JP7366597B2 - absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Conventionally, in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, a central elastic member such as a rubber thread that stretches in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is provided in a stretched state in the widthwise center of the absorbent article. is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Re-publication WO2011/132688 publication

In the above-mentioned absorbent article, among the elastic members that curve from both ends of the waist region in the width direction into the crotch region and cross the absorbent body along the width direction of the absorbent article, the portion that crosses the absorbent body By making the elastic stress smaller than that of the central elastic member, the fit of the crotch area is improved and leakage is prevented. However, since the stress of the elastic member that crosses the absorbent body is weak, the fit of the buttocks may deteriorate, leading to a risk of poor wearing comfort.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to improve the fit of at least the lower abdomen or buttocks while maintaining the fit of the groin area by the central elastic member. Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that also improves the appearance when worn.

The main invention for achieving the above purpose is:
It has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state and the stretched state,
an exterior body having a waist area and an inseam area;
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body having an absorbent body provided on the skin side in the thickness direction of the exterior body at least in the crotch region,
The waistline region has a front waistline region located on one end side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction, and a back waistline region located on the other end side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction,
The front waistline region and the back waistline region each have a joint portion that joins a pair of side edges of the front waistline region and a pair of side edges of the back waistline region,
a first elastic region provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent article;
The first elastic region is formed by all the elastic members provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent article,
The first elastic region is a region having a constant width from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic region,
Inside the longitudinal direction of at least one of the joint of the front waist region and the joint of the back waist region, and outside of the longitudinal center line of the absorbent article. , having a second elastic region arranged along the width direction,
When the first elastic region is a first stress region, and the second elastic region and its extension region are a second stress region, in an intersection region where the first stress region and the second stress region intersect, The length of the intersection area in the width direction is shorter than the length of the intersection area in the longitudinal direction,
In the unfolded state and the stretched state, the tensile force by the second elastic region acts even on the center portion of the intersection region in the width direction.
This is an absorbent article characterized by the following.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that improves the fit of at least the lower abdomen or buttocks while maintaining the fit of the crotch area provided by the central elastic member, and also improves the appearance when worn.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state according to the first embodiment, viewed from the skin side. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the intersection region 150 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of an example of the intersection region 150, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of an example of the intersection region 150 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of another example of the intersection region 150, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 8A. It is a figure explaining modification 1 concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification 2 concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure explaining the modification 3 based on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state according to a second embodiment, viewed from the skin side.

From the description of this specification and the attached drawings, at least the following matters will become clear.
an exterior body that has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state and the stretched state, and has a torso region and a crotch region; and at least in the crotch region, the skin of the exterior body in the thickness direction. An absorbent article comprising: an absorbent main body having an absorbent body provided on a side thereof, wherein the waist region includes a front waist region located on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body; a rear waistline region located on the other end side in the longitudinal direction, and the front waistline region and the rear waistline region are arranged at a pair of side ends of the front waistline region and a pair of side ends of the rear waistline region. each has a joint part for joining the absorbent body, and is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body in the thickness direction, and extends along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body at the central part of the width direction of the absorbent article. a first elastic region disposed in the longitudinal direction of at least one of the joint of the front waist region and the joint of the rear waist region; The article has a second elastic region arranged along the width direction outside the center line in the longitudinal direction of the article, and the first elastic region and its extension region are the first stress region and the second elastic region. and an extension region thereof is defined as a second stress region, in the intersection region where the first stress region and the second stress region intersect, the length in the width direction of the intersection region is equal to the length of the intersection region in the width direction. This is an absorbent article characterized by being shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the first elastic region is a region where a tensile force acts in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and in the stretched state, the first elastic region and its extended region also have a tensile force. A longitudinal tensile force acts. Further, the second elastic region is a region on which a tensile force acts in the width direction, and in the stretched state, a tensile force in the width direction similarly acts on the second elastic region and its extension region. In the intersection area where the first stress area and the second stress area intersect, a tensile force outward in the longitudinal direction and a tensile force outward in the width direction act upon mounting. In this case, the length in the width direction of the intersection region (i.e., the length in the width direction of the first elastic region or its extension region) is the length in the longitudinal direction of the intersection region (i.e., the length in the longitudinal direction of the second elastic region). ), force is likely to be applied outward in the width direction to the intersection area, but the force is dispersed and difficult to be applied to the center of the intersection area. However, if the length in the width direction of the intersection region is made shorter than the length in the longitudinal direction, force to the outside in the width direction tends to be applied to the center portion of the intersection region. Thereby, the fit of the second elastic region can be improved while maintaining the fit of the crotch area due to the expansion and contraction of the first elastic region, making it easier to move. Furthermore, since the force is applied to the center of the intersection area, the intersection area does not overlap and the appearance when worn is improved. In addition, even if the first elastic region and the second elastic region intersect with each other in the extension regions, as described above, the longitudinal tensile force acting on the extension region of the first elastic region and the second elastic region A similar effect can be achieved by a tensile force in the width direction acting on the extended region of the region.

In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the first elastic region overlaps at least one of the front waistline region and the back waistline region when viewed in the thickness direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the first elastic region that lifts the crotch region extends to the waist region, thereby lifting the entire crotch region and improving fit. By lifting the crotch area, the bagginess of the absorbent body can be easily eliminated, and the appearance when worn also improves.

In such an absorbent article, the second elastic region may be provided to cover the entire width of the absorbent body, and the second elastic region and the first elastic region may intersect with each other. desirable.

