JP7848670B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to absorbent articles.

Absorbent products such as disposable diapers, urine pads, and sanitary products have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a disposable diaper in which an elastic member is provided in the area surrounding the wearer's legs. The disposable diaper adheres closely to the wearer's legs as the elastic member contracts.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-115459

When the stretchable material placed on an absorbent article contracts, a force acts on the absorbent material in the direction of contraction. This contraction force causes the absorbent material to deform in the direction of the stretchable material's contraction. If the absorbent material on the back of the absorbent article deforms, it may dig into the buttocks (cleft) of the wearer, potentially reducing comfort.

The present invention aims to provide a technology that can suppress the deterioration of wearing comfort.

To solve the above problems, the present invention provides two expandable members that pull the absorbent material outward in the width direction.

More specifically, the absorbent article according to the present invention is an absorbent article having a length along its longitudinal direction and a length along its width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, comprising: an absorbent body provided in a position including the crotch area and capable of absorbing the wearer's excretory fluids; a waist opening through which the wearer's waist can be inserted; and two leg openings through which the wearer's legs can be inserted; an outer casing positioned on the non-skin side of the wearer than the absorbent body; a first stretchable member provided on the outer casing in an extended state on the wearer's abdominal side, along one of the leg openings, crossing the crotch area, and extending along the other leg opening; and a pair of left and right second stretchable members provided on the outer casing in an extended state on the wearer's back side, with their inner ends in the width direction overlapping the absorbent body when viewed in the thickness direction, and pulling the absorbent body outward in the width direction.

In the above-described absorbent article, the inner end of the second expandable member in the width direction may overlap with the absorbent when viewed in the thickness direction, and its expandability direction may have a component in the width direction.

In the absorbent article described above, a non-adhesive region may be provided in the overlapping area of the crotch where the first expandable member and the absorbent overlap, where the absorbent and the outer casing are not adhered to each other.

The absorbent article includes a third expandable member provided on the outer casing so as to expand and contract in the width direction when extended along the waist opening, and when the waist opening is extended, the first expandable member may have a contracting force such that a part or all of the outer casing outside the overlapping region in the width direction contracts inward from the overlapping region in the width direction.

In the above-described absorbent article, the second stretchable member may extend outward in the width direction from the absorbent material along the leg opening on the wearer's back side.

In the above-described absorbent article, the area in which the front outer casing overlaps the leg opening at an equidistant distance from the longitudinal center may be smaller than the area in which the rear outer casing overlaps the leg opening.

In the above-described absorbent article, the outer casing may have folds extending in the width direction in front of and behind the area corresponding to the wearer's anus.

In the absorbent article described above, the fold may be formed between the inner ends in the width direction of the second expandable members on both the left and right sides.

In the above-described absorbent article, another fold extending in the width direction may be formed in the outer casing between the folds formed on the front and rear of the region corresponding to the wearer's anus.

In the above-described absorbent article, the first expandable member may have an expansion/contraction direction that is in the longitudinal direction, located outside the widthwise direction of the absorbent material.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

Figure 1 is an example of a perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is an example of an unfolded view of a diaper according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is an example of an unfolded view of a diaper according to a modified example of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 2. Figure 6 is an example of an unfolded view of a diaper according to Embodiment 2. Figure 7 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to Embodiment 3.

<Embodiment 1>
A diaper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are illustrative, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Figure 1 is an example of a perspective view of an adult disposable pant-type diaper (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to Embodiment 1. In the diaper, the direction connecting the front panel, which is positioned opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back panel, which is positioned opposite the wearer's back, is defined as the longitudinal direction (also called the front-to-back direction). Between these front panel (one side in the longitudinal direction) and back panel (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (in the center in the longitudinal direction) lies the inseam section, which is positioned between the wearer's legs (opposite the crotch). Furthermore, when the diaper is worn by the wearer, the side facing the wearer's skin is defined as the skin side, and the side opposite the skin side is defined as the non-skin side. In addition, the direction connecting the skin side and the non-skin side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is defined as the width direction (also called the left-to-right direction). Moreover, viewing from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view. Diaper 1 has a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is worn between the wearer's legs. Furthermore, the terms relating to direction used in this application shall mean the directions that coincide with the front, back, left, and right of the wearer when the diaper 1 is being worn by the wearer. For example, when the term "left and right direction" is used in this application, it means the directions that coincide with the left and right of the wearer when the diaper 1 is being worn by the wearer.

In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a disposable pant-type diaper with a tubular structure having a waist opening through which the wearer's waist can be inserted, and a pair of leg openings on the left and right sides through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs can be inserted, is exemplified. Furthermore, while this embodiment exemplified an adult disposable pant-type diaper, the term "absorbent article" as used in this application is not limited to adult disposable pant-type diapers. The term "absorbent article" as used in this application includes disposable pant-type diapers for children.

Diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which is the part corresponding to the crotch area that covers the wearer's genitals (crotch) when worn; a front body region 1F, which is the part corresponding to the front of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's abdominal side; and a back body region 1R, which is the part corresponding to the back of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's back side. Here, the front body region 1F is located in front of the crotch region 1B, and the back body region 1R is located behind the crotch region 1B. In this embodiment, since diaper 1 is a pant-type disposable diaper, the left edge of the front body region 1F and the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other, and the right edge of the front body region 1F and the right edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other. Therefore, a waist opening 2T (an example of a "waist opening" in this disclosure) is formed in diaper 1 by the upper edge of the front body region 1F and the upper edge of the back body region 1R. Furthermore, the diaper 1 has a left lower limb opening 2L formed on the left side of the crotch area 1B where the above-mentioned joint is not applied, and a right lower limb opening 2R formed on the right side of the crotch area 1B. When the diaper 1 is worn, the wearer's left lower limb is inserted through the left lower limb opening 2L, the wearer's right lower limb is inserted through the right lower limb opening 2R, and the wearer's torso is placed in the torso opening 2T. The front body area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side, the back body area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back side, and the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R surround the wearer's thighs, thus fixing the diaper 1 to the wearer's body. Because the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can move freely while wearing the diaper 1. Note that the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R are examples of the "two leg openings" described in this disclosure.

