JP7633101B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins.

Among absorbent articles, there are so-called night napkins that are designed to have a relatively long length in the longitudinal direction along the front-to-back direction of the wearer. Generally, such absorbent articles with a long longitudinal length are folded in four when individually wrapped as a package, with three folds along the horizontal direction as folding axes, and two folds are located in the rear region behind the region facing the excretory part of the absorbent article. When in the package, the absorbent article is folded so that the rear part of the fold located at the rear of the two folds located in the rear region is the innermost.

Generally, absorbent articles such as napkins are distributed in a state where a plurality of folded envelopes are contained in one pack. If the product is left in such a state for a long time in one pack, the above-mentioned vertically long absorbent article is folded so that the rear part is on the inside, and therefore strong pressure is applied near the rearmost folded part, and strong creases are likely to occur.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes that the individual packaging folding portion overlaps with the central annular embossment to suppress creases.

The absorbent article includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent article is provided with a substantially elliptical annular embossed portion passing through the excretory part-facing region, the annular embossed portion being formed by compressing the top sheet and the absorbent body in the thickness direction.
Also, some absorbent articles are known that use a top sheet of cotton fibers that realizes high water absorption and moisture absorption properties through water retention.

JP 2010-178932 A

Topsheets that are primarily made of cotton fibers are more susceptible to wrinkles than topsheets that are made of synthetic fibers. Also, because cotton fibers are not heat-sealable, they are not easily fixed to the absorbent body by squeezing. For this reason, wrinkles are more likely to form in the topsheet at folded parts of the absorbent article, which are subject to pressure, and at twisted parts that occur when the article is worn.

When a person wears an absorbent article and assumes a sleeping position, if wrinkles occur in the top sheet, excretory fluid such as menstrual blood may flow along the wrinkles toward the buttocks and leak out from the rear of the absorbent article.
In addition, the annular embossment temporarily retains the excreted liquid, which is absorbed in large amounts near the embossment and causes the absorbent body to swell. This swelling of the absorbent body pushes up the topsheet in the embossed portion that was compressed by being pressed in the thickness direction, and the topsheet is easily peeled off from the absorbent body, causing the topsheet to float. This floating of the topsheet, combined with the wrinkles formed in the topsheet, induces the topsheet to float in the rear region of the absorbent article, preventing the topsheet from absorbing the excreted liquid into the absorbent body quickly, which may lead to concerns about leakage of the excreted liquid.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that has a top sheet mainly made of water-retentive fibers and is capable of suppressing wrinkles and leakage of excretory fluids.

An absorbent article according to one aspect of the present invention includes a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body.
The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
The absorbent article is divided along the longitudinal direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory part of the wearer, and a rear region.
The topsheet mainly contains water-retentive fibers.
The absorbent body is disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet.
The absorbent article includes an annular embossed portion, a first independent embossed portion and a second independent embossed portion, and a first folded portion and a second folded portion.
The annular embossed portion is disposed across the front region, the intermediate region and the rear region, and is formed by compressing the topsheet and the absorbent body.
The first independent embossed portion and the second independent embossed portion are located rearward of the annular embossed portion.
The first folding portion and the second folding portion are located in the rear region in this order from the rear to the front, serve as base points for folding the absorbent article, and extend in the lateral direction.
The annular embossed portion is located in the rear region between the first folded portion and the second folded portion.
The first independent embossed portion is located forward of the first folded portion, and the second independent embossed portion is located rearward of the first folded portion.

The absorbent article of the present invention has a top sheet mainly made of water-retentive fibers, yet is capable of suppressing wrinkles and preventing leakage of excretory fluids.

1 is a plan view showing an absorbent article as a napkin according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of the embossed portion of the absorbent article, illustrating the dimensions of each portion of the embossed portion.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[Overall configuration of napkin (absorbent article)]
As shown in Fig. 1, an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body M and a pair of wing portions W. The absorbent article 1 is configured as a sanitary napkin, and will be referred to as a napkin 1 hereinafter. Note that the napkin 1 does not necessarily have to include the wing portions W.
The napkin 1 has a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer, and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The transverse direction Y corresponds to the left-to-right direction of a wearer. Furthermore, the napkin 1 has a thickness direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
In this specification, "the inner side in the lateral direction Y" means the side closer to the vertical center line CL that divides the napkin 1 in half in the lateral direction Y, and "the outer side in the lateral direction Y" means the side away from the vertical center line CL.
In this specification, "front in the longitudinal direction X" or "front" means the front in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., the direction toward the wearer's abdomen. Similarly, "rear in the longitudinal direction X" or "rear" means the rear in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., the direction toward the wearer's back. Moreover, "outer side in the longitudinal direction X" means the side away from a straight line (not shown) that divides the napkin 1 in half in the longitudinal direction X.
In this specification, with regard to the thickness direction Z, the side closer to the wearer's skin when worn may be referred to as the upper or skin side, and the side closer to the clothing may be referred to as the lower or non-skin side.
In this specification, the term "planar view" refers to a planar view seen from the thickness direction Z.

The napkin 1 is divided along the longitudinal direction X into a front region 51, a middle region 52, and a rear region 53.
The intermediate region 52 is a region that faces the excretory part of the wearer when worn. In Fig. 1, the intermediate region 52 is a region between the front and rear base ends of the wing portions W of the napkin 1. When the absorbent article is a napkin, the "excretory part" refers to the vaginal opening.
The front region 51 is a region that is disposed in front of the intermediate region 52 (toward the wearer's abdomen) and is disposed so as to face the front of the wearer's excretory area when worn.
The rear region 53 is a region that is located rearward of the intermediate region 52 (toward the back of the wearer) and is located so as to face the rear of the wearer's excretory area when worn.
The "worn" state referred to here means a state in which the normal and proper wearing position (the expected wearing position of the napkin 1) is maintained.

