JP7480393B1 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an absorbent article that allows consumers to easily realize the insect repellent function of the absorbent article before use. [Solution] The absorbent article (1) has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core (12) and a fragrance (AM) provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core (12), and is characterized in that the absorbent article (1) has a fragrance visible region (VR) that is visible from the outside of the absorbent article (1), and the fragrance-applied region (AM) where the fragrance is applied and the fragrance visible region (VR) have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article (1). [Selected Figure] Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

Absorbent articles containing fragrances are known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pants-type wearable article containing a fragrance on the outer or inner surface of the waist region corresponding to the ventral and dorsal waist areas of the wearer.

JP2018-102612A

The pants-type wearing article described in Patent Document 1 reduces unpleasant odors caused by excrement by volatilizing the aromatic components of the fragrance that has been contained in the waist region when the waist region is raised or lowered during changing of the article, allowing the person changing the article to smell the fragrance. However, even with wearing articles that have such effects, it is difficult for a purchaser to realize the function of the fragrance contained in the article before use, such as what kind of fragrance will work, until they actually pick up the wearing article and put it on or change it.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an absorbent article that makes it easy for consumers to experience the insect repellent function of the absorbent article before using it.

The main invention to achieve the above object is:
a liquid-absorbing absorbent core;
and a fragrance provided on a side opposite to the absorbent core,
The absorbent article is a pants-type disposable diaper, a shorts-type napkin, or a tape-type disposable diaper,
a fragrance visible area in which the presence of the fragrance can be visually recognized from the outside of the absorbent article;
The fragrance-applied area to which the fragrance is applied and the fragrance-visible area have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article , and the overlapping portion is located inside the contour of the fragrance-applied area.
The absorbent article is characterized by the above.
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides an absorbent article that allows consumers to easily experience the insect repellent function of the absorbent article before use.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 as viewed from the ventral side. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the diaper 1 as seen from the rear side. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an open and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the non-skin side. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3 . FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged plan view of the diaper 1 as seen from the rear side. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fragrance visible range VR. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another modified example of the fragrance visible range VR. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the fragrance visible range VR. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the first design portion GH1. A figure explaining another modified example of the first pattern portion GH1. 1 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive disposed between a back sheet 13 and an exterior sheet 14. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the adhesive portion 60 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing two absorbent articles 1a and 1b removed from a storage member. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of two absorbent articles 1a and 1b in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the non-skin side.

At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
Aspect 1 is an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core and a fragrance disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, characterized in that the absorbent article has a fragrance visible area that is visible from outside the absorbent article, and the fragrance-applied area in which the fragrance is applied and the fragrance visible area have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article.

According to an absorbent article such as that of aspect 1, the user can recognize the location where the fragrance is present by looking at the fragrance visible area, and by smelling the location of the fragrance visible area, the user can easily experience the function of the fragrance before putting the article on.

Aspect 2 is the absorbent article according to aspect 1, characterized in that it has a film disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, and the fragrance is disposed on the non-skin side of the film.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 2, by disposing the fragrance on the non-skin side of the film, it becomes easier to form an area in the film where a change that can be seen from the outside has occurred as a fragrance visible area. The user can recognize the location where the fragrance is present, and by smelling the area where the change has occurred, it becomes easier to realize the function of the fragrance before putting the article on.

Aspect 3 is an absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a film disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core, the film has moisture permeability, and the fragrance is in contact with the film.

In the case of an absorbent article such as that of aspect 3, in the case of a moisture-permeable film, the area where the film can be seen through and that gives a wet feeling can be formed as a fragrance visible area, and the user can easily feel the function of the fragrance before putting the article on by smelling the wet-looking area.

Aspect 4 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, in which the film has a colored portion, and the fragrance application area and the colored portion have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 4, if the film is moisture permeable, the color of the colored portion of the film is likely to change as if it were wet in the area where the fragrance-applied area and the colored portion overlap, making it possible to distinguish the shade of color. The area where the color change occurs can be formed as a fragrance-visible area, allowing the user to recognize where the fragrance is present and to easily feel the function of the fragrance before putting the article on by smelling the changed area.

Aspect 5 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, which has a core wrap sheet arranged on at least the non-skin side of the absorbent core, the core wrap sheet being colored and arranged on the skin side of the film.

According to an absorbent article such as that of aspect 5, in the fragrance visible region, which can be seen because the film feels wet, the film can be seen through, making it easier to identify the colored core wrap sheet present on the skin side. This makes the fragrance visible region easier to recognize, and the user can more easily feel the presence of the fragrance by concentrating on smelling the area where the colored core wrap sheet is visible. Furthermore, if the film has a colored portion, the impression of transparency can be suppressed by overlapping with the color of the core wrap sheet, and deterioration of the color appearance can be suppressed.