According to such an absorbent article, the second elastic region makes it easier to apply a force in the width direction to the absorber, and the fit of the second elastic region can be maintained. In addition, when the second elastic region and the first elastic region intersect, the pulling force of the first elastic region is added to the second elastic region, and the first elastic region and the second elastic region work together to pull up the crotch area. Improve your sexuality. This improves ease of movement and also improves the appearance when worn.

In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that one or more flexible shafts are provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

According to such an absorbent article, the absorbent body is easily bent along the flexible axis when worn, and the absorbent body has unevenness, which improves the fit to the crotch area. Also, the groin area becomes cleaner and easier to move. By making the groin area look neater, the appearance (appearance) when worn also improves.

In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that a pair of flexible shafts be provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

According to such an absorbent article, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent body is more easily bent along the pair of flexible shafts, and unevenness can be formed in the absorbent body. This improves the fit of the crotch area, making the groin area cleaner and easier to move. In addition, the fit prevents the crotch area from feeling bulky and improves the appearance when worn.

In such an absorbent article, a central flexible shaft is provided along the longitudinal direction at a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction, and a central flexible shaft is provided outside the absorbent body in the width direction from the central flexible shaft. Preferably, a pair of side flexible shafts are provided along the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent body is more likely to bend along the central flexible axis and the pair of side flexible axes, and unevenness is more likely to occur in the absorbent body. By making it easier to bend, it fits better in the groin area and makes it easier to move. Additionally, the groin area becomes less bulky, and the appearance when worn is further improved.

In such an absorbent article, a central flexible shaft is provided along the longitudinal direction at a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction, and the central flexible shaft and the first elastic region are at least partially It is desirable that they overlap when viewed in the thickness direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the central flexible shaft makes it easier for the absorbent body to bend along the flexible shaft when worn, making it easier to fit in the crotch area. Moreover, since the absorbent article expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction by the first elastic region, the first elastic region and the central flexible axis overlap when viewed in the thickness direction, thereby further improving the fit in the crotch region. Furthermore, due to the improved fit, the groin area is less likely to be loose, resulting in a better appearance when worn.

Such an absorbent article, wherein the second elastic region is located inside the joint part of the back waist region in the longitudinal direction and outside the center line of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. , a third elastic region disposed along the width direction at the inner end of the front waistline region in the longitudinal direction, and the first elastic region is located at the outer end of the second elastic region in the longitudinal direction. The first elastic region extends outward in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined length from the end, and the first elastic region is disposed further inward in the longitudinal direction than the outer end of the third elastic region in the longitudinal direction, or It is desirable that the third elastic region extends outward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end in the longitudinal direction by a length shorter than the predetermined length.

According to such an absorbent article, in the back waist region, the first elastic region and the second elastic region intersect, and the first elastic region further extends outward in the longitudinal direction, so that the first elastic region and the second elastic region work together to make it easier to pull up the crotch area and improve the fit of the buttocks. On the other hand, the front waist area has fewer irregularities in the body shape than the buttocks side, so by shortening the length of the first elastic area in the longitudinal direction, the pulling force is reduced and the absorption area when urinating is widened. Can be formed.

Such an absorbent article, wherein the second elastic region is located inside the joint part of the back waist region in the longitudinal direction and outside the center line of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. , the rear waistline region has another elastic region disposed along the width direction outside the second elastic region in the longitudinal direction, and in the longitudinal direction, the another elastic region and the It is preferable that the joint portions overlap, and that one end of the first elastic region in the longitudinal direction is disposed further inside in the longitudinal direction than an inner end of the other elastic region in the longitudinal direction.

According to such an absorbent article, the above-mentioned another elastic region is a region for fitting the wearer's waist, and is located above the defecation position. If the first elastic member that improves the fit of the crotch region is present in that region, the absorbent article may come into too much contact with the skin, causing discomfort. By arranging the longitudinal outer end of the first elastic member at a position that does not reach such another elastic region, a suitable fit can be provided.
===First embodiment===

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using a pants-type disposable diaper for adults as an example of an absorbent article according to the present invention. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above, and can also be applied to pants-type disposable diapers, shorts-type sanitary napkins, etc. for infants.

<Configuration of pants-type disposable diaper 1>
First, the structure of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter referred to as "diaper") as an example of an absorbent article will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state according to the first embodiment, viewed from the skin side. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

When the diaper 1 is in a pants-like state when worn as shown in FIG. are doing. In addition, regarding the vertical direction, the upper side corresponds to the wearer's waist opening side, and the lower side corresponds to the wearer's crotch side. In addition, in the front-back direction, the front side corresponds to the wearer's ventral side, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's dorsal side.

In the unfolded and stretched state shown in FIG. 2, the diaper 1 has three directions that are orthogonal to each other: a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction (in FIG. 2, a direction passing through the paper). Note that the longitudinal direction is along the above-mentioned up-down direction. One side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the ventral side (front side), and the other side corresponds to the dorsal side (rear side). Further, the outer side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the upper side in the vertical direction (the waist opening side), and the inner side in the longitudinal direction corresponds to the lower side in the vertical direction (the crotch side). Since the longitudinal direction and the vertical direction are similar to each other, in the following, for convenience of explanation, the vertical direction may be used instead of the longitudinal direction even in this unfolded state. . On the other hand, the width direction has the same meaning as the width direction in the pants-type state described above. In addition, in the thickness direction, one side corresponds to the skin side in contact with the wearer's body, and the other side corresponds to the opposite non-skin side (see FIG. 3).