Diaper 1 has an absorbent material that can absorb and retain liquid, mainly located around the crotch area 1B. In addition, to prevent the formation of gaps between diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could become pathways for liquid leakage, diaper 1 is provided with a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left lower limb opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower limb, a three-dimensional gather 3BR (not shown in Figure 1) at the right lower limb opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower limb, and waist gathers 3R and tummy gathers 12 around the wearer's waist. Furthermore, leg gathers 3LF and 3LR (leg gather 3LR is not shown in Figure 1) are provided around the base of the wearer's legs. The leg gather 3LF is provided in the front body area 1F, and the leg gather 3LR is provided in the back body area 1R. In Figure 1, only the leg gather 3LF is shown as an example. The 3D gathers 3BL and 3BR, and the waist gather 3R, contract through the elastic force of the stretchable material, conforming closely to the wearer's skin. Additionally, the leg gathers 3LF and 3LR prevent gaps from forming between the wearer's groin and the diaper 1. Therefore, fluids discharged from the wearer's genital area are absorbed by the absorbent material of the diaper 1 with virtually no leakage.

Diaper 1 can be used in combination with an inner pad (not shown). The inner pad is a roughly rectangular absorbent article equipped with an absorbent material that absorbs the wearer's waste. When using diaper 1 and the inner pad together, the inner pad is placed on the skin-facing side of diaper 1 so as to be in contact with the wearer's urinary tract. The waste is first absorbed by the inner pad, and only the waste that could not be absorbed by the inner pad reaches the absorbent material of diaper 1 and is absorbed further. Therefore, even if the amount of waste is large, leakage from diaper 1 can be prevented. Also, if the amount of waste is small and can be fully absorbed by the inner pad, only the inner pad needs to be replaced even if the waste is discharged, thus reducing care costs. Furthermore, the frequency of changing diaper 1 can be reduced, allowing diaper 1 to be used for a longer period of time.

Figure 2 is an example of an exploded perspective view of a diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1. The diaper 1 has a cover sheet 4 and an inner cover sheet 5. The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are roughly hourglass-shaped (gourd-shaped) sheets that are bonded together to form the outer surface of the diaper 1. Except for the ends on the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, they are the same shape and approximately the same size. When worn by a person, the cover sheet 4 is laminated on the side not touching the wearer's skin, and the inner cover sheet 5 is laminated on the side touching the wearer's skin. Between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, there are stretchable members for forming the waist gather 3R, tummy gather 12, and leg gathers 3LF and 3LR. In this embodiment, elastic thread is used as the stretchable member. Note that, instead of elastic thread, a stretchable member such as a strip of elastic can be appropriately selected.

The cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 can be made of a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin, for example, to suppress leakage of waste. Examples of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Hereinafter, the absorbent 8 and the combination of the absorbent 8 with the back sheet 6, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R are referred to as the inner casing. The cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, with the elastic threads arranged on them, are sometimes referred to as the outer casing (an example of the "outer casing" in this disclosure).

The diaper 1 has a back sheet 6, an absorbent body 8, and a top sheet 9, which are sequentially laminated on the wearer-side surfaces of the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The back sheet 6 is a substantially rectangular sheet with a length in the longitudinal direction that extends from the wearer's front body through the crotch to the back body, and a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent body 8 and the top sheet 9 are both sheet-like members that have a substantially rectangular appearance similar to the back sheet 6, and are sequentially laminated on the back sheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the back sheet 6. The back sheet 6 is a sheet made of a non-permeable thermoplastic resin to suppress leakage of waste. The back sheet 6 is also provided with minute pores. These pores allow for ventilation while preventing liquid permeation. The pores are provided, for example, in the area that overlaps with the absorbent body 8. The top sheet 9 is a sheet-like member that is positioned on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent body 8. This top sheet 9 is permeable to liquid in part or all of its structure. Therefore, when diaper 1 is worn, liquids discharged from the wearer penetrate the absorbent material 8 through the top sheet 9, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, and are absorbed there. Examples of liquid-permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. Furthermore, the top sheet 9 may be hydrophilic.

The absorbent body 8 comprises an absorbent core 8c and a core wrap sheet 7 that encloses the absorbent core 8c. The absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion. The absorbent core 8c has a structure in which granular absorbent resin (super absorbent polymer), such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and retaining water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or short fibers of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been treated to be hydrophilic. When the absorbent core 8c absorbs liquid discharged from the wearer, it swells the absorbent resin held in the gaps between the short fibers, thereby retaining the liquid within the short fibers. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constriction near the center. The absorbent core 8c can take on an appropriate shape depending on the purpose. Examples of the shape of the absorption core 8c include rectangular, elliptical, and various other shapes. In this embodiment, the absorption core 8c is formed from a single mat, but the absorption core 8c may be formed from multiple mats.

The core wrap sheet 7 is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet. By wrapping the absorbent core 8c with the core wrap sheet 7, the SAP of the absorbent core 8c is less likely to mix with other structures. Furthermore, deformation of the absorbent core 8c is suppressed. The core wrap sheet 7 can be made from pulp fibers; for example, tissue paper can be used. The core wrap sheet 7 may be a single sheet, or it may consist of two sheets: an upper sheet placed on the skin side of the wearer, and a lower sheet placed on the non-skin side of the wearer, wrapping around the sides of the absorbent core and the skin side. If the core wrap sheet 7 consists of two sheets, the widthwise end of the upper sheet may be wrapped around the other sheets (for example, the side sheets 10L, 10R, back sheet 6, and top sheet 9 described later). Note that the absorbent body 8 is wrapped around the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9, and deformation can also be suppressed by these sheets; therefore, the core wrap sheet 7 may be omitted.

