JP2024088516A - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an absorbent article having a side flap achieving both tensile strength and flexibility, and a fastening tape that can be attached and detached repeatedly and is hardly peeled off when temporarily fastened to the side flap.

SOLUTION: An absorbent article (1) includes a body part (10), side flaps (20), and fastening tapes (30). In the state that both side parts (10F) are spread and the side flaps 89 (20) are folded at a first folding line part (41) and a second folding line part (42), and the fastening tapes (30) are folded at a tape folding line part (36), folded tape skin side surfaces and opposed surfaces are temporality fastened by engagement parts (34). Each of the side flaps (20) is composed of one piece of non-woven fabric provided with high density parts (25) whose density is higher than that of the surrounding part. Each of the engagement part (34) includes a hook part (34f) and an adhesive part (34a).

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

Conventionally, there is known a tape-type absorbent article that has a pair of side flaps on both sides of a main body, and fastening tape is provided at the tip of the side flap. Such an absorbent article may be shipped with the fastening tape folded so that the engagement part is on the inside, and the fastening tape temporarily attached to the side flap via the engagement part. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tape-type absorbent article in which the folded fastening tape is temporarily attached to the side flap via a fastening surface coated with adhesive.

JP 2016-202724 A

When wearing a tape-type absorbent article, the side flaps are pulled and wrapped around the wearer's waist while the fastening tape is engaged (locked) to the waistband member of the absorbent article. Therefore, the side flaps must be strong enough to withstand pulling and flexible at the same time. In addition, the fastening tape must be repeatedly attachable and detachable to the waistband member for reasons such as adjusting the engagement position, and when the fastening tape is temporarily attached to the side flaps as in Patent Document 1, the temporarily attached engagement portion must be difficult to peel off.

The present invention aims to provide an absorbent article that has side flaps that combine tensile strength and flexibility, and fastening tape that can be repeatedly attached and detached and that is difficult to peel off when temporarily attached to the side flaps.

The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article comprising a main body portion having a liquid-absorbent core, both side portions of which are folded by a main body fold line portion along the longitudinal direction of the main body, side flaps joined to the main body portion, and fastening tape joined to the tip portions of the side flaps, and in a state in which the both side portions are unfolded, and the side flaps are folded by a first fold line portion and a second fold line portion that is closer to the base end portion of the side flaps than the first fold line portion and protrude outward from the main body portion, and in a state in which the fastening tape is folded by the tape fold line portion, the surface of the main body portion that will be the skin side when worn is the skin side of the main body, the surface of the main body portion that will not be the skin side when worn is the non-skin side of the main body, and the surface of the side flaps that will be the skin side when worn is the fastening tape. the surface of the side flap that will be the non-skin side when worn is referred to as the flap non-skin side, the surface of the fastening tape that will be the skin side when worn is referred to as the tape skin side, and the surface of the fastening tape that will be the non-skin side when worn is referred to as the tape non-skin side, the flap non-skin sides folded back by the first fold line are temporarily fastened together by a first temporary fastening portion, the flap skin side folded back by the second fold line and a surface of the main body skin side are temporarily fastened together by a second temporary fastening portion, the tape skin side folded back by the tape fold line and a surface facing the tape skin side are temporarily fastened together by an engagement portion provided closer to the tip end of the fastening tape than the tape fold line, the main body fold line is located more inward in the main body width direction than the fastening tape, and the side flaps are This absorbent article is made of a single sheet of nonwoven fabric with a high density portion that is denser than the nonwoven fabric, and the engagement portion has a hook portion with multiple hooks protruding in the thickness direction and an adhesive portion coated with an adhesive.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides an absorbent article that has side flaps that combine tensile strength and flexibility, and fastening tape that can be repeatedly attached and detached and is difficult to peel off when temporarily attached to the side flaps.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state, as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 2A is an exploded explanatory view of the AA cross section of Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is an enlarged explanatory view of the BB cross section of Fig. 1. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 1 in a worn state. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the fastening tape 30 before being unfolded, and Fig. 4C is an explanatory diagram showing the fastening tape 30 in the same state as Fig. 4B with some components omitted. Fig. 5A is an explanatory diagram of the folding line of the side flap 20. Fig. 5B is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 1 in a state in which the side flap 20 is folded and temporarily fixed (temporarily fixed state). Fig. 5C is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the CC cross section of Fig. 5B. Fig. 6A is an explanatory diagram of a main body folding line portion 43 of the absorbent article 1. Fig. 6B is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 1 in a state in which both side portions in the main body width direction are folded at the main body folding line portion 43. Fig. 6C is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the D-D cross section of Fig. 6B. Fig. 7A is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30. Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the fastening tape 30 in a folded and temporarily fastened state. 13A and 13B are plan views illustrating modified configurations of the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30. FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of a main body non-joint portion 17. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which the absorbent article 1 is worn. 11A and 11B are plan views and cross-sectional views illustrating modified examples of the absorbent core 11.

The present specification and accompanying drawings make clear at least the following:

(Aspect 1)
An absorbent article comprising a main body portion having a liquid-absorbent core, both side portions of which are folded along a main body fold line portion along a main body longitudinal direction, side flaps joined to the main body portion, and fastening tapes joined to tip portions of the side flaps, wherein, in a state in which the both side portions are unfolded, and the side flaps are folded along a first fold line portion and a second fold line portion that is closer to the base end portion of the side flaps than the first fold line portion and protrude outward from the main body portion, and in a state in which the fastening tapes are folded along tape fold lines, a surface of the main body portion that will be the skin side when worn is referred to as the main body skin side, a surface of the main body portion that will be the non-skin side when worn is referred to as the main body non-skin side, a surface of the side flaps that will be the skin side when worn is referred to as the flap skin side, and a non-skin side when worn is referred to as the flap skin side. an absorbent article characterized in that, when the surface of the side flap that faces the skin is defined as the flap non-skin side, the surface of the fastening tape that faces the skin when worn is defined as the tape skin side, and the surface of the fastening tape that faces the non-skin side when worn is defined as the tape non-skin side, the non-skin sides of the flaps folded back by the first fold line are temporarily fastened to each other by a first temporary fastening portion, the skin side of the flap folded back by the second fold line and the skin side surface of the main body are temporarily fastened by a second temporary fastening portion, the skin side of the tape folded back by the tape fold line and a surface facing the skin side of the tape are temporarily fastened by an engagement portion provided on the tip side of the fastening tape closer to the tape fold line, the main body fold line is located more inward in the width direction of the main body than the fastening tape, the side flaps are formed of a single sheet of nonwoven fabric having a high density portion that is denser than the surrounding area, and the engagement portion has a hook portion with a plurality of hooks protruding in the thickness direction and an adhesive portion coated with an adhesive.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 1, the side flaps are formed from a single sheet of nonwoven fabric with a high density portion, thereby realizing side flaps that are both tensile strength and flexibility. In addition, since the fastening tape has a hook portion at the engaging portion, it can be repeatedly attached to and detached from the nonwoven fabric, and since the engaging portion has an adhesive portion, when the fastening tape is folded and temporarily secured, the engaging portion adheres to the opposing surface and is difficult to peel off. In particular, even if the main body and the fastening tape rub against each other when both sides of the main body are folded during product shipping, the engaging portion is difficult to peel off.