The main body M extends along the longitudinal direction X and is disposed on the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. The main body M has a top sheet 2, an absorbent body 4, and a back sheet 3, which will be described later, laminated in the thickness direction Z, and has the function of absorbing excretory fluids (hereinafter also referred to as "fluids") such as menstrual blood from the wearer.
The wing portions W protrude outward in the horizontal direction Y from the center in the vertical direction X of the main body M, which is an area facing the excretory part of the wearer.

1 has a region in the rear region 53 facing the buttocks, and is configured as a nighttime napkin intended for use while sleeping, with a length in the longitudinal direction X of 30 cm or more, for example. In this example, the nighttime napkin 1 may have a rear flap portion F that bulges outward in the lateral direction Y from a rear portion of the main body M in the longitudinal direction X.
The length of the napkin 1 in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 26 cm or more, more preferably 29 cm or more, and is preferably 43 cm or less, more preferably 40 cm or less.

As shown in FIG. 2, the napkin 1 comprises an absorbent body 4, a top sheet 2, a back sheet 3, and a pair of side sheets 5. These components are joined together as appropriate, for example, by adhesive, by a heat seal section H (described later), or by a compression process in an embossed section 6 (described later).

[Components of the napkin]
(Absorbent)
1 and 2, the absorbent body 4 extends along the longitudinal direction X, and is disposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent body 4 absorbs liquid from the topsheet 2 side, and retains the liquid by diffusing it internally.
The absorbent body 4 has, for example, an absorbent core 41 and a core wrap sheet 42 .
The absorbent core 41 may be formed of, for example, a fiber assembly made of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, or may have a configuration in which a water-absorbent polymer is held in the fiber assembly.
The core wrap sheet 42 is a sheet that covers the absorbent core 41, and has a function of, for example, maintaining the shape of the absorbent core 41. The core wrap sheet 42 is formed, for example, from a thin, soft paper such as tissue paper or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric.
The absorbent body 4 does not necessarily have to have the core wrap sheet 42 .

(Surface sheet)
2, the topsheet 2 is disposed on the skin side in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent body 4. The topsheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet material, and contains mainly water-retentive fibers, as described below.

(Back sheet)
As shown in Fig. 2, the back sheet 3 is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z. The back sheet 3 is joined, for example, at its periphery to the top sheet 2 and the side sheet 5 by heat sealing without the absorbent body 4 being interposed therebetween. This may form a heat sealed portion H (see Fig. 1) at the periphery of the napkin 1. The back sheet 3 may be joined to the absorbent body 4 by an adhesive or the like.
The back sheet 3 is formed of, for example, a sheet material having functions such as poor liquid permeability, water vapor permeability, water repellency, etc. As the sheet material, for example, a thermoplastic resin film or a laminate of the film and a nonwoven fabric can be used.

The outer surface of the back sheet 3 may be provided with a main body adhesive portion 3a for fixing the main body M to clothing, and a wing adhesive portion 3b for fixing the wing portion W. The main body adhesive portion 3a and the wing adhesive portion 3b are configured as areas coated with adhesive. The arrangement and planar shape of the main body adhesive portion 3a and the wing adhesive portion 3b are not particularly limited and may take various forms.

(Side seat)
1 and 2, a pair of side sheets 5 are disposed on the outer sides in the lateral direction Y of the top sheet 2. The material of the side sheets 5 is preferably a sheet material having a lower hydrophilicity than the top sheet 2, and specific examples thereof include nonwoven fabrics, film materials, and sheets having a laminate structure of nonwoven fabrics and film materials, each of which has a lower hydrophilicity than the top sheet 2.

[Configuration of folding section]
Typically, napkins 1 are individually folded together with a wrapping sheet and distributed in a pack of several napkins.
In the package, the napkin 1 is folded in the vertical direction X by three linear folding portions L1 to L3 extending in the horizontal direction Y as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the napkin 1 is provided with a first folding portion L1, a second folding portion L2, and a third folding portion L3, in that order, from the rear end portion 31 to the front end portion 32 of the napkin 1. These folding portions become folding axes when folding.
The first folded portion L1 and the second folded portion L2 are located in the rear region 53. The third folded portion L3 is located in the front region 51.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the napkin 1, a region defined by the first folded portion L1 from the rear end portion 31 to the first folded portion L1 is defined as a first folded region 21.
In the napkin 1, a region defined by the first folded portion L1 and the second folded portion L2, that is, a region from the first folded portion L1 to the second folded portion L2, is referred to as a second folding region 22.
In the napkin 1, a region defined by the second folded portion L2 and the third folded portion L3, that is, a region from the second folded portion L2 to the third folded portion L3, is referred to as a third folding region 23.
In the napkin 1, the region from the third folded portion L3 to the front end portion 32 is defined as a fourth folded region 24.

The process of folding the napkin together with the wrapping sheet will now be described.
The napkin 1 is placed approximately in the center of a rectangular packaging sheet (not shown) via a non-slip material so as to be peelable from the packaging sheet, thereby obtaining a laminate of the napkin 1 and the packaging sheet.

Next, the laminate of the napkin 1 and the packaging sheet is folded so that the first folding region 21 is folded over the second folding region 22 with the first folding part L1 as the folding axis.
Next, the first folding region 21 and the second folding region 22 that have been folded are further folded onto the third folding region 23, with the second folding portion L2 as the folding axis. Next, the fourth folding region 24 is folded onto the first folding region 21, the second folding region 22, and the third folding region 23 that have been folded, with the third folding portion L3 as the folding axis. Then, a tab tape (not shown) fixed to the fourth folding region 24 is releasably adhered to the packaging sheet.
As a result, the napkin 1 is folded in four in the vertical direction X to form an individually wrapped package. In the package, the first folding region 21 located behind the rearmost first folding portion L1 is located on the innermost side.

The topsheet 2 is prone to creases at the folded portion. In the form of a package, the first folded region 21 of the napkin 1 is located at the innermost side, so pressure is likely to be applied to the first folded portion L1, and creases are particularly likely to occur near the first folded portion L1. Furthermore, as described below, the topsheet 2 mainly containing water-retentive fibers is prone to creases, and creases are likely to occur near the first folded portion L1.
In the present invention, the occurrence of such wrinkles can be effectively suppressed by the positional relationship between the embossed portion 6 and the first folded portion L1, which will be described later, and the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53 is effectively suppressed. Details will be described later.