The back sheet 6, absorbent layer 8, and top sheet 9 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the back sheet 6, absorbent layer 8, and top sheet 9 are layered to cover the wearer's genital area (crotch), the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 6, absorbent layer 8, and top sheet 9 are positioned on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genital area is covered by the absorbent layer 8 from the ventral to the dorsal side. Therefore, regardless of whether the wearer is lying face down or back down when expelling fluid, the expelled fluid will come into contact with the absorbent layer 8 via the top sheet 9.

Furthermore, the diaper 1 has elongated, strip-shaped side sheets 10L and 10R for forming the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR described above. The side sheets 10L and 10R are provided on the long sides of the top sheet 9. Elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 are attached to the side sheets 10L and 10R in a stretched state along their longitudinal direction. Therefore, when the left edge 4F4 of the front body region 1F and the left edge 4R4 of the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4 are joined to each other, and when the right edge 4F5 of the front body region 1F and the right edge 4R5 of the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4 are joined to each other, the diaper 1 is completed as shown in Figure 1. The side sheets 10L and 10R are then pulled longitudinally by the contractile force of the elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1, rising from the top sheet 9 along the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking out of the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R.

Here, when the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed on the side sheets 10L and 10R, the widthwise spacing between the respective upright lines of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR is set to allow for the insertion of the inner pad. The joining method of the edges 4F4 and 4R4, and edges 4F5 and 4R5 is not particularly limited, but can be performed by, for example, heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

Furthermore, the diaper 1 has an end sheet 11F that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4, and an end sheet 11R that is laminated on the wearer-facing side of the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4, sandwiching the back sheet 6, absorbent material 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R. The end sheets 11F and 11R are strip-shaped sheets that are layered on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 at one end in the longitudinal direction of the top sheet 9. The end sheets 11F and 11R are non-permeable nonwoven fabrics and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 in the waist contact area of the diaper 1.
Furthermore, adhesive is applied to the end sheets 11F and 11R, and they are bonded to the inner cover sheet 5 by this adhesive. The end sheets 11F and 11R are positioned on the skin side of the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L and 10R, preventing the edges of the laminate from directly touching the skin and causing discomfort to the wearer.

Figure 3 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 1 in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 3(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the unfolded and extended diaper 1 as viewed from the left side. Figure 3(B) is a plan view of the unfolded and extended diaper 1.

As shown in Figure 3, the elastic thread 4F3 (an example of the "first stretchable member" in this disclosure) that forms the leg gathers 3LF is provided along the edges of the front body region 1F side of the right lower limb opening 2R and the left lower limb opening 2L into which the wearer's legs enter when the diaper 1 is assembled. The elastic thread 4F3 is adhered to the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 in an extended state. The elastic thread 4F3 is provided so as to cross in the left-right direction in the crotch region 1B on the front body side. In the area where the elastic thread 4F3 is provided so as to cross in the left-right direction, the elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent material 8 overlap in the thickness direction of the diaper 1. Furthermore, the central part in the width direction of such a crossing region corresponds to the area of the wearer's urethral opening when the diaper 1 is worn. Note that in the area where the absorbent material 8 overlaps in the thickness direction, the arrangement of the elastic thread 4F3 is not limited to crossing as shown in Figure 3. The extension direction of the elastic thread 4F3 only needs to have a widthwise component; preferably, the widthwise component of the extension direction of the elastic thread 4F3 should be greater than the longitudinal component.

On the other hand, the elastic thread 4R3 (an example of the "pair of left and right second stretchable members" in this disclosure) that forms the leg gathers 3LR is provided so as to follow the edges of the right lower limb opening 2R and the left lower limb opening 2L on the back body region 1R side. The elastic thread 4R3 extends outward in the width direction of the diaper 1 beyond the absorbent material 8, along the left and right lower limb openings 2R and 2L on the wearer's back. The elastic thread 4R3 is adhered to the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 in an extended state. Furthermore, in the crotch region 1B on the back body side, the tip of the elastic thread 4R3 faces in the width direction. Also, the elastic thread 4R3 is cut in the center in the width direction, and the left elastic thread 4R3 and the right elastic thread 4R3 are not connected.

Furthermore, the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent material 8 are appropriately bonded together with adhesive via the back sheet 6 from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. However, as shown in Figure 3, in the region of the front body region 1F where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses, the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent material 8 are not bonded (referred to as the non-bonded region 15). In practice, in the non-bonded region 15, the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 are not bonded. In this embodiment, the non-bonded region 15 is provided throughout the entire overlapping region of the crotch area 1B where the elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent material 8 overlap.

The cover sheet 4 has one end folded back at the fold lines 4FF and 4RF shown in Figure 2. The waist gather 3R described above is formed by attaching elastic thread 4F1 in an extended state to the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4, and by attaching elastic thread 4R1 in an extended state to the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided in the order of elastic thread 4F1 and elastic thread 4F2 from the fold line 4FF side, along the fold line 4FF which will form the upper edge of the front body region 1F when folded back. Similarly, the tummy gather 12 is formed by attaching elastic thread 4F2 in an extended state to the front body region 1F of the cover sheet 4, and by attaching elastic thread 4R2 in an extended state to the back body region 1R of the cover sheet 4. Similar to the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided in the order of elastic thread 4R1 and elastic thread 4R2 from the side of the fold line 4RF, along the fold line 4RF which will form the upper edge of the back bodice region 1R when folded back.

Therefore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Similarly, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of stretching, oriented in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. Thus, when the edges 4F4 and 4R4 are joined to each other, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 are joined to each other, the elastic threads 4F1, 4F2 and 4R1, 4R2 form a substantially annular stretchable member that circumfers along the waist opening 2T, exhibiting the function of contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist direction. In other words, the elastic threads 4F1, 4F2 and 4R1, 4R2 exert contractile force to make the diaper 1 adhere closely to the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap with the absorbent material 8 in a portion of their crotch area 1B.

