blows a first hot air W1, and a second nozzle 112, which blows a second hot air W2, are included on the outer circumferential surface side of the support member 110 in the aforementioned order in the supply direction of the mesh 105. The first nozzle 111 includes a heater 113. The first hot air W1 heated by the heater 113 is blown almost vertically, for example, onto the surface of the support member 110 through an air permeable conveyor 123 with a property of ventilation.

[0235] A blow hole (not shown) is formed at the distal end of the first nozzle 111. The length of the machine direction blow hole (MD) of the mesh 105 is preferably 1 mm or more and 20 mm or less, and the length of the blow hole in the width direction (CD) of the mesh 105 is at least the width of the mesh 105, or the width for performing the molding process. The blow hole has a slit shape in one or several rows, or a shape in which circular holes, oval holes, or square holes are arranged in a zigzag or parallel pattern in one or several rows. Preferably, the blow hole is in the form of a row of slits of 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Since the blow holes of the first nozzle 111 are formed in this way, the first hot air W1 is blown at an air velocity which is uniform in the direction of the width of the surface of the screen 105. Air, nitrogen or water vapor heated to a temperature predetermined by heater 113 can be used as the first hot air W1. For economy purposes, preferably air is used.

[0236] The first hot air W1 blown from the first nozzle 111 is controlled by the heater 113 to be at such a temperature to temporarily bond the fibers of the net 105 together in a condition in which the irregular shape is maintained. For example, if the fibers that make up the network 105 are conjugated sheath-core fibers with a low melting point component and a high melting point component with a higher melting point than the low melting point component, the first hot air W1 is controlled to be a hot air with a temperature that is at least 60°C lower than the melting point of the melting point component of the 105 web fibers and at most 15°C higher than the melting point of the low-melting component. Preferably, the first hot air W1 is controlled so that it is at a temperature at least 50°C lower than the melting point of the low-melting component and at a temperature at most 10°C higher than the melting point. melting of the low melting point component. In case of using polyethylene with a melting point of 132°C as the low melting point component, the preferred temperature range is 82°C or more and 142°C or less and more preferably 132°C or more and 142°C or less.

[0237] The air speed of the first hot air W1 is adjusted accordingly. The air velocity is controlled to be preferably 10 m/s or more and 120 m/s or less. If the air velocity of the first hot air W1 blown from the first nozzle 111 is too slow, molding becomes difficult because the fibers are sufficiently less likely to conform to the support member 110 and melt less forcefully. Furthermore, even if the air velocity is too fast, it becomes difficult to carry out the molding on the mesh 105. Therefore, the air velocity of the first hot air W1 is preferably set in the range described above. More preferably, the air velocity of the first hot air W1 is set at 20 m/s or more and 80 m/s or less, and particularly preferably 40 m/s or more and 60 m/s or less.

[0238] An air permeable conveyor 123 leads the net 105 towards the feed side along the surface of the support member 110 with the net 105 arranged between the air permeable conveyor 123 and the support member 110. More specifically, the air permeable conveyor 123 includes an air permeable belt 124, a plurality of rollers 125 which support the belt 124, and a drive apparatus (not shown) which drives the belt 124 via rollers 125, for example. At least two rollers 125A and 125B among the plurality of rollers 125 are arranged in such a way that the belt 124 conforms to the surface of the support member 110 by means of the mesh 105. The entanglement and dispersion of the mesh 105 caused by the first hot air W1 of the first nozzle 111 can be prevented by the air permeable conveyor 123.

[0239] The second nozzle 112 includes a heater 114. The second hot air W2 heated by the heater 114 is blown approximately vertically, for example, over the surface of the support member 110. A blow hole (not shown) is formed in the distal end of the second nozzle 112. The blow hole is preferably formed from a punched metal in which holes are regularly formed in the width direction and the flow direction. The porosity of the punched metal is preferably 10% or more and 40% or less, and more preferably 20% or more and 30% or less. Since the blow holes of the second nozzle 112 are formed in this way, the second hot air W2 is blown at an air velocity that is uniform in the direction of the width of the surface of the mesh 105. Air, nitrogen or water vapor heated by the heater 114 can be used as the second hot air W2. Preferably, air is used, which costs nothing.

[0240] The second hot air W2 is controlled by the heater 114 so that it is at a temperature at which the fibers of the mesh 105 are fused together and their irregular shape is fixed, in a condition where the irregular shape of the mesh 105 is formed by the first warm air W1 is maintained. For example, if the fibers that make up the network 105 are conjugated sheath-core fibers with a low melting point component and a high melting point component with a higher melting point than the low melting point component, the second hot air W2 is controlled to be at a temperature at least equal to the low melting point component of the fibers of the web 105 and lower than the melting point of the high melting point component of the fibers of the web 105 and is, from preferably at least 40°C higher than the melting point of the low-melting component. The second hot air W2 is more preferably controlled to be at a temperature at least equal to the melting point of the low melting point component and at most 20°C higher than the melting point of the low melting point component and, as a particularly preferred temperature, it is controlled at a temperature at least equal to the melting point of the low-melting component and at most 15°C higher than the melting point of the low-melting component. In the case of using polyethylene with a melting point of 132°C as the low melting point component, a preferable temperature range is 132°C or higher and 152°C or lower and more preferably 132°C or higher. plus and 147°C or less.

[0241] The air velocity of the second hot air W2 blown from the second nozzle 112 is set as appropriate taking into account its purpose. The air velocity is controlled to be preferably 1 m/s or more and 10 m/s or less. If the air velocity of the second hot air W2 blown from the second nozzle 112 is too slow, the heat transfer to the fibers will not be sufficient in some cases, the fibers will be less prone to melting and the fixing of the irregular shape will be insufficient in some cases. some cases. On the other hand, if the air velocity is too fast, too much heat is applied to the fibers and therefore there is a risk that the texture will deteriorate. Therefore, the air velocity of the second hot air W2 is preferably defined in the range described above. The air velocity of the second hot air W2 is preferably 1 m/s or more and 8 m/s or less, and particularly preferably set at 2 m/s or more and 4 m/s or less.