(Aspect 2)
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the nonwoven fabric constituting the side flaps has a basis weight greater than the basis weight of other sheet members constituting the absorbent article.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 2, the nonwoven fabric constituting the side flaps tends to be thicker and more rigid than the other sheet members constituting the absorbent article. Therefore, it is easier to ensure tensile strength when the side flaps are pulled to both sides.

(Aspect 3)
The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the engagement portion has the adhesive portion closer to the tip portion of the fastening tape than the hook portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 3, when the fastening tape is folded and temporarily secured by the engaging portion, the vicinity of the tip is engaged by the adhesive portion, so that the tip of the fastening tape is less likely to roll up, and it becomes easier to prevent the hook portion arranged on the base end side from rolling up.

(Aspect 4)
The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the engaging portion further has the hook portion on the tip end side of the fastening tape relative to the adhesive portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, the fastening tape is provided with two hook portions, which makes it possible to further increase the engagement force of the engagement portion when worn. Furthermore, even if the engagement force of one of the two hook portions decreases, the engagement portion can be engaged as long as the engagement force of the other hook portion is maintained, so that the engagement force is easily maintained even when the article is repeatedly put on and taken off.

(Aspect 5)
The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the engagement portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the tape fold line portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, the engagement portion is less likely to bend when the fastening tape is folded, so that deterioration of the engagement force can be suppressed. In particular, the hook of the hook portion is prevented from being deformed or damaged, so that the engagement force of the engagement portion is less likely to decrease, making it easier to repeatedly attach and detach the absorbent article to the target area.

(Aspect 6)
The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the fastening tape has a tab at a tip portion thereof, which is an area to be pinched by a user during use, and the engagement portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the tab.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 6, the engagement portion is provided away from the tab, so that the engagement portion is less likely to be pinched by fingers when the fastening tape is deployed, and the hook is prevented from being crushed, which would result in a deterioration in the engagement force, or the hook can prevent the fingers from being injured. This makes it easier to ensure good engagement force and safety.

(Aspect 7)
An absorbent article as described in any of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the main body portion has a back sheet arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core and a side gather sheet arranged on the skin side of the back sheet, and in the main body width direction, there is a main body non-jointed portion between the absorbent core and the side flaps where the back sheet and the side gather sheet are not joined, and the width of the area where the main body portion and the side flaps are joined is larger than the width of the main body non-jointed portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 7, when the side flaps are pulled to both sides and wrapped around the wearer's waist during wear, the force pulling the side flaps is buffered by the non-jointed parts of the main body and is less likely to act directly on the absorbent core. This makes it less likely for the absorbent core to lose its shape, making it easier to prevent deterioration of water absorption performance. In addition, since the width of the base end region joining the side flaps to the main body is wider than the width of the non-jointed parts of the main body, the joining strength of the side flaps is more easily ensured compared to the reverse case. This makes it easier to prevent the side flaps from coming loose or breaking.

(Aspect 8)
An absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the side flaps are provided with two pairs of fastening tapes spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and the main body non-jointed portions are longer than the side flaps in the longitudinal direction of the main body and are continuous at least from the front end of the side flaps to the rear end of the main body portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 8, when the side flaps are pulled outward, the main body portion (non-jointed portion) becomes easily deformed over the entire area that overlaps with the longitudinal direction of the main body of the side flaps, and it becomes possible to change the angle of the side flaps and the two pairs of fastening tapes provided on the outside of the side flaps. This makes it possible to finely adjust the tightness of the waistband and the engagement position according to the wearer's body shape and size, improving the fit of the absorbent article.

(Aspect 9)
An absorbent article described in any of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent core has an absorbent core central region, which is the region with the narrowest width in the width direction of the main body, and absorbent core wing regions, which are regions protruding from the absorbent core central region on both sides in the width direction of the main body, and at least a portion of the outer edge of the absorbent core wing region has a curved shape.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 9, when the side flaps are pulled to both sides during the wearing action, the occurrence of stress concentration in a certain area of the absorbent core wing region is suppressed, and the stress is easily dispersed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the absorbent core from losing its shape, and to suppress the action of pulling the side flaps to both sides in the main body width direction from being interfered with by the highly rigid absorbent core. This makes it easier to freely change the angle and position at which the fastening tape is engaged, and further improves the fit when the absorbent article is worn.

(Aspect 10)
10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wing regions of the absorbent core have a lower bending resistance than the central region of the absorbent core.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 10, the absorbent core wing region is more easily deformed than the absorbent core central region. Therefore, when the side flaps are pulled to both sides, the absorbent core wing region deforms, making it easier to diagonally engage the fastening tape. This can further improve the fit of the absorbent article when worn.

(Aspect 11)
An absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein a plurality of compression sections that compress the absorbent core in the thickness direction are provided in the absorbent core central region along the longitudinal direction of the main body, and no compression sections are provided in the absorbent core wing region.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 11, by providing multiple compression sections, the stiffness of the absorbent core central region is increased, and deformation of the absorbent core is suppressed. On the other hand, by not providing compression sections, the rigidity of the absorbent core wing region is lower than that of the absorbent core central region, and the absorbent core wing region is more likely to deform. This makes it easier to engage the fastening tape at an angle. This further improves the fit of the absorbent article when worn.

(Aspect 12)
An absorbent article described in any of claims 1 to 11, wherein a core wrap sheet covering the absorbent core in the thickness direction is provided on both sides of the absorbent core central region in the thickness direction, and the core wrap sheet is not provided on at least one side of the absorbent core wing region in the thickness direction.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 12, by being covered with the core wrap sheet, the liquid absorbent fiber (SAP, etc.) in the central region of the absorbent core is less likely to come apart, and deformation, etc., can be prevented. On the other hand, since the core wrap sheet is not provided on at least one side of the absorbent core wing region in the thickness direction, the absorbent core wing region is more likely to flexibly deform, and when the side flaps are pulled to both sides, the fastening tape can be more easily engaged at an angle. This can further improve the fit of the absorbent article when worn.

(Aspect 13)
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a body both side joint portion that joins the back sheet and the side gather sheet along the body longitudinal direction between the absorbent core and the body non-joint portion in the body width direction.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 13, when the side flaps are pulled to both sides during the wearing action, the force along the width direction of the main body acts over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the main body at the joints on both sides of the main body. In other words, the pulling force is easily distributed over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core. This makes it possible to prevent the absorbent core from losing its shape.

(Aspect 14)
The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein a distance between the absorbent core and the two joints in the width direction of the body is greater than a maximum value of a thickness of the absorbent core.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 14, the width of the body joint parts on both sides provided between the absorbent core and the body non-joint parts can be made larger than in the opposite case. In addition, by reducing the thickness of the absorbent core, the rigidity of the absorbent core is less likely to become excessively high, and the action of pulling the side flaps to both sides is less likely to be interfered with.

(Aspect 15)
The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein when the side flaps are folded and temporarily fastened, the second temporary fastening portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the main body non-joint portion.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 15, when the folded side flaps are unfolded and the second temporary fastening portion is peeled off, the side gather sheet is integrated with the back sheet in the area overlapping with the second temporary fastening portion, so that the side gather sheet alone is prevented from being pulled by the side flap sheet. This makes it possible to prevent the side gather sheet from being torn.