Aspect 6 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, in which the film has a first design portion and a second design portion, the first design portion is a portion that is more smeared than the second design portion by applying the fragrance, and the first design portion is a visible area of the fragrance.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 6, the first design portion is more smudged than the second design portion, making it easier to notice the difference in appearance of the designs, and because such an area is a fragrance visible area, it becomes easier to recognize the area where the fragrance is present. By the user smelling the first design portion, the presence of the fragrance becomes more noticeable.

Aspect 7 is the absorbent article according to aspect 6, in which the first pattern portion is at least partially missing or at least partially blurred at the outer edge of the pattern.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 7, the bled first pattern portion has such a configuration, making it easier to distinguish the difference in appearance from the second pattern portion, and making it easier to recognize the fragrance visible area.

Aspect 8 is the absorbent article according to aspect 6 or 7, in which the fragrance application area is disposed beyond the outer edge of the first pattern portion.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 8, the first design portion guides the user to the area where the fragrance is present, and since the fragrance is also applied further outward than the first design portion, the fragrance can be sensed over a wider area when the user sniffs the first design portion.

Aspect 9 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 6 to 8, in which the film is moisture impermeable.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 9, the film is moisture impermeable, so that the applied fragrance does not pass through the film but remains on the outer surface of the film. This makes the first design portion more likely to bleed.

Aspect 10 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 6 to 9, in which the second pattern portion has a pattern indicating that the absorbent article contains the fragrance.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 10, if a pattern that evokes the fragrance contained in the absorbent article bleeds, there is a risk that the information about the fragrance will not be conveyed correctly, but because such a pattern does not bleed, the fragrance can be clearly indicated to the user.

Aspect 11 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 6 to 10, which has an exterior sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the film, the film and the exterior sheet have a non-adhesive portion where they are not adhered to each other by an adhesive, and the non-adhesive portion and the first pattern portion have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article.

In an absorbent article such as that of embodiment 11, the non-adhered portions are more likely to rub against each other due to the misalignment of the contact surfaces, making the pattern more likely to bleed. The more bleed that occurs, the easier it is for the user to recognize the fragrance visible area.

Aspect 12 has an outer sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the film, and the film and the outer sheet have an adhesive portion where they are bonded to each other by an adhesive,
The absorbent article according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the adhesive portion and the first pattern portion have an overlapping portion when viewed in a thickness direction of the absorbent article.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 12, in the area where the first design portion that has bled due to the application of the fragrance overlaps with the adhesive portion, the organic solvent and other components contained in the fragrance weaken the adhesive strength of the adhesive in the adhesive portion, making it easier for the film and the exterior sheet to peel off. When peeled off, they become more susceptible to rubbing, so the first design portion bleeds more easily, making it easier for the user to notice.

Aspect 13 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 2 to 8, which has an exterior sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the film, the film and the exterior sheet have an adhesive portion where they are bonded to each other with an adhesive, and the fragrance visible region and the adhesive portion have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article.

In an absorbent article such as that of aspect 13, in the area where the adhesive and the fragrance visible area overlap, the fragrance extracts the oils in the adhesive, making the adhesive application pattern visible. This makes it easier to distinguish between the fragrance application area where the fragrance is applied and the area where the fragrance is not applied.

Aspect 14 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, in which when two absorbent articles are taken out of a container that contains a plurality of the absorbent articles and are respectively made into a first absorbent article and a second absorbent article, the position of the fragrance visible region in the first absorbent article and the position of the fragrance visible region in the second absorbent article are different in the unfolded and extended state.

According to an absorbent article such as that of aspect 14, the position of the fragrance visible area in each of the first and second absorbent articles is different, so that depending on the clothes worn by the user of the absorbent article, the fragrance visible area may be seen to extend beyond the clothes, and the fragrance visible area can be seen outside the clothes. In addition, the misalignment of the fragrance visible area gives the consumer a sense of discomfort, making it easier for them to notice the presence of fragrance.

Aspect 15 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 6 to 12, in which a size indication section is provided that indicates the size of the absorbent article and is visible from the non-skin side of the absorbent article, a front-rear direction indication section is provided that indicates the front-rear direction of the absorbent article and is visible from the non-skin side of the absorbent article, and a brand name indication section is provided that indicates the brand name of the absorbent article and is visible from the non-skin side of the absorbent article, and at least a part of the size indication section and the front-rear direction indication section are the first pattern section, and the brand name indication section is the second pattern section.

According to the absorbent article of aspect 15, the brand name of the product is very important, so it is clearly displayed without being affected (smeared) by the application of fragrance. Since the size and front-to-rear direction of the absorbent article are usually checked by the person replacing the absorbent article when it is used, it is more impressive if at least a part of the size marking and front-to-rear direction marking are smeared.

Aspect 16 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 6 to 12, in which the first design portion before the fragrance is applied has a single color or multiple shades of color.

In an absorbent article such as aspect 16, the application of fragrance causes bleeding in the first design portion, but if the bleeding is excessive, the appearance may deteriorate. However, since the first design portion originally has a color shade, even if the bleeding is excessive, it will be like a color gradation, and deterioration of the design appearance can be suppressed.

