JP7623899B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

An absorbent article typically includes an absorbent body mainly made of a water-absorbent material such as pulp or a water-absorbent polymer, and leak-proof cuffs.
The present applicant has proposed an absorbent article having an absorbent main body including an absorbent core, inner three-dimensional gathered portions arranged on both sides of the absorbent main body, and outer three-dimensional gathered portions located widthwise outward of the inner three-dimensional gathered portions, in which a water-repellent film is continuously arranged from the non-skin contacting surface side of the absorbent core to each gathered portion (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 2 discloses a disposable diaper in which no waterproof resin film is provided in the portion of the three-dimensional gathers above the surface of the inner body, or between the three-dimensional gathers and the portion of the absorbent body from the upper surface of the side portion to the side, and which is provided with a water-repellent nonwoven fabric inside the three-dimensional gathers that covers the side portion of the absorbent body from the front to the back.

Patent document 3 discloses a disposable diaper in which the portion of the leg gathers closer to the base end than the tip end is formed with a nonwoven fabric-free portion in which there is no inner nonwoven fabric layer and the liquid-impermeable film is exposed only between the gather elastic stretch members.

JP 2013-252323 A JP 2013-111356 A JP 2016-193225 A

The absorbent article described in Patent Document 1 has good side leakage prevention performance and leak prevention, but there is room for improvement in terms of reducing the discomfort felt in the legs due to the stiffness of the gathered parts. In addition, the absorbent articles described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 have difficulty in achieving both improved leak prevention and reduced discomfort.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an absorbent article that improves prevention of side leakage of bodily fluids while reducing discomfort when worn.

The present invention provides an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of a wearer and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body, and leak-proof cuffs extending in the longitudinal direction,
The leak-proof cuffs each include a pair of opposing nonwoven fabrics, a plurality of elastic members disposed between the nonwoven fabrics so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and a liquid-impermeable sheet disposed between the nonwoven fabrics,
The leak-proof cuff has a proximal end serving as an upright end and a free end,
the free end portion has an end region including the free end portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet is not present,
In a plan view of the free end portion, at least one of the elastic members overlaps with the liquid-impermeable sheet,
In a plan view of the free end portion, all of the elastic members overlapping the liquid-impermeable sheet are located only on one surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet,
a joint portion for joining the nonwoven fabric and the liquid-impermeable sheet is formed between the base end portion and the free end portion of the leakage-preventing cuff,
The present invention provides an absorbent article in which the joint is located only on the other side of the liquid-impermeable sheet and is located closer to the base end than the position of the elastic member that is located closest to the base end.

The present invention provides an absorbent article that improves prevention of side leakage of bodily fluids while reducing discomfort when worn.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a typical relaxed state of a pants-type disposable diaper, which is one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a developed plan view that shows a schematic view of the skin-facing side (top sheet side) of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 in an unfolded and maximally extended state. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view that typically shows a cross section of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 2 taken along line II. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view that shows a schematic cross section of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 2 taken along line II in a relaxed state. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the positions of the elastic members and the liquid-impermeable sheet when the leakage-proof cuff is in the maximum extended state. Figure 6(a) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of one embodiment of the positioning of the elastic member and liquid-impermeable sheet of the leakproof cuff when a folded portion is formed, and Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic representation of one embodiment of the positioning of the elastic member and liquid-impermeable sheet of the leakproof cuff when a folded portion is not formed.

The present invention will now be described based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 4 show one embodiment of a pants-type disposable diaper, which is a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a pants-type disposable diaper (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "diaper") 1 as an absorbent article has a ventral region F arranged on the ventral side of a wearer when worn, a dorsal region R arranged on the dorsal side, and a crotch region M located between the ventral region F and the dorsal region R. The diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction X that extends from the ventral side of the wearer through the crotch region to the dorsal side, corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of the wearer, and a width direction Y perpendicular thereto. The ventral region F, the crotch region M, and the dorsal region R extend continuously along the longitudinal direction X, which is the front-to-rear direction of the wearer. The crotch region M has an excretory part facing portion (not shown) that is arranged facing the excretory part of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn.

In this specification, the "skin-facing side" refers to the side of the absorbent article or its constituent member (e.g., absorbent body) that faces the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn, i.e., the side relatively close to the wearer's skin, and the "non-skin-facing side" refers to the side of the absorbent article or its constituent member that faces the opposite side from the skin when the absorbent article is worn, i.e., the side relatively far from the wearer's skin. Note that "when worn" here refers to the normal, proper wearing position, i.e., the state in which the absorbent article is maintained in the correct wearing position.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the diaper 1 comprises an absorbent body 2 capable of absorbing and retaining excrement, and an exterior body 10 arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 2. The exterior body 10 is a member that forms the outer shape of the diaper 1. The periphery of the exterior body 10 forms the contour lines of the ventral region F and the back region R of the diaper 1, respectively. The exterior body 10 comprises a ventral exterior body 10F that extends in the width direction Y and is arranged in the ventral region F, and a back exterior body 10R that is separate from the ventral exterior body 10F and extends in the width direction Y and is arranged in the back region R. In other words, the diaper 1 in this embodiment is a pants-type disposable diaper known as a split type. The absorbent body 2 extends in the longitudinal direction X over the entire area from the ventral region F to the back region R, and is arranged so as to bridge between the ventral exterior body 10F and the back exterior body 10R that are arranged at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction X. Alternatively to this embodiment, the exterior body 10 may be arranged continuously over the entire abdominal region F, crotch region M, and back region R on the outer surface of the diaper 1.

The diaper 1 has a pair of side seals S, S formed by joining both sides in the width direction Y of the ventral outer body 10F and both sides in the width direction Y of the dorsal outer body 10R together. This connects the outer bodies 10F, 10R in a ring shape. The diaper 1 also has a waist opening WH through which the wearer's torso passes, and a pair of leg openings LH through which the wearer's lower legs pass. The side seals S are formed by a joining method such as adhesive, heat sealing, or ultrasonic sealing.