First Embodiment
<Overall configuration of absorbent article 1>
Fig. 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state, as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 2A is an exploded explanatory view of the A-A cross section in Fig. 1. Fig. 2B is an enlarged explanatory view of the B-B cross section in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an explanatory view of the absorbent article 1 in a worn state.

In the following description, the side that should be located on the skin side of the wearer is sometimes referred to as the "skin side", and the side that should be located on the non-skin side of the wearer is sometimes referred to as the "non-skin side". As shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal direction of the main body 10 of the long absorbent article 1 is sometimes referred to as the "main body longitudinal direction", and the short side of the main body 10 is sometimes referred to as the "main body width direction". In the main body width direction, the center side of the absorbent article 1 is sometimes referred to as the "inner side", and the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the "outer side". In addition, the inner end of each sheet is sometimes referred to as the "base end", and the outer end of each sheet is sometimes referred to as the "tip end". In addition, the direction perpendicular to the main body longitudinal direction and the main body width direction is sometimes referred to as the "thickness direction". In addition, in the thickness direction, the side of the top sheet 12 when viewed from the absorbent core 11 is sometimes referred to as the "front side", and the opposite side is sometimes referred to as the "back side". When the absorbent article 1 is fully unfolded, the "skin side" becomes the "outer side," but as will be described later, when the sheet is folded, the "non-skin side" may become the "outer side."

The absorbent article 1 is an article that absorbs and retains excretory fluids (e.g., urine) from a wearer. In this embodiment, the absorbent article 1 is a disposable diaper for adults. However, the absorbent article 1 may also be a diaper for infants, a sanitary napkin, etc.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 has a front section 3, a crotch section 5, and a rear section 7. The front section 3 is the section that will be located in front of the wearer (stomach side). The rear section 7 is the section that will be located in the rear of the wearer (buttocks side, back side). The crotch section 5 is the section that will be located between the front section 3 and the rear section 7.

The absorbent article 1 has a main body 10, side flaps 20, and fastening tape 30. As described below, the absorbent article of this embodiment also has a skin-side side gather sheet 14 (skin-side sheet) that constitutes the main body, and a side flap sheet 21 whose base end region 21A is joined to the skin-side sheet and whose region outside the base end region 21A constitutes the side flap 20.

The main body 10 is a band-shaped region located in the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction, and is configured along the longitudinal direction across the front 3, crotch 5, and rear 7. The main body 10 has an absorbent region 10A and wing regions 10B. The absorbent region 10A is an area that absorbs and retains liquid, and is formed in the center of the main body 10. The wing regions 10B are areas outside the absorbent region 10A. Side flaps 20 are formed on the outside of the rear 7 of the wing regions 10B. The crotch 5 of the wing regions 10B are provided with stretchable sections 15 that form leg gathers that prevent urine and feces leakage from around the legs of the wearer (see Figure 1).

The main body 10 has an absorbent core 11, a top sheet 12, and a back sheet 13. The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquid (excreted liquid), and is formed in a roughly hourglass shape as shown in FIG. 1 using liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Specifically, the absorbent core 11 of this embodiment has a width W11a that is narrowest in the region of the center (crotch portion 5) in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and a width W11b that is widest in the regions of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main body (W11a<W11b). Hereinafter, the region of width W11a in the center of the main body width direction of the absorbent core 11 is referred to as the absorbent core central region 11C, and the region that protrudes outward in the main body width direction from the absorbent core central region 11C is referred to as the absorbent core wing region 11W. In addition, at least a portion of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet member such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric (see the core wrap sheet 19 shown in FIG. 19, not shown in FIG. 1).

The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member (nonwoven fabric) arranged on the skin side of the absorbent core 11. The back sheet 13 is a sheet member arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11, and is a sheet member of a laminated structure (not shown) in which a liquid-impermeable film and a nonwoven fabric provided on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable film are laminated. Hereinafter, the surface of the main body 10 that faces the skin in the thickness direction when the absorbent article 1 is worn is also referred to as the "main body skin side", and the surface that faces the non-skin side in the thickness direction when worn is also referred to as the "main body non-skin side".

The main body 10 also has a pair of side gather sheets 14. The pair of side gather sheets 14 are sheets that form three-dimensional gathers that stand on the skin side of the top sheet 12. The outer ends of the side gather sheets 14 are joined at joints along the longitudinal direction of the main body so that they cannot stand up. The inner ends of the side gather sheets 14 are given a contraction force in the longitudinal direction by rubber thread (not shown) or the like, and this contraction force causes them to stand on the skin side in the thickness direction and function as three-dimensional gathers.

The side flaps 20 are parts that are joined to the main body 10 and are formed to protrude outward in the width direction of the main body. The side flaps 20 are composed of a side flap sheet 21, which is a nonwoven fabric. The inner base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21 is joined between the back sheet 13 and the side gather sheet 14, and the region outside the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21 constitutes the side flap 20. Hereinafter, the surface of the side flap 20 that faces the skin in the thickness direction when the absorbent article 1 is worn is also referred to as the "flap skin side", and the surface that faces away from the skin in the thickness direction when worn is also referred to as the "flap non-skin side".

In addition, in this embodiment, the side gather sheet 14 is joined to the skin side of the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21, so the side gather sheet 14 becomes the "skin side sheet". However, the top sheet 12 may be joined to the skin side of the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21, in which case the top sheet 12 becomes the "skin side sheet". Also, the non-skin side of the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21 may be joined to another sheet instead of the back sheet 13.

In at least a part of the region of the side flap sheet 21 constituting the side flap 20, a high density portion 25 having a higher density than the surrounding region is formed by performing a compression process such as embossing (see FIG. 5A, etc. described later). The high density portion 25 is formed, for example, by sandwiching the side flap sheet 21 (nonwoven fabric) between an embossing roller having unevenness and a flat roller. That is, the convex portion of the embossing roller heat-bonds the fibers of the side flap sheet 21 (nonwoven fabric), and the nonwoven fabric is turned into a film, thereby forming the high density portion 25 having a higher density than the surrounding region. The high density portion 25 may be formed in a line shape arranged in a lattice or stripe shape, or in a dot shape having a predetermined size. Then, a high density region 25R is formed in the side flap sheet 21 by distributing a plurality of these dot-shaped or line-shaped high density portions 25. In this embodiment, the high density region 25R is formed over almost the entire side flap sheet 21, thereby increasing the rigidity of the side flap 20. However, the high density region 25R may be formed only in a portion of the side flap sheet 21.

The fastening tape 30 is a tape-like portion joined to the flap tip 23 of the side flap 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the fastening tape 30 is deployed so as to protrude outward from the flap tip 23 when in use. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastening tape 30 is used by engaging with the target area 3A (the engagement area on the non-skin side of the back sheet 13) of the front portion 3 when the absorbent article 1 is worn. Hereinafter, the surface of the fastening tape 30 that faces the skin in the thickness direction when the absorbent article 1 is worn is also referred to as the "tape skin side" and the surface that faces the non-skin side in the thickness direction when worn is also referred to as the "tape non-skin side".

An engagement portion 34 is formed on the skin side (tape skin side) of the fastening tape 30. Details of the engagement portion 34 will be described later.

The fastening tape 30 is composed of two base sheets (a first base sheet 31 and a second base sheet 32) that are bonded together. An engagement portion 34 is formed on the skin-facing surface of the first base sheet 31 that is placed on the skin side. As shown in FIG. 2B, the two base sheets that make up the fastening tape 30 can be divided into a base end region 33X, an intermediate region 33A, an engagement region 33B, and a tip region 33C.