[Top sheet configuration]
The topsheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers in order to achieve high water absorbency and moisture absorption properties.
In this specification, the term "water-retentive fiber" refers to a fiber that has water-retentive and water-absorbent properties, such as cotton and rayon, as can be easily understood by those skilled in the art. Note that for a sheet that mainly contains water-retentive fibers, the value measured in the "water-retentive test" described below is preferably 100 mm or more, and more preferably 150 mm or more.
Since the top sheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers, the top sheet 2 can quickly absorb excretory fluids and sweat of the wearer. Furthermore, such a top sheet 2 can absorb water vapor derived from the excretory fluids and sweat, and release the water vapor to unused portions of the absorbent body 4 (i.e., portions capable of absorbing excretory fluids). This effectively prevents stuffiness when the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is worn, improves the wearing comfort, and prevents skin troubles for the wearer.
The phrase "the topsheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers" means that the topsheet 2 contains 50% by mass or more of water-retentive fibers. The topsheet 2 preferably contains 75% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass, of water-retentive fibers, and may be composed of only water-retentive fibers.

(Water retention test method)
The water retention test was carried out according to the following procedure. First, three test pieces cut to 10 cm x 10 cm from the surface sheet were stacked, and two filter papers (e.g., qualitative filter paper/manufactured by ADVANTEC) cut to the same size were stacked underneath. This was placed on a horizontal table and 1 mL of blue water (500 mL of ion-exchanged water to which 0.1 g of edible blue No. 1: manufactured by Daiwa Kasei Co., Ltd. was added) was dripped onto it. After 5 minutes, the spread of the blue water on the surface of the first sheet was measured in two directions, the length of the sheet vertical (H) and horizontal (W), and the total length was calculated. If a sample cannot be cut out to 10 cm x 10 cm or if three test pieces cannot be cut out, the size of the sample may be changed as appropriate. However, in this case, the size of the sample is the maximum size of a square shape that can be cut out from the absorbent article.

In the present invention, specific examples of water-retentive fibers include natural fibers such as cotton fibers, cellulose fibers other than cotton fibers (hemp, palm, kraft pulp, straw, etc.), rayon fibers, polynosic fibers, etc., regenerated fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate rayon. The water-retentive fibers are preferably natural fibers from the viewpoint of providing a sense of security to the wearer. Furthermore, the water-retentive fibers are preferably cotton fibers from the viewpoint of providing a sense of security to the wearer, as well as achieving high water absorption and hygroscopicity and a soft texture.

The surface sheet 2 is made of a woven or nonwoven fabric mainly made of water-retentive fibers, and is preferably made of a nonwoven fabric. From the viewpoint of entangling or bonding the water-retentive fibers, such nonwoven fabrics include spunlace nonwoven fabrics, resin-bonded nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. From the viewpoint of entangling the water-retentive fibers while taking advantage of their texture, nonwoven fabrics that do not have fusion points between the fibers are preferred, and specifically, spunlace nonwoven fabrics are preferred.

Topsheet 2, which is mainly made of water-retentive fibers, is more prone to wrinkling than topsheets made of synthetic fibers.

[Basic structure of embossed part]
As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the napkin 1 has an embossed portion 6 formed by squeezing a top sheet 2 and an absorbent body 4.
The embossed portion 6 is formed, for example, by compressing in the thickness direction Z from the topsheet 2 toward the absorbent body 4. Examples of the compressing include heat embossing and ultrasonic sealing. The embossed portion 6 has a configuration in which the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are integrally recessed toward the backsheet 3 side.
In the following description, the compressed portions of the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are also referred to as "embossed".

With this configuration, the embossed portion 6 is more rigid than other regions and is less likely to deform. Therefore, when the napkin 1 is subjected to a force, the embossed portion 6 can function as a deformation starting point that promotes deformation of the surrounding low-rigidity regions. In addition, since the embossed portion 6 has a configuration in which the topsheet 2 is recessed, tension can be locally applied to the topsheet 2 around the embossed portion 6.
Furthermore, since the distance between fibers in the embossed portion 6 is narrower than in other regions, when the embossed portion 6 comes into contact with liquid, the embossed portion 6 has a function of drawing in the liquid by capillary action and diffusing it within the embossed portion 6. As a result, the embossed portion 6 also has a leak-proof function that prevents the liquid from leaking to the outside.

The embossed portion 6 has at least an annular embossed portion 7 , a first independent embossed portion 11 , and a second independent embossed portion 8 .
The first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 are each an independent embossed portion spaced apart from the annular embossed portion 7 rearward in the longitudinal direction X, and suppress the occurrence of wrinkles further rearward of the annular embossed portion 7. A part of the annular embossed portion 7, the first independent embossed portion 11, and the second independent embossed portion 8 are located in the rear region 53 of the napkin 1.
Furthermore, the embossed portion 6 may include a third independent embossed portion 13 extending in the lateral direction Y, as illustrated in FIG.
The configuration of each embossed portion will be described below.

[Configuration of Annular Embossed Portion]
The annular embossed portion 7 is arranged across the front region 51 , the middle region 52 and the rear region 53 .
The annular embossed portion 7 is composed of a pair of embossed grooves 70 .
The embossed groove 70 is a groove formed by embossing and extending in the vertical direction X as a whole. The embossed groove 70 is, for example, a linear embossed groove. The term "linear" in the embossed groove means that the embossing extends in a straight line and/or a curved line. The term "linear" includes not only a mode in which one embossment extends continuously, but also a mode in which multiple embossments are lined up closely in the extension direction and are substantially linear.