Here, the "deployed state" means that the diaper 1 in the pant-shaped state shown in FIG. This refers to a state in which the diaper 1 is unfolded on a flat surface by opening in the vertical direction. In addition, the "stretched state" refers to a state in which the product (diaper 1) is stretched without wrinkles, and specifically, the state in which the product (diaper 1) is stretched without wrinkles, specifically, the state in which each member constituting the diaper 1 (for example, the exterior body 10, the absorbent body 20, etc. described below) This refers to the state in which a member has been elongated until its dimensions match or are close to the dimensions of the individual member.

As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 1 includes an exterior body 10 and an absorbent body 20 that absorbs excrement such as urine.

The exterior body 10 has a waist region 11 located around the wearer's waist and a crotch region 12 located at the wearer's crotch. Further, the waistline region 11 includes a front waistline region 11F that covers the wearer's ventral side, and a rear waistline region 11R that covers the wearer's backside. As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end and side end of the front waist region 11F are the upper end and side end of a sheet forming the outer shape of the exterior body 10 on the ventral side (here, a front exterior back sheet 120F to be described later), and the lower end is the position of a line UL1 connecting the intersections of the ventral exterior body 10 and the absorbent main body 20. The region surrounded by the upper end, the side end, a curved or straight portion connecting the lower end of the side end to the line UL1, and the above-mentioned lower end is the front waistline region 11F. The upper end and side ends of the rear waist region 11R are the upper ends and side ends of a sheet forming the outer shape of the exterior body 10 on the back side (in this case, the rear exterior back sheet 120R, which will be described later), and the lower end is the upper end and side ends of the rear exterior back sheet 120R, which will be described later. This is the position of a line UL2 connecting the intersections of the body 10 and the absorbent main body 20. The region surrounded by the upper end, the side end, a curved or straight portion connecting the lower end of the side end to the line UL2, and the above-mentioned lower end is the rear waistline region 11R. The crotch region 12 is a region interposed between the front waist region 11F and the rear waist region 11R.

When the diaper 1 is unfolded and stretched, the front waist region 11F is located at one longitudinal end of the absorbent main body 20, and the rear waist region 11R is located at the other longitudinal end of the absorbent main body 20. To position.

In addition, in the width direction of the diaper 1, the front waistline region 11F and the back waistline region 11R are a joint 13FR that joins a pair of side edges 13F of the front waistline region 11F and a pair of side edges 13R of the back waistline region 11R. They each have The pants-shaped disposable diaper 1 is formed by the joint portion 13FR.

<Configuration of exterior body 10>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exterior body 10 includes an exterior top sheet 110, a front exterior backsheet 120F, a rear exterior backsheet 120R, a front waist elastic member 130F, a rear waist elastic member 130R, It has a rear leg elastic member 140.

The exterior top sheet 110 is arranged from the front waistline region 11F through the crotch region 12 to the rear waistline region 11R (FIG. 3). The width (length in the width direction) of the exterior top sheet 110 in the front waist region 11F and the rear waist region 11R is larger than the width (length in the width direction) of the exterior top sheet 110 in the inseam region 12 (FIG. 2). The exterior top sheet 110 can be formed from an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven fabric), a waterproof film, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the front exterior backsheet 120F is provided on the non-skin side of the exterior topsheet 110 in the front waist region 11F. The outer end (upper end) of the front exterior backsheet 120F in the longitudinal direction is folded back toward the skin side. The folded portion of the front exterior backsheet 120F wraps around one end (outside end) of the exterior topsheet 110 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the outer end (upper end) of the front exterior backsheet 120F in the longitudinal direction may be configured not to be folded back.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3, the rear exterior backsheet 120R is provided on the non-skin side of the exterior topsheet 110 in the rear waistline region 11R. The outer end (upper end) of the rear exterior backsheet 120R in the longitudinal direction is folded back toward the skin side. The folded portion of the rear exterior backsheet 120R wraps around the other end (outside end) of the exterior topsheet 110 in the longitudinal direction. Note that the outer end (upper end) of the front exterior backsheet 120F in the longitudinal direction may be configured not to be folded back.

The front exterior backsheet 120F and the rear exterior backsheet 120R can be formed of air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven fabric), or the like.

The front waist elastic member 130F is provided between the exterior top sheet 110 and the front exterior backsheet 120F in the front waist region 11F (see FIG. 3). The front waist elastic member 130F is, for example, a plurality of rubber threads. The front waist elastic member 130F is stretched in the width direction and bonded and fixed along the same direction with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. The front waist elastic member 130F imparts widthwise elasticity to the front waist region 11F.

The rear waistline elastic member 130R is provided between the exterior topsheet 110 and the rear exterior backsheet 120R in the rear waistline region 11R (see FIG. 3). The rear waist elastic member 130R is, for example, a plurality of rubber threads. The rear waist elastic member 130R is stretched in the width direction and bonded and fixed along the same direction with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. The rear waistline elastic member 130R provides the rear waistline region 11R with elasticity in the width direction.