In this specification, the "maximum stretched state" of the absorbent article or diaper 1 refers to the state in which the diaper 1 is separated at the side seal portion S, laid out, and the elastic members of the diaper 1 in the laid-out state are stretched to their maximum extent until they are the same as the designed dimensions, i.e., the dimensions when laid out flat with all the influence of the elastic members completely eliminated. In addition, the "relaxed state" of the absorbent article (diaper 1) refers to the state in which the absorbent article is not stretched, with no external force being applied to the elastic members arranged in the absorbent article.

The absorbent body 2 is composed of a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 arranged relatively close to the wearer's skin, a liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable (hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "liquid-resistant") or water-repellent back sheet 4 arranged relatively far from the wearer's skin, and an absorbent body 5 arranged between the two sheets 3, 4. These components that make up the absorbent body 2 are integrated together by a known joining method such as an adhesive.

The top sheet and back sheet can be any sheet that has been conventionally used in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, without any particular restrictions. For example, various nonwoven fabrics can be used as the top sheet. The back sheet can be a liquid-resistant or water-repellent nonwoven fabric, a resin film, or a laminate of a resin film and a nonwoven fabric. The core wrap sheet can be the same as the top sheet. The sheet for forming the leak-proof cuffs can be the same as the back sheet.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the top sheet 3 crosses the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 5 in the width direction Y, and the extensions 3E from both side edges of the top sheet 3 along the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 5 are wrapped around the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 5.

In this embodiment, the pair of extensions 3E, 3E of the top sheet 3 are fixed between the absorbent body 5 and a nonwoven fabric (a sheet for forming a leakproof cuff) 80, which will be described later, at the base ends 81 of the leakproof cuffs 8, which will be described later. The top sheet 3 does not cover the entire non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 5, and the center in the width direction Y of the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 5 (the portion located between the pair of base ends 81, 81) is not covered by the top sheet 3.

In this embodiment, the top sheet 3 has a size that can cover the entire skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 5, covers the entire skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 5 and both side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 5, and further covers a predetermined area inward in the width direction Y from both side edges on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 5. The top sheet 3 in this embodiment is a flat sheet with no unevenness, but instead, a sheet with an uneven surface formed with multiple protrusions and recesses located around the protrusions may be used.

The absorbent body 5 typically includes an absorbent core 6 having a single-layer or laminated structure and a core wrap sheet (not shown) that covers the absorbent core 6. The absorbent body 5 is disposed at least in the crotch region M, and is disposed continuously in at least one of the ventral region F and the dorsal region R in addition to the crotch region M. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent body 5 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and is disposed throughout the ventral region F, crotch region M, and dorsal region R with the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 5 aligned with the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 1.

The absorbent core 6 is composed of at least one of the following: a stack of absorbent natural fibers such as pulp fibers, a mixed stack containing absorbent natural fibers and absorbent polymers, and/or an absorbent sheet having two identical or different fiber sheets and particles of absorbent polymer arranged between the fiber sheets. When the absorbent core is composed of both a stack and an absorbent sheet, their sizes in a plan view may be the same or different. The core wrap sheet is made of tissue paper or a water-permeable nonwoven fabric. The core wrap sheet preferably covers the entire skin-facing side and non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core.

In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, a pair of leak-proof cuffs 8, 8 are provided separately from the absorbent body 2 on both sides along the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 2. The leak-proof cuffs 8 extend in the longitudinal direction X and are configured to be stretchable in the longitudinal direction X.

Each leak-proof cuff 8 is independently configured to include a pair of leak-proof cuff-forming sheets 80 that are liquid-resistant or water-repellent and breathable. In this embodiment, the leak-proof cuff 8 is formed from a single sheet 80 for forming leak-proof cuffs that is folded in half along the longitudinal direction X and faces each other. Each leak-proof cuff 8 extends along the longitudinal direction X and is continuously arranged along the side of the absorbent main body 2 along the longitudinal direction X, over substantially the entire length of the absorbent main body 2 in the longitudinal direction X.

As the leak-proof cuff forming sheet 80, any material that is used as a leak-proof cuff material in this type of absorbent article, such as nonwoven fabric, can be used without any particular restrictions. For example, a single-layer or multi-layer water-repellent nonwoven fabric, a laminate material of a resin film and a nonwoven fabric, etc. can be used.

The leak-proof cuff 8 has a base end 81 where the leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 80 is fixed to another member, and an upright portion 82 where the sheet 80 stands on the wearer's side. The upright portion 82 is a free end of the leak-proof cuff 8, and is a portion of the leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 80 that is not fixed to another member. The upright portion 82 is present at least in the crotch region M, and preferably is present continuously in the abdominal region F, the crotch region M, and the dorsal region R.

The base end 81 is the part that becomes the rising end when the rising part 82 rises toward the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn, and is the part where the leakproof cuff-forming sheet 80, such as a nonwoven fabric, is fixed to another member, specifically, the constituent member of the absorbent body 2 and/or the exterior body 10, by a known fixing method such as an adhesive such as hot melt or heat fusion. The base end 81 extends continuously or discontinuously in the longitudinal direction X over substantially the entire length of the leakproof cuff-forming sheet 80 in the longitudinal direction X. The base end 81 is located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 5.

The standing portion 82 extends in the longitudinal direction X and is configured to be expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction X.
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, a plurality of leak-preventing cuff-forming elastic members 83 are arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction X on the side of the standing portion 82 close to the free end 8e. Each elastic member 83 is, for example, folded in half along the longitudinal direction X and fixed in a stretched state between a pair of opposing leak-preventing cuff-forming sheets 80, 80 by a fixing method such as an adhesive. Each elastic member 83 is independently arranged at least in the crotch region M. In this embodiment, each elastic member 83 has both ends independently extending to both ends of the leak-preventing cuff 8 in the longitudinal direction X, and is continuously arranged in the abdominal region F, the crotch region M, and the dorsal region R. As a result, a region having elasticity in the longitudinal direction X is formed in the leak-preventing cuff 8 at least in the free end where the elastic member 83 is arranged.

When multiple elastic members are arranged in the leakage-prevention cuff 8 as described above, the elastic members arranged in such a way that, when the free end of the leakage-prevention cuff 8 is viewed in a plan view in the maximum stretched state of the diaper, they are present in an area within 10 mm in the width direction Y as seen from the free end 8e, and the distance between adjacent elastic members in the width direction Y is 8 mm or less, are defined as the leakage-prevention cuff-forming elastic members 83 in this specification.

