JP7724669B2 - Disposable diapers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a disposable diaper.

Disposable diapers equipped with fastening tape that fastens the back and ventral sections of the diaper body when worn are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a stretchable panel that stretches in the width direction is provided on the back section of the diaper body, and fastening tape is fixed to the end of the stretchable panel. Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a stretchable section that stretches in the width direction is provided on the back section of the diaper body, to which fastening tape is attached on both sides. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration in which at least one of the fastening tape or both sides of the diaper body to which the fastening tape is attached stretches in the width direction.

Patent No. 4976536 Patent No. 6017081 JP 2003-180751 A

In conventional disposable diapers, the fastening tape and a portion of the back of the diaper body are stretchable. However, when the fastening tape is stretchable, pulling on it stretches the fastening tape. As a result, it is difficult to determine how much the fastening tape needs to be pulled to properly fit the diaper body to the wearer, and it is difficult to determine the degree of tension of the fastening tape. This creates the problem of making it difficult to put on the diaper. Furthermore, when a portion of the back is stretchable, the stretch strength of the stretchable portion needs to be increased to ensure that the diaper body fits the wearer's body regardless of the wearer's body type. However, in this case, depending on the wearer's body type, the diaper may have to be put on with the stretchable portion of the back in a contracted state. As a result, skin problems may occur when body pressure is applied to the contracted portion. On the other hand, reducing the stretch strength of the stretchable portion of the back can create a gap between the wearer and the diaper body.

The present invention aims to provide a disposable diaper that can be easily put on without creating a gap between the wearer and the diaper body.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a diaper body having a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body disposed therebetween, extending from the dorsal portion to the abdominal portion; side flap portions provided on both sides of the dorsal portion and extending widthwise outward of the absorbent body; and fastening tapes provided on the side flap portions and fastened to the abdominal portion when the diaper body is in use, the side flap portions being formed by perforations or cuts between the absorbent body and the fastening tapes, and having dispersion portions that distribute the tensile force acting on the side flap portions. The fastening tape has a fixing portion fixed to the side end of the side flap portion, and a protruding piece extending from the fixing portion and protruding outward in the width direction beyond the side end, and when the direction connecting the back side portion to the ventral side portion is the extension direction of the diaper main body, the dispersion portion is arranged at a position above or below the center position of the fixing portion in the extension direction , and the dispersion portion arranged at a position above the center position of the fixing portion in the extension direction is inclined so that its upper end is closer to the fastening tape than its lower end, and the dispersion portion arranged at a position below the center position of the fixing portion in the extension direction is inclined so that its lower end is closer to the fastening tape than its upper end .

The disposable diaper of the present invention configured in this way can be easily put on without creating any gaps between the wearer and the diaper body.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a disposable diaper according to a first embodiment in use; 1 is a plan view showing a disposable diaper according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the disposable diaper of Example 1 in a state where the side flap portion is pulled. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a disposable diaper according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 5 . FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the side flap portion is pulled in the disposable diaper of Example 2. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a disposable diaper according to a first modified example. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a disposable diaper according to a second modified example. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a disposable diaper according to a third modified example. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of a disposable diaper according to a fourth modified example.

Below, a description will be given of embodiments of the disposable diaper according to the present invention, based on Examples 1 and 2 shown in the drawings.

Example 1
The disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 is a diaper that is put on a wearer P by a caregiver. When using the disposable diaper 1, the wearer P is covered by the diaper body 10 from the back through the crotch to the abdomen, as shown in FIG. 1 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the disposable diaper 1 comprises a diaper body 10 having a back portion 10X, a crotch portion 10Y, and a ventral portion 10Z, and a fastening tape 20 provided on the diaper body 10. The back portion 10X, the ventral portion 10Z, and the crotch portion 10Y between the back portion 10X and the ventral portion 10Z are integrally formed and continuous. There is no boundary or structural difference between the back portion 10X and the crotch portion 10Y, or between the ventral portion 10Z and the crotch portion 10Y. The disposable diaper 1 has side flaps 17 provided on both sides of the back portion 10X and fastened to the abdominal portion 10Z via fastening tapes 20. The disposable diaper 1 may be used with an inner pad set inside.