In the first embodiment, the rear leg elastic member 140 is provided between the exterior top sheet 110 and the rear exterior backsheet 120R in the rear waist region 11R. As shown in FIG. 2, the rear leg elastic member 140 curves diagonally downward from both ends 13R of the rear waist region 11R in the width direction toward the inside in the longitudinal direction and the inside in the width direction of the rear waist region 11R. It has a curved part 140c arranged along the width direction, and a straight part 140s arranged along the width direction at the center part in the width direction. The rear leg elastic member 140 may be, for example, a plurality of rubber threads, a stretchable band-shaped elastic sheet, or the like. The rear leg elastic member 140 is bonded and fixed in an extended state with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.

However, the invention is not limited to the above, and the front waistline region 11F may also include an elastic member similar to the rear leg elastic member 140 of the rear waistline region 11R.

<Configuration of absorbent main body 20>
The absorbent main body 20 is provided on the skin side of the exterior body 10 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent main body 20 includes a liquid-absorbing absorbent core (absorbent core) 21, a core wrap sheet 22 that covers the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 21, a top sheet 23, and a film. It has a sheet 24 and a back sheet 25.

The absorbent core 21 is provided on the skin side in the thickness direction of the exterior body 10 at least in the crotch region 12 . Further, the absorbent body 21 is a member formed by laminating liquid absorbent materials, and can absorb excrement such as urine. As the liquid-absorbing material, for example, liquid-absorbing fibers such as pulp fibers, superabsorbent polymers, etc. can be used. Further, the shape of the absorbent body 21 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 2, which extends along the longitudinal direction and has a narrowed portion inward in the width direction, but is, for example, approximately rectangular in plan view. But it's okay.

Examples of suitable materials for the core wrap sheet 25 include tissue paper and nonwoven fabric. However, these core wrap sheets 25 are not an essential structure.

The top sheet 23 is a sheet that forms a skin-contacting surface that can directly contact the wearer's skin, and is, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric with a planar size larger than the absorber 21. Further, the film sheet 24 is a sheet-like member that covers the absorbent body 21 from the non-skin side, and has a planar size larger than the absorbent body 21 . An example of the film sheet 24 is a liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet made of polyethylene or polypropylene.

The backsheet 25 is a liquid-impermeable sheet that covers the absorbent core 21 from the non-skin side. As shown in FIG. 4, the widthwise dimension of the backsheet 25 is sufficiently larger than that of the film sheet 24, and both widthwise ends thereof form the widthwise ends 20e of the absorbent body 20. As the folding position, it is folded back to the center side (inside) in the width direction. Moreover, when folding back, the back sheet 25 is folded back so as to sandwich both ends of the film sheet 24 in the width direction. Near the folding position, a leg elastic member 26 such as thread rubber is fixed in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction, thereby imparting elasticity to the leg.

The diaper 1 also includes a plurality of central elastic members 30 such as a plurality of rubber threads arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorber 21 in the widthwise central portion of the diaper 1 . The central elastic member 30 is provided on the non-skin side of the absorber 21 in the thickness direction, and is provided between the film sheet 24 and the back sheet 25 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, two central elastic members 30 are provided, but the number is not limited to this, and may be singular or plural. Further, the central elastic member 30 is not limited to a rubber thread or the like, and may be, for example, a band-shaped elastic sheet having elasticity. Further, in FIG. 2, a portion of the central elastic member 30 that exhibits elasticity (a so-called effective length portion) is indicated by a thick solid line. As shown in FIG. 2, the region formed along the longitudinal direction by these two central elastic members 30 is defined as a first elastic region Y (the portion indicated by diagonal lines downward to the left). When there is a plurality of elastic members, the length in the width direction between the outermost elastic members in the width direction is defined as the length in the width direction of the first elastic region Y. The length in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic region Y is the effective length of the central elastic member 30 described above. When the elastic member is singular or in the form of a sheet, the length in the width direction of each elastic member or sheet is the length in the width direction of the first elastic region Y, and the effective length of each elastic member or sheet is the length of the first elastic region Y in the longitudinal direction.

The first elastic region Y formed by the central elastic member 30 imparts longitudinal elasticity to the diaper 1, making it easier to pull up the crotch region. This improves the fit in the groin area.

Moreover, it is preferable that the first elastic region Y overlaps at least one of the front waist region 11F and the rear waist region 11R when viewed in the thickness direction. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first elastic region Y overlaps the rear waistline region 11R when viewed in the thickness direction. By extending the first elastic region Y that lifts the crotch region to the rear waist region 11R, the entire crotch region is pulled up, improving the fit of the buttocks. Thereby, the looseness of the absorbent main body 20 can be easily eliminated, and the appearance (appearance) when the diaper 1 is worn also becomes good.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first elastic region Y intersects with the straight portion 140s of the rear leg elastic member 140 in the rear waist region 11R. A second elastic region Then (that is, here, the entire straight portion 140s is the second elastic region X), the second elastic region This is a region arranged along the width direction outside the line CL. Furthermore, in the rear waistline region 11R, the first elastic region Y made of the central elastic member 30 and the second elastic region X intersect. Note that when the linear portion 140s is formed of a band-shaped elastic sheet having stretchability, the region of the elastic sheet joined as the linear portion 140s becomes the second elastic region X.

Further, the second elastic region X is provided so as to cover the entire width of the absorber 21 in the width direction. The second elastic region X makes it easier to apply a force in the width direction to the absorbent body 21, and the fit of the second elastic region X (that is, the fit of the buttocks in this case) can be maintained. Furthermore, when the second elastic region X and the first elastic region Y intersect, the pulling force of the first elastic region Y is added to the second elastic region This improves the ability to pull up the crotch area 12. This improves ease of movement and also improves the appearance when worn.