Aspect 17 is an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 16, in which the fragrance has a component that exhibits an insect repellent function, and the component contains at least one of azadirachtin and citronellal.

An absorbent article like that of aspect 17 can provide insect repellent properties.

In aspect 18, the fragrance has a component that exhibits an insect repellent function, and the component is menthol, α-terpineol, linalyl acetate, lavandulol, isopulegol, benzyl acetate, ethyl linalool, menthane, camphene, tetrahydrolinalool, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, ocimenol, terpinyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, geranyl formate, p-menthane-3,8-diol, 2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate, mugol, myrcenol, nerol, phenylethyl acetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 16 contains at least one of acetate, citronellyl acetate, neryl acetate, anisyl acetate, geranyl acetate, ethyl linalyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl acetate, and cinnamyl acetate.

An absorbent article like that of aspect 18 can provide insect repellent properties.

====Embodiment===
As an example of the absorbent article according to the present embodiment, a pants-type disposable diaper for infants will be described. However, the absorbent article according to the present embodiment is not limited to the above and can be applied as, for example, pants-type disposable diapers for adults, shorts-type napkins, tape-type disposable diapers, urine pads, sanitary napkins, diapers for pets, etc.

====Basic Configuration of Pants-type Disposable Diaper 1====
Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") as viewed from the ventral side. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the diaper 1 as viewed from the dorsal side. Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the non-skin side. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3.

The unfolded state of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the pair of joints 2 on both sides of the diaper 1 are separated and the diaper 1 is opened and unfolded in a flat plane. The stretched state of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the elastic members of the diaper 1 are stretched to the extent that wrinkles in the diaper 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, this refers to the state in which each member constituting the diaper 1 is stretched until its dimensions match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone (i.e., the dimensions when the elastic members are not stretchable).

As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 1 has a top-bottom direction, a left-right direction, and a front-to-back direction, and is formed with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. In the front-to-back direction, the side facing the wearer's abdomen is the front side, and the side facing the wearer's back is the rear side. In addition, the diaper 1 has a thickness direction as shown in FIG. 5, and the side in contact with the wearer in the thickness direction is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side.

The diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 and waist sections 20, 30 arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. The diaper 1 of this embodiment is a so-called three-piece type, and the waist section has a ventral waist section 20 and a dorsal waist section 30, and the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 below the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 is exposed to the outside.

As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the non-skin side of the longitudinal front end of the absorbent body 10 is joined to the skin side of the ventral waist section 20 by adhesive or the like, and the non-skin side of the longitudinal rear end of the absorbent body 10 is joined to the skin side of the dorsal waist section 30 by adhesive or the like. From the unfolded state of the diaper 1 in Fig. 3, the absorbent body 10 is folded in half so that the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 face each other, and both left and right sides of the ventral waist section 20 and both left and right sides of the dorsal waist section 30 are joined by welding (for example, thermal welding or ultrasonic welding) or the like to form a pair of joints 2, thereby making the diaper 1 into a pants-type diaper.

In this embodiment, the region of the diaper 1 in the vertical range where the joint 2 is located (i.e., the region from the upper end 2a to the lower end 2b of the joint 2) is referred to as the "ventral waistline 1F" and the "rear waistline 1B", and the region below the ventral waistline 1F and the rear waistline 1B is referred to as the "crotch portion 1C". Note that the "crotch portion" refers to the region that is located under the crotch of the wearer when worn. Specifically, in the case of a pants-type disposable diaper such as the diaper 1, the region below the joints 2 at both ends in the width direction when the diaper is in the pants-type state is referred to as the crotch portion 1C. In addition, in the case of a tape-type disposable diaper, the disposable diaper is folded in half at the fold in the center of the longitudinal direction, and the lowermost region when the disposable diaper is divided into two equal parts in the longitudinal direction is referred to as the crotch portion.

The absorbent body 10 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 11, an absorbent core 12 that absorbs excrement, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 13, and an exterior sheet 14, which are bonded together by adhesive or the like. An example of the absorbent core 12 is a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber that is impregnated with a superabsorbent polymer and molded into a predetermined shape. The absorbent core 12 may be covered with a core wrap sheet 17 such as liquid-permeable tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. Other examples of the absorbent core 12 include a SAP sheet in which an SAP layer is attached to a hydrophilic sheet, and an airlaid sheet in which liquid-absorbent fiber is molded into a sheet by an airlaid method.

The absorbent body 10 also has leg elastic members 15 (e.g., rubber thread) on both left and right sides that stretch in the longitudinal direction (up and down). This allows the diaper 1 to fit around the legs of the wearer.