As shown in FIG. 4, the leakage preventing cuff 8 is preferably folded outward in the width direction Y at a folding portion 8f extending along the longitudinal direction X between the base end 81 and the free end 8e of the standing portion 82, and divided into a lower region 8b located on the base end 81 side and an upper region 8u located on the free end side of the standing portion 82. As a result, the free end of the leakage preventing cuff 8, including the free end 8e of the standing portion 82, is formed to protrude outward in the width direction Y when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state. In addition, the elastic member 83 is disposed in the outward protruding portion of the upper region 8u. With this configuration, the upper region 8u can be brought into surface contact with the wearer's skin, thereby reducing the leakage of bodily fluids beyond the leakage preventing cuff 8 to the outside of the diaper.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, at least in the crotch region M, the leakage preventing cuffs 8 are folded at the folding portion 8f, and the folding portion 8f is located inward in the width direction Y from the free end 8e of the standing portion 82. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is in a relaxed state, the leakage preventing cuffs 8 are bent at the folding portion 8f, and the free end of the standing portion 82 protrudes outward. Both the lower region 8b and the upper region 8u extend along the longitudinal direction X, and both are substantially rectangular in plan view.

As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that at both ends of the leak-prevention cuff 8 in the longitudinal direction X, a standing inhibition portion 88 is formed, which is a portion where the standing of the leak-prevention cuff-forming sheet 80 is inhibited. A pair of standing inhibition portions 88 is formed in each of the ventral region F and the dorsal region R, and the portion along the longitudinal direction X sandwiched between the standing inhibition portions 88, 88 is the standing portion 82. The standing inhibition portion 88 is typically formed by fixing the leak-prevention cuff-forming sheet 80 to the skin-facing surface (top sheet 3) of the absorbent body 2.

A pair of standing inhibition parts 88 are formed at both ends of the leakage preventing cuff 8 in the longitudinal direction X, so that when the diaper 1 is worn, a standing part 82, which is a part sandwiched between the standing inhibition parts, stands with the base end 81 as the standing end toward the wearer's skin side due to the contractile force of the leakage preventing cuff forming elastic member 83. In such an upright state of the leakage preventing cuff 8, the standing part 82 blocks the outward movement of bodily fluids such as urine excreted by the wearer in the width direction Y, so that side leakage, particularly in the crotch region M, is effectively suppressed.
Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, when the leakproof cuffs 8 are in the upright state, the contractile force of the leakproof cuff-forming elastic members 83 causes the entire diaper 1 to curve and deform so that the central portion of the absorbent body 2 in the longitudinal direction X becomes convex toward the non-skin-facing side (the back sheet 4 side), making it easier for the diaper 1 to fit the wearer's body shape.

The leakage-preventing cuff 8 preferably further comprises a liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in addition to the leakage-preventing cuff-forming sheet 80. This prevents sideways leakage of bodily fluids and allows the absorbent body to efficiently absorb the bodily fluids. The liquid-impermeable sheet 85 may be, for example, a fiber sheet such as a nonwoven fabric that is liquid-resistant or water-repellent and breathable, similar to the leakage-preventing cuff-forming sheet 80, or a resin film. The liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is joined to the leakage-preventing cuff-forming sheet 80 via a joint 89 formed by a fixing method such as an adhesive. When the leakage-preventing cuff 8 is viewed in cross section along the width direction Y, one or more joints 89 are formed between the base end 81 and the free end 8e of the leakage-preventing cuff 8.

In this embodiment, it is preferable that at least a part of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is disposed between the sheets 80 for forming the leak-proof cuffs, such as nonwoven fabrics, in the leak-proof cuffs 8, and it is more preferable that the entire liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is disposed between the sheets 80 for forming the leak-proof cuffs, such as nonwoven fabrics, in the leak-proof cuffs 8. The liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is disposed at least in the crotch region M, and, similar to the leak-proof cuffs 8, it is also preferable that the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 extends to both ends in the longitudinal direction X and is disposed continuously in the abdominal region F, the crotch region M, and the dorsal region R. This configuration can further improve the prevention of lateral leakage of bodily fluids while reducing the discomfort caused by the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin.

One embodiment of the positioning of the elastic member 83 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in the leak-proof cuff 8 is shown in FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6(a) and (b). FIG. 5 shows an example of the positioning of the elastic member 83 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in the leak-proof cuff 8 in its maximum stretched state. FIG. 6(a) shows an example of the positioning of the elastic member 83 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in the leak-proof cuff 8 when the folded portion 8f is formed. FIG. 6(b) shows an example of the positioning of the elastic member 83 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in the leak-proof cuff 8 when the folded portion 8f is not formed.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6(a) and (b), it is preferable that the free end of the leak-proof cuff 8 has a portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is not present, and it is more preferable that the end region including the free end 8e at the free end has a portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is not present.
In this embodiment, an end 8g located on the free end 8e side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is arranged not to reach the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8, thereby forming a portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is not present in the end region including the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8. The end region including the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8 is formed at least in the crotch region M, has a predetermined width from the free end 8e toward the base end 81, and extends in the longitudinal direction X.
Since the free end of the leak-proof cuff 8 is the part that is likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin, this configuration further increases the flexibility of the end region including the free end 8e of the leak-proof cuff 8, thereby reducing the discomfort felt when the absorbent article is worn.

The distance D1 (see FIG. 5) along the width direction Y between the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8 and the end 8g located on the free end 8e side of the liquid impermeable sheet 85 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, from the viewpoint of improving the flexibility of the leakage preventing cuff. The distance D1 can be regarded as the width of the end region including the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8. The distance D1 is the dimension along the width direction Y based on a plan view of the free end of the leakage preventing cuff 8 when the diaper is in the maximum stretched state.

As shown in Fig. 5 and Figs. 6(a) and (b), it is preferable that at least one of the elastic members 83 overlaps the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 in a plan view of the free end of the leakage-prevention cuff 8. It is also preferable that all of the elastic members 83 that overlap the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 are positioned only on one side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85, and more preferably, only on the skin-facing surface SS of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85. This configuration makes it easier for the contraction force of the elastic members to bring the leakage-prevention cuff 8 into close contact with the wearer's skin, thereby improving the fit of the diaper and reducing leakage of bodily fluids.