In the first embodiment, the second elastic region X is formed in the rear waist region 11R, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the second elastic region It is sufficient that they are arranged along the width direction outside the center line CL. With such a configuration, the tensile force in the width direction by the second elastic region X improves the fit of the second elastic region X. For example, when it is formed in the front waist region 11F, If the area is formed in the rear waist region 11R, the fit of the buttocks can be improved.

Further, in the first embodiment, the second elastic region X is provided so as to cover the entire width of the absorber 21 in the width direction, but the second elastic region X is not limited thereto. For example, the second elastic region X may be provided so as to traverse a portion of the absorber 21 in the width direction, or may be cut intermittently. The details will be described later.

Next, the intersection area 150 (see FIG. 2) where the first elastic area Y and the second elastic area X intersect will be described. FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the intersection region 150 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is an enlarged view of an example of the intersection region 150, and FIG. 6B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 6A. FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of an example of the intersection region 150 according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 in FIG. 7A. FIG. 8A is an enlarged view of another example of the intersection region 150, and FIG. 8B is a diagram showing an expanded state of the intersection region 150 of FIG. 8A.

The first elastic region Y is a region that imparts stretchability in the longitudinal direction to the diaper 1, and the second elastic region X is a region that imparts stretchability in the width direction. In order to make it easier to see how the tensile forces in the longitudinal and width directions act on the intersection region 150 where the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X intersect, the intersection region 150 is On the non-skin side, draw three lines of a predetermined thickness such as a marker along the longitudinal direction and five lines along the width direction so as to form a grid of 5 mm width, and draw the intersection area 150 on the non-skin side. The state seen from above is shown in FIG. 5A. Further, in the intersection region 150 of the first embodiment, the length L1 in the width direction (the length in the width direction of the first elastic region Y) is different from the length in the longitudinal direction (the length in the longitudinal direction of the second elastic region ) is shorter than L2 (L1<L2).

The intersection region 150 shown in FIG. 6A is different from the first embodiment, and is an example in which the length L1 in the width direction of the intersection region 150 is longer than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction (L1>L2). Then, similarly, on the non-skin side of such intersection area 150, five lines of a predetermined thickness such as a marker are drawn along the longitudinal direction and along the width direction so as to form a grid of 5 mm width. I'm pulling three.

When the diaper 1 is unfolded and stretched as shown in FIG. 2, as shown in FIG. 5B, a tensile force is applied to the intersection region 150 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) by the first elastic region Y, and A tensile force is also applied in the width direction by the second elastic region X. When looking at the three lines extending along the longitudinal direction, the two lines on the outside in the width direction are deformed so that the line width increases in the width direction and expands outward in the width direction. The center line is not deformed, but the line width is expanding in the width direction. That is, in the intersection region 150 where the length L1 in the width direction is shorter than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction, the tensile force in the width direction is applied even to the center portion.

On the other hand, FIG. 6B also shows an extended state of the intersection region 150, and in the intersection region 150 where the length L1 in the width direction is longer than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction, five lines similarly extending in the longitudinal direction are formed. As you can see, the line width expands in the width direction as it goes to the outside in the width direction, and it is deformed so that it spreads outward in the width direction, but the line in the center shows no deformation or expansion in line width. . That is, it is difficult for the tensile force in the width direction to act on the central part of the intersection area 150.

Next, the intersection area 150 shown in FIG. 7A has the following configuration. First, the first elastic region Y of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment does not extend to the intersection region 150, and the extension region Y', which is an extension region of the first elastic region Y, intersects. Although the second elastic region X exists outside the intersection region 150 in the width direction, the extension region X', which is an extension region of the second elastic region X, intersects in the intersection region 150. In such an intersection area 150, three lines of a predetermined thickness are drawn along the longitudinal direction and five lines are drawn along the width direction, similarly to the intersection area 150 of FIG. 5A.

In the intersection region 150 shown in FIG. 8A, the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X, which intersect in the intersection region 150 shown in FIG. An extension region Y' which is an extension region of the second elastic region X intersects with an extension region X' which is an extension region of the second elastic region X. In such an intersection area 150, five lines of a predetermined thickness are drawn along the longitudinal direction and three lines are drawn along the width direction, similar to the intersection area 150 in FIG. 6A.

When the diaper 1 is unfolded and stretched as shown in FIG. 2, looking at the three lines extending along the longitudinal direction as shown in FIG. 7B, the two lines on the outside in the width direction are The width is expanded in the width direction and deformed so as to expand outward in the width direction. The center line is not deformed, but the line width is expanding in the width direction. That is, even in the intersection area 150 where the extension area Y' and the extension area X' intersect, a longitudinal tensile force and a widthwise tensile force act on the intersection area 150, and It can be seen that the length L1 in the width direction of the cross section 150 is shorter than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction (L1<L2), so that the tensile force in the width direction is applied to the center of the intersection region 150.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, when looking at the five lines extending in the longitudinal direction when the intersection area 150 shown in FIG. However, the central line does not show any deformation or line width expansion. That is, it is an intersection area 150 where the extension area Y' and the extension area X' intersect with each other, and the length L1 in the width direction of the intersection area 150 is longer than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction (L1>L2). ), it can be seen that although a longitudinal and widthwise tensile force acts on the intersection area 150, the force is hardly applied to the center of the intersection area 150.

Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 8B above, the first elastic region Y and its extension region Y' are the first stress region, the second elastic region X and its extension region X' are the second stress region, and the second elastic region X and its extension region X' are the second stress region. The relationship between the tensile force applied outward in the width direction and the longitudinal direction to the intersection region 150 where the first stress region and the second stress region intersect, and the length of the intersection region 150 in the width direction and the longitudinal direction is as follows.

First, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 8B, the widthwise length L1 of the intersection region 150 (that is, the widthwise length of the first elastic region Y or its extension region Y') is the length L1 of the intersection region 150 in the longitudinal direction. If it is longer than the length L2 (that is, the length in the longitudinal direction of the second elastic region It becomes difficult to get caught. As a result, there is a risk that the center portion of the intersection region 150 may be difficult to fit the wearer's body, and the center portion may become loose.

In this respect, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 7B, when the widthwise length L1 of the intersection region 150 is shorter than the longitudinal length L2 of the intersection region 150 (L1<L2), the force to the outside in the width direction is can easily reach the center of the intersection area 150. As a result, while maintaining the fit of the groin area due to the first stress area, the intersection area 150 does not bump against the body due to the second stress area, making it easier to fit the body, and improving the appearance when worn. Furthermore, even if the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region Since the tensile force in the direction and the tensile force in the width direction act on the intersection region 150, similar effects can be obtained.

Returning to FIGS. 2 to 4, in the diaper 1 of the first embodiment, a central flexible shaft 50 is provided along the longitudinal direction at the center of the absorber 21 in the width direction. A pair of side flexible shafts 55 are provided on the widthwise outer side of the absorbent body 21 along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 are provided only in the region where the absorbent body 21 is present.

The central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 make it easy to bend the absorbent main body 20 at the portions where these flexible shafts are provided. Methods for forming the flexible shaft include 1) forming cuts such as slits or narrow missing parts in the absorbent body and using these as the flexible shaft; 2) forming embossed grooves in the absorbent body; 3) A method in which the embossed groove is used as a flexible axis; 3) A continuous line or an intermittent line is formed in the absorber to form a portion in which the constituent material is reduced, or a portion in which the constituent material is not laminated, and the part is made flexible. Examples include a method of using a flexible axis.

The central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 in the first embodiment are portions formed in the absorber 21 so that constituent materials are not laminated. The central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 make it easier for the absorbent body 21 to bend along the central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 when worn. Unevenness tends to occur. This not only allows the diaper 1 to fit the crotch area and make it easier to move, but also further improves the appearance when worn.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the central flexible shaft 50 and the first elastic region Y at least partially overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. The central flexible shaft 50 makes it easier for the absorbent body 21 to bend along the flexible shaft 50 when worn, making it easier to fit in the crotch area. In addition, since the diaper 1 expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction due to the first elastic region Y, the first elastic region Y and the central flexible shaft 50 overlap when viewed in the thickness direction, further improving the fit in the crotch area. do. Such improved fit allows the wearer to move more easily and improves the appearance when worn.

In the first embodiment, the central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 were provided in the absorber 21, but the arrangement and number of the central flexible shaft 50 and the pair of side flexible shafts 55 may vary. is not limited to these, and one or more flexible shafts may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorber 21. For example, it is sufficient to simply provide a pair of flexible shafts along the longitudinal direction of the absorber 21. The flexible shafts are intended to make it easy to bend the absorber 21 along the flexible shafts when the diaper 1 is worn.The position and number of the flexible shafts can be adjusted depending on the person wearing the diaper, the size of the diaper, etc. can be changed. Providing such a flexible shaft not only improves the fit of the crotch area and makes it easier to move, but also prevents the groin area from bumping against each other and improves the appearance when worn.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the plurality of rear waist elastic members 130R provided in the rear waist region 11R are different from the second elastic region X, and are located outside the second elastic region X in the width direction. (referred to as elastic region 130Ra). Furthermore, the elastic region 130Ra overlaps the joint portion 13FR in the longitudinal direction. One end Yer in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic region Y in the rear waistline region 11R is arranged on the inner side in the longitudinal direction than the inner end 130Ran in the longitudinal direction of the elastic region 130Ra. The above-mentioned elastic region 130Ra is a region for fitting the wearer's waist, and is located above the defecation position. If the first elastic region Y, which improves the fit of the crotch region, exists up to such an elastic region 130Ra, the diaper 1 may come into too much contact with the skin, causing discomfort. Therefore, by arranging the longitudinal outer end Yer of the first elastic region Y at a position that does not reach the elastic region 130Ra, a suitable fit can be provided.

