PH12015502299B1

PH12015502299B1 - Absorbent article

Info

Publication number: PH12015502299B1
Application number: PH12015502299A
Authority: PH
Inventors: Saito Kyota; Pichadkitjawat Sarinee; Bunrod Natthakarn; Changcharoen Jirapa
Original assignee: Unicharm Corp
Priority date: 2013-07-23
Filing date: 2015-10-05
Publication date: 2016-02-10
Also published as: JP5836329B2; WO2014192981A1; PH12015502299A1; BR112015027050A2; JP2015020006A; TW201529052A; BR112015027050B1; MY162430A; CN105246440A; TWI635853B; CN105246440B

Abstract

An absorbent article includes: an absorbent main body; a ventral band member that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal one end of the absorbent main body; and a dorsal band member that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal other end of the absorbent main body. The ventral band member and the dorsal band member are connected on their lateral ends to form a waist opening and leg openings. The overlapped part of the ventral band member to which the absorbent main body is overlapped is larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the overlapped part of the dorsal band member to which the absorbent main body is overlapped. The ventral band member includes: continuous ventral elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end; and discontinuous ventral elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction. The dorsal band member includes: continuous dorsal elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end; and discontinuous dorsal elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction. The total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic member is greater than the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic member.

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE K & -

Cs

DESCRIPTION Technical Field

The invention relates to an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, which absorbs urine.

Background Art

As a conventional absorbent article which absorbs urine, a 3-piece disposable diaper 1 described in Patent Literature 1 has been used. FIG. 1Ais a schematic perspective view of the diaper 1 in a wearable form, and FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 as viewed from the non-skin side, which is spread out after separating at sections 1s and 1s where the diaper 1 is in contact with a wearer's side flank. The 3-piece diaper 1 is divided into three components.

That is, the diaper 1 includes: as a first component, an absorbent main body 10 which is brought into contact with the wearer's crotch to absorb urine; as a second component, a ventral band member 30a which covers the wearer's ventral part; and as a third component, a dorsal band member 30b which covers the wearer's dorsal part. The absorbent main body 10 spans the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b which are arranged in substantially parallel having a space between them. The lengthwise ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 are fixed to the nearest band members 30a and 30b respectively, and the appearance of the diaper 1 in the spread-out state is a substantially H shape when viewed from above.

The absorbent main body 10 includes: an absorbent core 11 composed of : liquid-absorbent material (e.g. pulp fiber) which is deposited; a liquid-permeable ! top-face sheet member 13 which covers the core 11 from the skin side; and a liquid-impermeable back-face sheet member 15 which covers the core 11 from the ] non-skin side. The lengthwise direction of the absorbent main body 10 is along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the band members 30a and 30b extend in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A i direction which is perpendicular to both of the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction (a direction perpendicular to the paper plane in FIG. 1B) is the thickness direction of the diaper 1.

On the other hand, while stretching in the lateral direction, a plurality of elastic members 35s1, 35s2, ... such as elastic strings are joined and fixed to each of the band members 30a and 30b, along the lateral direction. Accordingly, contractile force in the lateral direction is applied to each of the band members 30a and 30b. Sections 30ac and 30bc of the band members 30a and 30b, to which the ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 are fixed, are lateral central sections 30ac and 30bc.

Citation List

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Translation of PCT Application) No. H2006-525858

Summary of Invention Technical Problem

In this case, when the foregoing contractile force is applied to the central : sections 30ac and 30bc, a part of the absorbent main body 10 in which an : absorbent core 11 exists contracts in the lateral direction to produce crease. The crease reduces the area of the skin-side surface of the absorbent main body 10 which faces wearer's skin. Consequently, urine-absorbency deteriorates, or urine is more likely to leak from the absorbent main body 10 through the crease.

Accordingly, contractile force generated in the sections 30ac and 30bc of the band members 30a and 30b (corresponding to the absorbent core 11) is reduced as follow: of the plurality of elastic members 35s1, 35s2, ... provided in the band members 30a and 30b, dividing laterally the elastic members 35s2 which cross the absorbent core 11, at positions of the absorbent core 11, so that elastic members which cross the absorbent core 11 do not substantially exist as shown in

FIG. 1B; or dividing finely the elastic members which cross the absorbent core 11

(not shown).

That is, as mentioned above, in some cases, it is necessary to reduce locally contractile force of the band members 30a and 30b in the lateral direction.

On the other hand, in order to improve urine-absorbency, it can be considered that the absorbent main body 10 is eccentrically arranged to the ventral band member 30a rather than the dorsal band member 30b.

Consequently, concerning the volume of urine which the absorbent main body can absorb, the value on the ventral side is greater than that on the dorsal side, and urine which is discharged mainly to the ventral side can therefore be absorbed quickly and surely without the lack of absorbing capacity of the absorbent main body 10.

However, in this configuration, a part which absorbs urine mainly is the : ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10. The ventral part 10a has : absorbed urine to become heavier, and this may develop drooping of the part 10a, as shown in FIG. 1C. A large drooping produces a large gap between the absorbent main body 10 and the crotch, and as a result, urine may leak from the diaper 1.

The invention has been made in view of the above conventional problems, and advantages thereof are to be capable of reducing contractile force locally in both of the ventral band member and the dorsal band member, to improve : urine-absorbency of an absorbent main body, and to suppress the drooping of the ventral part caused by the weight of the ventral part of the absorbent main body : which has already absorbed urine.

Solution to Problem

An aspect of the invention to achieve the above advantage is an absorbent main body that is provided along a longitudinal direction and absorbs urine; a ventral band member that is provided along a lateral direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal one end of the absorbent main body; and : a dorsal band member that is a member different from the ventral band member, that is provided along the lateral direction, and that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal other end of the absorbent main body, lateral ends of the ventral band member and lateral ends of the dorsal band member being connected and forming one waist opening and two leg openings, the ventral band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the dorsal band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the overlapped part of the ventral band member is larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the overlapped part of the dorsal band member, the ventral band member including: continuous ventral elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the ventral band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the ventral band member; and discontinuous ventral elastic members arranged discontinuously in the : lateral direction, ; the dorsal band member including: continuous dorsal elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the dorsal band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the dorsal band member; and j discontinuous dorsal elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction,

a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members of the dorsal band member being greater than a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members of the ventral band member.

Other features of this invention will become apparent from the description in this specification and the attached drawings.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, the following advantages are achieved: to be capable of reducing contractile force locally in both of the ventral band member and the dorsal band member, to improve urine-absorbency of an absorbent main body, and to suppress the drooping of the ventral part caused by the weight of the ventral part of the absorbent main body which has already absorbed urine.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view of an example of a 3-piece diaper 1, for illustrating the problem of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 as viewed from the non-skin side, which is spread out after separating at sections 1s and 1s where ; the diaper 1 is in contact with a wearer's side flank.

FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram of the diaper 1 which is worn by an infant, as a wearer.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a 3-piece disposable diaper 1 according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view as viewed from the skin side of the diaper 1 : which is spread-out.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A and a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line C-C. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line B-B.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line VI-VI. :

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the diaper 1 which is worn by an infant, as a wearer.

FIG. 8A is a schematic enlarged view of a ventral band member 30a as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1.

FIG. 8B is a schematic enlarged view of the ventral band member 30a as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged view of a dorsal band member 30b as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b are connected.

FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged view of the ventral band member 30a as viewed from the skin side of the diaper 1.

FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of the ventral band member 30a, showing another example of elastic members 35na arranged discontinuously in a lower region AD; in this figure, nonwoven fabric 31 of the band member 30a located on the non-skin side is omitted.