The base end region 33X is a region joined to the side flap 20. In the base end region 33X, the tip of the side flap sheet 21 is sandwiched and joined between the first base sheet 31 and the second base sheet 32. The base end region 33X belongs to the side flap 20, and a part of the first base sheet 31 (base end region 33X) is arranged on the skin side surface of the side flap 20, and a part of the second base sheet 32 (base end region 33X) is arranged on the non-skin side surface of the side flap 20.

The areas other than the base end area 33X (the intermediate area 33A, the engagement area 33B, and the tip area 33C) are areas that are deployed by protruding outward from the flap tip 23 of the side flap 20 when in use. The intermediate area 33A is the area between the base end area 33X and the engagement area 33B. The engagement area 33B is the area where the engagement part 34 is provided. The tip area 33C is the area on the tape tip 35 side of the engagement area 33B. The tip area 33C is configured as a non-engagement surface where the engagement part 34 is not provided, and functions as a "knob" that is pinched with the fingers when the fastening tape 30 is used (when unfolded or worn). The tip area 33C may be colored to improve visibility of the part where the fastening tape 30 is pinched.

4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of the fastening tape 30 before unfolding. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the fastening tape 30 before unfolding. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the fastening tape 30 before unfolding. In the fastening tape 30 before unfolding, the tape tip 35, which is the end of the tip side of the fastening tape 30, is folded back from the outside to the inside in the body width direction by the tape fold line 36 along the longitudinal direction of the main body. The tape fold line 36 is formed in the intermediate region 33A (or the boundary between the base end region 33X and the intermediate region 33A). The tape skin side folded back by the tape fold line 36 and the surface facing the tape skin side (the side flap skin side in FIG. 4B) are temporarily fixed by the engagement portion 34, so that the fastening tape 30 is maintained in a folded state. Note that "temporarily fixed" means that it is not peeled off during manufacturing and transportation, etc., but is joined to such an extent that it can be peeled off by hand when used.

In addition, in order to make it easier to grasp the tip region 33C in the folded state, the fastening tape 30 is folded so that the tape tip 35 (the tip of the tip region 33C) protrudes inward from the first base sheet 31.

Figure 4C is an explanatory diagram illustrating the fastening tape 30 in the same state as Figure 4B, with some of the components omitted. In the following description, the fastening tape 30 may be illustrated with the base end region 33X omitted, as in Figure 4C. In the following description, the fastening tape 30 may be illustrated as a single sheet, as in Figure 4C.

Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram of the fold line portion of the side flap 20. Figure 5B is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 1 in a state in which the side flap 20 is folded and temporarily fastened (temporarily fastened state). Figure 5C is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the C-C cross section of Figure 5B. As shown in the figure, the side flap 20 of the absorbent article 1 is temporarily fastened in a folded state. This makes it easier to tuck the rear portion 7 of the absorbent article 1 under the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is put on by the wearer.

The side flaps 20 are folded from a state in which they protrude outward from the main body 10 in the width direction of the main body (see FIG. 5A) by the first fold line 41 and the second fold line 42 (see FIG. 5B and FIG. 5C). The first fold line 41 is provided on the side of the flap tip 23 of the side flap 20 and is a fold line along the longitudinal direction of the main body. The second fold line 42 is provided on the base end side in the width direction of the main body from the first fold line 41 and is a fold line along the longitudinal direction of the main body. When the side flaps 20 in the unfolded state are viewed from the skin side, the first fold line 41 is a mountain fold and the second fold line 42 is a valley fold (see FIG. 5A). In other words, the side flaps 20 are folded in an accordion-like manner by being folded back alternately.

In the following description, the region between the first fold line 41 and the flap tip 23 in the side flap 20 may be referred to as the "outer region 20B". Also, the region that faces the skin side of the main body 10 when folded (here, the region between the first fold line 41 and the second fold line 42) may be referred to as the "inner region 20A". Since the side flap sheet 21 that constitutes the side flap 20 has a thickness, the region that is folded when the side flap 20 is folded has a width, but here, the "fold line" refers to the center position of the folded region. Also, as described above, the side flap sheet 21 has a high density region 25R in which the high density portion 25 is distributed throughout, and the rigidity is increased, so that the first fold line 41 and other folds are easily formed and the folded shape is easily maintained.

The side flaps 20 are temporarily secured in a folded state. Specifically, the side flaps 20 are temporarily secured by a first temporary securing portion 51 and a second temporary securing portion 52. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first temporary securing portion 51 temporarily secures the non-skin side of the side flaps 20 folded back by the first fold line portion 41, and the second temporary securing portion 52 temporarily secures the skin side of the side flaps 20 folded back by the second fold line portion 42 to the skin side of the main body portion 10. As a result, the shape of the side flaps 20 is fixed in a bellows-like folded state by the first fold line portion 41 and the second fold line portion 42, making it easier to lay the rear portion 7 of the absorbent article 1 under the wearer.

The first temporary fastening portion 51 and the second temporary fastening portion 52 are each formed by applying an adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive, in a line shape. For example, they are formed by applying a line of adhesive in a zigzag pattern along the longitudinal direction of the main body while moving the adhesive back and forth at a predetermined width in the width direction of the main body. In addition to applying the adhesive in a zigzag pattern, the adhesive may be applied in a repeating wavy or circular pattern, or the adhesive may be applied continuously along the longitudinal direction of the main body.

As shown in Fig. 5B and Fig. 5C, when the side flap 20 is folded and temporarily fixed, the flap tip 23 is located outside the first fold line 41. As a result, in the temporarily fixed state, the outer region 20B of the side flap 20 (the region between the first fold line 41 and the flap tip 23) is arranged on the front side with the flap tip 23 on the outside. This makes it easier to pull the flap tip 23 outward and unfold the side flap 20 (flap unfolding work). If the side flap 20 is folded so that the flap tip 23 is on the inside of the first fold line 41, the flap tip 23 will be on the inside, so that when the rear part 7 of the absorbent article 1 is laid under the wearer, the flap tip 23 will be on the underside of the wearer, and as a result, it will be difficult to pull the flap tip 23 outward, making the flap unfolding work difficult. In contrast, in this embodiment, the flap tip 23 can be easily pulled outward even after the rear portion 7 of the absorbent article 1 has been placed under the wearer, making it easier to unfold the flap.

As already explained, the fastening tape 30 is folded by engaging the engagement portion 34 with the flap skin side of the side flap 20. When the fastening tape 30 is folded in this manner and the flap tip portion 23 is positioned outside the first fold line portion 41, the fastening tape 30 is positioned on the front side of the side flap 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the task of unfolding the fastening tape 30 (tape unfolding task) is also made easier.

On the other hand, when the fastening tape 30 is placed on the front side of the side flap 20, the tape tip 35 of the fastening tape 30 is likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5B and 5C, when the side flap 20 is temporarily fastened (temporarily fastened state), the tape tip 35 of the fastening tape 30 is located outside the first fold line 41. As a result, the tape tip 35 of the fastening tape 30 placed on the front side in the temporarily fastened state does not protrude inward from the folded side flap 20, and is therefore unlikely to come into contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, in this embodiment, the wearer does not feel uncomfortable when the rear portion 7 of the absorbent article 1 is placed under the wearer.

Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram of the main body fold line portion 43 of the absorbent article 1. Figure 6B is an explanatory diagram of the absorbent article 1 in a state where both sides in the main body width direction are folded at the main body fold line portion 43. Figure 6C is an enlarged explanatory diagram of the D-D cross section of Figure 6B. Note that in Figure 6A, the absorbent article 1 shows a state where the side flaps 20 and fastening tape 30 are folded and temporarily fastened while the main body fold line portion 43 is unfolded (see Figures 4C and 5C).

When the absorbent article 1 is packaged, the side flaps 20 are folded and temporarily secured (see FIG. 6A), and then both sides of the main body 10 in the width direction are folded from outside to inside by a pair of main body fold lines 43 along the main body longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C). Hereinafter, the parts of the main body 10 that are outside the main body fold lines 43 in the width direction of the main body, i.e., the parts that are folded by the main body fold lines 43, are also referred to as main body side parts 10F.

When the absorbent article 1 is viewed from the skin side with the main body fold lines 43 unfolded, the two main body fold lines 43 form valley folds. In other words, the absorbent article 1 with the side flaps 20 folded and temporarily fastened is folded into three along the main body longitudinal direction by the two main body fold lines 43 during packaging as shown in FIG. 6B. The absorbent article 1 folded into three in this way is further folded into three by fold lines along the main body width direction, but a description of this is omitted here.

In this embodiment, when the side flaps 20 are folded and temporarily fixed while the main body fold line 43 is unfolded (see FIG. 6A), the main body fold line 43 is located inside the fastening tape 30 in the main body width direction. If the main body fold line 43 is arranged to cross the fastening tape 30, the fastening tape 30 will have a fold when the main body side portions 10F are folded at the main body fold line 43. If the fastening tape 30 has a valley fold, the tape tip 35 (tip region 33C) will stand up when the main body fold line 43 is unfolded, causing a problem that the tape tip 35 of the fastening tape 30 is likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin. In contrast, in this embodiment, the main body fold line 43 is located inside the fastening tape 30 in the main body width direction, so the fastening tape 30 does not have a fold at the main body fold line 43.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the side flaps 20 are folded and temporarily secured while the main body fold line 43 is unfolded (see FIG. 6A), the main body fold line 43 is located inside the first fold line 41 in the main body width direction. This prevents the side flaps 20 from being unnecessarily folded when the main body side portions 10F are folded at the main body fold line 43.

<Wearing Operation of Absorbent Article 1>
When wearing the absorbent article 1, first, the folded main body portion 10 (both sides 10F of the main body), side flaps 20, and fastening tape 30 are unfolded to the state shown in Fig. 1. Then, while placing the main body portion 10 against the crotch of the wearer, the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides and wrapped around the wearer's waist from the back side (front portion 7 side) to the ventral side (front portion 3 side), and the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30 is engaged with the target region 3A (front portion 3) of the main body portion 10 (see Fig. 3).

In this embodiment, the side flaps 20 are composed of a side flap sheet 21, which is a single sheet of nonwoven fabric. Therefore, compared to when the side flaps 20 are composed of a film sheet or a laminate of multiple sheet members, they are more flexible and deformable, and when wrapped around the wearer's waist, the side flaps 20 are more likely to fit around the waist. In addition, the side flap sheet 21 is formed with a high density region 25R consisting of multiple high density parts 25, which increases its rigidity. Therefore, compared to when the high density region 25R is not formed, the tensile strength of the sheet itself is greater, and the side flaps 20 are less likely to tear or break when pulled to both sides. In other words, the side flaps 20 are configured to be both flexible and strong in tensile strength.

Furthermore, the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric constituting the side flap sheet 21 is greater than that of other sheet members constituting the absorbent article 1 (for example, nonwoven fabrics constituting the top sheet 12 and the side gather sheet 14). Specifically, the basis weight of the side flap sheet 21 in this embodiment is 30 g/m ² to 60 g/m ² , preferably about 40 g/m ² , whereas the basis weight of the side gather sheet 14 is about 15 g/m ² . Therefore, the side flap sheet 21 tends to be thicker and more rigid than the other sheet members constituting the absorbent article 1. This makes it easier to ensure tensile strength when the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides.

In this embodiment, the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30 has the following configuration. Fig. 7A is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30. Fig. 7B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the fastening tape 30 is folded and temporarily fastened, and corresponds to Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C. The engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30 has a hook portion 34f (e.g., a hook-and-loop fastener or the like) with multiple hooks protruding from the tape skin side toward the skin side in the thickness direction, and an adhesive portion 34a coated with an adhesive.

As described above, when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the engagement portion 34 of the fastening tape 30 is engaged with the target region 3A (front portion 3) of the main body portion 10 (see FIG. 3). At that time, in order to improve the fit around the waist, it is necessary to finely adjust the engagement position of the fastening tape 30 (engagement portion 34), and typically the engagement portion 34 is engaged with and detached from the target region 3A multiple times. Also, when the absorbent article 1 is removed from the wearer's body and worn again, the engagement portion 34 is engaged and detached multiple times.

Here, since the target area 3A is composed of a nonwoven fabric provided on the non-skin side (non-skin side of the main body) of the backsheet 13, if the engagement portion 34 were formed only by the adhesive portion 34a (adhesive surface), there is a risk that the adhesiveness will gradually decrease during repeated engagement, and the engagement force will not be able to be maintained. In contrast, in this embodiment, the engagement portion 34 is provided with a hook portion 34f. The hook portion 34f is engaged by catching the hook on the raised fibers on the surface of the target area 3A (nonwoven fabric), so the engagement force is unlikely to decrease even if the engagement and removal are repeated multiple times. Therefore, it is easy to ensure a good fit when wearing the absorbent article 1.

On the other hand, the absorbent article 1 is shipped and distributed in the market with the side flaps 20 and the fastening tape 30 folded and temporarily fastened. Specifically, the fastening tape 30 is shipped in a state in which the tape skin side folded back by the tape fold line portion 36 and the side flap skin side facing the tape skin side are temporarily fastened by the engagement portion 34 (see Figs. 4B and 4C). Here, if the material constituting the side flap skin side with which the engagement portion 34 is engaged is not a sheet member with raised fibers on the surface such as a nonwoven fabric, but a sheet member with a smooth surface, it is difficult to engage the hook portion 34f of the engagement portion 34. For example, if the side flap skin side is the first base sheet 31 of the fastening tape 30 (as shown in Fig. 4B), the first base sheet 31 is a resin sheet with a smooth surface, so the hook of the hook portion 34f is unlikely to get caught. Furthermore, when the skin side of the side flap is the side flap sheet 21 (as shown in FIG. 4C), the side flap sheet 21 has the above-mentioned high density region 25R (high density portion 25), and has a smoother surface compared to nonwoven fabric without the high density portion 25, so the hook of the hook portion 34f is less likely to get caught. In these cases, the temporary fastening of the engagement portion 34 may come off, causing the fastening tape 30 to roll up, and the exposed hook portion 34f of the engagement portion 34 may damage the wearer's body or other members (e.g., the main body portion 10, etc.). In addition, the fastening tape 30 may roll up and create unnecessary creases, which may worsen operability.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the engagement portion 34 is provided with an adhesive portion 34a in addition to the hook portion 34f. By providing the adhesive portion 34a, even if the skin surface of the side flap is smooth and the hook portion 34f is unlikely to catch on, the adhesive portion 34a adheres to the skin surface as shown in FIG. 7B, making it difficult for the temporary fastening provided by the engagement portion 34 to come off, and making it easier to maintain the folded state of the fastening tape 30.