In this specification, "the embossed groove extends in the vertical direction X" does not mean that the embossed groove extends parallel to the vertical direction X, but may extend as a whole in the vertical direction X. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the embossed groove 70 extends as a whole in the vertical direction X, but includes a locally constricted portion that is constricted inward in the horizontal direction Y.
From the viewpoint of more effectively exerting the function of the pair of embossed grooves 70, it is preferable that the pair of embossed grooves 70 are substantially continuous and connected to each other in the front region 51 and the rear region 53. This allows the pair of embossed grooves 70 to have a closed, approximately elliptical ring shape. In this case, the left and right embossed grooves 70 extend toward each other inward in the lateral direction Y at the front end and rear end.
The term "substantially continuous" includes a mode in which the annular embossed portion 7 is continuous and configured in an annular shape, as well as a mode in which the annular embossed portion has a slight discontinuity of approximately 4 mm or less.

The annular embossed portion 7 is continuous in the vertical direction X. As a result, when an external force is applied in the horizontal direction Y from the wearer's left and right thighs and left and right buttocks while wearing the napkin, the annular embossed portion 7 tends to induce a deformation that raises the center of the napkin 1 in the horizontal direction Y. This allows for a good fit to the excretory area and the recess behind it, effectively preventing leakage of liquid.

[Configuration of first independent embossed portion]
1, the first independent embossed portion 11 is located independently behind and spaced from the annular embossed portion 7. The first independent embossed portion 11 is a linear embossed groove extending generally in the lateral direction Y.
The annular embossed portion 7 and the first independent embossed portion 11 being "separated" means that the high rigidity regions formed by these are completely separated from each other and function as independent high rigidity regions. Specifically, the distance between the nearest portions of the annular embossed portion 7 and the first independent embossed portion 11 in the vertical direction X is preferably 5 mm or more.

By arranging the first independent embossed portion 11 on the periphery of the annular embossed portion 7 in the vertical direction X, the first independent embossed portion 11 exerts a leakage prevention effect against liquid flowing in the vertical direction X, and can effectively suppress leakage of liquid in the vertical direction X.
1, the first independent embossed portion 11 is configured to be convex outward in the vertical direction X. By arranging the convex portion of the first independent embossed portion 11 on the vertical center line CL, the left and right portions sandwiching the convex portion receive forces from both sides in the horizontal direction Y, respectively, and become deformation starting points, which, together with the annular embossed portion 7, can promote deformation such that the central portion of the napkin 1 in the horizontal direction Y is raised toward the skin. This improves the fit of the napkin 1, effectively applies tension in the horizontal direction Y to the topsheet 2, and more effectively suppresses wrinkles in the napkin 1.

[Configuration of second independent embossed portion]
1, the second independent embossed portion 8 is located independently behind and spaced apart from the annular embossed portion 7. The second independent embossed portion 8 has a shape that extends in the lateral direction Y as a whole.
The annular embossed portion 7 and the second independent embossed portion 8 being "separated" means that the resulting high rigidity regions are completely separated from each other and function as independent high rigidity regions. Specifically, the distance between the closest portions of the annular embossed portion 7 and the second independent embossed portion 8 is preferably 15 mm or more.
The second independent embossed portion 8 is located independently behind and spaced apart from the first independent embossed portion 11 .
The first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 being "separated" means that the high rigidity regions formed by these are completely separated from each other and function as independent high rigidity regions. Specifically, the distance between the closest portions of the first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 is preferably 10 mm or more.
By having a second independent embossed portion 8 located rearward away from the annular embossed portion 7, tension can be applied locally to the surface sheet 2 in the rear area where the annular embossed portion 7 is not located, thereby effectively suppressing wrinkles in that area.

The second independent embossed portion 8 has a dimension in the horizontal direction Y that is shorter than that of the first independent embossed portion 11 .
Moreover, the second independent embossed portion 8 has one or more embossed elements, and in this embodiment has a plurality of embossed elements 81 to 83 spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction Y. The planar shape of each of the embossed elements 81 to 83 of the second independent embossed portion 8 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not particularly limited and may take various shapes. The planar shape may be, for example, one or more selected from a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a teardrop, a line, shapes similar thereto, and other shapes.
Since the second independent embossing section 8 has a plurality of embossing elements 81 to 83, each of these plurality of embossing elements acts as a deformation starting point, and it is possible to effectively suppress the occurrence of wrinkles while inducing a preferable deformation.
Furthermore, since the second independent embossed portion 8 has a shorter dimension in the horizontal direction Y than the first independent embossed portion 11 and is composed of a plurality of embossed elements 81 to 83, the area of the entire region of the second independent embossed portion 8 can be increased, and the area pressed by the embossing is small, so that the softness of the napkin 1 is maintained to ensure comfort when worn, while the effect of suppressing the lifting of the top sheet 2 can be enhanced.

From the viewpoint of suppressing wrinkles that may occur due to the depression between the buttocks (gluteal cleft), the second independent embossing portion 8 is preferably arranged so as to straddle the horizontal direction Y through the center of the horizontal direction Y of the napkin 1 (corresponding to the vertical center line CL). When the second independent embossing portion 8 has multiple embossing elements, it is preferable that the second independent embossing portion 8 includes a central embossing element 81 arranged in the center of the horizontal direction Y.

Next, specific examples of each embossing element of the second independent embossing section 8 including the central embossing element 81 will be described.
As shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 3, the second independent embossing portion 8 preferably includes a plurality of embossing elements. Note that Figures 1 and 3 show one configuration example of the second independent embossing portion 8, and the configuration of the second independent embossing portion 8 is not limited to this example.
Each embossed element of the second independent embossed portion 8 is a portion where the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are compressed.
Each embossing element of the second independent embossing portion 8 is preferably a continuous embossing element, but may be an assembly of a plurality of adjacent embossing elements. In the latter case, the assembly may function as a single high-rigidity region.

As shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 3, it is preferable that the second independent embossing portion 8 has a central embossing element 81 located in the center of the lateral direction Y of the napkin 1, from the viewpoint of placing an embossment in the cavity of the intergluteal cleft, which is particularly prone to wrinkles.
The planar shape of the central embossing element 81 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not limited to the floral pattern as shown in the figure, and may be of various shapes. The planar shape may be, for example, one or more selected from a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a teardrop, shapes similar thereto, and other shapes.