Although not shown for ease of explanation, as described above, each elastic member 83 is at least joined to the leakage-prevention cuff-forming sheet 80 by a fixing method such as an adhesive. When the elastic member 83 is joined by an adhesive or the like, the joint formed thereby is not included in the joint 89 described below, even if it indirectly joins the leakage-prevention cuff-forming sheet 80 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85. The joint of the elastic member 83 is a joint that overlaps with the elastic member 83 in a plan view of the leakage-prevention cuff or is within 0.5 mm from the elastic member 83 in the width direction Y. Any other joint is distinguished as a joint 89 that joins the leakage-prevention cuff-forming sheet 80 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85.

In addition, in a plan view of the free end of the leakage-preventive cuff 8, the joint 89 joining the leakage-preventive cuff-forming sheet 80 and the liquid-impermeable sheet 85 is preferably formed so as to be located only on the other side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85, which is the side on which the elastic member 83 is not present, and more preferably arranged so as to be located only on the non-skin-facing surface NS side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85. In addition, it is also preferable that the joint 89 is formed so as to be located closer to the base end 81 than the elastic member 83 located farthest from the free end 8e, i.e., the position 8A of the elastic member 83 located closest to the base end 81. The joint 89 is typically formed with an adhesive. In addition, it is more preferable that the configuration related to the joint 89 described above is satisfied in all of the joints 89 (see FIG. 5).
With this configuration, the joint 89, which is a portion having higher rigidity than other portions, is less likely to come into contact with the wearer, so the stiffness of the leakproof cuff can be reduced, and the discomfort felt when worn is reduced. In addition, since the joint 89 is formed only on the other surface of the liquid-impermeable sheet 85, there is also the advantage that the manufacturing cost for forming the joint 89 is reduced.

As described above, the joint 89 is located closer to the base end 81 than the position 8A of the elastic member 83 that is closest to the base end 81, and it is also preferable that the joint 89 located closer to the free end 8e than the position 8A of the elastic member has an area smaller than a predetermined area, or that the joint 89 does not exist on the free end 8e side.

In detail, when the free end of the leakage preventing cuff 8 in the maximum stretched state of the diaper is viewed in plan, the area between the two uprighting inhibiting parts 88, 88 from the free end 8e to the position of the elastic member 83 located closest to the base end 81 is defined as area A1, and the area of the joint 89 located on the free end 8e side from the position of the elastic member 83 located closest to the base end 81 is defined as area A2. In this case, the ratio of the area A2 to the area A1 (A2/A1) is preferably 2% or less, more preferably 0.5% or less, and even more preferably 0%, expressed as a percentage. In other words, it is even more preferable that the joint 89 does not exist on the free end 8e side from the position 8A. With this configuration, the stiffness of the leakage preventing cuff can be effectively reduced, and the discomfort when worn is further effectively reduced.

To set the A2/A1 ratio within the above range, for example, when forming the joint 89, adhesive can be applied in a spiral shape to the leakproof cuff-forming sheet 80, so that many areas are left uncoated with adhesive. Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the entire predetermined area of the leakproof cuff-forming sheet 80, and the intended placement position of the elastic member 83 can be controlled to be an area not coated with adhesive.

The area A1, the area A2 and the A2/A1 ratio can be measured, for example, by the following method.
First, with the free end of the leakage preventing cuff 8 in the maximum stretched state of the diaper viewed in plan, a length Ay in the width direction Y between the free end 8e and the position of the elastic member 83 located closest to the base end 81 is measured. The length Ax in the longitudinal direction X can be any length provided that it includes the area where the joint 89 is formed, and can be, for example, 200 mm. The area A1 is calculated from the product of the length Ax and the length Ay. These lengths may be measured from an image of the area to be measured using image processing software.
In addition, for area A2, the area in which area A1 was calculated is targeted, and the formation portion of joint 89 is visualized using ink toner or the like. In this state, the total area of joint 89 is measured using image processing software, and this is designated as area A2.
Then, the A2/A1 ratio is calculated from these areas A1 and A2.

When the leakage preventing cuff 8 is folded outward in the width direction Y at the folding portion 8f and divided into a lower region 8b located on the base end 81 side and an upper region 8u located on the free end side of the standing portion 82, it is preferable to arrange each elastic member 83 so that the thickness of the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8 is thinner than the thickness of the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the folding portion 8f, i.e., the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the base end 81.
When three or more elastic members 83 are arranged, the thickness of each elastic member 83 may be gradually increased from the outside to the inside as viewed from the free end 8e in the width direction Y. Alternatively, the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the base end 81 may be the thickest, and the other elastic members 83 may be the same thickness.
By using the elastic member 83 in such an arrangement position, it is easy to form an appropriate gap between the free end of the leakproof cuff 8 and the wearer's skin, reducing the discomfort felt when worn, and it is possible to ensure sufficient elongation stress on the base end 81 side of the leakproof cuff 8, further improving the adhesion to the wearer's skin and more effectively preventing lateral leakage of excrement.

The thickness of each elastic member 83 described above refers to the thickness of each elastic member in a non-stretched state. When each elastic member 83 is thread-like, the cross-sectional diameter of each elastic member 83 is measured at three different points on one elastic member 83, and the diameter is expressed as the arithmetic average value. When each elastic member 83 is strip-like, the thickness of each elastic member 83 is measured at three different points on one elastic member 83 in a direction perpendicular to the stretch direction on the main surface of the elastic member, and the diameter is expressed as the arithmetic average value. When each elastic member 83 is composed of a bundle of multiple elastic fibers, the elastic member is cut out to a certain length (e.g., 100 mm) from the leakproof cuff to be measured, and the mass of the sample is divided by the length of the sample to express the thickness (fineness) of the elastic member.

The thickness of the elastic member 83 in a non-stretched state measured by the above-mentioned measuring method is, independently of each other, preferably 200 dtex or more, more preferably 300 dtex or more, and preferably 1000 dtex or less, more preferably 800 dtex or less, provided that the thickness of the elastic member 83 located on the free end 8e side is thinner than the thickness of the elastic member 83 located on the folded portion 8f (or base end 81) side.
When three or more elastic members 83 are arranged, the thickness of each elastic member 83 may be gradually increased from the free end 8e toward the base end 81. Alternatively, the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the base end 81 may be the thickest, and the other elastic members 83 may be the same thickness.