In the following description, the direction connecting the back portion 10X and the ventral portion 10Z is referred to as the "extension direction D," and the direction perpendicular to the extension direction D is referred to as the "width direction E." Furthermore, in the following description, terms such as "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" are used with the wearer P as the reference point. In other words, the extension direction D is the front-to-back direction of the diaper body 10, with the front side corresponding to the ventral side of the wearer P and the rear side corresponding to the back side of the wearer P.

As shown in Figure 2, the diaper body 10 comprises a top sheet 11, a back sheet 12, an absorbent body 13, and a gathered sheet 14.

The top sheet 11 is placed on the body side (inside) of the diaper body 10 and covers the surface of the absorbent body 13. The top sheet 11 is liquid-permeable, meaning it allows liquid to pass through, and is made of, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric. The top sheet 11 allows bodily fluids to quickly pass through toward the absorbent body 13.

The backsheet 12 is placed on the clothing side (outside) of the diaper body 10 and covers the back of the absorbent body 13. The backsheet 12 is liquid-impermeable, meaning it does not allow liquids to pass through, and is made of, for example, a resin film. The backsheet 12 prevents the body fluids held by the absorbent body 13 from passing through, preventing the clothing and other items from getting wet.

The absorbent body 13 is disposed between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12 and absorbs and retains liquid (body fluid) that has permeated the top sheet 11. The absorbent body 13 is composed of absorbent polymer particles and pulp fibers formed into a sheet, and is wrapped in a core wrap sheet (not shown) made of crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like. Note that the absorbent body 13 does not necessarily have to be wrapped in a core wrap sheet. The absorbent body 13 has a strip-like shape that extends in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10, and is set to have an outer shape that is smaller than the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 12. The absorbent body 13 may be single-layered or multi-layered.

The top sheet 11 and back sheet 12 are overlapped with the absorbent body 13 sandwiched between them, and the peripheral edges are bonded together using an adhesive such as hot melt or by welding.

The gathered sheet 14 may be made of, for example, a water-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric. The gathered sheet 14 is elongated in the extension direction D, and a pair of gathered sheets 14 are provided on either side of the center of the width direction E of the diaper body 10. One end of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction E is fixed to the top sheet 11, for example, by adhesive such as hot melt or welding. Two elongated elastic stretch members 14a (see Figure 2) extending in the extension direction D are provided at the other end of the gathered sheet 14 in a predetermined stretched state. The elastic stretch members 14a may be, for example, thread-like or strip-like synthetic rubber. The elastic stretch members 14a extend from the back side portion 10X to the ventral side portion 10Z. The contractile force of the elastic stretch members 14a forms gathers at the other end of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction E, causing the gathered sheet 14 to rise from the top sheet 11. The rising of the gathered sheet 14 forms three-dimensional gathers 15. The three-dimensional gathers 15 can be deformed to fit the wearer P's body shape and prevent the wearer P's body waste from leaking sideways.

The diaper body 10 also has a plurality of elastic stretch members 16a extending in the extension direction D in a predetermined stretched state in the area that fits around the groin of the wearer P. The elastic stretch members 16a are elongated and may be made of, for example, thread-like or strip-like synthetic rubber. The contractile force of the elastic stretch members 16a forms flat gathers 16 in the area that fits around the groin of the diaper body 10.

The flat gathers 16 extend in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10, centered on the crotch region 10Y. As shown in Figure 2, the flat gathers 16 are located further outward in the width direction E than the three-dimensional gathers 15. The flat gathers 16 are deformable to fit the body shape of the wearer P. The deformation of the flat gathers 16 improves the fit of the diaper body 10 around the wearer P's groin.

Furthermore, the diaper body 10 has side flap portions 17 formed on both sides in the width direction E of the back portion 10X. The side flap portions 17 are composed of a top sheet 11 and a back sheet 12 that extend laterally (outside in the width direction E) beyond the side edges 13a of the absorbent body 13 in the width direction E. As shown in FIG. 2, each side flap portion 17 on both the left and right sides of the back portion 10X is provided with one fastening tape 20. In other words, one fastening tape 20 is disposed on each side of the back portion 10X.