[0242] A suction unit 115, which sucks in the first hot air W1 passing through the air permeable conveyor 123, the mesh 105 and the support member 110, is arranged in the blowing direction of the first nozzle 111. An exhaust apparatus - ment 117, which discharges the first hot air W1 sucked in, connects to the suction unit 115. Furthermore, the suction unit 116, which sucks in the second hot air W2 passing through the mesh 105 and the support member 110, is arranged in the blowing direction of the second nozzle 112. An exhaust apparatus 118, which discharges the second hot air W2 sucked in, is connected to the suction unit 116. Both suction units may have a structure in which the length at CD direction can be adjusted as appropriate. By including suction units 115 and 116, it is possible to prevent the mesh from tangling because of blown air ricochet or the like, and molding into a desired shape can be achieved. Furthermore, a case where the circumference of the drum reaches an excessively high temperature is avoided, and a case where the mesh 105 in contact with the circumference of the drum melts excessively and stiffens is avoided. Furthermore, the net 105 is more easily retained on the support member 110 and the transport is easier to perform. It should be borne in mind that when there is a concern to stabilize the temperature of the hot air and the cost of operating the services, it is desirable that the hot air be circulated.

[0243] Fig. 32 is an enlarged view illustrating relevant portions of the support member 110 of the manufacturing apparatus 100 illustrated in Fig. 31. It should be borne in mind that the support member 110 illustrated in Fig. 32 corresponds to a condition in which the support member 110, which molds the shape of the circumferential surface of the drum in Fig. 31, has a flat format. Support member 110 has a base portion 110B comprised of a plate-shaped member. Many through holes are formed in the base portion 110B, and the through holes are air permeable portions 110H which are depressions. In addition, the support member 110 has a plurality of protruding portions 110T which lie erect from a surface of the base portion 110B. The protruding portions 110T are located between adjacent air-through portions 110H. The protruding portions 110T and the air-through portions 110H are arranged alternately in the direction A, which is a direction of the plane of the support member 110. In addition, the protruding portions 110T and the air-permeable portions 110H are arranged al- ternarily in direction B, which is another direction of the plane of support member 110. Direction A and direction B are perpendicular. A distance dA between a protruding portion 110T and an air permeable portion 110H which are adjacent in the A direction, and a distance dB between a protruding portion 110T and an air permeable portion 110H which are adjacent in the B direction may be the same or different. . The direction A coincides with the direction of rotation of the support member 110 and the direction B coincides with the direction of the width of the support member 110. Therefore, the support member 110 has an irregular structure on a surface of the base portion 110B. .

[0244] The protruding portion 110T has a shape that tapers towards the distal end, and the distal end of the protruding portion 110T is round. The protruding portions 110T are plate-shaped, spindle-shaped or the like, for example. The height of the protruding portions 110T can be set as appropriate according to the application, pattern or the like of the nonwoven fabric 10B. The height H (see Fig. 32) of the protruding portion 110T, i.e. the height obtained by taking the upper surface of the base portion 110B as a reference, is preferably 3 mm or more and 30 mm or less, and most preferably , 3 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The pitch of the protruding portions 110T is preferably 6mm or more and 15mm or less, and more preferably 6mm or more and 10mm or less in the A direction, and preferably 4mm or more. and 8 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less in the B direction.

[0245] The air permeable portions 110H of the support member 110 are composed of a plurality of openings formed in the support member 110, and the porosity is preferably 20% or more and 45% or less, more preferably, 25% or more and 40% or less and even more preferably 30% or more and 35% or less of the surface area of the support member 110. By defining the porosity in this range, a sufficient irregular shape can be molded in the 105 mesh, and deterioration of the molded shape and the formation of down are effectively prevented. The shape of the air permeable portions 110H may be circular, for example in plan view. However, the shape of the air permeable portions 110H is not limited to this and may be of another shape, such as an ellipse, a polygon, a combination thereof, or the like.

[0246] Fig. 33 schematically illustrates a condition in which the net 105 is molded using the support member 110. Note that in Fig. 33, the illustration of the air permeable conveyor 123 is omitted. In the condition that the net 105 is mounted on the support member 110, the first hot air W1 is blown into the net 105 from the outer surface. The first hot air W1 blown passes through the mesh 105, then passes through the air permeable portions 110H of the support member 110 and is sucked in by the suction unit 115 (see Fig. 29). Thus, the first hot air W1 is blown using an air-through method on the network 105.

[0247] The regions of the mesh 105 between two or more adjacent protruding portions 110T deform downwards upon receiving the blowing pressure of the first hot air W1. Thanks to this deformation, the protuberances 11A are formed. The protuberances 11A are regions corresponding to the first protuberances 11a on the non-woven fabric 10B to be obtained. The degree of deformation increases towards the lower portions of the protuberances 11A due to the pressure exerted by the blowing of the first hot air W1 and, as a result, the distance between fibers in the protuberances 11A becomes greater than in the second protuberances 12. In other words, fiber density decreases.

[0248] On the other hand, the downward deformation of the mesh 105 is suppressed in the regions that are supported by the protruding portions 110T due to the resistance exerted by these even though the pressure exerted by the blowing of the first hot air W1 is received. Thus, the regions supported by the protruding portions 110T assume protruding shapes whose bases extend downwards. The protuberant regions are regions corresponding to the second protuberances 12a of the non-woven fabric 10B to be obtained. In the highest position of the protuberant regions, the distance between fibers is small. In other words, fiber density increases. On the other hand, at the bases of the protruding regions, the mesh 105 is deformed and therefore the distance between fibers at the bases of the protruding regions is greater than in the first protrusions 11a. In other words, fiber density decreases. However, it is not as low as the fiber density of the protuberances 11A described above (see Fig. 33).

[0249] Fig. 34 illustrates a condition in which the non-woven fabric 10B to be obtained is obtained by blowing the second hot air W2 over the molded net 105 to cross the knots of the constituent fibers. The second hot air W2 is blown using an air-through method.

[0250] For a more in-depth description of the diaper 1C, two leak-proof cuffs 6, 6 are included on either side of the absorbent assembly 5.

[0251] As shown in Fig. 23, the leakproof cuffs 6 are formed on both sides of the absorbent assembly 5 such that they extend in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper. Each of the leak proof cuffs 6 includes a leak proof cuff forming sheet 60 and an elastic leak proof cuff lifting member 61 which is secured in a stretched condition in the vicinity of the upper side edge portion of the cuff. Leakproof sheath 6. At the crotch portion C, the upper side edge portion 6a forms a free end of the leakproof sheath 6 which is erect towards the wearer's skin. At the front portion A and at the rear portion B, the leakproof sheaths 6 are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5, and portions of the leak-proof hems 6 located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5 are joined to the end-covering non-woven fabric 17.

[0252] As the material constituting the diaper portions 1C, it is possible to use a material normally used in this technical field without any specific restriction. For example, a material similar to that of the diapers 1A and 1B described above can be used as the sheet material used in the leak-proof sheet 3, the absorbent core 40 and the leak-proof hem-forming sheet, and on elastic members 61, 62, 71, 81, 91.