Furthermore, when the thickness of the elastic member 83 located on the free end 8e side is Da and the thickness of the elastic member 83 located on the bent portion 8f side is Db, the ratio of the thickness Db to the thickness Da (Db/Da) is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, and is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.6 or less, provided that Da is thinner than Db.

When the leakage preventing cuff 8 is folded outward in the width direction Y at the folding portion 8f and divided into a lower region 8b located on the base end 81 side and an upper region 8u located on the free end side of the standing portion 82, it is preferable to arrange each elastic member 83 so that the elongation ratio of the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the free end 8e of the leakage preventing cuff 8 is greater than the elongation ratio of the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the folding portion 8f, i.e., the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the base end 81.
When three or more elastic members 83 are arranged, the extension ratio of each elastic member 83 may be gradually reduced from the free end 8e toward the base end 81. Alternatively, the extension ratio of the elastic member 83 arranged closest to the base end 81 may be the smallest, and the extension ratios of the other elastic members 83 may be the same.

The ratio (Ea/Eb) of the elongation factor Eb of the elastic member 83 disposed closest to the bent portion 8f (or the base end 81) to the elongation factor Ea of the elastic member 83 disposed closest to the free end 8e is preferably 1.01 or more, preferably 2.00 or less, and more preferably 1.80 or less, provided that Eb is smaller than Ea.

The stretch ratio of each elastic member 83 can be measured, for example, by the following method. First, each elastic member 83 arranged in the upper region 8u of the leak-proof cuff 8 is removed, and each elastic member 83 is stretched to its maximum in the longitudinal direction X of the elastic member 83. Two marks are made on each elastic member 83 with a fixed distance L1 between them using an oil-based pen in the stretch direction. Next, the length L2 of the marked elastic member 83 is measured in a non-stretched state. This measurement is performed three times for each elastic member 83, and the stretch ratio (times) is calculated from the arithmetic average value of the values calculated by the formula "L1/L2". The distance L1 can be, for example, 100 mm.

The elongation ratio of the elastic members 83 measured in the above-mentioned measuring method is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more, and preferably 4.0 times or less, more preferably 3.5 times or less, provided that the elongation ratio of the elastic members 83 located on the free end 8e side is arranged so as to be greater than the elongation ratio of the elastic members 83 located on the bent portion 8f (or base end 81) side.

As described above, the diaper 1 has an exterior body 10 arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6. In this embodiment, the exterior body 10 has a ventral exterior body 10F arranged in the ventral region F and a rear exterior body 10R arranged separately from the ventral exterior body 10F in the rear region R. When the diaper 1 is unfolded and fully extended as shown in FIG. 2, the exterior body 10 has both end regions in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the rear region R with a rectangular shape whose length in the width direction Y is longer than that in the longitudinal direction X, and in the central region in the longitudinal direction X corresponding to the crotch region M, both side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the central region are curved.

The exterior body 10 is arranged relatively far from the absorbent body 5 and is composed of an outer layer sheet 11 that forms the outer surface of the diaper 1, and an inner layer sheet 12 that is arranged relatively close to the absorbent body 5 and forms the inner surface of the diaper 1. The two sheets 11, 12 are joined together and integrated by adhesive, fusion, etc.

In this embodiment, waist gathers are formed in the ventral region F and the back region R. The waist gathers are configured to include an outer body 10 and a plurality of elastic members 13 for forming waist gathers fixed to the outer body 10. The plurality of elastic members 13 each extend in the width direction Y and are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction X. The waist gathers are produced by fixing the elastic members 13 between the outer layer sheet 11 and the inner layer sheet 12 constituting the outer body 10 in a state in which they are stretched in the width direction Y, and then releasing the elastic members 13 from the stretched state. This allows the outer body 10 to exhibit stretchability in the width direction Y. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic members 13 contract to form the substantially continuous annular waist gathers around the entire circumference of the diaper 1.

In this embodiment, leg gathers are formed on the leg edges that form the opening edges of each of the pair of leg openings LH, LH. The leg gathers are configured to include an exterior body 10 and an elastic member 14 for forming the leg gathers that is fixed to the exterior body 10. The leg gathers are made by fixing the elastic member 14 in a stretched state between the outer layer sheet 11 and the inner layer sheet 12 that constitute the exterior body 10, and then releasing the elastic member 14 from the stretched state. When the diaper 1 is worn, the contraction of the elastic member 14 forms the leg gathers in a substantially continuous ring shape around the entire circumference of the opening edge of the leg opening LH. The elastic member 14 may be one or more.

The sheets 11 and 12 constituting the exterior body 10 may be the same type of sheet or different types of sheets. The sheets 11 and 12 may have elasticity, particularly elasticity in the width direction Y. As the sheets 11 and 12, nonwoven fabrics produced by various manufacturing methods can be used. Specific examples include single-layer nonwoven fabrics or laminated nonwoven fabrics of two or more layers, such as air-through nonwoven fabrics, heat-rolled nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, spunbonded nonwoven fabrics, and meltblown nonwoven fabrics. The sheets 11 and 12 may also be composite sheets in which these nonwoven fabrics and films are laminated together.

Unless otherwise specified, the various elastic members in the diaper 1 may be made of various known elastic materials that are commonly used in absorbent articles of this type, without any particular restrictions. Examples include synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene, and neoprene, natural rubber, EVA, elastic polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The preferred form of each elastic member is a thread (e.g., rubber thread) or band (e.g., flat rubber) having a rectangular, square, circular, or polygonal cross section, or a multifilament type thread.

It is preferable that the diaper 1 further includes a pair of second leakage preventing cuffs 9 extending continuously in the longitudinal direction X at least in both side regions in the width direction Y in the crotch region M. In the unfolded and maximum stretched state of the diaper shown in Fig. 2, the second leakage preventing cuffs 9 are separately positioned outward of the leakage preventing cuffs 8 in the width direction Y, and are configured to extend in the longitudinal direction X and be stretchable in the longitudinal direction X. The free ends 9e of the continuous second leakage preventing cuffs 9 are formed so as to be parallel to the free ends 8e of the continuous leakage preventing cuffs 8 along the longitudinal direction X in a plan view in the maximum stretched state of the diaper. "Parallel" includes both the strict sense of parallel, in which the free end 9e of the continuous second leak-preventing cuff 9 and the free end 8e of the continuous leak-preventing cuff 8 do not cross at all, and the case where the free end 9e of the continuous second leak-preventing cuff 9 and the free end 8e of the continuous leak-preventing cuff 8 are formed in a serpentine shape so that they do not cross each other. Each second leak-preventing cuff 9 is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 2.