The absorbent body 10 also has leak-prevention walls 16 that can stand up on the skin side on both left and right sides. For example, both left and right sides of the exterior sheet 14 are folded inward in the left and right direction so that they are positioned on the skin side of the top sheet 11, and the leak-prevention wall elastic members 161 (e.g., rubber thread) that stretch in the longitudinal direction are provided in the folded-back areas, thereby forming the leak-prevention walls 16.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 each have a skin-side sheet 21, 31 and a non-skin-side sheet 22, 32 made of soft nonwoven fabric or the like, and multiple waist elastic members 23, 33 (e.g. rubber thread) that stretch in the left-right direction. The multiple waist elastic members 23, 33 are arranged in the waist sections 20 (1F), 30 (1B) at intervals in the vertical direction and are fixed to the sheets in a stretched state in the left-right direction. Therefore, the ventral waist section 20 and the dorsal waist section 30 can stretch in the left-right direction to fit the waist of the wearer.

In addition, cover sheets 24, 34 may be provided to cover the upper end of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side (see Figures 3 and 5). The cover sheets 24, 34 can prevent the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin and prevent the absorbent body 10 from opening.

The basic configuration of the diaper 1 has been described above, but the configuration of the diaper 1 is not limited to the above. For example, the diaper 1 may be a two-piece type diaper, and the ventral waist section 20 and the rear waist section 30 may be formed from a single continuous member, or an exterior member may be provided for the crotch section 1C connecting the ventral waist section 20 (1F) and the rear waist section 30 (1B). In addition, the waist elastic members 23, 33 and the leg elastic members 15 may be sheet-like elastic members (stretchable films or stretchable nonwoven fabrics) instead of rubber thread.

<<Fragrance AM>>
The diaper 1 of this embodiment also contains a fragrance AM. In this embodiment, the fragrance AM is a fragrance composition containing an isolated fragrance or a plurality of types of fragrance, and contains a solvent (e.g., isopropyl myristate) in addition to the fragrance. For example, the fragrance may be a mixture of a synthetic fragrance having a fragrance similar to citronellal and lemongrass oil. Alternatively, the fragrance may be a mixture of a synthetic fragrance having a fragrance similar to citronellal and citronellal.

The fragrance AM of this embodiment has a component that exhibits an insect repellent function. The component that exhibits an insect repellent function is a component that functions as a repellent (insect repellent) against pests such as mosquitoes, moths, midges, and flies, and it is desirable for the component to contain at least one of citronellal and azadirachtin. In addition to the above-mentioned components, the components include menthol, α-terpineol, linalyl acetate, lavandulol, isopulegol, benzyl acetate, ethyl linalool, menthane, camphene, tetrahydrolinalool, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, ocimenol, terpinyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, geranyl formate, p-menthane-3,8-diol, 2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate, mugol, myrcenol, nerol, phenylethyl acetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, neryl acetate, anisyl acetate, geranyl acetate, ethyl linalyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl acetate, cinnamyl acetate, and the like. It is desirable to contain at least one of the above-mentioned components. Diaper 1, which contains components that exhibit such repellent properties, can provide insect repellent properties while being worn.

The fragrance AM in FIG. 2 etc. is also the fragrance application area AM, which indicates the area where the fragrance AM is applied. The fragrance AM in this embodiment is a volatile substance and is applied in liquid form. The fragrance AM can be applied by various known methods such as a spray method or application using a coater.

As shown in FIG. 2 etc., in this embodiment, the fragrance AM is provided on the back side of the diaper 1. Specifically, the fragrance AM is provided on the back side of the diaper 1, below the back waist portion 30 (crotch portion 1C), approximately in the center in the left-right direction. This makes it easier to exert a repellent function around the wearer's legs, reducing the risk of the wearer's legs being bitten by mosquitoes. Note that, in this embodiment, the fragrance AM is provided on the absorbent body 10 on the back side of the diaper 1, but this is not limited to this. The fragrance AM can be provided appropriately in parts of the diaper 1 that correspond to the parts of the body where the fragrance AM is to exert a repellent function on the wearer.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the diaper 1 is provided with a pattern 40A that is visible from the non-skin side of the diaper 1 and indicates that the diaper 1 has an insect repellent function. Specifically, the pattern 40A has an illustration of lemongrass, indicating that the diaper 1 has an ingredient that exhibits an insect repellent function, and the letters "ANTIMOS," indicating that the diaper 1 has an ingredient that exhibits an insect repellent function. Thus, a user who sees the pattern 40A can recognize that the diaper 1 exhibits an insect repellent function when or while it is being worn.

As described above, the diaper 1 of this embodiment is an absorbent article coated with fragrance AM, which contains ingredients that have an insect repellent function. However, although it has such a function, it is difficult for consumers to realize the function of the fragrance before use, such as what kind of scent will be active, until they actually pick up the absorbent article and put it on or change it.