The central embossing element 81 allows the placement of an embossment in the area facing the gluteal cleft, an area where wrinkles are particularly likely to occur, and can effectively suppress wrinkles. Furthermore, the central embossing element 81 can act as the starting point for a convex deformation on the skin side, inducing a deformation that fits the gluteal cleft. This deformation can apply tension to the top sheet 2, suppressing wrinkles while improving fit.

Furthermore, the second independent embossing section 8 preferably has a pair of linear embossing elements 82 in addition to the central embossing element 81 .
The linear embossing element 82 has a pattern of a single linear stem with multiple leaves. The linear embossing element 82 is generally linear, extending from the rear in the vertical direction X to the front in the vertical direction X and from the inside in the horizontal direction Y to the outside in the horizontal direction Y. In other words, the linear embossing element 82 generally has an elongated shape extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y.
The planar shape of the linear embossing element 82 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not limited to a pattern shape consisting of stems and leaves as shown in the figure, but can take various shapes, and it is preferable for it to be an elongated shape that extends diagonally overall.

The pair of linear embossing elements 82 are each arranged at a distance outward from the central embossing element 81 in the horizontal direction Y. In other words, the pair of linear embossing elements 82 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the central embossing element 81, and are arranged at a distance from each other in the horizontal direction Y. The central embossing element 81 is located at the center of the pair of linear embossing elements 82 in the horizontal direction Y.
In the second independent embossed portion 8, the embossed elements are "spaced apart" meaning that the high-rigidity regions formed by the embossed elements are completely spaced apart from one another and function as independent high-rigidity regions. Specifically, in the second independent embossed portion 8, the narrowest interval between the spaced apart embossed elements is preferably 10 mm or more.
"The linear embossing element 82 is positioned laterally Y outwardly of the central embossing element 81" means that the outer end portion of the linear embossing element 82 that is positioned most outwardly in the laterally Y is positioned more outwardly in the laterally Y than the outer end portion of the central embossing element 81 that is positioned most outwardly in the laterally Y.

The linear embossing elements 82 can be placed in the area on either side of the gluteal cleft where the buttocks gradually rise in an inclined manner. In this area, the tension applied from the most raised part of the buttocks is gradually released, making the top sheet 2 prone to wrinkles, but the linear embossing elements 82 can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles in this area. In addition, the linear embossing elements 82 can become the starting point of a convex deformation on the non-skin side according to the raised body shape, and can induce a deformation that fits the roundness of the buttocks. This also makes it possible to apply an appropriate tension to the top sheet 2, suppressing wrinkles and improving fit.

Further, the linear embossing elements 82 have an elongated shape extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y.
By having the linear embossing elements 82 have the above-mentioned configuration, they are arranged to envelop the curves of the left and right buttocks, fitting better to the sloping protuberances of the buttocks and more effectively suppressing wrinkles.

In this manner, the second independent embossing section 8 is configured to include a total of three independent embossing elements, namely, one central embossing element 81 and two linear embossing elements 82, which are spaced apart from each other.
This allows the area of the region where the embossing is arranged to be larger, and since the area pressed by the embossing is small, the softness is maintained to ensure comfort when worn, while the effect of suppressing the floating of the surface sheet 2 in the rear region 53 can be enhanced.

Furthermore, by forming the pair of linear embossing elements 82 in the above-mentioned shape, even if wrinkles occur in the vertical direction X along the vertical direction X of the annular embossing portion 7, it is possible to stop the propagation of the wrinkles toward the rear near the first folded portion L1, thereby suppressing the occurrence of liquid leakage along the wrinkles.
The absorbent body swells in the annular embossed portion 7 and its vicinity by absorbing menstrual blood and other fluids. The swelling of the absorbent body in the embossed portion, which has been pressed and compressed in the thickness direction Z, pushes up the top sheet, peels off the top sheet from the absorbent body, and causes the top sheet to float, which tends to form vertical wrinkles along the annular embossed portion 7 on the top sheet 2. However, since the linear embossed elements 82 have a shape that extends from the rear in the vertical direction X to the front in the vertical direction X and from the inside in the horizontal direction Y to the outside in the horizontal direction Y, the propagation of the wrinkles to the rear can be easily stopped near the first folded portion L1. In this way, the propagation of the wrinkles to the rear end portion 31 of the napkin 1 can be suppressed, and the occurrence of liquid leakage along the wrinkles can be suppressed.

Furthermore, it is more preferable that the second independent embossing section 8 has, in addition to the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 , a pair of inner embossing elements 83 arranged spaced apart from the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 .
In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the pair of inner embossing elements 83 are arranged, for example, on the outer side in the lateral direction Y of the central embossing element 81 and on the inner side in the lateral direction Y of the linear embossing element 82 .
"The inner embossing element 83 is positioned laterally Y outwardly of the central embossing element 81" means that the outer end portion of the inner embossing element 83 that is located most outwardly in the laterally Y is positioned more outwardly in the laterally Y than the outer end portion of the central embossing element 81 that is located most outwardly in the laterally Y.
"The inner embossing element 83 is positioned laterally Y inwardly of the linear embossing element 82" means that the inner end portion of the inner embossing element 83 that is located most inwardly in the laterally Y direction is positioned more inwardly in the laterally Y direction than the inner end portion of the linear embossing element 82 that is located most inwardly in the laterally Y direction.

The planar shape of the inner embossing element 83 as viewed in the thickness direction Z is not limited to the floral shape as shown in the figure, but can take on various shapes. The planar shape can be, for example, one or more selected from a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a teardrop, shapes similar to these, and other shapes.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the pair of linear embossing elements 82 and the pair of inner embossing elements 83 are each configured to be line-symmetrical with respect to the vertical center line CL, but this is not limited to this. The pair of linear embossing elements 82 and the pair of inner embossing elements 83 may not each have symmetry and may each have a different shape, and the entire second independent embossing portion 8 may be positioned so that it passes through the center in the horizontal direction Y of the napkin 1 (corresponding to the vertical center line CL) and extends in the horizontal direction Y so as to be located on both sides of the center in the horizontal direction Y.