[0253] Various types of sheet material conventionally used in this type of article can be used without any specific restrictions like the outer lining forming sheets 15 and 16, but from the point of view of flexibility, it is preferable to use non-woven fabric and , for example, it is preferable to use a single-layer non-woven fabric or a multi-layer non-woven fabric of two or more layers composed of air-through non-woven fabric, hot rolled non-woven fabric, spunlace non-woven fabric, spunbond non-woven fabric, woven fabric non-woven meltblown or the like. In addition, a sheet obtained by integrating these non-woven fabrics and a film can be used. Various types of known non-woven fabrics can be used as the end-covering non-woven fabric 17, examples of which include a single-layer non-woven fabric or a multi-layer laminated non-woven fabric composed of an air-through non-woven fabric, a rolled non-woven fabric heat, a spunlace non-woven fabric, a spunbond non-woven fabric, a meltblown non-woven fabric or the like.

[0254] While the first aspect, second aspect and third aspect of the present invention have been described above based on various preferred embodiments thereof, the first aspect, second aspect and third aspect of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0255] For example, the absorbent core may comprise only the underlying absorbent core in diapers 1A and 1B described above, and furthermore, the underlying absorbent core may not have gaps 44. Furthermore, an absorbent member with a level difference in the The skin-facing surface side may be formed by stacking a small, overlapping absorbent core, such as the upper absorbent core 411 of diapers 1A and 1B, on top of the gapless underlying absorbent core 44. In addition, an absorbent core having a central region thicker and thinner lateral region can be molded to form a deep region and a shallow region in the depressions by accumulating fibers from a known fiber-accumulating apparatus and allowing a core-forming material, such as pulp fibers, to accumulate in the pits. depressions accumulating fibers.

[0256] In addition, the core wrap sheet 41 may be a single continuous sheet, and the skin facing surface side and the skin facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 are covered by the single web. In addition, the skin-facing surface side and the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40 may be covered by two core wrapping sheets.

[0257] In addition, the topsheet 2 may include the arranged portion, where the side elastic members 45 are arranged, the irregular region 2a, which is formed throughout a region located on the upper side of the arranged portion, and the non-irregular region 2b , which is formed throughout a region located on the underside of the arranged portion.

[0258] As illustrated in Figs. 9(a) and 21(a), the non-irregular region 2b of the top sheet 2 may comprise only the underlying sheet 23, which extends from the irregular region 2a, but as shown in Figs. 9(b) and 21(b), it can be composed of the overlay 22 and underlying 23 sheets, which extend from the irregular region 2a, and, as illustrated in Figs. 9(c) and 21(c), it may be composed only of the overlay sheet 22, which extends from the irregular region 2a. Furthermore, as shown in Figs. 9(d) and 21(d), irregular region 2a and non-irregular region 2b may be formed by forming, on a single sheet 22, a region in which three-dimensional shapes are molded and a region in which three-dimensional shapes are not molded.

[0259] Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, for example, the leak-proof sheath 6 may not have the region located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly 5. Furthermore, the leak-proof sheath leak 6 may include inner joined region 63, outer joined region 64 and unjointed region 65 disposed therebetween only in one of front portions A and rear B. Furthermore, in leak proof sheath 6, only a proximal portion the entire width (length in the width direction of the absorbent assembly 5) of the unjointed region 65 may overlap the inner elastic portion 13e, or the entire width of the unbonded region 65 may overlap the inner elastic portion 13e. Furthermore, in addition to the outer joined region 64 and the unjointed region 65, the inner joined region 63 may also overlap the inner elastic portion 13e.

[0260] Furthermore, in the third aspect of the present invention, for example, the absorbent member 4 may have a thin portion in only one of the front portion A and the rear portion B. Furthermore, in case the absorbent member 4 includes the thin portion in both the front portion A and the rear portion B, a single thin portion may include the elastic members below the waist 91 which overlay the thin portion. Furthermore, only one or three or more elastic members below the waist 91 can overlap the thin portion 421.

[0261] In addition, the non-woven backing fabric 17 may be a portion of the sheet 15, which lies on the side of the absorbent assembly 5 and folds back, of the two outer covering forming sheets 15 and 16 between the which the below-the-waist elastic members 91 are arranged. In addition, the end lining nonwoven fabric 17 may be a different sheet than the outer lining forming sheets 15 and 16.

[0262] Furthermore, in the third aspect of the present invention, an irregular non-woven fabric 10C (hereinafter referred to as the non-woven fabric 10C of the third embodiment) illustrated in Fig. 35 can also be used as the top sheet. The melt-bonded portions 32 of the nonwoven fabric 10C of the third embodiment are formed in a predetermined pattern by embossing and hot embossing into a nonwoven fabric having a monolayer or multilayer structure and thereby many protuberances 31 surrounded by a plurality of fusion-bonded portions 32 are formed in a condition projecting towards the wearer's skin. The bulges 31 are zigzag formed in a plan view of the irregular nonwoven fabric 10C and the periphery of the bulge 31 is surrounded by the depressions 33. The fusion-bonded portions 32 exist at the bases of the depressions 33.

[0263] Various types of known non-woven fabrics can be used as the non-woven fabric constituting the 10C irregular non-woven fabric, examples of which include a single-layer non-woven fabric or multi-layer laminated non-woven fabric composed of an air-filled non-woven fabric. through, a hot rolled non-woven fabric, a spunlace non-woven fabric, a spunbond non-woven fabric, a meltblown non-woven fabric or the like. The volumetric softness value of the nonwoven fabric 10C of the third embodiment in the diaper width direction is preferably set at 0.22N or more and 0.60N or less, and the fabric thickness recovery rate is not fabric 10C after one minute exerting pressure at a load of 20 cN/cm 2 is preferably set at 75% or more and thus an effect similar to that of diaper 1C described above is obtained.

[0264] Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, the absorbent core may have a double layer structure and have no gaps 44. Furthermore, the wrapping sheet of the core 41 may be a single continuous sheet and cover the surface side. The skin-facing surface and the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core 40. The skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core and the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core may be covered by two core wrap sheets. .

[0265] Furthermore, as a top sheet, it is also possible to use a sheet that includes thermoplastic fibers and that has a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, at least the first surface being made of a non-woven fabric. irregular with depressions and protrusions composed of a plurality of protuberances projecting towards the first surface and depressions located between the protuberances, and the protuberances having fiber melting points obtained by bonding thermoplastic fibers together by melting at their intersections. It is preferred that the irregular non-woven fabric be used such that the first surface forms the surface facing the wearer's skin.