The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are provided to extend horizontally along the upper edges of the front and back body regions 1F and 1R shown in Figure 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are provided parallel to each other at a predetermined interval. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 tighten relatively strongly around the wearer's waist above the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 function to keep the diaper 1 in close contact with the wearer, prevent shifting of the wearing position, and prevent leakage of discharge from the abdomen and back. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 alleviate the feeling of pressure on the wearer caused by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. Note that the elastic threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4R1, 4R2 are examples of the third stretchable member in this disclosure.

The cover sheet 4 is folded back along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF, extending to the area where the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are placed, reinforcing that area with the folded portion. The end sheets 11F and 11R (see Figure 2) are provided in the area where the cover sheet 4, folded back along the fold lines 4FF and 4RF, does not extend, reinforcing the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are placed.

Furthermore, in this application, the concept of overlapping sheets is not limited to a state where the overlapping sheets are in full contact with each other, but also includes a state where only parts of the sheets overlap. For example, the end sheet 11F is overlapped such that a portion of one end of the back sheet 6 in the longitudinal direction touches a portion of the cover sheet 4. Since the diaper 1 is formed by stacking the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9 with the absorbent material 8 in between, as well as the cover sheet 4, end sheets 11F and 11R, inner cover sheet 5, and side sheets 10L and 10R, it can be said that it has a laminated structure made up of these multiple sheets stacked on top of each other.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the crotch area 1B on the back side, the elastic thread 4R3, which is attached to the outer casing in an extended state, is positioned near the area where its inner end in the width direction overlaps with the absorbent body 8 when the diaper 1 is viewed in the thickness direction. The elastic thread 4R3 is attached to the core wrap sheet 7 of the absorbent body 8 via the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6. In this embodiment, when the diaper 1 is viewed in the thickness direction, the inner end in the width direction of the elastic thread 4R3 overlaps with the absorbent core 8c of the absorbent body 8. As a result, the elastic thread 4R3 can pull the absorbent core 8c outward in the width direction. Alternatively, the elastic thread 4R3 may be placed on top of the core wrap sheet 7, and the absorbent core 8c wrapped in the core wrap sheet by the elastic thread 4R3 can also be pulled. The area between the pair of elastic threads 4R3 corresponds to the wearer's anus. The elastic thread 4R3 can pull the area of the absorbent body 8 corresponding to the anus outward in the width direction. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 prevents the absorbent material 8 from getting stuck in the gluteal cleft (crack) of the buttocks by pulling the absorbent material 8 outward in the width direction. Therefore, the diaper 1 can suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

Furthermore, on the ventral side, diaper 1 is fitted snugly around the waist with elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, and around the legs with elastic thread 4F3. This lifts the area around the wearer's anus away from the wearer on the dorsal side, creating a space that can contain feces. This also helps to suppress a decrease in wearing comfort. In addition, on the dorsal side, diaper 1 suppresses lateral leakage, which occurs when the widthwise end of the absorbent material 8 is pressed against the wearer's skin by the contractile force of elastic thread 4R3.

The inner end of the elastic thread 4F3 in the width direction has an elasticity component in the width direction of the diaper 1. The elastic thread 4F3 can pull the absorbent material 8 outward in the width direction.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic thread 4R3 that pulls the absorbent material 8 outward in the width direction on the wearer's back is an elastic member for forming the leg gathers on the back. Here, it is preferable to position the elastic thread 4R3 on the left and right sides of the anal area of the diaper 1, in a position that allows the anal area of the absorbent material 8 to be pulled outward in the width direction. This position is on the back side (back panel area 1R side) of the longitudinal center of the diaper 1. By not providing a non-adhesive area between the elastic thread 4R3 and the absorbent material 8, the elastic thread 4R3 can pull the absorbent material 8 outward in the width direction, creating a space between the wearer, the gluteal cleft of the buttocks, and the top sheet 9. Note that the elastic member for forming the leg gathers and the elastic member for pulling the absorbent material 8 outward in the width direction on the wearer's back may be provided separately.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the non-adhesive area 15 where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the crotch area 1B on the front of the garment, the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent material 8 are not adhered to each other. Therefore, the absorbent material 8 does not shrink in the width direction due to the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3 provided between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, and is pressed against the skin. Thus, the diaper 1 adheres closely to the wearer's skin on the ventral side by the elastic thread 4F3, and can be more reliably separated from the wearer's skin on the dorsal side. In addition, such a non-adhesive area 15 is located in the area corresponding to the wearer's urethral opening. Therefore, the diaper 1 suppresses deformation of the absorbent material 8, and makes it easy for the absorbent material 8 to come into contact with the wearer's urethral opening in a flat state without wrinkles, etc. Thus, urine excreted from the wearer can be absorbed immediately, and it is possible to prevent urine excreted from the wearer from leaking to the outside of the diaper 1. Furthermore, when used in combination with an inner pad, the absorbent material 8, which is free of wrinkles or other defects, will press the inner pad against the urethral opening, thus similarly preventing urine from leaking outside the diaper 1.

The elastic thread 4F3 is an elastic member for forming the leg gathers on the ventral side. The elastic thread 4F3 is positioned ventrally (towards the front body area 1F) of the diaper 1, rather than towards the center in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the elastic thread 4F3 also exhibits contractile force in the center in the width direction of the diaper 1. Furthermore, by positioning the elastic thread 4F3 and the elastic thread 4R3 symmetrically front to back, with respect to the center in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, the back side of the diaper 1 can be more reliably lifted away from the wearer's skin.

Furthermore, since wrinkles and other deformations in the absorbent material 8 are suppressed, if the wearer is male, the absorbent material 8 can hold the male genitalia in place, pressing them against the skin and maintaining a consistent direction of urination. Therefore, leakage of urine outside the diaper 1 is suppressed.

Furthermore, in the diaper 1 described above, the elastic thread 4R3 is cut in the center in the width direction, as shown in Figure 3. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic thread 4R3 does not act on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 in the region where the elastic thread 4R3 is cut, and the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 do not shrink in that region. Thus, damage to the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 due to shrinkage is suppressed. In addition, since the diaper 1 suppresses deformation of the absorbent material 8, the absorbent performance caused by deformation of the absorbent material 8 is not reduced.