The inner embossing element 83 can be placed on both the left and right sides of the gluteal cleft, at the start of the rise where the buttocks begin to rise. This start of the rise is particularly prone to wrinkling and sagging because tension from the buttocks is suddenly released, but the inner embossing element 83 can suppress wrinkling and sagging in this area. The inner embossing element 83 can also become a convex deformation starting point on the non-skin side according to the body shape, and induce deformation that fits the start of the buttocks' rise. This also makes it possible to apply an appropriate tension to the top sheet 2, suppressing wrinkling and sagging while improving fit.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of more effectively suppressing wrinkles due to the uneven shape of the buttocks, it is preferable that the inner embossing element 83 be disposed forward in the longitudinal direction X relative to the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 .
"The inner embossing element 83 is positioned forward in the vertical direction X from the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82" means that the front end portion of the inner embossing element 83 that is located furthest forward in the vertical direction X is positioned forward in the vertical direction X from the front ends of the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 that are located furthest forward in the vertical direction X.
When the napkin 1 is a night napkin, the second independent embossed portion 8 may be located in and near a substantially triangular depression near the end of the posterior (back) side of the intergluteal cleft. The width of this substantially triangular depression narrows toward the front (excretory side), and accordingly the bulging start portions of the left and right buttocks become steeper. By locating the inner embossing element 83 forward in the vertical direction X from the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82, it is possible to effectively suppress wrinkles in the steep bulging start portions where wrinkles are particularly likely to occur.

[Positional relationship between the first independent embossed portion, the second independent embossed portion, and the first folded portion]
The first independent embossed portion 11 is located forward in the longitudinal direction X from the first folded portion L1.
The second independent embossed portion 8 is located rearward in the vertical direction X from the first folded portion L1.
Here, since the napkin 1 has a certain degree of thickness, the folded portion formed by folding is linear and has a certain degree of width along the vertical direction X. The above phrase "the first independent embossed portion 11 is located forward of the first folded portion L1 in the vertical direction X" includes a form in which the first independent embossed portion 11 is not located on the first folded portion L1, which is linear and has a width, in plan view, as well as a form in which the rearmost end of the first independent embossed portion 11 is located on the first folded portion L1.

The first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 are located in front of and behind the first folded portion L1.

[Effects of the above configuration]
With the above configuration, even when a napkin folded in four uses a topsheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers that tend to wrinkle, the occurrence of wrinkles near the first fold L1 can be effectively suppressed.
That is, the topsheet 2 near the first folded portion L1 is applied with sufficient tension by the first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8, which are integrally recessed portions of the topsheet 2 and the absorbent body 4, being positioned in front of and behind the first folded portion L1. Therefore, even when a topsheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers that tend to wrinkle easily is used, the occurrence of wrinkles near the first folded portion L1, which tends to wrinkle when folded, is effectively suppressed.
Since wrinkles are thus less likely to form in the rear region 53, liquid is less likely to leak from the napkin 1 along the wrinkles, and liquid leakage can be suppressed.

Furthermore, by suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the vicinity of the first folded portion L1, the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53 can be suppressed.
In other words, when the napkin 1 absorbs liquid, the drawing of liquid due to capillary action in the annular embossed portion 7 and peeling (also called floating) of the top sheet 2 at the annular embossed portion 7, which is likely to occur due to temporary accumulation of liquid, do not combine with wrinkles formed near the first fold portion L1 to induce floating of the top sheet 2 in the rear region 53, and the occurrence of floating of the top sheet 2 in the rear region 53 is suppressed.
This allows liquid to be transferred quickly from the topsheet 2 to the absorbent body 4, effectively preventing liquid leakage.

In addition, in the rear region 53, even if liquid diffuses rearward along the annular embossed portion 7 and causes the topsheet 2 to float in the rear portion 71 due to swelling of the absorbent 4 by the liquid, the two independent embossed portions (first independent embossed portion 11 and second independent embossed portion 8) located behind the rear portion 71 of the annular embossed portion 7 prevent the topsheet 2 from floating behind the annular embossed portion 7. Therefore, the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53 is prevented from floating, and liquid leakage is prevented.

As described above, in this embodiment, even when the napkin 1 is folded in four and uses a top sheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers, it is possible to effectively prevent wrinkles and floating of the top sheet 2 in the rear region that faces the buttocks, and effectively prevent liquid leakage caused by wrinkles and floating of the top sheet 2. Furthermore, by preventing wrinkles and floating of the top sheet 2, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort of the napkin 1 around the buttocks.

[Configuration of third independent embossed portion]
As shown in FIG. 1, the embossed portion 6 may include a third independent embossed portion 13 extending in the lateral direction Y.
The third independent embossed portion 13 is disposed inside the annular structure of the annular embossed portion 7, and is disposed rearward of the second folded portion L2.
Behind the second folded portion L2 in the rear region 53 of the napkin 1, two independent embossed portions (a first independent embossed portion 11 and a third independent embossed portion 13) are located in front of the first folded portion L1, and one independent embossed portion (a second independent embossed portion 8) is located behind the first folded portion L1.

In the rear region 53, the third independent embossed portion 13 and the first independent embossed portion 11 are located respectively in front of and behind the annular embossed portion 7 with the annular embossed portion 7 interposed therebetween.
Here, the rear portion 71 of the annular embossed portion 7 in the longitudinal direction X is positioned across the transverse direction Y, and this rear portion 71 acts as a deformation base point extending in the transverse direction Y. In this manner, the third independent embossed portion 13 and the first independent embossed portion 11 are positioned in front of and behind the rear portion 71 of the annular embossed portion 7 extending in the transverse direction Y, thereby effectively applying tension to the topsheet 2 between the rear portion 71 and the third independent embossed portion 13, and to the topsheet 2 between the rear portion 71 and the first independent embossed portion 11, thereby suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles, and further suppressing the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53 having a portion facing the buttocks.
Furthermore, by arranging the third independent embossed portion 13 on the periphery of the annular embossed portion 7 in the vertical direction X, the third independent embossed portion 13 exerts a leakage prevention effect against liquid flowing in the vertical direction X, and can effectively suppress leakage of liquid in the vertical direction X.
In this way, by further providing the third independent embossed portion 13, the occurrence of wrinkles and lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53 can be further suppressed, and liquid leakage can be effectively suppressed.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the third independent embossed portion 13 is configured to be convex outward in the vertical direction X. By arranging the convex portion of the third independent embossed portion 13 on the vertical center line CL, the left and right portions on either side of the convex portion receive forces from both sides in the horizontal direction Y and become deformation starting points, which, together with the annular embossed portion 7, can promote deformation that raises the central portion of the napkin 1 in the horizontal direction Y toward the skin. This improves the fit of the napkin 1 and effectively applies tension in the horizontal direction Y to the top sheet 2, making it possible to more effectively suppress wrinkles in the napkin 1.