<Modifications of the first stress region and the second stress region>
Below, modifications of the above-described first stress region and second stress region will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating Modification 1 according to the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment described above is that a notch 60 is provided by cutting a part of the rear waist region 11R from the non-skin side. In the portion where the cut 60 exists, the rear leg elastic member 140 (straight portion 140s) is also cut. Further, rear leg elastic members 140 (straight portions 140s) are provided outside both ends of the notch 60 in the width direction. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the region where the cut 60 is present is an extension region X′ on which the tensile force in the width direction of the straight portion 140s, which is the second elastic region is a region where the first elastic region Y and the extension region X' intersect. Even in the extension region X', the length L1 in the width direction of the intersection region 150 is the length L2 in the longitudinal direction (in the partially enlarged view of FIG. is shown by a two-dot chain line and is shorter than the length L2) between the upper and lower ends, so that the tensile force in the width direction acts up to the center of the intersection area 150, as shown in FIG. 7B. As a result, the intersection area 150 in FIG. 9 can easily fit onto the buttocks, and since the intersection area 150 does not overlap, the appearance when worn is also improved.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a second modification example according to the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment described above is that the length of each central elastic member 30 extending in the longitudinal direction on the back side is shorter, and the first elastic region Y does not intersect with the second elastic region X. It is a point. Therefore, in the intersection region 150 in Modification 2, the second elastic region X and the extension region Y' where the first elastic region Y extends intersect. As shown in FIG. 7B, the extension region Y' is a region on which a tensile force in the longitudinal direction is applied when the diaper 1 is in a stretched state. Therefore, even in the intersection region 150 where the second elastic region The length L1 in the width direction of the intersection region 150 (in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 10, the extended line of each central elastic member 30 is shown by a dotted line along the longitudinal direction, and the length L1 between the extended lines in the width direction Since the length L1) is shorter than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction, the tensile force in the width direction acts even on the central part of the intersection area 150. Therefore, effects similar to those described above can be obtained.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a third modification example according to the first embodiment. The difference from the above-described first embodiment is that a part of the rear waist region 11R is cut from the non-skin side to provide a notch 60, and since the length in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic region Y is short, there is no intersection. This is a point in the region 150 where the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X do not intersect. As shown in FIG. 11, in the intersection region 150 in Modification Example 3, the extension region Y' where the first elastic region Y extends and the extension region X' where the second elastic region X extends intersect, and the above-mentioned This is the same state as shown in FIG. 7B. Even in the intersection area 150 where the extension area Y' and the extension area X' intersect with each other, the length L1 in the width direction of the intersection area 150 is shorter than the length L2 in the longitudinal direction (L1 <L2) (see the partially enlarged view of FIG. 11, each extension line is the same as in FIGS. 9 and 10), a tensile force acts on the intersection area 150 in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction), and the intersection area 150 Since the tensile force in the width direction acts even on the central part of the cross section 150, the same effect as described above can be obtained in the intersection region 150 in the third modification.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state according to the second embodiment, viewed from the skin side. In the first embodiment, the backsheet of the exterior body 10 was divided into the front exterior backsheet 120F and the rear exterior backsheet 120R (FIG. 3), but in the second embodiment, the exterior backsheet (not shown) Similar to the exterior top sheet (the exterior top sheet 110 in the first embodiment), it is constituted by a single sheet that is continuous with the front waist region 11F, the crotch region 12, and the rear waist region 11R. Alternatively, without providing the rear leg elastic member 140, the rear waist elastic members 130Rn1 and 130Rn2 are provided in the width direction inside the joint portion 13FR in the longitudinal direction and outside the longitudinal center line CL of the diaper 1. It is placed along the line. Also, in the front waist region 11F, the front waist elastic members 130Fn1 and 130Fn2 are placed inside the joint 13FR of the front waist region 11F in the longitudinal direction and outside the longitudinal center line CL of the diaper 1 in the width direction. It is located along the It differs from the first embodiment mainly in the above points, and is generally the same in other points, so this difference will be mainly explained below, and similar configurations will be denoted by the same reference numerals. The explanation will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the region of the diaper 1 sandwiched between the front waist elastic member 130Fn1 and the front waist elastic member 130Fn2 in the longitudinal direction is the second elastic region X provided in the front waist region 11F. Further, in the diaper 1, a region sandwiched between the rear waist elastic members 130Rn1 and 130Rn2 in the longitudinal direction is a second elastic region X provided in the rear waist region 11R.

In the rear waistline region 11R in the second embodiment, the first elastic region Y (first stress region) and the second elastic region X (second stress region) intersect. In the intersection region 150 where the first stress region and the second stress region intersect, the length L1 of the intersection region 150 in the width direction is shorter than the length L2 of the intersection region 150 in the longitudinal direction. In conjunction with the longitudinal tensile force of the elastic region Y, the tensile force of the second elastic region X in the width direction acts up to the center of the intersection region 150.

In the front waistline region 11F in the second embodiment, an extension region Y' (first stress region) extending from the first elastic region Y intersects with the second elastic region X (third stress region). In the crossing area 150' where the first stress area and the second stress area intersect, the length in the width direction of the crossing area 150' is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction of the crossing area 150', similar to the crossing area 150 described above. In conjunction with the longitudinal tensile force of the extension region Y', the tensile force of the second elastic region X in the width direction acts up to the center of the intersection region 150'.

Therefore, in the crossing region 150 and the crossing region 150', while maintaining the fit of the crotch area due to the first stress region, the fit of the second stress region can also be maintained, making it easier to move. Furthermore, since the force acts outward in the width direction up to the center of the intersection area 150 (150'), the intersection area 150 (150') does not overlap and the appearance when worn is improved.

In addition, in the intersection region 150 of the second embodiment, the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X intersect, but even if either one is the extension region Y' or X', or both Even with the extension regions Y' and X', the same effect as described above can be achieved.