The fastening tape 20 is formed from a sheet material made of, for example, nonwoven fabric, plastic film, polylaminated nonwoven fabric covered with a thin polyethylene film, paper, or a composite of these materials. The fastening tape 20 is used to pull the side flap portions 17 when a caregiver puts the disposable diaper 1 on the wearer P. To prevent unnecessary tearing and stretching during use, the fastening tape 20 is made of a material with a higher basis weight than the top sheet 11, back sheet 12, etc. The fastening tape 20 has a fixing portion 21 and a separate protruding piece 22.

The fastening portion 21 is fixed to the side edge 17a of the side flap portion 17. Here, the entire surface of the fastening portion 21 is fixed to the side flap portion 17. However, the fastening portion 21 may be fixed to the side flap portion 17 with a portion protruding from the side edge 17a. Here, the fastening portion 21 is fixed to the outer side (garment side) of the side flap portion 17, i.e., the backsheet 12. The fastening portion 21 may be fixed to both the front and back sides of the side flap portion 17, sandwiching the side flap portion 17, or may be fixed to the inner side (body side) of the side flap portion 17, i.e., the topsheet 11. The fastening portion 21 is fixed to the side flap portion 17 with an adhesive such as hot melt or by welding. The fastening portion 21 has a rectangular shape in a plan view and extends along the extension direction D of the diaper body 10.

The protruding piece 22 is formed by extending a portion of the side edge 21s (see Figure 3) of the fastening part 21 outward in the width direction E. The "side edge 21s of the fastening part 21" refers to the outer edge of the fastening part 21 in the width direction E. Only one protruding piece 22 is provided on the fastening part 21 (single protruding piece), and in this case, it is located in the center of the fastening part 21 in the longitudinal direction (extension direction D of the diaper main body 10). The protruding piece 22 has a generally rectangular shape that is smaller than the fastening part 21 in a plan view. The protruding piece 22 protrudes further to the side of the diaper main body 10 than the side flap part 17, i.e., outward in the width direction E. The protruding piece 22 is grasped by a caregiver when putting the disposable diaper 1 on a wearer P.

Furthermore, a locking member 23 is provided on the inner side (body side) of the protruding piece 22. The locking member 23 is removably fastened to a target tape 24 provided on the outer side (garment side) of the abdominal side portion 10Z of the diaper body 10. In other words, the fastening tape 20 has one locking member 23 that locks to the abdominal side portion 10Z.

The fastening member 23 may be a hook material of a hook-and-loop fastener or adhesive tape. The fastening member 23 may be of any material or shape as long as it can be repeatedly fastened and released to the target tape 24. Furthermore, if the fastening member 23 is a hook material of a hook-and-loop fastener, the target tape 24 may be a sheet with many loop threads on the surface to which the hook material can become entangled. If the fastening member 23 is an adhesive tape, the target tape 24 may be a smooth sheet with a release-treated surface. Furthermore, if the fastening member 23 is made of a hook material and the outer (garment-facing) surface of the backsheet 12 is made of nonwoven fabric, the target tape 24 may be omitted. In this case, the fastening member 23 is fastened by becoming entangled with the fibers of the backsheet 12.

The disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 has a dispersion portion 30 formed in the side flap portion 17.

Here, the dispersion portions 30 are configured by perforations formed by alternating cut and uncut portions. The cut portions may be circular through-holes or rectangular through-holes or slits extending in the direction of the perforations (the direction in which the cut and uncut portions are aligned). When the side flap portions 17 are pulled outward in the width direction E, the uncut portions of the dispersion portions 30 break, creating slits in the side flap portions 17. The tensile force F acting on the side flap portions 17 acts by avoiding the slits created by the rupture of the dispersion portions 30, and is therefore dispersed (resolved) by the dispersion portions 30. In other words, when a caregiver puts the disposable diaper 1 on a wearer P, the dispersion portions 30 distribute the tensile force F acting on the side flap portions 17 by pulling the side flap portions 17 via the fastening tape 20.