[Example dimensions of independent embossed parts]
It is preferable that at least one of the first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 has a dimension in the horizontal direction Y longer than a dimension in the vertical direction X.
Here, the first folded portion L1 is formed along the horizontal direction Y. For this reason, the first independent embossed portion 11 (second independent embossed portion 8) is positioned such that the dimension in the horizontal direction Y is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction X, i.e., the first independent embossed portion 11 (second independent embossed portion 8) is positioned in a shape that entirely spans the horizontal direction Y. This applies tension in the horizontal direction Y to the topsheet 2, effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the vicinity of the first folded portion L1, and further suppresses the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53.

It is more preferable that the dimension in the horizontal direction Y of both the first independent embossed portion 11 and the second independent embossed portion 8 is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction X. With this configuration, independent embossed portions that span the horizontal direction Y are located before and after the first folded portion L1, and the occurrence of wrinkles near the first folded portion L1 is more effectively suppressed, and the occurrence of lifting of the surface sheet in the rear region 53 is more effectively suppressed.

Moreover, it is preferable that the dimension of the third independent embossed portion 13 in the horizontal direction Y is longer than the dimension in the vertical direction X.
Here, the rear portion 71 in the longitudinal direction X of the annular embossed portion 7 is positioned across the transverse direction Y, and this rear portion 71 acts as a deformation base point extending in the transverse direction Y. For this reason, the third independent embossed portion 13 is positioned such that the dimension in the transverse direction Y is longer than the dimension in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., in a shape that entirely spans the transverse direction Y, so that tension is applied to the topsheet 2 in the transverse direction Y, effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles near the rear portion 71 of the annular embossed portion 7 and also suppressing the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53.

The dimension in the vertical direction X of each independent embossed portion (first independent embossed portion 11, second independent embossed portion 8, or third independent embossed portion 13) refers to the maximum dimension in the vertical direction X, and means the dimension in the vertical direction X from the outer end of the embossment located most forward in the vertical direction X of each independent embossed portion to the outer end of the embossment located most rearward in the vertical direction X of each independent embossed portion. Note that the "outer end" of each embossment means the part located most outward in the vertical direction X of each embossed portion.
The dimension in the horizontal direction Y of each independent embossed portion (first independent embossed portion 11, second independent embossed portion 8, or third independent embossed portion 13) refers to the maximum dimension in the horizontal direction Y, and means the dimension in the horizontal direction Y from the outer end of the embossment located at the leftmost position in the horizontal direction Y of the independent embossed portion to the outer end of the embossment located at the rightmost position in the horizontal direction Y of the independent embossed portion. Note that the "outer end" of each embossment means the part located at the outermost position in the horizontal direction Y of each embossment.

Specific numerical values for the dimensions of each independent embossed portion are given below, but these are just examples and are not limiting.

(Specific examples of dimensions of first independent embossed portion)
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension c of the first independent embossed portion 11 in the horizontal direction Y is longer than the dimension d in the vertical direction X.
From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the vicinity of the first folded portion L1 and the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region, the dimension c in the horizontal direction Y of the first independent embossed portion 11 is preferably 35 mm or more, more preferably 40 mm or more, and preferably 55 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less, and the dimension d in the vertical direction X is preferably 22 mm or more, more preferably 26 mm or more, and preferably 38 mm or less, more preferably 34 mm or less. In this embodiment, the dimension c is 45 mm, and the dimension d is 29 mm.

(Specific examples of dimensions of second independent embossed portion)
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension a of the second independent embossed portion 8 in the horizontal direction Y is longer than the dimension b in the vertical direction X.
From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles in the vicinity of the first folded portion L1 and the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region 53, the dimension a in the horizontal direction Y of the second independent embossed portion 8 is preferably 35 mm or more, more preferably 39 mm or more, and preferably 51 mm or less, more preferably 49 mm or less, and the dimension b in the vertical direction X is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 15 mm or more, and preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less. In this embodiment, the dimension a is 43 mm, and the dimension b is 20 mm.

(Specific examples of dimensions of third independent embossed portion)
In the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimension e of the third independent embossed portion 13 in the horizontal direction Y is longer than the dimension f of the third independent embossed portion 13 in the vertical direction X.
From the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles near the rear portion 71 of the annular embossed portion 7 and the occurrence of lifting of the topsheet 2 in the rear region, the dimension e in the horizontal direction Y of the third independent embossed portion 13 is preferably 27 mm or more, more preferably 29 mm or more, and preferably 35 mm or less, more preferably 33 mm or less, and the dimension f in the vertical direction X is preferably 13 mm or more, more preferably 17 mm or more, and preferably 29 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less. In this embodiment, the dimension e is 31 mm, and the dimension f is 21 mm.

(Example of dimensions of each embossing element in the second independent embossing portion)
The distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and preferably 11 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of more effectively exerting the effect of suppressing floating of the top sheet 2 while maintaining the softness of the rear portion of the napkin 1.
It should be noted that the “distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 ” means the minimum distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossing element 81 and the linear embossing element 82 .

The maximum dimension of the central embossing element 81 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles in the gluteal cleft. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably in the gluteal cleft.
The maximum dimension of each linear embossing element 82 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 12 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles in the sloped area of the buttocks. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 18 mm or less, more preferably 14 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably to the raised shape of the buttocks.