Furthermore, according to the diaper 1 of this embodiment, when the elastic thread 4F3 extending in the width direction contracts, a contractile force acts on the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 in the width direction. Also, the areas of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 where this contractile force acts in the width direction are not adhered to the absorbent material 8. Therefore, the regions 55L and 55R (see Figure 3) of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 that are located outside the absorbent material 8 in the width direction are contracted so that they overlap with the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction. When the torso opening 2T of the diaper 1 is extended, the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 have a contractile force that causes the regions 55L and 55R that are outside the overlapping region of the crotch region 1B that overlaps with the absorbent material 8 in the width direction to contract inward from the overlapping region. Therefore, when the torso opening 2T is extended and the diaper 1 is put on, the wearer's thumb is less likely to get caught in areas 55L and 55R when inserting their legs into the left lower limb opening 2L and right lower limb opening 2R to put on the diaper 1. The diaper 1 reduces the possibility of the wearer losing balance and falling due to their feet getting caught in the outer casing of the diaper 1.

Furthermore, the elastic thread 4R3 is cut in the center in the width direction and does not extend in the width direction. Also, in the crotch area 1B on the back side, the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent material 8 are bonded via the back sheet 6. Therefore, on the back side of the crotch area 1B, the elastic thread 4R3 pulls the cover sheet 4, inner cover sheet 5, and back sheet 6 together outward in the width direction of the diaper 1. This prevents the areas 56L and 56R (see Figure 3) of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, which are located wider than the absorbent material 8, from shrinking to overlap with the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction. Therefore, on the front side, areas 55L and 55R overlap with the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, while on the back side, areas 56L and 56R protrude into the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R, respectively. This makes it easy to distinguish the front and back of the diaper 1, improving convenience for the wearer.

Furthermore, when comparing positions at the same distance from the midpoint between the ventral and dorsal ends of the outer layer of diaper 1 in the state shown in Figure 3(B), the area where the ventral outer layer overlaps the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R is smaller than the area where the dorsal outer layer overlaps the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R. This is because, on the ventral side, the elastic thread 4F3 contracts, causing the areas 55L and 55R of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 to contract inward in the width direction, which is the direction in which they overlap with the absorbent material 8, while on the dorsal side, the elastic thread 4R3 pulls the areas 56L and 56R of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 outward in the width direction. Diaper 1 can reduce the possibility of the wearer tripping over the outer layer of diaper 1, losing balance, and falling. In addition, the front and back directions of diaper 1 can be distinguished by the size of the area where the outer layer overlaps the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R. Furthermore, regions 55L, 55R and regions 56L, 56R are positioned equidistant from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 in the state shown in Figure 3(B). Here, equidistant means approximately 5 cm to 8 cm from the longitudinal center. By positioning regions 55L and 55R within this distance, it is possible to prevent the wearer's thumb from getting caught in regions 55L and 55R.

Here, when diaper 1 is folded along a fold line extending in the width direction at the longitudinal center, the area where the ventral outer body regions 55L and 55R overlap with the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R is smaller than the area where the dorsal outer body regions 56L and 56R overlap with the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R. The method for measuring this overlap area is as follows: First, diaper 1 is folded in half along a fold line extending in the width direction at the longitudinal center. Second, the ventral and dorsal sides of diaper 1 are brought together and placed on a table in a natural position. Third, diaper 1 is placed on the table and left for 30 seconds to check its condition. The area where regions 55L and 55R and regions 56L and 56R overlap with the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R was measured, and the result was as described above. With such a diaper 1, it is possible to suppress the wearer's thumb from getting caught in regions 55L and 55R while also making it easy to distinguish the front from the back.

Furthermore, the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 have a shape in which the front and rear sides are wider than the center in the front-to-back direction (longitudinal direction). If the elastic threads 4F3 and 4R3 were not provided, the amount of overhang in areas 55L and 55R and areas 56L and 56R into the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R would be approximately the same. In this embodiment, as described above, the overhang of areas 55L and 55R is reduced by the contraction of the elastic threads 4F3. Note that the wearer's heels pass through the back sides of the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R, but the risk of the heels catching on the outer material is lower compared to the big toe. Also, by allowing areas 56L and 56R, which are the sides through which the heels pass, to overhang from the left and right lower limb openings 2L and 2R, the back side of the diaper 1 (the heel side) can be more easily recognized by the wearer.

Furthermore, according to the diaper 1 described above, the backsheet 6 is provided with minute holes. The location of these holes is in the area that overlaps with the absorbent material 8. In addition, an inner cover sheet 5 is provided on the non-skin side of the backsheet 6, and the inner cover sheet 5 is not adhered to the absorbent material 8 in the non-adherent area 15. Therefore, air inside the diaper 1 communicates with the outside through the minute holes in the backsheet 6 and the non-adherent area 15 between the absorbent material 8 and the inner cover sheet 5. Thus, the breathability inside the diaper 1 is improved. Furthermore, according to the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 contract relative to the absorbent material 8 due to the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3. Thus, the space between the absorbent material 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 in the non-adherent area 15 expands, further improving the breathability inside the diaper 1. In addition, the elastic thread 4F3 is provided including the area corresponding to the wearer's urethra. Thus, this expansion of space is achieved in the area corresponding to the urethra. Diaper 1 ensures breathability in the area corresponding to the urethral opening, which is prone to getting wet, thus suppressing skin problems around the urethral opening.

Furthermore, on the ventral side, the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the crotch area 1B, causing the ventral outer casing of the crotch area 1B to contract in the width direction. On the other hand, on the dorsal side, the elastic thread 4R3 does not cross the crotch area 1B, and the dorsal outer casing of the crotch area 1B does not contract in the width direction. Therefore, the diaper 1 can be distinguished from the front to the back by the difference in appearance and feel due to the degree of contraction in the width direction of the outer casing. For example, if the diaper 1 can be distinguished from the front to the back by the difference in feel when folded along a fold extending in the width direction in the crotch area 1B (when stored in the package), the convenience of the diaper 1 can be improved.