The breaking length of the dispersing portion 30, which is formed by perforations, varies depending on the degree of pulling on the side flap portion 17. In the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, the breaking length of the dispersing portion 30 varies, and therefore the length of the slits created in the side flap portion 17 when the dispersing portion 30 breaks varies. The "strength of pulling" is determined by the magnitude of the tensile force F, the direction in which the tensile force F acts, and other factors. Furthermore, although not shown, circular cut portions may be formed at the upper end 30a and lower end 30b of the dispersing portion 30. The circular cut portions restrict the breaking of the uncut portions of the side flap portion 17, thereby preventing unnecessary tearing.

As shown in Figure 3, the dispersion portion 30 is disposed between the side edge 13a of the absorbent body 13 and the fixing portion 21 of the fastening tape 20, and is linear and extends along the extension direction D of the diaper body 10. In other words, the dispersion portion 30 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the side flap portion 17 is pulled via the fastening tape 20 (width direction E).

The length L1 of the dispersion portions 30 along the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 is shorter than the length L2 of the fixed portions 21 along the extension direction D. Furthermore, the center position 30x of the dispersion portions 30 along the extension direction D and the center position 21x of the fixed portions 21 along the extension direction D are located on the same straight line L (shown by the dashed line in Figure 3) along the width direction E. The upper end 30a (one end in the extension direction D) of the dispersion portions 30 is located below the upper edge 21a of the fixed portions 21, and the lower end 30b (the other end in the extension direction D) of the dispersion portions 30 is located above the lower edge 21b of the fixed portions 21.

The operation of the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 will be described below.

To put the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 on a wearer P, the caregiver first unfolds the diaper body 10 of the disposable diaper 1 and places it on the body of the wearer P who is lying supine. At this time, the caregiver positions the dorsal side portion 10X of the diaper body 10 facing the back of the wearer P. Next, the caregiver covers the wearer P's abdomen with the abdominal side portion 10Z of the diaper body 10. Next, the caregiver grasps the protruding pieces 22 and pulls the side flap portions 17 via the fastening tape 20, fitting the dorsal side portion 10X to the body of the wearer P. Then, with the side flap portions 17 pulled, the caregiver fastens the engaging members 23 provided on the protruding pieces 22 to the target tape 24. As a result, the side flap portions 17 are sewn to the abdominal side portion 10Z, and the disposable diaper 1 is put on the wearer P.

Here, a dispersing portion 30 is formed in the side flap portion 17 of the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1. When the disposable diaper 1 is in use, the dispersing portion 30 is torn as shown in Figure 4 when a caregiver pulls the side flap portion 17. An opening K is then formed in the side flap portion 17 (see Figures 1 and 4).

As a result, the tensile force F that pulls the side flap portion 17 avoids the opening K formed by the rupture of the dispersion portion 30 as shown in Figure 4, and is dispersed (resolved) into a first force F1 and a second force F2. The first force F1 acts on the area above the dispersion portion 30 (the area surrounded by a dashed line in Figure 4, hereinafter referred to as the "upper area α"), and the second force F2 acts on the area below the dispersion portion 30 (the area surrounded by a dashed line in Figure 4, hereinafter referred to as the "lower area β").

In this way, the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 distributes the tensile force F in multiple directions, preventing the tensile force F from acting in a concentrated manner in one direction. Therefore, compared to when the tensile force F acts in only one direction, the disposable diaper 1 reduces the number of areas where the side flap portions 17 become loose, preventing gaps from forming between the wearer P and the diaper body 10.

In addition, in the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, the distribution portion 30 distributes the tensile force F acting on the side flap portion 17 in multiple directions to improve fit, eliminating the need to unnecessarily stretch the fastening tape 20. In other words, the fastening tape 20 can be made of a material with a higher basis weight than the top sheet 11, back sheet 12, etc., and can be made less stretchable than the side flap portion 17. This makes it easier for the caregiver to determine how much to pull the fastening tape 20 (the degree of tension), making it easier to put on the diaper.