Description of Embodiments

At least the following matters will be made clear by the description in the present specification and the accompanying drawings. :

An absorbent article, including: : an absorbent main body that is provided along a longitudinal direction and absorbs urine; ; a ventral band member that is provided along a lateral direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and : that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal one end of the absorbent main body; and a dorsal band member that is a member different from the ventral band member, that is provided along the lateral direction, and that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal other end of the absorbent main body, : lateral ends of the ventral band member and lateral ends of the dorsal band member being connected and forming one waist opening and two leg openings, : the ventral band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the dorsal band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the overlapped part of the ventral band member is larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the overlapped part of the dorsal band member, ; the ventral band member including: continuous ventral elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the ventral band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the ventral band member; and discontinuous ventral elastic members arranged discontinuously in the : lateral direction, the dorsal band member including: continuous dorsal elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the dorsal band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the dorsal band member; and discontinuous dorsal elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction, a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic : members of the dorsal band member being greater than a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members of the ventral band member.

With such an absorbent article, the ventral band member includes the discontinuous ventral elastic member arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction. The contractile force applied to the ventral band member in the lateral direction can be reduced locally. Similarly, because the dorsal band member also includes the discontinuous dorsal elastic member arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction, the contractile force applied to the dorsal band member in the lateral direction can be reduced locally.

As for the overlapped parts of the band members, to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the overlapped part of the ventral band member is larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the overlapped part of the dorsal band member. Thus, the entire body of the absorbent main body is eccentrically arranged to the ventral band member rather than to the dorsal band member.

Accordingly, the absorbent main body can quickly absorb urine which is discharged mainly to the ventral side and the volume of urine which the absorbent main body can absorb is sufficiently large.

Further, the total contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic member of the dorsal band member is greater than the total contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic member of the ventral band member. This can prevent drooping caused by the weight of the ventral part of the absorbent main body which has already absorbed urine; the drooping is a phenomenon which, if the absorbent main body is eccentrically arranged to the ventral band member rather than to the dorsal band member as mentioned above, may happen after absorbing urine. More specifically, when the absorbent article is in a wearable form, the contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic member, the total of which is greater, functions as a pulling force toward the dorsal side, and the pulling force is exerted on the ventral part of the absorbent main body through the ventral band member. Then, the ventral part is pulled up toward the dorsal side (obliquely j upward, for example). This can prevent drooping of the ventral part of the absorbent main body which has already absorbed urine.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that by providing the overlapped part in a lateral central section of the ventral band ] member, the ventral band member includes a protruding part in each of lateral sides, the protruding parts protruding in the lateral direction beyond the overlapped part, ; each of the discontinuous ventral elastic members includes: a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the one lateral side; and a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the other lateral side, a space being in the lateral central section and extending in the lateral ; direction between the side elastic member in the protruding part of the one lateral side and the side elastic member in the protruding part of the other lateral side, by providing the overlapped part in a lateral central section of the dorsal band member, the dorsal band member includes a protruding part in each of lateral sides, the protruding part protruding in the lateral direction beyond the overlapped part, : each of the discontinuous dorsal elastic members includes: a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the one lateral side; and a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the other lateral side, a space being in the lateral central section and extending in the lateral direction between the side elastic member in the protruding part of the one lateral side and the side elastic member in the protruding part of the other lateral side, and a total contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the ventral band member is greater than a total contractile force of the side elastic : members in the protruding parts of the dorsal band member.

With such an absorbent article, in each of the ventral band member and the dorsal band member, there is the lateral central section, where the overlapped part is provided. A part of the discontinuous elastic member in which no elastic member exists corresponds to the lateral central section. That is, in the central section, there is substantially no elastic member. This reduces the contractile force which is applied to the overlapped part (the central section). Accordingly, creasing of the absorbent main body due to the contractile force of the elastic member is effectively prevented, and the skin-side surface of the absorbent main body can be maintained substantially flat. This allows liquid absorbing action of the absorbent main body to be prevented from being inhibited.

The total contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the ventral band member is larger than the total contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the dorsal band member.

Accordingly, the ventral part of the absorbent main body is pulled with a greater force from both lateral sides than the dorsal part is pulled. The ventral part of the absorbent main body is therefore quickly enlarged in the lateral direction, and its skin-side surface is more likely to be substantially flat. This can enlarge a skin-facing area of the ventral part, to which urine is discharged. Consequently urine-absorbency can improve.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that each of the side elastic members arranged in each of the protruding parts of the ventral band member extends toward a lateral center, and an end of the extending part is joined to a lateral end of the absorbent main body.

With such an absorbent article, the side elastic member arranged in the protruding part of the ventral band member is provided extending to the lateral end of the absorbent main body, and is joined to the end. Accordingly, the contractile force of the side elastic member can be applied surely to the ventral part of the absorbent main body from both lateral sides. This makes it possible to surely pull the ventral part of the absorbent main body toward both lateral sides. ;

Consequently, the skin-side surface of the ventral part can be surely substantially flat. 1

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that the absorbent main body includes:

an absorbent core composed of liquid-absorbent material that is : deposited, a liquid-permeable top-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the skin side; and a liquid-impermeable back-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the non-skin side, and an end of each side elastic member of the ventral band member is located on a lateral end of the absorbent core.

With such an absorbent article, the end of the side elastic member of the ventral band member is located on the lateral end of the absorbent core. :

Accordingly, the contractile force of the side elastic member can be surely transferred to the ventral part of the absorbent core, which is the main part of the absorbent main body. This makes it possible to more surely pull the ventral part of the core toward both lateral sides with a large amount of contractile force.

Consequently, the skin-side surface of the ventral part of the absorbent main body can be more surely substantially flat so as to further improve urine-absorbency.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that the absorbent main body includes: an absorbent core composed of liquid-absorbent material that is deposited; a liquid-permeable top-face sheet member that covers the absorbent | : core from the skin side; and a liquid-impermeable back-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the non-skin side, each of the side elastic members arranged in each of the protruding parts of the dorsal band member extends toward a lateral center, and : an end of the extending part is fixed to a part of the absorbent main body that is located close to a lateral end with respect to the absorbent core.

With such an absorbent article, the end of the side elastic member of the dorsal band member is fixed to a part of the absorbent main body that located close to the lateral end with respect to the absorbent core. Accordingly, the : contractile force of the side elastic member is less likely to be transferred to the absorbent core, which is the main part of the absorbent main body.

Consequently, the dorsal part of the absorbent main body is allowed to be separated from a wearer's buttocks. A space which accommodates feces that a wearer has evacuated is therefore more likely to be formed between a wearer's buttocks and the top-face sheet member. :

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that each of lateral ends of the absorbent main body is fixed to the ventral band member by a joint section, and : the contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts is exerted on the ends through the joint sections, and the lateral ends are thereby pulled toward the corresponding protruding parts.

With such an absorbent article, the lateral ends of the absorbent main body are pulled toward the ventral band member due to a large amount of contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the ventral band member. Thus, the ventral part of the absorbent main body is pulled up, and this makes it possible to prevent the drooping of the ventral part which has absorbed urine and has become heavier.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that : the dorsal band member includes a projecting part that projects further toward i the leg opening than the ventral band member, the projecting part being formed by making the dorsal band member larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the ventral band member, and contractile force of a side elastic member which is nearest to the leg opening, of a plurality of the side elastic members located in the protruding parts of the ventral band member, is greater than contractile force of a side elastic member which is nearest to the leg opening, of a plurality of the side elastic members located in the protruding parts of the dorsal band member.