The second leakproof cuffs 9 are each independently configured to include a second leakproof cuff-forming sheet 90 that is liquid-resistant or water-repellent and breathable, similar to the leakproof cuffs 8. As shown in this embodiment, the pair of second leakproof cuff-forming sheets 90 may be configured to include opposing portions of a single sheet 90 folded in half along the longitudinal direction X, or alternatively, may be configured to include two or more sheets 90. Each second leakproof cuff 9 is continuously arranged in the longitudinal direction X over at least the entire crotch region M on both sides of the absorbent body 2 in the width direction Y.

Similarly to the leak-proof cuff 8, the second leak-proof cuff 9 preferably has a second base end 91 where the second leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 90 is fixed to another member, and a second standing portion 92 where the sheet 90 can stand up towards the wearer. In this case, the second standing portion 92 is a portion of the leak-proof cuff-forming sheet 80 that is not fixed to another member. The second standing portion 92 is present at least in the crotch region M.

The second base end 91 is the part that becomes the rising base end when the second standing portion 92 rises toward the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn, and is the part where the second leakage preventing cuff forming sheet 90, such as a nonwoven fabric, is joined to another member, specifically, the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body 2. The second base end 91 extends continuously or discontinuously in the longitudinal direction X over substantially the entire length of the second leakage preventing cuff forming sheet 90 in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the second base end 91 is formed at a position that overlaps with the base end 81 in a plan view.

It is also preferable that the second standing portion 92 is configured to extend in the longitudinal direction X and to be expandable and contractible in the longitudinal direction X.
3, one or more second leakage preventing cuff forming elastic members 93 are arranged in a stretched state at the free end of the second standing portion 92 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction X. Each elastic member 93 is fixed in a stretched state between the second leakage preventing cuff forming sheets 90 that are folded in half along the longitudinal direction X and opposed to each other by a fixing method such as adhesive. In this embodiment, one end of each of the elastic members 93 is located in the abdominal region F and the other end is located in the dorsal region R, and each elastic member 93 is arranged continuously in the abdominal region F, the crotch region M and the dorsal region R.
As a result, the second standing portion 92 is a region that is stretchable in the longitudinal direction X at least at the free end portion where the elastic member 93 is arranged.

In this manner, by forming the second leakage prevention cuff 9, when the diaper 1 is worn, the second standing portion 92 stands up from the second base end 91 toward the wearer's skin side due to the contractile force of the elastic member 93 for forming the second leakage prevention cuff, similar to the leakage prevention cuff 8. When the second leakage prevention cuff 9 is in the standing state, the standing second standing portion 92 can effectively prevent excreted body fluids (excreted fluids) that have unintentionally moved outward in the width direction Y from the standing leakage prevention cuff 8 from leaking out of the absorbent article. As a result, side leakage, particularly in the crotch region M, is effectively suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 2, in a plan view of the absorbent article (diaper 1) in its unfolded and maximum stretched state, the elastic member 83 for forming the leakage cuff included in the leakage cuff 8 and the elastic member 93 for forming the second leakage cuff included in the second leakage cuff 9 are preferably arranged so as not to cross each other. In this embodiment, in a plan view of the diaper 1 in its maximum stretched state, the second leakage cuff 9 is positioned on both sides of the leakage cuff 8 in the width direction Y so that the two leakage cuffs 8, 9 do not overlap each other. With this configuration, the leakage cuff 8 and the second leakage cuff 9 stand up independently and are easily brought into close contact with the wearer's skin, further improving leakage prevention of excreted liquid.

The second leakproof cuff 9 has a second base end 91, which is an upright end, and a free end including the free end of the second upright portion 92, similar to the configuration of the leakproof cuff 8 shown in FIG. 5, and it is preferable that the free end of the second upright portion 92 including the elastic member 93 is formed so as to protrude outward in the width direction Y when the absorbent article is in a relaxed state. With this configuration, the outward protruding portion of the second leakproof cuff 9 can be brought into surface contact with the wearer's skin, thereby improving the adhesion of the leakproof cuff and more effectively reducing the leakage of excretory fluid that has unintentionally flowed out from the leakproof cuff 8.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second leakproof cuff 9 is preferably folded outward in the width direction Y at a second folding portion 9f extending along the longitudinal direction X between the second base end 91 and the free end included in the second standing portion 92, and divided into a second lower region 9b located on the second base end 91 side and a second upper region 9u located on the free end side of the second standing portion 92. The second upper region 9u is configured to include multiple elastic members 93 as part of the second standing portion 92. This further improves the fit to the wearer and increases the flexibility of the diaper.

In the relaxed state of the diaper 1 of this embodiment, at least in the crotch region M, the second leakage prevention cuff 9 folded at the second folding portion 9f is located closer to the second base end 91 than the free end of the second standing portion 92. Therefore, in the relaxed state of the diaper 1, the second leakage prevention cuff 9 is bent at the second folding portion 9f, and the free end of the second standing portion 92 protrudes outward in the width direction Y. The second lower region 9b and the second upper region 9u both extend along the longitudinal direction X, and are both substantially rectangular in plan view.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the diaper 1 has been described as a configuration in which the absorbent body 5 does not have any stretchable regions. However, if necessary, the absorbent body 5 may be configured to have stretchability, for example by providing an elastic member in the absorbent body 5.
An example of such a configuration is a configuration in which a pair of side elastic members are arranged in a stretched state on both side edges of the absorbent core 6 in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 5 to facilitate standing up both side portions of the absorbent body 5 in the width direction Y. Such side elastic members are preferably arranged at least in the crotch region M, and more preferably, both ends of the side elastic members extend to both ends of the absorbent core 6 in the longitudinal direction X and are arranged continuously in the abdominal region F, the crotch region M and the back region R. At least both ends of the side elastic members are fixed to at least the absorbent body 5 by a known fixing method such as an adhesive. The number of side elastic members may be one or more.
Since the side elastic members are fixed in a stretched state to both side portions in the width direction Y of the absorbent body 5, both side portions in the width direction Y of the absorbent body 5 rise up toward the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. These rising portions block the movement of bodily fluids in the width direction Y, thereby preventing lateral leakage of the bodily fluids.