Therefore, the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1 can be easily put on without creating a gap between the wearer P and the diaper body 10.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, the distribution portions 30 are formed by perforations. As a result, the breaking length of the distribution portions 30 varies depending on the degree of pulling on the side flap portions 17, which is determined by the magnitude and direction of the tensile force F, and the length of the slits created in the side flap portions 17 can be varied. The difference in the length of the slits created when the distribution portions 30 break changes the ratio (proportion) and direction of the first force F1 and the second force F2. In other words, in the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, by adjusting the degree of pulling on the side flap portions 17, the length of the slits created in the side flap portions 17 can be adjusted, and the distribution of the tensile force F acting on the side flap portions 17 can be adjusted. As a result, the caregiver can appropriately adjust the tightening force of the disposable diaper 1 around the abdomen and legs of the wearer P, ensuring an appropriate fit of the diaper body 10 regardless of the wearer P's physique, etc.

In the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, one fastening tape 20 is disposed on each side of the back portion 10X. Furthermore, the fastening tape 20 has one fastening member 23 that fastens to the ventral portion 10Z. Pulling the fastening tape 20 tears the distribution portion 30 formed in the side flap portion 17, forming an opening K, which distributes the tensile force F into multiple forces: a first force F1 acting on the upper region α above the distribution portion 30, and a second force F2 acting on the lower region β below the distribution portion 30.

As a result, the tensile force F acting on the side flap portions 17 can be dispersed without having to pull the side end portions 17a in different directions at multiple locations. In other words, when putting the diaper body 10 on a patient, the caregiver does not need to pull the side end portions 17a of the side flap portions 17 in different directions at multiple locations. Therefore, when putting the disposable diaper 1 on a patient, the caregiver only needs to fasten one fastening tape 20 on each side. In other words, there is no need to provide multiple fastening tapes on the side flap portions 17 and fasten the lower fastening tape horizontally or upward and the upper fastening tape downward, for example. As a result, the hassle of putting on the disposable diaper 1 can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, the length L1 in the extension direction D of the distribution portion 30 is shorter than the length L2 in the extension direction D of the fixed portion 21 of the fastening tape 20. Therefore, in the disposable diaper 1, the first force F1 acting on the upper region α, which is distributed to avoid the opening K, and the second force F2 acting on the lower region β can each act toward the center position 21x in the extension direction D of the fixed portion 21. This makes it possible to pull the entire side flap portion 17 evenly, preventing the side flap portion 17 from wrinkling or sagging. As a result, the disposable diaper 1 can improve the fit of the diaper body 10 to the wearer P.

Example 2
As shown in Fig. 5, in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the shape of the distribution portions 31 formed in the side flap portions 17 is different from that of the distribution portions 30 of Example 1. In addition, the distribution portions 31 are covered with a stretch sheet 32. Note that the configuration of the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, other than the distribution portions 31 and the stretch sheet 32, is substantially the same as that of the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1. Therefore, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

That is, the dispersion portion 31 formed in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2 is formed by a slit that penetrates the side flap portion 17. In other words, the side flap portion 17 of Example 2 has an opening K even when it is not pulled.

Here, the dispersion portion 31 is disposed between the side edge 13a of the absorbent body 13 and the fixing portion 21 of the fastening tape 20, and has a rectangular shape that is long in the extension direction D in a plan view. In other words, the dispersion portion 31 extends in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the side flap portion 17 is pulled via the fastening tape 20 (the width direction E).

The length L3 of the dispersion portions 31 along the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 is shorter than the length L2 of the fixed portions 21 along the extension direction D. Furthermore, the center position 31x of the dispersion portions 31 along the extension direction D and the center position 21x of the fixed portions 21 along the extension direction D are located on the same straight line L (shown by the dashed line in Figure 5) along the width direction E. The upper edge 31a of the dispersion portions 31 (one end in the extension direction D) is located below the upper edge 21a of the fixed portions 21, and the lower edge 31b of the dispersion portions 31 (the other end in the extension direction D) is located above the lower edge 21b of the fixed portions 21.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the distribution portion 31 is covered with a stretchable sheet 32 that is more stretchable than the side flap portion 17. Here, the stretchable sheets 32 are attached to the body side (inner side) of the top sheet 11 and the garment side (outer side) of the back sheet 12, and the distribution portion 31 is sandwiched between the two stretchable sheets 32. As shown in Figure 6, each stretchable sheet 32 has a sheet body 32a, an overlapping region 32b, a fixing region 32c, and a covering region 32d.