Similarly, in the intersection region 150' of the second embodiment, the extension region Y' and the second elastic region X intersect, but even when the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X intersect, Even when the first elastic region Y and the extension region X' intersect, the same effect as described above can be achieved.
===Other embodiments===

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the present invention. Further, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

In the first embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 2, the second elastic region The first elastic region Y is provided on the outside and extends outward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end of the second elastic region X by a predetermined length S1. 4 are arranged along the width direction at the inner end of the front waist region 11F in the longitudinal direction, and lined up from the front waist elastic member 130F located at the innermost side in the longitudinal direction of the front waist region 11F toward the outer side in the longitudinal direction. If the elastic region formed by the front waist elastic member 130F of the book is the third elastic region Z, the first elastic region Y is arranged inside the longitudinal direction of the third elastic region Z from the outer end of the third elastic region Z in the longitudinal direction. There is. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first elastic region Y may extend further outward in the longitudinal direction than the outer end of the third elastic region Z in the longitudinal direction. In that case, the first elastic region Y extends outward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end in the longitudinal direction of the third elastic region Z by a length shorter than the predetermined length S1 in the rear waistline region 11R described above. Preferably. In the rear waistline region 11R, the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X intersect, and the first elastic region Y further extends outward in the longitudinal direction, so that the pulling force of the first elastic region Y is In addition to the second elastic region X, the first elastic region Y and the second elastic region X work together to pull up the crotch region 12, making it easier to fit the buttocks. On the other hand, the front waist region 11F has less irregularities in the body shape than the buttocks side, so by shortening the length in the longitudinal direction of the first elastic region Y, the pulling force of the first elastic region Y can be reduced. , without making it too fit, it allows a wide area to absorb urine when urinating.

Although the third elastic region Z described above is composed of a plurality of elastic members (130F), the third elastic region Z may be a single elastic member, such as a stretchable band-shaped elastic sheet, etc. It may be.

1 Diaper (absorbent article)
10 Exterior body, 11F front waist area, 11R rear waist area,
12 Crotch area 13F side end, 13R side end, 13FR joint,
20 absorbent main body, 20e end, 21 absorbent body, 22 core wrap sheet,
23 top sheet, 24 film sheet, 25 back sheet,
26 leg elastic member, 30 central elastic member,
50 central flexible shaft, 55 side flexible shaft, 60 notch 110 exterior top sheet,
120F front exterior back seat, 120R rear exterior back seat,
130F front waist elastic member, 130Fn1 front waist elastic member,
130Fn2 front waist elastic member, 130R rear waist elastic member, 130Ra elastic region,
130Rn1 Rear waist elastic member, 130Rn2 Rear waist elastic member,
140 rear leg elastic member, 140c curved part, 140s straight part,
150 intersection area, 150' intersection area,
CL center line, X second elastic region, X' extension region, Y first elastic region, Y' extension region,
Yer one end, Z third elastic region

Claims (9)

It has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with each other in the unfolded state and the stretched state,
an exterior body having a waist area and an inseam area;
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent main body having an absorbent body provided on the skin side in the thickness direction of the exterior body at least in the crotch region,
The waistline region has a front waistline region located on one end side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction, and a back waistline region located on the other end side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction,
The front waistline region and the back waistline region each have a joint portion that joins a pair of side edges of the front waistline region and a pair of side edges of the back waistline region,
a first elastic region provided on a non-skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent article and arranged along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in the center portion of the width direction of the absorbent article;
The first elastic region is formed by all the elastic members provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent article,
The first elastic region is a region having a constant width from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction of the elastic region,
Inside the longitudinal direction of at least one of the joint of the front waist region and the joint of the back waist region, and outside of the longitudinal center line of the absorbent article. , having a second elastic region arranged along the width direction,
When the first elastic region is a first stress region, and the second elastic region and its extension region are a second stress region, in an intersection region where the first stress region and the second stress region intersect, The length of the intersection area in the width direction is shorter than the length of the intersection area in the longitudinal direction,
In the unfolded state and the stretched state, the tensile force by the second elastic region acts even on the center portion of the intersection region in the width direction.
An absorbent article characterized by: The absorbent article according to claim 1,
The absorbent article is characterized in that the first elastic region overlaps at least one of the front waist region and the back waist region when viewed in the thickness direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The second elastic region is provided over the entire width of the absorbent body,
An absorbent article characterized in that the second elastic region and the first elastic region intersect. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An absorbent article characterized in that one or more flexible shafts are provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An absorbent article characterized in that a pair of flexible shafts are provided along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A central flexible shaft is provided along the longitudinal direction at a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction,
An absorbent article characterized in that a pair of side flexible shafts are provided along the longitudinal direction on the outer side of the absorbent body in the width direction from the central flexible shaft. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A central flexible shaft is provided along the longitudinal direction at a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction,
The absorbent article is characterized in that the central flexible shaft and the first elastic region at least partially overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The second elastic region is located inside the joint part of the back waist region in the longitudinal direction and outside the center line in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article,
a third elastic region disposed along the width direction at the inner end of the front waist region in the longitudinal direction;
The first elastic region extends outward in the longitudinal direction by a predetermined length from the outer end in the longitudinal direction of the second elastic region,
The first elastic region is arranged inward in the longitudinal direction from the outer end in the longitudinal direction of the third elastic region, or from the outer end in the longitudinal direction of the third elastic region to the predetermined region. An absorbent article characterized in that the absorbent article extends outward in the longitudinal direction by a length shorter than the length. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The second elastic region is located inside the joint part of the back waist region in the longitudinal direction and outside the center line in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article,
The rear waistline region has another elastic region arranged along the width direction outside the second elastic region in the longitudinal direction,
In the longitudinal direction, the another elastic region and the joint portion overlap,
The absorbent article, wherein one end of the first elastic region in the longitudinal direction is disposed further inside in the longitudinal direction than an inner end of the other elastic region in the longitudinal direction.

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