In this regard, the diaper 1 of this embodiment has the following configuration. FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged plan view of the diaper 1 as viewed from the back side. In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the fragrance AM is disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet 13 (corresponding to a film) (FIG. 5), and specifically, is disposed in a manner that it is sprayed from the outside (non-skin side) of the exterior sheet 14. The diaper 1 has a fragrance visible region VR that is visible from the outside of the diaper 1. The fragrance visible region VR is a region in which the presence of the fragrance AM can be visually recognized when the diaper 1 is viewed from the outside. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the back sheet 13 has a first pattern portion GH1 and a second pattern portion GH2. A predetermined pattern (here, a star-shaped pattern) is printed on the first pattern portion GH1 and the second pattern portion GH2. The pattern is, for example, a pattern, a picture, a symbol, a letter, etc., and is not particularly limited, and may be a combination thereof. Various printing methods, such as gravure printing, inkjet printing, and flexographic printing, can be used for printing. The first design portion GH1 is a portion that is more smudged than the second design portion GH2 by applying the fragrance. Here, "smudged" means that at least a part of the design is missing, or at least a part of the outer edge of the design is smudged. The first design portion GH1 is more smudged than the second design portion GH2, making it easier for the user to notice the difference in appearance of the designs. In other words, such a first design portion GH1 is the fragrance visible region VR where the presence of the fragrance can be recognized from the outside. By visually checking the smudged portion (first design portion GH1), the user can easily recognize the area where the fragrance is present, and by smelling the first design portion GH1, the user can more easily feel the presence of the fragrance.

In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the fragrance AM is disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet 13 (film), which makes it easier to form an area of the back sheet 13 (film) where a change visible from the outside has occurred as a fragrance visible area VR, but the location of the fragrance AM is not limited to this. The fragrance AM only needs to be disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 12, and may be disposed on the skin side of the back sheet 13 (film), for example. In addition, the diaper 1 does not need to have an exterior sheet 14, and a film equivalent to the back sheet 13 may be disposed on the most non-skin side of the absorbent body 10, and the fragrance AM may be applied to the non-skin side of the film or at least a part of the skin side.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is preferable that the fragrance application area AM is disposed beyond the outer edge of the first pattern portion GH1. In other words, it is preferable that the fragrance application area AM is provided over an area even wider than the area in which the first pattern portion GH1 exists. The first pattern portion GH1 guides the user to the area in which the fragrance AM exists, while the fragrance AM is also applied further outside the first pattern portion GH1, allowing the user to sense the scent over a wider area when smelling the first pattern portion GH1.

As described above, in this embodiment, the area where the pattern is smudged is recognized as the fragrance visible area VR, but the pattern does not necessarily have to be provided in order to recognize the area where the fragrance is applied. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a modified example of the fragrance visible area VR. In this modified example, the back sheet 13 (film) has moisture permeability, and the fragrance AM is in contact with the back sheet 13. The fragrance applied area AM and the fragrance visible area VR have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1 (the direction penetrating the paper in Figure 7). In this way, when the back sheet 13 is a film having moisture permeability, an area where the back sheet 13 can be seen through and seen as if it is wet can be formed as the fragrance visible area VR (the area shown by dots in Figure 7). The user can recognize the location where the fragrance is present by looking at the fragrance visible area VR, which looks different from the surrounding area and looks wet. Then, by smelling the position of the fragrance visible area VR, it becomes easier to realize the function of the fragrance before wearing it.

Figure 8 shows another modified example of the fragrance visible area VR. In this modified example, the back sheet 13 (film) has moisture permeability, and the back sheet 13 has a colored colored portion CR. The fragrance application area AM and the colored portion CR have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1 (the direction penetrating the paper in Figure 8). If the pack sheet 13 has moisture permeability, the color of the colored portion CR of the pack sheet 13 is likely to change as if it were wet in the overlapping portion of the fragrance application area AM and the colored portion CR, making it possible to distinguish the shade of color. The area where such a color change occurs can be formed as the fragrance visible area VR, and the user can recognize the location where the fragrance AM is present by visually checking the fragrance visible area VR that has changed to look wet. Then, by smelling the fragrance around the area where the change has occurred, it becomes easier to realize the function of the fragrance before wearing it.

Figure 9 shows yet another modified example of the fragrance visible area VR. In this modified example, the back sheet 13 (film) is also moisture permeable. Furthermore, the core wrap sheet 17 arranged on the skin side of the back sheet 13 is a colored sheet, or at least a part of it is colored. In such a case, first, in the fragrance application area AM, a region where the back sheet 13 can be seen through and visually recognized as wet can be formed as the fragrance visible area VR (the area shown by dots in Figure 9). Then, when the core wrap sheet 17 is colored, in the fragrance visible area VR where the back sheet 13 can be seen through and visually recognized as wet, the back sheet 13 can be seen through and the colored core wrap sheet 17 present on the skin side can be more easily identified. This makes it easier to recognize the fragrance visible area VR, and the user can more easily feel the presence of the fragrance AM by concentrating on smelling the area where the colored core wrap sheet 17 is visible.

In addition, in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, if the back sheet 13 further has a colored portion CR as shown in FIG. 8, and the fragrance application area AM and the colored portion CR have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1, the color of the colored portion CR changes as if it is wet in the overlapping portion, making the color appear darker, and furthermore, the overlapping color with the color of the core wrap sheet 17 present on the skin side can be seen, thereby suppressing the impression of transparency and preventing deterioration in the appearance of the color.