[0266] Omitted parts of an embodiment described above and requirements of only one embodiment may be applied as appropriate to other embodiments, and requirements of embodiments may be mutually interchanged between embodiments as appropriate.

[0267] With respect to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, the following appendix (disposable pull-up diaper) is further disclosed.

[0268] <1> A disposable pull-up diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member and having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion, an opening for the waistband and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-on diaper, wherein the topsheet is arranged to coat a skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member, both side edges of the absorbent member along the longitudinal direction and a skin-facing surface side of both sides of the absorbent member along the longitudinal direction, both sides of the absorbent assembly along the longitudinal direction are provided with a pair of leak-proof sheaths on the front portion and at the rear, the leak-proof sheaths are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, and the leak-proof hems are formed so as to remain upright in the crotch portion in a worn condition, the absorbent assembly has fixed parts where the absorbent assembly is secured to a member located in the the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the fixed portion being located in regions separated inwardly across the width of the absorbent member from both side edges of the absorbent member, and the topsheet includes an irregular region that lies within if in a portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member and on which protuberances are dispersedly formed, and portions of the topsheet lining the skin-facing surface side of both side regions of the absorbent member are non-irregular regions in which no depressions or bulges are formed.

[0269] <2> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <1>, wherein side elastic members for lifting the side portions of the absorbent member are arranged in the vicinity of both side edges of the absorbent member.

[0270] <3> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <1>, wherein side elastic members for lifting the side portions of the absorbent member are arranged in the vicinity of both side edges of the absorbent member, and the region not The irregular shape of the topsheet extends from the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member to the portion of the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent.

[0271] <4> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <3>, including leak-proof hems that lie upright in the crotch portion, in which gaps into which liquid flows are formed between the skin-facing surface sides of both side portions of the absorbent assembly and the leak-proof sheaths.

[0272] <5> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <4>, wherein no leak-proof sheet is included on the skin-facing surface side of the located absorbent member on both sides of the absorbent assembly.

[0273] <6> Disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <1> to <5>, wherein the absorbent member includes a central region and lateral regions, which lie on either side of the region center and are thinner than it, the absorbent member has level differences on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member at the boundaries between the central region and the side regions, and the irregular region lines the level difference portions of the absorbent member.

[0274] <7> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <6>, wherein the irregular region has a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined together in depressions in the overlay sheet.

[0275] <8> Disposable pull-up diaper in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <7>, wherein the thickness in the non-ragged region of the top sheet is preferably 60% or less, and, more preferably, 25% or less of a T2 thickness in the irregular region.

[0276] <9> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of the clauses <1> to <8>, wherein protuberances in the irregular region are arranged in a zigzag pattern in plan view.

[0277] <10> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <9>, wherein the absorbent member may absorb liquid from the skin-facing surface side of both side portions .

[0278] <11> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <10>, wherein the irregular region is formed at least in the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent member and, preferably, has a width that preferably corresponds to 50% or more, and more preferably, to 100% or more of the width between the upper side edge portions of the leak-proof sheaths at the front portion or at the rear portion.

[0279] <12> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <1> to <11>, wherein the fineness of the constituent fibers of the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet or the sheet material which The shape of the protrusions is preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 dtex and more preferably from 0.1 to 3.3 dtex.

[0280] <13> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <12>, wherein the irregular region has an overlay sheet and an underlying sheet, and the fineness of the constituent fibers in the case wherein the underlying sheet is composed of the non-woven fabric is preferably from 1 to 20 dtex and more preferably from 1.5 to 6 dtex.

[0281] <14> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <13>, wherein, in the anterior portion and posterior portion, the leak-proof hems are fixed in a condition in which extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly.

[0282] <15> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <1> to <14>, wherein the absorbent member includes an absorbent core and, in the crotch portion, the absorbent core includes a gap that the penetrates.

[0283] <16> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <1> to <14>, wherein the absorbent member has an absorbent core including a lower absorbent core and an upper absorbent core which is stacked on top of the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent core, and on either side of a location that overlaps the upper absorbent core at the crotch portion, the lower absorbent core has a gap that penetrates the lower absorbent core.

[0284] <17> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <15> or <16>, wherein a pitch between the protuberances is greater than the thickness of the absorbent member at the location adjacent to the gap.

[0285] <18> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <15> to <17>, wherein the pitch between the protuberances is 2 mm or more and 20 mm or less.

[0286] <19> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <15> to <18>, wherein the thickness of the absorbent member is 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0287] <20> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <15> to <19>, where the gap width is 2 to 20 mm.

[0288] <21> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <15> to <20>, wherein the pitch between the protuberances is 1/2 or more of the width of the gap.

[0289] <22> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <20>, wherein, in the irregular region, bulges and depressions alternately align to form a column in the longitudinal direction of the diaper and a plurality of columns form in the diaper in the width direction of the diaper.

[0290] <23> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <1> to <22>, wherein the irregular region includes an overlay sheet and an underlying sheet, and the overlay sheet is joined to the underlying leaf in the whole area of or in part of the depressions.

[0291] <24> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <23>, where the bulges have hollow interiors.

[0292] <25> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <1> to <24>, wherein the height T1 of the protuberances is preferably 0.1 mm or more, and most preferably , 0.2 mm or more and is preferably 5 mm or less and more preferably 3 mm or less and more specifically the height T1 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 5 mm or less and more preferably 0.2 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0293] <26> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <1> to <25>, wherein the thickness of the topsheet in portions including protuberances is preferably 0.2 mm or more and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and is preferably 6 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or less and more specifically the thickness is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 6 mm or less and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and 4 mm or less.

[0294] <27> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <1> to <26>, wherein the number of bulges per 10 cm2 area of the irregular region is 20 to 200 and preferably , from 50 to 150.