In particular, the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment is distributed in the market in a state in which both sides 10F of the main body portion 10 are folded at the main body fold line portion 43. In this folded state, as shown in FIG. 6C, the fastening tape 30 (non-skin side of the tape) folded at the tape fold line portion 36 is arranged opposite the top sheet 12 etc. (skin side of the main body) of the main body portion 10, so that the opposing portions are likely to rub against each other and cause friction. In this case, a force in the shear direction acts on the engagement surface of the engagement portion 34, making the engagement portion 34 more likely to peel off. In contrast, in this embodiment, the adhesive portion 34a is provided on the engagement portion 34, so that the tape skin side of the fastening tape 30 and the opposing surface (flap skin side) are firmly engaged via the engagement portion 34 (adhesive portion 34a), and the engagement portion 34 is less likely to peel off against the force in the shear direction. This makes it possible to distribute the absorbent article 1 while stably maintaining the folded state of the fastening tape 30.

In addition, in this embodiment, the engagement portion 34 has the adhesive portion 34a on the tip portion (tape tip portion 35) side of the fastening tape 30 rather than the hook portion 34f. In other words, in the main body width direction in the state where the fastening tape 30 is unfolded as shown in FIG. 7A, the adhesive portion 34a is located outside the hook portion 34f. With this configuration, when the fastening tape 30 is folded and the engagement portion 34 is temporarily fixed as shown in FIG. 7B, the hook portion 34f can be made difficult to roll up. This is because, when the fastening tape 30 is folded, the adhesive portion 34a adheres to the flap skin side, so that the area including the hook portion 34f on the base end side (outside the main body width direction in FIG. 7B) is difficult to roll up. In other words, even if the tape tip portion 35 of the fastening tape 30 is about to roll up, the adhesive portion 34a can suppress the influence of the rolling up from the tip side to the base end side. Therefore, when the fastening tape 30 is folded, the hook portion 34f is more likely to be prevented from rolling up and becoming exposed.

The engagement portion 34 is also spaced a predetermined distance from the tape fold line portion 36 of the fastening tape 30. With this configuration, when the fastening tape 30 is folded as shown in FIG. 7B, the engagement portion 34 is less likely to bend, and therefore the engagement force is prevented from deteriorating. In particular, the hooks provided on the hook portion 34f are prevented from being deformed or damaged, so the engagement force of the hook portion 34f is less likely to decrease, making it easier to repeatedly attach and detach the fastening tape 30 to and from the target area 3A.

As explained above, the tape tip 35 (tip region 33C) of the fastening tape 30 has a "knob" that is pinched by the fingers of the user when the fastening tape 30 is deployed, but the engagement portion 34 is provided at a predetermined distance from the "knob." If the engagement portion 34 were provided at the tape tip 35, there is a risk that the engagement portion 34 would be pinched by the fingers. In this case, the hook of the hook portion 34f may be crushed, reducing the engagement force, or the fingers may be injured by the hook. In this embodiment, the engagement portion 34 is provided at a distance from the "knob," making it easier to ensure safety and engagement force.

The engaging portion 34 may be modified as follows. FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a modified configuration of the engaging portion 34 of the fastening tape 30. Compared with the engaging portion 34 of FIG. 7A, the engaging portion 34 of the modified configuration has a hook portion 34f on the outer side of the adhesive portion 34a in the main body width direction (the tip end side of the fastening tape 30). That is, the adhesive portion 34a is arranged between the two hook portions 34f, 34f. By providing two hook portions 34f for each fastening tape 30, the engaging force of the engaging portion 34 with respect to the target area 3A (nonwoven fabric) can be further increased when the absorbent article 1 is worn. In addition, even if the engaging force of one of the two hook portions 34f decreases, the engaging portion 34 can be engaged as long as the engaging force of the other hook portion 34f is maintained, so that the engaging force is easily maintained even when the attaching and detaching operations are repeatedly performed. Furthermore, because the adhesive portion 34a is disposed between the two hook portions 34f, it is easy to prevent both hook portions 34f from rolling up when the fastening tape 30 is temporarily secured in a folded state.

The main body 10 is formed by bonding members stacked in the thickness direction together using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, but the main body 10 of this embodiment has a portion where the members stacked in the thickness direction are not bonded to each other. Specifically, the main body has a non-bonded portion 17 where the back sheet 13 of the main body 10 and the side gather sheet 14 stacked on the skin side of the back sheet 13 in the thickness direction are not bonded.

9 is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of the main body non-jointed portion 17. As shown by the hatched portion in FIG. 9, the main body non-jointed portion 17 is provided in the area overlapping with the side flap 20 in the main body longitudinal direction and in the area between the absorbent core 11 and the side flap 20 in the main body width direction. The length L17 of the main body non-jointed portion 17 in the main body longitudinal direction is longer than the length L20 of the side flap 20 in the main body longitudinal direction (L17>L20). In FIG. 9, the main body non-jointed portion 17 is provided continuously from the rear end 10eb of the main body portion 10 in the main body longitudinal direction, beyond the front end 20ef of the side flap 20, to the rear end 15eb of the part where the elasticity of the stretchable portion 15 (the elastic member constituting the leg gather) acts (the so-called "effective length"). Additionally, the width W17 of the non-jointed portion 17 in the width direction of the main body is smaller than the width W21A of the base end region 21A (see FIG. 2B), which is the region where the side flap 20 is joined to the main body portion 10 (the back sheet 13 and the side gather sheet 14) in the width direction of the main body (W21A>W17).

As described above, when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the unfolded side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides and wrapped around the wearer's waist. At this time, if the force pulling the side flaps 20 to both sides acts on the absorbent core 11, the absorbent core 11 may lose its shape or shift in position, resulting in a deterioration in water absorption performance. In contrast, in this embodiment, the back sheet 13 and the side gather sheet 14 are not joined to each other at the non-jointed portion 17, and each is freely deformable. Therefore, the force pulling the side flaps 20 to both sides is consumed to deform the back sheet 13 and the side gather sheet 14, and the pulling force is unlikely to act directly on the absorbent core 11. In other words, the force pulling the side flaps 20 to both sides is easily dispersed by the non-jointed portion 17, and the non-jointed portion 17 functions as a buffer area that buffers the pulling force. Therefore, even if the side flaps 20 are pulled strongly when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the absorbent core 11 is unlikely to lose its shape, and water absorption performance is unlikely to deteriorate.

And because the width W21A of the base end region 21A is larger than the width W17 of the non-jointed portion 17 of the main body, the joint strength of the side flap 20 in the base end region W21A is more easily ensured than in the opposite case, and even if the side flap 20 is pulled strongly, it is easier to prevent the joint of the side flap 20 from coming undone or the side flap 20 from being torn.