The sheet body 32a is a sheet material that stretches at least in the direction in which the side flap portion 17 is pulled (width direction E). The stretch direction of the sheet body 32a may be either the longitudinal or lateral direction (extension direction D and width direction E), or in all directions including the extension direction D and width direction E. Specifically, the sheet body 32a is formed from a nonwoven fabric with rubber thread attached, or a nonwoven fabric with a lower basis weight than the top sheet 11 and back sheet 12. The sheet body 32a has an area larger than the area of the dispersion portion 31 and is rectangular in plan view.

The overlapping region 32b is the region of the sheet body 32a that overlaps with the dispersion portion 31. The overlapping region 32b is shown with diagonal lines in Figure 6. The overlapping region 32b is set in the center of the sheet body 32a.

The fixed region 32c is a region of the sheet body 32a that is fixed to the side flap portion 17. The fixed region 32c is set along the peripheral edge of the sheet body 32a, extending along the entire periphery of the sheet body 32a. In the fixed region 32c, the sheet body 32a is fixed to the side flap portion 17 using an adhesive such as hot melt or by welding. Here, in the fixed region 32c, the sheet body 32a is fixed in a series of dots spaced at regular intervals. Note that in the fixed region 32c, the sheet body 32a may also be fixed in a continuous line along the peripheral edge of the sheet body 32a.

The covered region 32d is the region of the sheet body 32a that is not fixed to the side flap portion 17, which is set between the overlapping region 32b and the fixed region 32c. In other words, the covered region 32d is set on the periphery of the overlapping region 32b. Note that the covered region 32d is shown surrounded by a two-dot chain line in Figure 6. In the covered region 32d, the sheet body 32a is not fixed to the side flap portion 17, so the stretchability of the sheet body 32a is guaranteed.

The operation of the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2 will be described below.

In the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the tensile force F generated when the caregiver pulls on the side flap portion 17 also acts on the side flap portion 17, avoiding the distribution portion 31 (opening K), as shown in Figure 7. In other words, the tensile force F is distributed into a first force F1 acting on the region above the distribution portion 31 (upper region α) and a second force F2 acting on the region below the distribution portion 31 (lower region β). In this way, the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2 is able to distribute the tensile force F in multiple directions. Furthermore, the disposable diaper 1A reduces the number of locations where the side flap portion 17 becomes loose, preventing gaps from forming between the wearer P and the diaper body 10.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the dispersion portion 31 is formed by a slit, and an opening K is already formed in the side flap portion 17. In other words, with the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the caregiver does not need to tear the side flap portion 17. Therefore, even if the tensile force F is weak enough not to tear the perforation, the disposable diaper 1A can separate the tensile force F and apply it in multiple directions. As a result, the caregiver does not need to pull the side flap portion 17 strongly, and the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2 can reduce the burden on the caregiver.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the dispersing portion 31 is covered with a stretch sheet 32. Therefore, the disposable diaper 1A can hide the deflection of the dispersing portion 31 and the side flap portion 17 that occurs around the dispersing portion 31 with the stretch sheet 32. This allows the disposable diaper 1A to appear to fit the diaper body 10 well, allowing the caregiver, wearer P, etc. to use the disposable diaper 1A without any discomfort.

Furthermore, in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, the stretchable sheet 32 has a main sheet body 32a, an overlapping region 32b of the main sheet body 32a that overlaps with the distribution portion 31, and a fixed region 32c of the main sheet body 32a that is fixed to the side flap portion 17. Furthermore, the main sheet body 32a has a covering region 32d between the overlapping region 32b and the fixed region 32c that is not fixed to the side flap portion 17.