[0295] <28> A disposable pull-up diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer covering which is located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, and has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-on diaper, wherein both sides of the absorbent assembly are adjacent to each other. along the longitudinal direction are provided with a pair of leak-proof sheaths at the front and back, the leak-proof sheaths are joined to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, and the leak-proof sheaths casting are formed so as to remain upright at the crotch portion in a worn condition, the top sheet has an irregular region in which protuberances are formed in a way that It is dispersed in a central portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly and has flat non-irregular regions that have neither depressions nor bulges in both end portions in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, in one or both of the anterior portion and the back, each of the leakproof sheaths has an inner seamed region and an outer seamed region that are joined to the skin facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the inner seamed region being secured to the irregular region in a proximate location. centered in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, and the outer joined region being attached to the non-ragged region at a location near the end portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region and the outer joined region are aligned in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly to an unjointed region which is not joined to the topsheet disposed therebetween, at the front portion and at the rear portion, the The outer garment has a below-the-waist bunching with stretch across the width of the diaper, and the below-the-waist bunching at one or both of the front portion and the back portion has an inner elastic portion that overlaps the absorbent member, and the joined region The outer and non-jointed region of the leak-proof hem overlap in the diaper thickness direction to the inner elastic portion.

[0296] <29> A disposable pull-up diaper in accordance with clause <1>, further comprising an outer covering which is situated on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, wherein the sheet The upper has an irregular region in which protuberances are dispersedly formed in a central portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly and has flat non-irregular regions which have neither depressions nor bulges at both end portions in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, in one or both of the front portion and the back portion, each of the leakproof sheaths has an inner joined region and an outer joined region which are joined to the skin facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region being fixed in the irregular region at a location near the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, and the outer joined region being fixed in the non-irregular region angled at a location near the end portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region and the outer joined region are aligned in the width direction of the absorbent assembly to an unjoined region which is not joined to the topsheet disposed therebetween, at the front and at the back, the outer lining has a below-the-waist bunching with stretch across the width of the diaper, and the below-the-waist bunching at one or both of the front and back portions has an inner elastic portion that overlays the absorbent member, and the seamed outer region and unbonded region of the leak-proof hem overlay in the diaper thickness direction to the inner elastic portion.

[0297] <30> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <28> or <29>, wherein the inner seam is attached to the irregular region on the absorbent member, and the outer seamed region is attached to the non-irregular region on the absorbent limb.

[0298] <31> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <30>, wherein the bunching below the waist with the inner elastic portion is formed in a condition where it is split in the direction the width of the diaper.

[0299] <32> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <31>, wherein the inner seam is fixed in the uneven region by adhesive, and the outer seam is fixed in the region not uneven by adhesive.

[0300] <33> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <32>, wherein the inner seamed region and the outer seamed region are both affixed to the top sheet by adhesive, and the adhesive which secures the inner seamed region has a higher weight base than the adhesive that secures the outer joined region.

[0301] <34> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <33>, wherein the weight basis difference between the weight basis of the adhesive fixing the inner joined region and the weight base of the adhesive fixing the outer bound region is 1 g/m 2 or more and preferably 2 g/m 2 or more and 5 g/m 2 or less.

[0302] <35> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <34>, wherein the inner joined region is attached to the top sheet by adhesive, and the weight base of the adhesive attaching the inner bound region is from 3 to 25 g/m2.

[0303] <36> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <35>, wherein the outer joined region is secured to the top sheet by adhesive, and the weight base of the adhesive securing the outer bound region is from 1 to 20 g/m2.

[0304] <37> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <36>, wherein the distance of the inner seam from the upper side edge portion of the leak-proof sheath, which is the free end at the crotch portion, is preferably 8 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0305] <38> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <28> to <37>, wherein the inner seam and outer seam are of the same height in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, and the Inner joined region and outer joined region are aligned along the entire length of both.

[0306] <39> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <28> to <38>, wherein the length of the inner seam in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is longer than that of the outer seam in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper, and the length L6 along which the inner joined region and the outer joined region are parallel is equal to half or more of the length L3 of the inner joined region in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper.

[0307] <40> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <39>, wherein the inner seam and outer seam are both attached to the top sheet by adhesive, and the length , in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, of the adhesive securing the inner joined region is greater than that of the adhesive securing the outer joined region.

[0308] <41> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <40>, wherein the ratio (W3/W4) of the length W3, in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, of the adhesive fixing the inner joined region for the length W4, in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, of the adhesive fixing the outer joined region is preferably 1.5 or more and more preferably 2 or more and is, preferably from 1.5 or more and 10 or less, and more preferably from 2 or more and 8 or less.

[0309] <42> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <28> to <41>, wherein the length W5, in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, of the unjointed region is preferably 10mm or more and is preferably 5mm or more and 30mm or less, and more preferably 10mm or more and 25mm or less.

[0310] <43> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <42>, wherein the irregular region has a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined together in depressions in the overlay sheet.

[0311] <44> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <28> to <43>, wherein a portion of the topsheet lining a side edge of the absorbent member and portions of the topsheet lining the The skin-facing surface side of both sides of the absorbent member are non-irregular regions without depressions or bulges.

[0312] <45> Disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <28> to <44>, wherein the irregular region includes an overlay sheet and an underlying sheet, and on the overlay sheet, are formed bulges in a zigzag pattern.

[0313] <46> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <45>, where the bulges have hollow interiors.

[0314] <47> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <28> to <46>, wherein the height T1 of the protuberances is preferably 0.1 mm or more, and most preferably , 0.2 mm or more and is preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less.

[0315] <48> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <28> to <47>, wherein the thickness of the topsheet in portions including the bulges is preferably 0.2 mm or more and more preferably 0.5 mm or more and is preferably 6 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or less.

[0316] <49> A disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <28> to <48>, wherein the fineness of the constituent fibers of the non-woven fabric constituting the overlay sheet or the sheet material which The shape of the protrusions is preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 dtex and more preferably from 0.1 to 3.3 dtex.

[0317] <50> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <49>, wherein the irregular region has an overlay sheet and an underlying sheet, and the fineness of the constituent fibers in the case wherein the underlying sheet is composed of the non-woven fabric is preferably from 1 to 20 dtex and more preferably from 1.5 to 6 dtex.

[0318] <51> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <29> to <50>, wherein, in the irregular region, bulges and depressions alternately align to form a column in the longitudinal direction of the diaper and a plurality of columns form in the diaper in the width direction of the diaper.

[0319] <52> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <28> to <51>, wherein the number of bulges per 10 cm2 area of the irregular region is 20 to 200 and preferably , from 50 to 150.

[0320] <53> A disposable pull-up diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member, and an outer covering which is located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, and has a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of leg openings being formed in the disposable pull-up diaper, wherein the absorbent member has a thin portion over a longitudinal end portion located at the front or rear portion, the outer covering comprises a plurality of elastic members below the waistband that are located in a region positioned on the crotch side with respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbent member at the front portion and the posterior, the plurality of elastic members below the waist being arranged in a stretched condition in the width direction of the diaper at a gap in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, at least one of the plurality of elastic members below the waist in the front or back portion is arranged to cross the absorbent member in the width direction of the diaper and has a portion that overlaps the thin portion, the topsheet is irregularly shaped, and at the front or back portion where the thin portion exists, a position of the longitudinal edge of the topsheet and a position of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member coincide, and the side The skin-facing surface of the edge of the top sheet is covered by a non-woven end-coat fabric.