The non-jointed portion 17 of the main body functions as a buffer region, thereby improving the wearability and fit of the absorbent article 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the state of the absorbent article 1 when worn. The side flap 20 of this embodiment is provided with two pairs of fastening tapes 30 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and each fastening tape 30 can be engaged with the target region 3A while being inclined or bent obliquely with respect to the width direction of the main body. For example, in FIG. 10, the fastening tape 30 arranged on the upper side is engaged at an inclination downward, and the fastening tape 30 arranged on the lower side is engaged at an inclination upward, and the upper and lower fastening tapes 30, 30 are engaged so as to cross each other in the target region 3A.

Such an engagement method is possible because the non-jointed portion 17 (buffer area) between the side flap 20 and the main body 10 is easily deformed, and the angle of the fastening tape 30 (side flap 20) can be easily changed by pulling it outward. As described in FIG. 9, the non-jointed portion 17 is provided in the range from the rear end 10eb of the main body 10 to the rear end 15eb of the stretchable portion 15 in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and is longer than the length L20 of the side flap 20. That is, the non-jointed portion 17 is provided in a range that overlaps with the entire longitudinal direction of the side flap 20. Therefore, when the side flap 20 is pulled outward, the entire area adjacent to the inside of the base end region 33X in the width direction of the main body is easily deformed, and the angle of the side flap 20 and the fastening tape 30 provided on its outside can be freely changed as shown in FIG. 10. This makes it possible to finely adjust the tightness of the waistband and the engagement position according to the wearer's body shape and size, improving the fit of the absorbent article 1 when worn.

In addition, in order to make it easier to diagonally engage the fastening tape 30 as shown in FIG. 10, the shape of the absorbent core 11 may be modified as follows. FIG. 11 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a modified absorbent core 11. As described in FIG. 1, the absorbent core 11 has an absorbent core central region 11C, which is the region with the narrowest width in the center of the main body width direction, and an absorbent core wing region 11W, which is the region protruding from the absorbent core central region 11C to both sides in the main body width direction. In the modified absorbent core 11, a part of the outer edge of the absorbent core wing region 11W has a curved shape. For example, in the region continuing from the rear portion 7 to the crotch portion 5 in the main body longitudinal direction, the outer edge of the absorbent core wing region 11 is formed in a smooth curved shape.

The portion of the main body 10 where the absorbent core 11 is provided has a higher rigidity than the other portions. Therefore, when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the operation of pulling the side flaps 20 to both sides in the rear portion 7 may be interfered with by the rigidity of the absorbent core 11, which may make it difficult to adjust the position when engaging the fastening tape 30 with the target region 3A. In contrast, by curving the outer edge of the absorbent core wing region 11W as shown in FIG. 11, stress concentration at a certain point (a certain point) of the absorbent core wing region 11W when the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides in the rear portion 7 is suppressed, and stress is easily dispersed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deformation of the absorbent core 11 and to easily pull the side flaps 20 to both sides in the main body width direction. In other words, it is easy to suppress the operation of pulling the fastening tape 30 diagonally to engage it as shown in FIG. 10 from being interfered with by the absorbent core 11. This makes it easier to freely change the angle and position at which the fastening tape 30 engages, improving the fit of the absorbent article 1 when worn.

It is also preferable that the stiffness of the absorbent core 11 in the absorbent core wing regions 11W is lower than that of the absorbent core 11 in the absorbent core central region 11C. With this configuration, the absorbent core wing regions 11W are more easily deformed than the absorbent core central region 11C. Therefore, when the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides while wearing the absorbent article 1, the absorbent core wing regions 11W deform in the rear portion 7, making it easier to engage the fastening tape 30 at an angle as shown in FIG. 10. This improves the fit of the absorbent article 1 when worn.

The magnitude of the bending resistance can be measured by using a known cantilever method for the portion of the absorbent core 11 to be measured. For example, the absorbent core central region 11C and the absorbent core wing region 11W are cut out from the absorbent core 11 and used as test pieces. It is advisable to prepare multiple test pieces. Then, the bending resistance of each of the multiple test pieces taken is measured using a commercially available cantilever tester (for example, a bending resistance tester manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd.: model number CAN-1MCB), and the average value is calculated to determine the bending resistance.

In this embodiment (and modified example), the absorbent core central region 11C is provided with compression sections 16 that compress the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction (see Figs. 1 and 11). The compression sections 16 are areas where the absorbent core 11 is embossed in a lattice pattern along the longitudinal direction of the main body at a predetermined interval in the width direction of the main body. By providing the lattice-shaped compression sections 16, liquids such as urine absorbed by the absorbent core 11 are easily dispersed in the longitudinal direction of the main body, and the absorbency can be increased over a wide area of the absorbent core 11. Furthermore, by providing a plurality of such compression sections 16, the stiffness of the absorbent core central region 11C of the absorbent core 11 is increased, and deformation of the absorbent core 11 is suppressed. On the other hand, no compression sections 16 are provided in the absorbent core wing region 11W. Therefore, the bending resistance of the absorbent core wing region 11W tends to be lower than that of the absorbent core central region 11C, and as described above, the absorbent core wing region 11W tends to deform, making it easier to engage the fastening tape 30 at an angle. This can improve the fit of the absorbent article 1 when worn.

In addition, a core wrap sheet 19 may be provided in the absorbent core central region 11C to cover the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. In FIG. 11, a core wrap sheet 19 is provided to cover the absorbent core central region 11C from the skin side and non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core 11. By being covered with the core wrap sheet 19, the liquid absorbent fiber (SAP, etc.) constituting the absorbent core 11 is less likely to come apart, and the absorbent core 11 is less likely to lose its shape in the absorbent core central region 11C. On the other hand, the absorbent core wing region 11W does not have a core wrap sheet 19 on one or both sides in the thickness direction. Therefore, the absorbent core wing region 11W is more flexible and easily deformed than the absorbent core central region 11C, and when the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the fastening tape 30 can be easily engaged at an angle. This can further improve the fit when the absorbent article 1 is worn.

9, a body side joint 18 may be provided between the absorbent core 11 and the body non-jointed portion 17 (buffer region) in the body width direction to join the materials constituting the body portion 10 in the thickness direction. The body side joint 18 is formed by applying an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive along the body longitudinal direction. The back sheet 13 and the side gather sheet 14 are joined in the thickness direction by the body side joint 18. By providing such body side joint 18 between the absorbent core 11 and the body non-jointed portion 17 (buffer region), it is possible to easily suppress the absorbent core 11 from losing its shape. For example, when the side flaps 20 are pulled to both sides when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the pulling force along the body width direction acts on a wide range of the body side joint 18 in the body longitudinal direction. In other words, the pulling force is prevented from acting locally at a certain point in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 11, and the pulling force is more likely to act in a distributed manner over a wide range in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 11. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent core 11 from losing its shape.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the gap g17 between the absorbent core 11 and the non-jointed portion 17 (buffer area) in the width direction of the absorbent core 11 is greater than the maximum thickness of the absorbent core 11. With this configuration, the width of the joints 18 on both sides of the absorbent core 11 can be made larger than in the opposite case. This makes it easier to prevent the absorbent core from losing its shape. Furthermore, by reducing the thickness of the absorbent core 11, the rigidity of the absorbent core 11 is less likely to become excessively high, and the action of pulling the side flaps 20 to both sides is less likely to be interfered with.

The thickness of the absorbent core 11 can be measured, for example, by using a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent device, setting the contact area to 20 ^cm2 and the contact pressure to 3 gf/ ^cm2 , and applying pressure to the target area to measure, or alternatively, by measuring the cross section using a microscope, or by using an image of a cross section of a sample cut along the longitudinal direction of the body.