As a result, the stretchable sheet 32 has the sheet body 32a fixed to the side flap portions 17 in the fixing regions 32c, but the covering regions 32d are stretchable. Therefore, when the side flap portions 17 are pulled, the stretchable sheet 32 deforms in response to the stretching of the side flap portions 17, without impeding the stretchability of the side flap portions 17. As a result, the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2 is able to prevent a decrease in the fit of the side flap portions 17.

The disposable diaper of the present invention has been described above based on Examples 1 and 2. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these Examples, and design changes, combinations of Examples, and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention as defined in each claim.

In Example 1, the dispersion portions 30 are formed by linear perforations extending in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10, and the length L1 of the dispersion portions 30 in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 is set to be shorter than the length L2 of the fixed portions 21 in the extension direction D. However, the shape of the dispersion portions 30 is not limited to this. For example, as in the disposable diaper 1B of the first modified example shown in Figure 8A, the dispersion portions 40 may have a length L1 in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 that is longer than the length L2 of the fixed portions 21 in the extension direction D.

In this case, the disposable diaper 1B of the first modified example can apply the first force F1 acting on the upper region α along the upper end 17b of the side flap portion 17, and the second force F2 acting on the lower region β along the lower end 17c of the side flap portion 17. This allows the disposable diaper 1B of the first modified example to improve the fit of the upper end 17b and lower end 17c of the side flap portion 17 to the wearer P.

In the disposable diaper 1B of the first modified example, the dispersion portion 40 is formed by a linear perforation. However, the dispersion portion 40 may also be formed by a slit that penetrates the side flap portion 17, like the dispersion portion 31 shown in Example 2.

Furthermore, as in the disposable diaper 1C of the second modified example shown in Figure 8B, the dispersion portions 41 may extend in a direction inclined with respect to both the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 and the alignment direction (width direction E) of the absorber 13 and fastening tape 20. In the disposable diaper 1C of the second modified example, the dispersion portions 41 are positioned above the center position 21x of the fixing portions 21 in the extension direction D. In other words, the dispersion portions 41 are formed in the upper region α.

In this case, the tensile force F is dispersed (resolved) by the dispersion portion 41 in the upper region α of the side flap portion 17. In other words, in the upper region α, the tensile force F avoids the dispersion portion 41 and is divided into a force acting above the dispersion portion 41 and a force acting below the dispersion portion 41. As a result, the tensile force F acting on the upper region α is not concentrated in one specific direction, reducing the strain on the wearer P's abdomen.

Also, as in a third modified disposable diaper 1D shown in Figure 8C, the dispersion portions 42 may be positioned below the center position 21x of the fixing portion 21 in the extension direction D. In other words, the dispersion portions 42 may be formed in the lower region β. Note that the dispersion portions 42 of the third modified example extend in a direction inclined with respect to both the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 and the alignment direction (width direction E) of the absorbent body 13 and fastening tape 20.

In this case, the tensile force F is dispersed (resolved) by the dispersion portion 42 in the lower region β of the side flap portion 17. In other words, the tensile force F acting on the lower region β avoids the dispersion portion 42 and is divided into a force acting above the dispersion portion 42 and a force acting below the dispersion portion 42. As a result, the tensile force F acting on the lower region β is not concentrated in one specific direction, and the force acting around the legs (groin) of the wearer P can be reduced.

Furthermore, many caregivers generally put on disposable diapers in a way that applies force around the legs of the wearer P. Therefore, by positioning the dispersion portion 42 below the center position 21x of the fixing portion 21 in the extension direction D, as in the disposable diaper 1D of the third modified example, it is possible to make the force applied to the fastening tape 20 uniform.

Also, as in the disposable diaper 1E of the fourth modified example shown in Figure 8D, the dispersion portion 43 may be formed as a slit (opening) that is rectangular (square) in plan view. Here, the dispersion portion 43 is set so that one diagonal line T1 runs along the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 and the other diagonal line T2 runs along the width direction E of the diaper body 10.

In this case, all edges of the dispersion portion 43 are inclined with respect to the extension direction D and the width direction E. This makes it less likely for the side flap portion 17 to sag or lift when pulled.