<Different example>
In the above embodiment, the absorbent 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 are not adhered to each other in the non-adherent region 15 where the elastic thread 4F3 traverses in the width direction. However, the absorbent 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 may be partially adhered to each other in the non-adherent region 15. In this case, displacement of the absorbent 8 relative to the inner cover sheet 5 can be prevented. The area where they are partially adhered may be, for example, the central part in the width direction.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, regions 55L and 55R of the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 are contracted in the width direction by the contraction of the elastic thread 4F3, causing regions 56L and 56R to protrude into the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R, respectively. However, the contraction force of the elastic thread 4F3 may cause regions 55L and 55R to contract entirely in the width direction so that they overlap with the absorbent material 8, and the contraction force of the elastic thread 4R3 may cause regions 56L and 56R to contract entirely in the width direction so that they overlap with the absorbent material 8.

Furthermore, the elastic thread 4F3 may have a different color from the outer cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. In this embodiment, the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 are entirely white, and the elastic thread 4F3 is entirely a color other than white (for example, blue or red). Also, the elastic thread 4R3 is entirely the same color as the outer cover. Generally, diapers are often made entirely of the same color. For example, pull-up diapers are often made entirely of white. Also, with pull-up diapers, the front and back shapes and structures are generally the same, making it difficult to distinguish between the front and back. On the other hand, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic thread 4F3 provided on the abdominal side has a different color from the outer cover, and the elastic thread 4R3 provided on the back side has the same color as the outer cover. This makes it easy to distinguish between the front and back of the diaper 1. Note that it is sufficient if only a part of the elastic thread 4F3 has a different color from the outer cover. For example, the elastic thread 4F3 may have a different color from the outer casing only in the portion that extends in the width direction in the crotch area 1B.

Furthermore, the abdominal elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, which are provided on the outer casing so as to expand and contract in the width direction when extended along the torso opening 2T, have a different color from the outer casing (for example, a colored color such as red or blue). In this embodiment, the diaper 1 can significantly change its appearance between the abdominal and dorsal sides by using the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 to clarify the contour of the abdominal torso and the elastic thread 4F3 to clarify the contour of the abdominal leg. This makes it easier to distinguish the front from the back of the diaper 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a non-adhesive region 15 is provided in the area where the elastic thread 4F3 and the absorbent material 8 overlap. If the non-adhesive region 15 were not provided, and the absorbent material 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 were bonded to each other via the back sheet 6 in that region, the contractile force of the elastic thread 4F3 would act to contract the absorbent material in the width direction. This could cause the outer casing to become entangled in the irregularities created on the absorbent material 8, potentially obscuring the elastic thread 4F3 from external view in that area. In this embodiment, the non-adhesive region 15 is provided, making the elastic thread 4F3 visible from the outside.

Next, a modified diaper 1 according to this embodiment will be described using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a plan view of the modified diaper in an unfolded and extended state. In the diaper 1, the area facing the wearer's anus, that is, the anal area 40 corresponding to the wearer's anus, is generally in the position shown in Figure 4. The outer cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 of the diaper 1 have folds 41 that extend in the width direction in front of and behind the anal area 40. The folds 41 are formed in front of and behind the anal area 40. The folds 41 are formed as valley folds when the diaper 1 is viewed from the skin side. Therefore, the absorbent material 8 and top sheet 9 on the skin side of the outer cover are also valley-folded on the folds 41, and when viewed from the skin side, the outer cover, absorbent material 8 and top sheet 9 have a shape that is recessed towards the non-skin side on the folds 41. The folds 41 also function as a tension that suppresses the contraction of the outer cover and the absorbent material 8 on the skin side. The diaper 1, by having a fold 41, creates a space between the diaper and the wearer in the anal area 40, preventing the absorbent material 8 from digging into the buttocks. Furthermore, by creating a space between the diaper and the wearer in the anal area 40, the diaper 1 can create a space to contain feces. Therefore, the diaper 1 can maintain a comfortable fit. Additionally, the fold 41 prevents the outer casing and the absorbent material 8 on the skin-facing side from contracting, thus preventing the wearer's buttocks from being exposed from the diaper 1.

Furthermore, the fold 41 is formed between the inner ends of the left and right elastic threads 4R3 in the width direction. The fold 41 may also be located on the extension of the left and right elastic threads 4R3. By pulling the fold 41 outward in the width direction using the elastic threads 4R3, the fold 41 expands in the width direction, allowing the absorbent material 8 to be separated from the wearer's skin in the anal area 40, starting from the fold 41.

Furthermore, another fold 42 may be formed between the folds 41 before and after the anal area 40. The fold 42 is formed in the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 so as to extend in the width direction. The fold 42 is formed as a valley fold when the diaper 1 is viewed from the skin side. Therefore, the absorbent material 8 and top sheet 9 on the skin side of the outer body are also valley-folded along the fold 42, resulting in a shape where the outer body, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 are recessed towards the non-skin side when viewed from the skin side. This allows the diaper 1 to more reliably form a space between itself and the wearer in the anal area 40.

The folds 41 and 42 are formed on the extensions of the inner ends in the width direction of the left and right elastic threads 4R3. The folds 41 and 42 are naturally formed by pulling the outer casing outwards in the width direction using the elastic threads 4R3. Alternatively, the folds 41 and 42 may be intentionally formed by bending the outer casing.

Furthermore, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 4, the non-adhesive region 15 extends towards the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R beyond the portion where the elastic thread 4F3 crosses the crotch region 1B (hereinafter, this portion may be referred to as the "transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3"). In Figure 4, the non-adhesive region 15 is shown as a filled-in area. Also, as shown in Figure 4, the elastic thread 4F3 has a longitudinal component of the diaper 1 outside the width direction of the diaper 1, relative to the absorbent material 8. Here, the longitudinal component refers to the component that extends and stretches along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Even if the elastic thread 4F3 extends diagonally to the longitudinal direction, the elastic thread 4F3 still has a longitudinal component in its stretching direction.