The absorbent core 6 preferably has a bending induction portion extending along the longitudinal direction X at an inner position on both sides in the width direction Y. The bending induction portion is a portion that functions as a flexible axis when the width direction Y side portion of the absorbent core 6 rises toward the wearer's skin when the diaper is in a relaxed state, and is the same portion as the rising starting point of the absorbent body 5 including the absorbent core 6. The bending induction portion can be formed, for example, by configuring the absorbent core 6 to have a stiffness difference or density difference. This increases the rising ability of the absorbent body 5, reduces the lateral movement of excreted liquid, and further improves the liquid absorption performance.

The diaper 1 having the preferred embodiment described above further improves the fit and flexibility of the absorbent article when worn, thereby reducing discomfort such as stiffness when wearing the diaper.

In the above-described embodiment of the diaper 1, the exterior body 10 is formed separately into a ventral exterior body and a dorsal exterior body. Alternatively, the exterior body 10 may extend continuously from the ventral region F to the dorsal region R.

From the viewpoint of increasing the flexibility of the leakage prevention cuff 8 and further improving the fit to the wearer, it is preferable that one or more leakage prevention cuff forming elastic members (hereinafter also referred to as "third elastic members") are further arranged in the intermediate region between the free end of the standing portion 82 and the base end portion 81, in addition to the elastic members 83. In this case, the third elastic member is arranged to extend along the longitudinal direction X, and is fixed in a stretched state between a pair of opposing leakage prevention cuff forming sheets 80 by a fixing method such as adhesive. The third elastic member is preferably arranged at least in the crotch region M.

The present invention has been described above based on its embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, all of the above-mentioned embodiments can be used in combination with each other as appropriate.

In relation to the above-mentioned embodiment, the following absorbent article is further disclosed.
＜1＞
An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of a wearer and a width direction perpendicular thereto, the absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body, and leak-proof cuffs extending in the longitudinal direction,
The leak-proof cuffs each include a pair of opposing nonwoven fabrics, a plurality of elastic members disposed between the nonwoven fabrics so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and a liquid-impermeable sheet disposed between the nonwoven fabrics,
The leak-proof cuff has a proximal end serving as an upright end and a free end,
the free end portion has an end region including the free end portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet is not present,
In a plan view of the free end portion, at least one of the elastic members overlaps with the liquid-impermeable sheet,
In a plan view of the free end portion, all of the elastic members overlapping the liquid-impermeable sheet are located only on one surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet,
a joint portion for joining the nonwoven fabric and the liquid-impermeable sheet is formed between the base end portion and the free end portion of the leakage-preventing cuff,
An absorbent article, wherein the joint is located only on the other surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet and is located closer to the base end than the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end.

＜2＞
a standing inhibition portion, which is a portion where the standing of the nonwoven fabric is inhibited, is formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the leakage preventing cuff;
The absorbent article according to <1>, wherein the upright inhibition portion is formed by fixing the nonwoven fabric and the absorbent body.
＜3＞
The absorbent article according to <1> or <2>, wherein at least a portion of the liquid-impermeable sheet is disposed between the nonwoven fabrics in the leak-proof cuffs.
＜4＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the entire liquid-impermeable sheet is disposed between the nonwoven fabrics in the leak-proof cuffs.
＜5＞
The garment has a ventral region arranged on the ventral side of a wearer, a dorsal region arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch region located between the ventral region and the dorsal region,
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein the liquid-impermeable sheet is disposed at least in the crotch region.

＜6＞
The absorbent article according to <5>, wherein the liquid-impermeable sheet extends to both longitudinal ends and is disposed continuously in the abdominal region, the crotch region and the dorsal region.
＜７＞
The absorbent article described in any one of <1> to <6>, wherein all of the joints are located only on the other surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet and are located on the base end side relative to the arrangement position of the elastic member located closest to the base end.
＜8＞
The garment has a ventral region arranged on the ventral side of a wearer, a dorsal region arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch region located between the ventral region and the dorsal region,
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein an end region including the free end of the leakage preventing cuff is formed at least in the crotch region, and has a predetermined width from the free end toward the base end and extends in the longitudinal direction.

＜9＞
In a plan view of the absorbent article in a maximum stretched state, a distance D1 along the width direction between the free end of the leakage preventing cuff and an end of the liquid-impermeable sheet located on the free end side of the leakage preventing cuff is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more,
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein the distance D1 is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less.
＜10＞
The absorbent article described in any one of <1> to <9>, wherein, in a plan view of the free end portion, all of the elastic members overlapping the liquid-impermeable sheet are located only on the skin-facing side of the liquid-impermeable sheet.
＜11＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <10>, wherein, in a plan view of the free end portion, the joint portion is located only on a non-skin-facing side of the liquid-impermeable sheet.

＜12＞
The leak-proof cuff has a bent portion located between the base end and the free end and extending in a longitudinal direction,
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the folded portion is folded outward in the width direction and divided into a lower region located on the base end side and an upper region located on the free end side.
＜13＞
The absorbent article according to <12>, wherein the thickness of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end is thinner than the thickness of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end.
＜14＞
a ratio (Db/Da) of a thickness Da of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end to a thickness Db of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more;
The absorbent article according to <12> or <13>, wherein the ratio (Db/Da) is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.6 or less.

＜15＞
The thickness of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end is preferably 200 dtex or more, more preferably 300 dtex or more, in terms of fineness;
The absorbent article according to any one of the above items <12> to <14>, which has a fineness of preferably 1000 dtex or less, more preferably 800 dtex or less.
＜16＞
The thickness of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end is preferably 200 dtex or more, more preferably 300 dtex or more, in terms of fineness;
The absorbent article according to any one of the above <12> to <15>, which has a fineness of preferably 1000 dtex or less, more preferably 800 dtex or less.
＜１７＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <12> to <16>, wherein the elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end is greater than the elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end.