With such an absorbent article, of the plurality of side elastic members of the ventral band member, the side elastic member which is nearest to the leg : opening is greater in contractile force than, of the plurality of side elastic members of the dorsal band member, the side elastic member which is nearest to the leg opening. Accordingly, the projecting part of the dorsal band member, which serves as a buttock cover, is quickly pulled toward the ventral side by contractile : force of the side elastic member of the ventral band member. Thus, the projecting part can be quickly enlarged toward the ventral side. Consequently, the projecting part can effectively serve as the buttock cover.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that contractile force of one of a plurality of the continuous dorsal elastic members which is nearest to the leg opening in the longitudinal direction is greater than contractile force of one of a plurality of the continuous ventral elastic members which is nearest to the leg opening in the longitudinal direction.

With such an absorbent article, it is possible to further effectively prevent drooping of the ventral part of the absorbent main body caused by the weight of the ventral part which has absorbed urine. More details are as follows. As mentioned above, first, in this invention, in order to prevent the drooping, the total : contractile force of the plurality of continuous dorsal elastic members in the dorsal band member is greater than the total contractile force of the plurality of continuous elastic members in the ventral band member. Accordingly, the : ventral part of the absorbent main body is pulled up toward the dorsal side.

Contribution of the continuous dorsal elastic members to this pull-up effect is not uniform over all continuous dorsal elastic members, and similarly Contribution of the continuous ventral elastic members to this pull-up effect is not uniform over all continuous ventral elastic members. Concerning the continuous dorsal elastic : members in the dorsal band member, the continuous elastic member that is most associated with the pull-up effect is a continuous dorsal elastic member which is j nearest to the leg openings in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand,

concerning the continuous ventral elastic members in the ventral band member, the continuous elastic member that is most associated with the pull-up effect is a continuous ventral elastic member which is nearest to the leg openings in the longitudinal direction. Thus, if contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic member which is nearest to the leg openings is greater than contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic member which is nearest to the leg openings, it is possible to more effectively pull up the ventral part of the absorbent main body : toward the dorsal side. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the : drooping of the ventral part.

In such an absorbent article, it is preferable that the ventral band member includes a sheet-like member as a substrate and includes the continuous ventral elastic members and the discontinuous ventral elastic members provided in the sheet-like member, the dorsal band member includes a sheet-like member as a substrate and includes the continuous dorsal elastic members and the discontinuous dorsal elastic members provided in the sheet-like member, when a state in which the sheet-like member is stretched in the lateral direction until the sheet-like member becomes its original length is defined as a stretching state of 100%, a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic : members means a total magnitude of contractile force in the lateral direction which is generated in the continuous ventral elastic members in the stretching state of 70%, and a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members means a total magnitude of contractile force in the lateral direction which is generated in the continuous dorsal elastic members in the stretching state of 70%.

With such an absorbent article, a large amount of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic member can be surely exerted on the ventral part of the ] absorbent main body through the ventral band member, and this enables the ventral part to be surely pulled up toward the dorsal side. It is therefore possible to surely prevent the drooping of the ventral part of the absorbent main body; the drooping is a phenomenon which may happen after absorbing urine.

Present Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a 3-piece disposable diaper 1 which is an example of an absorbent article according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view as viewed from the skin side of the diaper 1 which is spread-out, and FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1. FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line A-A and a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line C-C. FIG. 5B : is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line B-B.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5A and 5B, the diaper 1 has the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction and the thickness direction, which are three directions perpendicular to one another. The diaper 1 is a so-called 3-piece diaper and includes three components 10, 30a and 30b. That is, the diaper 1 includes: as a first component, an absorbent main body 10 which is brought into contact with the wearer's crotch to absorb urine; as a second component, a ventral band member ; 30a which covers the wearer's ventral part; and, as a third component, a dorsal band member 30b which covers the wearer's dorsal part. In the spread-out state of FIG. 3, the absorbent main body 10 spans the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b which are arranged in parallel having a space between them. The lengthwise ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 are respectively joined and fixed to the nearest band members 30a and 30b, and the appearance is a substantially H shape when viewed from above. In this state, the absorbent main body 10 is double-folded along the center C1 in the lengthwise direction of the diaper 1. The band members 30a and 30b which face : each other in this double-folded state are connected on parts 30ae and 30be which is to be in contact with a wearer's side flank (that is, the lateral ends s 30ae ; and 30be). Then, the band members 30a and 30b are connected in an annular shape so that the diaper 1 in a wearable form, shown in FIG. 2, including a waist opening 1HB and a pair of leg openings 1HL and 1HL.

As a connecting configuration in which the foregoing band members 30a : and 30b are connected, various types of configurations can be employed. For example, in cases of an unremovable connecting configuration such as welding, the diaper 1 can be a pull-on diaper. On the other hand, in case of a removable : connecting configuration such as fastening tape members (not shown), a wrap-style diaper can be made. In this example, the former configuration is employed, and the diaper 1 is referred to as a pull-on diaper.

In the description below, the longitudinal direction, the lateral direction and i the thickness direction of the diaper 1 each are merely referred to as “the : longitudinal direction”, “the lateral direction” and “the thickness direction”. In the : thickness direction, a side which will come into contact with a wearer is referred to as the “skin side” and the opposite side is referred to as the “non-skin side”.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 5B, the three components 10, 30a and 30b of the diaper 1 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5B, the absorbent main body 10 includes an absorbent core 11, a top-face sheet member 13 and a back-face sheet member 15. The absorbent core 11 is formed by shaping liquid-absorbent fiber (e.g. pulp fiber) into a predetermined shape (e.g. a substantially hourglass shape when viewed from above). The top-face sheet member 13 covers the absorbent core 11 from its skin side, and the back-face sheet member 15 covers the absorbent core 11 from its non-skin side and constitutes the exterior of the absorbent main body 10. The absorbent core 11 may contain liquid-absorbent particulate matter such as superabsorbent polymer, and may contain any liquid-absorbent material other than liquid-absorbent fiber and liquid-absorbent particulate matter. The absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet (not shown) : such as tissue paper. :

The top-face sheet member 13 is, for example, a sheet of liquid-permeable : nonwoven fabric having a planar size larger than the absorbent core 11. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, the back-face sheet member 15 is a sheet (sheets) having a planar size larger than the absorbent core 11; for example, a double-layered sheet : 15 formed by bonding a liquid-impermeable leak-proof sheet 15a and an exterior : sheet 15b, the leak-proof sheet 15a being made of polyethylene, polypropylene etc., an exterior sheet 15b being made of nonwoven fabric. While the absorbent core 11 being sandwiched between the back-face sheet member 15 and the top-face sheet member 13, the leak-proof sheet 15a and the top-face sheet member 13 are bonded in a frame-like manner on a part extending outwardly beyond four sides of the absorbent core 11. Thus, the absorbent main body 10 is formed.