From the viewpoint of widely covering the sloping area of the buttocks and effectively suppressing wrinkles, it is preferable that the front end portion of the linear embossing element 82 located at the most forward position in the vertical direction X is located further forward in the vertical direction X than the front end portion of the central embossing element 81 located at the most forward position in the vertical direction X. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the rear end portion of the linear embossing element 82 located at the most rearward position in the vertical direction X is located further rearward than the rear end portion of the central embossing element 81 located at the most rearward position in the vertical direction X.

The maximum dimension of the central embossing element 81 in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably in the cavity of the gluteal cleft.
The maximum dimension of each linear embossing element 82 in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 13 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably to the raised shape of the buttocks.

The distance between the central embossing element 81 and the inner embossing element 83 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 1 mm or more in order to more effectively exert the above-mentioned effect. Moreover, the distance is preferably 7 mm or less in order to sufficiently separate the inner embossing element 83 from the linear embossing element 82.
It should be noted that the “distance in the lateral direction Y between the central embossing element 81 and the inner embossing element 83 ” means the minimum distance in the lateral direction Y between the central embossing element 81 and the inner embossing element 83 .

The distance in the lateral direction Y between the linear embossing element 82 and the inner embossing element 83 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles on the inner side in the lateral direction Y of the linear embossing element 82. Moreover, from the viewpoint of sufficiently separating the inner embossing element 83 from the central embossing element 81, the distance is preferably 9 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less.
It should be noted that the “distance in the horizontal direction Y between the linear embossing element 82 and the inner embossing element 83 ” means the minimum distance in the horizontal direction Y between the linear embossing element 82 and the inner embossing element 83 .

The distance in the longitudinal direction X between the front end portion of the inner embossing element 83 that is located most forward in the longitudinal direction X and the front end portion of the central embossing element 81 that is located most forward in the longitudinal direction X, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing wrinkles at the start portion of the protuberance of the buttocks, is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and is preferably 17 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less.
From a similar viewpoint, the distance in the longitudinal direction X between the front end of the inner embossing element 83 and the front end of the linear embossing element 82 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.

The maximum dimension of each inner embossed element 83 in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively obtaining the above-mentioned wrinkle suppression effect. Moreover, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably when worn, the maximum dimension is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.
Similarly, the maximum dimension of each inner embossed element 83 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 7 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively obtaining the above-mentioned wrinkle suppression effect. Moreover, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably when worn, the maximum dimension is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The configuration of the embossed grooves in the embossed portion 6 is not limited to the above example, and may take various forms. For example, the embossed portion 6 does not need to have the third independent embossed portion 13.
In addition, the configuration of each embossing of the second independent embossing portion 8 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and for example, it may not have at least one of the central embossing element 81, the linear embossing element 82, or the inner embossing element 83. In addition, the shape of each embossing is not limited to the illustrated example.

In the above embodiment, a sanitary napkin is shown as an example of an absorbent article, but the absorbent article is not limited to this. The absorbent article of the present invention may be, for example, a urine pad, a panty liner, a disposable diaper, etc.

1... Napkin (absorbent article)
2: top sheet; 3: back sheet; 4: absorbent body; 7: annular embossed portion; 8: second independent embossed portion; 11: first independent embossed portion; 51: front region; 52: middle region; 53: rear region; L1: first folded portion; L2: second folded portion.

Claims (5)

An absorbent article comprising a top sheet mainly containing water-retentive fibers, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of a wearer and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article being divided along the longitudinal direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory area of the wearer, and a rear region,
an annular embossed portion in which the top sheet and the absorbent body are compressed, the annular embossed portion being disposed across the front region, the intermediate region and the rear region;
a first independent embossed portion and a second independent embossed portion, which are located rearward of the annular embossed portion and in which the topsheet and the absorbent body are compressed;
a first folding portion and a second folding portion extending laterally and serving as base points for folding the absorbent article, the first folding portion and the second folding portion being located in order from the rear to the front in the rear region;
Equipped with
The annular embossed portion is located between the first folded portion and the second folded portion in the rear region,
the first independent embossed portion is located forward of the first folded portion, and the second independent embossed portion is located rearward of the first folded portion ;
The second independent embossed portion has a lateral dimension shorter than that of the first independent embossed portion,
The second independent embossed portion is arranged across the absorbent article in the horizontal direction so as to pass through a vertical center line that divides the absorbent article in half in the horizontal direction,
The second independent embossing portion is composed of a plurality of embossing elements spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.
Absorbent articles. An absorbent article comprising a top sheet mainly containing water-retentive fibers, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of a wearer and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article being divided along the longitudinal direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory area of the wearer, and a rear region,
an annular embossed portion in which the top sheet and the absorbent body are compressed, the annular embossed portion being disposed across the front region, the intermediate region and the rear region;
a first independent embossed portion and a second independent embossed portion, which are located rearward of the annular embossed portion and in which the topsheet and the absorbent body are compressed;
a first folding portion and a second folding portion extending laterally and serving as base points for folding the absorbent article, the first folding portion and the second folding portion being located in order from the rear to the front in the rear region;
Equipped with
The annular embossed portion is located between the first folded portion and the second folded portion in the rear region,
the first independent embossed portion is located forward of the first folded portion, and the second independent embossed portion is located rearward of the first folded portion;
Further comprising a third independent embossed portion located in the rear region,
The third independent embossed portion is located in a region surrounded by the annular embossed portion and is located rearward of the second folded portion.
Absorbent articles. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least one of the first independent embossed portion and the second independent embossed portion has a horizontal dimension longer than a vertical dimension. The absorbent article according to claim 3 , wherein the first independent embossed portion and the second independent embossed portion each have a horizontal dimension longer than a vertical dimension. The second independent embossed portion is
A pair of linear embossing elements extending from the rear in the longitudinal direction to the front in the longitudinal direction and from the inside in the transverse direction to the outside in the transverse direction;
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , further comprising: a central embossing element located at a lateral center of the pair of linear embossing elements.

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