In the disposable diaper 1E of the fourth modified example shown in Figure 8D, the distribution portion 43 is not covered with a stretch sheet. However, the distribution portion 43 may be covered with a stretch sheet fixed to the side flap portion 17.

That is, even if the dispersion portions 31 are formed by slits, as in the disposable diaper 1A of Example 2, they do not necessarily have to be covered by the stretch sheet 32. Conversely, when the dispersion portions 30 are formed by perforations, as in the disposable diaper 1 of Example 1, the dispersion portions 30 may be covered by the stretch sheet 32.

In addition, in Example 2, an example was shown in which the dispersion portion 31 was formed by a slit that had a rectangular shape in a plan view. However, the shape of the dispersion portion 31 is not limited to this. That is, the dispersion portion 31 may be formed by linearly breaking the side flap portion 17. In this case, an opening K is formed in the side flap portion 17 by pulling it.

In addition, in Example 1, an example was shown in which one dispersion portion 30 was formed on each of the left and right side flap portions 17. However, the number of dispersion portions 30 can be set as desired, and multiple dispersion portions 30 may be formed on each of the side flap portions 17 formed on both sides of the back portion 10X. Furthermore, when multiple dispersion portions 30 are formed on each of the side flap portions 17, multiple dispersion portions 30 of the same shape may be formed, or multiple dispersion portions 30 of different shapes may be formed.

Furthermore, in Example 1, an example was shown in which one fastening tape 20 was provided on the side flap portion 17. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, two fastening tapes aligned in the extension direction D of the diaper body 10 may be provided.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Disposable diaper 10 Diaper body 10X Back side portion 10Y Crotch portion 10Z Abdominal side portion 11 Top sheet 12 Back sheet 13 Absorbent body 17 Side flap portion 20 Fastening tape 21 Fixing portion 22 Projecting piece 23 Locking member 24 Target tape 30 Dispersion portion D Extension direction E Width direction

Claims (6)

a diaper main body having a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent body disposed therebetween, the diaper main body extending from a dorsal side portion to a ventral side portion;
side flap portions provided on both sides of the back portion and extending outward in the width direction beyond the absorbent body;
a fastening tape provided on the side flap portion and fastened to the abdominal portion when the diaper main body is in use;
The side flap portion is formed by a perforation or a cut between the absorbent body and the fastening tape, and a distribution portion that distributes the tensile force acting on the side flap portion is formed,
the fastening tape has a fixing portion fixed to a side end portion of the side flap portion, and a protruding piece extending from the fixing portion and protruding outward in the width direction beyond the side end portion,
When the direction connecting the back side portion and the ventral side portion is defined as the extending direction of the diaper main body,
the dispersion portion is disposed at a position above or below a center position of the fixing portion in the extension direction ,
the dispersion portion disposed at a position above the center position of the fixing portion in the extending direction is inclined so that an upper end thereof is closer to the fastening tape than a lower end thereof,
the dispersion portion, which is disposed below the center position of the fixing portion in the extending direction, is inclined so that its lower end is closer to the fastening tape than its upper end . The disposable diaper according to claim 1,
The fastening tape has one fastening member disposed on each side of the dorsal portion and fastened to the ventral portion,
the distribution portion distributes the tensile force acting on the side flap portion by pulling the fastening tape into a first force acting on an area above the distribution portion and a second force acting on an area below the distribution portion. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2,
the dispersion portions extend in the extending direction, and the length of the dispersion portions in the extending direction is shorter than the length of the fixed portions in the extending direction. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2,
The disposable diaper, wherein the dispersion portions extend in a direction inclined with respect to both the extending direction and the arranging direction of the absorber and the fastening tape. The disposable diaper according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The disposable diaper is characterized in that the distribution portion is covered with a stretchable sheet that is stretchable in a direction in which the side flap portion is pulled. The disposable diaper according to claim 5,
The stretchable sheet has a sheet body, an overlapping region of the sheet body that overlaps with the dispersion portion, and a fixing region of the sheet body that is fixed to the side flap portion,
The disposable diaper according to claim 1, wherein the sheet body has a covering region between the overlapping region and the fixing region that is not fixed to the side flap portion.