In some cases, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5B, so-called barrier cuffs LSG and leg cuffs LG may be composed of the exterior sheet 15b. The barrier cuffs

LSG are walls LSG standing on the lateral ends of the top-face sheet member 13 to prevent leakage, and the leg cuffs LG are stretchable parts LG formed on the leg openings 1HL and 1HL of the diaper 1. Concerning the exterior sheet 15b, as shown in FIG. 5B, the size of the exterior sheet 15b in the lateral direction is set to be sufficiently larger than the leak-proof sheet 15a. That is, the exterior sheet 15b extends largely in the lateral direction beyond both lateral sides of the leak-proof sheet 15a. The extending sections 15bf are folded back toward the lateral center along the lateral ends 10es of the absorbent main body 10 respectively. Near the folding positions, the elastic members 17 such as elastic strings are fixed along the longitudinal direction while stretching in the longitudinal direction, to form the foregoing leg cuffs LG. The folded-back sections 15bg further extend toward the lateral center and are respectively joined to the lateral ends of the top-face sheet member 13 on positions where the lateral ends are covered. The sections joined to the ends serves as base sections LSGb of the barrier cuffs LSG; that is, sections located close to the lateral tip ends from the base sections LSGDb are capable of standing from the top-face sheet member 13, as free-end sections LSGf. On the tip ends of the free-end sections LSGf, elastic members 18 such as elastic strings are fixed along the longitudinal direction while stretching in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal contraction of the elastic members 18 causes the absorbent main body 10 to curve in the longitudinal direction so that the top-face sheet member 13 is located inside. In curving, 17 i contractile force exerted by the elastic members 18 causes the free-end sections

LSGf to contract in the longitudinal direction and to stand from the top-face sheet member 13. Thus, the free-end sections LSGf serve as the barrier cuffs LSG. :

In some cases, between the top-face sheet member 13 and the absorbent core 11 or between the back-face sheet member 15 and the absorbent core 11, a liquid-permeable sheet such as tissue paper may be placed as a second sheet, which is not shown in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 3, both of the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b are sheet members each made of a soft sheet (e.g. nonwoven fabric) having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from above. As ; shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the sheets of nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 (corresponding to the sheet-like members) are double-stacked and joined to form the band members 30a and 30b. The band members 30a and 30b each cover the longitudinal ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 from the ; non-skin side on the lateral central sections 30ac and 30bc of the band members.

The central sections 30ac and 30bc of the band members 30a and 30b are overlapped and joined to the ends 10ea and 10eb.

Two sheets of nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 do not have to have the same size. For example, the configuration may be as shown in FIG. 6, which is an explanatory diagram and shows a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line

VI-Vlin this case. Thatis, in FIG. 6, the sheets of nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 are different in size in the longitudinal direction so that the nonwoven fabric 31 located on the non-skin side in the thickness direction extends toward the longitudinal end : further than the nonwoven fabric 32 located on the skin side extends. In this : case, as shown in FIG. 6, a section 31f of the nonwoven fabric 31 extends in the longitudinal direction from the nonwoven fabric 32, and the extending section 31f is folded back toward the longitudinal center along a position near the vertical edge of the nonwoven fabric 32. The folded-back section 31g is overlapped and : joined to the nonwoven fabric 32. When the section 31f is folded back, parts of the longitudinal ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent main body 10 may be covered from the skin side with the folded-back section 31g. !

As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent main body 10 is overlapped to the central sections 30ac and 30bc of the aforementioned band members 30a and 30b by placing the absorbent main body 10 onto sections 30ac2 and 30bc2 of the band members 30a and 30b, which are closer to the longitudinal center than the : longitudinal ends 30ae2 and 30be2 are. Accordingly, the longitudinal ends 30ae2 and 30be2 of the band members 30a and 30b are parts 30ae2 and 30be2 on which the absorbent main body 10 is not overlapped in band-like manner at all along the entire lateral length. Each of the non-overlapped parts 30ae2 and 30be2 will be a part constituting the waist opening 1HB of the diaper 1 (FIG. 2), and the parts 30ae2 and 30be2 includes elastic members 35U (to be described later) provided continuously along substantially the entire lateral length of the parts : 30ae2 and 30be2.

In the description below, in the band members 30a and 30b of FIG. 3, parts 30ap and 30bp to which the absorbent main body 10 is overlapped are referred to as “the overlapped parts 30ap and 30bp". In the present embodiment, the ; longitudinal size La of the overlapped part 30ap of the ventral band member 30a is : larger than the longitudinal size Lb of the overlapped part 30bp of the dorsal band ] member 30b (La > Lb). That is, the entire body of the absorbent main body 10 is eccentrically arranged to the ventral band member 30a rather than to the dorsal band member 30b. Accordingly, good and smooth urine-absorbency is ensured.

That is, urine is discharged mainly in the position of the ventral side with respect to the longitudinal center C1 of the diaper 1. And, if the absorbent main body 10 is eccentrically arranged to the ventral side as mentioned above, the absorbent main body 10 can quickly absorb urine discharged at a ventral position and the volume of urine which the absorbent main body can absorb is sufficiently large.

In addition, the size of the band members 30a and 30b in the lateral direction are each set larger than the size of the absorbent main body 10 in the lateral direction. Accordingly, the band members 30a and 30b protrude toward both lateral sides beyond the overlapped parts 30ap and 30bp. That is, the band i members 30a and 30b respectively include protruding parts 30aw and 30bw on both lateral sides. The protruding parts 30aw and 30bw protrude in the lateral : direction beyond the overlapped parts 30ap and 30bp.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5A, and 5B, a plurality of elastic members such as elastic strings are placed along the lateral direction between two sheets of the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 of the ventral band member 30a, and the elastic : members are joined and fixed to the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 while stretching in the lateral direction. Accordingly, contractile force in the lateral direction is applied to the ventral band member 30a. The plurality of elastic members 35 are arranged lining up in the longitudinal direction at longitudinal intervals.

In the description below, for the purpose of explanation, the ventral band member 30a is divided in the longitudinal direction into three regions AU, AM and

AD as shown in FIG. 4. These three regions AU, AM and AD lined in the longitudinal direction are respectively referred to as the “upper region AU’, the “middle region AM”, and the “lower region AD” from the longitudinal end toward the longitudinal center. All of the regions AU, AM and AD are band-like regions : extending along the lateral direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the upper region AU is a part which will constitute the waist opening 1HB of the diaper 1, and the region AU is a region in which the absorbent main body 10 is not overlapped at all along the entire length in the lateral direction. In the upper region AU, the elastic members 35U (35) are arranged continuously along substantially the entire area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the region AU, and the elastic members 35U (35) are fixed while stretching in the lateral direction. Accordingly, due to the elastic members 35U (35), contractile force in the lateral direction is applied to the upper region AU along substantially the entire lateral length thereof. The contractile force will work as a contractile force of the waist opening 1HB of the diaper 1. Each of the elastic members 35U (35) in the upper region AU serves as a “continuous ventral elastic member 35a” according to the invention, this will be described later. ]

The middle regions AM is a region in which the longitudinal end 10ea of the absorbent main body 10 is overlapped and fixed to its lateral central section

AMc. More precisely, in the central section AMc of the region AM, a part 10n of : the absorbent main body 10 in which the absorbent core 11 does not exist is overlapped and is fixed. In the middle region AM, the central section AMc is a part which the absorbent main body 10 overlaps; that is, the central section AMc serves as a part of the foregoing overlapped part 30ap. The middle region AM : includes protruding sections AMw and AMw on both lateral sides, the protruding sections AMw and AMw protruding in the lateral direction beyond the central section AMc, which is the overlapped part 30ap. The protruding sections AMw and AMw are parts of the foregoing protruding part 30aw. ;

In the middle region AM, elastic members 35M (35) are continuously arranged along substantially the entire area from the lateral one end to the lateral other end of the region AM, and the elastic members 35M (35) are fixed while stretching in the lateral direction. Accordingly, due to the elastic member 35M (35), contractile force in the lateral direction is applied to the middle region AM along substantially the entire lateral length thereof. Each of the elastic members 35M (35) of the middle region AM also serves as a “continuous ventral elastic member 35a” according to the invention, and this will be described later.