In the above-mentioned modified examples, the back sheet 13 is described as being moisture permeable, but the back sheet 13 is not limited to this and may be moisture impermeable. When the back sheet 13 is moisture impermeable, the applied fragrance AM does not pass through the back sheet 13 and remains on the outer surface of the back sheet 13. When the fragrance AM remains on the outer surface, for example, the ink used for printing and the fragrance AM are more likely to mix in the first pattern portion GH1 shown in FIG. 6, and the first pattern portion GH1 is more likely to bleed.

The back sheet 13 may be composed of only a moisture-permeable sheet member (film), or may be composed of only a moisture-impermeable sheet member (film), or may be a laminated film in which films with different moisture permeabilities are partially laminated (for example, a laminated film in which a moisture-impermeable film is laminated on part of a moisture-permeable film). In either case, the fragrance-applied area AM undergoes the above-mentioned appearance changes (feeling wet, bleeding of the pattern, darker coloring, etc.), forming a fragrance-visible area VR, allowing the user to visually recognize the presence of the fragrance.

10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a modified example of the first pattern portion GH1. FIG. 10A shows the rear side (back side) of the diaper 1, and FIG. 10B shows a part of the front side (ventral side) of the diaper 1. As shown in FIG. 10A, the diaper 1 has a pattern 51 indicating that the diaper 1 contains a fragrance. In this modified example, the pattern 51 is a picture of lemongrass, which is known to contain citronellal, the main component of the fragrance, and to have an insect repellent effect. In this modified example, the pattern 51 is not smudged, that is, the second pattern portion GH2 has the pattern 51 indicating that the diaper 1 contains a fragrance. The diaper 1 is an absorbent article characterized by containing a fragrance having a component that exhibits an insect repellent function, and if the pattern 51 reminiscent of the fragrance contained in the diaper 1 smudges, the information about the fragrance may not be properly conveyed to the user. However, because the pattern 51 does not bleed, the fragrance can be clearly identified to the user.

As described above, the user can recognize the area where the fragrance is present by visually checking the first pattern portion GH1, which is a portion that is more smeared than the second pattern portion GH2 (FIG. 6, etc.), but the first pattern portion GH1 is not limited to a decorative pattern as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the diaper 1 is provided with a size indication portion 52 indicating the size of the diaper 1 and visible from the non-skin side of the diaper 1, a front-rear direction indication portion 53 indicating the front-rear direction of the diaper 1 and visible from the non-skin side of the diaper 1, and a brand name indication portion 42 indicating the brand name of the diaper 1 and visible from the non-skin side of the diaper 1 (FIG. 10B). Here, the brand name is a name used by a person who produces or sells various absorbent articles to distinguish a specific group of absorbent articles from other groups of absorbent articles. As shown in FIG. 10B, the front-to-rear direction marking 53 of the diaper 1 has the word "FRONT" indicating the front as the front-to-rear direction marking 53a (53) on the front side of the diaper 1, and as shown in FIG. 10A, the back side of the diaper 1 has the word "BACK" indicating the back as the back-to-rear direction marking 53b (53) on the back side of the diaper 1.

In this modified example, the size indication section 52 and the front-rear direction indication section 53 (53a) shown in FIG. 10A are at least partially smudged by the application of the fragrance AM. That is, at least a part of the size indication section 52 and the front-rear direction indication section 53 (53b) is the first pattern section GH1. In this modified example, both the size indication section 52 and the front-rear direction indication section 53 (53b) are at least partially smudged, but only one of the size indication section 52 and the front-rear direction indication section 53 (53b) may be the smudged first pattern section GH1. On the other hand, the brand name indication section 42 is not included in the fragrance application area AM and is not smudged. That is, the brand name indication section 42 is the second pattern section GH2. Since the brand name indicated in the brand name indication section 42 is very important information for the product (diaper 1), it is preferable to display it clearly without being affected by the application of the fragrance, that is, without smudge. On the other hand, since the size of the diaper 1 and the front-to-rear direction of the diaper 1 are usually checked by the person changing the diaper 1 when it is used, if at least a part of the size markings 52 and the front-to-rear direction markings 53 are smudged, the impression can be made stronger. Then, the user can easily realize the insect repellent function by concentrating on sniffing the smudged size markings 52 or the front-to-rear direction markings (or both).