＜18＞
a ratio (Ea/Eb) of an elongation factor Ea of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end to an elongation factor Eb of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end is preferably 1.01 or more;
The absorbent article according to any one of <12> to <17>, wherein the ratio (Ea/Eb) is preferably 2.00 or less, more preferably 1.80 or less.
＜19＞
The elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more,
The absorbent article according to any one of the above items <12> to <18>, wherein the thickness is preferably 4.0 times or less, more preferably 3.5 times or less.
＜20＞
The elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more,
The absorbent article according to any one of the above items <12> to <19>, wherein the thickness is preferably 4.0 times or less, more preferably 3.5 times or less.

＜21＞
A pair of upright-inhibiting portions, which are portions where the upright of the nonwoven fabric is inhibited, are formed at both ends of the leak-proof cuff in the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein, when viewed in a plan view of the free end, between the two upright inhibition portions, the ratio of an area of the joint located on the free end side of the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end to an area from the free end to the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end is 2% or less; or the joint is not present on the free end side of the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end.
＜22＞
The absorbent article described in <21>, wherein, in a plan view of the free end, the ratio of the area of the joint located on the free end side of the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end to the area from the free end to the position of the elastic member located closest to the base end is more preferably 0.5% or less.
＜23＞
Further comprising a pair of second leak-proof cuffs arranged separately from the leak-proof cuffs,
the second leakage preventing cuff is disposed so as to be located outward in a width direction from the leakage preventing cuff in a plan view in a maximum stretched state of the absorbent article,
The absorbent article described in any one of <1> to <22>, wherein the second leakproof cuff has a pair of opposing second nonwoven fabrics and a plurality of second elastic members arranged in a stretched state so as to extend along the longitudinal direction between the second nonwoven fabrics.

＜24＞
The absorbent article described in <23>, wherein, when viewed in a planar view in the maximum stretched state of the absorbent article, the elastic member included in the leakproof cuff and the second elastic member included in the second leakproof cuff are arranged so as not to intersect with each other.
＜25＞
The absorbent article described in <23> or <24>, wherein the second leak-proof cuff is arranged so as not to overlap both widthwise side edges of the leak-proof cuff when viewed in a plan view in a maximum stretched state of the absorbent article.
＜26＞
The leak-proof cuff and the second leak-proof cuff are both arranged continuously along the longitudinal direction,
The absorbent article according to any one of <23> to <25>, wherein, in a plan view in a maximum stretched state of the absorbent article, the free ends of the consecutive second leakproof cuffs are formed so as to be parallel to the free ends of the consecutive leakproof cuffs along the longitudinal direction.

＜27＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <23> to <26>, wherein the second leakproof cuff has a second base end portion that serves as a standing end, and a second standing portion that includes a free end portion and can stand toward the wearer.
＜28＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <23> to <27>, wherein the second leakproof cuff is disposed between the second nonwoven fabrics in a stretched state so that the second elastic member extends along the longitudinal direction at the free end, thereby forming an area having stretchability in the longitudinal direction at the free end.
＜29＞
The absorbent article according to <27> or <28>, wherein in a relaxed state of the absorbent article, a free end portion of the second standing portion is formed so as to protrude outward in the width direction.
＜30＞
the second leak-proof cuff has a second bent portion located between the second base end and the free end and extending in the longitudinal direction;
The absorbent article according to any one of <23> to <29>, wherein the absorbent article is folded outward in the width direction at the second folding portion and divided into a second lower region located on the second base end side and a second upper region located on the free end side.

＜31＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <30>, wherein a pair of side elastic members are further arranged in a stretched state so as to extend along the longitudinal direction on both sides of the absorbent body along the longitudinal direction, and both sides of the width direction of the absorbent body are configured to be able to stand up.
＜32＞
The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core;
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <31>, wherein the absorbent core has bend induction parts extending along the longitudinal direction at inner positions of both side parts in the width direction.
＜33＞
The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <32>, wherein a third elastic member is further arranged in a stretched state so as to extend along the longitudinal direction in an intermediate region between the base end and the free end of the leak-proof cuff.

1. Pants-type disposable diapers (absorbent articles)
2 Absorbent body 3 Top sheet 4 Back sheet 5 Absorbent body 8 Leak-proof cuff 8e Free end 80 Leak-proof cuff forming sheet (nonwoven fabric)
83 Elastic member for forming leak-proof cuffs 85 Liquid-impermeable sheet 10 Exterior body X Longitudinal direction Y Width direction F Abdominal region M Crotch region R Dorsal region

Claims (5)

An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-rear direction of a wearer and a width direction perpendicular thereto, the absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body, and leak-proof cuffs extending in the longitudinal direction,
The leak-proof cuffs each include a pair of opposing nonwoven fabrics, a plurality of elastic members disposed between the nonwoven fabrics so as to extend in the longitudinal direction, and a liquid-impermeable sheet disposed between the nonwoven fabrics,
The leak-proof cuff has a proximal end serving as an upright end and a free end,
the free end portion has an end region including the free end portion where the liquid-impermeable sheet is not present,
In a plan view of the free end portion, at least one of the elastic members overlaps with the liquid-impermeable sheet,
In a plan view of the free end portion, all of the elastic members overlapping the liquid-impermeable sheet are located only on one surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet,
a joint portion for joining the nonwoven fabric and the liquid-impermeable sheet is formed between the base end portion and the free end portion of the leakage-preventing cuff,
An absorbent article, wherein the joint is located only on the other surface side of the liquid-impermeable sheet and is located closer to the base end than the position of the elastic member that is located closest to the base end. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, in a plan view of the free end, all of the elastic members overlapping the liquid-impermeable sheet are located only on the skin-facing side of the liquid-impermeable sheet. The leak-proof cuff has a bent portion located between the base end and the free end and extending in a longitudinal direction,
3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion is folded outward in the width direction to divide the absorbent article into a lower region located on the base end side and an upper region located on the free end side. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the elastic member arranged closest to the free end is thinner than the thickness of the elastic member arranged closest to the base end. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the free end is greater than the elongation ratio of the elastic member disposed closest to the base end.

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