The lower region AD is a region in which a part 10p of the absorbent main body 10 in which the absorbent core 11 exists is overlapped and fixed to its lateral central section ADc. That is, the central section ADc serves as a part of the : foregoing overlapped part 30ap. The lower region AD includes protruding sections ADw and ADw on both lateral sides, the protruding sections ADw and :

ADw protruding in the lateral direction beyond the central section ADc, which is the overlapped part 30ap. These protruding sections ADw and ADw also are parts of the foregoing protruding parts 30aw. That is, the foregoing protruding parts 30aw extend across the middle region AM and the lower region AD.

In the lower region AD, elastic members 35D are arranged discontinuously along the lateral direction. In this example, the elastic members 35D (35) are discontinuous in the central section ADc. In the protruding sections ADw and

ADw located on the lateral sides of the central section ADc, each elastic member 35D (35) is arranged continuously along substantially the entire area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of each protruding section ADw, and is fixed while stretching in the lateral direction. Accordingly, contractile force in the lateral direction is applied to the aforementioned protruding sections ADw and ADw in the lower region AD. Thus, the discontinuous part of the elastic members 35D (35) in the central section ADc allows liquid absorbing action of the absorbent core 11 to be effectively prevented from being inhibited; this will be described later. Each of the aforementioned elastic members 35D (35) in the lower region AD serves as a “discontinuous ventral elastic member 35na” according to the invention, and this also will be described later.

In the foregoing description, the elastic members 35 of the ventral band member 30a are described, and the basic configuration of the elastic members 35 of the dorsal band member 30b are substantially the same except for detailed specifications such as an arrangement in the longitudinal direction, the thickness : and the number of the elastic members 35. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the dorsal band member 30b also includes three regions AU, AM and AD lined in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the upper region AU, the middie region

AM, and the lower region AD are arranged in this order as it goes from the longitudinal ends to the center. Each of the regions AU, AM and AD is a band-like region extending along the lateral direction. The middle region AM includes protruding sections AMw and AMw, each of which is located in the lateral central section AMc and in both lateral sides of the central section AMc; the central section AMc serves as a part of the foregoing overlapped part 30bp, and the ! protruding sections AMw and AMw are each a part of the corresponding ; protruding part 30bw. The lower region AD includes protruding sections ADw and ADw in the lateral central section ADc and in both lateral sides of the central section ADc. The central section ADc serves as a part of the foregoing overlapped part 30bp, and the protruding sections ADw and ADw are each a part of the corresponding protruding part 30bw. Accordingly, the detailed description of the elastic members 35 of the dorsal band member 30b will be omitted. In the 22 1 dorsal band member 30b, the elastic member 35U (35) in in the upper region AU and the elastic member 35M (35) in the middle region AM serves as “continuous dorsal elastic member 35b” according to the invention. The elastic member 35D (35) of the lower region AD serves as a “discontinuous dorsal elastic member 35nb” according to the invention, and this will be described later.

A urine-discharged position on the diaper 1 is usually located in a position of the ventral side with respect to the longitudinal center C1 of the diaper 1 (see

FIG. 3). Accordingly, when urine is discharged, a part which absorbs urine mainly is the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10. In this case, in order for the ventral part 10a to absorb sufficient volume of urine, the absorbent main body 10 is eccentrically arranged to the ventral band member 30a rather than to the dorsal band member 30b as mentioned above in the present embodiment.

However, the eccentric arrangement may cause the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 to largely droop, because of the weight of absorbed urine, as shown in FIG. 7. That is, urine is concentrated on and absorbed by the ventral part 10a. In addition thereto, the absorbent main body 10 is eccentrically arranged toward the ventral side, and this may make urine-absorbency of the : ventral part 10a uneven. This may develop drooping of the ventral part 10a. A : large drooping will worsen the appearance of the diaper, and also will enlarge a gap between the absorbent main body 10 and a wearer's skin. As a result, a large amount of urine may leak from the gap.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the contractile force of predetermined elastic members 35b of the dorsal band member 30b mainly causes the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 to be pulled up toward the dorsal side. This prevents the ventral part 10a from drooping. This will be described in detail below.

In the description below, the elastic members 35 of the ventral band member 30a have to be distinguished from the elastic members 35 of the dorsal band member 30b. Accordingly, as described below, distinguishable symbols are given to the elastic members 35 of the ventral band member 30a and the elastic members 35 of the dorsal band member 30b. In addition, to the elastic members 35U, 35M and 35D in the regions AU, AM and AD, new element names are given as follows.

As shown in FIG. 4, elastic members 35U and 35M are respectively provided continuously in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a along substantially the entire lateral length thereof. :

The elastic members 35U and 35M both are referred to as “continuous ventral elastic members 35a”. The elastic members 35D provided in the lower region AD of the ventral band member 30a are referred to as “the discontinuous ventral elastic members 35na”; the elastic members 35D are discontinuous in the lateral central section ADc, and are continuous in the lateral direction in the protruding sections ADw and ADw located on both sides of the central section ADc. :

Similarly, elastic members 35U and 35M are respectively provided continuously in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the dorsal band member 30b along substantially the entire lateral length thereof. The elastic members 35U and 35M both are referred to as “continuous dorsal elastic members 35b". The elastic members 35D provided in the lower region AD of the dorsal band member 30b are referred to as “the discontinuous dorsal elastic : members 35nb”; the elastic members 35D are discontinuous in the lateral central section ADc, and are continuous in the lateral direction in the protruding sections

ADw and ADw located on both sides of the central section ADc.

Ventral Continuous Elastic Member 35a and Dorsal Continuous Elastic Member 35b

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic enlarged views of the ventral band member 30a as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1, and FIG. 9 is a schematic enlarged view of the dorsal band member 30b as viewed from the non-skin side of the diaper 1. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b are connected.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a, a plurality of continuous ventral elastic members 35a, 354, ... are provided along substantially the entire lateral length of the ventral band member 30a. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 9, in the upper region AU and the ; middle region AM of the dorsal band member 30b, a plurality of continuous dorsal elastic members 35b, 35b, ... are provided along substantially the entire lateral length of the dorsal band member 30b. As shown in FIG. 10, when the lateral ends 30ae and 30ae of the ventral band member 30a are respectively connected to the lateral ends 30be and 30be of the dorsal band member 30b by welding, the longitudinal edge 30aee of the ventral band member 30a is aligned to the longitudinal edge 30bee of the dorsal band member 30b so that the edge 30aee and the edge 30bee connect in the lateral direction with substantially no step in the longitudinal direction between the edges 30aee and 30bee. Accordingly, the lateral ends in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a and the lateral ends in the upper region AU and the middle region

AM of the dorsal band member 30b are connected so as to be substantially continuous in the lateral direction. In addition, the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b of the dorsal band member 30b is set larger than the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a of the ventral band member 30a, based on the setting of the contractile force of each of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a and the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b.

Accordingly, when the diaper 1 is in a wearable form, as shown in FIG. 7, ; the contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b, the total of which is greater, acts as a pulling force toward the dorsal side, and the pulling force is transferred to the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 through ] the ventral band member 30a. Then, the pulling force is exerted on the ventral part 10a so as to pull up it toward the dorsal side (obliquely upward, for example).

Consequently, the ventral part 10a is pulled up toward the dorsal side while resisting the weight of the absorbed urine. This can prevent drooping of the ventral part 10a.