In the modified example shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the size indication section 52 and the front-rear direction indication section 53 are blurred, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the design that becomes the first design section GH1, at least a portion of which is blurred, does not have to include letters. If the letters are blurred too much, it may be difficult to convey the information that is intended to be conveyed by the letters, so a specific design may be provided so that the design that does not include letters is not blurred, but rather the first design section GH1 is a design that will have minimal impact even if it is blurred.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating another modified example of the first pattern portion GH1. In this modified example, the back sheet 13 has a colored portion CR, and the colored portion CR is formed so that the color tone changes stepwise. The color tone of the colored portion CR may be composed of either a single color or multiple colors. In the area where the fragrance application area AM and the colored portion CR overlap in the thickness direction, the first pattern portion GH1 is formed with the colored portion CR smudged. In other words, in the modified example of Figure 11, the first pattern portion GH1 before the fragrance is applied has a single color or multiple shades, and the first pattern portion GH1 smudges in the shaded color tone by applying the fragrance. In the same colored portion CR, the part that does not smudge is the second pattern portion GH2. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first pattern portion GH1 smudges by applying the fragrance AM, but if it smudges too much, the appearance may deteriorate. However, in this modified example, the part that will become the first design portion GH1 originally has shades of color, so even if it bleeds too much, it will look like a color gradation, and the deterioration of the design's appearance can be prevented.

12 is a diagram illustrating an adhesive disposed between the back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14. The back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14 of the absorbent body 10 are joined and fixed by an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. That is, the diaper 1 has an adhesive portion 60 (FIG. 12) in which the back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14 are bonded to each other by the adhesive. In this embodiment, the adhesive is applied in an Ω-shaped application pattern to form the adhesive portion 60, but the application pattern is not limited to this. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the diaper 1 has a non-adhesive portion Nr in which the back film 13 and the exterior sheet 14 are not bonded to each other by the adhesive. The non-adhesive portion Nr means an area other than the adhesive portion 60 between the back film 13 and the exterior sheet 14. Also, the non-adhesive portion Nr and the first pattern portion GH1 have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1 (the direction penetrating the paper in FIG. 12). In the non-adhesive portion Nr, the contact surfaces (the non-skin side of the back sheet 13 and the skin side of the exterior sheet 14) are easily displaced and rubbed against each other, making the first pattern portion GH1 more likely to bleed. The more bleed occurs, the easier it is for the user to recognize the first pattern portion GH1, which is the fragrance visible region VR.

As shown in FIG. 12, the adhesive portion 60 that is bonded to the back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14 and the first pattern portion GH1 overlap when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. In the overlapping portion of the first pattern portion GH1 that has smeared due to the application of fragrance AM and the adhesive portion 60, the organic solvent and other components contained in the fragrance AM weaken the adhesive strength of the adhesive of the adhesive portion 60, making it easier for the back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14 to peel off. When the adhesion between the back sheet 13 and the exterior sheet 14 peels off, they become more susceptible to rubbing, and the rubbing causes the first pattern portion GH1 to smear more easily, making it easier for the user to recognize the first pattern portion GH1.

In addition, in the area where the adhesive 60 where the adhesive is present overlaps with the fragrance visible area VR (first design area GH1), the fragrance extracts the oils in the adhesive, making the adhesive application pattern visible (the area of the adhesive 60 shown by the thick dotted line in Figure 12). By being able to see such areas where the adhesive is present, it becomes easier to recognize the area where the fragrance has been applied, and the user can easily feel the presence of the fragrance.

13 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the adhesive portion 60 shown in FIG. 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, no pattern is provided in the fragrance application area AM, and similar to the fragrance visible area VR shown in FIG. 7, a fragrance visible area VR (area shown by dots in FIG. 13) is formed in which the fragrance is applied and the back sheet 13 can be seen through and visually recognized as if it is wet. Also in FIG. 13, the diaper 1 has an adhesive portion 60 in which the back sheet 13 and the outer sheet 14 are adhered to each other by an adhesive, and the fragrance visible area VR and the adhesive portion 60 have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. Thus, even in the fragrance visible area VR in which there is no pattern and the back sheet 13 changes to look as if it is wet, the adhesive oil is extracted by the fragrance in the overlapping portion where the adhesive is present and the fragrance visible area VR, making the adhesive application pattern visible (the portion of the adhesive portion 60 shown by the thick dotted line in FIG. 13). This makes it easier to distinguish between the fragrance application area AM, where the fragrance has been applied, and the area where no fragrance has been applied. By smelling the fragrance visible area VR, where the adhesive application pattern is now visible, the user can easily sense the presence of the fragrance.