The non-adhesive region 15 is formed including the front body region 1F side of the extended region of the elastic thread 4F3, and furthermore, the outer widthwise side of the transverse portion of the elastic thread 4F3 has a component that stretches in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Therefore, the outer body (cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5) in the non-adhesive region 15 is pulled towards the front body region 1F by the elastic thread 4F3. The diaper 1 pulls the outer body forward by the elastic thread 4F3, thereby pulling the absorbent material 8 behind the non-adhesive region 15 forward, allowing the absorbent material 8 to be tilted downward (towards the non-skin side) in the anal region when worn. By tilting the part of the absorbent material 8 behind the longitudinal center downward, the diaper 1 can relatively separate the absorbent material 8 from the wearer's skin in the anal region 40 located behind the center. Therefore, the diaper 1 can create a space between the diaper and the wearer's skin in the anal region 40.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, we will describe the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 5 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the diaper according to Embodiment 2. Note that components identical to those of Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, a thread elastic 4F7 is provided between the back sheet 6 and the core wrap sheet 7, extending longitudinally from the front body region 1F to the crotch region 1B, and positioned in the center of the width direction. The thread elastic 4F7 is adhered to the back sheet 6 and, via the back sheet 6, adheres to the inner cover sheet 5 and the cover sheet 4. The thread elastic 4F7 exerts a force that contracts the inner cover sheet 5 and the cover sheet 4 in the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the area where the thread elastic 4F7 is provided is an area where the absorbent material 8 and the back sheet 6 are not adhered. The thread elastic 4F7 may also be provided between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5.

Furthermore, a rubber thread cover sheet 13 is placed on the skin-facing side of the rubber thread 4F7. The rubber thread cover sheet 13 covers the rubber thread 4F7 from the skin-facing side and is adhered to the back sheet 6. The rubber thread cover sheet 13 is placed between the rubber thread 4F7 and the absorbent body 8. Also, the rubber thread cover sheet 13 is not entirely adhered to the core wrap sheet 7 of the absorbent body 8. The rubber thread cover sheet 13 is placed between the absorbent body 8 and the back sheet 6, adhered to the back sheet 6, and partially unglued from the core wrap sheet 7 of the absorbent body 8. This prevents the elastic force (contraction force) of the rubber thread 4F7 from acting too much on the absorbent body 8, and prevents the absorbent body 8 from deforming excessively. Note that if a strip-shaped stretchable member is used instead of the rubber thread 4F7, the rubber thread cover sheet 13 can be omitted, and the stretchable member and the core wrap sheet 7 can be partially unglued. Also, in this embodiment, the rubber thread cover sheet 13 is formed to the same length as the back sheet 6. The elastic thread cover sheet 13 may be formed to a length that matches the extended area of the elastic thread 4F7, or it may be formed to be longer than the extended area of the elastic thread 4F7 and shorter than the back sheet 6. The elastic thread cover sheet 13 may be partially detached from the absorbent 8. The elastic thread cover sheet 13 may be entirely detached from the absorbent 8.

Figure 6 is an example of a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 6(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state when viewed from the left side. Figure 6(B) is a plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state.

As shown in Figure 6, the elastic thread 4F7 is positioned in the center of the width direction between the back sheet 6 and the core wrap sheet 7, stretched longitudinally from the front body region 1F to the crotch region 1B. The absorbent material 8 is compressed linearly around the elastic thread 4F7, and is shown as line 14 in Figure 6. Line 14 is provided in the width direction at the rear end. Furthermore, at the end on the front body region 1F side, line 14 is bent outward in the width direction. This compression of the absorbent material 8 is achieved, for example, by embossing with a roller.

In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a thread elastic 4F7 is provided between the back sheet 6 and the core wrap sheet 7 (part of the absorbent material 8) in a state where it is stretched longitudinally from the front body region 1F to the crotch region 1B. Therefore, the cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5 are contracted longitudinally. Furthermore, since the absorbent material 8 has a line 14 which is a compression region, the bending of the line 14 induces the absorbent material 8 to become convex towards the skin side. Therefore, the absorbent material 8 can reliably contact the urethral opening. Thus, it is possible to prevent urine excreted by the wearer from leaking outside the diaper 1. Note that the same effect is achieved even if the thread elastic 4F7 is provided on the absorbent material 8.

Furthermore, the area where the elastic thread 4F7 is provided includes a non-adhesive region 15 where the absorbent material 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 are not bonded together. Therefore, when the absorbent material 8 is pressed against the urethral opening, the non-adhesive region 15 between the absorbent material 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 expands in the thickness direction. This expansion of the non-adhesive region 15 further enhances breathability.

Furthermore, by adhering the elastic thread 4F7 to the backsheet 6, the contraction force in the longitudinal direction is transmitted to the inner cover sheet 5 via the backsheet 6. Also, the holes in the backsheet 6, which are adhering to the inner cover sheet 5, expand in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the breathability of the diaper 1 is improved. Moreover, since these holes are located in the region overlapping with the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, they are symmetrically located in the center in the width direction. Therefore, the holes in the backsheet 6 can be uniformly expanded in the longitudinal direction in the width direction. Thus, the breathability of the diaper 1 can be uniformly improved. Note that the same effect is achieved when the elastic thread 4F7 is provided in the absorbent material 8.

Furthermore, with the diaper 1 described above, the line 14 extends in the width direction in the area corresponding to the anus in the crotch region 1B. Since the line 14 has higher rigidity than other areas, deformation of the absorbent material 8 in the width direction is suppressed. Therefore, the diaper 1 can prevent the absorbent material 8 from digging into the wearer's buttocks and suppress a decrease in wearing comfort.