The term “the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral ; elastic members 35a” means the total magnitude of force which is generated in all continuous ventral elastic members 35a in the stretching state of 70%; the stretching state of 100% means a state in which the ventral band member 30a is stretched in the lateral direction until the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 (the substrates of the band member 30a) become their original lengths in the lateral direction (for example, until the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 are stretched in the lateral direction without sagging and stress of the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 is zero). Similarly, “the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b" means the total magnitude of force which is generated all continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in the stretching state of 70%; the stretching state of 100% means a state in which the dorsal band member 30b is stretched in the lateral direction until the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 (the substrates of the band member 30b) become their original lengths in the lateral direction. The reason that the total contractile force is defined as the total : contractile force in the stretching state of 70% as mentioned above is that the : diaper 1 in a wearable form contracts to have the lateral size of 70% if the lateral size of the diaper 1 in the spread-out state of FIG. 3 is defined as the lateral size of 100% generally. A method for measuring the total contractile force will be described later.

The total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b, 35b, ... is set to any value within the range from 1.1 times to 1.5 : times the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a, 35a, ... , for example. Preferably, it is set to any value within the range from 1.1 times to 1.3 times.

In the upper region AU and the middle region AM of FIG. 9, the total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b may be equal or may be different; in this example, the total magnitude of contractile ; force is different between the upper region AU and the middle region AM. In the \ case of differing them, it is preferable that the total contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in the middle region AM is greater than that of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in the upper region AU. This is because, as a region is closer to the absorbent main body 10, contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b belonging to the region is more likely to be transferred the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10, which results in further increase of pull-up effect of the ventral part 10a.

The numbers of continuous dorsal elastic members 35b provided respectively in the upper region AU and the middie region AM may be one or more.

However, a plurality of continuous dorsal elastic members makes it possible to apply contractile force uniformly to the region AU (AM) across substantially the entire area thereof. In addition, if the upper region AU and the middle region AM each include a plurality of continuous dorsal elastic members 35b, the magnitude of contractile force may be equal or may be different between the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b included in the same region AU (AM). In this example, all continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in the upper region AU have the same magnitude of contractile force, and all continuous dorsal elastic ; members 35b in the middle region AM have the same magnitude of contractile force. This promotes more uniformity of contractile force across the regions AU and AM.

The continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the dorsal band member 30b are mainly described above. :

And, the continuous ventral elastic members 35a in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a in FIG. 8A almost fits the description of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b. Accordingly, the description of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a in the upper region AU and the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a is omitted in the description below.

It is preferable that the foregoing relation of the total magnitudes of contractile forces exists between the middle regions AM and AM of the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b. That is, it is preferable that the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b, 35b, ... in the middle region AM of the dorsal band member 30b is set to be greater in the total magnitude of contractile force than the continuous ventral elastic members 35a, 35a, ... in the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a.

With such a setting, it is possible to further effectively prevent the aforementioned drooping caused by the weight of the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 after absorption of urine. Thus, the reason that the magnitude relation should be realized in the middle region AM rather than in the upper region AU is as mentioned above. That is, the reason is that the middle region AM can be considered to have a good capability of transferring contractile force because the middle region AM is closer to the absorbent main body 10 than the upper region AU.

Similarly, in terms of capability of transferring contractile force, when one continuous ventral elastic member 35a in the middle region AM of the ventral band member 30a, which is the nearest to the absorbent main body 10, is compared with one continuous dorsal elastic member 35b in the middle region AM of the dorsal band member 30b, which is the nearest to the absorbent main body 10, it is : preferable that the contractile force of the nearest continuous dorsal elastic member 35b is set to be greater than the contractile force of the nearest continuous ventral elastic member 35a.

Incidentally, the setting can be described as follows. That is, concerning a plurality of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a in FIG. 8A and a plurality of continuous dorsal elastic members 35b in FIG. 9, the setting is preferably : determined so that the continuous dorsal elastic member 35b is greater in contractile force than the continuous ventral elastic member 35a when the magnitudes of contractile forces is compared between one continuous ventral elastic member 35a which is nearest to the leg openings 1HL in the longitudinal direction and one continuous dorsal elastic member 35b which is nearest to the leg openings 1HL in the longitudinal direction.

Discontinuous Ventral Elastic Member 35na and Discontinuous Dorsal Elastic

Member 35nb

As mentioned above, the discontinuous ventral elastic member 35na shown in FIG. 8A is an elastic member 35na which is provided discontinuously along the lateral direction in the lower region AD of the ventral band member 30a.

Similarly, the discontinuous dorsal elastic member 35nb shown in FIG. 9 is an elastic member 35nb which is provided discontinuously in the lateral direction in i the lower region AD of the dorsal band member 30b. Concerning each of the discontinuous ventral elastic member 35na and the discontinuous dorsal elastic member 35nb, the discontinuous part is provided in the lateral central section ADc in the lower region AD. Accordingly, at least in the parts except for the central section ADc, an elastic member 35wa or an elastic member 35wb is provided continuously along the lateral direction.

In detail, as mentioned above, concerning both of the ventral band member 30a in FIG. 8A and the dorsal band member 30b in FIG. 9, the absorbent main body 10 is overlapped to their own lateral central sections ADc in their own lower regions AD. Each lower region AD includes protruding sections ADw and

ADw on both lateral sides of the central section ADc, the protruding sections ADw and ADw protruding in the lateral direction beyond the absorbent main body 10.

Each of the discontinuous ventral elastic members 35na in FIG. 8A includes: a side elastic member 35wa provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding section ADw on the one lateral side of the lower region AD; and another side elastic member 35wa provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding section ADw on the other lateral side, a lateral space being in the central section ADc between the side elastic member 35w in the one protruding section ADw and the side elastic member 35wa in the other protruding section

ADw. Similarly, each of the discontinuous dorsal elastic members 35nb in FIG. 9 includes: a side elastic member 35wb provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding section ADw on the one lateral side of the lower region AD; and another side elastic member 35wb provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding section ADw on the other lateral side, a lateral space being in the central section ADc between the side elastic member 35wb in the one protruding section ADw and the side elastic member 35wb in the other protruding section

ADw.

Such a configuration allows liquid absorbing action of the absorbent main body to be effectively prevented from being inhibited. That is, in the lower region

AD of the ventral band member 30a and the lower region AD of the dorsal band ) member 30b, there are the lateral central sections ADc and ADc, where the overlapped parts 30ap and 30bp are provided respectively. Parts of the discontinuous ventral elastic member 35na and the discontinuous dorsal elastic member 35nb in which no elastic member exist respectively correspond to the foregoing lateral central sections ADc and ADc. This reduces the contractile force which is applied to the overlapped parts 30ap and 30bp (the central sections

ADc and ADc). Accordingly, creasing of the absorbent main body 10 due to the contractile force of the elastic members 35na and 35nb is effectively prevented, and the skin-side surface of the absorbent main body 10 can be maintained substantially flat. This allows liquid absorbing action of the absorbent main body 10 to be prevented from being inhibited.

In the examples of FIGS. 8A and 9, the total contractile force of a plurality of the side elastic members 35wa provided in the protruding sections ADw of the : ventral band member 30a is set greater than the total contractile force of a plurality of the side elastic members 35wb provided in the protruding sections ADw of the dorsal band member 30b. Accordingly, the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 is pulled with a greater force from both lateral sides than the dorsal part 10b. The ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 is therefore quickly enlarged in the lateral direction, and its skin-side surface is more likely to be substantially flat. This can enlarge a skin-facing area of the ventral part 10a, to which urine is discharged. Consequently, urine-absorbency can improve.