[0321] <54> A disposable pull-up diaper in accordance with clause <1>, further comprising an outer covering which is situated on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, wherein the member The absorbent has a thin portion over a longitudinal end portion located at the front or rear portion, the outer covering comprises a plurality of elastic members below the waistband that are located in a region positioned on the crotch side with respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbent member. in the front portion and in the rear portion, the plurality of elastic members below the waist being arranged in a stretched condition in the width direction of the diaper at a gap in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, at least one of the plurality of elastic members below the waist in the portion front or back portion is arranged to cross the absorbent member in the width direction of the diaper and has a portion q which overlaps the thin portion, the topsheet is irregularly shaped, and at the front or back portion where the thin portion exists, a position of the longitudinal edge of the topsheet and a position of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member coincide, and the side The skin-facing surface of the edge of the top sheet is covered by a non-woven end-coat fabric.

[0322] <55> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <53> or <54>, wherein the volumetric softness value of the top sheet in the diaper width direction is 0.22 N or more and 0 .60 N or less, and the topsheet thickness recovery rate after one minute of pressure under a load of 20 cN/cm2 is 80% or more.

[0323] <56> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <55>, wherein the volumetric softness value of the topsheet in the width direction of the diaper is 0.25 N or plus and 0.40 N or less.

[0324] <57> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <56>, wherein the rate of recovery of the thickness of the top sheet after one minute of pressure under a load of 20 cN/ cm2 is 90% or more and 100% or less.

[0325] <58> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <53> to <57>, wherein the length L of the thin portion in the X longitudinal direction of the diaper is preferably 5 mm or more and more preferably 10 mm or more and is preferably 50 mm or less and most preferably 35 mm or less.

[0326] <59> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <53> to <58>, wherein the thin portion extends across the entire width of the absorbent member at the terminal portion of the absorbent member.

[0327] <60> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <53> to <59>, wherein the absorbent member has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet that surrounds the absorbent core, and the thin portion is a portion composed solely of the core wrap sheet extending from the absorbent core.

[0328] <61> Disposable pull-up diaper in accordance with any one of clauses <54> to <60>, wherein the thickness of the top sheet is 0.7 mm or more and 7.0 mm or less.

[0329] <62> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <53> to <61>, wherein the thickness of the top sheet is preferably 0.7 mm or more, and most preferably , 0.9 mm or more and is preferably 7.0 mm or less, and more preferably 5.0 mm or less.

[0330] <63> A disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <62>, wherein the top sheet is composed of a three-dimensional sheet having a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into a irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined together in depressions of the overlay sheet, and that the overlay sheet of the three-dimensional sheet is made of non-woven fabric including thermoplastic fibers and the overlay sheet side of the three-dimensional sheet forms the surface facing the user's skin.

[0331] <64> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <63>, wherein, on the three-dimensional sheet, bulges are formed in a zigzag pattern.

[0332] <65> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <63> or <64>, wherein the regions joined between the depressions of the overlay sheet and the underlying sheet are aligned in a regular manner, and when the regions joined are viewed from a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the diaper or in the direction of the width of the diaper, the total length of the regions joined by a given length of the straight line is the total length in one direction, and the joined regions having the longest total length in one direction are across the width of the diaper.

[0333] <66> Disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <53> to <62>, wherein the top sheet is composed of an irregular non-woven fabric with a plurality of first protuberances, which protrude towards a first surface and have internal spaces, and a plurality of second protuberances, which project towards a second surface and have internal spaces, and the first surface side of the irregular non-woven fabric forms the skin-facing surface facing outwards. the wearer's skin, each of the first protuberances has a wall portion that has an annular structure and that lies between a peak and an opening of the internal space, and in a plan view of the non-woven fabric, the first and second protuberances -gunda are arranged continuously and alternately in two different directions that intersect.

[0334] <67> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <66>, wherein the fiber density increases from the peak of the first bulge to the peak of the second bulge.

[0335] <68> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with clause <66> or <67>, wherein, in the direction of the thickness of the irregular non-woven fabric, the fiber density of the peak of the first bulge is the lowest , and the fiber density of the peak of the second bulge is the highest.

[0336] <69> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <66> to <68>, wherein the fiber density of the wall located between the peak of the first bulge and the floor of the second bulge is a intermediate value between the fiber density of the peak of the first bulge and the fiber density of the peak of the second bulge.

[0337] <70> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <69>, wherein the non-woven fabric of the end covering is joined to the peaks of the irregularly shaped protuberances of the top sheet and has portions which are not joined to the top sheet between the peaks of the protuberances.

[0338] <71> A disposable pull-up diaper, according to any one of clauses <53> to <70>, wherein the non-woven fabric end covering includes an attachment portion of the crotch portion which is joined to the topsheet , an attachment portion of the waist opening that is joined to a member extending from the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member, and an unbonded region that is not attached to another member and is located between the attachment portion of the crotch portion and the waist opening fastening part.

[0339] <72> Disposable pull-up diaper according to clause <71>, wherein the length L1 of the unbound region in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is preferably 0.5 mm or more and more preferably 2 mm or more and is preferably 7 mm or less and more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0340] <73> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <70>, wherein the absorbent assembly includes a leak-proof sheet moderately permeable to liquid, and in the anterior portion or in the back portion in which the thin portion exists, a position of the longitudinal edge of the top sheet, a position of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member coincide and a position of the longitudinal edge of the leakproof sheet coincide.

[0341] <74> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <53> to <73>, wherein the height T1 of the protuberances between the depressions and protrusions is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably, 0.2 mm or more and even more preferably 0.7 mm or more and is preferably 7 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, and even more preferably , 3 mm or less.

[0342] <75> Disposable pull-up diaper according to any one of clauses <53> to <74>, wherein the thickness T2 of the top sheet in the portions with the protuberances is preferably 0.7 mm or more and more preferably 0.9 mm or more and is preferably 7 mm or less and more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0343] <76> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any of clauses <53> to <75>, wherein the number of bulges per 10 cm2 area of the irregular region is 20 to 200 and preferably , from 50 to 150.