In addition, when the side flap 20 is folded and temporarily secured as shown in FIG. 5C, it is preferable that the second temporary fastening portion 52 of the side flap 20 is spaced a predetermined distance from the main body non-joint portion 17 (buffer area). When the folded side flap 20 is unfolded, the second temporary fastening portion 52 is peeled off. If the second temporary fastening portion 52 overlaps with the main body non-joint portion 17, the second temporary fastening portion 52 may be difficult to peel off. In other words, since the side gather sheet 14 and the back sheet 13 are not joined in the main body portion 10, when the side flap sheet 21 is pulled, the side gather sheet 14 is also easily pulled toward the side flap sheet 21 via the second temporary fastening portion 52. In this case, the side gather sheet 14 may be torn.

In contrast, if the second temporary fastening portion 52 and the main body non-joint portion 17 are spaced apart, when the side flap sheet 21 is unfolded, the side gather sheet 14 is integrated with the back sheet 13 in the area overlapping with the second temporary fastening portion 52, so that only the side gather sheet 14 is prevented from being pulled by the side flap sheet 21. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the side gather sheet 14 from being torn.

===Other===
The above-mentioned embodiment is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention can be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the above embodiment, two fastening tapes 30 were provided on each of the pair of side flaps 20, 20. However, the number of fastening tapes 30 provided on each side flap 20 is not limited to this, and may be one on each side flap, or two or more on each side flap.

In the above embodiment, the fastening tape 30 is composed of two base sheets (the first base sheet 31 and the second base sheet 32). However, the fastening tape 30 may be composed of one base sheet, or may be composed of two or more base sheets.

In the above embodiment, the skin side sheet joined to the skin side surface of the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21 was the side gather sheet 14. However, this is not limited to the side gather sheet 14, and the skin side sheet joined to the skin side surface of the base end region 21A of the side flap sheet 21 may be the top sheet 12.

1. Absorbent article,
3 anterior, 3A target area,
5 crotch, 7 rear,
10 Main body portion,
10A: absorbent region; 10B: wing region; 10F: both sides of main body;
11 absorbent core,
11C absorbent core central region, 11W wing region,
12 top sheet, 13 back sheet,
14 Side gather sheet (skin side sheet), 15 Elastic part,
16 Compressed portion, 17 Non-jointed portion of main body (buffer region), 18 Joint portions on both sides of main body,
19 Core wrap sheet,
20 Side flaps,
20A inner region, 20B outer region,
21 Side flap sheet (flap sheet),
21A base region,
23 flap tip portion,
25 high density part, 25R high density region,
30 fastening tape,
31 first base sheet, 32 second base sheet,
33X base region, 33A middle region,
33B engagement region, 33C tip region,
34 Engagement portion (joint surface), 34a Adhesive portion, 34f Hook portion,
35 tape tip,
36 tape fold line portion,
41 first fold line portion, 42 second fold line portion,
43 main body fold line portion,
51 First temporary fastening portion, 52 Second temporary fastening portion (temporary fastening portion)

Claims (15)

An absorbent article comprising a main body having a liquid-absorbent core, both side portions of which are folded along a main body fold line along a longitudinal direction of the main body, side flaps joined to the main body, and fastening tapes joined to tip portions of the side flaps,
The side portions are unfolded, and
The side flap is folded by a first fold line portion and a second fold line portion that is closer to the base end portion of the side flap than the first fold line portion and protrudes outward from the main body portion; and
When the fastening tape is folded along the tape folding line portion,
When the surface of the main body portion which faces the skin when worn is referred to as the main body skin side, the surface of the main body portion which faces away from the skin when worn is referred to as the main body non-skin side, the surface of the side flap which faces the skin when worn is referred to as the flap skin side, the surface of the side flap which faces away from the skin when worn is referred to as the flap non-skin side, the surface of the fastening tape which faces the skin when worn is referred to as the tape skin side, and the surface of the fastening tape which faces away from the skin when worn is referred to as the tape non-skin side,
The non-skin side surfaces of the flaps folded back along the first fold line are temporarily fastened together by a first temporary fastening portion,
The flap skin side folded back along the second fold line and the main body skin side surface are temporarily fastened by a second temporary fastening portion,
the tape skin side folded back by the tape fold line portion and a surface facing the tape skin side are temporarily fastened by an engagement portion provided on a tip end side of the fastening tape relative to the tape fold line portion,
the main body folding line portion is located on the inner side of the fastening tape in the main body width direction,
The side flap is made of a single nonwoven fabric having a high density portion having a higher density than the surrounding area,
The absorbent article is characterized in that the engaging portion has a hook portion having a plurality of hooks protruding in the thickness direction, and an adhesive portion coated with an adhesive. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the basis weight of the nonwoven fabric constituting the side flaps is greater than the basis weight of other sheet members constituting the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the engagement portion has the adhesive portion closer to the tip end of the fastening tape than the hook portion. The absorbent article according to claim 3,
The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion further includes the hook portion on the tip end side of the fastening tape relative to the adhesive portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the engagement portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the tape fold line portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The fastening tape has a tab at the tip thereof, which is an area to be held by a user during use;
An absorbent article, characterized in that the engagement portion is provided at a predetermined distance from the tab. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The main body portion has a back sheet arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, and a side gather sheet arranged on the skin side of the back sheet,
In the width direction of the main body, a main body non-joined portion where the back sheet and the side gather sheet are not joined is provided between the absorbent core and the side flaps,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the width of the region where the main body portion and the side flaps are joined is greater than the width of the non-jointed portion of the main body. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 7,
The side flaps are provided with two pairs of fastening tapes spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the main body,
An absorbent article, characterized in that, in the longitudinal direction of the main body, the non-jointed portion of the main body is longer than the side flap and continues at least from the front end of the side flap to the rear end of the main body. 9. The absorbent article of claim 8,
The absorbent core has an absorbent core central region which is a region where the width in the main body width direction is narrowest, and absorbent core wing regions which are regions protruding from the absorbent core central region on both sides in the main body width direction,
An absorbent article, characterized in that at least a portion of the outer edge of the absorbent core wing region has a curved shape. 10. The absorbent article of claim 9,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the bending resistance of the wing regions of the absorbent core is smaller than the bending resistance of the central region of the absorbent core. 11. The absorbent article of claim 10,
The absorbent core central region is provided with a plurality of compression sections along the main body longitudinal direction for compressing the absorbent core in a thickness direction,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the compressed portion is not provided in the absorbent core wing region. 12. The absorbent article of claim 11,
A core wrap sheet is provided on both sides of the absorbent core central region in the thickness direction to cover the absorbent core in the thickness direction,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the core wrap sheet is not provided on at least one side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core wing region. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 7,
An absorbent article characterized in that it has a body side joint portion between the absorbent core and the body non-joint portion in the body width direction, which joins the back sheet and the side gather sheet along the body longitudinal direction. 14. The absorbent article of claim 13,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the distance between the absorbent core and the two side joints in the width direction of the main body is greater than the maximum thickness of the absorbent core. 8. The absorbent article according to claim 7,
In a state in which the side flaps are folded and temporarily fixed,
The absorbent article, wherein the second temporary fastening portion is spaced a predetermined distance from the main body non-joint portion.

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