In the lower region AD of the ventral band member 30a, the number of side elastic members 35wa provided in each of the protruding sections ADw may be \ one or more. However, a plurality of side elastic members 35wa makes it possible to apply contractile force uniformly to the protruding section ADw across substantially the entire area thereof. In addition, the magnitude of contractile force may be equal or may be different between a plurality of side elastic members 35wa. In this example, all side elastic members 35wa have the same magnitude of contractile force. This promotes more uniformity of contractile force across in the protruding sections ADw. The same applies to the side elastic members 35wb provided in each of the protruding sections ADw in the lower region AD of the dorsal band member 30b.

It is preferable that, as shown in FIG. 8A, the side elastic members 35wa of the ventral band member 30a extend toward the lateral center beyond the protruding sections ADw in the lower region AD and that the ends 35wae of the extending parts are joined to the lateral ends 10ew of the absorbent main body 10.

In such a configuration, the contractile force of the side elastic members 35wa can be applied surely to the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 from both lateral sides. Consequently, the skin-side surface of the ventral part 10a can be surely substantially flat.

In terms of flattening the skin-side surface of the ventral part 10a, it is more preferable that, as shown in FIG. 8B, the extending end 35wae of the side elastic member 35wa of the ventral band member 30a is located in the lateral end 11ew of the absorbent core 11 of the absorbent main body 10. In such a configuration, ; the contractile force of the side elastic member 35wa can be surely transferred to ] the ventral part 11a of the absorbent core 11, which is the main part of the absorbent main body 10. This makes it possible to more surely pull the ventral part 11a of the core 11 toward both lateral sides with a large amount of contractile force. Consequently, the skin-side surface of the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 can be more surely flattened.

On the other hand, in this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the side elastic 1 members 35wb of the dorsal band member 30b further extends toward the lateral center from the protruding sections ADw in the lower region AD. It is, however, 1 preferable that the ends 35wbe of the extending part of the side elastic members ‘ 35wb are fixed to a part 10f of the absorbent main body 10 which is located close to the lateral end with respect to the absorbent core 11. In such a configuration, the contractile force of the side elastic members 35wb is less likely to be transferred to the absorbent core 11, which is the main part of the absorbent main body 10. Consequently, the dorsal part 10b of the absorbent main body 10 is allowed to be separated from a wearer's buttocks. A space which accommodates feces that a wearer has evacuated is therefore more likely to be formed between a wearer's buttocks and the absorbent main body 10.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 10, the dorsal band member 30b ; includes a so-called buttock cover 30bf. That is, the longitudinal size L30b of the dorsal band member 30b is larger than the longitudinal size L30a of the ventral band member 30a. Thus, the dorsal band member 30b includes a projecting part 30bf which project toward the leg opening 1HL beyond the ventral band member 30a, and the projecting part 30bf serves as a buttock cover 30bf which covers a wearer's buttock. :

If the buttock cover 30bf is included, it is preferable that the magnitude of contractile force of the side elastic members is set as follow: concerning a plurality of side elastic members 35wa located in the protruding parts 30aw of the ventral band member 30a and a plurality of side elastic members 35wb located in the protruding parts 30bw of the dorsal band member 30b, the contractile force of the ; side elastic member 35wa which is nearest to the leg openings 1HL is greater than the contractile force of the side elastic member 35wb which is nearest to the leg openings 1HL.

In such a configuration, the projecting part 30bf of the dorsal band member 30b is quickly pulled toward the ventral side by contractile force of the side elastic member 35wa of the ventral band member 30a. Thus, the projecting part 30bf can be quickly enlarged toward the ventral side. Consequently, the projecting part 30bf can effectively serve as the buttock cover 30bf.

In this example, as shown in the schematic enlarged view of FIG. 11, the lateral ends 10es of the absorbent main body 10 serve as the leg cuffs LG. tis however preferable that the ends 10es are fixed to the lower region AD of the ventral band member 30a through the joint sections J (see the hatched areas in

FIG. 11). In such a configuration, through the joint sections J, the contractile force of the side elastic members 35wa and 35wa in the protruding sections ADw of the lower region AD is exerted on the end 10es of the absorbent main body 10.

Consequently, the ends 10es are pulled toward the protruding sections ADw respectively. Thus, the ventral part 10a of the absorbent main body 10 is pulled : up, and this makes it possible to further prevent the drooping of the ventral part 10a which has absorbed urine and has become heavier. The joint sections J are formed with an appropriate adhesive such as hot-meld adhesive.

Regarding the continuous ventral elastic members 35a of the ventral band member 30a and the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b of the dorsal band member 30b, a method for measuring total contractile forces will be described below. First, measurement samples are prepared from the diaper 1. That is, : the diaper 1 shown in FIG. 2, which has one waist opening 1HB and two leg openings 1HL and 1HL, is separated at sections 1s and 1s where the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b are connected, and the diaper 1 : are thereby spread out as shown in FIG. 3. The absorbent main body 10 is separated from the diaper 1, and thus the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b are each separated into a single component. Then, the : lower region AD of each of the ventral band member 30a and the dorsal band member 30b is cut away. In this way, the samples, each of which has the upper region AU and the middle region AM, are prepared. ]

Next, the lateral ends of each of the samples are fixed to corresponding heads of a tensile strength tester, and the sample is pulled in the lateral direction at speed of 300 mm/minute. Then, a state in which nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 constituting the sample are pulled up to original length is defined as the stretching state of 100%, and tensile load (N) of the tester in the stretching state of 70% is read. The readout is considered to be a total contractile force mentioned above. 5

By performing this process for the samples of the ventral band member 30a and the samples of the dorsal band member 30b, it is possible to obtain the total 5 contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members 35a of the ventral band member 30a and the total contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b of the dorsal band member 30b.

The term “the original length of the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32" means “the original length of the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 in a state in which the continuous ventral elastic members 35a and the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b are not fixed to the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 and in an uncompressed state in which no external force exerts on the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32". In other words, the term means “a lateral length in a state in which the nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 are stretched in the lateral direction without sagging and in which the stress of nonwoven fabric 31 and 32 is zero”.

In the foregoing description, the method for measuring the total contractile force is described regarding the continuous ventral elastic members 35a of the ventral band member 30a and the continuous dorsal elastic members 35b of the dorsal band member 30b. And, it is clear that the total contractile force the side elastic members 35wa and the side elastic members 35wb can be measured in a similar manner, which are respectively located in the protruding sections ADw of the lower region AD of the ventral band member 30a, and in the protruding sections ADw of the lower region AD of the dorsal band member 30b.

Accordingly, the description thereof is omitted.

Other Embodiments

Though the embodiments according to the invention are described, the above-mentioned embodiments are provided for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and are not to be interpreted as limiting the invention. As a matter of course, the invention can be altered and improved without departing from the ; gist thereof and the invention includes equivalent thereof. For example, the invention can be altered as described below.

In the foregoing embodiment, the diaper 1 for an infant is provided as an example of an absorbent article. However, this invention is not limited thereto.

For example, the configuration according to the invention can be applied to the diaper 1 for an adult.

In the foregoing embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B (or FIG. 9), in the band member 30a (30b), the discontinuous elastic members 35na (35nb) are provided in the lower region AD in order to weaken contractile force of the overlapped part 30ap (30bp), which is a part overlapped on the absorbent main body 10. The discontinuous elastic members 35na (35nb) each include the two side elastic members 35wa and 35wa (35wb and 35wb) in each protruding section ADw in the lower region AD. The side elastic members 35wa and 35wa (35wb and 35wb) are arranged so that the space between two side elastic members 35wa and 35wa (35wb and 35wb) is located in the central section ADc of the lower region AD.

Accordingly, no elastic member exist at the position of the space. However, this invention is not limited thereto.