[0344] <77> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <76>, wherein the lower dimension E of the protuberances (see Fig. 27) in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is 0.5 to 5.0 mm and preferably 1.0 to 4.0 mm.

[0345] <78> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <77>, wherein the lower dimension F of the protuberances (see Fig. 27) in the direction of the width Y of the diaper is from 0.5 to 10 mm and preferably from 1.0 to 7.0 mm.

[0346] <79> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <78>, wherein the dimension G of the depressions (see Fig. 27) in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper is, of preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 mm, and more preferably from 0.2 to 3.0 mm, and the dimension H of the depressions (see Fig. 27) in the direction of the width Y of the diaper is 0. 1 to 5.0 mm and in particular from 0.2 to 3.0 mm.

[0347] <80> A disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <79>, wherein the topsheet and absorbent member are joined by an adhesive which is applied in a specified pattern.

[0348] <81> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <79>, wherein the topsheet and the non-woven end covering fabric are joined by an adhesive which is applied to a specified pattern.

[0349] <82> A disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <79>, wherein the absorbent assembly includes a leak-proof sheet moderately permeable to liquid, and the absorbent member and the Leakproof sheet are joined by an adhesive that is applied in a certain pattern.

[0350] <83> Disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <79>, wherein the absorbent assembly and outer liner are joined by an adhesive that is applied in a specified pattern.

[0351] <84> A disposable pull-up diaper, in accordance with any one of clauses <53> to <83>, wherein, in a portion which overlaps the absorbent member, the elastic member below the waist which is arranged so that crossing the absorbent member in the width direction of the diaper and having a portion overlying the thin portion is joined to one or both of the two outer liner forming sheets between which the elastic member below the waist is disposed.

Examples

[0352] Hereinafter, the present invention (third aspect) will be described specifically in detail by way of Examples, but the present invention (third aspect) is not limited to these examples.

Example 1

[0353] A three-dimensional sheet with a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape were joined together in the depressions of the overlay sheet was used as the top sheet.

[0354] The three-dimensional sheet was manufactured by the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 28 and includes: the overlay sheet, which is an air-through non-woven fabric composed of conjugated sheath-core fibers (3 dtex x 51 mm) with a core made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and a sheath made of PE ( polyethylene); and the underlying sheet, which is an air-through non-woven fabric composed of conjugated sheath-core fibers (3 dtex x 51 mm) with a core made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and a sheath made of PE (polyethylene). The volumetric softness value of the three-dimensional sheet in the diaper width direction and the rate of recovery of the three-dimensional sheet thickness after one minute of pressure under a load of 20 cN/cm2 are given in Table 1.

[0355] Disposable pull-up diapers with the configurations illustrated in Figs. 22 to 25 were manufactured using this top sheet. An absorbent member obtained by coating, with a tissue paper core wrapping sheet, the entire absorbent core made of a laminated fiber body in which pulp fibers and a water-absorbing polymer are mixed was used. In addition, thin portions comprised of the core wrapping sheet were included in both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent member. The outer lining included: the outer lining forming sheet 16, which was an air-through non-woven fabric with a base weight of 20 g/m2 and was disposed on the outer surface side of the diaper ("outer layer material" in Table 1); and the outer liner forming sheet 16, which was a spunbond nonwoven fabric with a base weight of 16 g/m 2 and was disposed on the inner surface side of the diaper ("inner layer material" in Table 1), and the Ending nonwoven fabric 17 was formed by the portion of sheet 16 disposed on the outer surface side of the diaper which was folded towards the skin facing surface side.

[0356] With respect to the below-the-waist elastic member 91, including the below-the-waist elastic members 91a and 91b overlapping the thin portions, a filamentous elastic member 780 dtex thick and made of polyurethane was used.

Example 2

[0357] A disposable pull-up diaper was manufactured in a similar manner to Example 1, except that an irregular non-woven fabric in the manner illustrated in Figs. 29 and 30 was used as the top sheet. The irregular non-woven fabric was an air-through non-woven fabric made of conjugated core-sheath fibers (2.5 dtex x 51 mm) with a core made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and a sheath made of PE (polyethylene), and the volumetric softness value of the irregular nonwoven fabric in the diaper width direction and the rate of recovery of the irregular nonwoven fabric thickness after one minute of pressure under a load of 20 cN/cm2 are given in Table 1.

Comparative Example 1

[0358] A disposable pull-up diaper was manufactured in a manner similar to Example 1, except that a flat air-through fabric made of conjugated core-sheath fibers (3.0 dtex x 51 mm) with a core made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and a sheath made of PE (polyethylene) was used in its flat condition as the top sheet.

Evaluation

[0359] In order to assess the adaptability and lack of comfort in the vicinity of the terminal portions of absorbent limb 4, five monitoring mothers with children aged 0.8 to 2 years were asked to assess the discomfort and adaptability in the terminal portions of the absorbent limbs of diapers using the assessment standard below, and the score averages from these assessments were used as the diaper assessment scores. The results are given in Table 1. Criteria for assessing discomfort in terminal portions of the absorbent limb of the diaper 5: No discomfort 4: Almost no discomfort 3: Middle term 2: Mild discomfort 1: Discomfort Criteria for assessing adaptability 5: Good adaptability 4: Slightly good adaptability 3: Middle ground 2: Slightly bad adaptability 1: Poor adaptability

[0360] According to the results of Table 1, it can be seen that, compared to the disposable pull-up diaper of the comparative example, the disposable pull-up diapers of the examples exhibit excellent absence of discomfort in the terminal portions of the absorbent member and, at the same time, time, maintain adaptability.

Industrial Applicability

[0361] The disposable pull-up diaper of the present invention (first aspect) has excellent feel and excellent property of preventing liquid backflow on the liquid absorption surface that makes contact with the skin, in addition to excellent absorption performance and property of prevention against leaks in the crotch portion.

[0362] The disposable pull-up diaper of the present invention (second aspect) has a top sheet with irregularity over a wide extent, has excellent feel and property of preventing liquid backflow on the liquid-absorbing surface that makes contact with the skin. and prevents reductions in leak-prevention property caused by loosening leak-proof sheaths and the like.

[0363] In accordance with the disposable pull-up diaper of the present invention (third aspect), it is possible to obtain both adaptability and absence of discomfort near the end portions of the absorbent member.