Furthermore, the arrangement of the elastic thread 4F7 is not limited to the above embodiment. It is sufficient that the minute ventilation holes provided in the backsheet 6 and the non-adhesive region 15 between the absorbent 8 and the inner cover sheet 5 are expandable. For example, the elastic thread 4F7 may be provided at the center in the width direction and symmetrically at the ends in the width direction with respect to a center line extending in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the elastic thread 4F7 may have a different color from the outer casing and absorbent material 8 (for example, a colored color such as red or blue), in which case it can be seen from the outside of the outer casing, i.e., from the outside of the cover sheet 4. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 allows the intersection of the elastic threads 4F7 and 4F3 to be seen from the outside on the ventral side, while this intersection is not visible on the dorsal side, making it easier to distinguish the front from the back. The elastic thread 4F7 may also be attached to the non-skin side of the absorbent material 8.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed in the thickness direction, line 14 overlaps with the elastic thread 4F3. Even if the absorbent 8 is bent in a W-shape along line 14, the presence of the non-adhesive region 15 prevents the elastic thread 4F3 from becoming obscured from external view due to the outer casing becoming entangled in the irregularities of the absorbent 8.

Furthermore, when viewed in the thickness direction, a portion of the ventral line 14 overlaps with the non-adhesive area 15. Because of the presence of the non-adhesive area 15, when the diaper is viewed from the outside of the outer casing, the skin-side line 14 of the non-adhesive area is difficult to see, or may not be visible at all. In contrast, since there is no non-adhesive area 15 on the dorsal side, when the diaper is viewed from the outside of the outer casing, the dorsal line 14 is easily visible, or may be clearly visible. This makes it easy to distinguish the front from the back of the diaper 1.

<Embodiment 3>
Next, we will describe the diaper 1 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 7 is an example of an exploded perspective view of the diaper according to Embodiment 3. Note that components identical to those of Embodiment 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

The absorbent body 8 comprises an absorbent core 8c consisting of multiple mats and a core wrap sheet 7 enclosing the absorbent core 8c. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the absorbent core 8c has an upper absorbent mat 8a and a lower absorbent mat 8b. The upper absorbent mat 8a is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion, and the lower absorbent mat 8b is rectangular. The width of the lower absorbent mat 8b is approximately the same as the width of the constricted portion of the upper absorbent mat 8a. In this embodiment, the upper absorbent mat 8a is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constriction near the center. Thus, the absorbent core 8c may be formed by laminating two layers of absorbent mats.

Furthermore, while the above embodiment describes the effect of preventing leakage of urine excreted by the wearer, it can similarly prevent leakage of water contained in watery stool, feces, or sweat excreted by the wearer.

In this embodiment, the outer covering on the front bodice region and the outer covering on the back bodice region are formed integrally; however, the outer covering on the front bodice region and the outer covering on the back bodice region may be provided as separate parts.

The embodiments and variations disclosed above can be combined in various ways.

1B: Crotch area 1F: Front body area 1R: Back body area 2L: Left lower limb opening 2R: Right lower limb opening 2T: Torso opening 3BL, 3BR: Three-dimensional gathers 3LF, 3LR: Leg gathers 3R: Waist gathers 4: Cover sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4F7: Elastic thread 4F4, 4F5: Edge 4FF: Fold-over line 4R1, 4R2, 4R3, 4R3: Elastic thread 4R4, 4R5: Edge 4RF: Fold-over line 5: Inner cover sheet 6: Back sheet 7: Core wrap sheet 8: Absorbent material 8c: Absorbent core 9: Top sheet 10L, 10R: Side sheet 10L1, 10R1: Elastic thread 10L2, 10R2: Fold-over line 11F, 11R: End sheet 12: Tummy gathers 13: Elastic thread cover sheet 14 : Line 15 : Non-adhesive area 40 : Anal area 41, 42 : Fold 55L, 55R: Area 56L, 56R: Area

Claims (9)

An absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction,
An absorbent body is provided in a position including the crotch area and capable of absorbing the wearer's excretory fluids,
An outer casing having a waist opening through which the wearer's waist can be inserted, and two leg openings through which the wearer's legs can be inserted, and positioned on the non-skin side of the wearer than the absorbent material,
On the abdominal side of the wearer, a first expandable member is provided along one of the leg openings, crossing the crotch area, and extending along the other leg opening, and is provided on the outer body in an extended state,
On the back of the wearer, a pair of second stretchable members are provided on the outer body in an extended state, the inner ends in the width direction being positioned near the region where they overlap with the absorbent when viewed in the thickness direction, and the left and right second stretchable members are positioned to pull the absorbent outward in the width direction.
Equipped with,
The outer casing has folds extending in the width direction in front of and behind the area corresponding to the wearer's anus.
Between the folds formed on the front and rear of the region corresponding to the wearer's anus, another fold extending in the width direction is formed on the outer casing.
Absorbent material. The inner end of the second expandable member in the width direction overlaps with the absorber when viewed in the thickness direction, and the expansion direction has a component in the width direction.
The absorbent article according to claim 1. In the overlapping region of the crotch area where the first stretchable member and the absorbent overlap, a non-adhesive region is provided where the absorbent and the outer casing are not adhered to each other.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2. The exterior body is provided with a third expandable member that expands and contracts in the width direction when extended along the opening around the waist,
In the state in which the waist opening is extended, the first expandable member has a contracting force such that a part or all of the outer body outside the overlapping region in the width direction is contracted inward from the overlapping region in the width direction.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2. The second stretchable member extends outward in the width direction from the absorbent material along the leg opening on the back side of the wearer.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2. At equidistant points from the center in the longitudinal direction, the front exterior body contracts in the width direction due to the contraction of the first expandable member, and the rear exterior body is pulled outward in the width direction due to the contraction of the pair of left and right second expandable members.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2. At equidistant points from the center in the longitudinal direction, the first expandable member and the pair of left and right second expandable members contract, causing the edge of the leg opening formed by the front exterior body to be closer to the inside in the width direction than the edge of the leg opening formed by the rear exterior body.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2. The aforementioned fold is formed between the inner ends in the width direction of the second expandable members on both the left and right sides.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2 . The first expandable member, located outside the widthwise direction of the absorber, has an expansion and contraction direction that has a component in the longitudinal direction.
The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.