That is, if, a part of the central section ADc corresponding to the position of : the space, the elastic members are discontinuous in order to weaken contractile force of the central section ADc in the lower region AD, the elastic members may exist in the part. FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example thereof. :

In FIG. 12, the nonwoven fabric 31 of the ventral band member 30a, which is located on the non-skin side, is omitted, and the continuous ventral elastic members 35a and the discontinuous ventral elastic members 35na are illustrated being exposed outside. In the example of FIG. 12, in the central section ADc in the lower region AD, finely divided elastic members 35p, 35p, ... are arranged so as to correspond to the position of the space between two side elastic members 35w and 35w lined in the lateral direction. The elastic members 35p, 35p, ... which are finely divided do apply little contractile force to the central section ADc.

Accordingly, it is acceptable that the finely divided elastic members 35p, 35p, ... exist in the central section ADc. The length of each of the finely divided elastic members 35p is, for example, more than 0 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm, and it is more preferable that the length is more than 0 mm and equal to or less than 3 mm. However, the finely divided elastic members 35p, 35p, ... worsen the appearance of the diaper, and it is preferable that the elastic members 35p, 35p, ... ]

do not exist at the position of the space (FIG. 8B).

In the foregoing embodiment, the exterior sheet 15b and the band members 30a and 30b are made of nonwoven fabric. However, the invention is not limited to nonwoven fabric. For example, woven fabric may be employed, and also any sheet member other than woven fabric may be employed. The exterior sheet 15b may be omitted. In this case, the leak-proof sheet 15a serves as the exterior of the absorbent main body 10.

In the foregoing embodiment, elastic string is provided as examples of the continuous ventral elastic member 35a, the discontinuous ventral elastic member 35na, the continuous dorsal elastic member 35b, and the discontinuous dorsal elastic member 35nb. However, this invention is not limited thereto. For example, rubber strip may be employed as these elastic members 35a, 35na, 35b and 35nb. Also, strip of nonwoven fabric having contractile force or strip of resin film having contractile force may be employed.

Reference Signs List diaper (absorbent article), THB waist opening, 1HL leg opening, 1s section, 10 absorbent main body, 10a ventral part, 10b dorsal part, 10ea end, 10eb end, 10es end, 10ew end, 10f part, 10n part, 10p part, 11 absorbent core, 11a ventral part, 11ew end, 13 top-face sheet member, : 15 back-face sheet member, 15a leak-proof sheet, 15b exterior sheet, 15bf extending section, 15bg folded-back section, 17 elastic member, ] 18 elastic member, 30a ventral band member, 30ac central section, 30ac2 section, 30ae end, 30ae2 end,

Co . : 30aee edge, 30ap overlapped part, 30aw protruding part, 30b dorsal band member, 30be end, 30bee edge, ; 30bf buttock cover (projecting part), 30bp overlapped part, 30bw protruding part, 31 nonwoven fabric (sheet-ike member), 31f extending section, 31g folded-back section, 32 nonwoven fabric (sheet-like member), 35 elastic member, 35U elastic member, 35M elastic member, 35D elastic member, 35a continuous ventral elastic member, 35b continuous dorsal elastic member, : 35na discontinuous ventral elastic member, 35nb discontinuous dorsal elastic member, 35p elastic member, 35wa side elastic member, 35wae end, 35wb side elastic member, 35wbe end,

AU upper region, AM middle region, AD lower region, :

AMc central section, AMw protruding section,

ADc central section, ADw protruding section, ]

LG leg cuff,

LSG barrier cuff,

LSGb base section, LSGf free-end section, :

J joint section, ]

C1 center

Claims

CLAIMS Loo <> S$,

1. An absorbent article, comprising: an absorbent main body that is provided along a longitudinal direction and absorbs urine; a ventral band member that is provided along a lateral direction intersecting the longitudinal direction, and that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal one end of the absorbent main body; and a dorsal band member : that is a member different from the ventral band member, that is provided along the lateral direction, and that is overlapped and fixed to a longitudinal other end of the absorbent main body, lateral ends of the ventral band member and lateral ends of the dorsal band member being connected and forming one waist opening and two leg openings, : the ventral band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent main body is overlapped, the dorsal band member including an overlapped part to which the absorbent : main body is overlapped, the overlapped part of the ventral band member is larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the overlapped part of the dorsal band member, the ventral band member including: continuous ventral elastic members that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one ] end to a lateral other end of the ventral band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the ventral band member; and discontinuous ventral elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction, the dorsal band member including: continuous dorsal elastic members

, , . that are arranged continuously through an area from a lateral one end to a lateral other end of the dorsal band member, and that are for applying contractile force in the lateral direction to the dorsal band member; and discontinuous dorsal elastic members arranged discontinuously in the lateral direction, a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous dorsal elastic members of the dorsal band member being greater than a total magnitude of contractile force of the continuous ventral elastic members of the ventral band member, wherein by providing the overlapped part in a lateral central section of the ventral band member, the ventral band member includes a protruding part in each of lateral sides, the protruding parts protruding in the lateral direction beyond the overlapped part, each of the discontinuous ventral elastic members includes: a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the one lateral side; and : a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the ; protruding part of the other lateral side, : a space being in the lateral central section and extending in the lateral ; direction between the side elastic member in the protruding part of the one lateral side and the side elastic member in the protruding part of the other lateral side, by providing the overlapped part in a lateral central section of the dorsal band member, the dorsal band member includes a protruding part in each of lateral sides, the protruding part protruding in the lateral direction beyond the overlapped part, each of the discontinuous dorsal elastic members includes: a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the } protruding part of the one lateral side; and a side elastic member provided continuously in the lateral direction in the protruding part of the other lateral side,

a space being in the lateral central section and extending in the lateral direction between the side elastic member in the protruding part of the one lateral side and the side elastic member in the protruding part of the other lateral side, a total contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the ventral band member is greater than a total contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts of the dorsal band member, the dorsal band member includes a projecting part that projects further toward i the leg opening than the ventral band member, the projecting part being formed by making the dorsal band member larger in size in the longitudinal direction than the ventral band member, and contractile force of a side elastic member which is nearest to the leg opening, of a plurality of the side elastic members located in the protruding parts of the ventral band member, is greater than contractile force of a side elastic member which is nearest to the leg opening, of a plurality of the side elastic members located in the protruding parts of the dorsal band member. :

2. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein each of the side elastic members arranged in each of the protruding parts of the ventral band member extends toward a lateral center, and an end of the extending part is joined to a lateral end of the absorbent main : body.

3. An absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the absorbent main body includes: an absorbent core composed of liquid-absorbent material that is deposited; a liquid-permeable top-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the skin side; and a liquid-impermeable back-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the non-skin side, and an end of each side elastic member of the ventral band member is located on

IEE a lateral end of the absorbent core.

4. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent main body includes: an absorbent core composed of liquid-absorbent material that is : deposited; a liquid-permeable top-face sheet member that covers the absorbent core from the skin side; and a liquid-impermeable back-face sheet member that covers the absorbent : core from the non-skin side, each of the side elastic members arranged in each of the protruding parts of : the dorsal band member extends toward a lateral center, and an end of the extending part is fixed to a part of the absorbent main body that is located close to a lateral end with respect to the absorbent core. :

5. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein each of lateral ends of the absorbent main body is fixed to the ventral band member by a joint section, and the contractile force of the side elastic members in the protruding parts is exerted on the ends through the joint sections, and the lateral ends are thereby 1 pulled toward the corresponding protruding parts.

6. An absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein contractile force of one of a plurality of the continuous dorsal elastic members that is located nearest to the longitudinal center is greater than contractile force of one of a plurality of the continuous ventral elastic members that is located nearest to the longitudinal center.