Claims (20)

1. A disposable pull-up diaper comprising an absorbent assembly including a liquid permeable top sheet and a liquid-retaining absorbent member and having a front portion, a rear portion and a crotch portion, a waist opening and a pair of openings for the legs being formed into the disposable pull-on diaper, wherein the topsheet is arranged to coat a skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member, both side edges of the absorbent member along a longitudinal direction and one side surface facing against the skin of both side portions of the absorbent member along the longitudinal direction, both side sides of the absorbent assembly along the longitudinal direction are provided with a pair of leak-proof sheaths on the front portion and on the back, the leak-proof sheaths are arranged to extend from the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly to the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, and the leak-proof hems are formed to remain upright in the crotch portion in a worn condition, and the absorbent assembly has fixed parts where the absorbent assembly is secured to a member located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the fixed portion being located in separate regions inwardly across the width of the absorbent member from both side edges of the absorbent member, the disposable pull-up diaper being FEATURED in that wherein: the topsheet includes an irregular region which lies in a portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member and in which protuberances are formed in a dispersed manner, and portions of the topsheet lining the side surface facing against the skin of both sides of the absorbent member are non-irregular regions in which no depressions or protrusions are present. uberance is formed, and the absorbent member includes a central region and side regions, which lie on either side of the central region and are thinner than the central region, and have level differences on the skin-facing surface side. of the absorbent member at the boundaries between the central region and the side regions, and the irregular region lines the level difference portions of the absorbent member. 2. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that side elastic members for lifting the side portions of the absorbent member are arranged in the vicinity of both the side edges of the absorbent member and the non-irregular region of the top sheet extends from the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member to the portion of the portion lining the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent member. 3. Disposable pull-up diaper according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the irregular region has a configuration in which an irregularly shaped molded overlay sheet and an irregularly shaped unmolded underlying sheet are joined to each other in depressions of the overlay sheet. 4. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that protuberances in the irregular region are arranged in a zigzag pattern in plan view. 5. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the absorbent member can absorb liquid from the skin-facing surface side of both side portions. A disposable pull-up diaper according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises an outer covering that is located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, wherein the top sheet has a region irregular in which protuberances are formed in a dispersed manner in a central portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly and have flat non-irregular regions which have neither depressions nor bulges at both end portions in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, in one or more both of the front portion and the back portion, each of the leak proof sheaths has an inner joined region and an outer joined region which are joined to the skin facing surface side of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region being secured to the irregular region at a location near the center in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, and the outer joined region being fixed in the non-irregular region at a location near the end portion in the width direction of the absorbent assembly, the inner joined region and the outer joined region are aligned in the width direction of the absorbent assembly to an unjointed region which is not joined to the topsheet interposed between they, at the front and at the back, the outer liner has a bunching below the waist with stretch in the width direction of the diaper, and the bunching below the waist in one or both of the front portion and the back portion has an elastic portion. liner that overlaps the absorbent member, and the seamed outer region and non-joined region of the leak-proof hem overlap in the direction of the thickness of the diaper with the inner elastic portion. 7. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the inner joined region is fixed in the irregular region on the absorbent member, and the outer joined region is fixed in the non-irregular region in the absorbent member. 8. Disposable pull-up diaper according to claim 6 or 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the bunching below the waist with the inner elastic portion is formed in a condition where it is divided in the direction of the width of the diaper. 9. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the inner joined region is fixed in the irregular region by adhesive, and the outer joined region is fixed in the non-irregular region by adhesive. 10. Disposable pull-off diaper, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the adhesive that fixes the inner joined region has a higher weight base than the adhesive that fixes the outer joined region. 11. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 9 or 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the length, in the direction of the width of the absorbent assembly, of the adhesive that fixes the internally joined region is greater than that of the adhesive that fixes the outer joined region. 12. Disposable pull-up diaper according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED in that the irregular region has a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined together another in depressions of the overlapping sheet. A disposable pull-up diaper as claimed in claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises an outer covering which is located on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent assembly and secures the absorbent assembly, wherein the absorbent member has a portion thin over a longitudinal end portion located in the front or rear portion, the outer covering comprises a plurality of elastic members below the waist that are located in a region positioned on the crotch side with respect to longitudinal edges of the absorbent member in the front portion and in the rear portion, the plurality of elastic members below the waist being arranged in a stretched condition in the width direction of the diaper at a gap in the longitudinal direction of the diaper, at least one of the plurality of elastic members below the waist in the front portion or in the portion back is arranged to cross the absorbent member across the width of the diaper and has a In a portion that overlaps the thin portion, the topsheet is irregularly shaped, and in the front or back portion where the thin portion exists, a position of the longitudinal edge of the topsheet and a position of the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member coincide, and the skin-facing surface side of the edge of the top sheet is covered by an end-coated non-woven fabric. 14. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that a volumetric softness value of the top sheet in the width direction of the diaper is 0.22 N or more and 0.60 N or less , and a topsheet thickness recovery rate after one minute of pressure under a load of 20 cN/cm 2 is 80% or more. 15. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 13 or 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the thickness of the top sheet is 0.7 mm or more and 7.0 mm or less. 16. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 13 or 14, CHARACTERIZED in that the top sheet is composed of a three-dimensional sheet with a configuration in which an overlay sheet molded into an irregular shape and an underlying sheet not molded into an irregular shape are joined together in depressions of the overlay sheet, and the overlay sheet of the three-dimensional sheet is made of non-woven fabric including thermoplastic fibers, and the overlay sheet side of the three-dimensional sheet forms the surface facing the user skin. 17. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that, on the three-dimensional sheet, protuberances are formed in a zigzag pattern. 18. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 13 or 14, CHARACTERIZED in that the top sheet is composed of an irregular non-woven fabric with a plurality of first protuberances, which project towards a first surface and have spaces internals, and a plurality of second protrusions, which project towards a second surface and have internal spaces, and the first surface side of the irregular non-woven fabric forms the skin-facing surface facing the wearer's skin, each of first protuberances has a wall portion which has an annular structure and which lies between a peak and an opening of the internal space, and in a plan view of the nonwoven fabric, the first and second protuberances are arranged continuously and alternately in two directions different ones that intersect. 19. Disposable pull-up diaper, according to claim 13 or 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the non-woven fabric of the end covering is joined to the peaks of the protuberances in the irregular shape of the top sheet and has, between the peaks of the protuberances, portions that are not joined to the top sheet. 20. A pull-out disposable diaper, according to claim 13 or 14, CHARACTERIZED in that the non-woven fabric of the end covering includes a crotch fastening part which is joined to the top sheet, an opening fastening part for the waist which is joined to a member which extends from the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member, and an unbonded region which is not joined to another member and is located between the fastening part of the crotch portion and the fastening part of the waist opening.

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