Figure 14 is a diagram showing two diapers (absorbent articles) 1a and 1b taken out of a storage member. Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of two diapers 1a and 1b in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the non-skin side. Here, a modified example of the position of the fragrance visible region VR will be described by comparing two diapers 1 (absorbent articles) manufactured on the same production line. As shown in Figure 14, two diapers 1 are taken out from a storage member 120 that contains a plurality of diapers 1, and are designated as a first diaper (first absorbent article) 1a and a second diaper (second absorbent article) 1b, respectively. Then, as shown in Figure 15, when the first diaper 1a and the second diaper 1b are unfolded and stretched and the fragrance visible region VR is compared, the position of the fragrance visible region VR in the first absorbent article 1a may be different from the position of the fragrance visible region VR in the second absorbent article 1b. In FIG. 15, the position of the fragrance visible region VR in the first diaper 1a and the position of the fragrance visible region VR in the second diaper 1b are shifted in the left-right direction. This may occur when the timing of applying the fragrance AM is shifted during the manufacturing process. However, since the positions of the fragrance visible region VR in the first diaper 1a and the second diaper 1b are different, the fragrance visible region VR may be seen protruding from the clothes worn by the user of the diaper 1 (absorbent article). For example, in a hot season such as summer, the range in which the diaper 1 is hidden by clothes may be narrowed, and in that case, the fragrance visible region VR that is shifted in position may be visible while wearing the diaper. Being able to see the fragrance visible region VR outside the clothes may provide an opportunity to recognize the presence of the fragrance again. In addition, the shift in the position of the fragrance visible region makes the consumer feel uncomfortable, making it easier to notice the presence of the fragrance. And, by increasing the opportunities to recognize the presence of such fragrance, the user may be more likely to realize the repellent function. Note that while the left-right misalignment of the fragrance visible region VR has been described here, the fragrance visible region VR may also be misaligned in the up-down direction for each product.

===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, the formation of the fragrance visible area VR when the fragrance AM is applied by the spray method has been described, but the fragrance AM may also be applied using a coater, and one configuration example thereof will be described below. When the fragrance AM is applied using a coater, it is preferable that the fragrance AM is applied so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state, and the fragrance AM applied along the longitudinal direction may be arranged in a single line or in multiple lines spaced apart in the left-right direction. When a predetermined pattern is provided in the fragrance application area AM indicating the area where the fragrance AM is applied, the pattern is blurred by the fragrance to form the fragrance visible area VR (corresponding to the first pattern portion GH1), but the fragrance application area AM may not have a pattern. When no pattern is provided, the fragrance application area AM can be seen linearly, as if the back sheet 13 is wet through the fragrance, similar to the fragrance visible area VR shown in FIG. 7. That is, a linear fragrance visible region VR is generated that extends along the longitudinal direction. Note that the fragrance visible region VR does not have to form a continuously extending line, as long as at least a portion of it is linear. By being able to confirm this wet-feeling fragrance application line (the portion where the presence of the fragrance is visible as a line), the user can easily recognize the presence of the fragrance before use.

1. Pants-type disposable diapers (absorbent articles)
1a First absorbent article 1b Second absorbent article 1B Back waist portion 1C Crotch portion 1F Ventral waist portion 2 Joint portion 2a Upper end 2b Lower end 10 Absorbent body 11 Top sheet 12 Absorbent core 13 Back sheet (film)
Reference Signs List 14 Exterior sheet 15 Leg elastic member 16 Leak-proof wall portion 17 Core wrap sheet 20 Ventral waist portion 21 Skin-side sheet 22 Non-skin-side sheet 23 Waist elastic member 24 Cover sheet 30 Dorsal waist portion 31 Skin-side sheet 32 Non-skin-side sheet 33 Waist elastic member 34 Cover sheet 40A Design 42 Brand name notation portion 51 Design 52 Size notation portion 53 Front-rear direction notation portion 60 Adhesive portion 120 Storage member 161 Leak-proof wall elastic member

Claims (7)

a liquid-absorbing absorbent core;
and a fragrance provided on a side opposite to the absorbent core,
The absorbent article is a pants-type disposable diaper, a shorts-type napkin, or a tape-type disposable diaper,
a fragrance visible area in which the presence of the fragrance can be visually recognized from the outside of the absorbent article;
The fragrance-applied area to which the fragrance is applied and the fragrance-visible area have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the absorbent article , and the overlapping portion is located inside the contour of the fragrance-applied area.
An absorbent article characterized by: The absorbent article according to claim 1,
A film is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core,
The absorbent article is characterized in that the fragrance is disposed on the non-skin side of the film. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The absorbent core has a film disposed on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent core, the film having moisture permeability,
The perfume is in contact with the film. The absorbent article according to claim 3,
The film has a colored portion,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the fragrance-applied area and the colored area have an overlapping portion when viewed in a thickness direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to claim 3,
A core wrap sheet is disposed on at least the non-skin side of the absorbent core,
An absorbent article characterized in that the core wrap sheet is colored and is positioned on the skin side of the film. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The fragrance contains a component that exhibits an insect repellent function,
The absorbent article is characterized in that the component contains at least one of azadirachtin and citronellal. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
The fragrance contains a component that exhibits an insect repellent function,
The component is at least one of menthol, α-terpineol, linalyl acetate, lavandulol, isopulegol, benzyl acetate, ethyl linalool, menthane, camphene, tetrahydrolinalool, dihydrolinalool, dihydromyrcenol, ocimenol, terpinyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, geranyl formate, p-menthane-3,8-diol, 2-(tert-butyl)cyclohexyl acetate, dihydroterpinyl acetate, mugol, myrcenol, nerol, phenylethyl acetate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, citronellyl acetate, neryl acetate, anisyl acetate, geranyl acetate, ethyl linalyl acetate, tricyclodecenyl acetate, and cinnamyl acetate.

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